Chapter Text
“Honey, it’s not a big deal.”
“But honey, it is!”
“Honey.”
“ Honey .”
“H–”
“Jeong Jaehyun! ” Taeyong scowled as he looked at his boyfriend. He would not take ‘no’ for an answer. This was such a huge deal and he was going to support his lover the best way he could. Even if it meant wearing a disguise and having bodyguards accompany him.
Jaehyun was going to present his semester project that evening. Each student in the program was given a limited number of invites to the event. Jaehyun had invited his parents and Taeyong. On Monday, he was excited that Taeyong had wanted to attend the event. But on Tuesday, he was second guessing the idol’s safety at the event. They compromised that Taeyong’s bodyguards and Doyoung would attend. On Wednesday, Jaehyun was back to being excited about having Taeyong’s support at his event. But on Thursday, he was worried Taeyong would be ambushed by the attendees. Now that it was Friday, Jaehyun was equally nervous about his presentation and about Taeyong’s attendance at his normal school event.
“Okay, sorry,” Jaehyun put up his hands in surrender. He knew it was hard to argue with Taeyong. He had a killer pouty face. “I’m slightly nervous.”
“You’re going to do so great, my baby!” Taeyong instantly looped his arms around Jaehyu’s neck. He connected their lips together, instantly feeling Jaehyun smile.
They had to be dropped by Taeyong’s driver. Doyoung was in the front seat as usual. He was ensuring the bodyguards that were hired were already there. Taeyong reminded his manager that he didn’t want them to be too obvious as this was his honey’s big night.
Jaehyun chuckled at that, “babe, it’s literally a school project.”
“But they invited an audience and it’s in an auditorium,” Taeyong pointed out. “It’s an event honey! There was even an invitation. I stuck it on the refrigerator, remember? Your name was on it!”
“So were all of my other classmates, babe,” Jaehyun replied with a shake of his head. Taeyong was starting to sound like a real fanboy now.
Taeyong just waved his boyfriend off, dismissing him quickly. He was so excited to finally get to attend one of Jaehyun’s events for once.
When they arrived, Doyoung had the driver park near the side of the building. There weren't too many people outside the auditorium but there were some groups lingering, family and friends of the students.
“Are you ready?” Jaehyun waited for a nod of confirmation from Taeyong before getting out of the van. Taeyong and Doyoung followed after. Taeyong kept his hat and sunglasses on as he entered. He was slightly nervous that someone would recognize him but as he walked towards the entrance, no eyes were on him. Everyone was focused in their little groups, waiting for the event to start. Taeyong was relieved. This night wasn’t about him. Also, if it got hectic, Doyoung threatened he’d have the bodyguards carry Taeyong out like a child if they had to.
“There’s my mom and dad,” Jaehyun announced to Taeyong once they entered the venue.
The auditorium lights were dimmed aside from the stage at the very front. There was a giant projector screen that had professional school photos of each student that was going to present their project that night. Taeyong squealed when he saw Jaehyun, immediately rushing to get his phone to snap a photo. His honey on the big screen!
“Honey, please stop.” Jaehyun’s face was turning red as Taeyong stood still to take as many photos in the ten seconds each slide was allotted.
Doyoung just laughed while Taeyong ignored him.
“Let’s go say hi to my parents,” Jaehyun reached for Taeyong’s arm to pull him towards where his parents were seated. Taeyong and Doyoung would be sitting next to them as per their tickets.
“Hello aunty and uncle,” Taeyong greeted once he reached the couple. He bowed before leaning over to give Mrs. Jeong a side hug.
“Ah, there’s the superstar,” Mrs. Jeong teased Taeyong. “I ordered your album, you know. Both versions. I will give the sexy photos to Jaehyun.”
“Mom,” Jaehyun scolded, feeling his face heat up again. He was hoping no one was listening.
Mrs. Jeong just laughed as she patted the seat next to her, “let’s enjoy the show, Taeyongie.”
