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February 14th. Perhaps the only day every year when love comes packaged with marketing strategies and limited-edition discounts. Hearts. Hearts. Hearts everywhere. Balloon hearts bobbing above crowded sidewalks, chocolate hearts stacked in glossy displays, paper hearts taped onto café windows, candle hearts flickering inside dim restaurants. Even the convenience stores had joined the conspiracy.
Couples loitered on every corner of the city. Confessions would be whispered under pale winter sunlight. Flowers bought in panic. Even the air itself felt suspiciously sweet, as if sugar started melting under the cold February wind.
It was a day engineered for grand gestures and even more grander delusions.
Except for an apartment somewhere in Seoul, the romantic joy felt too far away.
Inside a quiet bedroom, far from the heart-shaped chaos of the city, a certain silver-haired male sat groggily at the edge of the bed. His usual pale complexion was flushed an alarming shade of red. His eyes were glazed in haze, unfocused, as though the world in front of him was moving a second too slow. Sweat trickled down the curve of his neck, disappearing beneath the collar of his shirt. His breathing came uneven, too warm and heavy.
In front of him stood a shorter male with soft pink hair, hands hovering uselessly, unsure where to touch.
“Are you sure you’ll be okay by yourself? Should I just request a day off?” Chae Bamby asked quietly, his voice low and threaded with worry. He stood close, eyes scanning Eunho’s face, trying to see if there's any discomfort.
Eunho let out a tired chuckle, though it sounded more like a breath escaping him. “I’m fine, hyung… You have to review some choreography for our song today, right?”
Bamby frowned instantly. Even sick, Eunho was thinking about work. “I do, but— Ah! Careful!”
The moment Eunho pushed himself to stand to see Bamby off, his body betrayed him. His knees wobbled, vision tilting dangerously. Bamby was already there before gravity could win, slipping an arm around Eunho’s waist, steadying him against his own smaller frame. “Slowly,” Bamby whispered, his tone stuck between scolding and pleading.
They barely made it three steps toward the bedroom door before Eunho’s knees buckled completely. His weight fell forward, and Bamby used his own body to catch him, heart nearly leaping out of his chest in panic. The younger was already panting again, fever surging through him in cruel waves. “Goodness… let’s get you back to bed. Now.”
There was no room for argument. Bamby eased Eunho back to bed, tucking him under the blankets.. He grabbed the damp cloth from the nightstand and gently laid it across Eunho’s burning forehead. His fingers lingered there longer than necessary.
Eunho stared back at him through half-lidded glassy eyes, breathing slow and heavy. “I'm.. sorry for today, hyung. I should've taken better care of myself.”
Bamby almost wanted to laugh — not because it was funny, but because he had seen this coming from a mile away. Even while sick, Eunho would find a way to blame himself. As if a fever were a personal failure As if exhaustion was something you could simply outwork.
“There’s nothing to apologize for,” Bamby said gently. “We’ve been very busy. You’ve been pulling several all-nighters since the meeting for the upcoming comeback. Anyone would collapse like this.”
Eunho closed his eyes, long lashes resting against warm, flushed cheeks. His breathing steadied slightly.
That was when Bamby leaned forward and pressed a featherlight kiss to Eunho’s temple, barely there, but full of everything he didn’t say out loud.
“I’ll come home right away after work, okay? Don’t move around too much.”
“Yes, hyung.”
“And eat the food I prepared. Take your medicine. Please just rest, Eunho. So I can banter with you again until Noah-hyung glares at us.”
That earned the faintest smile from Eunho. Then, his trembling hand reached for Bamby’s, fingers brushing before gently squeezing. “Hyung… I’m sorry I can’t take you out for our date today too.”
That was what did it. Something deep in Bamby’s chest tightened painfully. It was true. They had been planning this for weeks. Eunho had insisted, saying that a little romance wouldn’t hurt, that Bamby deserved to feel special too. He had been so stubborn about it.
