Archive of Our Own ^beta

Jay didn’t believe in waking up early on the weekends. 

When you were a student like him, working yourself to the bone during weekdays, classes starting as early as 8AM and having to run to cram classes right after… You just had to make choices. Naturally, one of those choices was to always oversleep during the weekend. 

Actually, it was more than a choice. It was a rule. A rule that he had been taught by his own mother. 

“If you’re going to overdo it during the week, then you always have to take it easy during the end of the weekends. There’s no point living life if you are always tired, Jeongseong-ah.” She’d always say it gently, while stroking the bags under his eyes, worry etched in her small eyes. 

Of course, he was seven years old back then. And most importantly, Jungwon hadn’t made an apparition in his life.

The way they met was quite classic. Friends of friends. Jungwon was friends with Sunoo, who was friends with Jake and Sunghoon. Of course, all of them—along with Ni-ki and Heeseung—ended up being a tight knitted group of friends, but really Jay and Jungwon never really had the sparks-inducing meet-cute that you’d read in books or see in movies. Sure, Jungwon had gotten comfortable with Jay quite fast and that made Jay happy because he secretly always had been scared he came across as cold to people he wasn't close with. But despite this, it wasn’t until a year of friendship that Jay came to a realization.

After fifteen years of restful weekends, someone had made him lose sleep and it was not because he was forced due to a family function.

Jay would have wished it was because of a one-time event. No, instead it was because Jay didn’t want to miss Jungwon’s good morning text and its complimentary selca of Jungwon face lit up by the early sunrise since he was helping his grandmother take care of her garden in the morning on Sundays. Or because the younger couldn’t sleep, so he’d take waking up selcas out of boredom and just had to share them with Jay. 

In retrospect, it would have made sense to just wake up to the time he wanted and read the text in due time. But that was the realization. He didn’t want to wait. For Jungwon, sleep could wait.

That last sentence kind of set everything in motion.

After months of fumbling and awkward affectionate gestures and blushing cheeks, Jay finally confessed and even though Jungwon was still not out to his grandmother—he still wasn’t to this day actually—he had looked at Jay with the biggest, prettiest eyes full of hope and asked him if Jay was serious. When Jay nodded in sheepish embarrassment, Jungwon gave him the most memorable and heart wrenching smile as he jumped in Jay’s arms as an answer.

He hugged him back and never really let go. Two years later, Jungwon kind of still had Jay’s heart in the palm of his hand. They still had those shy giggling moments. They still were in high school and young after all. But over all they had reached a level of comfort in their relationship that naturally and gave them that status of an old married couple in their friends group. Especially after Jake and Sunghoon had gotten together a year or so afterwards.

(Jay just spluttered in denial when his friends called them an old married couple, though. Maybe it was because sometimes when he looked at Jungwon he really considered marrying him. 

Don’t tell Jungwon, though. He wouldn’t be able to handle it. Or to let it go.)

Their relationship had taken a special turn that consisted of Jungwon being super annoyingly romantic and so fucking effortlessly cute and Jay just suffering because he was whipped. 

Honestly, Jay had never really been on the romantic side. His parents loved each other, but still were subdued in the way they showed their affection, and it had rubbed off on Jay. Sure, he had grown up watching American romcoms because of his sister, but other than that? He could be happy just being in Jungwon’s presence for their dates.

Jungwon…didn’t have the same state of mind.

The younger wanted to have the whole tv drama experience through their relationship. The whole raining outside and ‘I happen to have an umbrella, so naturally I’ll shield you from the pouring rain’. The entire ‘Oh you’re cold? Let me give you my only means of warmth while I die of hypothermia, even though I told you to bring a jacket’.

Of course, Jay loved Jungwon, so even though some of those scenarios are questionable and he is naturally uncomfortable when he gets too much attention, he’d do them a thousand times if it meant it would make Jungwon smile.

Also, there was the fact that the tv drama experience wasn’t only benefitting Jungwon.

For instance, he had been shocked to see that Jungwon had understood how sleep was important to him, so the younger would send his good morning texts a little later in the day for him, because he knew that Jay would wake up with the notification. 

Jungwon would send him articles of fashion and try to learn fashion jargon just to understand Jay's passionate rants on the subject. (What was even cuter was the fact that eight out of ten times, Jungwon would use the words wrong. In times like these, Jay would just correct him softly or let him believe it while looking at him with the fondest smile).

So, yeah. Dating Yang Jungwon was quite great.

Except when it was Valentine’s day and you had a fucking psychoromantic for a boyfriend.

(“Seven steps, Jungwon?!” Jay hissed at Jungwon. The younger hummed in satisfaction from the other end of the line. Jay called him immediately when he received the PDF document of their Valentine’s day…program.

“Yes. Seven steps. And what about it?” Jungwon asked, nonchalantly. Jay spluttered.

“That doesn’t seem like a little too much?!” Jay asked, incredulously 

“No, it doesn’t. It’s just standard procedure. We didn’t celebrate it last year, so we have to make up for the lost time.” He could hear the smile in Jungwon’s voice and Jay hated that it made him want to smile as well, just imagining Jungwon’s pretty dimples peeking.

“Jungwon, we did celebrate it last year!”

“I had the flu, so I stayed at home! I kept on sneezing, coughing and my whole body ached!” Jungwon said, accusingly. Like it was Jay’s fault that Jungwon had a weak immune system.

“And I spent the day with you seated at the top of a freaking ladder next to your bedroom window to keep you company!” Jay reminisced. 

He remembered how much his back hurt from having to support himself on the small final step of the ladder, just to see Jungwon sleep most of the day. Sure, Jungwon was adorable when he slept but overall Jay was quite worried over his health. He didn’t want to catch what Jungwon had, so he never actually entered the bedroom and had to hide from sight when Jungwon’s grandmother would show up. When the younger was awake, they’d watch childrens’ shows on his computer. Overall, it was a good Valentine’s day, as far as Jay was concerned, because he still spent it with his boyfriend. 

Jungwon didn’t agree, though. “I love you for that. It was very cute. But I’m sorry, Jay hyung, we deserve more. I’m not letting anything get in the way of our Valentine's day. I don’t care what Sunghoon hyung has to say. We’ll be pure products of capitalism if we have to, but I’m getting my fantasy day.”

Jay sighed. It was true that Sunghoon and Jake’s little Valentine’s day crisis had kind of ignited a fire under both of their asses. 

Jungwon just had to be an anti-anti-valentine’s day apologist.

And Jay…Well, Jay decided to create his whole secret admirer plot because he liked to meddle a little too much when it came to Jake. Just best friend things.

Anyways, they both were handling things pretty healthily as anyone could see.

“Besides, the actual steps are quite easy to do. We barely will have to spare any expenses. And except for the morning steps, we’ll be out most of the day. Grandma will be away with her church group, so no having to be careful either.” Jungwon explained. Jay hummed at the last comment. Having Jungwon hiding their relationship from his grandmother had been quite the challenge for their relationship. Actually, it was the number one subject of their fights. 

Jay would never ask Jungwon to come out for him. Especially when they had no idea how Jungwon’s grandmother would react. But it still kind of sucked not to be able to kiss his boyfriend at home when she was around. And they couldn’t even do it at Jay’s home because, even if their parents were supportive of Jay’s sexuality and of their relationship, they still didn’t want them to do anything more than hold hands at the Park’s residence. Jungwon was very strict about respecting this rule, much to Jay’s grand dismay.

It was still better than acting like they were friends and not being able to touch Jungwon when they had their date nights at Jungwon’s home, though. 

Even when they were too pressed by their urges and decided to say fuck it and make out in Jungwon’s bed, they’d hear footsteps and break apart in two seconds. There was nothing more awkward than hiding your semi-boner when your boyfriend’s clueless grandmother asked if they wanted orange slices as snacks. 

Back to the first topic, though: “I just think that it’s a lot of activities…What if it doesn’t live up to your expectations?” 

“...Is that what you’re so worried about?” Jungwon asked, softly, after a small pause. His voice was fond now. 

“...Yeah.” It was actually the first thing that popped into Jay’s mind when he received the file. He knew that it was an ambitious program and that, where Jay was down to earth and had his head on his shoulders, Jungwon was a dreamer. And to see his plans being ruined always frustrated Jay. He was whipped like that.

“Don’t worry, hyung. The point is to spend the day with you. If we get to do that, I’ll consider our day successful.” Jungwon had a grin in his voice. Jay wished he was with him to see it. He wished he could kiss him, too, but it was Tuesday night.

“Okay, then.” Jay finally sighed. “Let’s do your seven steps day.”

“You could sound more excited, you know.” Jungwon scoffed. “I’m trying to get us the fantasy V Day and you’re out here sounding so enthusiastic…”

“Who’s paying for step four through seven, huh? You’re broke because of that damn teddy bear you got me.” Jay reminded him smugly, as if he didn’t put the bear on a special corner of his room in full display. 

“Hey! You loved it, you jerk.”

“Who are you calling a jerk–”)

Yeah, so.

They had big plans.

Finally today was the 14th.

Like stated before he was used to be woken up by Jungwon one way or another.

Still, nothing could prepare Jay for a good morning text at 8AM.

The text itself wasn’t all that special.

From: Jungwonnie 🤎

Good morning

Happy Valentine’s day :3 !!!

It was more the video that was sent seconds next that made Jay’s stomach ache in want.

It was a video of Jungwon bunched up in the fluffy white sweater he loved to wear on cold nights. He had a black beanie on, that made his bangs plaster against his small, tired-looking eyes cutely. He had his face squished against one of the plushies, making his smile half-smushed by the position. It was the octopus one that held a small heart. The picture must have been taken in the morning because Jungwon’s face was lit up by an almost golden light that could come from the actual rising sun. 

Jay’s heart was already beating a little too fast and he hadn’t even pressed play. His boyfriend was dangerous.

Finally, he dared press play and he was met with rustling, most likely the blanket against the phone mic. Jungwon looked softly at the camera, almost as if he had Jay right in front of him smiling and huffing as he mouthed words. 

Jay made it out and his breath stuttered as he read the words “I love you” from Jungwon’s soft looking lips.

The video stopped after Jungwon gave him another smile.

Jay was only human. So, naturally, he played it ten times. Just regular Sunday morning behavior.

But once again, today was no regular day. 

From: Jungwonnie 🤎

I know you’re still in bed >_< 

Wake up

We have a program!!

From: Jay hyung!!

You know I’m weak for your morning videos. 

Now I just want to spend the morning in bed watching it.

From: Jungwonnie 🤎

Why would you settle for watching a vid when you could have the real thing?

Jay groaned on his pillow. He hated his boyfriend for being such a tease. The worst part was that he wasn’t even doing it with the intent of being playful or cocky. He just said things like that without any second thoughts. Sure, he knew that it made Jay crazy, but generally he never riled Jay on purpose. He didn’t really need to. All he had to do was look in Jay’s way and smile to make him melt.

From: Jay hyung!!

Hum. Okay. Don’t say things like that. 

I’m coming in less than an hour.

From: Jungwonnie 🤎

We’re going to have so much fun 

Can’t wait :)

so bring yourself over

My Valentine

From: Jay hyung!!

I’m comiiiiing -_-

From: Jungwonnie 🤎

hehehe

From: Jay hyung!!

-_-

From: Jungwonnie 🤎

:(

From: Jay hyung!!

…

<3

From: Jungwonnie 🤎

:D

*♡ ᴱᴺ ♡*

Jay dressed up quickly and packed a bag with all the things he’d need for the day. Jungwon had actually made a register list of all the things they’d need, like they were planning a wedding. Jay tried not to think about that last detail too much—his stomach did summersault and it kinda hurt—and just brought what Jungwon wanted. Even though he knew his boyfriend was quite excessive, he had learned to not question his antics and just roll with it.

He was too tired to make any real effort for his outfit. He also knew that their program would be messy and he wasn’t going to lose yet another expensive blazer because of Jungwon’s clumsiness. The younger would just feel bad again for ruining more of his clothes and Jay would, of course, say it’s nothing, even though he’d cry about it internally. 

To avoid all that, he chose a simple oversized gray hoodie, baggie jeans with chains hanging from his belt, and put a cap to cover his bird-nest of blond hair. He completed the look with some necklaces, and other accessories. Finally, he decided to put on his glasses because his eyes were tired from the contacts. He used to be insecure over them, but for some reason Jungwon liked when he put them on. He didn’t try to make sense of Jungwon’s thought process.

He climbed down the stairs from his home and said hi to his parents. He successfully evaded his home before they teased him to death with ‘Who are you going to see today?’ and ‘Ooooh, you’re seeing your boyfriend’s?’. They already had done too much when he casually told them he’d be away for the day on Valentine’s day. He didn’t need more. 

Once he exited the house, not without putting his most covering straight black coat on since the February cold was unforgiving, he was on his way to Jungwon’s home. It was a twenty-five minute bus ride, but fortunately, he did it in twenty. Apparently, only him and Jungwon had plans on a Sunday that started at 9AM. 

Well. Them and the church goers. Although, Jay was sure that they’d have opposite plans, for obvious reasons.

Finally, after a five minute walk from the bus station, he was in front of Jungwon’s yellow front door. His boyfriend lived in a small house, just enough for his grandmother and him. They’d been here since Jungwon was born given that Jungwon’s parents had kind of given him away when he was young to work in a bigger city. Jungwon, ever the positive person, loved his life in the small house with the white picket fence and a small garden, though. 

He softly knocked on the door and texted Jungwon to tell him he was here. In seconds, he heard footsteps from the other end of the door and Jay was already smiling before the door was opened.

When it actually did, he was met with the same breathtaking image as the video from this morning. Jungwon, bundled in his favorite white fluffy sweater that had a small zip opened from the collar to the middle of his chest. He had a black beanie on and had also put on a chain necklace that rested delicately on his collarbone that peaked out. 

What was actually beautiful wasn’t the outfit he had on. It was Jungwon’s smile and twinkling eyes. 

“Hello, my Valentine ,” he greeted Jay with a grin that was highly infectious. His small accent as he pronounced the English words made Jay chuckle. Jungwon’s smile grew even more if it was possible, his dimple popping out drastically in the cutest way. 

“Hello, Won-ah.” Jay answered, and couldn’t help himself, “You’re cute.”

Jungwon’s ears reddened and he rolled his eyes playfully. He then took Jay’s face with his sweater-pawed hand and pulled him inside the warm house before closing the door. He stuck his back against the door, hands still cupping Jay’s jaw and said, “And you look like boyfriend material.”

