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Jaemin had had enough. Renjun and Donghyuck had been arguing in front of his breakfast for half of their recess, Jeno was on his second bag of jelly and yet no one had noticed his very obvious pout. He put down his bread bun and smacked his fist loudly on the table, causing his friends to finally shift their attention to him, starting with Jeno. Well, Jeno had his eyes on him most of the time anyway.
"Guys!" He began. "I have…a concern."
Renjun stared at him with his mouth open and Donghyuck replied with a very dry "glad to know there's some thoughts in your head sometimes," which resulted in him getting flicked on the forehead.
Renjun sighed and did the honours of asking. "And what is that concern exactly?" Jaemin took a bite of his bread and smiled.
"I'm glad you asked! I've been thinking and…I feel like I'm lacking something. For starters, I feel like there should be more romance in my life."
Donghyuck was the first one to react, by letting out a loud high-pitched laugh. "Why would you need that when you have Je– ouch!" He looked angrily at Jeno for a few seconds and instantly switched to an exaggerated teary face, mumbling to Renjun to come rub at his shin.
Jaemin looked in confusion between Donghyuck's pout and Jeno's angelical smile. "What was that?"
Renjun laughed nervously and fixed the collar of his shirt.
"Ah, my sweet Jaemin, I didn't know you were interested in dating! What brings this on now?" Jaemin pouted again, which made his round cheeks more prominent.
"My cousin recently started dating and he's even younger than me," Jaemin sighed, "and I was thinking that we'll finish high school soon and I won't have experienced any teenage love by then…"
"I thought you didn't like romance at all…?"
Jeno said after sipping on his orange juice carton, eyes wide and observant of Jaemin's reaction. Jaemin leaned his head back.
"I do, but I just haven't gotten a confession in like…a year? And yeah, I know I rejected them all but I really wasn't interested back then."
Renjun hummed and scratched his chin. "What are you gonna do now? Look for love around the school? Do you even have anyone in mind?"
Jaemin looked up at the ceiling, deep in thought. "Not particularly…? I spend so much time with you guys, I really don't notice anyone else."
Jeno cleared his throat. "So you're available now?" Jaemin smiled.
"I guess you could say that. Na Jaemin is accepting love letters."
Donghyuck choked on his drink. "Love letters? Isn't that super cheesy?" Jaemin shrugged his shoulders.
"I think it's cute. I wouldn't mind having some sort of secret admirer."
✧ﾟ:･* 💌 *:･ﾟ✧
To his utmost surprise, the next Tuesday, Jaemin found a letter in his locker. He gasped, trying to hide his excitement from his tired classmates, and grabbed the letter. He checked the back of it and indeed read a very clear "to Na Jaemin" on it, however the sender was anonymous. Truly a secret admirer…his dream had come true.
He hugged it against his chest and giddily sat down on his chair, excited to read it. Class wouldn't start until a few minutes and everyone was too distracted to see what he was up to. Jeno had gone to the bathroom so he could read it in peace. It felt too embarrassing to read it next to him.
He carefully opened the envelope and noticed how it was printed with the most basic computer font. Simple, but that made it even harder to recognise the sender. They truly wanted to stay mysterious. The letter was very short but its message was pretty clear. It started with:
Dear Jaemin,
I like you a lot.
I've known you for a while and my heart can't help but beat 10 times louder every time I see your pretty smile.
Jaemin squealed internally. Someone had a crush on him? He hadn't noticed any possible admirers the past year, just a couple glances from random groups of girls or some boys in the hallway.
I know this may come very sudden to you, but I had to get it off my chest. I'm still too shy to say this in front of you so I'll just write you letters from now on. Please don't throw them away and please consider my feelings although I don't expect you to respond to them.
Jaemin laughed. How could he respond to them if he didn't know who sent it in the first place? The sweetness and innocence of this person made his heart hurt.
Have a good day. Sincerely,
A secret admirer
Jaemin smiled like an idiot and stared at the pink toned paper, until he heard the sound of footsteps and lifted his head to see Jeno coming back into the classroom. He scrambled to hide the letter inside his pencil case and pretended he had been doodling on his notebook.
Jeno greeted him with a warm smile. "They restocked the jelly on the vending machines."
In a second, Jaemin's table was covered in little bags of said snack. Jaemin snickered.
"You're obsessed, I swear."
Jeno didn't deny it and simply smiled. He sat by his assigned desk, the one next to Jaemin, when he saw the teacher walking towards the class.
