As Seonghwa fell asleep, his mind wandered to his second victim. He'd tried to push the memory of liveless bulging eyes out of his head, but at night, his guard was down, and the images infiltrated his dreams. It had been a few months after the failed robbery. The police hadn't come to his door, and his memories of the traumatic night started to fade slowly. Wooyoung had invited him to go out with Yeosang and two of Yeosang's family friends. He'd been hesitant at first. These men could be creepy and ancient for all he knew, but Yeosang had assured him they were about their age. After a week of Wooyoung complaining that he never went out anymore, he decided to prove the man wrong. It was an early June Friday night, and Wooyoung and him were getting ready at his house. He'd decided to wear jeans and a dress shirt so he wouldn't stand out too much, but he quickly realized Wooyoung had gone for a very different approach. The younger man jumped out of his bathroom wearing tight black leather pants and a very much see-through black leopard print top. Seonghwa rolled his eyes as he noticed the choker around Wooyoung's throat, complete with little bell. You know you're supposed to ask before borrowing my stuff, "he said. At this, Wooyoung giggled and stuck out his tongue. If you want it back, you'll have to catch me first. He retorted before running to Seonghwa's kitchen. Seonghwa decided it wasn't worth the hassle, especially if it meant he'd be able to hear wherever the man was going, and it did match his half black half blonde hairdo. At least I won't lose the Oreo in a crowd, Seonghwa mused to himself, grinning lightly. Then he walked back to his closet to pull out his own red leather pants. He kept the black shirt, but with some black heels and eyeliner, this outfit would go a long way, he thought. He decided against straightening his hair, but he put the top in a short ponytail like Wooyoung had done. As soon as he was done with the makeup, Wooyoung entered his bedroom again, holding some snacks. His eyes dropped down, and he nodded approvingly. I was hoping you'd go for something more interesting, "he said as he offered Seonghwa his food. The older man quirked an eyebrow as he took some. Oh, I thought I'd make something for us to eat, "Wooyoung explained. You really should never drink on an empty stomach. Remember when Yeosang did that and we had to carry him home, he said while laughing. As soon as he had uttered the words, the doorbell rang. Speak of the devil, "said the young man as he raced to the door, eager to meet his best friend. Apart from their friend group and some family friends, Yeosang didn't make much of an effort to meet new people. This meant Wooyoung and him had created a strong bond, and they would get fiercely protective of each other. It also made them hesitant to allow new people into their friend group and Seonghwa had been lucky they'd allowed him in as his parents had known Yeosang's parents for a long time and they'd managed to bond over their mutual struggles with their controlling families. Mingi had become friends with them through Wooyoung. Although he never went out with them being busy with his studies, he did spend time with them during the day. After their exams finished, they'd lounge around Yeosang's outdoor pool all day, though, and they were all looking forward to the vacation.

Seonghwa finished his food as he walked to the front door. The guys are waiting in the car so we can leave right away. He heard Yeosang tell Wooyoung. At this, he grabbed his and Wooyoung's jacket, wallet, and keys and shoved Wooyoung out of the front door, closing it behind him. What about my stuff?! Yelled Wooyoung, looking slightly red in the face while Yeosang fell against the wall laughing. Seonghwa quickly gave Wooyoung the coat he'd been hiding behind his back as he gave the younger boy a shit eating grin. Just making sure we're not making people wait, he said as he wrapped an arm around Wooyoung's shoulder and walked to the car. The men in the car looked very intriguing. The one who was sat in the back hid his smile behind his hand as he grinned at Wooyoung's plight. He was wearing a loose white shirt with a ruffled collar opened further than was considered accidental. His face had very sharp features that somewhat reminded Seonghwa of a fox, and he had bright pink hair, which made him look like a gothic raspberry. He introduced himself as San and Seonghwa was surprised that Wooyoung had not started rambling yet, but as he looked around he saw the red on his face had risen to his cheeks and the young man looked positively smitten. Yeosang told Wooyoung to sit in the middle seat as he preferred a window, and as the man sat down, Yeosang looked around, winking at Seonghwa, revealing his true intent At that, the older man had no other place to sit but next to the driver. He also looked very interesting wearing a similar loose shirt as San, but his entire outfit was black. More notably, he had bright red hair, which made him look a little like an intimidating strawberry. The thought made Seonghwa smile, but he had to admit to himself that he did like strawberries. A lot. The man introduced himself as Hongjoong and quirked a brow as he noticed Seonghwa staring at his hair. Take a picture it'll last longer he said with a smile. At this, Seonghwa turned possibly redder as Wooyoung had just been and decided to look out the window. No, thank you, "he mumbled as he heard Yeosang laughing in the back.

