Chapter Text
Ten made a lot of bad decisions in his life. Some are reckless ones, those that he have to face the consequences for. You may want to call him a bad boy but 'bad' is still an understatement for the weight of the name Ten holds. He had his fair share of experience when it came to being bad as well. He partied a lot, got wasted so much that he slept on the bathroom floor of his friend, made out with a bunch of senior cheerleaders in their dorm or behind the gym's bench when they have practice.
He can say he had a very fun life. His mother always tell him that he really was his father's son. Just like Ten, his Father did a lot of weird and crazy stuff, not only when he was young but even when he was married. He was really Ten's father for he was always making shocking decisions. And by far, this is the worst decision he had ever made.
'Have I repeated to you, mind you, that I'm not gay?' Ten asked, slumped on the bean bag as they talk. This was not what he was expecting when he was told to go home this weekend. To have a talk that he is going to get engaged. More so, to a man.
'Yeah' His oldest sister, currently 28 replied, eyes uninterested, 'You know, if Dad did not left his word with the other people involved, we can change you.' She explained sarcastically. Ten glaring at her obviously, wishing for his dagger eyes to send pain to the other. His family was full of proud people, no wonder he's proud and so full of himself.
'I don't want to get engaged, married, and probably not to an old hag.' Ten clarifies, feel his ears burn from anger and disgust. He sees his mother pause whatever conversation she's having with their second daughter, casting Ten an unimpressed look. 'We do not want you to get married as well.' Ten beamed at her, hopeful 'You have two older and beautiful sister, why get an impudent kid?'
Ten's nose flares with seething anger. If his family's proud, well eversince the death of their father, they became distant, more full of themselves and cold. No wonder Ten offered to stay in the university dorm, so he can stay away from his family. They are not actually a close-tight family. 'If you're so proud of those two frogs—' he hears them growl and yelp in protest, '—then why force me to marry the old man? Do you really hate me that much that you wanted to get rid of me so early?' He spit, venom in his tongue, eyes dangerous. And he knows he hit their nerves right because his mother turns to him, eyes blazing with so much hatred and distaste, 'I wanted to ask the same thing. But your father has been adamant on promising them the 'third' child to marry Youngho.'
Ten can almost smell the distaste, sees the jealousy and annoyance glinting in his sister's eyes, feel the tension shift to something dangerous.
He scoffs, pulling himself to stand, before dusting his clothes from the non-existent dirt. 'Promised or not, I am not meeting that old guy.'
'What a disgrace.' He heard his second sister murmur making him clench his fist. His mother sent him a look, challenging, 'I thought you wanted to make your late father proud? What would he just say if he sees you breaking the promise he did years ago to his very close friends?'
Ten huffs, then turns towards the door, heading outside. He wasn't able to get out of the house without hearing the tell-tale signs of an impending lecture, his oldest sister first, 'You really have no shame Chittaphon. Out of three of us, only you didn't show anything to be proud of. You think being a dancer will get you somewhere?' She snorts, crossing her arms over her chest, 'Me and Choco already have our future planned out. What about you?'
Ten twist his neck to shot her an unimpressed look, and mockingly says 'I am actually impressed you even know what my course is. Thought you never actually paid attention to your only brother.'
'You little—'
'Cherry, stop' His mother raises a hand infront of her, sighing on where she stood. Ten turned his back again to leave when he heard his mother whisper, 'If you cannot bring honor to the family, atleast honor your father's death wish.'
Ten stomped his feet before he angrily slammed the door open, making sure to step on his mother's favorite purple flower on the way out. He hate his life. He hate his sisters. He hate how they try to control everything in his life. What did he ever done to deserve this kind of life?
~♥~
'So how was your weekend?' His roommate, a japanese mountain man Yuta asked, who was lazing on their ratty couch. Ten has his face buried in one of the cushions while a re-run of Weekly Idol play in the background. He groaned as a response, sighing on the fabric. Everything has been tiring like shit. They had a lot of problems as University students. Had to pay the bill, review for the upcoming exams this last semester, had to prepare for their dance showcases. Had to survive this hellhole. Everything is just too much.
'It was hell' Ten finally answered, eyes drifting to his roommate who was now noisily munching on a bag of crackers. 'Hell? Well, the only hell I know is Mr. Kwon's history class.' Yuta grimaced, wiping his dirty hands on their couch. Ten shot him a look of disgust.
'Was it your family again?' Yuta adds, eyes never leaving the television screen. Ten hums, nodding before laying his head on the right arm of the couch, silently contemplating about his life. Youngho. That's the name of tha man he is supposed to marry. He's been told that the older guy is 32 years old, a shocking 10 year gap on their age. Ten had just turned 22 this February. He had never been fond of age gap, especially man. He is a man for Pete's sake. He shouldn't be creating his future with another man. He wants to impregnate a woman, have kids, build a home and many more.
'Hey Yuta' Ten utter, voice almost a whisper but the latter heard it still. 'Yes?'
'You're gay right?' Ten cast him a glance, getting an armful of Yuta's hair, headbutting him painfully. 'What the fu—' Ten yelps, groaning in pain while Yuta looks proud and victorious. He felt a tug on his ear, Yuta pinching it hard with an annoyed expression after, 'How many times do I have to tell you, I am bi, not gay, you dimwit.'
Ten gave a shrill cry, slapping at his hands to let go of his dying ear. When the other finally let go, he shot him a pout, betrayed. 'If I don't know you, I'd probably think you're gay. You're a twink, Ten.'
Offended, Ten jumped into the couch to stranggle his friend, almost kicking him out in the process. 'Excuse me, says the one who took it in the ass last saturday?' He hollers like a mad man, Yuta raising a hand to cover his dirty loud mouth. 'It was an experiment, okay! And Hansol was hot as hell.'
