Work Text:
"Be my boyfriend."
That was a sentence that Felix thought he would never hear from his childhood best friend and now, roommate, Chan. Sure, he has thought of being with him in a different way. In a way that Felix could hug or cuddle with him and not be afraid of Chan feeling his heartbeat go faster. Maybe be with him and steal a few kisses when he could.
He has thought about it.
But he never acted on it in fear of losing Chan because of stupid feelings.
Which is why he had to lean closer to Chan who was seated on the bed in front of him, confused as to why he asked that question. "Huh?" He asked, blinking at him. Chan stood up from the bed and Felix followed him with his eyes, watching him take a white envelope from the table. "Hyung?" Felix asked in a curious voice. "Be my boyfriend.." Chan paused, handing him the envelope. "..in Paris, for one week." He added and Felix stared at him.
"A week? Do you know how long that is?" Felix asked, waving the envelope. "It's 10,080 minutes of us lying." Felix said as he opened the envelope, taking out the invitations. To be honest, he just doesn't want to risk anything that can expose his feelings towards him. Felix's shaky hands held the invitations properly and read it.
YOU'RE INVITED TO MY WEDDING!
Felix gulped, reading the details under the bold letters. "Paris, huh?" Felix asked, glancing at the older. "My closest cousin is getting married." Chan said, biting his lower lip and Felix looked at him to see the older chewing on his bottom lip. "And?" Felix asked. "Why ask me to be your boyfriend?" He adds, placing the invitations on the bed.
"Do you know how ridiculous it sounds?" He asked again, getting off the bed. Chan stood up as well. "I know. Okay, Felix, listen." He said, stepping in front of Felix who wanted to run out of the room. He may have buried his feelings deep in his heart, but things like Chan dropping something like this brings it back.
"I lied to my parents that I was dating someone three months ago." Chan said, sighing deeply. "And now they want me to bring him to the wedding." He added, putting his hands on Felix's shoulders. "Please help me." He continued. "I couldn't think of anyone else to run to, you're my best friend." He finishes and Felix looks at the ground, biting the inside of his cheek.
He shook his head, lying wasn't something that he could do after denying his feelings when Chan asked in highschool even though he obviously had them. So, he couldn't lie to Chan's family. "Why did you lie in the first place?" Felix asked, looking up at Chan.
Chan's eyes lowered as well as his hands from Felix. "They've been asking and asking for a year." He answered, combing back his black hair and Felix watched it bounce back. He loved how soft and fluffy his hair was. "And I just got sick of it, so I lied to them." He continued, rubbing his face.
"And now my mom wants him. My dad wants to know if he's right for me." Chan added, sitting on the bed again, lacing his fingers together. "They just look so happy that I finally have someone since I always studied and now I'm working." He continued, closing his eyes. Felix stares at him for a while as Chan gathers his thoughts. "I can't face them during my cousin's wedding without this fake boyfriend." He said.
"I don't want to see their disappointment."
Felix crossed his arms as he looked up the ceiling. Felix wondered why he was so soft-hearted, so easily swayed and how he's so eager to help Chan. He looked at the older man again and he sighed. Chan looked worried and scared.
Felix knew that he never wanted to see them disappointed or angry at him. It was the same when he came out to them, Felix had to stay with him from when he planned on telling them to actually telling them. Felix also knew that Chan didn't like seeing Felix being disappointed and angry at him too, even though Felix never looked at him that way.
Felix took the minute of silence to think about it before he sat beside Chan, regret, anxiousness, but also excitement built inside him at the thought of pretending to be his boyfriend. "How long?" Felix asked in almost a whisper and Chan looked at him. "What?" Chan asked, relief filling his eyes. "How long do you need a boyfriend?" Felix asked back and Chan smiled, attacking him with a hug.
"Just that one week!" He exclaimed and Felix let out a breathy laugh, nodding his head. "Tell them we broke up in the second week, okay?" Felix asked, hugging the older back and exhaling. "Okay. Thank you." Chan whispered. The anxiety was building up, but he would do anything to help him.
Monday
That's how they ended up in Paris, outside the airport as they waited for Chan's parents to pick them up. "Do you know why they picked Paris?" Felix asked as he stared off the distance, watching people pass by. Chan hums, tapping his fingers on the handle of his suitcase. "Because it's more romantic?" He asked back, unsure.
"Right?" He asked again and Felix laughed. "Any place is romantic, hyung." He answered, shaking his head as honking sounds came from the left. They both whipped their heads to see Chan's parents. "Show time." Felix muttered as they dragged their suitcases towards the car.
They both got out of the car and hurriedly hugged their son. Felix smiled, watching them reunite after being separated for five years. Chan had moved back to Korea for college and Felix followed after because he didn't want to be at home without him. "Felix." Mr. Bang said, hugging him and Felix smiled brighter, hugging him back.
"Hi." He greets and then Mrs. Bang hugs him after, cupping his cheeks. "How come you're getting prettier?" She asked and Felix giggled, shaking his head, but he said a quiet thank you. Chan's parents started to look around and Chan did too. "Are you expecting another guest?" He asked.
"Where's your boyfriend?" Mrs. Bang asked, looking at Chan.
This was it. It's starting.
Chan smiled nervously at her as he reached a hand out for Felix who slowly took it. "He's my boyfriend." Chan introduced. Felix forced the butterflies in his stomach to stop fluttering and the drums banging in his chest. Mr. and Mrs. Bang looked shocked, their eyes almost popped out of their heads.
