Chapter Text
Jeno began his new work week with excitement and anxiousness. His friends promised to pull every string possible to help him, and it didn’t take long before he started getting calls and confirmations. Mr. Lee was ecstatic to participate in the endeavor, Hyuck doing a wonderful job sharing the struggles of the home and how amazing it would be to aid the residents. The interns didn’t need much convincing, as Hyuck predicted, dividing themselves into shifts to cover everyone for a couple of weeks and continue the project in the near future. Renjun also confirmed his dad was more than happy to host an event at the home, completely free of charge. However, Jeno didn’t want Jaemin to feel overlooked, and requested a brief meeting with him to get his approval.
“Is this a good time? Are you busy?” Jeno waited to be let in, despite the door being wide open.
“Is this about what we talked? If you couldn’t do it, it’s ok, it’s not the first time I’ve let myself wish something great would just fall from the skies. Don’t sweat it, I’ll find another way” Jaemin frowned, bracing himself for disappointment.
Jeno wondered how many others before him had tried and failed, perhaps only to get something in return from Jaemin. Empty promises leading to frustration. The fact that Jaemin was young and gorgeous could deter a lot of people from getting to the real goal, just expecting to get into his pants. Jeno swore to himself to never lie to him and try to be as realistic as he could with his ideas.
“Far from it. Have a little faith in me, ok? I thought we already established I’m not who you think I was, and I thought we agreed to do it as a team” Jeno countered, taking a seat. Jaemin’s interest was piqued.
“What do you have?”
“A couple of best friends with great intentions, for starters” Jeno declared, smiling.
“Friends with money, I assume”
“Don’t be such a snob, they took me in when I was a country boy with nothing more than sport skills and puppy eyes…their words, not mine” Jeno continued. “My friends want to help, and their parents have careers that are going to be extremely useful to us. So, if you agree, we’ll have some interns from the hospital dropping by during the next weeks to examine the residents, supervised, of course. Mr. Lee is the head of general surgery and he’s more than willing to lead them. And Mr. Huang owns an event planning company, and he has some ideas on how we can make this place more visible. He thinks hosting an open house could do wonders for the home, kind of like an event, but with people dropping by to visit, sing up to volunteer, and we can even sell some of the art they do at the shops” Jeno finished triumphally, yet reluctant of Jaemin’s response. “So, what do you think? Are you ok with those ideas?”
Jaemin’s mouth hanged open for a few seconds, until he reacted.
“How the hell did you manage to do that?”
“As I said, I have great friends. And they know how important it is to me what we do here. They want to be a part of it”
“But I thought…” Jaemin stopped.
“You thought they wouldn’t care? They do. And after hearing me blabber about this place for hours, they were convinced I was invested. Let them help, please. We could do so many good things together…”
“I know” Jaemin finally spoke. “It’s just…”
“You’re not used to get any assistance, from anyone? Already figured that”
“How?”
“Mr. Kim”
“That gossipy old fart” Jaemin huffed.
“I’m sorry if I’m guessing wrong, but I assume you’ve had your share of pipe dreams… but I’m not like that, I would never promise you anything I’m not 100% sure I can deliver. And I’ve already received the confirmations, we can make it happen in three weeks. And it won’t be a one time thing, we can make it a monthly gathering, or at least that’s what I’m hoping. Even when I’m gone, I want to remain involved”
Jaemin didn’t know what to think. It was an extremely generous offer, and Jeno had outdone himself even when their initial encounters were less than pleasant. Jeno seemed to be there for the long run, despite the duration of his internship. Something about the whole ordeal moved him. Something about Jeno drew him in.
“Ok…” was the only word coming out of Jaemin’s mouth.
“Ok…I can do it?” Jeno queried.
“You can. And your friends are welcomed to join as well. But…” he paused. Jeno felt his breath hitch. “You’ll oversee everything. I’ll take on the cleaning duties, forget about it. This is more important”
“What? And deprive myself of the interactions with the residents? Not a chance. I’ll manage both”
“Are you sure?” Jaemin countered with a slight grin.
“Just wait and see”
*~*~*~*~*
Jeno was never afraid of hard work, and since he’d gotten better at fulfilling his duties at the home, he accomplished to balance his dailies and planning the open house event. Jaemin, of course, was not having it, and the residents had a good time watching them bicker over who got to clean the common areas or scrub the toilets. Mr. Kim often laughed at their interactions, naming them the dysfunctional dynamic duo. At the same time, when word got out in terms of the plans they were wishing to make true, the same residents began to help. In the end, they were a family, and for some, Jaemin and Jeno were the sons and grandsons they never had. The only people that cared for them.
