Work Text:
Lee Taeyong, the President of third-year Class 127 and the CT school council representative, quietly read their assignment when Mr. Kim, their homeroom teacher, entered. Everyone except Yuta, a nerd, was not paying any attention to Mr. Kim.
Minhyuk, a YouTuber, continued to wave to his camera. Youngho brushed his hair prettily, worried about the sticking strand right next to his ear. Haechan snored a little loudly. Taeil tuned his violin. Jaehyun listened with his headphones, and lastly, Jungwoo was on his stan tweet clearing searches for his bias - he was annoyed early in the morning about a particular scandal, Taeyong didn't bother to know. And Doyoung was... Wait... Doyoung? Where did he go? Taeyong was sure he saw his shadow a while back? He tried to stick his head outside the window, near the corridor, hoping to get a glimpse of the black-haired athlete captain (his nemesis), but to no avail, the hall was empty.
Mr. Kim started calling their names for attendance, and it surprised him when Doyoung's name was called, and he answered with his short familiar "Yep."
Mr. Kim looked at Doyoung then back to Taeyong with the expression of "You know what to do," and he only sighed in frustration. It was only the first period yet; Doyoung did not fail to give him a headache.
He turned his head to the back and glared at Doyoung, who gave him back his typical smirk.
"Doyoung, where is your uniform?" Mr. Kim asked.
Doyoung exaggeratedly sighed as if he were asked the most dreading question on earth. "I was practicing because I will be a superstar someday. Wearing a jersey is more comfortable," he replied calmly with a roll of his eyes.
Mr. Kim looked at Taeyong again. "Yes, Mr. Kim, after classes" He groaned in defeat, followed by a protesting "No," which he heard from the back. Taeyong ignored it.
Since their 1st-year high school, Mr. Kim appointed him to discipline Doyoung. The said boy was also the reason for him being the class president every year. Taeyong clearly remembered how Doyoung said, "let's just go with the boring guy with the pink hair," everyone agreed. He still resents him to this day. Who would want to babysit hardheaded kids?
Doyoung was almost nice to everyone. Almost. Except for Taeyong. The boy picked a hobby to annoy and rile him more – purposely breaking classroom and school rules. And to say the least, he enjoyed doing so, considering that it has been three long years. Doyoung's grades, on the other hand, were not bad too. If Yuta was the first in class and Taeyong was the second, Doyoung grabbed the third spot despite sleeping and doing something else during their lectures. Taeyong wondered if the latter cheated, but Doyoung had been consistent in the past. Jaehyun and Jungwoo were the ones copying from him. Doyoung just chose to ignore the rules knowing that his actions would go back to Taeyong.
As soon as Mr. Kim finished checking everyone's attendance, Taeyong stood up and glowered at Doyoung, ignoring Taeil in between their seats. "Yah, if you could have worn your uniform, I could have saved time studying instead of watching over you clean the whole gym," he said.
The rest of their classmates laughed at them while Doyoung stood up, too surprised about the whole deal. "Why the whole gym?" he asked, putting his hands on his waist. "And why are you on your flashy pink hair again? Didn't you just have blonde hair two weeks ago? We already know you are most the gorgeous person in this whole school." he added furiously. Taeyong did not know if he would be happy or be angry at that statement.
His eyebrows rose, and his eyes widened in surprise. Taeyong felt the blood creeping on his cheeks, making it flush, and he is sure Doyoung simpered on it.
"Yah" How about me? I am the princess here?" Youngho said in the background, and he heard Jaehyun, "Taeyong doesn't have dimples," while Minhyuk confusedly added, "Can someone with a flat ass be the most gorgeous?"
"Shut up; I said what I said." Doyoung rolled his eyes and looked at Taeyong in question, not planning to drop the subject.
He breathed deeply and said, "Because I deserve to be gorgeous and because I am born gorgeous, there is nothing I can do about that." He expressed exasperation and took his seat, leaving Doyoung speechless.
Yuta, who was trying to 'stop' their bickering, suddenly asked, "so it's about the hair, not the cleaning of the gym, to be exact?"
Haechan laughed hilariously, mocking Doyoung, who realized what he said and hid his embarrassment by pretending to sleep. At the same time, Taeyong feigned the comments from everyone for them to stop flirting (which is always the case, Tom and Jerry – Jaehyun's words) and went back to reading.