"Since when?" Mrs. Bang asked and Felix chuckled, squeezing Chan's hand once. "Three months ago. When you called." He answered and Mrs. Bang looked at Felix again. "Oh, my boy." She said, coming up to hug him. Felix gasped when she hugged him, squeezing tight. "Wow, congratulations." Mr. Bang said, patting Felix's back.
"I thought you two will never get around to it." Mrs. Bang said as she pulled away. "What?" Chan asked and Mrs. Bang pats his shoulder. "We'll talk more later. Gayon's waiting for you." She answered instead and got in the car.
They reached the villa they will be staying at. The villa looked like a castle with an open front yard and huge parking space on the left. The view was breathtaking, especially now that it was night. The eiffel tower was shining and in view too. "I'll get your suitcases. Say hello to your cousin and your siblings." Mr. Bang said and the two nodded as they followed Chan's mother inside the house, hand in hand.
They both admired the inside of the house, gaping at the structure and the furniture. Mr. Bang entered the house too, lifting the suitcases one by one up the stairs. "Look around while I take these upstairs. Your room is at the end of the hallway on the right." He said and they nodded.
"I've been your best friend for half of your life and you didn't tell me you were rich." Felix whispered. "I would've befriended you with a different intention if I knew." He adds and they didn't know if he was joking or not. Chan laughed though. "My cousin's rich rich. My family and I are just.. rich?" Chan said in a questioning tone.
Felix laughed this time, but was cut off with a big scream. They two jumped, hands squeezing each other so hard that it reminded Felix that he was holding it. "Channie!" Gayon screamed from the hallway, rushing towards him. Chan lets Felix's hand go to catch his cousin with a huff. Felix laughed when they stumbled backwards.
He was always fond of Gayon. They've spent sleepovers at Chan's and family dinners together, so they were close too. She's free-spirited and smart, and beautiful. If Felix had the chance, he would've probably asked her out instead of pinning over Chan for all these years.
But he liked Chan more and missed his chance with her, now she's a bride-to-be. "Gayon, I can't breathe." Chan said in a gasp and Gayon steps away, smiling widely at him. "Sorry." She said before facing Felix. "Fe-fe." She said, hugging him gentler than he did Chan. Felix hugged her back, swaying them back and forth.
Chan scoffed, flicking her forehead when she stepped away from Felix. "You throw all your weight at me, but not Felix?" He asked and she rolled her eyes. "Because he's fragile." She answered and Felix blinked at her. "Are you teasing me or complimenting me?" He asked, making Gayon smile innocently before giggling.
Footsteps came from where Gayon ran out to and Chan’s siblings came in view. Chan rushed towards them and gave them both a tight hug. “Oh, I missed you both.” He said, letting go of them and smiling, cupping their cheeks. “You both grew an inch.” He teased, earning a smack from his younger sister. “You stayed the same.” She answered and Felix let out a breath, kind of a laugh, but airy. Chan turned his head and he immediately coughed, faking it.
"So, how did this happen, huh?" Gayon asked, smiling at both of them with expectant eyes when Chan went back to hold Felix’s hand. "Three months ago." They both answered at the same time and they both paused before smiling nervously at each other. Gayon gasped, smacking Chan's arm.
"You guys have to tell me how you found out you liked each other!" She said and Felix's eyes widened. No, they definitely did not have to. Chan faked a yawn to get Gayon's attention. "We're kind of tired." Chan answered and Felix nodded, rubbing his eye.
"Oh, right. Well, my fiancé's at the kitchen with mom, we're making food. Do you want to rest first before meeting him?" She asked and the two nodded. "Head on up." Gayon said, pulling Chan’s siblings with her to the kitchen, leaving the couple for a bit. The two glance at each other before they head up, meeting Chan's dad halfway.
"Hey." Chan's dad called out when they passed. "No, messing around." He said and Chan cringed. "Dad, please." He said back, pulling a frozen Felix with him. They heard a laugh before they entered the room. They didn't even get to admire the pictures in the hallway or the view at the window at the end of the hallway by their room.
When they entered, Chan closed the door and leaned on it while Felix sat on the bed before his knees gave out. They didn't think about the questions they will be facing. "You okay?" Chan asked, pushing himself off the door to sit beside him. "I'm..I'm okay." Felix said, taking a deep breath. "I just didn't think about the questions." He adds and Chan nodded.
"We should work that out, right?" He asked and Felix nodded this time. They were quiet for a moment, then Chan spoke. "When did we start liking each other?" He asked. "When did you?" He asked again and Felix inhaled deeply.
Since high school.
"I would say, around last year?" He answered and Chan nodded. "Who liked the other first?" Chan asked again, humming.
Me.
"I would say I did since I asked you to be my boyfriend." Chan answered, giving a teasing wink at him and he chuckled, shaking his head.
"So, we became official just three months ago, right?" Felix asked, avoiding Chan's eyes. "Right." He heard before a thud on the bed. Felix looked beside him to see Chan with his arms behind his head and eyes closed. He sighed, looking at his lips, neck and the little skin that was exposed since his shirt lifted. "I'll sleep on the couch." He said, referring to the soft looking couch, but Chan took his wrist.
"Cuddle." Chan murmured and Felix, once again, had to calm his heart because Chan was holding his wrist dangerously where his heartbeat was. He turns to face Chan who still had his eyes closed. "They can walk in on us, you know." Felix said and Chan peeked. "We're boyfriends." He answered simply.
Felix bit down on his lip before sighing. He took his shoes off before getting on the bed and Chan did the same. They laid above the covers, Chan pulling Felix close to his chest while Felix faced the other wall. He inhaled and exhaled slowly, closing his eyes. He feels Chan's arm go around his waist and Chan's lips on his head.