Three weeks went by faster than expected. Nonetheless, everything was happening according to plan. Renjun and Hyuck dropped by the home occasionally to get acquainted with the system and schedules, taking notes, and making observations. Jaemin was having a hard time letting people in, letting them assist when he thought at first no one would care. Reluctantly, he allowed it, but still let Jeno guide them, which prevented a more meaningful encounter for the group besides a few glances and distanced greetings. In the back of his mind, there was yet the possibility of failure, and he didn’t want to get his hopes up for nothing.
Despite all the hard work and organization, Jeno shared the same concern, although unsaid. What if no one showed up? What if his friends couldn’t deliver, regardless of their good intentions?. He held his breath until the very minute the event was about to start. However, 30 minutes prior to his internal deadline, his friends knocked on the door, followed by a small group of people.
“Oh my god…thank god you’re here” he sighed, relieved.
“Where else would we be uh?” Renjun mocked.
“I don’t…” Jeno was lost for words.
“Jen, we would never leave you alone in this. Even if the whole thing was a failure, you still have us. But as you can see, that’s not going to happen, and we expect a lot more people dropping by during the day! I also set up a crowdfunding and live streaming for anyone that wants to pitch in, but can’t make it, and I’ll be linking everything with the home’s social media, which I also took the liberty of developing” Hyuck smiled, soothingly. “We got this”
Jeno’s grin returned to his face slowly. Nevertheless, his happiness was put on pause due to the amount of work that needed to be done.
“Guys, this is beyond my wildest dreams…but we have to get moving, or…”
“Or the sergeant might come and kick us out?”
“He would not…but yeah, better not risk it” Jeno acknowledged, making his friends laugh. “Let’s begin, ok?”
*~*~*~*~*
Minutes slowly passed and Jeno watched in awe how the house filled with people wanting to know more about the home and the work they did there. A steady stream of men, women and children arrived with no other intention but to lend a hand and make a difference. Jeno took his role seriously and began to distribute groups and assign tasks – with Jaemin’s approval, of course -. His boss could not be more ecstatic. Once he deemed everyone had a suitable chore, he went over to his friends, and brought the pair to officially meet Jaemin.
“Jaemin, these are my friends, Hyuck and Renjun. Guys, this is Jaemin, my boss, you’ve seen him around before”
“Hi” Jaemin nodded politely, but the others weren’t having it – not Hyuck at least – dragging him into a half-hug and patting his back.
“Any friend of Jen’s is a friend of mine, great to meet you, formally”
“We brought some more hands to lend out, hope you don’t mind” Renjun spoke, gesturing at a newly arrived bunch.
“Who are they?” Jeno queried. Renjun was about to respond when Hyuck intervened.
“Our boss and some coworkers”
“The boss?” Jeno whispered into his friend’s ear.
“Yeah, him…I was totally blindsided! I’m not even wearing a cute outfit, I came to work!”
“You literally saw me telling Taeil we were going to come here, he volunteered!” the shortest of the bunch tried to defend himself, earning a dirty look from the other.
Jaemin was watching the exchange with a puzzled glance. Jeno turned to him to briefly explain.
“Long story short? Hyuck has a thing for his boss, and Jun offered to play wingman…I guess this is his way of helping”
“In the worst way possible” he muttered. “It’s like he doesn’t even know I exist or that I’m here, I think he might be into Renjun” Hyuck sighed. “But that’s not the point today. Jaemin, Jeno told us a lot about this place, and I took some notes during my visits. I’ve shared everything with my dad and the other doctors. I asked them to check all the residents and do follow-ups if needed. And I’m dying to meet Mr. Kim, Jeno can’t shut up about him, I’m intrigued!”
Jaemin relaxed at the statement. Jeno had gone above and beyond, and his friends appeared to be just as invested as he was. They seemed like great people, willing to go the extra mile as well. He was about to reply when the man they were talking about approached the group.
“Jun, this is excellent, a lot of people came! Even doctors, wow, I’m impressed” the older praised. Hyuck remained quiet by his side.
“Thanks Taeil, but I’m not the one who made it happen. Hyuck did”
Taeil smiled at Hyuck, making him blush.
