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It's the ripe hour of five pm. Glasses adorned with wine, although on the cheaper side it's still effective. The sound of traffic from the streets just two floors below them, rush hour just beginning, drifts up and through the walls and windows. It makes for a pleasant white noise in the background. A YouTube video titled 'How Long We Can Fake Date Until Our Friends Catch On?' is pulled up on the TV, thanks to Taeyong. Doyoung rarely watches these kinds of videos but Taeyong seems quite excited just from the title.
With the helping push of being one and a half glasses of wine down, Doyoung humors Taeyong and agrees to watch the video with him. After all, they're the only two in the apartment right now and Doyoung hadn’t had anything else remarkable planned for the evening, so why not? Taeyong, one glass of wine down and steadily working on his second, makes himself comfortable sitting crisscrossed on the couch beside Doyoung. His knee knocks into Doyoung's thigh and Doyoung lightly pushes his knee away from him.
Taeyong's giggle rings out just as the YouTube video is starting, and he shoos Doyoung's hand away, settling back down. A smile adorns Taeyong's face in the low lighting, the sun beginning to set, throwing orange and yellow hues through the window at them. It makes Doyoung smile too as he settles deeper into the corner of the couch. He almost lets a giggle of his own slip out too, but that also might be because of the wine.
They're a majority of the way through the video, with glasses refilled, when Taeyong picks up the remote to pause it. He sits down his wine glass, carefully with two hands - Doyoung would give him hell if he spilled wine on their ottoman - and levels a serious-looking gaze at Doyoung. Although, his eyes are half lidded and the easy, tensionless smile across his lips sends mixed signals.
"I think we can do that," Taeyong pauses, bringing a hand up to lazily point at the paused video on the bright screen in front of them. "Don't you think, Doie?"
The nickname just adds insult to injury. Doyoung's thought process is clouded and foggy, registering the words, liking the way they sound together and throwing caution to the wind. He has to also set his glass down, with two hands like Taeyong, that's enough wine for tonight. Looking back up into Taeyong's eyes, Doyoung becomes giggly, and he's struck with a strong convection of 'yeah, we can definitely fool them'. So that's exactly what he says.
Leaning forward into Taeyong's space like it'll help him see Taeyong better in the darkening room, he answers "Yeah, we can definitely fool them." Taeyong closes their proximity, slumping his forehead against Doyoung's shoulder and brings a hand to rest on top of his other shoulder. He says something, but it's muffled against Doyoung's t-shirt.
"What?" Doyoung questions, pushing Taeyong back upright by his shoulders.
"Instagram, we need to make a post on our Instagrams." Duh , Doyoung thinks to himself while processing Taeyong's words. Instagram is the fastest way to get their 'relationship' news out to all their friends.
Patting a hand around the couch cushion, Doyoung locates his phone and pulls Taeyong in closer to his side. They take three pictures. One where they're pushed up close to each other, each having an arm around the other. A second where Taeyong is smiling wide as Doyoung is pressing his lips to Taeyong's cheek. A third where Doyoung is sporting a smile and Taeyong is kissing his cheek.
Doyoung sends the pictures to Taeyong’s phone, the ping of a new message lighting up Taeyong’s phone screen from where it lies beside his glass. Taeyong giggles when he looks over at it.
"My love, you're the only one I need" Doyoung reads off the caption he plans to put with the post. Snapping out of his dazed gaze at his phone, Taeyong looks back over at Doyoung. A smile grows across Taeyong's lips as he brings a hand up to pat at Doyoung's cheek.
"I like that, your brain is pretty great." He pauses, still patting Doyoung's cheek, "Just know I'm going to use that, like word for word."
Doyoung laughs, it's an infectious bubbly sound much like his normal laugh, as he reaches for Taeyong's phone to set up Taeyong's post himself.
When they're both ready, they press 'post' at the same time and sit back against the couch. They bring their attention back to the tv, as Taeyong navigates to move onto a different YouTube video.
With his arm resting across Taeyong's shoulder, Doyoung clears up some of their bet. "So, whoever can no longer make them think we're in a relationship loses, right?"
"Right and it's going to take a lot to beat me."
"Ha, you're on Yong."
They focus on the new video, leaving the wine in their glasses and laughing together at the video. It grows darker and darker outside, while they're caught up in their own world. They don't check Instagram for the rest of the night.
Doyoung @do0_kim posted
My love, you're the only one I need
Ten @tenlee_1001 commented
No way?!?! You two are together, HOW LONG??
Jaehyun @_jeongjaehyun commented
Excuse me? Why was I not told first?! But I'm happy for you two
Jeno @jen_ohlee commented
Finally Doie has found someone!! Look at this @hae_hyuck
Donghyuck @hae_hyuck replied to @jen_ohlee
@jen_ohlee AAAAHSBEJ they grow up so fast 😭
Donghyuck @hae_hyuck commented
WHAT DOYOUNG, look at you. you're dating Taeyong, why didn't I know before instagram 🤔
Taeyong @eh_ovo posted
My love, you're the only one I need (Doie made the caption 😌)
Winwin @wwiinn_7 commented
hooold on, what did you just say?!?!
