Archive of Our Own ^beta

jaemin didn't know a lot about lee jeno on a personal level. they shared some classes and were casual enough to grab a coffee or lunch together whenever jisung or chenle were too busy to join. the couple were the reason the two even knew each other as jaemin and jisung were childhood friends since their primary school days and jeno and jisung were in one dance club while chenle and jeno shared the same major, business. chenle and jaemin were quite close as well as jisung and chenle had been dating for several years now. the four of them became a group naturally, with jeno and jaemin being the least acquainted with each other so far, it not making it awkward though. it was a tradition for the friendship group to always meet up at the campus coffee shop jaemin works at part time, whether it be to study or to talk or just to hang out and accompany jaemin during his shift just like jisung was doing on that one rainy afternoon. there weren't many customers so jisung was sitting at the counter, playing music over the shop's speakers as jaemin was cleaning the dishes and humming along. he was about to ask jisung when chenle would be done with his classes for the day when the bell rang, indicating that someone had entered and both jaemin and jisung raised their brows when a grumpy looking jeno stomped inside, stopping for a second before spotting his friends and slumping down next to jisung, putting his head on the boy's shoulder and whining loudly. jisung shushed him quickly with an embarrassed look at the other customers and jeno only sat up straight, still looking annoyed as he crossed his arms.

'ugh, i'm so frustrated!'

'what even happened, dude?'

jaemin turned away to give the two some privacy, not sure if jeno wanted him to hear about his personal issues as well, busying himself with making him his usual order instead, a vanilla latte with a pump of chocolate syrup, but he still heard a bit as jeno started talking:

'it's just...they are still at it and i don't know how much longer i can endure this shit...he's been staying for five days already, five days! he needs to be paying rent at this point...or at least buy me a new pack of cereal because he emptied mine!'

jaemin had to suppress a smile at the exasperated sound of jeno's voice and jisung's snort, finishing off jeno's coffee with a nice design on top before bringing it over to his friends, jeno's face lightening up as he gave jaemin a gentle smile.

'ah thanks, jaemin!'

'no problem.' jaemin smiled back at him and moved to walk somewhere else again to clean when jisung stopped him with a confused voice:

'where do you keep going? there are like no customers here basically.'

'oh, i um..' jaemin suddenly didn't know what to say as he looked around and jeno gave him a knowing smile.

'you don't have to leave if it's because of me, by the way. it's not that serious, i'm just being dramatic.'

jaemin chuckled and shook his head.

'no, it's fine, i just didn't know if it was any of my business...'

'it's just my miserable life and my comfort being taken away from me.' jeno sulked before he took a sip from his coffee, humming happily afterwards.

'god, jaem, you make the best coffees ever!'

jaemin beamed at that, leaning forward on the counter as he asked, curious now:

'why is your life miserable?'

jeno huffed out and put down his cup again before answering:

'do you know my roommate lee donghyuck?'

jaemin shook his head, thinking hard:

'i don't think i ever heard of him to be honest. why?'

'oh i guess you wouldn't, he doesn't really meddle with people outside of his major a lot. anyways, he's my roommate and my best friend.'

'hey.' jisung interrupted with a raised eyebrow, making jeno bite his lip guiltily.

'one of my best friends.'

'better.'

'anyways. ever since like a few months ago he's gotten himself a boyfriend and...it's a nightmare. ugh, i thought they might leave the honeymoon stage after a while but it seems like they cannot be separated whatsoever. it's fine that they have to see each other almost every single day or whatever but why does it always have to be at ours??'

'didn't you say hyuck's boyfriend lives quite far off campus and it'd be hard for hyuck to travel back and forth as he doesn't have a car?' jisung interrupted him, making jeno glare at him.

'whatever. his boyfriend can pay for his fucking uber then, i'm sick and tired of this.'

jeno put his head on the counter as he groaned, making jaemin ask him carefully:

'is the boyfriend like...rude?'

jeno lifted his head slowly, sighing.

'no, he's actually quite nice. but he's just...too comfortable?? he leaves his mess everywhere in the dorm, i even found his used underwear in my dirty laundry pile...and he keeps eating my snacks and one time i swear he almost burnt the kitchen down at 3am if it weren't for me waking up from the smell...he had put a plastic container in the microwave...for 20 minutes!'

jaemin put a hand over his mouth in shock, jisung bursting out laughing, jaemin slapping him to make him stop as jeno looked genuinely frustrated.

'and it's the worst when they are together. i don't even get to spend time with hyuck alone anymore and whenever we chill in the living room they are just all over each other, babying each other or eating each other up. i am actually losing it, i'm contemplating moving out at this point...do you and chenle still have room for one more?' jeno pouted at jisung as he asked and jisung gave him an unimpressed look.

'space? yes. do we want you with us? no.'

jeno punched jisung in the shoulder and spat out:

'jaemin is my only friend here.'

jaemin giggled and answered:

'i feel honored, thank you. but hey, i understand it can be annoying but have you thought about maybe talking to your roommate about it? explaining that you feel like your personal space and privacy are invaded and that you don't really feel comfortable anymore?'

jeno shook his head and rolled his eyes.

'unfortunately, that won't work. hyuck is a very mature and smart person but he can be super childish when it comes to certain things as well. if i say that he's just gonna be sassy about it and tell me i don't want him to be happy and in love.'

'talking about hyuck and his succeeding love life again, jealous puppy?' the three boy's heads turned around to see chenle walk towards them with a cheeky smile, kissing jisung hello before sitting down next to them. he gave jaemin pouty eyes as he asked:

'may i have an iced americano please, handsome barista?'

jaemin gave him a mischievous smile back and raised his hand.

'pay first, pretty customer.'

chenle sighed and pulled out his card, jeno immediately moving to do so as well but jaemin stopped him with his eyes, making a pleased grin appear on the boy's face before he turned to chenle.

'i'm not jealous, i'm actually very happy for him. i'm just frustrated because i feel like he doesn't realize how annoying it can get and i don't know how to tell him without him feeling offended.'

chenle seemed deep in thoughts for a second and only when jaemin arrived with his coffee did the boy suddenly gasp and a devilish grin on his face as he stared at a confused looking jaemin.

'so all we have to do is...make hyuck realize how frustrating an annoying partner can be?'

jaemin furrowed his brows as jeno and jisung followed chenle's look as well, all three now looking at him.

'why are you looking at me?'

'yeah, why are we looking at nana, baby?' jisung mumbled, making chenle take a deep breath in.

'call me genius because i just had the best idea ever on how to do exactly that.'

jeno seemed unsure as he spoke.

'well, i don't know if can fully trust you so i shall call you averagely smart for now in order for you to continue talking.'

chenle gave him an unimpressed look but still continued as he started explaining:

'so for hyuck to realize how frustrating a sappy, in love couple and an annoying boyfriend can be...you need one yourself, jen.'

jeno's face turned blank as he leaned back again, seemingly losing hope.

'what the- and where the fuck would i get one? plus i don't even like doing sappy shit, why would i find myself someone who does?'

'i already found you one.' chenle answered triumphantly, pointing at jaemin and making the latter splutter in shock.

'wha- what, i d-don't like sappy shit either!'

'that's not the point! you can just pretend. same for the relationship. you two could be fake dating and jaemin can play the annoying boyfriend and test hyuck's limits this time until he realizes how annoying it is...perfect idea isn't it?!'

jaemin's face turned bright red as he looked back at a fully shocked jeno.

'wh-um-'

'chenle, are you insane?!'

jeno mumbled out, disbelief in his voice as he looked between jaemin and their friend.

'why?? this would so work!'

'fake dating? are we in a wattpad fanfiction?!'

'that's only if you go the fake dating to lovers route...' jisung slid in cheekily, making jaemin slap his arm in embarrassment.

'besides it being a ridiculous idea and it not working you are putting jaemin in such an awkward and uncomfortable position proposing that idea-'

'oh no, no, that's not the issue in this entire thing.' jaemin shyly spoke up, shaking his head as jeno's head whipped towards him.

'i don't feel uncomfortable. it's still a crazy idea though...you guys know donghyuck better than me though, do you think a stunt like that would work?'

jisung and chenle looked at each other for a split second before answering in the exact same voice and at the exact same time: 'definitely.' jeno just bit his lip before admitting: 'not gonna lie...it might.'

jaemin's eyes widened and he took a deep breath in before putting on a comforting smile.

'well, if you guys think so...we can try, right? i'm down to help, if i can be of any use. it sounds kind of funny, too.'

chenle and jisung gave each other a secret look, communicating with their eyes in a way only they can understand and jeno squirmed on his seat slightly as he leaned forward.

'jaem...i really appreciate you wanting to help me but when i tell you we would have to overdo it a lot, i mean it. like i mean...skinship and r-romance wise and you would have to come over a lot and...stuff like that.'

jaemin raised an eyebrow and gave jeno a playful smirk.

'would you be bothered by spending a lot of time with me?'

jeno's eyes widened in shock.

'of c-course not! that's not what i meant, i was just saying-'

'don't worry, i get it. i'm okay though, really. i don't mind shit like this, it's with a clear purpose, isn't it? so it's chill. except you are scared to actually fall in love with me?'

jeno let out a laugh at the mischievous grin on jaemin's face and shook his head, mirroring his grin.

'bet. same goes to you...so we are actually doing this...fake lover?'

jaemin giggled as he shook jeno's outstretched hand, answering:

'let's do it, fake boyfriend.'

~

both boys realized quite quickly that they didn't actually know what they were supposed to do and it took jeno making an awkward phone call and an even more awkward food invitation for them to finally meet up and discuss their plans. jaemin was giggling into his plate as he said:

'we definitely should not be this awkward in front of your roommate, that's for sure.'

jeno chuckled and shook his head as he took another bite out of his burger, answering:

'listen, we are still in the beginning phase...this is script reading, we aren't acting yet.'

jaemin almost choked on his drink as he burst into laughter, wiping his mouth with a tissue as he wheezed out:

'script reading?! damn, i didn't know i'd end up as an actor, i thought if anything i might make it as an idol.'

jeno grinned and grabbed the tissue from jaemin's hand, wiping a spot on the boy's cheek and making jaemin's laughter stop as he halted in surprise.

