Chapter Text
“Do you see anything?”
“Yeah, what are they doing?”
Lee Donghyuck shushes his friends. Currently, he was crouched with one leg on Jisung’s back and the other on Renjun’s back, and he was peeking into the home of one of the world’s richest men – famous actor Jung Jaehyun. In celebration of winning his fifth Academy Award, a party was being thrown at his luxurious estate, and all of New York’s most prestigious had been invited, from fashion designers to film producers – and of course, poor, street child Lee Donghyuck was not invited.
But that doesn’t stop him and his two fellow street friends, Park Jisung and Huang Renjun from sneaking onto the estate and taking turns “attending” the party through a small, forgotten window on the side of the mansion. Donghyuck doesn’t particularly care about the fancy, intricate gowns of the women in attendance or the fact that about half of New York’s entire net gross is all in one room. No, Donghyuck risks imprisonment for trespassing to only see one thing, or rather, one person in particular –
“I see him!” He exclaims, eyes wide with delight. Jisung and Renjun don’t waste time in shushing him as he had done to them mere moments ago. Donghyuck rolls his eyes before looking down at them in his excitement, “He’s wearing a suit with a velvet bow tie, how tacky, but somehow, it suits him.”
“What’s he doing?” Renjun asks, arms shaking slightly as he struggles to hold Donghyuck up.
They were all malnourished, surviving off whatever the streets of New York could provide them. Their lives meant stealing during the day and finding entertainment in the streets at night. Often, this meant getting into some sort of trouble, whether it be fighting with the bourgeoisie kids near the private schools or attempting to sneak into the theatres to see screenings of new films. While Jisung preferred the latter and Renjun enjoyed the former, Donghyuck’s favorite form of entertainment was to witness the grandeur of the rich and famous up close.
It should have been disheartening, being so close to a lifestyle he could never have, but Donghyuck found himself more intrigued with it than anything. He liked to see the women with their hair curled over their shoulders, the richest shades of red lipstick being neatly applied to their lips, and how the men spent hundreds of dollars to even be in the nearest vicinity of them. And he liked to see the men, with their delicately defined faces, their neatly combed hair and the suits they wore, velvet, cashmere, designer, and rich.
Donghyuck likes to imagine himself as an actor or a singer, he’d do Broadway or only prefer to sing ballads. He’d wear a lot of velvet because he likes how smooth and soft it is on the skin. His hair would be dyed a rich wine color and it would have a disheveled look that was somehow still charming. Donghyuck himself would be charming as well, outside of being rich and famous, he would be a socialite. He’d be popular among the rich and famous, but he would be picky about his inner circle. In the department of romance, the tabloids would write that he was one of the most pursued stars, right up there with the likes of Jung Jaehyun, admirers would send flowers to his dressing room, others would approach him at award shows, but he would ignore them all for the one who had already stole his heart –
“He seems to be trying to figure out how to tie his already tied tie.” Donghyuck replies dryly despite his amused smile as he watches the one person who was the sole reason behind his fascination with the life of the grandiose.
Mark Lee is, without a doubt, one of the most famous actors in New York. He was one of those stars who started off as a child actor, then smoothly transitioned into more mature films. Donghyuck’s favorites are the action films, there was something incredibly hot about seeing Mark Lee taking charge of a life or death situation, especially considering just how awkward he was off screen. Donghyuck has seen countless interviews, he’s stolen every newspaper and magazine that include interviews and photo shoots of the actor, and he’s spent an entire night straining his ear against the broken, worn down radio Jisung had stolen to hear the actor’s voice on the radio. But Donghyuck doesn’t like Mark solely because he is boyishly handsome and incredibly rich, he found the way Mark would laugh awkwardly when he was asked a strange question during interviews to be endearing, he liked knowing that Mark was one of the politest stars in Hollywood according to fans and fellow stars alike, and he heard that the actor would be starting a school for potential stars, no matter their financial background.
