Archive of Our Own ^beta

"What do you want, Hyuckie?" Jaemin's voice was husky, as his eyes darkened at the sight below him. Donghyuck's back was arched as he squirmed from under him, barely releasing coherent sentences, as he reached up for Jaemin to lean down.

He did, and just as he was inches away from Donghyuck's face, he heard the older whine as he denies him a satisfactory kiss. A gust of warm air tickles Donghyuck's mouth as Jaemin chuckles, almost mockingly. He whines again, tugging him closer, needing him to stop teasing and please them both.

"N-need y-you... Pl-please..." 

"I'm gonna need more than that, Hyuck," he leans even closer, nose brushing against each other, achingly soft. "Use your pretty words, and tell me what you need..."

Donghyuck was growing more frustrated at the lack of action, but halted when he felt a finger circling his rim. He sucks in a breath, anticipating...

"Hyuck?"

He hums. 

"Hyuckie?"

"Y-yes," he sighs.

"Hyuck!"

Donghyuck felt a weight smack his head, pulling him back from his thoughts. He was disappointed to find Mark looking at him with concern filling his face, and just like that, he was brutally reminded where he was, and just what he was thinking of.

He groaned, "that hurt, Mark." He rubbed the spot his friend hit, and heard a scoff from the older.

"It's a rolled up piece of paper, Hyuck." He rolled his eyes at the younger, before his brows furrowed. "You seemed dazed though, are you okay?"

Donghyuck knew he couldn't escape his friend and his questions, but telling him that he was reliving the events of this weekend in his head while they were trying to study for their Psychology midterm wasn't an experience he wanted to go through right now. So, he just shook his head, "didn't sleep well last night."

"Still hungover? I told you not to go to that party." Mark scolded.

"Chenle and Jisung needed a ride, what was I supposed to say?" Donghyuck argued.

"So, you get drunk? As the designated driver? Well, isn't that bright!" Mark scoffed.

"Thanks to you, we arrived safely~" He tried, but Mark simply glared at him, wiping the smug grin off the younger's face.

"Yeah, yeah, you can't live without me," he grumbled, rolling his eyes. "Break's over, get back to studying." 

"Yes, daddy," Donghyuck teased. Mark looked up at him horrified, and Donghyuck just laughed at his reaction, quickly shifting to the neglected book in front of him. 

He heard Mark clear his throat from beside him, before he felt the older ruffle his brown locks, messing them up, and causing Donghyuck to whine. Mark chuckled, and soon focused back on his textbook. Donghyuck smiled at his friend, feeling comfortable and content having him by his side. They spent the rest of their time at the library that way, Mark studiously writing notes, and Donghyuck snapping in and out of focus, Mark scolding him.

Donghyuck was very grateful to have a friend like Mark, someone who looked out for him even when he didn't do a great job at it himself. They became friends during sophomore year, when they shared a music class together. It started with Mark complimenting Donghyuck's voice and asking him if he wanted to come over to his studio to record something.

Donghyuck was flattered by the request, and even found Mark attractive. So, naturally, he agreed, and they spent almost all their free time in the studio, writing and mixing songs till their hearts content. It was on a random Tuesday evening when Donghyuck tried kissing Mark, that turning everything they built into an awkward situation. They hardly saw each other after that, avoiding each other in class and around campus, until one day Mark seeked him out. Donghyuck's first instinct was to run, hide somewhere and cry, but the expression on Mark's face was so sincere, he would be damned if he said no.

They talked for hours that night. Mark telling him about how conflicted he's been feeling since that incident. Being gay was never something Mark ever thought of until he met Donghyuck. He spoke about his religion and how he was raised, and although he knew his parents would be supportive, he wasn't sure how he could even begin to describe it to them. Donghyuck, sure he felt bad for making Mark question his sexuality, was glad to have this conversation with him. He found out later that he was the first person Mark over spoke to about this, and although he was the reason, he chose to look at this as a sign of a great beginning for them.

Mark asked him that night if they could just remain friends while he figures everything out. Donghyuck obviously understood, and allowed him that time. It was almost a month later when Mark came out to his friends as bisexual. Chenle and Jisung both hugged him as it seemed Mark didn't notice he himself was crying. It was definitely an emotional moment for the friend group, and Donghyuck felt protective of Mark at that very moment. He was no longer attracted to the older, he just simply wanted to cradle him and shield him of any harm.

It was slightly awkward for Mark to be around Donghyuck a few weeks after that, and Donghyuck didn't know why. He decided to confront him, and was relieved to find out it was just because the older did not know how to reject him kindly. He loved Donghyuck, he really did, it was just never anything romantic. He may have been the first man he's ever kissed, and he may have been his gay awakening, but it felt a little too platonic to chase after. He felt a little foolish when Donghyuck assured him he felt the same.

From then on, their friendship blossomed, and they grew closer together than ever before. They promise to take at least one class together each semester, but ultimately find themselves a little silly when they realize they are both music majors, and have almost every class with each other.

Regardless, he was very grateful for his friendship with the Canadian Leo.

Na Jaemin is a prick.

Donghyuck doesn't even know why he was so hung up on him, there were hundred of guys on campus that were a better match than him.

Jaemin was arrogant, cocky, and disgustingly handsome. 

He also gives good head. Not that that mattered or anything—

Donghyuck shakes away the nasty thoughts, and scolds himself for falling for the filthy rich, disturbingly pretty, and utterly gorgeous boy in front of him.

Na Jaemin. Blond, fit, and beautiful.

All the girls flock around him and his best friend Lee Jeno. The whole campus is swooning over them, it's no shock Donghyuck falls under that list too.

The reason he is so pissed off at Na Jaemin is because he acts so clueless and dumb. He acts as though he and Donghyuck have never met, even though he was inside him in all the right ways a couple nights ago.

It's not like Donghyuck is shocked at that. They were never really close, but he felt odd as to why did Jaemin feel the need to pretend like he didn't know him? Was he ashamed or something? 

Jaemin was stood in front of him, with Jeno and Renjun on his side, while Chenle and Jisung were by either side of Donghyuck. He watched how Jisung introduced them to Jaemin and his friends and how Jaemin's eyes scanned his face and body, smirking lightly, as he let out his hand to greet him.

"It's nice to meet you...?" 

"Donghyuck," Jisung says from beside him.

"Ah, yes. Donghyuck." 

The name rolls out of his lips fluidly, letting shivers run down Donghyuck's back, as he firmly held Jaemin's hand and shook it, trying to hold back the memories of the night they shared together and how the way he said his name affected him the same way today like it did that night. 

Jaemin's eyes didn't leave his even as the conversation went on. Jisung explained how he knew them: being in a class with Jeno and Renjun before, and how he was welcomed in warmly by Jaemin who grew a liking to the youngest.

"He has really cute cheeks," Jaemin shrugs.

Slap.

"What nice cheeks you've got there, Hyuckie."

"M-more," He moaned.

Jaemin smiled, although he couldn't see, and another slap was heard right then.

Donghyuck's eyes widened at the memory flooding his mind and turned away, his cheeks flushed red and burning. He was shocked to see Jaemin staring at him like a vulture when he glanced back. A sweet smile adorning his face, but behind it a venomous bite. Another shiver.

The conversation soon came to an end after that, and the couple alongside Jaemin were headed towards the parking while Donghyuck and his friends were headed back in the campus to go fetch Mark. Donghyuck still felt Jaemin's eyes burn at the back of his head, but refused to look back at him, and continued to walk ahead. He was not anticipating the short trip to the bathroom on his way to the studio where Mark was, but the images flashing in his head made it hard not to.

Coming back home, he was immediately greeted by the sound of little steps running to the door. By the time he took off his shoes and hung his jacket, he felt arms snake around his neck and soon legs wrapped around his waist as he pulled her up.

"Hi, baby! How was your day, hm?" Donghyuck hummed, as he combed his fingers through his sister's hair.

Jisoo, his nine year old sister, spoke animatedly as she recalled her day to him. How she and her friends went to the arcade with his mother after school, and how they met the cutest, fluffiest, most amazingest dog on the way back home. Her words, not his.

Donghyuck hummed and listened intently to what she was saying, replying just as animatedly to all her ridiculous remarks. When they were in the living room, she quickly jumped on the couch, turning to watch Sophia the first, when Donghyuck asked, "where's ma, JiJi?"

"Went to get some juice and lemons for dinner!" She said excitedly. The juice must've been her idea.

Just then, the door opened, and in walked his mother with a small bag of around 4 lemons, and three juice boxes. Donghyuck instantly went to her side, and helped her with the bag, quickly putting the stuff in the fridge, not taking long at all due to the lack of items bought. His mother sighed when she saw the state of the fridge, and wiped the sweat on her forehead from walking all the way back from the store.

Donghyuck was by her side in an instant, "it's okay, ma. We have all we need to live until Wednesday," he tried to joke.

"Wednesday is in two days, Hyuck." She then sat down on one of the old chairs they have around the small, round table placed in the kitchen, head in her hands, blinking tiredly.

"Mom, there's nothing to worry about, okay? I'm going to get paid sometime this week, we will manage. We always do."

That always somehow creeps a smile on his mother's face, but this time it only deepens her frown. "I don't know, Hyuckie. It's only getting harder from here. I'm barely managing the rent, but that on top of the water bill and electricity and groceries? I don't think I can afford it this time, baby."

He's never seen his mother so distraught. He wanted to help her in anyway he could. "Ma, we can get through this, I promise, I'll do anything to make sure of that."

His mother's eyes crinkled slightly at that, a small smile barely visible on her face. She stands up, runs her hand across Donghyuck's face, whispering "I know." She leaves a kiss on his forehead before she walks out of the kitchen to freshen up in her room.

Donghyuck stayed standing there, watching his exhausted mother leave his sight. He knew that Jisoo's little trip to the arcade was the cause of her disheartened words, but she would never admit that. Whatever made his younger sister happy, his mother would do, even if it cost her a fortune. She would make it happen.

Poor Jisoo was too young to understand these hardships, especially when their mother would act like nothing is wrong in front of her, and give her whatever she asked for, not wanting to steal away her childish charm. Donghyuck wished more than ever that his father was around, he would've helped ease the burden on his mother. Losing him in that car crash when Jisoo was only three and he was barely a teen was incredibly hard on him and his mother. They had to work even more than they could ever imagine, Donghyuck getting his first job at 15.

Donghyuck always got good grades, being blessed with smarts at a young age, but after his father's death, he thrived to get the best grades he could, to help achieve some sort of scholarship and help lessen the load on his mother. Thankfully it all worked out, and he's been on a scholarship since he entered NCTU, keeping up the high scores and having his mother not worry about those expenses as well. He found a night job at a nearby bar, trying his best to juggle being a full time bartender and student was quite difficult as he didn't have much time to study, but he managed. He's been off work all of last week due to his boss shutting down the bar for renovations, making him take up two other jobs to make up for it.

They were always nighttime jobs though, since none of his friends knew of his living condition, he didn't want them to find him working anywhere. So, knowing that Mark doesn't drink during weekdays, and Chenle and Jisung have much more expensive taste than some dingy spot in Seoul, it wasn't very hard to keep it from them. During weekends, however, is usually when he's free and gets to go to parties or catch up on missed assignments and sleep that he loses out on during the week.

Donghyuck yawns, but rubs his tired eyes as he goes gets ready for his shift in half an hour.

He's back at the bar, shaking up new drinks every now and then, but ultimately it was a slow day today, which he was grateful for. He got to work on his assignment a bit while he waited for someone to occupy the stools in front of him. His coworkers were out having a smoke break when he heard the sound of the bell ringing by the door, a new customer had arrived.

Donghyuck peeled his eyes away from his computer screen, and braved a look at the customer. His eyes widened in shock, not expecting to have seen anybody he recognized in this part of town.

The pretty man seems to have not noticed Donghyuck's ogling, as he sat by one of the stools, fingers thrumming a tune on the wooden table. When his eyes caught Donghyuck's, a tired smile appeared as he asked for him to prepare him a drink.

Donghyuck got to work immediately after the order was uttered, hoping this would make the male shed a smile because seeing him so saddened didn't sit right with him for some reason.

He asked for another, and another, and another. Donghyuck was growing more worried the more he was asking, chugging down shot after shot like it was water.

"I think you should slow down," Donghyuck whispered.

"What do you know," the other said sharply. Donghyuck's eyes must've betrayed him because instantly the male's eyes softened and he spoke softly again, "I'm sorry. Just— having a rough day," he half-smiled, a small dimple peeking out as he did so.

"I can understand that," Donghyuck whispered back.

Their eyes met, and for once since being here, Donghyuck can see his features more clearly.

Jeong Jaehyun was seated here, aimlessly stirring his drink in his hand, looking at Donghyuck's eyes with such delicate vulnerability, it was as though he was made of glass.

The moment seemed so fragile, Donghyuck was scared to move the wrong way and break the connection. It was Jaehyun who broke it, shaking his head and rubbing his temples with aggravation. "I'm sorry, could I have another one of these?"

Donghyuck's breath hitched in his throat, but his body moved before his lips, taking the glass and making him another glass. When Jaehyun seemed satisfied, Donghyuck left him alone to continue his work, but every so often his eyes glanced back at the disheveled man seated a few seats away from him. He tried to convince himself it was because he wanted to make sure he was satisfied and attended to, but if he was being honest, he was just plain worried about him.

After glancing one more time at the other, Donghyuck cursed at himself and turned off his laptop, walking up to Jaehyun. "Uhm—" He started, seeing how the older's eyes snapped up to him. "Do you— Do you need anything else?"

Jaehyun shook his head, looking distracted. Donghyuck nodded, about to leave him alone again, but his heart didn't let him, so he spoke up again. "Do you want to talk... about it?" He asked cautiously.

Jaehyun looked up, considering. The alcohol seemingly encouraging him that this wouldn't cause any harm, so he decided to speak. "My uh— M-mom, she wants me to, um... get married... I don't have a partner, and she is very adamant on finding one for me. I already told her, I don't want to get married right now, but she won't listen. Ever since I came out to her as... gay... she has been on my ass, wanting me to leave as soon as possible. My dad is more... indifferent about this, and thinks finding me a spouse would help me more than I think, but I really don't want to get married to someone my st— my mother wants..."

Donghyuck could tell that he was trying to choose his words wisely. He felt sympathetic towards the older and tried to soothe him by telling him fun anecdotes about himself, and letting him know that he was heard and that he understood him. Coming out to his friends was one thing, but coming out to his mother was something completely different. Even though his mother was accepting of it, it didn't start that way. She felt betrayed somehow, and the rest of her family shut them out because of it, not accepting to help them in any way due to him being gay, so really he understood. 

They spent the rest of his shift talking and getting to know each other. Donghyuck mentioned already knowing him from university, and Jaehyun apologized for not recognizing him, but Donghyuck just shrugged it off. Donghyuck's assignment was long neglected, and Jaehyun was sobering up due to Donghyuck's refusal of him drinking his sorrows away. Jaehyun's way of thanking him was dropping him off at his home since he stayed way past the closing time due to their lengthy conversation.

When outside Donghyuck's house, Jaehyun looked around at the house, frowning slightly at its appearance. "This is your house?"

Donghyuck chuckled, "yeah... It's not the most attractive looking place, but it is home."

Jaehyun smiled at those words, "I really admire your perspective, I could never look at this place and call it 'home'." 

Donghyuck shook his head, "of course you would say that, you live in a fucking mansion."

Jaehyun tsked, "not for long."

Donghyuck saw the pain flash through his eyes for a moment, "hey, hey, hey, don't say that. I'm sure your dad won't let you live in some crappy apartment. You'll be well taken care of when you get married. Besides, I'm sure they wouldn't let their son's reputation go from 'CEO's Son Turned Homeless', that'll be bad for their brand."

Donghyuck's joke cracked a smile on Jaehyun's face, letting a wet smile adorn his face, as tears quickly filled his eyes. "Thank you so much, Donghyuck. I don't know where I would've ended up today if you weren't there."

A smile spread on the younger's face, "it's no worries, Jaehyun. I'm glad you came over to that shitty bar in the middle of nowhere. Speaking of which why did you go there?"

Jaehyun laughed, "I don't know... I needed to get as far away from home, and somehow my feet landed here, and that bar was the closest one from where I was, so..." He shrugged, staring at Donghyuck with his smily eyes.

Donghyuck's cheeks hurt from smiling at this point, but he just looked away. "Well, take care then. Text me when you arrive?"

"Sure. Sleep well, Donghyuck."

"Just call me Hyuck."

Jaehyun smiled then nodded. "Good night then, Hyuck."

Donghyuck watched as Jaehyun's figure walked away. 

"Night."

Tiptoeing his way into the house didn't work as he was caught almost instantly by his mother.

"Where were you, Hyuck? You took much longer than usual!" His mother whisper-shouted at him.

"Ma! Why are you awake?" He also whisper-shouted as to not wake up his sleeping sister.

"Have you even seen the time, Lee Donghyuck? It's almost 3AM! Your shift ends at 1..."

Donghyuck couldn't think of a smart enough idea to get himself out of this before his mother spoke again.

"And who was that boy you were talking to outside? Is he your boyfriend?" Her speech seemed more sharp and cut than before.

"What? No. He's just some guy I met at the bar. He was talking to me all night, and offered to take me home as a thank you." He shrugged.

"Are you stupid? You just let a random man know our location?? What if he was a stalker or a murderer? What would happen then???" She seemed panicked now.

"Ma! He's a guy at my university. He means no harm, I just helped him out tonight, he's not some sort of killer, don't worry. He's harmless," he defended.

She seemed skeptical, but pushed away the subject. "Go to bed, Donghyuck. I don't wanna find you not in bed the next time I come around to check, okay?"

"Yessir, uh— I mean ma'am."

"Go to your room," she shooed him, but he saw the tired smile on her face, so he cracked on of his own.

"Night, ma." He kisses her cheek, before she could resist. He shut the door to his room before he could hear her response.

"Goodnight, dear. Please stay safe," hand on her heart, she went back to her bed to rest for the night before her early shift tomorrow morning.

Donghyuck woke up groggy the next morning. The house was silent, meaning his mom went out for work and Jisoo was at school. He cursed internally before shifting his weight on his side and grabbing his phone from his bedside table. He shut off the alarm, rubbing his eyes as he sits up. Last night was weirder now than when he thought about it yesterday.

He barely slept that night, thinking and thinking and thinking about Jaehyun's drunken confession. Although they grew more fond of each other that night, Donghyuck couldn't help but feel gutted at the fact that Jaehyun was to be wedded to someone he didn't want. 

Shaking away the thoughts, he quickly started getting ready for university. He found a small, already bitten, sandwich on the table with a scribbled sticky note next to it. He smiled at the words written, and happily took a bite of the humble breakfast. « Sorry, Jisoo got hungry and took a bite, but I already packed her food, so this is all yours. - Mom »

Grabbing his keys and finishing his small meal on the way, he was out the door in no time, whistling as he put in his wired earphones while walking down the road. He hummed along to his favorite songs, and whistled for the others, making his way to the university much more comfortable. His mind wasn’t awake enough and craved coffee, but after his conversation with his mother earlier, he bid that idea goodbye, he’d have to go through this day caffeine-free.

A couple more steps and the gates of the university were visible to Donghyuck. Reluctantly, he took off the earphones and almost sluggishly walked nearer to his destination. Donghyuck spotted Mark almost immediately, thankfully with two coffees in hand, Donghyuck made sure to thank every star that night for Mark Lee.

Skipping over to him, much more excited due to the promised drink, Donghyuck stopped just in front of an irritated Mark, and looked at him questioningly. Once Mark saw Donghyuck, his expression cleared up and he sent him a lopsided smile, handing him the drink. 

“Oh, great, you’re here. Thought you were gonna be late for our first class,” he smiled, but it didn’t reach his ears.

“Yeah… what’s up?” 

“What? What do you mean?” He tried to play it off.

“Mark don’t play dumb, what’s got your knickers in a knot?” Donghyuck mocked.

Mark deadpanned him, but replied nonetheless. “It’s just that Johnny guy. I think he’s messing with me…”

Donghyuck looked at him confused, “what…?”

“Him, over there!” Mark pointed, trying to be discreet.

Donghyuck looked over his shoulder, seeing a tall male with long blond hair, smiling and laughing with his friends, saying some weird anecdote to make them laugh more. Overall, he seemed harmless.

“What could he have done to you?” Donghyuck snickered.

Mark rolled his eyes, but he seemed more distraught than annoyed. “Look at him,” so Donghyuck did. “You see that guy he has his arm slung around?” Donghyuck nodded, seeing a smaller man, smiling really widely at Johnny. “Yeah, well John promises that they aren’t dating, and that he’s into me, but then just before you arrived, he bailed on our plans on Friday because ‘Doyoung’ needs him for some ‘English Classes’,” Mark said pettily, emphasizing the words as he air quotes them.

Donghyuck continued to look at the guy curiously, but instantly his eyes turned to the male that just arrived next to the three men. 

A small gasp left his lips. 

Jaehyun.

He processed the irritated voice of Mark coming from behind him, but he tuned him out as he continued to stare at the dimpled man smiling at his friends. In a quick second, Jaehyun’s eyes shifted to his direction, catching his eyes and squinting curiously. Donghyuck’s eyes widened and cheeks burned as he was caught, but just as he was about to turn his head, he saw Jaehyun’s smile return to his face as he waved at him from across the campus.

Donghyuck’s mouth barely tugged upwards as he returned the wave, and turned back to Mark, cheeks red and shy. Mark didn’t seem to have noticed the weird interaction, but unluckily for him, someone did.

“What’s up with you and Jaehyun?” Chenle’s loud voice interrupted the silence between the pair.

Donghyuck’s eyes were like saucers by this point, smacking Chenle and forcing him to quiet down. 

Jisung snickered from next to Chenle, “if I didn’t witness that awkward ass wave between you two, I would’ve totally believed something was up based on your reaction alone, hyung.”

Donghyuck looked betrayed, but not as much as Mark. He was looking at Donghyuck as if he had just told his deepest darkest secret to the whole school. “What? You know Jaehyun?”

Donghyuck rubbed his temples, really grateful for the warm cup in his hands, the smell calming him down before having a meltdown right there. “It’s nothing like that…” He said, his head still down.

He glanced up to see three sets of eyes looking at him curiously. He grumbled internally but ultimately decided to tell them how they met yesterday at a bar, obviously leaving out some very important details.

“Why were you at a bar?”

“What kind of bar does Jeong Jaehyun go to?”

“Did you two hookup?”

The three of them asked at the same time.

Donghyuck looked at them all overwhelmed, taking a sip of his coffee quickly before replying. “I needed a drink. Not the kind of bar you go to, and no Jisung, who do you think I am?” He answered all the questions.

“The idiot who didn’t sleep with Jeong Jaehyun, duh.” Jisung said sassily.

“Well, it wasn’t that kind of night for either of us, Ji…”

“Don’t buy it,” Chenle mused.

Donghyuck rolled his eyes. 

Mark still looked at him skeptically, but before he could talk, Jisung spoke up. “It’s almost time for class, we better go.” The pair smiled at them before walking off.

“We should probably go too…” Donghyuck whispered awkwardly.

Mark didn’t react at first, but eventually he nodded. “Yeah, you’re right.”

Chenle and Jisung came to pick up Donghyuck after his class. It was their last lecture of the day, and Donghyuck barely saw Mark all day, which is odd considering they have almost every class together. He was confused by Mark’s reaction to him knowing Jaehyun. Was it related to that Johnny guy?

Regardless, he pushed that aside as Jisung asked him and Chenle to join him help around with a couple other people back at the committee, and they both agreed. Apparently there was some sort of event happening later this month, and they were behind schedule, so really, the more volunteers, the better. 