✧ﾟ:･* 💌 *:･ﾟ✧
The first periods of the day were spent with Jaemin mindlessly doodling and wondering who could've possibly sent him the letter. His scribbles were filled with random names, from people older than him, younger, friends of friends, and he still hadn't come to any reasonable conclusion.
He discarded the idea that the admirer was older or younger than him, because they simply called him by his name with no honorifics or anything that implied that they were in different courses.
At some point, he even started doubting the veracity of the letter. He'd told his friends about it just the week before, and he knew they could be really annoying if they tried. Maybe he had been too romantic and foolish and had fallen for it right away, which made him feel embarrassed. He had to make sure that it wasn't any of his friends' doing or else he would feel terrible.
Neither Donghyuck or Renjun were in this class, and Jeno hadn't shown any weird reactions so far. Jeno…he was simply too kind to come up with an elaborate plan like that. He trusted him a lot, considered him his closest friend, and if it had been him, he would've known the moment he sat down by his side. He would've started laughing in his face right away. He needed to wait until breakfast recess, then.
✧ﾟ:･* 💌 *:･ﾟ✧
Jaemin knew his friends very well, and he kept a keen eagle eye on them ever since they picked their breakfast at the cafeteria. So far, not a single mention of a love letter. Not a single mocking smile. Or a curious glance. Donghyuck and Renjun were bickering over bread and Jeno had started with his unhealthy jelly consumption.
The moment they sat down, he couldn't hold it anymore.
"Did any of you guys write the letter?"
He had strategically sat down in front of Renjun and Donghyuck to watch their reactions. Both of them looked up as if he had grown a second head.
"The letter…? You mean the essay for Mr Kim's class? Was it today? Shotaro told me it was for Thursday!" Renjun was panicking.
Donghyuck smirked at him, endeared by the sudden concern. "No, I think he's talking about the petition letter. I helped the class president bring some ideas together but I didn't write it. Why? Did you find anything wrong with it?"
Jaemin stared at them, unconvinced. "Are you guys like, serious or–"
Renjun clicked his tongue. "Are you serious?! You almost gave me a heart attack…"
Jaemin hummed and looked in his shirt pocket, taking the folded envelope out and laid it on the table. "I'm talking about…this."
Donghyuck grabbed the letter at light speed and started scanning the text with a very curious Renjun next to him. "Oh?! What the– this is so cheesy!"
Jeno choked on his drink and made grabby hands. "Wait, let me read it too." Renjun passed him the piece of paper and Jeno read it quickly, looking at Jaemin and holding back his laughter. "Wow…"
Jaemin sighed. "So none of you wrote it? For real?"
His friends nodded, suddenly quiet. "This is…unexpected." Donghyuck said.
"I know, but it may be the start to something new. To look forward to, at least." Jaemin said proudly.
Renjun hummed and discreetly looked at the letter and then at Jeno, who was eating his jellies with an honest devotion. "I just hope it turns out okay in the end."
Jaemin lifted a brow. "Why do you sound like that? Is it really that shocking that someone showed interest in me?"
Renjun smiled. "Well, it really isn't unexpected," One of Jeno's jellies fell to the ground. "you're very good looking and charming after all, you're quite popular." Jeno leaned down to pick it up, leaving it on the tray and coughed. "But let me tell you: I won't try to help you figure out who it is. They clearly want to stay hidden for now, they used a computer to type it and all. So I guess it's up to you." Jaemin nodded and smiled widely.
"Yeah…I want to find them too, but…I think these sort of confession letters are pretty cute when anonymous."
✧ﾟ:･* 💌 *:･ﾟ✧
Jaemin and Jeno walked home together that day, just like any other day. They were talking about the last episode of a drama they both liked, and as the conversation died down, Jaemin's head filled with thoughts of the letter again.
"You really don't know who it is, then?"
Jeno stopped walking.
"I don't."
Jaemin groaned exasperatedly. "You guys could all be a bit more helpful with this. I really want to know…"
Jeno laughed, the sound bright and loud in the afternoon silence. "Ah, Jaemin…I envy you."
Jaemin perked up at that and smirked. "Why, you want a love letter too? It's not my fault people fell for my charming self…"
Jeno pushed his arm lightly. "That's just because they don't know how weird you truly are."
Jaemin gasped. "What's that supposed to mean?!" He grabbed the first stick he found on the ground and started trying to poke Jeno with it until he started running away from him. "Come here and catch the stick, puppy!"
Jaemin chased Jeno all the way to the bus station, both laughing hysterically by the end, with Jeno's arms hugging Jaemin's waist in a tight hug, the stick long forgotten on a patch of grass.