Johnny @johnnyjsuh commented
there's no way you got a boyfriend before me 😭 but you two are cute together
Mark @onyourm__ark commented
wait wait wait when did this happen?? how? tell me all the details
Instead of waking up in his warm comfortable bed, Doyoung wakes up on their warm - thanks to the blanket draped over him - but still less comfortable couch. He blinks a few times, registering a dull headache coming on, and stretches until his feet bump into something.
"Oh, you're up. I was wondering when you'd wake you, considering you drank a bit more than me last night." It's Taeyong, who sits on the couch cushion that Doyoung's body doesn't occupy. He's looking intently down at him, big doe eyes and all. Doyoung wonders how he's so chipper right now. Taeyong attributes it to his lower intake of wine last night and the fact that he has had a pleasant laugh looking at their friends' responses from last night. Of course, after he had a bit of a panic after really taking in the gravity of what they set in motion last night. But hell, he still wants to get a little fun out of this. He'll get Doyoung up to speed once he takes care of his hangover. He feels as though Doyoung will handle the news better that way.
"Pass me my phone and maybe some Tylenol." Doyoung requests, holding his hand out to Taeyong.
"The phone, let's wait a bit on. The Tylenol, I'll get you right now. How about some buttered toast?" Taeyong offers like the kind, nurturing person he is, already standing up and heading towards their kitchen. He's not really looking for an answer from Doyoung because he'll do it anyway.
Laying his head back down against the armrest, Doyoung replies, "Ok, Yong. I think that's about all I could eat right now."
He watches Taeyong move around in the kitchen, snickering when he slightly jumps when the toast pops up out of the toaster. In no time it's in front of him and he's taking the medicine and a bite of the buttered toast. He hums to let Taeyong know it's good. In response Taeyong beams, making sure he's eating and drinking.
Watching as Doyoung eats his two pieces of toast, Taeyong spares a glance at Doyoung's phone that lies beside his own on the end table beside him. He lights up the screen to see that the plethora of notifications is still there and he can't help the giggle that slips out. Oh, this should be fun.
"What are you giggling at over there?" Doyoung asks as he pulls the blanket to rest over his shoulders and pushes the last bite of toast in his mouth. He's watching Taeyong, eyeing his phone that's now in Taeyong's hand. There's a mysterious smile on Taeyong's face that Doyoung can't quite place. The phone screen lights up with a new notification. Something definitely happened last night while he was drunk. Doyoung takes a deep inhale to prepare himself for what his drunk self could have done. Noticing this, Taeyong hides a laugh behind his hand, finally depositing the phone in Doyoung's waiting hand.
It only takes about a few seconds for the expression on Doyoung's face to change. From where he sits on the couch, Taeyong nudges Doyoung's shoulder with his foot.
"So, boyfriend , isn't it an honor to be in a relationship with me?" Taeyong asks, closely watching Doyoung's reaction. Doyoung, who's grip gets tighter on the blanket draped over him, hasn't even made it into his phone yet, still just scrolling through the notifications. He gets a few swipes down and completely stops to look up at Taeyong.
"How the hell did this happen?" Doyoung interrogates, leveling Taeyong with wide eyes. Taeyong sprouts a nervous smile accompanied with a shrug of his shoulders.
"Maybe it was my idea to see how long we can fake date until our friends find out." he explains as he does everything he can to avoid Doyoung's eyes. A groan unleashes itself from Doyoung as he proceeds to look at their Instagram posts. Another groan comes.
"And I thought of the caption, oh my god, I can never trust myself to get drunk around you again." Letting Doyoung get out his gripes, Taeyong finds it almost comical as he sees Doyoung liking Taeyong's post and writing up a comment of hearts.
"So I'm going to assume you're going to go along with this?" Taeyong watches him press send before Doyoung looks over at him.
"Oh, definitely, my love. If I'm anything it's competitive -" Oh how Taeyong knows that fact, so he interrupts him.
"Oh, how I know that" Doyoung feigns a look of offence and continues.
"- and I think I can keep this going longer than you." Doyoung locks his phone and eyes Taeyong. This should be fun.
Before Doyoung can even get situated at his desk on Monday morning, two of his best friends and coworkers, Ten and Jaehyun, are peeking over the cubicle wall at him. Their gazes make Doyoung sit up straighter as he aligns the files he needs to take care of in a neat pile. He takes a deep breath, still feeling the heat of their gazes on him. Jaehyun fakes a cough in an effort to catch Doyoung's attention.
"What can I help you two with?" Doyoung questions, typing in his computer's password then rolling his chair to look towards them.
"So when were you going to tell us?" Jaehyun asks first. Ten is then speaking before Doyoung can answer Jaehyun's question.
"Yeah, and why did we have to find out through Instagram?" Ten tacks on, now coming from behind the cubicle wall to stand at Doyoung's side, leaning on his desk. Doyoung rubs a hand over his forehead before he explains. Of course he stretches the truth, he's not losing this bet to Taeyong.
"Well, we've been dating for a month before we decided to tell anyone, to make sure we're a good fit for each other, you know?" Jaehyun and Ten nod along, urging Doyoung to continue. They have about four minutes before their shifts are supposed to start and they need to know this story now, not later.
