Work Text:
The smell of freshly poured paint invaded his nostrils as Beomgyu walked into the art room, smiling brightly at his teacher before taking a seat. He’d been thinking about what he wanted to paint all weekend, and he finally decided on a certain studio ghibli frame that he really enjoyed. He was beyond excited, painting brought him a certain calmness he could never achieve outside of the room. He set up his easel, making sure his station was neat before grabbing a plate and heading towards the paint.
Beomgyu was seen as a fairly clumsy person, but today a certain sight caught him off guard and caused him to stumble into somebody else’s artwork. He apologized profusely as he stared at the ruined painting, his cheeks heating up in nervousness despite being reassured that it was okay.
However, in Beomgyu’s mind, it was NOT okay. Why, you may ask?
He ruined somebody’s beautiful painting due to catching a glimpse of an even more beautiful boy… (In better words: He’s very, very in love with staring at pretty boys and that is going to be the cause of his downfall.)
He snuck a peak at a certain blonde, still mildly embarrassed from the whole interaction which 1) Brought him a lot of attention and 2) Stained the front of his clothes with a variety of colors so now he can't even think about introducing himself.
He hung his head low as he went to refill his palette, and this is how it started.
Every day, without fail, he’d squeeze a very small amount of paint to give himself a reason to pass by the blonde….multiple times a class period.
Every. Single. Day. Without. Fail.
Beomgyu was very obviously pining, of course. Everybody could tell except for the blonde that captured his attention. No, they’d never even shared eye contact once before and he already developed a teeny (slightly massive) crush on the boy. He can't help it, he’s a hopeless romantic at heart!
“What do you like about him, Gyu?” Somebody had asked him, and Beomgyu’s eyes lit up. (Poor Soobin, he definitely regretted asking him soon after.)
“He’s so beautiful, Bin.” Beomgyu sighed dreamily, flopping onto the couch as he stared into space. “He’s got this smile, if you saw it you’d be just as mesmerized as I am. Oh, oh! He also has this habit of messing with his hair whenever he takes a break from painting, it’s so cute. He’ll just sit there and play with his bangs while painting the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen and-why are you staring at me like that?” He suddenly cut himself off after noticing Soobin stare at him with the stupidest smile on his face.
“You should talk to him. He sounds nice.” Soobin stated, nodding his head encouragingly as Beomgyu frowned.
He’d always been known as quite the extrovert. He could start a conversation with anybody, it was one of his many talents. However, when it came to one of his crushes…let’s just say he’s not the smoothest with his words. How could he even talk to somebody so ethereal? There's no way he’d be able to form proper sentences without tripping over his words.
However, Beomgyu decided to give it a shot.
He did as he always does, he poured far too little paint and came back for more just so he could get a good look at the handsome boy who’s name he still somehow has yet to learn.
After his palette was filled, he lingered around the paints for a couple more seconds than necessary. Then, somehow, he opened his mouth to speak, “what are you painting?” Beomgyu asked simply, his heart beating so hard he was worried he’d be able to hear it.
…..No reply.
He didn’t reply to him. There was nobody else around, how could he mistake Beomgyu’s words as being meant for somebody else?!
He walked away at an embarrassingly fast pace, nearly tripping over somebody’s backpack before he made his way back to his easel. “Oh my god, he hates me.” He whispered to himself, his hands shaking as he moved to fiddle with his project.
‘Why wouldn't he respond to me?! Even if he doesn’t like me, the least he can do is tell me to shut up! Maybe he’s shy? Maybe I should’ve made eye contact with him..yes, that’s it! Okay Beomgyu, all you’ve got to do is walk over and stand directly in front of him. How hard could that be? Just swallow your nerves…’ He told himself, setting his paintbrush down before he inevitably ruins his painting due to his shaky hands.
Beomgyu slowly stood back up, this time forgetting to bring his palette. Halfway through he realized his mistake, but it was too late. He couldn't just…walk back for it, that’s insane! His eyes lingered over the back of his head, then settled upon the empty seat next to him.
It’s go-time.
Beomgyu’s limbs tensed up as he awkwardly slid into the seat next to him, and that’s when the boy turned to look at him in curiosity.
They locked eyes, ‘He’s beautiful.’ He thought to himself, entranced.
The boy pulled one of his earphones out, and that’s when realization hit him. ‘HE COULDN’T HEAR ME?! I’M AN IDIOT!’