Taeyong looked slightly embarrassed at the mention of his ‘sexy photo.’ Yes, some of the photocards were a little more risque than what he did for Neo but he thought it would be fitting for his album.
“This is my manager, Doyoung,” Taeyong introduced as he adjusted the bucket hat on his head. He pulled off his sunglasses since the venue they were in was lowly lit. Even if there would be stolen photos of him, he was sure it would be grainy. “Doyoung, these are Jaehyun’s parents.”
Doyoung politely smiled, always ready to socialize with different kinds of people.
“I should go to the lounge and meet with my classmates and professors,” Jaehyun announced. “You guys will be alright here?”
Mr. Jeong nodded, “Are you asking us or just Taeyong?”
“Dad!” Jaehyun scolded again as he shook his head then walked off to meet with his peers.
“How are your promotions, Taeyongie?” Mrs. Jeong asked as they waited for the event to start. “I hope my son is supporting you since you must be very tired.”
“He is always taking care of me,” Taeyong reassured. “I’m the one who has to work hard to take care of him since he’s been focused on his project.”
Mrs. Jeong smiled at that, obviously pleased her son was in good hands. She then asked about an older singer that was still active in the same company Taeyong was in. “Do you think you can help us get tickets, Taeyongie? It’s a reunion concert so all the oldies are getting tickets.”
Taeyong laughed out loud as he connected her with Doyoung. He was sure his manager could pull some strings.
When the school presentations started, a professor introduced each of the students as they walked into the auditorium to take their seats. Each giving a student a time to shine for their hard work and effort.
When the name ‘Jiwon’ was mentioned, Taeyong’s heart nearly stilled. He hadn’t forgotten about his one-sided rivalry with Jaehyun’s schoolmate who bought him flowers. The nerve. From what Jaehyun shared, she seemed to have gotten the message that Jaehyun was off the market. And from all the media surrounding Jaehyun and Taeyong, he was sure the message was received.
But still. As the beautiful university student waved before taking her seat, Taeyong knew she was a reminder of how different Taeyong and Jaehyun’s lives were.
“Jeong Jaehyun.”
Jaehyun rose from his seat to wave. His classmates clapped for him excitedly. It made Taeyong smile as he joined in, cheering for his boyfriend. He wished he brought a banner or something. But then he remembered his phone. His phone! He scrambled to get his phone before Jaehyun sat, immediately clicking photos. But his boyfriend was already falling back to his seat.
“No.” Taeyong let out a sigh.
“I’ll send you the photos, Taeyongie,” Mr. Jeong said as he swiped through his phone.
Taeyong smiled, gratefully.
The rest of the students had their moment. When Jaehyun’s friend Johnny was mentioned, Taeyong clapped loudly. He actually knew that person!
The event started. Since there were quite a few students, each presentation was going to be allotted fifteen minutes.
Taeyong had a slightly hard time following the technical terms of each project. Especially the portion when they talked numbers, cost, and materials. His craft was music and dance. But it always impressed him how there was so much outside of his world. People would assume his career gave him a lot of opportunities to see the world and do many great things. But truly, idol life sometimes forced him into a bubble.
It was Jaehyun’s turn to present.
Taeyong had to hold his breath for a moment. His boyfriend was so handsome. He looked slightly nervous but when he saw Taeyong’s face in the crowd, he started speaking. His voice was a little shaky but once his presentation slides came up, he was more confident. Taeyong couldn’t help the smile grow as he recorded. He was trying to record his boyfriend but not watch through the screen since he wanted to see his honey with his own eyeballs.
Jaehyun was a superstar on the stage. He was knowledgeable and charming and handsome. Taeyong had no idea what the hell he was talking about but he was doing great. His honey!
When the fifteen minutes were up, Jaehyun thanked everyone for their time as he bowed and his slides ended. Taeyong was about to stand to clap but Doyoung pulled him from the back of his jacket to force him to stay still. Instead, Taeyong tried to give Jaehyun big claps, extending his hands over his head.