“Can you believe he’s one of the richest men in the world?” Donghyuck can hear Renjun comment, and he doesn’t need to look to know that the other boy is shaking his head.
“Yeah” Donghyuck murmurs, still in awe of seeing the actor.
There Mark Lee stood in the foyer of Jung Jaehyun’s mansion. Beneath the bright lights of the crystalline chandeliers, the smooth material of his black, designer suit could be seen, as well as the deep, velvet of his bow tie. His dark hair was smoothed back, and the definition of his cheekbones made Donghyuck suck in a deep breath. Mark was stunning. The actor’s eyebrows were furrowed as he struggled with his already tied tie, and Donghyuck struggles under the weight of secondhand embarrassment before someone approaches Mark to inform him that his bow tie is already very much tied.
“It’s Na Jaemin-“ Donghyuck starts, only to let out a surprised yelp when Renjun stands suddenly, making the Lee boy’s leg slip. He would have fallen, had Jisung not grabbed him last minute.
“What – Let me see.” Renjun blurts out, making Donghyuck rolls his eyes before he and Jisung hold out their arms to lift the other boy up. They do so carefully, and soon, Renjun is the one looking through the window. He seems to watch something momentarily before he shakes his head and snorts, “What a snob.”
Both Jisung and Donghyuck share a knowing look. Renjun pretended to have a bias against the elites because they were rich (and many failed to share their wealth with the less fortunate), but it was obvious that he was at least the slightest bit attracted to another famous actor, Na Jaemin. Whereas Donghyuck dreamed that if he became famous, admirers would send flowers to his dressing room, Jaemin actually lived the experience. He was one of the most desired among the grandiose, and every time Donghyuck wandered the streets and saw a magazine cover with the actor’s infamous, charming smile on the front, he remembered why.
“Are those crates?” Jisung speaks up suddenly, making Donghyuck look over to where the younger was staring. True enough, there were a few crates stacked against each other not too far away. They were also tall enough for them to stand on for their nightly adventure.
“It’s our lucky night.” Donghyuck says before he and Jisung lower Renjun to the ground carefully. They make their way towards the crates, where they each pick their own. They were surprisingly light, as soon Donghyuck found himself pushing his with ease towards the window. Once they’ve all made it, they step onto the crates simultaneously and continue to attend the party in the only way they’re allowed.
“Isn’t that Mark’s new costar? She’s pretty… I guess.”
“Whoever styled Jaemin tonight needs a raise.”
“Man, that pasta looks so good.”
Both Donghyuck and Renjun look over to see Jisung avoid their gazes, cheeks red from embarrassment.
“Sorry Jisungie – I know this isn’t your kind of thing.” Donghyuck apologizes, reaching over to ruffle the younger’s hair in a way that makes Jisung pout.
“I’m kind of hungry too.” Renjun admits, “What’s for dinner tonight?”
“Should we steal from the pizza place again?” Jisung suggests with a hopeful look. The pizza restaurant downtown was his favorite place to eat at (or rather, steal from). It was expensive, but only because it was some of the best pizza in all of New York.
“Sorry Jisung, I hear they have a new security system which now includes cameras.” Renjun informs them with a sympathetic look.
“No worries, I think we’re in for something a bit healthier tonight, anyways.” Donghyuck says with a mischievous look before he wiggles his eyebrows, “Like something out of Jung Jaehyun’s infamous garden healthy-“
“Oh no” Renjun is quick to interrupt, lowering his voice to a harsh whisper, “We are not going to steal from one of the richest men in New York.”
“Because a few missing apples are really going to put a dent in his wallet.” Jisung comments dryly, ignoring the look Renjun gives him.
“Jisung’s right. He probably won’t even notice they’re gone.” Donghyuck agrees with a shrug before jumping down from his crate.
“No, but his gardener definitely will.” Renjun reminds him before jumping down from his own crate, followed seconds later by Jisung.