“Hello! I’m, uhm…I’m-“ Beomgyu started, his face flushing as he stuttered over his introduction. He was so embarrassing, he wished he could melt then and there and slip away from this awkward interaction.
“Beomgyu, correct? I’m Taehyun.” Taehyun smiled at him, and all Beomgyu’s worries floated away. He couldn’t bring himself to stress anymore, he was ecstatic after learning Taehyun’s name.
“Beomgyu, yes.” His smile grew wide, giddy with the knowledge that Taehyun already knew his name. (He didn’t realize that it could also be for bad reasons, he was too happy at that moment.)
“What are you painting?” Beomgyu asked, his gaze shifting towards his painting with a genuine curiosity. He spotted a blank canvas, which was shocking since they’d been in class for quite a while already. He could’ve sworn he’d seen him painting….
“Oh, I’ve got no clue. I've already finished the assignment, do you have any requests?” Taehyun asked in such a casual way it made Beomgyu’s head spin. How was he not freaking out?! (Beomgyu had to remind himself that he was the one with the stupid crush, not Taehyun who just met him.)
“Paint me a picture of…” Beomgyu started, finishing the sentence in his mind with, ‘our future together.’ He couldn’t say that, however, that would be insane.
“….a bear.” He decided, nodding his head enthusiastically. Taehyun looked at him for a moment, and Beomgyu grew giddy at the sight of his smile growing.
“Alright, go back to your seat, I’ll show you when I’m finished.” Taehyun decided, and Beomgyu pouted.
“What? I wanna watch you work! I’ll be quiet, I promise. I won’t make a sound.” He pleaded, earning a chuckle from Taehyun.
“Shoo shoo, it’ll be a surprise!” Taehyun said, and Beomgyu had to leave despite wanting to say, ‘please, I finally found a way to talk to you, don’t make me leave your side!’ (Beomgyu…pull yourself together.)
He walked back to his seat and found himself being unable to sit still the entire time. Taehyun somehow positioned himself perfectly to shield his work from Beomgyu’s view, much to the latter’s annoyance.
He decided to open his sketchbook, and the drawing that stared back at him made him visibly cringe. A couple weeks back, when his crush first began to develop, he started sketching out what he imagined Taehyun looked while laughing. He, personally, hated his sketches. His line work was sloppy, the shading was horrendous, and he couldn’t do Taehyun’s smile justice.
He frowned, quickly closing his book back up before staring at the canvas in front of him. It was a mess of colors, he began to realize. He didn’t know why he suddenly felt so down, but he considered painting over his progress all together.
He grabbed his palette, walking over towards the paint as he poured a bunch of white.
“Hey, no peeking.” A voice suddenly piped up, and Beomgyu found himself smiling. “I wasn't trying to peek, who do you take me for? I would never!” He exclaimed, giggling at the skeptical look on Taehyun’s face.
“That’s a lot of white, what are you painting?” He asked curiously, Beomgyu replying in a shrug. “I’m not sure, I don’t like what I started so I’m painting over it.”
Taehyun frowned at that, “is that the project? You can’t paint over it now, can I see?” He asked, and Beomgyu immediately shook his head. Imagine if the guy he’s been crushing on for weeks saw a piece of artwork he hated?! He’d die!
“You can’t paint over it, I won’t let you.” Taehyun said, and Beomgyu was shocked as he watched him stand up and walk to his station.
How Taehyun knew where he sat, he had no idea. “Hey, I said you couldn’t see!” Beomgyu whined, ignoring a couple stares from their classmates as he jumped in front of his canvas.
“Oh come on, I’m sure it can't be horrible! I've seen your work before, I like your technique!” Taehyun said, and Beomgyu wasn’t able to fully process his words.
How would he have been able to see his work? He doesn’t exactly flaunt it around class…
“No! It’s super embarrassing, I’m just going to-“ Beomgyu’s words were cut off with a yelp as he slipped over a paintbrush…and fell right against his canvas.
“Hey, watch out!” Taehyun said, reaching forward to grab Beomgyu’s hand.
Taehyun wound up losing his balance, falling forwards and right against Beomgyu’s chest.
Time seemed to still, for just a moment. Beomgyu’s heart stopped, though Taehyun could still hear his shallow breathing and slow heartbeats.
Both of their faces burned a deep shade of red, and what felt like hours was only seconds before Taehyun pushed himself off of Beomgyu’s chest. He reached forward to grab onto Gyu’s arm, pulling him off of his painting.