"You smell like watermelon." Chan whispered and Felix laughed, elbowing him softly. "I changed my shampoo because you didn't like the other one." He argued, smiling to himself when Chan hummed and inhaled again. "Thank you." He hears in a whisper. He didn't know if it was for doing this scheme or because he changed his shampoo. Either way, they ended up falling asleep in each other's arms until the next day.
Tuesday
Felix woke up first and was shocked to see Chan's face so close to his that he had to hold his breath. He didn't know how he ended up facing him, but he took the opportunity to study Chan's face. He still looked handsome despite the pout of his pretty plump lips and his chubby face. Chan moved and Felix closed his eyes, exhaling slowly.
It was quiet for a moment before Chan moved again, his hand pushing a hair out of Felix's face. "Lix." Chan whispered and Felix slowly opened his eyes. "Hi." Felix greets, his voice deep and raspy. A visible shiver ran up Chan's body and Felix thought he was dreaming. "We gotta get up." Chan said and he nodded, literally throwing himself out the bed.
They both got ready to face everyone, they showered in the bathroom that was connected to their room and dressed. They head downstairs hand in hand and go to the kitchen where they hear chattering. "Ah, the lovebirds are awake!" Gayon says, walking over to hug them. "You two were so cute last night that I didn't want to bother you." Chan’s little sister answered and Felix blinked. "You saw us?" He asked and Gayon winks at him from the side. "Better lock your doors next time." She answered before heading to where her fiancé was.
"This is Junsu, my fiancé." Gayon introduced and they greeted him. "I'm Chan, her cousin." Chan introduced before placing an arm around Felix. "This is my boyfriend, Felix." He adds and Felix smiled shyly even though there plenty of things happening in his mind and body. He can never get used to hearing that. "Nice to meet you." Junsu said, smiling at them. Chan and Felix take a seat at the dining table where they see everyone.
Chan's family, the soon-to-be-weds and Gayon's mother. Felix thanked Mrs. Bang who brought them coffee and he took it, blowing on it. Mrs. Bang and Gayon sat with them while the others gathered at the back where the pool was located and they knew that the questions were coming. The ones they figured out came first as expected, but then Gayon asked how Chan asked him to be his boyfriend. Felix looked at Chan who scratched the back of his head, ears turning red.
Gayon teased him about it but he waved a hand. "Shh.." He said before glancing at Felix. "Well, I confessed first." Chan answered and Felix listened to him like he wasn't involved in it, even though he was. "I was kind of drunk when I told him I liked him for a year now and that I would be okay if he ran away." Chan continued, smiling at Felix.
Felix's breath got caught in his throat. Not only because of his smile, but because it really happened. It was a month before Chan lied to his parents. Felix thought it was all drunk talk when Chan got home after a work dinner. "He didn't run away." Chan adds, exhaling in relief. "So, a month later, I asked him to be my boyfriend." He finished and Felix was just as shocked as the others who were listening.
What the hell was that?
"And you said yes?" Gayon asked Felix. He cleared his throat. "Yes." He answered shortly before he licked his lips. "He's really sweet and kind." He answered again, glancing at Chan. "Sometimes crazy, but despite that, he took good care of me when I followed him to Korea." He added and Gayon nods.
"Did you guys know that we always talked about how you two will end up together?" Gayon asked and they both looked at each other before at her and shaking their heads. "Oh! We definitely did. Even auntie talked about it with us." She answered, bumping shoulders with Mrs. Bang who laughed. "Definitely. Your eyes are different when looking at each other, you know." She said.
Both Chan and Felix nervously laughed before taking a sip of their coffee. "Wow." Felix whispered when Gayon and Mrs. Bang turned their attention to the ones making breakfast and Chan nodded, agreeing. "Anyways. You guys have until Thursday to look around the city of love because Friday will be my wedding!" Gayon excitedly said when everyone entered the house again and gathered around the dining table with breakfast.
“Cool!” Felix said excitedly, eyes shining and looking at his hyung. “Can we go to the Eiffel tower?” He asked and Chan’s lips slowly formed a fond smile. “Sure.” He answered and Gayon giggled beside them. “You guys are so cute.” She said and they looked away from each other awkwardly. They normally acted like that, so it was weird that they see it in a way they never thought they would.
“Is that your first destination, then?” Junsu asked, taking a bite of the bread and Chan looked at him. "Are there any other places we should go before there?" He asked and Junsu nodded. "Oh, I have my list. Please get it from my bag." Gayon said and Junsu stood up to get it from their room.
"Gayonie made a list of places that she wanted to go to." He said after a few minutes of them talking about the view here and the house. "Here." Junsu said, handing it to Felix. It was three pages long with pictures and things to do around the place and the two was amazed. "Oh! You know what?" Gayon's mother said with a wide smile.
"How about you kiddos go on a double date and we'll handle the finalization for your wedding?" She suggested. Gayon and Junsu declined and told her that they should help, but Mrs. Bang declined that as well. "There's not much left to do but to wait for the wedding and a few confirmations." She answered. They agreed, giving Chan and Felix a smile and they gave it back.
Chan got his keys from his dad and Junsu has another car. They were both rented for the week so they can travel comfortably. When they got in the car, Felix exhaled like he wasn't breathing the whole time they were in the house. Chan started driving behind the other couple. "So far, so good, right?" He asked and Felix nodded.
It wasn't as hard as he thought it was because they were just like normal. Except everytime Chan grabs his hand on the table or gives him this look in his eyes, it makes it hard to breathe for him. "Hyung." Felix said, remembering the story he told while eating. "I thought you didn't remember that day." Felix said, looking down at his lap. "What day?" Chan asked, turning the car when they made a left.
