Chapter Text
“Don’t!” Jackson tried to keep his face stern, but he ended up smiling softly as Youngjae laughed his heart out. Youngjae put the bowl of the pancake batter on the counter, holding up his batter stained fingers in a cute peace sign.
Jackson brought his hand to wipe off the batter on his cheek, teasingly glared at his boyfriend, the culprit.
Jinyoung watched the two lovebirds, and snorted. “Look at both of you wasting my food like that.”
“Jinyoung, you’re burning-”
“With jealousy? Yeah right.” He rolled his eyes.
“No, you’re burning the egg! Literally!” Jackson pointed at the pan in front of Jinyoung. Jinyoung turned his gaze back to the pan and true enough, Jackson’s sunny side up is now unrecognizable underneath the smoke from the pan.
“Shit!” Jinyoung quickly turned off the stove , and placed the burnt egg on the plate. He looked at it silently, his shoulders slumped.
Youngjae rubbed Jinyoung’s shoulder gently. “It’s okay hyung, you can just fry another one.” Jinyoung looked up to meet Youngjae’s eyes with his own sad eyes. “It’s an egg…. How the hell did I burn an egg.”
“Maybe if you start paying attention to your pan instead of us.” Jackson came closer to investigate the egg, and he chuckled. “This is mine?”
Jinyoung brought his eyes back to the floor, pouting. “I’ll eat it.” His voice was barely heard
“Maybe if both of you behave in my kitchen.” Jinyoung lifted his head and glared at the couple in front of him, speaking louder this time.
“Why are we even cooking anyway? When you invited us for brunch at your house, I was expecting food to be ready.” Jackson put his hand on Youngjae’s waist and pulled him closer. “And you can’t blame us for being adorable.” He winked at Jinyoung.
“Just cook the pancakes,” Jinyoung said, sulking.
Youngjae chuckled. “What should I do hyung?”
“Uh…” Jinyoung looked around for something to do. “Maybe you can get the fruits out of the refrigerator?”
“Do you have strawberries? Can I make strawberry milkshakes?” Youngjae’s eyes lit up, and Jinyoung smiled fondly at the younger guy as he nodded.
Youngjae hummed as he skipped to the refrigerator. He pulled the refrigerator door, his eyes scanning through to find the strawberries.
“Hyung, your fridge is really full.” he commented, finally seeing the box of strawberries hidden in a corner.
Jinyoung nodded. “Yeah, Mark is coming back tomorrow so I bought groceries after work yesterday.”
“Wow, the man comes home from a long business trip and you don’t even give him food, you just give him ingredients.” Jackson chuckled.
Jinyoung glared at Jackson. “You want food? I’ll give you food.” He flashed him a sinister smile.
“You do something to my eggs and I’ll spit in your pancakes.”
Youngjae sighed. “You do this childish shit and no milkshake for both of you.”
After cooking (read: struggling) for almost two hours, their breakfast was finally ready. Jinyoung set the table as Youngjae and Jackson sat down quietly, like kids waiting for candy.
“Thank you for the food.”
Jinyoung took a small bite of the burnt egg, and he tried to not frown at the taste. Jackson noticed the slight twitch of his face anyway.
“You sure you don’t want this one?” Jackson pointed to the egg on his plate. Jinyoung shook his head. “It’s fine, it’s my fault anyway.”
Jackson rolled his eyes. “You can give it to me. Burnt eggs don’t taste that bad.”
“Then let me eat it. I’m fine.”
“Jinyoung, you’re a picky eater.”
“I. Am. Fine.”
“And stubborn too.” Jackson sighed.
Jinyoung grinned. “Why are you acting like you just know me?”
“I know that, I’m just worried that your new boyfriend won’t find that really cute.” Jackson shrugged.
Jinyoung stared at him, his eyes wide. “Wha-what new boyfriend?!” He turned to Youngjae, who quickly swallowed the food in his mouth.
“He came to that conclusion by himself! I just told him that you went to dinner with a guy!” Youngjae raised both of his hands defensively.
