Work Text:
People liked big moments. Which is pretty normal because the bigger the gesture, the bigger the love, right?
For instance, we have confessions under the rain or maybe airport reunions with flowers. There can also be Love songs written in secret or viral clips that make everyone scream and point at their screens, saying, "Look at them."
NuNew used to think love looked like that, too.
It should be loud, obvious, and most especially, something impossible to miss. And let’s just say, he experienced that and more. He got someone buying him a giant bouquet of roses, flying from another country just to support him in a concert, and buying him a luxurious gift just because.
But somewhere along the way, maybe after too many flights, too many shared waiting rooms, too many hotel mornings and schedules that blurred into each other, his definition quietly changed. Because if someone asked him now what love looked like, he thinks he would answer differently.
Love looked like someone checking if you'd packed your charger when you forgot, or like medicine appearing in your bag without you asking. At one point, love looked like a man kneeling on a hotel floor at seven in the morning, folding clothes that were not even his.
And unfortunately for NuNew’s heart, that man was always Zee.
The airport in Thailand was still busy even though it was late.
Staff moved around them with practiced efficiency, making sure they didn’t draw too much attention to avoid any crowd. Don’t get them wrong, their fans had always been lovely, but the last thing they want is cause unnecessary work for the people at the airport. So, they made sure to move as quietly as possible. It was going to be a long flight, and while NuNew had already mentally prepared himself for the long haul, his body felt heavy the moment they were waiting for boarding. And by the time they were finally inside and walking toward their gate, the last bit of energy inside him seemed to disappear.
The previous weeks had been relentless. Filming almost every day, they have rehearsals for upcoming concerts and guesting, not to mention the events in between.
And of course, travel preparations. At 24 (almost 25), he realized that packing things the night before a long flight is not very advisable. He was video calling with Zee before heading to bed last night, and he remembered how amazed he was when the older told him he finished packing the day before. He had complained and whined a little, which obviously amused Zee. They ended the call pretty early, with the older insisting they needed to rest.
Which NuNew actually appreciated because now, he realized that he had been running on excitement more than actual rest.
So by the time they sat down inside the plane, NuNew had already curled into his seat with his hoodie pulled halfway over his hands. He was so ready to sleep.
Beside him, Zee was still awake.
Of course he was.
The older person always looked the busiest right before trips. He’d always have his phone in one hand, notes open, and a seemingly never-ending list on his screen. NuNew had always been curious about those lists. Probably checking schedules again, or probably making sure nobody forgot anything.
NuNew will never be sure because even though he had asked before, Zee always shrugged it off as “work”. But NuNew is aware it’s more than just usual work because ever since knowing Zee almost 6 years ago, he has known the older carries responsibilities nobody even realized he carried.
NuNew turned his head.
“Hia.” he says.
Zee looked up immediately, phone now on his lap as he turned at NuNew’s direction.
“Hmm?”
“Aren’t you tired?” NuNew asked.
“A little.” Zee tells him, a little smile now plastered on his face.
“A little means very tired.” NuNew tells him, matter-of-factly, face scrunching in a cute displeasure, as if telling the older that he should stop pretending and just admit it when he is low in energy and wants nothing but sleep.
Zee smiled.
“And how would you know?”
NuNew shifted until his shoulder bumped against Zee’s arm. It was a small gesture but throughout the years they’ve been working, NuNew noticed that Zee likes to touch or just be close.
“Because your eyes look sleepy.”
The older laughed softly under his breath. That low, deep laugh that never fails to make NuNew’s heart beat a little faster.
“You observe too much.”
No, NuNew thought quietly. Only you. He wanted to tell him, but he did not. Instead, he bumped his shoulder one last time against Zee, but he did not move away. Instead, he stayed close, leaned a little, and sat while Zee went back, busying himself with his notes.
The cabin lights dimmed not long after takeoff. People around them started settling.
Soon after, blankets appeared, curtains closed, and the soft hum of the plane became background noise.
NuNew tried staying awake. He really did. Like the stubborn part of him wanted to be there for Zee even though the older was constantly telling him to sleep and get some rest.
