Being a matchmaker is also a talent!

      Minho jerks violently, like a cat who has been disturbed for nothing. He comes back from his thoughts to see Jisung in front of him. how did he end up here? Lost and not ready to talk, he unconsciously tries to escape and escape so as not to feel the touch of these hands on him. But it's already too late. Jisung took advantage of his confusion and managed to take him in his arms. Minho shakes a little from the proximity. what is he doing? The grip is steel. Cheesecakes sometimes do the right job. He stands in a daze and pretends to ignore what is happening. Suddenly he will be released, and Minho will take advantage of the moment. Will he be able to? Looking around, he notices Changbin walking out of the studio, leaving them alone. Apparently, even if he calls out to him, no one will return to the studio. It's useless to be indignant, so Minho turns his focus back. And it's funny and sad that he's afraid not to deal with it himself. It will not be possible to escape, so he wants the silence and tension between them to disappear as soon as possible.       “Jisung? What are you doing here?”       “I... thought you’d be here,” it seems that Jisung was also nervous.       The atmosphere now was far from the usual comfort that they experienced alone with each other. And he suddenly wanted to fix it. Minho began to calm down consciously. Meanwhile, Jisung hurriedly continued.       “I was already afraid that I would have to pull you out of the hall. Don't run away, please. Could we talk? Oh, sorry, we're already talking! I mean, I'd like to say something.”       “It's okay, I'm listening to you. What did you want to tell me about?”       “If all these sparks between us for the last six months were my fantasy, if all our communication at rehearsals and outside of them was just a figment of my imagination… Aah, no, it’s just, I think that everything between us was real. I like you. I am confident in my feelings and I would like you to know about them too.”       At this point, Minho didn't have anything in his head at all. Yes, he hoped and sincerely wanted to hear it from Jisung, but after all, he was in love with his childhood friend… They were flirting right in front of him! He couldn't have imagined it, could he? Or could it?       “At first I wasn't sure that I had a chance, but our communication and your actions towards me give me hope. I'm sorry that my confession is not too romantic. I wanted to talk about my feelings through the song, but my friend convinced me that it was better to do it in person. I think he was right. I'm not demanding an answer right now, just… My performance will be after the intermission. Could you listen to it with some thoughts of me? About us?”       Minho notices one very interesting detail. Then he'll ask Seungmin where his guitar comes from and why it's not behind the stage…       “And you could perform it for me now, you know?”       Minho has no direct solution, but intuitively understands what he wants to do. The disbelief on his face is replaced by a grin. Jisung reflects his emotions and smiles.       “There are available instruments left here, so you can take something and tune it. Isn't that my song? “Close”, if I read the title correctly?”       “Oh, my God, yes! May I sit on the windowsill? I'm a little nervous and I'm afraid that my legs, not my hands, will fail.”       Minho laughs and nods, then hands Sungie his temporary instrument.

HAN – Close

      Feelings overwhelm both while Sungie performs his song. Minho finds their story in every word and sound, in every gaze. They left their doubts behind, and during these few minutes consciously went to accept the fact of their reciprocity. Sungie finishes playing, and Minho comes closer to take the guitar away from him, to avoid any damage.       “I want this song to be mine alone, Han Jisung.”       “Does that mean yes?” Sungie looks him straight in the eye and smiles expectantly. Minho jerks Jisung towards him and kisses him.       “Yes, a thousand times,” and they go on. Jisung keeps up with him, caressing his neck with her fingers.       They're trying to catch their breath when Jisung gently touches his cheek.       “Tell me it's not a dream.”       “How long have I been in your dreams?” Minho's eyes are sparkling. He grins playfully. “Everything is really happening. You better figure out what you're going to say to Hyunjin, because you're not going on stage. At least with my song. Or do you really want to?”       “Mmm… It was obviously too personal, and now… I can do something else, right?”       “But you're not alone?”       Both looked at each other in confusion. They've only just really remembered what's going on outside of their own world. Full-fledged recognition has already happened, and they tacitly shared the opinion that it was time to remember about other obligations.       Jisung still couldn't believe his luck that everything went so perfectly. He really wanted to spend the rest of the intermission with his now boyfriend. However, promises are promises. He couldn't let Hyunjin and Seungmin down. It was worth discussing with Jeongin whether they would go on stage together. What else can he do? Engrossed in the thought process, he hugged Minho so that he could hug and read messages at the same time. There was no point in hiding something, and they both stared at the phone screen.       Jisung managed to miss a little. There was a message from Hyunjin reminding him of the time, he had an hour and a half left, and one laconic from Changbin, who sent him a thumbs-up sticker. supported or congratulated in advance? Minho poked at the virtual keyboard and replied to his friend with a scary smiley face. Jisung laughed and forgot why he needed his phone at all. He quickly clicked on the camera icon in the same chat and sent Changbin a selfie with Minho. The first where they are pictured as a couple. After thinking about it, he forwarded the photo to Hyunjin as well.       “You should publish a post at Seungmin's.” Minho rolled his eyes. His reddened ears gave him away.       “Are we going to tell the whole university about us after all?”       “YOU!”       The phone vibrated, and a new notification interrupted their game. A message from Felix. He wrote that he urgently needed to rehearse their number with I.N. Jisung was glad that his friend would still perform with him. Minho tugged on his sleeve.       “Is this one of your school performances?”       “One of those I'm most confident in.”       “Unrequited love… Should I be jealous of someone?”       “What? Ah, the name! No, it was a hypothetical situation, but now it will probably work, because… Jeongin and I talked and it turns out he had feelings for me. And I didn't know about it at all. And, as you know, I couldn't answer them.”       “Ohh, is he the friend who convinced you to confess to me?”       “It turns out so, yeah.”       There was silence. It wasn't oppressive, more sympathetic. Minho nodded and handed Jisung his phone so that he could unlock it and answer the message as soon as possible. He should use the time wisely while he has it.       

