Work Text:
There was definitely music coming from the maknae’s room. At first, Yeonjun hadn’t been quite sure if he was hearing things (it was one in the morning after all and he was more than a little bit out of it ) and he’d just gotten up to get a glass of water from the kitchen, but on return to the corridor that lead to their rooms, Yeonjun paused, tilting his head slightly to listen more closely in the darkness.
“I don’t know who loves me
And I don’t care, it’s a waste anyway
This romantic feeling
I feel a little scared…”
The music was quiet, so soft that had he not been listening out for it, the noise would have almost escaped his notice. But now, Yeonjun took a few more steps down the corridor and saw to his surprise that under the gap between the maknae’s door, it was clear that the light was on. Someone was still awake.
Frowning, Yeonjun walked straight up to the door, wondering why Taehyun and Kai were still awake, and after a moment’s hesitation, out of pure curiosity, he knocked on the door softly.
As soon as he did, the music stopped.
“Who is it?”
It was Taehyun speaking from the other side of the door, just loud enough to be heard, but oddly enough, Yeonjun heard no sound of Kai.
“It’s Yeonjun. Can I come in?” Yeonjun asked hopefully, and there was a pause, and then:
“Ok.”
Yeonjun lightly pushed at the door, and it swung open easily to reveal the maknaes’ room, doused in a warm golden light from a small lampshade sitting on Taehyun’s desk clearly illuminating the scene before him, and a slightly odd scene at that:
First of all, Kai wasn’t there at all. One sweep of the room confirmed that, but what was even more odd was the little makeshift fort set up in the middle of the room. The roof was constructed out of one large blanket, spread out between both of the beds and held up by an additional chair at the back, giving the structure more height. Inside the little den was what appeared to be a multitude of plushies, cushions and blankets for a comfortable floor. Sitting just inside the indoor tent was Taehyun, in a soft light blue hoodie and shorts holding a stick with giant pink and white marshmallows on the end over a very small lit candle sitting on a plate. Next to him, Yeonjun could see another packet of giant marshmallows, freshly opened, some skewer sticks piled to the side, and Taehyun’s phone, presumably where the music had been coming from. And from the window, Yeonjun could just about make out the tiniest specks of rain already hitting the glass.
Yeonjun struggled not to do a double take at the scene.
Taehyun peered up at Yeonjun, still holding out his marshmallow over the candle flame, and gave him a small smile, but somehow, it looked sad.
“Hi.”
“Hi. So...what’s all this about? And where’s Kai?” Yeonjun asked, not really sure what he’d just walked into as he eyed the small candle flame. Was Taehyun really trying to cook marshmallows with that? because if so, he’d be there all night.
“Kai is sleeping in Beomgyu hyung's room. They wanted to watch Squid Game together without me, so I made a fort for indoor camping, and now, I’m toasting marshmallows, in my fort. By myself. All alone.” Taehyun said resignedly, now fixing his gaze on the marshmallows in front of him, expression unreadable.
Yeonjun raised his eyebrows, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly - so that explained the odd set up. But this wasn’t like Taehyun at all. Normally, he wouldn’t fuss about something like this, or go to such extremes. His gaze drifted over the makeshift tent again, noticing how Taehyun had used a massive pile of CDs to pin the structure to the floor securely, the little bowl of chocolate sauce for his marshmallows at his feet. He really was turning this into a pity party.
“So, basically, you’re moping because you’re lonely.” Yeonjun said, stating the obvious, but at this, Taehyun’s gaze shot up to fix Yeonjun with a glare, but seeing as Taehyun had tiny sleeve paws and his hair was a cute fluffy mess, it sort of ruined the effect.
“I’m not lonely.” Taehyun said defiantly, jutting out his chin before fixing his sights on his very slowly roasting marshmallows once more.
Yeonjun stood there for a second, wondering whether Taehyun actually wanted company or not. Sometimes, it was difficult to tell. But Yeonjun had a hunch, so he decided to just go along with it.
“Fine. You’re not lonely, and you clearly don’t want my company, so I’m just going to go back to bed now and you can have fun with whatever this is.” Yeonjun said, gesturing vaguely at the odd set up in front of him.
