Archive of Our Own

“Hyung! Hyuka got lost under the tent!”

Soobin turned his head when he heard Taehyun. The younger boy ran towards to him with tiny steps.

The older quickly stood up when he processed the words the other boy had said. His eyes widened with worry.

“And you left him alone?! Where is he?” He said while taking his large steps. Taehyun pointed his finger at his back. Soobin saw a figure struggling under the big fabric and he could hear his dolphin like screams from here.

He gave the bags and the car key to Taehyun and jogged over where the other boy was. Once he arrived he held the boy’s shoulders, at least he hoped it was his shoulders, and tried to speak over his screams. But the younger even panicked more when he felt someone’s grip.

“Kai, Kai! It’s me, Soobin hyung! I’m gonna rescue you, just stay put for a while!” He said. The movements stopped. 

“Soobinnie hyung?” Kai said, the older gave him an agreement hum. “I am not even going to ask how you managed to get yourself tangled with a big ass tent.” He murmured to himself, he found the main knot that caused this scene and smiled.

After a few seconds Kai was out of the sun again, hair messed up and clothes wrinkled. He looked cute with his embarrassed face despite his appearance. He shot the older a guilty smile and giggled.

Taehyun came with the bags, seeing his friend had been freed from the fabric he sighed in relief.

The oldest looked at two boys, he considered if he should ask or not. He decided not to and smiled at them.

Taehyun put down the bags. “I couldn’t bring the skateboards.” He said. Soobin nodded and took the key which the younger was giving.

“I’ll go get them.” He said and glanced at the other boy who was examining the environment. He stepped closer to the Taehyun.

“Don’t let Hyuka touch anything bigger than him to get in or smaller than his mouth, okay?” He whispered.

“Hey, I heard that!” Kai shouted from behind. “Hyung, I am nineteen not-oh, squirrels!”

Soobin managed to grab him by his wrist before he got lost. They shared a glance with Taehyun.

“I’ll set up the tent, you go get the skateboards.” The said boy said, the older nodded.

“Taehyun, they look like you!” Kai chirped with happiness, he had bent down to look closer while Soobin held him by his shoulder. He cooed to the little animals running over here and there.

“Kai, do you want to help me?” Soobin asked, capturing the boy’s attention. He nodded and stood up again.

They walked to Soobin’s car, a few people passed through them and some gave a kind smile, specially to the older.

Kai stepped closer to him and tapped his shoulder. “Hyung,” he whispered as they reached to the car. Soobin opened the trunk and took one of the skateboards.

“I think I heard a cute lady saying she wanted your number.”

Soobin pretended he didn’t hear the younger.

“And also a fine gentleman checked you out, very visibly.”

Soobin gave the skateboard to Kai, a little roughly. The younger groaned in pain as he held his skateboard preventing it to fall. The older shot him a glance before taking the last one and closing the trunk, he locked the car.

“Hyung!” Kai whined when the older started to walk. He caught up to him thanks to his long legs as well. “It’s been two years.”

Soobin didn’t answer as he continued to walk where Taehyun was. He didn’t want to talk about his past love life nor the present. He had come here to spend a good weekend with his annoying brats, friends.

He put down the skateboards on the ground and threw himself on the grass. Closing his eyes and letting the cool spring breeze touch his face, the sun brushed his cheeks making him warm. It felt nice, he didn’t need anyone who was called his “lover” to be with him. He felt happy like this.

He heard the younger sat next him, his legs touched his, taping them rapidly. Soobin knew him long enough to know he wouldn’t shut up once he decided to talk.

“Hyung.” He said in a cute way, almost chirping like birds. Soobin didn’t answer. “You know, the only way to heal your broken heart is finding a new love. Not building tall walls around it!”

Soobin didn’t open his eyes.

“You’re always running from it, this is not healthy.” The younger boy said.

“Yes.” Soobin hummed, he didn’t pay so much attention. He had heard this conversation almost over a thousand times, he could just keep it going in his mind.

“You rejected every opportunity!”

