Un. 

 

“Okay guys ! I decided I’ll get closer to Hoseok during the summer camp in France !”

 

Minhyuk glanced at Hyungwon the moment Kihyun mentioned Hoseok. Hyungwon forced a smile and glared at KIhyun excitingly planning on how to finally get to know his long-time crush Hoseok. Way-too-long-time crush in Hyungwon’s opinion.

 

“I could sit next to him during the plane ride, and with Hyungwon’s double earphones I’ll ask him to watch a movie with me ! So romantic…

​

- My earphones ? When did I agree to lend them to you ?

​

- Oh don’t be a jerk now, you said you’ll try them with me so you can surely let me borrow them !”

 

Hyungwon just scoffed and let him ramble while he munched silently on his fried chicken.

 

Deux. 

 

“The thirteen hours long nightmare starts now, yay.” Hyungwon mumbled while he glowered at KIhyun pulling Hoseok by the arm, making him take the seat right next to him.

 

Hyungwon grabbed his book and put his earphones back on, completely ignoring MInhyuk lecturing him about KIhyun and how he should’ve made the first move a damn while ago.

 

---

 

 “Did you two fight ? You and Hyungwon, I mean”, asked Hoseok.

​

“What do you mean ?” Kihyun frowned at the sudden question.

​

“Well, you’re always stuck by his side, so I thought you were going to sit next to him for the plane ride.

​

- Well we are always stuck together indeed, a few hours without me won’t kill him !’

 

Kihyun chuckled, ignoring the slight heartache Hoseok’s words gave him, and quickly made his offer to change the topic.

 

“I have double earphones, you wanna watch a movie with me ?”

 

Trois. 

 

The plane finally landed in the south of France where the summer camp took place. The ride went too quickly for Kihyun’s taste but was torture for Hyungwon, who only dreamt of going to bed and sleep through the entire summer camp to avoid seeing Kihyun. Minhyuk kept reminding the poor boy that this situation was all his fault. Damn his fear of confessions, but the idea of possibly  ruining his friendship with Kihyun terrified him. Still, it’s been eight years since he fell in love with the boy, and he couldn’t let a stupid crush ruin that for him.

 

They finally arrived at the hotel, lost deep in the mountains. This shithole was the perfect place for a two weeks-long summer camp for sure. While the camp leader made his usual speech to the group, Hyungwon kept glaring at KIhyun who was clinging to Hoseok’s arm. He held on so tight he could almost crush his bicep. The poor guy won't run away if you let him go, thought Hyungwon, geez !

 

After the long explanations and ranting, Hyungwon finally got to his room with Minhyuk, Kihyun and Changkyun, his roommates for the summer camp. He rushed to lie on the upper bunk, ready to finally sleep…

 

 “Are you really going to sleep for the entire evening ?”

 

…or not.

 

 “Kihyun please, just let me sleep.”

 

- Didn’t you sleep for the whole--

​

- Cut it off Kihyun. He won’t go out tonight anyway.

​

- Thanks Min…” Kihyun audibly rolled his eyes, pouting like a toddler, but didn’t insist. Hyungwon waited for them to leave and finally shut his eyes, hoping to fall asleep soon.

 

But he couldn’t get Kihyun out of his mind. The guy still won’t let him sleep after all.

 

Stupid crush.

 

Quatre.

 

Hyungwon finally got out of bed in a dramatic sigh and got out to join the group. The cool breeze of the french mountains wasn’t too freezing with his oversized jumper on. He walked to the campfire where he saw Changkyun wolfing down his food. He started walking over to him when he heard Kihyun calling his name.

 

Fuck.

 

He turned to glare at him. Kihyun was sat next to Hoseok, holding a guitar and flashing a big smirk at Hyungwon. 

 

 Hey Hyungwon ! Someone brought their guitar, come play us a tune !

 

- Not tonight, sor-“

 

The cheers of the group cut him off and he had no other choice but to grab the guitar, still flushing at the sudden attention.

 

He started playing mindlessly, not even realizing he was playing Love Story by Taylor Swift, his and Kihyun’s favorite song. The latter starts singing immediately, making Hyungwon beam. He raised his head to look at Kihyun, who was gazing at Hoseok to sing with him.