“That’s because I am.”

Jungwon let go of his face, and rolled his eyes again. “Alright, you can go now.”

“I’m kidding,” Jay chuckled again and took Jungwon’s hands in his’ before they were out of reach. “You look like boyfriend material, too.” 

“Oh, yeah, I know,” Jungwon said with pride in his eyes. “I planned this outfit for that exact purpose.” 

“Well, it’s working for me,” Jay said in approval.

“Why haven’t you kissed me, then?”

It was Jay’s turn to roll his eyes before pulling Jungwon’s hands towards him. Jungwon let himself be dragged against Jay until they were inches away. Jay’s eyes swept over Jungwon’s soft face. From his doe twinkling eyes to his to his little dimples, passing by the way he was biting on his lip in anticipation. God, his boyfriend was gorgeous.

It was all the thought he needed before leaning and softly pressing his lips against the younger’s. He felt Jungwon humming against him as he felt the fluffy fabric of his sweater paws graze against his neck so Jungwon could play with the hair on his nape. Jay naturally leaned against Jungwon’s neck and slotted his lips even more against Jungwon’s in appreciation. 

Jay really liked kissing Jungwon. It felt like floating, sometimes. Like the best tingles running through his body in pure excitement. It felt like he would have the concept of love injected in his veins.

They pulled away after more kisses were shared and Jungwon sighed with the gentlest smile, enamored. Jay understood exactly the feeling.

After they shared stupid flushed smiles, Jungwon sighed, “Are you ready for today?” He bit his lip again waiting for Jay’s answer.

“Yeah. I’ve been trying to grasp the cheesiness of the situations that will unfold today, but my mind can only do so much, you know.” Jay sighed, dramatically. 

Jungwon huffed and pulled away dramatically before walking to the kitchen, muttering cusses. 

“Look at him, acting like I’m forcing him when anyone would wish to have someone as devoted to Valentine’s Day as me. I swear he makes me crazy sometimes—”

Jay cackled and followed him, not before taking him in a bear hug from his bag. Jungwon whined dramatically about the gesture, but still leaned into him.

Step 1: Cooking Together A Traditional American Breakfast 🍳 

“So…” Jungwon said, oversweetly. Jay narrowed his eyes in suspicion while he was still assessing the display of ingredients on the kitchen counter.

“So… What?” he asked. When he raised his gaze towards Jungwon, the younger was already looking at him with a grin that didn’t mean anything good.

“So… you’re the cooking master, hyung.” Jungwon said, obviously. “We’re cooking an American breakfast. So, tell me what to do.”

Jay blinked at him in disbelief. “You plan a cooking date and don’t even make sure to know how we’ll do the cooking during said date?”

“I mostly planned this because I like to have you cook for me.” Jungwon explained with round eyes. This guy had no sense of shame. Jay looked at him some more and Jungwon raised his hands in surrender. “Don’t look at me like that.”

“I can’t believe you.” Jay shook his head. At Jungwon’s expression turning sheepish, he tried very hard not to let his stoic ‘disappointed but not surprised’ expression crumble. “You’re impossible.”

“Hum. Please,” Jungwon said with an innocent smile, “You love it.”

“Shut up. You should be grateful that I don’t just bring a chair to watch you struggle,” Jay nagged at him. 

Jungwon’s smile grew. “See? Your inner nagging grandmother is already flaming. Dying to be released. I’m doing you a freaking favor!”

“Shut up and pass me the eggs!” Jay sighed in frustration, hissing at Jungwon’s little yelp of victory because as usual Jungwon always had things go his way. That’s basically how their relationship worked. Jay was too weak and tired.

“ So ,” Jungwon dragged the ‘o’ in an infuriatingly cute way, “What should I do?”

“You bought enough for a traditional breakfast. Pancakes, eggs, bacon and toast,” Jay said as he retrieved all the bowls and cutlery they’d need to cook the breakfast. “I don’t even know why you’re acting like any of this is complicated to do. You must have looked for a recipe at some point to have all those ingredients ready.”

“Well, excuse me for wanting my American boyfriend to cook me an American breakfast,” Jungwon muttered as he looked at Jay move in the kitchen to prepare everything. Not that Jay really needed help. He already knew where everything was. Jungwon’s house was his second home after all.

“You’re just lazy,” Jay muttered back. 

“You got that right,” Jungwon chirped. “Tell me what to do, hyung!” he pleaded. “In order to make this a cute Valentine’s day date we have to cook together!”

“You’ll just burn everything down. I don’t trust you.” Jay started expertly cracking the eggs and in seconds he was beating them into an omelet. Jungwon scoffed and Jay snickered at his expression of pure affront.

“You’re wounding me, Park Jeongseong-ssi.”

“Don’t call me so formally. You know I hate it!” Jay hissed as he seasoned the mixture. It was now Jungwon’s turn to snicker like a child.

“Anyway, you can help by preparing the pancake batter.” Jay said and he couldn’t help but smile at the way Jungwon’s face lit up in excitement. “This way you won’t have any chance of burning something.”

“Geez. You burn down hotteok once and then you’re labeled for life in this house.” 

“It was frozen hotteok, Jungwon! The instruction was literally on the box,” Jay deadpanned

“Everybody makes mistakes,” Jungwon whined in aggravation. “How is my boyfriend my biggest hater?”

“I’m also your biggest supporter,” Jay reminded him, and at Jungwon’s constant expression he rolled his eyes playfully. “Stop pouting. Your lips will stay stuck in this position.”

“You’re just a hater,” Jungwon sulked. It was funny too because he was trying to read what looked like a recipe on his phone so his eyes were almost a little crossed while he was still pouting.

They stayed silent while they both were doing their things. Jungwon was still dramatically sulking and Jay did everything not to laugh.

It lasted three whole minutes until Jay couldn’t take it anymore.

“You’re putting in too much flour, Won-ah.” 

“No I’m not. Shut it.”

“That’s enough sugar.”

“I need sweetness in order to balance the bitterness of your soul.”

“Well, damn.” 

“Hurts, doesn’t it?”

“You’re putting flour everywhere!”

“Has my grandmother’s soul actually taken over your body?!”

Jay barked a laugh at this one before leaving the omelet to cook on low heat. He then wiped his hands before walking behind Jungwon to take him in a back hug, his chest now stuck to his back. He felt Jungwon’s body freeze at the sudden movement and from his position Jay could see the way Jungwon’s ears reddened, could hear his breath hitch softly. He ignored it and started guiding his boyfriend’s hands to make the right movement to whisk the batter.

“You should make slow round movements and incorporate the milk slowly,” Jay explained softly. Jungwon’s hands were putty in his hold as they let themselves be led by his own. 

Jay felt the way Jungwon relaxed and leaned in Jay’s embrace slowly until his head was resting in the crook of Jay’s neck.

“Focus, baby.” Jay nudged at him with a smug grin.

“I can’t. You’re too warm and soft. And you smell good.” Jungwon sighed against him. 

Jay warmed at the compliments. “I just showered.”

“God bless soap then.”

“You’re ridiculous.” Jay chuckled.

“And yet you still love me. So who’s the clown, huh?” 

By now Jay had total control of Jungwon’s movements and the other was just speaking in the air, his eyes closed. They both had a cap and a beanie on their head so it made the position a little awkward but they both knew that they wouldn’t move anyway. 

“I guess I am the clown,” Jay muttered, eyes half-focused on the cooking and half-distracted by the way Jungwon’s Adam’s apple bobbed when he leaned against him.

“We both are.” Jungwon sighed, deeply. Jay could hear the smile in his words. “That’s exactly what I wanted.” 

“What?” Jay asked as he slowly mixed everything, making sure that  there wasn’t any lumps of flour in the mix. 

“Just the two of us being close. Cooking together. In a very kdrama way,” Jungwon listed while chuckling. 

Jay snorted before shaking his head. 

“You’re ridiculous,” he said again. Then he left several butterfly kisses on Jungwon’s neck, making the other squirm. “But also very cute.”

Jay kind of understood why he wanted to do this. 

Eventually, they finished cooking. They only burnt a small side of the omelet and despite the oddly shaped pancakes and the small pieces of toast that were charred, it was still quite fun to share the meal and having Jungwon feeding him bites while Jay fake cringed at the cheesiness.

*♡ ᴱᴺ ♡*

When Jay was going to retrieve some water and came back, Jungwon had a polaroid in his hand. In a moment, Jay was blinded by a flash coming from the camera. The polaroid came out immediately, Jungwon grinning sheepishly at Jay’s stunned expression. 

“For memories’ sakes?” Jungwon explained, unconvincingly.

Jay simply huffed and shook his head before pouring water in Jungwon’s glasses before his own, asking for a peak of the picture. 

Step 2: Couple Massages at home! 

“I don’t think you understand what exactly couple massages are,” Jay said, skeptically. 

They had relocated to Jungwon's room and Jay was on his bed half-seated on the edge, trying not to groan from how much they ate. Jungwon was rummaging in his closet doing God knows what.

“We’re a couple, aren’t we?” Jungwon threw from his crouched position.

“Sure, but couple massages are usually just a couple both receiving a massage from professional masseuses,” Jay explained.

“Is this your subtle way to tell me you want to have other people touch you?” Jungwon turned furtively and Jay laughed at the glare he received.

“Yes. That’s exactly what I want. To be groped by a stranger in front of my boyfriend on Valentine’s day,” Jay said, sarcastically.

“You’re playing with fire, Park Jeongseong-ssi,” Jungwon said. Jay squawked and childishly pulled his tongue at him, to which Jungwon did it back. They were literal children sometimes.

“Whatever,” Jay said. “What are you looking for?”

“The massage oil I bought a year back,” Jungwon huffed. 

“You bought it a year ago?!” Jay gaped at him. Jungwon would always surprise him. 

“Yup,” Jungwon answered, popping the ‘p’. Finally, he grinned and turned around with the small bottle of oil. “I knew it would come handy one day.”

Jay watched him in disbelief as the younger cutely crawled to him until he was sat next to him on the bed. He was also very fond.

Jungwon had the softest but also saddest smile. “You always complain of back pains because of the way you crouch like an old man when you study.”

Jay’s affectionate expression morphed in irritation in record time. “Even when you have good intentions, you find a way to insult me.”

“That’s because I want to keep the spark in our relationship. No need to thank me.” Jungwon waved him off playfully before pecking Jay too quickly for the older to register anything. 

“Whatever.” Jay coughed, trying to hide his blush from a grinning Jungwon. “How do we do this, then. What did you have in mind?”

“Well, to be fair, I don’t really need a massage. I kind of drafted this day to have each activity to be for one person more than for the other. This one is for you, hyung,” Jungwon explained in excitement, his eyes crinkling in delight. Jay wanted to die from how cute he was.

“B–But, this was titled ‘couple massages’,” Jay spluttered, feeling suddenly embarrassed to have his boyfriend’s attention like that.

“I know. I kinda did this because I know you, Park Jay,” Jungwon said, “I know you don’t like to be the focus of attention. I also know that you love to take care of me and don’t mind making me happy even if it makes you uncomfortable sometimes.”

Jay…was speechless. His stomach was churning in the strangest, most amazing way. He felt shivers as Jungwon’s hands cupped his jaw softly, he then kissed Jay’s plush lips softly, biting Jay’s lower lip swiftly. 

When he let go, Jay was breathless. “You have the biggest heart I’ve ever seen. You’re so selfless and I don’t know…I know that you know that I love you so, so much. But I still think that I should show you how I really feel through small things like these. So…Let me take care of you? Please?” 

Jungwon’s doe eyes were now round in plea, his lips turned in a cute pout cutely.

Just when Jay didn’t believe he could be more in love, Jungwon found ways to amaze him. 

He nodded quickly, grin growing slowly at the way Jungwon smiled at him.

*♡ ᴱᴺ ♡*

“Alright! I watched a YouTube video. So contrary to the cooking, I am ready for this!” Jungwon said from his position on top of Jay’s back.

Jay started to think that this massage date was not only a plan to treat him and only him. 

The thought occurred to him when it was time to undress and Jungwon didn’t look away for a second while he took off one article of clothing after another. He had that flushed but also appreciative look on his face that left a half-naked and shy Jay spluttering.  

The way Jungwon’s eyes scrutinized every inch of Jay’s skin while he muttered, “You’re so hot,” had him protecting himself by hiding his pecs. 

After fighting off Jungwon’s childishly grabby hands and ‘Gimme’s, they finally got down to business and Jay laid down on his stomach on a towel on Jungwon’s bed. After he installed a cute bowtie hand band instead of the cap to keep in check his bird-nest of hair. Then, Jungwon climbed up on top of him and here they were. 

“You did research?” Jay asked in laughing disbelief. “Why am I not surprised?”

“Hum, because I am an incredible boyfriend?” Jungwon said on top of him. Jay snorted, then immediately felt a sharp pain on the middle of his back. “Ouch! No hitting!”

“Don’t be a dick then,” Jungwon said as he opened the small bottle cap and Jay felt small cold droplets falling on his back, followed by a quiet, “Fuck, Sorry.”

“It's fine,” Jay chuckled as he shivered a little.

His head was pillowed on his hands as a small support. He knew the position made the muscle in his back constrict. It hurt a bit but it also made his back look wider than it was. Which Jungwon had let him know once or twice he really liked.

So much so that when Jay heard a click and saw a glimpse of a flashlight he only was half surprised.

“Did you just take a picture of me bareback?” Jay slowly asked in pure exasperation. He felt his ears and back of his neck heat up when Jungwon chuckled and kissed his shoulder as an answer.

“You look good.” 

“…Thanks,” Jay grumbled, shyly. Jungwon would be the death of him. 

“I am going to start now,” Jungwon warned him, softly. Jay took a big breath in and out before nodding and closing his eyes.

Jay then felt soft hands slowly spread the warm and slippery oil all across his back in a figure eight motion all through his back. While doing so there was a little pressure that already made Jay melt.

When he sighed out in relief, Jungwon chuckled, “I haven’t even started yet, hyung.”

“Hmm. Sorry. Go on,” Jay muttered quietly. 

Jungwon hummed back and kept on doing big eight figures. Jay could stay like this all day, really. Eventually Jungwon transitioned from the eight figures to start gliding his hands from the bottom to the top of Jay’s back continuously. He leaned forward, putting a little bit of his weight into it and Jay hissed quietly as Jungwon pressed on one of the knots that gave him trouble.  

“Is this where it hurts?” Jungwon asked, gently. Jay could hear worry in his voice as he hummed and groaned again when Jungwon passed his hands on the incriminating knot. 