“And you really think he’d risk getting fired to report a few missing apples?” Donghyuck replies, smirking in satisfaction when Renjun struggles to come up with a comeback.
“Fine, but since you’re so adamant about tasting the forbidden fruit, you will be the one to go get it.” Renjun tells him, “It’ll be less of a risk if only one goes into the garden. Since you know this place best, you can go ahead. Jisung and I will stay back and keep a lookout.”
“Fine.” Donghyuck says, “I’ll be back before you know it.”
He gives Renjun a charming smile, one that he’s seen Na Jaemin give the paparazzi plenty of times before he turns and leaves. Jung Jaehyun’s estate is huge, and the walk to the garden feels like miles. Donghyuck can still hear the chatter from inside and for some reason, it fills his heart with hope. One day, he too hoped to be standing under the bright chandeliers – to be grandiose. But it was just that, a hope, a dream – Donghyuck knew that every day that he woke up, he would still be just another poor, street kid. To avoid thinking himself into a bad mood, he decides to focus on the task at hand.
The tall, high golden gates leading to Jung Jaehyun’s garden come into view, making him smile. He approaches them carefully, noting with excitement that they were only partially closed. It seems that, in their haste, someone had forgotten to close them completely. Donghyuck pulls the gates open wider before slipping inside. Inside, Donghyuck stops and stares in awe. The garden was beautiful. He takes in the rows of bright, plump fruits and vegetables, the colorful array of exotic flowers, the finely crafted marble fountain, and the expensive, vibrant decorative flamingos placed throughout the pathways. Donghyuck had heard stories about Jaehyun’s garden but seeing it firsthand was another experience. He looks around at all of the fruits and vegetables, trying to decide which ones he could take without arising suspicion when the gardener came the next morning. He’s eyeing a row of carrots when movement nearby makes him look over in surprise.
“And the stories in the papers just keep getting worse. I don’t mind dating rumors. I never address them, but this is starting to get out of hand.”
Donghyuck freezes. He recognized that voice anywhere. Mark Lee was headed straight towards him.
“Honestly, I don’t see the issue. Soyeon is pretty. You’re lucky to be linked to her.” Another voice replies that he realized belonged to another fellow actor, Lee Jeno.
“I know, Jeno. But I want to be genuine in everything that I do… in everything that I am. And I want people to know what I really like.”
Donghyuck realizes that he should leave, but it was already too late. He watches as Mark Lee comes into view, brows furrowed in his seemingly stressed state. Jeno appears to be calmer as he listens to the other boy before asking –
“And what is it that you really like?”
And then, Donghyuck watches as Mark’s eyes widen before he looks down, face flushed in a way that makes Jeno smirk.
“O-Oh, uhm, well, maybe it’s-“
Donghyuck, who decides to ease back carefully, fails to see the shovel behind him. The metal object scrapes against the ground loudly when he accidentally steps on it. Mark, who’s eager to be saved from his embarrassment, quickly looks back and Jeno does the same seconds later.
“Sorry” Donghyuck blurts out, never in his life having imagined being looked at by two of New York’s top actors, “I-I was just… checking on the carrots!”
“At this time of night?” Jeno inquires with a teasing smile.
“Yeah, you know carrots, they just need constant love and attention.” Donghyuck says, bending down to pet the carrots with a nervous smile.
“I didn’t know that, actually.” Jeno says, seemingly enjoying teasing the other boy. He tilts his head to the side then, blond hair illuminated underneath the moonlight, “Jaehyun hyung mentioned looking for a new gardener, but he never told us that he found one.”
“O-Oh yeah, well that’s me, the new vegetable tamer.” Donghyuck replies, petting the carrots again, an action that makes Jeno smirk in amusement while Mark merely stares curiously.
