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Jungwoo hadn’t expected to be confronted with the reality that he owed around nine different people a meal. Of course, to him such a saying as ‘let’s eat together soon’ was nothing more than a pleasantry, but he supposed that meaning could be lost with people who were not native to Korea and intimately familiar with the implications. Really, it was his fault.
But when the last person he expected to see with his hand up once asked if Jungwoo had promised to eat with them and never followed up, was Yangyang. Had he really messaged him and said this? He could barely remember ever even having his number - but, again, that was Jungwoo’s fault.
Nonetheless, he didn’t really mind. He loved food and he loved eating with other people, so the more the merrier in his opinion. The soy sauce marinated crabs were the first thing they looked for in a restaurant and the second was the ability to seat six people in a space that wouldn’t draw much attention to them.
They squeezed into a booth and somehow Jungwoo found himself sitting at the end of the row with Yangyang to his left and Kunhang in front of him. It really wasn’t often that he found himself with the WAYV members (sans Kun), and even less often that he ate with them, so he hoped it would be a good experience for them.
“Everyone make sure to eat well,” Jungwoo beamed, the group looking at him as he spoke, “Doyoung-ssi will be the one paying, after all.”
Doyoung immediately opened his mouth to protest and Kun bit back his smile, turning his head away so he wouldn’t be caught in the crossfire and made to pay instead. However, instead of an outburst, Doyoung nodded his head. “Yeah, eat whatever you guys want.”
Somehow, those words weren’t very comforting.
Nonetheless, Jungwoo wasn’t going to be shy or timid, and he was eager to dig in. He made sure that Shotaro got the best pick of the crabs and even though he was unable to reach over and put it on his plate, Kun did it for him.
There was chatter from the others while he ate and he honestly focused more on separating the meat from the bone than on how heavy the wrestling belt was and whether SM would ever let them do an actual wrestling match.
“I think it would be cool if we could wear those inflatable sumo wrestling suits for next time,” Yangyang said suddenly and Jungwoo almost choked, coughing into his closed fist as he turned to look at him with a mixture of bemusement and surprise. “I want to see Ten-hyung belly bouncing people.”
“Me too,” Jungwoo agreed, already imagining the man enthusiastically knocking people over with his inflated and air filled body; he definitely wanted to be there for that filming. “I’m sure a lot of members would want to be there if Hyung was participating.”
“It would be NCT 2022,” Yangyang replied, earning a few laughs and Jungwoo couldn’t help but stare, almost open mouthed.
He’d never really been around Yangyang, something that wasn’t intentional. It was more so a byproduct of never really having time to spend with the WAYV members and just being preoccupied with others even when they were in the same group for shows and such. Today was the closest he’d been to the boy, acting as his coach and even giving him a silly peptalk meant to make the fans laugh. Jungwoo had noticed that he always smelt nice, like an expensive perfume that he would gasp at the price tag of, and that he always seemed bright with something cheeky to say.
But he had never noticed just how pretty Yangyang’s smile was, how it lit up his entire face and showed off his perfect teeth that only made him look cuter, more sweet on the tongue. How did he manage to never acknowledge such a bright expression before now?
Perhaps Jungwoo had been staring too long, too entranced with seeing the lotus blossom from wherein there had been nothing previously, that he didn’t notice that Sungchan was trying to get his attention, calling his name a few times before raising his voice a little. “Hyung!”
“Ah, yeah?” Sungchan pursed his lips.
“Could you pass me the kimchi, please?”
He nodded, handing over the plate and Doyoung laughed.
“You shouldn't disturb him when he's eating, he’s too busy thinking about what to combine next.”
Jungwoo pulled a mocking face at the older man but this only sparked Kun into motion. “You and Dejun-ah are the same. Once you start eating, it’s like the world doesn’t exist anymore.”
“Right!” Yangyang nodded in agreement, his cheek bulging with food moments before he swallowed it down. “I remember the power went out and he didn’t notice for an entire hour because he was eating sushi.”