Taehyun didn’t make any move to acknowledge what he’d just said.
Yeonjun turned round, hoping his instincts were right, because honestly, he didn’t mind keeping Taheyun company, he’d be more than happy to, but he’d just have to wait for Taehyun to decide that for himself. However, Yeonjun had only taken about three steps towards the door when he heard:
“Wait! Don’t leave!”
Yeonjun smiled to himself, knowing he’d won this battle, as he slowly turned back round to face Taehyun, who in the time it had taken for Yeonjun to walk less than a metre, had stood up to take a step towards him, still holding the stick of marshmallows in his hand.
He looked rather panicked, dark doe eyes wide, small face pale as though Yeonjun would have walked all the way across Korea, rather than a few metres to his room.
“You want me to stay?” Yeonjun asked, not being able to wipe the smirk that he felt forming on his face, because it was rare to see Taehyun this desperate for company. He saw a flash of annoyance in the younger’s eyes, but then Taehyun gave a small nod.
“Yes please.” Taehyun said softly, and then before Yeonjun could say anything else, Taehyun had rushed at him and was now grabbing onto Yeonjun’s wrist, pulling him forwards towards his tiny fort in the centre of the room.
“Sit there, I’ll toast marshmallows for you too.” Taehyun said eagerly, suddenly seeming so much more upbeat than he had just seconds before.
He directed Yeonjun to sit right beside him (which Yeonjun did, almost managing to accidentally squash a stray plushie while he was at it) but when he was comfortably sitting cross legged on a cushion, Yeonjun watched as Taehyun put down his own skewer of marshmallows on the candle plate only to grabbed a fresh skewer and started stabbing the marshmallows onto it in an alternating pink and white pattern.
Yeonjun watched fondly as Taehyun’s little face turned to an expression of concentration, the younger’s mouth slightly open, eyes wide and focused as he carefully made up the skewer and then passed it to Yeonjun.
“Thanks.”
Yeonjun held the row of marshmallows over the candle flame, but after a second Taehyun reached out and lightly slapped Yeonjun’s hand out the way.
“Ow!” Yeonjun yelped incredulously, gaping at Taehyun, who narrowed his eyes at Yeonjun.
“What do you think you’re doing?” Taehyun asked testily, a slight pout on his lips as he folded his arms across his chest.
And wow, if the adjectives ‘cute’ and ‘scary’ had a physical form, it would be in the form of Kang Taehyun, Yeonjun thought.
“Toasting my marshmallows.” Yeonjun asked uncertainty, while Taehyun rolled his eyes and sighed.
“Well your marshmallows are gonna have to wait, because mine came first, so get back in line.” Taehyun said coolly, as he now picked up his skewer and held it over the candle flame, determinedly not looking at Yeonjun, but it was obvious from the slight twitch at the corner of his mouth that Taehyun was enjoying his tiny victory.
“Fine.” Yeonjun muttered as he waited. He was used to this sort of thing from Taehyun- but still, it kept Yeonjun on his toes- it was like having to walk an invisible line where he wasn’t quite sure what was acceptable and what was out of the question, but in some way’s Yeonjun enjoyed it, because it allowed him to test the boundaries, albeit in very small steps.
And that fact seemed to prove true after less than a minute of silence, because Taehyun suddenly shifted closer, so that their sides were practically touching. He then proceeded to link his free arm with Yeonjun’s, and then to slowly rest his head on his hyung’s shoulder, snuggling into him while they both watched the candle flame.
Now Yeonjun was actually taken aback. Taehyun didn’t normally do this either- well, not towards him at least. Yes, Taehyun was clingy with Kai, and Soobin, and sometimes even Beomgyu, but not him, and Yeonjun didn’t quite know what to make of it. Taehyun’s hoodie was so warm, and his hair was so soft tickling the side of Yeonjun’s face and he couldn’t help but to rest his head against Taehyun’s breathing in a sweet smell of vanilla and cinnamon. Yeonjun was quickly learning that he quite liked being the object of Taehyun’s clinging, but that didn't stop him from worrying, because Taehyun still seemed a little off.