They both stared at each other, soon breaking out into bright laughter that filled the entire room. “Your back!-“ Taehyun managed to choke out, and Beomgyu nodded vigorously while giggling. “I can feel it, it’s so cold.” He groaned, reaching backwards to pull the fabric away from his skin.
Was his project ruined? Yes.
Was it absolutely worth it? Also, yes
He’d find a way to fix it, he was patient enough. For now, all he’s focused on is the pretty blonde that couldn't stop laughing in front of him.
“I’m so sorry-! But you’ve also got paint in your hair, it’s a very good look on you, really.” Taehyun laughed, reaching forward to pull pieces of semi-dry paint out of Beomgyu’s hair.
“Is this only the second time you fall against a painting, or do you do it often when I’m not around?” Taehyun asked, and Beomgyu blushed profusely.
“Y-you uhm, you saw the first time?” Beomgyu asked, covering his face with his hands in embarrassment.
“I promise it’s only been those two times!” He stated in a whiny voice, finding himself smiling at the sound of Taehyun’s giggles.
“I’ve decided to associate you with bears, as you seem to be fond of them..” Taehyun said, gesturing towards the teddy bear keychain Beomgyu kept on his bag.
“You’ve got to step it up, though! I don’t think bears are this clumsy.” Taehyun teased, leaving back to his station to complete his painting.
“I’ll be Taehyun’s bear.” He murmured to himself, grinning from ear to ear.
Class seemed to end before he knew it, and when Beomgyu leaped up to find Taehyun, the boy was already gone.
Did he let it bring him down? No! He made a lot of progress today, and if anything he was
determined to become Taehyun’s friend.
The next day Beomgyu did something brave. He sat directly next to Taehyun, setting up a new canvas there with his easel and all of his brushes.
“Oh?” Taehyun said, watching as Beomgyu confidently sat next to him.
“Taehyun.” Beomgyu greeted with a calm smile, having woken up in a great mood. (He didn’t like school in general, but he liked the idea of getting to sit next to Taehyun.)
“You’re sitting next to me today?” Taehyun asked as if he couldn’t believe it, and although that threw Beomgyu off, he didn’t back down.
“Of course I am, you owe me a painting of a bear and I refuse to sit away this time.” He stated, and Taehyun could only laugh.
“Can I trust you to not look over here?” He asked, angling his canvas away from Beomgyu.
“Of course you can! I’m quite literally the most trustworthy person on the entire planet, you can ask my mom.” Beomgyu nodded, and just like that they began to paint in a comfortable silence.
Every so often, Beomgyu would be the one to break the silence.
“How long have you been painting for?”
“Did you take this class willingly?”
“Is that your natural hair color? It’s very nice.”
“Do you think I should dye my hair? I’ve been considering going red.”
“What's your favorite animal? You already know mine are bears.”
“Do you think-“ “It’s done.” Taehyun suddenly cut him off, and Beomgyu looked startled before a smile stretched across his lips.
“Show me, show me!” Beomgyu begged, and Taehyun decided to tease him for a bit.
“No, I don’t think I will.” He stated, and Beomgyu looked shocked. He looked as if you just told him he was growing a tail, or his hair suddenly turned blue. He was flabbergasted!
“What?- Show me the bear!” He pouted, sitting upwards to lean over and catch a glimpse, but Taehyun wouldn’t let him.
“I’m too shy, what if it isn’t any good?” Taehyun asked teasingly, and Beomgyu knew he was playing a game…but he had to know what it looked like! His life depended on it! (Not actually…he’s very dramatic.)
“Please, I’m sure it’s amazing!”
“Will you keep it?”
Beomgyu looked confused, “you want me to…keep it?” He asked, and Taehyun nodded his head. “I painted it for you. Promise me you’ll keep it? I expect it to be hung up in your living room, no refrigerator’s allowed.”
Beomgyu grinned widely, nodding his head as he practically bounced up and down. “I get to keep it! Yes yes, I’ll hang it up! Show me show me show me!” He begged, and Taehyun finally let up. (Only due to how adorable Beomgyu looks when he gets excited. If he didn’t associate him with bears, Taehyun would compare him to a puppy.)
Taehyun slowly turned it around, a shy smile flickering across his lips which contrasts his usual confidence.