***

      Jisung saved a file with a new song for the performance on his phone and returned to the text of the message. Felix and Jeongin managed to find a place for rehearsals and sent him the number of an empty audience. He could have run there right now, but he had to decide what to say to Minho. Offer to go together or ask to return to the hall, find Changbin. He looked at the elder and realized that his preoccupation with thoughts had already been noticed.       “Sungie, go and prepare well for the number. I look forward to your appearance on stage.”       Han nodded and reluctantly let go of Minho's hand. He asked the guys if he needed to bring Seungmin's guitar with him, and after figuring out where to go, he headed to the audience. The door was already invitingly open, and Han looked inside as soon as possible before he had time to overthink. There he was met with a reproachful look from Felix, who was still clearly dissatisfied with the ongoing showdowns during the concert. They greeted Jeongin without words. Ninnie still found it difficult to look at his friend, especially in his eyes. A lot of thoughts immediately appeared in his head.       how did everything go? seems to be good. are we still going to talk after the performance?       Sure, he pulled himself together, but the brief moment of the meeting reminded him that it would be difficult for some time. Only knowing that Han was nearby made his nose ache and the corners of his eyes sting. Felix seemed to notice his tension, because the next moment he took his hand with his small but very warm palm. A feeling of reliability and security, as if everything will be fine.       “Ninnie, I'm here and I'll always help,” Felix whispered faintly and squeezed his fingers a little tighter.       Ninnie sniffed and nodded in uncertainty. Lix patted him on the head with a wide smile, instilling maximum confidence. He was uneasy about leaving friends (friends or not?) alone, but that was the only way to prepare as quickly as possible. Lix headed for the door where Han had been standing all this time, not daring to enter.       “Only music and only a song. Got it?” An unusually sharp and low voice close to his ear made Jisung shudder. Felix pressed on his shoulder, turned to Ninnie and added with a warm smile. “Guys, your music's top! Show everyone how to perform!”       As soon as the door closed, the guys couldn't help but grin. Naturally, they were pros. Han took the guitar out of the case, tuned it, played a couple of chords on trial and looked maliciously at I.N.       “Do you remember the words? Haven't repeated it for a long time.”       “Who do you think I am? It's you who are always confused by lyrics! I hope you haven't forgotten the chords at least,” Jeongin couldn't resist.       They both burst out laughing. Finally they looked into each other's eyes and it seemed that at least for a while the music helped them regain the feeling of former communication. Both understood that they still had to sort out their feelings. And the uncertainty about how their relationship would develop in the future made the tips of their fingers tremble. But all this receded for the time being, giving the reins to music.       He was lucky that the sound insulation at their university was not the best. Every word could be heard behind the closed door. After making sure that the situation was discharged and there should be no problems, Felix headed for the hall.       