It did not take that long before exhaustion won.
Soon after, before he even realized it, his head slowly tilted and his neck pillow slipped.
And before he could fix it, warm fingers adjusted it first.The blanket covering his legs was pulled higher. Then Zee gently nudged him.
“Come here.”
NuNew blinked sleepily.
“Hm?”
“You’ll hurt your neck.” Zee explained, before adjusting his seat a little.
Seeing this, the younger person moved without arguing. Resting against Zee’s shoulder came naturally now, like his body had memorized it long ago. A quiet sigh escaped him.
The kind people let out when they stop pretending they are okay, that they are not tired, or that they are strong. Because whenever Zee is around, whenever it’s only them, NuNew is back to his 19-year-old self.
Zee glanced down, and his expression softened immediately.
“Sleep, Nhu.”
NuNew smiled with his eyes already closing.
“You too, Hia”
*****
Madrid welcomed them with midnight lights. The city looked almost unreal from inside the car. Old buildings stretched into the darkness while street lamps painted everything gold. NuNew wanted to look longer and wanted to enjoy every bit of it because it’s their first time in the country. It’s a waste if he just sleeps the entire journey, right?
But he was so tired his eyes kept closing. By the time they reached the hotel, his steps had slowed considerably. He showered almost automatically, even though he didn’t want to. Zee, of course, was not having it and forced him inside the bathroom.
He barely remembered climbing into bed afterward. Only remembered the faint sound of luggage opening somewhere in the room. Probably Zee.
Still doing something, most definitely taking care of things because this guy can’t stand it when the place is not organized enough.
Then sleep took him completely.
The next thing he knew, sunlight woke him. It was soft, golden, and quiet.
For a few seconds, NuNew stayed still beneath the blanket. The room felt unfamiliar, then memory returned.
They were in Madrid.
It took him a while before he was fully awake. He was never a morning person, and waking up in another country, he opened his eyes fully.
And immediately found Zee.
Because somehow he always did.
The older person was near the luggage. Of course, he was. Kneeling on the floor, with one suitcase already open. NuNew noticed the clothes folded into neat stacks, skin care arranged by size. Even the chargers are already separated from other small packets lined carefully on the table.
NuNew watched silently.
Zee had changed already, hair still slightly messy, sleeves pushed up, and completely focused. He was wearing a black ACNE STUDIO sweater. The one they brought when they were in Japan.
He looked less like an actor and more like someone building a little home out of temporary spaces. Zee likes that, and NuNew loves that about him. How organized he was with everything, which is the total opposite of the younger. Maybe that’s the reason why they click.
“Morning.”
NuNew blinked, a little surprised by Zee’s sudden greetings.
“You knew I woke up?”
Zee didn’t even turn.
“You moved.” He says, his back still facing the younger, as he placed his toiletries on top of the table.
The younger smiled to himself.
“You always know, huh” NuNew was teasing. He loves teasing Zee.
This time, Zee looked back but his expression carried that familiar softness reserved only for him.
“Go shower again.”
NuNew frowned. He showered last night, so he asked, “Again?”
“We’re going out later.”
NuNew groaned dramatically.
“I just woke up.” He then whines, stretching his limbs to shake the remaining sleepiness in his system.
“And you slept with wet hair.”
Caught.
NuNew sank back into bed. “Hia is strict.” He then pouts, hoping Zee would let him off the hook this time, but nope. Of course, he will not.
“Hia is correct.”
An hour later, NuNew lies on the bed wearing fresh clothes. He was wearing a blue plaid shirt from ACNE STUDIO as well.
Zee was still organizing. Still moving quietly around the room, trying to organize as much as possible. The sight made something ache inside NuNew’s chest.
People always saw Zee differently. They saw confidence, leadership, and charisma.
Through these years, Zee had always had the label “cool” plastered next to his name, and while everyone knows how clumsy he can be, people around him still see him as someone dependable.
But they never saw this version.