Donghyuck never really involved himself in any of the nonsense the committee planned, not caring enough for these events and parties that seemed boring and unnecessary to him. However, today, he needed any excuse to get his mind away from the betrayal flashing in Mark’s eyes, and being home right now would enable that, so he quickly agreed.

The first hour of them being there was quite boring, and Donghyuck regretted coming, but near the end of the second hour, he noticed the ruckus happening near the entrance of the main room, and how all the people were giggling and whispering to each other, waiting patiently for something, or rather… someone.

All the giggling came to a halt when Na Jaemin entered the room alongside Lee Jeno and Huang Renjun. Donghyuck rolled his eyes at the other students, but mainly at himself because he hated how he found the blond boy straight up delicious. He was wearing a pink cardigan, with a plain white shirt under it, the neckline very revealing, showcasing his milky skin underneath. Donghyuck’s first instinct was to suck on it and litter his smooth chest with dark purple hickeys. 

Gulping down the thought, he proceeded to carry the box in his hand to a nearby table inside the other room, and swipe the sweat forming on his forehead. He was sure he was not in the right room right now, and this box should have been sent further down the hallway, he just needed to be away from the sight of Jaemin before he pounced. Catching his breath, and placing his hand over his racing heart, he almost jumps when he hears the honey-like sound of his voice just behind his ear as he shrilled up. “You can’t seem to control yourself, hm, Hyuckie~” 

A shiver run down his spine at the proximity of Jaemin’s chest to his back, and the feeling of his breath hitting the back of his neck. Donghyuck’s curses at himself for falling for this and allowing his eyes to shut down merely at the sound of his voice.

Before he could embarrass himself, Jisung’s excited voice was heard. “Jaeminnie hyung? I didn’t know you’d be here today! Aren’t you really busy on Tuesdays?”

Jaemin’s body immediately retracted from behind him, allowing him to breathe, yet somehow he was disappointed at the distance.

“I am, Jisungie, but we’re so behind! I couldn’t help but come, even if it’s only for an hour,” Jaemin’s wide smile made goosebumps rise in Donghyuck’s skin. Those white, pearly teeth. Those sharp, pretty teeth. The same ones that sunk into his the side of his throat not long ago. 

Donghyuck turned away, back facing the pair. He heard the two converse, not really paying attention to them or their discussion, but squeaked when Jaemin’s presence was felt behind him again only a minute later. Not seeming to have noticed when Jisung left the room, continuing his path and keeping his conversations short, trying to get as much done in such short notice.

“You’re so bad at hiding it, Hyuckie.” Jaemin smirked, his hand making its way to take hold of Donghyuck’s hard on. Donghyuck shivered at the contact. “Need some help?” It sounded so innocent, it was almost mocking.

He was so embarrassingly turned on, and wanted nothing more than for Jaemin to take him right there on the table they were stood by, rough and dirty, here for everybody to see. Let shame be damned.

But before anyone could say anything, a call was heard.

“Jaemin! Jae-Jaemin,” the breathless sound of Lee Jeno sounded, making Jaemin jump quickly and turn around hastily to his friend, who was leaning on his knees, catching his breath.

“Yes?” Jaemin’s voice shook, but his composure was firm.

“They… They need you out by the garden…” Jeno was blinking away the stars as he straightened up.

“Got it.” Jaemin immediately left his side, and made his way to the exit. Turning back to face his friend, “why are you so worn out?”

“I kinda was running around, not really helping, you know I don’t really care about the committee stuff, so Renjun just sent me to look for you. I had no idea you’d be here though…” Their voices grew lower the further away they got from the room.

Donghyuck was breathing heavily and his hand was shaking as his nerves of getting caught got to him. He can’t believe he almost let himself get lost in the feeling of Jaemin. His fast and short breaths eventually evened out, and he tried to get himself busy again, moving cardboard boxes from room to room, catching Chenle and Jisung making out every now and then, and catching Jaemin’s eyes staring him down animalistically.

Donghyuck hated to admit it, but that excited him.

Donghyuck was exhausted when he went back to Jisung and Chenle’s dorm after they were done. “That’s exhausting! How can anyone do that without getting paid?! That seems like child labor to me…” Donghyuck announced as he crashed on the sofa.

Jisung snickered, “you’re right, hyung. Beer?”

Donghyuck shrugged, “why not!”

He seemed a lot more laid back than earlier, he can thank Jaemin for that. Though unfortunately, the blond didn’t stay for long, just as expected since he did say Tuesdays were a bit busy for him, yet it was still a bit disappointing. For the crowd, not Donghyuck of course.

Chenle joined them soon with a drink of his own as they all played some video games for a couple hours. Mark and the troubles that came with him long forgotten about in the time being. He was having so much fun.

It was four hours later that he got a call, it was his boss. “Shit,” it was only then that he realized just how late he was for work. “Hey, uh guys, I gotta go. Mom wants me home, but thanks for letting me stay so long.”

“But you promised one more round!” Chenle said childishly.

Donghyuck smiled, and ruffled his hair hastily, causing Chenle to scowl. “I promise I’ll make it up to you.”

Chenle dismissed him in fake annoyance, but Donghyuck only grinned. “Anyways, I’ll see you guys later, make sure it’s stay safe, and always use protection!”

“Hyung!” Jisung screeched. It was obvious they had not told people of their new arrangement. Even Donghyuck didn’t know, if it weren’t for the times he spotted them together today, he would have still been clueless to their actions.

Once he stepped onto the street, the cold breeze of the night attacked him, he cozied up to his jacket immediately, trying to find warmth. Walking to the bar was a bad decision, he ended up giving up $10 for a cab ride there, he couldn’t afford to be even later and lose his job.

When he walked in, the manager glared at him, and Donghyuck bowed in apology, but was let off as he was already understaffed. He grinned and went behind the counter, already getting started on some drinks. It was two hours later when he saw him again. Jaehyun.

“This became your safe place?” Donghyuck quips humorouslessly.

Jaehyun looks up at him with defeated eyes, but tries a smile.

Donghyuck frowns when Jaehyun’s eyes are cast down again. “Hey, what’s wrong?”

“They found someone.”

Those three words cut the cold air like a knife, it felt suffocating to breathe.

“O-oh. What… What are you gonna do about it?”

Jaehyun tries to shrug it off but it’s more like a scoff than anything. “Nothing, I’m meeting them this Saturday. It’s too late to argue, the other party already said yes.”

Donghyuck felt a lump in his throat, he felt so disgusted at Jaehyun’s mother. 

All this because her son was gay? Ridiculous.

Donghyuck’s attempts to cheer him up that night all went to waste, as Jaehyun ended up getting a call from his father asking him to come home immediately. The expression on the older’s face as he was leaving will be embedded into Donghyuck’s brain the whole night, keeping him up with racing thoughts.

He felt so sluggish the rest of the shift, not being able to process much of anything, mind occupied with how Jaehyun must be feeling right now. He knew he could just text him, but they haven’t texted since that night, not knowing how to continue a conversation while behind a screen. As he was staring at the screen to send him a text, he received a message from his mother.

« We need to talk. »

That’s all it took for shivers to run down Donghyuck’s spine. He started thinking of every bad thing he’s ever done. Did she find out about the one time him and Mark smoked weed in the university’s roof? Or did she find the 8inch purple dildo in his closet? All he knew was he was going to be anxious the whole night until he got home.

It was hours later when his shift ended, trucking his way to their floor. He was already panicked, but knowing that his mother was inside right now with something to say was making him nauseous. Shaking his anxious thoughts with a shake of his hands and nerves, he twisted the key and pulled the door open. 

The house was dark and quiet, adding to his already tense actions. He made his way deeper into the house, entering the living room. He stopped in his tracks.

There, his mother lay, curled up on the sofa, fast asleep. Donghyuck stared at her softly, and felt bad for waking her up when he knew how much she needed this. Instead, he got a blanket and wrapped her up in it, waking her up in the process.

“Donghyuckie?” Her small voice let out.

“Yes, ma, I’m right here.” She started to sit up, but he pushed her back into her comfortable position, “it’s okay, we can just talk about it tomorrow. Rest now,” she grumbled something incoherent to him. “Please?”

He felt her stop resisting in his arms as she allowed sleep to overwhelm her. He sighed down at the woman in his arms. She seemed so peaceful right then. He was so sad at the idea that he doesn’t get to experience this kind of peace everyday. 

He places a kiss on her forehead, and makes sure she is well tucked before he heads back to his room.

He plops himself down on the bed, letting it suck him in. Today has been an emotionally draining day, and he couldn’t help the intense feeling of drowsiness, that he blames on the three beers he indulged in while at his friends’ place, and sleepiness he was experiencing. It was almost hypnotic how fast he fell asleep that night, his body catching up on all the missed rest they relied on to simply exist.

He woke up with a start the next morning. Same old silence in the house, his mother must be out at work and his sister at school. He groggily made his way to the bathroom, grimacing at the sight in front of him. He winced when faced with his own reflection. His disheveled hair, crumpled clothes and red eyes, he looked worn out, which wouldn’t exactly be a lie…

He brushed his teeth, and went to pick out some new clothes, he had a great selection of the same five shirts he wore in rotation… Yawning as he did so, he wasn’t surprised when he didn’t find breakfast this morning as it wasn’t an everyday occurrence, but went to grab himself an apple to perky himself up. 

He found an extra paper stuck on the fridge next to the grocery list, and went to read it. 

« We will talk after work. - Mom »

Shivers.

He almost forgot about what his mother had for him, leaving no hints to go off on. His dildo was still where he left him, so maybe that wasn’t it? Regardless, he was clueless and positively worried.

Anxiously, he made his way to his first class. He forgot to notice how Mark wasn’t waiting for him this morning, and forgot to notice how Mark wasn’t seated next to him in class. He wasn’t even sure if he was in class or not, to be honest.

He walked throughout the day picking at the skin of his fingers in anticipation for later tonight. He knew his mother had a 2 more hours at work, and he wanted to delay the inevitable as much as possible, so he went to help out at the committee. Without Chenle and Jisung this time.

It was 45 minutes later that he heard it, the silky sound of Na Jaemin. “I didn’t know you came here often?” He seemed surprised when Donghyuck turned back to him.

He had one earphone stuck in his ear, while he stared at Jaemin who was toying with the airpod case in his hands, eyebrows raised.

Donghyuck scoffed, tugging the earphone out of his ear and packing it before replying. “I don’t. I just thought it would be good to help around and be useful before I went home.”

Jaemin hummed, smirking. “So, you’re not here because you know you’ll get to see me?” He tilted his head to the side, looking at him mischievously.

“Jaemin, please. I’m not in the mood for your games—”

“Aw, what’s wrong, duckie? Upset I know why you’re here?” Jaemin mocked.

Donghyuck was growing more aggravated by the second.

“Could you just leave me alone—”

“Acting tough, are we? Last I recall, it was you that—”

“Jaemin. Leave the poor boy alone.” 

The two boys whipped their head to the intruder. Donghyuck never knew he’d be more grateful to see Huang Renjun than in this moment. 

Jaemin’s eyes snapped at his friend, before he replied coolly. “What? I was messing around, Hyuck knows that,” he replies cockily.

Renjun nods unimpressed. “Here, take this. Drop it off at Mina’s desk.” Jaemin whined, but one look into Renjun’s eyes had him begrudgedly taking the box and walking off. Once out of sight, Renjun turned to Donghyuck with much softer eyes. “I’m sorry about him, he can be such an ass sometimes.” 

“Tell me about it,” he grumbled, mainly to himself.

A soft chuckle left Renjun’s lips. “Don’t mind him too much, he doesn’t mean any harm in his… playfulness.”

“Oh, that’s what you guys call it? I’d say it’s more like mockery.” Donghyuck bit back, already feeling bad for letting it out on Renjun. He did nothing wrong. “Look, I’m sorr—”

“No, I get it,” the two-tone haired man said with a soft smile. “I don’t really know what he told you, I can only base my judgment on what he told me, I’m sorry if I misunderstood your interaction.”

Donghyuck smiled. “Still, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have spoken to you like that, you didn’t do anything.”

Renjun just smiled. Grabbing another box from further inside the room, he turned back to Donghyuck, “I should probably return this…”

Donghyuck nodded, “yeah. Go ahead.”

Renjun waved once more before walking out the room, leaving a silent Donghyuck behind. A ping from his phone caught his attention, it was Mark.

« Meet me by the main music building. »

It was so abrupt, so cut short. He swallowed the lump in his throat as he read the dry words. Quickly, he packed up his things and made his way to the main building.

His eyes searched for his friend’s, catching sight of him near the end of the hallway. He made his way, moving past all the bodies walking past him, catching his breath when he was stood in front of Mark.

“Hey, did you nee—”

“Here’s your lyrics book. You left it at my place the last time we were writing songs. Thought you might need it.” Mark interrupted.

Donghyuck was taken aback. Taking the book in his hands confused, as he spoke up again. “Mark? What’s wrong? You know you can tell me anyth—”

“I got class now. I’ll see you around,” he didn’t let Donghyuck get another word in before he was out of sight, leaving a dumbfounded Donghyuck behind.

Before his mind could wrap around what happened, he heard his phone ring. It was his mother, so he picked up immediately.

“Hey, ma.”

“Donghyuckie, I’m on my way home, be there as soon as you can, okay?” Her voice sounded wobbly, but he wanted to believe it’s because she was walking back home, but he didn’t know why he couldn’t believe it, especially not when his mother said this next. “Jisoo is staying at a friend’s house tonight.”

“Uh, okay. But why?” 

“You’ll understand later,” she didn’t allow any more questions as she hung up the phone.

Donghyuck was even more confused now, but nonetheless made his way back home.

He somehow made it before she did, starting to pace back and forth until he heard the front door lock jiggle as it swung open. He was faced by his pale-faced mother, who seemed shocked to see him there before her.

“Hi,” he whispered into the tense air.

“Hi,” she whispered, a little shaky, sharing a tight smile. Shutting the door, she removed the jacket from around her frame, clearing her throat as she spoke. “Sit down, baby.”

She smiled again, but they weren’t her usual warm smile, they seem tense and uneasy. “Is everything okay, mom?”

“Yes yes, darling, just sit.” He did as asked, and sat down on one of those squeaky chairs they had in the kitchen by the round table that they sat not so long ago on. He can’t remember the last time they all had dinner together on this table, or even dinner together as a family on any table for that matter. They all had different schedules, it was always hard matching times to see each other together. He always felt so guilty everytime Jisoo would ask him where he was at night, not able to give her a truthful answer due to his mother’s wishes. She wanted her to live a happy childhood with no problems, but that only caused more inflicted pain on the adults of this story.

The sound of another chair squeaking snapped him out of his daze. His mother’s soft eyes were staring at his dark ones intently. She sighed, looking down before she spoke. “You remember when you said you’d do anything to make sure we’ll get through this difficult time?” Donghyuck nodded, not liking where this is going. “I know I should’ve asked you before, but the offer was just too good for me to pass up on, I’m sure you’ll understand.”

“Mom, what is it? You’re scaring me.” He reached forward to place his hand over his mother’s.

“Oh, no, no. Nothing to worry about,” her teary eyes contradicted her words. She gently lifted his hand in hers to place a sweet kiss on the top of it. “My dear Donghyuck, I hope you find it in you to forgive me for this…”

“Ma… Please tell me what you’re talking about…” He pleaded.

She took in a deep breath, eyes closed as she did so, before she braved her son a look. “You know that company I work for? Na Enterprises? Well, they’re a very wealthy family, and uh… they want to marry their son off. He’s gay… just like you… so I may have pitched you up for it. It’s been very difficult paying the rent lately…”

Donghyuck’s mouth went agape. He couldn’t believe the words leaving his mother’s lips. She was still talking, but he tuned her out. His mother was selling him out? 

She grew silent when he said nothing. “Son, please don’t say nothing. I need to know what you think?” She was almost just as upset as he was.

“Ma, I just… I don’t understand… We were doing fine? I’m getting paid on Friday, and that’ll last us a couple weeks, and rent will be paid for and on time, I don’t know why you needed to do this…” He tried to reason, but she grew tired quickly.

“For how long, Hyuck? How long are we going to keep saying that! It’s only getting harder, and I’m only growing older. I’m exhausted! Spending every hour I can overtime and underpaid at that damned company, just so I can come back home to bread and cheese! I’m so tired, Hyuck. I know it was wrong for me to take this decision on my own, but for once, think about how this could affect all of us instead of just you!” The last sentence felt like a slap to the face, and it was obvious she regretted saying it as she sealed her lips and deflated. Her eyes drooped, her old age only now becoming prominent, she’s usually better at hiding it. Her next words were barely above a whisper. “Just promise me you’ll think about it?” Donghyuck, although disheartened,  gave a defeated nod. She blinked appreciatively, kissing his forehead as she stood up, “you’ll have to meet him on Saturday, so prepare yourself.”

Donghyuck’s world seemed to stop as she left the kitchen. This week is turning out to be the most emotionally challenging week of his entire existence. He rubbed the bridge of his nose as he tried to make sense of what was happening. He still had work today, but was questioning if bailing out on it would be better, besides he didn’t think he’d have to work after this week if he carried through with this plan.

God, he hated thinking. He did it so often, it hurt his brain. He wished it would just stop, but more importantly he wished life would just allow him a chance to breathe. He doesn’t know when life got so complicated, he was fine with the way his little situation was going. He didn’t mind working late shifts, although his body didn’t appreciate it, he got used to it. He shook his head, but ended up heading straight to his room, choosing to figure it all out in due time.

The next morning, it's almost impossible for Donghyuck to leave his bed. He groans and rubs his eyes with a yawn, his hair askew and outside clothes still on. In fact, he has one pair of shoes on, having no time to remove them before he plunged face first into the bed, tired and exhausted from work and the day he experienced.

He knew he should've thought about it, but he didn't have time to dwell on it much, but time was running out and he had to make a decision soon. He knew he was fine working until late, but he was young and his mother wasn't, he knew she didn't want to spend the next few years of her life hustling for minimum wage. So, he truly understood her standpoint, but he didn't even tell his friends of his life, how will he tell them suddenly that he's getting married? He didn't even have a boyfriend!

He shook his head, head already spinning with the ideas. He made his way through the house, getting himself ready for another day at university. He didn't find breakfast, but another note, reminding him to think wisely about his decision. He sighed, and grabbed an apple, making his way out the house immediately.

Usually once he would put on his earphones, the world disappeared with the music, but today it seemed it clouded over the sound. Memories of every interaction that happened the past day came racing back into the front of his mind. Jaemin, Renjun, Mark, his mother, and even Jaehyun.

The boy didn't come to the bar last night while Donghyuck was working, which worried him, making every bad image surface around in his brain. Quickly replacing his face was Jaemin. He remembered how the boy taunted him, and could help but feel his blood boil. Thankfully Renjun was there to get the blond out of his sight. If Renjun wasn't in love with his boyfriend, Jeno, he probably would've kissed him. Shocked at his own thought, Donghyuck started thinking about his best friend. Mark was acting weird. He was barely seen in classes, or maybe he was there, just not noticeable to Donghyuck? 

He knew the older was avoiding him, but he didn't know why, and Donghyuck wanted to get down to the bottom of this. Lastly, he thought about the bomb his mother dropped on him last night. His mind drifted to his younger sister for a split moment, this could change her entire life, even though she didn't know it yet. His mother would be comfortable in letting her go out to the arcade without fear of being unable to keep up with the bills. His sister's shiny eyes flashed behind his eyelids, then his mother's tired expression followed closely. He let out a defeated sigh, he knew what he had to do.

Once he opened his eyes to take in his surroundings, he found himself stood outside the campus. Muscle memory at its finest. His eyes searched for his Canadian friend, having no such luck, his shoulders sagged as he slumped his way to his first class.

The rest of the day went as usual, him not having many classes, decided to go to the library to get some assignments done. He received some notifications from Chenle asking him when he was due for a last round, and from Jisung asking if he could come help out at the committee. Donghyuck felt bad for lying to Jisung by saying he had already left the campus, but he really was not in the mood to face Jaemin again.

Unluckily for him, it seems he should have went to the committee, since Jaemin just entered the library, alongside Jeno. He walks in with confident strides and an aura that reeks of importance. He hated how attractive he found the younger, but nonetheless, acted as if he didn't see him, hoping that would be enough.

It seemed to work for around 2 hours, it looked like Jaemin was actually a very thorough person when it came to his studies, barely even glancing at Jeno, who seemed bored near half an hour in. It wasn't a shock that Jeno left by the hour and a half mark, but it was shocking how Jaemin didn't use his absence to come over and taunt Donghyuck. 

Maybe he really just didn't see him.

That was a lie, however. Jaemin saw him, quite often actually. He caught Donghyuck staring at him from his table only a couple rows away. He wanted to throw a snide remark at the ogling male, but thought better of it, and instead focused solely on his own work. When it was time for him to leave, Jaemin looked up from his desk as he was packing up, making straight eye contact with the flustered man, who was stunned having Jaemin catch him staring. Jaemin simply smirked, waving mockingly at him, before he grabbed his stuff and leaving.

Donghyuck sputtered for a moment then. Had he seen him the whole time? He didn't seem shocked at all.... After a while of thinking about the blond, Donghyuck realized just how much time he wasted looking at him, and so little work he managed. He shook the thoughts away and got started with his work again. Finishing an hour later, he packed up his stuff, and made his way to the cafeteria, needing something to eat before he made his way back home.

He felt the universe was against him as he stood face to face with Jisung at the cafeteria. Jisung looked at him puzzled, before questioning him suspectingly. "I thought you said you were out of the campus, hyung?"

Caught in the lie, Donghyuck just smiled awkwardly, trying to salvage this. "I uh, I went back home but no one was there, and I had some free time so I decided to work on some assignments at the library. Now, I'm hungry," he smiled timidly, not looking Jisung in the eyes.

The younger hummed, nodding, getting his meal, before speaking up again. "I hope you got your work done then, hyung. Next time just tell me you're busy, I wouldn't question it. Jaemin told me you were at the library an hour ago, I didn't know you were still here though, if I did I would've picked you up or something, but I still have some work to do. Wanna join?" 

Donghyuck stuttered for a minute before being able to let out a coherent sentence. "I, uh, still have work to do back at home, next time, yeah?"

Jisung nodded, "sure thing, hyung. I'll see you then, bye!"

"Bye," Donghyuck said to his retreating figure.

Jaemin spoke about him? Did Jisung mention him or did he just put his business for no reason? How could Jaemin still taunt him even though he hasn't spoken to him today? He was so annoying. Na Jaemin truly is a prick. He—

A throat was cleared. "Are you gonna order anything?"

"O-oh. Yeah," Donghyuck answered sheepishly. Second time he was caught wasting time thinking about Jaemin today. 

How embarrassing.

After getting his order, he was on his way home. Finally.

That is, until he received a message from his mom. Checking it, his head fell back as he stopped in his tracks. He just wanted to eat his sandwich and head home in peace.

« Hey baby, could you pick up your sister from school today? Me and Mrs. Na are discussing the arrangement for you. Please get back to me with your answer, darling. I love you »

Donghyuck didn't mind picking up his sister, he usually begs to do it, but his mother was right when she said that her work place is closer to her school, and they leave at the same time. The rest of the message made him shiver uncomfortably, but he sent a reply back immediately.

« I'll pick her up. And ma, I thought about the offer, I'll do it. »

There was no going back now. He just had to pray this was the right decision for all of them.

The rest of the day was a blur, not really caring about the actions. It was the first time in a while that he and his family sat for dinner together. He knew his mother was very happy with his decision, she made it very clear when she told Jisoo to go wash her hands after dinner. 

"You made the right choice, son. This will help all of us."  

The words rung in his head like a broken record. He knew what she was saying was right, but it didn't sit right with him. It felt like he was selling himself out for a couple hundred bucks. This was never the way he thought he'd get married. True, he never really thought about marriage, it was always about fun and not commitment to him, but this was not the way he envisioned it would be for him if he ever decided to settle down.