'you had sauce on your cheek.' jeno mumbled softly and jaemin only nodded with a gentle smile, thanking him quietly.

'anyways, we have to sell it quite well because hyuck is very smart unfortunately. so we should keep our story as simple as possible and we should admit that we are still quite new, that will also explain our honeymoon-ish vibes...i hope he is too distracted by his own boyfriend because usually he would know that i'm not really the type for that stuff.' jeno was just rambling to himself, jaemin trying to keep up with an amused smile before the older noticed and bit his lip in embarrassment.

'i'm talking a lot huh? my bad.'

'it's fine, we need to brainstorm anyways. we started sharing a new class together this term, right? we could say that we just hit it off from there and that recently, it just turned into more. he wouldn't know it's not the first time we are in a class together, right?' jaemin suggested and jeno seemed to think about it before he made a sound of realization and groaned.

'oh, i totally forgot! i actually told hyuck about you before.'

jaemin's eyes widened in surprise.

'oh really? i guessed he knows about chenle and jisung as you all have been friends for a long time but i didn't think there was a reason to ever mention me...what did you tell him?'

but suddenly, jeno looked down awkwardly, clearing his throat before answering with a shaky voice:

'oh um...i don't really remember anymore, um i...i think i just mentioned you as one of jisung's close f-friends, yeah...'

jaemin nodded with an unsure face, confused at the way jeno was avoiding his eyes as he was saying that and spoke up again.

'well then...have you been to any party recently?'

jeno finally loosened up again and let out a snort at that.

'na jaemin, who do you think i am? of course i have.'

'great, then we say you and i both got drunk and things got spicy at the party and ever since then, we have been a couple.'

jeno's cheeks were slightly red at jaemin's suggestion and he sounded almost sheepish as he replied:

'you want me to tell him that we like...you know, we fuc-'

'um, you know it c-could just be making out too!' jaemin interrupted loudly, the younger now blushing too as he took a sip from his drink nervously. his voice was a tiny bit higher than usual when he mumbled:

'it's not like it would be that scandalous or weird, r-right?'

'no, no, that's not it uh...i just want to make sure you are comfortable with it...hyuckie's jokes can be quite dirty once he thinks he has a free pass.' jeno answered quickly, making jaemin laugh awkwardly.

'i mean, i wouldn't have suggested that if i wasn't comfortable with it. i think that's the most realistic and simple it can get, to be honest.'

jeno nodded slowly, sensing that the boy was right and went onto the next topic.

'so, we should maybe discuss some limits and stuff. obviously as you are the one helping me out, you can go first, i don't mind.'

jaemin played with his fingers as he thought about it, a small smile on his face when he began talking.

'well, in order to annoy them we will have to probably include some cringy, sappy pda, right? cuddling and hand-holding and all that...i don't really have a problem with that, i am quite the affectionate person anyways.'

jeno raised an eyebrow.

'you are? i do sometimes see you squeezing jisung's cheeks or hugging him but you never really do it to me or chenle.'

jaemin froze for a second before continuing to eat a french fry, answering with a soft voice:

'jisungie gets quite jealous when i do it to chenle so i just do it to annoy him and um...yeah i just didn't know if you would be comfortable with that, some people find too much affection annoying...'

jeno gave the other a kind smile and made sure their eyes met when he replied:

'i don't mind. at all, so don't worry about it and hug me all you want.'

only when there was slight surprise on jaemin's face did jeno's eyes widen and he quickly added:

'...for the plan, i mean! yeah, like we will have to cuddle and stuff, for sure haha but another thing while we are at it...um jaem, what about...kissing?'

this time, jaemin did actually freeze mid-bite, looking at jeno with wide eyes and making the older look back with slight panic.

'i m-mean, i get if you are uncomfortable with that, but it is an option s-so we needed to discuss it and now we can just cross that one off, which is absolutely fine by the wa-'

'no, jeno. jen. it's fine.' jaemin interrupted jeno's rapid flow of words and made the boy close his mouth immediately, surprise visible on his face.

'wait really?'

'i think we would immediately be busted if your roommate never ever saw us kissing and i think we will have to deliver some sappy smooches right in his face in order for him to get annoyed right? it's not like us holding hands and sitting next to each other will be his last straw, is it?'

jeno couldn't help chuckling at that, shaking his head defeatedly.

'yeah, definitely not. alright that's...settled then.'

jaemin put his hand on jeno's on the table and gave the boy a comforting smile.

'i think we should just not overthink it. let's both do everything we usually do when we are in a relationship and make it all be natural instead of planning ahead. i think we get each other's vibes enough to see when someone is uncomfortable with doing something and i think we are close enough for our vibes to match each other so we should just see when we can meet your roommate so you can tell him about us and get this entire thing started.'

jaemin's words seemed to ease jeno up, his tense shoulders loosening and making the boy mirror his smile with a reassured one, the older putting his other hand on jaemin's before asking:

'how about right now?'

jaemin's smile disappeared and both of his brows shot up.

'like...right right now?'

'yeah, why not? i think hyuck is home right now and his boyfriend has to work tonight, so it'd be perfect.'

jaemin took a deep breath in before nodding, looking more relaxed now.

'sure, why not? i'm done eating anyways, let's go.'

jeno's grin widened and he stood up, pulling jaemin up by his hand cheekily interlocking their fingers, making the younger look at it in surprise.

'i guess we should get into character already, right?' jeno asked with an amused voice and jaemin giggled before nodding, pulling their entwined hands to his mouth and leaving a small kiss on jeno's, winking playfully at the boy's sudden shock.

'lead the way, fake boyfriend.'

~

it turned out hyuck was not home when jaemin and jeno arrived, making the latter apologize with a guilty smile.

'he must have spontaneously gone out, i'm sorry.'

jaemin just waved him off as he took his shoes off, looking around jeno's dorm. it was very pretty, decorated simply but still with the proper amount of personality in it. it was obvious two very different people lived in it together but the disharmony in decoration choices, hobbies and furniture pieces clashed together surprisingly well, the rusty looking guitar next to a shelf full of designer handbags or the bright orange pillow right next to a plain grey one adding a very charming touch to the entire flat and making jaemin smile happily.

'oh it's absolutely fine, we can just wait for him to come back. i haven't ever been here before, your dorm looks so sweet!'
jeno rubbed the back of his neck shyly, failing to hide his pleased smile at the compliment.

'thanks. yeah, every time i had the boys over you would usually be at work. i'm glad you like it because it seems like you will be spending a lot of time here in the future.'

jaemin chuckled and sat down on the couch, smiling up at jeno.

'wanna watch a movie until your roommate arrives?'

jeno nodded happily.

'sure, i'll bring us some snacks and drinks, hold on.'

when he came back, he grabbed the remote control and was about to sit down before he suddenly stopped.

'you wanna like...practice cuddling positions while we are still allowed to look awkward and unauthentic?' jaemin giggled and sat up again, nodding.

'do you prefer hugging or getting hugged? i must admit i do like being the little spoon.'

'i guess we are a match then.'

jaemin bit his lip and nodded shyly after jeno made that comment, scooting forward as jeno sat behind him, the older hesitating for a second.

'um, well, i'm gonna-'

'just be natural, jeno.' jaemin warned him again and jeno nodded hastily before wrapping his arms around jaemin's waist, pulling him closer towards him, both of his legs spreading out and making jaemin sit right between them. the younger leaned against jeno's chest and slowly put his hands on jeno's arms.

'is it more comfortable here or should i put them...' with that, jaemin put his hands on jeno's thighs, quickly looking up at the boy to see if he was fine with that and jeno only looked down at him and answered in a hushed voice:

'i don't mind both. is this okay?'

jaemin cleared his throat and carefully leaned back again, his head meeting the space between jeno's shoulder and neck as he mumbled:

'yeah, it's quite cozy. i guess we really are naturals at this huh.'

jaemin was able to feel jeno's laugh on his back and it almost made him shiver. the younger jumped slightly when jeno's grip tightened around his waist and the boy's face moved closer but he was only leaning forward to grab the remote, laying down more comfortably afterwards and making jaemin almost sit on his thigh as he repositioned them to where he had one arm wrapped around the younger and the other across his stomach, pointing the remote at the tv.

'i guess the position is settled then. what do you want to watch?'

jaemin gulped when jeno looked down at him. this proximity was something the two had never had with each other before and jeno seemed to have noticed too as he quickly looked back at the tv, jaemin answering quietly:

'oh, i don't really care, you can put on some random show so we can watch as many episodes as needed until your roommate comes back.'

jeno hummed and scrolled through his list, jaemin focusing on the older's breathing pattern as it was quite calming. he found himself turning sleepy from it and his comfortable position didn't help, especially when somewhere around the second episode of whatever jeno had put on, the boy started to draw random patterns on jaemin's thigh where his hand was resting. jaemin tried to resist for as long as he could but not long after, his eyes turned heavy and before he knew it, the boy fell asleep, hand loosely intertwined with jeno's free one.

he didn't know how much time had passed before he woke up again, his sleep being disturbed by a loud screech and someone close to him shushing that screech hastily. jaemin was very confused as to where he was and his heart stopped when he felt himself being pulled closer to something, feeling an arm wrap around him carefully. suddenly, realization hit him and he quickly pretended to still be asleep, mentally not ready for that confrontation yet when he heard a stranger's voice shout-whisper:

'jeno lee, who the fuck is that?? you never told me you had a lover? i am offended.'

'hyuck, be quiet before i kick you in the ass, you are going to wake him up!'

