One thing that Renjun thought was that there never could be peace, well at least not now with this going on. 

“Lee, you ran late on time again! How are we supposed to practice if you guys go over time?” 

“Well, then next time don’t book your practice right after ours.” 

The constant shouting and arguing between Donghyuck and Mark was getting tiring, no correction, it was tiring and everyone was sick of it. Not to mention, their feud with each other was getting out of hand, to the point where the teams were almost getting into physical fights with each other. Renjun had long thought that this so-called “feud” between the two was just unresolved sexual tension. But would he ever bring it up to Donghyuck’s face? Well probably but only when Donghyuck wasn’t near any skates. The worst part of this unresolved sexual tension was that it made dating Yangyang a lot harder. Too caught up in their weird argument, Donghyuck and Mark never even bothered to notice how others were affected by their little game. 

The last thing that Renjun ever thought would happen to him when he entered university was having to hide a relationship because of a stupid rivalry. 

⛸️🏒

When Renjun first entered university, he had a lot of expectations about what it was going to be like and how he was going to go about it. What he least anticipated though was his overly enthusiastic and rich roommate. Donghyuck was a lot to handle personality-wise when Renjun first moved in. He was very outgoing and touchy while Renjun was more reserved and quiet. It did take a bit for the duo to warm up to each other, well it took was a night during the welcome week when the two became very open with each other. After that night, the two of them got a lot closer to each other. 

The two had met Shotaro, who had lived in the room next door to them, along with Jeno and Jaemin who lived right across the hall. The five of them became fast friends, often they would eat in the dining hall together or study together after all their classes. 

The first couple of weeks in the semester was a nice time for the five of them. They constantly hung out and spent time together when they could. It was not until the topic of tryouts for the hockey and ice skating team come up, did things slowly start to dissolve. 

“Jeno and I are going to join the hockey team. We have played a lot when we were in high school and since we were scouted for this college, we decided to join.” 

Jeno and Jaemin were the first ones to really “leave” the group. Well, they never really left but rather, hockey started to take up their free time real fast. While they became busy with that, Donghyuck had insisted that Shotaro and Renjun join him in the ice skating tryouts. 

Shotaro was planning on it anyway considering his older brother was on the team, while Renjun was more hesitant. He had done the sport almost his entire life and a part of him just wanted to put it to rest. Don’t get him wrong, he loved the sport with his heart, but it was a little tiring sometimes always competing. Maybe a part of him didn’t want to join because his older brother was already on the team. Sicheng always seemed to be the better of the two at the sport, his flexibility seemingly unparalleled to Renjun’s, and his grace left the audience in awe. 

Donghyuck didn’t even know about Renjun’s ability to skate nor did he know about his older brother already being on the team. He just wanted someone to join him at tryouts, someone to just be in the audience there. Although Hyuck was technically already on the team, he still had to do the official tryouts.

But Yangyang always knew. Even when Renjun had first brought it up to him, the younger already had a knowing glint in his eye. Yangyang had immediately encouraged him to try out, saying, “babe we totally could hang out together in the rink together.” 

Renjun just rolled his eyes at the statement, but he couldn’t stop the grin from forming on his face. 

It was Yangyang who brought back his love for the sport. At first, Yangyang didn’t even know that the other did ice skating as a hobby/sport. He just wanted to hang out on the ice as a date between the two. It was right before their first year of college when they had gone on their first date. It was awkward and cringy but it was special to them. The two of them met because of Renjun’s brother in the first place and immediately clicked. 

⛸️🏒

Renjun had known Yangyang since his senior year of high school. Sicheng ge had introduced them when he had first joined the Chinese Student Association in his first year at their university. Yanyang was someone that Kun ge constantly was “babysitting”. 

“I’m a senior in high school, I don’t need a babysitter,” he would say pouting. 

But everyone else would just roll their eyes and not believe a word Yangyang was saying. At first, it was only a couple of times seeing each other face to face, since a lot of the time it was them texting each other back and forth. Somehow there was an undeniable spark between the two of them that grew relatively fast. It was barely half a year into their friendship when Yangyang had asked Renjun out on a date. 

It was one of the rare times that the two of them got to meet up in person since both went to different high schools in different parts of the city. Yangyang was stammering through the whole confession when he had first asked Renjun out, scared that he would mess up the friendship they already had. Hell, they got along extremely well despite not knowing each other for that long. But it was the fact that they had not known each other that made Yangyang scared. Renjun himself was not sure of his feelings either at first. 

Having only known Yangyang for six months and then also developing a small crush on him as well, it seemed weird to him. But when Yangyang had asked him out, he had taken the chance and said yes. He did like him, more than friends, but he wasn’t entirely sure if those feelings were due to them being friends or because he did like him in a romantic sense as well. 

Yangyang had picked him up, opening the car door for Renjun and exclaiming that he looked cute. Renjun was dressed per Yangyang’s request and after he had gotten settled into the car, it took off. The entire ride, Renjun got control of the music, saying that he refused to listen to any of Yangyang’s music on their first date. 

“There is nothing wrong with my music taste,” Yangyang scoffed playfully. 

“I am not listening to Cardi B on our first date,” retorted Renjun. 

Yangyang just sighed and pouted, but Renjun just playfully rolled his eyes. 

“So Yangie, where exactly are you taking us for our date?” 

“It's a surprise.”

Yangyang smirks at that statement, knowing that Renjun is very insistent and hates surprises. But he has a feeling that Renjun will (hopefully) like it. Knowing Yangyang, he is not going to give into Renjun this time around. After a couple more minutes of driving, Yangyang pulls off the road into a parking lot. The two of them get out of the car with Yangyang grabbing a bag from the backseat. Yangyang taking out a bag is what confused Renjun the most. What could they possibly be needing a bag for on their date? Are they hiding a body? What in the world could they possibly need it for?

It was too cold for a picnic so that couldn’t be the answer either. The two of them kept walking and eventually entered the building. It was not until taking a flight of stairs down and walking across a building that they finally came to their destination.

“You’re taking me skating for our first date?” Renjun asks in disbelief. 

“Yeah,” Yangyang says subbing his neck out of nervousness, “Is it too much? Do you not like it? Should I have taken you somewhere else? I just thought it would be a really cute date idea and Ten ge had came up with it and Sicheng ge was also there when I asked about it and he approved of it-”

“Yangyang, I like the idea. I’m just shocked is all. I was not expecting it.” 

Visibly beaming at Renjun’s assurance, Yangyang excitedly takes him into the rink. Having brought their skates (he had asked Sicheng for Renjun’s) he took them out of the bag and handed them to Renjun. They silently put on their skates before making their way to the entrance of the rink. Surprisingly the rink was empty as not a lot of people wanted to go to the rink on a Thursday afternoon. They both just started by holding hands and just casually making loops around the length of the rink. 

They were casually making the halfway point of the rink when Yangyang shouted, “Race ya” and took off. 

Once processing what Yangyang had said, Renjun immediately zoomed in to catch up to the other. However, with the surprise headstart, Yangyang had gotten, caused Renjun to lose. 

“Well Junnie since you lost, I have something that I want you to do.”

“I don’t think it's fair that I get a punishment just because you were the one who cheated.”

“Well, what if I just want my very adorable boyfriend to impress me with his skills.” 

Renjun rolls his eyes at that but doesn’t make an effort to deny Yangyang. Yangyang knew he had a charm and that he was using it to his advantage right now, but how could Renjun refuse. If he was confused about his feelings for Yangyang before, he was not anymore. He was whipped for the other boy and he was not going to give Yangyang the satisfaction of knowing, well not now anyway. 