“Are you ok? You seemed a bit ...I don’t know, sad before? Do you want to talk about it?” Yeonjun asked softly, because it had to be asked- his member’s happiness was everything to him, and Yeonjun was pretty sure that Kai spending one night in Beomgyu’s room wasn’t what was making Taehyun sad.
There was a pause, and for a second, Yeonjun thought that Taehyun wouldn’t answer, but then he did:
“I wasn't sad. I was deep in thought, there's a difference.” Taehyun said, voice soft, but there was a note of finality in his tone, as though he didn’t want to say anything more about it, and Yeonjun would have been stupid to think he could just get Taehyun to open up about his feelings that easily, even if he thought that Taehyun was partially lying to him.
“Ok. I was just asking because I care, you know that right? ” Yeonjun asked quietly, but then Taehyun lifted his head from where it had been resting on Yeonjun’s shoulder to turn round slightly, just enough so that they could see each other.
“I know, and I wasn’t sad. But hypothetically, if I was sad, you being here made me happy again.” Taehyun said with a slight smile, and Yeonjun smiled back, pleased that, however indirectly, Taheyun had basically told him at least a bit of the truth. Yeonjun was just glad that he’d been able to make some sort of difference, however small.
Taehyun then turned back round and continued to use Yeonjun’s shoulder as a headrest, snuggling into him more. Yeonjun gently tugged his arm out of Taehyun’s so that he could run his fingers through the younger’s hair, the soft strands falling through his fingers. The silver dye in Taehyun’s hair was fading slightly now, but it was still pretty, and in the warm golden glow from the lampshade and the candle, the light reflected off of his hair beautifully. This was another instance where Yeonjun was testing that invisible line, wondering whether this was ok, but Taehyun didn’t even say a word, so Yeonjun took this as a cue to carry on for a few more minutes, the warmth of the room and the cozy atmosphere making him feel sort of sleepy.
“You’re hair’s so soft.” Yeonjun whispered, more to himself than to Taehyun, and he only got a hum in response from the younger, but then Yeonjun had an idea, although he wasn't entirely sure if Taehyun would like it.
“Will you let me style it for you?” Yeonjun asked eagerly- he almost always wore a small hair band around his wrist so that he could tie up his hair into the tiniest ponytail during dance practise, so he had already come prepared. Yeonjun felt Taehyun noticeably freeze right next to him, but the younger didn’t turn around.
“What did you have in mind?” Taehyun asked, voice light.
“The apple hairstyle maybe? It always looks cute on you.” Yeonjun said, still threading his fingers through Taehyun’s hair, hoping Taehyun was in a good enough mood to allow this, and after a second or more, Taehyun turned back round to face him.
“Ok. “ he said with a small shrug, which was unexpected, because Taehyun didn’t always take kindly to being described as ‘cute’ but tonight, he seemed more than willing to indulge Yeonjun’s wims.
“Really?”
“Why not?” Taehyun asked, smiling sweetly, as though this was no big deal, but inside, Yeonjun was jumping for joy. It wasn’t often he got to make his cute dongsaengs look extra cute, and he’d take full advantage when he was allowed.
So Yeonjun moved round so that he was sitting behind Taehyun in a kneeling position at the perfect height for hair styling as the younger faced the front, allowing Yeonjun to take a bunch of his hair from the top of his head and begin styling. Yeonjun gently tugged the tuft of hair into a neat bunch, careful not to pull too hard and trying to make it neat.
Meanwhile, Taehyun was still tasting his marshmallows, and as Yeonjun peered over his shoulder, he could see absolutely no difference whatsoever. Apparently, cooking over a tiny candle flame wasn’t the way to do it. Who would have guessed?
“Wouldn’t it be better to roast them over a stove or something?” Yeonjun asked skeptically, but Taehyun gave a little huff in response.
“No it wouldn’t. I saw this on Youtube. It works.” Taehyun said confidently.
Yeonjun started to open his mouth to say something in response to that- possibly about how you can’t always trust things you saw on the internet- but thought better of it and continued styling Taehyun’s hair.
Honestly, Yeonjun was half stunned that Taehyun was even letting him do this, but he didn’t dwell on it too much as Taehyun reached for his phone with his free hand and turned on the music, so that the room was filled with the soft tune once more.