'how do you want to kick me in the ass if your legs are koala-hugged by this random boy in our living room, huh?'

jaemin almost snorted at that, trying his hardest not to move or to blush when he realized that he had indeed changed his position in his sleep and was now clinging to jeno's side.

'this is jaemin. my boyfriend.'

'your WHAT?!'

'donghyuck! shut the fuck up!'

'sorry, sorry but since when?? jaemin who? wait...jaemin...isn't that the guy from the coffee shop you kept visiting with chenle? the pretty baris-'

'yup, that's him. and now my boyfriend. we got drunk at a party, i confessed my feelings to him, he agreed and now we are together.'

jaemin felt something warm in him at the way jeno decided not to make their relationship start from a random one night stand and decided it was time to slowly wake up. he pretended to stir a bit when donghyuck spoke again.

'oh damn...congrats bestie, about time. he's mad cute too, even while sleeping, good for him. oh shit-'

jaemin opened his eyes slowly, both jeno and hyuck immediately silencing and sluggishly, the boy yawned and sat up, remembering to still cuddle up to jeno, speaking with an oblivious, soft voice:

'sorry i fell asleep, babe.'

jeno pressed a small kiss on jaemin's temple, whispering back:

'it's fine baby, you had a long day. look, jaem, hyuck arrived.'

at that, jaemin finally turned around, being met with excited eyes and a pretty boy looking at him happily.

'hey, hello, sorry for waking you up. i got too excited. i am donghyuck, nice to meet a person who is actually able to fall for the loser i call my best friend!'

jaemin giggled while jeno glared at the boy, the former answering:

'nice to meet you donghyuck, i'm jaemin. i have heard so much from you already. sorry for just falling asleep on your couch, by the way.'

jaemin was smiling kindly when jeno subtly hit him and looked at him in confusion. the older was trying to tell him something with his eyes. it took jaemin a second before he remembered what he was he for and he hastily added:

'b-but um...your couch was so comfy, i might do this more often....take up the entire space and just sleep here. haha.'

he looked up at hyuck, the boy not saying anything for a second before laughing loudly, exclaiming:

'oh dude, make yourself at home, my boyfriend keeps falling asleep here too, jen and i did good in choosing our couch, didn't we?'

jeno only nodded unwillingly, jaemin biting his lip apologetically as he looked at his fake boyfriend, jeno's annoyed face turning soft at his expression and he entwined their hands gently, giving him a reassuring smile.

'okay, i'm going out with my boyfriend now. as an exception and because it's friday i'm going to sleep at his to give you two some privacy...i know, i'm the best roommate ever, no need to thank me. see you two, it was nice meeting you, jaemin.' hyuck grinned brightly and waved before leaving again, jaemin and jeno both letting out a relieved breath when the door closed behind them.

'phew...that went quite okay...except you were way too nice and not annoying whatsoever.' jeno scolded him playfully, jaemin pouting sulkily.

'okay, our plan is not to make him hate me, it's to be annoyed by me and i tried, okay? plus, i got you a peaceful weekend so be a little more grateful, mister.'

jeno grinned happily and hugged him excitedly.

'that is true, thank you so much oh mighty fake boyfriend.'

~

as donghyuck was away for the weekend jeno and jaemin didn't have to meet up, leaving jaemin to be able to do some of his assignments for uni while jisung was in his dorm, eating all the food jaemin's fridge had in it.

'so how is it going with the whole fake dating thing?' the younger asked through both of his cheeks full and jaemin gave him a disgusted look before answering:

'ah, it's fine to be honest. we haven't done much yet, i haven't even met the annoying boyfriend yet.'

'at least this gives you an opportunity to get closer to jeno, right? like you always said you wanted.'

jaemin blushed red as he played with his pencil, voice defensive as he mumbled:

'i didn't mean like this! i just always thought he seemed quite nice and didn't want to be at that awkward stage with him while you all were like close friends.'

'quite nice...and handsome?' jisung asked cheekily and jaemin gasped as he threw his pencil at the boy's head.

'excuse you, aren't you a taken man, park jisung?!'

'oh don't worry, jeno is definitely not my type and that definitely wasn't the reason why i called him handsome, na jaemin. admit it, he's fully your type, isn't he?'

jaemin gaped at his friend, trying to find some words but he only huffed and turned back to his laptop, ears red as he answered:

'someone would have to be blind to not see that jeno is attractive but don't get too ahead of yourself. now, stop disturbing me or i'm kicking you out. nothing will stop me from studying today so be quie-'

right then, jaemin's phone started ringing and the boy looked at it to immediately pick up when he saw who was on the other line.

'oh hey jeno!'

jisung gave him a pointed look, smirking as he grabbed another cookie to eat, jaemin ignoring his friend.

'hm? yeah no, i'm not doing much, why?...no, i'm not busy, i didn't have much planned for today anyways...'

now it was jisung gaping at him as the boy gave him a disbelieving look, jaemin just glaring at him before turning the other way.

'hyuck is home already? with his boyfriend, i see...no, i can come over, it's absolutely fine....yeah...no, you don't need to pick me up, jisungie can just drop me off, he's near mine anyways....alright, see you jeno!'

with that, jaemin ended the call and there was a long moment of awkward silence between the two before he spoke up again.

'i want no comments or i will send chenle the video of you peeing your pants from laughing.'

'...i am going to get my car keys.'

~

jeno was just staring at donghyuck and his boyfriend in disgust, the latter cooking himself something in the kitchen and making a complete mess while hyuck was just watching him lovingly while loud music was playing. jeno sighed when he saw him drop the spoon for the 8th time and he was about to go there and say something not so nice when he saw him reaching for jeno's favorite ramen that he keeps hidden from even hyuck when the doorbell rang. jeno immediately lightened up and rushed to the door.

'it's jaemin!'

'oh, you invited him over?' hyuck shouted back from the kitchen, standing up to greet the younger who just entered. jaemin subtly looked at hyuck's direction and pulled his shoes off, messily throwing them to the side. jeno had to suppress a snort at that, noticing how hyuck looked at the shoes with distaste for a split second before a smile entered his face.

'hey jaemin, nice to see you again!'

jaemin smiled back and waved, not understanding why the boy didn't leave but instead just stared at him and jeno when he spoke up again.

'what? you two are too shy to greet each other in front of me? am i supposed to close my eyes to give you some privacy?'

at that, jeno's eyes widened and he quickly moved forward to leave a gentle peck to jaemin's cheek, smiling fondly.

'hey...baby.'

jaemin chuckled and wrapped his arms around jeno's neck, hugging the older tightly as he whispered back:

'hey love.'

when they pulled away after a while, they noticed that hyuck had gone back to his boyfriend and jeno sighed.

'damn, i totally forgot, my bad. but i'm glad you were free today, i was going crazy here.'

jaemin raised an eyebrow amusedly.

'why?'

but right at that moment, a new voice nervously spoke up from the kitchen.

'uh jeno...i think i broke your water bottle dude...'

jeno's face hardened and he took a deep breath in before answering:

'oh it's alright. that was a present from my grandma, i will just ask her to get me a new one...i'm sure heaven has a great collection to choose from.'

jaemin pressed a hand over his mouth in shock and there was silence before quick footsteps approached them and he saw an incredibly guilty boy run up to him.

'oh my god, dude! i am so so sorry what the hell um...uh i will buy you a new one! definitely like, um obviously i cannot bring back the memory behind it but uh...no actually, dude i am so sorry-'

'it's fine. don't worry, it's just a water bottle.' jeno answered with a forced smile making the other nod apologetically before turning towards jaemin with surprised eyes.

'oh, i don't think we know each other yet. you must be jeno's boyfriend. super nice to meet you, i am mark lee.'

jaemin smiled at him before shaking his hand and bowing, introducing himself as well. mark was very handsome, having a boyish look to him and looking just as clumsy, bubbly and talkative as jeno had described him and jaemin fully understood why he had such a love-hate relationship with the boy because just from this short encounter it was obvious that mark was definitely a lot to handle but also very hard to be mad at just like now when he pointed at the hat jaemin was wearing, exclaiming:

'yo, i love your hat, this brand makes dope clothi- oops, shit, sorry!'
as he was pulling his hand away he accidentally yanked the hat, making it fall off and jaemin's fringe fall right into his face and eyes, making jaemin giggle and jeno sigh. the latter moved closer and moved jaemin's hair away again, petting his cheek afterwards and making jaemin look at him with wide eyes.

'all good?'

jaemin just nodded sheepishly, looking back at mark to see the boy smirking at them.

'aw, you two are cute! still all shy and coy, sweet!'

'mark! your food is burning!'
mark's eyes widened and he ran back into the kitchen again, jaemin not being able to stop laughing as jeno just repeatedly hit his head against the younger's shoulder.

'do you understand now what i mean?'

'oh come on, he seems cute!'

jeno gave him a sulky look as he crossed his arms.

'hey, you aren't supposed to call other boys cute in front of your boyfriend, are you now? especially boys who make your boyfriend's life hard.'

jaemin snorted and pushed jeno away playfully, the older pouting now and making jaemin walk closer with a small giggle as he wrapped his arms around him.

'i'm sorry, boyfriend. he's cute but i understand you and you are cuter. better?'

jeno's pout disappeared and his own arms wrapped around jaemin's waist, nodding happily.

'better.'

'come on, lovebirds, you want to eat too?' hyuck interrupted them cheekily, jeno and jaemin turning towards him while still hugging each other.

'to be fair, the food doesn't really smell the best.' jeno spoke carefully, hyuck glaring at him. jaemin put on the most arrogant voice he could before adding:

'babe, i can just cook us something better, hold on.'

hyuck raised an eyebrow at that, looking at jaemin.

'you don't even know how mark's cooking tastes, how are you so sure?'

jaemin just grinned as he walked past him into the kitchen.