“Hm, did I?”

“You rejected Arin noona.” Kai said. “You rejected Daehwi hyung too.”

Soobin nodded, listening the chirping birds instead of the younger. He heard some barking and laughing too, but still he loved here. If you didn’t count the bickering Kai, it was peaceful.

“Taehyun, he doesn’t listening to me. You say something.”

Soobin half opened one of his eyes, he saw the other boy had finished setting the tent and sat down next to Kai. They both were looking at him.

“Hyung,” Taehyun said with a soothing tone. “I’m not going to persist you like Kai but I, too, think you should move on from Hyunjin hyung.”

Hearing his name, Soobin opened his eyes. He turned to look at the sky, the sun was catching his eyes but he didn’t care. The memories started fill his head. They were beautiful and sweet at first, they held happiness inside them. But soon, they turned into bitter and painful ones.

He remembered the humiliation and anger he had felt when he found his boyfriend in another’s arms on their third anniversary. He remembered how his heart had been broken at the time he learned his boyfriend had a relationship with another over a year.

He was ashamed and angry with himself, he felt so stupid for not seeing the signs. He had chosen to believe his heart rather than his eyes, he had chosen to trust his lover’s words rather than some rumors. He had done the right thing yet he was the one who got hurt in the end.

He wasn’t in love with Hyunjin despite what the others thought, it wasn’t the reason why he rejected everyone who tired to get close to him.

He had lost his belief in love, he would never trust anyone with his heart anymore. He had to protect himself, that was why he built those walls. He was broken once, he didn’t want to get hurt again.

“You know, hyung, he has moved on. You should either, you deserve it.” Taehyun said again. Soobin smiled bitterly to himself, he swallowed the words that came into his mouth. He had his lover long before we broke up, he wanted to say but didn’t. He had kept it to himself for two years, he didn’t intend to reveal it now.

“Give me some drinks.” He said standing up and sitting, he pointed the blue mini cooler. Taehyun nodded, reaching to it. “Do you want a beer or soj-?” His sentence stopped in the middle when he opened it.

“Why there is only cola?” He asked, taking out a can. “Hyung, you’re boring.”

Soobin took the can from his hand. “No, I am trustworthy. That’s why you’re here with me.” He said opening it, he took a sip. The other rolled his eyes and tapped the youngest’s leg. “C’mon, Hyuka, let’s ride our skates.” He said getting up, Kai followed him.

They took their skateboards as Soobin watched them, with a glorious smile on his face. He took another delicious sip from the cola. After ten years, he knew how to win against these two children.

“Don’t hurt yourselves.” He said, he also got up when his legs started to hurt. They simply nodded.

“Ah, Kai, isn’t that your friend from the music club?” Taehyun asked when his eyes caught a figure from afar. Kai followed his eyes, then turned to him with a mischievous grin on his lips.

“Oh, the one you have a big fat crush on?” He asked, but as soon as the words fell from his mouth he hid behind Soobin with a squick, protecting himself from Taehyun’s punch.

Soobin turned his eyes to the said direction. It wasn’t so hard to pick the one they were talking about since he had seen the boy for a several time. Beomgyu was his name?

He was wearing a red lumberjack hat and a shirt that matched with his hat. He looked cute with the dorky smile on his face. He had a skateboard like the other two, he was here probably for the same purpose.

But then another one entered his sight and Soobin heard it, he heard the sound of the first crack on his mighty walls.

He couldn’t see his whole face because he had a sunglasses on but his face features was enough for his heart to fasten. There was a smirk on his plump and red lips, like he knew the effect he had on the others. His light pink, almost blonde, hair were combed back, exposing his forehead. He was wearing a t-shirt despite the weather which made Soobin wore a turtleneck pully. The sun shined so perfectly on his honey like skin, Soobin wanted to fight with the sun for touching him this briefly without knowing how precious it was.

Soobin saw a face in front of his but he couldn’t took his eyes off of the beautiful stranger. He could feel how hot his face was and he knew the eyes were looking at him belonged to one of his friends but he just couldn’t. It felt like if he looked away even for a second the boy would disappear.