His mother made things clear that he had to quit his job if this were to work, and she made him promise that he'd do everything in his power to make it work. He felt torn as he wrote up his 2 week notice and handed it to his stressed boss. He knew that they were understaffed already, so bailing out on Yuta like that felt like a betrayal. He couldn't meet his eyes throughout his whole shift that night, solely getting the drinks in his hands to the waiting ones by the counter.

His life had turned upside down within a week, and he didn't know you could hit rockbottom six times in a day, but apparently it's possible. 

Right now, he was tossing and turning, unable to sleep properly, soon giving up, and sitting near the small window in his room, watching the lonely moon shine over the silent city. He stared at it for hours, feeling solace in the dark night, only him, his thoughts, and the moon. 

It wasn't long until he realized the sun starting to shine through, he's never had the privilege of watching the sunrise, as he was always knocked down, beaten down after a heavy shift at work, but today, it seemed more glorious than ever before. 

He watched the rays spread across the entire sky, reaching limits he couldn't even see. He saw how it stretched out more and more as the sun slowly started peeking out from behind a building far into the distance. He was entranced for a good while, until he heard his alarm ring from his bedside table. 

He glanced at the time, 7:00 A.M. He hasn't gotten a wink of sleep tonight, yet it was already time to get started on a new day and head to university.

Fridays were always the worst for him. Usually he had the liberty of sleeping until 11:00 A.M., but this was the only day where he had an 8 A.M. class, but at least it was a promise to a better weekend. However this time, he wasn't so sure how much 'better' the weekend would be. Rummaging through his closet, he picked out a dark grey shirt, and some black pants to pair along with it. He collected his jacket that was hung by the door, and quickly made his way out the house.

He paid no mind to the passing figures surrounding him, not even listening to the music blasted in his ear, he did not search for Mark once he arrived, just went straight to his class. He was there early, so he sat at his desk, slumped and hood of his jacket covering his face.

He heard the body of another body slump down next to him, looking up, he was faced with the side profile of his best friend. Mark looked worn out, his usually bright eyes were distracted, his cheeks not lifted due to a warm smile tugging on his lips. Instead they were sealed shut and drawn thin. 

Neither spoke a word.

This was the first time in three days that Donghyuck had seen Mark, and this was definitely not the way he expected to see him. After another stretch of silence, Donghyuck raised his voice slightly to say, "I'm sorry I didn't reach out to you... Lots has been happening..."

A gruff sound escaped Mark's throat before he spoke up, "it's fine. I didn't want you to reach out. It would've made me feel worse..."

Just as Donghyuck was about to ask why, the teacher and a group of students flooded the room, putting this conversation to a halt. Soon, the class resumed as normal, but Donghyuck couldn't pay attention, not when his best friend was so close yet still so far away from him. Usually Mark would doodle or make some cheesy joke to lighten the mood since Professor Kim was not the most entertaining, but today he stuck to writing notes diligently, not even sparing Donghyuck a glance.

It was the end of the class that Donghyuck had the chance to stop Mark from running away. Donghyuck having not taken anything out of his bag, while Mark was packing up his supplies gave him the upperhand in this situation. "Mark, please talk to me. I don't even know what's going on. I really need you right now..."

Mark halted his actions, book midway in his bag before his head slowly turned to face Donghyuck's. Seeing the desperation in his eyes, he sighed, putting the book in his bag and dropping it, before sitting back down on the chair he occupied all lecture. Donghyuck followed and sat down on his chair as well. When he realized Mark was not going to speak, he started for him. "Did I do something wrong? Why have you been avoiding me?"

Mark, who had his face down, looked up to glance at his friend before turning his face to the side, in deep thought. He opened his mouth to talk, only to shut it again. That happened four more times before he finally gathered the courage to use his voice. "I don't know. I just felt like... I'm always so honest with you, but you seem to always be hiding something. I wanna know if you're going through it, Hyuck. I wanna be able to help you. I know you're strong, but I've seen you this week. You haven't been yourself..."

"You- You saw me? I thought you didn't come to class?" He asked confused.

Mark faced him again, gulping down before replying. "I never skipped class, I just sat at the back, next to Chaewon. Nice girl by the way, her voice is incredible."

Donghyuck laughed, "are you trying to make me jealous? What? Did you hookup with her too?" He joked, shutting up immediately when Mark wasn't laughing. "Oh my God, you did," he gasped.

"Keep it between us, though. She's pretty and all, but I didn't mean to do it. I just... needed to let it out somehow, and she was there and the song we made was playing and it just sorta happened..."

Mark's cheeks were glowing red by this point, as he rubbed his nape nervously. Donghyuck made a sign of zipping his mouth before asking, "what about that Johnny guy?"

Mark sighed, "that's why I did it. I feel horrible, really. She was so sweet, and we kinda ignored that we ever did that, but I can't help but feel like I used her..."

"Mark. Please, this is normal. People have one night stands and still remain friends. You're not the first to ever do it. I'm sure Chaewon understands."

Mark nodded, looking up to meet Donghyuck's eyes. "I'm sorry I've been avoiding you. It may seem random, but when the others said you had some relation with Jaehyun, it just reminded me how open I've been about my problems, while you... you can't even tell me if you fucked Jeong Jaehyun." He said exasperated.

"We did not fuck. I meant it when I said we stumbled upon each other at a bar, however we only talked that night. Nothing more than that." Donghyuck said sincerely. 

He knew he should feel more guilty that he still wasn't being honest to Mark even after he confessed all of this to him. Although he didn't fuck Jaehyun, he did fuck Jaemin and not tell him. He was also leaving the bit about him working at the bar Jaehyun came to out, so really, he should feel more guilty, but that wasn't what Mark asked for, so he didn't owe him those answers.

"Is that all?" Donghyuck asked his friend.

Mark thought about it for a few minutes, "yeah. Yeah, I guess so."

"Great!" Donghyuck clapped, startling the older. "I missed you so much, hyung! My life turned upside down when you were gone!"

Mark rolled his eyes, "what? You didn't have any notes for Music302 to study off of?" 

"I had to write my own notes for Music302!!!" Donghyuck whined. Mark playfully rolled his eyes again, but Donghyuck smirked, "sooo~ you replaced me with Chaewon in the studio, huh? Is that how you get allll your chicks? I'm sensing a pattern~" He teased.

Mark's ears went bright red, "you said you wouldn't mention it!"

"To anyone else! I can still tease you, we're alone!"

Mark scrambled up, collecting his things, "bye, Hyuck!" He yelled.

Donghyuck's laugh could be heard echoing behind him, before he felt an arm link with his. "Not so fast, hyung. We still have two more classes together," he mock pouted, making the older grow irritated, but hold him closer all the same. He tugged him along, getting them both to arrive in time for their joined Psychology class. How lucky were they to have almost every class together...

Donghyuck made his way to Mark's place after their last class, they were pushing and pulling each other all the way back. Donghyuck sent his mother a message, informing her that he would be sleeping over at Mark's, not checking later for a response from her.

Mark was the only friend his mother knew about, and she knew about his religious beliefs so she trusted him enough to keep Donghyuck in check. So, really, he didn't even need to check for her acceptance, he knew she would agree. Plus, he believed she needed the day to herself.

The two played games all night, caught up on some series they couldn't watch during the week because they always watched it together, and sang some songs before it was time for them to head to bed. It wasn't the first time Donghyuck was over, so it was almost natural for him to take his place on Mark's bed, and it was almost natural for Mark to sling his arm over the younger's tummy, pulling him closer. 

Donghyuck turned his body to face Mark, rather than their usual big spoon, small spoon situation. Mark looked at him puzzled, tilting his head, but placed his hand comfortably on his waist. 

Donghyuck giggled at Mark's expression, but only nuzzled closer to him, resting his head in the crook of his neck, smelling his comforting scent. His arms wrapped around his whole being, pulling the older even closer, making Mark laugh awkwardly. "Are you okay, Hyuck?"

"Just missed you," he mumbled.

Mark smiled, although the other couldn't see, hugging him closer. "I missed you too," he sighed into Donghyuck's hair, letting sleep overtake his senses. It was a bit harder for Donghyuck to sleep, but eventually he found himself sucked into a dreamless slumber.

Thankfully, it was Saturday the next day, and Donghyuck got to spend the day however he pleased. He felt bad for not clocking into work last night, sending Yuta a message, calling in sick. He just really wanted to spend time with Mark, and not sleeping over would be suspicious, so he had to do what he had to do. 

They woke up a couple minutes past noon, still wrapped in each other, Mark's fluttered open when he felt Donghyuck's hair tickle his face, and his movements shifted Donghyuck to wake up as well. Mark smiled at him, before getting up to go take a shower, and Donghyuck found himself in the kitchen making them breakfast. 

Just like clockwork.

They found themselves in a comfortable routine every time Donghyuck slept over. The smell of fresh eggs and bacon lured Mark into the kitchen, having already dressed up. Donghyuck had made two eggs and a couple strips of bacon, aligning them to form a smoky face on his plate. Mark laughed as he approached the stool in his kitchen that was connected to his living room.

"Hmmm, smells really good, Hyuck. Thank you so much." Mark hummed as he took a first bite of the food, enjoying every forkful of the delicious meal prepared for him.

"Glad you like it, hyung. It was made with love," Donghyuck winked, making Mark whine, cheeks full with food.

Donghyuck smiled, grabbing his phone to take a picture of Mark, making him hide behind his hand as he tried to chew properly. Donghyuck managed to snag some funny pictures of the older, before he furrowed his brows at the unseen message from his mother.

Mark cleared his throat after he managed to swallow all the food, "What's wrong, Hyuck? Put your phone away! Let's spend the rest of today having fun," he spoke innocently, smile bright and warm.

Donghyuck didn't even glance up from his phone before he spoke, looking horrified. "I can't. I gotta go, Mark. I'll see you later!"

He beelined to Mark's room to collect his stuff, Mark following after him. "What? I thought we could go out somewhere and catch up? We didn't get much talking done yesterd—"

"Yeah, I get it, Mark, but I really gotta go. I'll make it up to you, I promise!" After gathering his stuff, Donghyuck made his way to the door, Mark stopping him again.

"But your food? You didn't even eat it yet!"

"More for you. I really have to go, Markie..."

"But why?" He pleaded.

Donghyuck flailed his arms, "I'll explain later!" He sounded so frustrated, Mark stopped talking, just staring at him. Donghyuck deflated, "I'm sorry, hyung. There's always tomorrow." He left a kiss on Mark's cheek and made his way out the apartment, slamming the door behind him. Mark stood there frozen, looking at the closed door in front of him, feeling defeated once more at the lack of openness from his supposed best friend.

Donghyuck was racing down the stairs as his eyes looked back at the message his mother sent him.

« Sure thing, honey, but please don't forget you have brunch with Mrs. Na's son tomorrow. Go to this location by 12:30. »

He checked the time, it was already 12:23, he wouldn't make it in time. Once he was outside the building, he hollered a cab, and took off to the destination, hoping his tardiness wouldn't ruin this for his mom.

Luckily for him, there wasn't a lot of traffic, so he made it at around 12:36, making him only 6 minutes late. Phew, he wiped the nonexistent sweat off his forehead, and walked in. Of course, they were at an expensive looking restaurant, pretentious enough to ask for a reservation rather than allowing anyone to enter.

Stopping at the front desk, he spoke to the man stood in front of the guest list. "Reservation for two under Mrs. Na?"

The man scanned the names on the book in front of him, finally glancing up with a smile when he found it. "Yes, table 42, please."

Donghyuck nodded, making his way down the long line of tables before he found the table he should be at. There was already someone there, their head was down, making it hard for Donghyuck to catch glimpses of his appearance. Gaining the courage to walk up to him, he was a few step away when he cleared his throat to introduce himself. "Hello, I'm Donghyuck, pleased to meet y— Jaehyun?"

Donghyuck was shocked to see Jaehyun when the man raised his head to look at him. The older boy also looked equally as confused as he was.

He started looking around the restaurant suspiciously, before glancing back at Jaehyun, dumbfounded. "Am I at the wrong table?" He joked.

"Uh, maybe? My mom said my date would be here any minute now, you know with my future suitor..."

It all hit him then. Jaehyun was to be wedded to someone by his mother's will. Donghyuck also fell to the same fate, of course he would be the suitor, but why Mrs. Na? He had so many questions, but for now he had to sit down.

"No, I think I'm at the right one..."

Jaehyun looked surprised to hear that, his eyebrows raised as he watched Donghyuck take a seat in front of him.

Donghyuck cleared his throat, feeling awfully hyperaware of his surroundings now. How did he manage to get into this mess. Looking up, he saw Jaehyun still looking stunned in his place, so he decided to speak up. "Um, I guess I owe you an explanation, but—"

"No explanation needed. My mom told me all about it, it's just all... clicking now..." Jaehyun spoke cautiously.

Donghyuck doesn't know how to feel about the fact that Jaehyun knows more about him than he wanted. Ignoring that, he continued to speak regardless, "well, since that's out of the way then. What do we do now?"

That seemed to snap Jaehyun out of his trance. "Oh, right. Um, so my mom told me some pointers I had to say during this meeting. It's obviously none of our choices, but I wanna make sure you feel comfortable with this? I don't want you doing something you don't want. Have you properly discussed with your mom about this?"

He was so sweet. 

Donghyuck nodded, "yes. It's all clear, I know what I'm doing and I'm totally ready for it. We just gotta get married, pretend we love each other, no biggie." He shrugged, but Jaehyun winced.

"Well. You already know why I'm getting married, and it's because my uhm mother isn't so fond of my... orientation, so this has to last. I also am aware you are doing this for the money and to help your family, so there's n—"

"Well, don't say it like that?! I didn't want this, you know?"

"I already told you, you don't have to do something you don't want?" Jaehyun expressed frustration with this comment.

"I- I meant, I didn't want to do this for the money. I know what I got myself into, Jaehyun."

"But you are doing it for the money. For your mother at least, no need to sugarcoat it, Hyuck." The bite to his language seemed harsh, but he softened up quickly. "Sorry, I just. I already know about it, and it's not your fault, I don't blame you, it's just... this is already tough enough for me."

"I understand."

"Thank you," Jaehyun sighed, continuing to talk about their agreement. "So, you are aware that you will no longer work at that bar anymore, you will move in with me within this week, and you will wear this ring. The wedding is yet to be decided, but I expect it to be decided soon, any questions?" Jaehyun was reading the 'requirements' from a piece of paper, he assumed, his mother gave him.

Donghyuck was alarmed with the fact that he would have to move in with him during this week, how was that even possible? Before he could ask any questions, Jaehyun seemed to have read his mind.

"My father gave me a nice penthouse, you'll be well taken care of, and your family will also be taken care of. They will have a monthly allowance provided to them, and I will make sure they get a better house for better living conditions. So, don't worry."

Jaehyun was so kind, but this was all too overwhelming. Donghyuck seemed to be more prepared for it to be a random person than for it to be Jeong Jaehyun himself. They spent a small portion of the brunch discussing the details before Jaehyun proposed they spend the rest talking normally and getting to know each other more. 

He felt more comfortable near the end, but the idea of this ordeal happening was still a little dizzying to him. Jaehyun was very entertaining, and had a unique sense of humor, Donghyuck noted. He still had many questions, but he had plenty of time to ask later. He noticed how uneasy Jaehyun was when talking about the arrangement, so he decided to ask at a later, more appropriate time. Right now he was enjoying this date... If he could even call it that.

Jaehyun took him home after that, the company was comfortable, he pushed no buttons, trying to make this as relaxed as possible. Donghyuck can't say he wasn't disappointed he didn't even get a kiss on the cheek by his future husband, but chose to ignore that and go back to his flat. He was greeted by the smell of fresh food and a mother in the kitchen.

"Ma? What're you doing?"

"They brought us fresh groceries, Mrs. Na told us her son really enjoyed your company." His mother's smile was so big, bigger than he thought possible, but he tried to share a small one too. "Come on, baby. The food is almost ready, call Jisoo."

"Ma, I'm not really hungry, you know I just had brunch with Jaehyun so, maybe I'll eat later or something." His mother nodded, and he felt bad for the smile slowly disappearing from her face, but he really wanted to go to his room and think about this.

He did call Jisoo for food, and kissed her head and ruffled her hair, his cuteness aggression when he sees her is uncanny. He loves his sister so much, and if he was doing this for anyone, it would be her. Of course and his mother... 

When he was sat in his room alone, he couldn't help but allow his mind to race with all the questions he had at brunch. How hadn't he realized sooner? Why is Jeong Jaehyun's mother called Mrs. Na? He had to move in within this week?

A knock on the door distracted him, looking towards the wooden door. A small head peeked through, and little Jisoo's eyes caught his, before she made herself known. She cleared her throat, as he straightened up on his chair, "mom wanted you to have this. She said it would be a shame to let this food go to waste, especially since it's hot."

She handed him a generously poured plate, watching him put it on the table, before she sat on his lap. "Are you okay, Hyuckie?" She whispered lightly.

He smiled, her hands tightening around his neck. "I'm fine, angel. Just a little tired, me and Mark stayed up all night playing games," he lied.

She nods, "ah, I see. But that doesn't mean you don't eat!" She argued with a pout and furrowed brows.

Donghyuck eased the crease on her forehead with his fingers, as he tucked a hair behind her ear, whispering. "Don't worry, JiJi. Hyuckie already ate breakfast at Mark's."

Jisoo seemed pleased to hear this, but she still crossed her arms and said, "not an excuse. Mom's food is the best!"

Donghyuck has to laugh, "you're right, Ji, but what if I told you Hyuck was the one to make it?"

She pouts as she thinks, "well then, I guess that would make it quite hard... Come on, Hyuckie, you know I can't choose!"

He pinched her cheeks, resulting in her squirming away, "and you don't have to."

The girl was on her feet now, as she looked up at her older brother. "I love you, Donghyuck-ah!"

He smiled, "I love you too, baby."

The rest of the day was spent with his family or in his room, either thinking or trying hard to complete his work. It was a Saturday, so really he could do whatever he wanted. He was swarmed with assignments and readings he had to complete, so attending the party Chenle invited him to wouldn't be the most reasonable decision to make right now. 

When he was done with his work, he decided to take a walk around the neighborhood, the stuffy room making him feel suffocated. The fresh air cured him instantly, taking in large intakes of oxygen. His feet were dragging him anywhere, he thought about going to the party now that he was out, but somehow he stumbled upon Yuta's bar. He watched how busy it was tonight, and how he only had four people going around and helping. 

Sighing, Donghyuck entered.

He walked past the crowd of people, finding his boss behind the counter, making drinks. His expression turned shocked when he saw the younger. "Hyuck? What are you doing here? You never work during weekends?" 

That was true, but he needed something to get his mind off his life. "You're busy tonight. Let me help."

Yuta didn't have much time to react as the younger took his place, already getting himself busy with drinks. He usually wouldn't drink on the job, but he couldn't help but down 3 shots within the first 10 minutes of being here. Yuta looked at him with concern, but couldn't dwell on it much as he had to attend to some customers.

Four hours later, Donghyuck was positively drunk. Making drinks with less ease due to how much he drank, Yuta asked him to take a break and sober up, letting him sit at the counter while he took his place. After a few minutes, and a couple helpless glances Yuta made at him, the older cleared his throat and asked, "what's wrong, kid?"

It took Donghyuck a while to respond, still trying to get his brain to gear up and form proper sentences. Sluggishly and slurred he replied to his boss, "life sucks!" His whole body went forward as he tried to get up, making the older guide him back to his seat.

"Stay here, Donghyuck-ah. Rest for a bit, it's not even your shift, you've done enough for today. Oh, and here, this is for your effort tonight." He handed him a small envelope, and Donghyuck looked at it suspiciously. 

Opening it he found a bundle of money, gasping and shaking his head to his boss. "I can't accept this, I didn't even work today to get paid more..."

"Please, I don't ask for you to work without getting paid. Besides, this is also your last paycheck, I put the money from the past week with it, I just added today's payment as well."

Donghyuck was at a loss for words. "Yuta hyung, thank you so much, I—"

"Don't sweat it, now go back home, or to a party, I don't know, just enjoy your weekend, Hyuck. I'll see you next week for your last week, again, I already paid in advance for that, so you can't ask me for it again," Yuta winked at the younger before getting back to work.

It was quite late into the night now, but still early for the party that Chenle invited him for. He rationed whether going or not would be a good idea, but ultimately his drunken mind dragged him to the party anyways.

The sound of a bass pounded in his ears was loud and intoxicating. The swarm of bodies colliding was unnerving, but he pushed through to find his friends. He found Chenle first, the younger boy excited he could make it, "Hyuck hyung! I didn't think you'd come!" Donghyuck smiled and dabbed him up, Chenle smelling the alcohol reek off him, "you're already drunk? How long have you been here?"

"Not long. I'm gonna go get myself a drink." Chenle nodded and let the man go, making his way to the kitchen. He knew there were drinks outside, but what he wanted was something stronger, hopefully make him forget all about his mixed emotions.

Grabbing the strongest thing they had, and taking a huge swing of it, he didn't expect to hear a silky voice behind him. The other chuckled at Donghyuck's state, stating with sickening sweetness, "are you sure you can handle that, duckie~?"

Donghyuck downed another large gulp before turning to face Jaemin, who was watching him with eagle eyes and a stupid smirk on his face. Donghyuck approached him up until their faces with inches apart, he saw Jaemin's eyes stare down at his lips, swallowing, before looking back up at his eyes. It was Donghyuck's turn to smirk at him, as he leaned his face even closer to the blond, their nose touching and breaths mingling. "Are you sure you want to ask that question, Jaemin?"

He knew that the other was getting flashbacks of their first encounter, it started an awful lot like tonight. Maybe not in the situation, but the tension was all the same, and Jaemin remembers being worried about Donghyuck fitting his cock in his mouth, Donghyuck uttering the same words he did just now. Jaemin's eyes betrayed him again as they swooped to his inviting lips again. Donghyuck swiped his tongue over them, wetting it, and causing Jaemin to look at him again.

Without words, their lips crashed in a heavy kiss. This was a build up of all the prior times they were denied each other. Jaemin's hand creeped down to Donghyuck's ass, lifting him up, letting the other wrap his legs around his waist. He wasted no time in leaving a trail of kisses down Donghyuck's neck, the older craning his neck so the blond can get more of him. Donghyuck felt Jaemin move him to the counter, and place him there while he littered his exposed neck with kisses, hitting a sweet spot, letting Donghyuck release a moan.

He felt Jaemin smirk under his skin, and suck on that same spot again, his hands traveling to unbutton his shirt. Donghyuck's hands shoved Jaemin's body closer, resulting in their crotches touching, making them both groan at the feeling. Donghyuck wasted no time in dragging Jaemin's lips back on his, needing him to be everywhere on his skin. Jaemin successfully managed to unbutton Donghyuck's shirt, allowing his cool hand to slip under and trace the older's tan skin gently. 

It was almost magnetic how Jaemin's hands entranced him, he bit down hard on Jaemin's bottom lip when the younger started playing with his nipple. Twirling and pinching the pink bud, Donghyuck hissed at the feeling, and arched his back, letting their joint bodies connect further. He jutted his hips up, their members colliding once more, and this time Donghyuck's hands placed themselves on Jaemin's hips, moving it around in circles, letting their tips rub against each other. 

Donghyuck's back arched and head fell back, allowing Jaemin the privilege of watching how he lost himself in pleasure. Jaemin's breath was uneven as he lowered himself to place sloppy kisses down Donghyuck's throat and body, trailing his way down the older's body. Donghyuck stopped him, hands deep inside the blond head of hair, connecting their lips together, allowing his hands to explore under the boy's shirt, feeling his warm, soft skin. The boy's shirt was riding up the higher Donghyuck's hands went, their kisses were turning messy and sloppy by this point. Their pace and rocking hips not coordinated, they both want to release, but the sound of something crashing separated the two from each other.