Jungwoo had spent a little more time with Dejun and also found him to be good company as well as easy on the eyes, and to find out that he was also a foodie made him think that he really did need to get to know them more intimately.
“Maybe we should go out to eat with Dejun too,” Kun said and Jungwoo pretended to be very preoccupied with his crab and was scraping out the insides with his chopsticks - getting effectively nothing.
“Here, Hyung.” A spoon was handed to him and Jungwoo met soft brown eyes, a different smile on Yangyang’s lips than before but one that was still mesmerising to look at nonetheless. Suddenly, it was as though he could smell nothing but his perfume, overcome with the sweet smell of blueberries and the inability to do anything but nod and take it from him. His fingers brushed with Yangyang’s and Jungwoo shook his head a little.
Maybe the filming had taken a bigger toll on him than he thought.
Jungwoo needed new shoes.
Jungwoo also needed someone who knew a lot about shoes because his area of expertise was not footwear, and what better person to message than the shoe connoisseur himself: Liu Yangyang.
Sure, it was a bit awkward messaging him randomly and asking to hang out, but he supposed it was better than getting forced to do awsaz with Yangyang and grinning his way through awkward challenges. This way was better and much more favourable.
Jungwoo: Hey Yangyang ^^
Yangyang: whats up?
Jungwoo: do u want to come shopping with me?
Jungwoo: I need some new shoes and I heard ur the best man for this 😊
Yangyang: 🤣🤣🤣
Yangyang: sure
Yangyang: when and where do u wanna meet up?
Jungwoo: two hours?
Jungwoo: I’ll come to the wayv dorm
Yangyang: 👍🏼
Yangyang: lmk when ur here and I’ll let u in
Jungwoo: ^^😸
In a way, Yangyang reminded him of Mark. They both had similar styles of speaking, were around the same age, and had personalities that were mirrors of the other. However, he did note that Yangyang was a lot more free with what he said, often giving more sass than he would expect from someone and always wording it in a funny way. Of course, you couldn’t directly compare two different people especially when he had known Mark for far longer, but he had no worries that they wouldn’t get along.
So he made himself a sandwich, dodging Jaehyun who was milling around and trying to find something, and went into his room to chill for a little while before he headed out - the WAYV dorm thankfully not too far away. He replied to a few of his messages, making sure to avoid any mention of a meal, and then began to scroll through instagram - specifically Yangyang’s.
Leaving a like on the most recent picture, he found most of the pictures to be cute. However, he was a little disappointed to see that not many of them had his signature grin: that was quickly becoming Jungwoo’s favourite thing about him.
Nonetheless, he didn’t have to occupy himself for much longer before he was out of the front door, covered from head to toe, and in front of the other subunit’s front door.
Jungwoo: I’m here
He rang the doorbell, looking around to see if anyone was there, and then rushed in when the door opened.
“Hey, you okay?” Yangyang peered at him from under the brim of his bucket hat. “There’s security around here, don’t worry.”
Jungwoo laughed a little, slightly embarrassed that he was so easily read but he quickly changed the topic, gently tapping on the edge of Yangyang’s hat. “Thanks for agreeing to come with me.”
“It’s okay, I need some new shoes too.”
“Don’t you have a closet full?” Yangyang’s grin was sheepish and he shrugged.
“You can never have too many.”
“That's exactly why I came to you,” Jungwoo watched as he slipped on some white black shoes to match his outfit of a simple jacket, shirt and jeans. “Your collection is one to be in awe of.”
“Who told you that?” Yangyang huffed. “Do you want to see it? It’s not as big as people make it out to be.”
Of course he wanted to see it! That was like asking him if he wanted to go on holiday and people expecting him to say no.
They walked down the corridor and instead of turning into a room, Yangyang led him to a walk-in closet. Honestly, Jungwoo wasn't expecting much since the NCT members had a penchant for exaggeration, but that doubt evaporated the moment he peered inside to see a ceiling to floor holder of nothing but shoeboxes that filled it halfway.