“...Sweet and bitter chocolate
The ending taste is always the same…”
“Here, this one’s cooked. You have it.” Taehyun said over the music. Yeonjun leaned over Taehyun’s shoulder as the younger pulled the marshmallow that was on the end on his skewer off and dipped it into the bowl of chocolate, covering it in a generous amount of the sweet sticky coating before twisting slightly to feed it to Yeonjun, who hesitated.
“What happened to the whole ‘wait your turn’ thing you were talking about?” Yeonjun asked, causing Taehyun to give him a pointed look that clearly said ‘just take the stupid marshmallow already’.
“I’ll let that rule slide. Just this once.” Taehyun said, so he happily leaned forwards over Taehyun’s shoulder and chomped down on the chocolate coated marshmallow as Taehyun turned back round.
So maybe Taehyun had been right after all about cooking marshmallows by candle flame because it was heavenly, both fluffy and sweet and sticky and chocolatey all at once.
“Told you so.” Taehyun said, and though Yeonjun could only see the back of the younger’s head, he knew that Taehyun was taking Yeonjun’s silence as proof that his methods worked.
Yeonjun finished tying up Taehyun’s hair, the end result being that a small portion of the younger’s hair now looked like the stalk of an apple, bobbing slightly on top of his head. Yeonjun thought that he’d done a pretty good job at making a naturally cute person look even cuter- if that were even possible.
“There, all done.” Yeonjun said, pleased with himself, and then because he couldn’t help it he added: “God, you’re so cute.” and with that, he wrapped his arms around Taehyun’s waist in a back hug, resting his chin on Taehyun’s shoulder.
Taehyun gave a small surprised yelp in response, but he didn’t pull away, only learned into the hug, tutting at his hyung, but in an amused rather than an angry fashion.
“You’re such a softie.” Taehyun teased, as he craned his neck round to raise an eyebrow at Yeonjun, who pouted back at him.
“I know.” Yeonjun admitted, and then added rather smugly, “But you love it.” which only made Taehyun giggle as he shifted round in Yeonjun’s arms so that they were facing each other, one hand still held out awkwardly over the candle flame, but at this point, that wasn’t really their priority.
From this angle, both of them sitting there on the makeshift cushioned floor, faces inches away from each other, Yeonjun could see the golden glimmer of the candle flame in Taehyun’s deep brown eyes, crackling like a tiny fire, and Taehyun’s smile, with his stray dimple in his right cheek. Had he ever seen anything as warm as that smile?
“Did you know that when you cling to my arm, it reminds me of a baby panda bear clinging to a zookeeper?” Yeonjun asked, and then immediately wanted to slap himself. The words had just slipped out, and even though he’d observed the similarity before, he’d never actually voiced it out loud, and now, he felt his face turning red- he was practically combusting.
Taehyun seemed equally mortified as he pulled away slightly, giving Yeonjun an incredulous look in response.
“Excuse me, but what? Are you actually comparing me to a clingy, helpless ball of fur that only eats bamboo?”
"It's a compliment! I watch videos of baby pandas all the time, and they're adorable!” Yeonjun added, hoping to regain his dignity and failing miserably. Inside, he was cringing. Things had been going so well, but Taehyun didn’t look at all convinced as he raised an eyebrow, eyes narrowed in distaste.
“I’m sorry, I’ll shut up. Please erase what I just said from your memory and we’ll never speak of this moment ever again-” Yeonjun babbled in panic, but then Taehyun’s judgemental expression softened into a smile, those little crinkles appearing at the corners of his eyes.
“It’s ok. I’ll take the compliment.” Taehyun said looking rather entertained by Yeonjun’s panicked blabbering. Yeonjun breathed a sigh of relief, and surprise.
“You will?” he asked uncertainty, and Taehyun nodded, apple hairstyle bobbing slightly.
“Yeah, but only because you’re cute when you’re flustered.” Taehyun added, as he leaned forwards, biting his bottom lip slightly as his eyes shone, and it took a moment for that sentence to sink in as Yeonjun’s eyes wandered over Taheyun’s lips, and he had the sudden urge to cup the younger’s face in his hand and close the gap between them.