Catching their breaths, it took them a second to realize that it was Jeno who had interrupted them. The boy was quick to apologize and try to clean up his mess, "I-I'm sor-sorry. I didn't kn-know. I just w-wanted a drink, and they were all o-out, so I c-came here, and—"

"Jen, it's okay." Jaemin barely managed out with his wavering breath. He swiped the sweat on his forehead, looking at the fallen items and cussing to himself. "Here, let me help you," he immediately scrambled to Jeno's side, helping his friend clean up his mess, all while Jeno was still apologizing. "Jen, again, it's no big deal. You didn't know, now go enjoy the party, I'll be here with Hyu— Hyuck?"

Jaemin looked at the counter where he left Donghyuck, finding nobody there. Jeno was by his side again, looking guilty as ever, "I'm sorr—"

"Jeno, it's not the time now, I gotta go."

Jaemin walked out of the kitchen into the massive party happening in the living room. His eyes searched for the brunette, having no such luck. He then walked out of the house, to the backyard by the pool, maybe Hyuck needed some air? Unfortunately for him, he wasn't there either, Jaemin tugged at his hair, feeling foolish for leaving Donghyuck's side. Soon, he rolled his eyes and walked back into the party. He was fine, there were other fish in the sea anyways.

Donghyuck didn't know where he was. He was somewhere crying on a bench out on the street. He was hugging himself closely, the night air biting at his skin. His sobs wracked his whole body as he remembered what just happened. He doesn't know why he let it happen. It was a mistake. He was engaged now. 

Although it was not official yet, he could've ruined everything, and maybe he already did. He started hitting himself for being so stupid, for letting his emotions get the better out of him. He hit himself for ever even liking that bastard. What was so special about Na Jaemin anyways? That made him cry even harder. He didn't know if it was the alcohol making him more sensitive or if he felt more for Jaemin than he ever thought?

He shook the thought of the blond beauty away, and looked at his own body. Every part that Jaemin touched felt hot, it was warming him from the freezing cold. It was flooding within him, and his cheeks felt warm, but soon an icy wave of wind hit him, and just like that he was shivering again. The memory of Jaemin's hands on him now were tainted with the feeling of guilt. How could he live with himself? How could he face Jaemin again? He knew that he shouldn't, and from this moment on, he would make an effort to avoid the blond at all costs. 

He shivered again, he knew he needed to go home, but he didn't want to. He needed to go somewhere else, somewhere where he wouldn't get judged. His feet moved on their own, like how they have been the whole night. He was weeping at this point, so many emotions were running through his mind and he didn't know how to handle them.

As he grew closer to his destination, his steps grew more determined, and his cries have quietened down to a mere sniffle, streaks of dried tears still staining his cheeks. Once he was in front of the door, the sudden burst of courage he has washed away, now growing anxious, yet alas, he still knocked on the door, having no one else to confide in. 

It was almost 4 A.M., so he didn't question the groggy Mark that opened the door. His confusion quickly slipped away and turned into worry when he saw the state of his best friend. 

Shivering. Tear-stained cheeks. Red, chapped lips. Sniffing and sunken eyes. Donghyuck crashed into Mark, the older not registering much, but enough to wrap his arms around his fragile body. They stayed there for a few more minutes before Mark softly whispered into the stale air, "Hyuck, let's get you inside, it's freezing." 

Donghyuck nodded against Mark's neck, letting the boy slowly walk him inside, shutting the door behind him. Mark watched how Donghyuck stood in his place, back turned to him, and unmoving. He sighed as he stepped in front of him, hands gently gripping his arms, "Hyuck? Are you gonna tell me what happened? Why are you crying?"

Mark panicked as his words seem to trigger Donghyuck into crying again, so instantly he wrapped his friend up in a hug, walking him to the couch and letting the younger cuddle into him. He grabbed a nearby blanket and wrapped their bodies into it, as Donghyuck wet his shirt with tears. He felt the boy's body shake with gut wrenching sobs, and how he has a fist of Mark's shirt in his grip as he weeped. 

Mark was unsure how much time passed before Donghyuck's cries were no more, just heavy breaths. His hand, that was tangled up in his hair, massaging it, stopped caressing his head, as he tried to speak into the silence. "Hyuck? Are you ready to talk now?"

A soft snore sounded, Mark angling his head to see Donghyuck's eyes closed and lips pursed as he looked like he needed this sleep. Mark sighed, letting his head fall back on the small pillow on his couch. It was 10 minutes later that he managed to wiggle his way out of the sofa with Donghyuck. He felt bad for having to wake him up, but he knew that he'd sleep much more comfortably in a bed rather than a couch. So, he garnered all the strength he had, and carried Donghyuck carefully, trying his best to stir him awake, failing as Donghyuck's eyes fluttered open, but Mark shushed him back to sleep. He heard the younger mumble a small "I love you, Mar." His voice being slurred from his drowsiness, and Mark finally tucked him into bed.

He watched how Donghyuck shifted to position himself properly, Mark squeezing himself in as well, leaving a small kiss on the crown of Donghyuck's head, before he shut off the nightlight, and drifted back to sleep. It took him a while, as he constantly checked on Donghyuck in his sleep, even getting up to prepare him some hangover pills and glass of water, as he sniffed the alcohol off him. Soon, though he was welcomed back into a restless sleep, keeping Donghyuck's frame close to his.

Mark arose from bed quite fatigued the next morning, rubbing his eyes from the bright light filtering into the room, he sat up and adjusted his eyes to the brightness, before glancing to his side, finding it empty. There was a Donghyuck shaped dip embedded in it, proving that everything that happened last night was not some wild dream Mark had. Looking around the room, he found that all Donghyuck's belongings that he placed next to him last night were gone, even the glass was emptied out and two pills were missing, meaning Donghyuck had already awoken before him. 

He jumped out of bed, hoping to find him in the kitchen making breakfast, but was disappointed when found only a plate left for him, with a note. Stalking his way to the table, he eyed the cold breakfast and checked the time, 1:27 P.M. It was late for Mark to be up right now. He made his way to the little note and read it, frowning as he did so.

« Thank you for last night, Mark. I really needed you, and I'm sorry to have woken you up, but as a thank you, I made you breakfast. It's your favorite! I also didn't want to wake you up, you seemed like you needed that sleep. Again, thank you so much, hyung. I love you, see you at uni! - Hyuck »

He looked at the plate again, sighing before he heated it up, knowing it would be better than anything else he decided to eat right now. He felt a little odd about last night, but it was obvious he was not going to talk about it through a note, and this was something Mark wanted answers for in person, so he would wait until tomorrow to see him.

The sound of the microwave beeping got him out of his reverie, and he stalked his way to grab the plate and indulge in it. Even though Donghyuck wasn't there, he made sure to thank him for the delicious meal, hoping the boy was okay as well. He didn't receive a text back, but at least he knew he'd see him tomorrow, so he didn't fret.

Donghyuck was at university earlier than he ever has been considering his class wasn’t until an hour later. He just didn’t want to beat himself up for what happened two nights ago. All of yesterday he was stuck in his room or facing his mother, having to keep to himself how he kissed another boy when he was engaged. Although, he wasn’t even sure if he was engaged, Jaehyun never told him when to wear it. He supposes it would be good to text him, but he decides he isn’t ready for that, so he’ll ask him some other day.

He remembers painfully that he has to move in with Jaehyun soon due to his mother packing up his stuff with him, forcing him out of the comfort of his own bed to wallow in self pity. He had most of it done when he and his mother took a break, but he couldn’t face the boxes when he awoke the next morning, immediately sprinting out of the house. He spent his time in the library until a familiar blond walked in with his two friends.

Having no intention of seeing him, he manages to escape the library and avoid being spotted by Jaemin. If he wanted this engagement to work, he had to cut Jaemin out of his life, it was best this way. Around an hour later, he was startled by a running Chenle using him as a shield to protect him from a puffy looking Jisung. Having no energy to laugh, he was surprised when a muffled giggle escaped him at the antics of his two younger friends.

“Yah yah yah, Chenle! Leave Hyuck alone, and Jisungie, get over it. It’s not that big of a deal,” Mark scolded.

Jisung looked offended, his cheeks puffed out even more. “Not that big of a deal? Chenle stole my favorite hoodie three weeks ago! It’s my right to ask for it back, hyung!” Chenle stuck his tongue out from behind Donghyuck, making Jisung chase him again.

Once the two children left them, Mark looked at Donghyuck sympathetically, “you look like shit.”

“Gee thanks,” Donghyuck rolled his eyes.

“Wanna talk about it now?” Mark said softly.

Donghyuck looked up at him and shook his head. “Not really, not here at least.”

Mark nodded, “makes sense. We can go back to my place today if you want?”

“I can’t, I got— cleaning duties,” Donghyuck said, turning his back to Mark, starting to walk away.

“Cleaning duties? What—”

“I just can’t today, Mark. Maybe next time,” Donghyuck shared a half smile before he continued walking, leaving Mark behind.

Mark couldn’t say he was surprised but he was still disappointed. He didn’t know why he thought that Donghyuck would change, and suddenly he would be more open with him. Looking up at the sky, Mark let out a deep sigh, as he also started heading to his own class.

That’s how the rest of week seemed to work out for Donghyuck. Go to university early, avoid Jaemin at all costs, play push and pull with Mark, go home get some packing done, go to work at the end of the night and blow off some steam. That’s how it was going until Thursday came around.

He was at university early again, not being able to face the packed up boxes, and not being able to text Jaehyun that he’s ready, but it seemed like he didn’t need to. As when Jaehyun pulled up to campus that day, he headed straight to Donghyuck, pulling him to the side, yet still visible for everyone to see and gossip about. 

Donghyuck was surprised with the ease that Jaehyun had to just waltz over to him in the middle of the campus when they have never been seen together before. Jaehyun’s dimpled smile was plastered onto his face when he was face to face with Donghyuck.

“Hey,” the black haired male said.

Catching the brunette off guard, Donghyuck stuttered out a reply. “H-hi! What’re you doing here?”

Jaehyun was still smiling, “I have class in 30 minutes, thought I’d see my fiancé before I go to class.”

Donghyuck sputtered in air as his eyes widened at Jaehyun’s words. “I-I-uhh—”

Jaehyun suddenly frowned when he looked at the hand hugging his binder close to his chest, “you’re not wearing the ring?”

Donghyuck looked at his hands in betrayal, “I, uh, I didn’t know when I should, uh, wear it. We didn’t really discuss it…”

“Oh, well. You should’ve texted me, but I guess you can start from now then? It can be official today, how does that sound?” Jaehyun was smiling so cutely at him, he couldn’t help but nod.

“That sounds amaz—”

“What’s going on here?”

Both boys looked at the voice that spoke, Donghyuck looking horrified while Jaehyun simply smiled his warm, dimpled smile. Just as Jaehyun was about to speak, Donghyuck cut him off.

“Uh, nothing! Nothing is going on, absolutely nothing. Why do you think something is going on?” Donghyuck laughed nervously.

Mark and Chenle eyed him suspiciously, while Jisung spoke up, “we’ve never seen you guys talk before, so this is a little odd.”

Jaehyun was a second away from explaining again when Donghyuck replied in his place. “Oh, yeah, Jaehyun was just asking for some notes! I took the course last year, and he thought I might still have some,” he laughed again, hoping his friends would buy it.

His friends still looked skeptical, but they shrugged it off, but Donghyuck could see the questions swimming behind Mark’s eyes. “Could you um, give us a minute?” Jaehyun asked politely, the three nodded, leaving them alone. Mark glancing back at them one more time before he disappeared behind a bush with the others.

Jaehyun’s eyes were no longer light and tender, they were firm and stoic. “What was that? Do your friends not know about us?” Donghyuck tried to talk, to explain himself, but Jaehyun beat him to it. “Are you ashamed of me?”

Donghyuck could see the hurt reflect in Jaehyun’s eyes when he said that, taking a step back when Donghyuck tried to step forward. “Jaehyun, no. It’s just that—”

Jaehyun couldn’t bear to hear it, having already crushed his heart at the thought of yet another person being ashamed of him. Suddenly the reason Donghyuck wasn’t wearing the ring making itself glaringly obvious to Jaehyun. He took another step back, his thoughts being too loud, it was clouding out Donghyuck’s useless attempts at making this right. “I- I have to go… I’m gonna be late to class,” and just like that, Jaehyun flees the scene, leaving a defeated Donghyuck behind.

Donghyuck tugged on his hair as he sat on a nearby bench, slamming his head into the binder in his hands. He’s so stupid. By trying to make one thing right, he screws everything else up! When will this get easier?

Donghyuck didn't know when he could move in anymore, but he assumed it was better now rather than later. So, he finally built up the confidence to text Jaehyun, telling him that he would be moving in on Friday. His boxes were already done on Wednesday, so really he was ready.

He only received an 'okay' as a response, but an hour later, Jaehyun asked him if he needed any help with the move. Not receiving an answer quick enough, Jaehyun informed him that he will send a couple men from his father's company to pick up the boxes and take him to the penthouse.

Even when upset, he was still so sweet. Donghyuck felt undeserving of him, but staring at the ringbox in his hand, he convinced himself he was. Opening the box was something he found to be daunting just a few days ago, but if he was going to move, he had to take the leap. He gasped when he saw the band that lay in the box. It was a beautiful silver ring, it was quite thin but it had a small cursive 'J' embedded in it. Gently taking it out of its socket, he eyed the piece of jewelry before he slipped in into his ring finger. 

Looking at the engagement ring on his finger felt surreal, not being used to having anything on, but for some odd reason, the feeling was warm and welcoming. Since Friday was tomorrow, he decided to spend his last hours with his sister. She wasn't aware of his situation yet, but she was aware of his move. She cried in his bed all of last night as he cradled her in his arms. Today was also the day he would say goodbye to Yuta, since this was his last day at work. Too many goodbyes, he was never fond of goodbyes, always see you laters, but he didn't know when the next time he'd see any of them would be.

He knew he'd visit his sister often, but he was still unsure of how busy he'd be because of the move and adjusting so he was extra careful to keep her at his sides at all time. She seemed fine today, much better than she was yesterday at least. They hung out and played games until it was time for her bedtime and his last shift. Going to the bar this night knowing it would be his last as an employee was an experience he never knew how to put into words. He hugged his boss, Yuta telling him that just because he quit doesn't mean he isn't welcome to visit. Donghyuck promised to come back, but warned him that he wasn't sure when it would be possible. 

Yuta just smiled, the strong barrier in Donghyuck's heart weakening at the sight, as he crumbled into another hung for the older. Yuta laughed at Donghyuck's actions. "You're coming back, kid. Don't worry about me, I'll be fine. Take care of yourself, okay? I want to see you in better shape than how you left." Tears welled up in Donghyuck's eyes as he tightened his arms around the older. "Get off now, Donghyuck-ah, now everyone else will think it's okay to hug their boss!" He joked, but Donghyuck knew that Yuta grew very fond of the youngest member of his employees.

One last smile was shared before Donghyuck had to walk out into the dark night. Tomorrow, or rather today as it was well past midnight, was the day everything would change. He would be a 20 minute drive from his mom and Jisoo, and only a 10 minute walk from university. He heard that Jaehyun was already settled into his house, wanting to get out of the house as quickly as possible, probably to avoid his mother. 

His relationship with his father seemed to be okay, but that didn't seem strong enough to keep him at home. Maybe if it was, he wouldn't be in this situation right now, or maybe he would still be here but wedded to someone else... He didn't want to think about it. Getting home, he immediately planted himself face first on the bed and drifted off to sleep. Tomorrow was one hell of a day...

The alarm of 7 A.M. rung loudly across the hallow room, making it even more annoying. Covering his ears with the pillow, he groaned as he had to get out of bed and ready for university. Today was the opposite of every other day, since he already had to be on campus early due to his early class, so for once this week seemed normal, except it wasn't...

After a quick 5 minute shower, he slapped on some moisturizer and sunscreen while struggling to get into his pants. Once he was done getting dressed, he was lucky enough to catch his mother before she heads off for work. She smiled endearingly at her son, he walked over to her with a small smile of his own, she pulled his face closer to hers and planted a kiss on his forehead. It was a bit awkward since he was quite taller than her, letting him crouch down to receive the soft kiss. 

Her eyes were flooded with tears in an instant, and she shook her head as she looked away from her son. Donghyuck panicked, "ma! What's wrong? Are you okay?"

"I'm sorry," she barely whispered. Donghyuck was almost unable to catch it. 

He furrowed his brows at her, "why are you apologizing?"

She glanced up at him with teary eyes, "I feel like I'm forcing you to be in this situation. If only I wasn't so selfish, maybe you'd be able to choose your own husband, and to love and be loved, but I'm taking that away from you. I'm so sorry, Donghyuck-ah. I failed you," his mother weeped. Instantly, he buried her head on his chest, her wetting his new shirt with her fresh tears. She held him closely as he shushed her, soothing her and assuring her that it's not her fault.

"You're not forcing me, ma. I chose this, remember? I'm doing this for you, for us!" He cupped her cheeks, wiping her tears away, but they kept being replaced with new tears.

"I'm just going to miss you," she frowned.

He smiled weakly at her, dragging her head back to his chest, his hand buried in her hair, smelling his mother's scent, as she calms down her sobs. Once she is capable of breathing regularly, she retracts herself from her, smiling wetly at him. She kissed his palm that was now on her cheek, as she said, "go. Don't be late to class. I'll be here when you have to move."

"But your work?"

"They let me go for just an hour, don't worry."

He stared at her eyes again, seeing how exhausted she was, placing a kiss on her forehead and cheeks, watching her smile genuinely, before he walked out the house, on his way to school.

He was almost late to his lecture due to his encounter with his mother, but thankfully the teacher also was a bit late to class. He sat next to Mark, as usual, putting on a front of fake happiness, "hey, what'd I miss?"

"Nothing much," the older says, barely looking at him. Donghyuck could sense the coldness in his actions, but had to bite down from talking about it as the professor jumped straight into the topic, and Mark fell into student mode immediately. He didn't even catch up to speak to Mark after class as the older said, "gotta run. I'll see you later!" With a failed attempt at a smile, Mark was off, going God knows where.

Donghyuck shrugged off the incident, and continued on his day until it was time for his dreaded move. He felt bad that Jisoo wasn't at home to watch him leave and to hug him one last time, but they did spend some great time yesterday, so he was sure she wouldn't be too sad about it. When he arrived to his flat, he was shocked to see the amount of men standing there collecting his boxes. His mother was there talking with one of them as she tried to help around, them rejecting and asking her to rest. 

When she spotted him, she went to embrace him, and he hugged her close. They spent a few more minutes together, all while his stuff was getting loaded and sent to Jaehyun's place. He hugged his mom one last time when he was informed that it was time to leave, and told her that he'd visit soon, and asked his mom to hug Jisoo tightly for him at night. He left her a new stuffie with the money that he made on his last week at work, and left it on her bed, waiting for her when she returned home from school, alongside a handwritten note.

Wiping the few tears that managed to escape, Donghyuck waved to his mom as he was taken to Jaehyun's place, memorizing the road from his house to the new place, in case he wanted to visit sooner. They arrived there quicker than he anticipated, Donghyuck wanted to help them with the boxes, but they urged him to go on and meet Jaehyun.

Taking in a deep breath, Donghyuck walked into the new building, asking the receptionist where Jeong Jaehyun's flat was. He was told it was the last floor, there was only one door straight ahead. He nodded, and was on his way. He ushered the men to enter the elevator with him, but they kindly refused, waiting for the next one. So, there he was, anxiously stood behind the doors, floor 19 clicked, now waiting to reach his new home. 

The doors opened after a ding indicating he arrived. Walking out, he easily spotted the only door in the narrow hallway, crossing the small distance and knocking the door. It wasn't long before he heard footsteps from inside and the click of the door open. Jaehyun stood there, a towel draped around his neck as he was drying his wet, black hair. He was wearing a dark grey, almost black, tank top and black shorts. Shaking his head, he finally glanced up at Donghyuck, who was looking at him with wide eyes.

"H-hi," Donghyuck awkwardly waved.

Jaehyun's lips quirked up slightly, "hey."

They stood there, albeit stiffly, before Jaehyun snapped out of it, and stepped out of the doorway. "Come in, and uh, welcome home," another tug of the lips masked as a 'smile' was shown by the older.

Donghyuck returned one of his own as he stepped into the house. He looked inside and let out a small gasp, unbelieving that this was now his home too. Jaehyun let out a small laugh from beside him, "yeah, take it all in."

Donghyuck turned to him with his wide eyes, "it's beautiful, Jaehyun." The older only looked into Donghyuck's eyes, gulping down as his eyes expressed so much. Turning away, Jaehyun cleared his throat, trying to not stay too close to the younger while he let the views sink in.

The penthouse was massive, it had a grand staircase that led them to the second floor where all the bedrooms were located. On the first floor, there was a large kitchen with two island tables, a wide living room with an L-shaped couch, and a dining room across the hall. It also had a guest bedroom and bathroom further in. There was a touchscreen TV mounted on the wall, with bookshelves and plants hanging about. Framed pictures could be seen, but he didn't have time to absorb them as he noticed Jaehyun walking further in, to the connected kitchen, by the bar counter.

He was pouring himself a drink, as he looked back at Donghyuck, "why don't you take a seat? The couch's pretty comfortable."

Donghyuck was still staring with his mouth agape at his surroundings, before his eyes landed on the black haired male. Jaehyun encouraged him to move, the brunette taking his first step in, twirling around to see everything. The high ceilings, the accent wall with the mounted TV, the hanging chandelier, everything was just so perfect. He sat down on the light grey, plush sofa, sinking in and comfortably hugging a pillow by his side.

Jaehyun was stood in front of him with a glass of the beer he was drinking, offering it to the younger. Donghyuck denied it, still staring in awe at the place. His eyes turned back to Jaehyun, watching him gulp down the cup, and mess with his wet hair.

Donghyuck pointed at his hair, while asking. "You showered?"

Jaehyun laughed, nodding. "Yeah, I was just at the gym, didn't wanna be stinky when you arrived. Donghyuck was about to speak when a knock interrupted, Jaehyun turning to the door, "must be your stuff." He was right, just then three men walked in, dropping off boxes of stuff, not having that many, since Donghyuck didn't own a lot, before leaving the two alone again. 

Donghyuck stood up to grab his stuff, but Jaehyun stopped him. "It's okay, we can fix them up later, you have a rest now. I'll be in my room," Donghyuck watched as the older left the cup in the sink, and headed up the stairs, skipping by two, until he disappeared into the hallway. 

Donghyuck knew it would take him a while to settle in, but Jaehyun was right, he needed to rest right now, and rest he did. He ended up sleeping on the couch for 2 hours, Jaehyun not noticing because he was busy in his room. When he walked downstairs, now dressed in a black button up with rolled up sleeves and black slacks, he was shocked to see Donghyuck's face pressed on one of the pillows on the couch.

Jaehyun cursed internally, heavy steps making their way down to his side, as he took a closer look at the sleeping male. His cheeks were squished together, making his already plump lips stick out even more like ducks, and his eyelashes were resting beautifully on top of his soft, red cheeks. Jaehyun's finger tucked a strand of hair behind Donghyuck's ear, getting a better view of his face. He knew the couch was comfortable, but knew that the bed would be even more forgiving for his back, so he carried him, bridle style, up the stairs, making sure to hit his head on anything.

When he softly placed him on the bed, he made his way to the desk, scribbling something on a paper, before walking out of the room, letting the resting boy relax against the sheets.