"What the fuck?" Jungwoo couldn't help but utter.
"It's just halfway," Yangyang said, earnestly believing that his collection wasn't anything to gawk at (it was). "What shoe size are you, Hyung?"
"280. You?"
"260."
"That’s a shame, I could’ve lent you some from my collection. It’s actually double the size of yours.”
“Maybe you can squeeze your feet into one of mine,” Yangyang teased and Jungwoo pretended to think.
“Next time. I like the look of those balen… those ones.”
“Balenciagas.”
“That.”
Yangyang smiled and guided him out, letting out a satisfied sigh at how the breeze brushed over his skin and cooled it down. “I haven’t been shopping in a while.”
“Too busy?”
“Kind of. Sometimes I have to, like, stay inside and look after the pets if the others have plans. If I go somewhere it’s usually to eat or visit, you know?” Jungwoo did know, very well, in fact. That was how life was now. You wouldn’t spend much time in public places or you would soon be mobbed or run a higher risk of being stalked. It wasn’t ideal, but Jungwoo liked to think of these outings as something a little more treasured - like a meeting between two people who shared the same secret.
“Let’s make this one out. Hyung will make it fun,” Jungwoo promised, and he was never one to break them.
Rather unsurprisingly, Jungwoo found himself enjoying Yangyang’s presence. There was a lot he had yet to learn about him but every small thing that he did discover, whether it was an unintentional habit or something that Yangyang did because it was what felt right, was something that he committed to memory. His walking pace was naturally faster than Jungwoo’s yet he slowed himself down when he saw that he was more than a few steps ahead, he kept an eye out for people that stared a little too hard and moved them away from that area, he would give his true and honest opinions about what Jungwoo had picked out but never made him feel stupid for his choices. It was refreshing and he adored every second of it.
“What about this one?” Jungwoo asked, turning to his side and looking at the design of the shoes, on his fourth pair by now while Yangyang took pictures of him like he’d asked for. “Sorry, I know I’m indecisive.”
“It’s fine. You should pick something you like.” He put down the phone and lifted up his hat, resting it further back on his head and finally giving Jungwoo a clearer view of his face, his pink hair falling to frame it. Jungwoo paused, dark brown eyes set on how the warm yellow glow of the lights brought out his skin tone and made him look prettier, more like he had been bathed in an angel’s radiance. “If you want something that goes with everything, then grey shoes are the best. Especially high tops. They look great on you, seriously.”
Jungwoo poked his cheek with his tongue, tearing his gaze away from the mirage of beauty in the mirror. “I think I’ll get these. Did you pick any out?”
“Yeah, I liked these Nike ones.” He could only smile in amusement when he saw the two pairs of shoes at his feet. “Ready to go?”
With the sales assistant sending the shoes to the front, he saw how Yangyang looked at the new releases with sparkles in his eyes and it was plainly obvious that he loved shoes an incredible amount. Now he had an easy birthday present to buy for him, making a note of his shoe size in his notes.
Yangyang began to talk, asking him if he wanted to get something to eat but it felt like his words were drowning out, all he could focus on was how sweet he looked and how normal this felt. Jungwoo craved normalcy, something that was unobtainable now and would always be, but being with him felt like they were nothing more than ordinary people; he loved it so much his chest felt tight.
“Sure, do you want a meal or something light?”
“Light. I think Kun-hyung will be making food at home.” They stepped forward in the queue. “You want to come over? There’s always some left over.”
“Sure, I haven’t had any home cooked chinese food for a while.” Kun’s cooking was always delicious too so he had no qualms with staying for a little while longer. “I’m craving some bingsu, what about you?”
“Actually, yeah, I’d like some as well.”
So that’s what they went out to find after paying for their shoes. It could have been pushing their luck a little to be out for so long but Jungwoo really didn’t care.