'because i know how my cooking tastes.'

even jeno was shocked but he still smirked at hyuck before following jaemin into the kitchen. it didn't take long for jaemin to finish up a simple ramen dish for them and they soon joined hyuck and mark at their small dinner table, jaemin noticing how hyuck was sitting on mark's lap and getting fed happily, the two making quite the mess with the ramen water droplets and vegetables landing everywhere and he knew jeno noticed too as he looked at the two distastefully. jaemin quickly pulled him to sit down and scooted closer towards him, making a neat spoon full of food and guiding it to jeno's mouth.

'open up, honey!'

jeno obliged and ate the food jaemin made, his eyes widening in shock.

'oh my god, jaemin, this tastes incredible what the fuck!'

jaemin preened at that, smiling happily and was about to take a bite himself when hyuck leaned forward with a skeptical look.

'can i try?'

jaemin nodded and prepared another spoon, suddenly having an idea and "accidentally" spilling some of it over hyuck's hand, the boy having made sure that it's not too hot though. hyuck gasped and pulled his hand away before it dropped on his clothes and jaemin put on an innocent face.

'oh, i'm so sorry! what a mess i just made!' jaemin shouted, not moving to grab a tissue whatsoever and having mark do it instead. hyuck just shook his head and took the spoon from him.

'it's fine, it's whateve- woah!' he ate the food as he spoke and the boy's entire face lightened up, looking at jaemin with wonder.

'okay, sorry baby, but he was right. this tastes way better than your cooking. you are a great addition to our house, na jaemin!'

jaemin's face fell at that as that was actually the opposite of his plan and goal and he turned towards jeno apologetically when the older took his hand, pulling it while whining:

'feed me more please, nana!'

jaemin looked at him in surprise, a small smile on his face as he prepared another spoon, mumbling:

'nana?'

at that, jeno's eyes widened, a small blush on the boy's face as he smiled shyly.

'yeah? you don't like it?'

jaemin quickly shook his head and in a quick moment of spontaneous confidence, pressed a sweet kiss to jeno's cheek.

'no, i love it. open up, nono.'

jeno's smile widened at that and the older opened his mouth obediently and together, jaemin and jeno ate their food, fully immersed in their own world before hyuck snorted and mumbled:

'bro, jeno looks so gone for jaemin...kinda embarrassing for him.'

jeno's head shot up from where he was watching jaemin eating happily and glared at his best friend, hyuck chuckling.

'you need to close that mouth before drool escapes.'

'you need to close that mouth before i kick your ass.'

but hyuck only mimicked jeno's words and jumped up when the other got up as well, running away with a loud squeal, jeno right behind him. mark sighed and chuckled sadly, jaemin looking after the boys with an amused smile. then, mark got up to clear their dishes and kindly, jaemin whispered to him:

'hey, you might want to bring a tissue and clean up the mess on the table, hm?'

mark looked down and he gasped.

'oh shit, i didn't even see that! thanks dude, of course.'

jaemin just nodded and got to cleaning himself. well, if he couldn't annoy hyuck by his own actions maybe he could at least calm jeno down a bit like this.

~

'your room is so you.' jaemin laughed as he looked around, jeno chuckling as well.

'thank you?'

'it really was a compliment.' jaemin felt very comfortable in jeno's room, the boy having a great taste as jaemin preferred minimalistic choices as well, the bedroom being kept mostly in black, white and grey colors and looking quite neat. there was a big desk with books and a pc on it, next to it a big plant. on the other side there was a rather large bed surrounded by led lights and next to it was an array of guitars, a record player next to it. across from the bed there was a huge closet and a bookshelf, two seating bags placed next to it.

'how in the world can you afford a dorm room this big?'
jeno rubbed his neck uncomfortably as he answered:

'um...my parents are kinda sponsoring it in order for me to study comfortably.'

jaemin's mouth opened in shock and he whistles appreciatively.

'damn...must be nice.'

'i am very thankful to them though. plus i have major respect for people who study and work at the same time, i think what you are doing is really admirable and difficult.' jaemin sensed the defensiveness in jeno's voice and gave him a kind smile as he stepped closer, putting a hand on the older's arm.

'hey, jen, i didn't mean in it in a bad way. i genuinely am happy for you, who wouldn't take this opportunity if they could? i know that you would never take it for granted and it's not like it matters anyway.'

jeno looked at him in awe as if no one had ever said something like this to him before and he was about to say something when jaemin continued:

'well, we need a plan on how to annoy them, right? that's what i came here for.'

jeno's facial expression changed and he nodded, stepping back again as he sat on the bigger seating bag, scooting over for jaemin to sit on it too, the younger almost falling into jeno's lap from the weight distribution. he quickly apologized but jeno didn't seem to mind as he even moved closer to him, jaemin having no choice but to spread one of his legs out on jeno's.

'you know hyuck better than i do. you need to tell me what kind of stuff annoys him.' jaemin started and jeno tapped a random beat on jaemin's thigh as he seemed deep in thought.

'hm...he hates bugs.'

'well, jeno, i can't be the cause of cockroaches storming your dorm, can i now?'

'maybe if you leave a lot of trash around and stop showering.'

jaemin gave him an unimpressed look and jeno chuckled, raising his hands in defense.
'alright, sorry. um...he also hates waking up early. maybe you can visit really early one time and wake everyone up at ass o' clock.'

'or i could just spend a night here and make a lot of noise when i wake up.' jaemin replied, jeno looking at him with surprise and making jaemin backtrack nervously.

'if that'd be fine of of course...'

'sure. of course you can sleep here uh...we would have to share a room though as hyuck would get suspicious otherwise and i don't really have a couch to offer you in here so...i mean i could sleep on this seating bag but it would be quite uncomfortable...'

'i'm sure we will find a solution for that when it's the time.' jaemin mumbled shyly and jeno had an unsure voice as he answered.

'oh, i thought you wanted to sleep here tonight already.'

jaemin's eyes widened at that and he stuttered out:

't-tonight?'

'i m-mean that way we will be done with our plan sooner, right? the sooner we finish this the sooner we can end this play too.' jeno laughed awkwardly, not noticing the way jaemin's face fell slightly, the younger scooting away subtly.

'yeah right. we should just get it over with. i can sleep over here tonight. and i don't mind sharing a bed with you, if there is no other way. i am quite the cuddler though so you might mind.' jeno had a fond smile on his face at jaemin's nervous words and shook his head.

'it's fine, i can bear it, i'm pretty sure. we can discuss more plans at night then, hyuck cannot hear us at any time ever, if he does just distract him with something big because this boy figures stuff out too quickly most of the tim-'

'hey guys i wanted to ask if- oh my god!'

as if fate was playing with them, right in that moment, the door to jeno's room opened and hyuck entered, head still down as he was apparently typing something on his phone, making both jeno and jaemin flinch horribly. jeno looked at him in panic for a split second before suddenly, jaemin felt lips on his and he froze as he realized that jeno was kissing him, the boy grabbing the thigh that was still on his lap tightly. after a second of pure shock he relaxed again, putting a hand on the older's chest and kissing back for another two seconds before hyuck's shriek made them separate again, both boys slightly out of breath from that short kiss.

'shit, sorry. mark and i are going to get some bubble tea and i just wanted to ask if you two want some too but i see you are distracted with a different type of balls at the moment...my bad. we are leaving, alright? lock the door next time, please.'

with that, hyuck left and jeno and jaemin breathed out in relief simultaneously, jeno leaning on the bean bag before shock hit him and he looked at jaemin with wide eyes.

'oh my fucking god. i am so sorry, jaemin, i panicked! i thought he heard something and had to act quickly, i...so so sorry, oh my god.'

'hey, jeno, it's fine! it went well, didn't it? i don't think he suspects something.' jaemin mumbled, fanning himself as subtly as he could as he felt slightly warm, convinced that both his ears and face were a shade darker. jeno still looked sad though.

'still...i didn't even ask for your consent, that wasn't nice of me...'

'you have already asked for my consent about kisses since way before and i gave it so don't feel bad whatsoever, jeno lee. it was bound to happen anyways and this way, we didn't have to be awkward about it and got it over with quickly at least. really, all's good, dude!'

jeno looked more relieved after that and jaemin raised an eyebrow in confusion when jeno snorted a little laugh after a while.

'why are you laughing?'

'nothing, it's just...i don't think anyone has ever called me "dude" after i kissed them.'

jaemin looked embarrassed for a second before bursting into laughter, jeno joining him immediately.

'and i don't think i had someone i kiss ever tell me to stop showering but i guess there is a first to everything.'

'jaemin!' jaemin ignored jeno's shout of protest and grinned, standing up and stretching himself tiredly.

'come on, let's catch hyuck before he runs away from us. i actually do want a bubble tea.'

'...i guess my balls are not enough then.'

'JENO.'

~

'ugh i could fall asleep any moment, i think it's time to go to bed.' mark yawned and jeno looked at him skeptically.

'yeah, dude, jaemin and hyuck are literally getting ready for bed right now, i was wondering why you didn't get up. are you staying here tonight?'

mark grinned happily as he finished the bag of crisps and left it on the table all empty, making jeno's eye twitch before he grabbed it and crumpled it in his hand tightly.

'of course i am! oh by the way, hyuck didn't have floss anymore so i borrowed some of yours, i hope that's chill.'

jeno's eyes widened.

'did you throw it away after you used it?'

mark hummed as he thought about it.

'to be honest, i'm not sure. i think you were telling me to hurry up because you had to use the toilet so i left it there to throw it away later.'

mark flinched as jeno let out a loud gag, the boy groaning loudly.

'why the fuck would you-'

'okay, the bathroom is free!' hyuck interrupted jeno's shout, looking slightly unimpressed as he turned towards jaemin who was walking behind him.

'by the way jaemin, you left the toothpaste open, didn't clean the sink properly after brushing your teeth, you also dropped our towel on the floor and left the light on. i did it all for you.'

jeno immediately turned towards them and met jaemin's eyes, the younger winking at him cheekily before humming.