“Fine I will go show you my ‘skills’,” and with that Renjun skated off towards the center of the rink. 

He got into a starting position, before taking off, skating as if he had music accompanying him. Renjun had looked like a swan on the ice, his gracefulness and elegance seeping out into the routine. His jumps were clean and his twirls were fluid. When Renjun finished, Yangyang immediately raced over to him and practically collided with him. 

“My Junnie that was beautiful. If I had known you always could skate this amazingly I would have taken you to a rink ages ago.” 

“You barely knew me longer than six months!”

“Well, who cares. Now I have to go search the internet for all of your past performances or I will go ask Sicheng ge. I’m sure he would give me all of them.” 

“Do you like it that much?” Renjun asks with a hint of uncertainty. Despite being talented, Renjun always personally thought he wasn’t the greatest at ice skating compared to his brother. Sure each of them had their strengths and weaknesses, but sometimes Renjun felt that in general, he was the weaker one out on the ice. 

“Yes baobao! I mean I’ve seen your brother perform before, but he has nothing on you. I think you are the better of the two. But don’t ever let ge know that I said that.” 

Renjun was flustered at that. He was not expecting whatsoever that Yangyang would consider him the better of the two when it came to ice skating. The only thing he could do was just bask in the compliments that Yangyang gave him because there was absolutely no way that he was going to change his opinion on the matter. 

“Baobao huh,” teased Renjun, choosing to focus on the endearment rather than the other part of the sentence. He already was going to take the rest of Yangyang’s thoughts to heart anyways. 

“Uh yeah uhh… is it too early to have pet names? I mean do you not like it? It is our first date after all…” 

“Yangie I love it.”

“Well, then how about we skate some more before getting something to eat? I heard there is a good Japanese place around here.” 

The two of them go back to skating before deciding to call it quits. Then afterward, dinner was even better, both of them extremely hungry after skating. When they got back to Renjun’s place, Yangyang had insisted on walking Renjun up to his place claiming something about chivalry or how he had to be a gentleman. Renjun just rolled his eyes and let Yangyang do whatever he wanted. 

“So this is you…” 

“Yes, I am quite aware of where I live Yangyang.” 

“Well, uhm I just wanted to say that I had a great time with you tonight Junnie. Also, I would love to go on a second date and even many more dates if you would allow me?” 

“Yes, I would love to. Now you probably should head back home, I have already kept you too long the way it is.” 

With that Renjun expected Yangyang to say his goodbyes but Yangyang seemed to be rooted to his spot as he was getting closer to Renjun. The action wasn’t unwanted or anything, but rather unexpected. At this point, the two of them gravitated close enough to have their noses touching. 

“Can I-” 

Before Yangyang could even finish that statement, the door opened and Sicheng appeared in the doorway. The two of them bolted away immediately, a flush of red spreading rapidly on their faces. Sicheng just smiled amusedly at the action. 

“Uh, I guess I just wanted to say that I heard voices at the door and I wanted to check to see what it was. Hello Yangyang.” 

“Hi ge. Uhm Renjun, I’ll text you okay? See you ge.” 

With that Yangyang headed down the hall and left the two brothers standing at the door. 

“So about what I just interrupted..” 

“It's okay ge. We have plenty of time for that kind of thing. Besides, don't you think it's a bit cliche to kiss on the first date at someone’s doorstep.” 

“Whatever you say Junnie. Now come in and we can talk about your date.” 

Renjun just groans at that but makes his way into their apartment. It was going to be a long night of interrogation. 

⛸️🏒

After Yangyang had convinced Renjun to try out for the team, the two of them became very busy during that try-out period. It was also the same time when Renjun began to lose the friends that he had just made. Since hockey tryouts were more intensive than ice skating ones were, he often didn’t see Jaemin or Jeno very much at all. It got even worse when later on, the tension between Mark and Donghyuck began. 

Things between him and Yangyang were always fine, that was never disrupted by hockey or ice skating. They knew each other well before university (a whole year) and had other things that kept them connected to each other. The two of them often went on dates when they had free time after lectures or when they ended club meetings. While he kept up being able to see his boyfriend, it was hard to keep seeing his two teammates, who were Renjun’s friends at some point. It was barely a month in the semester, and despite living in the same dorm like the other two, he rarely saw them. It just continued to get worse as Donghyuck became more apparent for his hate for Mark and that Jeno was quite close to the latter. Shotaro and Renjun were stuck in the middle of this silly little drama between two people. 

He didn’t know why this had even started in the first place. The only interaction he ever had with Mark was when they first had tryouts. Mark had wished him good luck and hoped that Renjun did well on his tryout before moving to go talk to Jeno. So when Donghyuck had come home laminating about the same Mark Lee, it was confusing. 

“Ugh, Mark Lee who in the world does he think he is. Thinks he is such a golden boy,” Donghyuck scoffs while flopping himself on the couch. 

Renjun had looked up at the other, a hint of confusion on his because were they thinking of the same person? Yangyang often talked about how nice Mark was and since he also had experienced that kindness firsthand, it was weird to see how Donghyuck could take it negatively. 

“Mark Lee as in Mark Lee on the hockey team with his older brother being the captain, Mark Lee?” 

“Yes Renjun that Mark Lee. Ugh even just thinking about him is awful to think about.” 

Not getting at what Donghyuck was whining about, he went back to homework. Which in the long run possibly shouldn’t have been how he went about the whole Mark and Donghyuck situation. 

⛸️🏒

When Renjun and Yangyang had joined the club their older brother and their friends were in, they knew that they were going to get a lot of teasing. It was expected honestly, especially when they had people like Ten and Chenle both in the same group. 

“So Renjun, since Yangyang here won’t tell us-”

“He means him!”

“ me anything, I have resorted to asking you. So when did you guys have your first kiss?” 

Ten looked at him expectantly, knowing that he was going to have to give up this information sooner or later. It was already bad enough that they all knew about when Sicheng had walked in on them on their first date, but know they were going to get teased. 

It was something that he probably never got over. I mean how often is it that your older brother walks in on you as you are about to have your first kiss. But Yangyang and he didn’t even have their first kiss until a couple of dates in. For them, it was hard to meet up at first, going to different high schools. They had about two more dates after the first one before college had started. The two of them called a lot, but meeting in person was harder. It was their last date before college had started. 

Yangyang had invited Renjun over to his place claiming about how the others never visited his place but he was always going over to Renjun’s. Renjun had just rolled his eyes at the other, nevertheless, he here was riding up in the elevator to Yangyang’s apartment. What he was not expecting was how high up the other lived. Knocking on the door, he examined the surroundings of the floor. What a fancy apartment building. 

“Renjun!” Yangyang motioned for the other to come inside, “Okay so I was thinking for our date we could watch the stars? Maybe eat a nice dinner? Whatever you want.”

Renjun hummed, “Dinner and the stars sound nice.” 

The two of them set to work on making something, well more like Renjun was working on making something while Yangyang just passed stuff to him. After their dinner, they made their way to Yangyang’s room to grab some blankets for their stargazing. Eventually, they found themselves out on Yangyang’s balcony, overlooking the busy city down below. 

“I don’t think we will be able to see the stars Yangie.” 

“Realistically we probably won’t, too much light pollution here but it's a nice idea to try don’t you think?” 