***

      The intermission is over.       Han and I.N. continued to rehearse and were so busy that they did not write to anyone where they went and where they were. Felix was busily helping the girls prepare for the entrance. No one touched him, and in such a turmoil it was difficult to build guesses who and what could know. The number was somewhere in the middle of the second part of the concert, so there was still time to find guys.       However, Hyunjin lay dying. Even after Han's message, it was unsettling. Until he sees them, the mind will throw up new and new drama plots. How the guys quarrel, change their minds at the last moment and do not go on stage. And it's clear that the problem is not even in them. The problem is in thinking everything up and Hyunjin's hyper-responsiveness.       It was HE who personally persuaded the professor to their number. It was HE who so zealously vouched for his friends. HE was responsible for their appearance on stage. And no, he was definitely not afraid of having to perform a dance. He was ready for this, even though Bang Chan convinced him that it was possible to do without it at all, since there were more than enough performances. Hyunjin really didn't want to let Chan down. After all, he promised and wanted to do everything as best as possible to show himself from a worthy side…       “and it turned out as always... maybe i'm not such a reliable assistant? in vain i only hoped to prove myself from the best side. professor bang must have been disappointed in me …” — only these thoughts cruised hopelessly in the student's head, plunging him into even greater despair.       With the beginning of the second section, Seungmin had to leave his friend. However, there was nothing to worry about. The consolation shifted to broader shoulders, and Seungmin was 200% sure of them. Together with Changbin, he did everything right, and his intuition and facts have never failed him yet. Theoretically, there was no problem with the song either – Seungmin agreed with the guys, so only the title will remain from the previous song. In this case, his best friend will not be able to invent new sources of guilt for himself. Especially Seungmin noted for himself the enthusiasm with which Bang Chan helped him in this matter. It was obvious that it wasn't just because of the event. And now, as a responsible friend and matchmaker in one person, Seungmin had to make even more efforts to divert everyone's attention from them. It was quite difficult to dissolve a professor in a crowd of students. Therefore, he very carefully pasted a piece of paper with the inscription “no trespassing” on the door, well... just in case…       “How's Yeji doing?”       “Everything is ready, no one is worried.” Hyunjin instantly pulled himself together and smiled. Changbin chose the right topic to channel his irrepressible anxiety in a different direction. “I'm sure the audience will like it.”       “Will you come out only after to congratulate her?”       “Do you find it superfluous?”       “No, no, I just wanted to suggest something. In fact, Seungmin and I were discussing women's groups recently and this led to the fact that we agreed to dance a little on stage today during the announcement of the names of the teams. It wouldn't have passed you by anyway, but I want to ask, do you want to join? You've been worrying a lot lately and you're not letting go of the situation. Seungmo and I think it can help to have some fun and relax. And will not cross the boundaries, what do you think?”       “I already thought you were suggesting something strange. So much drama. But I get you, this kind of concern for me is very sweet. I'm in. What are we dancing to? You need to have time to learn.”       “Don't worry, you know that even better than we do. Just don't forget that you also come out at the right moment.”       Bang Chan went to check on Hyunjin and only heard the latter.       “Is Hyunjin performing too?”       “Ahaha, no. I'll help Seungmin with my sister's announcement,” Hyunjin smiled mysteriously.       “But you could film it.” Changbin was delighted with how well his and Seungmin's plan worked. The opportunity to get the professor to pay attention to Hyunjin came out of nowhere. It was only necessary to notice and use it. But Seungmin warned that he needs to act discreetly and take away all suspicions from himself as much as possible. “You know how to shoot a video, right?”       