“I’m going to focus on it now? Hopefully it won’t hurt you too much,” Jungwon explained. He then used his knuckles and dragged them through the outline of his spines. he did it for two minutes before switching to kneading strokes along the muscles on his sides and the muscles of the spine that also caused him to moan a little too loud.

“You’re killing me, Jungwon-ah.” 

“In a good way, hopefully?” Jungwon stopped hesitantly. 

Jay groaned even louder, almost whining a childish “Keep going. Don’t stop.”

He used his thumbs to knead around the shoulder blades up until the neck and Jay ascended to another dimension. He wasn’t there anymore. He was a shell of himself. His mind was just trying to process the pure state of bliss he was in while Jungwon literally did magic on his body.

His boyfriend went off like this, sometimes asking how Jay felt. If it hurt or if it felt good. It always did.

Eventually, he felt so relaxed he almost fell asleep. He woke up to low chuckles and kissed on his shoulder.

“You’re okay, sleepy head?” Jungwon was so tender that Jay wanted to cry.

“I’ve never felt better,” he admitted, weak in the head. Nothing made sense anymore. He barely processed the way Jungwon leaned to spread his oily hand on his biceps and kissed his cheeks in the movement. Jay’s cheeks bunched up in a smile. 

“That’s good. You deserve to relax once in a while, you know?”

Jay sighed and nodded. “I know.”

“You work so hard, too. You’re only in high school, hyung. You can take it slow,” Jungwon reminded him. The words almost felt like a hug, warmth spreading evenly just like a few minutes ago because of the massage.

“It’s not that easy, Jungwon-ah. You know that,” he muttered. 

He felt the hands on his back stop. Just as Jay raised his head and was going to ask what was wrong, he felt Jungwon rise from his position on his back and in seconds was sitting on the floor, face to face with Jay.

Their faces were inches apart, in a way that Jay could see any and every detail. The way Jungwon’s hair matted to his eyes because of his beanie. The way his cheeks bunch up naturally, his dimples never shy from showing. He had small acne scars on his cheeks and another scar from a childhood mishap. 

His eyes.

They looked like they held a galaxy in them. Each reflection from the lights sipping in the room twinkling like it was his own eyes that created them. 

His lips were soft-looking, although his lower lip was caught in a bite, like it always was when he had something on the tip of his tongue and he wouldn’t be able to anticipate Jay’s reaction.

“Of course, I know, but…sometimes it really scares me,” Jungwon said, vulnerably.

Jay stood up a little, resting his chin on his folded hands to meet Jungwon’s glistening eyes to the same level as his.

“What scares you?”

“I don’t know…I always loved your dedication and how hardworking you were. What with school and extracurricular activities. I know it’s partly because you want to live up to your dad’s expectations…but I know you do it also to make yourself proud.” Jungwon chose his words carefully and Jay wanted to kiss him so hard, just to explain that he never had to walk on eggshells with him. That he could always speak his mind. 

“And I’d never want to be the one to hold you back, or to make you feel like I’m not supporting you—“

“Wow, wow, wow— Won-ah. You’re like my biggest supporter. Wha—Where is this coming from?”

“I just want us to be okay.”

“Are we not okay?” Jay blinked.

“In theory, we are. Of course, we are. Just…We’re not completely okay if you’re not completely okay, babe,” Jungwon muttered. “I’m not going to ask you to stop. Because I want you to get anything and everything you want…but at least let me relieve some of that tension once in a while.” 

They held eye contact for a moment. Jay could see how much the younger meant it, how much this situation weighed on him despite never letting him know about it up until now.

He raised himself a little and crossed the few inches between them to kiss Jungwon as tenderly as he could. And even as their breath both hitch from the intensity of the exchange, Jay didn’t think he’d ever be able to convey how much he felt for the younger. 

“Okay. I’ll try to let you slow me down when things get out of hands.” Jay smiled, softly, so endeared at the way Jungwon smiled back. Equally enamored.

“Thanks,” he said softly. “We’re a team, after all,” he reminded, gently. Jay tried to keep himself from smiling too hard as his heart skipped a beat. 

Jungwon rubbed their noses against each other softly. “Now, let’s get you dressed up for the next step, my slippery Valentine.” 

Step 3: Doing each other’s makeup!! 

“See, once again, I don’t really get it.” Jay pointed at Jungwon in confusion after coming back from a quick shower to get rid of the oil on his back. “Why are you doing your makeup? Shouldn’t I be doing it?”

“Oh, Jay. Honey. My sugar plum. Sweetie.” Jungwon sighed while shaking his head. He did it only briefly, though, before going back to sweeping light strokes of glitter on his eyelids. 

“Don’t…call me that. Ew.”

“Jay, you lovable and naive imbecile.” Jungwon looked at him like he was a lost cause. Nobody had warned him that he’d get attacked so much today. He never signed for this.

(Actually, he did sign a printed version of their program, prompted by Jungwon on the day before, but that’s besides the point.)

“You’re really pretty. You’re adorable and so smart. You’re also very good at playing basketball and sticking an abnormal amount of marshmallows in your mouth. But, dear lord, you suck at makeup, hyung.”

Jay didn’t even have time to blush at the compliments, he was already squawking at the offending insult.

“Hey! That's mean. You don’t even know if that’s true. Maybe I’m gifted."

“Last time you tried putting makeup on me when you slept over, I looked like the red bird from angry bird. And I’m not just saying it like our dumbass classmates that just love to compare everything and everyone to animals for no reason. I literally looked like the character. You had put on tons of red blush and my eyebrows were so bushy. It was ridiculous!”

“You said you liked it.”

“If you love someone, lie to them. I think it was Ghandi who had said that.”

“Well, now, that’s just not true. You’re straight up lying to my face.”

“Hum, yes. Are you listening? I just told you it was because I love you.” 

Jay facepalmed in pure exasperation. He was tired. And it was only 11:30. 

He sighed as he sat on the night table next to Jungwon’s desk where he had set his small makeup station. It was barely a station. It was his regular desk and Jungwon had retrieved from his bathroom cabinet his makeup bag that consisted of low branded lip tint & gloss, some BB cream, an eyebrow pencil, few brushes and a well used Urban Decay palette. 

(It was a year ago.

 Jay and him were at a mall strolling around just for the sake of it after school. Jungwon was joking about how Jay was rich so he should just buy him the whole mall for his birthday, that it was only what Jungwon deserved for being such a cute boyfriend. Playful banter ensued in the middle of the mall.

You know, the usual. 

It lasted for a while until they reached the cosmetic department. They were surrounded by ads of beautiful idols, models and celebrities posing for makeup products, the same products on display in beautiful sets.

Jay had rarely seen Jungwon looking so mesmerized. 

He looked at the makeup so longingly and when he saw the prices, the light of wonder and appreciation in eyes had dimmed. 

Of course, Jay had never been one to accept anything else than pure light coming from his boyfriend.

So, Jay came back the following week to buy one of the makeup palettes that Jungwon had eyed on the weekend before.

Sure, it made a huge dent in his wallet and the pallet itself only had four colors, but the way Jungwon’s whole face lit up when Jay gave it to him when they were walking back from school. The way Jungwon tackled him in the biggest hug was sheer excitement and gratefulness.

It was all worth it.)

They fell into silence. Which was rare for them. Jay was just happy watching the appeasing way Jungwon applied his makeup. 

Truthfully, Jay didn’t really care for makeup. When he bought the pallet, he had spent forty-five minutes with three of the staff at the makeup counter just because he didn’t exactly remember which of the three pallets that Jungwon had been eying would suit him the best. 

He never personally seeked makeup for himself to try, and Jungwon never actually suggested for him to try makeup. Which, honestly, wouldn’t have been surprising if he eventually did because Jungwon loved to make them try new things. But this time it never happened. The younger maybe sensed that it wasn’t his thing and decided not to overstep his boundaries. Jay had appreciated that. 

That was part of the reason why Jay hadn’t said anything about that particular step. It’s been a year since Jungwon’s been dabbling with makeup and maybe it hadn’t been the case before, but Jay was now secured enough with his masculinity to try it.

“So…you’re just going to do my makeup?” Jay concluded, when Jungwon finished his simple look with lip gloss. It made them look even plumper than they already were. Jay wanted to kiss it off, but he didn’t want to get murdered by his boyfriend on Valentine’s day. 

“Yeah! I mean it would have been fun for you to do mine, but I can feel that I’d just end up wiping it all off. You’d be sorry and disappointed and I’d feel bad for you and for all the makeup we would have wasted.”

Jay pouted, visibly, because it was true. And he hated it.

“Alright…I just thought that after what you said during the massage, this step was for you. But if you’re doing my makeup then it’s more for me,” Jay explained, rationally.

Jungwon smacked his lips one last time before his eyes fell on his boyfriend. It was dumb but Jay felt a little intimidated by how pretty Jungwon was now. He still had the same cozy clothes as before, but the features of his face had been subtly enhanced. He looked beautiful.

“Well, I say that I’m the one gaining from this!”

“Pardon?”

*♡ ᴱᴺ ♡*

“I don’t understand why we have to be in this position to do my makeup.”

“Are you seriously complaining when you have a whole boyfriend on your lap?” Jungwon muttered as he arranged all his makeup brushes on the night table and the actual makeup on a towel on the bed. 

Jay had been dragged to the bed—he didn’t really fight it, but still, he was confused. Jungwon then pushed him swiftly on the bed, head resting on the pillows on the headrest, and in seconds he had a lap full of Jungwon.

Once he got over how fast things went down, they had found themselves enjoying the position since it was quite a familiar one for them. Maybe it was why Jay had his hands naturally resting on Jungwon’s waist, his thumb stroking against the sliver of skin it could reach. 

He had to be honest. “Yeah, no. I kind of like it.” 

Jungwon grinned in glee as he adjusted the headband that tamed Jay’s bangs, “I know, right? It’s nice. I’m literally sitting in my favorite place in the world.”

Jay tsked and rolled his eyes at Jungwon’s mischievous chuckles. He secretly tried to reign down the blush that was creeping on his face. His ears were already on fire since Jungwon had been in position. Jay was a mess. And he hated that Jungwon always made him feel like that.

“Okay, I’m going to start now. I’ll do something light since it’s your first time wearing it,” Jungwon said as he picked up a powder puff and some BB cream. Jay felt secretly proud that he knew how things were called. He listened to his boyfriend rant over them for hours after all.

“Alright. I trust you,” Jay said as he closed his eyes and exhaled. 

Jungwon snorted. “Thank you, boyfriend.”

“You’re welcome, boyfriend.” 

Jungwon snorted again.

Seconds later, he felt repetitive pats on his cheeks and something cold spreading.

“There’s a whole routine, usually. I see a lot of girls on YouTube that have a skincare routine. Well, they at least use primer, but I can’t afford primer, so hopefully this doesn’t plug your pores,” Jungwon said absentmindedly, although there was a tinge of worry in it.

Jay made a self-note to remind himself to buy Jungwon a primer when he could. Also to search on Naver what a primer was.

“Don’t worry. Just do what you want with me.” 

“Don’t use these words with me, Park Jay. You know they bear consequences.”

Jay huffed a laugh. Just as he opened his eyes to tell Jungwon off, he startled.

It wasn’t so much the proximity that made his heart beat a little faster as it was how Jungwon’s eyes didn’t leave his face.

Suddenly, he felt a little too exposed. Even more than when he was half-naked an hour and a half ago. 

Jungwon must have noticed the way Jay froze for a minute, because he raised an eyebrow, even as he was focused on his work. “What’s on your mind?” 

“Hum."

“What?” Jungwon stopped to look at Jay and this time his eyes were piercing Jay’s, making him want to squirm out of there.

He didn’t even understand what was going on with him. Everything about Jungwon was familiar. Even the attention in a way. 

“You’re squirming, hyung.”

“Yeah. Sorry.” Jay’s thumb on Jungwon’s hips stroked it again just to ground him. He focused on the weight of Jungwon on his lap. The warmness seeped on his hips where Jungwon was resting and the way it spread on his thighs and stomach. That and Jungwon’s smile at the gesture actually helped Jay regulate his breathing.

Something familiar.

“It’s okay. Do you want to stop? It’s okay if you’re not ready, you know. This day is supposed to be about comfort and cute dates.” Jungwon reminded him with wide eyes, full of understanding. 

(Jay sometimes wondered what he had done in previous lives to have such a thoughtful person to love him and only him.

Some things just didn’t make sense.)

“It’s not that. I’m happy we’re doing this,” Jay had to say it. He didn’t like the guilt in Jungwon’s eyes.

“Then what’s wrong?”

Jay hummed in thought. He didn’t really know himself. He just felt a surge of emotion from how much Jungwon was at the moment. When the younger literally did nothing.

So, he simply said, “Would you mind if I told you to just let that little moment go and move on?” 

Jungwon blinked once, twice, before giving him a small smile and humming a yes.

“Sure… you weirdo.” Jungwon has nothing but fondness in his eyes as he called him that.

Jay winced. “Sorry.” 

“It’s completely fine. I’m just teasing you. I love you,” Jungwon reminded him, casually, as he started again applying bb cream on Jay’s reddening face.

“Love you, too,” Jay said. “Thanks.”

“Don’t mention it.” Jungwon scrunched his nose in affection. Jay wanted to kiss him so bad. “Anyway, I’m done with the foundation. You’re tanner than me, so I put on just a little bit. Hopefully, you will like it.” 

Jay wanted to say that even if Jungwon drew a clown face on his face he’d end up loving it. 

Jungwon smiled softly as he took the brow pencil and started working on Jay’s eyebrows.

“I like your eyebrows,” the younger muttered, absentmindedly. “They’re naturally straight-shaped. I wouldn’t be surprised you never had to do anything to them.”

“Oh. Thanks,” Jay said, breathlessly. The compliment didn’t really mean anything since eyebrows were just eyebrows to him, but the way Jungwon stared in awe at him made him feel things.

“They’re easy to take care of, too. I’m already done!” 

“That’s nice. What’s next then?”

Jungwon’s eyes had a glint. “Eyeshadow.”

“Oh, dear. Jesus take the wheel,” Jay said, dramatically, just to rile Jungwon up.

It worked since Jungwon hit him on his forehead with the back of the eyeshadow pencil.

“Your mind will be blown, Park Jay,” he said, confidently.

“We’ll see about that.” 

Jungwon rolled his eyes and quietly proceeded to pick a color from the palette Jay had given him.