Outside, Yeonjun heard the rain starting to beat down harder against the window, the wind howling louder, and still Taehyun’s face was so close, eyes wide, shining, and without even thinking about it, Yeonjun raised his right hand to gently brush the younger’s hair out of his eyes, lightly caressing his cheek. And still the music played on:
“...Already, my heart that chases you
Burns up in a small flame…”
“You’re just so….” Yeonjun whispered, not even sure how to finish that sentence as he shifted even closer, unable to look away as Taehyun lifted his hand to cover Yeonjun's, the hand resting against his face. From here, Yeonjun could count every single eyelash, and every single tiny fleck of dark and light in Taehyun’s eyes.
“So what?'' Taheyun asked softly, tilting his head to one side, lips slightly parted, expression hopeful as though he really wanted to know the answer, but Yeonjun had run out of words. Was there a single word you could ever use to describe someone? Because Taehyun was not a single thing, he was everything, and so much more.
Even so, he wanted to try.
“You’re so...”
“Fire!”
“What?”
Yeonjun had looked away for one second, just one second as he’d attempted to find the right word to describe Taehyun, and his gaze had drifted over to the stick of marshmallows that Taehyun had been holding over the candle flame, unobserved, until now, because the row of marshmallows was now on fire. Taehyun must have lowered them too close to the flames. Yeonjun pointed to the alarming scene frantically, Taehyun whipping his head round a moment later, and now he was painking too.
“Oh no. Oh no. Oh no oh no oh no!” Taehyun squeaked, eyes growing even wider as he focused on the burning mass of quickly melting marshmallows, turning to Yeonjun with a hysterical look in his eye.
“What do I do?” he asked, voice slightly higher than usual as Yeonjun gaped at the sight almost lost for words, the flames burning bright in the dim lighting from the bedroom.
“Water! We need water!” Yeonjun said, painfully aware of the fact that his hands were now flapping uselessly in his panic and Taehyun was looking even more alarmed as his gaze darted around to what he had in front of him (not much apart from the candle) but then Yeonjun watched fearfully as Taehyun dipped the burning mass into the bowl of chocolate sauce, which did absolutely nothing at all. If anything, the chocolate only started to burn, sizzling away noisily.
“I said water, not chocolate for god’s sake!” Yeonjun yelled exasperatedly, as Taehyun shot him a glare over his shoulder, but then the younger got to his feet, carrying the stick of burning sugar with him. Yeonjun quickly got out his feet too as Taehyun rushed round their fort and over to his bedside table, as though that would provide the solution.
“I swear I had a glass of water here!” Taehyun cried in frustration, but it was clear that apart from his lampshade and glasses, Taehyun didn’t have what he was looking for as he picked up his glasses and put them back down with shaky hands, completely flustered and very scared. He spun round to face Yeonjun, an expression that screamed ‘save me!’ plastered on his face.
Yeonjun glanced out the window. It was still raining- hard, and despite his panic, he now knew exactly what to do.
“Give that to me.” Yeonjun said firmly as he edged around the fort and over to Taehyun, reaching out his hand for the end of the stick, which thankfully hadn't caught fire just yet, but as for the marshmallows- well, they were a melted mess to say the least.
Taehyun gave him one more fearful look, but Yeonjun held out his hand, and after a moment’s hesitation, Taehyun handed over the end of the skewer with a shaky hand.
Yeonjun took it, careful not to get his fingers burnt in the process, and then determinedly walked over to the window, which he opened, ignoring the strong wind that almost forced it shut again as he stuck the skewer out of the window and into the rain. Instantly, the flames died out, leaving only a very small trace of smoke drifting from the singed sugar that stuck to the wooden skewer.
Yeonjun breathed a sigh of relief as he brought his hand (and what remained of the would- be snack) back inside and he shut the widow once more. He suddenly felt a rush of pride at the idea that he’d just saved them both.
“See, that wasn’t too bad.” Yeonjun said breezily, even though at the start he’d been a very panicked mess too, but now Yeonjun turned round and spotted Taehyun, who was backed up against the corner of the room, next to Kai’s bed.