'oh. well thanks.' hyuck looked surprised at that but mark quickly came and pulled his boyfriend away, still remembering how jeno was about to get mad at him.

'okay, we are going to go to sleep, now goodnight!'

'but babe, you still have to brush your teeth-'

'and don't forget to fucking throw away your fucking floss.' jeno hissed under his breath as he watched the two disappear, jaemin looking at him with an amused smile. jeno groaned as he stood up, shaking his head and calming down before making his way over to the younger.

'you need me to give you some clothes?'

jaemin nodded with a look to his daytime clothes and jeno walked into his room and came back a minute later, a few pieces of clothing in his hands.

'i didn't know if you dress warmly or not for sleep so i brought you sweatpants, shorts, a hoodie and a shirt.'

jaemin gave him a warm smile and took the hoodie and the shorts from the older's hands.

'a mix of both i'd say.' jeno chuckled and bit his lip as he seemed to think about what he'd say next.

'i usually sleep shirtless. but i guess i can just put on one for tonight.'

jaemin looked at him for a second before answering:

'you don't need to go out of your way for me, just sleep like you usually would, it's fine.'

jeno just nodded at that, not looking at him but at the floor instead and jaemin smiled and walked inside the room to change clothes. after a while, both boys were ready for bed, feeling slightly nervous as they both stood at the different ends of it.

'um...' jeno started and with a look at jaemin he noticed that the boy seemed to feel awkward, taking it upon himself to make the first move and enter his bed, scooting over as much as he could, looking at jaemin and patting the space next to him.

'come on, fake boyfriend.'

jaemin snorted and joined him in bed, scooting over as well and creating a good amount of space between them. they looked at each other for a few seconds, facing each other. jaemin couldn't help his eyes wandering down slowly, jeno having an extremely nice upper body, well-trained abs and a lean stomach, his skin looking both hard and soft at the same time. he was getting quite distracted when suddenly, jeno cleared his throat nervously, making jaemin's eyes snap up again.

'well, goodnight then. i set an alarm for tomorrow because i'm not sure if we would wake up on time otherwise...sweet dreams, jaem.'

'y-yeah, you too.' jaemin was a bit embarrassed as he answered, not sure if jeno noticed him staring. the younger quickly turned around, facing jeno with his back now and he felt jeno doing the same as well.

it took both boys a long time before either were able to fall asleep that night.

~

when the alarm rang it was jeno who woke up first. he immediately turned it off but it took him a while to be able to open his eyes, being met with the blaring sun in his face and he was about to stretch out properly when he felt his body being restricted by something. he looked down to immediately blush when he saw it was jaemin in his arms. the younger's face was leaning against his chest, both of his arms wrapped around jeno's waist as he was laying on his side, even his legs being tangled with his. jeno noticed that one of his own arms was under jaemin's waist while the other that had turned off the alarm had automatically went back to its position on top of jaemin's body. jeno felt his heart racing slightly at the way jaemin's little huffs of breath against his chest were giving him shivers and the older debated what to do when suddenly, jaemin stirred slightly at the second alarm ringing. jeno hurried to turn it off but jaemin was definitely waking up, the older resorting to softly playing with jaemin's hair, feeling bad about making him wake up early on a weekend and wanting him to wake up gently at least.

'good morning, jaem. sorry it has to be so early.'

jaemin let out a soft groan and cuddled closer to jeno, still half asleep and making the latter laugh as he continued to stroke through jaemin's dark blue strands.

'do you want to screw our plan for today and sleep some more?' jaemin gave a weak nod at that and jeno chuckled again, yawning afterwards, still feeling quite sleepy himself.

'alright then. there will be more opportunities, i guess. sleep well, jaem.'

jaemin made some incoherent sounds as an answer and jeno smiled fondly before scooting closer, both boys not minding their positions as they fell into a deep sleep again, only being woken up when their door softly opened, hyuck on the other side of it. he was gesturing his boyfriend to be quiet as he looked at the two boys cuddling with a content smile only for it to disappear immediately when mark accidentally bumped into the drawer that was outside their doors, making a heavy book on it fall down to the floor with a loud thud and both boys jump up from their sleep and sit up immediately with wide eyes. hyuck groaned and mark whimpered as he shouted:

'guys, i'm so sorry, i really didn't mean to-'

'shhh, markie, stop shouting and just go! sorry guys.' hyuck interrupted him and quickly closed the door again, making jeno and jaemin lean against the headboard, dizzy from how fast they woke up. jeno was almost grinding his teeth from anger.

'i am going to kill him.'

'waking up immediately angry can't be good for your health.'

'mark lee is not good for my health.'

'should i make us breakfast to cheer us up?'

'yes please.'

'get up then, grumpy boy. and don't punch that poor boy please.'

'...only because i slept pretty well last night i will not.'

~

'jaemin?'

jaemin looked up from his notes for his eyes to widen when he saw it was lee taemin who had approached him. he was a handsome boy in his class, a few years older as he took the course as an advanced one and quite popular as well.

'y-yeah?'

'i just wanted to ask if you are free this weekend? i'm having a party and i wanted to invite you to come.'

jaemin was shocked. taemin's parties were some of the best, everyone wanting to go to them but only people who got invited over text were allowed to come. taemin rarely asked people out in person.

'oh i...um i didn't get a t-text invitation though...'

taemin smiled charmingly as he leaned forward and cheekily said:

'yeah that's because i wanted to ask you out personally. to make sure you come.'

jaemin was at a loss for words. he knew people were watching them as they were in a classroom and he could not believe that the lee taemin was asking him personally to come to his party. he was about to agree when he felt a kiss being pressed to his cheek and someone sitting right next to him, jaemin's head whipping around to see jeno grinning at him, the boy placing a coffee on his table.

'hey baby, got you something.'

jaemin looked at him with wide eyes, mumbling a stunned thank you. just then, taemin cleared his throat, making jaemin's head snap back up.

'oh i didn't know you are in a relationship, jaemin.'

jaemin had a conflicted look on his face as he looked between a disappointed looking taemin and a rather neutral jeno but as people were watching, he just sighed and nodded.

'y-yeah, i am. i'm sorry, taemin.'

'oh don't be, it's fine. you two can both still come to my party, by the way. i'll text you the address and time, jaemin.'

suddenly, jeno spoke up, voice overly kind.

'actually, you can just text them to me. jaemin is going to be at mine over the weekend anyways, here is my number. thank you.'

taemin looked stunned as jeno handed him a slip of paper with his number on it, giving the boy a warning smile while doing so, jaemin just looking at them in shock. taemin nodded awkwardly and walked back to his seat, jeno sitting down again with a pleased grin to whine when jaemin slapped his arm angrily.

'ouch, what the fuck, jaem?'

'i could say the same! why did you do that?! taemin was about to ask me out!'

jeno crossed his arms as he had a sulky look on his face. he leaned closer and his voice sounded almost defensive when he whispered:

'it's just...that girl over there. she knows hyuck. i was scared they'd talk and she'd tell her that you agreed to go to a party with some other dude and hyuck would misunderstand.'

jaemin looked at the girl and did indeed notice her subtly looking at them, sighing as he slumped back into his seat. jeno raised an eyebrow at him.

'you seem quite upset...taemin isn't that amazing now, is he?'

'he is. you just have no taste.'

'that is obvious. i'm fake dating you after all.' jaemin let out an indignant gasp and jeno pulled out his tongue cheekily, making jaemin cross his arms and pout.

'now i am missing out on a bomb party and a hot guy.'

'we can literally still go to the party if you want to. we are still invited.' jeno mumbled in annoyance and jaemin looked at him with puppy eyes.

'can we? i thought you would want to spend the weekend trying to annoy hyuck.'

jeno looked at jaemin's hopeful eyes and quickly averted his eyes again, speaking to his desk as he answered:

'well i was...but i'm sure we can give one night a miss.'

jaemin squealed and leaned forward to give jeno a hug and a smooch on the cheek, grinning excitedly.

'yay, you are the best, jen!' jeno grinned back when he felt someone watching them, turning his head slightly to see taemin staring at them. jeno deliberated for a split second and couldn't stop himself when he moved closer to leave a short peck on jaemin's lips, the younger freezing in surprise but immediately kissing back. when jeno pulled away, jaemin whispered:

'what was that for?'

jeno looked at him nervously and just answered:

'i thought i saw hyuck walk past.'

jaemin hummed and turned towards the front when the professor arrived, missing the way jeno's eyes were still on him.

~

'you like him, don't you?' jeno froze from where he was sitting while chenle was styling his hair for him, the boy getting ready for the party he had promised jaemin to go to.

'what?'

'you like jaemin. it's obvious, that is literally why i suggested that plan in the first place, i could give less of a shit about mark and hyuck annoying you.' jeno glared at his friend and slapped his hands away from his hair, finishing it up himself.

'what the hell are you on about? jaemin and i are fake dating, it's literally just a scheme to get hyuck to be annoyed.'

'could you tell me then - what exactly have you two done so far in order to succeed in making hyuck get annoyed?' chenle asked with an unimpressed voice and at that, jeno genuinely didn't know what to say.

jaemin had been over almost every day that he did not have to work but almost all they did was lock themselves up in jeno's room, watching movies or playing games. whenever jaemin and hyuck would interact it was mostly the younger helping hyuck with his uni projects or the two gossiping about celebrities. jeno didn't even notice that they hadn't made any progress in making hyuck get frustrated, the boy rather enjoying jaemin's company and asking him to invite him over every day. the only positive side to it was that for some reason, ever since jaemin was there, mark hadn't been as annoying to jeno anymore. he didn't know if it was because he had jaemin to distract him or if it was because something had made mark change but the dorm didn't look as messy anymore and with the four of them, mark's never ending talking is starting to become more entertaining than irritating.