“I’m so glad I get to use this palette on you—Look down please—I tried it on Sunghoon and Sunoo hyung, but not you, can you believe that?” 

“I can partially believe it,” Jay answered, truthfully, as he did what his boyfriend asked him. As he looked down his eyes focused on Jungwon’s lips. 

Big but fortunate mistake.

“How so?” Jungwon asked, his glossy lips moving in a very attractive way in the process.

It took a minute for Jay to realize he was being talked to.

“Oh. I mean that Sunoo is more creative and color inclined, I’d say? And Sunghoon…Well, he’s Sunghoon. He loves to indulge people,” Jay explained.

“That’s true,” Jungwon agreed. Then he pursed his lips in thought. The way they shone thanks to the light and the gloss made them irresistible. “Which just makes me question what happened this week.”

That snapped Jay out of his daydreaming of kisses and cherry lips.

“I mean, Sunghoon was always so prone to indulge people, to try new stuff, especially if it was for Jake hyung. But he was so categoric with Valentine’s Day.” Jungwon pouted. “I wonder how it’s going for them today.”

Jay wondered also. His stomach churned a little over the entire hassle he put himself in just to make his best friend happy. And to make Sunghoon react.

He had known Jake for so long. He was his best friend! Sure, they both were in relationships, which meant that they spent lots of time with their respective boyfriends, but they still were very important to each other. 

When Jake moved from Australia to transfer to their school over six years ago, Jay just saw himself in the shy, English speaking, mumbling boy. It was an easy decision to take him under his wing and befriend him. From then on, it was even easier to become best friends. Now, they were almost like brothers.

They met Sunghoon few years after, and Jay saw them grow close from the side. Jake was very vocal over his crush for the guy and Jay was fine with listening to his midnight rants of how special Sunghoon was.

Of course, Jay had never expected to have those rants decrease in numbers, but an increase in intensity of matter, once Jake and Sunghoon started actually dating.

It was stupid, but Jay was a little intolerant to how emotionally constipated Sunghoon was with Jake. Pure soul, sweet and understanding Jake, who would be willing to wait for Sunghoon for years even though it killed him inside not to know how Sunghoon really felt for him.

Honestly, Jay wasn’t the type to meddle in these kinds of things. He was more like a supporting character in Jake and Sunghoon’s relationship and he was fine with it.

Then, Sunghoon had the audacity to make Jungwon feel bad about gifting that enormous teddy bear. 

No matter how much he had complained of the embarrassment of walking with that fluffy beast, Jungwon and him both knew that Jay loved the attention. The many kisses they had shared as a thank you on that same night had been enough proof. But then Sunghoon ran his mouth, and if Jay was protective of Jake, you didn’t want to see how he could get when it regarded his boyfriend.

So, he meddled.

Truthfully, his secret admirer plan was never supposed to take that turn. 

It was supposed to be a one time thing. Unfortunately, Sunghoon didn’t change, and even got mad at Jake for receiving those gifts. From then on, Jay got carried away just to spite him. Jungwon did always say that Jay didn’t really think when it came to protecting Jake’s honor.

(Fortunately, Jungwon never blamed Jay for being like that.

Even when Jungwon expressed some jealousy because Jake would have him talking on the phone for hours because of a fight with Sunghoon.

Even then, he’d end up sighing and admitting that he understood. That he loved Jay’s gentle soul.)

Jay hadn’t told Jungwon about his plan, though. Maybe because he wouldn’t anticipate his reaction. Jay knew he wouldn’t take it the wrong way. He believed he never said anything really romantic in the notes he left with the gifts. He only said things he would say as a friend. It was always to cheer Jake up before anything else, anyway.

Why didn’t he say anything to Jungwon, though.

“Earth to Park Jay.”

Jay blinked and Jungwon was looking at him in suspicion. “Where were you? You left me for a moment.”

“Nowhere, I was there.”

“Is it because of Sunghoon and Jake?” Jungwon asked in genuine worry, the sweetheart, “Don’t worry about them. They’ll be fine. Sunghoon can be difficult, but he’s a good person. He’ll do the right thing.”

“I hope so.” Jay sighed. Otherwise he had really spent thousands of won on someone who wasn’t his boyfriend for no reason.

“Oh, baby. You’re really worried about them, huh?” Jungwon asked in concern. Jay didn’t have the time to answer before Jungwon left a sticky but warm kiss on his neck. The gesture left shivers rolling down the back of his nape. He blinked.

“Everyday, you remind me how big of a heart you have,” Jungwon whispered against his neck, where he had rested his head. Jay was sure that Jungwon could hear how hard his heart was beating, most likely proving the younger right. 

Jay wanted to bask in Jungwon’s presence forever. He kissed Jungwon’s head despite the fact it was covered by a beanie.

“I love you, Yang Jungwon,” he whispered to himself.

Jungwon didn’t react, but Jay saw him smile from the angle he was in. It was more than enough.

*♡ ᴱᴺ ♡*

“Okay, we’re actually running late on our program because we talk too much,” Jungwon said. They had stayed in the position of Jungwon being on his lap, Jay drawing patterns on his back slowly, Jungwon resting on his chest, head lodged in the crook of his neck for twenty minutes. 

“Are you done with the makeup?”

“Not yet. I just want to put on some glitter. Then blush and finally lip gloss—”

“No gloss. It’s a hassle.”

Jungwon pouted dramatically, “But—”

“I said no gloss, Yang Jungwon,” Jay deadpanned.

“You’re no fun.” Jungwon sighed in defeat. “Has anyone ever told you that you were no fun?”

“Yes. And it was always you.”

“I stand by those words.”

“Thank you, boyfriend.”

“Don’t mention it. Now, I need to finish this and you talk too much, so you distract me. So...” Jungwon rose from his leaning position to take a wet tissue. Just as Jay was about to protest, Jungwon swiped away the gloss. “I’m taking my gloss away to do a punishment system.”

“A what?”

“A punishment system. Although you could see it was a reward. I don’t know. It depends.”

Jay looked at him in suspicion. “What did you have in mind?”

“Every time you want to speak, I’ll kiss you. I know that it always leaves you speechless,” the younger said simply.

It was evil.

“You’re the devil,” Jay realized.

Jungwon grinned. “I know.” 

And before Jay could even say anything, he leaned for a kiss. Jay barely had time to prepare for it and his lips were covered with Jungwon’s.

Maybe it had been the makeup remover that made Jungwon’s lips more on the dry side, but also very soft. Jay could still taste a little bit of the cherry on the tip of his tongue as it swiped over Jungwon’s bottom lip. His hands formed a fist around the edge of the younger’s fluffy sweater, as the other one reached his neck to stroke the hair peeking under his beanie.

He could feel Jungwon squirm and smile under the attention. Until he hummed and leaned away, not without Jay giving him a few last pecks just for the road.

“Alright.” Jungwon chuckled, breathlessly. Jay was also breathing hard, but it was partially because of how beautifully flushed Jungwon looked. 

Jay hummed, still trying to catch his breath. Jungwon scrunched his nose fondly and kissed the corner of his lips.

“Well, at least it worked. You’re speechless, right now.”

That, Jay was.

“Good. Now, I can finish it in peace.” Jungwon took a deep breath, and dived back in the makeup.

They successfully worked in silence. Jay’s hands remained on Jungwon’s hip and neck, so the younger had to lean on close, which made it easier for Jay to lose himself in his boyfriend’s eyes. And lips.

Jay spoke three times, and every time Jungwon shut him up with his lips. The first two times he had forgotten to be quiet and the last time just because he wanted a taste of Jungwon. 

Finally, when Jungwon did the last stroke and applied a little bit of blush, he was done.

“Okay. I am finished.” Jungwon smiled with pride. “You look gorgeous.” 

Jay felt his cheek heat up as he smiled back. 

“Before you see the final product, I’m taking a picture of you.” Jungwon sprang out the polaroid out of God knows where and before Jay had time to protest, Jungwon took a picture. 

“I wasn’t prepared!” Jay whined, childishly. He liked to look good in pics and he still hadn’t seen any of the pictures since the day had started.

“Okay, then prepare yourself!” Jungwon chuckled. 

It was all the warning Jay got before Jungwon took another one. This time Jay posed with a V sign. They took two others together. One from a far angle, Jungwon stretching his arm to have the both of them in the picture, since he was still on Jay’s lap. For the last one, Jungwon lowered himself and stuck his and Jay’s cheeks together and took a picture from the side. He could feel Jungwon smile so widely and Jay knew he also must have looked ridiculously giddy and in love in that last picture. Jungwon didn’t want Jay to see the final pictures, no matter how many times he insisted.

When they were done, it was time to do the reveal.

In seconds, Jungwon was out of his lap and took his hands to drag him to the bathroom mirror. Jay stumbled behind him, trying not to fall to his death. When he entered the bathroom and saw his reflection, he blinked in awe.

It was subtle, really, but he looked amazing. His face was more radiant and all his blemish and acne scars and spots were gone or subdued thanks to the foundation. The blush gave him just enough color to make it look natural. And most importantly, the eyeshadow was stunning. Light brown and orange mixed with golden glitter that made his brown eyes stand out and pop. His eyes looked heavier. Sexier. It was weird. But also—

“Beautiful,” Jay muttered. “I look beautiful. I can’t believe you made me look this good.” He looked at his boyfriend.

“Is that so? I’m so happy you like it.” Jungwon looked visibly relieved and it made something churn in Jay’s stomach.

“Of course I like it…” Jay said, fondly, to his boyfriend’s reflection. Jungwon had his chin resting on Jay’s shoulder making him look a little smaller. Jay didn’t like the fact that Jungwon was doubting himself. “You didn’t have to worry about that, you know. I would have been happy about it either way.”

“I know… that’s kind of what I was scared of,” Jungwon said after a pause. 

Jay looked at him in question. “What do you mean?” 

“You don’t really tell me when I do things you don’t like,” Jungwon explained with a wry smile. Although, there was some discomfort in his eyes. If it wasn’t for the fact that he still had his chin resting on his shoulder, Jay would be very worried.

“That’s not true. I tell you all the time when you do something annoying.”

“I’m not talking about the silly things like me calling you Park Jeongseong-ssi or when I sing a song you find annoying. I’m talking about the real stuff.” 

Jay was about to protest, but Jungwon wasn’t done. “Like that one time when you had to wait for me after my Taekwondo classes that finished extra late. We had school all day and then you had cram classes until 10PM. You waited for me until 11:30PM outside of the martial arts center in a neighborhood you had never been in. I found you half-asleep on the stairs of the building. I felt so bad about it, but you kept on insisting it was fine.”

“Because it was! I would have just worried if I had gone home while you were walking back home alone,” Jay explained, sincerely.

“And I believe you, and I’m grateful for it but I wish you wouldn't always indulge me in those things. I’m not the center of this relationship. Not everything has to go my way, you know?” 

“It doesn’t always go your way,” Jay retaliated, “and besides, your way is also my way.”

“Except that, realistically, it isn’t.” Jungwon shook his head, raising it from Jay’s shoulder to look down. He was already gnawing at his lip again. “I just want you to be honest about your boundaries.”

“I think I'll make sure to let you know,” Jay said in thought. “I don’t ever think I’ve been put in a very uncomfortable situation because of you.”

“You say that, but you’re an open book, Park Jay. The only reason why you never felt this way is because I read you well and know when it’s too much for you.” Jungwon sighed. “You never say things explicitly. Have you ever noticed?”

Jay wanted to prove him wrong. He really did. But when he tried to think of an example he always felt short. Nothing came to mind. 

Don’t get them wrong. They were happy and Jay wouldn’t be with Jungwon if most of the things and moments they shared together weren’t amazing. They were amazing, and it wasn’t only because Jay was in love. It was because they got along great, had the same humor, and shared some interests. 

Despite all this, it was kind of incredible how compatible they were, since they were on either spectrum. Where Jungwon was an extrovert and thrived in social contexts, Jay felt ten times more comfortable being with his tight knitted group of friends—that were already way more than he could handle on a day to day basis—and kept social interactions with most people to a minimum. 

So, it did happen that bubbly, excited Jungwon dragged Jay in crowded places, to parties, or school events that Jay would have rather missed if it was up to him. And sure some of those times Jay would get anxiety; it showed subtly, but it was there. And granted, Jungwon could ask for things that they both knew very well Jay would hate to do usually. 

But at the end of the day, Jay also liked to go to book coffee shops and read there for hours, and Jungwon—who didn’t like reading books because it reminded him of school—would still come with him before Jay even had to ask. He’d just drink his vanilla macchiatos and read manhwas. 

There also were times where they’d miss school parties, sport tournaments to chill at Jay’s on the weekends, even though it was clear that those events were Jungwon’s scene. 

They both made things for the other that they wouldn’t usually do, but it wasn’t a sacrifice if it made them happy. Jay was happy when Jungwon was and he was certain that it was the same vice versa. 

“The way I see it, it’s all about compromise, Wonie.” Jay rarely called him by this small name. Only when they were in their intimate bubble, when they slept over or when they were snuggled against each other in closed spaces. 

In a way, the present moment also applied to this. They were in Jungwon’s room, Jungwon’s chin was on Jay’s shoulder, an arm sneaking around Jay’s waist, and Jay leaned against the younger’s waist in answer. They were looking at each other’s reflection longingly, trying to understand something that made sense to one but just didn’t to the other.

“I think you just have to accept that there will always be some moments where I’ll pass your happiness and wishes before my own comfort. It’s something that I don’t have trouble doing and I know it’s the same for you as well. You do things for me you wouldn’t usually do and I’m so grateful for it. That’s what’s great about us, I think.” Jay smiled softly at Jungwon’s worried reflection. “We love to make each other happy. It’s normal for us to do those things, and I don’t see why we should refrain just for the sake of it. Why stop something that works out perfectly?”

Jungwon’s expression was frozen even though Jay could still feel the movement of his belly as he was breathing, against his back. It was all very intimate to Jay and it solidified his thoughts on the matter. It was perfect like this and he wouldn’t change a thing.

Jungwon rested in thought for a little moment. Jay let him process everything since it was clear that the whole situation was something he was thinking about frequently. He would have turned around to wipe off the frown that had etched on the younger’s face, but he didn’t want to ruin his makeup.

“I guess you’re right,” Jungwon sighed, eventually. “That’s how we work…but I still want to do more for you.” He pouted.

“You’re already doing so—”

“I am a brat , hyung. Let’s be honest for a minute,” Jungwon deadpanned, with an unimpressed look. Jay could only bark a laugh, relieved that the atmosphere had relatively brightened. He squeezed Jungwon’s hand around his waist in affection. “I am particularly annoying to you. Even my grandmother said so.”

