Work Text:
It’s just puppy love. Changgu convinced himself when a transfer student from China enters his class and snatched his heart in the blink of an eye.
His face is the most astounding feature that Changgu and any other students noticed first. It’s ethereal, like a real-life prince appearing from a fairytale book. Even fluttering when he smiles and showing those prettily lined white teeth that Changgu personally loves.
The homeroom teacher selected Changgu to be Yanan’s seatmate. It was said that Changgu is fully capable to guide any new student about the school learning system and make them familiar with the building area. Which is the reason Changgu has been very thankful for the bound decision given regarding his responsibility.
Changgu’s week went incredible. He found no moment of him forgetting to admire Yanan’s perfect posture as he explains the rules of using gymnasium. When Yanan asked if it’s okay for him to play basketball during break, Changgu cannot even move his lips to say no. He felt that he had to try his best to accompany Yanan and always be in service. He wanted to be useful and dependable in front of Yanan.
“It’s a puppy love,” Shinwon mutters flatly when Changgu approaches him to flaunt the follow back he received from Yanan yesterday. It's the first time Changgu heard the words being referred to him.
“What’s that?”
“You’ve said this to me last month,” Shinwon pops a tater tots inside his mouth before preparing to imitate Changgu’s husky tone to elaborate. “Oh, Yanan... He’s super handsome. I don’t think any other boys could compare to him. I really love him from the bottom of my heart, the love of my life.”
“That’s what I said!” Changgu beams without denying.
“And it’s just a puppy love. That’s what I said,” adjusting his normal voice back, Shinwon shrugs in front of Changgu as he busying himself with some leftover fries. “You always said that what you’re feeling is true love. But no, kiddo. You’re just having a crush on him. Because he’s a hottie and you’re just helplessly falling for his charm. That's what puppy love is.”
Changgu pouts upon his senior’s inarguable statement. “Well! I know it’s just a crush. Am I wrong to be so head over heels for him? I’m just, you know, exaggerating.”
Shinwon’s laugh fills the whole food court. “Don’t be upset! I wasn’t saying you’re not supposed to have a crush on him. Unless make some move maybe?”
Changgu exhales. His eyes are fixated at his phone screen, scrolling thru Yanan’s profile despite him only posted three photos of him when he was in Shanghai. Changgu liked all of that already.
His relationship with Yanan over the semester has reached the point of them being inseparable classmates who stick together. Even though Yanan has memorized the educational institution by rote, the habit of him following Changgu around remains intact. Changgu can’t remember since when Yanan clings to him in such countless amount, but he doesn’t mind it.
Deep inside, Changgu’s proud that Yanan communicated well recently. He had difficulties speaking Korean because of his mother tongue, but Changgu taught him like proficient. Yanan diligently applies the knowledge he gathered and improved significantly in only under a year.
They’re almost seniors now, and Changgu knew Yanan wouldn’t rely on him forever. He needs to be independent and start making his own choices rather than Changgu suggesting the best for him. Sooner or later, they'll part ways.
“But, Hyung,” Changgu scratches his nape nervously.
Shinwon replied with a hum.
“Do you think he’ll like me back? He must’ve been thinking that I’m just a loyal friend to him.”
“You can clearly confess to him, kiddo,” Shinwon giggled. “That way, you’ll know the answer.”
“I know! But what would happen next? If... If Yanan rejected me. Just, what if...”
Silence fills the air.
It’s just puppy love. Changgu still believes that this is just merely, a crush he had to fulfill his youth desire.
He succeeded in passing a well-known university in town. Pursuing a major he had been chasing since high school. Shinwon, Changgu’s biggest supporter endlessly encouraged him to distinguish himself within his field. Changgu is currently in his third year and had gained many valuable achievements and experiences along the way.
“Changguuu.”
“Yeah?”
When Changgu turned back, a quick kiss on his lips surprised him. His legs wobbled but managed to take a safe step behind. Changgu feels his cheeks blushed from the boldness as he muttered in disbelief. “Gosh.”
Yanan smiled as he slung his drawstring backpack on his shoulder. Throwing Changgu an innocent wink before he rotates his keys inside the door lock. “You’re so pumped out today. What’s so great about going to classes anyway?”