It was hours later when Donghyuck woke up, he checked the time it was 7 P.M. He stirred in his place, rubbing his eyes as he noticed he was not in a familiar room. Scrambling awake, he searched for any clue that could indicate where he was, before his eyes landed on a paper messily placed on the desk. Walking over there, he read the scribbled worlds with a small smile forming on his face. Cute.

« Hey, saw you sleeping on the couch, so I thought I'd take you here. This is technically my room, but I'm not sure if you wanted a room on your own, we can discuss that when I'm back. Which by the way, I'm gonna be out for a bit, we have family dinners every Friday, can't miss those. I'll probably be back by 9 P.M. Rest well - Jaehyun »

Putting the paper back where he found it, he scolded himself for wanting to take a peek around Jaehyun's room. After a bit of debating, he convinced himself a little snooping wouldn't do any harm. 

He found a little sticky note stuck above some books and went to read it. « Leave side of the closet empty in case Hyuck wants to stay here. » His fingers traced the words, before his eyes glanced at the words on the page hidden behind it. « Keep distance from Donghyuck, don't get too close, keep him comfortable. » He frowned at the words he was reading, but eventually felt guilty for reading his notes. His eyes then turned and looked around the room, finding minimal decoration, probably because he had just moved in as well, and maybe he wanted Donghyuck's opinion on it. Regardless, it was very plain with a neutral palette, everything either white or a light grey, with of course black accents. 

Eventually after letting his eyes roam around, he thought it would be good time to explore the second floor, as he assumed he was on it right now. He walked out of Jaehyun's room, and found a nicely lit hallway, with five doors circling it, and a round table stood in the middle.

Jaehyun's room was the last one on the floor, because it was the master bedroom connected with the master bathroom that Donghyuck also had the leisure of witnessing. There were two sinks, and a large bathtub and a separate shower with glass doors, that seemed to be where Jaehyun was occupying since water droplets were found drying up against the glass. Now, outside, he made his was to the closest door to him, to find another bedroom, smaller than the last, but yet still so lavish. There was even less decoration here, Donghyuck assumed this would be where he would reside if he chose not to room with Jaehyun. To be honest, it wasn't a bad option at all, it was quite airy, as it had a similar color scheme as Jaehyun's room.

Walking further down the hallway, he found a bathroom in between the office and the second bedroom. The last two rooms were empty, having nothing inside of them, making Donghyuck wonder what's the plan with them.

"I haven't decided what to do with them yet. Was hoping you could help," Jaehyun's voice said, startling Donghyuck, who jumped at the intrusion.

"Jaehyun? I thought you said you'd be back at least half an hour from now!" Donghyuck said, hand resting on his chest.

Jaehyun looked apologetic, "yeah, sorry. I left early, it got quite boring," he shrugged. Donghyuck didn't know what to say to that, so Jaehyun spoke again. "Seems like you've accustomed yourself to the second floor?" Jaehyun said, arms out gesturing to the hallway, brows raised cheekily at Donghyuck.

"I wouldn't say 'accustomed', it is still quite a big place, it might take me a while go get used to it."

"Really? Well, you wouldn't wanna live where I was raised," Jaehyun humorously raised his hands in defense.

Donghyuck rolled his eyes, walking closer to Jaehyun, "oh, of course, this must be a piece of cake to you. You were basically born on a silver platter."

Jaehyun scoffed at this statement, staring straight at Donghyuck, who inched closer, tilting his head challengingly at the older. Jaehyun, due to his height, looked down at the brunette, gulping at the closeness between them. His eyes faltered and stray a bit too long at Donghyuck's lips, licking his own as he noticed the other's mouth fall open. He inched closer, noses meeting, when he glanced up at Donghyuck's eyes, noticing how they've slowly shut as he tilted his face to lean in for a kiss. 

Before their lips touched, Jaehyun cleared his throat, "I, uh, I should probably get dressed." Without further discussion, he left the younger's side, who was confused and shocked, and entered his room, the door slamming behind him. Donghyuck jumped again at the sound, but eventually just made his way down the stairs, lurking in the kitchen, trying to indulge in anything, but his thoughts right now.

Jaehyun unbuttoned the first few buttons of his blouse, suddenly feeling hot and suffocated. He tugged harshly at his hair. How could he let himself do that! It was his one rule! To stay away from him. He knew that Donghyuck was ashamed of him, he wouldn't want anything to do with him, and right now that was a heat in the moment kind of deal, he would definitely regret it later. He knew he'd have to face him again, but keeping his distance would serve them best he figured. 

After calming down in his room for a few more minutes, he got dressed comfortably before making his way downstairs, finding Donghyuck sat on the couch with a bowl of ramen. The TV was off, and he was just staring blankly at the wall ahead of him. Jaehyun made himself known by clearing his throat, Donghyuck turning back to glance at him quickly before he looked away again. Staring at the same wall all over again, as if it was the most exciting thing in the room.

"Why don't you open the TV?" Jaehyun asked as he crossed closer to him.

"Don't know how to," Donghyuck shrugged.

"You've never opened a TV before?" Jaehyun sounded so surprised, Donghyuck couldn't help but throw a pillow at him, Jaehyun ducking before it hit his face.

"No, you dumbass. I've just never opened a TV as expensive as this. Don't wanna ruin it..."

"Come on, Hyuck. You won't ruin it... You're incapable of doing that," Jaehyun said softly.

"Oh yeah? Then, what happened back there? Cause it sure looks like I ruined something back there!" Donghyuck wasn't one to usually speak on his emotions, but when his feelings were on a fever rush, he was quick to snap.

Jaehyun sighed as he plopped down on the couch, a couple inches away from the other. "That wasn't your fault either, Hyuck. I just don't want to let you do something that you'll regret."

"Isn't that my choice to make? Why are you deciding for me?" Donghyuck asked aggravated.

"You're right, but I don't wanna push myself on you. That wouldn't be cool on my part. I'm trying to protect you."

"Protect me from what? Cause it doesn't seem like you're protecting me, Jaehyun. It looks like you're protecting yourself from me." Donghyuck looked so hurt when he said that, it broke Jaehyun's heart.

"Donghyuck... listen," he came close, attempting to hold Donghyuck's hand, but the other just jerked away.

"You know, I was thinking it wouldn't be bad to share the room with you, but if you're going to act this way, we might as well be separated."

Jaehyun felt his stomach drop when small tears formed on the corner of Donghyuck's. Before he could wipe them, the younger left the room, and walked upstairs, presumably to the spare room. Jaehyun sighed, laying his back on the sofa, and rubbing the bridge of his nose in despair. How did we get here?

The first few days living with Jaehyun were hell. They both were extra careful not to tip the other off, resulting in them not speaking much. Jaehyun would leave for most of the day, leaving Donghyuck alone in a home too big for him. He considered running back home and calling this engagement off, but his mother's happy face always shun in the back of his head, restricting him. 

He only ever left to go to university and back. Barely even interacting with his friends. He hasn't seen Mark properly this whole week, but the older promises, he's not avoiding him again. Chenle and Jisung were too busy consumed with each other to notice Donghyuck slipping in and out of their lives inconsistently. Jaemin... Well, he hasn't seen him in two weeks. He assumed this was better, but everytime he thought that the memories of his lips on his skin burned at the back of his mind. He didn't even know where he was most days, probably still working with the committee since the deadlined event was scheduled this Friday.

Jisung sent him an invitation to come, but Donghyuck already declined, knowing he wouldn't enjoy being there, especially since he was trying so hard to avoid the blond. It was Thursday today, and Donghyuck was tired of his supposed fiancé ignoring him. Although he caught him still wearing the silver band everyday, it hasn't felt like he was really being faithful to the idea of being paired with him.

Donghyuck wanted an end to this story, he needed to know why Jaehyun was acting this way. Using his own key, he opened the door to their shared penthouse, hearing yells coming from inside.

"I said I will not! Father, I can't—" Donghyuck saw a frustrated Jaehyun on the phone, pulling at his hair. When he sees Donghyuck at the door, he sighs. "Father, I will talk to you later."

Donghyuck cautiously approached Jaehyun, "is everything alri—"

"Could you stay out of this?" The older snapped, looking directly at him. Donghyuck stepped back a bit at the harshness that accompanied Jaehyun's words. He could tell that he instantly regretted it, "I- I'm sorry, I just— I gotta go."

Storming out the house again, Jaehyun didn't even glance back at Donghyuck to see the disappointed look that adorned his face right now. He was so confused how they got here, why was Jaehyun acting this way? He didn't understand.

He tried to shake it off, but the idea that Jaehyun wasn't home yet, and it was 11 P.M. didn't settle well with him. So, he took off, feeling worried about his whereabouts, this time getting a thick jacket to wrap around himself. He went to the one place he knew Jaehyun would go to when times got rough. 

Arriving at Yuta's bar, he had no time for sweet exchanges, his eyes scanned the room, finding the older man by the counter, making his way to him. "Ah, Donghyuck-ah! So great to see you, how have you bee—"

"Have you seen a dimpled man, he's taller than both of us, has black hair, and a matching ring?" Yuta was startled at the speed that Donghyuck spoke at, but snapped out of it quickly.

"Yes! He was here around an hour ago, I believe. He seemed really stressed out..."

"What— Did he say anything? Where did he go?" Donghyuck was even more panicked that he just missed him.

"I don't know, he was pretty wasted, but he did mumble something about 'making this right' or something like that. I'm sorry kid, I don't know where he went." Yuta seemed sad he couldn't help Donghyuck much, but the younger didn't dwell on that much as he quickly announced his goodbyes as he stormed out of the bar.

He was dialing Jaehyun's number, always getting sent to voicemail. "Fuck, Jaehyun answer me, please."

He ran back to the penthouse, hoping that's where Jaehyun was headed, he could only hope the other was okay. He couldn't feel his legs scream in pain as he continued to race down the roads and turns on his way to the building. He must've looked like a madman as he sprinted into the lobby, only managing to catch his breath as he entered the elevator, tapping his foot impatiently.

When the doors opened, he immediately unlocked the door, finding the inside dark and shadowy. He called out into the dim room, hoping Jaehyun was truly here. "Jaehyun? Jaehyun, are you here?" 

He was breathless, but he still heard it, a light thud further into the house. It led him to the dining room, "Jaehyun? Are you in there?"

Walking closer to the door, he slowly creaked it open, gasping when he saw the small candles trace the path to the dining table. He found a bouquet of flowers and a bag of takeout on the table with plates and glasses of wine. He spotted Jaehyun stood there, unaware that Donghyuck had sneaked up on his surprise. 

When he turned around to grab something from the kitchen, he stepped backwards as he saw Donghyuck look at him. "Cover your eyes, you can't see it yet!" Jaehyun said childishly, it was obvious he was still drunk, as his speech was a bit slurred.

Donghyuck did as he said though, and closed his eyes, giggling as he heard Jaehyun mumble drunk nonsense to him as he prepared the table, placing the takeout on the plates sprawled on each side. "Okay, open! Tadaaa," the childish expression and jazz hands added to his charm.

Donghyuck had tears in his eyes as he laughed endearingly at Jaehyun's efforts. "You did this for me?"

"Mhmmm," Jaehyun nodded with closed eyes. Looking so proud of himself, this loser. Donghyuck stepped forward, reaching out for Jaehyun's hand, eyes sparkling at him, and so were Jaehyun's. "You look beautiful, Donghyuck." The sincerity in his voice was enough to make Donghyuck cry. Jaehyun panicked, "what? What? Did I say something wrong?"

Donghyuck shook his head, "no, silly. This is just so... sweet. Thank you, Jaehyun."

"Don't fret it, besides, you deserve more than this! I just bought takeout and flowers on my way back from the bar," he giggled. 

Donghyuck smiled wetly, placing a kiss on Jaehyun's lips, stunning him in his place as he looked at him with wide eyes. "It's perfect, Jae," he tilted his head with a small smile. "Now, should we eat?"

Donghyuck was about to separate his hands from Jaehyun's, but the older only pulled him closer, making the brunette place his hands on his shoulders, while he wrapped his arms around the shorter's waist. "I think I want to do this first," he said as he leaned in to capture Donghyuck's lips. 

Donghyuck couldn't help but smile into the kiss, feeling Jaehyun's teeth grinning against his as well. The two ended up laughing into the kiss, Donghyuck's hands trailed into the back of Jaehyun's neck, nestling into his dark strands smugly. Separating and colliding back, they shared one, two, three more kisses. Donghyuck sighed into the kiss as his insides melted at the softness of Jaehyun's lips. 

When Jaehyun was disconnecting his lips, Donghyuck's chased after him, making him leave one more small peck on his lips, before finally letting go of the younger's waist, much to his dismay. "The food will get cold," he whispered against his lips for one last time, but Donghyuck pulled him back for another one by the collar, already getting addicted to his taste.

"So be it," he linked their lips once more, and that almost convinced Jaehyun to ditch the food, but finally he managed to drag a whining Donghyuck to his seat, pouring him a glass as well, as he sat across him with his own glass. Donghyuck couldn't bite back his smile, "didn't have you have enough drinks for the night, hm?"

"I need to replace the taste of lips with something," Jaehyun teased. "Let me just say, it's not working," he winked, and Donghyuck's flushed red instantly. They spent the rest of the night laughing and flirting like children, well into the night. Later, after packing up and cleaning the dishes, they headed to bed, Jaehyun's bed, and cuddled to sleep, Jaehyun's arms wrapped protectively over Donghyuck's waist.

Waking up next to Jaehyun felt right, as if he should have always been there. The other room was quite comfortable, but here lying in his arms was just unmatched, it was so easy to fall back to sleep, but he knew he had to get up to get to school. He glanced at Jaehyun, tracing his features softly with fingers. Regretfully, he had to remove Jaehyun's hands from around him, quickly spotting the ring glittering under the sunlight, the 'D' engraved into it was new, as once he knew Donghyuck was his fiancé, he immediately got it carved to match with him. 

Donghyuck left a fluttering kiss against Jaehyun's cheek before he got ready. When he came back, he was shocked to see Jaehyun wake up confused by the shifting weights shaking him awake. He looked at Donghyuck puzzled when he walk out of the bathroom, still in the clothes he was wearing yesterday, rummaging through Jaehyun's closet.

"Donghyuck?" Said boy hummed, but didn't turn around to face Jaehyun, too busy picking out an outfit. "What are you doing?"

Donghyuck turned around with two shirts in either hand, "which one should I wear?"

Confused, Jaehyun replied. "Whichever you like, why are you here though?"

Donghyuck gasped, "do you not remember?"

Jaehyun rubbed his head, guilty and disoriented. "No? What was I supposed to remember? Next time, write it down, so I—"

"I'm more of a visual learner," Donghyuck said, strutting his way to Jaehyun. Stopping right in front of him, and stooping down to be face to face with him. He let his finger trace his jaw, as he scooted between Jaehyun's legs, settling himself down on his lap comfortably. "Want me to remind you?"

"What are you—"

"Shushhh," he placed a finger on top of the taller's lips as he quieted him up. Jaehyun looked panicked when he felt Donghyuck's finger hook onto the first button on his blouse, and making its way past the layer, exploring Jaehyun's built chest. "Last night went a little bit like this," he whispered, eerily close to his lips, his other hand slithering its way into his dark locks as he finally connected their lips. Jaehyun stayed unmoving, too stunned to react, so Donghyuck pulled away, and lightly tugged at Jaehyun's hair behind his neck, he let out a hiss at the action, making the younger smile, satisfied. "Last night, you actually kissed me back..."

"Oh, right. Sorry," it was as if a switch flickered open, as now he was kissing Donghyuck back feverishly. It wasn't long until the kiss turned heated and intense, Jaehyun's hand cupping Donghyuck's cheek, as the other pulled him closer. Jaehyun's hand slipped under the brunette's shirt, connecting their heated bodies together. Teeth clashing, and tight grips, eventually Jaehyun fell back, letting Donghyuck fall on top of him.

Donghyuck adjusted himself, straddling him properly as they continued to kiss. Jaehyun's grip was vicious on his hips, Donghyuck was sure they'd be bruises. Donghyuck moaned when Jaehyun bit his bottom lip when he tried to pull away, only dragging him back for more. In a swift motion, Donghyuck's back was suddenly flushed against the mattress as Jaehyun switched their positions. 

Jaehyun pulled away from him, looking at him with lustfilled eyes, Donghyuck's mirroring him as he leaned down. "Skip classes today, stay with me, hm?" Jaehyun murmured as he scattered kisses on his neck. When Jaehyun sucked on a specific place behind his ear, Donghyuck's eyes rolled to the back of his head in pleasure. "What do you say, Hyuck? Will you stay with me?" Donghyuck gasped at the sensation of teeth grazing the flesh of his neck.

Donghyuck couldn't even utter a proper sentence, let alone think of a coherent response. He felt Jaehyun's heavy breathing on his throat, as he left a trail of wet kisses. Donghyuck knew it would be suspicious missing class, Mark would obviously notice, but with Jaehyun's arms tight around him, and his warmth engulfing him, he couldn't think straight as he sighed out, "yeah. Yeah. I'll stay."

Jaehyun smiled into the crook of his neck, leaning down to leave a mark on his collarbone. One of Donghyuck's hands busied itself unbuttoning Jaehyun's blouse, while the other toyed around with his hair. Bringing his face back up, he connected their lips in a messy, sloppy kiss. Both too engrossed to even care.

The after sex glow was obvious when Donghyuck faced himself in the mirror. He craned his neck to admire the marks Jaehyun left on him. Jaehyun left him a bit ago due to a call he received from the receptionist telling him someone was there to see him. So, he was stood there ever since. He knew his mother would be disappointed that he rather spent his time on boys than on his studies, but this is kind of her fault. His staring contest with his reflection stopped when he heard his phone ring, checking the caller ID before replying.

"Hi, Markie!" He said cheerily, which was not reciprocated.

"Hi. Why didn't you come today?"

"Didn't you check my messages? It was an emergency. Could you please send me the notes from today?" He used his baby voice, which he knew would make Mark roll his eyes and sigh.

"I already did. Are you sure you're okay though? Wanna come over?" Mark asked unsurely.

"I'm fine, really. About coming over I'll—" The door opened, in walked Jaehyun. Donghyuck turned just in time to see him wink at him, biting back a smile. "I'll let you know. Bye!" Quickly hanging up, he crossed the small distance between the mirror in the living room and the doorway. "Hi, handsome," he said as he wrapped his arms around Jaehyun's neck.

Jaehyun's hands moved instinctively as they closed in on Donghyuck's waist. Humming as the shorter leaned in for a little kiss, "hi gorgeous." His hands ran up and down Donghyuck's bare back, before finally settling down on his hips. 

"What was that about? Who dared still you away from me?" Donghyuck fake pouted, earning him a soft peck, smoothing out his lips into a lazy smile.

"Nothing to worry about," he smiled, tilting his head and eyes sparkling at the man in his arms. "So~ wanna continue where we left off?" His eyebrows wiggled suggestively, leaning in quickly to leave another peck, but Donghyuck's head fell back laughing, making him kiss him straight in the throat instead.

Donghyuck tightened his hold on Jaehyun's neck, "as much as I'd love that. I was wondering if it was okay if I could go over to my friend's place?"

Jaehyun looked at him with a confused expression. "Of course. Why are you asking me? You can do whatever you want, baby."

Donghyuck's brows raised at the pet name, his stomach churning delightfully. "But I might sleep over, that okay too?"

Jaehyun shook his head, "I can't believe you're really asking me this. Hyuck, you can go out whenever you want, no need to ask me! I'm your fiancé, not your father!" Donghyuck looked at him with a wicked smile. "Ew! Get your head out of your ass!" Donghyuck laughed loudly at that, Jaehyun smiling down at him. When he quieted down, Jaehyun leaned down to leave one more peck on his lips. "Better go get ready before I change my mind, and keep you here to continue our plans~" At this, Donghyuck pulled away, hardly since they were still connected by the hands. 

It took him longer to get ready with a clingy Jaehyun back hugging him as he raided his closet. The constant murmurs of "you're gonna look so hot in my clothes" didn't help either. Eventually, though, he was successful in escaping Jaehyun's welcoming hands and out the door. This was the first time in a while that he actually left the house for something other than university. He was still waiting by the elevator when the door opened again, and Jaehyun leaned on the doorway cross armed watching Donghyuck.

"You're already obsessed with me," Donghyuck joked, rolling his eyes.

"You're right." Donghyuck was shocked at the straight answer, not being used to this, but oh lord can he. He was a good two seconds away from ditching Mark and dragging Jaehyun's ass back to their room when the elevator door opened. Jaehyun smiled as he watched the boy enter, waving as he said. "Oh, and get ready cause tomorrow I'm taking you out on a date. A real one."

Donghyuck had no time to reply as the doors closed and Jaehyun was out of sight. His heart was pounding in his chest, it felt like it was about to explode. He needed to calm himself and his hide his red cheeks and love marks before he arrived at Mark's place unless he wants to out his whole life to him. He was only a few blocks away from the older's place, and although Jaehyun told him to not feel weird about asking his driver to drive him around, Donghyuck just really enjoys walking to places. People may say he got used to it.

When he arrived at Mark's place, the worried expression on Mark's face immediately faded away when he saw the wide smile that Donghyuck couldn't hide. Mark tried to lure the words out of Donghyuck's lips, but he simply was not budging. He wore the engagement ring in a necklace as he didn’t want Mark to find out about it yet. They instead spent their day together as usual. Just this time, Mark forced Donghyuck to sit down as he explained to him the lesson he missed. Other than that, they played games, ordered takeout, and sang karaoke before they crashed out on Mark's bed, cuddling close as they drifted to sleep.

Like usual, he and Mark enjoyed their breakfast together, making jokes here and there. Donghyuck could still sense some distance from Mark, but he pushed it aside since right now they were good. They were having fun, up until Donghyuck checked the time. "Shoot, I gotta go. I'll see you later?"

Mark pouted, "you always do this! I always think we're going to spend the weekend together like we used to, but you're always leaving. You don't even tell me! What are you hiding, Hyuck? Cause I know you're hiding something, don't think I forgot that night."

Donghyuck cringed at the memory. "Look, I know you've got questions, and I'll answer them eventually, but I can't today. Promise next weekend I'm all yours." Mark didn't react to that, just stayed there, lips flat as his eyes looked downcast. Donghyuck sighed as he crossed over to him, "don't do this to me, hyung. A lot's been going on!"

"That's why I want you to tell me! You don't need to go through it on your own! I tell you everything. You never seem to do the same..." Mark's back was turned to him now, and Donghyuck took the opportunity to squeeze him into a backhug, smooshing his face on Mark's shoulder.

"You're so cute, hyung! It's just, it's a lot you don't know, and seriously today I don't got time for it. I'll tell you everything next weekend, and I promise I won't run away this time!" Donghyuck let out his pinky for Mark to link with, and sighing, he took this chance to finally give him one last opportunity to be open with him.

"You'll tell me every single detail, you don't miss a single thing. You hear me," he warned.

"You sound awfully invested already. Promise my life isn't that interesting." Mark deadpanned him. "Okay, maybe a little, but seriously next time, okay? I love you, bye!" Giving Mark a big ole kiss before walking out, Donghyuck was super excited for his date with Jaehyun today. He couldn't help the skip in his step as he made it all the way outside their door, this time choosing to knock on the door instead of open it with his key. Donghyuck was smiling so widely when the door opened, only for it to drop the second his eyes landed on a face that was not Jaehyun's. 

The blond boy looked stunned for a second seeing Donghyuck stood in front of him, but quickly masked his face, his cool composure clicking back in place, as he smirked at Donghyuck, whose eyes betrayed him as they trailed further down Jaemin's body. Jaemin was currently not wearing a shirt, his broad shoulders, muscled chest, and strong abs out for the world to see. It wasn't hard for him to catch Donghyuck ogling his body, but smiled when his voice snapped him back to earth, "Jae's upstairs." Walking out of view, leaving the door hanging open, Donghyuck's eyes trailed after Jaemin's bare back as he stepped through the door after a moment to recollect his thoughts.