It would be a lie to say Bamby didn’t mind the cancellation. Of course he did. He had looked forward to it more than he admitted. But looking at Eunho now, lying down on their bed, burning up, and exhausted.. none of that mattered.
“What are you going on about?” Bamby tried to sound casual, even lighthearted. “That’s alright. We can have dates once you recover. We’ll stick together all day until you get tired of my face.”
“Haha… as if I’d get tired of you,” Eunho replied weakly.
Such simple words yet they struck Bamby straight in the heart. Even with fever fogging his thoughts, Do Eunho still managed to make him feel like the most loved person in the room.
Outside, somewhere in the city, someone was probably kneeling with a ring. Someone else was cutting into a heart-shaped cake. Love was loud today. Showy. Glittering. However here, in this quiet bedroom, love was measured in damp cloths and careful hands.
At exactly eight in the morning, the clock’s ticking suddenly felt louder.
Bamby sighed softly. “I better get going now so I can come back early. Promise me you’ll call me if anything happens, Eunho-ya.”
“Yes, hyung… Go now. I’d just sleep a bit…” His voice faded mid-sentence, slipping into slumberland before Bamby could even respond.
And still, Bamby didn’t move. He remained seated at the edge of the bed, staring at Eunho’s peaceful, though flushed, face. The thought of leaving him alone like this felt wrong. The apartment felt too quiet without Eunho's quirky retorts.
Then his phone buzzed. A message from Noah. Another reminder about the choreography revision that needed to be done today. Deadlines didn’t care about fevers. The world outside this room would continue spinning.
Bamby exhaled slowly in defeat.
Before leaving, he circled the bed once, adjusting the blanket carefully around Eunho’s shoulders. He fixed the curtain so the sunlight wouldn’t fall directly into his face. He made sure the water glass was closed. The food container. The medicine.
He hovered again, just for a second longer. His hand brushed Eunho’s hair back gently. “Get better soon,” he whispered, barely audible.
Bamby finally stepped outside, carefully locking the door behind him, the soft click echoing louder than it should have. For a brief second, he just stood there in the hallway, staring at the wood grain of the door as if he could see through it, still hesitant to leave a sick person behind. Then he forced himself to turn away.
The drive to the company felt longer than usual. Seoul was dressed in red.
Every traffic light stop became a parade of hearts and sweetness. Street vendors selling roses wrapped in pink cellophane. Couples crossing the road hand in hand, fingers intertwined so tightly it looked almost painful. A girl jumped into her boyfriend’s arms right in front of Bamby’s car, both of them laughing too loudly.
He clicked his tongue and rolled his eyes, gripping the steering wheel tighter. “Seriously…?” he muttered under his breath.
He tried not to pay attention to the way couples clung to each other—smiling too widely, leaning too close—as if the entire city was mocking him for leaving his boyfriend feverish and alone on a day like this. With a sharp inhale, he tore his gaze away and focused back on the road.
As soon as he entered the practice room, the air was already buzzing with discussion. Music faintly echoed from the speakers while the members stood in a loose circle, mid-conversation. Noah was the first to snap his head toward the door.
“Bamby, you’re finally here. Is Eunho okay?” The room immediately quieted. Yejun stepped forward next, worry written plainly across his face.
“Right, how’s Eunho? Too bad he can’t join us today. He’s been pushing himself too much these past few days… I also feel bad because I gave him more work.”
Bamby shook his head almost instantly. “No, hyung. It’s no one’s fault.”
“Bamby-hyung’s right,” Hamin added calmly, though the crease between his brows betrayed him. “We’ve all been slumped with work lately. A member getting sick is inevitable. We’ll just hope for Eunho-hyung to recover soon.”
Noah nodded, walking over and placing a firm, grounding hand on Bamby’s shoulder. “Cheer up, Bamby. Let’s finish quickly so you can get back early.”
Bamby offered a small smile. He appreciated them. He really did. But appreciation didn’t quiet the restless thud in his chest.
