Chapter Text
Jaebeom was coming back from work when he saw Youngjae for the first time after the winter break. He was about to enter his apartment, a suitcase in his hand, when Jaebeom called him.
"Hey, you're back."
Youngjae turned around, recognizing the voice of his neighbor.
Jaebeom first noticed that his hair was slightly shorter, his cheeks fuller, and that he was wearing a scarf he had never seen before.
But then he smiled and it hit him. His feelings, like tidal waves crashing over him, overflowing him. It hit him, how much he liked his warm smile and wanted to see it again, to see him again.
It was overwhelming. And quite strange how different his feelings were, but also not, because the affection he had was already there.
Ah. I really love him.
Jaebeom suddenly felt self-conscious.
"Hello Jaebeom! Happy New Year!" Youngjae said enthusiastically while unwrapping his scarf, "I hope you didn’t miss me too much." Youngjae laughed, his tone was playful and friendly.
Jaebeom wanted to tell him that yes, he missed him and couldn't stop thinking about him for the whole holiday but he simply smiled instead. Youngjae suggested that they could catch up later, excited to show him pictures and videos of his holiday. "See you later then!" Youngjae waved before disappearing into his apartment and closing the door. Jaebeom stood still for a moment, his smile frozen, until he clapped his hands on his face to shake himself up. “Get a hold of yourself.” he whispered.
Jaebeom was in love. The problem was, he did not know what to do. Jaebeom was used to keeping his romantic feelings toward anyone for himself. After all, he was pining over his best friend for years and never did anything about it. Jinyoung was his only support system at that time, he could not risk losing him. He still had a bit of hope that things would evolve naturally when they lived together, but nothing happened. Instead, Jinyoung kept being interested in other guys and finally settled with Jackson, and Jaebeom never did anything to show his interest, letting things stay as they were.
But now it was not Jinyoung anymore, it was Youngjae, his neighbor. His adorable neighbor he has known for a few months, easy to tease, always smiling whenever he saw him. Even if things would not work out, Jaebeom would have no regrets. He was willing to try this time. No more painful pining for years until it was too late.
Still, Jaebeom did not know if the feeling was mutual and how he could figure this out.
So he did something he never imagined he would do until now.
"So, you like Youngjae."
Jaebeom nodded.
"But you don't know if Youngjae feels the same way."
Jaebeom nodded again.
"Well, all you have to do is confess then?"
Jaebeom groaned. "And how am I supposed to do that?" He put his head on the table, his cheek crushed on the surface, and sighed. Jinyoung shrugged.
"Youngjae I’m in love with you, would you like to be my boyfriend?”
Jaebeom hid his face behind his arms. The cringe was real. "I can't say that out of the blue??" Jinyoung rolled his eyes.
"What else are you gonna do then…"
"I don't know…."
Jinyoung sighed, closed his eyes and frowned exaggeratedly.
"If you are not straightforward enough, he might not catch the drift.". Yeah, Jaebeom knew that too well. Not only Jinyoung never noticed the feelings his best friend had for him, he also thought Jackson was not interested in him despite his blatant flirting.
It was the first time Jaebeom asked Jinyoung for advice on his love life. And he sadly realized that well - his best friend was not that helpful.
“Maybe ask him out on a date and see how it goes? ”
“Oh so like, asking him out?”
“Yeah you don’t even have to specify that it’s a romantic date,” Jinyoung added, “but this way I think it’d be easier for you to confess? If you are outside, only the both of you, doing something that couples do.”
Asking Youngjae on a date actually sounded like a good idea. After all, they always hung out in each other's apartment, playing games, eating or watching movies, but they actually never did anything outside, (which would make it a bit special). And just like Jinyoung said, he did not even need to mention it was a romantic date. If Youngjae considered it as a friendly hang out at first, Jaebeom could still hint his true intention during the date, and also have a better idea of what Youngjae was feeling toward him. It would make his confession smoother and more natural.
So Jaebeom considered different options. His first idea was to go to the movies. There was a new horror movie that he really wanted to watch and he thought it could be the most natural thing to ask since they watch series and movies together already. He could hope for a moment to confess after the movie, asking him for another date by the same occasion. Maybe the thrill of the horror movie could help too.