“Is it wrong to feel happy on a sunny day...?” Changgu pouts, resting his head on Yanan’s arms while they’re walking out from the residence. Changgu always been waking up Yanan daily before he took any transportation. His house is in the same direction, so Changgu thought it would be nice if he can see off his boyfriend every morning.
“I’m just worried that you’re happy because of your plan to meet someone else,” Yanan gently embraced Changgu close to him. Eventually nudging to tease him. “I get easily jealous, you know.”
“That wouldn’t happen!” The sight of Changgu shook his head a few times reminds Yanan of a poodle after a shower bath. “I mean... I’ve always loved you only. Remember when I confessed you during high school graduation?”
Yanan pretended to reminiscences his memory. “I remembered. You were so cute back then.”
“I only said that I have a crush on you! But then your reply left me speechless!” Changgu’s face is even more flushed now, his grip on Yanan’s sweater became tighter.
“I don’t remember my reply. Can you repeat it for me?”
Changgu groans, clearly knowing that his request was a purpose to joke around. Despite his ears are redder than a tomato, Changgu blurted out anyway. “You said that you liked me as well. And you suggested that we should spend the rest of life together from now on because you like being with me. What a flirt.”
Yanan giggled with satisfaction. “I’m here and keeping my words. I have never forgotten it, Changgu.”
( A few days after the confession.
[18:32] You : Shinwon-Hyung!
[18:32] You : I confessed to Yanan as you told
[18:33] You : The reply is a bit unexpected because he answered yes, and even wanting to be my boyfriend. I’m happy but also overwhelmed
[18:34] Shinwon-Hyung : whatt
[18:34] Shinwon-Hyung : changgu??? fr? CONGRATS?!
[18:35] You : I like him so much, Hyung. He has been so soft and caring towards me now. Usually I feel like I’m protecting him, but now he had been protecting me too in return
[18:36] Shinwon-Hyung : yeah he’s madly in love with you kiddo
[18:36] You : Isn’t it just a crush???
[18:37] Shinwon-Hyung : who knows )
“By the way, don’t you dare kiss me without any permission!” Changgu’s finger points directly in front of Yanan’s nose. “I know I’m your boyfriend and all, but ask me before doing anything! I know how to do karate chop.”
“Sorry,” Honey drips as Yanan softly apologized. His fingers are warm wrapped around Changgu’s and it never fails to soothe his nerves. “I will ask you next time, babe.”
“That’s what I’m saying,” Changgu whined.
“Can I kiss you?”
Yanan is way too straightforward without violating any rules and terms. However, Changgu’s heart is at risk. He can’t help to feel so dumbly smitten even if they’ve dated over three years and still counting. He still cannot handle nor prepared with every ambush Yanan has struck just to startle him.
But, Changgu found himself nodding slightly. Yanan leans forward to carefully stroke Changgu’s cocoa-colored hair. It felt nice, Changgu always loves it to be patted and be cared.
“Nevermind,” Yanan let out an awkward laugh after seeing Changgu’s closed eyelids as if composing himself while anticipating a rather longer kiss.
“What?!” Changgu protested, a bit embarrassed at the given false hope.
“Sorry, sorry, Changguuu,” With a child-like intonation, Yanan cheered Changgu up by hugging him resistantly. “We will be arriving at the station soon. I don’t want you to be late. Let’s go.”
He’s still a gentleman after all, Changgu thought. Playful yet considerate. “Okay, Yanan.”
It’s comfortable to stay like this. Everything feels fuzzy and bright, like how the sunshine greets at crack of dawn. Like how the empty classroom during the evening as the window displays the magnificent orange sky. Like how a daisy flower in a pot is being watered. Changgu can feel all the simple, uncomplicated emotion all because of Yanan.
Changgu realized his feelings towards Yanan aren’t just puppy love anymore. It’s true love. And he would still fall in love over and over again.
[21:05] You : Hyung.. I think I like Yanan a lot more now hehe... ^_^
[21:07] Shinwon-Hyung : good for you, kiddo. and im proud of you
[21:07] Shinwon-Hyung : btw arent you guys are like... dating for three years straight? and you just realized you’re in love with him now? what are you guys, newly dating couple?