Jackson shook his head. “I quote, ‘A really cute guy from Yugyeom’s cafe came to pick Jinyoung up for dinner. He ended up embarrassing himself but I think Jinyoung likes it.’”
Jinyoung leaned back to his seat, exhaling sharply. “He’s not my boyfriend.”
“You like him?” Jackson cocked his head.
Shook head. “No.”
“You think he’s cute?”
A pause. “Maybe.”
Jackson laughed. “Okay then it’s your potential boyfriend.”
“I just went through a divorce. It’s too soon for a new relationship.”
Youngjae nodded. “That’s true. He might be a rebound or something.”
“What is there for Jinyoung to rebound from?”
“I don’t know! My mum said I’m going through a breakup, let me go through it in peace.” Jinyoung pouted.
Jackson studied Jinyoung carefully. “Okay,” he said finally. “But tell me about this guy. Is he nice?”
“Why do you want to know?”
“Because even if he’s not your potential boyfriend, he’s your only new friend since like….. forever.”
“Hey, I do make friends! I was the one who introduced Youngjae to you!”
Jackson pointed his fork at him. “Because your manager assigned you to supervise him when he first joined. Do you even know your other colleagues?”
“Of course I know! Seokhoon, Yeeun, and the guy who has the table next to the photocopy machine.”
“Yes, what a wonderful name given by his parents.” Jackson’s voice was dripping in sarcasm.
Jinyoung rolled his eyes. “Your point is?”
Jackson huffed. “There’s no point! I’m not trying to argue with you, I just want to know if the guy you’re seeing is nice. What is his name?”
“Jaebeom. He’s nice, quite funny too. He invited me to go to this festival tomorrow.”
“Sounds fun.” Jackson wiggled his eyebrows at Jinyoung, and Youngjae chuckled.
Jinyoung scrunched his nose, annoyed. “And I’m not seeing him!”
“We got that. Please, Jinyoung. That was a few minutes ago. Keep up.”
“There’s no winning with you.”
Jackson grinned. “Again, I’m not trying to argue. Just because you like pushing people’s buttons doesn’t mean everyone is trying to get you.”
Jinyoung raised his eyebrow. “But you are.”
“Sometimes. But not today. Jinyoung’s friend is a very serious topic. Jinyoung’s potential boyfriend is even more serious.”
“He is not my boyfriend!”
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Jinyoung spent the whole day going out, or what he would like to refer to as having a taste of the single life. He had asked Youngjae to take care of Milo for the day, so he could play with Coco. He did feel bad for the dog, Milo must have been lonely.
After dinner, he took a long shower and changed into comfortable clothes. He poured himself a glass of whiskey and sat down on the couch, browsing through the selection of movies on Netflix.
After deciding on a movie, he stood up to pull the curtains, leaving the living room dark. He went back to his place on the couch and pressed play. He leaned back, making himself comfortable.
The ping sound coming from his phone pulled his attention away from the screen. His right hand wandered aimlessly, trying to look for his phone under the couch pillows. Once he found it, he glanced at the screen.
Jaebeom: Hey
Jinyoung raised his eyebrow at the sudden text. He pondered whether to reply or to wait a few minutes, when his phone pinged again.
Jaebeom: Are you still up for tomorrow?
Oh, there’s a question. Jinyoung likes to answer things quickly.
Jinyoung: Yeah
The three dots appeared almost immediately.
Jaebeom: Good to know you’re not bailing
Jinyoung: Actually
I’m looking forward to it
Jaebeom: Good :)
I’ll pick you up tomorrow, at 2?
Jinyoung: Oh that’s nice
Do you need my address?
Jaebeom: Lake Place right?
Jinyoung: You remembered
Jaebeom: Of course
Dress nice. It’s a date ;)
See you tomorrow.
The words dawned on him and Jinyoung pretty much freaked out. He scrambled to call Jackson, needing his best friend immediately.
Jackson rejected the call and sent him a quick text. About to head to your place. Talk later unless its urgent.
