Hongjoong's expression softened and he took Seonghwa's hand in his.

"Yeah, only if you're ready."

"I'm sorry it took so long. It's really not a big deal...I just needed to work through it on my own first."

He swallowed, still not confident he wanted to tell Hongjoong. But it was eating him up inside. To know how patient Hongjoong was being when he was hiding things from him. But seeing how much Hongjoong trusted him...keeping Minho a secret hurt more than telling him the truth.

"It's just...there's someone—"

Just then they heard the door open in the stairs a few floors down, and both jumped at the sound. They'd forgotten where they were. Hongjoong turned back to Seonghwa and laughed, causing Seonghwa to smile for the first time since they'd entered the stairwell.

"Sorry—that surprised me," Seonghwa said, brushing a piece of hair out of his eyes.

"It's okay, it surprised me too. I kind of forgot other people use this thing."

Seonghwa noticed Hongjoong's eyes were still staring at him, waiting for him. Waiting for the truth. But he was distracted. The person was heading up the stairs, towards them.

He decided to look over the railing to see who it was.

"Oh, hey Seonghwa! Do you know where I can find Hongjoong? I heard him working on a track earlier in the studio and I didn't want to bother him, but it was really, really good. Do you think he'd want to work on it with me?"

It was Chan, and he'd paused on the third level, his arms crossed over the railing as he spoke.

Hongjoong rushed over to Seonghwa's side, stepping on his tiptoes to see over the edge.

"I'm right here, actually. You really think it's good?"

Seonghwa smiled at the innocent joy spreading across Hongjoong's face. He always looked so cute when he got excited about something.

"Yeah, mate! You've really got talent! So, would you want to come down to the studio with me?"

"Yes! Of course! But—"

Hongjoong looked over at Seonghwa, his eyes flashing with concern. He had been waiting so long for Seonghwa to tell him. And he clearly wanted answers.

"Can he come a little later? We were just discussing new material," Seonghwa asked for him, and Hongjoong gave a thankful smile.

"Well...I've gotta meet with Changbin and Han in a bit to work on the tracks for our new album so I've only got a bit of free time. I guess we could meet up tomorrow if that still works for you?"

Seonghwa knew they were going over JYP's notes from practice all day tomorrow and that he and Hongjoong had decided to put together something special for the members later that night. He would be too busy to meet up tomorrow. And besides, he might lose his spark if he waited too long.

"Why don't you just go? We can talk later," Seonghwa smiled and Hongjoong shook his head.

"It's okay, you come first. I'll stay."

Seonghwa could see the emotion behind his words but he knew this was a big opportunity for Hongjoong. He turned to Chan.

"He'll come with you now then. We'll just chat tonight."

"Awesome! Sorry I've got such a crazy schedule. Hardly leaves time to sleep, you know?" Chan smiled and Seonghwa and Hongjoong both nodded. Being a leader was a difficult task.

Hongjoong moved to go down the stairs but stopped, looking back at Seonghwa.

"Go! It's fine. I promise we'll talk later."

Hongjoong nodded and a soft smile broke out on his face. He jogged down the stairs, meeting Chan halfway and the two headed off for the studio.

Seonghwa sighed, pressing his back against the railing.

It was a bit of a relief, as much as he hated to admit it. He'd been so worked up from their argument, he wasn't thinking straight. He was emotional.

He didn't want to tell Hongjoong yet. Especially not after seeing how angry he could get. He knew how protective Hongjoong was and adding another element to the mix...he might go after Minho.

And as much as he kind of deserved it, Seonghwa couldn't let that happen.

He needed to find a way for the two to get to know each other first. Maybe if he saw Minho for the person he was today, he would understand that he's changed. He could see how much he regretted his choices.

Seonghwa decided that was his best bet. And if he wanted them to get to know each other, he'd better start now. Honestly, he didn't think he could hide his ex from Hongjoong much longer.

He headed down the stairs, finding the door where Chan had entered the stairwell. He assumed it was the Stray Kids dorms and pressed the buzzer.

