CHEOLSOO (SEVENTEEN) Worth It

The morning sun filtered gently through the curtains, bathing the room in a warm, golden glow. Dust motes danced lazily in the sunlight, creating a serene, almost magical atmosphere. Joshua stirred in Scoups strong arms, the weight of his embrace grounding him as if the world outside didn't exist. His head rested against Scoups chest, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat a soothing melody against his ear.

As Joshua shifted slightly, a sharp ache radiated through his body, a vivid reminder of the night they had shared. He let out a soft groan, his muscles protesting the movement, and he winced slightly before settling back into the comfort of Scoups hold. Despite the soreness, his lips curled into a faint smile, his heart swelling with a mix of emotions-contentment, love, and just a hint of embarrassment.

Joshua

(thought to himself, biting back a laugh) I swear he enjoys seeing me like this

Joshua

(cheeks warmed at the memory, the intimate moments flashing in his mind. He ran his fingers lightly over Scoups chest, feeling the rise and fall of his breathing) How did I let him talk me into going for 'just one more round'? Or was I the one who suggested it?

Joshua

(Satisfaction washing over him) This ache? Totally worth it.

As he tried to move again, a different sensation made his breath hitch—a slow, subtle warmth slipping from him. It took a moment for Joshua to process, but when he did, his face flushed deeply.

Joshua

Oh my God… he really… inside me?

Joshua buried his face in the pillow, torn between mortification and the faint thrill of knowing how passionately Scoups had wanted him.

Joshua

(chastised himself silently) This is your fault, Joshua Hong, You knew what you were doing when you wore that stupid shirt last night—And that look you gave him… Ugh, you practically begged for it.

He glanced up at Scoups' face, marveling at the stark contrast between his usual bold, commanding demeanor and the peaceful, almost boyish expression he wore while asleep.

Joshua

(thought to himself)How can he look so innocent after what he did to me last night?

As Shua wriggled to free himself, Scoups instinctively tightened his grip around Joshua’s waist, pulling him flush against his chest. Joshua stilled, momentarily flustered by the possessiveness of the hold

Joshua

(tilted his head slightly to look at Scoups’s)

A raspy hum escaped Scoups as he stirred, his lips brushing lazily against Joshua’s temple. Without opening his eyes, Scoups tightened his hold around Joshua’s waist, his large hand splaying over Joshua’s hip to keep him close.

S coups

(murmured voice raspy, thick with warmth and drowsiness)Where do you think you’re going, babe?

Joshua

(Froze, momentarily flustered by the intimacy of the moment) To the bathroom

Joshua

Unless, of course, you plan on keeping me trapped here all day like some kind of hostage.

S coups

(chuckled, his warm breath tickling Joshua’s neck) Not a bad idea

S coups

(murmured, his lips brushing softly against Joshua’s skin) Especially since someone was the one seducing me last night.

Joshua

(paused turning to face Scoups fully, his gaze smirking challenging)Excuse me, but last I checked, I have every right to seduce my boyfriend. Or is that suddenly a crime now?

S coups

(Scoups blinked, momentarily caught off guard by Joshua's confident reply before a grin spread across his face) Oh, it's not a crime, babe,

S coups

(Glinting mischievously) You're lucky you're so cute when you're full of yourself.

Joshua

I'm not cute, I'm sexy

S coups

Not with the way you were clinging to me like your life depended on it.

Joshua

(Bright red, and he turned to glare at Scoups) You’re so full of yourself.

S coups

And you love it

S coups

(Replied confidently, scooping him up in one swift motion)

Joshua

coups ya !

S coups

Walk?

S coups

(Teased, his smirk widening) Baby, the way you're moving, you'll barely make it to the bathroom. And I'm not taking any chances with you falling on that cute butt of yours.

Joshua

(Glared, though the blush on his cheeks softened the effect) I am perfectly capable of walking

Joshua

(insisted, though he secretly didn't mind being carried)

S coups

(mocking) Sure you are

S coups

(Carried him toward the bathroom) But I like carrying you And since I'm clearly the victim of your seduction tactics, this is the least you can let me do for you.

Joshua

(muttered under his breath) Victim my ass

S coups

Don't tempt me, Shua

S coups

(Quipped, setting him down gently by the sink and flashing a grin) Now, let's get you cleaned up. And after that, maybe you can seduce me all over again.

Joshua

(Smacked his chest lightly, his eyes glinting with mischief) Maybe I will,

Joshua

(Raising a brow) If you're lucky

S coups

(Chuckled, turning on the shower) Baby, I'm always lucky when it comes to you.

S coups

(Leaning in to kiss him softly) Now, let’s get you cleaned up before breakfast. Unless you want me to carry you there too?

Joshua

(Groaned, covering his face with his hands) I’m never going to live this down, am I?

S coups

(Guiding him under the warm spray of the shower) Nope

As the water cascaded over them, Scoups’ teasing demeanor softened. He carefully massaged Joshua’s shoulders and back, his hands firm yet tender.