He ignored the male sat on the couch scrolling through the channels, and immediately walked to Jaehyun's room, slamming the door behind him. Jaehyun's head peeked out from the bathroom at the sound. "Babe? Is that you?"

"Yes!" Donghyuck shouted. In an instant, a smily Jaehyun walked out, also having received the no shirt memo, wrapping his arms firmly around Donghyuck. 

He leans down for a peck, "hi gorgeous."

"Hi," Donghyuck had no time for the sugary introductions, he had to know why Jaemin was in their living room. "What's he doing here?" He whisper shouted as if Jaemin could hear them, knowing damn well that Jaemin was downstairs and very far from this room.

Jaehyun furrowed his brows at the hushed sound, but replied calmly. "Who? Jaemin? Why wouldn't he be here? He slept over last night when you weren't here."

That puzzled him more, "why?"

Jaehyun laughed, "why do you mean why, sweetheart? Jaemin's my brother. And he hasn't seen me all week cause he was busy with the committee or something like that." Jaehyun explained, but Donghyuck wasn't listening anymore.

The world stopped for a moment as the words registered in his brain. They were brothers. Jaehyun and Jaemin. Were brothers. 

Jaehyun. Jaemin. Brothers.

"Huh?" He couldn't help but voice out his confusion.

"You didn't know? I thought everyone on campus knew." Jaehyun stepped back, his hands now only sitting atop the other's hips.

"No?! How would I know! You two never hang out on campus!" Donghyuck slightly raises his voice, still in his whispery tone.

"That's true, but there is always some sort of talk about me and Jaemin around there. I have no idea why, if I'm being real."

"Wait, rewind. Tell me everything from the beginning."

Jaehyun laughed but complied with his fiancé request, guiding him to sit down on the edge of the bed while he explains his whole family dynamic. "Now me and Jaemin's family situation is a bit... complicated, but I'll start here. Me and Jaemin aren't actually blood related," Donghyuck was confused, but nodded along, waiting for him to elaborate. "My parents died when I was really young, but my father was really close to Jaemin's parents, they were business partners, and after the accident, they took me in as they were my Godparents. Jaemin and I were already close before, so we just became inseparable after I moved in with them."

Suddenly the dots started clicking, Mrs. Na being Jeong Jaehyun's mother, but wait... What about Jaemin? "Does your mother know about Jaemin's sexuality? Why hasn't she kicked him out as well, and forced him to marry someone?"

Jaehyun shook his head, laughing at Donghyuck, who just pouted. "That isn't my story to tell, baby. Why don't you ask him yourself, hm?"

Donghyuck refused. "Please, Jaehyunie! I won't tell him I know. Please you tell me."

Jaehyun couldn't resist, so he continued. "Fine, just because you're so cute! A few years after I moved in, there were some issues that happened between Jaemin's parents, and well... they divorced. Legally, the father won the case, so we were both living with him, and it was all fine, until he remarried. She was so mean to us back then, and even still, but I was stuck to live with her as I had taken over some part of the company by this point, and Jaemin was still too young. But once he became of age, he moved out to live with his mother, he still feels bad for leaving me, but he's so happy I get to live on my own now." 

He blushed before continuing, "However, I did clarify that I'm not living alone, and I have a fiancé. He kept pestering me to spill, but I just told him he'd see you today. I thought you already knew about us, I'm sorry I didn't tell you before. Oh, and obviously, no one knows the full details of our life, please don't tell anyone, hm?" Donghyuck nodded, already feeling bad because he knew he promised to tell Mark everything next week, so he apologized to Jaehyun in his head in advance. Mark was trustworthy though, so he shouldn't have to be scared. 

"Wow, that's... a lot," he said unintelligently.

Jaehyun chuckled, "yeah... Imagine living it."

"Jaehyun, I'm so sorry! I kept saying all those jokes about you being used to the posh life, I didn't even know! I'm sor—"

"Why are you apologizing? It's true. My parents were also very rich, I am used to the posh life. You didn't say anything false. So, don't worry," he swiped his thumb across Donghyuck's bottom lip, restraining himself from leaning and capturing it between his own. Blinking away the thoughts, he clapped his hands loudly, "now are ready to go down?"

"With you looking like that? Grab yourself a shirt, I don't even know I managed to control myself for this long." That made Jaehyun laugh heartily, going to find himself a shirt to wear, before he held out his hand to Donghyuck, who took it immediately, and walked out of the room together.

Jaemin stayed exactly where he left him, this time having chosen a channel that managed to keep his attention. At the sound of shoes rattling down the stairs, he turned around to find his brother and his fiancé walk down, hand in hand. Donghyuck watched how Jaemin's eyes remained on their intertwined hands far longer than necessary, before his eyes snapped up and a chill smile adorned his face.

His cool exterior followed by his calm demeanor, Jaemin easily played the part of nonchalance. Something about this presence he carried irked Donghyuck as he didn't understand him. He was way too chill and calm for his liking, his mind was hard to read. Jaehyun's voice cut through his thoughts, as he watched a t-shirt fly from across the room straight to Jaemin's face, making Donghyuck giggle. "Look decent for once, Nana!"

Nana. Interesting.

Jaemin rolled his eyes as he removed the shirt from his face, "come on, hyung. It's nothing we haven't seen before." For him having addressed Jaehyun, that didn't explain why his eyes were set on Donghyuck. Jaehyun's eyes snapped to him, before Jaemin rolled his eyes again, "geez. Fine. Loosen up, hyung, we were all born naked."

Donghyuck's teeth were gritted as the blond continued to speak. "Enough of that, Nana. What's this? You cooked something?" He watched as Jaemin put on the shirt, it being a little baggy on him, as he approached the kitchen island, Donghyuck trailing behind him shortly, standing by Jaehyun's side near the stove.

"Yeah, I was pretty hungry, and you took so long in the shower. Were you imagining little Duckie over here?" Jaemin smirked as he eyed Donghyuck as he gasped and his cheeks flushed.

Jaehyun rolled his eyes, "no. Me and Donghyuck had a lovely chat actually. Hmmm," Jaehyun hummed delightfully at the mere whiff from Jaemin's food. Donghyuck didn't know that Jaemin was a cook. He was more complex than he ever expected. "Hyuck, here try this. Jaemin's food is so good, you need to try it!"

"Make sure you don't burn your tongue, it's still pretty hot." Jaemin warned, but the sense that there was a double meaning, stuck on his tongue just like the delicious taste of the broth Jaehyun fed him. "What do you think, Hyuck?"

Donghyuck shared a tight smile while he replied, "I didn't know you were much of a cook, Jaemin."

"There's a lot you still don't know about me, sweetheart." Jaemin smiled, but Donghyuck felt his whole spine shiver at the sight. 

Jaehyun being unaware cut off the rising tension. "As much as I'd love to stay and eat your cooking, me and Hyuck have a date we must attend, so if you will excuse me, I need to get dressed. Sweetie," he turned to Donghyuck, leaving a small kiss on his lips, smiling softly at him, before turning back to his brother, and pointing upstairs, watching Jaemin nod, before he left to get ready.

It was awkward as they stood silently by the kitchen islands, each leaving a good distance between them. The silence stretched for a good moment before Donghyuck decided to speak, "sooo, Nana?"

Jaemin raised his brow at Donghyuck's attempt, "so, fiancé?" When Jaemin's eyes turned to Donghyuck's, the brunette couldn't help but gulp. Jaemin kept his distance thus far, but now he was inching closer to where Donghyuck was stood. "Is that why you left the party that day? Cause you felt guilty? How long have you and Jae been seeing each other?"

"Did he not tell you?" Donghyuck's voice came out airier than usual.

"Oh, he told me. That woman set him up with an arranged marriage, he just didn't tell me how long."

"Officially, it was—"

"I didn't ask when you made it official. When were you aware of this arrangement?" Jaemin's eyes were sharp as they narrowed at Donghyuck's lack of response. He tsked, "just what I thought. Don't worry, I won't tell him. Just make sure to keep your distance from me, you're Jaehyun's fiancé, I'd like to keep it that way."

"Last I recall, it was you who approached m—"

"Last I recall, it wasn't me who kissed someone when I was wedded to someone else!" He bit back, breathing heavily as he stared him down. Donghyuck has never felt so small before, and he had nothing to defend himself with. Jaemin surveyed his face one last time, as if memorizing it and storing it in the back of his mind before facing away from him, speaking lowly. "Don't even think about hurting Jae. Ever. Got it?"

"I don't plan on it," Donghyuck replied instantly.

"Good," Jaemin nodded. Hearing the sound of Jaehyun's footsteps approaching, he let out a bellowing laugh, "oh my gosh! That's hilarious! You're so funny, Hyuck!" Jaemin was clutching his stomach from laughing, damn, he was a good actor.

Donghyuck chuckled nervously, eyeing Jaehyun as he walked down the stairs, smiling at the two laughing. Donghyuck thanked the heavens that Jaehyun walked down right now, whisking him away, and holding him close by the side. "What're you laughing at, Jaem?"

"Your fiancé is so funny, Jae. Good choice," he sent a thumbs up, winking at Donghyuck when his eyes met his.

"I know," he pulled him closer, rubbing his nose against the shorter. "I really got lucky with this one." Donghyuck smiled shyly at that, and Jaehyun kissed his cheek, before turning to his brother. "Anyways, we're heading out. Treat the house like it's yours, I'll see you when we're back. The guest room is just across the dining room. Sorry it was so messy yesterday, moving has been hectic, I'll tell mom you're staying over."

"Nah, it's okay. I don't wanna disturb, what if you two wanna have some fun later. I'll be out of your hair soon, just gonna do some studies before I leave. You two have fun! Bye lovebirds~" 

Jaehyun rolled his eyes, "don't mind him. He can't seem to think without his dick." Donghyuck dismissed it, and Jaehyun smiled as he lead the way out of the house, and helped Donghyuck settle into the backseat of the car, with Jaehyun next to him, hand in his. Jaehyun felt Donghyuck's unease, so he left a fluttering kiss to the back of his hand, and the brunette looked at him with soft eyes, laying his head on Jaehyun's shoulder.

He remained like that the whole ride, Jaehyun either showing him a passing sight on the road, or sharing his screen with him, making Donghyuck giggle at his feed. They discuss many different topics while they were being driven to the destination. The place was beautiful when they arrived, Donghyuck was shocked that he ever had the privilege to experience this kind of view and happiness with Jaehyun. People at university would kill to have this.

He can't say he was the best at keeping track of gossip around campus, as he was pretty self absorbed with what affected him and if anyone said anything about him or his life, but he seemed to be clear. He will admit he's heard a large amount of rumors about the two brothers, each separately though, and he did not know what to believe. He just knew that they were both filthy rich, attractive, and heartthrobs around campus. Pushing that aside, he was really happy to be with Jaehyun right now, enjoying this view and starry night with him. The car ride was pretty long as Jaehyun wanted to take him somewhere special, and it was. 

Holding each other hands across the table, and sipping on the expensive wine, while conversation came easy, Donghyuck never thought he'd ever experience such peace before. Maybe settling down wasn't that scary after all...

Stumbling into the house, albeit a bit tipsy, they were surprised to find it dark and quiet. Jaemin seemed to truly mean it when he said he'd be leaving, having tidied up the place before departing. There were no dishes in the sink, the food all properly placed inside the fridge, and no papers left behind. Even the shirt that was borrowed was set neatly on the edge of the couch for Jaehyun to pick up. Donghyuck appreciated the gesture as it was very late right now, and he had no energy to clean up after a grown man, but it seemed Jaemin was actually decent enough to clean after himself afterall.

Jaehyun snagged the shirt from the sofa, turning to Donghyuck and letting out his arm for him to slip right under, as they both made their way up the stairs and to their bed. The trip was a bit difficult due to the fact that they consumed a generous amount of alcohol when they were on their date, but they giggled the whole way there. Donghyuck shoved Jaehyun to the bed after the older made some cheesy joke that he's heard a thousand times at this point, before he entered the bathroom to get ready for bed. 

Both being exhausted, they quickly jumped under the sheets and turned off the light, ready to snooze for the rest of the night. However, an hour passed and Donghyuck was still tossing and turning on his side of the bed, being unable to sleep. By now, the wine haze washed off, and he was practically sober again. He sighed, feeling annoyed at the fact that he can't sleep, sitting up on the side of the bed, head in his hands as he rubs his eyes. He looks up defeated, and decided to wear the robe that was placed on the chair next to his bed, and make his way out to the balcony connected to their bedroom.

Donghyuck wasn't sure what the exact time was, but he really did not care, the view of the city from where he was was breathtaking, leaving him in awe, simply just staring ahead of him. While he stood and watched the city lights flicker, Donghyuck chalked up the reason he couldn't sleep on the fact that his body got used to staying awake due to his job back at the bar. Although he didn't know the time, he could assume that it was somewhere near 2 A.M. right now, if not a little earlier. 

For once, Donghyuck's mind wasn't racing at a million miles and hour. He was simply just looking ahead of him, watching how some cars were still driving around at this time. He wondered when Jaemin left, but didn't dwell on it as he heard the balcony door slide open. Turning to see Jaehyun's sleepy eyes look at him curiously. Donghyuck just waved at him cutely, making the older smile at him as he approached him near the edge.

"Saw the bed was empty and wondered where you went. Why are you here, baby?" Jaehyun's tired voice asked softly.

"Couldn't sleep," Donghyuck mumbled, turning his back to Jaehyun and facing the view again. It wasn't long before he felt strong arms wrap around his frame and a head rest on his shoulder.

The older hummed, sleepily closing his eyes while swaying behind Donghyuck, who placed his hands on top of Jaehyun's arms. "Something on your mind?" He murmured quietly.

Donghyuck shook his head, "no. Just used to it, I think." Jaehyun nodded, but stayed there. Donghyuck noticed how he wasn't wearing a shirt still, having gotten up about of bed immediately, and saw how he shivered when a cold breeze hit them. "Jae, how about you go inside? It's col—"

"No, I wanna stay wherever you are," his voice was muffled, as his face hid in the crook of Donghyuck's neck, arms tightened around him.

Donghyuck sighed, running his fingers through the older's hair as he stayed in place. He tried to warm him up as much as he could by running his warm hands up and down his arms, but eventually he felt bad for the boy. He turned around in his arms, palms cradling his face, "Jae, come on, let's go to bed, hm?"

"Together?" His eyes widened only slightly, but they were still sealed shut, if Donghyuck hadn't been staring at him, he wouldn't have even noticed the difference.

Donghyuck smiled, leaving a small peck to the corner of his lips, "yeah. Together."

Jaehyun smiled down at him, leaning down to press a feather-like kiss on Donghyuck's lips before he held his hand and gently guided them back to the bed. Jaehyun cuddled Donghyuck close, making him rest his head on his chest, and encircled his arms around him. They both found sleep catching up to them quickly after.

He woke up to the smell of breakfast, but both he and Jaehyun were still in bed. He caught Jaehyun showing a sleepy smile, drawing Donghyuck even closer, and kissing him slowly. Donghyuck was confused, but he kissed him back, laying a hand on the side of his face as he deepened it. He wasn't usually the type to ignore morning breath, it's just Jaehyun looked so cute all red and puffy. He couldn't resist!

After a small make out session, Jaehyun pulled away to go get ready. Brushing his teeth and showering, while Donghyuck just brushed his teeth before heading down to see what was cooking downstairs. He wished his assumption was wrong, but was not shocked when he saw the blond boy by the stove, wearing a light pink apron, yet no shirt again. What was the deal with these brothers and shirts, Goddamn?! 

Hearing the footsteps, Jaemin smiled as Donghyuck made his way down the stairs. The blinding smile almost left him speechless as wasn't he the one threatening him a few hours ago? Regardless. He was here and he was making breakfast.

"Good morning, Hyuck. I guess you'll be the first to try my food! Have a seat," Jaemin gestured to the stools by the island table closest to the stove. 

Donghyuck raised his eyebrows at Jaemin's reaction, but complied nonetheless. Jaemin turned his back to him, giving Donghyuck the full display of his bare, muscular back and small, grabbable waist. Suddenly he wasn't hungry for food, but for— Jaemin turned back to face him, as he put something on the plate in front him. 

Donghyuck eyed him then the plate in front of him then him again. Jaemin's smile was so wide as he gestured for him to take a bite. So, he did, and dear God, it was so good! All the flavors blended together so well! "Hmmm, I've never tasted something quite this good before!" He couldn't help but say, seeing the contagious grin widen on Jaemin's face, making him send one back. Jaemin turned back again, focusing on his dish, prompting Donghyuck to ask, "when did you learn how to cook like this?" He was eyeing his plate for the most part until Jaemin turned around trying to distract his eyes from ogling his back.

Jaemin didn't fully turn to him, but he could still hear the grin in his voice as he spoke. "Oh! Well, when my uh... parents got divorced, I had to stay with my dad, so I was deprived of my mom's cooking, and although he tried, it just never tasted like her's. So, everytime I visited her, I asked her to teach me how to cook, and she did. She taught me everything I know now. I used to practice when I was back with dad, and Jaehyun loved it. So, I kinda just got better and better at it, started making my own recipes and yeah. It's all thanks to my mom though!"

"She sounds wonderful," Donghyuck said softly.

Jaemin turned to look at him briefly, "she is." They remained like that, looking at each other, he had so much depth in his eyes that Donghyuck couldn't understand, but the moment was cut off when Jaemin's eyes flicked upwards, and a bright smile adorned his face. "Jae! Look, I made your favorite!"

Jaehyun raced down the stairs at the sound of that, eager to get a bite out of it. Jaemin gave him one straight off the stove, making him blow on it cutely, emitting a cute laugh from Jaemin. Donghyuck was shocked to see this side of Jaemin. The evercaring, soft and endearing side. He was so used to seeing him as an asshole and good for nothing prick, but right here, right now, he didn't seem so bad.

Jaehyun hummed, similar to Donghyuck, singing out praises to Jaemin due to his marvelous cooking. "You should really open up your own restaurant, Nana. It'll be huge, I'm sure!" Jaemin laughed at his brother, shaking his head while he finished up the meal.

Once he was done, he joined the two on the table and started eating. They opened up small talk while he was there, mainly Jaehyun and Jaemin, but Donghyuck interjected every now and then. Donghyuck wondered why Jaemin was here, but thought it was rude to ask so he just kept quiet while he ate.

When he was done, he went to put the dishes in the sink and start cleaning up, Jaehyun coming up behind him, putting his own dish in the sink while turning to face him, leaning on the counter. "So, Jaemin and I are gonna spend the day together, I promised him since we didn't get to see each other much this week. You wanna join?"

Donghyuck smiled at him, but shook his head. "No, it's okay. Spend some time with your brother, I'll just go visit home, it's been a while since I saw Jisoo anyways." Jaehyun nodded, dimples showing as he came closer and left a peck on Donghyuck's cheek.

"I'll see you later then," he winked, before smacking Jaemin's head from the back while he was still eating. "What did I say about using the phone while eating?"

"You were being lovey dovey with your fiancé?! What was I supposed to do? Watch you?" Jaehyun cringed at the idea, making Jaemin nod incredulously, before they both went upstairs leaving Donghyuck alone in the kitchen. He picked up Jaemin's plate as well, and dried off his hands when he was done.

The week passed almost too quickly for Donghyuck's liking, but it was finally Friday, and he was done with his classes. He had already told Mark he was coming over later, he just wanted to go back home to collect some stuff. Donghyuck was growing a routine by now, knowing how and when to see his sister and mom, as well as Mark, Chenle, and Jisung, but also find time to spend with Jaehyun. He knocked on the door, and was growing more aggravated when the face of fiancé was being replaced by his blond brother more often. This, he couldn't get used to.

Donghyuck rolled his eyes as he made his way past Jaemin, "where's Jaehyun?"

"Shower," the boy answered shortly. He was still dressed in the clothes from university, assuring him that he came back here immediately after classes, and was munching on some chips as he reclaims his spot on the couch. Donghyuck was looking for something in front of the TV, blocking Jaemin's view of the game. "Could you move a little? I'm trynna watch..."

"Could you tell me why you're always coming here? Seems like you're obsessed with annoying me!" Donghyuck snapped, eyeing him with sharp eyes.

Jaemin turned off the TV as he stood up, towering over his frame even though he wasn't that much taller. He smirked down at him when he saw him eye his chest for a split moment. His arm stretched out to attach itself to the wall behind Donghyuck, caging him, as he tilted his head and spoke. "Does it ever occur to you that Jaehyun is my brother and we are actually very close? Or does everything have to revolve around you?" He raised one eyebrow at Donghyuck, his eyes raking his body up and down, before he leaned in to his ear and whispered. "By the way, your shirt is backwards." He stepped away from him and walked into the guest room just a few steps away from where Donghyuck was stunned in place.

Looking down at his shirt, he was horrified to see that Jaemin was right and he was wearing the shirt wrong the whole day. What an idiot. 

He grumbled his way to the room, managing to get out of it before Jaehyun could see him, texting him that he went straight to Mark's place, and would see him tomorrow. He did not want Jaehyun to know of that little interaction by the TV, and doubted Jaemin would tell him, so he felt safe enough to send that message and go over to Mark's.

Usually Mark would greet him with a hug at the door, but this time he was pulled inside like a kidnapper would snatch his prey. He was then seated down on a stool with a very serious Mark in front of him. "Uhhh, is there something wr—" 

Before he could continue, Mark cut him off. "Tell me everything, I'm tired of waiting."

"O-oh, okay—" This felt more like a trial than it did a confession, but Donghyuck went straight into explaining everything to Mark. From his family life and his father's death, to his one night stand with Jaemin, with now his engagement to Jaehyun and how he found out that they were brothers. Mark looked at him like he was stupid when he realized Donghyuck didn't know they were brothers, to which the younger defensively tried to explain himself. He then told him about the interactions he's faced with Jaemin after he found out about them being brothers, even the embarrassing one he dealt with today, and how he kissed him again.

Mark had an 'o' shaped expression at the end of the conversation. Donghyuck had even went into detail about how he still found himself attracted to Jaemin. How his nonchalance and calm demeanor was actually not helping him, and how he was getting more attached, but he also admitted his growing feelings for Jaehyun. He also clarified to him that he and Jaehyun had no prior relationship before this, and mentioned the night they shared and the talks they had at the bar. He told him about his experiences when working, and really he laid himself bare and open for Mark to pick apart, but he did no such thing. He just listened. Listened to everything he told him, took it in, and validated him, or shredded him when necessary (mainly about Jaemin).

Donghyuck and Mark have since shifted to sitting down on his bed, Mark’s back on the headboard, and Donghyuck laying down horizontally on the end of the bed. Mark was still trying to wrap his head around everything Donghyuck just dumped on him. “Wow,” he says after a few seconds of silence.

“I know,” Donghyuck whispered. “Look, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you everything, it’s just… it all happened so quickly! I didn’t know how to tell you without just spilling my guts to you like I did today…”

Mark raised his hand, gesturing for him to stop. “It’s fine, it’s just, wow… That’s a lot. You really dug yourself a hole there, falling for the two brothers…”

Donghyuck rolled his eyes, “wah, you’re so helpful, hyung!” Mark’s leg shoved his shoulder at the sarcastic response.

“I’m just… what are you gonna do about it?” He cut himself off, curious about his best friend’s answer.

“I don’t know? I guess nothing. Jaemin made it very clear, and I don’t wanna do that to Jaehyun, so I’ll just keep my feelings in check, and hope nothing happens. Jaemin’s a prick too, so!”

Mark raised his brow at him, “that’s not what you said a while ago.”

“Mark!!!” He whined, laying helplessly on his back, his hands flailing on the edge of the bed. 

“Whattt? Just stating the truth?!”