“Well, we were just about to head back inside.” Jeno says, though that seemed to only be the case because they realized they weren’t truly alone. The blond actor shoves his hands in the pockets of his slacks before nodding at Donghyuck, “Want to come along, vegetable tamer?”
“Actually, I should get going.” Donghyuck blurts out with a nervous laugh, “I have other vegetables to… tame.”
Jeno laughs at this, his eyes crinkles at the corners and briefly, Donghyuck is awed by just how handsome he is. The movies didn’t do him justice, he was gorgeous.
“Okay, well, have a goodnight, vegetable tamer.” Jeno says with a wink. Donghyuck struggles to ignore the way his face flushes with embarrassment and flattery. He turns, prepared to leave the garden and abandon his initial quest.
“Wait!” A voice calls out, and when Donghyuck looks back, it’s to see Mark Lee staring at him intensely. At first, he looks embarrassed that he had called after the boy, but then he seems to gain enough confidence to say, “You never told us your name.”
Briefly, Donghyuck considers lying, but more than anything, he wants Mark Lee to know his name and this is his only opportunity for that to happen.
“It’s Donghyuck.” He says quietly. He’s worried that the actor won’t hear him, but then he watches as Mark Lee actually says his name under his breath, as if testing it out. It’s too much, and Donghyuck is short on time anyway, so he turns and rushes out of the garden, calling out a quick, “Goodnight!”
His heart is hammering in his chest the entire way back to his friends. He wondered if he was dreaming again, and if he was, he knew he didn’t want to wake up. Mark Lee had spoken to him; he knew his name now. It didn’t feel real, but it was. Donghyuck smiles, the exhilaration of it all making him feel dizzy.
“What took you so long?” Renjun asks as soon as a running Donghyuck comes into view.
“No time to talk, we might have just gotten discovered.” Donghyuck tells him, slowing down his pace so that Jisung and Renjun can catch up. When Renjun frowns in confusion, he quickly adds, “I’ll explain everything later. Right now, less talking, more running!”
With that, the three boys take off out of the estate, narrowly avoiding being hit by a limousine pulling up. Donghyuck takes the lead, guiding them through the night. He nearly slips when they reach the hill that would lead them back into town, but Jisung is quick to grab his arm and hold him steady. Still, that doesn’t stop Donghyuck from collapsing into a fit of giggles at the very bottom of the hill. Renjun frowns down at his friend, the moonlight above them illuminating the harbor not too far away that separated the estate from the city.
“What’s wrong with him?” Jisung asks Renjun as he holds a delirious Donghyuck by the arm.
“Who knows.” Renjun grunts with a shrug, plopping down in the grass beside his two friends.
“I met a star tonight.” Donghyuck murmurs once his laughter has died down. Both Jisung and Renjun turn to look at him curiously, but he ignores them both to add, “I met a star.”
And then, Lee Donghyuck looks up at the stars and the moon, and he wishes.
________________
“We should return to the party.” Jeno says, watching his friend with a small, knowing smirk, “I mean, that is whenever you’re ready to stop daydreaming about Jaehyun hyung’s gardener.”
At this, Mark Lee snaps out of his reverie. He was still standing in the same spot he had been in when he had called out to the gardener. Somehow, seeing the boy had caught him off guard and he wasn’t sure why.
“I wasn’t daydreaming.” Mark denies, looking over at his fellow actor, “I was thinking of the school I wanted to start for young stars… and that boy, he looks like someone that I might want.”
“Oh?” Jeno replies with a teasing smirk, “I’m sure he does look like someone you might want.”
The blond actor turns to leave, and that’s when his words (and their meaning) dawn on the older boy.
“I meant for the school, Jeno!” Mark calls after his friend, feeling his cheeks heat up in embarrassment as he scrambles after his fellow actor.
“Sure you do, hyung.” Jeno replies, followed by a high-pitched laugh when Mark starts to chase him, the two actors disappearing back into the party, their encounter with the strange gardener tucked safely in the back of their minds.