The members tried to distract Bamby throughout the day but there's an instance when Bamby just spaces out completely then he would absentmindedly grab his phone to check on Eunho. No messages.
He told himself that was good. No messages meant Eunho was resting. Still, his fingers hovered over the screen longer than necessary.
At one point, Noah gently nudged him. “You missed the count.”
“Ah— sorry...” Bamby murmured, apologetically.
The members tried to keep things light. Jokes here and there. Teasing. Even Yejun tried to mimic what Eunho would do to annoy Bamby. But underneath it all, there was an empty space in the room. Eunho’s absence was loud.
When lunch break finally came, the practice room emptied out one by one. Someone suggested takeout downstairs. Someone else complained about sore legs, probably Noah again.
Meanwhile, Bamby stayed behind. The moment the door clicked shut, the silence pressed in on him. He immediately grabbed his phone and called. The ringing felt too long before Eunho finally answered.
“… Hello, hyung?”
The second Eunho’s voice reached his ear, Bamby released a breath he didn’t realize he had been holding.
“Eunho-ya. How are you feeling? Did you eat and take your meds?”
Without thinking, his free hand fidgeted with the hem of the varsity jacket he was wearing, which is Eunho’s jacket. He had grabbed it that morning on impulse. The sleeves were slightly too long, the scent faint but still there. Something to anchor him throughout the busy day.
Eunho coughed faintly before answering, "Yeah… I ate a little and took my meds. I was just about to doze off again.”
“Good. I thought you forgot.” Bamby tried to sound playful. “Go on and take a nap. You should’ve recovered once I get home or else.”
“You’re really asking for the impossible, hyung,” Eunho replied, a lazy chuckle slipping through the receiver. “As if the virus will leave me alone just after napping.”
The sound of Eunho's chuckling loosened something tight inside Bamby’s chest.
He wasn’t used to this. He's not used to leaving the home by himself. He's not used to hearing Eunho's loud ass voice echoing throughout the entire room. He's not used to Eunho being quiet in their home either.
Sometimes, in selfish moments, Bamby wished he could take the pain away from him. Just transfer it over. Let him be the one burning with fever instead.
But that would mean Eunho will be the one endlessly worrying, refusing to leave his side. He’d cancel everything. He’d hover all day. He’d stubbornly feed him spoonful after spoonful, wipe his forehead, adjust blankets every five minutes, panic over the smallest cough.
And that thought only made Bamby’s chest ache even more. A shaky breath escaped him before he could stop it. His grip on the phone tightened.
“I miss you, Eunho,” he whispered, voice trembling despite his efforts to steady it. “I wish you were here with us being annoying and loud again.”
There was no answer from the other line, except for Eunho's faint labored breathing. Bamby smiled to himself. He must've fallen asleep mid-call.
“Sleep well,” Bamby murmured gently, even though he knew Eunho couldn’t hear him anymore. He slowly pulled the phone away from his ear and stared at the contact name of his lover glowing on his screen.
His thumb traced over the letters softly, with reverence. Before finally pressing to end the call.
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The members fell back into their usual rhythm soon after — brainstorming transitions, reviewing formations, arguing lightly over counts, finalizing details that still felt unfinished. Music. Discussion. Laughter. Repeat.
But for Bamby, everything felt slightly off-beat.
Every chance he got, his eyes flickered toward the wall clock. The ticking felt louder than the music. Louder than Noah’s voice. Louder than his own thoughts.
Tick. Tick. Tick.
He clicked his tongue under his breath, shoulders tightening. Why was time moving so agonizingly slow?
He tried to focus. He replayed the choreography in his head. He corrected the angles. He nodded along to suggestions from the members. But his mind was restless, like something inside him was pacing back and forth. He just really wanted to get home.
Little did Bamby know, the others had been watching him. Noticing the way he zoned out mid-discussion. The way his replies came a second too late. The way his gaze kept darting to the clock like it personally offended him.