When they finally reached the club, Seonghwa had gotten annoyed at Wooyoung constantly needling San to get to know his likes and interests. However, he was interested in the men's connection to Yeosang's family. They seemed rather conservative compared to these men. San didn't say much apart from commenting on Wooyoung's outfit, however. Seonghwa quickly jumped out of the car, and Yeosang soon followed, remarking that he might've made a mistake sitting the two next to each other. Seonghwa cocked his head while looking at the backseat. He concluded that San must not mind the intrusion so much as his dimples were on full display. He looked at Wooyoung with warm adoration while the boy rambled on about this new movie he so desperately wanted to see, perhaps hoping San would watch it with him. As everyone had gotten out and the car was safely parked, Hongjoong pointed to the club he wanted to visit. Graffiti covered the walls, and the music could be heard outside. Through the high windows, Seonghwa saw green and purple flashing lights cutting through smoke. It wasn't his usual type of club, but he'd decided to make an effort for Wooyoung's sake. Although he mused, the younger man would probably not even miss him if he left, considering how entranced he was with his new companion. As they entered Seonghwa, they felt a hand grab his, and he looked up a little startled. He relaxed, however, when he realized it was Hongjoong. I wanna get us a drink and yell the smaller man, but I don't want to lose you all in this crowd. Seonghwa nodded and followed him as he, in turn, reached for Yeosang's hand. He smiled to himself, thinking he'd probably not lose Hongjoong if he'd look for a red dot in the sea of black and brown hair. He turned around as the man was pulling him along and realized Yeosang was following duty fully while also having a hard time linking up with San and Wooyoung. The two had no attention for others and just danced around each other. However, eventually, San looked around and pulled Wooyoung towards them, realizing they were being sucked into the crowd. The club looked clean enough, but Seonghwa felt the telltale crunch of broken glass under his shoes, and suddenly felt grateful he'd opted for platforms, even if it did make the others look so much smaller compared to his height. Usually, Mingi would be there to offset this balance, but alas, now he was the only one truly sticking out. He knew this led to looks and invitations from other men and women alike, and he jumped slightly as a hand squeezed his ass. He looked around and scandalized and saw a slightly balding man with a horribly outdated red Hawaiian shirt grinning at him while putting his hand back in his back pocket. He was at least middle-aged, and Seonghwa gave him a scowl before being pulled along again. He noticed Yeosang kicking the man's knee rather swiftly and smiled at his friend while the man toppled over into the crowd. When they reached the bar, Yeosang quickly checked if he was okay, but Seonghwa brushed the hand hovering over his arm away before saying he was fine. At this, Hongjoong quirked an eyebrow and asked what had happened. As Yeosang told him and explained how he handled the situation, Hongjoong silently nodded before looking into the crowd, seemingly trying to find the perpetrator. At this point, Wooyoung and San had arrived as well, however, and were quick to order drinks. This brought all their moods up, reminding themselves that they would not let the night get ruined by one creep. The bartender took their orders but halted to chat to Yeosang. As he complimented the other man's outfit, Seonghwa noticed even through the neon lighting that Yeosang's cheeks grew very red. After coyly accepting the compliment, he placed his order, and after reaching forward to pay for the drinks, the man quickly whispered something in his ear that had his mouth falling open slightly. Seonghwa watched him nod his head and exchange a brief kiss with the bartender, who was grinning a gummy smile that made his eyes turn into crescent moons after they parted. The man made quick work of serving their orders, and while Wooyoung attacked Yeosang with questions, he gave the others their drinks. In the end, he gave the last drink to Yeosang with a conspicuously folded napkin. As they made their way to the dancefloor, Yeosang looked at the paper and then quickly put it in his back pocket. When they'd found a good spot on the side of the dancefloor, Wooyoung latched himself onto Yeosang again, asking him what happened just now. As far as they knew the man never made any moves to be in a relationship be it platonic or romantic, so this was just about the wildest thing Yeosang had ever done as far as Wooyoung was concerned. Eventually, Yeosang answered, the bartender recognized me because we had the same class on Fridays. He said he liked my outfit, but these are just my regular clothes, he said while frowning. Wooyoung had to interject. Yeosang was wearing one of his usual muscle tops and jeans, "but he's never seen you in that," he said. "He's only seen college Yeosang," Seonghwa added with a smile. Yeosang smiled back and told them that the boy had so politely asked if he could maybe kiss him right after being so assertive that he'd said yes. And now I have his name and number, he added while fishing the napkin out of his pocket. To this, Wooyoung and San both cheered loudly, while Yeosang softly said, "Jongho." Seonghwa only just caught the name. He didn't know the other man, but if they did have classes together, they'd surely see him again on Friday. They finished their drinks and set them down on one of the wooden side tables. Seonghwa stepped forward when he felt a hand on his arm this time, ready to be ready to push whoever it was away. His angry scowl softened when he realized it was Hongjoong. Oh, I'm sorry, "said the man." I just wanted to ask you if you'd like to dance. Seonghwa quickly said yes. Not just because he found Hongjoong very attractive, but there was something commanding in his gaze that almost made him have to follow. He