April 1 came, the day that Taeyong hated the most. If only he could remain at home and act as if he is sick, that would be great, but he has obligations as the school President. The school needed him the most on this day. April fool is a day where everyone can fool anyone, including their teachers. Most students will not dare do something against him (except Kim Doyoung), nor to anyone excessively; however, the amount of 'fixing' or putting everything back to normal afterward is overwhelming. He would instead run another school festival or organize a sports activity than be at school on this day.
Yesterday, he gave a brief meeting to the student council. Kun, the representative from third-year class WVY gave him a heads-up about Ten and Lucas' high possibility of creating havoc in the whole school. Jeno from 2nd Year class DRM was trying to pretend to be sick, but he knew he was only scared of Chenle, Jisung, and Renjun doubling up the chaos of Ten and Lucas. Those three are scary as hell. Even Kim Doyoung does not want to deal with their tactics. Taeyong knew that because Doyoung was once in detention, he gave up, begging him to clean the whole gym instead of having them as a company. Although it was fun seeing him tortured by the younger kids, Taeyong cannot help but admire him, for Doyoung patiently let them tease him and even treated everyone with snacks.
Taeyong shook his head; why is he even thinking of him now? He dragged himself to school, making sure to check the weather forecast and not forgetting to bring an umbrella (the weather forecast confirmed heavy rain in the afternoon).
He stepped off the bus when he noticed Doyoung leaning on the sidewalk. The athlete captain glowed up when their eyes met.
"Don't start with me today, please! Why are you so early?" He sneered when Doyoung walked beside him. He was always an hour earlier than anyone else; student council duties. Doyoung, on the other hand, always came to school late - surprisingly not today, which made him more suspicious.
"Good morning to you too, Pres. Did you get a good sleep?" He wore his gummy smile and hopped excitedly.
Taeyong ignored him as he walked to his locker to put his books. Doyoung copied him. The athlete then leaned on the locker beside him and continued to stare and observe him without saying anything.
"If that is your way to annoy me today, Doyoung, please let me breathe." He glanced at him.
Doyoung popped a candy in his mouth then handed him another. "You need it."
Taeyong's eyebrows furrowed in question but the candy waiting in Doyoung's hand appeared delectable. He was about to accept it, but Doyoung closed his hand in a second. "I changed my mind." He giggled.
"Fuck you." He muttered.
Doyoung's eyes widened, putting his hand in his mouth, faking a surprise. He tilted his head, teasing. "You know you are cuter when you are angry, right?"
Taeyong banged his locker in annoyance and pushed Doyoung against it, caging him in the process. "You always give me a headache Kim Doyoung, and my nerve brains are about to burst; the day hasn't started yet. May you please behave today?" He warned.
Doyoung's eyes fluttered, and he swallowed in surprise. "Uhhm… " He opened his mouth to speak but proceeded to not continue.
Taeyong unintentionally saw the candy on Doyoung's mouth with their small distance. The smell was so delightful that he leaned to smell more. "What flavor is that?" he asked.
Doyoung, who knows Taeyong's weakness, smirked then grabbed his waist, pronto, their position was reversed. "It's for me to know and for you to find out ." He taunted.
"But anyway, instead of the candy, I have something for you." He resumed, playing the candy on his mouth, teasing him.
Taeyong rolled his eyes and tapped Doyoung's arm lightly. "Fine. Let me go first; I still have something to do in the office."
"Not until you try what I made." Doyoung opened his bag and then handed him a pack of cookies; with a cute red ribbon.
"Oh God, Doyoung, I know what day it is, and if you are trying to poison me, just give me a whole bottle of bleach ." He begged him. "I don't have time for this."
"Common, you haven't had breakfast. Again." Doyoung pushed the bag to him. "And because you are always busy burning your pretty thick eyebrows on books, that you don't have time to have fun. I'm making your school life more exciting." His eyes were sparkling as he said that.
Taeyong had a second thought, to move or ignore him, but knowing Doyoung, he would not let him live today if he refused. He took the cookies and examined them. "This is edible, right?"
"You liked the cookies that I baked last time." Doyoung heaved a sigh. "I was experimenting last night, and I had extra."
