Chapter Text
Joke stands in front of the lecture hall, his heart hammering hard in his chest. The room is as expected filled with professors and his fellow students, their eyes fixed on him, waiting for him to begin. He takes a deep breath, his hands trembling slightly as he adjusts his notes.
In the back of the room, he spots Zo wearing a warm smile. Zo gives Joke an encouraging nod and that gives Joke some much-needed strength. Zo’s presence for Joke is a beacon of comfort in a sea of anxiety.
As Joke delves into his presentation, he occasionally glances at Zo and each time their eyes meet, he gets a surge of confidence. He stumbles over a few points, his nerves getting the better of him, but he pushes through, determined to do his best.
Because Zo believes in him.
When Joke is finally done, there is a moment of silence before the professors begin their questions. Joke answers as best he can, his mind racing. Some of his responses are met with nods of approval, others with critical feedback. Overall it’s not perfect, but it is done now.
Finally.
*****
Joke steps out of the lecture hall, the weight of the presentation lifting off his shoulders. He sees Zo waiting for him, his eyes shining with pride. Without a word, Joke smilingly walks over to Zo and wraps him in a big grateful hug.
“Thank you, Zo.” he whispers into Zo’s soft hair, his voice filled with emotion. With a soft chuckle he adds, “It might sound cliché but I honestly couldn’t have done with without you.”
Zo hugs him back lightly, his smile radiant. “You were awesome in there, man. Well done! As your coach, I’m impressed.” He pulls back slightly to look into Joke’s eyes which reflect his gratitude. “As your boyfriend, I’m proud.”
A big, elated smile slowly spreads across Joke’s face. “We’re boyfriends?”
“Well unless you don’t…you know…” Zo splutters then trails off
“We’re definitely boyfriends.”
It’s Zo’s turn to show a delighted smile. They step apart but keep their hands linked, swinging gently in the small space between them.
“Having you in there with me made all the difference. “Joke continues to say, “Thank you for believing in me.”
“It’s no trouble. I know you’d do the same for me. My presentation is coming up soon, you know.”
“Let me know whatever you need.”
“I’m requesting for your presence at my presentation. Before that, I’ll need your company plus lots of gummy bears while I prepare.”
“Done. Is that all?”
Zo nods his head and then smiles when Joke tilts his head unhappily at him, “What?”
“You’ll have your handsome boyfriend at your full disposal for hours on end and all you can use him for is for a steady supply of gummy bears?”
“It’s the only thing that won’t be a distraction.” Zo’s eyebrows lift and fall suggestively.
Joke lifts his gaze to the ceiling for a moment as he mulls over that point. He drops his gaze and nods his head, seemingly having recovered from his sulking. “I get that.”
“Can you promise me that you’ll behave and keep your hands to yourself?”
“No I cannot. Maybe in that other universe where I’m the dentist to your artist.”
“No.” Zo giggles, shaking his head. “You’re touchy in that universe too.”
Joke sighs in mock misery, “It just can’t be helped then. I promise to keep my touches and kisses PG13.” He smirks
“Sure, and then let’s bump that up to PG16 during long breaks.”
“Goodness, what is this conversation?” Joke softly chortles, leaning in to rest his forehead against Zo’s. He stops himself just shy of kissing Zo’s nose, remembering that there are a lot of people around in this corridor.
As it turns out, Zo is far less shy than Joke these days. He’s staring deep and flirtatiously into Joke’s eyes, blatantly asking Joke to kiss, even right here if he wants. “You’ve gotten me accustomed to spending time talking about nothing.” Zo replies
Joke honestly isn’t listening anymore. He’s quite preoccupied with gazing dreamily at Zo and thinking to himself how he’ll fall in love for real if Zo doesn’t stop being so…well….Zo.
“What’s that look? What are you thinking?” Zo asks when he recognises the besotted look on Joke’s face.
“You started it.”