Sadly, things didn't go as planned.
"So, there is this horror movie that I really wanna watch, you want to go with me?" Jaebeom asked when they were playing Mario kart. He tried to sound as casual as possible but he was actually so nervous he made a wrong move and his car fell into a ditch. Hopefully Youngjae did not notice.
“I’m sorry Jaebeom,” he started, still focused on the road, “I can’t watch horror movies, I'm too much of a scaredy cat, I think it’s better if you ask someone els- oh I’m first, yay!” he exclaimed after passing the finished line. Jaebeom’s car was still behind, just recovering from its fall.
Defeated, Jaebeom did not even bother suggesting another movie to watch. He would have to try something else later.
Jaebeom was not really inspired so his next idea was to invite him to a restaurant. Something nice, but in his budget. He knew Youngjae wanted to try Italian food so he planned to bring him to a nice Italian restaurant he spotted in the Mapo district. In his head, this was the perfect plan. No way Youngjae would refuse to go eat some good food, right? And the good food, the atmosphere of the place could work its magic. They could even walk along the Han river right after for an added romantic touch.
But once again, the universe decided it was not the right thing to do.
“Wow, it seems like you bought a lot.” Jaebeom noticed when he saw Youngjae in front of his door, his hands full of two heavy shopping bags.
“It’s not that much really, just lots of fruits and veggies,” Youngjae replied as he put them down to type the code on the door lock, “I ate like a pig during winter break and gained a bit of weight...so I’m trying to eat less and healthier for now haha.” Jaebeom’s face instantly fell, but thankfully Youngjae did not notice. Two things bothered Jaebeom about what his neighbor said: first, Youngjae definitely did not need to go on a diet, he was perfect the way he was and his cheeks being slightly fuller made him look even cuter; second, he could forget about asking him to go to a restaurant for now.
Eventually, a week passed and he still hadn’t asked Youngjae on a date. And of course, his best friend and his pseudo-6th sense would not miss that.
“So, I suppose you still haven't asked Youngjae out?" Jinyoung inquired when they were having their usual catching-up-at-Jackson’s coffee-shop time. Jaebeom groaned, mumbling something along the lines of “the timing was never right”. Truth was, after his two fails, his courage started to deflate and his brain to overthink: “what should I do? What if he refuses again? What date would be perfect? How should I actually confess?” And other questions running in his mind he had no clear answer to. Which resulted in him doing nothing. Jinyoung closed his eyes and shook his head, showing his disappointment.
"I knew it."
"If you are here to make fun of me, I am leaving.”
"Well, yeah there is that, but I also have something for you.”
Jinyoung brandished two rectangular pieces of paper from his bag in front of Jaebeom’s intrigued eyes. “You see, I got these two tickets for a musical. Jackson and I were supposed to go but Jackson’s coworker got sick and he volunteered to take his shift.” He sighed. “I was planning to sell them but maybe you can ask Youngjae to go with you? It’s next Saturday."
Jinyoung showed the poster of the show on his phone. “Midnight sun”, a modern adaptation of the Japanese movie “Taiyou no Uta”. Jaebeom vaguely heard about it from a colleague who had to work on the set. “The love story between a girl who sings with her guitar under the moonlight and a surf boy who is as bright as the midday sun. ”
Jaebeom’s expression lightened up: this sounded like the perfect date idea. Youngjae, with his affinity for music, would surely enjoy this kind of show. Plus, the genre was romance so it was very much fitting for a date.
Maybe Jinyoung was going to be more helpful than he thought.
“You sure you want to give them to me? I can pay you-”
“Nah it’s fine.”
Jaebeom squinted, suspicious of Jinyoung’s generosity.
“That’s so unusual for you to be this nice…”
“Please don’t misunderstand, I’m just tired of seeing you single. Consider this as an investment.”