The one who unpacked first because he knew NuNew would be too sleepy and would never unpack on his own accord. The one who remembered where medicines were and the one who quietly handled details nobody thanked him for.
NuNew lifted his phone at this thought.
The camera opened.
And then, click.
The photo captured only Zee’s back. Just him, standing there while he took care of life. Taking care of them.
NuNew stared at it afterward.
His fingers hovered over the screen.
Hia takes care of me so naturally that sometimes I forget how much effort it actually is. Maybe people think love has to be loud. But Hia folds clothes when I’m tired. He remembers what I forget. He carries things I don’t notice. And somehow he never asks for anything back.
His throat tightened unexpectedly.
Before thinking too much, NuNew stood. It was as if he did not have any control over his body. It just felt right. He walked slowly, and the carpet softened every step.
Zee still hadn’t noticed him. Then gently, arms wrapped around the older’s waist.
A back hug, soft and quiet.
NuNew rested his forehead against Zee’s shoulder blades as his eyes slipped shut.
And for the first time since arriving, he breathed properly.
Zee froze but only briefly.
“Nhu?”
The younger tightened his hold and said nothing, but his body radiated more than his words can convey.
-Thank you.
-I know.
-I’m here too.
Everything sat inside that silence and soon enough, Zee slowly put down the shirt in his hand, turned, and immediately pulled NuNew close.
Properly this time, chest to chest and arms around his waist.
One hand then moved into NuNew’s hair with gentle fingers brushing through soft strands.
Then a kiss.
Placed right on top of his head.
NuNew felt his eyes sting a little. It was too early to be emotional, and they were in a beautiful country, about to meet their lovely fans, for him to cry. But the feeling was too much, and his throat hurt as the realization hit him. The amount of love and care Zee had given him throughout these years is overwhelming, he can’t help but feel. Just, feel so treasured.
“You okay?” Zee asked softly.
He nodded.
“Just…”
“Hmm?” Zee urged him to continue.
“I like being near Hia.”
Zee smiled.
The kind of smile that only happened when nobody else was around.
“You sound spoiled.” He then teased, trying to uplift the mood a little.
“Whose fault?” NuNew teased back, looking up at the older as he did.
“Mine, apparently.”
NuNew laughed quietly but neither moved. The room stayed peaceful around them for a while, the morning sunlight basking the room with soft, golden light. It was magical to say the least.
An open luggage in the corner, half-folded clothes on the table, and the city waiting outside.
Then, suddenly, Zee looked down.
His expression changed.
“Nhu.”
“What?”
“You wore your shirt inside out.”
Silence.
NuNew blinked and then looked down, only to realize his mistake.
Of course, he turned bright red immediately.
“HIA!”
Zee laughed so hard he had to lean against him. And somehow, even embarrassed, NuNew thought: This too. This is love too.
*****
Frankfurt felt different.
Colder and even quieter. But NuNew loves it. He always wanted to visit Europe, but their schedule never allowed them to, and while this is still work, he is very happy that he was able to visit, especially with Zee.
Not to mention how their hotel was nothing less than gorgeous. The river near their hotel reflected the pale morning sky, and everything moved at a slower pace.
The fan meet had gone beautifully. Fans were loud, warm, and excited.
But the morning after came with chaos. When they arrived, Zee’s luggage was gone.
Missing.
And at one point, nobody knew where it ended up.
Soon after, their manager was calling nonstop, making sure Zee’s luggage would reach them before the actually fanmeet in Germany begins. Turned out it was not loaded in their plane from Madrid, and now, all they can do is hope that it arrives before they fly back to Thailand.
Especially since a lot of important things are there. Specifically, the ring NuNew gave to Zee for Valentine’s Day.
And in the midst of the chaos, Zee stood near the window of their hotel room, trying to stay calm.
Trying is the keyword, and NuNew could tell.
His shoulders looked tight while his fingers kept moving.
You can tell he was checking messages again, and again, and again.
“Hia.” NuNew tried getting his attention. He had also been trying since they arrived, but whenever he does get the older’s attention, he’ll dismiss his concern with a classic “I’m okay.”