Renjun murmurs in agreement. His eyes never left the younger boy. This moment felt like the perfect moment to kiss. Yangyang shone underneath the lights, making the other look radiant. When Yangyang looked over at him, he knew. His feelings for the other made him swell with joy. The two of them inched closer, an invisible magnet drawing them together. 

“Yangyang, can I kiss you?” 

Yangyang gasped softly before whispering out a faint yes. Renjun could feel his heartbeat through his ears, racing and beating loudly. The two of them lean in. Their lips brushed and it felt like electricity running through them. Both seemed to be new to the idea of kissing another person, but it didn’t matter. It felt a little awkward and clumsy, neither of them knows how to tilt their head. But they had made it work, and while the awkwardness slowly faded, the happiness soared. When they both had pulled away, a smile adorned their faces. 

“Wow,” Yangyang muttered softly. 

The other blushed, having not expected to have Yangyang seem to be dazed and breathless after initiating their first kiss. 

“Was it bad?” 

“Huang Renjun that was the best kiss I’ve ever had! I was just surprised that you initiated it. But can we do it again?” 

“Yangyang!” 

“What can’t a man just kiss his adorable boyfriend?” 

“Boyfriend?” That had shocked Renjun. The two of them had been dating for a couple of months already, but they had yet to discuss the boyfriend thing yet. 

“Is that okay? I mean we don’t have to be boyfriends or even put a label on our relationship if you don’t want that. But I guess I just assumed-” 

“Yangie,” Renjun said cutting off the others rambling, “I would love to.” 

With that, he leaned back in for another kiss, which Yangyang was happy to oblige. The two of them spent the rest of the night trading kisses under the stars, before going back inside. Renjun had claimed he was cold and tired, but who was Yangyang to argue that. The two of them snuggled into Yangyang’s bed, drifting off to sleep tangled in each other’s embraces. 

— 

“What the hell that is so cute. I wish I had a cute first kiss story like that,” Xiaojun whines, “Hendery just kissed me, panicked, and ran off.” 

“I can’t even believe my Yangie could be so romantic. I raised him right,” Ten exclaimed. 

“You didn’t even raise him at all,” Chenle pipped in. 

Renjun just smiled fondly at the bickering, cause he had to admit, he was was pretty lucky to have such a great boyfriend. 

⛸️🏒

Being in a secret relationship with your supposed “enemy” was easier than Renjun thought it was going to be. Ever since Donghyuck and Mark began their little feud, resulting in the entire team hating each other, no one even paid attention to Renjun and Yangyang. Sure they just couldn’t be seen together during any rehearsal moments when both teams were within the same vicinity of each other, but other than that it was completely easy. Maybe part of it was because they were both in the same club. This in itself gave them a lot of time to freely hang out and be “lovey-dovey” with each other. 

Them being friends before lovers also played largely into it. Yangyang and Renjun didn’t naturally show that much skinship as a couple, well not a lot in public anyways. The couple’s oasis ended up being the apartment that Renjun and his brother Sicheng shared in his second year. In their first year, it had been empty classrooms and different random restaurants they found.

Two unseemingly different people who seemed to have gotten along extremely well with each other. 

“Baobao, do you ever think about how we are like Romeo & Juliet except for the fact we are gay and the same age,” Yangyang questions while they are cuddled up on the couch. 

“No, I most certainly do not think that we are Romeo and Juliet, because they both ended up dead and their age gap was awful. Juliet was 13 and Romeo was 18, disgusting. Even worse now that I think about it, they don’t know Romeo’s real age. Besides the feud with Hyuck and Mark is more just unresolved sexual tension than anything else.” 

Yangyang just hums in response and goes back to watching the movie on the screen, Renjun on the other hand, starts thinking. This so-called unresolved tension between Mark and Donghyuck in a way was like they were living a distorted version of the play. Instead of anyone dying, friendships were severed and it became weird between the two teams. At first, when Renjun had tried out, everything was civil. But that soon quickly faded, especially as the semester carried on. 

It was becoming increasingly normal for Renjun and Yangyang to go on dates after practices or when they had free time after their club. Renjun barely saw Jeno and Jaemin, especially since he had moved out of the dorms his second year. He saw Shotaro a lot at practice and hung out with him in the art buildings when they didn’t have classes. It was quite interesting really to see how two people’s issues could impact a whole group of people. 

— 

It was one of those days when Renjun would have his practice slot, while Yangyang would stay back after hockey practice and do homework while watching Renjun. Over the past year, this was the routine that the two of them had fallen into. It was one of the only times they could be naturally in the same space together in public without worrying about the stupid feud of their friends. 

“Looking great Renjun,” Yangyang yelled. 

Renjun just shook his head at Yangyang’s antics and got back to work. The triple lutz was not going to perform itself after all. After he had finished up and changed into street clothes, he met Yangyang at the front gate. The two of them linked hands and began their walk home. 

“How do you feel about hotpot? I’m hungry.” 

“Renjun, I love you but this is the fourth time this week you suggested we eat that. I’m going to get sick if we keep going there.”

“But Yangyang,” Renjun whined playfully, trying to see if that would get the other to cave in. 

“Nuh-uh, now come I think Kun is cooking tonight.”

Renjun sighs playfully, not too sad that he didn’t get to eat hotpot. After all, Kun’s cooking was really good. It would be nice to eat some home made food, especially with his boyfriend and his brother's friends, who all became like older brothers to him. 

⛸️🏒

Another day of practice, and another day of these two idiots testing Renjun’s patience. Practice in itself was successful, however, as soon as the hockey players came in is when things became unbearable. Despite having a boyfriend on the team, Renjun never looked forward to when hockey practice was about to start for one good reason. 

“You want to go Lee?” the star player, Mark Lee questions as he marches over to Donghyuck. 

And that was Renjun’s reason. It has been a year since the two of them started to bicker and argue with each other and it was sickening. No longer was it just banter between the two, but instead, it turned into a full team rivalry. It was getting out of hand. 

“Let’s go Canada. I bet you won’t hit me,” Donghyuck snarks back. The two of them looked ready to throw fists and personally, Renjun did not want to be taking anyone to the hospital. So he did what any other sane friend would do and he quickly latched onto Donghyuck with Shotaro, holding him back from jumping at Mark. Sungchan and Yangyang quickly did the same thing with Mark. The two still seemed to be struggling against the hold of their friends. Yuta and Johnny hurried over to the two of them, making sure that they both calmed down and were out of sight of each other. Johnny took Mark away while Yuta did the same with Haechan. 

Renjun notices that Shotaro and Sungchan smile sweetly at each other. Internally cooing, Renjun smiles to himself, thinking about how much exactly those two are like him and Yangyang. However, they haven’t seemed to figure out what exactly their relationship may be, but either way, they seemed cute together. Yuta on the other hand, doesn’t seem to think so, as he picked up Shotaro while he was talking to Sungchan and whisked him away. 

This slightly disheartens Renjun, knowing that Yuta doesn’t like the hockey players either. Renjun just hopes that Yuta’s issues don’t affect the budding relationship between Shotaro and Sungchan. Maybe Renjun is going to have to ask Sicheng ge more about Yuta ge’s thoughts. 

⛸️🏒

Renjun stands contemplatively outside his brother’s room. His fist is raised, ready to knock on the door, but he can’t bring himself to knock yet. He was about to ask about Yuta ge’s behavior at the ice rink earlier, but he couldn’t help but feel like he was overstepping. He was just being curious and sick and tired of this stupid feud between Mark and Hyuck. It was constantly tiring having everyone hating each other and wanted it to be gone. 