"We decided to tell everyone at once on Instagram." Doyoung states, it's a believable lie. To tell the truth, Doyoung doesn't know whose idea it was to post on Instagram. He's still having some trouble putting the foggy puzzle pieces together, he'll have to see what Taeyong remembers. Doyoung glances at the little clock in the corner of his screen. Two more minutes.
"So we don't get any kind of best friend's privilege?" Jaehyun feigns betrayal. Doyoung levels him with a slightly judging look, because of the other man's theatrics, and Jaehyun straightens his posture and removes his hand from holding his heart.
"You guys know I tell you everything in advance, it's just that this was different. This needed to be handled in a more delicate way." Doyoung relaxes back into his chair, absentmindedly picking off a fuzzy from Ten's slacks. Doyoung feels like he's faking this too well. He's really making it seem like this is something dear to his heart. Not that Taeyong isn't dear to Doyoung, he would never deny that fact.
Ten lightly shoves at Doyoung's shoulder, "Look at you, all in love and stuff. We get it, we get it. I'm glad this relationship means a lot to you. I'm sure Taeyong will make you happy." Doyoung is surprised by Ten's fond smile as he looks down at Doyoung. Doyoung has to look away.
"Come on Ten, we better get back to our cubicles before Kun comes through." Jaehyun comments, taking notice of the time, and the two are off just as quickly as they came.
Doyoung sends a quick text to Taeyong.
I have successfully fooled Ten and Jae. What about you, babe?
He throws in the 'babe' because he knows pet names make Taeyong all flustered and giddy. Strictly for entertainment purposes. Doyoung laughs to himself and focuses back on his work.
It takes all of one day for Johnny, Winwin, and Mark to have Taeyong on facetime to indulge them in the details. They want to know everything, as they should, that’s what comes with the title of best friends. There is no more privacy, or at least not as much. Secrets are shared and relationships are definitely divulged. That’s how it should be and Taeyong already knows he’s about to get an earful from all three of them. To add insult to injury, Doyoung is just a few feet away from him in the kitchen, but they don’t need to know that.
“Taeyong!” Johnny's loud voice comes through the phone speaker. Taeyong can hear Doyoung suppress a small laugh from the other side of the room, and he does his best to ignore the other man’s presence.
“I didn’t know you even had a crush on Doyoung.” Johnny comments, bringing Taeyong's attention back to the call.
“Right! I never would have guessed it would be Doyoung, he’s a good catch though.” Mark adds on. Taeyong can already feel Doyoung’s ego boosting from that comment alone.
“He is quite the catch and I love him.” Taeyong is surprised by the fact that saying it aloud makes him feel a bit warmer. Maybe it’s because he’s saying it in front of his friends. Maybe it’s because Doyoung can hear him and is smiling at him now. Yeah, it’s a mixture of all of that, nothing too deep. Taeyong inhales deeply and looks between his three friends' faces.
“Personally, I’m surprised we’re only hearing of their relationship now. I mean they’re always together, hell they even live together and they have an interesting dynamic. I just figured it was bound to happen sooner or later.” Winwin speaks up finally and his words do nothing to tame Taeyong’s flustering body. He can already feel his ears becoming red. He hopes none of them comment on it.
“That’s part of the reason. We figured we know so much about each other already and, like you said, we see each other nearly twenty-four seven. So I figured why not try.” Taeyong recovers enough to give a very believable answer, but he’s a goner when he happens to look up at Doyoung again. Doyoung is smiling wide and gummy at Taeyong and Taeyong’s sanity be damned, he’s acting grossly cute in front of Taeyong.
Taeyong has to surprise a boisterous laugh that threatens to spill out of him. Discreetly, Taeyong flips his phone to the back camera and tilts the phone closer to himself to get Doyoung into view.
Doyoung isn't looking directly at Taeyong, so he doesn't notice what Taeyong has done and his cute act continues. That is, until he hears Taeyong's friends again.
"Aye! Doyoung, look at you!" Johnny's voice booms. Doyoung comes to a complete stop, with wide eyes turned towards Taeyong.
"Is that how you won Yong's heart?" Winwin questions. Doyoung feels the heat of embarrassment creep up his body. Taeyong notices his cheeks go pink.
"Aah dude, too much! Too much!" Mark squeaks out. This sends Doyoung finally into action. He's quickly approaching Taeyong, desperately trying to cover the phone.
"Taeyong! You trader! That's embarrassing! Stop it!" Doyoung has practically tackled Taeyong back onto the couch, the two still trying to get possession of the phone. Taeyong's friends can not see much at this point. A flash of light here and there and then the camera is covered again, the occasional yell of protest, and a bunch of embarrassed pleas for the phone.
Taeyong manages to get out a rushed, "I think I'll have to call you guys back later!" before he hangs up between Doyoung's attempts to grab the phone.
"There, there! I hung up Doie. I hung up Doie!" Taeyong pleads as he bursts into laughter as Doyoung's fingers grab at Taeyong's sides to tickle him. Doyoung finally grabs the phone, confirming that the call has indeed been hung up.