Jinyoung glanced at the clock. Oh, it was time for them to send Milo back. And even though Jinyoung was about to lose his mind, he replied okay and waited patiently for his friends to arrive.
“So…. I was right. He’s your potential boyfriend.” That was Jackson’s first response when Jinyoung showed them the text.
Jinyoung glared at him. “We have moved on past that topic after breakfast.”
Jackson shrugged. “We got a new update. So new discussion.”
“Can you please just help me with what to wear?”
“Why don’t you just wear what you usually wear, hyung?” Youngjae asked.
Jinyoung sighed. “I don’t have clothes for……. a date. OH GOD EVEN SAYING IT FEELS WEIRD!”
Jackson chuckled and patted Jinyoung’s back. “Show us your wardrobe.”
Jinyoung led them to his bedroom and opened his wardrobe. He stood back as the two of them scanned through his clothes, feeling the judging eyes.
“Why don’t you just steal something from Mark’s wardrobe?” Jackson suggested.
Jinyoung gave him a disgusted look. “I’ve never seen him in anything other than suits and hoodies. Also, I am not wearing Mark’s clothes to…. go out.”
“Where are you going again?” Youngjae asked, pulling a flannel from the wardrobe.
“Incheon. Uh, it’s a festival or something like that.”
“Considering it’s a first date, let’s go for something safe.” Jackson said. He eyed Jinyoung from head to toe. “Unless you wanna be provocative?” He winked at the last word.
Jinyoung rubbed the bridge of his nose. “It’s at a public space, Jackson. We’re not going to a strip club.”
“Okay fine. You can make your own strip show later.” Jackson stepped closer to the wardrobe, looking at each piece of clothes carefully. Youngjae snorted but didn’t say anything.
“I am so close to kicking you out right now.”
“And ruin your best chance of picking a cute outfit? Sure, Jinyoungie.” Jackson handed him a light brown overshirt. “What do you think baby?” He turned to Youngjae.
Youngjae nodded. “Wear it with a white shirt underneath. And fold up the sleeves. Or don’t. Up to you.”
“Okay, we’re settled then.”
Jinyoung raised his eyebrow. “Nobody is going to ask what I think?”
Jackson turned to him and smiled sweetly. “Jinyoung baby, I trust you with my life but not your fashion sense.”
Jinyoung glared at him. “Do you not have the ability to talk without insulting me?”
“No.” Jackson grinned. “Anything else?”
Jinyoung hung the overshirt back to the wardrobe and shook his head. “You guys can head home now. Sorry for taking so much time. And thanks for taking care of Milo too.” He walked them to the door.
“If you need anything you can call me but like you know, I prefer you don’t. Not tonight.” Jackson gave Youngjae a wink, which had the younger blushing madly.
“You think I haven’t noticed the way you guys looked at each other? Please, leave.” Jinyoung opened the door and waved them goodbye.
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The next day
Jinyoung glanced at his watch. 1:56 p.m. He took his phone to check if there was any text from Jaebeom. None. He sighed and ran his hand through his hair.
He took a last look at himself in the mirror and smiled to himself. He had to admit that the outfit Jackson chose was cute. Jinyoung’s hair was styled up, mostly because he wanted to feel different from going to the office.
Jinyoung went down to the lobby and not long after, he saw the familiar red car pulling up. He spent no time as he walked over to the car, and opened the door with a smile. “Hi,” Jinyoung wanted to punch himself when he heard how shy his voice was.
Jaebeom grinned, his eyes turning into crescent moons. “Hey. Get in.”
Jinyoung got in the car and closed the door before putting on his seatbelt. “Let’s go.”
The trip would be short, considering how Incheon wasn’t really that far away. Jinyoung took secret glances at Jaebeom driving, bobbing his head occasionally to the music from the radio. His hair was hidden beneath a yellow beanie, and he was wearing an oversized white tshirt, so big that it looked like it could swallow him whole.
“What is it?” Jaebeom asked suddenly, and Jinyoung quickly tore his gaze away. “What?” He asked back, feigning innocence.
Jaebeom chuckled lightly. “I can feel you staring.”