Noah was the first to finally snap. He let out an exaggerated sigh before pointing directly at Bamby. “You. Go home.”
Bamby blinked, genuinely caught off guard. “What? Hyung, we haven’t even finalized this yet.”
“We won’t be able to finish this anyway,” Noah shot back, folding his arms. “We still need Eunho’s opinions. And we definitely can’t focus with you glaring at the clock every five seconds like it owes you money.”
Hamin snorted softly in agreement. Noah waved his hand dismissively. “Get going. Take care of Eunho for us.”
Bamby stood there, stunned. He turned to Yejun almost desperately, hoping for backup. Instead, Yejun smiled gently. “I think Noah’s right this time, Bonggu-ya. Drive home safe. Make sure Eunho rests.”
“I’m the same as them, hyung,” Hamin added warmly. “Tell Eunho-hyung to get well soon so we can play games again.”
All three of them were looking at him with that mix of teasing and sincerity that made it impossible to argue. In defeat, Bamby's tight shoulders sagged. “Fine..”
He clocked out at exactly 4:36 PM. Outside, the sky had begun shifting; orange melting into the remaining blue like watercolor bleeding across paper. The city still pulsed with Valentine’s energy, though the sunlight had softened into something more intimate.
He sat in his car for a moment before starting the engine, exhaling slowly as if resetting himself. Then he drove.
On his way, he saw a flower shop so he stopped by to buy some flowers. He also got offered limited edition chocolates that he can't refuse because the hearts on the package design were red and pink. He'd probably eat this all himself anyway because Eunho doesn't have a sweet tooth.
It's the thought that counts. Bamby persuaded himself as he drove away once again. Along the road, he decided to call Eunho but to his surprise, the younger didn't answer and that his number was marked unattended.
Maybe he's still sleeping?
The idea doesn't seem odd to Bamby so he shrugged it off and just focused on the road. Around forty minutes later, Bamby finally parked in the basement of the apartment complex, grabbing the flowers and some gifts as he struts to the elevator. He imagined Eunho wrapped in the blanket like a warm burrito, his fluffy silver hair probably tousled adorably in every direction.
The thought made Bamby’s lips curl slightly.
The elevator dinged softly at each passing floor. The numbers climbed slowly. And then, when the silence entered Bamby's system, his mind replayed something from this morning.
“Hyung… I’m sorry I can’t take you out for our date today too.”
He remembered the look in Eunho’s crimson irises when he said it—apologetic to a fault. Almost as if he had personally ruined something sacred. At work, somewhere between counts and corrections, Bamby had realized something important.
They couldn’t keep taking responsibility for things that weren’t theirs. A fever wasn’t a betrayal. A cancelled plan wasn’t a tragedy.
The day could end without them dressing up, without fancy reservations, without matching photos posted at midnight like everyone else. And it would still be fine.
After all, the happiest days in his life were simply the ones he spent beside Eunho.
So, screw Valentine’s Day. Screw the cheesy captions, the public confessions, the expensive dinners. Screw the chocolates and candlelit promises.
Eunho loved him in ways that were loud and ridiculous and sometimes overwhelming. Eunho loved him more than he loved himself, and he never failed to make sure Bamby knew it.
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Bamby snapped back to reality when the elevator dinged softly. He finally reached his floor.
He stepped out slowly, adjusting the bouquet in his hands. For some reason, now that he was actually here, he felt… shy. The flowers suddenly felt louder than they did at the shop.
Still, he inhaled quietly and gathered his courage before unlocking the door. He fully expected darkness. Maybe the faint sound of Eunho coughing from the bedroom.
“I'm home,” Bamby murmured softly as he slipped off his shoes and shrugged off his coat.
He didn’t even make it three steps inside when..
“Eh…?”
