#divnet pride 2023

[absentcaryatid]

The Fathers' Day Reveal

An ATEEZ fanfic by AbsentCaryatid

Yunho and San take the opportunity of a commercial to come out in multiple ways during pride month.

1.4K words, Content note: all ages, gender neutral reader, polyamory, coming out, outing is brought up but does not occur, nervousness and anxiety, mention of possible future parenting

~

Mingi had often said he would like to be chosen for commercial work promoting beds since it spoke to his love of resting. When a Swedish furniture company approached KQ Entertainment looking for just such a partnership, Mingi jumped at the chance. Though he could perform in character on stage well enough, unfortunately, his offstage acting skills were still in development. Dressed in cozy pajamas, snuggling into the bed on set came naturally enough. He was even praised for his realism until it was discovered he had actually fallen asleep, but line delivery in the waking up scene left something to be desired.

Having discussed the problem with his best friend Yunho, it was decided to ask the company if they would accept a change in actors and make use of the idol far more at ease with scripted lines. Stepping into the role without delay, the commercial was successfully shot in one day. Yunho also ably modeled for promotional posters and a catalog spread which proved very popular with ATINY. His charming looks also won him fans far beyond K-pop.

After such a well-received ad campaign, the next year brought another request for Yunho's services. With a planned air date for June, a follow-up commercial was in the works, this time continuing the story of Yunho in his flat-pack furniture filled home. His character was to be given a partner to woo over affordable yet attractive tableware in this update. Since the actress had yet to be cast, Yunho was consulted to see if he had any suggestions, perhaps some idol friend he'd like to work with.

After clearing it with both the highest levels of KQ Entertainment and his partner, Yunho came back with an answer. Holding the hand of his lover, he introduced San to the commercial development staff. “I know you picked June for a Father's Day theme, but would you consider making it a Pride commercial as well? With our managers' full approval, we are both ready to come out as bisexual.”

San had seen the furniture company run ads with same-sex couples before so he had figured they would be accepting of that angle. Yet, there was more to open up about. With a squeeze of Yunho's hand, San admitted, “There is something else you should know before choosing us.” When he was finished speaking, San saw grins of approval rather than a less welcoming atmosphere he had known was a very real possibility.

The two cuddled closely in their large bed the night before filming the revised commercial. Yunho traced the line of San's shoulder before frowning and pulling back nervously. Propping himself up on one elbow, he looked at San seriously. “You ready for this? People will talk, and there is no going back. You've seen the lack of support Holland gets in our industry as an out gay man. I don't imagine bisexuals are treated any better, and all the rest of our situation on top of that.”

San's dimpled smile was a reassuring sign. “There will be screenshots on Twitter within minutes, reactions on TikTok, and fanfic on Tumblr and AO3 soon after. KQ and the rest of our team are cautiously excited for the global publicity this will bring. Hongjoong thinks we can help a lot of queer ATINY feel less alone.”

“True,” Yunho agreed, “but for us, are you truly okay going public, and in this way?”

The weary sigh San let out revealed his frustration. “I am tired of hiding. Our families already know and approve of who we love so there is no need to hesitate for their sake. Honestly, with the way amoral reporters compete to unmask celebrities I would much rather this be our decision. Even the anxiety over our reveal and how people will take the news is an improvement over the constant fear of being outed without consent. Besides, we already have interviews with multiple queer websites lined up for the morning the commercial begins to air. That means the media we care about gets the story, in part because we know they will get it right.”

Consoled it was the right decision at the right time, Yunho nestled back into San's warm arms. Sleep came quickly over them both. The pair were so worn out by their emotions that they did not wake when you slipped into the bed of your polyamorous boyfriends.

Filming took far less time than expected, even working with a child actor. The ease with which they could be themselves before the filming crew confirmed their readiness to be public about their loving relationship. Post-production at the hands of a team sworn to absolute secrecy swiftly completed the commercial soon to be aired worldwide.

By the day of the premiere, San and Yunho had shaken off their fears, but you were feeling slight jitters. While your guys were out for interviews, the remaining members of ATEEZ were gathered to watch the commercial first air during the most popular morning show on Korean television. Seated among the boys you had come to see as family since becoming romantically involved with San and Yunho, you watched eagerly for their reactions. Sensing your nerves, Yeosang lightly stroked one of your hands while Wooyoung held the other tightly to his chest making you wonder who was consoling who in the situation.

Jongho grabbed the remote to turn the television louder as the morning show hosts paused for the commercial break at the top of the hour.

