Work Text:
Out of all the mornings they've spent together, this one held weird tension in the air.
Everything seemed normal. Sun was barely picking through the window blinds, despite Joohyun inciting that she preferred to sleep with the window fully exposed. The Spiderman blanket was securely covering both of them, as they slept on his king sized bed. Junmyeon's arm was goin slightly numb as his girlfriend used him as a human pillow.
Morning like every other. And yet with a hint of bittersweetness.
Junmyeon barely opened his eyes, fighting the urge to close them again and drift back to sleep. He rubbed them tiredly and glanced over at the alarm clock next to his bed.
5 AM. So he a little bit over an hour before his departure.
He let out a yawn and his gaze landed on the little person snuggled to him, under the heavy sheets. Brown hair were messily scattered on the pillow, some strands stuck to her mouth, which made Joohyun frown in her sleep. Junmyeon smiled affectionately and moved them out of her small face. He was glad she decided to take of the extensions. It was much easier to get a hand through her hair and scratch her scalp as a relaxed expression replaced the scowling one.
The moment he tried to shift a little bit, Joohyun’s body automatically responded and her grip on his torso tightened. She whined unconsciously and her head found its way on his chest. Junmyeon smiled and brought an arm around her figure, bringing her closer and he planted a loving kiss on her forehead. Her hold on him was so strong it seemed like she was afraid that if she let go, he would disappear.
Sudden wave of sadness washed over Junmyeon's heart. As much as the vision of staying with her tempted him, he remembered about what this day was about and very dissatisfied, decided to break out of this dream.
He brought his thumb to her face and gently caressed her cheek. "Joohyun. We need to get up." His said softly to not startle her. Upon hearing his voice, instead of opening her eyes, Joohyun shifted higher, so that her face was buried in the crook of his neck.
"Five minutes." Her request was barely hearable. Junmyeon patted her head softly and his hand traveled down to rest on her lower back.
"Honey. I drank three bottles of soju yesterday with the boys. My bladder is killing me." He tried to convince her to let him leave the bed.
He felt her groan against his skin and she rolled over, bringing a blanket over her head."Fine. Don't forget to put the seat down after you finish like you did last time."So much of dating a girl with mom energy.
Junmyeon stumbled into the bathroom, still half asleep. He turned on the lights and leaned over the sink. When he looked at his reflection, he let out a heavy sigh. Despite having dinner the night before with EXO members, his face was weirdly skinnier. Was the stress already wearing him out? Out of habit he tried to comb his hair, but the moment he touched his head, he felt somwthing resembling a shaved hedgehog under his fingers instead of rich waves.
Another sigh. This hair really doesn't suit me.
After finishing the morning business, he came back to his bedroom. Joohyun was now sprawled on the bed, her arms lazily resting above her head, hand curled into fists, like a child. She looked so freaking adorable and Junmyeon felt his heart growing ten times bigger. Of course, being a little shit he was, he would never let her sleep for the last hour they could've spend together before his leave. With all his weight, he fell down on his stomach, trapping the girl beneath him, being careful to not actually suffocate her. She gasped and groaned when the air suddenly left her lungs. His muscular body was crushing her as she tried to wiggle her way out.
"Yah! Get off me!" Joohyun pleaded weakly as he laughed. Junmyeon felt her leg move under him and second later, her foot was out of blanket and smacking his butt. His laughter only increased. He picked himself up a bit- just to crash onto her again and hug her like his life depended on it. Joohyun giggled as he peeked her lips multiple times, not mistreating her nose, cheeks or jaw. She touched his head and pouted after not feeling his soft locks.
"I really hate this hair." She mumbled as she run hands through his .
"Yeah. Me too."
After few minutes, they decided there was no point in stalling for time and together went to the kitchen. Joohyun did the most work and Junmyeon was occupied with packing his stuff for the departure. They've settled down by the table and Junmyeon's eyes went wide as he saw the colorful combination of his favorite dishes. He looked at his girlfriend, who was shyly turning her head away every time she noticed he had hearts in his eyes.
Dating in secret has been a real challenge. After their date at D&E concert, they've become a hot topic within the “kpop shippers community”. Much to their displeasure, they had to limit their public interactions to almost none. When news of an enlistment came, they almost stared to act like a secret agents (even more than before)- trying to meet with each other as often as they could. They would crash at each other's apartments- Joohyun would not make fun of him being a nerd and Junmyeon promised to serve breakfast to all Red Velvet members at their dorm as an apology for overextending his stay.
Not wasting time, Junmyeon helped Joohyun clean the dishes, stealing a kiss on a cheek from time to time. Her response was to splash water on him and apologize seconds later, when soap got into his eye. With this distraction, he used this to pull her into a hug, ignoring the wet spot on his shirt made by the rubber gloves she was wearing.
Joohyun also insisted on ironing his clothes while he brushed his teeth. Leaning over the door frame, toothbrush in mouth, he observed his focused girlfriend as she run the steaming device over his uniform. Junmyeon wondered if she did the same thing when Yeri was still a student or was it only because the maknae was lazy. Now looking at her, smiling from ear to ear, he wouldn’t dare to tell her no.
There was it again. A weird pain in his chest at this sight.
For very long time, he’d imagined what it would be like seeing this kind of picture everyday. Eating breakfast with her. Cleaning with her. Having late night movie marathons and then falling asleep with her by his side, as they exchanged their worries and vulnerability they faced at work.
He imagined beautiful gold band around Joohyun’s index finger, decorated with pink crystals, shining in the morning sun. Right now, instead of diamonds, there was a simple metal band- similar to the one he wore. She’d sometimes peek at his own, mirroring hers, and then rub it affectionately. A habit of hers he came to notice.