The entire house was dimmed. Scented candles flickered along the hallway, their warm glow illuminating scattered rose petals that trailed like a path leading somewhere sacred. The soft golden light made the apartment feel smaller, and more intimate. Bamby stood frozen.
His magenta eyes widened as he followed the petal trail into the living and dining area.
There, in the center, was a table set for two. Two plates. Two wine glasses. Two chairs facing each other. And faint music weaving through the air. His breath caught, he knew that melody.
It was the instrumental version of “I Will Give You All” by Lee Sung Chul — the very song Bamby once dedicated to Eunho during one of their live broadcasts.
“What the heck happened here while I'm stressing over whether my left or right foot is more suitable for the choreography…?” the pink haired male murmured in disbelief as stood awkwardly in the middle of the romantic setup, still holding the flowers like a confused delivery boy.
“Bamby.”
He squeaked in surprise. He didn't even notice that Eunho dropped the honorifics. Bamby turned only to see Eunho stepped out from their bedroom with that familiar gentle smile, wearing his favorite blue cardigan over a simple white shirt, paired with dark pants. His silver necklace caught the candlelight, glinting softly with each step. He looked warm and impossibly handsome for someone with a fever.
“Ya, Eunho, what’s all of this? Don’t tell me you prepared this by yoursel—”
“I called someone over to help me.” the silver haired male replied calmly.
Bamby stomped forward, meeting him halfway, hands immediately flying to cup Eunho’s face.
“Aigoo! You’re still warm! I told you to r—”
“I missed you too, hyung.”
The words hit before Bamby could continue scolding. Eunho had slumped forward, burying his face into the crook of Bamby’s neck, arms wrapping securely around his waist.
“I’ve been lonely without you…”
And just like that, the so-called walls of the great Bamby collapsed.
He bit his lip, trying—and failing—to maintain composure before finally hugging him back. His arms slid around Eunho’s shoulders, pulling him closer, inhaling that familiar scent he secretly loved so much.
Eunho tightened his embrace, almost desperately. When the instrumental swelled into the chorus, Bamby unconsciously began swaying. Just slightly. But Eunho caught on immediately and adjusted his stance, matching the rhythm without missing a beat.
Slowly, Eunho pulled back just enough to rest his forehead against Bamby’s. His large hands slid down to cup the older male’s hips, guiding the gentle sway. Bamby’s palms settled against Eunho’s shoulders and chest, feeling the steady rise and fall of his breathing.
Their bodies moved together, hypnotized by the slow tempo. Neither of them realized how close their faces were.
“Mhm,” Eunho murmured softly. “What do you think of my masterpiece? Romantic, right?”
Bamby chuckled shyly. “I really thought I accidentally walked into a five-star restaurant.”
Eunho grinned. “Is that so? Don’t you think I deserve some type of reward?”
Bamby opened his eyes fully then—and found Eunho already staring at him, probably since earlier. His cheeks burned instantly at the idea.
“Too bad, Do Eunho-ssi,” Bamby replied, mischief creeping in. “You still have a fever.”
“Too bad,” Eunho countered smoothly. “I’ve already recovered. So I definitely and absolutely deserve that kiss.”
His hands slipped lower, resting at Bamby’s lower back, pulling him impossibly closer. Bamby groaned dramatically. “You’re insufferable.”
“Give it to me,” Eunho whispered, nudging him gently until Bamby’s back met the nearest wall.
“Come closer then,” Bamby shot back, grin widening.
Then their lips finally met in slow rhythm. The candlelight flickered around their silhouettes, shadows merging against the wall as the kiss deepened naturally. What started simple grew warmer, unhurried yet hungry. Bamby’s fingers tangled into Eunho’s cardigan, pulling him closer as their breaths grew heavier.
They kissed like they had been separated for months. Then like they had all the time in the world. A mix of urgency and devotion.
When they pulled apart, foreheads touching again, both were slightly breathless. Bamby brushed his thumb gently across Eunho’s swollen lips before leaning in for one more softer kiss.