“This is it!” Wooyoung shrieked with anticipation only to be confused by a dog food commercial followed by one for laundry detergent. Finally the furniture ad came on and he dropped your lightly crushed hand to immerse himself completely in the scene.

Under the fluffiest white duvet, Yunho slept in a simple but stylish wooden bed in the soft morning light. The sound of small bare feet approached. Clutching a large stuffed shark, a toddler clad in festive character pajamas also conveniently available from the furniture company ran up to Yunho. They squealed, “Papa!” He opened his eyes and ruffled their hair as he gazed lovingly. The covers then peeled back and San was revealed to be in bed with Yunho, arms out, ready to pull their child in for a snuggle.

The cheers that went up from the watch party, including KQ staff filming for a reaction video, were silenced by Hongjoong. “I don't want to miss any of this,” he hissed as attention returned to the screen.

Denying San's offer, the toddler exclaimed, “No, daddy, I want the other one!” Again the covers were pushed down further and now a third partner was visible coming to a sitting position in the comfy bed. You. Clambering over your boyfriends, your television commercial offspring ended in your lap while your arms went out to San and Yunho. There were warm smiles all around. The ad ended with the progress pride flag and the tagline “We sell beds big enough for all families.”

It took far longer for the excited noises to die down this time. Everybody had leapt up to jump around or congratulate you. Mingi was dancing with a staffer and Hongjoong attempted an unsteady handstand which Jongho knowingly sidestepped as the leader came crashing down. It was clear they were very happy for two beloved members to finally be open about their romance, but also as part of a trio who were very smitten with each other.

A commercial wasn't the most conventional way to announce being in a relationship, but then neither was your polyamorous life. Not parents in real life, the child was your young cousin in their first acting role, but you and your partners were still mulling over the possibility of adding children to your family one day.

Seonghwa sought you out and offered a gentle hug. “I am so proud of all three of you, and your little cousin. You will have to bring them over again soon so I can compliment them in person.”

Once things had calmed down somewhat, Yeosang replayed the commercial several times. Everyone had something to say about how positively this representation could impact ATEEZ fans and beyond. While nobody in the room thought there would not be pushback, in this moment they savored the victory of very visible corporate support. It certainly was not the end goal for queer acceptance, but it was a notable step along the way.

~

Masterlist

[diverseinsertknet]

diverseinsertknet's pride month 2023 writing challenge!

happy pride month everyone!

diversity is the name of our game here, and what better time to encourage it than during pride month? to celebrate, we're calling all k-pop fic writers to write, reblog, or recommend any fics centered around the theme of pride with the hashtag #divnet pride 2023 ! (or, just submit it to our ask box!)

for this challenge, there is no restrictions on the type of reader written, if even containing a reader at all - so long as the story's central theme is to do with LGBTQ+ pride and follows our network guidelines, we will include it in the round-up at the end of the month and reblog it to the network! the round-up post will then replace our pinned post for the rest of july.

we encourage writers who've never written for diverse readers and/or idols to use this as a chance to try something new and write something outside their comfort zone! if you're worried about how to write for demographics you aren't a part of, or how to make things gender neutral, feel free to browse our #writing advice tag here on the net, and/or send in an ask and we will be happy to help you.

to help jog some inspiration, here's an assorted prompt list to write off, feel free to take interpret them however you like, or not use them at all!

dialogue prompts:

"Fellas, is it gay-"

"Coming out? If you see a cishet person when you look at me, that one's on you."

"This is kind of hard for me to say, so... please be patient with me."

"You know what they say, sexy attracts sexy..."

"Are you, y'know..."

"Wait, you thought I was what now?"

"I don't think this is really me."

"I'm fucking sick of hiding in the closet."

"Is this like... weird, or something-"

"If you want to experiment with that, I'm right here."

"Just saying, I've never heard a [cis/straight] person say that."

"Yeah, I'm [label], got a problem with that?"

"This is who I really am."

"I love you no matter what labels you use."

"If they got some shit to say about that, then I'll deal with them myself."

content prompts:

going to a pride event

coming out to oneself / queer self discovery

coming out to other people

being outwardly queer as possible on purpose to make a statement

being outed against their will (i shouldn't have to say this but obviously this is not something you should do irl ever.)

struggles + reassurance with self acceptance

the specific moment a character realised they were queer

a trans character going on hrt or getting a major surgery

trying out a new look/form of self expression

anything to do with drag

gay clubs

escaping or fighting back against bigotry

first queer experiences with another

switching between labels trying to find one that fits

finding a queer safe space

we look forward to everything you will show us or create! happy writing, and most importantly, happy pride! ✨

-mod rascal (he/they)