He imagined a day when he would see her in a white dress, by his side. Their bands members would sing a song and tease them all night, their parents would cry. They’d dance their solo couple dance which he’d probably mess up somehow.
Sometimes he dreams of little hand holding his finger and big eyes, resembling Joohyun’s. Now, with waiting to be an uncle to Jongdae’s child, something started to awaken in him but most of the days- he had to push those thought aside.
The vision of putting their careers at risk- he would lie if he said it didn’t frightened him, even just a little bit. The idea of revealing their relationship crossed his mind multiple times. But then the thought of Joohyun’s most certain suffering during his absence was too much to even think about it.
The hate towards Red Velvet and EXO.
He wouldn't do that to them.
He wouldn’t do that to her.
He wasn't that selfish. Dream of freedom and happiness was tempting. Probably easier to accomplished than the world made it to be.
But it was luxury. A luxury they weren't allowed to have. Not soon at least.
Junmyeon glanced at the wall clock. 5:55 AM. The car would be here any minute. Now dressed in his uniform, Junmyeon was staring at his reflection just as he did an hour before. The longer he looked at himself, the more he wanted to stay home. These will be the longest two years in his life. He rubbed his forehead and couldn’t look away until he felt pair of slender arms around his waist. On instinct, he covered Joohyun’s hands with his, rubbing soft skin on her knuckles. Her cheek was pressed to his back hard, embrace tightening. He turned around and wrapped her in a loving hug. Moments later, he took her chin between his thumb and pointing finger and gazed into her big, dark eyes.
God, how much he loved these. So full of love and concern. So warm and comforting. He would stare into them forever if he could.
Whatever Junmyeon decided to say was cut off because out of nowhere, Joohyun grabbed his freshly ironed collar and brought him down to her level. When she pressed her lips against his, felt his body loosen, as always. Strong hands found their way to her jaw, thumb gently caressing the area near her mouth.
When they parted, Joohyun cupped his cheek and looked him in the eye. "You promise you will take care of yourself?" Her voice was stern, despite the warm and gentle way she caressed his face.
Junmyeon chuckled at her attempt to appear strict. "Yes m'am." He send her bright smile and poked her nose. "And you know what to do?"
Joohyun signed. "Yes. I wait an hour after you go and then I can leave through the emergency staircase. Shut the curtains, turn the lights off and close the windows, cause EXO manager and your mom will visit the apartment and take care of it." She said proudly by heart, even with tiny bits of annoyance in her voice. Junmyeon petted her hair with affection and pride, before pulling her close again to his chest.
"You know I'll miss you, right?" He asked sad. Joohyun scoffed against his chest.
"As you humbly reminded me for an entire month, yes. I know.” Her eyes found his. “But you endured many years without me before we started dating, weeks of separations and millions of events where we couldn’t even talk or look at each other. Her hands travelled up and down his arm. “Two more years are nothing compare to that.” Now it was her turn to boop his nose. "Just like you waited for me, I'll now wait for you." As she said that, it was her who initiated the next embrace.
Junmyeon felt his eyes stinging. He won’t cry. Not in front of her.
Their moment was interrupted when Junmyeon’s phone started ringing. He broke the hug and answered the call. He went for his bag in the hallway while shoving the device into the pocket.
"The car's here."
Joohyun nodded. "I know."
There was a pause. His hand found her. Joohyun's fingertips were brushing his knuckles. But there was a slight pressure in the hold.
She didn't want to let go.
With bag on his shoulder, he let go of her hand and grabbed her neck, probably with more force than he imagined. He pulled her into a deep kiss, staying in the moment for few seconds. He won't feel that for a while. Not until by some miracle Red Velvet or Joohyun alone will be able to visit unnoticed by media. And who knows when that will happen?
He let go of her. The eye contact remained shortly. With the reassuring smile, which she returned, he went for the front door of his apartment. Grabbing the door knob, he turned for the last time.
"You also take care of yourself, Joohyun, okay?"
Joohyun smirked, arms wrapped around herself. "And you better watch out. If I hear anything bad happened, I will drive there and kick your ass."
Junmyeon laughed and waved, slowly closing the door behind him, trying to look at her for a moment longer. When the door lock clicked, Joohyun finally sighed loudly. The apartment suddenly became cold and silent. Maybe she should turn the heat up? She would be here for another hour. Might as well not freeze while she waits.
Walking around, she stumbled into the living room to which they didn’t head into since last night. Stopping in her tracks, she noticed a pink rabbit plushie, sitting on the couch. It had ears standing up and a pink ribbon out it’s neck. There was a small piece of paper attached to it. Confused, she took the note. The paper was purple, her favorite color.
This probably isn’t much but I thought that maybe you’ll need another guardian while I’m gone. This guy seemed eager to replace me for the time being.
I love you so much and I already miss you. Take care of yourself and the girls.
Your guardian, KJM.
Joohyun let out a huge breath she didn’t know she was holding. She didn't want to ruin the card, but the moment she saw a single tear drop land on the paper, she knew she couldn't hold it anymore. Grabbing the bunny, she collapsed on the couch, pulling her legs to her chest and trapping the plushie close to heart. More tears started to flow down her cheeks. She told herself she wouldn't cry in front of him. It was already difficult for him to leave the guys. His parents. Her.
He’s her rock. The source of courage and confidence. She learned so much from him. She's the Red Velvet leader. She's strong and smart. She can endure it.
For him. For his and her members.
It's only two years.
She’s been through worse. They've been through worse.
She can wait.