 

Cinq.

 

It has only been two days and Hyungwon couldn’t take it anymore. 

 

And here he was, pretending he could watch his best friend being all lovey-dovey with someone else for two weeks straight. Today, the group was visiting the mountains and taking the cable car to get to the top. Hyungwon was sat right in front of the two lovebirds when Hoseok placed his hand on Kihyun’s thigh, the latter pretending to be scared.

 

Hyungwon’s jaw clenched. Who was he kidding ? Kihyun had never been afraid of heights, in fact he was waiting for this trip for the entire day. But pretending to be scared was such a good way to get the attention of your crush, right ? … Right.

 

Six.

 

“Hyungwon ! Drop this book and come party with us ! You’re not even reading anyway !”

 

Hyungwon ignored Minhyuk with all his might and turned in his bed to face the wall instead, making Minhyuk gasp dramatically.

 

“Stop sulking ! I haven’t hang out with you a single minute and it’s already been a week at the camp !” Hyungwon scoffed at Kihyun’s scolding tone.

​

“Yeah, it’s tricky to hang out with me when all you do is cling to Hoseok.

​

- Stop that.

​

- You don’t actually care if I come or not. I’ll just end up drunk in a corner, and I’m better here in my bed.”

 

Hyungwon put his earphones back on and turned up the volume to avoid hearing his friends get frustrated.

 

Yeah, playing the asshole was the best way to avoid Kihyun.

 

Sept.

 

Everyone was already gone when Hyungwon’s stomach started growling. He finally dropped his book and his earphones and got out of his bed. He jumped when he saw Changkyun in the bed under his.

 

“You scared me, geez ! Aren’t you supposed to be at the party ?

​

- Are you in love with Kihyun ?”

 

Hyungwon froze, startled by the sudden question. He turned to get a jumper in his suitcase, clearing his throat and blushing violently.”

 

“Nonsense.

​

- Oh yeah ? You don’t seem to be happy about Kihyun finally dating.

​

- I’m just pissed he stopped hanging out with us to stay with him”, mumbled Hyungwon.

​

“Kihyun never stopped hanging out with us..? You’re the one moping around and avoiding us. Aren’t you happy to be in France ? You said you’d love visiting one day.

​

- Yeah okay, I’m… in love with Kihyun.” Hyungwon turned to Changkyun again, blurting out the sudden confession. He could no longer hide it. “I’m in love with him. It’s been eight years, actually. It’s my fault that I never confessed, and Minhyuk loves reminding me so I don’t need you to do the same !

​

-I’m not, Hyungwon… Sorry I was harsh, but Kihyun is actually very sad since you’re avoiding him. His best friend suddenly became distant…He’s suffering too.”

 

Huit.

 

“Hey, Hyungwon !”

 

The group had two days left in the south of France before going to Paris, Hyungwon’s dream city. He was shopping in the town next to the hotel, getting souvenirs for family and friends. He suddenly heard someone call for him, and frowned when he saw Hoseok running towards him.

 

“Hey, do you need something ?” Hyungwon didn’t expect to see him here.

 

“Oh no, I just… wanted to talk.

 

- Okay…”

​

Hyungwon simply  nodded and looked back at the necklace he wanted to buy for Kihyun.

​

“You don’t hang out with Kihyun anymore ?”

​

What a coincidence.

​

“What ?

 

- I don’t know… You two just.. don’t talk anymore ? It feels weird.

 

- Weird..? Um, anyway. You two seem close, do you like him 

 

- Like ? KIhyun ? Oh no ! We started chatting during the summer camp and found out we have a lot in common ! He’s just too in love with you to talk about anything else.”

​

Hoseok laughed but Hyungwon only frowned even more, completely confused.

 

“What do you mean..?

​

- Oh he only talks about you ! Hyungwon here, Hyungwon there… I don’t mind actually, he helps me getting closer to my crush too !”

 

Hyungwon couldn’t believe it. Kihyun was supposed to have a crush with Hoseok, not help him with his crush..! Lost in his thoughts, Hyungwon ended up getting the necklace for Kihyun and continued walking in the shop.