'our plan is definitely working, i'm not as angry and annoyed anymore.' jeno mumbled defensively and chenle snorted.

'yeah dude...because you have the giddy love fever that's keeping you happy.'

chenle shrieked when he felt an arm being wrapped around his neck, jeno holding him in a chokehold as he shouted with playful anger:

'don't overdo it now, zhong. jaemin and i are just friends and i- i love him very much!'

chenle's eyes widened at his friend's words and he used all his strength to look up at him to see jeno looking to the door with wide eyes. understanding filled chenle when he saw hyuck standing there, suppressing a laugh as he stood up straight again, hyuck eyeing them with a confused look.

'never seen a dude confess his love for his boyfriend while choking someone else but whatever floats your boat, bestie. jaeminnie arrived by the way but he looks way too pretty for you.'

jeno huffed angrily as he checked himself in the mirror.

'ha ha, you are so funny hyuck, how about you go and fuck yoursel- woah.'

right then, jaemin entered his room with a bright grin, jeno's mouth actually opening in shock. the boy was wearing some nice leather pants, a slightly cropped black and white shirt hugging his petite frame and exposing a thin chain that was wrapped around his lean stomach. he also had some rings and a pair of chunky black boots to top it off. his dark blue hair was styled up and parts of his fringe were falling into his face prettily, the boy having put some sort of glitter under his eyes and on his cheekbones that made his entire face glow. jeno's eyes moved down to his lips, them being all glossy and red. he gulped loudly and was glad hyuck was still standing behind the boy as it gave him a reason for the raw honestly in his voice as he mumbled, voice a tad bit raspier now:

'nana, you look...incredible. so fucking stunning.'

jaemin blushed red and out of his peripheral vision, he saw chenle sporting a too smug smirk and he was about to punch it off of him when jaemin's soft voice answered.

'thank you babe. you look super handsome yourself though. fucking hot.'

at that, a pleased smile entered jeno's face, noticing the way jaemin's eyes were tracing his face, jeno having put on some eyeliner and eyeshadow along with some red lip tint that he knew made his sharp cupid's bow stand out on his face. he watched as jaemin's eyes wandered up to his blonde hair, chenle having put small waves in it that were framing his face in a middle part. jeno couldn't help flexing his arms subtly when jaemin's gaze wandered lower, checking out his black sleeveless shirt and the chains on his arm along with the several rings that were adorning jeno's slim fingers. where his hands were resting at his thighs, a leather chain was hugging it tightly over his ripped skinny jeans, jaemin's eyes getting stuck there for a good few seconds before quickly wandering down to his doc martens and moving back up again, an unreadable expression on the boy's face.

'now this is a severe case of eyefucking each other wow.' both boys jumped slightly at hyuck's voice, chenle's loud laugh fully snapping them out of their trance. jaemin rolled his eyes playfully and turned towards jeno, grabbing his hand.

'ready to go?' jeno was still a little stunned as he intertwined their fingers, smiling at the younger fondly.

'ready if you are, baby.'

'alright, don't forget to bring your chargers, call a cab if both of you drink, consent is twice as important when drunk and don't forget to use protectio-'

'donghyuck!' jeno interrupted his roommate with an embarrassed voice, hyuck raising an eyebrow before turning towards jaemin and adding with a fake whisper:

'jeno turns into a horny and clingy puppy when drunk so if you want to you can sleep with me tonigh-'

'lee donghyuck, i swear to fucking god-'

'okay, we should just go!' jaemin interrupted what he knew would soon turn into a full blown fight with an amused giggle, pulling jeno away gently. his smile disappeared when chenle's voice could be heard.

'jaemin turns touchy, soft and needy when drunk so you better smooch him a lot-'

'goodbye everyone!' jaemin shouted loudly, dragging a grinning jeno away with him hastily. they reached jeno's car and jaemin let out a deep breath.

'phew...quite the hassle, wasn't it?' jeno still had an amused grin on his face as he smugly answered:

'yeah...so needy and touchy, huh?' jaemin gave him an unimpressed look, voice cold as he didn't miss a beat when answering.

'horny and clingy, huh?'

'...enough smalltalk, i will drive, get in the car.'

~

'woah, this is a big house.'

loud music blasting was the first thing that greeted jeno and jaemin as they entered the house, followed by the tragical smell of weed, people's colognes mixed with sweat, greasy fast food and sex. the party still seemed classier than the usual ones though, a rather expensive array of booze on the table and there being both pizza but also some healthier food options next to it.

'taemin still lives with his parents...damn i would too if it looked like this.' jaemin had to almost shout in order to answer jeno and it seemed like the older only understood half of it anyways as he just nodded and stepped closer, putting a hand on jaemin's waist as he leaned towards his ear and shouted:

'should i get us drinks?' jaemin signaled him a happy yes and jeno gave him a smile before walking towards where the drinks were located, it not being too far from the entrance. jaemin barely had the time to inspect the dance area when he saw someone walking towards him.

'jaemin! you came. i'm so glad, you look amazing!' jaemin smiled brightly at taemin and hugged him back, the boy looking very satisfied as he looked around him.

'you didn't bring your boyfriend?'

'oh no, i did. he's just grabbing some drinks-'

'and back he is.' out of nowhere, jeno had appeared next to jaemin again, handing him his drink before wrapping an arm around the younger, jaemin's eyes widening slightly at the way one of jeno's fingers casually hooked into his stomach chain. taemin didn't look as excited anymore as he greeted jeno with a nod of his head.

'well, i see. welcome you two, hope you enjoy the night. jaemin, me and my friends will soon go upstairs to smoke a bit, if you want to join.'

jaemin's eyebrows furrowed slightly at the way taemin had pointedly looked only at him while inviting him, feeling jeno's arm tighten slightly, just like the older's face. still, he thanked taemin with a small smile, the host smiling charmingly one last time before walking away to greet some new guests.

'he is so flirting with you...while i'm right here! what the fuck? i mean sure, we are not actually together but he doesn't know that, the audacity!' jeno was rambling angrily, jaemin having trouble understanding him over the loud noise but still finding it slightly cute how angry the boy looked. if jaemin didn't know any better he would have thought that jeno was jealous but he quickly dismissed those thoughts, ignoring the way his heart started to race slightly at that, grabbing jeno's hand instead before loudly asking:

'whatever, let's focus on something else. your drink is almost empty, let's get new ones and then go dance!' jeno was still pouting slightly, answering:

'you aren't going to go smoke? with taemin?' jaemin chuckled as he took another sip from his drink, his low alcohol tolerance already making him gigglier than he usually is.

'no, silly. without my boyfriend? what if someone sees me and tomorrow hyuck will think of me as the stupid cheater?' a satisfied grin appeared on jeno's face and he just pulled jaemin towards the booze table, feeding him some snacks as jaemin was pouring them new drinks. jaemin downed his drink way too fast, jeno mirroring him just as stupidly and endlessly laughing, the two boys walking to the dance floor. the song was almost ending, blending almost seamlessly into yet another loud party song with a bass so extreme jaemin felt his entire body buzzing. or maybe that was the alcohol. jaemin giggled as he threw his arms into the air, moving his body to the rhythm that didn't really allow him to do more than sway his hips but he jumped slightly when felt arms wrapping around his waist. he opened his eyes to see jeno already looking back at him with dark eyes, the older matching his body rolls to jaemin's as he was holding him and with a giddy smile, jaemin let his arms fall on jeno's shoulders instead, pulling the boy a bit closer as he was still maintaining an almost awkward distance between the two.

'i love this song! you are a good dancer!' jaemin was shouting nonsense at this point but he tried to talk over the way his heart was beating loudly at the proximity his drunken self had boldly caused between them. jeno's chuckle looked way too cocky and hot for jaemin to calm down the slightest bit.

'given that i have been in the dance club for several years now, i'd be sad if me simply moving my body from side to side wouldn't look good but i appreciate it, baby.'

jaemin bit his lip as he raised an eyebrow, giving the other a playful smirk.

'i don't think anybody hears you calling me baby right now.'

he shivered slightly when jeno leaned closer and mumbled into his ear, voice raspy:

'if you want me to stick to the facts i can just call you pretty boy tonight.'

jaemin's heart skipped a beat at that and he felt like he didn't have enough alcohol to act cool about this so with bright red cheeks he laughed nervously before taking a small step back. upon jeno's confused expression he shrieked out the first thing that came into his mind which was:

'i need to pee!'

he cursed inwardly but just gave jeno another awkward smile and hurried away, fanning himself embarrassedly. it took him a few minutes to find the bathroom and when he entered it and closed the door behind him he let out a deep breath. now that the music was slightly muffled and he was by himself he realized how warm and tipsy he was feeling but when he looked in the mirror he smiled faintly when he saw that one side of his shirt had ridden up slightly from where jeno's hands were on him. he snapped out of it when he caught his whipped smile on his own face and put on a neutral face again. he tapped the bathroom counter with his fingers as he thought about something before sighing and pulling out his phone, holding it to his ear after pressing call. a few rings later, a sleepy voice answered:

'jaemin?'

'jisung. you need to be entirely honest with me.'

'dude, aren't you at a party right now with jeno?' jisung sounded annoyed, rightfully so as the boy had to work early tomorrow but jaemin chose to ignore that for now.

'yes, i am. now listen. i need your honest opinion on this, like one hundred percent the truth, like if you lie your life will forever suck kind of way, like-'

'jaemin, just get to the fucking point or i swear i will hang up.'

'do you think there is a possibility that jeno might like me back?' jaemin shot out, shocking himself with the urge in his question and there was silence for a few seconds before jisung mumbled with a stunned voice:

'...like you back? so you actually do like him?'

jaemin's eyes widened and he panicked as he squeaked out:

'actually, you can just go to sleep, forget about this! goodnight, sweet dreams, ignore me, i am absolutely waste-'

'jaemin, calm down! anyways, yeah it's actually a given. you two are absolutely gone for each other and trust me, it's visible.'

jaemin bit his lip as he played with his ring, answering:

'are you sure though? what if he's just being nice...or a good actor so the plan works out?'

now there was exasperation in jisung's voice as he talked, speaking slowly as if jaemin was a little child having trouble understanding him.