“Well, don’t. I don’t wanna think about them, can we change the topic?” Donghyuck turned around, giving Mark his best puppy dog eyes.

Mark sighed, but nodded. “What movie do you wanna watch now?”

“Moana!” Donghyuck screamed childishly. Mark laughed and shook his head, pulling out his laptop and logging into his Disney account. Donghyuck got under the blanket, ready to snuggle close to Mark and have a Disney movie marathon.

Jaemin had his legs propped up on the coffee table watching the game with a beer on his side when he felt Jaehyun smack him again. Looking at him offended, Jaemin rolled his eyes when Jaehyun started talking, reminding him of his father all those years ago. “Legs off the table, Jaemin.”

“Okay, dad,” he rolled his eyes, but obeyed his brother’s word. His eyes were still glued to the TV before suddenly the screen turns black. He glances at Jaehyun, looking at him confused as to why he closed the TV. “What was that for?”

Jaehyun put away the empty bottles surrounding them on the coffee table before adjusting his position to face Jaemin directly. “Now that Hyuck isn’t here, I wanted to ask you about him.”

Jaemin furrowed his brows, why would Jaehyun ask him about Donghyuck? Did he know something he wasn’t supposed to? “Go ahead,” he said instead.

“Well it seems you know him well based on your interactions, so what do you think I should—”

“Woah, woah, woah. What makes you think I know Donghyuck? We cross each other’s paths sometimes, have one mutual friend, and talked maybe five times total. I do not know Donghyuck well. I can’t help you there, hyung.”

Jaehyun looked at him confused, why was he so defensive about this. “Geez, okay,” he raised his hands in mock surrender, chuckling lightly, ultimately making Jaemin ease into a smile too.

“Sorry, just didn’t wanna bring your hopes up. I could ask Ji if you want though?” 

“No, it’s okay. I think I got something. I’ll need a little help though,” Jaehyun looked a little devious, so Jaemin smirked, leaning in.

“Go on, I’m all ears,” Jaehyun smiled at his enthusiasm. 

Donghyuck sighed while he stretched out his limbs, he rubbed his eyes as the sunlight trickled into the room. It was Monday morning, meaning he had university again, and he let out another sigh at the thought of it. One more escaped him as he saw the empty place next to him. Jaehyun hadn't come home that night, saying he was spending the night at his family's, which Donghyuck completely didn't understand, but he didn't question it because Jaehyun promised to be home soon.

He went on with his day as usual, meeting with Chenle, Jisung, and Mark, trying his best to avoid Jaemin, and meeting with his sister after her school ended. He was exhausted by the time he came back home, saddened to find it still empty and lifeless. It was times like this where he wished that even Jaemin were here to fill the void. At that thought, he heard the door knock, running to open the door and greet Jaehyun, but was disappointed when he find a random man at the door.

The man was holding a bouquet of flowers, looking at the shorter slowly, before speaking. "Are you Mr. Donghyuck?"

"That's me, yes." A relieved smile was put on his tired face as he handed him the large bouquet.

"This is for you, from Mr. Jaehyun. Hope you like them," the man said quickly before leaving. Donghyuck was shocked at the size of the size, taking a sniff of the beautiful flowers, before his eyes landed on a note. Cheerfully, he pried it open, frowing at the contents.

« Hi, baby. I hope you like the flowers. I wish I could see your cute face when you see them, but nonetheless. I'm going to have to stay here for a bit longer, but I promise no more than Wednesday, and I'll be back. Wait for me, okay? - Your fiancé, Jaehyun »

He sighed, but went to keep the flowers alive by potting them in a vase filled with water. The thought was beautiful, but Donghyuck didn't know how to live in a house too big for him. He could go sleep over at Mark's, but he supposes this is good for his growth, so he sucks it up and gets going. He cooks himself dinner, watches a movie, and gets himself ready for bed. While he was drying his face, he received a call, hoping it was Jaehyun telling him he was outside, he frowned when it was just Mark.

"Hey—"

"Oh my gosh! You won't believe what happened!" Mark said, sounding a mix of annoyed and happy all the same.

"What?" He asked curiously.

"You remember Johnny?" Johnny, the best friend of his fiancé, the large giant who constantly makes jokes that Donghyuck feels like he's the butt of, that Johnny? Well, he can't really forget him.

"Yeah? What about him? Did he do something again? I thought he and Doyoung were official now?"

"Bitch, oh my gosh. I thought so too, but you won't believe what he told me!"

"Bitch spill!" Donghyuck was now seated, eagerly waiting for Mark to tell him the tea.

"So, you remember how he told me that he was giving Doyoung English classes?" Donghyuck hummed, "well, he just confirmed to me that he actually never gave him a single class and that he lied to me." Donghyuck gasped, but Mark continued. "He had to tell me that cause I saw him out with him and confronted him, but he told me that he and Doyoung are in fact not dating, and he's just doing him a favor."

"Girl, I don't know if I believe that..."

"Wait, there more! So, anyways, turns out he was going out on these 'dates' with Doyoung so that they can get Taeyong jealous cause Doyoung actually is in love with him, but he always says they're best friends, so Doyoung having a boyfriend would make Taeyong notice that he actually likes him or whatever. I don't really know, but Johnny told me it worked out—"

"Boy, why are you still talking to him?!" 

"I was getting there! Johnny told me that he was serious about his feelings for me, and wants to take me out on a date. Like he just told me that, and I told him I need to think about it. I think I'm gonna say yes though, I just had to tell you first though."

Donghyuck took a second of silence before he screamed into the phone, alarming Mark, thinking he got robbed or something, but calmed down when he ended up saying. "Oh my gosh! Mark that's great! I still don't trust him much, but I trust your judgment, so do whatever you want, I'll be here regardless!"

Mark giggled, "thanks Hyuck. Now, enough about me, what's happening with you?"

Donghyuck sighed at the memory. "Jaehyun's still not home, but he sent me a bouquet and stuff, but he still hasn't called me or anything. Like I'm getting worried."

"I get it, but like you said, he's at his family's house, he's probably really busy, but him getting you that bouquet must mean he really likes you, Hyuck. Be patient with him, okay?"

"I guess so... Anyways I think I'm gonna head to bed, is there anything else?" Donghyuck asked when the other side of the line got silent.

"No, I don't think so. Wanna head to the studio on Thursday? I think Chaewon wants to record something with you as well."

"Oh? Well, yeah I don't mind. Thursday it is, then."

"Cool, I'll let her know. Bye, Hyuck, sleep well."

"Bye, Mark. See you tomorrow, goodnight." He hung up after that, getting himself nestled under the blankets. It took him a while, but eventually he finally managed to catch some REM sleep.

Jaehyun wasn't lying when he said he'd be back by Wednesday, but even still it didn't feel like he was fully back yet. He constantly was leaving, returning pretty late into the night, only to find Donghyuck asleep while waiting for him. He didn't even get to speak to him much, before he was out again. When Donghyuck came back from his studio session with Mark and Chaewon, he was so excited to tell Jaehyun about it, but was disappointed when he realized the older wasn't home again.

It almost felt like the beginning, except this time Jaehyun kissed him every so often. Sometimes in the middle of their makeout session, he would walk out of the house, and Donghyuck was ready to wait for him to arrive the next day. He tried not to think much of it, and convince himself that Jaehyun was just really busy, but he was having doubts. It was Friday, and as usual, Jaehyun left to have lunch with his family. This happened almost every time, so he wasn't shocked, but Jaehyun usually tried to leave as early as he could. This time, he arrived well into the evening. Donghyuck assumed it was because he got to spend some extra time with Jaemin after the lunch, since he discovered Jaemin also went to these family gatherings.

Although his kiss wasn't different, they were shorter, and the time he spent with him was getting cut off each day. Donghyuck felt helpless, as he did not want to sound desperate, but he was missing Jaehyun. It was Saturday today, Donghyuck had just woken up, Jaehyun was missing, he heard the shower go off a few minutes prior, but when the door shut after him soon after that, he knew Jaehyun had left.

He sighed and got up, getting himself ready for the day. It's been a while since he's went to a party, but due to Jaehyun's lack of presence, he didn't feel like being in the house alone today. He called up Chenle, and informed him that he'd be there, the younger getting really excited. Donghyuck did feel a little bad about keeping his engagement secret from the young couple, Mark being the only friend he told, but even Jaehyun didn't mention to anyone but Johnny, so he felt okay about that till now.

Soon, when the time got closer, he started preparing himself to go to the party that Chenle invited him to. He took a deep breath before walking out the door, and making his way to the party. He still isn't used to the idea that he can just call a cab and he's guaranteed to have enough money for rent and groceries, but he grinned at the idea, and asked the man to take him to his specified location. When he arrived, he was already bombarded with loud music pounding in his ears, and the smell of sweat and alcohol filling the air.

He made his way past the crowd of people, finding Chenle and Jisung making out messily by the lunch table. Regrettably, he separated the two newly dating couple, and they had no problem sharing their time with Donghyuck. It's been a while since he's been around at a party anyways. So, that's how he spent his night, Chenle mixing him drinks and him chugging them down like it was nothing. It wasn't long till he got really drunk. The three went to the middle of the dance floor, dancing till their hearts content. Jisung was popping and locking, making Chenle laugh as he was impressed by his boyfriend's dance skills.

Donghyuck's body was swaying to the music, tuning everyone and everything out as he got lost into the beats. His eyes shut as his head fell back, and his mind raced to two men. He imagined Jaehyun standing in front of him, kissing on his neck, and Jaemin behind him, hands wrapped around his cock. The image was growing more erotic, and Donghyuck knew he had to get out of there. He was extremely drunk by this point, and calling a cab in this part of town was nearly impossible. So, he dialed up Jaehyun's phone.

It kept ringing, almost giving up and trying again, the line picked up. "Hello?"

It wasn't Jaehyun's voice who replied.

"Jae-Jaemin?" He slurred surprised.

"Donghyuck? Where are you? Why do you sound so— Are you drunk?" His tone wasn't scolding like he thought it would be, in fact a tinge of concern laced his voice.

"Y-yes," he hiccuped. "Where's Jaehyun?"

"Jae's busy right now, do you need a ride?"

"Aren't you with him right now?" He ignored the offer.

"No, your place was empty when I came so I tried studying a bit. Do you need me to pick you up, Hyuck?" He spoke rushed, Donghyuck not catching on to every word as his mind was slowing down.

He sighed, Jaemin's voice was growing more exasperated, "please."

"Okay, I'm on my way." He quickly hung up after that, and Donghyuck waited by the front porch, sending Jaemin the location before he sat on the bench, trying to keep his mind steady, as all the images were still flashing in his mind. He couldn't shake the feeling of Jaemin and Jaehyun's hands all over him, squirming in his place uncomfortably as he felt his crotch tighten in his pants.

Not long after, a car pulled up, parking hastily at the sight of Donghyuck. Jaemin rushed out of the car, and helped Donghyuck up by his arms, walking him to the car. After he was sure the brunette was settled in the passenger seat, Jaemin walked to the other side, putting on his seatbelt before he glanced at Donghyuck. He lay his palm softly on his face, seeing if he was okay everywhere, because for some reason he thought Donghyuck got into a fight? When he was sure he was okay, he bit back his tongue from saying anything, instead turning to face the front, and drive off.

It was Donghyuck who broke the silence then, whispering a small "thank you" into the car.

Jaemin dismissed him, "don't worry about it." He continued to drive, but every now and then his eyes would glance at Donghyuck's frame, he was falling in and out of focus, not really grasping onto anything real. They made it home safely after that, Jaemin helping him up and out of the car, and keeping him close while they were in the elevator. Feeling Jaemin's breath hit the sensitive spot of his neck, and being so close to him was causing havoc to ensue in his mind.

When the doors opened, Jaemin was quick to open then door, having not locked it as he seemed to be in a rush, and walk him to the sofa. It was obvious he was working in the living room as all his papers were sprawled around. He cursed and began to move them, allowing Donghyuck to comfortably sit down on the large sofa. After a while, Jaemin left his line of vision, only to come back with a glass of water in his hand.

"Here, drink up. It'll help you sober up a bit," his eyes weren't looking directly at him, but Donghyuck took the glass anyways. Jaemin sat next to him on the couch, a good distance away from him though. Carefully drinking the water, Donghyuck shivered slightly when he was done, making the blond panic. "Are you- Are you okay?"

"Cold," he whispered. 

Jaemin was frantically looking around for a blanket nearby, but Donghyuck just dragged him closer, nuzzling closer to him. Jaemin stood frozen there, but Donghyuck just dragged his arms to wrap around him, holding him close. "Is this good?"

"Perfect."

"Okay," so he stayed like that for a few minutes, albeit stiffly, but still warm enough for Donghyuck to cool down. After a few more seconds, Jaemin let his hand rest on top of Donghyuck's forehead in case he caught a cold or something. Deflating when he felt a normal temperature. "Do you want me to make you some soup?"

Donghyuck shook his head, "just stay here with me." 

Jaemin nodded, not saying anything further. They stayed like that for a few more minutes, basking in the silence, before Donghyuck lifted his head up from Jaemin's chest, looking at the younger, and waiting for him to do the same. When he did, their eyes connected for a brief moment before they lowered to each other's lips. Donghyuck wasn't thinking straight, so it was no shock when his body moved forward to capture Jaemin's lips in a small kiss. 

Jaemin was unmoving, eyes wide and silent, but Donghyuck wanted another kiss, so he leaned again, wanting those same inviting lips he felt when he was also this drunk before. This time, however, he was dissatisfied when he didn't feel lips connect with his. He instead felt a ripping distance form between as Jaemin detached himself off the brunette. He cleared his throat awkwardly, glancing at anything but Donghyuck, before he spoke in a very hushed voice. "You're drunk, you aren't thinking straight. Don't do something you'll regret. Jae will be here soon."

He then up and left the room, leaving a drunk, cold, lonely, and unsatisfied Donghyuck alone on the couch. Donghyuck touched his lips slightly, the sensation of Jaemin's lips on his, although brief, warmed his insides exponentially without him realizing. He was hurt when Jaemin just left, but his mind didn't let him think about it much, as he stumbled his way up to the bedroom. He wrapped himself up in the blankets and sleep engulfed him quickly, thoughts of the two brothers quickly intruding his dreams.

Jaemin was pacing around in the living room when Donghyuck left. He was tugging at his hair in frustration. He almost let himself kiss Donghyuck! He almost broke his own promise to himself. He promised not to get too close to him, but Donghyuck needed him. Actually, he needed Jaehyun, but he let his mind believe, that's how he ended up here. He wanted to leave, but he couldn't, knowing Jaehyun still wasn't back, and a drunk Donghyuck was roaming around. 

He sighed happily when Jaehyun made his way through the door not 10 minutes later. "Jae, you're back!" He swarmed him in a hug, knocking the breath out of the older.

He chuckled at his younger brother, "yeah! I didn't know you were coming today?"

"Well, I called you, but you weren't answering, so I came by to check on you, only to find the house empty. I thought you and Donghyuck went out together or something, so I used the empty house to study and stuff. I thought you did the surprise by now..."

Jaehyun sighed, "it's not working out that way, Nana. Everytime I think it's good, something gets messed up, I keep having to go back and fix it, it's taking me hours to go back and forth. The place is quite far, you know."

Jaemin nodded, "Donghyuck's upstairs. He was drunk, I picked him up."

"Oh my gosh, is he okay?" Jaehyun seemed frantic.

Jaemin was quick to calm him, holding onto his arm as he stopped him from racing up the stairs. "Yeah, he was fine, I think he just went to bed, he was pretty exhausted."

Jaehyun sagged at that, "thanks, Jaem. Who knows what would've happened if you were here today."

Jaemin just smiled, before speaking up, "which reminds me... Why were you out of the house without your phone?"

Jaehyun's ears turned pink, "I got a really early call and immediately walked out of the house, but I realized I forgot the keys to my car, so I came back to grab them, forgetting the phone on the kitchen island. It was too late for me to return when I realized I didn't have my phone," he smiled sheepishly.

Jaemin understood him, and rubbed his arm affectionately, before clapping and turning around. "Well, I got to go then! Tell me how the plan goes, okay?"

"You could stay over, it's pretty late..." Jaehyun said unsurely.

"Nah, it's okay. Mom is probably worried about me. I haven't called her since I came," he rubbed his nape at that.

Jaehyun nodded, and Jaemin smiled, starting to move towards the door when Jaehyun speaks up. "I think I'm gonna do it tomorrow, the more I wait, the worse it gets. I'll just have to do it tomorrow, I guess."

Jaemin turned his face around to look at his brother, who looked a bit unsure at him. His hand was on the doorknob before he nodded affirmatively, and said, "I think that's best." Before walking out, and closing the door behind him. He stood outside the door for a few more seconds, letting out an exhale he didn't notice he was holding, before he went to press on the elevator.

Inside, Jaehyun was standing a bit oddly in the middle of the house. It could seem a little jarring as to why he was stood unmoving there for so long, but eventually he just nodded to himself, finally managing to convince himself it was the right thing, before he walked up the stairs and into the bedroom, he found Donghyuck asleep there on his side of the bed. He smiled and left a small kiss to his forehead as he then went to the bathroom to get himself ready for bed. He felt bad for leaving Donghyuck alone all week, but he was really trying to make this surprise perfect for him, but everytime he was so close, something got ruined, so now that everything was good, he wanted to waste no more time, and surprise him for real this time.

Coming out of the bathroom, he was surprised to hear Donghyuck whimper. He instantly got worried, standing by his side in a minute, but it all went to waste as he heard the younger moan out his name. Jaehyun smiled down at him, "poor baby's having a wet dream." He smoothed the hair away from his head, but halted in mortification as he heard Donghyuck moan Jaemin's name next. 

Jaehyun sat there for hours. Staring at a wall in the living room, the sound of Donghyuck moaning out his and Jaemin's names never leaving his mind. Why was Donghyuck dreaming about him and Jaemin? His mind couldn't stop the questions, and was about to confront Jaemin, but for some reason he couldn't move. It was like he was planted in his place, frozen still as time carried on. He wasn't sure how to even think about this, or how to begin to explain how he felt. It was a mixture of things he never knew he could feel. It was like a constant battle between his mind and his heart. Getting so caught up in his thoughts, he didn't realize when he fell asleep on the couch that night with dreams close to nightmares and images of Donghyuck and Jaemin together clouding his mind.

Donghyuck woke up the next morning, groggy and in pain. His mind was pounding and he had no recollection of anything he did last night. He wasn't even sure how he made it home. He saw a few pills and water placed on the side of his bed with a note. 

« Drink up, and go take a warm shower. - Jaehyun »

The note excited him, that means Jaehyun was here! Because how else would he have left him the pills? He frowned when he realized that Jaehyun's side of the bed was untouched, did he not sleep here last night? Regardless, that just fueled his thoughts about Jaehyun being home right now even more. He drank the pills and took a quick shower, excitedly skipping down the stairs, and thanked the heavens he was right.

Jaehyun was there, looking at a pile of papers when he came down. "Baby? You're finally home?"

Jaehyun turned to him, trying a small smile. "Yeah, come over."

Gleefully, he complied, sitting next to him and peppering his face with kisses. "I missed you," he sighed then placed a big kiss on his lips.

Jaehyun's brows raised in surprise, and his eyes were unreadable, but he showed a small smile at that. Donghyuck pushed away the thoughts, and wrapped Jaehyun's arm around himself, snuggling close to him, getting a whiff of his expensive smell. Jaehyun stayed like that, shifting through pages and pages of word gurgle to Donghyuck, as the other just sat comfortably in his arms. 

Eventually, Jaehyun was about to say something when his phone rang, checking the number and sighing, he looked at Donghyuck apologetically. "Sorry, I have to take this," the younger nodded, pouting as the warmth of Jaehyun fleed with him, but he sat and scrolled through channels on the TV. He thought about getting Jisoo to visit here soon, he was sure she'd have so much fun with this TV.

When Jaehyun came in with a deep frown, Donghyuck was scared that he was going to say he had to leave again, but he didn't say anything, and instead reclaimed his spot on the couch. He slung his arm around Donghyuck's shoulder, pulling him in as they watched TV aimlessly. "No meetings or secret conferences today?"

Jaehyun gave a tired smile, shaking his head. "No, none of that. They're all done and dealt with." 

Donghyuck's smile was wide at the sound of that, but Jaehyun felt heavy as he canceled the surprise, not feeling it anymore after finding out about Donghyuck's fantasies.

That's how it went on, Donghyuck happy that Jaehyun was staying at home more often, ignoring the weird tension Jaehyun was feeling, and Jaehyun trying to bring up the situation, never knowing how or when to. Everytime he gets close, Donghyuck or him get a phone call, but Jaemin hasn't come over or called him in three days and he was starting to get anxious.

He knew that when exam season approached, Jaemin usually secluded himself and rarely spoke to anyone, but Jaehyun was never part of that equation. He would often come over to Jaehyun's room, when he still lived with his dad, and study there in silence, or now come to his house and study in any of the rooms: the office, living room, guest room, kitchen, or even the dining room. This time though, no signs of Jaemin, and he was getting worried.

He even called his mom a while ago, but Jaemin was at the library, and Jaehyun knows he doesn't bring his phone to the library because it's a distraction, so he sighed and decided to call him later, but soon getting occupied with Donghyuck. Donghyuck wanted to learn how to bake with Jaehyun one day, and Jaehyun wanted to call Jaemin to try and get some tips from him, but Jaemin wouldn't pick up. Jaemin's mom was out of the town for two days, so she was no help either. This eased his mind a little, knowing that Jaemin worked best in quiet places, maybe because his mom wasn't home he was able to get more job done than where Jaehyun and Donghyuck were.

It was Friday again, a few days before the first week of finals when Jaehyun saw him. Jaemin looked like he hadn't slept in days, anxiously biting his nails, an awful habit he had developed when he was younger, although now he was better at controlling it. Jaehyun hadn't seen Jaemin this stressed out of a midterm season in a very long time, so it was natural to drag him out of the guest room where he was residing to study, and sit him down on the couch. He removed Jaemin's hand from near his mouth, holding them in his hands. Donghyuck was out at Mark's, leaving the house for the brothers to finally talk.

He looked at his brother with concern when he realized that Jaemin was not looking him in the eye. "Jaemin, what's wrong? I've never seen you like this before? Did something happen back home? Is mom okay?"

Jaemin shook his head, "Mom's fine, everything is okay. It's just..." He grew nervous again, "I almost did something bad, and I don't know if you can forgive me for it."

"Keyword is almost. That means you had enough restraint not to do it. What's going on, Nana? Don't worry, I won't be mad at you, okay?"

"Promise?" Jaemin's lips were wobbling. It reminder Jaehyun of the young Jaemin crying when he missed his mother. The first few weeks of the divorce were tough.

Jaehyun sighed, linking his pinky with Jaemin's, "promise."

Taking a deep breath, Jaehyun was starting to get worried at Jaemin's actions, but soon the blond finally faced him. "Donghyuck kissed me that night. It was only a peck, I swear. He was drunk and not thinking straight. I doubt he even remembers it, but he wanted to go for another one, and I— I almost let him. I almost let myself betray you like that, but I pushed myself away from him. Nothing happened after that, I just left the room. Please don't be mad at Donghyuck, he—"

"Jaemin, was that your first time kissing?" Jaehyun cut him off, his eyes narrow as he was in deep thought, as if he had connected the dots on some puzzle game.

"Wha—"

"Just answer the question." His voice was firm, eyes sharp as he scrutinized Jaemin with his gaze.

"N-no... but I didn't know you were engaged when it happened, I promise!" He pleaded,guilt pouring out of him like a fountain, but Jaehyun just sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose in distress. 