After a few seconds, a loud beep sounded as the speaker system turned on.

"Hey Seonghwa! Are you looking for someone?" Seungmin's voice answered.

Seonghwa held down the button and spoke.

"Yeah...do you know where Minho is?"

"I think he might be in his room, I'll go check."

Seonghwa waited, his knee bouncing as he stood. What if Minho took this the wrong way? What if reaching out made it look like he still liked him? Would he think he was trying to get him back?

He shut his eyes, trying to block the thoughts out of his mind. He was overthinking it. Clearly Minho knew he hated him. And they were both in relationships now. He had nothing to worry about.

"Seonghwa??"

Seonghwa jumped at the loud response of Minho's voice over the speaker.

God, he didn't have to sound so surprised.

"Hi."

"What do you want?"

"Can you come outside? I want to talk to you."

He didn't hear a response but after a few seconds, the door opened and he stepped into the stairwell.

Seonghwa tried to hold himself together. But Minho standing shirtless in a towel was making that very very difficult.

"What's up?"

Seonghwa knew his face was bright red.

"Hi...um...why aren't you—wh-where are your clothes?"

He was about ready to throw himself over the railing.

"Just showered. Smell my hair—Jisung got us this new shampoo and—God, it's so good you just have to smell it."

Seonghwa almost tripped stumbling away from him as Minho leaned his face closer.

"I-I'm good but I'm sure it smells great."

"Suit yourself," Minho shrugged, adjusting his towel so it stayed in place without having to hold it. But Seonghwa didn't trust it.

"I came here to ask you to spend some time with Hongjoong," Seonghwa said, finally getting a hold of himself.

"Why? You want me to share my tips on how to be a shit boyfriend or something?"

Seonghwa's eyes flared a moment at the jab, causing Minho to become aware of himself.

"Sorry...I didn't mean that. And sorry for being an ass. I should've put something on, I was just messing with you."

"It's—fine," Seonghwa said sharply, selfishly thankful for the view.

"So why do you want me to talk to him? Does he...know?"

Seonghwa shook his head.

"No. I don't know how to tell him. I...may have told him about what you did before so...he kind of hates you."

"As he should. But I understand what you're saying. You know, you don't have to protect me. I can take it. I know I have it coming."

"I'm not protecting you."

Minho shrugged with a slight smirk.

"Kinda sounds like you are."

Seonghwa felt his blush resurfacing.

"I'm not. Trust me, I'm protecting Hongjoong. He wouldn't last five seconds against you."

As much as he had wanted to defend Hongjoong, he realized he'd just thrown him under the bus.

"Not that he's not strong! He's just—"

He realized he was digging a deeper hole.

"I guess I'll have to see for myself if he's a worthy opponent before you launch him on me," Minho laughed and Seonghwa was just relieved he'd saved the conversation.

"Just please—don't tell him before I'm ready. I want him to hear it from me."

"Of course. I'm not that shitty."

Seonghwa laughed, shaking his head. They both stood in silence, neither sure what else to say.

"I guess...that's all. Maybe we could all meet up tonight?" Seonghwa asked, his heart racing.

"Yeah, sure. I was actually thinking of getting a pizza tonight so if you two want to join in, Jisung and I were going to—"

"Oh—if you two already have plans you don't have to—"

"No, no it's fine! It'll be a double date. What do you say?"

Seonghwa thought about it a moment. It couldn't hurt. And it would be a reasonable excuse for the two to get to know each other.

"Alright. Then it's a deal. Where should we meet you?"

"Just head up here around 8, I'll let you in."

"Alright. Thank you."

"For what?"

"For agreeing to do this. You didn't have to."

"It's the least I can do for you. And besides. I have to see if this guy is really all you say he is. Make sure he's treating you right."

Seonghwa rolled his eyes and turned to head back up the stairs.

"See you then," he called over his shoulder.

"I promise I won't be naked next time," Minho called back and Seonghwa laughed, shaking his head as he made his way back to his room.