The two lads fell in a deep silence after, with Ten laying starfish over Yuta who was still munching on his long-forgotten chips, eyes returning to the tv screen. Ten was still buried in his thoughts, about his family, and how he'll manage to escape this situation.
Sigh.
His mother was right. He wanted to impress his father, the only person who believed in him. He was beyond sad when his old man passed away due to a heart attack, but his father never lack the love. He gave so much to Ten, showed and experienced a lot of things with his son, that Ten pledge to give honor to his name, whatever it may be. But not like this.
Not marriage or engagement.
To a man, no.
'Yo bro, why did you ask if I'm gay anyway? Is this why you are thinking so deeply?' Yuta jokes, his eyes no longer trained on the tv show but on his friend's face. Atleast Yuta has concern etched on his face, seemingly more worried than his real blood sisters and mother. Ten released a puff of breathe, calming his racing heart with how nervous he was. He realized he should atleast tell his friend about the problem, maybe then, he can breathe a little. 'How did you.. like..' Ten struggled to find the right words without offending the other, 'like, how did you realize you like boys or girls? or both?'
Yuta doesn't seem as conflicted as he is. 'I just did.' he shrugs a bony shoulder, twisting a little to lay on his back. Now with Ten on his chest. 'I just realized I like kissing boys as much as I like girls. I ended up liking both of them, whatever I do, with a man or a woman, I seem to enjoy it.' He supplies, eyes wide and sincere. Ten envied that Yuta has a clear thought of himself. Unlike Ten, who has life planned by someone else.
'I'm going to get engaged with a man. A 32 year old guy.' Ten whispers, head now laying on Yuta's chest. They always do this when someone is sick or feeling lost in the middle of a stressful semester, but Ten always add a precautionary warning 'no homo' which will earn him a whack in the head. Yuta has always been clingy and touchy, but he's a good guy, a loyal friend, someone Ten can trust. 'My father decides that his 'third' child should marry his friend's son.'
'Have you seen the man?' Yuta quirks an eyebrow at him. Ten shook his head as 'no'
'Then give him a chance.' Yuta beamed. But that's the problem. He cannot give him a chance. There is no way in hell would Ten get attached to a man. 'I'm not gay Yuta.' Ten deadpans. The latter rolled his eyes at him, then a heartbeat silence, before an agile hand moved so fast Ten wasn't able to grasp anything. Everything happened in a flash, and before he knows it, there's soft plush lips on his own. His mind seemed to physically shut down, eyes wide. But when he felt Yuta's tongue enter his mouth before he regained his bearings, punching Yuta in his jaw as the smaller practically throw himself away from the other. 'The fuck!' He yells, covering his mouth as he stared horrified at the taller.
Yuta groans at the pain, wiping his bleeding lips and then cradling his injured jaw. Ten bit his lip when he saw how red Yuta's jaw was, 'What the fuck were you doing?' He hissed, beyond mortified. He felt like vomitting, feeling the heat of Yuta's lips on his own. Yuta made a moue of distaste, cackling after, 'Well, atleast I'm sure you're not gay. Damn, that punch was hard. Feels like my jaw got dislocated.'
'Shit, I'm sorry bro—' Ten whispers, hands still covering his own mouth. Yuta shakes his head at him, 'It's my fault anyways'
'Why did you do that anyways?' Ten whimpers, still in a state of shock and disturbed by the earlier events. Yuta shrugged his shoulders, answering 'Thought if you get to taste a man's lips maybe you'd have a change of mind. Maybe you're bi afterall?' He jokes but his jaw is painfully injured so all he can do is open his mouth and let out goat sounds to sound like he was laughing. Ten doesn't move from his spot, still disgusted, 'I'm not gay'
'I clearly know that.' Yuta utters back, relaxing on the couch. 'But hey, Ten'
Ten raises his head at him, busily wiping his own mourh to remove the remnants of Yuta's chapstick and saliva. Yuta shot him an 'i hate you' on the process. 'Whoever this man you're going to meet. Promise me to not judge him by his gender.'
Ten grumbles, murmuring about not wanting to see the man. Yuta finishes off, now staring at the tv screen again, ''Because based from my experiences, it is not a good thing to insult people by their gender. Remember that.'
Ten locked his pinky finger with a beaming smile. Promise.
~♥~
The problem is, Ten's not really good with promises. As stated, he was a Bad boy with a capital B. He was mischievious, and full of mirth that his friends already had white hair from all the problems and troubles he had caused. His mother had sent him a message talking about a lunch meeting with the man at one of the prestigious 5 star restaurant near the SM Complex.
He decided that a shocking experience might scare his fiancee away, so he choose a sexy ripped jeans with a matching tank top to go. He also got one of Yuta's chokers just in case the clothes are not enough to show that he's definitely a bad boy.
'Are you sure?' Yuta asked, eyes wide from shock. He was already in his uniform, unlike Ten, who's going to be absent for the day. Ten answered with a nonchalant 'yes dude' directed to his roommate before picking his bomber jacket, completing the look. 'How do I look?' He asked, posing infront of the wall mirror.
'Like you're about to get fucked six ways to sunday' Yuta replied dryly, swiftly moving aside to avoid the can of beer thrown at him.
'I should be looking like I'm straight as hell.' Ten argues, buttoning his jacket for what he called 'badass look', 'I'm going to ride a motorcycle and arrive there fashionably late.' He plotted evily, an evil smile on his lips already.
Yuta came back seconds after, now completely dressed, with his bag and helmet. 'I wish you know that only I have the motorcycle. You only have your cycle.'
'I was going to borrow yours—' The smaller petulantly says but Yuta was already in front of their broken door, everything in their dorm is mostly old and ratty, waving at him, 'Ten, we all know you cannot drive.'