He heard the others saying something but the words didn’t formed in his brain. Nothing mattered to him anymore.

Then suddenly, the stranger’s face turned to his way, if he didn’t have sunglasses they would meet eyes. Soobin’s breath stuck in his throat when the boy smiled brightly, maybe brighter than the sun.

He saw them walking towards where he was standing, some giggles were heard behind him. His brain rebooted in a second and he turned to his friends, now smirking like crazies. He didn’t have time to speak when the other two boys came.

“Huening, Taehyun! I didn’t know you could skate.” One of them, Beomgyu, spoke. Soobin wasn’t a rude boy, he turned back to the newcomers.

“Beomgyu hyung, there are so many things you don’t know about.” Kai said, gaining an elbow in his stomach from Taehyun. But Soobin couldn’t focus on them, his heartbeats fastened as he looked at the other boy who was also looking at him.

“By the way, hyung, who is your friend?” Taehyun asked, probably for Soobin who could never ask even how much he wanted. Soobin felt his mouth got dry as he watched the said boy taking off his glasses.

Another crack was heard from his-not so-mighty walls.

Soobin was always fond of eyes. For him, it was the eyes who made the person attractive.

And dear lord , that boy had the most beautiful eyes he had ever seen. Soobin knew he could just stare at his fox shaped eyes forever, not complaining even for a second.

“Ah, this is Yeonjun hyung.” Beomgyu said pointing the boy next to him. The said boy, Yeonjun, greeted them with a little bow.

“Hi guys, I heard a lot about you.” Yeonjun said while looking at the younger boys next to Soobin. Then his eyes followed the way to the taller figure and a kind smile appeared on his lips.

“How come we never saw you, Yeonjunnie hyung?” Hueningkai asked. Soobin always envied how he was a social butterfly. He could even called the older boy with a nickname within a second.

And Soobin? He couldn’t find any words to shape in his mouth.

Yeonjun , what a beautiful name , chuckled, probably because of the nickname. He looked at Kai. “I study at a different university.” He said gently, eyes coming back to Soobin whose face was getting redder under his gaze. Soobin felt like he was going to faint.

Why he was so affected by him?

“We are childhood friends.” Beomgyu said. “This old man chose arts rather than me.”

Yeonjun smacked the boy next to him. A little frown could be seen in his face. “I am not old, you brat.” He said, his voice was irritated but not that angry, like he was used to this.

“You’re from 20th century, hyung.” Beomgyu said, fixing his hat. Soobin looked at, probably, the oldest. It didn’t look like there were a lot of age gape between them, maybe one or two. Beomgyu was overreacting most likely.

“Whatever, I don’t have energy for this.” Yeonjun sighed and turned his head. Again, they met eyes. Soobin smiled, because all he could do was this.

“By the way, this is Soobinnie hyung.” Kai said, putting his hand on the older’s shoulder. He pushed him a little, giving him courage.

“Hi, Soobin.” Yeonjun said, reaching out his hand. Hearing his own name from this pretty man, his heart skipped a beat. And his shining smile- and his soft hand on his own hand-wasn’t helping at all.

“Hi, Yeonjun-ssi.” He could manage to say, immediately regretting when he saw the boy’s sour expression.

“Just Yeonjun or hyung is fine.” He said. Soobin realized they were still holding hands and it felt like the other didn’t have intention to let go until Soobin corrected his word.

“Then you can call me Soobin-ah, hyung.” Soobin said, almost his heart exploded inside of his chest. Was it always so hard for him to talk with people?

A pleasant smile formed in Yeonjun’s lips and he let go of his hand. Soobin replied with a shy smile, resisting the urge to hide his face behind his hands. Somebody had to change the subject or else he was going to run away and never come back.

“Are you here for camping, Beomgyu hyung?” Taehyun asked, taking the spotlight. When Yeonjun’s glances were off of him, Soobin took a deep breath.