“Jaehyunie did so well,” Mrs. Jeong said as she carried a bouquet of flowers for Jaehyun. “He is going to do well next semester.”
“I think that company he wanted to intern for was invited,” Mr. Jeong added, “I hope they consider him.”
“They should!” Taeyong agreed as he was reliving Jaehyun’s presentation on his phone screen. They were currently waiting for Jaehyun in the auditorium’s holding area.
“He did well,” Doyoung agreed as he looked over to where the bodyguards were in different corners of the room.
“Hey guys, we can get going,” Jaehyun said as he came up to them.
“What took you so long?” Mr. Jeong asked.
Jaehyun just smiled, “my professor wants to recommend me for next year’s internship.”
Taeyong gasped, looking up from his phone. He immediately threw his arms over Jaehyun’s shoulder. “Congratulations! You deserve it so much, honey.”
The Jeong parents took turns congratulating and hugging their son. Taeyong hung back, making sure his hat was covering his eyes mostly. While Jaehyun and his parents were talking, he saw Johnny off to the side with his parents. When he caught his eye, he waved.
Johnny looked surprised but waved back, walking over to him. “Hi Taeyong.” He whispered.
“Why are you whispering?” Taeyong asked, matching his voice level.
“Because you’re in a disguise,” Johnny replied as he gestured for Taeyong’s dark clothes and hat.
“Oh.” Taeyong laughed. “Right.”
“Johnny, did you–” a voice came up to them.
Taeyong was surprised to see it was Jiwon.
Johnny looked shocked to see his classmate approaching them. He wasn’t sure what he should do as he glanced at Taeyong. Jiwon didn’t seem to notice that superstar-brand-ambassador-million-seller Lee Taeyong was in front of him.
“Are we ready to go?” Jaehyun suddenly joined them, surprised that Taeyong was talking to his classmates.
Jiwon finally realized Taeyong. Her eyes widened, “um. Hi.”
Taeyong smiled politely. Even if this was his made up arch nemesis. He wondered if he did attend Jaehyun’s school would he have to fight her to death for his honey’s hand. “Hi. Jiwon, right?”
The girl nodded dumbly. Obviously awestruck.
“Um, Jiwon, this is my boyfriend, Taeyong,” Jaehyun introduced.
Jiwon nodded, “yes. Hi. I know. I know you. It’s hard not to know you. Hi.”
“Jiwon, try to keep it cool,” Johnny said suddenly, rolling his eyes playfully.
Jaehyun rolled his eyes for real at Johnny then. “We have to get going. We’re having dinner with my parents. I’ll see you in class on Monday.”
The two waved as the couple walked off. Taeyong waved back, looping his arm with Jaehyun, not even caring if there were other people around. He wanted to be able to be carefree with his boyfriend on his special night. “I’m so glad to meet your friends, honey. And you did really great tonight. You’re so getting laid tonight.”
Used to Taeyong’s antics at this point, Jaehyun smirked at his boyfriend, “that better be a promise.”
Lee Taeyong was spotted at my sister’s university? Was the title of a post posted on a public fan forum. It read, I went to a presentation for my sister’s architecture program and I was surprised to see THE Lee Taeyong at the event? He was seated with his manager but also a couple who was much older. He was also taking photos of one of the students. The student was his boyfriend! Mr. Romantic! I just wanted to share that it was cute. Also, I am not posting photos because there were already some circulating. I want to respect their privacy and not get sued.
Photos of Taeyong seated in the low lit auditorium were going around some fan accounts. The photos weren’t really malicious. They weren’t exposing Jaehyun and his personal life. The posts were more Taeyong fan accounts surprised to see civilian Taeyong out in the wild.
Taeyong didn’t mind. He didn’t have to sue anyone. His fan accounts were respectful enough.
