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"You know this is your fault, right?" Chao's disapproving tone was directed at the leader. The younger members were in the next room, unpacking their belongings without issues. The tension rose in the room after Chao said what he did, Sonyeol and Daekwan sharing a nervous glance. Hajun continued sorting out the items and passing them to Seoju, who watched his expression carefully.
Annoyed that his taunt wasn't working, Chao gets up and kicks the box Hajun was unloading. The contents spill onto the wooden floor, making a loud noise. That goes unnoticed as well so the Chinese male left the room without another word. The boys wait until he's out of earshot to comfort their Hajun.
Sonyeol delicately places his hand on his friend's shoulder, "He doesn't know what he's talking about," as the others chime in agreement. However, they quiet down as Hajun reassured them with a forced smile, playing it off well. You'd hardly be able to tell how bad Chao hurt his feelings. "It's okay, we're going through it right now. Don't worry so much, guys."
But Seoju, Daekwan, and Sonyeol would continue to worry in the following days and for a good reason.
__________
For the most part, everything seemed to fall into place. They were able to move out of the dorms provided for them. Jaewoo and Seoju were sharing a two bedroom apartment with another couple as they didn't have any income. Hyesung planned to stay with his parents since he couldn't rent out a place like his hyungs, but remembered how overbearing they are.
Jihoon's brother Yeosang offered to let him stay at the Astronaut dorm too, but Hyesung didn't want to step on anyone's toes. However, he came with Daekwan to see Jihoon get dropped off at his brother's place.
"Are you sure about not staying with us? It's not too late. We can get your stuff tomorrow, too." Jihoon pouted, taking his box of personal belongings and overnight bag from Hyesung. Jihoon wanted him to stay, but Hyesung only shook his head.
"No, it's fine, really! Besides, this is only until we find a new company to manage all of us, so it won't be too long." He reaches out and ruffles his hair.
"Stop that or I won't miss you," Jihoon steps back to go inside, but realized there's one thing he forgot. He unzips the front pocket of his bag and takes out a red envelope with 'Jo Hajunnie'on the front in neat handwriting. Hyesung takes it from him, looking at his friend with surprise. This couldn't be...or could it?
"Make sure that gets to Hajun-hyung and only him, please? It's private and I'd like it to stay that way." Well, that made Hyesung more curious. He was betting on it being a confession, but their leader appeared to be straight — key word 'appeared'.
"Yeah, I'll give this to him tonight. I'll crash with Daekwan and Hajun anyways, plus you know I don't snoop into these things." He reassured and Jihoon visibly relaxed at that. He looks back into the entrance of the dormitory and at Hyesung once again, gesturing with his finger. "W-Well, I should get going then? I'll see you around, Hye."
"Hm, same. Say hi to your brother for me, too."
Hyesung and Jihoon hug one last time, then part ways for the night. When he goes to tuck the envelope in his pocket, dead set on sneaking a peek later, Daekwan snatches it like a party city wig and into the glove department of his car. "He said it's for Hajun—keep your peeping away."
Hyesung scrunched his nose in annoyance, crossing his arms over his chest as the older male begins driving.
"It's probably something juicy! That's so unfair—"
"I'm dropping you off at your parents' if you don't stop this." He threatened, making all the color drain from Hyesung's face. All he could think about was those dreams where his parents force him to play a fancy string instrument for an eternity until it beomes a broken banjo and they swat at him with a violin bow until he falls into a sink hole full of various instruments — okay, maybe that part was inspired by Toy Story, just maybe.
"Dae, you wouldn't.."
"Oh, yeah? Try me." He says with a smirk, passing the street that leads to the guesthouse him, Hyesung, and Hajun are currently staying at.
The younger boy bites his lip as he began regretting his complaints. "Son of a—"
