Archive of Our Own ^beta

The sea and the space are not so different. Both are dark and deep, most are scared by their endless mysteries and they seem connected by the horizon.

The horizon… that connection was more real than most would think.

Thinking this, Hongjoong pet Seonghwa’s hair as they stared at the sky, enjoying the colors changing from a warm orange to an intense purple and blue.

He knew Seonghwa would have to leave soon, his duty calling for him as soon as the sun was down, but he kept petting his hair, just enjoying the feeling of having his boyfriend resting on his lap. Seonghwa was slowly falling asleep, as his breath slowed down more and he felt his posture relax.

When Hongjoong saw the last rays of sun disappear over the horizon, Seonghwa woke up.

Despite just waking up, his eyes were wide open and awake. He took a deep breath, as if he had just woken up from a nightmare. Then, Seonghwa looked around, noticing they were still in Hongjoong’s backyard instead of the port.

“Joong, why didn't you wake me up?” Seonghwa asked, his voice rough from sleep.

“You were going to wake up either way” Hongjoong shrugged, standing up and helping Seonghwa do the same. “So, why not just let you sleep a little more?”

“If I’m late again, Wooyoung is going to kill me,” Seonghwa said, walking a little faster.

“I bet he’s not there yet” Hongjoong muttered, speeding up to match his boyfriend’s pace.

The walk to the port that was next to Hongjoong’s house was a small one, less than 5 minutes, but it was the perfect time to enjoy the sounds of the early night.

The melody of the crickets and the dragonflies was slowly getting force, accompanied by the light show of the fireflies. A few stray cats were walking around the street, getting closer to the port to see if they could steal any piece of fish. Some kids were running around, getting called by their parents to get back in, since the night was starting.

Hongjoong always loved seeing how the night showed its life and everything that could happen under its starry cloak. Well… it wasn´t starry just yet.

The sky was a dark blue color, with the moon shining high, but there were no stars.

That meant either that Wooyoung was also late or he was waiting for Seonghwa on the port to scold him from being late. Seonghwa must have thought the same, since he sped up even more, to get to the port as soon as possible.

When they finally arrived there, Wooyoung was waiting for them, already transformed, with his arms crossed over his chest. The merman was sitting over the wood dock with the tip of his tail touching the water. When he saw them, he raised an eyebrow.

“I know, I know” Seonghwa said, raising his hand as if he was surrendering. “Scold me later, we have a sky to fill”

Wooyoung squinted at him a little before letting out a sigh.

“Why do I even bother?” He muttered to himself.

With a jump, Wooyoung got into the water with a loud splash, intentionally throwing water at Hongjoong and Seonghwa.

When the water touched Seonghwa, who was pulling off his jacket, a couple of scales appeared on his skin. His scales were a mix of dark pink and purple, with some tiny light dots that looked like stars.

No matter how many times Hongjoong had seen his scales, he was still fascinated by their beauty.

While Seonghwa got rid of his clothes, Hongjoong approached the tiny dock to see if Wooyoung was still waiting for his hyung.

Sure enough, Wooyoung was almost completely submerged, only letting the upper part of his face on the surface, eyes not leaving Seonghwa as if to make sure he was actually going to get in the water.

Wooyoung’s scales were a blue and orange mix, and they looked like they were moving because of the water reflection. His eyes were completely black, something that happened whenever he fully transformed, and his pupil was white and star-shaped. He was emanating a low glow that followed the pulse of the waves gently hitting the dock.

Hongjoong cleared his throat, catching the merman’s attention.

“So… how are Yeosang and San doing? I haven't talked to them this week” Hongjoong asked, trying to fill the silence while they waited for Seonghwa.

The gills around Wooyoung's neck flared as a light blush spread across his cheeks. With a lovestruck grin on his face, he stuck his head out of the water.

“They're fine, but busy. Apparently they are close to their final exams” the merman did a tiny shrug, not completely understanding what that meant.

Hongjoong grimaced at that. He had completely forgotten about his own exams, but that would explain why he hadn't seen his friends that week.