Taehyun’s eyes were wide, and he was breathing heavily from fear, hands curled into small fists and brought up to his chest. The apple hairstyle at the top of his head bobbed slightly and the rest of his hair looked a little tousled. It was clear to say that Taehyun had been absolutely terrified by the whole ordeal.
“You put the fire out didn’t you?” Taehyun asked voice coming out shaky as he eyed the skewer in Yeonjun’s hand cautiously, narrowing his eyes a little as he did so.
“Well obviously.” Yeonjun said, not being able to hide the twitch at the corner of his mouth as he held up the stick to confirm that yes, the fire was out, and seconds later, he spotted the bin against the opposite side of the wall and threw the skewer into it, where it landed right on target.
He then turned back to Taehyun, who wasn’t showing any sign of stepping away from his safe spot in the corner, still looking a bit traumatised. Yeonjun had never seen Taehyun so flustered in all his life.
“Oh come on, it wasn’t that scary.” Yeonjun said as he took a small step towards Taehyun, hoping he could coax him away from the wall.
Taehyun shook his head.
“Yes it was. Stop making fun of me.” Taehyun said, slightly defensively, as he pouted, which only served to make him look even more adorable.
“I’m not making fun of you.” Yeonjun promised, even though he sort of was, just a bit, as he beckoned Taehyun to come forward, just wanting to reassure him, to tell him it was fine, everything was fine now.
“You’re safe. Come here.” Yeonjun said gently, and that was all it took, because Taehyun’s face suddenly broke into a small smile, and a second later, Taehyun had rushed at him, burying his face into Yeonjuns’ chest, wrapping his arms around Yeonjun’s waist and clinging on tightly, hands making little fists in the back of Yeonjun’s t-shirt.
Yeonjun was, for lack of a better words, completed stunned, he hadn’t expected this sort of reaction, but he welcomed it all the same as he wrapped his arms around Taehyun, resting his chin on the top of Taehyun’s head, the tuft of hair that was held up by the hair band tickling his nose, the sweet scent of vanilla and cinnamon drifting over him once more.
They held each other for a few long moments, and in the silence that followed, Yeonjun realised that the song had finally stopped playing, and when he looked towards the window, the storm was fading away to a soft drizzle instead.
“Thank you for rescuing me from the burning marshmallows.” Taehyun mumbled, his voice coming out very much muffled, but Yeonjun got the jist of it as Taehyun pulled away, only slightly so that he could peer up at Yeonjun properly.
“You’re welcome.” Yeonjun said maybe a bit too formally, because Taehyun gave a small giggle, showing off his cute dimple and crinkles his eyes again. The very sight made enough to make Yeonjuns’ heart pound- and how had he not noticed it before? Had the music sounded over his beating heart when they were huddled inside the fort, so much so that he didn’t hear it? But now, in the silence, things were so much clearer.
“I lied before.” Taehyun said softly, and now, his smile faded only to be replaced with an expression of worry, a small crease appearing between his eyebrows. Yeonjun frowned, not sure he was following, but then he understood as Taehyun added:
“When you asked if I was sad before. I said ‘no’ but I was lying.” Taehyun said quietly, not quite meeting Yeonjun’s gaze.
And now, Yeonjun felt a twinge of worry, alarm even as Taehyun nibbled at his lower lip anxiously as though he were contemplating telling Yeonjun what was bothering him.
“Why did you lie? You know you don’t need to hide how you’re feeling. I’m always here for you, and I’ll always listen.” Yeonju said softly, hoping he was being reassuring enough, because he never wanted Taehyun to just suffer with whatever negative feelings he was having alone. Yeonjun wanted to help, he wanted to be there for him, always.
“I know.” Taehyun said in a small voice, but he still wasn’t meeting Yeonjun’s eyes, as he said it. In fact, he was focused on a spot somewhere to the left of their feet, right on the floor.
Yeonjun then took his hand and gently tilted Taehyun’s chin up so that the younger had to meet his eyes, and when he did, he saw that Taehyun’s eyes were filled with tears, and that sight was enough to make Yeonjun feel as though something inside him was breaking.