"I don't think you deserve to have this back." Doyoung chastises, holding the phone away from Taeyong. Taeyong offers up his best smile to Doyoung but says nothing. Doyoung levels him with his eyes, not budging. Taeyong takes in their predicament. Him laying down on the couch. Doyoung sitting above him with his knees on either side of Taeyong's hips and a hand holding down one of his shoulders. Thank the heavens that he ended that call. He wouldn't be able to live it down if his friends saw the two like this. Taeyong becomes a bit embarrassed and brings his hands up to cover his face. Doyoung doesn't stop watching his movements. He feels proud and in power, so that's what drives him to do what he does next.
Leaning down closer to Taeyong's face, Doyoung moves Taeyong's hands out of the way and offers up a smile when they make eye contact.
"And that's what I thought, Yong. That'll teach you." Doyoung doesn't move away, slipping Taeyong's phone into his back pocket away from Taeyong.
Over the next two weeks, the two spend quite a bit of time testing out the waters, getting a feel for their 'relationships' mechanics, seeing where the boundaries are. It's a learning experience for both of them.
They're currently out eating dinner at some semi fancy restaurant to celebrate Jaehyun finally getting the promotion he's been working so hard towards.
On one side of the table, Doyoung is seated between Ten and Taeyong, who Jaehyun had insisted he bring along. You have to bring him. I'd love to get to know him more , Jaehyun had insisted when he had brought up the dinner idea to Doyoung. Who was Doyoung to refuse, this is Jaehyun's auspicious day.
On the other side of the table, Jaehyun is seated between the two newest arrivals within their company, Jaemin and Jisung. Doyoung notices how Jaehyun practically glows sitting between the two younger boys. Doyoung will definitely have to delve further into that development later. He tries to suppress a knowing laugh by taking a sip of his drink. Amongst the chatter of Ten recounting a story of Jaehyun nearly embarrassing himself in front of their boss, Kun, he feels a hand come to rest on his lower thigh. Doyoung's dress pants do little to buffer the feeling and warmth of the hand.
Looking up at the face attached to the hand makes Doyoung strangely feel just a little more comfortable. That's weird , he thinks to himself. Doyoung has always found himself able to relax in Taeyong's presence, he doesn't have to worry about being himself. But this feeling, this feeling is a bit different, it's like everything is right where it needs to be, just how it needs to be.
Taeyong, in an effort to remain discreet, keeps his hand still on Doyoung's thigh, only tapping his fingers over Doyoung's knee. To be honest, Taeyong doesn't have the slightest clue why he decided to put a hand on Doyoung's thigh. It's just something that felt right to do. Everyone's happy, everyone has smiles on their faces, everyone is celebrating, so it just happened. Although now that it's done, Taeyong feels his heart rate pick up, worried that he may have overstepped. That is until Doyoung looks over at him and smile's, placing one of his own hands over Taeyong's hand.
It works to alleviate the rapid beating of Taeyong's heart. He can't help but smile as he tunes back into Ten's story about Jaehyun, whose ears have become tinged red.
Their food comes soon after and the conversation continues to flow while they eat. Doyoung feeds into the conversation multiple times and Taeyong adds in a few words here and there but stays rather quiet, preferring to listen to the friends' stories. He feels joyful watching Doyoung animatedly talk and his expressions. Taeyong admits something to himself that night. He could watch Doyoung for hours and be content. You know, because Doyoung is an interesting person.
After the evening has ended and the two bid their goodbyes to the rest of the group, they begin their walk to their apartment.
"Hey! Doyoung! Taeyong! Wait up!" comes a voice behind them before they can get too far away from the restaurant. It's Jaemin. They slightly turn around to him, stopping to allow him to catch up.
"Thanks. I live this way too. Is it okay if I walk with you guys?" Jaemin asks with hopeful eyes, looking between the two. Before they can respond he's speaking again, but this time it's a lot more timid and he starts to avoid their eyes. "And I wanted to ask you two something."
"Sure"
"Of course" Doyoung and Taeyong speak at the same time and they begin to walk again. There's a light breeze as the sun dips below the horizon, so Doyoung takes a hold of Taeyong's hand. Taeyong is pleased with the action and squeezes Doyoung's hand in response. Jaemin walks at Doyoung's other side, picking at his fingers still looking at nothing in particular as they walk. Although, he does notice the two's hands, and it makes him hopeful for his situation.
Taeyong, with his parent-like nature, breaks the silence, "So what did you want to ask us Jaemin?"
It's a fairly simple question, but it makes Jaemin's heart rate pick up and Doyoung watches him carefully. "It's a bit of a personal question so don't feel like you have to answer if you don't want to, but I was wondering how you knew you loved each other?" He's looking at them again, hopeful and patient. Doyoung decides to tackle the question first, having a feeling that this may relate to Jaehyun and Jisung.
"Well," Doyoung starts off trying to get his thoughts together, he'll be honest with Jaemin and fill in spots where he needs to, "To me, love is a feeling of security as well as genuineness. In order to love someone, I need to be able to feel like I can be my complete self around them, without a fear of judgment." Doyoung takes a pause, looking both ways before he guides them across the street. He still has both Jaemin's and Taeyong's attention so he continues.
