ATEEZ Imagines

Ateez ✦ Drunkteez

Total word count: 8,770

Reader is intended to be of legal drinking age. Don't think I'm going around writing about underage Y/n lol this is for the adults 🥂

DO NOT read or interact if you're under 14

𝐇𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐉𝐎𝐎𝐍𝐆 | 홍중 | w.c 1,130
It was a group outing. You, Hongjoong, and the other Ateez members were at a hole-in-the-wall restaurant in Seoul to celebrate the end of promotions for their recent comeback as well as winning an award for their new song. Your boyfriend didn't drink often, but has "gotten better at it." His words, not yours.
As soon as the bottles of soju were brought to the table, Wooyoung was grabbing two at a time, passing them down the line so Yunho could start pouring shots for everyone.
You plucked the small glass from the tabletop, glancing over at your boyfriend, who was swirling the liquid around inside.
"We should have a toast first." San spoke up.
Seonghwa, eager as ever, stood and held his glass up. "Thank you to everyone who worked hard on this comeback. It wouldn't have been possible without you. To my members, let's enjoy some time to ourselves and celebrate our win. Fighting!"
"Fighting!" The group chorused.
Everyone collectively raised their glasses and downed their shots, Hongjoong's lips pressing together at the bitter aftertaste. You cleared your throat, dropping the glass back down onto the table.
"One more. One more." Wooyoung eagerly chanted, grabbing for an open bottle.
"Are you trying to get us drunk before we even eat?" Hongjoong chastised teasingly.
"Hey, loosen up." Wooyoung laughed. "We're celebrating."
Another round was poured and everyone threw back their shots. Jongho, the most immune, started filling his glass again for a third round.
Mingi laughed, pointing at the youngest. "Look at this guy."

While the others cut up with one another and goofed off, Hongjoong turned to you, his gaze lingering long enough for you to notice.
"After such a busy schedule, seeing you is like a breath of fresh air." His hand found yours under the table, his thumb caressing your knuckle.
A chorus of "ooh's" rang out, bringing your attention to the many platters of food being brought to the table, their savory aroma dancing in the air.

An array of side dishes were spread along the table to pair with the grilled beef and pork. Everyone had the same wide-eyed expression, reaching for their chopsticks eagerly.
"I'm gonna show you how to properly eat grilled pork belly." Hongjoong grabbed a piece of meat, taking a little of the side dishes, steering clear of the vegetables, and creating one perfect bite.
Instead of eating it himself, he held it out to you. You let him feed you, barely managing to get it all in one bite.
"Mmm!" You hummed in approval, giving him a thumbs up.
"I told you." He grinned proudly.

Food disappeared and glasses continued to be refilled. All the while, you were witnessing firsthand the rapid effects the soju was having on your boyfriend. He didn't have a noticeable pink flush, but his behavior gave it away. Hongjoong giggled more, finding everyone entertaining. He laughed that loud belly laugh of his that you loved so much. The alcohol had definitely loosened him up, allowing a glimpse of a goofier Hongjoong you didn't get to see often.
He wasn't the type for a lot of PDA, but with all those shots coursing through his veins, he became more touchy. He would give your hand a little pat, lean over to bump shoulders, and even rested his hand on your thigh.
After Yunho made some ridiculous pun, your boyfriend leaned over on you as he cackled, which he'd been doing often, losing his balance despite being seated.
"You alright?" You chuckled.
"Yeah." He drawled with a grin, draping his arm over your shoulder. "Never better."