Chapter Text
There's a reason for everything, Doyoung reminds to himself as he finds the sight of unfamiliar sets of luggage sitting in front of his house's entrance. He stares at the dark blue one, blinking a couple of times as his mother brings in two at once as she wasn't the type for second trips. "Dobby sweetie, help bring in the stuff." She tells from afar as she makes her way into the main room. Her voice brings him back to reality and he immediately thinks without doing, it's until another hand reaches for the handle at the same time as him.
Looking up, his eyes lock on a new face. Fresh and sweet with a smile that hides behind his cherry bruised lips. He found his eyes wandering, noticing how his adam's apple bopped up and down due to nervousness, he presented the same lost expression Doyoung had and he was sure they were on the same boat. "I'll get it." Doyoung mumbles, grabbing onto the handle before the unnamed boy could do anything about it. He removes his hand from the area of the suitcase and trails behind the curly-haired redhead.
Surely, things happen for a reason.
—
Yedam wasn't fazed by the fact that he was moving once again. Hoping through South Korea, enrolled in and out of schools as their place of residency was never stable. But, it was until he found his mother crying in their small shared bedroom that they rented out with a kind family. She shed tears of joy, gripping onto her cell phone as she thanked a new voice through the line. Yedam assumed she got a new job, maybe a raise with financial aid, or was given some heart-piercing news; in the best way of course. That's when she found her seventeen-year-old son staring at her through the crack of the doorway. Slipping to get up from the hardwood floor, she pulled the handle that revealed Yedam.
"We found a place, a secure one. I got in contact with an old friend of mine and she's allowing us to stay with her since they have an extra bedroom." She has her phone in her right hand, line present as she gripped Yedam's hand with a gentle hold. "you'll go to school in Seoul. There's a lot of entertainment companies there and maybe you can try to—"
Yedam smiles, "It's okay mom. I'm glad you found us a new place." His mother's expression softened, suddenly an element of hurt dragged against her face as she knew her son had a love for music. "When are we leaving?"
"Well, we don't have much to pack. So, we will be leaving this weekend. I'll inform the Kang's and make sure to thank them."
The brunette nods, "I never do."
—
Doyoung hadn't realized that his mother had little to no friends. Maybe it was because she was too busy with her job and there was no time to spend time for herself. So, once he figured out that an old close friend of hers would be moving in this weekend was something that didn't bother Doyoung.
That was until they figured out she has a son. A crucial detail that trailed her identity, but, his mother could be quite forgetful and he couldn't blame her. He was informed that they were the same age, he was a bit on the quiet side as he hasn't had the best social interactions with others so it was Doyoung's job to make him feel welcomed. But, there was another problem.
The one single room was reformed to fit only the stuff of one person. It was a guest room, it replicated a life-size box and Ms. Bang didn't complain about the area as she was grateful for everything they've been given so far.
Mrs. Kim respected privacy dearly, she really did. But, with the circumstances they were under; she couldn't allow her friend's son to sleep in their living room for the remaining time they'd be together. Sure, they also owned a small loft space that was good for relaxing but she also found that unacceptable and unwelcoming. Yedam, of course, not wanting to make a fuss, tries to convince Mrs. Kim that he's fine with sleeping whenever as long as it's appropriate. But, Doyoung is sure she won't budge even if the boy tells her it's okay.
"Dobby, your room is quite large. Do you mind allowing Yedam to share with you? You have half of that closet space empty as well, I think it'll be a good place."
Doyoung's eyes slightly widen, he can't respond because Yedam begins to panic. Noticing the sudden change in his expression he doesn't want to make things harder for him, "N—No! It's okay, I can sleep in the living room or loft it's totally—"
"Dobby, you have a queen-sized bed, right? You two should fit on there." She questions the boy, ignoring Yedam's words as a result. Mrs. Kim didn't mean to not acknowledge the boy's words, but she wanted to ensure that everything was top-tier for Yedam. Doyoung's eyes soften, returning back to their normal state so he answers with a small nod. "great, Yedam. Let's move you into Doyoung's room okay?"
Ms. Bang watches as her friend leaves, she gestures to her son that it's no use in changing her mind and Doyoung internally agrees. Shortly, Yedam watches his mother drag their stuff and follows Mrs. Kim to their new rooms. Doyoung and Yedam stand in the living room, a couple of inches away from each other as they want to stay a safe distance between them. "So, Yedam right?"
Yedam nods, "Dobby?"
"Doyoung." He corrects, although the nickname was acceptable. They weren't exactly close. "you can use it once I get comfortable with you."
"Okay.."
"Sorry if that sounded passive aggressive." Doyoung shortly apologizes, Yedam shakes his head as he didn't process it in a rude way. "look...I don't know how this is gonna work out. But, let's get along okay?"
"Yeah." Yedam's one-word responses don't make Doyoung feel any more secure. But, he can sense the fact that he and his mother have gone through some rough phases. He wasn't a rude child who was selfish enough to gatekeeper a room, but he knew the adjustment would take some time to get used to. Sharing a room with a stranger, a bed, a closet, and making everything in the space theirs. It was going to take a lot of time.