“I didn’t.” Jinyoung leaned back and crossed his arms.
“You think I look good.” Jaebeom smiled when he said that, his fingers tapping the steering wheel.
Jinyoung raised his eyebrow. “And how did you come to that conclusion?”
“It’s more of a hope really,” Jaebeom chuckled again, “because I think you look amazing.”
Jinyoung awkwardly coughed to clear his throat. “Well, you’re not wrong.”
Jaebeom blinked. “What? I’m not wrong about what?”
“That I was staring.”
“Oh.” Jaebeom made a face that said ‘i told you so’.
“And that I think you look good.”
And the cute grin appeared again.
They arrived at a big field that Jinyoung supposed has been changed to a parking lot. Jaebeom turned off the engine.
“We have to walk a bit.” He said with an apologetic smile.
“Okay,” Jinyoung shrugged and stepped out of the car. He squinted at the harsh sunlight hitting his eyes. Now he wished he brought his sunglasses. He started walking, holding a hand up to shield his eyes.
“Jinyoung.” Jaebeom’s voice caused Jinyoung to turn around, and he looked at Jaebeom with confused eyes.
“It’s this way,” Jaebeom said, his fingers pointing to the other side and Jinyoung could tell that Jaebeom was holding in his laughter.
“Right, of course.” Jinyoung mentally facepalmed himself as he walked over to Jaebeom and both of them started walking side by side.
The festival was smaller than Jinyoung expected, the kind of festival that students would go to after their school ended just to have fun. There were booths set up, offering a variety of food and games. Jinyoung felt his mouth water, he only had a light breakfast this morning.
“What do you want to do?” Jaebeom asked, looking around.
“Can we please eat first? I’m eyeing that fish cake stall.” Jinyoung pointed to a stall a few steps away from them with his mouth.
Jaebeom walked without saying anything, Jinyoung following closely behind him. It wasn’t too crowded so they got their hands on the fish cake in no time.
Jinyoung hummed happily after taking a bite of the fish cake. He turned to Jaebeom. “It’s so-” His eyes widened when he saw the two sticks in Jaebeom’s hand. “You finished it already?”
“It’s good.” Jaebeom chuckled. “Take your time, we have a lot of time to try everything.”
Jinyoung quickly finished his fishcake, eager to taste other food. They ended up trying almost every food sold, and even played some games.
“Do you wanna bet?” Jaebeom asked as they stood in front of a shooting booth.
Jinyoung raised his eyebrow, smirking. “What are we betting?”
“A winner gets a wish.” Jaebeom grinned again, and Jinyoung noted how sharp his eyes and smile were, like a cat.
Jinyoung laughed. “That sounds very….. high school.”
Jaebeom gave him a not amused look. “Do I need to talk in a boomer way to cater to your soul? Come on, do you wanna bet or not?” He pointed at Jinyoung with the gun, pretending to aim at him.
“Okay sure.” They had 10 bullets each, and basically who got to take down more cups wins.
Jaebeom ended his round with 4 cups down. He stood there, pouting. Jinyoung laughed. “You placed your bet at the wrong game. You suck at this.”
Jaebeom frowned. “This is much harder than it looks! I’ll laugh at your ass after this.”
Jinyoung got 9 cups down with ease. He got a bit cocky during the last shot and missed. Jinyoung grinned proudly, and Jaebeom stared at him in awe. “So I get a wish.” Jinyoung said happily.
They thanked the booth owner before walking away. Jinyoung eyed Jaebeom who was walking next to him. “So, tell me something about you.”
Jaebeom sent him a weird look. “Is that your wish?”
“No. It’s a question.”
“Uh what do you want to know?” Jaebeom frowned as he gave the question some thoughts. “You know my name, my age, my job…. That’s pretty much everything. Oh, I have three cats.” He smiled when he mentioned his cats, fondness was reflected in his eyes.
“Cats? That’s interesting.”
“Why?”
“Because you look like a cat when you smile.” Jinyoung flashed him a quick grin.
Jaebeom’s eyebrows came together in confusion. “I look like a cat?”