Felix bites down on his lip before speaking. "When you told me you liked me." He said and Chan visibly tensed up for a second before he chuckled. "Well, I did, and I got to thank my drunk babbling for it." He answered and Felix glanced at him before nodding, looking out the window. "True." He answered half-heartedly. That just confused him because Chan never spoke about it, so he figured he forgot. But he decided to let it go today because exploring Paris was more fun than overthinking about a small thing.
They spent the entire day going from place to place and for the most part, it felt like they were just two best friends on a vacation because Gayon and Junsu were in a different world. Chan and Felix goofed around and took pictures of each other and together. They ate in a restaurant together and talked like normal since Gayon and Junsu wanted to eat at the restaurant across from them. The sun was about to set and Felix was patiently waiting for Chan to finish his wine, tapping his fingertips on the table.
“Hyung, I swear I’ll drink that myself if you don’t hurry up.” He said, seriously staring at Chan who laughed. “But you don’t drink alcohol.” Chan said and Felix tilts his head. “I might.” He answered and Chan shook his head, finishing it. “Alright. Let’s go.” He answered before they got up the table and left the restaurant. They’ve already paid, so it was alright to walk out. They thanked the waitress before they headed out.
They met up with Gayon and Junsu, but Gayon looked tipsy. "Did she drink?" Chan asked, cupping his cousin's face. "She took a sip of my drink." He answered and he sighed. "A sip." He adds, shaking his head while a smile was on his face. "Yeah, she can't even breathe around alcohol." Chan commented before looking at Junsu. "I'll take her back. You guys know the way to the villa, right?" Junsu asked, his hand around Gayon's waist and they nodded, waving a hand at Gayon who sleepily waved back. They watched Junsu ride off before they hurried to the car.
The ride there was silent except for a few random international songs from the radio. Felix hummed along while looking out at the beautiful citylights. They reached the Eiffel tower just in time for the sunset and Felix got out of the car with wide eyes. There was this feeling inside him that erupted when he saw the tower in front of the blazing yellow and orange sky.
He thought about how to describe what he was feeling in his head as he admired the view.
It was the amazing feeling of getting into an amazing university in Korea with the course he wanted. It was the feeling of having the first sip of coffee when he’s been craving for it all week. It was the feeling of when he found out he liked Chan more than he should. The feeling he gets when Chan asks for cuddles. The feeling he gets when he’s with Chan in any hour of the day.
“Wow.” Felix finally said, almost tearing up. “It’s breathtaking, isn’t it?” Felix asked when he felt Chan stand beside him. Chan glanced at Felix’s face before he looked at the view again. “It is.” He answered, smiling as well. “This is why you wanted to travel, right?” Chan asked after, leaning on the hood of the car to watch Felix from behind.
Felix nodded, hugging himself as he sighed. “This is one of the many reasons why I wanted to travel. To witness beauty at its finest.” He answered, inhaling deeply. “It’s so beautiful.” He said as he turned to look at Chan who was already looking at him with the same eyes from that morning. That look was different from any other looks he has given him all through-out the years they were together. “What?” Felix asked, gulping.
Chan smiles a little, shaking his head. “If you still had your blonde hair, you would be the literal sun right now.” He said and Felix laughed, going beside him to lean on the car too. “I didn’t want to waste the hair dye when you wanted to go back to black.” He answered before putting his head on Chan’s shoulder. Chan turned a bit and left a kiss on his head before leaning his head on his too. It was something they always did back in Seoul, but why did it feel so different now?
They got home after eating a late dinner together near the Eiffel tower. They were both satisfied with what they ended with for the day and they had to sneak inside to avoid the looks from anyone because they were also tired and can’t face them right now.
They took turns in freshening up before they stood by the bed, drying their hairs. “Who gets to sleep here?” Felix asked, looking at Chan. “We already did.” He answered and Felix snorted, putting his towel on the chair. “Yeah, but we were supposed to rest only. Tonight’s different.” Felix said and Chan pouted, putting his own towel on the clothing rack. “I can’t let you sleep on the couch and I don’t want to sleep on the couch.” Chan answered, hopping on the bed.
“Come on, just pretend to be my boyfriend for a little bit more.” He said and Felix stared at Chan who laid under the covers, teasingly giving him a suggestive look. Felix couldn’t help but laugh at the face Chan made before he gave in. He can pretend to be in a relationship with him for a few more days before they go back to normal. Felix laid down the bed and under the covers, facing the older.
“Good night.”
“Good night, Lix.”
Wednesday
They woke up the next morning looking at each other once again. Both of them are quiet and just studying each other’s faces. “Hi.” Chan finally says and Felix chuckled, rubbing his eyes. “We’ve been looking at each other for at least five minutes, hyung. That’s a bit late.” He answered and Chan smiled, reaching up to take something out of Felix’s hair, making the other freeze. “Do you want to do anything today?” Chan asked as he sat up.
Felix got a hold of himself quickly and he cleared his throat. “I saw the big pool in the backyard. I want to stay here for a bit.” He answered, sitting up as well and Chan nodded, turning to face him. “Well, babe, are you ready for another day?” Chan asked and Felix smiled, blowing him a kiss, trying to cover up that he was shocked by the sudden pet-name. “Only if I’m with you.” He answered back and he was shocked that Chan’s ears started to turn red.
He noticed it, but he didn’t point it out. “I’ll get ready for breakfast.” Felix excused himself to brush his teeth and wash his face and left Chan in a shocked state. Felix leaned on the bathroom door, hand over his heart as he looked at himself at the mirror across him. That was out of character for him, but he didn’t want to look flustered so early in the morning.