 

“Your crush..?

​

- Hyunwoo ! He’s the class rep.

​

- Oh wow.. I’ve never thought…”

 

Hyungwon chuckled and thought about KIhyun, only listening slightly to Hoseok.

 

Neuf.

 

The group took the train to Paris, Minhyuk and Changkyun seated next to Hyungwon who was biting his nails out of stress. He was constantly checking if KIhyun was already in the train, and he sighed in relief when he saw his best friend finally getting in the train and sitting next to him. Hoseok wasn’t with him. Hyungwon smiled weakly at Kihyun and offered him one of his earphone, which Kihyun gladly accepted.

 

--

 

When they finally got to their hotel, Kihyun was forced to share a room with Changkyun, leaving Hyungwon paired with Minhyuk.

 

“Wow, you actually shared your earphones with him ! Good job Hyungwon !

 

- Shut it Min.”

 

Hyungwon closed the bathroom door to avoid hearing Minhyuk whine.

 

He finally got to spend time with Kihyun, even if his best friend stayed distant. They had spent the whole train ride listening to music, not sharing a word. Minhyuk felt compelled to tease him, of course, but Hyungwon was content. He got prepared to go out with the group tonight, thinking he could finally take his mind off things.

 

Dix.

 

Hyungwon started looking for Kihyun right after entering the room where the party took place. He jumped at the voice behind him, and turned to see Hoseok.

 

“He’s not coming.

​

- What ?

​

- Kihyun. He’s staying in his room tonight.

​

- Oh…”

 

Hyungwon looked at Hoseok with a confused face, but the latter only smirked and whispered in his ear before disappearing in the crowd.

 

“You should go see him.”

 

When Hoseok left, Hyungwon noticed Changkyun near the door, nodding to him. Hyungwon didn’t wait any longer and left to join Kihyun in his room.

 

Onze.

 

“The Notebook ?”

 

Hyungwon recognized his favorite movie playing in Kihyun’s room the second he opened the door. Kihyun smiled weakly and let Hyungwon enter the room. He immediately saw pillows, plaids and all his favorite snacks gathered on the bed, creating a cozy corner made for him.

 

“Can I ?”, he asked.

 

Kihyun simply nodded and got on the bed with him, snuggling under the plaid. Hyungwon took a chocolate in the big packet, already focused on the movie.

 

“Why didn’t you come to the party tonight ?

 

- You’re a dummy, Chae Hyungwon.”

 

Hyungwon frowned when Kihyun chuckled at his own words.

 

“What did I do??

​

- Nothing. I just don’t feel like partying tonight.”

 

Hyungwon nodded, still confused by Kihyun’s first words of the night.

 

Douze.

 

The two dummies remained silent for the entire movie, even though they’ve watched it a hundred times and knew all the replies by heart. When the movie ended, Kihyun talked first.

 

“You know, we’re gonna have to solve your fear of confrontation if you want to date me.”

 

Hyungwon choked on his food, his cheeks growing red.

 

“What did you drink ?? Is it love driving you crazy ??”

 

Kihyun rolled his eyes laughing and got up from the bed to start putting away what was on it.

 

“By the way…” uttered Hyungwon hesitantly, “Are you dropping the Date-Hoseok-and-kiss-him-at-the-top-of-the-Eiffel-Tower operation ?”

​

“He’s in love with someone else.

​

- Yeah… Hyunwoo, right ?

​

- Right….”

 

Kihyun nodded absently, and kept tidying the bed before kneeling on it, facing his best friend and cursing him in his mind for playing dumb.

 

Treize.

 

Hyungwon returned to his room after spending more time with Kihyun. He noticed Minhyuk sunk down on his bed.

 

“The party is over?

​

- You’re finally dating Kihyun ?”

 

Hyungwon rolled his eyes. He should’ve see it coming.

 

“No, no, we just… talked ? But it felt… different from usual. I don’t think we’re in conflict anymore.

​

- Hyungwon. You know Kihyun made up the Date-Hoseok-and-kiss-him-at-the-top-of-the-Eiffel-Tower operation to make you jealous, right ?