Ten follows him to the door, grumbling about being a bad friend. 'You should atleast support me.'
'I am' Yuta says as a matter-of-factly, grinning at him widely with his megawatt smile, 'I always remind you do not do bad things or it'll put you into dangerous cases.' he makes a move to turn, 'also, Ten, please do not be an asshole. Not everyone will be shitty to you.'
'You are shitty to me' Ten mumbles, defeated that he cannot get the motorcycle for extra boost of confidence. Yuta flicked his forehead before sprinting to where his vehicle is parked, escaping his friend's wrath. Ten watched him go before he sighed in surrender, taking a taxi to where the location was.
Ten already counted it win when he saw his mother's jaw hanging open and pale as ever. She slowly took in the way his son was dressed, the total opposite of their formal dresses. Ten seems to be lost in an area full of nicely-dressed people in a wealthy restaurant, dressed in his 'bad boy look'. 'What in the name of—' his mother cut herself off before she can curse, rubbing her face, very frazzled. 'Chittaphon, you really had the audacity to show yourself looking like disgrace and cheap—' she stares at his face, scanning at the eyeshadow perfectly and piercings decorating his ears. 'If you did not want it, you don't have to put the shame in our family.'
Ten scoff, crossing his arms, 'I told you I didn't like it. I don't want you controlling me or even pressuring me in this one.'
'I never thought you'd stoop this low.' His mother whispers, eyes void of emotion 'I don't know why you're your father's favorite. You never did anything right.'
Ten's eyes stilled at that, his dark orbs dark like the abyss, 'Don't you ever use father's name like that.'
His mother's mouth open to start another argument but his second sister came out in a rush, dressed in a pink cocktail showcasing her shoulder. Atleast they were ready. More ready than Ten himself.
'Mother, he's here already!' She squeels in delight, bouncing on her step. 'Oh my gosh, he looks like Christian Grey but just more handsome and soft.'
Their mother nod at her, ushering her inside to warn Ten before they come in. 'Chittaphon, behave and I will pull you out of this one. If you really do not want it, I will talk to him and maybe Cherry or Choco can have his hand.'
Ten scoffs at her the second time, 'You think it's that easy.' he walks beside her, shoulder to shoulder, 'You do that to have a good life. No way. Let me taint your clean name first' before he walked inside, looking for their spot. He sees his sister first, Choco and then Cherry who was dressed in a bright pastel orange. She had the guts to sit beside the guest, his fiancee for that matter. 'Hey bitches.' He greets, walking to them and unceremoniously plomping down beside Choco who looked dead the second he called them. Let the fun begin.
Choco kicked at his shoes, motioning for him to sit properly. He sticked a stubborn tongue out before greeting the guest. 'Hi, you must be Youngho' His eyelined eyes rake over the older man's feauture. Atleast his sisters weren't blind, they weren't lying when they said he's handsome. Youngho was handsome, that true. But he was more than handsome. He's intimidiating, but on the same time, benignant. Wide eyes that hold the universe, a tall nose and a very curved lips like a heart. His hair is neatly swept on the side, revealing a shiny forehead. As expected for a 32 year old man, he was still in his business attire, dressed comfortably with his crisp suit that Ten knows he will never ever want to wear. Right at his left hand is a Rolex Breguet, one of the most expensive things Ten has ever seen. At his right side is his bag, probably filled with papers and laptop to carry.
'I am Youngho' he confirms, his lips pulling into a sweet smile. Ten, for a minute, cannot believe that this was the 32 year old man they were talking about. He was nowhere near 32. He could pass off as 22 or 25 for a mature look. He might be lying. Ten is suspicious. 'You are Chittaphon? The third child?' He inquires, eyebrows raising in confusion. The younger nods, looking overly confident, 'The only one. I just turned 22 this February.'
Youngho frowned a little, and within a second, it is gone. 'I guess I can still give you a gift even if it's late.'
'Your decision.' He retorts, looking at his trimmed nails. He hears his sisters asked him things, where he have been, what place have he gone to, where does he live. Youngho answers them with professionalism lacing his tone, keeping it fun yet personal at the same time. He snickers when he heard Cherry oggle and whisper at Choco 'oh my gosh, he's the one',
'How about you Chittaphon? Tell me about yourself' Youngho suggest, taking a sip from his coffee. Ten grimaced at the color, pure black, just like his soul. 'Just Ten. I'm 22. And I'm not gay.' He straightly says, Choco choking on her icetea and Cherry almost falling from her seat. Youngho, however, does not look bothered. He still had his sweet smile plastered on his face. 'That's too bad, after all, we are going to talk about the engagement here. Of you and me.'
'Yes' Ten replies dryly, huffing in annoyance. 'When is the food going to come? I'm so hungry.'
'We ordered steak' Cherry quips in a cute voice, fluttering his eyelashes, 'Mother said we can have steak today. You should get steak too.'
Ten hated steak. His sisters like eating the wealthy food, but his father fed him with farm-grown crops like carrots and sweet potato. But, if his mother is going to pay, he may atleast take advantage of it. 'Give me the most expensive one ' he calls the waiter, the man walking to them, 'The most expensive food we had is the Smoked Salmon with dried olive leaves and truffle cake made from Queen Elizabeth's recipe.' He informed. Ten never knew what those foods are, maybe salmon is a fish. And what's with Queen Elizabeth's recipe? Was it Queen taste too?