“It was nothing”
“Oh really?” he queried. “Hyuckie, this is amazing…you are a good person”
Jeno noticed his friend was about to combust at any second and decided to intervene.
“Taeil right? I’m Jeno, I’m doing my internship here, and this is Jaemin, he’s the one leading the event today, he’s the manager”
Both men shook hands.
“Just tell us what to do Jaemin, we’re here to aid in any capacity”
Jaemin didn’t know the rest of the group but saw an opportunity to pay back their kindness.
“Hyuck already knows a little bit about the home and how we work. How about you two pair up and talk to the residents? Most of them don’t get visitors often, they’ll be delighted if you sit with them for a while. And the rest of your group can join me and Jeno with other tasks. Renjun, are you ok with taking charge of the sells?”
“Sure!” Renjun acknowledged the situation and played along. “We have some activities prepared with my dad, if that’s ok?”
“I guess you’ll be the teacher today Hyuckie. Lead the way” Taeil squeezed his shoulder softly.
Jeno watched his friends walk away, remaining by Jaemin’s side, discussing the duties, and tying loose ends. He was so immersed in the conversation, he didn’t notice a couple calling his name.
“Jeno, honey!”
Jeno turned to the familiar voice, to watch his parents stride towards him.
“Mom? Dad? What are you doing here? How…?”
Jeno never felt ashamed of his upbringing, but his parents lived outside the city and seldomly made the trip to visit him, being Jeno the one going there every other weekend. They lived a simple life and his son relished the moments they shared together. Jeno introduced his friends to his parents a couple of years ago, when he realized the pair would never judge him for coming from a humble origin.
“Sweetie, this is a big day for you, so we came to participate” his mother hugged him, making him forget anything else. “Oh, and your dad brought some supplies! We don’t know if you really need them, but it was the least we could do, it’s not a lot though” the woman gestured at the man standing by her side, carrying a box filled with fruits and vegetables.
Jeno smiled, still unaware of how his parents had come to know about the activity. He’d shared his experiences at the nursing home, but did not invite them to avoid burdening them, or make them feel obligated to attend.
“Sorry if we came uninvited, son” his dad added.
“Dad, I’m so happy you guys are here, but tickets are expensive, and I didn’t want you to spend money, I was going to visit next week”
“Oh we didn’t spend a cent, Hyuckie sent a car, a fancy one! We’re being pampered” his mom giggled.
Jeno would never be able to repay his friend’s thoughtfulness. He secretly wished to have them there but decided against it. He could not afford to pay for the trip in such short notice.
“Hi, Mr. and Mrs. Lee, I assume? I’m Jaemin” the younger introduced himself, overhearing the conversation. “You didn’t have to bring anything, but trust me, I’m more than happy to accept your gifts. Wow, these look amazing” Jaemin quickly took the box from Mr. Lee’s hands, and gestured to one of the regular volunteers to take it to the kitchen. Jeno suddenly realized he’d forgotten Jaemin for a second.
“Hello Jaemin, you are the manager here, right? But you are so young and handsome, what are you doing surrounded by old people like us, you should be having fun! Jeno honey, you should ask Jaemin out to dinner sometime, or bring him to the farm! Honey, if he doesn’t invite you, we will, just call me and I’ll set up a room for you” his mom grabbed Jaemin and hugged him, patting his cheeks softly afterwards.
Jeno’s face felt on fire. He knew his mom meant well, but he’d never – ever - hinted to her about being interested in the other man. Mother’s sixth sense, he thought.
“Mom…” he tried, but Jaemin interrupted.
“Actually Mrs. Lee, I should be the one inviting your son to dinner, he’s done so much for the home already, and he’s incredibly kind and hard working. I guess he learned that from you”
“He got that from me” Jeno’s dad joked, stroking his son’s back. “He’s the most determined person you’ll meet, we couldn’t be prouder” he finished, with glassy eyes.
“Dad, come on!” Jeno whined, but knew it was futile to make his parents stop. They were beyond excited when he got into college, and ridiculously thrilled now he was so close to graduating.
“Jen, let them, it’s incredible, I feel like I’m just confirming the way I see you now” Jaemin whispered near Jeno’s ear, making him shiver at the compliment and the nickname.