Beomgyu’s eyes lit up almost immediately. He didn’t expect Taehyun to paint an entire scene. His eyes analyzed every detail starting with the mud on the bear’s paws, finishing at the small fish that swam away in the creek. It was beautiful, and it made Beomgyu’s bear-loving heart flutter. He was so perfect, it took all of his self-restraint not to kneel down and propose to him on the spot.
“Well…what do you think?” Taehyun asked, the hint of worry in his tone making Beomgyu feel guilty as he realized he’s been silent for the last minute or so.
“I can really keep it?” Beomgyu asked with the brightest smile, “it’s so nice, I love it! I think it’ll look rather nice in my room, sorry. I won’t give my parents the honor of getting to see it, I want it all to myself.” He grinned, and he meant what he said. He felt this overwhelming urge to shield this painting from the world and keep it for himself. He wants to know that only he and Taehyun have laid eyes on it, for Beomgyu it now represents so much to him.
After this, the two have spent everyday painting side by side. Beomgyu started off by taking a request from Taehyun (he painted two squirrels for him??) and then they decided to start painting solely for each other.
With each interaction Beomgyu found himself falling harder and harder, how could he resist Taehyun’s charm? He excluded this calm yet warm energy, he found himself getting lost in Taehyun’s presence everyday.
After weeks of subtle flirting, Beomgyu somehow gathered the confidence to ask Taehyun to hang out with him outside of class.
“What did you want to do?” Taehyun asked him curiously, and because he didn’t agree to it immediately, well, Beomgyu grew a little shy…
“Oh, well, I was..well I was thinking we could..” He looked down at the pencil in his hands, fiddling with it as his train of thought completely exited his mind.
Taehyun looked amused, poking Beomgyu’s arm playfully. “Text me where I need to meet you, I’ll be there.”
Beomgyu’s head shot up immediately, a hopeful smile flickering across his lips. “Really? I-yeah, okay!” — After school was over Beomgyu ran to his house in excitement, immediately getting ready.
[At 4:57 pm]
𝐌𝐞: Hey! Meet me at the park at 6!
𝐓𝐚𝐞𝐡𝐲𝐮𝐧 🐿💛: Alright. What are we doing at the park?
𝐌𝐞: Don’t you trust me? 🥺
𝐓𝐚𝐞𝐡𝐲𝐮𝐧 🐿💛: I guess
𝐌𝐞: Then don’t ask questions!
𝐓𝐚𝐞𝐡𝐲𝐮𝐧 🐿💛: See you there, Beoms
Beomgyu smiled giddily before tossing his phone onto his bed, looking around for something to wear. Something that says ‘Hey I've had a crush on you since day one and I really hope you think I’m pretty, too.’ — He settled for wearing a brown shirt with a cartoon bear on it and blue jeans, staring at himself in the mirror with a satisfied smile on his face. Casual, but cute.
Six came around, and Beomgyu had already been ready for about the last half hour. He couldn't help himself, he was so excited! He found a slightly secluded clearing, setting up two canvases along with some paints and brushes for the two of them. A couple feet away sat a basket with snacks placed on top of a soft blanket Beomgyu already wished to lay on top of. However, he’d feel pretty embarrassed if he wound up taking a nap and that’s how Taehyun would find him.
“Wow, the view is..amazing.” Taehyun’s voice was heard just behind Beomgyu, spooking him and causing him to jump a couple feet away.
“Jeez-I should put a bell on you!” Beomgyu exclaimed, laughing shyly as he looked nearly everywhere except at Taehyun.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.” He laughed, moving forward to stand in front of the lake as he peered in.
“I’m very, very tempted to push you in…but I won’t.” Beomgyu smiled, moving to stand next to Taehyun. “Pretty, right? I wanted to work on painting scenery, and I figured I’d drag you along with me.”
Excuses.
Beomgyu wanted to hangout with Taehyun, he should just tell him that…
“Thank you. For dragging me along with you, I mean.” Taehyun smiled, moving towards the two easels. “Dibs on this one!” He said, choosing the easel of Beomgyu’s that had thousands of little doodles carved onto the wood.
Beomgyu blushed, happily jogging over towards the easel that was free. “You ready, Taehyun? I’m totally going to out-paint you!” He grinned, staring at their scene to try and decide on what to focus on.
Taehyun turned to look at him, which Beomgyu could see out of the corner of his eyes. (Tyun was busy admiring Beomgyu’s side profile, it was absolutely beautiful.)
“Oh, you’re on.” Taehyun replied, immediately getting to work.