Soon enough, they saw the bus nearing the station. The air felt so light and they still were glued to each other, their arms linked together lazily.
"I envy how pure you are, in a way," Jeno said, breaking the silence, "it also makes me want to protect you."
Jaemin couldn't ask him to explain what he meant because Jeno was already getting on the bus and truly, he felt satisfied just by getting that compliment.
✧ﾟ:･* 💌 *:･ﾟ✧
It had been almost a week and a half since the first letter.
Jaemin was getting worried that his secret admirer had already gotten tired of him. Everyday, he looked forward to a letter in his locker, and the one time he forgot about it, he found a new one.
This time, he did squeal embarrassingly loud, making some of his classmates turn their heads at him, including Jeno who was doing some homework last minute.
Jaemin quickly opened the envelope and read the letter. It was longer than the previous one.
Hi Jaemin.
Sorry for being long for so long, I promise I didn't forget about you. I don't think I ever could, even if I tried.
Jaemin laughed under his breath.
I was just thinking of how to express my feelings well to you. I have so, so much to tell you, and I have so many feelings towards you, it's insane, but I simply don't have the courage to tell you.
Jaemin swallowed thickly. Wow, whoever they are, they're serious about him, he thought.
Ironically, I don't really remember the day we met, and you probably don't, either, but I do remember the first time I realised how much I like you. I know we're only 15 but I truly think you're the love of my life.
Jaemin gasped. That was a lot to take in.
Love of their life? Had he ever spoken to this person before? Wasn't it a bit too fast to assume that they were like, soulmates and all?
Well, this confirmed they were the same age, at least. And that they probably knew each other well enough to speak often.
Exam season is coming soon so I want you to take care and rest a lot. I know you always get anxious before exams, even if you don't say it, even if you get good grades in the end, but you should trust yourself and don't push yourself too much.
Jaemin was touched. He hadn't realised his nervousness was that obvious, he usually did a good job of hiding his pre-exam anxiety.
Indulge in some of your favourite treats and reward yourself by watching your favourite dramas after a tough study session. You got this!
Another reminder that your smile is the most beautiful I've seen in my life.
Okay, maybe Jaemin blushed at this one part.
You got this!!! Best of luck <3
A secret admirer
Jaemin sat back on his desk and noticed Jeno was already looking at him with wide eyes. "Another one…?" He asked quietly.
Jaemin nodded. "Yes. All yours."
While Jeno read the letter, Jaemin tried to stop his heart from beating too fast. He couldn't let himself be all foolish for someone he might barely even know. He needed to focus.
He snapped back to reality when Jeno put the letter down, folding it neatly. "Woah…they're really not joking, huh?"
Jaemin took the letter and put it in his pencil case, only to take out a random pen and start scribbling yet another list of possible secret admirers.
✧ﾟ:･* 💌 *:･ﾟ✧
Barely a few days later, Jaemin called Jeno and asked him if he could go to his house so they could study together.
Jeno agreed, as expected, and Jaemin stood in front of his front door with his bag full of books, revising papers and a wide variety of his most treasured snacks.
✧ﾟ:･* 💌 *:･ﾟ✧
After 2 hours of studying, Jaemin got up and reached for his bag, where he took a bunch of snacks and threw them at Jeno. "Come on, let's take a break now. I think the fifth episode is starting soon too anyway, we should catch it on time."
Jeno looked up from his book in clear wonder, his sparkly eyes quickly transforming into adorable half moons. "Yeah!" He got up and gave Jaemin a snack he knows he likes, and quickly ran to the living room to turn the TV on.
Jaemin wanted to follow him right away but for some reason his heart suddenly skipped a beat. He stayed still for a few seconds and watched Jeno's hair bounce endearingly with every step.
He brought the snack on his chest and bursted out laughing. "Our Jeno is so cute!"
✧ﾟ:･* 💌 *:･ﾟ✧
The exam week was tough, but it had finally ended and they could relax again, at least for a while. He was expecting everything to go back to normal, but not to have yet another letter in his locker.
He breathed in and out deeply, and took it out from the envelope.
Jaemin!! The exams are finally over!!!
Jaemin chuckled at the cute excitement.
You did it! You got through it and I'm sure you did well, as always. I hope you followed my advice well hehe
Jaemin hummed. He didn't plan to at first, but he did end up using the advice. He felt much more relaxed and ready for the exams after hanging out at Jeno's house.
I'm also tired from the exams but I wanted to write a small letter to you, at least to bring a smile to your face. You have the best face I've ever seen btw
Jaemin combed his hand through his hair, smiling stupidly at the little comment.