'I'll get it.' He proudly said, smirking at Cherry's deadly state, eyes saying 'you are so dead to mom'
Before he can create a snarky remark, Youngho was already pulling his wallet out. 'I will pay for his food.' He says with a smile, passing over a gold card of American Express Centurion Card. Ten gulped at the sight. Continuing with their conversation as if nothing happened, Youngho remained enthusiastic and interested with Ten's non-ending boastful stories. 'You know, I kissed most of the girls in my school.' He says proudly, although it is actually not a lie, it is however not exactly true. Not most, just half of the most. But Youngho will never found out anyway.
'I'm in my third year of university now.' He adds, reminiscing his time in his academy, 'I got shitloads of problems, partied a lot and got wasted on every weekend evening.'
Ten was purposely saying these things to scare the older away. He was afterall the bad boy of NCU. 'Have you ever kissed a guy?' Youngho asked, lips curled like a cat. Ten's immediate reaction was disgust, 'Eww. I'm not gay.' He repeats for the nth time that day. Choco and Cherry look pale as dead, but Youngho.
He is still smiling. 'I know you're not gay. You said it for many times now.'
'Then this agreement is useless.' He said before even thinking. He sees something flash in Youngho's eyes but it is too quick to know. Fuck, he had just betrayed Yuta. He was an asshole. Ten looked away, gulping nervously as he sees his mother arrive with a fake smile, ready and eager to please. 'So, what did I miss?' His mother asked, already sat down with a blinding smile directed to the guest.
'About the business, of course' Youngho answered back. Ten shot his head at that, eyes wide like saucers. Weren't they going to talk about the arrangement? He really did crossed a line. What was he supposed to do now? It's already been decided. Youngho wants out already. 'But, the agreement? The engagement?' Cherry sounded too excited to be sad.
Ten bit his lips as Youngho find his eyes.
He's backing out. And it's not Ten who did the first move.
'I think Chittaphon's not ready to talk about it today. We can always arrange another meeting for this matter.' He explains, an honest pull at his lips. Ten felt his heart lurched at his throat. He feels like vomitting and bawling at the same time. The latter is not quitting. He flashes Ten a soft smile, 'I will handle all the expenses for our next gathering. I am sorry for inconveniencing all of you.'
'I—' Ten splutters, nervous, hands clammy. It was not supposed to be like this. He was supposed to hate Ten. They were supposed to fight. Or back out from the agreement. Youngho turns to him, eyes enthusiastic. Ten doesn't know what he felt as the older stared at him. 'Yes Chittaphon?'
Ten murmurs something, but it's too low that nobody heard it.
'I said, it's Ten. Not Chittaphon.' He clears, looking down at his ripped jeans and black boots. Youngho, not expecting the answer, laughed with glee. 'Of course, I'm sorry, Ten.'
Ten looked away, feeling defeated yet bothered. 'Whatever'
~♥~
The lunch, unfortunately, went well. Ten was left on his own devices, sending pouting messages to his friends. Yuta was also bothering him if the old man is handsome. After the lunch, his mother suggested they take a visit to Youngho's family, which he politely decline. 'My family members are currently not in Korea.'
Just after the conversation, Ten received a call from his professor, Mr. Lee about his upcoming performance. 'I have to leave. I'll see you some other times.' Ten says, not facing any of the people, but was actually stopped by Youngho asking. 'Where are you going, Ten?' He emphasize the name, furrowing a little.
'He have a meeting with his professor.' Cherry answered for him, eyes glinting, 'He has an upcoming dance showcase.'
'Chittaphon likes dancing. He's the only different one. We don't know why he decided to choose dance over business.' Choco says in addition, smiling oh-so-fakely, 'Afterall, we've been handling our own business for years, but Chittaphon here still has to finish his university years and then look for a decent job after.'
Ten clench his fist. Even if he's a bad boy with an attitude problem, he'd never drag someone down, like his sisters always does. Youngho hasn't said a word yet, so Ten decides he should move along. Until he heard chair scrapping, followed by soft words coming from Youngho himself. 'I will drive him back to university. I will see you once again about this topic.' He carefully says, mouth in a thin line before waving at them goodbye, following Ten out. When the both of them are outside, right in front of the parking lot, Ten faces him with a determined look, 'Look, you better listen to me.'
Youngho looked down at him and Ten's immediate realization was that, the older was a head taller than him. He was already small, but with the latter's confidence and collected persona, he felt smaller in comparison. Someone with him, with Ten, is a big contrast, the big opposite of who he is. 'I have to break it to you—' he tilt his head more to directly stare at his eyes, 'But I am not gay. This engagement is going to be useless. It's either we back out or we divorce in the end.'
Youngho doesn't say anything. Instead, he steps closer, leaning. Automatically, Ten backs away, stepping back more until the taller finally stops, looking down at him.
Ten felt his heart drum harder. This was not supposed to happen. He was not supposed to be scared of the other. Just because he is taller and older. Just because he is handsome and had billions of money in his hands—
'You're not close with your family' is what Youngho whispers, eyes full of concern and pure sympathy. Pity. Ten does not need that in the moment. He shoves an arm on the older's chest, shock to feel muscle and pecs constrict from the pressure. He hastily grabs his hand back, as if burned. His face might as well burn from all the embarrassment he had done. 'What happens between my family does not bother you. It is all personal.'
Youngho looks like he wanted to say something more.
But Ten cuts him off, walking away, 'And no, I am not gay. I cannot say yes to the engagement. I will find a way to repay or fulfill the promise, but not like this.'
'How about I court you?' He catches up with his long legs, voice almost gone from the harsh cold wind. Ten stopped immediately, 'I am not gay ' He repeats, more firmly this time.
Youngho does not relent, but changes the topic swiftly. 'I'll drive you to your university.' Ten wants to say no, but there's heavy traffic and he cannot say no to a free ride. Especially to a Maybach Exelero. Youngho leads him to where his car is parked, the car automatically opening. Ten hid his delight as he sat down on the front seat, feeling royalty himself. Shortly, they arrived at the university with multiple studenys loittering the outside.
