To everyone else, they were hardly connected. To each other? They were much more.

Hongjoong was the leader of ATEEZ, a group consisting of 6 other men. Seonghwa was the leader of XLOV, an androgynous boy group that hadnt been in the industry as long; yet seemed to be ranking highly.

Fans had only seen them interact in dance challenges and small snippets of backstage vlogs. Hongjoong and Seonghwa had seen each other about 20× more.

They first met backstage of the show that earnt XLOV their first win. A quick smile, then an exchange of numbers.

From continously texting to secretly meeting up, Hongjoong began to develop.. strange feelings. Things he had to suppress and shove away. Love. Seonghwa, however, was oblivious.

It was a cold December night in the KQ building. Hongjoong laid in his dorm bed, scrolling on his phone. INSTAGRAM – PSWHA.UPD :Park Seonghwa for Songzio 2026!

6 hours ago. He must be back at his entertainment by now, likely being fed cheap convience store sushi by staff.

HONGJOONG 'You busy? Come to my building. I bought those brownies you said you liked last time you came over.' He sent a text, sighing and sitting up. It felt almost selfish, inviting him so often when he had his own priorities. But it eased that ache in his stomach, the racing mind.

"Hey, Mingi, unlock the door for me! Seonghwa's visiting." He shouted, then slumped back into bed, busying himself with the Seonghwa Updates account.