I feel like I talk about your face a lot, sorry. But I can't help it, you're super cute. But I also want to talk about your personality. You're so bright and kind, always helping others around, helping me when I need it the most. You're the sweetest person I know.
He had to stop reading for a while to avoid looking like a tomato. This person was exaggerating too much, but he felt pride blooming in his chest. He always said that he wanted to be someone that helps people, just like his mom always taught him to do.
And also…you're so unique, Na Jaemin. You can make anyone laugh with your antics and you're not afraid to think outside the box and be your creative self.
Many of your friends say you're weird, but if anything, I think you're the best kind of weird. Adorkably weird.
Jaemin fake gagged. That horribly cheesy pun…they had it bad.
But I also feel like many don't understand how you truly are. Many don't know the things you worry about, why you do the things you do.
Don't keep things to yourself all the time.
Take care and have a good week.
Sincerely,
A secret admirer
Jaemin blinked a couple times. What did this person know? Or had they just figured something out by looking at him?
To say the least, Jaemin was pretty quiet for the rest of the day.
✧ﾟ:･* 💌 *:･ﾟ✧
He should've known being quiet wouldn't go unnoticed for so long.
He did fine with Renjun and Donghyuck, they didn't suspect anything was up with him because they were used to him being quiet like this sometimes. "Introvert Jaemin time", as they said. He was glad they respected him when he chose to stay on the low though, but sometimes he wished someone asked, just to check.
He laughed at some jokes and made a few witty comments here and there, trying not to ruin the mood.
The eternal school day finally finished and they left the building together, Jaemin's feet dragging across the ground a bit more than usual.
They said their goodbyes and split in different directions.
Jeno looked back to see no one behind them, and patted Jaemin's shoulder softly.
"You can spill it now, Jaem."
Jaemin just kicked the rocks he found on the street, gaze casted down to his feet.
"Hmm…"
Jeno gulped. "I noticed you got another letter today. Did– eh…did it say anything weird? Like, are you sad about it?"
Jaemin smiled and shook his head. "You and your sharp eyes…don't worry, the letter didn't say anything wrong." Jeno sighed, relieved.
"Okay, if not I would have to…fist fight the person and all." He showed Jaemin his menacing hands curled up into fists.
Jaemin chuckled. Jeno always knew what to say to make him crack a smile. "I'm not even sure if you know them."
Jeno smiled. "Who knows? It could be anyone."
"Yeah. Like your mo–" "Jaemin!"
✧ﾟ:･* 💌 *:･ﾟ✧
It had just been 2 hours since he got home but he kept thinking about the letter. He had never felt so exposed, like someone had read him like an open book.
He was convinced it was someone he knew, there's no way a random admirer can see so much of him without speaking to him first.
He took a shower and settled in his pink pajamas when his mom got in the room, bringing him some peeled fruit.
"Nana, dinner will he ready a little bit later than usual so just eat this for now, alright? Don't stay hungry." She said in her usual bright tone.
Jaemin changed his serious face into a beaming one in an instant. "Yes!" He picked an orange and began munching on it, distracted.
He was half way into the second orange when his mom spoke again.
"When are the exam results coming out?"
Jaemin jumped, because he thought his mom had left long ago and because of the question she asked.
He swallowed the rest he had in his mouth and looked at the fruit plate, avoiding his mom's eyes.
"Eh…in about a week? The teachers are usually pretty fast."
His mom nodded and combed his hair tenderly. "Tell me when they're out, okay? Don't worry about them for now."
Jaemin's lips formed a thin smile and he nodded at her.
✧ﾟ:･* 💌 *:･ﾟ✧
As soon as she was gone, he picked up his phone and dialed Jeno's number.
The letter…told him to speak out how he felt.
This was something that had been bothering him for a while, but had never explicitly told anyone at all.
"Jaem? What's up?"
Jaemin grabbed a slice of an apple and cleared his throat. "Can you, like, talk now?"
He heard Jeno chuckling from the other line. "Yeah, I'm free now, just cleaning my room a bit. Why, wanna chat?"
Jaemin nodded, following it with a "Yes," A few seconds of silence. "I just-"
"Jaem."
"Yeah?"
"Wait a bit, I'm coming there."
Jaemin laughed. "Alright, see you in a bit. Have you eaten? We can have dinner together."
✧ﾟ:･* 💌 *:･ﾟ✧
After a very delicious dinner courtesy of Mrs Na, the two went to Jaemin's room and played video games for a while until Jeno brought up the elephant in the room.
