×Sunghoon's pov×

"So, were you expecting any of this, especially Jay?"

Jake asked, a playful glint in his eyes. Sunghoon paused, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

"The smell of the baked desserts was a little too obvious. Jay's food always has a significant smell, one I could smell from miles away. But I was too excited and shocked to pay more attention to it."

He'd spent a few moments contemplating whether to confide in Jake or not, a slight furrow appearing on his brow. After a few silent moments, he'd made up his mind.

He called Sunoo over for a little, asking him to help Jungwon with the cake, needing a moment of privacy with Jake.

He then pulled Jake towards his room, closing the door behind them. Jake looked truly confused, lost, but also worried, concerned.

"I was planning on taking everyone out tonight for my birthday, but I wanted to ask you a favor."

Sunghoon started, a hint of seriousness in his voice. Jake, as always, readily agreed.

"Could you please make sure Heeseung hyung sits next to you? I don't want him next to me tonight."

Sunghoon requested, his voice dropping to a near whisper. He explained the reason behind his unusual request, the subtle shift in Heeseung's behavior, the possessive touch, the silent claim that made him uneasy.

Jake smiled softly, playfully, Sunghoon would say. He didn't say anything, simply nodded in acknowledgment.

They exited the room, and after about four hours, Sunghoon announced to everyone that he was treating them all to a meal to celebrate his birthday.

"Yo, guys, get up. We're going out, my treat!"

As they all piled into cars, Jake, Heeseung, and Jungwon ended up in Sunghoon's car.

"Heeseung hyung, can you sit next to me? I missed talking to you."

Jake requested, a warm smile gracing his lips. Heeseung, oblivious to the underlying reason, readily agreed, not thinking too much into Jake's sudden change in seating preference.

Jungwon settled into the passenger seat of Sunghoon's sleek black car, a comfortable silence settling between them as Sunghoon pulled out of the driveway.

The rest of the group followed in a convoy, their chatter a muffled background noise to the quiet anticipation simmering within the car.

Jake, in the backseat, leaned forward, his voice laced with a playful teasing tone as he directed his questions towards Heeseung.

"So, Heeseung hyung, anything… interesting… happening in your love life lately?"

Heeseung's cheeks flushed a faint pink, his usual nonchalant demeanor momentarily ruffled.

"Why do you ask?"

He countered, a hint of defensiveness in his voice. A flicker of curiosity sparked within Sunghoon, a desire to know if it was truly him that held Heeseung's attention. Jake just continued his relentless teasing,

"Just curious! Is there a certain someone you've been… admiring?"

He emphasized the word 'admiring' with a suggestive eyebrow raise, trying to coax Heeseung into a confession. Heeseung stammered, unable to meet Jake's gaze.

"No, not really."

He mumbled, his voice barely audible. But the blush on his cheeks betrayed his denial.

Sunghoon's eyes flickered towards the rearview mirror, his curiosity growing with each passing second.

He was internally debating whether to confront Heeseung directly or just let Jake continue his playful interrogation.

The car ride continued with a mix of casual conversation and Jake's subtle prodding. Finally, Sunghoon pulled up to the restaurant, a bustling establishment filled with the aroma of exotic spices and sizzling meats.

As they stepped out and headed towards the entrance, the group was ushered to a large, round table.

Jay and Jake, with a strategic swiftness that caught Sunghoon off guard, quickly claimed the seats on either side of him, effectively blocking any chance for Heeseung to sit beside him.

Heeseung, not noticing the subtle maneuver, settled into the seat next to Jake, a slight frown creasing his forehead.

Felix, who was seated across from them, masked his jealousy with a forced smile, but Sunghoon could see the way his eyes darted between Heeseung and him, a flicker of hurt in their depths.

Once everyone was settled, the waiter appeared to take their orders. A lively chatter filled the restaurant as they made their choices, their conversation bouncing between the most random of topics.

"Did you guys know that hippos sweat a bright red, almost pink color?"

Jisung announced, his voice dripping with amusement at the randomness of his announcement.

"What the-?!"

Exclaimed Sunoo, bursting into laughter, hiding his mouth with both of his hands.

"That's so… weird."

"Apparently it's a sunscreen of sorts."

Ni-ki added, his voice filled with wonder, discreetly removing Sunoo's hands from his face, smiling after seeing his smile.

"Speaking of weird, have you guys ever seen a slow loris? They're incredibly adorable, but their bite is extremely venomous."

"Venomous?! Wow. I didn't know they were dangerous."

Sunghoon said, looking at Jungwon, a faint smile forming on his lips, the tension from the earlier car ride seemingly dissipating.

"Yeah, they look cute, but you don't want to mess with them."

The conversation flowed effortlessly, the air buzzing with laughter and easy banter. Sunghoon glanced at Heeseung, who was engaged in a conversation with Jake about his favorite video game.

He found himself unable to shake off the odd feeling that hung in the air, a sense of unspoken tension and suppressed emotions.

He wondered if Jake's playful questioning had yielded any results, if Heeseung was truly harboring feelings for him.

The restaurant buzzed with the sounds of conversation and laughter, but Sunghoon's mind was a whirlwind of curiosity and a burgeoning sense of something more.

The night was far from over, and he couldn't help but feel that the evening, started with a simple birthday celebration, was perhaps, on the verge of becoming something much more complex and potentially, beautiful.

"Hey, are you okay?"

Sunghoon suddenly felt a hand on his shoulder, and he turned his head, looking at Jay, nodding.

"Yes, I'm fine, why?"

"You look... A little lost."