Chapter Text
◝(ᵔᗜᵔ)◜
The teacher gave them a break and Riku immediately turned back to address Sion and Yushi.
"By the way Yushi, " Riku said, leaning his chin on his hand, " you don't have to be so formal with us okay? You can call Sion and Jaehee ' Hyung ' since they're 4 years older than you. And for me, you can just call me by my name. "
Yushi nodded while pursing his lips.
"Gosh you're so cute Yushi. " Riku said suddenly. And then he bursted out laughing. Yushi froze for half a second, confused on what so cute about him, but then he started joining riku laugh too. Sion's breath hitched hearing his laugh. It wasn't loud, or sharp, or boisterous either.
It was soft. breathy, like there's a wind brushing over Cherry Blossom tree. It makes their surrounding felt quieter and warmer.
Before he even think about it, the words come out. " You're so cute Ushi-ya " a nickname slipping out before he could even stop it. Yushi went completely stiff. His cheeks flushing pink all the way to the tips of his ears. He opened his mouth, trying to say a thing but all that came out was
" I-I, y-you , I— " a stutter.
Riku immediately clamped a hand over his mouth to muffle a squeal, and Jaehee nudged his shoulder, grinning. " Oho? Someone got a nickname already? " Riku whispered loudly, leaning even closer. " EEEEKK, look at that! Sion hyung is acting so weird, if you like him so much, just say so! we won't tease you about it! "
Sion shot them both a sharp, warning glare though his ears were burning bright red. " Shut up both of you. I was just saying. "
" Sure you were. " Jaehee teased, then he laughed right after when sion glare at him back.
Riku prodded Jaehee's arm hard. " Jaehee-ya! Ya! Are you even listening to me?? " I asked if we could go and get those limited-edition macarons this Saturday! "
Jaehee blinked, looking confused. " Huh? What was it baby? Sorry, I missed that. What did you say? " He asked gently as he tried to reach the June's hand.
Riku huffled, crossing his arms and turning his head away, pouting dramatically. " Hmph! Never mind, You don't pay attention to me anymore. Mean. "
Jaehee sighed fondly, shaking his head. Slowly, he leaned foward, cupped Riku's cheek with the two of his fingers and pressed a soft and lingering kiss to the boy's skin. " There, apology accepted? "
Riku peeked at him from the corner of his eye, still pretending being grumpy.
" That's it? Just one little kiss? After I waited forever for you to answer me? "
Jaehee laughed queitly as he tilted riku's chin up and kissed him slow, devouring and sweetly on the lips. Then, he tucked a hair behind Riku's ear and gave the boy a peck on the neck, right where it made riku shiver.
" Better now? Hm? "
Riku turned red and breathless, hiding his face,
" Y-yeah..... way better.. "
Yushi watched them, his eyes soft and warm, then he let out a sigh. " You two are so lovely.... I really hope someday, someone will treat me like that too. Like, I'm the most precious thing in the world to them. "
" Then why not Sion-hyung! He's perfect for you! "
Sion choked on air. " Riku!! "
" No, listen to me! " Riku insisted, ignoring sion's gaze. " Everyone thinks Sion-hyung is all cold, distant and serious right? But he actually is really clingy, whiny and so soft and gentle around you once he trusted you! He just never admit it to new people, or anyone outside us! He'll make you warm tea when you're cold, make sure you feel comfortable like how your blanket did, he'll share his favourite snacks without complaining and he'll even stay up late just to listen to you talk! I swear, Sion-hyung is the best person you could ever ask for or have! "
Jaehee nodded in agreement, " It's true. He acts like he doesn't care about anything but deep down in his heart, he actually care. More than anyone think. He's just..... scared to show it for a long time. "
Yushi looked over at Sion, slowly, like he was seeing him for the first time all over again. And this time, Sion didn't look away. He just stare back, though his heart is beating so fast and loud that he was sure Yushi could hear it.
◝(ᵔᗜᵔ)◜
The lunch break bell rang loud through the hallways, cutting through the chatter of students packing their bags. The four of them fell into step together as they left the classroom. Jaehee and Riku walked infront, leading the way while their fingers laced tight between them, shoulders brushing every few steps as they murmured soft things—which only each other could hear. Jaehee would also tucked a stray strand of hair behind Riku's ear, and Riku would lean his whole weight against his side, giggling at whatever the love of his life joked about.
Behind them walked the future couple keeping a quiet, gentle distance. Yushi kept his tilted down, eyes fixed on his shoe laces as he took a step, his hands tucked into his trousers pockets like he didn't know know what else to do with them. Sion glanced ahead towards his two buddy, then over at the youngest, then back again. He had never been this akward around anyone before—usually, he was the calm, composed one and the one who knew exactly what to say. But right now, all he could do is walk in selince and wishing for Jaehee or Riku would do something to break the quiet akward silence instead of being all lovey-dovey and sickeningly sweet.
Just as they turned the corner away from the main cafeteria, Jaehee slowed down and squeezed Riku's hand.