"...it's about your grades, right?"
Jaemin's character was dramatically shot and fell to the ground, and a large "game over" sign flashed across the screen.
"Why do you know everything?" He sighed, putting his controller away and leaning on Jeno's chest, making him fall against the bed. Jeno just laughed and paused the game.
"I have eyes everywhere, you know? And you just give me little signs, it's easy to figure you out."
Jaemin groaned. "I wish I was good at picking up clues."
Jeno laughed nervously. "Yeah. Anyway, let it out." He poked Jaemin's cheek.
Jaemin pouted and nuzzled more onto Jeno's chest.
"I just want to have good grades and make my mom happy…"
Jeno sighed. "But what about you? You have to be happy too."
Jaemin played with Jeno's hands, moving his fingers and interlocking them.
"I am! I will. I'll be happy if I get good grades, get accepted into a good university and my mom is happy."
Jeno hummed, letting Jaemin hold his hand.
"You chose to be a surgeon in elementary school and you're really going for it, hm?" Jaemin nodded silently, moving against Jeno's torso. "I didn't take you seriously at first, to be honest, but now that I look at you better, I can really see it. A surgeon in the making. Crazy doctor Na."
Jaemin smiled. "Don't you mean crazy handsome doctor Na?"
Jeno's words got stuck in his throat, sputtering around and avoiding to look at Jaemin's face directly. "I guess you can say so…hah…you'd be very popular in the hospital."
Jaemin sandwiched Jeno's hand in between his. "See? You make me feel even more excited for it. Surgeon Na Jaemin, against all odds, having a successful love life and giving his mom a life she deserves."
Jeno frowned and looked at the ceiling. "I just hope you know that you'll always be supported, Jaem. No matter what you choose in the end or what uni you go to, your mom will always be there for you, your friends too, and–"
"You?"
Jeno chuckled and Jaemin felt how his torso rose with every laugh.
"I'll always be there for you, Jaem."
This time, it was Jeno who took Jaemin's hand. He made their pinky finger interlock and whispered, "It's a promise."
✧ﾟ:･* 💌 *:･ﾟ✧
Jaemin should not have felt that restless after his chat with Jeno, but he did. And as he slept on his bed, Jeno on a futon next to him, and watched his best friend's chest move steadily with every breath, his mind wandered to other places.
Places where instead of a secret admirer, he just had a Jeno that made him feel warm and safe.
It was just a fleeting thought though, and he willed his brain to let go of it and instead welcome him into dreamland.
✧ﾟ:･* 💌 *:･ﾟ✧
The weeks after that went as usual, with Jaemin looking forward to more sweet letters, and slowly becoming more cautious of how he acted with Jeno.
He decided that he should give his secret admirer a chance, whenever he found their identity, and thus toying around with any other feelings of his made him feel a bit guilty.
He noticed Jeno had become slightly more affectionate those days, and he hadn't minded at first, until someone pointed it out.
"Hey, isn't Jaemjen like awfully close these days?"
They all turned to look at Yangyang, who was suspiciously eyeing how Jaemin and Jeno's arms were interlocked while having kimbap.
Donghyuck and Renjun barely spared them a glance and simply hummed. "Really? They've been like this for a while. Approximately 6 years if my memory is correct." Commented Donghyuck, unfazed.
Yangyang was an exchange student and was in another class, so he truly hadn't had the chance to witness the best friends in action all that much. He rubbed his neck. "I swear they're being more clingy than usual, though…"
Then, Jeno raised his eyebrows. "Hold up, did you just call us…Jaemjen?"
Yangyang smiled, full teeth in display and with perhaps a bit of seaweed on them. "You guys just act like you're one entity sometimes."
As if to prove his point, both boys turned their heads in sync to look at each other, and said, "Do we really?" in the same exact tone.
The whole table was drowned in laughter, and Jaemin pouted, embarrassed, while Jeno stared at his plate with his ears red. Jaemin slowly untangled his arm from Jeno's iron grip and continued eating his food.
✧ﾟ:･* 💌 *:･ﾟ✧
The letters were flooded with praises and compliments for Jaemin. They used painfully general and universal statements that didn't quite let Jaemin decipher the person behind them, but also felt strangely familiar and personal.
I wish I could hold your hand all day long.
That sounds so typical of a love confession but it also made Jaemin's heart and hands tingle, as if he had held the sender's hands before and his fingers were itching to touch them again.
I wish I wasn't so scared to show my feelings to you. Sorry for being a coward.