He did what he had to do before he went out to find that Chan wasn’t there anymore. He figured he used the bathroom outside, so he headed down to the kitchen where he smelled pancakes. “Good morning.” Felix said, smiling at everyone. Chan was already there, making coffee for the both of them. He sat where he sat yesterday and waited. “We didn’t hear you come in last night.” Mrs. Bang said and he smiled. “We didn’t want to disturb anyone, so we headed straight to our room.” He answered.
They drank their coffee and talked about who was invited to the wedding and how long the wedding would be. Gayon excitedly talked about the food and the wedding dress. Junsu told her to stop talking about it so he won’t be spoiled about how it looked like and she nodded, giving him a kiss on the cheek and a sorry.
“So, what’s your plan today?” Junsu asked the two and they pointed at the pool outside, a roof covered the pool from the sun, so they didn’t worry about getting sunburnt or getting tanned. “Felix wanted to stay in, so I might join him in the pool.” Chan answered, sipping on his coffee and Gayon nodded her head. “Well, Me, Junsu and my mom will be going to the cake parlor to taste the flavors.” She said, putting her head on Junsu’s shoulder.
Felix was reminded of their moment while watching the sunset yesterday and he drank from the cup to hide his smile. “How about you, mom?” Chan asked, looking at his mother. “Me and your dad wanted to look around with the kids too since you guys had your time yesterday.” She answered and Felix looked at them.
“Chan and I will be left alone, then?” He asked and Gayon let out a teasing sound. “Just enjoy the city of love, my future cousin-in-law.” She said but then she raised a finger as Felix drank from his coffee. “Just don’t do it in the pool, for the love of my marriage.” She adds, making Felix choke on the coffee.
After the whole fiasco, everyone was getting ready to leave the house and Felix was changing into some shorts and a muscle-tee while Chan just wore some shorts and went shirtless.
Felix didn’t hate the sight of it since he was used to seeing him shirtless, but he was going to be alone with him after the moment they had during the sunset. It just hits differently now.
Felix was the first one to the pool when everyone left. He dipped his toes in and it was thankfully, warm. He moves back a bit before running and cannonballing into the pool. He went deep, he swam up, his hearing getting clearer as he neared the surface. When he got some air, he saw Chan sitting by the edge, watching him.
“Want to race?” He asked, smirking at Chan and the older scoffed. “No.” He answered, leaning back and Felix rolled his eyes before splashing water on him. Chan tried to cover himself, but he got wet anyway. “Come on, chicken.” Felix called and Chan made a face before he jumped in the water. Felix swam over to the end and Chan followed behind him, combing his wet hair back. “Back and forth. Loser grants the winner a wish.” Chan said, challenging him and Felix agreed.
They counted to three before they started swimming. The thing was, Felix was fast, but Chan was more built than he was that his force was not as strong as his. After coming back and forth, They were both breathing heavily, both rubbing the water off their faces. Felix pouts at the older. “Not fair.” He said and Chan laughed, splashing water on his face. “I won fair and square, what do you mean?” He laughed out and he avoided the water that Felix splashed at him.
“Whatever, what’s your wish then?” Felix asked and Chan sighs, leaning on the wall of the pool as he looks up at the tinted roof above them. Felix waited, watching him move his arms in the water. “Hyung?” He asked and Chan looked down, giving him a look. “I’m still thinking.” He answered before smiling and swimming away. “Let’s put a pin on it for now.” He adds before he went under the water. Felix made a face before he swam to the other side.
They spent the entire day outside by the pool, talking about what they did the day before. Chan found himself a few bottles of alcohol and Felix had coke while they ate the bread they found. There weren't any other food in the house that didn't need cooking, so they settled for bread. "You never told me your ideal type." Chan started another conversation, his ears already red from the alcohol. They were sitting by the edge, their legs in the water as they took a break from swimming. Felix hums before he drank from his bottle of coke. "My ideal type would be.. someone reliable." Felix started.
"Someone that makes me comfortable and is very understanding." Felix continued, looking up at the clear sky. "Someone that makes me feel like I can do anything." He added, this time, looking at Chan who was studying his expression. Someone like you. He thought, but instead, he smiled. "How about you, hyung?" He asked, taking the last piece of bread and munching on it. Chan sighed, he looked at the pool as he started thinking and Felix was nervously eating away the bread. "My ideal type would be.." Chan paused. "..someone who has a pure heart." He said, nodding his head to himself.
"And that they can easily go with whatever stupid shit I do." He laughed out while Felix only weakly chuckled. "But I also want them to have no fear in correcting me." Chan continued, combing back his wet hair and Felix watched his arm flex as he did. "So, yeah." He finished.
Chan looked at him and Felix smiled, raising his bottle. "Here's to our future partners." He said and Chan gave him a little smile, clinking his own bottle with his.
When evening came, they were cuddled up in the living room, watching a movie. Chan was spooning him from behind as they faced the TV. They decided to watch some action movie that had Jackie Chan in it because Chan wanted to re-watch it. They were half-way in the movie when Felix noticed that Chan wasn't reacting anymore, so he figured that he was asleep.
He let him be and decided to finish the movie himself. About ten minutes passed when the front door opened and he lifted his head to see who walked in. It was everyone, quietly entering the house when they saw them. Felix didn't even notice the lights from the car from how focused he was in the movie.
"Hi." Gayon greets, smiling at Felix before looking at the sleeping man behind him. "Junsu sleeps during the movie too." She giggled out before patting Felix's head. "We'll leave you two alone." She said and the other gave him a wave before they headed to their own rooms. Felix paused the movie before trying to get out of Chan's grip, but the older man only tightened his hold around his waist with a groan.