However, that is not completely possible, especially since now that Yuta seemed to have some issues as well. So that is why now Renjun is standing here outside his brother’s door wondering if he should pry. But he knocked anyway. It was not long after Renjun knocked that Sicheng opened the door, a hint of confusion on his face. The two of them talked quite often, but Renjun never really actively sought out Sicheng like this. 

“Is there something on your mind Junnie?” 

“Uh, I wanted to ask you about Yuta ge’s reaction today during practice. I know everyone is sick of this whole tension, and I thought it was just sexual tension between Mark and Hyuck but now that Yuta ge is acting more outwardly, it appears it is not just as individualistic.” 

“Well about that. I can’t exactly get too specific into what Yuta went through because of course it is his own story to tell, but I can tell you the general parts of it. Remember how the hockey team my freshman year was terrible, both team-wise and personality-wise? Well, there is a lot more to this story.

Yuta and I had just joined the skating team and Johnny had just joined the hockey team with Jaehyun. We all knew each other decently well because we all lived on the same floor as each other. The upperclassman on the hockey team were terrible people. They constantly showed up to practice hungover, had terrible tempers, and acted like they were hotshots of the team. They also were known to make a variety of bets of who could get the most amount of people to sleep with them within a certain time period. 

Honestly, I am extremely glad that they ended up getting kicked off the team. Well, the really bad ones anyway. The ones who stayed were more people who were followers, which in itself is bad but they never tried to actively do anything. Anyways, Johnny and Jaehyun hated being on the same team as these guys and would constantly tell the rest of us about the horrible stuff they did. 

What I didn’t know is that one of the seniors had gone after Yuta. From what I know, the guy just propositioned Yuta to hook up or whatever and Yuta turned him down. This hockey player couldn’t take the fact he got rejected by a freshman, so of course, he started being cruel to him. Johnny got into a fight with this guy over this. I never let Yuta be by himself either, which in part is how we got so close, we were always together. But the fight with Johnny and that senior-led to him of course being kicked off the team. I don’t know exactly what else happened, Yuta nor Johnny told me and I didn’t try to press into it either. 

But that would explain why Yuta still is hesitant and reacted that way toward some of the players. I think he doesn’t personally mean any harm but he is just looking out for his younger brother so he doesn’t experience anything as he did. Does this entirely justify his actions? Not necessarily, but at least I hope you got some sort of clarity from what I told you.” 

“Wow ge, I didn’t know he went through all of that. I think for sure it makes this situation more complicated but now it makes more sense as to why he reacted the way he did. This situation is more complex than we previously thought. I do hope that he and Shotaro do reach an understanding between each other. This is something that they need to work out together, don’t you think so ge?” 

“Yeah and I guess I can try to talk to Yuta the best I can, but it is honestly up to him for the most part.” 

“Well on that note, Yangyang’s game is tonight. Do you want to come to watch with us?”

“Sure let's go support your boyfriend ,” Sicheng teased. 

The two brothers left Sicheng’s room, getting ready to go to the hockey team. While Renjun now has some further clarity on the entire situation, he knows that it can’t just be solved overnight. But he is on a step further to get this over with. 

⛸️🏒

Somehow the entire situation between both Mark and Donghyuck and Yuta and his brother are going in two completely different directions. Mark and Donghyuck keep dancing around each other, especially as they have to secretly work together for their parents. On the other hand, Shotaro is constantly avoiding Yuta when he is with Sungchan while Yuta is hellbent on catching the other. Renjun was just sick of it. He just wanted to ignore all the drama if he could, but since he was caught in the middle, and the fact that they were his friends, he couldn’t just simply ignore it. 

He walks into the empty classroom where the Chinese Student Association “meetings” get held. A couple of the members are already there and eating the snacks. Yizhuo plops down in the chair next to him. 

“What has got you all stressed out? Did Yangyang do something wrong again?” 

“Hmm, not this time Yizhuo. It is actually because of my idiotic friends this time.” 

“Does it have to do anything with that whole fight with Mark and Donghyuck? I heard that Sicheng ge’s boyfriend is also causing issues with his brother now.” 

“You heard all that? Is the team drama that widespread all over campus now?” Renjun groans again. 

“Well to an extent. Giselle told me from what she had overheard between Shotaro and his brother Yuto the other day.” 

“I see. Well I can tell you this Yizhuo, my friends are idiots and I am tired of all of it.” 

Yizhou hmms at that but before she can say anything further, Yangyang crashes into the seat next to his boyfriend. 

“Hey, baby,” croons Yangyang.  

“Ew, I’m going to leave the two of you alone now. Both of you are disgusting.” Yizhuo gets up and proceeds to walk across the room. 

“As if you are any better Yizhuo,” snorts Renjun. 

He then turns to his boyfriend and proceeds to lay on top of his lap. Usually, Renjun is not this clingy, especially not in public, but he was tired of people testing his limits. Yangyang makes no motion of wanting Renjun to move from his lap, so he doesn’t. At one point, he started threading his fingers through the other's hair. Renjun hmmed and sighed, he could get used to this. 

Soon enough, Kun entered the room to start the meeting. 

“Hello. I know we are missing a couple of people but we can go ahead and start anyways. You all know the drill, the point of this is just to ask any questions or relay any worries you have to see if anybody else here can answer.” 

Well, that was the hope anyway, but every time they start these so-called “meetings” it turned more into a gossip circle and complaining about coursework. No one ever complained though, as this was a very lax club that just allowed them to speak in their native tongue, eat free food, and complain so no one, not even Kun had any qualms against it. 

Junhui had launched into a story about how his one dance professor completely had it out for him while the rest of the group nodded in sympathy. None of them could really disagree with Junhui, well except for Minghao who actually had the class with him. The complaining about coursework or certain professors had eventually turned into a heated argument about whether basketball or soccer was the better sport. Personally, if Renjun had to choose, he would choose neither. But considering how this was a very heated argument with Chenle getting ready to fight someone, he decided he wasn’t going to bother. 

He at some point moved from Yangyang’s lap and switched to resting on his shoulder instead. These “meetings” were always quite fun to him and a great way to just hang out for an hour without worrying too much about the impending doom of assignments and practice. Also, it was one of the only places in public where people knew he was dating Yangyang and could relish in that. 

Yangyang turns his head and says softly, “Junnie you are going to my hockey game on Friday right?” 

“Yeah, I wouldn’t miss it. Ten ge wants me to come over to his place before it, but I’ll come with him to the game.” 

“Okay,” and with that Yangyang softly kissed the other's head. The position was a bit awkward to do that, but it was a sweet gesture. Renjun tries to focus back on the argument, which then switched into something else entirely, but he was too busy smiling to himself. Hopefully, he was able to do more of this stuff with Yangyang around his other friends too in the future. 

⛸️🏒

Renjun and Ten have long made watching hockey games their own personal time that they spent with each other. Both having boyfriends on the team, gave them a chance to not only support their significant others but also bond. Renjun has known Ten for quite some time due to his older brother, but he got to personally know him a lot more through watching these games. Ten even took it upon himself to design cute jerseys for the two of them, with their boyfriends’ numbers on them. He had stated “that it is a tradition for the partner to wear the hockey player’s jersey on the game day” and he decided to create his own. 