“What kind are you thinking of?” Jungwoo asked as they approached the counter. “I might go for mango.”
“Watermelon sounds good.” Yangyang looked around, a slight furrow to his eyebrows. “Hyung, could you save us a seat somewhere? It’s getting busy.”
He was right. The booths were almost completely full and those were the seats they desperately needed. “Okay, here.” Handing over the money needed to pay for his dessert, Jungwoo disappeared to find a booth and speed walking to grab the one that was in the corner. He watched as he approached the counter, his eyes once again covered with the hat and his mask hiding his face.
However, instead of using the cash that Jungwoo had given him, he tapped his phone against the card machine and he was slightly confused. Maybe he didn’t have cash on him? But that didn’t make sense; he saw Yangyang pay for his shoes with cash.
Nonetheless, he didn’t say anything until he had returned with the two bowls and sat down diagonally to him. Black mask now resting under his chin, Jungwoo could see his tongue flicker over his bottom lip, his eyes following the movement before mirroring it subconsciously.
“The portions are really big,” Yangyang commented and he nodded, pushing his spoon into the flavoured ice after realising that he was being waited on.
“Good for when you’re on a diet, though.” The ice instantly cooled his insides, the mango coating his tongue and the sweet taste was only enhanced once he saw the subtle smile on Yangyang’s visage as he ate. “I enjoyed today. We should hang out more often.”
Slight surprise was clear within his eyes, the spoon millimetres away from the tip of his tongue. “You want to?”
“Yeah, don’t you?”
“I do. I was just surprised that you sought me out first”-a slight pause-“is it because of one two punch?”
Jungwoo thought that he needed to be a little less readable in the future. “Maybe a little, but you are the one who knows the most about shoes; that wasn’t a lie. You’re nice to be around.”
The younger man didn’t meet his eyes, biting on the inside of his cheek to try and stiffen the smile that was threatening to expose his happiness. His spoon swirled in the pink dessert and he nodded, hat slipping forwards slightly. “Thank you. I had a good time today, also.”
(It wasn't until Jungwoo arrived home to his own dorm, that he found the cash in his pocket and he laughed, realising he had paid for the dessert.)
There had to be something wrong with him.
It was too bizarre how he had begun to text Yangyang daily, how he would eagerly wait for the man’s messages and reply to them within seconds of receiving them. Even with his own friends, he hardly ever messaged back this fast and he never found himself daydreaming about what they were doing. Even so, he didn’t deem it necessarily a bad thing, just random and unexpected.
To him, this wasn’t anything more than a little admiration, something that he had felt before right as he had debuted - puppy love for everyone around him. It was something that would wear off once they'd become more familiar, older, but for now Jungwoo was going to bask in it.
Jungwoo: where have the others gone?
Yangyang: went to go furniture shopping
Yangyang: and dejun’s taking bella on a walk
Jungwoo: ur alone w the cats?
Yangyang: yh
Jungwoo: aishhh they’re so cute 😼
Jungwoo: I wanted a cat but none of us are ever in long enough for that
Jungwoo: Taeyong hyung has his fishes but those aren’t really high maintenance
Yangyang: he showed me too 🤣 so cute
Yangyang: my tanks r just for decoration
Yangyang: do u wanna come over?
Yangyang: u have the cat shirt so u should see the models irl 😂🐈
Jungwoo: u know what?
Jungwoo: ill take u up on that offer
Jungwoo: i want to see leon
Yangyang: rly?
Jungwoo: yh
Jungwoo: ill be there soon
And so he got up, excited to meet the famed cats and spend some time with them. He wasn't sure if they were friendly with strangers, especially Louis, but he didn't really mind if they weren't. As long as Yangyang was there to make conversation, he was happy to spend his time in the dorm.
No time was wasted between announcing his departure and his arrival at the front door. It opened before he even knocked, greeted with the sight of him in shorts and an oversized hoodie that drowned him in its fabric. It reminded him of a squishmellow.
"You came quick."