"Hyung." Felix said, tapping his arm softly. He waited, yet Chan had no reaction and Felix sighed, tapping his arm again. "We have to get to our room." He added, but Chan only hums. Felix managed to face the older, twisting himself in Chan's arms and he regretted doing it.
Chan's face was inches away from him, their noses were touching and they were so close that Felix can count Chan's eyelashes. He gulped as his heart started to bang in his chest, he thought Chan could hear it, feel it even, from how close they were. "Chan." Felix said in a whisper and this time, Chan slowly opened his eyes, blinking a few times to see Felix's red face.
"What?" He asked, not even showing a hint of surprise at how close they were. Him and Felix were never this close, sure they cuddled, but they did that chest to back, never chest to chest. This was a new experience for them. "We have to go to our room." Felix answered, looking at his forehead instead of Chan's eyes. He can't look at him directly because he knew it would give away his feelings.
Chan nodded before he let Felix go, making the younger one scramble into getting off the couch. "I'll follow you up, I want to get some water." He said and Chan nodded again, getting up and heading to the stairs. Felix went to the kitchen and got a bottle of water. He downed it in one go like he just ran a marathon.
He takes a deep breath after, thinking about Chan's sleeping figure right in front of his face. How can a man look so handsome asleep? He thought, remembering how Chan's lips were slightly in a pout, making it plumper than usual. "God." He whispered, shaking his head before going to their room. When he entered, Chan was already asleep and Felix climbed quietly beside him.
Thursday
Felix woke up to an empty bed the next day and he panicked. Where was Chan? Did he leave to go somewhere? Why isn't there any note? He started thinking all those things until he heard a flush from the bathroom and he whipped his head to see Chan in casual clothes and wet hair walk out of it.
"Oh." Felix said, almost too relieved that Chan was there. Well, he was. He panicked because last night's cuddling felt different for him and he thought it was the same for Chan, maybe he was wrong. "Hi, good morning." Chan greeted and he greeted him back before he got off the bed to use the bathroom.
When they got down, there were new voices coming from the dining area and they both entered curiously, hand in hand as usual. There they see two people that Chan somehow found familiar. "Ah, Chan! Felix!" Gayon called and they headed towards her. "Do you remember Aunt Paula and Uncle Roger?" She asked and Chan finally realized who they were while Felix was still remembering them.
Chan then whispers that they were the couple who always brought that delicious mac and cheese during his birthdays and Felix's jaw dropped a bit when he recognized them. "Hi!" Chan said, momentarily letting go of Felix's hand to greet them with a hug. "Wow, it's been so long." He said and he let out a startled sound when Paula chuckled, pinching his cheeks. "Look at you, you're a grown man now." She said before patting them lightly. "Now, who is this angel looking thing?" She asked.
Felix stood there awkwardly, forgetting how open and comfortable Paula and Roger were around everyone. Chan smiled, lacing their fingers together again and Felix puts on a little smile. "This is Felix, my boyfriend." He said and Felix reached out his other hand. "Nice to meet you.. again." He said slowly and the two shook his hand before looking at him from his shoes up to his eyes.
"Oh my god." Uncle Roger said, cupping his face. "This is Felix? The thin kid who threw cake on you?" He asked Chan and they both laughed at the memory. "He is." Chan answered as he thought about the moment. It was only two years since they'd met and Felix was still a growing boy. He had all this pent up rage and fear inside him for some reason, yet he still went to Chan's birthday.
They played, brought out the cake and sang the song. But afterwards, Chan was repeatedly teasing the other that led to Felix grabbing a fistful of cake and throwing it at him. It led to a serious cake fight between the kids and it was a fun memory. Felix got to release his anger and Chan happily had cake in his ear.
"You boys got so tall." Paula said, looking at them both this time. "How long have you been two together?" She asked as they all sat down at the dining table again, the others remained standing while drinking their coffee. Chan and Felix sat beside each other. "Three months." They answered at the same time again and Uncle Roger nodded.
"You've known each other all your life, what if it doesn't work out?" He asked cautiously and Felix looked at Chan who also looked at him with a reassuring smile. "I don't think that would be a problem." He answered and Felix's heart flipped a little. How could Chan answer that question like it was something from a movie? "That's good." Paula said before clapping her hands as preparation to the next question.
"When's your wedding?"
The whole room fell silent and she cleared her throat. "I mean, come on, they've been friends since childhood. They know each other more than anyone, marriage shouldn't be that far away." She adds and Chan chuckled nervously. "Ah, but Felix is still in college and I only started working." He answered, glancing at a very quiet Felix.
"We haven't.. talked about it too." Chan added, scratching the back of his head and Felix nodded. "We still have a lot to do." Felix said and Gayon clapped her hands very loudly once. "We can have a double wedding tomorrow!" She said and the rest agreed in unison, Chan's parents even encouraged them and Felix started to look panicked that he grabbed Chan's thigh under the table.
"Oh! Perfect! You two have suits too and you can use our wedding rings!" Mrs. Bang said, showing off her wedding ring. “Oh! This is so fun!” Gayon’s mother said. “Right?” Gayon asked them and Felix started to breathe heavily, his eyes shifting and finally Chan made a move. "Can you give us a moment?" Chan asked before assisting Felix away from everyone and into the living room. "Are you okay?" Chan asked, placing both his hands on Felix's shoulders.
"Hyung, I can't do it." He said, wiping his hands on his pants and Chan blinked at him. "I know. I know. We can just tell them we will someday." He reassured and Felix started to tear up for multiple reasons. "You don't get it." Felix said, taking Chan’s hands off him and looking at him.