“Your grandmother is an insightful woman,” Jay pointed out and Jungwon nodded with wide eyes, because it was a fact. “Okay, so that’s true that you’re hard to handle sometimes. But it’s also entertaining most of the time and, truthfully, I love you like that. I don’t want you to change for my sake, okay?”

Jungwon sighed, dramatically, “Okay fine…I won’t stop being a brat, since you insist on keeping me this way! But!” His eyes widened and he frowned cutely. “We will do more things that you like from now on. Like going to the fashion district. Or to art galleries. To quiet spaces, in general, or like more serene ones, like the park and feed ducks. Or—”

“Dude, you make me sound like an old man.” Jay groaned out. Although, he was clearly smiling in pure and utter fondness

Jungwon flared, “Park Jeongseong. I am the love of your life. Do not ever call me ‘dude’!” 

“Sorry, sweetie.” 

“Better.” Jungwon smirked before kissing Jay’s neck, making Jay giggling absurdly at how it tickled. Jungwon then snorted even more embarrassingly in response.

They just were a bunch of dorks. And they wouldn’t have it any other way.

Step 4: Going to a cat café ^3^

Jay always tried to stay off his phone when he was with Jungwon.

He already wasn’t the type to stay on his phone all that much. except to text and call of course.

 He did have all the social media apps and just like every young person had been some kind of addicted to his phone at some point but now he preferred reading and being with his friends as pass times rather than being connected all day. 

Jungwon was…another affair. 

He liked to text a lot. Most of the time with Jay or their group chat with their friends. And with his cousins. And with his twitter friends sometimes.  Adding to that, like any makeup beginner he liked to watch loads of makeup tutorials. He also liked to be updated on what videos and trends went viral.

When they were together though he reduced his phone use to texting. Sunoo loved to update them all on his day even when no one asked. Jake and even Jungwon himself did the same. Jay guessed it was an extrovert thing.

Today, though, they’d barely had been on their phones, except to watch the time. Jay had been so focused on Jungwon that he had forgotten to check on Jake, who had been through it this week with Sunghoon and his stuck-up ways about Valentine’s day. He believed that his own doings and plan had made an impact, but Sunghoon was kind of unpredictable. 

So, when they were settled in the cat café and Jake sent the pictures of him and Sunghoon kissing to show they had made up, Jay kind of felt extremely proud. So much so that he barely concealed his smugness.

So, of course, Jungwon caught him in ten seconds tops after seeing his self-satisfied expression. Jay was surprised that he hadn’t caught up to him on the first day, but they both were busy this week. 

“I still can’t believe you’d go to this extent just to rile Sunghoon up.” Jungwon shook his head in mirth.

They were now sitting on the floor of the cat room of the cat café. Their backs were against one of the walls and they had sat in criss-crosses next to each other, a bag of cat snacks between them. That had garnered the interest of most kittens in the area and they were now playing with the little balls of joy while speaking. Jungwon had already taken fifty pictures since they had arrived with his phone and five polaroid pictures.

According to Jungwon, this date was for the both of them and Jay agreed. It was quiet and there were coffee, books and cats. It was a perfect mix of both their likings and favorite things.

“I didn’t do it just to rile him up! I did it for Jake,” Jay pointed out heatedly as Lila, a brown and orange tabby kitten, purred against his hands. He was doing everything in his power not to combust in affection at how cute she was. 

It was the same thing on Jungwon’s side apparently as he looked like he was going to melt. Kumiko, a very sweet and affectionate white munchkin was licking at his hand and rubbing her head against Jungwon’s neck while purring.

“I want to live here,” Jungwon whispered, absentmindedly. “Also, you did do it for Jake, but I bet you wouldn’t have done half of the gifts you gave Jake if Sunghoon hadn’t been so bitter over it.”

“That’s…true.” Jay smirked. “Can you blame me, though. I love the guy, he’s one of my best friends, but sometimes it’s like he is perpetually walking on a lego.”

Jungwon snickered. “That sounds like a pain.”

“He can be a pain, that boy!” 

“Like you’re not exactly like this most of the time.” Jungwon scoffed loudly before whispering sweet and soft apologies to Kumiko who was now sleeping on his lap. Jay understood her. Jungwon’s lap was a great area to nap on.

“I am not. How dare you compare me to Park Sunghoon like that!” Jay hissed. He must not be that convincing since Luna, Lila’s sister, had approached him and now he was petting two babies at the same time, very gently.

Jungwon snorted and turned to the cats and kitten population. “Let the audience know that this man's favorite activity is complaining about the people of our generation.”

“They were eating detergent capsules for washing machines, Jungwon-ah! Two people in my class almost died because of it!” Jay hissed, making all the cats look his way. “We’re surrounded by imbeciles, who do stupid shit just for likes on social media.”

“Okay, Grandpa.” Jungwon snickered at him. Jay decided to ignore him because he wasn’t going to relent on this matter. “See? You also have matters that you don’t understand and that you’re going to grump out over. Just like Sunghoon hyung.”

“I don’t accept this.”

“I’m a brat and you’re a grumpy grandpa. A Grumpa.”

“I hate you. I’m leaving this instant.”

“No, you’re not. You love it here too much. Think of the children.”

“You mean the cats?”

Jungwon nodded, “Yeah. I can’t take care of Lila, Luna, and Kumiko alone. I know I joke a lot about being a trophy husband while you work all day, but I was actually joking. I can’t stay at home and take care of them all day. I have dreams and ambitions.”

“Oh, yeah, like what?”

“Like, be in the Guinness book for being the person to annoy you the most.” Jungwon stuck his tongue out at him.

“You’re already the title owner, don’t worry.”

“Good. Suffer, Grumpa.”

“You little—”

“Excuse me.” 

They were so busy bickering that they hadn’t noticed the whole human woman standing on the side for the last minute.

“Yes? What can we do for you?” Jungwon answered, softly, with that innocent and charming smile, like he wasn’t the devil incarnate. 

“Since today is Valentine’s Day, we’re having a special offer,” she explained, plainly. She looked very bored. Jay could understand. It was a Sunday after all, and she was working a service job, dealing with people and animals. Although the animals were great. Amazing even.

Still, she looked like she didn’t want to be there at all, looking at them like they were an annoyance when she came to them. Jay already didn’t like her.

“Oh, a special offer?” Jungwon, ever the sweetheart to strangers—he never showed his true nature to them, but Jay knew.

“Yes,” she answered like Jungwon was dumb, and something ugly flared inside Jay. “Two americanos and a cheesecake for 20,000 won.”

Jungwon looked in Jay’s way with pleading eyes, a “Can we?” on the tip of his tongue. Jay didn’t even need to hear him to agree. They hadn’t eaten, anyway.

He turned towards the barista’s way to order, but before he could even open his mouth she rolled her eyes and huffed, “This offer is for couples, though. I am only here because we’re obliged to present it to every customer, but since you guys are clearly not a couple, I know you can’t get it.” 

Jay was too stunned to speak. 

He looked towards Jungwon’s way, but the younger was already staring at him, in pure disbelief. It was always in times like this that Jay noticed how much they were used to each other. One look at his boyfriend’s expression and he could clearly read, ‘Can you believe the audacity of this girl?’

Jay couldn’t believe it either.

They shared more eye contact before Jungwon cleared his throat and Jay knew that this girl was done for.

Jungwon hummed, and raised his head to throw a searing glare towards the woman’s way. “I apologize, but who the hell you think you are to come here to bother us and treat us like we’re less than sweet adorable Kumiko’s shit? Who gave you the audacity, huh?”

Now, it was the girl’s turn to be speechless and fidget under the daggers that Jungwon was throwing her way with his eyes.

“You think that you can just assume things about people and talk to us like that and it will go over well? Are you okay in the head?”

The girl looked flustered beyond normal. She spluttered frantically, “No—No, I wasn’t trying to be disrespectful—”

“You weren’t trying to assume things about me and my boyfriend over here?”

“Boyfriend?” Her eyes tripled in size.

“Yes, boyfriend. You have a problem with that?!” Jungwon looked like the only thing that kept him from getting up and towering over her intimidatingly was Jay’s hands on his knee to ground him and the now three kittens playing fight on his lap. 

The girl shook her head like a madman. “N–No I don’t. I just thought—”

“We’re in 2022, woman. Get with the program and stop assuming things, and if you don’t want to serve us, don’t be a barista.” Jungwon hissed and looked away as if to say he was done with her.

She kept on babbling in shock and horror, but Jungwon was clearly ignoring her as he petted Kumiko to calm himself down. Jay did the same to the small of Jungwon’s back and sighed towards the girl’s way. 

“You can leave now.”

She bowed to them and walked back to the door that separated the café part from the cat room, flabbergasted.

Then, they were back to being alone with the cats.

“The audacity! The nerve!” Jungwon in disbelief, contrasting with the tender way he was scrunching at the top of Kumiko’s head.

“You went from being nice and patient to telling her off in two minutes.” Jay chuckled, lowly. Trust Jungwon to always defend you until his last breath when he felt something wasn’t right.

“Of course, I did. We’re literally sitting inches apart, your hands are always somewhere on me. Not that I don’t love it—Keep going,” Jay’s hands worked more on the stroking on Jungwon’s lower back and he inched closer to him in comfort, “And we—I don’t know. We look like a couple! And in any way. Why is she talking to us like that, huh? What are we? Scum?"

Jay shook his head. He wanted to save his breath for people that were worth it. He’d just rather focus on stroking the younger’s back to calm him down.

“Also, she made me wake Kumiko up, and that’s just foul.” Jungwon pouted dramatically. 

Here his whiny Jungwon was.

Jay laughed in fondness and awed at him in compassion, “It’s fine. Cats sleep fifteen hours a day. Her eyes already look sleepy again, see?”

Jungwon watched Kumiko rub her head against the fluff of his sweater sleepily. His frown lessened slowly until he sighed and rested his head against Jay’s shoulder. Jay made sure to kiss Jungwon’s head, even though there was a beanie covering his head.

“I’m tired of people.” Jungwon pouted against his shoulder.

“See? That’s how I feel everyday.” Jay chuckled.

“Ugh, I’m getting just like you. I should’ve known grumpaness was contagious.”

“Even when we have a common enemy you attack me—”

Step 5: Picnic date in special destination 

“So where are we going?” Jay asked, loudly, to make sure Jungwon heard him from behind.

They had exited the cat café an hour after the incident, not without glaring at the girl, who looked like Jungwon had traumatized her. They both didn’t feel bad about it, of course.

To go to their next date, they had to go to Gwacheon which was a bus ride and then a forty-five minute walk. So, when they found a station of electric scooters, they were relieved because they both didn’t have the shoes to walk that much.

Since they were too lazy to use two scooters, they just shared one that Jay was driving. He was the one who knew how to use it properly. Jungwon knew where they were going though and apparently the GPS was wrong about the way. Jay raised an eyebrow at that remark but decided to save his breath and not fight Jungwon on this.

“We’re going to have a picnic at Seoul Grand Park. I told you so! You can keep on going straight for a while.” 

“Okay, but why are we going so far just for a picnic when there’s loads of beautiful sights in Seoul?” 

“Because of Step Six,” Jungwon explained again. “Eyes on the road, hyung.”

“Okay, but just tell me what Step Six is, please,” Jay begged him. 

“Nope. It’s a surprise. Now, you’ll have to turn right at the next intersection. Be careful, there’s lots of cars!” Jungwon’s hands around his waist tightened. 

“Yes, don’t worry,” Jay hummed. “I’m still worried about that mystery step, though.”

“Oh, yeah?” Jungwon sounded like he was grinning even though Jay couldn’t see him from his spot behind him. “What do you think it is?”

“I don’t know. You’re too unpredictable, Yang Jungwon!” Jay shouted for no reason, which made Jungwon bark a laugh.

“You’ll see in two to three hours!”

“How long does it take to have a picnic hour in ten degrees?” Jay froze. He was okay for a quick lunch outside, but even if there was the sun out, it was still too cold for him to stay longer than necessary.

“Ugh, Park Jeongseong, just trust me, will you?!”

Jay pouted and nodded. He was suspicious, though.

*♡ ᴱᴺ ♡*

Okay, so maybe Jay should have trusted Jungwon. 

Could you blame his occasional suspicions, though? Jungwon could be the devil with him!

But it was clearly the idea of a genius mastermind to have a picnic in a clear glass gazebo, on top of a hill .

How did Jungwon even know about those gazebos, Jay didn’t even know, but it was a beautiful spot. Apparently, you had to make a reservation to have those gazebos available, especially on days like this one and Jungwon made it months ago. Thanks to him, they got to eat inside the heated gazebo, while being able to gaze upon the beautiful scenery that was Seoul Grand Parc. The sun struck the top of the gazebo that was covered in beautifully designed and colored stained glass. It created a light distortion that left pink, purple and orange patterns reflecting on them.

“It’s really beautiful here,” Jay sighed, even two hours after they’d gotten there. They had installed their bags and coats behind them and had eaten right away. Now, they were sitting next to each other in front of a floor table, snacking on the little amount they hadn’t inhaled. 

Jungwon grinned, but because he was chewing his cheeks bunched up cutely like a hamster. Jay wanted to bite them since he looked so adorable.

Once Jungwon had swallowed the kimbap piece he smiled. “Isn’t it? I told you to trust me. I know how to find a great date spot. That’s my secret skill.”

“I’ll never doubt you again on that skill, then.” Jay shook his head in mirth. “It’s perfect here. Besides there’s not many people, so that’s nice.”

Jungwon laughed as he rolled his eyes. “I know, I expected more people and families out since the sun is out, but apparently not. It’s a good thing for you, though, Mr. Antisocial.”

“Today is really ‘Calling Jay names’ day, huh?” Jay playfully deadpanned.

“Everyday is Calling Jay Names day, I just don’t say it out loud all the time. I like to keep you on your toes just to see your reactions,” Jungwon explained, simply. Jay whined and pushed Jungwon’s shoulder, playfully. Jungwon, ever the dramatic one, fell over on the floor in laughter.

As he watched Jungwon laugh so hard his whole face was scrunched up, a familiar but also incredible feeling of warmth that spread through his body took him. He put down his pack to rest his chin on his hands and contemplate the younger and hopefully memorize the happiness etched into his face. In times like these, Jay didn’t even know who to thank for putting such a breathtaking person in his life. Each moment, even the ones in which he was a brat, they created a piece of a puzzle that Jay’s heart was made of. 