Zo shrugs unapologetically, “Shall we go somewhere and celebrate the success of your presentation?”
“Should we have our first official date tonight as well?”
“I don’t see why not.”
*****
The rooftop restaurant is a hidden gem, perched high above the bustling city. Twinkling fairy lights are draped across the pavilion, casting a soft, golden glow over the intimate tables.
The gentle hum of conversation mixed with the distant sounds of the city below, creating a serene and romantic atmosphere.
As he sits down, Zo can’t help but admire the breath-taking view. The city lights sparkle like a sea of stars as the cool evening breeze gently plays with his hair. He chuckles softly as he reaches up to fix his hair back into place.
Across the table, Joke watches Zo with a soft smile, fascinated by how lovely he looks in this setting. The way the lights dance in his eyes and the serene expression on his face.
“This place looks better in real life than on IG.” Zo remarks
“It is nice.” Joke finally forces himself to tear his gaze away from Zo so he can look around. “You chose well.”
Zo clasps his hands and places them at the table top. “I aim to impress.” His lips quirk up
Zo’s cool doesn’t last though because in the next moment when the waiter hands them the menus, he finds himself overwhelmed by the array of choices. He bites his lip, scanning the options and unable to decide. He just needs just 5 maybe 6 more months to carefully browse through and figure out what’s what.
Why on earth do fancy restaurants have their own equally fancy names for every item on the menu, Zo internally laments?
Joke looks up from his menu and sees how helplessly lost Zo looks. Sensing his hesitation, Joke reaches across the table and gently takes the menu from Zo’s hands, then proceeds to make the order with confidence and ease, making Zo’s heart flutter as he watches thinking to himself how cool and composed Joke looks about it.
The waiter walks away and Zo asks, “How is it that the menu didn’t scramble your brain?”
Joke laughs softly, “I’ve dined at places like this before with my dad.”
Zo’s eyebrows shoot up in surprise. “Just the two of you?”
“We were close when I was younger.”
This time Zo treads more carefully about probing into the subject. He would hate to spoil their first date with another argument about the same matter last time. “May I ask what happened? You don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to.”
“It’s okay. We can talk. I didn’t study law like my dad wanted.”
“Did it mean that much to him?”
“Apparently. I wasn’t ready to give up my happiness to live the rest of my life stuck in a career I couldn’t stand.”
“You have the right to choose your own happiness. It just sucks that happiness came at a cost.” Zo snorts regrettably.
The waiter comes back with their wine.
“I feel so grown up sipping on wine at a place like this.” Zo comments, sitting the glass down after taking a sip
Joke smiles at that, “Let’s venture out of hanging out at beer joints, and come to places like this once in a while.”
“I agree.”
“So, when you’re not aiming to impress, what sort of date would you take me out on?”
“Do you like to read?”
“Without falling asleep? No.”
Zo chuckles, affectionately rolling his eyes at that response that’s so typical of Joke. “I won’t be taking you to a bookstore then.”
Joke drinks out of his glass of wine. “I could be persuaded. Is reading your thing?”
Zo not only says yes but proceeds to tell Joke about his favourite book to read, giving details about the themes and characters. Joke leans closer, listening with genuine interest.
“The take away is that love means something different to each person.” Zo says at the end of the account of his best read.
“What does love mean to you?”
After pondering the question for a little while, Zo gives his answer. “Knowing someone inside and out and still love them genuinely and entirely.”
“That’s really beautiful.” Joke’s eyes soften as they stay locked onto Zo’s
“Do you think you could love someone like that, Joke?”
“It’s hard to say. Things are always easier said than done.”
“Exactly.”
“We can still hope for the best, right?” Joke lifts his glass to toast and Zo gladly does the same. “To doing our best to accommodate each other’s differences and flaws.”
“I’m doing my best right now to accommodate the fact that you don’t read books.”
“I’m still trying to accommodate the fact that you kicked me out of your apartment right after giving me the best kiss of my life.”