***

      While a group of students were playing a scene on stage, in which Changbin, who successfully managed his task, turned out to be on the rescue instead of Felix, Seungmin simply could not deny himself the pleasure of watching him and even taking pictures on his phone. He will not put it on his channel.       future family archive~       He was looking forward to the end of the number, because right after that he would have to fulfill his promise and allow himself-the host of another little mischief. The girls waited already in the wings which only helped him to get together and remember the lyrics of one of the popular songs now. The main thing was not to confuse the order of movements during their moments of glory with Changbin and Hyunjin.       Hyunjin also stood very close and checked the mood of the contestants. Most of all, of course, he was interested in the mood of his sister and her friends. A caring brother and a responsible presenter clarified whether everything was in order, in what condition the costumes, microphones and the girls themselves were. He had already managed to run into the hall and check how the camera was standing to film the performance, so in fact everything was perfect. Minho controlled the tripod and video camera, and also watched the flowers that Hyunjin would give to everyone at the end of the two dances. The performance of the Yeji team was their debut with their songs and with the choreography they put on. He had prepared in advance, so in addition to flowers, a delicious dinner was also waiting for everyone in the evening, which he and Changbin had already taken care of planning.       “Are you ready to see the new stars of the stage?” Seungmin began announcing the next speakers in turn. “Applause for the new girl group!”       Changbin turns on their chosen song right next to them, and three guys on the stage begin to boldly perform the cult movements of New Jeans – OMG. Following the meeting before the performance of their mischief, Hyunjin wanted to use Changbin's joke to announce the song, but together they decided that it would be too much, and the support of the audience only proves that everything is fine in moderation. In the second part of a small challenge, they were joined by a female dance team. The warm-up smoothly flowed into the performance, and the guys left the stage.       Behind the scenes, they were greeted with symbolic applause from the professor, who was impressed by how naturally everything invented in a few minutes “at bench scale” fit into the script. Seungmin happily wanted to share the footage from before with Hyunjin and check out the new one to distract him, and Bang Chan remembered that he was shooting all this time. While Hyunjin ran away to fulfill his duties as the best brother in the world, the professor convulsively turned off the camera mode to general laughter and asked the presenter where to send everything to him, in a group chat or personal.       Meanwhile, Han and I.N managed to run their number several times and run backstage to reassure everyone that the number would take place, and they did not run away – Felix found them in the same place and in a good mood. The friends who returned to the role of professionals were confident in their performance and ready to go on stage. There was still time left, so Jeongin fell into the hands of Changbin, who wanted to make sure the freshman was calm, and Jisung disappeared to look for and tune his guitar again. He also liked Seungmin's instrument, but he wanted to perform on his own. Luckily he returned at the same time as Hyunjin and did not let him lose one of his key favorites-participants and the last nerve cells. Jisung suspected that every nerve cell in Hyunjin was the last, so he made a mental note to talk to Minho about it in the future. Maybe he and Lee Know will come up with something.       “Guys, your entrance is literally in one number, so I suggest slowly moving closer to the stage.”       Seungmin walked around them and literally pushed them out of the room. It seemed that the excitement caught up with them at the very last moment. He saw that the boys were clearly not in the most upbeat mood, so he tried to cheer them up and praised them for the fact that despite any difficulties, they approached the matter professionally. Leaving guys at the entrance he came on stage with a radiant smile to announce the next number. They will be next, and there is very little time left to mentally tune in.       Jisung quickly texted Minho and, putting his phone away, elbowed Jeongin in the side.       “First dibs! I'm the first to go out and attract attention to myself!”       “Okay, okay. I've already figured out who you need to show off to," Jeongin replied with a condescending smile and wagged his finger at him. "Don't forget from happiness everything that we managed to repeat!”       “Let me get this round!”       After nodding to Hyunjin and beating off each other's palms for the last time, they hurried to the stage. It's time for the duet performance.       Despite the theme of the song, they went on stage with a fighting spirit in their eyes. Judging by the applause, the audience was clearly happy to see Jeongin on stage again. While Han was getting comfortable and checking the strings, I.N helped to quickly set up a stand with a mic. He was about to announce the song, but Jisung beat him to it.       “Ladies and gentlemen, we have prepared a lyrical song for you. I am sure many of you will agree that love is a wonderful feeling, no matter how banal it may sound, inspiring, if mutual. And if not, then causing pain, disappointment or deep sadness and guilt for their feelings. And if you keep everything to yourself, it can get worse, so opening up to your loved ones will be the right decision. After all, they will always accept you. A thrill and at the same time an unbearable burning sensation. Experiencing these contradictory feelings, we say “Sorry, I love you”…”       Jisung glanced at Jeongin, as if asking permission to continue their friendship. He looked back guiltily and wearily. Nevertheless, he nodded as a sign of the beginning of their performance. Deep inside him, it was still pressing, squeezing and twisting into a tightrope. These feelings perfectly reflected the content of the song.       