This hockey game was going to be a lot different than the other ones. Donghyuck and Mark seemed to have been dancing around each other a lot more than previously, a lot of it being to them having to work together. As the game was starting, it was immediately obvious that Mark was completely out of it. Renjun and Ten look at each other in confusion, this was completely not a normal occurrence for Mark. After further investigation, it turns out that Donghyuck was supposed to come to today’s game. 

“Ten ge turns out Donghyuck is supposed to be here right now but Mark and he fought. So that's why Mark is doing god-awful right now.” 

“Well make sure Donghyuck gets his butt over here and fast because I refuse to let some argument get in the way of Johnny having the best final season possible.” 

Renjun just hums in agreement, not wanting an argument between two people to get in the way of the hard work of the rest of the team. The hockey team always worked well together and never tried to let their personal problems get in the way of their performance too much. That couldn’t always happen, especially when your mind drifts elsewhere. 

Donghyuck must be taking his sweet old time, Renjun thought to himself as the first period was drawing to a close. Yangyang was starting to look nervous and that was starting to make Renjun nervous. Usually, Yangyang was composed and confident on the ice, his thoughts never really playing out on his face. Even now, one could look at Yangyang and see him as his normal self, but knowing Yangyang in such an intimate and personal way, Renjun could read him like an open book.

At last, Donghyuck shows up to the game, the first period officially over and the players gathered in the box while the Zamboni went around cleaning the ice. Ten immediately begins to fill Donghyuck in on the first period, highlighting how badly their team was struggling and how Mark seemed to be completely out of it. Donghyuck seemed even guilty at the mention of how badly Mark is doing. With the start of the second period, the team seemed to revive its energy. Mark was back on his A-game and was killing it on the rink. 

Renjun noticed though that even though Mark was back on his game, he kept looking up back at the audience, specifically where Donghyuck was sitting. Cute. The two of them were the most oblivious people out there. Renjun went back to focusing on Yangyang goaling. Yangyang looked over at him and through the helmet, Renjun could have sworn he winked before going back to the game. Nervous that Donghyuck could have picked up on Yangyang’s flirty antics, he looked only to see Donghyuck lost in his trance with Mark. Ten just smirked at Renjun and then also motioned at Haechan beside him. 

The second and third periods passed by in a blur. Mark seemed to carry this electric energy around him after Donghyuck had arrived. This energy surely spread among the other members and the SMU Dinos were pulling ahead in the game. The worst part though was when Mark got checked against the side of the rink. Donghyuck had visibly flinched and Renjun felt empathetic towards Donghyuck. It honestly was hard to see someone you care about get visibly pushed against the wall of the rink. This was something Renjun had only ever witnessed once and it was terrible. Since Yangyang tends to stick to the goalie position, checking for him does not occur but on the rare occasion he does switch his position, it is always something very nerve-wracking for Renjun. 

The team managed to pull a 180 and ended the game on a 3-2 win. Ten immediately shot up, clearly excited about the win of the game. The trio ended up waiting for the rest of the crowd to clear out and the hockey players to come back from the locker room. 

“Did you see Donghyuck throughout the game? He was completely stuck on Mark,” Ten gleams at that. 

“Yes, he seemed to be very much into the game today. Do you think they will finally progress more in their relationship?” 

“Oh Hyuck I wasn’t expecting you to be here,” Johnny says cutting off Renjun and Ten’s conversation as he approaches Ten. 

“Well Ten hyung and Renjun wanted some company for today’s game so they told me to show up and here I am. Besides, it was about time I see how Lee here was on the ice.” 

Renjun snorts at Donghyuck’s bent truth. Donghyuck and Mark ended up talking in their little world while Yangyang secretly embraces Renjun. 

“How did I do out there baby?” Yangyang asks smirking. 

“Hmmm,” Renjun ponders, “I think you could have done better, you let two goals in.” 

Renjun just giggles and makes no motion of apologizing. The two of them continue to talk quietly to each other while Mark and Donghyuck are in their little world. How has Donghyuck never catched him and Yangyang? It would probably be because he was too focused on Mark the entire time to even notice them. 

They both decide to head out, leaving Johnny, Ten, Mark, and Donghyuck at the rink. The two of them held hands while Yangyang carries his hockey bag on his left shoulder. This was routine for them when they didn’t decide to eat together with their friends after the game, the two of them would walk back together to either Yangyang’s or Renjun’s place and order something. 

Entering Yangyang’s apartment, Renjun quickly toed off his shoes while Yangyang set down his hockey bag, but in the next second, he was being pinned against the door. The first moment that their lips touch it felt like fire, electricity running between the two. It felt that the two’s lips were made for each other, slotted against each other nicely. The innocent touch of lips soon turned desperate very quick. Both of them acted as if the other was oxygen, the two of them greedily wanting more and more. Yangyang’s arms were grasped around Renjun’s lithe waist while Renjun’s hands were tangled in Yangyang’s blond hair. The two of them only parted when they both ran out of breath, barely removing themselves from each other. Their foreheads touch as they lean into each other. 

“I mean not complaining about what just happened, but is there any reason for pinning me against the door Yangyang?” 

“You just looked really hot with my jersey number on today that’s all.”

“I always wear your jersey number to your games. How does today make any difference?” 

“It just does okay. Something about my very hot boyfriend in the stands cheering me on while wearing my jersey number is so hot. And it was fun to see Mark get all annoyed that his loverboy wasn’t in the stands even though he could cost us today's game.”

“Seriously! You are ridiculous, get your sweaty body off of me and go shower,” Renjun scoffed and pushed away Yangyang.

“But baby you weren’t complaining a moment ago when I was-” 

Yangyang got caught off as Renjun pushed him into the bathroom and shut the door. Renjun could hear a ‘love you’ from the bathroom as he walked back towards the kitchen to figure out what they should have for dinner. Not too long later, Yangyang steps out of the bathroom, a towel wrapped around his waist. He makes his way over to Renjun in the kitchen, wrapping his arms around his boyfriend’s waist.

“Yangyang get off me and go put some clothes on.” 

“Hmm, I think I am going to stay right here. You are quite comfortable.” 

Renjun just rolls his eyes but doesn’t make any sort of move to push Yangyang off him. 

“I’ve ordered dinner and it will be here soon, so I do ask that you go put something on.”

“Fine, only because you are cute.” 

Renjun hears the doorbell and makes his way towards the door, only to be stopped by Yangyang already opening it, half-naked. Yangyang was going to be the death of him one of these days. He peered over to the door, seeing the delivery guy a little stunned to see Yangyang half-naked. Renjun quickly makes his way over, thanks to the guy, grabs the containers, and mutters out a quick apology. 

“Sorry about him,” before shutting the door after the man bowed and started to walk away. 

“You idiot what were you thinking answering the door half-naked.” 

“Just making sure to show that you are completely unavailable.” 

“Ridiculous. Now go grab some plates and put on a shirt.” 

Yangyang does what he is told and gets some culinary, however, he does not put on a shirt. He rolls his eyes at his boyfriend’s antics but makes no moves to keep scolding the other. If he wanted to parade around without a shirt on, who exactly was Renjun to complain anyways. And if after dinner, when they decide to cuddle on the couch, they ended up getting a little handsy, that's only for them to know. 

⛸️🏒

The Yuta and Shotaro thing seemed to somehow have gotten worse in the weeks after Donghyuck showed up at the hockey game. Shotaro was completely avoiding Yuta and Sicheng just looked stressed out about the whole thing. Shotaro had even mentioned in the group chat about his fight with his brother, and honestly, nobody knew what to do. All Renjun knew is that the whole situation had blown out of proportion. Every time Yuta had come over, he seemed dejected and sad. It was sad to see how bad the fight between the two was. 