'Ten' Youngho calls, eyes on the wheel of his expensive car. Ten doesn't move, 'If you ever need help, I'm only one call away.' He tells the smaller, passing over a small paper bag of gucci.
'What's this? I'm sorry but I cannot take this—' Ten pushes back the item, but Youngho was stronger. 'It's for your birthday.'
'You knew?'
'Of course. I should know who I am engaged to.' The older whispers, slipping a businesscard inside. 'Belated happy birthday. I will see you soon. Hopefully.'
Ten walks out of the car, not turning to say goodbye before the car drove off in high speed.
~♥~
'So, how was the meeting?' Yuta asked, already plopped in a nice position to hear some good story telling. Ten shot him a look, although he was normally boisterous about his life, this events just made him shut up. 'Hey, what's wrong? He didn't hurt you right? Or was he a really ugly old man?' He was already crawling to him, care in his eyes.
'No Yuta..' He says, looking down at his small hands that looked so tiny compared to Youngho, 'He was good.'
'Then what's the problem?' His roommate asked, a visible frown on his look. 'Not your type?' He teased, expecting a jab, but Ten just lowered his head.
'I'm not gay, Yuta.' Ten clarifies, eyes lost in a sea of confusion 'And he's a very good guy. I don't want to put him in a bad life. But I cannot marry him. I just cannot.'
'Can you tell me why?' The other prod, more serious.
'I told you I am not gay—' he flail his arms up, very perplexed by his own situation. 'I don't know what's the other way around. But I don't want to hurt him. He deserve so much more than a straight guy hating homos.'
Yuta snapped, taking the lithe boy in his arms, 'Hey hey, shut it.' he cards his finger on his hair, 'If this is what's bothering you, then let go. Afterall, this is your life. He's good, but you are good too. Don't be too invested in making someone's life better by sacrificing yours. We're not in this crappy world to please anyone, got it? Even your parents, no. Impress yourself, and you're going to be happy.'
Ten sighed for the nth time, nodding. 'I just don't want to disappoint anyone.' he laughs dryly, 'All I've been doing is fail them.'
'Well, if you are thinking of making them proud, then you might as well fail yourself.' Yuta shrugs, patting his shoulders. 'After all, it's almost the last year of our university. You don't want to be the last one graduating.'
'I don't'
'Then enjoy your life, okay, bro?' Yuta nudges his head, his gums displayed with how wide he smiles. 'I will be here. Bro for bros.'
'Yeah right.' Ten manage a small smile. Yuta took his eyes off of him, eyes glued back on the tv screen, 'Now shh, I waited for this episode of We Bare Bears'
~♥~
They don't see each other again after 2 weeks. His mother had messaged him that Youngho had been busy, therefore cannot hold another meeting for the meantime. His mother specifically emphasized that he should not attend the next meeting to avoid the repetition of what happened on their first meeting. Until, Ten found himself outside of the university lobby, watching as the rain pour heavily. He forgot to bring an umbrella, forgot to watch the weather forecast and forgot to tell Yuta to wait for him. Now he don't have any modes of transportation. And the school's almost shutting down, the last mantainance man, leaving already.
He bit his lips as he look at Youngho's business card number. His mother told him he was busy.
Sighing and throwing all of his caution to the wind, he dialed the number and let it ring for awhile. On the 4th ring, someone picked up. But it was not Youngho's voice.
'Hello. Who is this? Do you have an appointment with Mr. Seo?'
Ten gulped, wondering when did he ever started feeling nervous about talking to someone. Oh, this was the first. 'Uhmm.. Is Youngho there?'
'Mr. Seo? Yes he is. Can I have a name?'
'It's Ten. Just Ten.' He answers, watching the harsh wind of storm blew away some leaves from a giant oak tree. He heard rustling and soft whispers, before Youngho's voice came into the speaker. 'Ten?' He asked, surprise edge in his voice together with professionalism.
'Yes, that's me'
'It's been two weeks.' Youngho breathed out, the noise disappearing. He must've left the room for a less noisy environment. 'What took you so long?'
Ten's breathe hitches. No, he tried to calm his beating heart. Why was Youngho waiting for him? Was he waiting for the younger to do the first call? And I thought he was busy. 'I-I—' he stutters, fuck, why was he losing composure. There's so many why's. 'Actually, I have a favor to ask.'
Youngho's voice turn to something different, something softer and caring, 'What is it Ten?'
'I got stuck in the university because it's raining heavily.' He explains, feels a shiver run through his skin. 'Can you, ugh pick me up? There's just no cab or taxi passing by, and I still had homeworks—'
'What time is it Ten? Why are you staying late outside?' There's an authoritative tone in his voice. And Ten wanted to argue, tell him his wrong, but the words got stuck on his throat with the way Youngho asked him. He feels tiny all of a sudden. 'I-I'm not.' He whispers.
'Sorry.' He feels more than he heard what the older meant. 'I'll be there in 10 minutes. Stay warm, okay?'
'Yes.' was all he managed before the line went down. He collapsed on the bench behind him, shiver still in his skin, but now with another reason. He buries his face on his knees, willing for his heart to calm down. This was nothing. He was just nervous because Youngho is older and taller and much more wiser. Because he's the CEO of a very huge company.
Exactly 8 minutes, the older came making Ten cursed internally because he's not even done having a mental breakdown. Ten lift his head and got his own saliva stuck in his throat. Youngho looked breath-taking, like he had just walk out of the magazine. He strides over to where Ten was sitting, eyes blown and hair a mess from the wind. 'Ten?' He calls, unsure.
Ten waves a small hand, smiling stiffly. 'Hi.'