"I have known Taeyong for years upon years now, but that's not necessarily a need to know you're in love with someone. It helps though, I was allowed to feel out the things that make Taeyong Taeyong. The things that he likes, the things he doesn't like. I became comfortable in his presence. I became comfortable with our playful dynamic. Over time I noticed the habits of Taeyong, the things that make him unique. I found myself being eager to be around him and being happiest when I was close to him. He became one of my main focuses and I think in the moment that I realized he is a main focus of mine, I also realized hey, I love this boy and I trust him to hold my heart ." Doyoung's response comes to an end and he smiles while looking at Jaemin. Jaemin does the same.
Doyoung then continues, "That's how I knew I was in love, when it wasn't terrifying to have my heart rest between both of Taeyong's hands."
"That was extremely sappy Doie." Taeyong comments with a fake disgusted look as he looks Doyoung up and down. Doyoung does his absolute best to stomp down the snarky comeback that is just begging to be said. Instead, Doyoung bumps his shoulder into Taeyong's and it sends the other stumbling to the side, but not too far because Doyoung makes sure to pull him back into his side. "Ok, now your turn. How'd you know you were in love with me?"
"For me it was rather simple. Doyoung made me feel alive, he made me feel like the little things were amazing. I really learned to look at things from another perspective from him, I also really enjoy being around him. He means the world to me." Taeyong pauses, wrapping his free hand around their already intertwined hands and continues. Doyoung is endeared by the action and seems to feel himself relaxing even more.
"So then one day, while I was watching Doyoung do something, I don't remember what it was, my mind just went, I love him . If I'm being completely honest it startled me at first. I was so worried about how Doyoung would feel, and absolutely worried about how I would eventually tell him. Then, as if Doyoung has some kind of telepathy, he turned around and gave me the sweetest smile. In that moment I knew, I knew it was going to be ok and I knew my love could make it." Taeyong finishes and Jaemin's eyes haven't left the two. They're almost at their destinations.
"Wow, thank you, really thank you guys. That was beautiful, I hope I can have a love like yours one day." Jaemin comments, looking straight ahead now and with a face deep in thought. Oh, Doyoung is definitely going to have to make sure Jaehyun doesn't do anything stupid, he can't have Jaemin's heart breaking, or Jisung's. "Thank you again. I think I understand how I feel more clearly now."
The three come to a stop in front of the two's apartment building. They bid Jaemin goodbye and watch for a few moments as he walks further down the street.
The two still stay hand in hand as they exit the elevator and walk down the hallway towards their door. The comfortable quiet isn't broken until Doyoung is putting the key in the lock, Taeyong speaks up.
"You know, you're amazing at coming up with things on the fly."
Doyoung peers over his shoulder while turning the knob to look at Taeyong, "A lot of it was true, what about yours?" He says it so nonchalantly, like it was a common fact.
Taeyong takes a breath in as they walk in, "Yeah there were a handful of parts in mine that were true too." Doyoung looks at him like he can see his thoughts and then he smiles at him.
"Good" Doyoung simply replies, laying his keys down on the counter.
"Good." Taeyong says back as he closes the door behind him.
A childhood friendship that lasts far into adulthood is a rare gem. It's something that nearly becomes a part of you, like your two bodys are joined at the hip. A gem that Doyoung and Taeyong have solidified and polished over and over. Friendship bracelets. Matching rings. Coordinating clothes. A plethora of exchanged gifts over the years. There is no shortage of evidence that they care for each other. It's written out in big bold letters.
Taeyong and Doyoung are best friends
It's almost as if, dare we say it, they're dating, but alas that's not exactly the case. Although, their friends sure think they are still a month out. Thus the bet is working swimmingly.
"Are you sure you two are really dating? Doyoung is looking at you like he currently wants to bury you six feet under." Mark comments on the scene in front of him. Taeyong sits with one leg over the other, stirring his straw around in his cup. He stops the movement, takes a sip and then tips it towards Doyoung for him to sip it too. Doyoung eyes Taeyong's face but all he is greeted with is a sugary sweet smile. He should be used to it by now. Damn Taeyong for being so good at keeping this act up.
As to not raise suspicions, Doyoung doesn't falter in taking a sip of Taeyong's drink. He even goes as far as taking the cold cup out of Taeyong's hand, holding it for him, and then warping his free hand around Taeyong's cold one. Doyoung is determined to prove that he can keep this act up longer than Taeyong can. That's the thing, Doyoung is nothing if not competitive, especially if it's with Taeyong. Ever since the day they met, they've naturally gravitated towards friendly competition. In the end, they both make sure that the other's efforts don't go unappreciated. Taeyong, finding it very entertaining and endearing, indulges him without a second thought.
"Yes Mark, we are definitely dating." Taeyong finally responds, figuring if the question was left up in the air for too long, suspicions would start to grow roots. And we can't have that. Taeyong adjusts his hand in Doyoung's, interlacing their fingers and giving it a squeeze. He catches a smile tugging at the corners of Doyoung's lips, but it doesn't feel forced at all. For some reason, it makes Taeyong feel at ease as he relaxes back into the couch cushion. A smile looks good on Doyoung.