“I can’t go another day of pretending.” Felix said, keeping his voice low for only the two of them to hear. Chan’s expression turned into confusion at the statement. “There’s only a day left.” Chan said in a quiet voice. Felix inhaled deeply, closing his eyes before exhaling slowly. His hands were shaking and Chan wanted to hold it like he always did, but he didn’t want to scare Felix.
“I’m in love with you.”
And just like that, silence fell among them. Chan blinked at Felix who was fighting the tears that were threatening to fall down his cheeks. “I’ve been in love with you for a long time.” He continued, looking away from Chan’s stare. “Each year that goes by that we remain as friends.” Felix said, looking down at the carpeted floor. “I fall in love with you even more.” He said, opening and closing his hands to stop it from shaking.
“You’ve helped through rough times, you’ve stayed with me and cared for me and that is not something that anyone can ever do.” Felix continued. “And it hurts that this relationship, this marriage that they want to happen is something that can never happen, but here we are planning on doing it.” Felix added with a deep sigh before looking back at Chan. “I thought I could manage to be just a friend to you even with all these feelings, but..” Felix paused, combing back his hair.
“..this week has made it clear that I can’t.” He continued weakly before stepping away from Chan. “Felix.” Chan said, but Felix turned around with a deep breath, avoiding his eyes. He couldn't look at him when he just told him how he felt. “Hyung, just.. give me some space for a bit.” He said and it took a moment before he heard Chan walk away from him and back in the dining room. He hears him give an excuse that Felix felt a bit sick as he went towards the stairs to go in his room.
It was when Felix leaned on the door of their room where his tears started to fall down his cheeks. He slid down, pulling his knees to his chest and buried his face between them. That was it. He confessed to his best friend for all these years about his feelings. For some reason, his heart ached. Maybe because he was crying too much or because he's realizing that Chan might ignore him when they get back to their home.
Their home.
It was always their home and Felix loved saying it to their friends to tell them to come over. Felix sobbed again, tilting his head up to try and stop his tears, yet he couldn't.
He didn't know how long he cried, but he suddenly woke up from a knock behind him. He was lying on his side, curled up in a ball with dried tears on his cheeks. He slowly got up, his muscles aching from his position and opened the door slowly. He sees Chan with red eyes, like he cried too.
"I told them." He said and Felix rubbed his blurry eyes before opening the door wider. He didn't know what time it was, maybe almost lunch time, but Chan looked like he'd been crying for hours that Felix didn't caee what time it was. "What?" Felix asked, his voice deeper than before from crying and waking up.
Felix let him enter and Chan inhaled deeply as he sat on the bed. Felix sat beside him, but kept his distance. Chan noticed that, but he didn't mention it. "I told them about us being fake." Chan stated, gulping as he played with his fingernails and Felix slowly turned his head. "But.. why?" He asked and Chan looked at him.
"You're right. Lying to my family isn't right and forcing you to be with me isn't right too." Chan said, blinking his eyes like he's trying to force down his tears. "My mom said I should come clean to everyone. So, I did. Except to you." Chan continued and Felix held his breath. He never liked Chan lying to him, Chan knew that, obviously.
"What do you mean?" Felix asked quietly when Chan hesitated. His lips were opening and closing like he's thinking about what to say, but Felix wanted to know. Chan scoots closer, directly looking into his eyes. "You got to say your piece this morning, but I didn't." Chan stated and Felix was about to protest, but Chan raised a finger and he immediately stopped.
Chan took Felix's hand in his, soothingly rubbing circled on the back of his hand. Felix looked at it before looking at his best friend again, anxiously waiting for Chan to speak. "I've been in love with you for one year now." He said clearly, yet Felix had to lean closer. "Huh?" He asked.
Chan fondly chuckled before leaning to his ear. "I've been in love with you for one year now." Chan repeated and Felix's freckles cheeks started to darken before he pulled back, staring at him with wide eyes. "And I don't think it's only been a year. I think I've liked you ever since we went to that horror house four years ago." Chan told him.
If Felix thought his own heart was about to leap out of his chest, Chan felt like he would shit it out because he was finally confessing. "The man screamed from the side and you clung on to me with your eyes closed." Chan continued, putting a shaky hand on Felix's warm cheek. Felix wanted to tear up from joy, he cried too much that he can't.
"Your face was so close to mine. You looked so cute and pretty that my heart was banging so loud and so fast that you asked me why I was so afraid when I said I didn't get scared with people in costumes."
Felix giggled at his explanation. He remembered it clearly. He leaned into Chan's familiar hand before putting his hand on top of his. "I didn't know then that I liked you for a different reason that time." Chan stated, leaning close to him with a little smile. "But I knew that at that point, I started caring for you in a different way." Chan whispered and Felix gave him a smile, making Chan smile too. “I started to pay more attention to you and think about you in every single thing I do.” Chan said before chuckling.
“Felix.” Chan said again, looking into Felix’s eyes and Felix waited for him to say what he wanted to say next. "Can I kiss you?" Chan asked, glancing at Felix's lips, making the other inhale deeply. It was happening, the dream he had repeated all these years was happening. Felix slowly nodded, waiting for the older to lean in and he did. Chan leaned in slowly, like he was scared to break Felix.
Felix smiled a bit when their lips touched for the first time. Chan's lips weren't as smooth because of his chapped lips from the wind of the place, but it was soft and warm. Felix scooted closer, putting a hand on the back of Chan's head and the other on his shoulder. It was sweet, cautious and long.