'Are you okay?' The taller asked, swiping his nimble fingers around his messy styled hair. Ten gave a quick nod, looking away. His heart is beating wildly again. 'I just need a ride home. There's a storm coming and I don't know how I can go back to the dorm.'
Youngho nodded with understanding in his eyes. 'Okay, let's go.' he motions towards where his car is parked, Ten following behind slowly. His car is new. Or it's different. It's an AudiR8. 'New car?' Ten awkwardly says, looking at the console rather than the driver.
Youngho emits a light laugh, 'Very observative.' he muses, starting the engine along with the heater. Ten finally sighs in relief. 'I had to use old cars when it's raining.'
Ten mentally snorts. This is by far not an old car. If it was a common person driving this, they'll be dying for it to not get wet. The drive started with a low hum of classic piano in the background. Ten can feel the awkwardness in the small tight vehicle, can feel his clammy sweaty hands. 'Are you nervous?' Youngho asked after a beat, slowing down when the traffic light turned red. Ten chuckles anxiously, hoping his hair is not messy. 'Kinda.' he replied after a long pause.
'Do I make you nervous?' The older asked with a soft laugh, like he does not mean any harm.
Ten looks away, outside where the rain is pouring hard. 'No, no you don't.' he pauses, thinking for a replacement word, 'I'm uncomfortable.'
Youngho shifts and his mood turn a little gloomy. He stares ahead at the driveway to distract himself. 'I'm sorry you have to go through this.'
Ten nod his head, guilty as well. 'I'm sorry you have to go through this too. You deserve someone better than me.'
Youngho does not answer as he turn on the corner where buildings of apartment and university dorms are facilitated. Ten sees Yuta standing in front of their building door looking worried sick. 'This is me.' He announces, unclasping the seatbelt. He waits for the older's farewell but felt jumpy when he didn't said anything. He turn his head to the older, anxious. 'Youngho.'
Youngho was looking at him, eyes so soft and caring. The older was like an open book. His reaction and expressions are very easy to read. He was staring at the younger, meticulously gazing at his profile, as if drinking the sight before him. Ten felt his face and body flush from the attention, shrinking to his own body when the staring became too long. 'Youngho'
'I will see you sometimes' Youngho says, like a whisper, the engine louder than his voice. Ten feels an upcoming bile on his throat, as if he was suffocating. And why is his eyes tearing up? He's a strong guy. A tough one. So why is he like this? Why is Youngho making him feel like this? Why is Youngho so good when all he has ever done is bad to him.
'I—' Ten chokes on his own saliva, feeling miserable. 'I have to go.'
Youngho watches him go, eyes wide with pure sincerity and concern, following the running figure. Ten crashes himself with a very confused Yuta, eyes darting to the sleek black car parked in the front. Ten drags Yuta inside, dragging him by his arm as Youngho drove off. Ten catches the glint in Yuta's eyes, but he shoves him off with a huff before heading to his room.
Later that night, when Yuta's sending him teasing looks, he received a message. He ended up vomitting on the floor with a high fever after reading the message.
Youngho (07:03 pm)
Please take care and don't get sick.
~♥~
Ten spent his whole week trying to run away from Yuta and his constant questions. With the problem at hand, Ten wasted his time getting more wasted at parties, wishing that the alcohol on his system will solve all his problems. Of course, it doesn't take a whole week for his friends at school to actually notice something is wrong. But Ten's not sure if he's ready to share his problem yet.
'You've been kind of..' Taeyong says during their lunch break, 'distant? Like you're physically here but not actually here mentally.'
'He's been going through a lot of shit lately.' Yuta supplies, a painful jab at his midsection was delievered not long after. Ten plays with the ice on his drink, cold. He always like it cold. Taeyong tore his eyes away from the man his oggling before raising an eyebrow at the two, 'Terrible problem? I've never seen Ten get lost this much.'
'It's because it's a very sensitive topic, Tae' Yuta retorts.
'Ten, you know you can count on us. On me. If there's something bothering you, do not be afraid to tell either of your friends, okay?' He says with a hopeful voice, Ten's hand clasped tightly between his own. Ten shot him a grateful smile, 'I know Tae. But don't worry, I can deal with this alone.'
'Are you sure?'
'When was I never sure?' He jokes, laughing a little but Taeyong shot him down anyway. 'Today. Probably.'
Their conversation got cut off when a guy interrupted their time. Taeyong instantly flushes when he realized who it was. 'Oh look who's here.' Yuta teases, wiggling his eyebrows while Taeyong and the stranger talk.
'I'll see you later.' Taeil, the one Taeyong has been oggling, said. 'S-see you later!' He quips, waving cutely before turning to face his friends again. Yuta whistles at him, grinning. 'Shut up! He was just telling me about my performance and the strategies I should practice.' Taeyong all but explains, looking like a tomato.
Ten frowned, 'Wait? But weren't you seeing Jisol from last semester?' When did Taeyong even liked guys. He wasn't meant to say it loud but his brain-to-mouth forgot its own filter sometimes.
Taeyong shrugs a shoulder nonchalantly, 'Just last week. When I met Taeil. I had to break it with Jisol, she spends too much time talking to her friends about me rather than talking to me'
'You replaced Jisol for a guy?' Ten doesn't want to sound rude, but he was beyond shock. What was he missing? Thankfully, Taeyong doesn't look bothered but Yuta's looking at him with the daggers in his eyes. Yikes, he betrayed Yuta again. 'My life's too short to be spending my time with someone who only wants me for display.' He says tiredly then, in a quick second, suddenly lit up. 'Oh Ten, you should've met him. Taeil.'
