The Deal * Seokmin x Joshua

Thirty four

"Stranded at the drive-in, branded a fool......

What will they say?

Monday at school.........."

Seokmin swung his legs as he sat on the makeshift swing on the stage. The prop design department had done an amazing job and each rehearsal made it feel more and more real. The sadness in his stomach made his song sound even more real as he hit all the right notes. The emotions in his heart were strong and real and hurting him almost physically in their intensity. He knew he liked Joshua a lot but now that he was so unceremoniously lost from his life he knew it was more. He knew he was in love.

He sucked it up and continued on with his song. The words stung him, so real, when he auditioned he never realised how well he could characterise the part. Who knew Grease was so deep? Seokmin finished the song and swung a little higher as he sounded out the last notes. "Good job," Jihoon called from the second row. "Nice intonation and emotion. Reset for the dance scene."

"I have to leave early," the girl playing Sandy called out from side stage and Jihoon rolled his eyes so hard they nearly fell out of his head. "You're really trying my patience today," he said in exasperation as the crew moved in to quickly and silently move the swing set from the corner of the stage. "Wanna hand jive with me?" Soonyoung's eyes were full of mischief as he moved next to Seokmin on stage. "I'm prettier than Sandy anyway." "Sure thing," Seokmin agreed. Now he knew about Soonyoung's not so tiny crush on their tiny director he was happy to play along with any grab for attention the dancer could make.

The song began and, relieved of singing duties and buoyed by his extra dance lessons, Seokmin began to move. He enjoyed the routine so much and couldn't help but smile brightly along with Soonyoung as the man danced circles around him. Soonyoung's joy was infectious and as Seokmin danced he allowed his imagination to wander. He and Soonyoung would be a terrible fit as a couple but he liked the idea of his neurotic and grumpy perfectionist roommate with the bright and boisterous dancer. And it would be nice to see Soonyoung settle down. They'd be so cute together, Seokmin thought, and he smiled happily as Soonyoung slipped into his arms and let the other man twirl him around and dip him low.

"You've improved," Soonyoung smirked as he stared up at Seokmin. "You're heavy," Seokmin said quickly and Soonyoung laughed loudly as he stood up too quick. "Dizzy, head spinning.." he complained loudly and fell into Seokmin's arms dramatically as the other cast members started laughing loudly around them. They were all used to Soonyoung's antics by now and this wasn't something unusual. "Is he looking?" Soonyoung asked and Seokmin looked out into the audience to see Jihoon scowling furiously at them both. "Yeah but I think we're going to get in trouble," he said as he dropped Soonyoung to the ground.

"If we could refrain from these kinds of shenanigans," Jihoon frowned. "We have very limited time." "Who the fuck says shenanigans?" Seokmin began to laugh as Soonyoung just stared at Jihoon from the stage. "He's amazing," was all he could mumble as he jumped to his feet. "If you want to get his attention maybe you might be better off just working hard and trying to talk to him like a normal person," Seokmin walked over to the side of the stage to find his water and sit down and Soonyoung followed him.

"But-but usually people love my, what did he call it?" Soonyoung rubbed his forehead sweat with a towel as his face scrunched up in thought. "-Shenanigans. People love my shenanigans." Seokmin held his hand out for Soonyoung to help him up. "Well Jihoon is different. He doesn't want shenanigans. He wants hard work and making the most of your talent and long deep talks over cans of Coke at three am."