Jaebeom rolled his eyes, but when Jinyoung handed him the two tickets, his imagination already ran wild. He already pictured himself in the theater, with Youngjae next to him, and imagined the most cliché things, like putting his hand on top of his, and Youngjae looking at him, blushing, and then maybe looking at each other again and kissing at the end of the musical with the romantic soundtrack playing in the background, and-
Jinyoung cleared his throat, snapping his best friend off his daydream. Jaebeom had been watching too much romance and it started to taint on him a bit.
“I don’t want you to ruin anything so remember: don’t plan too much. It’s better if you stay spontaneous and let things come naturally. I am pretty sure he’s into you too so just avoid doing anything stupid and it’s gonna be alright. Good luck.” Jinyoung said solemnly for a more dramatic effect.
Jaebeom had no idea how Jinyoung could come with such advice when he was always the one to be courted but he was still thankful for the reminder. These tickets saved him from many additional hours of pondering. Jaebeom had no experience in confessing and honestly it was a really scary thing but these tickets to the musical gave him strength for some reason. He felt really grateful.
"Thank you Jinyoungie, I love you." he blurted out while holding the tickets to his chest. Jinyoung winced at the sudden words of affection.
"Eww, I love you too but please tell that to Youngjae instead."
At the mention of Youngjae, Jaebeom blushed and stuttered, which made Jinyoung cackle.
"You're very much whipped, I see."
"Shut up."
---
“So, you wanted to ask me something?”
Jaebeom thought this was the best idea to quickly meet Youngjae in the hallway specifically to ask him out, instead of doing it while they were busy doing other stuff (perhaps he did not want to have the mario kart scenario again). But in reality, it just made him more nervous. Usually when they hung out, it was unplanned and spontaneous: Youngjae sending him a text that he was bored and that they could play a game, or watch something on Netflix. It was never something with a set time like this, Youngjae might think this was a bit odd.
Jaebeom was, once again, feeling self-conscious, standing awkwardly, not sure where to look. The tickets buried in his back pocket felt way heavier than they actually were.
Youngjae did not seem to notice or mind much, simply curious about what Jaebeom wanted to tell him. Jaebeom inhaled before he opened his mouth.
“Are you free this Saturday night?”
Jaebeom was initially overjoyed when Jinyoung gave him the tickets but he forgot that Youngjae could refuse too - if he was still unlucky, Youngjae could have had other plans already.
Youngjae tilted his head and slightly looked up, trying to remember if he had anything.
Please say you are free…
“I think so? Why?”
Jaebeom had to freeze the little smile that started to creep on his face.
“It’s just that,” he quickly took the tickets out of his pocket, “I have these two tickets for the musical Midnight sun so I thought you maybe would like to go with me?”
Ok now, Jaebeom thought, the way he phrased it and the whole situation really sounded like he was asking him on a romantic date. Not sure Youngjae would catch it but all he wanted was for him to accept.
“Please don’t tell me you don’t watch musicals or I’m gonna lock myself in my apartment forever.”
Youngjae blinked, staring at the two tickets in Jaebeom’s hand, and then his eyes suddenly lit up at the realization.
“Midnight sun? The musical midnight sun? I would love to!” He sounded so excited about it, too cute. This time Jaebeom couldn’t help but smile too.
“I really wanted to go but the ticket was not fitting my budget so I hesitated to buy one and….oh wait sorry, I can definitely pay you later for this ticket! Maybe not now but-”
“You don’t have to pay me, I invite you.”
“What? No no no I can’t-” Youngjae was now moving his hands in front of his face in a cross motion and shaking his head, showing his refusal. Jaebeom got closer to him, gently grabbed his right wrist - Jaebeom definitely did not think this through, what was he doing, his conscience whispered - to turn his hand and place one of the tickets in Youngjae’s palm, not giving him time to protest more. “See, the ticket is yours now.” Youngjae stared at the ticket in his hand, dumbfounded, then looked at Jaebeom again. “I wanted to go with you so…” Jaebeom started, looking away and scratching his cheek, embarrassed, “I mean, I thought you would like this. So let me invite you….well, to be fair, I got these tickets for free, but I want to go...with you…” Jaebeom’s voice lowered the more words he spoke. How obvious he was? On a scale of 1 to 10, it was probably a solid 8. If Youngjae did not suspect anything, it was not a good sign. But he could also be completely oblivious, which didn’t mean he had no feeling. It was hard to know exactly what he was thinking.