Stray Kids – Sorry, I love you

      The supporters behind the scenes seemed to be going through everything with them. It was difficult not to notice and empathize with these emotional swings and transitions from complete concentration to an anxious awareness of the uncertainty of the future. Hyunjin was already barely holding on to his last nerve cell and was trying to regain his breath once again. His empathy was very strong, also because they were his friends. When he saw the guys, exactly ready for their number, everything was still in order, but after some seconds his hands began to tremble like Jisung's hand on the neck, and he almost fainted. Well, Chan managed to catch him in time.       Of course, this picture did not hide from Seungmin with the gaze of an observer, so he hurried to distract the rest of those present.       “Felix, Changbin!" both immediately turned to him. “Don't worry about Jinnie, this is his usual state,” Seungmin tried to assure them, and winked at Chan, like saying this is a cover for you, to which he received an approving nod.       Out of the corner of his eye, of course, Seungmin couldn't help but watch.       Chan will talk to them about who knows what later. The student's head landed successfully on his shoulder, and his slightly disheveled hair and breath tickled his neck pleasantly. Chan, waking up from a moment of imagination, began to pat Hyunjin's cheek so that he would not completely pass out. The teacher's arm wrapped around his slender waist, and he couldn't help but notice to himself that Hyunjin, although he looked thin, actually had a strong dancer's body. Chan gently sat him down on the sofa and offered him a spare bottle of water. Yeji joined them with tea and shared a set of chocolates from gifts to her team.       Felix also appreciated the idea of tea. The excitement for Jeongin had replaced all other thoughts today, and it was becoming increasingly difficult to hide it. His tears were also missing here. Joking that it wasn't something wrong with him, but the tea was boiling, he still received a reproachful look from Hyunjin. He was wordlessly hinted that he needed to listen to Jisung's words and share what was in his heart. Friends are always there. Hyunjin, under the pretext that it would be most convenient to lie on Felix, settled down next to him and stole a candy from him. The degree of tension instantly subsided. The distraction and extra energy from the sweets worked, and everyone's attention returned to the duo finishing their performance.       Hyunjin tried only to listen to Jeongin, but there was a feeling that just a little bit, and he would break down again and cry too. Without a single glance at the vocalist, he could hear tears and the whole range of emotions in his performance.       seungmo, probably, after that it will be difficult to return everyone to a normal mood       Support from loved ones and thoughts of a friend restored some of his calmness, and he switched himself into the supportive senior mode. The guys will need it too.       Stormy applause, and Seungmin goes on stage to congratulate the guys that everything was successfully completed, and to remind the audience that there are only three numbers left until the end of the concert. Jeongin's working smile on stage is like a spotlight – bright, but not real, which cannot be said about the seething emotions inside. Nevertheless, the audience is delighted, which means that the number was a success. Both bow and disappear behind the stage, where Jeongin, without saying a word, nodes to everyone and leaves. Felix speaks in a crumpled way about how emotionally everything turned out, and that we need to give everyone a break, runs after him. He has completed all his tasks, finished his tea, so there are no questions.       Refraining from unnecessary comments, Hyunjin writes them personal messages just in case, so that they remember that they are not alone, and frees up a place for Han on the couch, offering his treats. Minho asked him before to detain his boyfriend as much as possible. After all, he has to turn off the camera, collect all his things and get to his boyfriend with a personal greeting. Warned Changbin helps his friends by telling the story of Minho with Han, what a drama played out a couple of hours in front of his eyes. Embarrassing stories attract the girls' attention, and Yeji takes a picture of Han with a completely red face  and sends it to Minho with a request to hurry up.       

