UHM I really started having thoughts about [KJM x BBH] in a meta-sense at the end of 2019-Beginning of 2020. I think KJM and BBH had a lot of moments on the Exploration tour that made them appear closer than they had been in the past, though since looking back, I still think they’ve always been one of the closer pairs in the groups. I think BBH has always been conscious of the pressure KJM’s under, and tries to alleviate that pressure in his own way to some degree (eg. taking on a role as a “mood maker” or “glue” for the group; someone who’s friendly and gets along with everyone to help smooth out personality clashes, etc.) I also think KJM’s always been very conscious of BBH’s insecurities and nerves? I think he’s very conscious of everyone in the group, in that sense, and he often takes on the role of the martyr who suffers for the rest of them (eg. speeches after China-line exit, etc.) But the two of them, especially since 2020 have seemed to have gotten much closer and more comfortable with one another. I think part of that was BBH pursuing a more mature image through his solo, whereas KJM was almost loosening up, and both of them finding common ground in being out of their comfort zone, but enjoying it. 

I find that KJM and BBH seem more aware of their personal struggles, and more willing to challenge one another on them (both of their comments on dieting leap to mind; each of them seems to have a vested interest in encouraging the other to eat—probably because both of them have similar insecurities about it). I think BBH probably sought out KJM’s advice re: SuperM (because for what it’s worth, I do think he took his ‘leader’ role seriously for the duration of their promotion and tour). So, that aspect of the pair has always felt very mediating(?). I think KJM and BBH are learning from one another very frequently, and I think they’re choosing to notice aspects about one another that others would ignore, or otherwise glance over. My feelings on them are that they both humor one another, nitpick one another, and at the end of the day, confide in one another. I think they’re close enough that they feel confident/safe talking about their troubles, concerns with one another, BUT I also think they’re distant enough to do so as well. There isn’t so much fear that things might “change.”

My feelings on BBH and KJD are pretty standard. I fall into a unrequited-love-relationship where BBH pursues a KJD that isn’t /totally/ interested. That said, I do think KJD feels very comfortable being loved by BBH, and loves him back in his own way. Unrelating to actual IRL barriers, I just think that KJD’s personality makes him the perfect best friend for someone like BBH, but probably not the best lover. KJD seems to seek out the praise/approval of people older than him, with a little more experience, a little more presence(?) because he sits so evenly (oftentimes at a higher skill level) than his peers(?). I also think KJD is reserved in a way BBH is not, but both of them compliment one another. KJD as the reserved extrovert and BBH as the unreserved introvert seems to suit them well. BBH overshares, KJD undershares—together they seem normal, LOL. I do personally like the idea of KJD feeling somewhat expectant of BBH’s love—in that, he knows of the crush, and while he doesn’t totally entertain it, he also doesn’t totally ice BBH out either (though depending on how closely you follow the BaekChen timeline, you could argue there was a period BBH got iced out, but that’s for another day). 

KJD and KJM are where I feel a little more blind in the canon-adjacent sense. I think my impression of the dynamic is influenced by my friends a lot, which Audrey’s given me the run down about KJM probably being pretty instrumental in acclimating BC to EXO since they joined SO LATE compared to everyone else, and also because of KJD’s habit for hyung-worship making KJM a natural obsession of his. I’ve noticed myself that [KJM x KJD] used to be SUPER popular in fanfic? I feel like I see a bunch of it when I sort for the older stuff… I think KJD and KJM are the most “righteously headstrong” members of the group, so I could see them clashing pretty frequently, but also understanding one another very well. 

In the OT3 sense, I really enjoy the idea of KJM softening out the ugliness of BBH being madly in-love with someone who isn’t madly in-love back. I like KJM as the cajoling “play nice” to [BBH x KJD]. I like [KJD x KJM] and [KJM x BBH] to be the sharper ends of the trio—KJM encouraging blunt honesty, including ugly feelings and insecurities. He’s the oldest in the trio, and I have always liked the idea of the older partner being more experienced, more willing to advise/to mediate. That’s just a me thing. In this trio, I like [BBH x KJD] to be ugly and hopeless, but fond in the very same sense. It doesn’t work if there isn’t some element of understanding between the two of them.

I think that’s my thoughts summed up. I really also just think all three of them are really sexy and I want them to kiss. They’re also all fucking insane in their own ways, and I love that.