Jaemin sighed. He does wish this person could simply reveal themselves already. It has been almost 2 months, and still nothing. Just a letter every week or so, leaving him clueless and with his heart beating faster every time.
✧ﾟ:･* 💌 *:･ﾟ✧
Jaemin was reading that week's letter carefully, cheeks hurting from smiling at all the compliments, when Donghyuck suddenly appeared behind him and almost gave him a heart attack.
"Don't you know how to warn before you do that?! You're not a ghost!" Jaemin panted, clutching his chest. Unfortunately, that left the letter unsafely on full display on the table, and Donghyuck took the chance to steal it and take a look.
"Give it back!" Jaemin whispered-screamed. He had slowly stopped sharing the content of the letters to his friends, because they started feeling a bit too intimate. So he surely didn't like when Donghyuck smiled and pointed out the one paragraph that had made him blush the hardest.
"I can't wait to spend the rest of the year with you, and the rest ones, because you're the love of my life– what?! Jaemin, this– this is so corny, oh god." Jaemin managed to snatch the paper from Donghyuck's nosy hands.
"Shut up! You're just jealous because you've never known true love…" Jaemin mused jokingly, folding the letter neatly and putting it away from his friend.
Donghyuck sighed and put his palm on his forehead. "Ah, I think I'm going insane…you're telling me that this random cheesy admirer of yours is the self proclaimed "love of your life" and you're doing nothing to stop them?! What has society come to…" He dramatically draped over Jaemin's desk and mourned about losing yet another friend to romance.
Jaemin clicked his tongue. "And what about it? I've never felt this much… appreciated. I don't even mind that I don't know their face, or name, because I know this comes from their heart."
Donghyuck let out a sharp laugh. "Are you sure they're truly the one for you, though? Don't you see the ones that actually show their love for you in real life?" He looked at his nails and mumbled, "Like Jen–" "Hey!"
Jeno came rushing into the classroom, looking as cheerful as ever and his black hair looked even smoother under the room's lights. His smile was way too big for how early it was, and yet Jaemin wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.
"Jaem, there's spicy ramen on the menu today! And bungeoppang! I was so tired of always eating the same chocolate snacks– oh, hi Donghyuck." He waved at their friend who just snickered at them and left the class, muttering, "Lovesick fool…" under his breath, hands in his pockets.
Jeno looked at him until he disappeared into the hallway and then looked at Jaemin. "What's gotten into him today…?"
Jaemin shrugged his shoulders. "He'll come to. Now, let's hurry and get that menu, puppy."
✧ﾟ:･* 💌 *:･ﾟ✧
Jaemin thought the spicy ramen would distract him, at least make his brain focus more on the sting and not on his annoying thoughts, but Donghyuck's words before Jeno interrupted him replayed nonstop in his mind.
If Jeno was the love of his life he would have realised it long ago, wouldn't he?
It couldn't be him. He needed to focus on his true soulmate.
✧ﾟ:･* 💌 *:･ﾟ✧
It was past the 2 month mark since he had been delivered the first letter, and he was starting to get anxious. Was this person never going to reveal themselves in front of Jaemin? Would he really have to start asking everyone around for help? He didn't want to get to that point, but he was becoming increasingly impatient.
The letter he got sent today seemed just as impatient as he was. It was spilling love words to no end, paragraphs longer than the usual ones, and Jaemin had to reread it 3, 4 times to take it all in. They surely had a talent for writing. Either that, or they liked Jaemin so much that their words flowed like rose tainted rivers, aromatic and almost overwhelmingly sweet. His chest felt fluffy all day after reading it.
While he lived in his own little world, head in the clouds during classes and even during recess, his friends had taken it as a hobby to stare at him with disgust on their faces. Well, all of them but Jeno. He kept smiling cutely, seemingly enjoying staring at him get visibly lost in his daydreams.
Donghyuck barely got any energy left in him to go and talk to Jaemin, knowing he'd get the same response as always, so it became Renjun's duty to talk to him whenever they were alone for a few minutes.
This time, they were about to go home but Jeno had forgot some things in the classroom and Donghyuck was in the bathroom. It was the perfect opportunity, sitting on a bench near the entrance of the building.
Renjun nonchalantly coughed, his feet wiggling because he didn't reach the ground.
"So…I see you're really enjoying the letters now."
Jaemin nodded, swinging his bag between his legs.
"Don't you want to find out who it is anymore?"
Jaemin's fingers grabbed onto the bag's straps tighter.
"I do…"
"Then? Haven't you got any clues?"
He shook his head, suddenly looking gloomy.
Renjun felt the urge to smack his head.
