First Life //Ateez

Epilogue

"Should we sit down for a moment? My feet hurt me" Mingi whined, and they all found their way to a bench.

Four of them went to sit, the younger ones, and the rest stood in front of them. Seonghwa stood at the side, watching them playing with each other.

He was unable to hide the smile on his face, wanting almost desperately to join them. And of course that didn't go unnoticed by Hongjoong.

"Seonghwa, can we tell you something?" The older said and turned his attention to his friend, catching him off guard. The rest turned their heads to look at them, knowing the reason behind this. Even Wooyoung, Yeosang managed to inform him.

Seonghwa shuffled a little awkward on his spot, seeing their eyes fixated on him.

"Emm, sure, I guess"

"Don't be embarrassed, it's alright. I just wanted to ask, what do you think about three or more people being in relationship?" The leader asked generally, wanting to test the waters first.

Seonghwa took a minute to reply, not that he didn't know the answer. The first thing that came to his mind was he and the rest in a relationship, and that brought an unconscious smile on his face.

"I mean, love is love. People do what makes them happy and comfortable. And having to choose who you love is kinda stressful, and you almost don't feel complete with that. So, it's fine. They should do what makes them happy"

That was a response the rest didn't see coming. They would never had expected that Seonghwa would be so open and fine about this.

This made their eyes sparkle, hope settling in them. Maybe they had a chance with Seonghwa after all.

"But, I dont understand. What's the point of the question?" The older asked embarrassed, averting his eyes from them, looking everywhere but them.

"What would you say if we told that, we, are in a relationship? Together. All of us"

Seonghwa widened his eyes hearing that and immediately dropped his gaze to look at them. They were looking at him with innocent eyes, almost desperately wanting for him to accept them.

He was at a loss of words, but he also felt a pang in his chest. Was that.. Sadness? Disappointment? Without even realising, his eyes welled up with tears, understanding the harsh truth.

They didn't like him.

"Ohh, umm, I mean, that's good for you. I mean, you obviously like each other so.. Yeah, if that is what makes you happy. I dont have a problem with that, if that's what you were afraid of. So, yeah.."

A single tear fell from his eye, and he quickly wiped it away. Why did he have to be so emotional? Was it so hard to keep his tears? He was sure that they have seen it, by the looks on their faces, so he waited for their reaction. He couldn't hide in anyway.

"Why..? Why are you crying Seongie? Did we do anything?" Mingi asked, a pout evident on his face while seeing the older like this. He didn't like it one bit.

"Oh no no. You didn't. I just.. I dont know, had an urge to cry"

San stood from the bench and made his way there, hugging Seonghwa tight. He felt how he tensed under his embrace, and he wasn't sure how to feel about it.

Hongjoong thought for a moment, not appreciating the atmosphere around them. But then, it clicked. There was only one reason for Seonghwa behaviour. He had to ask Seonghwa, and he had to do it now.

"Seonghwa, do you maybe, like us?"

Seonghwa tensed even more, clearly not expecting this question. But, why did it matter to him? It was clear that they didn't feel the same, so why bother asking? Seonghwa, though, wanted to answer him, to tell them about how he was feeling, even if it wasn't returned. At least he could say he tried.

"I mean, it was difficult not to. But why does it matter if I do like you. The only thing I managed was to make a fool of myself"

A sound that resembled a squeal was heard from Wooyoung, the boy already standing and approaching Seonghwa.

"So, you like us? Like, like like? Like, romantically?"

"Yes, Wooyoung..." He wasn't able to finish his sentence. Two extra pair of arms were wrapped around him, tighter than San's.

He wasn't able to see due to the bodies pressed on him, the rest smiling amongst each other, elated about this sudden confirmation.

Maybe.. Maybe this was the reason why Seonghwa cried? Did he thought that they didn't like him? But, how could this be possible?

A big weight was lifted off their shoulders, and were now ready to confront him about their feelings.

"Seongie, sweetheart, please dont cry about it. We actually wanted to tell you this sooner but we were just afraid of your reaction"

"Hmm?"

"We like you too sweetheart. All of us" Yunho spoke gently, looking right at Seonghwa. The olders breath hitched at his throat, unable to form a word.

"W what? What are you saying?"

He didn't get a response at that. Instead he felt Wooyoung's soft hands cupping his face, making him stare into his beautiful brown orbs.

Seonghwas heart started beating extremely fast, excited and nervous at the same time. Was this really happening? It's not like he opposed to that, he had dreamed about this moment for a long time. He was just frozen.

Wooyoung saw his hesitation and rubbed his cheek gently.

"I wont do this if you dont want to"

"Please do" His quiet voice was heard, small and delicate. The younger smiled reassuringly at him, and slowly brought their faces closer.

It didn't take long before Seonghwa felt a pair of soft and plush lips on his own. He closed his eyes almost immediately, his heart ready to pop off his chest. It was happening.

The kiss was soft and gentle, Wooyoung touching Seonghwa as if he was made of glass. He stopped momentarily, giving Seonghwa some time to breath.

His face was flustered, small breaths leaving his parted mouth, his eyes still closed. Wooyoung smiled at the sight, and slowly started moving from his position, giving his place to Jongho, who moved closer to them.

Seonghwa senced that and opened his eyes, only to look at the younger.

"Can I kiss you Seonghwa?"

The older didn't answer, instead he nodded his head, giving him permission. And Jongho didn't hesitate.

After minutes of kissing each and every one, Seonghwa feeling so many different emotions, they moved again to sit down.

Seonghwa was surrounded by them, the rest giving him small kisses and hugs every two seconds, muttering small praises to him.

Yunho managed to give him the small bouquet of flowers he had gotten, and the olders eyes twinkled seeing them. He almost teared up again, but they didn't let him. Enough tears for a day.

"What are these?" He asked Yunho, bringing it close to his face, and smelling them lightly.

"They are called forget - me - nots. I just.. They reminded me of you. And, I, we wanted to tell you something with that choice"

"What?"

"That we will not forget you. Whatever happens, even if we grow apart, we wont forget you sweetheart. And, we are hoping that you wont forget us too" Yeosang spoke gently, meaning every word.

What they were feeling for Seonghwa was so much deeper. They couldn't explain it, but it was as if he completed them. As if he was their missing piece.

"I wont forget you"

"You promise?"

"I promise"

~~~~~~~

"So, sweetheart? How was it?"

"I was in a band...."

THE END