Jungwon eventually caught his breath and sighed, but he stayed down, back against the rug of the gazebo. His gorgeous smile had never left his face even as he stared back at Jay and reached his hand in the older’s way. 

Jay silently huffed and gave his free hand to Jungwon. He didn’t expect the younger to forcefully pull him down so they were both lying down on the rugged floor, gazing at the stained glasses and at the clear glasses that let sights of a clear image of the sun and the blue sky. Jay could only watch it for seconds before his eyes fell on the younger’s profile again.

Jungwon hadn’t let go of his hand.

“I’m teasing you. I don’t call you names in my mind.” Jungwon chuckled again. “Actually, I’m very mushy in my mind. It’s ridiculous.”

“Oh, yeah? How so?”

“It’s embarrassing.” Jungwon shook his head until his eyes also fell on Jay and they were now looking at each other. 

“I’m sure it’s not.” Jay smiled, warmly. It probably will be embarrassing, but Jay will ultimately enjoy it.

Jungwon looked at him, tenderly. In the slowest way, Jay could see his face redden from his cheeks to the tip of his nose, “Well…In my mind I call you ‘my love’. Most of the time,” Jungwon murmured, almost as if he was afraid someone else would hear it.

Jay’s heart squeezed upon hearing the confession. He felt his face blush, just like Jungwon’s.

“I know it sounds ridiculous. I just started doing it one day and I think once I noticed I was doing it, I never really stopped. Never wanted to,” Jungwon admitted, his lip caught in his teeth, although he was smiling sheepishly.

Jay’s free hand reached Jungwon’s lip and his thumb gently touched the trapped bottom lip just to let Jungwon set it free. His lips parted under the attention and Jay kept on stroking the side of his face softly. Screw the makeup. He was too soft inside.

“In my mind, I call you ‘my Wonie’. Actually, I call you that when I talk about you with Jake as well, it was also embarrassing, but I got over it,” Jay said softly. “It’s you, after all.”

Jungwon heated up even more, Jay felt it through the tips of his fingers. 

Jay was the first one to lean and Jungwon met him halfway, taking Jay’s cap off swiftly. It started with a simple, fleeting press of lips. At the mere contact, shivers broke both their spines. Jay already knew Jungwon’s lips well. It was one of his favorite things about him. He loved how they stretched when he smiled, how they glistened when Jungwon put on gloss or when they just had a long makeout session.

Most importanly he loved how crazy, stupid soft they were. How they induced the most primitive, silly urges inside Jay’s body when they touched Jay. He felt a flame lit inside him. It reached every inch of his skin and it burned bright and heavy as he felt Jungwon’s warm hand on his waist and his lashes fan against his own cheek. 

Seconds later, he felt the younger’s lips moving slowly, against his own, sweet, wet and tender. Jay’s face was flaming as he processed that Jungwon’s tongue had started peaking out and he opened his mouth to let things go this way.

The grip on his waist tightened in desperation as his tongue curled against his boyfriend’s perfectly. It was overwhelming how Jungwon made the smallest noise, languidly asking for more. Jay gave him more as he gripped Jungwon’s neck and deepened the kiss by putting leg on top of Jungwon’s thigh. 

(Thank God there were curtains all around the gazebo’s windows to shield them from outside. Jay didn’t want to scar anyone or get arrested for public indecency.)

At the bold gesture, Jungwon moaned and flicked his tongue eagerly. Jay answered back passionately, and ended up nipping softly Jungwon’s lower lip, the same one that Jay wanted to protect from Jungwon’s incriminating’s teeth. He guessed that he was just as bad. He understood the appeal of biting it, though. 

That’s why he started leaving kisses and bites lower and lower. He started with the side of his lips, his dimple, the cute mole on his chin then lowered to his jaw. That’s when he started nipping and leaving small marks. He heard Jungwon zipping down the collar of his sweater to give Jay some room to work even lower. 

“Jay. Jay. Hyung,” Jungwon gasped, breathless and whiny. 

Jay kept on nipping at the skin, leaving open-mouthed kisses on his collarbone, completely out of control. Jay could almost feel against his lips the way Jungwon’s heart thundered against his chest. He couldn’t process anything else than the way Jungwon squirmed under him, the way his body curved against Jay’s body. The way their hearts entangled unconditionally. 

“Wonie,” he whispered, as Jungwon shivered against him. Jungwon’s hand had found its way under his hoodie and Jay almost hissed at how searing the touch was against his skin.

“Love,” Jungwon murmured back, that was all he got to say before Jay surged back to embrace his lips again and he knew that the shockwave of pleasure that went through his body coursed through Jungwon’s as well. 

His warm hand ran through Jay’s relaxed back and started leaving scratches. Jay felt it. He inched closer if it was possible. They were now completely tangled, and Jay felt that if they didn’t stop, they could go into territories they had never crossed before.

His body was ready, and he knew for a fact that Jungwon’s was, too, if the movement and hard pressure against his thigh was anything to go by.

They had never gone this far. Hot, close, and so lost in each other. They always stopped before it went out of hand. Jungwon wanted to wait and it never bothered Jay to respect Jungwon’s wish. They’d never been in a rush before.

But for some reasons, now it felt so different.

But it wasn’t all that different when he really thought about it.

He felt Jungwon’s body curve against his body and suddenly Jay was hyper aware of the press of their lower bodies, of how Jungwon’s hand was sneaking to the front of Jay’s body and how it snaked down to reach Jay’s button’s of his pants.

“Wonie. Babe—,” Jay whispered against the younger’s lips. Jungwon whined and started kissing Jay's neck, and call him weak, but Jay literally forgot how to breathe for a moment as he felt Jungwon’s hot tongue against his neck. 

It was the feeling of Jungwon’s hands opening the buttons and almost reaching inside that made Jay lean his face away entirely.

“Hmm, what?” Jungwon was panting and red like he had ran a marathon. His beanie had been discarded and his hair was wild-looking. A frown of confusion was etched on his face, and it almost looked funny in contrast with how wrecked he looked. “What’s wrong?”

His lips were red and slightly swollen from all the biting. Jay’s lizard brain was yelling at him to do it some more, but no!

Jungwon wants to wait!

Jungwon’s face looked even more confused. “Wait for what?” 

Damn he had thought out loud!

“Wait for, you know…”

“Actually, I don’t know, hyung. I don’t know why you interrupted this amazing, great, mind-blowing exchange.”

Jay sighed and let his back fall on the rug again. He heard Jungwon sigh back and they were back to their original position, except they were way more aroused and panting like dogs.

They stayed in silence, just to have some time to catch their breath. 

Truthfully, he was still reeling from what had happened and let’s not even mention the throbbing situation right below.

Jay sighed. “You said you wanted to wait before we have sex.”  

“I said that at the beginning of our relationship, hyung,” Jungwon pointed out, dryly. 

“Yes, but you still said it. I want to respect that,” Jay huffed. They weren’t mad at each other, they were just feeling the sexual repression of teenagehood quick in. Just the usual.

“Hyung, you know that I said that as in ‘wait for like a few months or something’. Not ‘blue ball me every time we make out’,” Jungwon groaned, uncomfortably, and Jay did everything in his power to not look down in Jungwon’s way. Instead, he focused on the now orange sky. The pretty trees. The birds flying. 

Then, it hit him.

“Wait, really?”

“Yes, really!” Jungwon groaned again. “Now I’m frustrated.”

Instinctively, Jay reached to hold Jungwon’s hand, but the younger drew it back, immediately. “Nope. Don’t touch me. I am literally a ticking time bomb, right now."

Now, they were both groaning. 

Sensational.

*♡ ᴱᴺ ♡*

Twenty minutes of waiting for things to go down and Jungwon pouting later, they decided it was better to pack their stuff and leave. Jay did apologize, but once Jungwon calmed down, he rationalized and admitted that he couldn’t be mad at Jay for respecting his decision.

Jay kissed him in answer. Jungwon only allowed him a peck, though. The older was fine with it.

They exited the gazebo, threw away their trash and Jungwon led them to a pathway within the park.

“So, now that we’re done with this…overwhelming Step Five, can I get to know what Step Six is?” Jay asked as he put his hand around Jungwon’s shoulder.

“You’ll see when we get there. It’s a five minute walk,” Jungwon said in a secretive way.

Jay scoffed and playfully bit Jungwon’s ear in answer. The other whined dramatically, but they ended up laughing at how childish they were. 

They walked in silence, watching the beautiful scenery. But something was on Jay’s mind.

“About our discussion before…About sex.” 

Jungwon perked, but his eyes were still on the road. 

“I think we should wait for us to be of age.” 

That made Jungwon stop.

“Hyung. I am sixteen. You’re seventeen.” Jungwon looked at him like he had grown another head.

“Yes, and? I think it’s reasonable.”

“You’re saying you want to wait for four years? Because I’ll be an adult in this amount of time. Are you really going to make me—Scratch that, make us wait for four years?!”

“No…I meant, like, wait for us to be of age at like eighteen. So, a year for me and two years for you. That seems fair,” Jay explained quietly. Jungwon was still looking at him like he was crazy. Here Jay thought he was the horny one, but God was he wrong.

“You’re crazy.”

“No, I’m not. I’m protecting us.”

“From what? Being normal teenagers?” 

“No. From doing things too soon,” Jay deadpanned. 

Jungwon scoffed. “Ugh. I hate how responsible you are.” 

“You say that, but you’ll thank me later.”

“You sound like my grandmother, please stop.”

“Sorry.” Jay chuckled.

“Also…fine, we can wait. You respected my wish, so I’ll respect yours.” Jungwon sighed against his shoulder. “But don’t think I’m not going to have a heavy makeout session with you. You’ll just have to deal with the aftermath yourself!”

Jay nodded as Jungwon glared at him. Very cutely so. Jay kissed his cheek in response to the glare, smiling at how Jungwon tried to hide his own grin.

They kept on walking until they reached a medium size domain. It was your average looking traditional domain. Almost like a small bed and breakfast.

“Where are we?” Jay was really intrigued now. 

“You’ll find out in two minutes.” 

Jay entered the small house. Jungwon crossed him and went directly to the small front desk. It looked like a hotel. With a mix of modern furniture and more traditional design in the architecture and decoration itself. He contemplated the interior until he heard Jungwon walk back to him, the old lady who held the front desk walking next to him.

Jay bowed to her politely and she cooed at him, “Hello! Oh God, you two are both so handsome. You remind me of my son when he was twenty years younger.”

Jay flushed at the attention and smiled sheepishly, bowing again to thank her.

She cooed even harder, “You’re so cute. Come on, follow me! I’ll get the bathrobe and the towels for you. You can go to the changing rooms in the meantime.”

Jay looked at Jungwon in confusion. “Changing rooms?”

Step 6: Mystery date (Don’t ask, I won’t tell you)

“I can’t believe you’re getting us in our underwear when it's ten degrees outside,” Jay muttered from his side of the room.

“We’re going to bathe in a hot spring. We won’t get cold. We’ll be cooking in hot water under the shining stars!” Jungwon said from the back.

They were changing into their bathing suits from each side of the changing room. Turns out Jungwon had brought two of them for the occasion since this date was a surprise. Jay wasn’t shocked that Jungwon knew his size since it was his goal to steal every hoodie and joggings that Jay owned. 

Jay undressed quickly since he actually had to get naked to switch from his boxer to the bathing suit. He was sure that Jungwon had taken a peak while he was switching bottoms, but he gave up on taming him for the day. It would be a long term battle anyway.

He turned around once he had put on his thick wool robe. Jungwon was already ready to go. His face was red and he was smiling innocently. 

He had definitely sneaked a peek.

Jay rolled his eyes and let Jungwon take him by the arm to drag him towards the hot spring.

The property was actually a private ancestral hot spring inn in the middle of the national park. Jay had never heard of it. Then again, the country was full of little gems like this place that you could only discover by chance at best, or if you were like Yang Jungwon.

The second they stepped outside, Jay cursed out loud.

“Language, hyung! We’re not alone.” Jungwon nudged at him as he looked, pointedly, at the few people that were already bathing in some of the pools of hot springs. Jay bowed to them in apology and glared at his boyfriend.

“I’m freezing my ass off.” He shivered physically just to prove his point and snuggled closer to Jungwon who also looked like he was freezing cold, despite trying to act like he was fine.

“Let’s just find a secluded pool and get in there fast,” Jungwon pressed. Jay nodded and they walked on the stone path until they found the most secluded pool. It was hidden by the well placed trees and had its own mini fall. Next to the pool were towels and a pitch of water and glasses. It’s like the old lady knew that they wanted their private space.

The sun had almost set entirely. The moon had already been out for hours and some stars were already visible. Jay had to admit, the scenery was gorgeous. The stone pathway was lit up and there were lights inside of the pools as well that reflected beautifully.

“Okay, let’s just enter quickly before I regret this idea.” Jungwon shivered before he got rid of his robe to enter the hot water, Jay following suit.

Once his body made contact with the water, Jay let out the deepest relieved sigh in his life. The temperature was perfect as he lowered his entire body up to his neck. The pool was in two parts: one was shallow enough for them to sit like they were in a bath, the second was deeper and they could stand easily and have their whole body submerged.

“God, this feels good,” Jungwon moaned in relief as he dipped entirely in the water. They had wiped off their makeup before entering the changing room anyway. If you went in the water without wetting your entire body, were you really going in the water?

Jay hummed back and rested his head against the natural slope of the rock that edged the pool. “This was also a very good idea.” 

“I know. Even though I was doubtful for a moment, I’m loving this.” Jungwon snickered as he swam in the deeper part. Jay stayed in the shallow part to sit and rest, like they hadn’t just sat and layed down in different places all throughout the day.

When he really thought about it, they had done so much, but also not that much. There hadn’t been any physical activities, unlike what Jungwon liked to drag Jay in, on their usual dates. The day had been crafted more to Jay’s liking.

At the same time, he knew that Jungwon was enjoying himself. The way his eyes crinkled when he swam cutely in the water and dived in the water before emerging back with matted hair and a huge grin of excitement. It was pure happiness that was etched on his face. 

Jay was amazed at how Jungwon could craft his way into Jay’s life and habits so seamlessly. They both were very in tune with each other in an abnormal way for two people that have only been together for two years and friends for four years.

Maybe it was because Jungwon was one of those people that were meant to love others and be loved back. So attentive, so thoughtful that you felt lucky to be on the receiving end of their love.

