METRONOME. － k.hs + s.hs

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As Haesol had warned him, his life had become hectic and chaotic the more his popularity increased. There were a higher number of events and award shows to attend, much to his displeasure, along with promotional perfomances and late-night gigs at bars, which refilled him with a spurt of energy and stoked the flame that was his passion.

Haesol would tag along whenever he could, cheer him on backstage, perhaps even sneak away with him through backdoors to have a smoke, and Hyoseob realised that with the older by his side everything was so much easier. With his idol giving warm words of encouragement and light pats on the back, lingering touches on his arms as he'd meet their gazes while peeking over the rim of his sunglasses, assuring him he was doing well yet also reminding him to not screw up anything too badly, Hyoseob found his nerves to subside and a strong desire to impress Haesol take their place.

It had been a mere seven weeks since his debut － which he was so grateful to see had gone well － and this meant his long nights out were not yet over and the adrenaline rush of his career kicking off had yet to fade completely.

Having to attend a celebratory party for another artist under his same record label to keep up his appearances, one weekend, Hyoseob could only wish to go home a scant number of minutes after having arrived at the club.

While the brunet did enjoy partying, drinking and all the possible things that could come along with it, the idea that he was under watchful eyes made him antsy, uncomfortable. Add such a feeling to those which bubbled within him when he saw Zion.T arriving, and you've got one hot mess of a man.

Hyoseob wasn't sure of how the other was capable of always looking impeccable and at ease, especially after thinking back to what the singer had confessed over the phone.

Could someone so confident, talented and popular, really be hiding a person of timid nature? Perhaps Hyoseob would have to squint to notice the signs, for he was certain that his colleague had well perfected the persona that is Zion.T.

Upon spotting him in the bustling crowd over the heads of possible producers or artists, Haesol lifted a hand in a quick wave and proceeded to excuse himself from their conversation, weaving his way through the people, hardly touching anyone at all.

"I wasn't sure you'd be coming tonight."

He had come to a stop before the booth occupied solely by Hyoseob, who had an open beer in hand and his back tensed straight.

"The company told me I should, and then I figured you'd be here so I decided it wouldn't be that horrible."

Haesol's lips curled as his head gave a dip and he slid off his over-sized suit jacket, then tossing it on a seat of the booth and proceeding to walk up to Hyoseob. The latter watched him, an abrupt rush of excitement coursing through his veins.

"I'll believe that you came for me then," the older stated airily, while dropping down into the spot abreast Hyoseob with a sigh.

You wouldn't be wrong.

Of course, the brunet didn't speak it aloud, but when the thought crossed his mind he felt as bashful as he would have if he had uttered it, and he turned his gaze to the beer in his grip.

"How long have you been here for, for you to be already drinking?"

Hyoseob shifted his sight to the bemused expression of the singer, and upon seeing the smile which had yet to fade, he wished to see the mirth that was likely twinkling in the other's dark eyes.

"I've actually only been here for like, ten minutes, but it's never too early to drink," Hyoseob wiggled the bottle between them and Haesol gave a chuckle with a shake of his head as the younger then took a swig of the alcohol.