So Jaebeom still had a bit of hope.
“Really...Thank you…..” Youngjae was not really smiling anymore, but looked rather touched by the gesture.
“It’s nothing really, thank you for going with me.” Jaebeom smiled softly, relieved that Youngjae accepted this time. “I’m really looking forward to it. It’s been a while since I last watched a musical.” If he was being honest, he mostly looked forward to spending more time with Youngjae but what he said was technically not a lie.
“Me too!” Youngjae exclaimed, “I’m so excited!” He smiled brightly this time, and Jaebeom felt like he could melt on the spot.
When Jaebeom got back into his apartment and closed the door, he plopped into his bed, processing everything that had happened.
He had a date with Youngjae. Well, Youngjae probably did not see it as a date, but that did not really matter. For now. “This was the easier part. Saturday is the day that matters. Don’t embarrass yourself and it’s gonna be alright. If he rejects you then….it’ll hurt but at least you can move on. You can do this.”
In the middle of his pep talk, Jaebeom remembered Jinyoung’s nagging words, “don’t plan too much.” His best friend was right, planning it was not the best way to do this. He could daydream about what could happen and imagine the different scenarios in his head, but in the end, he would have to act according to the mood and Youngjae’s reaction, and find the right timing to confess.
“Confessing, uh…” Just thinking of confessing to Youngjae made him both excited and terrified.
Three days until Saturday but he was already a mess.
---
“I’m ready” Jaebeom quickly sent before taking his coat. He received a reply a few seconds later. “Ok I’m waiting in the hallway!”
Jaebeom checked his pocket to make sure he had the ticket, took a deep inspiration and finally opened the door.
Youngjae was standing there, his back facing him, probably checking something on his phone. He turned around at the sound of the door closing.
“Hey!” Yongjae beamed when he saw the familiar face. Of course he had to smile so brightly, and look so cute with the trapper hat on his head and his beige, fluffy jacket to keep himself warm. So soft, like a teddy bear. Such a contrast to the way Jaebeom styled himself today, a leather jacket on, wearing dark and fitted clothes.
“Wow, you look really cool like this.” Youngjae blurted out, ending this comment with a small laugh.
“And you look way too cute I just want to hug you right now”
Jaebeom kept his thoughts for himself, though.
They rode to the venue in Jaebeom’s car, and Youngjae was humming and smiling the whole ride. Jaebeom felt warm inside, seeing him in such a good mood, and relaxed a bit.
---
Jaebeom was enjoying the show, he really was. The music was great, the actor’s performance was convincing, and the story was compelling. Yet, Jaebeom couldn’t help but frequently glance at the boy next to him, admiring his profile, noticing how his expression changed depending on the scene. Despite the darkness, he could see the way Youngjae pouted, laughed, and tensed. And his eyes were glimmering, fixed on the scene, touched by the music. He was immersed in the musical, not even noticing he was being observed. Jaebeom could not control the smile on his face.
And even when Jaebeom focused on the musical, his thoughts would always come back to Youngjae. Like when the female character sang while playing the guitar and the male character looked at her in awe, Jaebeom swore he could see himself back in the Moonlight cafe, watching Youngjae play the piano. Was this at that moment, that he fell in love? Seeing Youngjae sing so well while playing his instrument, leaving him breathless. Just like this boy watching this girl sing under the stars?
And this time, when Jaebeom wanted to look at Youngjae’s expression again, he met his eyes. Youngjae had turned his head, looking at him, and he smiled softly, not saying a word, then focused on the musical again. Jaebeom's eyes were now riveted on the scene too, but he was not really looking at it, his shoulder tensed and his ears getting hot, embarrassed as if Youngjae had read through his mind during this short eye contact.
Then, at some point during the musical, Youngjae put his arm on the armrest. Jaebeom only wanted to do one thing, put his hand on his. He stared at Youngjae’s hand for a while, hesitant, considering making a move. He was ready to innocently put his hand there to see his reaction, but when he looked up, Youngjae’s expression stopped him.