When they pulled apart, Felix's eyes were shining and looking into Chan's. "Do you remember the wish I have from the pool?" He asked and Felix smiled. "Your wish was to kiss me?" He asked teasingly, but also happily, playing with his hair. Chan chuckled, shrugging before cupping Felix's cheeks. "Yes, but that wasn't my official wish." Chan answered before taking Felix's hands in his and putting them on his knee.
"My wish-" He paused and Felix waited, anticipation boiling inside him. "-was to marry you for real." He answered. Felix could feel Chan's hand start to shake a bit when his jaw dropped a little. "Not tomorrow, or next week. But soon." Chan added, giving him a nervous smile, his dimple that Felix loved poking slightly showing. "I'll ask that question for next time. However, I want to ask something else today." Chan continued and Felix licked his lips, a smile breaking into his face as he understood what Chan just said.
He wants to marry him in the future.
Him.
Felix.
Chan wants to marry Felix.
"Felix?" Chan asked and Felix blinked, giggling when he realized that he zoned out for a little. "Sorry, what?" Felix asked and Chan smiled. "Will you be my boyfriend?" Chan asked, hopeful eyes looking back at Felix. The younger nodded eagerly before throwing himself on him and tackling him for a hug.
They landed on the bed, giggling and cuddling, just like normal. That evening, they came clean to everyone, but they told them that they were officially together and they were happy for them. Chan's parents still had a serious conversation with them about their scheme, but said that they were happy that they got together for real.
Friday // Wedding Day
Chan got ready with his dad while Felix was left in their room to change. It wasn't a really fancy suit, but it fit him perfectly. He styled his hair in a slick-back style, applied some highlights on his face-thanks to the make-up artist leaving their spare on the kitchen table and his lips were glossed.
He looked very pretty compared to his state yesterday morning. A knock came from the door and Felix turned to expect Chan, but Mrs. Bang entered the room. He immediately greeted her as she closed the door. "I wanted to give you something." Mrs. Bang said and he nodded, sitting with her on the ottoman.
Mrs. Bang opened the package and revealed a necktie. "I originally bought this for Chan's boyfriend." She said, chuckling as he hands it. It was a simple navy blue necktie, it even matched his navy blue suit. "And you're him. So, this is for you?" She adds and Felix gives her a smile before hugging her and swaying them a bit.
“Thank you so much." He whispered and Mrs. Bang hugged him tightly before pulling back. "Do you know how to tie it?" She asked and Felix smiled, nodding his head before handing it to her. "But I want you to tie it for me, if that's okay." He said and Mrs. Bang smiled brightly, taking it. She tied it around his neck, tucking it under his collar and into his blazer. "You look dashing." She said and Felix blushed, thanking her.
They walked down the stairs together, mostly Felix assisting Mrs. Bang. At the bottom of the stairs, he saw Chan with his father, both looking up at them as they descended the stairs. Felix caught Chan’s eyes, smiling a little bit when Chan inhaled sharply. Felix let Mrs. Bang go to her husband before heading to Chan and lacing his fingers with him.
“Wow.” He said, breathless at the sight of Felix’s overall look. “How can I be so lucky?” Chan asked and Felix laughed, shaking his head before pecking the other’s cheek, earning a coo from Chan’s parents. “I should be saying that.” Felix said before they head out the house and to the cars to head for the venue.
They haven’t seen the bride or the groom since that morning because they were getting ready at the venue. Chan and Felix rode with Chan’s parents and they listened to the music on the way there, both of them giggling and talking, something they’ve done for a long time, but it was obviously different now.
Now, it involves kisses on the cheeks and playing with each other’s fingers while whispering to each other about wanting to eat ice cream later. They reached the venue and there they saw Chan’s other cousins and relatives. Felix got officially introduced by him as his boyfriend and Felix proudly smiles, shaking their hands and greeting them. Some were shocked that Chan has a boyfriend, but that was because they never really talked or asked about him.
The wedding went on as scheduled, parents were crying, flower petals were being thrown and the next thing they knew, they were at the reception. Chan and Felix were enjoying their time, taking selfies and eating, giggling when they saw a relative already drunk talking at another table.
“Everyone who wants to catch the bride’s bouquet, please step in the middle.” The host said through the mic and multiple women went to the middle. Chan looked at Felix who was sipping his juice with a smile. Felix looked back at him and he smiled too, leaning close to kiss Chan’s nose. “We’ll have our time.” He said and Chan nodded happily, taking his wine to drink.
“One, two, three!” Everyone screamed as the women tried to catch it, but Felix felt something hit his lap and he jumped, looking down. Chan coughed when he saw the bouquet on Felix’s lap, it sat perfectly on it. “Congratulations!” Gayon yelled from the other side of the room and everyone clapped for them, teasing them too and the couple shyly laughed, both cheeks easily reddening.
Felix held the bouquet in front of him like he was getting married and he saw Chan’s eyes sparkle when he looked at him. “I can’t wait for our time.” He said, smiling before leaning in and kissing his lips. Felix smiled between the kiss before kissing him back and giggling when Chan’s siblings faked gagging on the side. When they pulled back, the anxiety that Felix felt from the start of the week had vanished and only excitement was left inside him when he thought about their future together.
A few years have passed and Felix has graduated college with a bouquet of flowers and Chan kneeling on the ground with an engagement ring in front of him. Felix was crying when he accepted, giving Chan his hand as the other slipped the ring on him.
They didn’t even notice the crowd that formed, congratulating them with their engagement when Chan got up to cup his cheeks and kiss him. “I love you.” Chan said, wiping Felix’s tears from his cheeks and Felix nodded, pecking his lips once more. “I love you too.” He chuckled out before hugging him.