His eyebrows raised in question again. Doyoung was right. Sometimes Jungwoo and Jaehyun are munching cookies at the back, and Jungwoo would share a box or a bag of sweets with him.
Doyoung opened the bag for him impatiently. He grabbed a piece and chewed it. "See, now try." He shoved the cookies back to him.
The chewiness of the cookie and the sweetness of the chocolate were perfect. Taeyong's sweet tooth betrayed him; he almost forgot how he resented the boy in front of him. Before he realized it, his hand had already reached for another one.
Taeyong happily chewed the second cookie until something burst into his mouth. He snatched Doyoung's arm when the cookie's sweetness vanished, and like a bomb, the spicy flavor exploded in his mouth. His eyes widened in recognition, but it was too late - it was burning his whole mouth. He tried to run, but Doyoung snatched him and pressed him back to the lockers.
"Fuck you." Taeyong shrieked. He opened his mouth, trying to relieve the taste by inhaling air.
"Ooooh right!!!! I forgot." Doyoung gasped in surprised and worried eyes.
Only a few seconds when his worried eyes turned in amusement. He beamed and laughed maniacally.
"Doyoung-ah please, let me wash my mouth, and you can torture me after ." He surrendered using his big boba eyes that nobody could resist.
He saw Doyoung hesitated a little but did not move. Then Taeyong saw it - the candy. Without a second thought, he clutched into Doyoung's uniform and pulled him closer, slotting his mouth into his. Taeyong took the opportunity of Doyoung's surprised mouth and went deeper. He claimed the candy in no time and felt a sudden relief. He relished the sweetness of the candy in his mouth, letting the burn dissipate as he sneered to the flushed athlete captain who was frozen and staring at him unbelievingly.
"B-b-b-but, that's my candy ." Doyoung stuttered.
Taeyong stuck his tongue out to mock him showing the candy he acquired.
Doyoung's eyes narrowed watching him. His expression was unreadable.
Taeyong was surprised when he swiftly glided one hand on his waist Taeyong's waist and moved closer to him - leaving only an inch between their faces. "Do you even realize what you did, Taeyongie?" Doyoung whispered, staring at him, their breaths mingling with the tiny space.
Taeyong looked slightly up to meet Doyoung's eyes, staring back, no words, but the question was there, maybe of ignorance and naivete. Doyoung must be dumbfounded; his eyes widened.
Doyoung cleared his throat; Taeyong noticed how his eyes lowered to his own lips. He licked it unconsciously, then his eyes also fell to Doyoung's ones. They were soft and pink.
His jaws dropped in realization: the candy, his lips, kiss. He kissed Kim Doyoung.
"Good ." He heard Doyoung murmur before he captured his now opened mouth.
Taeyong was flabbergasted. Doyoung tasted cookies and chocolate. It was nice, something that neutralized the spiciness aside from the candy. Doyoung tilted and kissed him more.
Taeyong closed his eyes and let him in. His rational brain decided to shut off and focus on how soft Doyoung lips were, how sweet they were against his mouth.
Taeyong will lie if he says he never dreamed of kissing him. There were times that he thought about how the other one's lips were. Doyoung bites his lips whenever he is concentrating, grazing his tongue over them; maybe, just maybe, there were a few times that he was staring at him while doing that. Taeyong imagined how it felt to have them on his.
Doyoung's hand tightened on his waist while the other moved to his neck, supporting his head as he angled to deepen the kiss. Taeyong clutched unto him for more support. Every nerve was tingling with a different sensation and strange warmth. His knees and whole body melted.
Doyoung stopped for a moment, letting them catch some air, but he did not let go; he did not move an inch. He stared at Taeyong, whose cheeks were flustered. Taeyong stared back at Doyoung's slightly opened mouth; a smile was forming - Doyoung procured back the candy.
Taeyong was still in a trance and annoyed that Doyoung stole the candy, so he pulled Doyoung, claiming his mouth once again. However, he made it slower, gentler, tasting, and relishing its sweetness in Doyoung's mouth.
The loud noises made them stop and separate. Doyoung snatched his hand quickly; they ran and exited on the other side. They arrived out of breath at the student council office, and they laughed together.