Jungwon swam back his way and snickered, “I know that I’m the prettiest boy you’ve ever met, but please stop looking at me like that.”

He was also a brat. 

Jay splashed some water his way in response and that was a declaration of war. Lots of splashing and play fights in the water ensued. Their laughter echoed way too loudly and their elation and excited screams stuck out like a sore thumb in the calmness of the ancestral inn.

Jungwon somehow, successfully, dragged him to the deeper part of the pool and they were now doing everything in their power to drown each other without killing anyone. 

They went on like that for ten minutes until Jungwon hissed a curse that sounded a little too loud and painful for it to be a joke.

Jay let go of his grip on Jungwon’s waist and thigh and neck to lean him away in worry. Instead of the scrunch of happiness that usually adorned his face, a frown adorned his face.

“What’s wrong?” Jay asked in concern. “What happened?”

“I don’t know, my ankle hurts all the sudden. I think I pulled something,” Jungwon said as he looked down at where his feet were standing in the water. 

“Let’s go back to the shallow part and check it out,” Jay said, seriously. “Here; hang on my shoulder, I’ll swim back.”

Jungwon was hanging half of his body off his own in seconds, and Jay swam back to the edge of the pool in a few seconds, the water supporting most of the weight of his boyfriend.

He helped Jungwon settle against the stone edge where he was resting before. 

He still was frowning and Jay kissed him to appease his distress a little.

“Okay, let’s see. Where does it hurt?” Jay asked as he assessed Jungwon’s long legs that he gently took in order to stretch them out, slowly.

“It hurts in my right ankle. It’s not that bad, just a dull ache. I think I fumbled a little,” Jungwon explained. Jay carefully took his right leg and raised it slowly to see if the ankle. Jungwon hummed in pain as he moved his foot a little.

“It does look a little red,” Jay said in worry. “Does it hurt when I press on it?”

Jay gently started massaging the red blotchy part and Jungwon sighed in relief. “Actually, it helps to relieve the pain.”

“Okay…Still. I think that maybe we should go see a doctor.” He looked at Jungwon whose eyes tripled in size and shook his head immediately.

“What? No! I’m okay, it’s just a little injury. It’ll pass.” His dismissive tone couldn’t hide the hiss he made as he moved his foot again. 

“You’re not okay, Jungwon-ah,” Jay deadpanned. He carefully put down Jungwon’s legs, but Jungwon put his hand on his shoulder to stop him from moving in the position they were in.

“Hyung, we’re not leaving. I’m fine.” 

“Jungwon. You are in pain, I can’t let you stay like that—“ 

“Hyung. Today is Sunday, it’s almost 7PM. What doctor’s office would be open? Also, you know my fear of hospitals, so that’s not happening either,” Jungwon answered, categorically.

Jay groaned, still unconvinced. He knew very well that Jungwon hated hospitals, for some reasons. He had a bad experience when he was way younger. “…Still, I think we should see someone, it you—“

“Love, look at me.” The voice filtered in his ears softly like the water they were resting in. 

Something indescribable shined in the back of Jungwon’s eyes. The drop shaped orbs were twinkling thanks to the reflection of the water and the stars that were shining brightly above them. 

Jay locked eyes with them. There was sincerity, earnestness and a hint of pleading in them.

Jay hadn’t missed the intimate nickname that had slipped out of Jungwon. His heart stuttered midbeat because of it. 

Jungwon stared at him quietly, eyes wide and a ghost of a smile peaking. 

“Can’t it wait until tomorrow? I told you it’s not that bad…Besides, we’re almost through the day. As soon as we finish with everything and go home for Step Seven, I’ll put some ice over it,” he reassured him and took Jay’s pinky and interlace it with his own. “I promise.” 

The rational, responsible side of Jay told him to not listen to his boyfriend and force him to go see someone about his injury. The more selfish, and immature side of him was screaming at him to just give in.

Unsurprisingly, that same side was the one that loved to indulge Jungwon. 

Jungwon still had a grip on his pinky and at Jay’s silence he softly pecked the side of it. 

Ugh. He was a weak man.

“Fine,” he sighed. Jungwon brightened immediately and grinned a radiant smile. Jay rolled his eyes fondly. “Fine, we can stay. But I’m making a doctor appointment at my cousin’s practice for you right now. And I’ll still massage your ankle since it helps. Also, you’re not allowed to walk. I’ll carry you back home.” 

Jungwon nodded, frantically, his eyes wide in glee and hope. Jay tried to look like he wasn’t happy with the situation, just out of spite. It was difficult to act this way for more than twenty seconds, though. You couldn’t blame him. He had an irresistibly cute boyfriend.

“Okay! Deal! Now come here, let’s act like we’re in a drama

and watch the stars!” Jungwon made grabby hands giddily.

“You watch the stars, I’m massaging your ankle, Yang Jungwon,” Jay reminded him.

Jungwon pouted. “You’re no fun.”

“I know,” Jay dismissed him, shaking his head at how Jungwon’s pout deepened. 

Once they had established the plan, he set it in motion. He quickly took his phone and opened his contact app. Fortunately, his older cousin was a doctor and knew Jungwon very well. She answered right away and as soon as he explained the situation  she started fussing over Jungwon’s state. Jay had to pass Jungwon the phone to reassure her. Just the usual.

In two minutes, he had made the appointment. Jay sighed in relief because at least he had done something about the situation. Jungwon shook his head at his worry but also stared at him with so much love that Jay had to splash him, embarrassed over the attention he was getting.

He settled them closer to the angle of the pool so they could rest their backs. He cautiously took Jungwon’s legs and threw them over his own legs. He folded the younger’s leg so he could reach his ankle and once Jungwon was satisfied with their proximity, Jay started working on massaging it slowly.

As soon as he heard Jungwon’s moan of relief he felt the tension in his shoulder unfold a little.

They stayed in comfortable silence for a moment, the only noise filtering being the bubbles and courant of the water and Jungwon’s sighs. Jay focused on his boyfriend’s ankle and tried to discern Jungwon’s groan of pain and relief. 

“Since you don’t want to watch the stars, I’ll just describe them for you.” Jungwon sighed as he leaned his head against the slope of the pool wall he was resting on.

Jay snorted and shook his head. “Go ahead, then.” This was going to be funny. “What do you see?”

“So, from this angle you can see a lot of stars. Some shining more than others. The moon is also there, but not entirely. It looks nice actually, it’s like, a crescent…Looks like a croissant. I’m hungry now,” Jungwon muttered absentmindedly.

Jay snickered at the comment. “It’s not a coincidence. I believe that the word for the pastry is also the word for ‘crescent’ in French.” 

“The French language is smarter than me then. If I was one of those people creating words, I wouldn’t have made it so simple. Thank God I’m just a random Korean student.”

“Hmm,” Jay was doing everything to focus on the ankle but it was hard.

“Anyway…It’s quite pretty. The stars that shine the most are making a constellation, I think it has a real name, but since it has been established I don’t know anything about astronomy, I’ll just tell you the shapes of constellations I notice.” Jay nodded and prepared himself. “So, the first one is shaped like a lollipop. Not a normal round one, though. The kind you would lick only on one side, so it’s kind of round on one side but flat on the other one. You follow?”

“I follow.” Jay laughed, “What else?”

“There’s this one constellation—at this point, I think you understand  I call any alignment of stars a constellation, but I’m pretty sure they’re just random stars minding their own business. Anyway, I was saying, there’s this constellation that’s shaped like a beauty blender.”

“You mean it’s shaped like a drop?” Jay asked in confusion. He knew what a beauty blender looked, but he was still confused.

“Yes, oh my God." Jungwon said in shame, "I don’t know why my mind went there. I need to stop watching makeup tutorials.”

“It’s fine,” Jay snickered at Jungwon’s expression of disbelief. “When I see things shaped like a drop I don’t think ‘That’s shaped like a drop.’ I actually think, ‘This is shaped like Jungwon’s eyes’. It’s just our mind associating it with things we see a lot.”

“Aww, that’s actually sweet…and a little creepy.” Jungwon cooed in an oversweet tone.

“I know. It freaked me out a little when I caught myself doing it for the first time.”

“Can’t blame you, though. Every time I see an ad of a model dressed in black my mind goes ‘Jay hyung would love that.’ You can only imagine how many times it happens in a day, in this capitalist, commercial ridden city we live in.” Jungwon shook his head in defeat.

Jungwon proceeded to describe more of the stars in a ridiculously funny way. Jay tried to refrain from choking on his laughter but it was hard. 

Jungwon made him too happy.

*♡ ᴱᴺ ♡*

They stayed in the bath for forty more minutes, just chatting and bantering like they loved to do. When the clock hit nine o’clock they decided to get out and go back home to finish the day.

Jay helped Jungwon to get out of the pool and put on his robe. Jungwon tried to stand on his foot and even if the massage helped a little, it was obvious that he was still in pain. He clearly wouldn’t be able to walk home. They were almost forty five minutes away in scooter and bus, after all. 

Jay helped him hop back in the changing room and they quickly changed back into their clothes. Jungwon had brought back two sweaters for them to double down in layers since it was a winter night after all.

Once they dried their hair and put on their layers of clothes and coats on, they paid the host. She thanked them and gave them grilled sweet potatoes as a gift. They thanked her at least thirty times before they walked and hopped out of the inn.

They followed the path of stone that would lead them to the exit of the park. They were balancing hopping/walking and eating their potatoes before Jay stopped them. “Okay, hop on my back.”

“You haven’t even finished your sweet potato,” Jungwon pointed out. Jay shook his head and let go of the younger’s arm around his shoulder to stand in front of him and give him the potato. Jungwon frowned and pouted. “You love sweet potatoes. Finish it.”

“At this pace, we’ll be home by eleven, so I have to carry you,” Jay explained as he took his backpack that was on his right shoulder and attached it to his front. He then turned around and leaned to give Jungwon his back. “Just hop on. You can feed me some potatoes on the way.”

Jungwon huffed, but obeyed. He climbed up, ungracefully, and Jay groaned a little at the sudden weight. Jungwon wasn’t that heavy, but he was still a sixteen-year-old boy still in growth.

“Are you settled?” he asked the younger who was fidgeting to find the right position. 

After a while, Jungwon’s arms circled his neck and he had two sweet potatoes in his face. “I’m all settled. We can go.”

So, Jay went. He panted his way out, occasionally taking bites of the potatoes that Jungwon would alternate between them. One bite for him and one bite for Jay. Even when Jay said he had enough Jungwon insisted that he had to eat to support the weight of his very injured self. So, Jay ate.

Ten minutes later and a whole rendition of IU’s last three comebacks later, they arrived at the scooter session. Thank God there were some left. 

He gently left Jungwon down and the younger hopped to the device to configure it.

“We were supposed to do Step Seven in your house, but I guess it doesn’t really matter where we are,” Jay said as they input a destination in the GPS. “I’ll bring you back home since you’re hurt.”

Jungwon nodded. “Yeah, I forgot an important element of the step at home anyways,” he said sheepishly.

Jay smiled wryly and laughed. “Alright. Let’s go.”

He helped the younger hop on the scooter and Jay drove them home. He felt Jungwon’s hands tighten around his waist and snuggle his face in his sweater. Right at home.

Step 7: Gifts exchanges!! 

They had to wait for the bus for a little while, but they eventually got home in one piece and Jungwon’s ankle hurt a little less according to the younger. Jay was relieved to hear it.

Especially because when they entered the threshold of Jungwon’s house, they had to dodge a shoe thrown their way.

“Where the hell were you?” Jungwon’s grandmother yelled in worry. She looked disheveled like she had ran her hands through her hair repeatedly. She held her small old samsung galaxy phone. “You didn’t answer your phone. I didn’t raise you to be a rude grandson, Yang Jungwon! When I call you, you answer!”

Jungwon and Jay were frozen in horror. Jay would have ran away, but Jungwon was still leaning on his shoulder in support and he wasn’t that much of a coward.

“And you!” she hissed at Jay, who yelped in shock. He shivered at the intensity of the glare she threw his way. “You are supposed to be the good, role model hyung, who keeps him from doing stupid and irresponsible things.”

Jay felt a ball of lead lodge in his throat. He bowed in shame.

Jungwon held a hand in surrender. “It’s not hyung’s fault, Grandma. We were just out and lost track of time. My phone was out of battery. We’re sorry.”

“Very sorry.” Jay nodded, frantically.

Grandma Yang looked between the two boys, who looked like kicked puppies. She shook her head and sighed. “You better be sorry. How dare you make me worry. An old lady like me. You’re just a pair of brats,” she hissed as she put down the second shoe she had in her hand.

“We’re very sorry, Grandma,” Jungwon said in shame. She dismissed him loudly and walked towards him with a more gentle look. Then, she eyed their position.

“Why are you leaning against him—Are you hurt?” she yelped. 

“I just sprained my ankle, but I’m okay.” Jungwon tried to act dismissive because they both knew how she could act as fussy as she could be ferocious. Of course, she didn’t accept this answer.

“What happened?” She shook her head as she took her grandson's arm and helped Jay carry him to the nearest chair.

“We were just—roughhousing and I pulled something. It’s fine, though. Jay hyung massaged it for like an hour, so it’s way better now,” Jungwon explained. 

Jay flushed under the stare of Jungwon’s grandmother. She always expressed how grateful she was for Jay taking care of Jungwon, but sometimes the way he acted with him could sound suspicious. Especially for someone who didn’t know they were a couple. 

(You could only do so much for your best friend. 

Sometimes what Jay did for Jungwon could only be described as an act of pure love and gayness.)

It was fine for them because it was very intended, but Grandma Yang couldn’t know about it. Still, there were instances where she would stare at them for a second too long, eyes carrying an indescribable glint and it was as if she knew. Right now was a perfect example of these moments.

She stared at them a little longer, her eyes lingering a little on the way Jay’s hands were resting on Jungwon’s shoulder. Jay retrieved it immediately when he noticed. He didn’t even remember when it got there. “...Okay. But you should still see a doctor. You never know what could happen, dear—”

“Jay hyung called his cousin, who’s a doctor. He made an appointment for tomorrow afternoon after school,” Jungwon explained, and Jay wanted to tell him to shut up because the more he talked the more Grandma Yang’s expression was morphing into something worryingly knowing. 

“Oh. That’s good,” she said, very unconvincingly if you asked Jay. 

Jungwon was clueless though, too focused on making sure that his grandmother wouldn’t get worried. “Yes, see? I know you have your weekly meetings with your group of ahjumma friends on Monday afternoons.”