But, the room of Kim Doyoung has been through some phases as well. Just like Yedam and his mother. His bed has watched his moments, been tainted with soft tears and yearned mumbles of reassurance. It was those moments that made Doyoung; Doyoung. Though, one simple change could lead to a whole new character.
__
The first night came along and Doyoung's room became known as Doyoung's and Yedam's room. The other half of his closet was now occupied with a small number of clothes, a couple of graphic t-shirts, and two sweatshirts. A pair of rough jeans that seemed to be overused and worn out. Doyoung gulped, realizing how much he had for himself because his mother was an independent and hardworking woman. Being the son of a nurse made his life a bit, comfortable , as he didn't want to sound spoiled. But, he will say that he did get more than others received.
Doyoung rummaged through the bottom of his closet, mainly because there was a small storage place that held older clothes of his that he didn't necessarily wear daily. He grabs a pair of sweatpants, an acceptable t-shirt to give to Yedam who's sitting on his, well, their bed quietly. "You can take these, it's probably been a long day so you can shower first." He offers, Yedam looks up to him. A confused expression that is steady and clear, he wants to steer that hesitant emotion off his face because he wants him to feel comfortable. Though Doyoung knows how to emphasize time, he wants them to be settled quickly even if it contradicts his own beliefs. "oh, the shower is down the hall." He informs, Yedam nods and gives a tiny cheeky smile, though the curves of his lips are barely noticeable.
Once Yedam takes off from their room, Doyoung flops down onto the large cushion. Face pressed into the sheet, head running miles as he couldn't think properly with the new change. He slips his phone out of his sweatpants pocket, unlocking it with one hand he finds his friend's group chat and begins to type.
doyoung
> I've been busy all day, sorry guys
jihoon
> for the whole ten hours?? sheesh what type of studying did you get wrapped into
doyoung
> none. I had to help my mom's friend and her son move into our house. he shares a room with me now
junkyu
> when you use periods I get passive aggressive vibes from you
doyoung
> but then it's just one long run-on-sentence?
junkyu
> that's okay it's a text message not an essay
jihoon
> are we gonna ignore the fact that doyoung now has a roommate
jeongwoo
> yeah
jihoon
> -.-
Doyoung now shuts off his phone, that's all his friends had to hear about because really there wasn't anything else interesting to add to the story. He can feel the buzzes go off, knowing Jihoon, he definitely had a lot of questions and his answers would be as bland as salt. He mentally apologizes to the older as he didn't have anything juicy to spill. Doyoung removes himself from his bed by pushing up with his hands and landing on his feet when he gains the momentum to. He turns his heels, heading out the door to direct himself to the kitchen.
As much as he loves food, he does enjoy a good voice as well. The muse enters his ear when he steps out of his room, their tone loud but gentle as the volumes juxtaposed their definitions clearly. His eyebrows raise and suddenly his ears are engaged, his feet move on their own and with only a couple of large steps. Doyoung's face is now staring at his bathroom door.
Yedam is behind that door, in the shower probably scrubbing his hair and unaware that someone can hear his voice. Doyoung knows that he should leave and scurry off to go about his night, but, for some reason, his heart smiles although the action doesn't display on the outside. He will admit, Yedam has a nice voice.
Once again, he turns his heels and heads off to the kitchen to get himself a late-night snack. Since he likes to study later within the day, he prepares himself some treats to keep his motivation going. According to Google, the brain is known to execute more creative thinking due to exhaustion which sounds terrible but Doyoung has accepted this little piece of information once the beginning of high school started.
Finding his figure entering the kitchen, he finds his mother and Ms. Bang quietly chatting away with each other. Mugs in their hands as they occupy a smaller walkway of the area, "Making snacks Dobby? Can you bring some for Yedam as well?" Doyoung nods from his mother's request, he scoots by quietly to grab a plate and places it on the quartz surface.
"Is he allergic to anything?" He directs the question to specifically Ms. Bang.
Ms. Bang shakes her head, "He doesn't. But, thank you for being thoughtful about that."
"Well, I wouldn't want him dying the first night here." Doyoung chuckles, though the idea of it would be terrifying to the eye. He brushes through the two older women to open the fridge, he grabs an assortment of fruit and places them on the counter. He starts to pick through the strawberries, raspberries, and pre-made slices of watermelon to place on the awaiting porcelain. "can Yedam sleep with a light on at night?"
"Ah, that's a question you should ask him. I'm unsure."
"Alright then." Doyoung softly responds, he washes the berries in a separate bowl after placing the containers back into their designated spots in the refrigerator. After placing the fruit into one huge bowl, he grabs a small cup and walks to the pantry to grab a bag of granola. Unzipping the bag, he pours in a good amount for two and doesn't forget to take two small bottles that hold a fruit blend. "I'll take my leave." He mutters before heading back to his room, Mrs. Kim gives him a gentle smile.
"He may seem reserved, but he's got a lot on his mind." Mrs. Kim tells and takes a sip of her tea. "I hope he and Yedam can get along."
"I'm wishing the same."