Practices had become awkward and tense for everyone, not just the figure skaters. Although the hockey players seemingly weren’t as affected by the brother’s fight, Sungchan being the so-called reason for it put everyone in an awkward place. Renjun was glad this week had only one group practice instead of its usual two. He couldn’t be in the same place with everyone else more than once this week with everything going on. 

He had evening practices on Wednesdays, for individualized practice time with a coach to work on his short and long program. Yangyang usually accompanied him during his practices when he could to give moral support (more like he probably just wanted to watch Renjun). Usually, after practices, Yangyang would walk him home or they would go eat something together. It was another normal Wednesday walking out of the rink when he thought he saw something in the corner of his eye. Maybe one of the other players had come to the rink late at night to practice or just clear their heads. 

“Yangyang did you see anybody entering the ice rink while we were leaving?” 

“Hmm, I don’t think so? Why did one of your teammates come practice?” 

“I’m not sure.”

“Well let’s just get going. I’m hungry.”

Renjun laughs at that, “When are you not hungry? Come on, Shotaro recommended this great noodle shop we can go to.” 

Yangyang just scoffs at the remark, but grabs Renjun’s hand and intertwines their fingers. 

—-

Donghyuck plops down in front of him with his food, snapping Renjun out of whatever daze he was in. 

“Who walks you home?”

Renjun sputters, that was completely not what he thought Donghyuck was going to talk about when he sat down. Maybe he was going to complain about Mark again or how confused he was about his feelings, but certainly not about who walks Renjun home. It was too early to tell Donghyuck about how he was dating Yangyang, well actually it would have been over a year and a half late probably, but semantics. It's not that Renjun didn’t want to tell Hyuck he was dating, he truly did want to tell his friend, however, he had no idea how he was going to react to that news. So he decided to play it safe. 

“Usually a member of the club if Sicheng ge can’t walk me home. A lot of the time it’s Xiaojun who does it.” 

He makes a mental note to tell Xiaojun about this or at least give him a nice gift for being the cover story for him and Yangyang. 

“Oh okay. I guess I just wanted to know since I saw you walking home with someone the other day and I wanted to make sure it wasn’t anyone weird.” 

Even after Donghyuck got well, a fake confirmation on who was walking Renjun home, he knew his best friend well and he knew that he wasn’t entirely satisfied with that answer. Donghyuck wasn’t going to challenge him upright on this now, but he had a feeling he should be a lot more careful in the future. 

Huang baobao 

Hyuck is onto us. We need to be more careful

Yang baobao

How does he know? 

Huang baobao

He doesn’t yet,,

But we are going to start having xiaojun or someone be with us at practices 

Yang baobao

Wait why xiaojun?? 

Huang baobao 

I’ll explain later 

⛸️🏒

In the following week, Renjun and Yangyang were a lot more careful around the skating rink after practices. After a late hockey practice, Renjun and Yangyang were in the locker room. Everyone from the team had long left, leaving the two of them alone in the room. The two of them earlier were just free skating around on the rink, with Renjun having finished his practice after hockey practice and Yangyang having stuck around. They often just hung around together after practices, one of the only times when they got to have true alone time that wasn’t in one of their apartments. 

“Baby you were quite pretty out there skating,” Yangyang compliments wrapping his arms around Renjun’s waist. 

“Quit being a tease, I fell on my ass out there.”

“I am serious. You were amazing to watch even if you fell.”

Renjun scoffs and playfully shoves Yangyang, not attempting to get out of his hold. The two of them continue to wrap in each other’s attention, basking in the moments of them being able to be openly together in public. At one point, they started kissing, neither of them knew who exactly started it but soon it was full force. 

Yangyang gripped Renjun tighter as it got more heated, both of them lost in each other not even noticing the third person in the room until-

“Renjun! Yangyang!” 

The sound of their names snapped them back into reality. The two of them shot a part extremely fast, trying to pretend as if the two weren’t just feverishly kissing a moment ago. Yangyang was the first one to break the silence between the three of them. 

“Uh, Donghyuck I wasn’t expecting you here,” sheepishly says Yangyang while rubbing the back of his neck in nervousness. 

Renjun isn’t doing much better though, every single thought about how he might lose Donghyuck as a friend or lose his boyfriend or everything possibly going wrong. This was the last thing that Renjun was anticipating and certainly not the way he was going to confess to his best friend that he was secretly dating one of the enemies. At this point, he might have even blanked out what Donghyuck had said in response to Yangyang, too caught up in his turmoil of rushing emotions. This ends up with him word vomiting in an attempt to rationalize his actions. 

“Hyuck I know that this might be a surprise since you never really see Yangyang and I interact. That is probably because of the major feud between the teams,” Renjun’s rambling was cut off with Donghyuck running over to Renjun and squealing. 

“Injunnie I can’t believe you didn’t tell me you had a boyfriend! Why didn’t you tell me earlier!” 

“Wait so you aren’t mad or even betrayed by the fact that we both have broken the god-forsaken hockey versus skater feud?” Renjun says, confusion still evident in this entire turn of events. He thought for the longest time that Donghyuck would be mad at him for dating the “enemy”. What he never considered taking into account was Donghyuck going to be supportive of his relationship. 

“Nah why would I let my stupid feud with Mark get in the way of my best friend’s happiness?” 

After Donghyuck had said that, Renjun and Yangyang looked at each other in shock at what he just said. This entire encounter was shocking and something neither of them expected to occur. 

“But Donghyuck, don’t you realize how bad this issue between you and Mark has been? It got to the point where Renjun and I had to hide our relationship because we were scared of the reactions it would cause. Hell, it even caused an issue between Shotaro and Yuta because Sungchannie just wants some sort of relationship with Shotaro. The two brothers are having some stupid tension between them because of this feud.” 

“I don’t think I realized how badly this feud stemmed from our family issues. Honestly, I think Mark and I are starting to get along more but we just keep up the rivalry for everyone else I guess. Sure I am not entirely sure about where Mark and I stand…” 

Yangyang and Renjun once again smile at each other, both seem to be able to communicate with their eyes. 

“Well, Hyuckie, I think it’s time we got rid of this rivalry.” 

Donghyuck visibly beams at that, “Yes, Injunnie let's bring down this quarrel so you can openly ogle your boyfriend.” 

At that statement, Renjun started to blush feverishly. He was now wondering if it was worth it to have Donghyuck know. But, yes it was, having his best friend happy and aware of his relationship was worth it. 

“Donghyuck,” Renjun threatens with no true malice in his voice. Donghyuck just smiles and begins to walk away. 

“See you later lovebirds! I have some axles to work on.” 

With the sound of the door closing, Renjun and Yangyang breathe out as if they have been suffocated. That entire experience with Donghyuck was the most stressful thing ever and it had turned out well. The two of them just sat there for a moment collecting themselves before they both started to pack up. 

They both walk out of the building with their bags walking hand in hand. Revealing everything to Donghyuck while unintentional, left the both of them feeling lighter than they have felt in a long time. 

“Baobao, how about we got some hotpot tonight. I feel like celebrating,” Yangyang says, swinging their hands back and forth. 

“Hmm,” Renjun pretends to think hard, “Okay but only if you pay.” 

Yangyang feigns hurt at that. “I can’t believe you date me only for my money,” he says dramatically. 

“Yup only for your money,” Renjun teases right back. 