But the ‘Mr. Romantic’ fan accounts. Taeyong tried not to roll his eyes in fear of them getting stuck in the back of his skull. It amazed him how much random people could fall for his boyfriend. They never even heard Jaehyun speak.
Taeyong paused his scrolling at that thought. He should never let anyone hear his boyfriend’s dreamy velvety voice.
“Taeyong, please stop scrolling and get ready,” Doyoung said as he entered the waiting room. For today, Taeyong was doing a magazine interview. He was dressed but needed to finish his makeup.
He was having fun taking photos but he couldn’t wait to go home to Jaehyun. He hadn’t gone home last night since he had his last music show recording (but his first music show win so it was worth it). And with his early morning shoot, Doyoung had booked him a hotel near the studio they would do the pictorial at.
“So Taeyong, tell me, what has been inspiring you lately? There seems to be a happy glow about you.” The interviewer asked.
Taeyong was aware that the media knew he was dating and in love. But they were trying to skirt around the topic when it came to Taeyong’s work. They wanted to pry but didn’t want to risk causing a scandal with the celebrity and his fanbase.
Since Taeyong had known this interviewer and worked with this magazine before, he felt more at ease. He felt more like he was talking to his friends and not being scrutinized by shady reporters and online haters.
“I am really happy lately,” Taeyong had to agree. “The roll out of my mini-album has been a fantastic experience. I’m so grateful for my fans who have supported me and showed up for me. I’ve always wanted to release my own music, my own art. So it feels nice to do so.”
The interviewer nodded, taking notes on her laptop. “Yes, congratulations on your first win for your album.”
“Thank you,” Taeyong said softly.
“Your career has been flourishing. And as someone who has followed it since the beginning, it’s been pleasant to see. As an artist at your level, do you have people keep you grounded? Do you have a core support group?”
“I definitely do.” Taeyong replied. “It’s hard sometimes with the schedules and constant traveling and working. But I’m grateful, of course. I always have my family’s support. My parents and sister have always encouraged me to do things that I always second guess. My manager and team have been my company on this solo journey. Of course, my Neo members are brothers to me in every way. I’m thankful for all of them.”
The interviewer continued typing.
“Also,” Taeyong added, “I am inspired because of my special someone in my personal life. I am strong because of their constant support.”
The interviewer paused their typing to look up at Taeyong in surprise, “is this off the record?”
It should have been. A year ago, two years ago, three years ago, especially the years he was just a trainee, it sure as hell would have been. But not anymore. Not now. Not today.
Taeyong really didn’t know if he could make it this far without Jaehyun’s constant support. “It’s on the record.”
Time moved by so quickly when things were busy. Taeyong’s solo schedules and promotions were officially over but now he was working on songs for Neo’s comeback later in the year. He and Mark were busy in the studio working on some lyrics with their songwriters. They were also filming promotional stuff which included variety show guestings and performance recordings.
Things were also busy for Jaehyun since he had just finished his semester and was working on his internship that would go into his last semester. Taeyong was seeing his boyfriend a little less during this period.
“What if we change the second verse to this?” Taeyong asked as he slid over his notebook to Mark.
Mark was reading it, moving his head to the beat of the song. “I like it.”
They worked back and forth for half an hour more. Then suddenly, the door to the studio opened to Yuta, “special delivery from Mr. Romantic.”
Taeyong looked up, expecting to see dinner or a coffee. But instead, he was seeing his boyfriend walk through the studio doors with his members.
Taeyong immediately smiled, feeling lighter. He jumped out of his seat, “honey! You’re here.”
“Hi,” Jaehyun smiled as he lifted the bag of takeout containers. “I have dinner for everyone.”
“Aw that’s perfect, I’m starving,” Mark said as he pushed his chair out from under the table. “Thanks, Jae.”
The Neo members could never deny free food.
Taeyong smiled as his members gathered around the table like animals in the wild at feeding time. “Thanks for stopping by, honey.”