" Lets stop by the west wing restroom first. It's almost always empty—way better than fighting the crowd by the lockers. "
Sion nodded in agreement. " Sure. We'll wait out here for you two. " He then turned to Yushi, who was looking up at him with wide, curious eyes. " Come on. It's just down this hall. Stick close to us okay? "
Yushi gave quick shy nod. " Eung. "
Jaehee and Riku dissapeared through the heavy wooden door, leaving Sion and Yushi alone in the quiet, sunlit corridor. Sion leaned back against the cool wall, sliding both hands into his trousers pocket, one ankle crossed loosely over the other. Yushi stood a little ways off at first, shifting his weight from foot to foot before slowly stepping closer until he was standing right beside him. For a long moment, nothing happened. Then, without a warning, Yushi let his head drop gently, resting it light as a feather on the older's shoulder. The younger one stood close enough that the top of his hair brushed just right under Sion's jaw. Sion went completely stiff all over—his heart hammered so hard against his ribs that he was sure it would echo. Yushi noticed the tension instantly. He jerked his head up straight, eyes apologetic and ears turning red like usual.
" I-I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to be rude—you looked so comfortable, and i was tired, and— "
" Hey, hey.. slow down, " the older said quickly, his voice softer than he intended. He reached out, then pulled back slightly before gesturing gently. " It's okay. You don't need to apologize. I...I don't mind at all. Just caught me by suprise, that's all. "
Yushi hesitated for a second, worrying his lower lip between his teeth. Then he leaned in again, lighter this time, resting his head on Sion's shoulder once more. But he didn't stop there—he shifted his whole body to face Sion a little more, tilting his head till his chin rested right on the guy's shoulder. his round, sparkly, bubbly eyes looking up straight towards Sion. Sion's stomach did a silly little flip.
I'm straight. He told himself firmly and in denial.
He then looked away for a split second before his gaze drifted right back down to the boy's pretty face.
This is not falling in love. I just think he's nice. Yeah, right. That's all. He thinks. But as he looked down, he met Yushi's eyes—bright, warm, trusting—and all of those thoughts flew away. He couldn't help it; the words slipped out before he could stop.
" Aghhh, you're so cute. " The older murmured as he lifted one finger and poked the younger's soft cheek. Yushi cheeks flushed bright red, spreading all the way down his neck, and he let out the tiniest, cutest ' hmph ' as he puffes out one cheek. " You keep saying that, hyung.. "
Before Sion could reply, the restroom door slide open. Jaehee and Riku stepped out, and the moment they sae the two of them leaning against the wall like that—Yushi curled close to Sion, Sion's hand still hovering near his cheek—they both stopped dead in their tracks. Then, Riku let out a loud, dramatic gasp , grabbing Jaehee's arm and bouncing on his toes.
" Oh my god! Look at them! Look at how perfect they look! "
" Finally " Jaehee added, grinning so wide his dimple showed. " You two look absolutely lovely, like you guys were made to stand right there together. "
Yushi jumped a foot in the air, scrambling to stand up straight, hiding himself behind Sion's height. Sion cleared his throat loudly, straightening his blazer and staring hard at a spot over their heads like it was the most interesting thing in the world—though the bright pink tip of his ears gave him away completely.
" Don't start. " the oldest warned, though there was no bite at all in that voice.
" We're not starting anything ! " Riku insisted as he walked over and loop his arm through Yushi's to pull him gently towards them. " We're just saying the truth! You were practically glowing, both of you. Sion-hyung, you've never let anyone lean on you like that before—you even pulled away from me once I was sleepy and didn't have Jaehee's shoulder to lean on cause he's absent ! "
"....That's different. " Sion mumbled, avoiding Yushi's eyes even as he glanced over to make sure he was fine.
" Different how? " Jaehee teased, stepping up to pat Sion's shoulder. " Different because it's him? Admit it hyung, you like him. You've never act like this unless you're around someone you like— "
Jaehee let out a squeek when Sion suddenly pinch his arm.
Yushi peeked out behind Riku, his voice so soft they almost missed it.
" Hey, that's not nice. " The youngest looked at the oldest with a dissapointed face.
" Oh yeah, yeah, right. Sorry Daeng, my fault. "
Yushi walks over towards them. " That's not how you apologize, hyung. You guys were supposed to apologize nicely and hug each other. " He said , looking at the both of them.
" Yushi, you're so well-taught and have a good manners. " Riku complimented him as he looked at Sion and Jaehee who's holding their laugh. 'Cause they're friends since they're peanut sized and all of the time they'd apologize, they didn't apologize sincerely like this. Usually, they just say ' sorry ', ' oh I'm sorry ' and that is enough for them to forgive each other. This is new to them.
After they apologized just like how Yushi wanted and gave each other an akward hug, Yushi smiled, and then he looked over at Sion who's already looking down at him.
" Also, It's okay if they tease, Hyung. It's nice, I liked it "
Sion stare at his eyes and then towards heart shaped lips moving and then back at his eyes. He didn't look away, he just gave the boy a quiet, smiley smile.