Jinyoung nodded and hummed.
“Is that a compliment or an insult?”
It was Jinyoung’s turn to be confused. “Uh… neither? It’s a neutral statement. But you can take it as a compliment.”
Jaebeom brought his right hand to his chest in relief. “Oh thank God, my brain just automatically comes up with something to insult you back, but I held it in.”
Jinyoung burst out in laughter. “What?” He turned to Jaebeom. “You want to insult me?”
“I almost did but I didn’t.”
Jinyoung tilted his head, eyeing the guy beside him. “Tell me. What is it?”
Jaebeom shrugged. “I don’t know. I would just say that you look like something.”
“Like what?”
“Like a really good looking guy.” Jaebeom smirked at Jinyoung.
Jinyoung looked away as he felt his face heats up at the unexpected compliment. “You’re cheesy.” He scrunched his nose.
Jaebeom chuckled softly. “Is that too much?”
Jinyoung ignored his question. “Let’s get ice cream. I’ll pay.” He walked faster to the ice cream vendor. “What flavour do you want?” He asked Jaebeom.
“Do they have mint choco?”
Jinyoung turned to him and frowned. Jaebeom looked up to him, raising his eyebrow. “Don’t tell me you’re a mint choco hater.”
Jinyoung looked back at the ice cream selection. “Let’s just say I’m not a fan. And they don’t have it.” He said after scanning all the flavours.
Jaebeom sighed. “Just chocolate then.”
“One chocolate, and one strawberry please.” Jinyoung smiled politely at the woman.
Jinyoung paid for the ice creams and handed the chocolate ice cream to Jaebeom. Jaebeom thanked him and they continued walking.
“What’s at the end? I’m full already, I don’t think I can eat anymore.” Jinyoung said.
“The main event.” Jaebeom glanced at his watch. “It should start soon. Let’s go.”
They walked to the very end and there was a big stage with microphone stands and some instruments. There was a big banner saying ‘2021 Incheon Summer Festival’. The audience spot was slowly filling in, but it wasn’t crowded to the point where it was uncomfortable.
Jinyoung and Jaebeom joined the crowd, and somehow managed to be in the front row. Jinyoung stood there enjoying his ice cream, moving his head to the beat playing on the huge speakers. He turned around to see Jaebeom almost kneeling on the floor, pointing a camera at him. He blinked in surprise.
“Hey, I’m not ready!”
Jaebeom stood up and grinned at him. “I think it looks fine.”
“You take pictures a lot?” Jinyoung was not sure why it surprised him, somehow a film camera does not fit in the image of Jaebeom he had in his head.
“Yeah, I like it.” Jaebeom was still grinning, enthusiastically showing the pictures he had taken on his phone. He told the stories behind some of them, and Jinyoung decided that he likes this new image of Jaebeom a lot.
“I have a camera too, but it’s at home.” Jinyoung said, smiling.
“Really? You should have brought it.”
Jinyoung rubbed the back of his neck, finishing the last bite of his ice cream. Jaebeom’s was long gone. “Yeah, I should have.”
“It’s okay, I’ll take your picture!”
Jaebeom brought the camera back to his face while Jinyoung posed awkwardly. He looked around, unsure of what to do.
Jaebeom laughed. “Why are you so tense? Just do whatever you want.”
“This is what I want.” Jinyoung gritted his teeth, not moving from his awkward pose but looked straight at the camera and smiled.
“Yeah yeah, sure.” Jaebeom quickly took the picture.
“Let me take your picture.” Jinyoung extended his hand.
“What? No, I don’t like having my pictures in this camera.” Jaebeom brought the camera closer to his chest, his other hand covering it defensively.
Jinyoung narrowed his eyes, thinking. “Don’t make me use my wish over something this petty.”
Jaebeom raised his eyebrow. “You want it that bad?”
“Yeah, I left mine so I’m sad.” Jinyoung looked at the ground and pretended to pout, giving Jaebeom his sad eyes.