Jungwoo's smile was ever present, sunny and consistent. "It's rude to keep people waiting. I don't want to make King Louis impatient."
That earned a laugh and his smile stretched that much wider, pulling at his cheeks. The faint sweet smell lingered but it wasn't as prominent as the days they'd gone out. Blueberry clung to the fabric of his being and Jungwoo had always been sweet toothed.
"King Louis is sitting on the cat tree. Do you wanna see?"
"Yes!"
Instead of a walk in wardrobe, he was taken to Yangyang's shared room and it felt strangely intimate. It wasn't as though Jungwoo had never shown people his room either, but maybe he was looking too deep into things that held no meaning.
"Louis, hey, Louis." The siamese cat paid him no attention, instead curling his tail around himself and stretching. "He's got an attitude."
"He's cute enough to have one."
However, Leon wasn't quite as much if a foreigner as his brother. He jumped down from the tree and walked towards Jungwoo cautiously, smelling his leg and he squatted down to let him sniff his hand. Leon didn't move away, instead staying still and Jungwoo took this as a good sign.
"His ears are really funny," Jungwoo grinned, scratching at the base of them and hearing him pur, leaning into his hand for more. "So cute."
"He is. He's got big ears to hear if anyone's coming so he can run away from whatever mess he made."
"That's just what the work of a cat is."
Yangyang scooped up Louis and brought him down to the carpeted floor. Jungwok followed suit though sat up while the other laid tummy down.
Louis nuzzled against his cheek, tail brushing under Yangyang's chin as he giggled. His eyes closed in delight, laughing at the ticklish sensation while all Jungwoo could do was stare open mouthed, the world seeming to still and fill with nothing but joviality as something other than fur began to delight across his skin. His chest felt warm, rose trailing along his cheeks and ears with delicate and light touches.
Louis purred, his noises deep and rumbling the air around him, his body coming to rest beside Yangyang, his ears flattening slightly as his head was angled under his chin. "Louis, you should pay attention to our guest."
"To him, I'm an intruder," Jungwoo replied with a cheek splitting simper, attention drawn to Leon for a moment as the cat scrambled to play with his hand. "They're so cute. I'm jealous."
"They're actually Ten-hyung's cat's. If he ever moves out, they're going with him. I'll miss them if that happens." He rested his cheek against the soft fur of the cat, Louis closing his eyes in a motion to fall asleep whilst sitting up (Jungwoo wished he could do the same). "I thought you were a dog person."
"I am, but I think I can be convinced otherwise." He was already being swayed not just by how intelligent and emotionally fulfilling it was to be around them, but by how there were fellinesque traits in the younger man's behaviour. Anything that was reminiscent of Yangyang felt like a pull, a magnetic attraction that worked against gravity to keep him orbiting. "I haven't met Bella though."
"She's sweet, acts like a cat though."
"That's cute." Yangyang hummed, legs swinging lackadaisically behind him, his cheek resting in the palm of his left hand as he used his right one to stroke Louis' tail. "Is Dejun seeing anyone?"
Yangyang paused, his lips twitching downwards for a slight second. "No. How come?"
"He just seems like the romantic type, you know? I think Yuta-hyung has a soft spot for him."
An almost imperceivable sign left plush, pink lips. "He's not. I'm not sure how he feels about Yuta-ssi. I think he's still a little intimidated."
"I don't blame him."
Yangyang's eyes closed for a moment and Jungwoo felt like his heart had skipped a beat, his swallowing feeling unbearably thick as it caught in his throat. He looked at peace, a newly bloomed lotus with its petals a brilliant and vibrant white - Jungwoo could only admire from afar lest he disturb the tranquility.
"I'm still a little intimidated by the 127 hyungs."
Jungwoo exhaled. "Does that include me?"
A quieter, shyer disposition became more noticeable. "Do you want the truth?"
"Hm?"
"Yeah, a little."