“You remind me that I still have an assignment for tomorrow,” Hongjoong groan, passing a hand through his hair. “I envy that you don't have to worry about that type of thing”

“The only thing I have to worry about right now is my hyung, that's always late!” Wooyoung screamed the last part, looking at Seonghwa who was finally getting in the water.

With a splash, Seonghwa shifted to his mer form. He was fully covered with scales and his eyes were also star-shaped like Wooyoung's.

“Hey, I’m not the only one who's late. Yunho is not here either!” Seonghwa splashed Wooyoung, trying to defend himself from his accusatory gaze.

“Because Yunho is already up there” Wooyoung pointed at the night sky, where some tiny stars were starting to shine.

“Of course he chose the ones close to the moon” Seonghwa raised an eyebrow, noticing where the stars were placed.

It was always easier to place the stars the closest you were to the moon.

“Yunho wanted to finish early tonight, he has a date,” Wooyoung explained. “Now, be quick saying goodbye to your tiny human. San convinced Yeosang to do a cuddle pile tonight, and if I miss it I will kill you” he glared briefly at Seonghwa before disappearing in the water.

“I'm not that tiny!” Hongjoong screamed, staring at the orange and blue tail on the sea.

“Just let him be,” Seonghwa said, trying and failing to hide his chuckles.

Letting out a frustrated huff, Hongjoong knelt on the dock so he could give Seonghwa a kiss. Seonghwa put his hand on Hongjoong’s cheek to hold him better, leaving it wet with sea water.

“See you tomorrow then?” Hongjoong asked, resting their foreheads together.

Seonghwa nodded, closing his eyes. “I’ll find you before dawn”

“You know where to find me” Hongjoong stood up, using his sleeve to wash away some drops that were sliding through his face “Now go, before Wooyoung comes again to drag you to the space”

With a grin on his face, Seonghwa waved a last goodbye before diving into the sea.

Hongjoong smiled and looked up at the sky, where more stars started to shine.

When Seonghwa finally dived into the sea, Wooyoung was already in the sky.

The transition was his favorite part.

Swimming deep enough that the light of the surface disappears, leaving only the fluorescent flora of the sea to guide his way to an even deeper part. And, when everything around him looked dark as a black hole, a bag appeared on his back, holding his stars for that night, as well as some shiny dots started to appear everywhere.

The stars someone had left for the others to arrive safely at the sky.

This time, Wooyoung knew it was the trail Yuhno left behind.

Finally in the sky, Wooyoung felt his body becoming lighter and his scales turning into something more gassy. It was his turn to draw the nebulous in space.

“That’s going to take a long time,” a voice said behind Wooyoung.

He turned around to see Yunho. He was carrying a bag on his shoulder, where his stars were stocked, that gently hit purple and blue scales. His tail was wagging happily behind him, almost as if he was a dog.

“I thought it was going to be Hyung's turn,” Wooyoung groaned. “I’m going to miss the cuddle pile with Yeosang!”

“You manage to convince Yeosang to do a cuddle pile?” Yunho asked, genuinely shocked.

“San did, so if I miss it because I was waiting for Seonghwa-hyung I’m going to…”

“Hey, I’m here” Seonghwa said, finally arriving at the sky “You know you could have come with Yunho, right? There was no need to wait for me”

Wooyoung and Yunho raised an eyebrow at that.

“You think so?” Wooyoung said.

“The last time we almost didn’t finish Hidra because you kept chatting with Hongjoong at the dock! You know that constellation takes at least 3 of us to finish.” Yunho said, putting his hands on his hips.

“Ok, I get it” Seonghwa let out a sigh, he knew there was no way out of that conversation. He turned to see Wooyoung. “Pass me your stars, I’ll help you tonight”

“I knew he was your favorite!” Yunho said, dramatically putting a hand over his eyes “All the times I covered you when you were lacking were useless!”

“I’ve only asked you to cover me once! You’re making me look as if I’m lazy” Seonghwa said, hitting him slightly with his tail.

“I mean, you are.” Wooyoung said, shrugging.