Jaebeom considered it for a few seconds. “Okay, but just one.” He slowly handed the camera to Jinyoung. Jinyoung grinned and grabbed it quickly.
“Okay, now do something.”
Jaebeom blinked. “God, it’s harder to be in front of the lens.”
Jinyoung chuckled. “Just do what you want.”
“I want to hold your hand.”
Jinyoung’s jaw dropped. “What? What do you mean?”
“Exactly what I said.”
Jinyoung could tell that Jaebeom was serious. He laughed nervously. “I need both hands or else I’ll drop the camera.”
“Okay, then take the picture and then hold my hand.”
Jinyoung tilted his head to the side. “Anyone ever told you that you’re demanding?”
Jaebeom rolled his eyes but he was smirking. “I think the word is flirting.”
“Demanding is an adjective. Flirting is a verb.”
“I am doing it so a verb should be correct.”
“Jaebeom-ah!” A voice interrupted their conversation. Both of them turned around and saw a man waving from the stage.
“Oh, Younghyun-ah!” Jaebeom smiled at the man, and waved back.
The guy hopped down from the stage and walked over to them. “Wonpil said he saw you buying food. I told him you said you’re not coming but you’re really here.” He said, smiling. His eyes landed on Jinyoung. “You rejected a gig for a date?” The question was clearly meant for Jaebeom but he was looking straight at Jinyoung.
Jaebeom laughed. “No! The kids have to attend some family matters. A wedding, I think. This is Jinyoung, by the way.” Jaebeom pointed at Jinyoung. “This is Younghyun. My friend.”
“Nice to meet you.” Jinyoung extended a hand, and Younghyun accepted in a warm handshake. “Nice to meet you too, Jinyoung. I would love to get to know you better, but I have to go. See you around!” He waved and left without a response.
“What gig is he talking about?” Jinyoung asked.
Jaebeom pointed to the stage. “My band got invited to perform for the festival, but as you heard, we have to reject it. Younghyun is in another band, they’re performing today.”
Jinyoung nodded. “So are bands close together? Like are you all friends?”
“Uh, not really.” Jaebeom shook his head. “But I’ve known him since college. I have even performed with his band.”
“So I guess it is possible for you to perform today? With them?” Jinyoung raised his eyebrow.
“Hypothetically, yes? But I’ll just be here, with you.” Jaebeom’s smile was soft.
“I think I want to use my wish right now.”
Jaebeom’s smile disappears. “What?”
“Can you please sing a song? Up there? Please?”
Jinyoung stood alone in the crowd, giddily waiting. Jaebeom had given him the stink eye as he called one of the band members to ask about it but he smiled at how excited Jinyoung was.
“I need to go backstage.” Jaebeom said as soon as the call ended.
Jinyoung didn’t wait for long. A woman and a man walked up the stage, and started the event. The crowd erupted in cheers. Jinyoung was surrounded by strangers, but he was more thrilled than uncomfortable.
The MCs called for the first performer, a singer named Kang Seungyoon. The guy came up and sang three songs. Everyone was hyped up at the refreshing beat of summer songs. At that moment, Jinyoung kinda wished that he wasn’t alone.
The event continued and after the third performer walked down the stage accompanied by scattered applause, the MCs called the next performer, DAY6. The cheers got louder, so Jinyoung assumed that they were popular.
He recognized one of the guys immediately as Jaebeom’s friend. He looked at the other 4 guys on the stage and frowned when he couldn’t see Jaebeom.
“Hello, we are DAY6!” The band greeted the crowd in unison, bright smiles decorating their faces.
The band started with the first song, Congratulations. Once the song ended, Jinyoung found himself shouting with the crowd. They performed several other songs, moving towards softer, more melancholic vibes, and the mood of the crowd changed with every song. Jinyoung made a mental note to ask Jaebeom about the band later because they were simply amazing.
The third song ended, and the crowd cheered as the band members paused to take a breath, still smiling. They glanced at each other, communicating silently. Jinyoung watched them with hopeful eyes, thinking that it meant whatever he thought it was.