It didn't sting at all, rather it felt like someone had taken a hold of his heart, silver ringed fingers grasping the organ with each beat observed and carefully tended to when it sped up. He thought it to be adorable. "Ah, we should change that then, don't you think?"
"The things we do once a month are helping. It's a shame our first two years were like shit, but better late than never, yeah?"
"Yeah." He couldn't imagine being alienated like they had, their group name cursed to stay on seven lips only while the rest had to act as though they didn't exist. Jungwoo regretted every moment. "Hyung will help you get to know everyone better. Once you know them, they're all really goofy."
Yangyang laughed, the sound echoing and ringing in his ears for hours after the fact. "I'll take your word for it."
Leon moved, urging Jungwoo to move closer, laying on the floor also as Leon curled up beside Louis. He was so close now, only a couple of centimetres away. If he shuffled forwards, they would have been touching.
Big brown eyes met his, flickering between them in search of something. His gaze softened and Yangyang seemed to relax slightly, moving his hand away from his cheek. "How did you feel when you debuted? It was at the same time as Kun-ge, wasn't it?"
"I was scared," Jungwoo admitted without much difficulty, ready to bear his insides if it meant that they could move an inch closer, could watch Yangyang's tongue poke out slightly as he debated on whether to taste his lip balm as he wet his lips. "A video of me crying went viral after my debut. I was so grateful and I still am."
"It still feels, like, so crazy. Boss was a great song."
"It is. I listen to it sometimes even now."
Leon's ear twitched and they shared a hushed giggle, the sound dying out in a breathless sigh.
Jungwoo thought as he heard Yangyang sigh, that he was a man who wanted. There was a great deal of things that he had achieved, was blessed with getting to experience and understand. But his desire was infinite, insatiable. There were things that, even if the cosmos above weren't ever going to permit, he would always long for.
And, in that moment, he wished that he could have leant forward and kissed him.
Ten: are u up?
Ten: wyd
Ten: i can see u online jungwoo
Jungwoo sighed and pressed on the chat.
Jungwoo: whats up hyung?
Ten: i need to ask you something
Ten: its important
Jungwoo: yeah?
It wasn't often that Ten texted him with this tone so it was slightly alarming. He pursed his lips slightly.
Ten: its to do w yangyang
Ten: you can't tell him i told u or ill seriously kill u :)
Jungwoo: ….
Jungwoo: okay 🥲;;;
Jungwoo: is he okay?
Ten: he likes you
Ten: he told me he likes you more than a friend
His mouth opened and then closed, at a loss for words. Yangyang… Liked him?
Jungwoo: don't talk shit hyung
Ten: if i wanted to talk shit i would
Ten: I'm being fr
Ten: idk if you like guys or not
Ten: but i wanna know if there's a chance of anything . if not ill try to ease him out of it before it gets any deeper. It's not nice to have feelings for a group mate when they don't like u back
In all honesty, Jungwoo had never thought to put a label on what he liked and disliked. He liked people that made him feel as though he could touch the stars unscathed and that wasn't limited to gender.
Jungwoo: i like guys
Jungwoo: and i like him
Jungwoo: but how come he told you?
Ten: it came up in conversation
Jungwoo: why do i feel like that not true
Ten: heh
Ten: He's not subtle
Jungwoo: ?
Ten: :)
Ten: so r u gonna make the first move or what
Ten: ur the older one
Jungwoo: maybe i will, but u wont know
Ten: boooo
Ten: i bring you together and u won't even tell me if you'll smash
Jungwoo: no smashing ;;; -_-
Ten: not in this dorm
Ten: there's lego everywhere
Ten: have fun
Jungwoo: 🙂
Despite the nonchalant way that Ten has delivered such an announcement, he felt as though there was something more to it. Had Yangyang been reluctant to admit his attraction? Was there something deeper to it that Jungwoo was missing?
No. He exhaled, switching the chat over to Yangyang's. Ten wouldn't joke about something like this and now that he has confirmation that he wouldn't needlessly suffer from one sided pining, he had nothing to fear.