"You can go." Taeyong dismissed Doyoung after a while. "And let's forget what happened." He added, trying to distract himself from Doyoung, who shamelessly sat on the side of his table and took another candy out from his bag.
Doyoung leaned towards him. Instinctively, Taeyong leaned back. "Don't play with me Taeyongie, and no one can deny that we have that spark." His nickname rolled sweetly from his tongue.
He rolled his eyes and crossed his arms. "Okay, I agree, you are a good kisser. Where did you learn to kiss like that? You just turned 20 this year and are still in high school."
Doyoung raised his eyebrows, "kiss like what?" he asked innocently.
Taeyong's felt his face fluster more, remembering the not so simple kiss they shared on the corridor. It was more than he expected. It was more than a high school student does too. He was sure it was not Doyoung's first time as he knew how boys and girls confessed to him every day. The athlete captain was too famous; even other students from their neighboring school waited for him at the gate after school to have a glimpse of him.
"Like you have kissed a lot of times." He murmured, pushing his legs from his table. He breathed deeply, trying to ignore the sting he felt from his chest just saying those words.
"Ooooh?". Doyoung nodded. Then he straightened his posture and stared at him with utmost interest. "By the way- ." He cleared his throat for a while.
Taeyong wanted to ignore, but how Doyoung stopped mid-sentence made him more curious. He looked up to him, eyes in question.
Doyoung reached his head and ruffled it. "Today is our first day."
His jaw dropped. He thought there was nothing more than that kiss. "No. Are you crazy?"
"I am not asking you, Taeyong, I'm telling you" Doyoung smiled. Before Taeyong could even utter a word, Kun and Jeno arrived at the SC room.
"Doyoung, you are almost in our office every week. What did you do again this time?". Kun greeted them.
"Did you forget, it's April fool's day today? Of course, he is here to annoy Taeyong hyung." Jeno threw himself for a hug to Doyoung.
Doyoung hugged the second-year back and pinched his cheeks, asking what he had for breakfast and what he did yesterday why he didn't text him.
Taeyong silently chuckled. Doyoung adores Jeno and his friends like they are his real brothers. He loves to watch this side of Doyoung. He changes completely when kids are around compared to when he is on the field or in the classroom. He looks softer; this kind of Doyoung is one of the many lists of his charms.
"You can do your reunion anywhere else; move out from my table." He gently reminded them.
Jeno's eye smiled at him, and Taeyong gave him a signal to shove Doyoung away. The older frowned, shoulders down, then walked out to the door. Jeno got his silent message; he pleaded with Doyoung to behave and leave.
Taeyong jumped when Doyoung suddenly came back and whispered in his ear, "How's your tastebud, by the way?"
Taeyong looked at Jeno and Kun, but Doyoung's broad shoulders covered him from the two. "Better." He murmured back.
"Good. But this makes you better." Doyoung leaned to his mouth and pushed another candy to him through his mouth.
Taeyong smacked him hard, and Doyoung only laughed then bent back and moved away. He gave the second goodbye wave to Kun and Jeno while he left totally flustered.
The day passed by so quickly. Taeyong could not even attend his class as he had to visit different classrooms with all the havoc. He does not understand why the school allows this behavior on a freaking day.
After lunch, he went to oversee the 127 class. He was beginning to have suspicions about them. They did something terrible. To his dismay, they were behaving too well. Yuta belatedly informed him that Doyoung asked everyone not to burden him on this particular day in return for buying them snacks. Taeyong's heart skipped a beat.
He forgot lunch, so he decided to go to his favorite place, an abandoned garden at the back of a gymnasium. He lay in the shade trying to nap when he heard footsteps. "Kim Doyoung, let me have a nap right now," he told the stranger without opening his eyes.
He heard a little chuckle, then he felt Doyoung's presence very near him, together with the aroma of a sweet potato. He opened his eyes and sat up – sweet potato was not to be ignored.
Doyoung passed him a peeled piece, and he ate with gusto. Taeyong smiled when he noticed the different drinks that the athlete additionally brought. While they were eating, Doyoung asked about April fools' other classes' tactics. They laughed at everything except when he frustratedly told him about the clean-ups. When Doyoung gave him some tips on cleaning the paint markings (the second year did), he snickered, remembering how Doyoung cleaned a spilled paint on the corridor during their first year.