looked around for the others but saw Yeosang stand alone as Wooyoung and San had already thrown themselves into the crowd of sensually slow dancing bodies. They seemed far too wrapped up in each other to care about anyone else. When Seonghwa questioned him, Yeosang just shrugged and waved Seonghwa away. Go have fun, "he said." I have a bartended to eye from my corner. At this, Seonghwa smiled and allowed Hongjoong to lead him into the crowd as well. Even though Hongjoong was smaller than Seonghwa, he led the dance with such a certainty that the taller man trusted him completely on their routine. As he was picked up and spinning in a circle, he felt Hongjoong's strong arms holding his waist. He'd never felt so fragile yet so safe before. Like Hongjoong could break him in half with the smallest ease, but he wouldn't. His heart swelled from adoration and adrenalin. As he was lowered unto the ground again, he surged forward and kissed Hongjoong with all the passion he could muster. At first, the other male stiffened, but after a small moment, Seonghwa felt arms around his shoulders, bringing him closer. Hongjoong opened his mouth, and as Seonghwa did the same, he quickly slipped in his tongue. As they danced together, their mouths did the same, creating a new slower rhythm. The taller man never did move quite so fast, but there was something about the redhead that made him giddy. Maybe it was also the cocktail he had just downed, but he pushed that thought away as he and Hongjoong slowly danced to the edge of the dancefloor. When he looked up again, he saw that Hongjoong was standing on his toes to reach him, and Seonghwa felt slightly guilty as he remembered the platforms he was wearing. They separated from their embrace, and Seonghwa saw a glint of mischief in the other's eyes. Do you do this often? he asked Hongjoong. Do what? Said the other man, feigning innocence. Get people tipsy, so you can kiss them? Seonghwa answered, hiding his rapidly spreading blush behind his hands. Only when pretty boys are involved, said Hongjoong while carefully grabbing Seonghwa's arm and lowering it. Suddenly, the taller man felt such a need to hide from Hongjoong's piercing gaze, and he quickly separated from him again, mentioning the restroom. Hongjoong quirked a brow but said he'd get more drinks as Seonghwa ran to the other side of the dancefloor, where he found the men's room. He was happy the place had separate stalls as he leaned against the wall to collect his thoughts. It wasn't that he'd never kissed another man before or even a woman for that matter, but Hongjoong's presence felt almost suffocating. Like being near the man made him want to give everything to him. He decided to blame it on the cocktail. In truth, the drink had been quite strong, and he felt a little dizzy. Nothing he hadn't ever felt before, though. After a few minutes, he felt ready to join his friends again as he exited the stall.

The problem entered in the form of a balding man in a red Hawaiian shirt standing in the corner of the restroom. Seonghwa was confused. Had the creep been waiting for him? He decided to ignore the man and went to wash his hands. He felt the man's eyes raking over his body, and unlike Hongjoong's strong gaze, he didn't welcome this one at all. When he was done, he reached for the towels that the creep was so inconveniently standing right in front of. I'm sorry, Seonghwa mumbled as he reached for them. What are you sorry for? Asked the man with a sugary, sweet voice. Are you sorry that your friend kicked me?! He resumed as he slowly raised his voice. Seonghwa quickly shook his head and grabbed a towel, wiping his hands. No, I just wanted to... He started. But the man cut him off by grabbing his arm. "Shut up," said the man, "you can apologize," he continued as he guided Seonghwa's hand to his jeans. No, not again, the younger man thought to himself. He pulled his arm out of the man's grasp before he had to touch his very prominent bulge. But again, this only further enraged the man, and he yelled at Seonghwa while the younger ran for the door leading back to the dancefloor. He'd almost reached it when he felt the man's hand grab his ponytail. I should've cut it short, Seonghwa's mind helpfully supplied. He kicked his leg back and managed to hit the same place Yeosang bruised. As the man went down, he thankfully let go of his hair, and Seonghwa finally managed to open the door coming face to face with a rather bewildered Hongjoong. What's going on here, he said, going from bewildered to infuriated rather quickly. He noted Seonghwa's disheveled hair and slightly torn sleeve and softly touched the taller man's shoulder as he whispered. Why don't you go find Yeosang while I take care of this. Seonghwa slowly nodded as he looked back and realized the man had stopped talking. When he fell back, his head seemed to have hit one of the sinks, and the man was holding his hand to his head. His face rapidly turned from Seonghwa to Hongjoong as if he tried to ask for help. The shorter man didn't regard him at all, as he softly pushed Seonghwa out of the door and closed it behind him.

When Hongjoong got back to his group, Seonghwa told the others about his encounter and suddenly felt quite tired. Hongjoong offered to take him home, but Wooyoung insisted they should all probably head out as the night wouldn't be as fun without him. Yeosang silently nodded his head, and they decided to call it an early night. Wooyoung would stay over at Seonghwa's place as he'd brought a change of clothes with him for this reason. When the group reached the taller man's appartement, they all stayed for a cup of tea, mostly to make sure Seonghwa felt okay. Before they left, Hongjoong pulled him aside and told him the man would no longer be a problem. When Seonghwa finally really looked at the other, he noticed tiny specs of blood on his neck. He quickly wiped it off. Good, he concluded. Earning him a wondering look from Hongjoong. But the other said nothing else and left him alone with Wooyoung, who was swooning over a certain pink haired man.