The two of them continue to walk together heading towards their favorite restaurant. Smiles adorn their faces. 

Hyuck

Hey, junnie I think we should meet up tomorrow after classes? 

Does that work for you? 

Injun 

Yeah hyuck that works 

Café dream at 3? 

Hyuck 

Sounds good

⛸️🏒

Renjun headed to café dream after classes on the following Wednesday, after the incident in the locker room. He had just left the Chinese Student Association, where he spent most of the time just getting teased by Chenle and Ten. Entering the shop, he noticed Donghyuck already sitting down at their normal table in the corner of the café. It was the biggest booth spot and often held the ice skating team effortlessly. It was also the place they hung out with Shotaro and the others in their little dorm made group. Sometimes Renjun wished that the stupid feud didn’t drive away Jaemin and Jeno as much as it did. He still talked to them but it wasn’t the same. 

“Well, how does it feel to be in love Injunnie,” Donghyuck teases, clearly happy about Renjun’s relationship. Sighing internally, Renjun figures that the teasing was only barely beginning and that it would continue to grow. Not that he minded, as it was nice to be open and carefree about your relationship. 

“Shut up Hyuck. We aren’t in love,” Renjun scoffs, rolling his eyes but their no malice in his voice and a hint of a smile can be seen on his face. He plays abstinently with the ring on his index finger. It was something that Yangyang had gotten for their first anniversary. Donghyuck must have noticed the ring too because he had a shit-eating grin on. 

“Ooo Renjun, did you get a new ring recently? I have never seen you with that ring. Maybe it’s from a certain boyfriend of yours.” 

Yup the teasing was never going to end now. Instead of giving into Donghyuck’s teasing, Renjun just sat there and didn’t say anything. However, the blush that decorated his face must have given Donghyuck the answer he wanted. After a little bit of catching up, the two finally settled into the conversation that they came to the cafe for. 

“So, Junnie do you have any ideas of how I should end this so-called rivalry with Mark? I was thinking it should be something flashy, since you we have been at it for so long, might as well go out on a bang you know?” 

“Well, Hyuck before we go about creating a whole elaborate scheme, we need to discuss what kind of feelings you have towards Mark first. From my understanding, you don’t seem to hate him anymore. But how exactly do you feel about him?” 

Donghyuck sits there in silence before blurting out, “I kind of have feelings for him.” 

“Fantastic. Now that you realized all the sexual tension between the two of you, we can finally get started on your plan.” 

Donghyuck nods along to Renjun’s statement before pausing. “Renjun what do you mean sexual tension? Did we seem that bad while arguing?” 

“Yes, the two of you were terrible. At first, I thought it was hate, but then it turned into a lot of unresolved tension real fast. Honestly, I am surprised that Yangyang and I were the ones to get caught in the locker room first between the two of us.” 

“Injunnie,” whines Donghyuck dramatically, “I can’t believe you would say that. Besides, I think we both know that it should have been Jaemin and Jeno who get caught in the locker room before everybody else.” 

“Do you ever miss seeing them every day?” 

“I do. I wish that whatever Mark and I have going on between us, was not the reason that we drifted a bit. I mean I still Jaemin at my parent's events sometimes and we talk. But I haven’t talked to Jeno as much as I wish I did. This would be next on my list of things to fix. I want the zero-liner gang together again. Especially with Jeno and Jaemin.”

Renjun hums in agreement. The two of them set to work planning and going through ideas of how to have a grand finale to put an end to this feud. After a series of going back and forth on ideas, they finally settled on one. It was going to be the best option for the next time hockey and ice skating practice were going to be held back to back. 

⛸️🏒

Renjun enters the skating rink, ten minutes before his group practice was supposed to start. Today was the day Donghyuck had decided to be the last day (hopefully) of the feud between the hockey and ice skaters. He looked over at the bleachers near the rink and noticed that Donghyuck was already there fiddling with his fingers. He must have shown up early out of nerves. Donghyuck must have noticed someone staring at him because he looked over to Renjun and had a flash of nervousness grace his face. 

The buzzer had sounded, indicating that practice was over. Renjun looked on the ice for Yangyang and once they made eye contact, Yangyang had made a kissy face at him and he nodded. The plan was working perfectly so far, and now it was up to Donghyuck. 

Mark had his back turned to Donghyuck as he was putting his blade guards on, but noticed the new presence when Yangyang had tapped him. 

“Ah Lee, I noticed that you came into the rink earlier today than normal. What do I owe this pleasure?” 

Renjun snorted, Mark tried to sound so eloquent and cocky but he saw right past that. The boy had feelings for Donghyuck. Noticing the rest of the teams were starting to gather around the two of them, both worried another fight will break out and because of the curiosity of how they hadn’t started screaming at each other. He could see Donghyuck was looking around, making sure everyone was in earshot between the two. 

“Mark Lee, I like you. I’ve liked you probably for a while now and of course, they say you can’t like your enemy but screw that. At first, I hated you. Well I thought I did at least. Our parents had been having business rivalries between each other for years and I guess in a way it stemmed to us. But then when they started meddling into our lives and making us work together, I got nervous when I thought my feelings had changed. I wasn’t even sure about these feelings and I thought it was from the meddling, but it is a lot more than that. I understand if you don’t feel the same way, but I want the stupid feud between us to end at the very least. It had gone on far too long and it has affected too many people outside of us. So what you do say, Lee?” 

Everyone stood there in silence waiting for Mark’s reaction. Renjun was practically gripping onto Sicheng’s arm nervously, worried about what would happen if this went wrong. He was so sure Mark had liked Donghyuck back, both Ten and Yangyang seemed to think so too. Every second that ticked by, felt like torture. 

A sigh of relief broke out of Renjun when Mark finally spoke. 

“Let’s end this here and now. I don’t want this to keep dragging on and then after this, I can take you on an official date without our parents’ interference.” 

Everyone cheered, and Yangyang came rushing over to Renjun. The two of them embraced each other, clearly excited about how their friends finally made up, well they stopped the long-standing “hatred” for each other. The two of them seemed to be in their little world, clearly caught up in their newfound feelings for each other. 

“Can you believe it Junnie? Now I can kiss you and show you off all the time in public. No more of you getting hit on because now everyone will know you are a taken man.” 

Renjun wacks Yangyang for the last statement, and rolls his eyes before saying, “Yes, it is nice that we can openly date in public. But now we got to figure out if Yuta and Shotaro are going to make up or not. After all only half of the actual issues were solved right now.” 

“I don’t think you have to worry too much about them,” Yangyang pointed out. 

“What do you, oh.” 

Yuta, Shotaro, and Sungchan must have talked it out and now were caught up in an embrace together. The three of them stepped apart, with Sungchan hovering slightly around Shotaro. Sicheng had come up besides Yuta. 

Yuta’s teasing side must have come out then because he motioned to the two before saying, “So are you two together yet?” 

The two being the subject of the question turned bright red and Sungchan started stuttering. Yangyang had barked out a laugh at that, seeing his teammate in such distress over the older brother’s question. Renjun and Sicheng share a glance, enough to communicate that everything was completely fine or at least was going to be. 

Honestly, Renjun never thought that he was going to get to this point, being able to openly date and be free to do whatever couple stuff he wanted to do with Yangyang. Well, he had never thought he would have to hide the relationship in the first place. But things had happened for a reason. Nevertheless, everything has been resolved, or it will be. Now it was about time to show the world how much of a gross couple he and Yangyang could be, well after Jeno and Jaemin that was. Today was a step but he still needed to talk to them and sort things out. He wanted to be friends with them again, and with Mark and Donghyuck now dating, there was no longer an excuse to not make up with them. 