“I like someone. I really, really like them, but I’m scared. And I don’t know how I’m supposed to tell them. I’m not very good at getting the words out, I don’t know how I’m supposed to phrase my feelings in a way that doesn’t sound stupid.” Taehyun said, voice trembling, and Yeonjun blinked in shock, not sure he’d heard correctly.
“I-”
Taheyun gave him a look, and Yeonjun immediately shut up. To be fair, he wasn’t sure where he’d been going with that sentence anyway. He was still partly in shock. Yeonjun hadn’t known Taehyun even liked anyone at all, not in a romantic sense. The most Yeonjun had ever done was hope.
“I like this person, so much. They’re like a role model to me, they drive me forwards, inspire me to do better, always, every single day. They're the best hyung, always looking out for me, making sure I’m ok, even when I don’t ask for it, or push them away, even when I don't mean to. They’re always there for me, no matter what, and they never fail to make me smile. They’re just so...they’re everything. They're everything to me. But I’m terrified that they won’t like me back.” Taehyun concluded, which made Yeonjun’s eyes widen, because that was exactly what he’d thought about Taehyun.
But he wasn’t going to get his hopes up. Not yet. For all he knew, Taehyun could be talking about someone else.
“Does it really matter? I mean, who cares if it’s awkward? Most confessions are. Isn’t it better to ask, and try, and find out if they feel the same, than to never ask at all?” Yeonjun said tentatively, but Taehyun shook his head sadly, a flash of fear and self doubt evident in his eyes.
“I don’t think I can, because if he didn’t feel the same, I’d have no one to rescue me when I accidentally burn something again.” Taehyun said all in a rush, and now, to Yeonjun’s dismay, Taehyun wriggled out of Yeonjun’s grasp and attempted to walk away.
It only took a moment for Yeonjun to process what Taehyun had said, and when he did, it finally clicked. Just as Taehyun was about to brush past him, Yeonjun grabbed his wrist and pulled him back so they were facing each other again, even as Taehyun attempted to tug his wrist out of Yeonjun’s grasp, glaring at him, but looking more upset than anything else, cheeks a delicate shade of pink.
“There I said it! Now you know! It’s you, you idiot! It’s always been you.” Taehyun cried, distraught as a single tear fell down his cheek.
Taehyun liked him. That thought was sinking into Yeonjun’s brain, and it felt something like falling, or flying, or both, but both produced the same effect- the giddiness, the euphoria, the warmth like summer sunshine dancing over your face. It felt like joy, and freedom. It felt like everything, all at once, because no one was just a single thing, and love wasn’t confined to one sensation, but every moment spent with that person, all compiled into a treasure box kept safe within the heart.
Yeonjun stepped forwards, taking Taehyun’s face in both hands and making the younger look up at him through glassy eyes, the tears running down his face. Yeonjun never wanted Taehyun to look like that: so hopeless, and lost.
“You say that I’m ‘everything’ to you?” Yeonjun asked softly, and Taehyun nodded slightly, as Yeonjun lightly brushed away the younger’s tears with the back of his thumb.
“Funny you should say that, because that’s exactly how I feel about you.” Yeonjun said, giving Taehyun a reassuring smile. He watched as Taehyun’s expression changed from distraught, to surprised, his mouth twitching into a smile, and the light in his eyes was there again, burning brighter than any candle flame.
And then it was Taehyun who took a step closer, wrapping his arms around Yeonjun’s neck. Yeonjun leaned forwards, cupping Taehyun’s face with his hands, eyes falling shut as-
“Not so fast!”
Yeonjun paused midway, eyes snapping open as he realised that Taehyun had reached out and had put a single finger to Yeonjun’s lips, stopping him midway from going any further. Needless to say, Yeonjun was confused, and shocked, as he leaned back and Taehyun took his hand away, staring up at Yeonjun with one eyebrow raised, an amused and very smug smile on his face.
Meanwhile, Yeonjun felt his cheeks burning, so red he must have resembled a tomato. He suddenly felt like curling into himself from embarrassment as he removed his hands from Taehyun’s face, and Taehyun removed his own arms from where they’d been wrapped around Yeonjun’s neck to step back from each other.