“Of course, how is it going?” Jaehyun asked as he stuffed his hands in his jacket pockets.
“Much better now that you’re here,” Taeyong smiled.
“Hey you two. We’re going to finish this if you don’t join in,” Jungwoo announced around a mouth full of noodles.
The oily takeout dinner was exactly what everyone needed after a long day at the studio.Taeyong couldn’t deny that Jaehyun meshed well with Neo members. And the fans saw that too.
For the past month, Jaehyun’s presence has been more prominent among the Neo fans. He had been spotted a few times at Neo events and even showed up on some of the member’s social media accounts. Taeyong didn’t mind since it gave Jaehyun’s fan accounts–that had limited posts–content to work with. Taeyong also didn’t mind the ‘Mr. Romantic fan accounts’ anymore since Taeyong and Jaehyun were getting accounts dedicated to their relationship and showing support.
It was cute. Both Taeyong and Jaehyun didn’t mind. Despite their relationship being known to the public, it was still very private. The fans only got glimpses of whatever Taeyong wanted to share. He had shared a lot of himself with the public. He didn’t want to have to share Jaehyun too.
“You guys can do it,” Yuta encouraged an hour later.
Jaehyun’s face was pink as he looked at his boyfriend, “honey, I don’t think I can do this. Just do the dance with Mark.”
Mark laughed from his seat, “no way. You guys got this.”
“It’ll be a cute memory,” Taeyong encouraged.
The members suggested that the two film a dance challenge to one of Taeyong’s songs. It would be cute promotion and something fun to do.
Jaehyun was worried since he didn’t dance. Ever. But the steps were the simplified version that Taeyong did for challenges. He would be lying if he said he didn’t try practicing them on his own in their apartment. But he wasn’t ready to be dancing with his boyfriend who was a professional dancer for a video that he’d post on his account for millions of people.
But Taeyong was begging. And it was hard to say no. So Jaehyun gave in.
“Okay, Yuta, record,” Taeyong gave him his phone.
Yuta nodded dutifully.
The music started. Jaehyun tried not to think too hard as he did the steps. He tried to pretend he wasn’t being watched by professional performers.
Taeyong seemed to be enjoying himself as he danced effortlessly.
When the music stopped, Taeyong and Jaehyun looked at each other to share a smile.
“Cut it there, Yuta, or they might start kissing,” Donghyuck said suddenly.
Yuta laughed, doing just that.
Taeyong rolled his eyes as he reached out for Jaehyun. “Honey, don’t look embarrassed. You did great!”
“I–” Jaehyun’s ears were still red.
“We don’t have to post it if you don’t want to,” Taeyong reassured. “We can just save it for ourselves.”
“It’s fine,” Jaehyun said after a while. He really didn’t mind.
“Let’s watch it,” Mark said as gestured for everyone to gather around Yuta. They played the video. The music started then there was Taeyong and Jaehyun dancing. Surprisingly, they were in sync despite their different dance styles. Taeyong was sharp and fluid with years of training. Jaehyun was laid back but in step.
“You’re pretty good, Jae,” Jungwoo complimented.
Yuta nodded as they watched it a second time, “Yeah. You definitely have a hidden talent.”
Jaehyun couldn’t tell if they were being serious but he tried to laugh dismissively, “um. Thanks?”
Taeyong laughed, “no honey, you really do. We should dance together more.”
“Johnny! Hello!” Taeyong waved from his seat. He and his Neo members were currently piled in a waiting room with their stylists getting ready for their performance. The whole group was invited to perform at an award show. Taeyong obviously invited Jaehyun to watch but he also suggested that he bring Johnny.
Johnny had been over to their apartment a few times since the start of Jaehyun’s new semester. The two studied often together and had dinner. Sometimes Taeyong would join them. The idol found that Johnny was easy to talk to and funny as hell. It was great to hang out with Jaehyun and Johnny, not having to worry about idol life. They could just talk about television shows or video games.
