Work Text:
Dating Renjun is easy — or not. It's not easy because he's an artist — and Jaemin is literally no one at all. It's not easy because you need to keep your relationship very very private or else you'll lose your own precious life. Those circumstances were not easy but loving Renjun is not. Loving Renjun is probably one of the best decisions Jaemin ever made. Loving Renjun is so easy that it came to the point that Jaemin easily lost him.
"Renjun Huang will be having his most awaited comeback this March! The singer-songwriter is reportedly coming back with his 7th album as a celebration for his 7th anniversary." The newscaster from the news that Jaemin was watching said. He can't deny that it somehow made him happy knowing that Renjun will be back in the music industry after many months of hiatus. Yet he is still blaming himself for the reason why Renjun went on hiatus. Long story short, their relationship was revealed and Renjun needed to break-up with him. It's been almost 7 months since the tragedy happened and it's still difficult for Jaemin to move on from it.
"7th album for his 7th anniversary and it's been 7 months since the two of you broke up. I've connected the dots!" Jeno said as he was stuffing his mouth with food, pointing to the television where Renjun is being reported.
"Nah, I think it's only a coincidence. Besides, I think Renjun had finally move on from it,"
"That's what you think. And what if he's still in the process of moving on just like you? What if that album is all about the timeline of your relationship? There's a high possibility that the main track was obviously made for you."
"I doubt. It's for his anniversary, dude. It can't be just all about me — us."
"In case you forgot, Renjun likes writing songs describing you and your relationship. Anyway, I'll get going now, I don't think I'll be home again so I would appreciate it if you lock the doors immediately." Jeno stood up from the couch, patting Jaemin's back.
"Date with Donghyuck for the nth time again?"
"Couldn't resist it when he sent a picture to me."
Jaemin was about to say something when Jeno immediately covered his mouth with his palm.
"Don't you dare talk about our relationship, handle yours instead." Jeno winked at Jaemin and left.
And that concludes Jeno and Jaemin's routine every week. More like everyday since Jeno and Donghyuck go on a date everyday that makes Jaemin being left alone at their apartment. He couldn't deny that he's envious with Jeno and Donghyuck's relationship because they can freely go out whenever and wherever they want to. Recalling his relationship with Renjun, it's definitely not the same. It has a lot of restrictions that Jeno once called their relationship "like a military" one. Perks of dating an artist, I guess.
Jaemin had nothing to do the whole day so instead, he decided to scroll through his contacts when he suddenly saw Renjun's number which he named as "R ❤️" it's cliché but Renjun was the one who suggested that, to be "lowkey and private". He passed through it acting as if he doesn't care anymore yet the voices in his head keep on telling that he should call him. And so, he let his intrusive thoughts win.
It rang and Renjun picked up the call.
"Jaemin?" He was finally able to hear Renjun's voice after 7 months, saying his name.
"H-hey Renjun! Hi! Yeah it's me." With his shaking voice, Jaemin replied back.
"It's been a while. Did you call because you saw the news?"
"Y-yeah. Here to congratulate you. It's been a long journey for you and you're finally coming back with your 7th album. Congratulations, Renjun."
Although Jaemin couldn't see it, Renjun smiled.
"Thanks, Jaemin. You're always the first one to congratulate me."
"Am I though? I'd be honoured." Jaemin let out a chuckle.
"Yeah. It's a good thing that you don't miss the chance to do so"
"I will never forget, Renjun."
"Uhh, I think I should be going now. Promotions aren't starting yet but my schedule's hectic already."
"Oh yeah go on. Congratulations again, Renjun. Never expected that you still saved my number."
"We ended things properly, Jaemin. You know that. And thank you! I guess I'll see you around."
Call ended.
Unforeseen. He never saw it coming that there will be a time that he'll have a chance to talk with Renjun again. He had always been dreaming for this day. Not to make things too big but if you're going to ask what's the best 2 minutes of his life, it would probably be talking with Renjun again.
jaemin:
i know you're with your date right now but
i called him hahaha
jeno:
donghyuck's at the rest room
what the fuck. i'm jared, i'm 19.
jaemin:
it just happened that i did
jeno:
YOU BETTER EXPLAIN THAT RIGHT NOW OR ELSE YOU'LL END YOUR 10 YEAR FRIENDSHIP WITH ME
jaemin:
CHILL, BRO
we didn't talk a lot. i just congratulated him for his upcoming album and that's it.
i just didn't expect that he still has my number saved lololol i mean in my case i still do but for him…. Idk 🤷♂️
jeno:
i've always told u.
it's impossible to move on easily from a 6-year relationship.
you literally saw him come from being a no one to being everyone's favourite.
and now everyone took him from you
jaemin:
you know what, it was a wrong decision to message you. should've messaged jisung instead.
jeno:
what does he know about love anyway? look at that kid, he couldn't even confess to chenle
jaemin:
point taken HAHAHAHA
anyway, that's all. enjoy your date now i guess
jeno:
i've always enjoyed dating him ❤️❤️❤️
jaemin:
WHAT THE FUCK
[NCTCeleb] Valentine's day is indeed happy for Renjun Huang! Is he already dating someone?