'he cut up your food for you and fed you a few bites. and wiped your mouth. when it was just the four of us in chenle's apartment.'

jaemin actually didn't have an answer to that but jisung wasn't done anyways.

'so stop bothering me with this shit and go confess or kiss him or something, i don't know. goodnight. oh and good luck i guess.'

with that, he ended the call, jaemin gaping at his phone in shock before looking back at himself in the mirror. his cheeks had a pretty flush on them and he smiled when he remembered that jeno was probably waiting for him. his heart raced as he exited the bathroom, making his way over to the dance floor where he left jeno. when he arrived, the smile entirely disappeared from his face and his heart went from racing to hammering, in an unpleasant way though.

because jeno was still there. he wasn't alone though but dancing with someone. a very pretty boy actually, a boy whose hand was in jeno's and who was getting spun around while jeno was laughing happily. jaemin felt stupid when he felt tears in his eyes but he had to admit that the boy and jeno looked awfully familiar with each other as they made some silly dance moves and the boy wrapped an arm around jeno's shoulder as he laughed prettily. he was a lot shorter than both jeno and jaemin and he had a very small build, looking like a fairy with his hair half dyed black half blonde. jaemin felt bitterness pooling in his stomach and he quickly looked up to avoid his tears falling when he saw taemin walking up the stairs. in a split second, his mind was made up and with one last angry gaze at the dancing pair he followed the boy upstairs.

~

'okay, injunnie, it was nice seeing you again but my feet are killing me and i have no idea where jaemin is.' jeno shouted over the music, walking to the kitchen to grab himself something cold to drink, his dance partner following him happily.

'jaemin? is that your date's name? where is he?' jeno bit his lip as he looked around in confusion.

'he just went to use the restroom but it has been ages. maybe he's catching up with someone, i don't know. i really wanted to introduce you two to each other though, i'm sure he would like you.'

renjun snorted at that, grabbing himself a piece of pizza.

'as hyuck's ex i could give him a lot of advice on how to annoy him, that's for sure. i miss hyuck, that bitch, tell him that just because he has a new lover now, he can't forget about me.'

jeno laughed at that, finding it nice how the two were still able to be on very good terms, their break up a mutual decision anyways. jeno would have been sad to lose renjun as a good friend, having confided in him about his entire plan the minute he caught him dancing on the dance floor.

'i will tell him.' jeno was a bit distracted again as he checked every corner of the area, wondering where jaemin was.

'damn, he is not escaping your thoughts, huh? seems like this whole fake thing isn't so fake for you?' there was amusement on renjun's face and jeno's eyes widened in surprise.

'he's not even with me and you noticed? damn, i must be really obvious huh?'

'oh my god, so you do like him! did you confess already?'

jeno blushed as he took a sip of his drink.

'don't be silly. i don't think he sees me that way, i don't want to embarrass myself like that.'

'oh come on. chenle told me two of his best friends are whipped for each other and don't notice it. i'm sure he didn't mean jisung.'

jeno rolled his eyes at renjun's sarcastic voice.

'your brother gossips too much with you, he's stupid.'

however, jeno couldn't help hope rising in him. was there a possibility jaemin liked him back? if jeno confessed and it went bad he could just pretend he was way too drunk to be coherent and act like it never happened.

'what the hell are you thinking abou-'

'hey um...are you jaemin's boyfriend?' jeno's head whipped around when a random boy approached him, unsure look on his face.

'yes, that's me. why?'

the boy gave a small chuckle as he answered:

'we were all smoking upstairs and i think he did a little more than he could handle. he's all high asking for his boyfriend...your name is nono, right?'

jeno's eyes widened and he didn't even answer as he pushed the boy aside, bolting upstairs. the stranger let out a huff and shook his head.

'was nice meeting you too, buddy. i'm yangyang, by the way.'

renjun chuckled at that, giving the boy a warm smile.

'ignore him, he's living his own fairytale right now. i'm renjun, by the way.'

~

jeno was checking room after room, immediately apologizing when he interrupted couples being very busy with each other and he breathed out in relief when he saw a door opening and smoke coming out of it. he jogged towards it, face hardening at the sight that was greeting him. jaemin was sitting on the bed, his eyes very heavy and droopy as he was leaning against a too happy looking taemin. jaemin's head was on his shoulder and the older had an arm wrapped around him, jeno feeling something very bitter filling up his entire body and before he could stop himself, he burst inside, voice cold as he said:

'why the fuck did you let him smoke so much?!'

taemin raised his hands defensively.

'dude, he wouldn't stop, i tried taking it away from him but he said something about needing to cheer up again.'

jeno's brows furrowed as he wondered what made jaemin's mood go down so suddenly. he watched as the boy snuggled further into taemin's arm, a tired pout on his face and jeno felt his mind going blank as he walked closer and grabbed jaemin's arm.

'yeah well, it sure looks like you aren't not enjoying his state, are you? don't think i'm dumb, i noticed your interest in him and if it weren't for me needing to get jaemin home i wouldn't just leave you like this, trust me.'

taemin only snorted at that, looking at jaemin who groggily sat up, inspecting who was trying to pull him up.

'if i were you i would rather worry about why your boyfriend would get mad every time your name was mentioned. seems like jaemin wanted to rather be with me indeed so why don't we start there?'

jeno was fuming now, almost starting a proper fight with the smirking boy when a soft voice stopped him.

'jen?' jaemin's voice sounded as drowsy as he looked and jeno's attention immediately diverted to him, helping him stand up gently as the younger was stumbling.

'hey nana, come on, let's get you out of here.' jaemin didn't say a word, letting himself be pulled out of the room and jeno bit his lip as he considered what to do. he breathed out in relief when he saw a little table with water bottles and grabbed one before trying to open another random door, happy to find it empty. he pulled jaemin inside and instructed him to sit on the bed. he opened the bottle and held it to jaemin's mouth, gently urging him to drink a few sips, the younger obliging tiredly. he looked very cute like this, his hair was slightly messed up and he had a red flush on his cheeks but jeno couldn't help the frustration in him as he mumbled:

'you told me you wouldn't go smoke with him...without me.' when he looked up again, his heart stopped at the way jaemin was glaring at him. he added nervously:

'it's n-not like you aren't allowed to of course...you just said-'

'fuck you.' jeno's mouth opened in shock at the hostile tone in jaemin's voice, the younger moving away from him and spilling some water in the process, making him whine and jeno grab the bottle from him again.

'jaem, w-what...?'

'you...you keep t-talking about hugging me here and k-kissing me there because of the stupid plan and won't let m-me flirt with someone or do w-what i want but i leave for two seconds an-and you are allowed to dance with random pretty b-boys, not caring if anyone sees you? you are a prick, lee jeno.'

jeno couldn't believe jaemin's words, fully in shock to fully grasp the situation. worrying about the boy being taken advantage of had sobered him up momentarily but the smoke of the weed and the alcohol he had drunk were catching up to him again as he felt slightly dizzy. perhaps it was jaemin's effect on him as well but whatever it was caused the mess that jeno's response was.

'why would you even want to flirt with someone else?'

jaemin's face hardened even more as he looked at jeno in disbelief.

'oh, i'm so sorry, how dare i? i should just sit on a stool while you go party and fuck some random people, should i? you go have fun, maybe i'll just take a quick nap in here.'

jeno's brows furrowed in a mix of frustration and confusion as he stepped closer to the bed jaemin was sitting on, kneeling down in front of it and his heart only hurting a bit when jaemin leaned away immediately.

'what the fuck are you on about, jaemin? why do you keep saying that shit, why would i go and fuck someone, who told you that? was it taemin?'

jaemin snorted humorlessly.

'i saw it myself. you dancing with someone.'
jeno looked at the boy confusedly before it finally hit him and he was so relieved he let out a small laugh, followed by a few more chuckles. he quickly realized how wrong that was though when jaemin's face turned offended, the younger huffing before standing up, stumbling towards the door.

'oh, i never thought you would be such a piece of shit-'

'jaeminnie, wait!'

jeno immediately ran forward and grabbed jaemin's arm, pulling him closer to him and staring down at him intensely.

'please listen to me. the boy you saw me dancing with...he was short, right? two haircolors?' jaemin gave him a curt nod, not even looking at him and jeno's voice turned more urgent as he explained:

'that's one of my closest friends. he's literally the ex of hyuck. we saw each other after a long time and danced for a bit but then we were done and i was looking for you. people know i know renjun, no one would get suspicious or think anything of it...well, except you apparently. it's a pity, i actually really wanted to introduce you two.'

jeno searched for jaemin's eyes desperately but the younger kept his gaze down, jeno growing frustrated at his silence and with a gentle grip he tilted jaemin's chin up, trying to make him look at him.

'you have to believe me. sorry i abandoned you, nana. and sorry i offended you and made it seem as if the plan isn't as important to me as it is to you. i truly apologize.'

jaemin gave him a short glance, the boy having an unreadable expression on his face now as he mumbled:

'i'm sorry for being dramatic about it. and smoking too much and ruining the night for you. the plan, that w-wasn't...that wasn't the reason why i acted like that.'

jeno's heart started racing as he noticed how jaemin was blushing now, an almost embarrassed look on the boy's face now and he tried to gulp down the dumb feeling of hope rising in him but he couldn't help asking, nervousness in his voice:

'jaemin, were you perhaps...jealous?' surprise appeared on jaemin's face for a short moment before the boy looked down again, jeno not letting him and immediately pulling his face up again, making the younger whine quietly.

'does it matter?' jaemin mumbled weakly and jeno felt something bursting in him.