***

      The remaining numbers passed without problems and, judging by the reaction of the audience, successfully. This had a positive effect on Hyunjin's condition, and he was finally able to assess the scale of the work done. After checking the script, he wrote to the general chat so that all participants would prepare to go out for a shared photo. The units left and were not going to return. Changbin helped calm down a couple more students. Someone still carried alcohol, which only miraculously managed to hide from Bang Chan. Hyunjin asked him in time to go through all the points of the organization again, while Han, Minho and Changbin escorted the chaotic company of freshmen out behind his back. The professor did not notice Changbin's disappearance, but the question about Han caused chuckles. After congratulating Minho in front of everyone, no one had any questions about where and with whom Jisung could be. Many were sure that Changbin's help of these two was just an excuse to retire.       Chaeryeong and Yeji took over the chat right after Hyunjin. They liked the video of the performance very much, and now they also asked everyone to gather for a photo together. I wanted to capture this moment with everyone and add to the collection to those that reflected their path up to today. Bang Chan's question helped them add their joke video with the caption “Minho and Hannie now” after their request.       An unsuspecting Changbin returns to the crowd, which is waiting for an answer from him. If he is a witness on Minho's side, who will be on Han's side? Hyunjin is called as a witness, who does not give up trying to control this farce and at the same time is himself one of the main instigators of this chaos. While he shows him the chat, general shouts inform him that Minho and Jisung have also returned. The red faces of the new couple shout that they have already seen everything. Minho, with a red and completely serious face, confirms that the scene was not only seen, but also repeated. Han, who clings to his hand, screams, and Yeji prepares a comic document for the newlyweds and their witnesses.       For the general joy, no one notices how time passes to put themselves in order. Bang Chan puts his arm around Jinnie's shoulders right after his signature on the “document” to pull him out of the crowd and remind him that it's time to go out. Seungmin invites the organizers to the stage – professor Bang, a couple more people from the department, whose work, in fact, he almost completely performed, and Hyunjin on behalf of the students. When it's his turn, Hyunjin quickly finds himself with words after a request-a shout from the audience. He says how glad he is to be on this stage again and shows a short version of his last performance. His words of gratitude are followed by applause much louder than the greetings to the teachers.       After the words about the award, at the initiative of the host, the microphone returned to Bang Chan, and he gave a final speech of thanks, praising all the participants and mentioning the significant contribution of his students – Hyunjin and Seungmin, without whom such a wonderful evening would not have turned out for everyone.       “And now! I ask all participants to come up on the stage for a joint photo!”       Inviting everyone to the middle of the stage and giving instructions about the location of the camera, Seungmin imperceptibly stood on the other side of Hyunjin. He stretched his hand through it to Chan as if by accident, so it is necessary for the photo. Now no one will interfere with them. There are teachers on the other side of Bang Chan, and here Seungmin literally clung to two shoulders and offered to stand either next to him, or “Please go ahead, the photographer asked us to stand tighter.” In the crowd, he finds Changbin with his eyes, and a mute request instantly comes to mind. Changbin understands what is needed from him and approaches them with the girls, placing himself next to Seungmin and letting Chaeryeong and the company go ahead. Seungmin immediately grabs his hand, and now they are making a “barrier” together. Hyunjin with a red face makes excuses – this is how they continue the challenge with women's groups to remember. Yeji ruffles his hair and stands in front of them with Bang Chan with a grin, answering all requests to move over that she wants to be closer to her family.       The words about the family remind the amused freshmen that there are “newlyweds” on the stage. As a result, everyone has to be subdued for a few more minutes, and the teaching staff has to accept that in the center of the general photo there will be one guy with a guy on his hands. However, if without glasses and looking closely, it's not such a big deal.       They managed to make the show real, now they can go home. Seungmin asked all the audience to check if they had forgotten their things on the seats or to ask the number of the person they liked. In case they forgot, his blog is always at their service. Photos of the event and feedback are also welcome. Having done his job, he allows Changbin to take himself behind the scenes – it's not just Hyunjin who controls everything.       Returning to the stage, the participants fussily changed clothes and cleaned up, noisily sharing their stormy impressions of the concert. No one has any excitement left, only delight and a desire to come up with something new next time. While everyone was leaving, Hyunjin managed to take a separate photo for Minho and Han with flowers and take a selfie with Yeji. The sister kindly offers to make another shot where Hyunjin and Seungmin will be next to Bang Chan. While Changbin delivers their friend, she pretends that she is trying to find the right angle, but in fact, together with the girls, jokingly offers to get everyone closer and in ambiguous poses so that the photo is not too strict.       Hyunjin looks around the room and realizes that it is impossible to get to the mirror. Everyone is gathering, and his turn will not come quickly. In doomed embarrassment, he asks Bang Chan to fix his hair. It would be possible to ask the girls, but you never know, suddenly they will come closer and come up with something else. Chan agrees and smooths his hair with light movements, eliminating all the mess.       Seungmin and Changbin find a beautiful picture in Yeji's lens and can't resist discussing it themselves.       Hyunjin looks around the room and realizes that it is impossible to get to the mirror. Everyone is gathering, and his turn will not come quickly. In doomed embarrassment, he asks Bang Chan to fix his hair. It would be possible to ask the girls, but he never knows, maybe suddenly they will come closer and come up with something else. Chan agrees and smooths his hair with light movements, eliminating all the mess.       Seungmin and Changbin find a beautiful picture in Yeji's lens and can't resist discussing it themselves.       “What? Admiring? My job. You like it?”       “Yeah… We have already found helpmates.”       “Let's go out and I'll show you what else I can do.”       “What else could you do?” Seungmin ambiguously raises an eyebrow and looks at Changbin.       “Yeah, I have succeeded in something recently! Since we have the same talent, so be it, I'll let you participate in my new project.”       Seungmin shakes his head and thinks to himself, “Changbin is a shoemaker without shoes,” he should have participated in the project with himself to begin with. He condescendingly agrees to the offer and runs to Hyunjin. There is only one person missing in the frame, and they have already been waiting for him.       