A news just flashed into Jaemin's phone as he refreshed his feed — this wasn't the news he was expecting. He would rather see tons of articles about Lee Sooman than seeing this type of news. As much as he wanted to stop himself from reading it, he couldn't help it as well.
(SOKOR 23:35 KST February 14, 2023)
Around 7 PM KST, Dispatch reports that Renjun Huang is seeing someone and it's none other than his colleague, Mark Lee! The two were seen leaving Renjun's agency and directly going to Mark's place. The two were also seen hugging outside Mark's apartment, bidding their goodbyes as Renjun went inside the car to go home.
The two first met at MAMA 2018 as the show's presenters, they clicked and became friends immediately. They would often hang-out together along with their star-studded squad that includes: Doyoung, Seungkwan, Juyeon, Jungwoo, and Yeonjun. Earlier this year, the two were seen alone near Han River yet the agencies denied that they're dating and they're only "two close friends hanging out".
Although Dispatch is still awaiting confirmation from the two artists' agencies, their possible romantic relationship got positive feedback from the fans!
Reading the whole article is just so frustrating for Jaemin that's why he immediately closed it as he finished reading it. He feels jealous yet he doesn't have the right to feel it anymore since things are over between him and Renjun. He wants to keep in mind that they're nothing and they're just friends. He knows that Renjun isn't that dumb to go and meet another guy just 7 months after their break-up. He's hoping that Renjun is on the same page as he is — finding it difficult to move on from their relationship.
He's resisting by asking Renjun whether the article is true. Does he have the right? He doesn't know either. Maybe he's just a concerned (ex-boyfriend) citizen.
Fuck it. Jaemin mentally cursed. He went to his contacts, went to Renjun's number, and clicked the 'call' button. The moment it rang, he suddenly felt nervous about it, even deciding whether he should end the call before Renjun picked up. But things happened the other way around.
"It's not true." Renjun spoke to the phone.
Jaemin decided to be oblivious to the happenings so that it would look like he's not affected by it.
"What do you mean, Renjun?"
"Please don't act as if you haven't read the article yet."
"I swear, I don't know what's going on. I just called to wish you a happy Valentine's day. I know I'm no longer in the position, but I just got used to it."
"Really?"
"Yeah. But is something wrong? Are you okay?"
"Dispatch released another article between me and Mark, stating that we're indeed dating. But it's not true! I just invited Mark for a collaboration for my album, the reason why we're together at his place is because we're currently working on the lyrics of the song. And that picture we're hugging, I just hugged him since I was thankful that he agreed on working with me for this song. The media misunderstood and misinterpreted me again, I mean, it's not new at all. I'm still just not used to it yet."
"So what are you going to do now? I guess it's better if you'll just say right away that it's for a collab only."
"Then there's no thrill anymore, Jaemin. I'll just tell them not to say anything yet before the release of the track lists. Then I'll personally deny it."
"You just said a while ago that you're not used to it yet but why do you sound like you've done that a lot of times already?" Jaemin let out a laugh.
"That's the least thing I could do. It's for Mark's reputation too, you know. I just feel sad that he's always stuck in this kind of issue when in fact we never planned it this way."
"Such a caring friend then. But are you okay now or do you need anything —"
"Are you alone there?"
"Yeah. Jeno went on a date with Donghyuck again. Understandable since it's V-day so.. why'd you ask by the way?"
"I know it sounds dumb but…. Can I stay there for the meantime? Like I will literally go home immediately. I just feel like I'm being guarded and I don't feel safe around here."
"Sure! I mean, you can. But how will you go out though? Isn't that still risky? Someone might see you here too."
"I can manage. Your place isn't that crowded, right?"
"It's 1 AM and people are sleeping right now."
"Good. Don't wait for me outside. I'll message you once I'm near. Okay?"
"Yeah. Stay safe."
Jaemin ended the call and immediately took the broom to sweep and organize his messy room. Although Renjun has seen that side of him a couple of times already, it's still embarrassing if it looks like Jaemin is still the same person 7 years ago.