​

- You’re not making any sense, Min. He’s still upset because Hoseok is-

​

- Hoseok told you himself” hissed Minhyuk to cut him off, “Kihyun’s only goal was to help Hoseok date Hyunwoo since they’re close to each other.

​

- But…”

​

- But think for a second ! You’re always complaining about things but you never… do the thing ! If you weren’t so… stubborn ! Now you’ve pissed me off, I’m going to bed !”

 

Quatorze.

 

After The Talk with Minhyuk last night, Hyungwon reflected all night long and woke up more determined than ever. He finally accepted that his feelings for Kihyun were mutual. Everybody tried to get it through his head since the start of the summer camp, and he finally understood two days after going back to Korea… Yeah.

 

It was the day the group went out to the Eiffel Tower. Hyungwon was waiting for this day since the start of the summer camp, but not more than Kihyun. It was an atrociously hot day, so Hyungwon was only wearing jeans and a white tee. He put Kihyun’s necklace neatly wrapped in his bag and went to join the group with Minhyuk. They took the subway to the Eiffel Tower, Hyungwon and Kihyun sitting close to each other and admiring the view.

 

Hyungwon realized he actually had to climb some stairs to actually go to the top of the tower, and became dramatically unmotivated. 

 

He whined and whined to Kihyun and Minhyuk while the group was taking photos, but they finally got to the first floor after some scolding from Hyungwon’s two friends. Kihyun was thrilled by the view and begged Hyungwon to take a picture of him. His best friend accepted to admire him through the camera lens.

 

The group got some free time in the Eiffel Tower, and Hyungwon directly took Kihyun by the arm to get to the top of the tower.

 

The last floor being narrow, they soon ended up really close to each other. Hyungwon got lost in his thoughts, thinking about the right time to confess. Kihyun was about to talk when Hyungwon cut him, visibly panicked.

 

“I need to tell you something.”

 

Kihyun frowned but waited for Hyungwon to continue.

 

“I… First I want to apologize. I’m sorry I was so dumb during this summer camp. I know this trip was important to you, but I got caught up by my emotions instead of being rational…”

​

- That’s nothing new honestly…”, mumbled Kihyun.

​

“But I decided to stop being one ! An idiot.”, Hyungwon went on, “I decided to finally confess, even if everybody guessed, especially you… I like you Yoo KIhyun. No, I love you. I’ve loved you since so many years, and I would rather conceal those feelings and watch you being happy with someone else than confess them to you. I was furious when I saw you flirting openly with Hoseok for the whole summer camp, I thought you wanted to stay with me and-”

​

“Hyungwon, for the love of God. Shut up and kiss me already.”

​

It was Kihyun who ended up kissing him, gently grabbing his face and getting on his tiptoes to put his lips on his with delicacy. 

 

Hyungwon quickly calmed down and kissed Kihyun back, putting his hands on his lover’s hips. They broke the kiss when they heard Minhyuk and Changkyun cheering in the back, Hyungwon letting out an exasperated sigh and Kihyun bursting out of laughter.

 

Hyungwon then took the gift from his bag and handed it to Kihyun.

 

“I bought this a few days ago in the south of France, it made me think about you and I had to get it for you.”

Kihyun quickly unwrapped his gift and gasped when he saw the necklace. He beamed with tears in his eyes.

 

“Hyungwon… It’s so beautiful !

​

- Sorry I couldn’t get fireworks”, Hyungwon added with a smirk.

 

Kihyun chuckled and kissed him again. He heard cheers all around them : he couldn’t wish for more.

 

Épilogue.

 

few years later 

 

Hyungwon and Kihyun were sitting on the younger’s bed, talking about each other’s dreams.

 

“I read a book last week, the plot was incredible !” told Kihyun enthusiastically, “The guy ended up kissing the girl on top of the Eiffel tower and organized fireworks just for her ! That’s so romantic, I hope someone will do this to me one day…

​

- So cheesy, Ki”, chuckled Hyungwon.

​

“You’re laughing ? Your favorite movie is The Notebook ! Talk about cliché !”

 

Hyungwon stuck out his tongue to him before they continued talking about their dreams.