Jungwoo: are u awake
Within the minute he had a reply.
Yangyang: yeah
Jungwoo: come over?
Yangyang: now???
Yangyang: it's so late
Jungwoo: u don't have to if u don't want to
Jungwoo: ill send a taxi if ur worried about being followed
Yangyang: im not but why do u want me over now
Jungwoo: i wanna talk to u face to face
Yangyang: and it cant wait until morning?
Jungwoo: 🧐🧐 i could
Yangyang: OTL
Yangyang: I'll come now?
Jungwoo: yay!
Jungwoo: ill send the taxi one second
Yangyang: ok 👍🏼
A glance towards the time told him that it was late, that it had passed into the next day and that he was asking a lot of Yangyang to be coming over at such a time. Of course, Jungwoo was a generous host and wouldn't let him feel tired or as if he had come for naught.
Within fifteen minutes, Yangyang had texted him that he was here and Jungwoo quietly made his way to the front door. For once the roles were reversed and knowing that the way his chest tightened was felt similarly, gave him the courage to take Yangyang's delicate wrist in his palm and pull him in with a delighted laugh. "You really came."
"You sent the taxi, Hyung."
"I know, but still."
Yangyang took off his shoes, the shadows of sleep making his movements a little more sloppy, his fingers fiddling with his laces before he pushed them off. "What did you wanna talk about?"
"Let's go to my room and I'll tell you there."
He nodded, ever the agreeable young man.
It felt like the culmination of it all. Of every lingering stare and each touch that remained for a few moments too long. Jungwoo wished to know every detail, whether he had tripped into the abyss at the same time as him or if he had willingly descended.
Whatever it was, he was ready to bring them both back to the surface, to grace them with star light.
The door clicked shut behind them and Jungwoo was beyond thankful that Jaehyun wasn't in Korea at the moment. "Thank you for coming."
Yangyang looked a little confused, though nodded. If he minded the fact that Jungwoo was touching him again, then he did not make it a concern. "It's nothing."
"I wanted to ask you something." The difference in height between them felt more pronounced than ever before, his hands moving to take both of Yangyang's, thumb rubbing over his knuckles ever so delicately. "How do you feel about me?"
Jungwoo thought that perhaps he was too direct, the warmth in his palms disappearing as Yangyang shuffled in place, fading pink hair flopping over his eyes as his mouth opened and then closed. "What do you mean? I think you're cool."
"Oh, Yangyang," he sighed, coming to pull him into a hug, fingers running along his back as the boy shivered. "I like you more than that."
"...what?"
"I like you. I think you're the sweetest person I've ever met." The words came to him naturally, any inhibitions thrown to the wind and the cool night breeze. "How do you feel about me?"
"I…" Jungwoo couldn't see his face. "I like you, too."
The hug was returned, face buried in his shoulder and something exploded within him. Without warning, he wrapped his arms tightly around him and fell backwards onto the bed, dragging Yangyang with him and laughing as he gasped.
"I'm so happy," he announced truthfully, joyfully. "You're so cute."
"Hmph." His tongue poked his cheek, his face hidden but the pink on his ears said more than enough. "You called me all the way here just to confess your love?"
"Yah, should I have told you I hated you instead?" Jungwoo spoke before a teasing thought came to mind, propping himself up on his elbow to look down at him. "Or were you expecting something more?"
"No!"
"You don't sound certain." How could someone look so cute?
Yangyang refused to look at him but his smile was betraying him, pearly white teeth peeking between his fingers that covered his face.
"Don't be shy now."
"I'm not shy."
"Are you sure? Move your hands and I'll believe you." He did so hesitantly and Jungwoo gazed into endless pools, his breath leaving him in one final exhale before he was leaning in, pecking plush pink lips without a warning.
Yangyang said nothing yet Jungwoo knew he didn't dislike it.
Especially not when his collar was pulled and he was the one being kissed just moments later.