“Fine” Jeno pouted, embarrassed. “But if they start to tell stories about my childhood, don’t believe anything”
“Oh darling, I brought pictures!” his mom provided, gesturing at his purse. “I’m going to share them with everyone”
“Mom!”
“I’m kidding sweetie! Jaemin, what can we do to help? Tell us”
Jeno watched in awe as Jaemin took his parents by the arms and began walking and talking with them like he knew them forever. In seconds, they were wrapped in Jaemin’s spell, just as Jeno was the minute the other let him in.
“Dude, you’re drooling” he heard Hyuck’s teasing tone. “Close your mouth or you may eat a fly”
“Shut up!” Jeno punched his friend’s side, making him flinch.
“Hey! What was that for?”
“For being an jerk…and for not telling me you invited my parents…” Jeno paused. “But thank you. I really wanted them here, you’re awesome”
“I know I am” Hyuck puffed his chest, grinning.
“Why are you here? Aren’t you supposed to be making your boss fall in love with you?”
“Nah, I’m not into lost causes…he’s with Renjun” the man pointed at the couple, chatting lively a few meters away.
“Jun would never do that to you Hyuckie, you know that”
“I do, but if Taeil likes him, I won’t stand in the way. Jun’s amazing, I’d support him if that’s what he wants as well”
“Hyuckie…” Jeno tried, aware that his friend was selfless to the extent of giving up what he desired the most, just to see everyone around him happy.
“It’s ok, I’m ok, don’t worry. Let’s do something fun, introduce me to Mr. Kim!”
“Let’s go find him”
*~*~*~*~*
The home was lively, and a hefty group of people was gathered by the time the activities initiated. Renjun was leading some games, along with an improvised auction of the items the residents crafted in their shops. Hyuck was helping his father guide the doctors, taking Mr. Kim with him every step of the way, the pair clicking instantly. Jaemin was still with Jeno’s parents, nonetheless, he left them as soon as they joined the group of residents and volunteers in the kitchen, preparing snacks and food to hand out and sell to go.
As time went by, Jeno stood aside to observe and reflect. He was proud. Proud of his friends, of the residents, of everything they’d conquered in such a short amount of time. Jaemin quietly joined him, standing by his side.
“Penny for your thoughts?”
Jeno sighed, tired, but relieved.
“This is good…we did good, right?” he wondered.
“You did amazing, Jeno…I’m beyond impressed”
“Why? You didn’t think we could pull it off?” Jeno queried, slightly offended.
“On the contrary” Jaemin quickly dissipated his doubts. “I’m so grateful, you have no idea…I could’ve never done this by myself”
“I’m sure you would’ve found a way”
“Don’t sell yourself short, this is all you…. I’m just along for the ride” Jaemin replied.
Jeno instinctively reached for Jaemin’s hand, holding it tight.
“This is us, Jaem…you…you have no idea how much you’ve changed me. You inspire me to do better, to be better” Jeno swallowed, fearing his feelings would spill at any moment. He decided to risk it. “I don’t want this to be over…I don’t want us to be over…I…”
Jaemin knew exactly what Jeno meant. Despite his resistance, Jeno had carved a place inside his brain, and his heart. He went from being a grumpy young man – Mr. Kim’s words, not his – to a happy individual in the weeks Jeno had worked at the home. Yes, he’d tried to push him away, to push his feelings to the corner of his brain, but the more time he spend with Jeno, the harder it was to deny the bond they shared. How Jeno kept surprising him in the best way, becoming exactly what Jaemin had craved all his life. A kindred spirit. A soulmate. Someone he knew he would miss. It was a scary thought.
“Jen…I know this isn’t what you wanted, I know this was your last choice…but” Jaemin hesitated, Jeno’s hand in his burning him. “I don’t want it to be over either. I know I can’t offer you anything here that’s remotely close to your standards, but I think we can do great things together. It doesn’t have to be permanent if you don’t want, you can go and find yourself a real job, with a great pay, but will you consider dropping by every once in a while…?”
“Are you offering me a job?” Jeno interrupted, unable to hide his displeasure. Did he misread the situation that badly? Was Jaemin only interested in his professional skills?
“I’m offering you my heart…but that heart is attached to this place, and I want to keep discovering all the things I can do here, with you by my side”
Jeno grinned, eyes turning into crescent moons. Jaemin was done after that.
“I will work for free if that means I get to have you…all of you” Jeno came closer, his free hand stroking Jaemin’s face. “Still, I’m great with numbers and I’m sure your cheap ass can afford me” he joked. Jaemin laughed.