Doyoung's a kind kid, he's patient and knows when to have limitations depending on the person he's with. With his friends Jihoon, Junkyu, and Jeongwoo; or formally known as his j-line named friends. He's more outgoing and expressive with his words as they were three boys who deserved a lot of love. While in contrast with his Japanese tutor, Hamada Asahi, he takes it slow with getting to know him and open up as they still are semi-strangers to each other.
Now, Doyoung has to figure out his pace with Yedam. From his understanding, there are phases he's gone through, and based on the information he has, he's sure there's stuff he's hiding underneath the surface of his words to conceal the worries others might have for him. He doesn't want to budge every piece of information out of him, nor drop his whole backstory in one night to get everything out the way. That was a stupid and more, disrespectful route to go he felt.
After a few minutes of settling himself in his room, he has the treats placed on his desk and he waits patiently for Yedam to return back from his shower. Doyoung believes he should be freaking out more, that he should be uncomfortable with his situation and find the adjustments odd. But, oddly, he doesn't .
Maybe he's unfazed due to the fact of the obvious possibility that could have led to Yedam's mother and him moving in with them. Which could also lead to the ‘maybe’ of him not acting strange. But, it was basic human decency to show kindness to a stranger, especially with the unawareness of the hurdles they've been jumping.
He decided to brush away Yedam from his mind, realizing that time was ticking and the day wasn't going to last forever. Doyoung grabs his own set of new clothes for his shower, heading off to the guest one as no one was occupying it at the moment. As he's about to leave his room, the door is pushed open and shortly his face kisses the surface of it. Yedam, who was completely unaware of his leave, realizes that he's accidentally slammed the boy with the door as he caught Doyoung sitting on the floor. "S—Sorry!"
"It's alright..." He mumbles, rubbing his nose to ease the pain.
"I probably should've knocked first." Yedam mumbles to himself.
"You don't need to, it's our room now." Doyoung reminds. He collects his clothes from the floor and stands up, "did you put your clothes in the hamper?"
Yedam nods.
"Alright, well. There's fruit on the table, some granola and juice if you want a snack. I study pretty late just for your information."
"That's fine," Yedam responds, eyes taking a quick glance to the platter on the boy's desk. "should I set up space on the floor? I'm kind of tired and—"
"Just rest on the bed. My mom's right, it's big enough for us so it won't matter." Doyoung says, he gently pushes his way out the doorway. "I'll be back."
"Okay..."
And there, Yedam was left with himself and the new room that he was now able to call his. It still felt a bit odd, a bit wrong in his opinion. He didn't understand how his living state changed in a blink of an eye, haste and too sudden. But, he still displayed his appreciation for the Kim family for their generosity. He shouldn't overthink too much, walking over to Doyoung's bed he sits on the left side and on the edge. It's the side closest to Doyoung's desk and now he can easily extend his arms to reach out for pieces of fruit. He first grabs a sliced strawberry, chomping it quietly and allowing the sounds from the action fill the silent room. It's been a while since he's had his own room, in fact, he's sure the last time this was given to him was when he was an infant. He savors the small moment, the silence, the sweet flavor that spread across his tongue with each munch.
Yedam feels at ease , which is rare as this time it feels genuine. Sure, he does have some worries about his adjustment with Doyoung, but, he's sure they'll get along quite well. As long as he respects his boundaries and he respects his, he'll be content with the future and his time with the Kim’s.
He stops before putting a raspberry in his mouth, holding it between his pointer finger and thumb gently as he thinks. Yedam knew that sharing a room with Doyoung would mean he'd have to get to know him, but, to what extent? He wasn't the most sociable person, with hopping schools and never staying in one place for long; he hasn't necessarily learned the ideal long-term friendship that'll help him in the long run. He pops the fruit in his mouth, chewing to help execute his thinking cells to work. "Asking him about his day is stupid, we spent it together."
Yedam lets out a sigh, dropping himself back onto the mattress. He spins his body ninety degrees to align himself with the cushions direction. With Doyoung's bed being located in the corner, he takes the space near the wall and decides to rest for the time being.
But, unaware of his own tiredness. Yedam falls asleep in minutes, hair still damp and no blanket over his cold body. It's not long until Doyoung returns back to their room, finding the granola bowl still filled and only a couple of pieces of fruit picked from the plate. He sighs, but not in a disappointed manner as he understood that Yedam was tired. The brunette is currently curled up in a ball, hands clasped together as he sleeps his night away. It's only nine-twenty three. Either too late or too early for students to be up, to Doyoung it's the second description.
Before sitting down in his seat to begin his work, Doyoung grabs his blanket that rests on the right side of the bed. He assumed Yedam either fell asleep too quickly to care about covers, or he fell asleep aware of the fact that it was next to him but was hesitant to use it due to Doyoung not being there. He unfolds it silently, waving it around and placing it over Yedam as he feels more content with leaving him comfortable. Doyoung watched as he as well unfolded the way he undid his blanket. But, instead of forcing him too, Yedam came clean with his own actions once he felt in a safe position.
It's the steadiness Doyoung emphasizes, which is a blessing and a curse that'll lead to some confusion in the future. But, for now, he turns on his lamp and shuts off his main lights. He grabs his textbook, opening it up to the needed pages, and begins his work while Yedam sleeps comfortably.