Jaebeom recognized it, the same expression he saw back then at the café and when they had their conversation in the car. Youngjae was not pouting in sympathy for the characters like he had before but rather, the traits of his face were down, and he looked lost in his thoughts, the spark in his eyes gone.
On the scene in front of them, the female protagonist was recording her song. Her now boyfriend had saved up money, even sold his precious surfboard to make it possible. The song she was singing was heartwarming, it was truly a happy moment, with even a funny scene right before she entered the studio to record her song. So why did Youngjae look down? What was he thinking at that moment?
Jaebeom kept wondering until the end of the show.
---
“This was sooo good, I thought I’d cry at the end.”
After the end of the show, Jaebeom suggested taking a walk to enjoy the fresh air, and maybe find somewhere to drink instead of directly going back home. Youngjae happily agreed.
Even though they were walking by the Han river in the cold night and had not drunk anything yet, Jaebeom was already starting to feel warm, his brain reminding him that he was a man on a mission.
Hopefully Youngjae did not notice how nervous he was.
“What did you like the most about the musical?" Jaebeom casually asked.
"Honestly? Everything. The story, the music, and the actors were so great too. I loved Onew's performance, as expected his voice suited the musical so well."
Youngjae's enthusiasm suddenly faltered in a matter of seconds, and he went strangely silent. He sighed and looked down, visibly lost in his thoughts.
"Is there anything wrong?" Jaebeom finally asked.
Youngjae shook his head and smiled weakly.
"No I am fine, it's just…"
He didn't finish his sentence. Instead, after a few seconds of silence, he hesitantly asked, still looking at his feet.
“Jaebeom, when you pursued music... weren’t you worried about making the wrong choice?" He finally looked straight into Jaebeom's eyes for a moment, as if he was looking for an answer in them. He then averted his gaze, hesitant. "I mean, the industry is saturated, there is a lot of competition. Didn’t you have doubts before you entered college? Didn’t you think of studying something else just in case?”
Jaebeom pondered the question. Of course he knew this was not the most secure path to take. But he never once hesitated or considered any other option. “Not really. Because I knew I wanted to make music. I knew it would be hard but I couldn’t see myself doing anything else. I had to try and put all my energy in this or else I’d have regrets."
Youngjae hummed at this answer and looked up at the sky for a moment. Jaebeom was not sure where this question was coming from, and if that was what he wanted to hear.
“Why do you ask that suddenly?”
“Oh, I was just curious, you know…” He paused and then his lips stretched into a smile, but Jaebeom could tell he still had a lot of things in his mind. “It’s getting really cold, let’s quickly find a place to have a drink!” He walked faster, now in front of Jaebeom, and beckoned him to walk more quickly as well. But Jaebeom still wanted to continue the conversation.
"Youngjae..do you…have you thought of becoming a singer? Is this why you are asking me that?"
Youngjae’s shoulders tensed and he looked at his feet again, not making eye contact.
“I love singing, yes…and when I watched the musical, I thought, oh, it’d be nice to perform like this…but it’s not enough to love it right?” Youngjae bit his lips. “Do I even have what it takes?” He muttered, almost inaudibly, and then looked straight into Jaebeom’s eyes.
And Youngjae, who was usually so guarded, showed a glimpse of what he was really thinking.
Even though he was not saying anything, Jaebeom could hear what he really wanted to say, the words reflecting in his gaze very clearly.
I want to do it but I’m scared.
But it was only momentary. Youngjae clenched his fists, sighed, and just like that, any sign of vulnerability vanished. He laughed nervously, as if he was brushing off the remaining traces of his true feelings.
“Anyway, I enjoy singing but I’m fine with my current major. I like it, I know I can for sure make a living out of it, it’s in high demand and-
“But that’s not what you really want to do, right?” Jaebeom interrupted him.
Youngjae frowned.
“I-”
“Am I wrong?”
Youngjae opened his mouth to retort, but no word came out. Jaebeom did not wait for an answer.