“Fucking NCTU people” Jaemin spat, no bite in his words.
“I’ll take a pay cut if the compensation package includes several dates with the Manager…I’ve heard he’s gorgeous”
“Just dates?”
“For now…I expect him to be my boyfriend before my first performance review” Jeno leaned in, his lips about to touch Jaemin’s.
“Jen…” Jaemin breathed. “People are watching”
“No one’s watching babe…we’re all alone” Jeno whispered, before kissing Jaemin with all he had. It was a short kiss, but enough to solidify their future. Jeno put some distance between them after.
“Uh? Was that all?” Jaemin teased.
“There’s a lot more from where that came, but we’re working. Let’s go”
*~*~*~*~*
Hyuck was observing Jeno and Jaemin’s interaction from afar. He sighed contentedly. It was a win in his book, his friend was happy, and that was all that mattered, despite his disastrous love life. He wasn’t lying when he told Jeno he was willing to help Renjun and Taeil get together. It would hurt like a motherfucker, but he wasn’t petty. He would learn to live with the repercussions.
Distracted by his own daydreams, he didn’t notice Taeil coming closer, standing right beside him.
“Hi Hyuckie, you got a minute?”
“Yeah…what do you need?” he replied, on autopilot.
“Hyuckie, there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you…” Taeil began hesitantly. “But first, promise me you won’t be upset or think less of me”
Hyuck braced himself. Just my luck, he thought bitterly, his worst fears about to come true.
“Sure, what is it?”
Taeil inhaled slowly.
“I know it’s been only a couple of months since I’ve known you guys, and there’s another two weeks before you finish the internship at the company, but I was wondering if maybe…”
Hyuck could not listen any longer. He decided to cut to the point as soon as possible.
“If maybe I can help you with Renjun? You like him, don’t you?” he asked, trying to hide his disappointment.
“I…excuse me what?” Taeil replied, surprised.
“Renjun. I’ve seen the way you are together. You pay attention to him, seek his company…it’s kind of obvious. So if you want to know if I’d help you, I will, although I don’t know if he likes you that way. However, you’re a great man, anyone would fall for you after knowing you, even a little” Hyuck declared, unable to stop his own thoughts.
“Anyone? Even you?” the older countered with a smile.
“Probably…yeah”
“That’s good to know”
“What is?” Hyuck asked.
“That you think so highly of me…” Taeil closed the distance between them, stepping into the other man’s space. “Because I do like someone, but that person is you”
“Beg your pardon?” Hyuck’s mouth fell open the second Taeil spoke the words.
“I’m not the best when it comes to flirting, or letting people know I’m interested” Taeil blushed. “I noticed you the second you showed up the first day, asking questions and befriending everyone at the office. You were like the sun, drawing people into your light, and I was mesmerized…nonetheless, since I was appointed to supervise you, it wasn’t appropriate for me to have feelings for you. I tried to fight it, but the more I watched you, the more I became unable to ignore you”
“You’re joking, right? You barely acknowledge my presence” Hyuck huffed, annoyed. Taeil was clearly pulling his chain. What for, it was unbeknownst.
“I had to put some distance between us, to realize if I was just infatuated, or if what I felt was real…then, I began talking with Renjun, and he could not shut up about you. I had to know more, even when I was afraid to get close to you, afraid I would make a mistake and ruin everything. That’s why we became close, because I needed to know you, even if it was through someone else”
“Why now?” Hyuck retorted.
“As I said, there’s only a couple of weeks left in your internship…I checked with Doyoung, the head of the department, he’s also my friend. It’s frowned upon if we date while you’re working under my direction, though it’s not against policy; however, I want to do things right. So, I was wondering, if you have the slightest interest in me, if you’re willing to give me a chance…I’d love to take you out on a date once you’re finished, and get to know you better, see if there’s anything there. If we could be friends, or something more…” Taeil finished, hope in his eyes.
Hyuck could not believe what he was hearing. His first thought was that Taeil was playing him, but in the time they’d shared, he didn’t seem that type of person. He was extremely kind and considerate of others, and he discarded the idea quickly. His second thought was at least 100 different ways to murder Renjun for not telling him that Taeil liked him. Renjun wasn’t blind, and Hyuck was sure he saw through the charade instantly.
As silence dawned between the pair, Taeil feared he’d overstepped.