He didn't even change at all, his love for Renjun didn't change at all either.
Jaemin stayed the same and Renjun didn't.
jaemin:
DUDE R U AWAKE
PLS TELL ME URE AWAKE
jeno:
why the fuck are you messaging at 1 am
jaemin:
renjun's coming
jeno:
I'M SUDDENLY JARED AGAIN, 19?????? WHAT
jaemin:
to cut the story short, just read the latest article about him
jeno:
okay
so what are you trying to say
jaemin:
i would appreciate if you won't go home tonight
jeno:
this bitch looked for a roommate then YOU'RE THROWING YOUR ROOMMATE AWAY FOR A GUY
jaemin:
shut the fuck up
you're literally doing the same thing
jeno:
😒😒😒
"hi. i'm here. where r u" A notification from Renjun popped-up in Jaemin's phone, he quickly took his jacket and keys and left the apartment right away. Finding Renjun was easy, not really easy, this used to be their routine when they were still together. Renjun comes to Jaemin's apartment, telling him not to wait for him or else it'll create a massive chaos, messaging Jaemin that he's already there, and Jaemin immediately making his way out of his place to pick Renjun up. It suddenly feels like a deja vu to him, it suddenly feels like they're together again.
"Hi, let's go?" Without thinking, Jaemin held the latter's hand, running as fast as they could so that no one would see them. Suddenly, Renjun's hand feels like home again. Suddenly, it's 2016 again.
"That wasn't a part of our routine before," Renjun said, trying to catch his breath as they entered Jaemin’s apartment.
"Everything's different now, Renjun. You're literally not a no one anymore, you're Renjun Huang."
"I guess I missed the feeling of being a no one. No one would interfere with your life, there's no cameras everywhere you go, no article about you being released every other day — either something good happened to you or you're already dating someone without you, yourself, knowing about it. Life's as easy as eating a pie before, honestly."
"Funny that you could say that but sorry to say, no one's life is easy at all. Look at you, even the famous ones are having a hard time living their lives. They got the money yet are they even happy about it? and how about the others who are living the opposite? You could never tell, Renjun."
"Since when did you start being like that?"
"I've always been like that!" Jaemin opposed, letting the latter laugh.
"Okay okay. You win already. I give up."
"So what are your plans for tonight? Are you gonna leave at midnight or tomorrow morning instead?"
"I don't even want to go home. Home doesn't feel like home these days. I thought having a huge apartment with a big bedroom was enough, it just made me lonelier. What's the purpose of having everything in life when you're alone and you have no one to sympathize with." Renjun started to tear. It's the reality for artists like him, home doesn't feel like home especially when being at home makes you feel unsafe and lonely now. It's far afar different from the life he had before.
Jaemin on the other hand, doesn't know what to do. He doesn't know whether he'll give him water, give him a handkerchief, or pat his back as a comfort. But he doesn't think those aren't comforting enough. The least thing he could do is to pull Renjun in a hug and let him cry more. For him, telling it's okay was more like invalidating someone else's feelings. Even if he'll say that it's okay, the person who's feeling it won't be okay at all. It's okay to cry and feel like the world is going against you. It's okay not to be okay, Renjun. He wants to tell him but his coward self won't let him
"Renjun"
"Hm?"
"Long overdue but I'm sorry."
"You're saying sorry for what?"
"For ruining everything. If only I've been more careful all throughout our relationship, I won't lose you. We won't lose each other. I didn't know you were feeling that way. That's why I thought you already had enough of everything. If only I became under—"
"Don't say sorry, Jaem " Renjun finally addressed him again to the nickname he used to call him when they were still together. It's quite simple and all yet he liked being called by that nickname. "We ended things properly and we're both okay with it, none of us are at fault. Stop blaming yourself for something that you're not responsible for." Renjun reassured him.
Does that mean you're already over me? Does that mean that there's no chance for us to start our relationship again? These are the questions lingering inside Jaemin's mind, he doesn't want to make it look like he's the only one who's holding onto this relationship.
"Thank you, Renjun. For letting me into your life again." He pulled out of the hug and wiped away Renjun's tears, forming a smile in both of their faces.
"You've always been a part of it, Jaem"
With all the pain they're enduring that night, they decided to sleep it away. Hoping that everything will be gone and will be alright the next day.