Jaebeom’s friend, whose name Jinyoung had forgotten, stepped closer to the mic. He flashed the audience a half-smirk-half-grin before speaking up.
“That was the last song we prepared for today-” he couldn’t finish his sentence as a part of the audience started shouting. “MORE! MORE!”
Jinyoung chuckled. Teenagers.
Jaebeom’s friend smiled, before leaning back into the mic stand. “Yes, yes okay, let me finish first.” He waited for the screaming people to calm down before he continued.
“Like I said, that was the last song we prepared, so we don’t really have anything else to sing.” He brought his right hand up to the air when someone started shouting again.
“But a friend of mine made a request, so I guess we’ll be having a special performance today.” He turned to look at the left side of the stage, and waved his hand, calling someone over.
Jaebeom appeared, taking long strides to the center, smiling nervously. The audience clapped and cheered. Jinyoung probably was the loudest one.
“Hi.” He breathed, eyes scanning the audience. When they found Jinyoung, his cat-like grin appeared again as he winked at him.
Jaebeom looked at the other audience, his expression much more relaxed now. “ I didn’t really prepare anything, this is quite sudden, but I hope all of you can enjoy it. This song is called Ring.”
Jaebeom turned to the band members, and nodded before turning back to face the audience again. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath to calm himself down. His eyes fluttered back open as the first note played.
The moment I first saw you,
unknowingly my eyes kept going to you
The words you spit out
Feel electrifying
Come to me now
Jinyoung was in awe as he watched Jaebeom turn into someone different. Someone who was so in his element, that it was hard to believe that it was the person who could barely shoot 4 cups just an hour ago.
Take this ring away
You take this ring away
You can have me as you please
Take this ring away
You take this ring away
You give me desire endlessly
Jinyoung was reminded of their conversation, when he was thought of as a cheating husband finding a one night stand at a club. He couldn’t help but chuckle at the memory.
The song ended pretty quickly, and Jinyoung felt something bubbling inside him. He had listened to Jaebeom singing before, at the nightclub, but the contrast was astounding. Instead of the blinding lights, strong smell of alcohol, and the strong bass speakers that made his head pounding, he preferred the way the evening Sun painted Jaebeom’s face with streaks of gold, the scent of sweat mixed with the sweet summer air, and the rawness of the song. It was bare, just the way Jinyoung liked it.
Jaebeom waved goodbye to the crowd together with the band, and soon they were replaced by another performer. The female singer was amazing and she got everyone hyped again, but honestly the only thing Jinyoung wanted to do was shout at Jaebeom’s face about how much he loved his singing. He glanced around, trying to see if Jaebeom was coming. It was quite impossible because he was squished by people there in the front row. Jinyoung decided to just enjoy the rest of the evening, and brought his attention back to the stage.
Jinyoung felt the vibration of his phone in his pocket, and he fished it out carefully, not wanting to knock a random person with his arm, or his phone. There was a text from Jaebeom.
Jaebeom: I’m at the left side of the stage.
Come here after the performance finishes.
This should be the last one.
I think.
Jinyoung smiled as he read the text. He felt like the main character of those romcom movies Jackson made him watch back in college every time exam season ended. The nerdy girl meeting her jock boyfriend at the benches after a football game. He felt his cheeks hitting up at the thought and he let out an awkward cough to cover it up.
True enough, not long after, the singer bowed and waved to the audience, and the MC came back to the stage and gave a short thank you speech, bidding everyone farewell and wishing a safe journey home. The audience started to break up, and Jinyoung found himself walking fast to the left side of the stage.
Jinyoung found Jaebeom leaning on the banner pole, chatting away with someone Jinyoung recognized from the stage earlier. He stepped quietly before stopping a few step’s away, not wanting to disrupt the ongoing conversation. He watched Jaebeom’s face scrunched up as he laughed.
A few minutes passed before Jaebeom turned around, eyes finally seeing Jinyoung. He smiled and said something to his friend before walking over.
“I thought you got lost.” Jaebeom teased.
Jinyoung rolled his eyes but couldn’t resist himself from smiling. “ Yeah, suddenly I was in the parking lot.”