“It’s ok if you don’t feel the same, I know it’s a long shot…it’s fine, you can be honest with me”
“If I hadn’t told everyone that you were my boss, I would be kissing you stupid right now” Hyuck blurted.
“What?” Taeil blinked repeatedly.
“You heard me” Hyuck regained his confidence, subtly brushing his hand over Taeil’s. “I’ve been interested in you since I met you, but you never gave me any signs that my feelings were returned. Now I get why” Hyuck smiled, softly, Taeil matching his expression.
“So…is that a yes? Can I take you out on a date?”
“You can take me wherever you want, though I don’t think I can wait two weeks…have you seen yourself?”
“Donghyuck…” Taeil’s cheeks went red at the implications of the younger’s words, and the hungry stare he was giving him. “We’re doing this right”
“And we will… I don’t fuck on the first date, so you better take me out several times before my internship’s over, because when that happens, I’m gonna…”
“Donghyuck!” Taeil shushed him, squeezing his arm.
“What!? You’re hot, don’t ask me to control myself now that I know you like me too…come on, we can go to your apartment and…” Hyuck giggled seeing Taeil’s shocked expression “I was going to say kiss! You won’t deny me a measly kiss, right?”
“Hyuckie…please…”
“Fine! I’ll wait, but for the record, I’m doing it under protest”
*~*~*~*~*
One month later
“I can’t believe no one thought about doing this before, it was such a hit! People are flooding the social media, it’s turning into a real job. I demand a compensation”
“You are getting paid, what are you saying?” Jeno replied, taking his cue. “Besides, you’re doing most of your work from home…whatever that means”
“I call bullshit” Renjun added. “This is the first time I’ve seen him in weeks, are you sure he’s progressing enough to earn his salary? Doubt so”
“Don’t be jealous Junnie” Hyuck cooed. “It’s not my fault my hot boyfriend has a great wifi connection, better than our apartment. Among other things”
“I’m gonna throw your things out and get a new roommate. What’s the point if you’re never there?” his friend mussed.
“I’m giving you more time with the IT nerd, you should be thanking me!” Hyuck replied dramatically.
“I’m not a nerd! I’m just…”
“Weird. You’re weird Mark, sorry, but I can’t defend you on that” Jaemin kidded, adding fuel to the fire.
The table at the meeting room was filled with old and new acquaintances. The funds the group was able to gather during their first event was more than enough to remodel a couple of rooms at the home and provide Jaemin with a brand-new office and space to hold gatherings with potential donors and volunteers. The six degrees of separation theory seemed to apply to the gang as well, once they realized Mark was Jaemin’s cousin. No one had made the connection before, not even Jaemin, until Mark showed up later that day due to his work schedule and greeted everyone. Despite his protests, Jeno, Jaemin, Hyuck – and even Taeil – decided the pair was bound to be a couple, which gave them the nudge they needed to get close and start dating two weeks later, when the internships were over. Their story was not over then, both Renjun and Hyuck getting offers to stay at the company in different areas. Hyuck secured a position under Doyoung, Taeil no longer being his supervisor. They were able to disclose their relationship and be free to be together without worrying about people’s opinions.
“Guys, I’m sorry to be a buzzkill, but we have a lot to do” Jaemin commanded everyone’s attention.
“You’re always a party pooper babe, but I love you regardless” Jeno joked. Jaemin punched him softly.
“I agree with Jaem, Doyoung’s going to want a status report considering our company is sponsoring the home and the following activities” Taeil tried to assist the younger.
“And that’s why you get along so well with the sergeant…you’re both old, Jaemin on the inside of course” Hyuck laughed, stopping the second Taeil glanced at him. “It’s not a bad thing baby! You’re mature, is that better?”
“You’re staying with Renjun tonight, I’m taking your key”
“Babyyy, noooo” Hyuck pouted, making his roommate gag.
Everyone joined in the banter, talking loudly, and forgetting the meeting’s objective. It used to happen more often than Jaemin wanted to acknowledge, nonetheless, he allowed it. They always got the job done, and he was surrounded by a strange but amazing group of people. They had become his friends, partners, support system, showing him there was no need to face the world alone. He could request help and receive it, no questions asked, everyone investing some of their leisure time assisting the home. He didn’t have to be afraid about the next steps because he wasn’t alone anymore.
And his cheap ass could definitely afford Jeno.