S coups

Does that feel okay?

Joshua

(Leaned into his touch, letting out a soft sigh) Yeah. It feels nice

S coups

(Pressed a kiss to the top of Joshua’s head) Good. I’ll make sure you’re all better by tonight.

Joshua

(Glanced up at him, his eyes narrowing slightly)What’s happening tonight?

S coups

(Smirked, his playful side returning) Oh, nothing. Just mentally preparing for when you ask for more again.

Joshua

(Splashed water at him) coups!!!

Both of them laughing as the morning started with love, sass, and their unique brand of affection.

The dorm kitchen was lively as the members buzzed around the table. Plates clinked, chairs scraped, and the aroma of coffee filled the air. Joshua and Scoups, fashionably late as always, walked in, drawing everyone's attention.

Seungkwan's sharp eyes immediately locked onto Joshua's slower-than-usual pace. A knowing grin spread across his face like a cat spotting its prey.

Seungkwan

Good morning, Shua hyung

Seungkwan

(Greeted with a sly grin, his tone dripping with faux innocence.) Sleep well?

Joshua

(Shot him a withering look, his cheeks warming) Perfectly, thank you for asking.

Jeonghan, always quick to pick up on any opportunity to tease, smirked.

Jeonghan

(smirking)You sure? You're walking like someone... overdid it on the treadmill last night.

Joshua

(Shot him a pointed glare) I'm fine.

Hoshi

Oh, he's fine

Hoshi

(Leaning dramatically over the table) He's just... glowing. Right, DK?

Doesn't he look like someone who just had the time of his life?

Hoshi

(Nodded enthusiastically) Absolutely. Like a whole spa day or something.

The two burst into fits of muffled laughter, drawing Dino’s attention.

Dino

What's so funny?

Dino

(Glanced between the giggling duo and Joshua. His sharp gaze quickly zeroed in on Joshua's slightly stiff walk) Oh. Oh.

Joshua

(Whipped his head toward Dino, his jaw dropping) YAH! You're the 24 youngest-stay out of this!

Dino

(Shrugged innocently) Just calling it like I see it, hyung.

Jeonghan

(Jeonghan wasn't done)Hey, no judgment here. I'm just saying... next time, maybe stretch a little first. You're walking like you ran a marathon.

Mingyu

Wait, what's everyone talking about?

Mingyu

(Asked, frowning as he glanced between Jeonghan and Joshua) Why would he need to stretch?

Vernon

You really don't get it?

Mingyu

(Looking genuinely perplexed) What's so funny about Joshua-hyung being tired?

Hoshi

It's cute, really

Hoshi

(Wiping away a fake tear) They still believe in the magic of pure exhaustion.

Mingyu's frown deepened as he replayed the teasing comments in his head. Jeonghan's smug expression didn't help. Slowly, realization began to dawn on him. His eyes widened, and his face turned a deep shade of red.

Mingyu

(blinking rapidly)Oh,

Mingyu

(Immediately pointed at Joshua) Wait-seriously?

Joshua

(Head shot up, his face a mix of mortification and indignation) Mingyu, shut up!

Mingyu

(Covering his mouth to suppress a laugh.said looking at Scoups) Hyung, you're... wow.

Realizing there was no way out of this, Joshua slumped in his chair, covering his face with both hands. Scoups finally decided to intervene, reaching under the table to squeeze Joshua's knee reassuringly.

S coups

(asked softly, his voice low enough for only Joshua to hear)You okay?

Joshua

(Peeked out from between his fingers, his lips twitching into a small smile. He mouthed back) "Worth it."

Scoups' grin widened as he returned to sipping his coffee, leaving Joshua to fend off the relentless teasing.

Joshua

The table exploded into laughter again, and Joshua buried his face in Scoups shoulder

Joshua

(muttering ) I hate all of you.

S coups

Don't worry

S coups

(Whispered, pressing a quick kiss to Joshua's temple) I'll make it up to you later.

Joshua groaned, shaking his head, but the tiny smile on his lips betrayed his true feelings. Despite the teasing, despite the mortification, he wouldn't trade moments like these for anything.

Thank you, God, Joshua thought silently, his heart swelling with gratitude. For this beautiful family. For these moments. For this love.

The dorm buzzed with laughter, each member adding their own flair to the teasing-Hoshi acting out a dramatic limp, Jeonghan slyly offering unsolicited "advice," and DK nearly falling off his chair from laughing too hard. Joshua's quiet smile went unnoticed amidst the commotion, his gaze soft as he took in the scene around him.

Scoups, sitting across the table, watched it all with his usual calm, an amused smile tugging at his lips. When his eyes met Joshua's, he offered a subtle nod, a silent connection between them that spoke louder than words. It was a reassurance, an anchor in the whirlwind of noise and antics.

But Life had a way of shifting suddenly, storms arriving uninvited to upend even the most cherished of moments. The members were blissfully unaware that this morning's peace was fragile, a fleeting calm before the tempest that was silently approaching.