"I'm the expert in cleaning as I always got a detention." He claimed, Taeyong playfully agreed.
After the food settled in his stomach, he felt his eyes become heavy, so he shoved Doyoung, but the latter insisted on staying. "It is our first day," He protested.
Taeyong laid again and closed his eyes.
"Do you hate me that much?" Doyoung asked, laying next to him.
"We never liked each other. What's with you being sappy?" He chuckled.
"I just feel that we should start dating now," Doyoung stated like it was just natural for them to date.
Taeyong thought about it. Dating Doyoung has a lot of pros and cons. One, he will have a lot of snacks; two, Doyoung's kisses are exceptional, not that he ever kissed someone. He blushed at the thought. What is he even thinking? He secretly glanced at Doyoung; his eyes were closed too. He closed his eyes again and ignored the mixed feelings in his chest.
The clock was striking six when Taeyong checked it. It was also dark and raining hard. He took his bag, locked their office, and planned to drop to his locker when he heard some voice. Of course, there were still students who may have activities with their clubs. He didn't want to listen, but his name was in their conversation. He was shocked to learn that apparently, Doyoung's prank for April Fool's day is to make Taeyong his boyfriend.
Taeyong clutched his books on his chest and stood at the corner until the voices faded. He moved silently to his locker and put his books, trying to ignore the heavy feeling building in his chest. The rain was pouring so hard, and Taeyong shakingly opened his umbrella while he slowly went to the bus stop. To his surprise, Doyoung was waiting for him, full of concern. They rode the bus together, and Taeyong ignored him until the latter slowly followed him to his bus stop near his home.
In silence, Taeyong walked faster, trying hard not to mind Doyoung, who did not have an umbrella.
"Doyoung, please." He stopped when he could feel the boy still following him from behind. They were at the park near his home. "C-c-can y-y-ou stop pretending now?" He asked, stuttering.
Doyoung, on the other hand, was soaking wet, eyes looked lost and concerned, almost crying. "April fools is done. I heard your prank today is to ask me out. You have done it. You won. So please let me go for once. Let me breathe. You have been constantly on my throat ever since first years, and I should not expect anything from you for all the things that you did, but.. but.."
Doyoung's jaw dropped in surprise. He grabbed his hands and said, "Taeyong, no, that is a misunderstanding."
"I despise you. I did not know you could stoop that low. How can you play with my emotions? How can you use that as a prank?" He shouted, pushing him; tears started pouring from his eyes.
"T-T-taeyong… I like you. A lot. I have liked you ever since. I do not know what you heard, but it was a joke between them. I never agreed to it. I pranked you, yes, but not this. You have been working too much for a normal high school student, always on your books, and I sometimes wanted you to get some fresh air. I just want you to enjoy what high school is..." Doyoung explained. "But I like you. I really really like you."
Taeyong was surprised. He did not expect the confession, and it made him confused. "Stop, please." He replied instead. Slowly, he turned around and left Doyoung, not bothering looking back.
When he reached his room, he screamed so hard and cried his heart out until his body succumbed to sleep.
Taeyong called in sick the next day. As he seldom took class off, he was bombarded with messages. Kun was telling him to get a good rest and not worry about the rest of the work as their classmates volunteered to help them. Jeno also did the same. All their classmates in 127 except one person messaged him asking him what happened and telling him everything was okay.
He concentrated on doing his assignments the whole day, but he could not focus in the end as he was distracted by one person. Doyoung. Kim Doyoung.
The next day, he went to school, and everyone looked happy to see him. They felt relieved when they learned that he had just taken one day off because he was 'tired' from April fools' day. Although he reminded himself not to care about Doyoung, his eyes were subconsciously looking for the boy. Mr. Kim also did not even question why he was absent. Taeyong kept his mouth mum until it was lunch break.
Their classroom television opened, revealing Doyoung on it. He was surprised because he knew how Doyoung tried to decline the broadcasting club many times.
Doyoung spoke with his deep voice, and everyone stopped and watched him. "I hope you are at our classroom at lunchtime and listening to this instead of the library, student council office, or the principal's office. It has been three years, and you have been working so hard on your studies, giving all your time to school. School is for studying, that is true, but it is also for making friends and having fun with them. This song was recorded a week ago, and I did not have a particular piece in mind, but I hope it makes you feel better."