That takes a moment to register in Zo’s head but as soon as it does, he throws his head back in laughter, “Are you…are you still salty about that?”
Joke’s lips press into a thin line. “Maybe.” He looks away sulkily, sipping on his wine.
Zo smiles, nothing but fond, “That was the best kiss you’ve ever had?”
“Not the point.”
“That’s the entire point. I’ve never been kissed that good either.” Zo admits and that appears to soothe Joke a little if the way he’s obviously fighting a smile is anything to go by.
Zo’s expression turns solemn, as he resolves to open up a bit more to Joke about a very personal matter, “I’ve never gone further than just kissing before…with anyone. I’m not sure I’m ready quite yet...to go further.”
Joke nods subtly, “it’s too soon anyway. We’ve only known each other two months.”
“Weeks, Joke.” Zo corrects with a soft chuckle. “It’s been two weeks.”
“Damn. Feels longer.” Especially since he’s falling so hard and fast for Zo.
Their food arrives and they delve into the meal, trading commentary on it and expressing their compliments to the chef. Zo is very happy with the dish Joke chose for him.
After they’ve been eating in silence for a little while, Zo reignites their conversation from just before the food came. “So…have you…you know…” He raises his eyebrows and tilts his head slightly as if to say, ‘You know what I mean’.
Joke does in fact know what Zo means but he hesitates giving his answer because he’s uncertain how Zo will react. At his age, it’s possible that Zo is only still a virgin because of a lack of opportunity; but it could also be because of one of many reasons. Joke fears that that reason might not align with the fact that he’s not a virgin himself.
Stirred by Zo’s courage sharing his truth, Joke puts himself out there anyway and hopes for the best. “I have.” He answers Zo’s question
Zo offers a small smile and a nod of his head. And that’s it.
Dissatisfied with that response, Joke questions some more, “Is that okay?”
“Of course it is. Actually I’m not surprised.”
“You’re not? Why not?”
“I mean, you don’t seem….” Zo abruptly trails off with a shrug of a shoulder and picks up his wine glass to sip out of it.
Joke blinks at Zo, waiting for him to continue. Eventually it becomes obvious that Zo actually intends on leaving that remark hanging. Joke doesn’t let him. “I don’t seem like what?” he probes
Zo’s gaze darts about a bit, revealing how uncomfortable he is saying whatever is on his mind. He knows that Joke will definitely be offended. But since Joke insists, Zo says it, “When someone looks at you, virgin is not the first thing that jumps out at them.”
“What does that…does it mean I look like a philanderer?”
“No.” Zo quickly refutes. “Not at all. It’s just that there is also no way in hell you’re a virgin. Not in a bad way. You’re the cool type and you’re also a hot, popular and a charming singer. Come on, man.”
“You did not just call me a cliché playboy type, Zo.”
Zo tries his best not to laugh at how indignant Joke looks, but fails. “I did not call you a cliché playboy. I said your cool image suggests that said coolness has ushered you into certain things.”
“All along I thought I was mysterious.”
“You are. A mysterious guy who’s had sex before.” Zo just allows himself a laugh this time.
This theory might not sit very well with Joke but he’s afraid he has to accept it. “As long as none of this bothers you then I’m okay.”
Zo is both surprised and fluttered that Joke values his feelings this much. “It doesn’t bother me.” He reassures, looking earnestly into Joke’s eyes, “really, I don’t care.”
Joke nods, now feeling a little better about the whole thing.
*****
As Joke and Zo stroll down the lively street, hand-in-hand, the air around them is still buzzing with excitement after an amazing dinner date. Suddenly, they come across a small crowd gathered around a street game booth.
“Joke, look.” Zo exclaims, his eyes lit with delight. “Let’s play.” Without waiting for an answer, Zo tugs on Joke’s hand, steering him towards the crowd and the booth.
Joke chuckles, looking smugly at Zo, “Are you sure you want to challenge me again after I destroyed your laser tag game?”