“You were the one that taught me to put the stars closest to the moon so I could finish fast” Yunho said, pointing at the stars behind him.

“He taught you that?!” Wooyoung asked in disbelief.

“First of all, that’s not being lazy, it's being practical” Seonghwa stuck his tongue, crossing his arms. “And second, don’t you have plans for tonight? You should finish quickly instead of teasing me”

Both Yunho and Wooyoung straightened up at that, looking at the sky behind them, which was still missing stars and stardust.

“Fine” Yunho chuckled, waving his hand as he headed to the sky.

“Don't think this will save you from our teasing” Wooyoung said, squinting his eyes at Seonghwa before he chuckled. “Thanks for the help hyung. See you at San’s house when we’re done”

Seonghwa waved at him, heading his own way to place the stars he was given that night.

Wooyoung went deep into the sky, where he felt the nebula was supposed to be that night. The closer he got to the place, the lighter and gassier his scales felt, leaving a trail of orange and blue stardust in the sky.

He wondered if somebody on the surface could actually see this part of the space.

San told him once that he couldn't see the stars in the city, because of all the lights and pollution, but whenever he got back to his hometown he could enjoy the wonders of the night.

Maybe when the guys were on their summer break, Wooyoung could draw endless galaxies for them to enjoy in their hometowns.

With this in mind, Wooyoung swam through the sky as fast as he could, leaving a stardust cloud behind him. Even if the people he knew couldn't see it right now, someone could be waiting for the stars tonight.

He just hoped this nebula wasn't as big as he suspected, he didn't want to crash in San's and Yeosang's house for being late.

While San was getting pillows and blankets for their movie night, Jongho and Yeosang were arranging the sofas so they could fit the 8 of them. Well, technically 6, since Yunho and Mingi were planning on having a date after Yunho’s work in the sky was done.

San checked his phone to see where Hongjoong was. He texted him earlier, telling him they were planning a movie night/cuddle pile while they waited for Wooyoung, Yunho and Seonghwa, and also to relax a little before the hustle of the finals week comes to kill them.

Hongjoong texted him that he was getting some snacks for the movie, and that was going to arrive at San’s house in less than 10 minutes.

When San got back to the living room, he saw Yeosang mindlessly scrolling on his phone and Jongho fast asleep in one of the coaches. If San recall correctly, the youngest had a long training season with the soccer team earlier.

Putting down the pillows next to Yeosang, San took one blanket and put it over Jongho, who just snuggled a little into it.

“Must have been a heavy training today” Mingi said, sticking his head into the living room and watching Jongho's steady breath.

Yeosang hummed, and turned to see him “He fell asleep half the drive to here. I think they have a big match after finals, but the coach knew next week a lot of people won't attend, so he just did a heavy training today”

“That explains it,” San chuckled a little. Then, he turned to see Mingi. “I see that you are ready for your little date”

San was used to seeing his friend in oversized hoodies and sweatpants whenever he went out, so seeing him in jeans, boots and a T-shirt for his date was a nice change.

“Do you think it is too much?” Mingi asked, looking at himself in the hall mirror.

“Nah, you look nice” Yeosang said, giving him some thumbs up.

Before Mingi could ask more, the doorbell rang. Since he was the closest to the door, he went to open it, receiving Hongjoong with a tight hug.

“Hyung! Haven't heard of you this week”

Hongjoong returned the hug, patting Mingi’s arm. “I know, sorry I disappeared”

“Working on a new track?” San asked, giving him a welcoming hug.

Hongjoong went deeper into the house, greeting Yeosang with a quick hug and a gentle pat in Jongho’s head. They talked a little about what they had been doing lately, their workload had gone to the roof with the end of the semester so close, and catching up with them had been hard.

San was glad that Hongjoong managed to get to his house for a movie night. Even if Jongho was sound asleep, it was nice being the 5 of them together.

After a debate and a game of rock, paper, scissors, the movie for the night was chosen.

Yeosang briefly woke up Jongho, so all of them could fit comfortably on the sofa, letting the youngest rest his head on his shoulder once everyone had settled down.