The instrumental resonated in their whole classroom, followed by Doyoung's heavenly voice. It was a cover of one foreign singer. His soul was incorporated in every word; it made Taeyong's chest heavy for no particular reason.
The song ended, some of their classmates stood clapping and praising Doyoung. Taeyong was speechless.
Then there was another announcement, "Taeyongie, Pres, I hope you had fun with me for the past years. Seeing you watching me doing the punishments and laughing at me was fun. Cleaning the whole gym as you sit at the side watching and eating your sweet potato was fun. Stacking up the books at the library while you nag was fun. And as this will be aired after April Fools, and I may be hiding at this time, how about if I will not come back to the class and will not graduate unless you go out with me? I think that is more fun."
The television automatically turned off, and Taeyong found their classmates staring at him all looking happy. Embarrassed, he buried his face on his table. He then caught Haechan crooning Taeil and Minhyuk to pay him.
"Aish, Doyoung can't wait till graduation, huh?" He overheard Taeil.
"They have been crushing each other for so long, and Doyoung has been very obvious for the past months, of course, he will confess first." Haechan scorned back.
Taeyong's heart was about to burst again. He grabbed his bag and planned to just cry on his favorite spot, but Jungwoo bumped into him on his way out.
Jungwoo apologized for rushing as he took his bag too. "Pres, I'm off this afternoon." He told. When he inquired, Jungwoo explained that Doyoung was admitted to the hospital because he was drenched the other day and caught a bug.
Taeyong's heart dropped. It couldn't be? He then asked Jungwoo to bring him to Doyoung.
On their way to the hospital, Taeyong felt cold, and Jungwoo gave him his jacket. "You're shaking, Pres."
He took Jungwoo's jacket and hid his tears too. Jungwoo noticed his condition, so he started telling stories about Doyoung. Taeyong found out that the athlete captain loved to talk to his friends.
Jungwoo took cookies from his bag and offered them to him. He gently declined, but the latter insisted and even put it to his lap. "I expected Doyoung to prank me with this, but they were absolutely delicious. Do you know that Jaehyun received mint choco flavored? He almost vomited." Jungwoo laughed.
Taeyong stared at the bag, fiddling on the familiar ribbon. He sighed, then he noticed something written on it. There was a tiny scribble on its end. TY.
They arrived at the hospital and found Doyoung on IV fluids, sleeping peacefully. His face was pale, and Taeyong felt a pang in his heart, looking at him so weak. He looked so different. His cheeks were thinner and dark circles were noted around his eyes. He sat at the edge of the bed and held his hand gently, trying to suppress his tears again.
"Do you know Pres, Doyoung liked you ever since." Jungwoo started with a slow and quiet voice. He sat at the end of the bed.
"He may be the rule breaker and always annoys you, but he always looks out for you. All the snacks that I am sharing with you, it's all from him."
Taeyong nodded. Of course, everything was making sense. He sighed and incidentally squeezed Doyoung's hands tighter, making the other one stir in his sleep.
"Oh no, I'm so sorry." He apologized when Doyoung opened his eyes.
Doyoung blinked several times, eyes fixed on him before looking at Jungwoo and smiling sheepishly. "M-m-mom, I think I am hallucinating. Am I dying? Is – is this heaven?" His speech was slurred.
Jungwoo stood up on the side, nodding and watching Doyoung confused. Taeyong leaned and put his palm on Doyoung's forehead. "I don't think you have a fever. Why did you do that?" He nagged at Doyoung, worried.
Doyoung blinked several times. "Ahhhh, Taeyongieee is really here, and he is talking." He then suddenly sat up and gave him a quick kiss on his lips as he exclaimed, "Akkkk, his lips are really so sweet and soft, maybe softer than clouds, but I never kissed clouds. Kyaaaaaaa!!! This is indeed heaven." He fell back to the bed, hugged his blanket as he closed his eyes, and smiled like a lunatic.
He opened his eyes again and looked at Jungwoo. "Mom, let me die happily." He laughed heartily and closed his eyes, relishing his supposed to be "dream."
Taeyong froze while Jungwoo chuckled and said. "I'll call the doctor."