Time passed without them realizing. By the time they finally slowed down, they embraced each other close again before Bamby broke the intimate silence that ruled over them for thirty minutes.
Eventually, Bamby kissed along Eunho’s jaw, then on his throat, smiling against his warm skin. “So… did you cook?”
“I wanted to,” Eunho admitted sheepishly. “But my head was pounding earlier, so I just ordered dinner.”
He fixed Bamby’s slightly rumpled shirt before guiding him toward the table. “I’m sure you’ll like it anyway.”
“Of course I will. Thank you for this. Really.” Eunho pulled the chair out for him. They sat facing each other, candlelight dancing in their eyes. But even in the soft glow, Bamby noticed it.
The slight unsteadiness in Eunho’s movements. The way he leaned back a little too heavily, and the faint sheen of warmth still clinging to his skin.
And yet he did all of this, for him.
Bamby bit his lip, gently putting down the fork. “Eunho. I appreciate this but… you shouldn’t have pushed yourself too hard. I’m still worrying about you, you know.”
Eunho blinked, then smiled gently. “It’s alright. I wanted to do something for you since our plans got delayed.” He reached across the table, taking Bamby’s hand. His thumb traced slow circles against his knuckles, gaze unwavering.
“But—”
“Just smile for me, Bamby-hyung,” Eunho whispered softly. “That’s enough.” He even added a playful wink.
And Bamby knew he was defeated. So he let himself smile. Then they finally ate, talked, and even laughed at something only they could understand.
At some point, Bamby suddenly remembered. “Ah!”
“What is it?” Eunho asked, cheeks puffed with the pasta he's eating.
Bamby hurried into the kitchen and spotted the forgotten bouquet and chocolates sitting on the counter. He returned shyly, holding them out to Eunho. “Here… I thought of giving you flowers since we couldn’t go out today. And chocolates too. Even though I know you won’t eat them.”
Eunho's crimson eyes, which were illuminated by candlelight, seemed to mirror the color of red roses perfectly. Bamby really thought it's beautiful.
“Thank you, hyung…” he murmured, accepting them carefully. “You didn’t have to.”
But he looked happy. Bamby felt warmth bloom inside him as he watched Eunho adorably smell the flowers. Now he understands why people buy flowers for their lovers. This sight is totally to die for.
Eventually, they went back to eating when Eunho thought of starting another squabble with him.
“Hyung,” Eunho teased after a moment, lifting the flowers slightly. “I thought you didn’t like these kinds of things.”
“What can I do?” Bamby shrugged dramatically. “I have a sick pup under my care. I have to be extra sweet so he won't whine like a domestic husky.”
“Sick pup?” Eunho leaned back in offense. “I’m not sick anymore. And I’m not a puppy. I’m a wol—”
“Yeah, yeah. Eat your garlic bread, Mr. Wolf.” Bamby said, dismissive.
Eunho pouted so adorably that Bamby burst into laughter. As the sun disappeared beyond the buildings, the two of them glowed under candlelight— no audience, no cameras, no grand declarations. Just them.
They danced again later. Eunho invented ridiculous dance names. Bamby laughed until his stomach hurt. By the time the candles were blown out and the dishes cleaned, the apartment returned to its usual quiet.
Bamby now padded barefoot into the bedroom. Eunho was already sprawled across the bed like a starfish, asleep mid-scroll on his phone. He placed a hand on Eunho's shoulder and sighed softly. Still slightly warm.
He dipped the cloth in water again and placed it gently on Eunho’s forehead. “Dont be sick anymore.” he whispered into the quiet.
Bamby brushed silver strands away from Eunho’s face and leaned down to press a soft kiss to his lips. Then he slipped under the covers and pulled Eunho into his chest, wrapping his arms securely around him. He buried his face into that familiar soft silver hair.
His arm would definitely go numb by morning. But it didn’t matter anymore. The world could continue spinning but for Bamby, this is all more than enough.