'I'm actually surprise you didn't remember his name. All he have been talking about was this voice prodigy since last week.' Yuta snorts, moving his legs away incase Taeyong decided to kick them. Ten furrowed his eyebrows, 'You like guys Tae?'
'I dunno.' was the reply, 'It's my first time seeing a guy.'
Ten was still lost in confusion. How can a guy like a guy as well? Until now he does not understand how it is possible. Do you see them as girls too? But you're both guys.
'Is this your problem? You're a closeted gay?' Taeyong asked in wonder, eyes wide like saucers.
'I-I am not gay!' He shouts, capturing some unwanted attention from other students. Ten deflates on his spot as he whispers sadly, 'I'm not gay.'
Taeyong, at that exact moment, feel offended. 'What's wrong with liking a guy Ten? You're practically friends with most of the hoes here anywhere.' He scoffs, Yuta giving him a warning glare. 'Also, do not react like that with Doyoung. I heard he finally saw his boyfriend personally. You know how sensitive he is about this topic.'
'I'm sorry' he apologizes, 'Everything's just catching up to me now.'
'Yeah right.' Taeyong replies dryly but turned softer after he took a glance at Ten's miserable state. 'Hey, if there's something bothering you just tell us. We have all ears.'
Ten's breathe catches on his throat. A bile making its way through his throat again. Why was he always like this whenever he tries to bring Youngho in the topic. Within a second, for the second time, he threw up on the floor, feeling dizzy. He heard Yuta mumbles a 'not again' before he was hauled by his shoulder, Taeyong following behind after calling the janitor. 'We should take him back to the dorm.' Yuta suggest, Taeyong already got his bag packed. 'We don't have any classes aside from Mr. Kwons history anyway.'
'You're skipping?' Taeyong squeeks.
'Well, Ten looks like he need a helping hand today.' The latter responds. He heard Taeyong cuss and then 'he must tell me about this thing because i'm going to miss class for him', before everything feel into darkness.
When Ten woke up, he was painfully aware that it's already 6pm by the orange light shining through their binds, proving that the sun has already set itself for the day. He groans as he sit up, scanning the place which seems to be his room. He can hear chatting outside, soft whispers as to not wake him up.
As he made his way outside, he sees Taeyong pinching Yuta's ear so hard while trying to lecture him lowly. Ten coughs to grab their attention, frowning. 'Ugh, what's happening?'
'You're awake!' Taeyong beams, delighted at his presence before it turned into a scowl. 'This guy here wanted to make ramen for you. And what's with the ramen stocks you have here? Don't you have anything here rather than that plastic cups?'
Ten wipes at the remaining dirt in his eyes, sitting at the counter, 'We don't have money anymore. And ramen are really cheap.'
'Yeah, a shortcut to death.' Taeyong replies dryly. 'Aren't you like receiving money from your mother?'
'They cut my allowance already. Said I have to support my own choices unless it is business.' Ten shrugs a shoulder, Yuta nodding along. 'I work part time for the meantime as a dance instructor. And Yuta helps me out too on his free time.'
'So, you're telling me that you're both close to dying and you didn't even had the audacity to tell me?' Taeyong was fuming now. As the oldest from their group of friends, he already took the responsibility to guide and watch out for the younger ones. Yuta hid behind Ten, smiling nervously, 'We don't want to bother you Tae'
Taeyong sighs as he massages his head, before turning to finish his cooking. Ten cast a glance behind, catching Yuta. 'How long was I out?'
'Exactly 6 hours' Yuta whispers back, sitting beside Ten. 'And Taeyong and I have been bickering for 6 hours too.'
'Because the both of you are idiots.' He grit his teeth, placing down a big plate of fried kimchi rice that made Ten and Yuta hungry the instant. 'Before you eat, promise to tell me about your problem. And your family as well.' the older threathens, already raising his pinky for the agreement. Ten surrenders, longingly staring at the fried kimchi rice. When the older gave them the signal, the two almost throw themselves in the table while Taeyong watches them with a fond smile.
Ten's halfway on inhaling his kimchi bowl when their doorbell rang. He shot up confused, not expecting any visitor. But Taeyong beats him to it. 'That's Doyoung. He just arrived and asked where were we. Is it okay?'
Ten pause, thinking.
Yuta nudges him, aware of their conversation. 'All your friends have to know. Even Doyoung. And I think we need him too, since he's been gay all his life.'
'Careful with your words.' Taeyong whack his head with a spatula before leaving to open the door. Ten sighed as he continued to eat. His friends were right. He really should ask help. Strawberry soon clouded the kitchen, Doyoung waltzing inside with a gigantic smile. 'Ten' he beams before practically throwing himself to the smaller. 'How are you?'
'Never been better.' He replies, turning a little to hug him as well. He was nicely dressed. He was also carrying three plastics of what could be food from where he have been. 'Paris is so beautiful, Ten. I bought loads of food because souvenirs are so out of style.' Proving his point, he puts the plastics in the counter, already showcasing all the different kind of food, snacks, meat, chocolates and everything, even drinks.
'I heard you don't have enough money for proper food. So I bought packs of meat and kimchi, just in case.' He proudly says, pulling another plastic, larger than the rest. Yuta and Ten stares at all the food displayed at the counter, feeling their hunger satiated just from the view. It all came crashing down to Ten how life was being hard to him, hard to them, with all the food he wasn't able to taste for a long time. How messy their dorm was. Their life has been. He sees Yuta wipe something out of his eyes, but unlike him, Ten cannot control his emotions. He felt tears rolling down his cheeks, unaware of the shock reactions of his friends.
'Shit. Ten, why are you crying?' Doyoung panics, dropping the cans of spam to tend to his crying friend. Yuta was also rubbing his eyes, a little red. Taeyong sighs at their situation, putting an arm around Yuta's shoulder, 'Let's say everything just crashed down.'