None of them ended up watching the movie, but it was a nice background noise.

Mingi, Hongjoong and Yeosang were chatting in a low voice, talking about the last update of a game that came out, while San was nodding off, falling asleep next to Jongho.

At some point in the night, he felt someone’s arm (probably Mingi) slipping through his torso so he could be part of the little cuddle pile.

San didn’t know how much time passed when he woke up, they had closed the curtains to watch the movie comfortably, but the endings credits were still rolling on the TV. He turned around to see what woke him up, finding that Yeosang was standing up, doing his best to not disturb everyone's sleep.

San noticed that even Hongjoong was sleeping in their cuddle pile, hugging Mingi from behind, making him look extra tiny.

“Where you going?” San asked, blinking slowly. “You promised Wooyoung…”

“Yeah, yeah, I’ll join your cuddle pile again” Yeosang murmured, rubbing his eyes a little. “I just need to go to the bathroom”

San let a tiny smile slip in his face, glad that Yeosang was going to join them again to cuddle a little more.

He was guessing that Seounghwa, Yunho and Wooyoung should be arriving soon, so he closed his eyes and snuggled a little into Mingi’s embrace, letting his warmth grab him back to the land of dreams.

Or, at least he tried to, because when he closed his eyes, a loud crash came from his backyard, startling everyone on the sofa.

4 pairs of sleepy eyes looked around, trying to figure out what woke them up, when the back door opened showing Yunho, Seonghwa and Wooyoung.

Yunho was wearing a casual outfit, clearly ready for his late night date with Mingi, Seonghwa was wearing a hoodie (that San was sure was Hongjoong’s), and Wooyoung… was just wearing his pajamas.

From Wooyoung's eagerness and outfit, it was obvious he didn't want to miss their cuddle pile and chose to crash rather than swim back to the sea.

San knew that “starry sirens” (as Jongho called them) could emerge from the sea once their duty with the night sky was over, or just fall like shooting stars to the place they wanted to be at dawn.

A downfall of crashing was that they would be dizzy for a little while.

Wooyoung shook his head a little, and blinked several times looking around, to see who was there. When he didn't find Yeosang, he let out a frustrated groan.

“Hyung! I missed the cuddle pile with Yeosang!” Wooyoung screamed, as he started chasing Seonghwa along the living room.

Watching the little chase, Yunho joined them on the sofa next to Mingi, resting his head on his boyfriend’s shoulder.

San noticed that his eyes were still star-shaped, so he tapped him on the arm and then pointed at his eyes.

“Oh, thanks” Yunho said, passing his hand over his eyes and blinking a little. When he turned to see San again, his eyes looked human again.

“Long night?” Mingi asked, rubbing in circles his thumb over Yunho’s hand.

“Nah, it's something that happens when you swim too close to the moon, '' Yunho said reassuringly. “That way I could finish fast for our date”

“You’re the best” Mingi gave Yunho a kiss on his forehead.

When Wooyoung was close to catching Seonghwa, the door of the bathroom opened, showing a sleepy Yeosang staring at Wooyoung.

“When did you get here?” Yeosang asked, tilting his head a little.

“Where were you? I thought I missed the cuddle pile!” Wooyoung said, jumping to hug Yeosang.

Unable to fight Wooyoung's clinginess, Yeosang let out a tired sigh and walked back to the sofa, although there was a smile on his face.

Yunho and Mingi stood up, saying goodbye to the rest of them as they left the house, eager to try the food of the new restaurant at the other side of the port.

Seonghwa sat next to Hongjoong, giving him a kiss on the lips, before adjusting himself on the sofa. Jongho grumbled something about how loud his hyungs were, but snuggled closer to where the oldest couple was.

Finally, Yeosang and Wooyoung set themselves next to San. He made sure that Wooyoung was in the center of their cuddle, since he was cold. It was something that always happened after he got back from the sky.

Looking around, San realized everyone had fallen asleep. So, with a tiny smile, he snuggled closer to Wooyoung and Yeosang, letting himself fall into slumber.