“I am, but Yeonjun hyung will turn back in the evening.” Beomgyu said.

Soobin shouldn’t have felt disappointed or sad, he shouldn’t have let himself fall so easily. He had been hurt, his heart was still broken and he didn’t want to experience those painful times again. He wasn’t ready for another love adventure, he was still afraid. He was just a little overwhelmed with Yeonjun’s beauty, that was all.

Right ?

“Oh, is there a private reason or can I ask why?” Taehyun said, Soobin turned his head he met eyes with the younger, already understanding what he was thinking. Soobin couldn’t decide if he should be grateful or mad.

Yeonjun didn’t say something but Soobin felt his glances on him, piercing through his head probably. Soobin gulped, waiting for an answer.

“My cousin is getting married next week. The wedding is in Jeju, so we should get on the road tonight to help with the preparations.” Yeonjun said finally, earning some congratulations and wishing wells.

Soobin didn’t want an awkward silence but he couldn’t do something to prevent it, he wasn’t that socially qualified. So he hoped one of his extrovert friends would do something.

“Beomgyu hyung, shall we go skating?” Hueningkai asked after a few seconds, pointing the skateboards that three boys had.

The other two nodded as their glances went to their own friends. Taehyun got closer to Soobin, putting a hand on his shoulder. “Remember my words, hyung.”

And they left, leaving the two boys alone .

Soobin slowly turned his head to look the older, smiling when they met eyes. His heart was getting calmer, at least for now.

“Would you like to drink something?” Soobin said, finally remembering the cola can in his hand. “Sorry I only brought cola.” He added, smiling shyly.

Yeonjun chuckled, his soft voice filled in Soobin’s mind, making him feel a bit dizzy.  It should have been against to the law of nature that someone could affect another like that.

“It’s okay, Soobin-ah. I like cola.” He said. Soobin nodded and he hurriedly stepped to the mini cooler, trying to hide his flushed face. He took a can and stood up, only to find himself an inch away from the older.

His heart skipped a few beats, almost causing him to have a heart attack for real. He stepped back by reflex but he tripped over the cooler, losing his balance.

Yeonjun held him by his waist, preventing him to fall. Soobin let out a squeak, making the older smile widely. Now, they were even closer, noses touching each other. Their breaths blended together as their eyes locked on each other. Soobin inhaled his scent, mint . It was refreshing rather than being bitter.

“Sorry.” Yeonjun said but he didn’t let go of the younger. Soobin couldn’t find his voice to speak nor strength to do anything. He just stared at him with his mesmerized eyes.

From this close he was even more beautiful. The warm sun shined on his bare but so pretty face, making him dazzle. His fox shaped eyes sparkled with stars even though it was just three in the afternoon, Soobin thought he was going to get lost in this enchanting galaxy.

Soobin gulped, getting his senses back. He murmured an it’s okay and thank you when Yeonjun finally let go of him. He reached out the can which caused all of this.

Yeonjun took the can and flopped on the grass, Soobin followed him. The older opened the can and took a sip.

“You study arts, right, hyung?” Soobin asked, he tried not to think earlier. Yeonjun nodded. “What about you?” He said.

“Law.” Soobin answered. “I should overcome my insecurities to be a great lawyer, though.” He whispered. It was ironic for him to study law, he was so shy that most of his classmates didn’t know who he was. Of course he had gained some popularity by being a certain person’s boyfriend but it was just it, people didn’t know his name either at that time.

“I think you’ll be the best.” Yeonjun said, taking another sip of the drink. “I know we’ve just met but I can see how smart you are and you give out a reliable aura, Soobin-ah. A little bit of shyness isn’t a big deal for you to overcome, I believe.”

Soobin felt his face heated up. He wasn’t used to compliments and hearing them from Yeonjun didn’t make anything easier.

“You’re cute.” Yeonjun murmured under his smile, almost inaudible. Soobin blushed even further, almost his ears matched with the can in his hand. His heart jolted with happiness.