They worked for the next two hours, and by then the sun had already set. The only thing that kept them going was the street lights, but eventually they finished and found themselves laying down on Beomgyu’s blanket.
“Ow-“ Taehyun’s eyes crinkled as he flicked an ant away from his forehead, and Beomgyu looked over at him in worry. “Just an ant.” Taehyun murmured, able to sense Beomgyu’s question.
“Oh, you’re like half off the blanket! Come here.” He exclaimed, sitting up quickly.
“Hmm? Why are you getting-“ Taehyun cut his question off as Beomgyu patted his lap, gesturing for Taehyun to put his head down.
“Oh, it’s okay, really. You can lay back down.” He shook his head, though Beomgyu refused to let up.
He smiled a little, inching closer to him before resting his head on the dark-haired boy’s thighs. “Mmm, this is comfy.” Taehyun murmured as Beomgyu’s fingers glided through his hair.
Beomgyu didn’t know where he gained the confidence, but he really liked it. This evening felt so…perfect. — He found himself staring down at Taehyun, a teeny smile on his face as he played with his hair.
“You’re staring.” Taehyun whispered playfully, his eyes flickering upwards to meet Beomgyu’s gaze.
“Am I? I hadn’t noticed.” Beomgyu responded, chuckling softly. “You’re very nice to stare at, makes me want to paint you.”
He swore he could see a blush spread across Taehyun’s cheeks, but it was too dark to be sure.
“We should probably get going soon, it’s getting late.” Taehyun murmured, staring up at all of Beomgyu’s soft features.
Beomgyu himself was disappointed, though he slowly nodded. “Yeah, you’re right.” He murmured, reaching down to push a little hair out of Taehyun’s eyes.
Much to his surprise, Taehyun caught onto his hand and held it steady. “Let’s stay a few more minutes, this…this feels nice.” He spoke, his words so quiet Beomgyu almost didn’t hear them.
Luckily, he did.
He smiled, nodding his head silently. He didn’t know what this moment was, but he wished to stay in it forever.
“You’re staring again, Beomgyu.” Taehyun pointed out, though the smile on his lips proved that he didn’t mind it whatsoever.
“I’m just thinking…” He murmured, his thumb lightly caressing his cheek.
“I really hope we’re thinking the same thing.” Taehyun spoke quietly, his eyes flickering down to gaze at Beomgyu’s lips.
Beomgyu caught on…but he wasn’t sure. He was scared of making a wrong move, what if he thought wrong? What if they both weren’t thinking of the same thing?
Taehyun gulped at the look on Beomgyu’s face, he could tell he was conflicted. “Please kiss me before we leave..” He pleaded, his heart racing whilst Beomgyu’s stopped.
‘He wants me to…kiss him?’
Beomgyu, despite every anxious bone in his body telling him not to, leaned downwards and connected their lips.
Taehyun’s hands reached up to grasp onto Beomgyu’s neck, and Beomgyu shivered against his touch.
He loved it.
He didn’t know he needed to kiss Taehyun this badly.
He could hear his heart beat wildly in his ears, and what started as a soft kiss slowly turned to one filled with a steady passion. They broke away for just a moment as Taehyun sat up, immediately grabbing onto Beomgyu’s jaw to pull him in again.
Beomgyu’s first few kisses had been horrible to him. They were awkward and messy, the feeling of saliva left on his chin grossed him out and convinced him that maybe kissing wasn’t as awesome as it looked in films.
However, this was beyond different.
Beomgyu sunk into Taehyun’s arms, clinging onto him as he grew dizzy with passion. His lips were warm and soft, they tasted as bitter and sweet as the ginseng tea they shared. Their breaths were heavy as they strived for oxygen but couldn't bring themselves to pull away, the moment was too perfect and neither of them were willing to let it be over so soon.
It wasn’t until Taehyun pulled away that Beomgyu felt the overwhelming sense of euphoria that flooded through his veins.
Could you become addicted to kissing someone after just one time? Ask Beomgyu, he’d be able to tell you that you definitely can.
They panted as they stared into each other’s eyes, and all Beomgyu could manage to do was smile stupidly and say, “Taehyun, will you paint me another picture?”
Taehyun looked amused, tilting his head to the side in a bit of confusion. (How could Beomgyu think about painting in this moment?!) “Of course, Gyu. What would you like?”
“I want you….I want you to paint a picture of our future together.”