Johnny’s eyes widened when he realized where he was. He immediately turned to Jaehyun, mouth agape as he punched him. “Jaehyun, what the fuck.”
The Neo boys all looked up from their assigned seat at the newcomer.
Taeyong announced as he tilted his head back to allow the makeup artist to dust his eyelids with glitter shadow. “This is Johnny everyone, he’s Jaehyun’s friend.”
“Hi Johnny.” They all chorused. Years of being in the same group could do that to them.
Johnny smiled brightly, fists shaking in excitement. “Hi! Hi. Um. H-hi. Wow. I am… huge fans.”
Mark, who was done with his hair and makeup, stood up from his seat to walk over to Johnny and Jaehyun, “nice to meet you. Do you go to school with Jae?”
Johnny looked like he was going to faint. “I do. Hi Mark.”
Jaehyun snorted as he left his friends to the Neo members. The group was all crowding around Johnny like he was a shiny new toy.
“My love!” Taeyong smiled brightly and got out of his seat once the makeup artist declared he was ready.
“You look beautiful,” Jaehyun wrapped an arm around Taeyong’s waist to bring him close. “I’d kiss you but I know your makeup artist worked hard.”
Taeyong just laughed, “thanks for coming, honey. Did you and Johnny find your seats?”
“Doyoung will take us there after,” Jaehyun explained. “Thanks for the invite, by the way. Johnny is surely going to die after meeting the boys.”
“I was thinking we could have him follow us to dinner after. We just need to perform two songs so we’re leaving right after.” Taeyong said, “do you think he’d want to follow?”
“He would love that,” Jaehyun replied with a laugh. “By the way, did you like the flowers?”
Taeyong beamed as he looked back at the beautiful arrangement that was already at his waiting room before he even started getting ready. “I loved them. I also love you.”
Jaehyun grinned back at him, “I love you, too. We should get going. Doyoung said we only had five minutes before we had to be back at our seats.”
The couple turned to where Johnny was answering a bunch of questions from the members.
“Okay,” Taeyong cleared his throat to get everyone’s attention, “they need to get back to their seats. You guys leave Johnny alone. You can bother him later.”
“Aw,” Donghyuck whined like a child. He looked back at Johnny. “It was nice to meet you, Johnny.”
Taeyong rolled his eyes then walked them out the door. Before the pair left, Taeyong grabbed Jaehyun’s hand.
Jaehyun raised an eyebrow, “are you nervous?”
“A little,” Taeyong had to admit once they were at the door. His members in the room immediately started getting their mics ready.
“You’ll do great, honey,” Jaehyun reassured. “You always do.”
Taeyong smiled, finally waving his boyfriend and Johnny goodbye.
It took nearly an hour before Neo was set to perform. It wasn’t a big scale performance, but Taeyong and the members always wanted to do well on whatever stage they were given. The members all walked out to the dark stage. The venue wasn’t too big so he could make out the faces in the crowd. He was elated to know there were light sticks for Neo in the sea of people.
Once they got into positions, the stage lights shined down on them and they were met with screams. The fans chanted each of the members’ names as they waved their lightsticks.
“Are you ready?” Yuta screamed into his microphone. “Neo in the house!”
The crowd screamed back.
Taeyong felt the hairs on his arms stand up at the noise. He had performed a thousand times in front of thousands of people. Yet, he still got nervous like it was the first time, everytime. That moment before every performance when everyone was looking at them, Taeyong always felt a little vulnerable. Would they like his voice? His outfit? His dance? What was the audience thinking when they saw him?
He knew all eyes were on him. But then he would search the crowd to the spot that his manager always prearranged. A familiar pair of eyes were on him as well. Taeyong smiled when he saw the crescent moons on Jaehyun’s face. In that moment, the large arena with the thousands of screaming fans disappeared.
All he saw was Jaehyun.
The music began.