They talked nonstop after that. Soobin found himself laughing more than he should’ve at the older’s dad jokes or clapping like children when they found something in common.

It was so easy to speak with the older once he got used to his presence. It was like getting in the water. First it was cold and scary, it made you want to run away. But after a while it was peaceful, the water carried you smoothly where you had to be.

Soobin knew this feeling, he knew why his stomach was itchy and he knew why his heart was racing like it wanted to win a marathon whenever Yeonjun flashed a smile at him.

He wasn’t just overwhelmed by this pretty boy. He really started falling in love .

It made him mad his heart betrayed him. Because he was still afraid of falling, because in the end he was going to get hurt. He didn’t want to lower his walls where he was safe behind them, he didn’t want to get in an adventure.

But when he looked at Yeonjun, when he looked at his magnificent eyes which were sparkling with genuine, he felt like he could give it a try. He felt like he could trust the older.

“Do you know how to skate?” Yeonjun asked out of blue. Soobin looked at him. Yes, he knew how to skate. After being friends with two energetic skater boys for ten years, he had learned how to skate five years ago. And to be honest, he was actually good at it.

“No.” Soobin blurted out, he didn’t know why he lied but he did. He couldn’t take back his words now. “I’m just here to look ever Huening and Taehyun.”

Yeonjun smiled. “I can teach you, if you want.” He said and there was a pause. He looked at the younger in the eyes, his fox shaped eyes sparkling under the now setting sun. “I promise I’ll catch you if you fall, Soobin-ah.” He winked.

Soobin exactly knew what he meant.

“Okay, hyung.” Soobin said and when he saw the bright smile that appeared on Yeonjun’s face he couldn’t be more happy for lying. Maybe he too knew what Soobin actually meant.

“Then I’ll go grab my skateboard.” Yeonjun said as he got up. Soobin watched him getting out of sight.

Was it a goofy smile on his face he couldn’t erase? Maybe.

Was he complaining though? Probably not.

Yeonjun came back jogging after a few minutes, his smile brighter than ever. He reached out his empty hand. “C’mon, Soobin-ah.”

Soobin took his hand and let the older to lead him to the ramps. They found a quiet spot, Yeonjun put his skateboard on the ground.

“Take a step, I’ll hold you in case you lose your balance.” He said as he placed his right hand on his waist while the other held Soobin’s hand. He put his foot in front of the skateboard to prevent it going.

Soobin pressed his lips to hold back his laughter. “Hyung.” He said. “Why didn’t you go skating with the others?” He got on the skateboard, of course he knew how to balance himself on it but he let the other held him gently like he was made out of glass.

“I didn’t want to break any of my bones before the wedding.” Yeonjun answered. “I’m good at skating, don’t get me wrong. I just didn’t want to take the risk.” He added quickly.

Soobin giggled. “I didn’t assume anything bad.” He replied. “I trust you, hyung.” He whispered but he knew the older heard him. He could see the smile that slowly shaped on his plump lips.

Yeonjun showed him the basics that Soobin already knew, not letting him go even Soobin didn’t need to be held. “You’re really a fast learner, Soobin-ah.” Yeonjun said with joy. Soobin smiled widely, his heart fluttered with happiness, he felt like a child.

“Soobinnie hyung! Yeonjunnie hyung!”

They both turned their head to Hueningkai who was coming to their direction with the other two boys.

“Hyung, I thought you would’ve left by now.” Beomgyu said when they arrived. Soobin got off of the skateboard and looked at the older with a panicked face. Did he cause him to be late?

Yeonjun chuckled and squeezed his arm, telling it was okay. “I called Taehyung hyung and asked him if I could go tomorrow.” He said, eyes lingering on the younger’s face. “Because I have my own reason to stay tonight.”

Soobin felt his ears getting hot, a bright pink could be seen. He met eyes with his friends, they looked like they were amused by the scene. Soobin could already hear their teasing.

“Then should we eat dinner together, I’m hungry like a wolf.” Taehyun said, earning agreement from the other two.