"Jaemin…I really don't want to say it but-"
Jaemin's bag slipped from his hands. "Do you know anything? Renjun, did you figure out something and didn't tell me?!" He sounded positively betrayed.
Renjun groaned. "Aish! You're so dense. Denser than a metal. And I'm sorry but… I've known since around the first week." He confessed guiltily.
Jaemin stood completely still. "What–"
At that moment, Jeno's head peeked from inside the school's gates and began walking towards them. Jaemin grabbed Renjun's shoulders and swung him around like he was the bag. "Renjun, please–"
Renjun got away from Jaemin's tight grip and got up from the bench. "You don't need any more clues. Actually, I think you've known for a while already. You just don't want to admit it."
Jaemin was about to counterattack and ask more questions when he almost got his wind knocked out of him from the intensity of Jeno's back hug. He almost fell forward but thankfully Jeno caught him in time, balancing him in his arms and pulling him towards his chest with a strong grip. "Jaem! I'm so sorry, oh my god-"
Jaemin's heart was beating fast, faster than ever. There was no way. He stayed in Jeno's hold for so long that Jeno and even Renjun got worried that he'd got hurt for real, his face blank and mouth slightly ajar.
Jeno was holding his hands tightly, locking them together, and he realised he'd never felt safer anywhere else than in Jeno's presence.
✧ﾟ:･* 💌 *:･ﾟ✧
He was quiet the whole ride and the second he was home, he instantly rushed to his room to look at the cabinet where kept all the letters and read them one by one, heart racing.
I've felt this for so long. I wonder if you feel the same.
I keep wanting to act on it but I'm scared you're not ready. Or even worse, that I'm not ready.
You said you like puppies and I unconsciously became one. Is this the power of love?
I want to hold your hands forever
Your eyes have no right to be this beautiful, Jaem
Jaem
Jaem
Jeno was the only one who called him that.
He was also the one who Jaemin constantly called puppy.
The more he read the dumber he felt.
I've liked you for years and it's only now that I do something about it– even it's through these silly anonymous letters, my heart feels more relieved
You're so stunning.
I don't want to lose you. I don't want to lose what we have
He was getting teary eyed, sprawled over his bed.
He messed up this time, didn't he?
Or not. It's not like there's a time limit for it. Jeno waited for months, years, waited for Jaemin to realise his feelings on his own. He was his most supportive friend in real life and on top of that, he sent him the loveliest letters, as his secret admirer.
Not so secret admirer anymore.
Jaemin laughed. Then he lit up.
He wanted to sleep early that day, feeling all giddy and excited, but forced himself to calm down and fall asleep quickly.
He had to be at school before Jeno.
✧ﾟ:･* 💌 *:･ﾟ✧
Jaemin cursed his silly whipped brain for coming up with such an idea. He was not a morning person, but he wanted to make an effort for Jeno, who had already done so much for him. He texted Jeno to go to school alone that day, that he had some business to do.
And so, letter in hand, he stood in front of Jeno's locker. He knew his locker number so he simply opened it and put the letter in a hidden corner.
It was very early, and usually Jeno came to school 15 minutes after the current time.
He left the classroom and waited around the gates for Jeno, and barely 3 minutes later, he saw him.
Jeno was surprised at seeing him so early too. "Jaem! I thought you'd be late today? Not extra early."
"Look who's talking! Arriving a whole 15 minutes before class starts…ugh, it was hard for me to wake up this early. I think I'm gonna take a little nap."
And so, the moment he laid on his desk he pretended to nap, knowing that Jeno was putting yet another letter in his locker, and also that was about to see Jaemin's own letter for him.
Thanks to how quiet the classroom was, he heard Jeno let out a soft sound of confusion, and the rustling of paper being opened.
Jaemin's heart was about to jump from his chest but he was still acting like he was asleep.
Jeno took a while reading and processing the content of the letter, probably just standing there, unmoving, his lips parted cutely, or maybe forming a little pout.
Maybe Jaemin was still too sleepy but he swore he had heard Jeno let out a tiny sob.
Just seconds later, he felt a warmth on his back. The weight of Jeno's arms softly wrapping around his shoulder, pressing his chest to his back, his head nuzzling against Jaemin't neck, tickling his skin.
"Jaemin…"
Jaemin hummed, pretending to be sleeping.
"Jaem…Jaem, please did you– I'm…"
Jaemin dropped the sleeping act when he started hearing Jeno cry clearly.
He quickly turned around, concern painting his features and paling at the thought of having hurt Jeno in any way.