"Nana, I want you to tell me your relationship with Donghyuck from the beginning, please." His voice was much much softer and gentler now, so Jaemin took that as a sign that he doesn't completely hate him. He sighed as he spoke through all of the stages of him and Donghyuck's relationship. How they had a one night stand many weeks ago, how they craved each other a week after that, the kiss they shared at the party and how Donghyuck ran away. He also spoke about their interactions after he found out, how he pushed Donghyuck away and tried to avoid him as much as possible and keep up a front for his brother, then he told him about that night in detail.

He was out breath by the time he finished talking, discussing every moment he's ever encountered with the brunette, even speaking openly about his thoughts throughout. Jaehyun took in the information, all the signs finally clicking into place. There was no easy way to say this, but he just had to bite the bullet, "Donghyuck had a wet dream about us." Jaemin looked at him with wide eyes and his mouth agape at the words. They stayed there, sitting in silence as their brains tried to catch up. They would have to figure out how to deal with this somehow, but for right now, their silence spoke volumes.

After the talk with his brother, Jaehyun's mind kept racing with the idea. He didn't know why he was even considering it, but the idea of Donghyuck feeling satisfied with him and Jaemin both, made him curious with the idea. Him and Jaemin haven't talked about it since that day, but a week passed and Jaehyun was still thinking about it. It was the end of the first week of finals week, and Jaemin was coming back home with him, choosing to stay over this time, and Donghyuck informed him that he would be coming back him early tomorrow as Mark had a date with Johnny later on on Saturday. 

Jaemin could feel the fidgety energy radiate off Jaehyun on the way back home, but busied himself with his phone until they were safe in the confines of his penthouse. When they were, Jaemin didn't waste time in asking, "what's wrong with you? You've been giddy the whole way back?”

"Jaemin, I can't stop thinking about it." This came as a surprise to Jaemin, who just raised his brows and hands in defense. Jaehyun didn't let him talk as he rambled on, "what are we going to do?"

Jaemin casually walked towards Jaehyun, allowing him to sit down. "Jaehyun, I fear there is only one answer." Jaehyun looked horrified, Jaemin too but he was better at masking it. "We have to give him what he wants. That way, you'll also stop thinking about it. If we just do it once, it'll satisfy him, and your curiosity will be killed. We're beating two birds with one stone!" Jaemin winked.

"What about you? What will you gain out of this?"

Jaemin just smirked, "don't worry about me, Jae. Just relax and enjoy the ride."

Jaehyun, in fact, did not do that, and ended up panicking all night. Jaemin was exhausted but stayed with him through it all. Jaehyun even managed to puke a little bit, and Jaemin felt offended, "okay. I know the idea is gross, but come on, I'm not that repulsive," he nagged at him. Jaehyun didn't reply and instead hugged his pillow closer, the images flashing through his brain getting more and more intense.

Jaemin sighed, pulling the pillow away from Jaehyun's powerful grip. "Look, Jae. It's not that serious. If you want, we don't even have to do it, okay? That's fine too, but it's really not that scary. We've seen each other naked before, why are you so worried? We're doing this for Donghyuck, we don't have to interact much, okay?" Somehow that managed to make Jaehyun's breathing even out as he thought about this rationally.

"You're right! Why am I so worri—" He ran to the bathroom to puke again. Jaemin rolled his eyes, but knew that Jaehyun was going to be alright.

Donghyuck made his way back home, but had no idea what was waiting for him behind that door. He picked at the lock, before the door opened without him having shoved the key in. Jaehyun stood there shirtless, looking down at Donghyuck with a wide smile. "Hi, beautiful," he leaned down to press a kiss to Donghyuck's cheek.

Donghyuck raised his brows, his hands already swiping against Jaehyun's body. "What a lovely surprise!" Donghyuck craned his neck up, leaning in for a proper kiss. It quickly shifted into a hungrier kiss, Donghyuck scratching at Jaehyun's back, and Jaehyun tugging at Donghyuck's shirt wanting to pull it off. Donghyuck pulled away, gasping for air, looking at him with hazy eyes, "let's move this inside, hm?"

Jaehyun was quick to agree, shutting the door behind him with his leg as he consumed Donghyuck's lips in his again, only parting to sling the shorter's shirt off, tossing it somewhere inside the room. Donghyuck pulled him closer, tugging at his hips to collide with his as he backed up onto the kitchen counter. Mounting himself up and wrapping his legs around Jaehyun, he moaned on his lips, diving back in for more, but Jaehyun disconnected their lips, eyes dazed as he asked, "bedroom?"

Donghyuck nodded immediately, so Jaehyun picked him up, making the brunette cling to him more, as they reconnected their lips into another sloppy and messy kiss. When they made their way to the bed, Jaehyun threw Donghyuck on the bed, immediately ridding himself off his pants and boxers, making the younger drool at the sight of his dripping cock. The younger was on his knees in an instant, looking up at him with innocent eyes as teased the tip of his dick, sucking and licking at the head. 

Jaehyun's eyes rolled back at the wet sensation, Donghyuck made quick moves, as he took in almost half of his dick in his mouth, his hands fisting the rest of it, as he made his cock a slip and slide. He started bobbing his head up and down on it, taking in more and more inches the more he continued. He heard Jaehyun groan, praises slipping out of his red lips, as he tugged on his hair, angling his head further, allowing the younger to lick the bottom of his shaft. Donghyuck's eyes filled up with tears as breathing from his nose starting being difficult, and he was choking on Jaehyun's dick. He separated from the red cock, and teased the older's balls, fitting them in his mouth as he let his hands move quickly against his dick. The slick and spit making it very easy for him to move, and Jaehyun's sensitive top was swallowed again as Donghyuck started mercilessly milking him dry. 

Jaehyun gasped as he felt his release approaching, quickly pulling Donghyuck's mouth away, the brunette's eyes looked up at him wide eyed and confused, but Jaehyun just caressed his cheek, his cock doing the same to the other side as it poked Donghyuck's cheek. Some cum dripped off the side of his face, but Donghyuck smile was worth every second of it. Jaehyun pulled him up, tasting himself on Donghyuck's lips, as he quickly undressed him too, hands roaming around his entire body. He then made Donghyuck straddle his lap, their crotches touching, making Donghyuck arch his back, chests pressed up against each other. The younger started bouncing on him, trying to feel some sort of friction, but halted when another pair of hands touched his back.

He turned around and gasped as he saw Jaemin smirking down at him, "missed me, doll?"

Donghyuck must be dreaming because why is Jaemin stood behind him, naked, and smiling at him while he's on top of Jaehyun. "Jaem— Jaemin?" He seemed so confused and Jaemin's smirk widened at that. "What's going on?"

"Isn't this what you wanted, Hyuckie?" Jaehyun turned his face to look at him again, his thumb striking his cheek again.

Donghyuck didn't know what to do or how to respond, not knowing if this was a trick question, but an intrusion of a finger prodding his hole, made him moan out an answer, "yes." His eyes were shut as he felt the pressure added on the rim of muscles in his derrière.

Jaemin and Jaehyun made eye contact, Jaemin smirking still and Jaehyun with a timid smile. The blond then leaned in, his mouth ghosting over Donghyuck earlobe, "well, buckle up, princess, we're about to make your dreams come true." Donghyuck couldn't help the whine that escaped him at the husky voice of Jaemin's so close to his ear, and his arms spasmed when he felt a finger enter him, slowly sinking in until he was knuckles in. 

He felt Jaemin curl his finger before he let it slip out, slamming back in a second later. His hips stuttered, and Jaehyun took control again, fisting the younger's cock in his hand, moving and rubbing at the tip with his thumb. Donghyuck was so lost in the pleasure he felt with the two men toying with him. He felt Jaemin's hand softly lay on his waist, while Jaehyun had one on his hip the other stroking his dick without sign of stopping. Jaehyun pulled him out of his thoughts as he pulled him in to kiss him, growling on his lips that he was his. 

Donghyuck had always noticed the difference between the brothers both in bed and out. Jaemin seemed so calm and chill, but in reality he was a beast in bed, while Jaehyun was always soft and kind both in and out of bed. He was always so honest, so true, but the only thing that shocked him was how territorial he gets in bed. Murmurs of 'you're mine' whispered on his skin like a mantra. Jaehyun, although he didn't seem like it, was the jealous type, while Jaemin was very nonchalant and confident, almost like he didn't need reassuring, he was so sure of himself, it was maddening. The two worlds colliding like this on his skin, it felt hard to breathe, syncing up his skin to their movements felt like fireworks lit up in the sky.

Donghyuck had tears in his eyes as Jaemin had now fit two fingers into his tight hole, and Jaehyun had not stopped teasing his cock. Every so often, he felt Jaehyun's dick move against his own, making a mangled scream escape him. When Jaemin was three fingers in, Donghyuck was on cloud nine. Jaehyun was busy leaving marks on his skin, biting and sucking on various places on his exposed skin, while Jaemin had slicked his own dick with lube, aligning it on Donghyuck's hole. 

He arched his back at the feeling of Jaemin's tip stretching him out even further. He may not have been as long as Jaehyun but he was definitely thicker than him, and his ass burned at the stretch, but his heavy breathing against Jaehyun's chest and constant kisses and praises made it all worthwhile. He heard Jaemin hiss as he squeezed his cock into Donghyuck's hole, always enjoying the warmth and tightness he provided. He felt a sickening slap struck against his buttcheeks, making him hold back a howl of pleasure. Jaemin did it again, knowing that Donghyuck enjoyed it, and Donghyuck fell limp into Jaehyun's arms, as the older held him up, Jaemin finally managed to bottom out.

He stayed put to make Donghyuck used to the length before he started moving. His first couple thrusts were slow and steady, holding up a smooth pace, but soon they grew more animalistic and aggressive, but Donghyuck loved it. He always liked it rough and dirty, and that's exactly what Jaemin gave him. Jaehyun was still playing with cock, but he was more watching Donghyuck and Jaemin, surveying his expression, in case he ever felt uncomfortable or hurt. Jaehyun never knew Jaemin to be rough in bed, he always seemed calm and collected, so seeing this side of him made him grow more concerned for Donghyuck, but it seemed the receiving male was taking it well, he was enjoying it actually.

His moans and cutoff breaths grew more frequent the closer he got, and Jaemin's thrusts were now harsher and faster. Jaehyun buried his head in Donghyuck's neck, leaving kisses and praises in his ear as Donghyuck was losing himself to the rhythm. Jaehyun and Jaemin had already discussed what they were going to do and what boundaries not to cross, but Jaehyun didn't follow as he felt Jaemin's thrusts through Donghyuck. He felt a bulge on the bottom's stomach, holding it and feeling the way his brother entered in and out of his fiancé. He also felt the intensity as Donghyuck was rocking on his lap, he held him in place, scared it would be too much for him if he plays with them too. Jaemin was constantly stricking his prostrate, angling his hips in a way to hit it easier, making Donghyuck's limbs feel like jello.

Jaehyun cums first at the mere sound of skin on skin and rocking back and forth and the intermingling of their cocks in the middle. Donghyuck follows soon after, feeling himself tire out from such an intense orgasm. He knew that Jaehyun didn't interfere much as Jaemin took control of the situation, but he wanted to feel Jaehyun inside him as well. Kissing him as Jaemin rode off his high, Jaemin pulled out letting his seed fall on the sheets. They were all breathing heavily as they stayed in their positions for a second.

Jaemin moved first, leaving the couple to catch their breaths while keeping each other close. Jaehyun was the first to snap back into action, laying Donghyuck down in position on all fours. The brunette quickly understood, and he raised his butt for Jaehyun. The oldest leaned down and licked inside of him cleaning him up, and ignoring the fact that he's licking his brother's cum off Donghyuck's cheeks. 

Donghyuck shivered as he felt Jaehyun's tongue slip in and out of his dripping hole. He didn't have time to capture his breath as he felt a palm grab his face, making him angle his head up, causing him to arch his back further. Jaemin was looking at him with lust filled eyes as he went down to kiss him, Donghyuck responded immediately. Sucking on his tongue as they tasted the sweetness of each other. Jaemin left a peck on his lips, before it was replaced with his dick, Jaemin smiled down at him innocently. "I think it's my turn, yeah Duckie?"

Donghyuck moaned on Jaemin's dick as he didn't leave him much of a choice as he shoved it down his throat. Jaemin manhandled him, tugging at his hair, making him incline his head and take him whole. Donghyuck was choking on it, and Jaehyun was quickly alarmed, but Jaemin quickly calmed him down, assuring him that he was fine and Donghyuck could handle it. Which reigned true as Jaemin slowly fit more of himself in until his balls smacked Donghyuck's face. When he started bobbing up and down, that's when Jaehyun repositioned himself to align his slicked up dick into Donghyuck.

In one swift movement, Jaehyun bottomed out. He was still stretched out from Jaemin, his muscles tensing around his cock, yet still very tight. Jaehyun moaned at the feeling, and quickly started finding his pace, messing up Donghyuck's as he no longer could focus on Jaemin's cock in his mouth. Everytime Jaehyun shoved into him, Jaemin's dick sunk in deeper. His throat was dry at this point as Jaemin straight up started mouth fucking him, thrusting into him like he did his hole earlier. Donghyuck felt like a ragdoll, being fucked on both sides as he played with his neglected cock. He felt Jaehyun's hand shove away his hand, "you're not allowed to touch yourself."

Donghyuck's eye rolled to the back of his head with pleasure. Jaehyun managed to hit his prostrate at that point, making his toes curl. Jaehyun continued to hit it with every thrust going deeper and slower focusing on Donghyuck's pleasure more than his own. His hands gripped on his hips with a force he was sure there would be permanent handprints left behind. Jaehyun bent down, adding pressure to Donghyuck, making his back curve even more. Jaemin's pace was merciless, as he jumped in and out of his mouth, he only slowed down when Jaehyun's pace sped up, allowing Donghyuck to suck and tease on his cock as he let his head fall back in pleasure. Donghyuck's hands reached out to grip each side of Jaemin's hips, holding him in place as his legs began to fail him.

He was hardly doing a great job with Jaemin, but it was enough for the blond as he cummed all over his face and mouth, letting the older taste him. He used his finger to remove the cum left on his cheek, and entered his fingers inside Donghyuck's mouth. His lips quickly accepted the digits as they sucked out all the cum on them. His eyes shut as he moaned around his fingers. Jaemin left them there, watching how Donghyuck's contorted against his fingers. Jaemin glanced at his brother watching how he held him up by the waist, then glanced at the hands holding themselves up on his hips. It was evidently clear then what he had done. Jaemin wasn't thinking straight when he had told Jaehyun about this, he was only thinking about Donghyuck, Donghyuck, Donghyuck.

His eyes fell back to the boy in the palm of his hand, leaning down and kissing him, Donghyuck feverishly kissing him back. Donghyuck whined on his tongue, wanting to savor every taste he was lucky enough to get today. He felt Donghyuck moan in his mouth as he orgasmed on the bed untouched. Jaehyun came soon after, having chased his orgasm and riding off his high as he cums in the condom he slipped on earlier. 

Donghyuck was shaking from oversensitivity, and Jaehyun looked at Jaemin mumbling, "I don't think a round 3 would be great right now."

Jaemin nodded, "yeah." His throat was tight, "yeah, you're right." 

He quickly detached himself and walked away, locking himself in the bathroom. He let out a gut-wrenching sob and tried to cover his mouth so they don't hear him. He was close to having a panic attack because of this. This was supposed to be one of the best nights of his life, but he feels like he's lost a significant part of himself tonight that he'll never get back. He banged his head on the wall behind him, slowly sinking down to the floor and holding his body close. He could hear them outside, how gentle Jaehyun sounded as he took care of Donghyuck. Had he really done this all for his own pleasure and happiness? He knew what he had to do, but first, he had to leave this situation without ruining Donghyuck's dream.

Slipping on a mask, he carried himself with a confidence he didn't even feel right now, and put on a smile as he faced Jaehyun and Donghyuck. The brunette had a sleepy smile on his face as he asked Jaemin to come over. Jaehyun sat on side of Donghyuck and Jaemin on the other side. The boy in the middle sighed contently as he held both boys' hands, "thank you for today."

"Anything for you, Hyuckie. We just want you to be happy," Jaehyun said, doubling down to give Donghyuck a small peck.

Donghyuck turned to Jaemin with a smile, before he puckered his lips to him. Jaemin amusedly looks up at Jaehyun, the older just shrugging, so he leaned down to kiss him, letting his thumb stroke near his lips after the kiss. He stared at him again, with such depth that Donghyuck never imagined, before he masked it up again with a smile, leaving a small kiss on the tip of his nose, making the boy giggle lightly.

Gulping down, Jaemin got up again from the bed to collect his stuff, Donghyuck sat up. "Where are you going?"

Jaemin looked up at him, feigning confusion, "home?" He was done wearing his pants and shoes, only leaving his white t-shirt left to wear.

"Why don't you stay here tonight?" Donghyuck pouted.

Jaehyun cut in because he saw Jaemin unable to answer him, "baby. Just because we had fun this one night doesn't mean this is going to be a usual thing, okay? You're mine, remember?" That snapped Donghyuck out of it, and tears formed in his eyes as a gasp left his swollen lips.

"Oh my God, Jae, I'm so sorry. I- I didn't mea—" Jaehyun brought his head closer to his chest as he shushed him, smoothing his hair as he lulls him to silence, looking at Jaemin apologetically as he is stood frozen, shirt in his hands still.

"No, baby. Don't worry, did you have fun?" Donghyuck nodded, sniffling, "then that's all that matters." Donghyuck nodded, hugging Jaehyun close, that being all that Jaemin was willing to see.

"I'll uh, see you guys later. Bye hyung," he turned to the pretty boy in his brother's arms, "bye Hyuck." With that he left the room, then soon the house. He stayed still at the door, contemplating going back, but he had no reason to. What's done is done, his job is done with, so with that in mind, he walked out of the building.

It was the end of the semester when Jaemin finally saw Jaehyun and Donghyuck again. Some say he was trying to avoid them, but Jaemin would just say he was busy studying for finals at the library. They wanted to celebrate the end of the semester and start off their summer right. They were having a friends dinner, and everyone was coming. Donghyuck finally told Jisung and Chenle about Jaehyun, the young couple being so happy for him. Luckily they don't pry too much about his life, so he could go into as much detail as he wanted. Mark regretted asking Donghyuck to be honest because now the younger was too honest, he did not spare him a single moment of the threesome that he and the brothers had, and the Canadian could not be more traumatized.

When they said everyone was coming, they meant everyone, that included Jaemin's friends, Jaehyun's friends and Donghyuck's friends. Jaehyun decided to rent out Yuta’s bar to have the night out, no one understood why, but they didn't mind as they grew close with the owner, eventually asking him to join them at their table. Yuta sat down next to Taeyong who was seated with his boyfriend Doyoung, Johnny and Mark sat across from them, Jeno and Renjun sat next to Jaemin who was seated across from Jaehyun and Donghyuck. Chenle and Jisung were seated on the end of the table, but still Chenle was loud enough to be heard throughout the whole table. 

Donghyuck noticed Jaemin being more silent than usual, even Jeno was interacting more with the others than he was. Donghyuck knew that Jaemin was a pretty private and reserved person, but he usually tends to be able to hold a conversation, or in this case, hold eye contact. Growing more concerned, Donghyuck followed when Jaemin excused himself to the bathroom. He pushed the doors open, finding Jaemin staring at his complexion in the mirror closely.

"Jaemin?" Said boy turned around, only to sigh when he met eyes with him.

"Why'd you follow me?" Jaemin asked defeated.

"You aren't acting like your usual self..."

"What do you know about my usual self," he scoffed.

Donghyuck nodded and approached him slowly, "well for starters, that's not how he would've responded. His reply would go something along the lines of, 'oh yeah? and how would my usual self act like?' with some sort of snarky smirk to follow it." He mocked his tone as he slowly walked closer until he was mere inches away. When Jaemin didn't reply, Donghyuck frowned, "Jaemin! What's wrong? You're not—"

When Donghyuck reached out to touch him, Jaemin flinched back, stopping Donghyuck in his tracks. He slowly nodded, "kay. Got it, it's about that night, isn't it?" Jaemin's eyes didn't meet his, so he continued. "You regret it, don't you?"

Jaemin's eyes were desperate as he whipped his face back to Donghyuck, "no!" Shaking his head, he repeated, "no. I don't regret it, if anything I regret not doing it sooner." 

Donghyuck's eyes filled with shock and mild confusion, "so why—"

"Because we can't. I can't grow more attached to you. You aren't mine, and you'll never be, and no amount of threesomes will ever change that. You're going to get married to Jaehyun, and you're already falling for him, and he is too. So I'm doing this for you and for me," he sighed, turning away from him as he drew in a breath before talking. "I'm going to London next year. Student exchange program, the university accepted my request. I'm leaving early as well, but I just needed you to know this. You're the first person I told, even my mom doesn't know. I hope you and Jae find true happiness together, but I can't be part of the picture."

Donghyuck didn't even realize when he started crying, tears dripping from his eyes as Jaemin turned to glance at him again. Solemnly, he gently wiped the tears that managed to escape from his saddened eyes. "Don't worry, Duckie," the nickname that he usually hates because it's used to taunt him, made his tears fall even faster. "I'm always coming back, and you'll always see me. I mean, we are family after all, but it can never be like it once was." He sent him a weak smile before he walked out of the bathroom, leaving Donghyuck to weep on his own.

A few minutes passed with Donghyuck crying in front of the mirror, he knew if he stayed here Jaehyun would come to look for him, so he just dried his tears and washed his face, ready to face the others again. It was clear that he was crying, but if anyone noticed, no one said a word. Jaemin didn't even glance at him anymore. The news of his exchange program soon was brought up, and Jaemin finally spoke, but Donghyuck made sure not to look at him even though he felt the blond's eyes on him.

The rest of the night they spent ignoring each other, until Jaemin pulled him to the side, begging him to not act this cold with him. Donghyuck scoffed at him, but Jaemin just gripped his arm, forcing him to look at him. Donghyuck thought it was hypocritical of him to ask this, but one look into his eyes and for once he thinks he can decode what every spark and speckle mean. For once, he felt like he could read Jaemin like a book, he felt like Jaemin just opened himself up to him. It felt invasive, it felt cruel, it felt raw. Instead of pulling away, he crashed his body into Jaemin's, hugging the ever living shit out of him, his tears soaking up his blouse. Maybe Jaemin felt more for him than he ever lead on, and maybe Donghyuck also felt the same but never understood why or how, but right now, right here being in his arms felt safest.

Jaemin's hand circled around his body, and for once the two were left in their own little bubble. Well— until Jaehyun came to pick up Donghyuck, it was time for them to head home. Jaehyun stared at his brother, giving a pat on the shoulder, "I'm gonna miss you. Make sure to call me often, okay?"

With tears in his eyes, Jaemin nodded, smiling wetly, "of course." Jaehyun just hugged him close, allowing him to sob on his chest, letting out all the suppressed feelings he's had all week. Jaehyun knew, but he also didn't, he just had an inkling, and seeing Jaemin like this broke his heart because that means his assumption was true, and he was feeling guilty, but Jaehyun didn't want him to feel that way. It was planned and he didn't force anyone into anything, they were all consenting adults. Still, Jaemin cried into Jaehyun's chest until his heart's content.

When they separated, Donghyuck looked at Jaemin's red eyes with his own sad ones, and saw how Jaemin tried to painfully showcase a smile, failing due to the tears still glittering in his eyes. Jeno ended up taking him away, and Donghyuck felt half the weight of what Jaemin was feeling when he saw the brothers interact one last time. He wasn't sure when Jaemin was traveling or when he'll see him again, but he does know that he was close to ruining their brotherhood over something trivial as feelings. Watching Jaemin go, and having Jaehyun hold him, he too began to also weep on his chest, Jaehyun just held him, keeping him steady before they could head home. It would take Donghyuck a while to recover, but with Jaehyun on his side, he believed it was possible.