Jaebeom frowned. “Wait, really?”
Jinyoung chuckled and shook his head. “No. I’m not that stupid.”
Jaebeom rolled his eyes, his smile returning to his face.
“Are we leaving now?” Jinyoung asked, looking at the staff cleaning up.
Jaebeom looked around. “Uh, they asked for my help to take their picture first but we can leave after that.” He turned to Jinyoung. “Do you have anywhere to be?”
“No, no. I’m just asking.”
“Jaebeom!”
Both of them turned to the owner of the voice. It was the person Jaebeom was talking to earlier. He was holding a camera in one hand, and using his free hand to wave at them.
“Oh, there they are. You don’t mind right?” Jaebeom asked.
Jinyoung shook his head. “No no, not at all. Go ahead.”
“Okay, everyone get ready!” Jaebeom said, bringing the camera to his face.
All of them immediately got into position, smiling for the camera. Jaebeom took several pictures, counting to three each time. After that, he passed the camera back to one of the members.
Jaebeom turned to walk away when someone called him. It was the forgotten guy.
“Let me take a picture of you and Jinyoung!” The guy exclaimed, pointing at Jinyoung who was just standing there. Jinyoung smiled hesitantly, unsure of what was happening.
“Oh,” Jaebeom paused, thinking, “Uh, I don’t think there’s a need for that.” He glanced at Jinyoung.
“Oh come on! We need a picture of your first date!” The guy wiggled his eyebrows teasingly.
Jaebeom sighed. He turned to Jinyoung. “Jinyoung, you want to take a picture?”
“Uh,” Jinyoung nodded and stepped closer. “Sure. Why not?”
“Alright, stand here. The sky back there is pretty.” Jaebeom’s friend pushed the other members away, and signalled Jaebeom and Jinyoung to come over.
They followed the instructions, standing next to each other.
“Okay, smile!”
Jinyoung smiled and prayed that it wouldn't come out awkward.
Jaebeom’s friend looked at the picture he got on his camera. “Okay. Jaebeom, I’ll send it to you later.” He smiled at them before walking away, trying to catch up with his band members a few steps ahead.
“Thank you hyung!” Jaebeom called out, and the guy raised his hand without turning back.
Jaebeom turned to Jinyoung. “Let’s go.”
Both of them started walking in silence, letting the summer air still around them.
“I had fun today.” Jaebeom spoke suddenly.
Jinyoung smiled. “Me too. Thank you for bringing me here. And for singing up there.” He chuckled lightly at the last part. “You were….. really great.”
Jaebeom chucked his eyebrow upward. “Really great?”
“For a lack of a better word, yes.”
Jaebeom grinned. “You’re really bad with words today.”
Jinyoung opened his mouth to reply when his phone rang. He took out his phone from his pocket.
Mama Tuan. Mark’s mother.
Jinyoung frowned. Why would Mark’s mother call him? He did a quick math in his head, it was around 2a.m. in the US. Which made the whole thing even weirder.
“Sorry, I have to take this.” He smiled apologetically at Jaebeom.
Jaebeom nodded and took a few steps forward, giving Jinyoung his privacy.
Jinyoung cleared his throat and finally picked up. “Hello?”
“Jinyoung.” Mrs. Tuan’s voice sounded breathy.
“Yes?” Jinyoung replied hesitantly. He racked his brain to find something to say but couldn’t come up with anything.
“Are you with Mark now? Is he okay?”
Jinyoung frowned. “No…. I’m with my friend, actually. Mark should be at home, his flight landed this morning. Is something wrong?” He blamed himself for not checking up on Mark before he left. And blamed Mark for not texting him.
He heard Mrs. Tuan sighed. And then there was a conversation happening on her side, not loud enough for Jinyoung to catch. Jinyoung waited patiently, mostly because he did not know what to say. He heard some rustlings, and….
“Jinyoung, this is Joey. Bambam called us earlier, Mark got in an accident. He’s now at the hospital.”
Jinyoung felt his head spin.