“Remember when I complimented you back then? I really meant what I said. Your voice is really impressive. I sincerely think you have what it takes, you just need to try. Go to auditions and see how it goes. If that’s what you really want to do.”
Jaebeom hoped Youngjae could feel his sincerity. Youngjae obviously shared his passion for music, and had actual potential to do great and move others with his voice. More than his technical skills, the way he poured his feelings and opened his heart while singing was what made him stand out. He could do whatever he wanted to do in the music industry, Jaebeom was sure of it.
“I am sure you can do it, Youngjae. I believe in you” Jaebeom smiled softly, breaking his previously serious expression.
Youngjae blinked, still silent, then his expression finally changed. He smiled again, but this time, with the most radiant smile he had ever shown that night. Despite his eyes crinkling and becoming small little crescents, they were still shining so brightly. To Jaebeom, they were sparkling so much it felt like they were emitting light by themselves. But maybe because of the tears that were forming in his eyes too.
Still, his smile looked genuine. And it was directed at him, again. Jaebeom felt warm despite the freezing temperature outside.
“Thank you for saying that, Jaebeom really. It means a lot. I- I will think about it.”
To Jaebeom, Youngjae was beautiful inside out. So much that the way he constantly showed lack of confidence personally bothered him.
“ If only you could see yourself the way I see you… ”
A wave of affection invaded Jaebeom, feelings overwhelming his whole body, from his bones to his fingertips, and all he wanted was to take him in his arms and tell him how much he loved him.
Jaebeom took a deep breath.
“I like to see you like this.”
“Huh?”
“To see you smile like this…”
Jaebeom’s heart was pounding really hard in his chest.
“Really?”
“Yeah...you-”
As Youngjae was staring curiously at him, Jaebeom’s nervousness increased.
“I-”
Jaebeom could feel he was sweating under his leather jacket, and that his voice was becoming less assured. But it was his chance to express his feelings. Hell, he wanted to, he really wanted to, and see if there was a chance Youngjae reciprocated them. And even if it was not the case, Jaebeom just wanted Youngjae to know he was loved and-
“Youngjae, fancy seeing you here!”
Jaebeom froze, his nervousness evaporating at the stranger’s voice, and he unconsciously stepped back, like he was getting caught doing something. Youngjae smiled and waved at the lean figure approaching them so Jaebeom figured this was his friend.
“You’re such a homebody it’s so rare to see you out like this.” The guy checked Youngjae out from head to toe, still ignoring Jaebeom. “I like your new coat. Cute”
Youngjae laughed nervously and mumbled a “thanks”, looking at his feet. Jaebeom was not really impressed, and rather annoyed by this dude who appeared out of nowhere, ruining the moment. The stranger seemed to sense the dark eyes darting on him because he finally turned his head and noticed Jaebeom. He squinted, trying to figure out if he had seen him before.
“Wait, who is this dude?” The guy spoke too loudly for someone walking on the streets. Given his demeanor, he probably had a lot of booze in his system.
Youngjae cleared his throat, looking a bit nervous. His whole attention was on the guy now and Jaebeom did not like it at all.
“This is my neighbor and friend, Jaebeom.”
“Oh, hello Jaebeom. I’m Bambam, Youngjae’s friend from college, you know. We suffer together in coding classes haha.”
He seemed to have a short moment of absence but then proceeded to blatantly check Jaebeom out.
“Daaaamn, you're really hot though.” he said with a smirk. “Wanna grab a drink sometime?”
“How come you are alone like this Bamie?” Youngjae’s voice was slightly high-pitched, Jaebeom noticed. He also noticed the nickname - and wished he didn’t.
“My friends went to that lame club y’know so,” he hiccuped and shrugged, “I ditched them. Imma head home now. But you!” He shamelessly pointed at Jaebeom, “give me your number. I promise you’ll have a good time with me” He obnoxiously winked and Jaebeom grimaced, but Bambam probably did not notice as he ungracefully turned back on his feet, almost stumbling. Youngjae quickly grabbed his arm.
“You’re not going anywhere alone in this state.” he said rather firmly. “I’m sorry Jaebeom, I think I’ll have to get him home…I’m so sorry.” and then he quickly walked away with Bambam under his arm, leaving Jaebeom standing still in the middle of the street.