"Jeno? Hey, look at me."
Jeno didn't stop crying, simply clung to Jaemin tighter like a baby koala, and Jaemin patted his back gently, his nose squished against his neck.
"Jaem– agh." Jeno brought a hand to his face and wiped his tears away, trying to keep a straight face on. "I'm so sorry, the moment I read it I just felt like this wasn't real like– I'm sorry for being like this." Jaemin shushed him and whispered at him to sit down, but Jeno simply plopped down on his lap, surprising Jaemin but he wasn't complaining.
"It's okay, it's okay. So…you read it all?"
Jeno nodded, teary eyes looking at Jaemin's big glowy ones, who were also starting to water a bit, too.
"So what do you–"
"Of course I do, Jaem!"
Jaemin didn't have time to react before Jeno planted his lips on top of Jaemin's, giving him the softest, sweetest smooch he'd ever had in his life. And well, it also happened to be the first one. Jeno's lips were so, so soft, that fluffy spongy feeling was back in his chest, stronger than ever, and he just felt like kissing Jeno forever.
"Are these–" Jaemin asked between kisses, "happy tears?"
Jeno chuckled. "The happiest tears anyone can have. I feel like if you taste them, they'll be sweet instead of salty."
Jaemin smiled and kissed him again, slow, careful, not wanting to rush it, because he's wanted this for so long. Just simple clashing of lips, and then pecking on the cheeks. Jaemin's lips adventured across Jeno's features, smooching every bit of smooth skin he came across, then his nose, and finally, the eye mole he loved so much.
"I can't believe it's finally happening." Jeno choked out.
"I can't believe it either."
However, it wasn't Jaemin who said that.
The two boys separated immediately, cheeks and ears feeling like they were on fire, Jeno almost falling to the ground if not for Jaemin catching him by the waist.
By the door frame stood Renjun and Donghyuck, of course, the ones that had witnessed everything from the very beginning. Jaemin realised this was probably some sort of weekly SBS drama for them, and it had finally reached the long awaited final episode.
Donghyuck gestured at them with his hands. "Oh no, by all means, keep going. After how long it took you two to figure things out…if I were you, I wouldn't separate even when going to the bathroom."
Renjun gasped. "That's gross. But you know what's more gross? The unholy amount of time it took you guys to get to this point! Even Dora the Explorer would've put together the clues by the first month!"
Jaemin pouted. "Dora is smarter than you'd think."
"Yeah, even I figured it out." Donghyuck boasted. Jaemin stared at him in betrayal.
"You literally had no idea until like 2 weeks ago, too."
Donghyuck raised a very unthreatening fist in the air.
"Anyway, I'm glad this Blue's Clues drama is finally over." Renjun beamed.
"Are you gonna name every single cartoon out there today?" Jeno interjected after playing with Jaemin's hair for the whole time.
Renjun stuck out his tongue at him and drew a tiny "J x J" in the blackboard. "This event should be remembered."
Donghyuck wiped a fake tear from his eye. "Jaemin's dating drought is finally over. I can't believe no one confessed to him for over a year because they thought him and Jeno were dating. Well, now it's for real."
Jaemin gasped. "What?! That's not– really?" He looked at Jeno in disbelief, who blushed and rubbed Jaemin's fingers to comfort him.
"Yeah, eventually I noticed that too…I even caught someone trying to leave you a letter months ago, but when they saw me they immediately apologised and ran away."
Jaemin chuckled. "Well, that explains a lot."
Renjun looked at the hallway and sighed. "Tone it down, love birds, the class will soon start to get full and PDA is very much a sight no one wants to see at 8 AM sharp."
He stole a glance at the pair only to see them exchanging some last minute smooches.
"Good lord." Donghyuck yelped from beside him. "They're unstoppable. I fear we created a monster…"
Renjun pinched his arm. "I'm happy for them, truly, but also…same." He grimaced.
✧ﾟ:･* 💌 *:･ﾟ✧
They didn't stop holding hands the entire day, just like Jeno had mentioned in one of his many letters.
When his hands were free, Jeno spent his time decorating Jaemin's letter for him, with pastel highlighters and little doodles of puppies and bunnies.
I know it's you, silly puppy
I'm sorry, I'm the true idiot for not realising it way sooner.
I'm so lucky to have someone like you by my side, always supporting me, making me laugh, someone so sweet, cute, adorkably charming, good-looking.
I don't want to say everything here, I probably can't, because I have so, so much to say to you
So I'll keep it short and sweet, like your very first letter for me.
I like you a lot.
Will you be my boyfriend?