“It’s practically written in Taeyong’s eyes, ‘Doyoung has my heart.’ Just look at them, I have to admit I’m kind of jealous of what they have.” Jaehyun adds his thoughts to the conversation as he mocks a love-struck gaze in the middle of his statement. Doyoung has half a thought to throw the decorative throw pillow at his face and just outright tell him that his love story could begin sooner than he thinks. After all the action is in its name, throw pillow, but his hands are occupied. Taeyong has half a thought to laugh, at the irony of the situation and at their - so far - successful ruse, but he doesn’t, he can’t. So instead, he pulls Doyoung’s hand closer to his chest. Doyoung can feel the steady beating of Taeyong's heart against the back of his hand and for some reason it guides him into a more relaxed state. He joins Taeyong in relaxing on the back of the couch. Their shoulders are touching.
“You’ve got a point.” Mark adds on, sharing a look with Jaehyun as he gets up from his own seat on the couch, taking the now empty cup from Doyoung’s hand as he passes the two. Mark transverses the small length from the living room to the kitchen, placing the two dirty cups in the sink before venturing over to their snack cabinet. He’s interrupted, though.
“I know you’re not going to leave those cups in the sink and then conveniently forget to wash them, so that I have to do it later.” reprimands Jaehyun, who's now propped up on his knee on his armchair to get a better view into the kitchen and at Mark. Mark lets out a sigh, but still looks over his shoulder at his roommate. He gives Jaehyun the best smile he can muster up - even if he had no plans of washing the two cups just yet. Jaehyun’s eyes don’t falter and Doyoung nearly feels like laughing at the two's almost sibling-like behavior. He wonders how the two even ended up getting an apartment together, but in reality they complement each other's living style well.
“I’ll wash them after Yong and Doie leave,” Mark proposes, hoping to placate Jaehyun. "Ok." Jaehyun relents, sitting back down properly in his armchair.
The three hear a not so hushed 'nice' and they can't help but to laugh. Mark comes back with arms full - a snack for each of them - and takes the opportunity to toss them at each of his friends. What's a movie night without snacks?
When Mark flips off the light, Doyoung naturally settles closer to the nearest person beside him. That is Taeyong, and naturally Taeyong pulls Doyoung's arm fully in front of him and latches onto it. Doyoung looks down at it, a smile gracing his face in the dim light of the TV. He's not sure if it reaches Taeyong's eyes, but he thinks it's better that he doesn't see it. He doesn't want to be ruthlessly teased for now. Jaehyun observes the two's actions and feels a warm sense of endearment from them. He's happy that they make each other happy, which allows his mind to freely focus on the movie they're about to watch.
Taeyong and Doyoung really should have seen this one coming. Kissing is something all couples do, most of them even do it in front of their friends, but it wasn't something they had thought of when they started this whole thing. Taeyong's palms are becoming sweating just thinking about it. He can't kiss Doyoung, can he? It can be short, just a little peck.
"Come to think of it," Winwin starts, sitting on the other side of the ottoman. "I don't think I've ever seen you two kiss. Like barely even on the cheek and definitely not a full kiss." He's looking between the two. Taeyong notices Doyoung's body stiffening up at their friend's words, so he inches closer to Doyoung on the couch.
"What, you want to watch us kiss or something?" Doyoung replies, trying to sound witty and nonchalant.
"That's not what I mean, just, couples usually kiss, even around other people." Doyoung's response flusters Winwin a bit so he's quick to respond.
"Well, we kiss, see" Taeyong is determined as he turns towards Doyoung now, he's met with big doe eyes and pink cheeks, "Can I kiss you Doyoung?"
The man in question stays quiet for a moment, searching Taeyong's eyes for something. All he finds is safety, so he says yes and soon enough there are two hands on his cheeks and Taeyong is leaning in with eyes closed. On instinct, Doyoung closes his eyes and lets time take its course. Their lips finally make contact and, as no surprise to Doyoung, Taeyong's lips are warm and plush. Not that he's spent time looking at them. But then it's over. Doyoung is surprised he wanted to continue longer. He knows he could kiss Taeyong better than that. (He will admit to no one how exhilarating it felt, absolutely not) He then remembers Winwin is only feet away from them. His cheeks instinctively heat up and he moves to lay his head on Taeyong's neck.
"See, we kiss." Taeyong says again as he brings his arms up and around Doyoung's back. It must have been convincing enough for Winwin, because he doesn't question it anymore for the rest of the evening
When they bid Winwin goodbye, Doyoung is quick to speak up when the door is closed. "Yong, I want a redo." Doyoung is firm with his stance and it leaves Taeyong confused.
"What?" He questions, leaning his back against the door since Doyoung seems to have no motivation to move out of the way.
"I want a redo kissing you." Oh, that's definitely not what he was expecting, but it's a pleasant surprise. Taeyong liked the kiss too.
"Oh good! I thought you were just that bad of a kisser." Taeyong teases and it lights a flame in Doyoung just as he wanted it to.
"Rude! Take that back!"
"Prove it to me then." Taeyong isn't left with time to say anything else as Doyoung's lips have met his again. Doyoung's moving slowly to get his point across, with a hand holding one of Taeyong's cheeks, the other on his waist.