***

      Bang Chan says goodbye after the photo and apologizes that he will not go to the cafe with everyone. At such moments, professors are already superfluous. Hyunjin nods understandingly and helps everyone who will treat freshmen with him today to gather. Minho and Jisung first swore to them that they would only take the guitar away and come back, and then decided that it was better to stay. The risk is too great that they will not really return, and they wanted to live the moment to the end. It was decided to leave the guitar in Minho's studio, as well as spend the time allotted to the rest of the training camp there. It was already getting pretty dark, and Jisung came up with the idea of finding a window in the university building from which the stars would be visible. Whether it was really possible to see something in a big city worried him a little, the obsession to urgently arrange something romantic outweighed, and the two disappeared from sight.       Jeongin didn't want to stay, he had already talked to everyone and wanted to be alone with himself and his feelings for a while. In his heart, he was a little glad that Jisung wouldn't be back today, and Jeongin would be alone. In his hands were his and Han's suits. Earlier, he had insisted on taking them home without Jisung's help. Jeongin really hoped to put an end to his feelings with this, so that tomorrow only photos from the stage would remind of this day, so that the past would be in the past.       On the other hand, being alone with his thoughts didn't seem quite right either. Was there a person in his environment whom he could ask to be with him, but not to bother with conversations? Jeongin sees Felix in front of him, who has just left him and then to pack his things. It seems that there was one person next to him all the time, and he did not attach any importance to it. Felix even helped him at the photo shoot, distracting him from his friend with his comments and advice to Jeongin. He borrowed very cute hats with ears from the girls, in which Jeongin really wanted to be photographed from the very beginning of the event. After the performance, no one was too worried about their safety and location, so the girls generously lent them for a while until they had enough of playing. The next thing according to the plan is a selfie in the usual clothes and together with Felix in these hats. That's right, he can make it a goal for tomorrow. In anticipation of new pleasant moments, he can not be afraid of the onset of a new chapter of his life. The most important thing remains.       “Lixi, are you going with everyone?” Jeongin noticed that his question confused the guy a little. As if he didn't think he'd be asked. Apparently, something is also going on with a friend, but he did not notice his problems at all, he was only thinking about himself. That won't do. “I'm a little tired of so many people, so I'm going home, but I thought we could sit and watch something unobtrusive, unload the brain. I am not insisting…”       “I'm only in, thank you for the invitation! Will you wait a bit? I'm almost done. By the way, I already know what we could include. How do you like ASMR? There are words, and there are videos only with sounds, very different. It is so relaxing and even helps to fall asleep.”       “Sounds perfect!”       Seungmin can't help but smile when he sees them off and wishes them a good rest. He also thanks Changbin for helping with their entire operation today, especially during the intermission. They remember the topic of their projects, and continue to discuss it enthusiastically not only on the way to the cafe, but also at the table. Quiet, but not suspicious. No one heard the names, so they calmly and quietly planned what order of actions and with whom they needed next. For the Minsung, as they called a couple of their friends, Minho and Jisung, they were already calm. The minsung themselves were sitting very close at the same time. They were happy that only they could hear everything, and denied the role of matchmakers in their relationship, especially Jisung who was loud under the influence of alcohol.       “Coz it's fate!”       Hyunjin was sitting across from him and was the only sober person who was watching everything. He skillfully pretended “I'm not with them” and “we are able to pay for it” to communicate with the waiters, who sometimes asked them to be quieter, then in conversation he checked how well they were spending all the time and which person at what time to accompany to what place. The phone distracted him from a very important task – Bang Chan was also worried if everything was fine with them and asked who Hyunjin would return home with. Having reassured Chan that after the girls, he and Yeji were immediately escorted home, he received the last message for today asking him to stop wasting his time on the phone and report tomorrow on how he had fun today.       Hyunjin sent him a smiley face and started thinking about what he still could do till the end of today. He started with photos of Minho wrapping his arms around his boyfriend. How could he have missed this?? And after thinking about it, he asked Seungmin with a glance if he wanted the same paired photo with the object of his interest. Seungmin wanted to.       “Binnie, smile, we're being filmed!”       “Ok, well.” Changbin poses sweetly with him for Hyunjin and continues his questioning. “And now I'm listening carefully. If we've worked so well together, you just have to share that secret project with me. Who are these two from your blog?”       should I say it or not? maybe it's worth solving everything at least once, not with my own methods, but with words?       Hyunjin doesn't have time to stop him.       “This story in my blog is about me and the person I'm in love with.”       “What, was it always you?? But you wrote that this person does not pay attention to all the hints and you will soon lose hope for reciprocity. How is this even possible if you can get anyone at the click of your fingers?”       “Are we really talking about me?” Seungmin looked at Changbin incredulously, not understanding his reaction. He expected a slightly different reaction from his impenetrable friend. More enthusiasm. “For some reason, it turns out to be easier to bring others together, but my case is completely neglected. Now that you know, what would you do in my place?”       “Me? I would say about my feelings directly, because the other person does not know how to read my thoughts, and tackles do not indicate serious intentions. Who do you like anyway?”       “You.”       “If it's a joke, it's not funny.” Changbin reacted unexpectedly hostilely, and Seungmin didn't know what to do next. Actions without a well-thought-out plan did not lead to anything good. He met Hyunjin's gaze.       “I'll go grab new drinks for you all.”       Seungmin abruptly got up from his seat, and without waiting for Hyunjin to support him, walked briskly towards the bar. Minho realized that it would not be possible to postpone the conversation with Changbin anymore. After Seungmin left, he kept his eyes on him and tried to think faster where it would be better to start. Jisung guessed that his boyfriend was thinking about solving the problem, but wanted to know all the details to see if he could help in some way.       “What is our omniscient Lee Know thinking about?”       Minho grinned gratefully at Jisung. Without knowing it, his darling helped not to scare off the prey in the form of Changbin.       “Changbin-ah, why are you putting the freeze on?”       “Meat? Didn't you like your bento today?”              Jisung rounded, and Minho rolled his eyes. Alcohol loosened the tongue, but it was necessary to hurry to extract coherent thoughts from the friend while Changbin's speech was still understandable.       “Seungmin! Don't get off the subject. There are two of us against you alone. If we want, we'll talk you to death. So what did he do to you?”       “I... I'm not sure. It seems that we have established a relationship, but it's still hard for me to talk to him. I can't get used to him being one of those people, but he still communicates with me for some reason. He didn't start being interested in me for no reason. And if there was no reason, then this is already a game of boredom.”       “Stop, wait.”       Jisung tried to follow the thread of the conversation, but he got more and more confused with every word of Changbin.       “Changbin, do I understand correctly that Seungmin became interested in you, started communicating with you, you ran away from him? And even after the progress in your friendly relations, you try to find any noticeable flaws in him. Friend, if so, then this is already a problem in you and your thoughts, and not in Seungmin. Let's start from the very beginning. Of which *such* people? I don't remember Seungmin doing anything terrible. Sports, hosting talent shows, entertaining friends… And he rarely crosses the line, at least in front of my eyes.”       “Changbin, people usually approach those they like to indicate their interest. Or don't you like it?” Minho tapped in to talk to the bundle of nerves next to them.       “I like that he can be the reason for other people's smiles. But I'm serious about the idea of a relationship. And all these jokes and tackles in my direction... all this flirting for the sake of flirting. It really prevents me from treating him well. We could just chat, that's all. As it is, I feel as if I am being forced to participate in replenishing the track record of our popular athlete. I was not hired as a fan of the fuckboys. Why can't it just be a friendship like with you?”       “Wait, why do you think he's a fuckboy?”       “Why? Are you seriously asking me? He comes up with these patches every time, without even hiding them. Pokes me like a kitten in his hickeys, as if asking if I see them. Bragging and maybe something else, but I don't want to know!”       “Changbin, what kind of hickeys? Seungmin has no time for anything but studying, sports and talking with us, especially with you.”       “Are you blind? His whole neck is plastered. And not only that! He showed me his leg in shorts once. Look, he says, the hip gives off pain.”       Wild laughter came from the side. Jisung laughed so hard that he fell to the floor and threatened to pull Minho with him, blinking his eyes.       “Ahahahahha, HICKEYS! Minho, y-you... hah... hear-ahah? Ahahaha”       One phrase was not easy and was again drowned in wild laughter. The other part of the table only heard Jisung's scream, so now everyone thought that Minho had already managed to do something while Han was alone with him.       “And you don't waste time in vain, well done!”       Minho answered the whistle with a grin and turned to Jisung.       “Sungie, have you understood something?”       “Th-hose arhhaa tahaahahahahahahapes. Sso-rryihihihi”       It was difficult to speak and still possible to convey the idea. Minho couldn't help but join and laugh uncontrollably. When the couple calmed down a little, Changbin modestly clarified what kind of tape it was.       “You didn't know? You seem to be going to the rocking chair. Haven't you heard of sports tapes? Although, a big guy like you, maybe never needed them. Kind of a pain relief patch. You glue it on for a few hours, and the pain goes away. You don't need the details, but in general, Seungmin, as an athlete, most likely uses it often. Definitely not in order to hide any traces, but in order not to fall apart ahead of time. Okay, you didn't know, but associations! Dirty mind, Changbinnie, what can I say here!”       Seungmin let Minho finish and only then let everyone know that he had returned and heard at least the last part. Considering that the drinks were only for him and Changbin, it was obvious that he didn't hold a grudge against anyone. Changbin blushed. Now he was very uncomfortable. He did not want to apologize personally, it would be a direct recognition of his sympathy and what thoughts might be in his head. But, apparently, he will have to. After all, he had no intention of offending Seungmin on purpose. Changbin was sure that now, with the realization of his mistake in prejudice, everything would only change for the better.       “Paired tapes! Hyunjin exclaimed.” Seungmo, do you have a lot of this stuff?       “Of course, which ones do you need? There are ordinary ones, also with a pattern. Wide, mega long…”       “With hearts. The most mawkishly disgusting that you can imagine. Have you any by chance?”       “If only one pattern, but yes… I have bought the stock and never used it.”       “Perfect! I’ve come up with a punishment for your behavior,” Hyunjin drew Changbin's attention to announce the verdict. “You will walk around the university in a paired tape with Seungmin. Refusals are not accepted!”       Changbin nodded and took out his smartphone. He finally understood everything and was going to boldly take a step towards Seungmin, using all their methods. He finds the right column in the blog and sends his offer there asking “Can I be your boyfriend?”.       Seungmin checks the updates, and his eyes light up.