" Yeah, it is. "
◝(ᵔᗜᵔ)◜
The final bell rang, and students poured out of the school gates, laughing and running for shelter as dark clouds rolled on the sky. The four of them stood together under the wide glass awning, watching cars pull up one by one while the first drops of rain begin to patter against the pavement.
Riku looked up at the rain pouring,
He pouted.
Jaehee noticed.
" Honey, is something bothering you? " he asked, tilting Riku's chin to look up at him. Riku pouted even more, " We can't get the macarons. It's raining. " Jaehee looked over at his phone, checking the time." No sweetie, we can. I'll try to make time for you, yeah ? After I arrived home, I will take a bath and then I'll come over to your house and get the macarons you wanted. How does that sound? " He asked gently, worried with his beloved one. " That sounds good but can you stay a little longer so that we eat the macarons together? " the younger asked, practically begging. Jaehee laughed quietly but still agree.
Not long after, Riku's phone buzzed in his hand, " My driver's here already! He said he doubled-parked just around the bend. " he turned to Yushi, giving him a kissy face. " See you tomorrow, okay? Don't be shy to sit with us again! "
" Bye Riku! " Yushi smiled as he waved.
" Take care, honey. " Jaehee said, leaning down to kiss his boyfriend's forehead before Riku darted off to his waiting car. They watched it pull away, then stood quietly for another seven minutes, until a sleek black sedan slowed to stop right in front of them. " That's mine. " Jaehee said, glancing between the two of them with a knowing little smile. " Don't wait out here too long in the rain, 'aight? See you both tomorrow. " He nodded at both Sion and Yushi before climbing into the backseat of the car.
Perfect.
Now it's just the two of them. The rain picked up fast, drumming loudly against the roof, and cold wind blew mist under he awning, making Yushi jumped a little and wrap his ars tight around himself. He shivered, but bit his lips and stayed quiet, staring out at the gray sheets of rain like he was very insterested with the puddles forming on the road. Sion noticed right away—how Yushi's shoulders kept trembling, how his hands were tucked deep into his sleeves, how his nose were turning brigt red.
" You're cold aren't you? "The older asked softly, breaking the silence.
Yushi shook his head quickly, not looking at him. " N-no. I'm fine. It's not that cold. "
Sion raised an eyebrow. " Yushi, you're shivering so hard your whole body is moving. Don't lie to me. "
" I'm really not! " Yushi insisted, though his teeth chattered a little on the last word.
Sion sighed, but there was no irritation in it—just gentle concern. He shifted a little closer, his voice warm and quiet. " Would.....would you mind a hug? It might help keep you warm until our cars get here. "
Yushi froze. He lifted his head slowly, locking eyes with Sion, his own eyes wide and full of suprises. For a long second, he just stare, stiff and unsure, until Sion's gaze softened even more, and he looked deeped—like he was saying I mean it, I wont hurt you. Yushi's breath hitched, and he quickly looked away, staring at the ground instead.
" Is...is that really okay? " he asked, barely above a whisper. " I won't be a bother? "
" Of course it's okay, " Sion said immidiately. He opened his arms just a little, " You could never be a bother, Come here. "
And that was all what Yushi needed. He stepped foward quickly, pressing close against Sion's warm ( and hard ) chest, wrapping his arms tight around his waist. Sion folded his arms around him in return—one resting gently on his lower back, theother curling around his small waist—and rested his chin right on top of Yushi's soft hair. He rubbed slow, soothing circles up and down Yushi's waist with palm, and Yushi melted into the touch, his shivers slowly fading away.
After a moment. Yushi tilted his head back to look up at Sion, his face so close Sion could feek his warm breath. Sion looked down at him, and for a heartbeat, their eyes met—then he looked away fast. His cheeks flushing, because Yushi's eyes.....they looked even warmer and prettier when he was looking up from right there, like he was the only thing that mattered in the world to him.
" God, " Sion murmured, his voice thick." You really are the prettiet thing I've ever seen. "
The boy blinked, then let out a huffed ' hmph ' as he puffed out one cheek like earlier and lifted his hand to give Sion's chest a light, playful slap—barely even touching him. " Sion-hyung! Stop it..You keep saying silly things... "
Before sion could even reply and tucked a strand of hair behind Yushi's ear, two sets of headlights cut through the rain at the same time—one car pulling up on each side of the curb. Both their drivers stepped out, holding umbrellas and waiting patiently.
Sion let go slowly, though he kept one hand resting lightly on Yushi's arm for a second longer. " Looks like we have to go, " he said, a little dissapointed.
Yushi pursed his lips and nodded, smiling softly. " Thank you, Sion hyung. For everything. For the hug. "
" Anytime, " Sion promised. " I meant that. Anytime you're cold, or scared or just needed someone to hold you—you come find me, okay ? "
Yushi nodded again, and stepped toward his car, but then turned back one last time to wave. Sion smiled sincerely and waved back, standing there until Yushi's car dissapeared into the rain, his hand still pressed to his chest where Yushi's fingers brushed.
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