'it matters so fucking much because if you were, i don't know how to hide how happy that would make me.'

jaemin's eyes widened at the older's words and he stared at him in shock, jeno showing a small smile as he whispered:

'because i can tell you...i have been jealous the entire night already. and seeing you smoke with taemin and cuddling him made me almost lose my mind back there.'

there seemed to be a thousand emotions and thoughts in jaemin's head and jeno just kept staring at the younger nervously, faces and bodies still very close to each other and jeno's hand still holding jaemin's arm while the other was loosely wrapped around his chin to keep his gaze on him. jaemin took a shaky breath in before answering him:

'and i did lose my mind when i saw you dancing so closely to someone else. it bothered me a lot.'

jeno felt his soul leave his body at the younger's words and he couldn't suppress the relieved laugh escaping him, his hand moving from jaemin's arm to his hip when the younger smiled shyly himself.

'will you let me make it up to you?' jaemin's eyes followed the way jeno's wandered to his lips, biting them unconsciously and his breath hitching when he saw jeno's eyes darken at that. the tension was so high jaemin felt like it's burst if he even made the tiniest noise so he just nodded weakly, glee filling up jeno's face for a split second before all he saw was the older's face moving closer, immediately closing the gap between their lips.

the kiss lacked any of the awkwardness and apprehension from their other ones, rather being convoyed by impatience and desire as jaemin immediately kissed him back, the younger's hands moving towards jeno's nape and gripping the boy's hair, pulling him closer to him and making him groan happily. jeno's hand moved from his hip to jaemin's bottom, staying there patiently and all gentlemanly until it was jaemin himself who wiggled his butt into the older's loose grip properly, whining impatiently into his mouth. there was a faint smile on jeno's lips as he obliged and squeezed it softly, making jaemin bite the other's lip in retaliation. that definitely spurred jeno on as he quickly deepened the kiss and opened jaemin's mouth, jeno's tongue meeting his making the younger's knees buckle and causing him to almost fall if it wasn't for jeno's tight grip on him. jeno pulled back worriedly and panted out:

'baby, are you okay? you are still high, we can take it a bit slower.'

but jaemin only shook his head, pushing the boy towards the bed and making jeno plop on it, immediately climbing into his lap. jeno caught him effortlessly, wrapping both of his hands around the younger's waist as jaemin kissed him again fervently, jeno not wasting any time in kissing him back. one of jaemin's hands was on the waistband of jeno's pants and he felt frustrated at the way the weed had made his mouth become slack, his entire body shaking from how much adrenaline was in him in contrast to the tiredness the alcohol and the smoke caused. jeno noticed his energy decreasing and started to turn playful, leaving small butterfly kisses on his mouth before moving down towards his neck, stroking his back gently. after a few more kisses he pulled away, smiling at the boy before peppering short kisses on his nose, his cheek and his mouth again, jaemin's frustration melting away and a soft smile appearing.

's-stop, jen.'

'there is no way i ever will again.' the older grinned and jaemin intertwined their fingers, still sitting on the boy's lap but it didn't seem like jeno minded that as he stroked the younger's thighs gently. jaemin took a deep breath in before mumbling.

'so...what do i take from this? are we friends with benefits now?' he tried to hide the unimpressed tone in his voice and was surprised to see it mirrored in jeno's facial expression, the boy having a frown in his face as he answered.

'i will be entirely honest with you. if that's what you want i will think about it but that's actually not what i desire at all. i...i like you, jaeminnie. i don't know for how long already but i fully and properly fell for you during this stupid plan we were doing. there is a reason hyuck knew you already and was so excited when he thought we were dating...i have told him about you several times, he knows how beautiful i find you and how i would always turn so shy when it came to you. it was such a difficult decision for me to see if i want to fake date you or not because on one hand, it'd be exactly what i wished for but on the other hand, i knew i'd just hurt myself with it, thinking how you were just doing it to help me. i was playing with my own feelings and knew it'd make me break at one point but i still was selfish enough to try. so if there is any chance of you being down to turn this into something more serious than fucking each other with no attachments then i would be so honored.'

jaemin's eyes were wide and a bit glossy at the sincerity and gentleness of jeno's words and voice, the boy having an adorably nervous smile on his face as he tried to keep the eye-contact to jaemin, failing to do so and it being jaemin this time who had to lift his face towards him.

'oh aren't you the absolute sweetest? i never really confronted myself about the little puppy crush i always have had on you, telling myself that you are way too kind and sweet and i shouldn't think anything of it, i thought as long as we were some sort of friends that'd be enough. i was selfish too...i would never just agree to fake date and fake kiss anyone just to help a friend, i did it for my own benefit as well and when i thought that you...that you didn't care about me whatsoever and saw you with someone else, i realized just how severe my feelings are for you and that scared me. but apparently i don't even need to be scared. i just offered that friends with benefits thing to not be too hopeful by the way, i don't want that shit either.'

jaemin beamed at an emotional looking jeno as he pressed a sweet kiss to the older's lips.

'i would like that. to turn this into something more serious. lee jeno, do you perhaps want to break up?'

jeno's soft smile disappeared and the boy's brows furrowed at jaemin's words.

'huh, b-but-'

'do you want to break up and go from being my fake boyfriend to my actual boyfriend?' jaemin asked cheekily, making jeno burst into laughter, relief and happiness looking way too pretty on him.

'you idiot, that scared me. yes, yes i would love to be your real boyfriend, na jaemin.' jaemin giggled happily and jeno pulled him into a tight hug, kissing the boy's temple fondly, the two staying like that for a while. jaemin almost fell asleep with how comfortable he was feeling, especially as jeno had leaned back, both boys laying down now while the older was playing with his boyfriend's hair softly. it was jeno's voice who made him jump out of his half slumber.

'i guess i owe hyuck several apologies soon.'

'why?'

'for lying to him. and because i think i might end up being more of an annoying boyfriend than he or mark are. i already don't want to let you go ever.'

jaemin snorted from where he was being cuddled by jeno, trying to hide the warm feeling inside of him as he whined:

'don't be cheesy! there is no way i will let you be a cringe boyfriend. but you need to apologize to mark too. you terrorized that poor boy way too much.'

jeno hummed as he tucked his face into jaemin's neck happily.

'i will, i will. i am a changed man now. and don't think i didn't notice you changing mark as well. he cleans up after himself now, i don't know how you did it.'

'i just talked to him instead of glaring at him like a toddler who doesn't know his manners.'

jeno pinched jaemin's waist sulkily, making the younger whine loudly.

'don't be a meanie to your boyfriend.'

'don't cause me to be a meanie to my boyfriend.'

'...i like that. boyfriend.'

~

'i don't want to be the one who tells him!' jeno whispered desperately, jaemin looking at him in disbelief.

'he's your best friend!'

'exactly! he will kill me. he finds you cute, he won't say anything to you.' jeno gave him puppy eyes and jaemin sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.
'this is ridiculous, he's going to hate me. just go tell him, it's way more logical for you to do it-'

'you two are aware i can hear you, right?' jeno and jaemin flinched horribly at hyuck's voice behind them, jeno clutching his chest in panic while jaemin bit his lip anxiously.

'we t-thought you were in t-the kitchen-'

'that's mark. is there something you want to tell me?' hyuck had his arms crossed and a dangerous look on his face, making jeno gulp nervously. he elbowed his boyfriend and jaemin just pushed him back with a helpless look, making jeno look at him desperately and resulting in jaemin glaring at him before clearing his throat nervously.

'see hyuckie...we actually wanted to tell you that...well, the truth is...'

'that you and jeno have been fake dating this entire time in order to get on my nerves?' hyuck answered emotionlessly and jaemin's mouth opened in shock, jeno's eyes widening.

'h-how...?'

'chenle told me the night of the party. renjun had told him that shit seemed to be going down so he was sure you two would make it official anyways and wanted to be the one to tell me.'

jaemin was at a loss for words, while jeno shook his head in disbelief.

'that little bitc-'

'now, don't blame him, at least he didn't lie to his best friend.' hyuck spoke coldly, making jeno shrink in shame.

'listen hyuckie, i'm sorry, it's just...you look so happy with mark and i didn't want you to think that i didn't want you to be content and in love but- ouch!'

jeno yelped when hyuck punched him in the arm exasperatedly, jaemin suppressing a snort at the way his boyfriend was sulking.

'you idiot. are we not close enough for you to just tell me if something bothers you, having to come up with a whole plan and shit? and a stupid one at that too.'

then hyuck turned towards jaemin and the younger looked at him with a nervous look, heart stopping when hyuck stepped closer. suddenly, the cold look on the boy's face disappeared and a cheeky grin appeared instead, a playful glint in his eyes as he hugged jaemin tightly.

'i'm glad you are his actual boyfriend now, nice to meet you again. you are the best person jeno could have ever dated, we will have so much fun together from now on. but please stay away from my things, your annoying act is over.'

jaemin giggled and nodded, hyuck walking to his boyfriend happily. jeno was still rubbing his arm with a pout, mumbling:

'i told you you wouldn't get any shit for it. my arm hurts, jaeminnie.'

jaemin cooed and chuckled, pressing a soft kiss on it before being pulled into another one on the lips by jeno. jaemin pulled away gently and whispered against the older's lips:

'don't i have a little, cute weakling as a boyfriend?' with that, he spanked jeno's butt playfully and ran towards the other two in the kitchen, jeno's mouth opening in shock as he shouted back:

'oh you will pay for that, na jaemin, come here right now!'

it was in a span of a few minutes that all four people started fighting each other, loud laughter and shouts being heard. and just like that, it went from one annoyingly in love couple to two - it was so easy to be unaware once you were distracted by fondness and happiness jeno quickly learned as he watched the way jaemin was hiding behind mark, giggling endlessly. then, the younger met his eyes and gave him a soft smile, making jeno wonder how he could ever let him go. he simply didn't plan to do so. ever.