What the f did just happen?
Jaebeom groaned in frustration and just walked to his car alone, head down.
---
“So, something you have to tell me?”
“....”
Jinyoung figured with the silence he was offered that things didn't turn out as expected. He sighed, loud enough to be heard through the phone.
“Please tell me there is a bit of progress, at least?”
“I was about to confess but then his drunk friend appeared out of nowhere and ruined the moment.” Jaebeom grumbled. He could imagine Jinyoung’s disappointed face even though he was not in front of him.
With little enthusiasm, he explained how the “date” went, and Jinyoung sighed again, showing little sympathy.
“I knew I made a mistake when l gave you these tickets.”
“Please…do you think that's what I want to hear right now?”
“You act like it’s the end of the world but it’s not like you cannot confess anymore.”
His friend had a point. Youngjae was still next door, and he would see him again eventually, there was no need to be this dramatic. Still, Jaebeom was not in the mood to be teased, if Jinyoung was not going to be at least a bit helpful, he would not hesitate to hang up.
“Now is not the time to weep, but to be honest. Go see him and tell him that this was supposed to be a date and that you want to be more than friends. Quick, while it's still fresh.”
Despite how annoying Jinyoung’s scolding was, Jaebeom knew his best friend was right. He could not find any more excuses, he was so close to finally expressing his feelings. If only he had not been interrupted...
So instead of waiting for the perfect moment, Jaebeom decided to straight up knock at Youngjae's door and tell him how he really felt while he still had the courage to do so. They would be alone with no one interrupting him, and he could retreat to his apartment in case things went wrong.
It was time to take the plunge, there was no turning back.
With all the determination he could gather and a nervous heart, he passed the door of his apartment, ready to walk in front of Youngjae's, but was surprised to see someone else standing in front of it.
At first glance, Jaebeom thought it was Bambam because of how slender the guy was, but when the stranger turned his head and made eye contact, he realized that it was rather an unfamiliar face.
He looked like he was about his age too, and the first thing that caught Jaebeom's attention was how fine his features were. Then, he noticed the bag he was holding that looked like it was from a foreign country - at least Jaebeom did not recognize the logo and text on it. Who was he? A friend from university, just like Bambam? Or one of his friends from Mokpo Youngjae mentioned before visiting him?
"Hi." The stranger said, surely to be polite because his tone was rather neutral and he did not seem interested in making any kind of conversation. He then observed Jaebeom silently, with no particular expression on his face, before speaking again. "Oh, you must be Youngjae's neighbor right? Hm...what was the name again..."
"Jaebeom, I'm Lim Jaebeom."
"Ah, right, Jaebeom. Right." The guy smiled politely again and humed, then grabbed his phone quickly and started typing on it. But he did not move from the place he was standing, probably waiting for Youngjae to open the door or something.
Jaebeom did not really have a good feeling about this guy. First of all, he was ruining his opportunity to talk to Youngjae alone. Second of all, the guy did not seem very friendly. Though Jaebeom could not really judge him for that, he was not the most talkative and cheerful with strangers either. But the guy could at least introduce himself. Jaebeom told him his name after all, that was only fair. That was kind of rude of him.
Jaebeom first considered ignoring the guy and going back into his apartment for the time being. He could still talk to Youngjae later. But despite how disinterested the stranger acted, Jaebeom was still curious about who he was.
"And you are?"
The guy looked up and made eye contact with Jaebeom again. Somehow, he emanated a really calm, assured energy.
Yet, Jaebeom was feeling nervous, for some reason.
"Ah, sorry, I should have introduced myself. I am Mark."
He smiled, still not widely but he was at least showing his front teeth this time, and his eyes appeared less cold than before. After a closer look, Jaebeom concluded that he was actually kinda cute.
He still felt something was wrong about him though. But he could not put his finger on it.
His instinct had probably sensed what was going to happen, because the guy opened his mouth to add:
"I'm Youngjae's boyfriend."
And just like that, Jaebeom's world collapsed.