Zo’s eyes narrow daringly, “Absolutely, because this time I’m going to beat you and then post about it all over my social media. I’ll tag you in each and every post too.”
“What if I win?” Joke counters. “What do I get?”
“What do you want?”
Joke momentarily hums in thought. “I’ll surprise you with it.”
“That’s not fair. What if I don’t like it?”
Joke leans in close, the tip of his nose just shy of touching that of Zo. “You’ll like it.” he confidently promises with a mildly heated and suggestive tinge in his eyes that gets Zo’s heart racing with anticipation for something he doesn’t even know.
Zo stands and stares into Joke’s eyes, utterly enamoured. Joke smiles like he knows exactly what he’s doing to Zo. He takes Zo by the shoulders and gently turns him towards the booth.
Zo blinks several times and shakes his head to clear his daze. What the hell? He was certain Joke was going to kiss him and while part of him with mortified about the idea of that happening in public, another part of Zo was actually thrilled.
Damn.
Joke leans into Zo again from behind to whisper in his ear. “That’s what you get for being a tease.” His lips gently brush against the shell of Zo’s ear- just a feather light crush- but that’s all it takes for Zo’s entire body to react with a shudder.
Zo cranes his neck to look at Joke in disbelief, “Being vengeful is not a sexy quality.”
“Maybe not but it’s very satisfying.”
Zo laughs, shaking his head.
They move closer to the booth. It features a classic ring toss game. The vendor hands them each a set of rings and the competition begins. Zo is so focused, his tongue peeking out slightly as he aims.
Joke can’t help but smile at Zo’s adorable concentration. One by one they toss their rings, cheering and groaning with each near miss and successful hit. The crowd around them starts to cheer them on, adding to the fun and excitement.
With one ring left each, the score is tied. Zo takes a deep breath, aims carefully and tosses the ring. It lands perfectly on the peg, and he jumps in triumph. “Yes” I did it!” he shouts, throwing his arms around Joke in a jubilant hug.
“You win this time, but don’t get comfortable.” Joke says, laughing.
“Exactly what a sore loser would say.” Zo takes his hand and pulls him away from the crowd. “Shall I take a picture of you now for that banner I said I would put up outside your condo? Be sure to give me your good side.”
Joke purses his lips, totally speechless as he recalls his own over-the-top bragging, and Zo bursts out laughing, pointing at him.
They continue down the street, still basking in the glow of their playful competition when they spot a flower seller with a cart full of vibrant blooms. Joke pauses, his eyes catching sight if a single sunflower standing tall among the roses and lilies. “Wait here.” He tells Zo with a smile, and then he walks over to the vendor.
Zo watches curiously as Joke exchanges a few words with the seller and hands over some money. When Joke turns back to Zo, he’s holding the sunflower.
“For you.” Joke says softly, presenting it to Zo with a warm smile.
Zo’s eyes enlarge in surprise but also delight as well. “It’s beautiful. Thank you, Joke.” Zo’s voice is filled with emotion.
Joke grins, clearly pleased with Zo’s reaction. “Now let’s see if you can keep gloating about your win when I’ve been so sweet and bought you a flower.”
Zo laughs, his heart swelling affection. “Alright you big, petty baby, I’ll let you have this round since you’re so charming.” Zo leans towards Joke and gives him a quick kiss on the cheek.
“The way you easily accept that I’m such a sore loser makes me believe we’re headed towards that true love we talked about earlier?”
Zo absolutely cannot deny the truth in that. “I’ve never felt this way before about someone.” He voices out.
“Same.”
They gaze and smile soft at each other for a few beats and then Joke suggests, “Let’s go to my place. I’ve heard that it’s bad manners to make love on the street.”
“Make out.” Zo corrects, giggling, “We’re going to make out, not make love.”
“That’s what I said.”
“No it’s not.”
“Potato tomato.”
Zo sighs at that one. He could get used to Joke’s brand of madness.