Renjun snapped out of his thoughts to Yangyang taking his hand and motioning for him. 

“What are we doing?” 

“Donghyuck had canceled your practice for today and made it a free skate for all of us. If you weren’t so in that pretty head of yours, you would have heard it.” 

“Shut up,” Renjun grumbled but made a move to put his skates on. 

The two of them entered the rink and began gliding hand in hand. Both the skating team and hockey team were intermingling with each other. Everyone seemed to be a lot more relieved now. Locking eyes with Donghyuck, they both smiled and nodded at each other, clearly excited and relived their plan had worked. When he looked over at Yangyang, he knew that he couldn’t have it any other way.

⛸️🏒

After the grand ending of the “feud” things were still a little weird. Of course, now that Mark and Donghyuck were dating, did not automatically mean that everyone was going to just forget all the detest they had towards each other. It was a little awkward, to say the least. But that was not going to stop Renjun from trying to get together all of his friends again. With the help of Yangyang, he had convinced Jeno and Jaemin to come and mend things with the rest of them. To be fair, there wasn’t exactly too much to mend, but it was such a weird thing for the five original people in the sense that both time and Hyuck’s dislike for Mark got in the way of their friendship. 

They had all decided to meet up at Renjun’s apartment he shared with his brother. That way if it got personal, they wouldn’t exactly be in the public’s eye. It was a quarter to four, and Renjun was pacing around the room. Everyone was supposed to be arriving in fifteen minutes and it was nerve-wracking. He hadn’t properly really talked to Jeno and Jaemin in a whole year. Sure there were their little talks here and there when Renjun was watching hockey for Yangyang, but nothing past the superficial small talk. 

What if things were awkward? Or what if past feelings were going to get in the way? 

The doorbell rang is what broke him out of his current stew of thoughts. He anxiously walked over to the door, not prepared for what met him on the other side. Instead of expecting someone like Shotaro or Jaemin, he was met with Yangyang. A sigh of relief had escaped him. 

“Wow, baobao don’t sound so excited to see me,” Yangyang teased. 

“I thought you were someone else that's all,” huffed Renjun. 

“Is that supposed to make me feel better? I want my boyfriend to jump with joy when he sees me. I am a delight to be around.” 

“Well if you are such a delight, why don’t you get over here and help me set out something for when the others arrive.” 

Soon the others trickled into the apartment, with Donghyuck being the last one to arrive. 

“Sorry I am late, Mark didn’t want me to leave.” 

“More like you didn’t want to leave Mark,” Jaemin teased back. With that statement, it felt as if nothing ever changed. 

The six of them spent the whole time catching up on the past year since they last talked, telling stories, laughing at each other, and enjoying each other’s presence. Any sort of tension or awkwardness dispersed as the evening continued. 

Donghyuck spoke up when the room went silent, “So I know why we are all here and I would like to officially say I am sorry to both Jeno and Jaemin. I know a part of why we grew apart is because of my personal feelings towards Mark. Specifically, I had no real reason to drag Jeno in the middle of it nor did I want to make it feel like Renjun had to hide his relationship with Yangyang for over a whole year. I know part of it was also just because of how busy we all naturally became from both school and our respective sports. I am once again sorry, to everyone because I honestly used the projection of my feelings and dragged everyone into it. Was it the best thing to do? Not really, but I did it and so did Mark. The rest of you just ended up in our crossfire.” 

“We’re sorry too. It was quite hard for both Jeno and me to try to navigate the whole college thing in the first place. Adding on how crazy our majors can get and sports practice made it harder to see you guys. We just naturally used your feud with Mark to kind of support our reasoning of why we were so busy I guess. So in a way, I think we probably are all at fault.” 

In a way, all of them didn’t maybe put in as much effort to maintain the relationship between the five of them in the first place. But it is better now that they not only settled into university more but also because nothing is getting in the way of their friendship now. Some part of Renjun will always wonder what it would be like if they were able to maintain it better the first time around, however, he was glad that it got back to a sense of normality. The rest of them continue with the night, settling on a movie to watch. Renjun snuggled more into Yangyang, feeling a sense of content. Things were still going to take time to rebuild, but here with Yangyang watching the rest of their friends get along well again, nothing could be better for Renjun. 

⛸️🏒

Special Scene: A couple of months later 

Renjun woke up to the feeling of another person wrapped him. He blinked his eyes open and shifted his head to see Yangyang fast asleep and clinging onto him. These moments were some of his favorite, just enjoying the other’s presence. Yangyang had the champion match of the frozen four coming up, and this was the only weekend where they could relax before the final game. He was glad that everything had gotten a lot better, the hockey team and skating team often hanging out together. The ice skating team was even going to support the other team at the match. 

He suddenly felt Yangyang shift next to him, pulling him out of his thoughts. 

“Mhmm are you up baby?” 

Man Yangyang’s morning voice was hot.

“Yeah. Did I wake you at all?” 

“No, you are good. Now come here I want my morning kisses.” 

“But we haven’t brushed our teeth or anything yet.” 

“Nope no arguing I am getting my morning Renjun kisses and cuddling. It’s been too long since you stayed over,” Yangyang said snuggling into Renjun more, “Maybe even more if you are up to it.” 

“I stayed over last week but whatever. Now about those kisses-” 

Yangyang leans and softly starts kissing Renjun. The two of them lay their in bed wrapped in each other’s embrace and trading soft kisses. It was a nice, relaxing moment for the couple, until they heard knocking on the door. 

Renjun pulls away saying, “Yangyang I think you should go answer that.”

“Hmm maybe if we just ignore them, they will go away. It’s too early for anyone to be stopping by anyways.” 

“Yangyang are you home?” 

The sound of a female, or rather Yangyang’s mother at the door caused Renjun to fully push the other away. 

“Go answer the door. I’m going to shower,” Renjun said already pulling himself up and off the bed. 

“Without me?” 

“Yes without you, now go answer the door!” 

Yangyang whined about his morning being disrupted and grumbled the whole way while putting on a shirt to answer the door. Renjun just silently laughed while making his way to the bathroom. He evidently looked at himself in the mirror after starting the shower and noticed how his neck and upper chest was covered in marks. He probably looked like he was mauled by a bear, or an excited, bitey sheep. After quickly cleaning up, he made his way to the kitchen where Yangyang and his mother were. 

“Ah Renjunnie I’m glad you are here. Yangie here was telling me all about your competition last week. Congrats. Now I probably should get going to meet your father for brunch Yangyang but I wanted to stop by. It was great seeing you again Renjun. You and Yangyang should stop by house soon.” 

Once his mother was out of the apartment, Yangyang sighed. 

“Thank goodness she is gone. I can’t believe she ruined my morning with you.” 

“Well she just wanted to check up on her son so I can’t blame her. But I can’t believe I had to let your mother see me when I look like I was bitten by an overexcited sheep.” 

“Hey that was not what you were saying last night!” 

“Yeah, yeah now do you want to go back to bed or do you want to eat something?” 

Yangyang contemplated for a moment but walking over and encassing his arms around the other’s waist before quietly saying, “I think I have another idea of something we could do.”

“Oh yeah and what is that,” Renjun asks pretending to not know what Yangyang was referring to. 

“I think you will like it.” 

The two of them scramble back into the bedroom, giggling and getting lost in their love for each other.