'Oh, well then—'
'Let's finish preparing this first.' Taeyong cuts off, no place for argument. 'And then how about hot chocolate and popcorn while we talk?'
'Sounds good' Yuta manages to say, sneezing after.
Once everyone was settled, all of the foods placed safely in their empty cupboard, Ten felt the nervous jitters returning. He cast a glance at Yuta who shot him an encouraging smile. 'Yuta, I am not gay.' He says, repeat it like a mantra. The latter nod to that, 'I know Ten. You've said it thousand times before. Plus now.'
'But, what about him?' Him being Youngho, the source of Ten's frustrations. 'How can I tell him I don't want it. He's persistent. I-I do not love him.'
Yuta's response was cut off by Taeyong's loud shout, 'Don't start without us!'
When the four of them are complete already, Doyoung started the conversation. 'So, what happened?' he says, voice tinted with love. 'Do not be scared Tennie. We're your friends.'
'Yeah, we'll accept you even if you're a homophobe.' Taeyong jokes. Ten shakes his head, feeling already under the weather with the topic. How can he start? Where? It is so unlikely of him to be nervous. Anxious. He was the human embodiment of confidence. Exuding collected self-esteem. But now he is rendered speechless. 'I-I'm getting engaged, married.'
His friends doesn't speak nor move, so the latter continues. 'I am going to get engaged with a man 10 years older than me.'
That's when Taeyong heaved a deep breathe. 'So, you're forced to marry him? Out of your own will?'
Ten nods, 'It's a promise made by my father before he die.'
'And 10 years age gap?' Doyoung adds tinily. When Ten nods, he felt everything move, and then Doyoung and Taeyong has their arm wrapped around him the instant. 'Oh you poor baby. Going through a lot.' Doyoung muses, carding his fingers through his hair.
'If you don't want it, you should call it off.' Taeyong suggested, voice authoritative. Yuta peeks his head from the massive pile of limbs, 'That's where the problem occurs.' He mutters, 'The guy cannot take a fucking hint.'
'Well, that's just horrendous!' Doyoung exclaims.
'Guys, it's okay. He's a good guy. A really good guy. But I feel bad that I cannot marry him. It's my father's stupid fault.' He explains, looking at their colored heads. 'I feel so bad that I cannot return his kindness in the way he liked.'
'So he's not a bad guy?' Taeyong curves an eyebrow.
'No' Ten returned. 'He even drive me home once when it's raining hard.'
'Then why don't you give him a chance?' Doyoung asked, lost and very much confused. The three answered in a monotone voice, all in unison, 'Not gay'
Doyoung leaned back, eyes trained on the smaller male. Ten knows this is a very sensitive topic. Out of the four of them, Doyoung was the one who had it bad because of his sexuality. He was bullied and constantly teased, joked about. He's the clown of the school. 'Tennie, I'm going to say this in the perspective of a gay person. Being gay is not bad.'
Ten frowns at that.
'I got bullies because not everyone accepts me as I am. But do I look like I care?' Doyoung boast, light on his face. 'If you're afraid because everyone's going to judge you, let them be. You have us. What matter is you're happy.'
'I don't like... men' Ten whispers, almost inaudible. Doyoung rolled his eyed at him, 'You are not or you are just confused. After all, most of your friends are hoes.'
'Hey!' Yuta yelps, slapping a hand on the taller's shoulder. 'And Tae recently got a buddy.' Doyoung wiggled his eyebrows at Taeyong, pertaining to the vocal coach he had at school. The latter blushing and spluttering furiously.
Ten does not respond quickly so he was engulfed by a hug by three of his bestest friends. 'I don't think you're actually afraid of being gay Ten. I think you're afraid of what other people might say to you. Especially your family.'
'I agree' Taeyong says, leaning their foreheads together. 'You should atleast try. Love never came in forms. Some people even fall in love with trees, flowers or their pets.'
'That's... very weird. But I think I get what you mean Tae.' Doyoung cackles. Ten leaned on Taeyong's shoulder instead already feeling sore from their position. But no one bothered to move anyway. Was it true? Was he more afraid of what the people around him would say rather than admitting that he was gay?
'But hey, don't you like, feel something for him?' Yuta asked, arms around Doyoung's midsection. 'Like, do you just feel bland?'
Ten tries to think of it. To be honest, he feels nervous and anxious whenever he's with Youngho. He doesn't know why. Maybe it's because of the fact that he's scared to upset him. 'Uhm, nervous? I feel jitters whenever I see or talk to him.'
Yuta giggles, Doyoung cracking a knowing smile. 'Atleast you feel something.'
'What am I supposed to do?' Ten whines, trying to flail but given the space, he cannot. 'He does not take a no. Whenever I try to bring the topic, he does not answer.'
'It clearly shows that he's interested with you.' Taeyong supplies.
'Well, I'm not.' Ten refuses, pout on display.
'How about this? You try to kiss him.' Doyoung suggest, a dark glint on his eyes. Ten almost puke from the suggestion, eyes scandalized, 'What!'
'That always work. Whenever someone is troubled, they kiss if their assumption is true.' Doyoung explains, Taeyong sending him a look of disbelief. 'You just try. You might realize you like boys too.'
'No way' Ten grumbles, 'I-I already kissed Yuta and it felt like hell.'
'I received a deadly punch on my jaw, mind you guys.' Yuta retorts sarcastically. Doyoung and Taeyong guffawed at them, laughing in complete incredulity.
When their laughing had died down, Taeyong takes Ten to his arms. 'Whatever happens, you're still our friend.' and Doyoung pipes a reminder, 'And please, don't be an asshole.'
Ten doesn't promise. He's not good at promise anyway.
~♥~