When they finally separate Taeyong is impressed, "Fuck, Doie."
"Fuck indeed. I told you I was a decent kisser."
Taeyong moves his arms to Doyoung's neck, caressing the small hairs on the back of his neck. He teases Doyoung with a quick peck on the lips.
"I know that now and I think it just got a lot easier for us to fool them." He notices Doyoung's shoulders sag beneath his arms and he's regretful now. He knows he shouldn't have said that last part. This bet was becoming dangerous.
Doyoung feels all the nerves in his body start to whirl. He shouldn't be feeling like this? This wasn't a part of the plan. This wasn't how things were supposed to go. And Taeyong hadn't even really done anything remarkable. All he did was wrap his arm around Doyoung's waist and give his hip a little squeeze as he scooted behind him to get to the other side of their kitchen. It was just a simple gesture. He was just trying to politely get Doyoung out of his way, there's no need to look any further into it. Doyoung shakes his head as if it would help to clear up any of his muddled thoughts.
He tries his hardest to focus back on washing their dirty dishes, but out of the corner of his eye he notices movement. Oh geez, here Taeyong comes again!
Focusing extremely hard on the dish in his hands, he tries to level out his breathing. Just like before, one of Taeyong's arms loops around Doyoung's waist. Taeyong's hand gives a light squeeze to Doyoung's other hip this time. Before Doyoung can even think about it, his arm is moving and his hand traps Taeyong's hand on his hip. Water slowly drips onto the floor beside him and Taeyong makes a short, surprised sound from the new wetness and contact. Taeyong flicks his eyes up to Doyoung's face to try to decipher what is currently going on. Maybe on what's going on in Doyoung's thoughts, maybe on what's going on in his own thoughts. There's a faint tint of pink gracing Doyoung's face and his eyes have yet to meet Taeyong's eyes.
Taeyong shifts his weight to stand more comfortably beside Doyoung. Doyoung's free hand nudges the tap to turn the water off, then finds solace gripping the side of the sink. Doyoung's thoughts are racing. Why did he do that? How is he going to explain it? And most importantly, why is Taeyong looking at him with that look? Doyoung wants to melt into a puddle right then and there. Taeyong's next actions work to both soothe the anxiousness in Doyoung's heart and set his heart a blaze at the same time.
Watching the thin trail of bubbles slide down Doyoung's hand and onto his, Taeyong laughs, pulling Doyoung closer into his side. He watches as Doyoung's eyes do everything to avoid looking at Taeyong's eyes. Cute , Taeyong thinks to himself. Doyoung has always been cute.
"Can I help you wash the dishes, Doie?" Taeyong asks. He knows even if Doyoung refuses he's going to help him anyway. He's gone this far, there's no going back now. Taeyong hums since Doyoung has yet to answer him, although he has removed his wet soapy hand from Taeyong's hand. Taeyong finds himself unexpectedly missing the warmth, but he still keeps his hand atop Doyoung's hip.
"How are you going to help me with only one hand?" Doyoung finally speaks up. He feels like a small child talking to their crush for the first time. Wait, crush?! No, nope, that's not what Doyoung meant to think. Doyoung shakes his head as if that will do anything to help. It doesn't help that he hears Taeyong stifle a laugh beside him.
Oh, so he likes when I hold him, Taeyong thinks and oh is this thought dangerous. He has to clear his own thoughts, not forget just store away for later. What Doyoung doesn't know won't hurt him. Taeyong now moves so he's standing behind Doyoung with both arms around his waist and his chin resting on Doyoung's shoulder.
"Well, then I can just stand here and keep you company." Taeyong simply says, and he's relieved when he feels Doyoung's body relax under his touch.
"Yeah, I'd like that, if you don't mind." Doyoung replies as he returns his attention back to the dishes. Oh right, Taeyong's hand , Doyoung thinks to himself. He grabs Taeyong's soapy hand and brings it up to the sink, turning on the water and rinsing off his hand. He grabs the towel on the counter and pats it dry. He returns Taeyong's hand back to its place around his waist.
"Thanks." Taeyong comments.
"Yeah."
"So, today Mark and Johnny…" Taeyong explains how his day went so there could be some noise and Doyoung attentively listens to everything Taeyong has to say. Yeah, it took about twenty more minutes than it should have to wash the dishes, but neither of them were in any hurry to have the moment end.
To say Doyoung had become quite kiss crazy after their first kiss that fateful afternoon would be an understatement. Taeyong took notice of it first when he had just opened his eyes from sleep and was met seconds later with the quick press of lips against his own, accompanied with a cheery good morning Yong .
It shocked Taeyong, but it was pleasant to wake up to. Doyoung would pass by Taeyong and momentarily stop, puckering up his lips, waiting for Taeyong to respond. If he didn't respond within a time Doyoung considered reasonable, Doyoung would huff and pout, usually ending up pestering Taeyong. Sometimes Taeyong would act like Doyoung wasn't there just to have a little fun, that is, until Taeyong learned his lesson with the bathroom incident.
The duo had invited a couple of their friends over to hang out. Taeyong, being the tease and instigator he is, decided then was a good time to ignore Doyoung's request for a kiss and in front of their friends too. That was the last nail in the coffin for Taeyong.