Grandma Yang tried again, “Oh I can cancel it—”  but of course Jungwon being Jungwon—

“Oh, no don’t bother! Jay hyung said he’d go with me to the doctor. He’ll just carry me like he carried me home from our da—I mean our outing.”

The way Grandma Yang’s eyebrow raised as she stared at Jay again made him want to dig a ditch and leave in it for a year. Anything to get out of this situation.

“Oh. So, I guess you and Jay got it all figured out,” she summed up. Jay smiled sheepishly and fidgeted under the stare. He had never felt more nervous under the scrutiny of an old lady’s eyes.

“Yeah pretty much.” Jungwon was not usually this clueless, but maybe he was tired. “So, we’ll just go to my room now. We’ll eat afterwards. Jay hyung already bought us some snacks on the way ho—”

“She’s got it, Jungwon-ah,” Jay stopped him this time because he was going to melt under the hot stare if Jungwon kept on talking. “Let me help you up and let’s just—”

He didn’t finish his sentence. He just had to get out of there. Jungwon let himself get dragged and once they bowed again to the frozen grandmother, they slowly walked to Jungwon’s room at the end of the hall. 

Once they finally were in the confines of his room, Jay carefully helped Jungwon sit on his bed, closed the door, and dramatically slid down to the floor until he was lying down on it.  

“Are you okay?” Jungwon asked in confusion. When Jay didn’t answer, he crawled to him slowly and sat next to him. “Hyung?”

“Your grandmother knows something.” Jay leaned his head and looked at Jungwon blankly. 

Jungwon who had now his chin resting on his legs, careful not to put pressure on the right one, tilted his head in question (cutely). “She knows what?”

“She knows about us. She knows something is going on.”

Jungwon blinked at him, before breaking into a nervous laugh. “What are you talking about? No, she doesn’t.”

“She was looking at us like something wasn’t adding up. Like I cared too much. It was weird,” Jay pointed out in worry.

“I didn’t notice anything strange. That’s kind of always how she acts when I tell her about you. It’s either this or cooing about how great of a hyung you are to me and how lucky I am to have someone like you in my life.” Jungwon looked up, retelling what looked like quotes and Jay wondered about things. Like how could his boyfriend be an evil genius and so dense at the same time.

“...I think she knows, Won-ah,” Jay said slowly.

Jungwon stared at him, blinking slowly. A frown slowly etched on his face. “No, she doesn’t.” 

“Won-ah. She does.”

“No, she doesn’t,” Jungwon repeated, his voice sounding a little more high pitched this time. Which meant that he was realizing stuff. Jay stood up and sat in crisscross because, oh boy.

“What else does she say when you talk about me?” Jay prompted.

“Hum, I don’t know. That she was happy that she wouldn’t have to go through a whole ordeal to make sure I was well surrounded because you filtered everyone who isn’t worthy of me out. That she wished she could have someone like you to take care of her like you take care of me, but, sadly, she hated all men. That you were the only one she could—” Jungwon’s voice got quieter and finally he looked at Jay and said, “Oh, maybe she does know.”

“Yes.” Jay nodded and he couldn’t help but smile at the way Jungwon’s ears grew red as he slowly processed the idea that maybe things would be easy from now on.

“Why didn’t you tell me?!”

“How was I supposed to know?! You’re the one living with her!”

“You’re supposed to be the responsible, aware one in this relationship!”

“Yeah well I guess that we’re both dumb then.”

“Dumb and gay.”

“... Yes.”

*♡ ᴱᴺ ♡*

They had finally settled on Jungwon’s bed after they blamed each other for a while. They decided to agree on the fact that maybe his grandmother was just too smart.

Now, it was time for the actual last step of their date. The gift exchange.

Jay pulled out the gift wrapped from his bag and Jungwon went to retrieve it from his closet since it was too big to carry in a bag all day.

They exchanged gifts, and Jay wasn’t surprised to see that Jungwon had gone big in terms of size. 

“Okay, you open mine first!” Jungwon smiled giddily. “I can’t believe the resolve I have. I successfully didn’t spoil the surprise. My mind, it amazes me sometimes.”

“Alright, Jungwon-ah, calm down,” Jay snorted as he teared open the wrapping paper around the gift. 

He opened the box and his eyes widened. 

Jay knew that Jungwon would never be able to offer him one thing. But he didn’t expect to see not one but three gifts within the big box. The box was full of fluff, polaroid pictures of them, and small red paper hearts. Real cheesy. Real Jungwon-like.

“So, let me explain each gift,” Jungwon said excitedly. 

Jay took the first item. It was a small box. He opened it and found small silver hoops with a small infinity sign engraved on the side of it. They were quite simple, but still so pretty. Exactly something he would buy for himself.

“Those are so beautiful…” Jay smiled as he took one of them out to take a closer look. “But I don’t have a piercing yet.”

“I know, silly,” Jungwon chuckled. “These are earrings for when you’ll get your first piercing once you go to college. I also did some research and I made an appointment at a piercing parlor for you on January 12, 2023 —Yes in a year from now – for a professional. So, you can look forward to a precise date for their installation.”

Jay shook his head in disbelief, although he had the biggest smile on his face. “You’re unbelievable.” He chuckled. “Thank you, I love them.” He leaned to kiss Jungwon, but the younger man stopped him with his fingers.

“Uh-huh. It’s not finished!” Jungwon said mischievously. 

Jay swallowed his disappointment and took the medium sized box now. He opened the box and found a perfume. A very familiar one.

Jay’s eyes snapped to his boyfriend and he gaped. “Jungwon, is that—“

“Yup. It’s Rihanna’s Eau de Parfum.” Jungwon nodded in pure excitement and glee.

Jay spluttered, “Jungwon, it’s not even sold in South Korea. And it’s like 120 US dollars. How—What—”

“Once again. Research. Don’t ask. Just enjoy.” Jungwon grinned.

Jay had been obsessed with the perfume when he had the chance to smell a sample of it when he ordered some special French edition of Vogue he liked to get to practice his French. He had been so disappointed when he found out it wasn’t sold in their country and that shipping fees to have it delivered from the US were almost 70,000 won. Sure his parents had money but he didn’t like to spend it like that.

“I can’t—I don’t. I want to—” He dared to open the cap and press the pump to smell the fragrance. Yup, here it was. Heaven in a bottle. “I can’t believe you did that!”

Jungwon looked so happy. Even happier than Jay. “And I can’t believe I held down to the secret for so long. I almost—No, no, wait before kissing me. I still have one left!”

Jay looked at him in disbelief. How could he have landed such an incredible person in his life? 

“This last one actually took me the longest to do, but it was the cheapest.” Jungwon pulled out the last and biggest although thinnest gift.

Jay smiled at his beautiful boyfriend and took the last attention. He held onto it and delicately opened it.

He unwrapped the paper and stopped halfway to find a picture of them looking at him. Jay smiled as recognized it. It had been the background of his phone for a month after they took the picture.

All seven of them had decided to go on a trip to the closest beach. They hadn’t actually went to swim, but they still had a great moment all together

Of course, being true members of Generation Z, they took millions of pictures, including pictures of the sunset. Jungwon was a little bit in a mood on that day because the beach had a tendency to remind him of his parents and how much he missed them. 

The sight of the sun setting had struck a particular string of his heart and he had walked away from their group to process all the emotions. When Jay noticed he had been gone, he had gone to see what was wrong only to find Jungwon tearing up. It had only been three months since they had started dating back then, so Jay was still awkward and panicky anytime Jungwon showed an ounce of expression of his emotions.

That day had actually been the first time Jungwon had shared this more vulnerable part of himself with anyone. And Jay had been right there to embrace him and make sure he was heard and taken care of.

They ended up watching the sunset on their own side of the beach, Jay doing everything in his power to make Jungwon laugh to comfort him. 

Sunoo and Jake, never too far with their cameras, caught the scene, and it was this exact moment that had been immortalized on what Jay was holding. Jungwon’s eyes crinkled in mirth and a face of pure glee mimicked by a completely wet Jay that had played too much and fell in the freezing water.

“I love this picture,” Jay said lowly. He felt his throat close up as his heart beat louder in a strange but beautiful feeling.

“I love it, too.” Jungwon smiled at him. “But it’s not just the picture.” 

Jay blinked back tears and awed as he unwrapped the rest of the gift and found that it was actually an album cover for a big Vinyl CD. Jay’s eyes couldn’t be wider.

“I made us a vinyl. It’s a playlist of all of our favorite songs and songs that remind me of you or us,” Jungwon explained softly. Jay noticed the small ‘Parental Advisory Explicit Content’ on the side and the list of tracks as he turned the album to the other side.

Tears slipped easily when he saw the first track.

“Oh. You put... You put Best Friend,"Jay whispered.

Jay discovered this song back when he was younger and coincidentally he started to actually listen to it when he met Jungwon. Soon his mind associated Jungwon with this song. It was very weird because he had never done that before. 

It was even more surprising to have Jungwon playing the cords on his guitar and casually dropping the fact that this song reminded him of Jay, two month into their relationship. 

(It was kind of cheesy to think about it and it was left unsaid. 

But it felt like fate.)

Jay was crying now.

“Can I kiss you, now?” Jay asked with a weak voice. Jungwon let out a wet chuckle and nodded.

Jay surged in immediately and kissed the breath out of his boyfriend. He tried his best to convey through it what words couldn’t properly describe. Jungwon gripped on his wrist as Jay took his face in his hands.

He never wanted to let go.

They exchange more kisses, each of them as shiver-inducing as possible, until Jay had to lean away because he was crying too hard.

“Sorry, I’m just…very touched.”

“I’m so happy you like it.” Jungwon laughed, almost as if he wasn’t also tearing up in love.

“I really do love it. I can’t wait to play it with my record player,” Jay whimpered. “Gosh, you’re a good gift giver.”

“I know,” Jungwon whined. It didn’t even sound like bragging. It was almost like he was cursing himself. “Gift that makes us cry like babies. Damn me and my amazing skills.”

“Yes. Damn you.” Jay laughed, pathetically. He kissed Jungwon again and the younger smiled into it. It was ridiculous. He loved it.

They kissed some more, until Jay pulled away and groaned, “Now, I have to compete with that and give you my lame ass gift.”

“No,” Jungwon laughed, “don’t say that, I’m sure it’s amazing. I’ll love it either way.”

“See, even you are doubting me!” Jay whined as he pulled the small box from his bag and he reluctantly gave it to Jungwon’s awaiting hands.

“No, I’m not. I’m excited!” Jungwon reassured him as he tore up the wrapping paper in two seconds. 

It was a small black velvet box. The word Swarovski was embroidered on it.

Jungwon stared at the logo on it in shock.

“I know it’s not as thoughtful as all the gifts you got me. I mean—you made me a vinyl, bought me Rihanna’s freaking perfume! But I still wanted to give you something that lasted I guess. Something you could wear all the time…”

Jungwon still hadn’t said anything. He was only staring at the closed box.

Then he finally unfroze and opened the box.

Jungwon gasped at the sight of two silver chains. In the middle were the small pendant. It was the J letter encrusted in small gems. 

“I figured we could have matching necklaces. Since we both like to have accessories on and I know that you like matching stuff,” he explained as he watched Jungwon gape at the jewelry that he slowly picked up from its black velvet case. “Since both of our names start with a J in English I figured it could be a little trick also. Mostly for your grandma if she asked questions, but since that’s out of the way…Anyway, it’s literally not as incredible as what you got me, but I thought that it would still be nice—”

Jay couldn’t finish his ramble, he was too busy being body slammed by Jungwon as the younger squeaked the biggest scream of happiness right in Jay’s ear.

“Oh my god! Shut up, I love it so much,” he said in Jay’s arms. Jay was still processing what was happening, and as he felt something wet in his neck, his mind understood that maybe he wasn’t that bad of a gift giver either.

He snaked his arms around Jungwon’s waist and hugged him back as strongly as he could.

“This is the greatest thing I’ve ever received,” Jungwon said with a shaky and giddy voice. “I love love love it!”

“Thank fuck,” Jay sighed quietly and Jungwon coughed a laugh.

They hugged for a while until Jungwon sprung out and clapped his hands, giddy.

“Put it on me! Right this instant. Oh God, is this how it feels to be a sugar baby? I understand so many women now!” 

“Jungwon. Please.”

“Sorry,” Jungwon said, sheepishly, as Jay rounded him and took one of the necklaces to delicately put it on around Jungwon’s neck.

Once he finished, he kissed his cheek and Jungwon, honest to God, giggled. They were doomed. 

After Jungwon struggled to put on Jay’s necklace because he was shaking in excitement, he yelped, “Let’s go to the mirror now!” He stretched his arm and Jay helped him up to hop to the bathroom.

Finally, they were standing for the second time today, and this time there wasn’t a hint of nervousness.

Jungwon awed once again, this time at the way the necklaces rested on their necks. The bathroom neon shone on them and the jewels reflected beautifully against the walls.

“God. I love it,” Jungwon groaned. He looked at them both with so much pride, and Jay didn’t have to see his reflection to see he looked the same.

Jungwon turned to him and rounded his arms around his neck. Jay’s hands instinctively rested on his waist to pull him closer.

“This is everything. This all day was just…everything. I don’t know how to speak Korean anymore.” Jay laughed as the younger leaned his forehead against his neck. “I’m too excited. I’m sorry” 

“I know, baby. Don’t apologize.”

“Okay.” Jungwon was grinning so hard. His dimples were so deep and just like them, Jay was falling harder and harder.

He wanted to immortalize this feeling.

“Okay, don’t move.” Jay smiled and left Jungwon for a second.

He went into Jungwon’s bag and retrieved the polaroid. 

He came back just as fast, and Jay’s grin widened when he saw the camera.

“It’s the last polaroid left in the camera. Let’s take a picture worth remembering, shall we?” Jay smirked and Jungwon nodded like an excited puppy.

Jay gave Jungwon the camera and went behind his back to give him a back hug, Jungwon laughing as Jay rubbed his sides softly. He leaned against the younger’s  right shoulder just enough so we could see his face and the ‘J’ of his necklace. 

Jungwon held onto the camera and, finally, when they were both ready he clicked on the button to take a mirror selfie of themselves.

The photo developed instantly and this time, unlike all the previous steps, Jungwon let him see the final polaroid picture.

The quality wasn’t perfect. The light reflection of their necklaces blurred some areas of the picture, everything was oversaturated and Jungwon was smiling so hard that his eyes were closed in it. 

It was messy. But much like their relationship, the messiness was what made the picture perfect to them.