Very Hia and NuNew know it was a lie.
So NuNew walked closer and then quietly took Zee’s hand.
Their fingers linked, which immediately made the older stopped moving.
“It’ll come back.”
“What if it doesn’t?”
NuNew looked up.
“Then we buy things.”
“It’s not that simple. Your ring is there.” Zee looked guilty. NuNew knows that look and he made sure not to brush it off because at this point, Zee has all the rights to feel bad.
“I know.”
His thumb brushed Zee’s knuckles as he tells him, smiles at him. “But you’re here.”
Zee looked at him. “So?”
“So…” NuNew started. “Nothing terrible happened.”
The older went quiet as NuNew stepped closer and rested against him before saying, “You taught me that.”
“Taught what?” Zee asked, hands finding their place around NuNew’s waist every single time.
“That things are okay when important people are still here.”
Zee stared at the younger head before pushing him a little so he could look him in the eyes.
NuNew smiled.
“So breathe first.”
Slowly, Zee exhaled.
And for the first time since morning, some tension finally left his face.
A day after the fanmeet, his luggage did reach him, and Zee was more than happy to go for a run before the sun set. It was liberating to say the least. To be in a country where no one knows him, no one expects from him.
Jogging clothes already on, NuNew spotted Zee by the door.
“Hia is leaving?”
“Jogging.” Zee tells him, rotating his ankles to warm up.
NuNew immediately buried himself deeper into the blanket.
“No.” He says even before Zee could ask him.
The older laughed and still asked.
“Come with me.”
“No.” NuNew tells him again.
“Fresh air.” Zee tries again, eyes big, eyebrows raising in a teasing manner.
“No.” Still, NuNew is determined to stay inside the room and rest.
“Exercise.” But Zee was not yet ready to give up so he asked again. He walks around the bed and sat near the younger.
“Absolutely no.” NuNew answers, pouting as he did.
This made Zee laughed. “You’re impossible.”
“I support emotionally.” NuNew proudly tells him. Zee ruffled his hair at that, placing a quick kiss on his cheeks. A very frequent gesture between them and yet, NuNew still blushes whenever the older initiates the skinship.
Eventually, Zee left alone.
And while NuNew stayed, sleep never came back.
Instead, he wandered toward the balcony. The river below looked beautiful. The late afternoon light scattered across water. People walked, while cyclists passed.
And then, there, running below is his Hia.
NuNew smiled immediately and pulled out his phone to call Zee. The older answered almost instantly.
“Nhu?”
“Look up.” NuNew tells him. It was almost impossible to see Zee’s expression, but NuNew saw how he slowed down, looked around, before he finally found him.
The smile that appeared on his face felt almost unfair, and even in such distance, NuNew can imagine how Zee’s face lit up after he spotted him waving from the balcony of their room.
NuNew started recording then. It was too much, not too.
Below, Zee raised both arms, made hearts, and waved at him. He was completely unashamed as people looked at him, wondering what he was doing.
NuNew laughed, made hearts back, and made sure his Hia can see him wave as well.
After a few seconds, the older called back. “You filmed me?“
“Mhm.” NuNew answered, still looking at Zee’s direction.
“Delete if ugly.” Zee tells him.
“Too late.” NuNew teased.
“Handsome?”
NuNew looked down at the man by the river. The same man who fixed blankets on planes. Organized luggage in Madrid. Kissed his head. Panicked over lost things. And still smiled at him anyway.
The same man who loved quietly and steadily.
NuNew leaned against the balcony rail.
Soft smile, staying before saying, “Very handsome.”
Below, Zee grinned as the answer mattered more than anything.
And maybe it did.
Because love wasn’t always dramatic. Sometimes it looked like hotel rooms or shared mornings and sneaky back hugs. It can also be inside-out shirts and balcony waves.
Or maybe, just maybe, it can be the man running by the river, looking up because someone called his name, from meters away.
And another man watching from above thinking: My Hia loves me even in the simplest way. And somehow that became my favorite kind of love.