“Did- did I read this wrongly, because I thought you just said that you liked me?” Yeonjun asked pointing at Taehyun uncertainly, now feeling panicky as well as embarrassed, because he’d now potentially made a move on one of his members where is wasn't’ wanted, his dongsaeng, who he actually had feelings for no less, and the last thing Yeonjun wanted was to hurt Taehyun in any way. The whole idea made him feel like flinging himself out of the window to never return again.
“Oh I did. I do like you.” Taehyun said still with that little smug smile on his face, even as his cheek flushed as th confessed his feelings again, eyes sparkling with amusement now as he folded his arms. Yeonjun let a sigh of relief escape him, confirming that he hadn’t been delusional after all, but that didn’t mean he understood what was going on here.
“Then why-?”
Taehyun huffed as though Yeonjun simply wasn’t getting it- which to be fair, he really wasn’t.
“Because I want you to work for it.'' Taheyun said, and if Yeonjun wasn’t mistaken, he could hear a slight flirtatious note in Taehyun’s voice as Yeonjun gaped at the younger, completely taken aback. It was clear that now Taehyun knew his feelings were reciprocated, his confidence had returned once more.
“‘Work for it’?” Yeonjun asked incredulously. Did Taehyun actually want him to ‘work for’ a kiss on the lips? Or had he been too bold to assume that a kiss was expected? Another way he’d pushed the boundaries a little too far perhaps? These contradicting ideas were driving him crazy- or maybe it was the way Taehyun had tilted his head to one side, surveying Yeonjun through narrowed eyes, like a cat toying with a mouse that was making Yeonjun’s heart do backflips even as his brain was quickly becoming scrambled.
“But I’ve been your hyung for four years, who’s looked after you all this time if it wasn't me? I’ve fed you from my own plate, I tucked you in at night after long dance practise sessions, I let you borrow my jumpers even when I knew you wouldn’t give them back! Haven't I worked hard enough?” Yeonjun pleaded, while Taehyun simply shrugged nonchalantly.
“Then I guess you’ll have to work harder. I don’t give out a kiss on the lips to anyone you know.” Taehyun said coyly. Yeonjun’s jaw dropped. He’d never felt so rejected and accepted at the same time by a single person.
And then Taehyun stepped forwards and, giving Yeonjun the sweetest smile, Taehyun gently cupped the side of Yeonjun’s face with his hand, stood on tiptoe, just enough so that he could plant a light kiss on Yeonjun’s cheek.
“I’ll give you the kiss you’re looking for, just be patient, It Boy.'' Taehyun whispered, breath gently tickling the side of Yeonjun’s face.
Taehyun then pulled away to peer up at Yeonjun as he stood there, dumbfounded, but also ridiculously happy. Yeonjun lifted his hand to briefly touch the tingling spot where Taehyun’s lips and brushed his skin. He felt as though he were soaring, so high he was slightly giddy, but he never wanted to come down. It was terrifying and exhilarating at the same time.
“You, Kang Taehyun, are going to be the death of me.” Yeonjun said softly as he reached out his hands, and Taehyun happily took them, intertwining their fingers together between them.
“Well, I should hope not, otherwise you won't get that kiss, now will you?” Taehyun asked sweetly, as he gave Yeonjun a little wink.
And wow, Kang Taehyun, being a flirt. Who would have guessed? Yeonjun thought, but he was thoroughly enjoying it, and grinned as Taehyun added:
“Come on. I want to have a proper go at toasting marshmallows again.” and with that, Taehyun turned round and let go of one of Yeonjun’s hands, but kept a firm grasp on the other as he tugged Yeonjun back over to the makeshift tent again, and Yeonjun grinned, happy to follow along.
So no, Yeonjun didn’t exactly get the kiss he was after, but he got the kiss that he needed, that told him everything he needed to know. Yeonjun was happy to wait, he’d be patient, because Taheyun was everything, and you couldn’t get everything all at once. But for now, he had Taehyun, sitting next to him, clinging onto his arm, resting his head against Yeonjun’s shoulder as they began to toast more marshmallow skewers, and for now, that was more than enough.