After a couple of minutes Doyoung excused himself to the bathroom down the hall, phone clutched in his hand and a devilish smile across his features.
Come to the bathroom Taeyong, we have something to discuss and don't make it look suspicious , read the text. Doyoung hit send and patiently waited in the bathroom against the wall beside the door. He heard motion and soon could see Taeyong walking down the hallway.
Quickly grabbing onto Taeyong's upper arm, he pulls him into the bathroom, depositing him against the wall. He cages him in in the small space. Taeyong's eyes are blown wide and searching Doyoung's face.
"Doie what" Taeyong starts, but he's interrupted by Doyoung.
"Don't Doie me, you know what you did." The hungry look in Doyoung's eyes sends a shiver down his spine, his body becoming more alert to Doyoung's movements. He's never seen Doyoung like this, but maybe he could get used to it. And then Doyoung is moving again. Placing one hand against Taeyong's lower back, pulling him forward and into his body, while his other hand holds Taeyong's face still as he dives in to kiss him. To add insult to injury, Doyoung slides one of his legs between Taeyong's legs. The friction causes a choked moan to escape Taeyong's mouth. Taeyong is beyond grateful for the wall he's propped up against, but as he looks to the side, he feels his entire body flush.
"The door!" Taeyong frantically whispers. They can hear their friends' voices and laughs just down the hall. Doyoung moves slightly back from Taeyong's face.
"I guess you should try real hard to be quiet then. Think you can do that for me?" In that very moment Taeyong knows he's fucked beyond fucked. This is no longer a bet to him, this is love, this is something that needs to be real. Taeyong only notices that he's been quiet for too long when Doyoung raises his leg between his own, creating more friction. This whole situation is driving Taeyong into blissful insanity. How in the world did they get here? He tries to stifle the moan that escapes him with his hand, but Doyoung is quicker. Their lips joined together again and if there was any doubt at all left in Taeyong that Doyoung isn't a good kisser, it is now completely gone. Taeyong becomes putty in Doyoung's arms as Doyoung tries to pull him even closer.
When Doyoung decides he's satisfied, he detaches from Taeyong's lips. Ha, that'll teach him to ignore Doyoung's want for kisses. Taeyong looks beautiful and Doyoung takes the time to admire him.
"I love you Lee Taeyong." Doyoung says barely above a whisper and he's detaching his body from Taeyong's, now standing in the bathroom's doorway.
Taeyong's eyes are wide, that's the first time Doyoung has said he loves Taeyong throughout this entire journey. He notices Doyoung stifling a giggle and follows his line of sight and oh God, he's hard. Taeyong's cheeks immediately flush red as he crosses his leg over and brings down his hands in an effort to cover his boner.
"Doie! You can't leave me like this!" Taeyong is nearly pleading.
"Have fun with that, cutie! We're going to need to have a serious talk about us later." Doyoung says as he slaps Taeyong's ass and walks out of the bathroom like nothing happened, leaving Taeyong to do what he needs to with his boner. Damn, Taeyong thinks to himself, I should have just kissed him, but that was also fucking hot .
Moods restored back to normal and the apartment devoid of their friends now, Doyoung sits on the corner of his bed, patting the spot beside him for Taeyong. "Come sit. Can we talk now?"
"Sure, I'm sure you felt that too earlier." Taeyong lazily walks over to the side of the bed and plops down beside Doyoung. Taeyong looks up at him as he gets comfortable, sitting with his knees up.
"What? Your cock or your very real feelings for me now?" Taeyong can tell Doyoung is proud of that comment and his previous actions based on the smug look on his face. Taeyong can't help the embarrassed grunt that escapes him and he tosses his body back onto Doyoung's bed.
"Stop," Taeyong whines, "It's embarrassing." He looks over at Doyoung, who is still sitting up, through the spaces between his fingers that cover his face.
Doyoung decides to lie down beside Taeyong too, propping his head up on his palm. "Really? I thought it was quite hot."
Taeyong lets out another squawk and now they're both laughing.
"You know, I stopped treating this whole thing like a bet a while ago. Yong, could you look at me, please?" Doyoung does his best to coax Taeyong out from behind his hands and it works because Taeyong's hands soon come down to rest on his chest.
"When I said I love you earlier I meant it wholeheartedly, absolutely, without a doubt." Doyoung feels his nerves ease as he sees Taeyong smile up at him. If only he knew how precious he is.
"I'm incredibly glad you do too because I was wracking my brain on how to bring it up to you." Taeyong grabs a hold of Doyoung's free hand and gives it a squeeze. "Kim Doyoung, my love for you has become so real in the past two months."
"Will you be my actual boyfriend this time?" Doyoung bites the bullet and just goes for it. He figures there's nothing to lose, and he's right.
"I would be honored to be your actual boyfriend Doie." Now it's Doyoung's turn to be shy as he drops his head on Taeyong's chest, draping an arm around Taeyong's stomach.
"I love you." Doyoung says, and it's a bit muffled in Taeyong's shirt.
"I love you too." Taeyong responds, pulling him in closer and kissing the top of his head.