Yeonjun and Beomgyu left to grab more drinks-other than cola, the second they were gone the other two boy turned to the tallest with mischievous eyes.

“I thought you knew how to skate, hyung.” Taehyun teased and took Soobin’s arm. “Yes, hyung. You can do some cool tricks even we can’t.” Hueningkai took his other arm.

Soobin didn’t like the teasing but he was grateful for them to at least wait until Yeonjun was gone. He sighed, fastening his steps but they managed to cope with him.

“It’s a good thing I brought so many food, right guys?” He said, ignoring them. Fortunately they didn’t insist more as they nodded. “Your mother instinct finally worked, hyung.” Taehyun said.

Soobin let their hands go when they arrived to the tent. The sun was about to disappear, painting the sky with pinkish orange. “Don’t let me count how many times I saved your asses with my mother instinct.” He said, pointing the two. “And you are not going to drink more than a can or else I’ll kick your asses.” He added, knowing how they became a mess when they were drunk. They turned their eyes and pretended not to hear.

While they were preparing the meal, the other two came. Yeonjun flopped down next to Soobin, helping him while Beomgyu started to talk with the others.

“Is it really okay, hyung?” Soobin asked while he was placing the chopsticks. Yeonjun looked at him. “I mean, you going late.” Soobin added.

Yeonjun tilted his head and a little pout appeared on his lips. “Actually, my cousin got a little angry.” He started, making Soobin’s heart raced with panic. He really caused a trouble, didn’t he?

“I am sincerely sorry, hyung. Sometimes I talk too much and I caused you to lose track of time and now you-“

Yeonjun held his hand that going up and down as he spoke. Soobin shut his mouth with the touch and looked at the older with guilty eyes. He couldn’t read his expression.

“Soobin-ah.” Yeonjun said, looking him deeply in the eyes. Soobin gulped and waited for him to continue. “Do you want to make it up?”

Soobin nodded, he really felt bad. “I’ll do anything I can, hyung.” He said.

Yeonjun smiled genuinely. “Will you accompany me to the wedding, Soobin-ah?” He asked. Soobin’s mouth didn’t wait his brain to process the words properly and he blurted out a yes.

“Wait, what?” When the words finally made sense in his mind, he asked. He could guess how he looked, lips half opened, dumbfounded and confused. Yeonjun laughed.

“First of all, I’m not accepting no after you said yes.” He said, quite joyful. “And, Taehyung hyung said he’ll only forgive me if I bring the person who held me back from going today.”

It wasn’t like Soobin didn’t want to go. He really wanted to spend more time with him, he wanted to learn everything about him. He didn’t want this to be the last time he saw him. And it was quite simple request, he could do it.

“Oh.” Soobin said timidly, knowing he was the one who did that. “You said the wedding is next week, right? I can find a ticket, I guess.”

“No, Soobin-ah.” Yeonjun said, caressing the back of his hand with his thumb. Soobin’s heart fluttered with each touch. “I want you to come with me, tomorrow.”

Soobin’s breath hitched and for a second he didn’t know what to say. It was a little overwhelming for him.

“Hyung, do you trust me that much to ask me to travel with you?” He asked, surprised. Yeonjun smiled widely as he nodded. “I mean.” He said and locked their eyes. “I was actually asking you on a trip date, Soobin-ah.”

Soobin’s face got red, like red red . He knew his friends could hear them and he even saw their reaction with the side of his eyes, squealing and hitting each other’s arm. If his brain functioned enough he could understand what they were saying.

“Are you going to reject me, Soobin-ah?” Yeonjun asked, maybe a little bit worried. Soobin realized he had pulled back his hand.

“No!” Soobin yelped, his voice cracked causing him to blush even more-if that was possible. He took the older’s hand again.

“I was taken aback. Of course I would like to go on a date with you, hyung.” He said with happiness, his eyes sparkling with excitement. His heart jumped in his chest when he saw the smile on Yeonjun’s face.

And that was the moment he realized the walls he had built around his heart had broken down to the pieces.

Just for Yeonjun .