The doctor arrived after that and explained to them that it could be a side effect of the sleeping pills they gave, but he will be good. Jungwoo was trying to control his laughter. He then started updating their friends to his embarrassment.
They stayed at the hospital for several minutes until a pretty old lady who resembles Doyoung arrived. They greeted her; Taeyong was surprised that she knew him. She lovingly said that there was not a day that Doyoung did not talk about Taeyong at home. Taeyong was even more shocked to learn how Doyoung exaggeratedly spoke about him: being the most handsome in school, innovative, the President of their class and the school, and highly talented.
Mortified, Taeyong denied everything, telling Doyoung was exaggerating. The old lady nodded and said sweetly. "He just likes you so much. I know he loves to tease or make pranks too. But he does not mean any harm. That is his way of showing his love."
Taeyong blushed. Doyoung's mom held his hand. "Just a little more patience with him, please, Taeyong?" Taeyong smiled and nodded as he gave her a tight hug.
Doyoung stayed a few more days at the hospital. Although Taeyong regularly visited him, he was always with the others that Doyoung got frustrated he sent him messages every other minute.
The day Doyoung went back to school, Taeyong took a leave. He instructed him to take notes, but before he agreed, he received endless complaints, which he ignored. He arrived after lunch at school then proceeded to their classroom. There he saw Doyoung alone, concentrating on writing something on his notes. He stood next to him and studied his notes; Doyoung hadn't noticed him yet.
"Hey." He softly called him.
Doyoung looked up to him; his jaws dropped as he gasped.
"Did you take notes?" He asked. Doyoung nodded, still staring.
“Stop staring Doyoung-ah. You know it is rude to stare." He reminded him, he took a seat in front of him.
"Why is your hair black? Are you trying to tell me again that you're the most gorgeous?" Doyoung mocked.
Taeyong raised one eyebrow. "I am allowed to have any color of my hair and because I am gorgeous. I was born beautiful. I can't do anything about it," he grinned.
Doyoung smiled widely. "I know."
"And," he paused. "I hope it is not late, but will you have fun with me?" Taeyong said, blushing. He diverted his eyes to the notes to hide his embarrassment.
Doyoung reached for his hand and intertwined it. "What fun do you want to have?" He was beaming.
Taeyong pretended to think and teased, "how about a gym cleaning date?"
"Not so fast, Pres., I just came out from the hospital." Doyoung stood up and pulled him into a hug.
"Oh. How about next week?" He said and hugged him tighter.
Taeyong woke up with his alarm; he turned it off and closed his eyes again. Then another one blasted off. Doyoung wished to be picked up from his Jeju business travel. If only he could ditch Doyoung's flight arrival, but he lost on their bet, for the first time in ten years.
He crawled to brush his teeth then later checked his phone for unread messages.
Doyoungie: [4:35] taeyongie, i forgot, 5 days ago i saw something strange in the aquarium and maybe the reason why the fishes are sick
Taeyongie: [6:37] excellent timing, you idiot. i just woke up. And five days ago??? for a lawyer yourself, you are not sensible. the new filter was delivered yesterday. i am planning to change it today if it's not because of you
Taeyongie: [6:40] I changed my mind i am not picking you up, the fishes are more critical :p
Doyoungie: [6: 42] meanieeeee T_T
Taeyongie: [ 06: 46 ] i just checked the tank, the fishes are okay, but something strange is in the aquarium, i did not put anything here. waaaaaaaaaah doyoungieee do you think this is the reason why they are sick? T_T
Doyoungie: [06:59] for a veterinarian yourself, you should know
Taeyongie: [07:01] WHAT THE?!!!! I'M NOT MARRYING YOU!!! WHO THE HELL PUT A RING ON THE AQUARIUM? I HATE YOU!!!!
Doyoungie: [7:01] okay, but how about you stop crying and turn around
Taeyong turned around and found Doyoung, who had just come from the kitchen with a mug of coffee.
"Did you just make a fool out of me? Is this your April fool's prank?" Taeyong frowned, remembering the day, but hugged him, nevertheless.
"Yes." Doyoung kissed his forehead and embraced him tighter. "I missed you."
"That was just a few days, but I missed you too, so much." Taeyong kissed his lips. "And I'm not marrying you. Do your proposal better."
Doyoung laughed and peppered him with kisses and tickles.