The moment Jaemin woke up, Renjun's gone. Just like the old times. It’s nothing new to him, apparently. Whenever Renjun would stay the night at his place, the next time he’ll see Renjun, he’s already on TV. He’s already used to it, Renjun Huang a year ago is still the same as he is right now.
jaemin:
just like the old times LOL
he’s already gone dude
You may finally annoy me again
jeno:
FUCKING FINALLY
are you even aware that I LITERALLY BOOKED A HOTEL TO STAY IN
jaemin:
???? the fuck are you saying
aren’t you at hyuck’s?
jeno:
we fought
while you were having the best time of your life, i’m having a crisis on how i will reconcile with donghyuck.
jaemin:
just make out and you’re done
jeno:
stupid. i’ll be there in 10
you better tell me what happened last night or else you’ll lose a roommate.
“So what happened?” Jeno immediately asked the moment Jaemin opened the door for him.
“That’s now how you properly greet someone with a ‘hi’”
“Definitely. So what happened last night? I saw the article too and I almost believed it at first and I was like “woah Renjun’s taste in men is getting better” but then I saw your message that he came so.” Jaemin almost hit Jeno upon hearing that from him, he doesn’t know whether he’ll get offended by the woah Renjun’s taste in men is getting better or by the fact that Jeno almost believed that Renjun and Mark are dating. Or maybe he’s offended by both.
“Renjun isn't that stupid to go and date other men literally 7 months after our break-up. And fyi, he’s a career over love type of person in the first place,” Jaemin opposed.
“Coming from you? No offense but that’s the reason why the two of you broke up. He chose his career over you and that doesn’t bother you? The two of you happened even before he got famous”
“Jen, I just want for him to focus on his career because that’s what I’ve been wanting for him to achieve since then. I don’t want our relationship to become a burden to him.”
“And it became. You’re just contradicting everything you say. Wake up and get some rest, dude.” Jeno sighed. He still hates the fact that Jaemin is still defending Renjun and takes all the blame for their break-up whenever they’re having an argument about it. He hates the fact that Jaemin is still affected whenever he’ll see Renjun on TV, watch videos of him performing and cry afterwards. And there’s nothing he can do since that’s Jaemin’s life — which is unhealthy for Jaemin himself.
It’s morning again and Jaemin is greeted by another article about Renjun — at least not about dating again. At least it’s about his new album in which Jaemin is really looking forward to as well.
Mark your calendars because Renjun Huang just announced his comeback days and the tracks included there! From his recent interview with NCT LAB, the comeback is set to happen on March 23, 2023, his exact birthday! “I’ve never set my comeback on the exact day of my birthday so I think it would be very fun to release it and celebrate my album release and birthday with my fans.” The singer-songwriter quotes. When asked about the tracks of his album, Renjun Huang said that there will be 10 tracks and the album is entitled “mfal”. “mfal is obviously not a word existing, it’s just the acronym of the title track and I think it would be redundant if the title of the album is literally just the name of the title-track itself,” He says. “I won’t be disclosing the title of the tracks but all I can say is that this is by far the best album I ever wrote and track #7 is special for me because the song is a way of me apologizing to someone whom I hurted months ago.” He added.
Fans are now curious on who that person he is pertaining to in his recent interview. Many guesses that it’s Mark, in which he recently had dating rumors with. Although the singer-songwriter personally denies everything, he and Mark are just good colleagues and are nothing but close friends. “Mark hyung? About that, I would like to take this chance to address the rumors, we’re just good colleagues working in the same field and are just close friends. I adore him as an amazing artist and he’s a very reliable friend to me. But there’s no feelings involved there.” The artist personally addresses. For now, all that he is wishing is that his fans would look forward to his new music.
It’s a relief and he’s happy. He’s happy that Renjun was finally able to gather courage to speak again in public and address the rumors personally. It’s one of the things that Renjun is bad at. He’s bad at expressing his feelings to someone even if it’s Jaemin. He wants for someone to read and understand his feelings without him saying it and Jaemin is good at it. He knows what Renjun wants and feels by just looking at his face. He knows when he should not cross the line. But now that they’ve broken up, Renjun is having a hard time dealing with whatever he feels. He doesn’t have Jaemin around him anymore who understands him very well. Renjun is trying yet everything is difficult for him to handle. Guess he’ll have to deal with it forever.
jaemin:
hey
i saw the article
i’m just here to say that i’m proud of you and i’ve always been :)
And now he'll receive something like this. He couldn’t be more sad. He received a lot of this from everyone yet it just hits hard when it’s from Jaemin.
Jaemin never changed. He always convinced himself that he had changed even a little bit, but he never did.
renjun:
hey
thank you, jaem. really. and sorry for leaving immediately that night, my manager would kill me if i’m not home hahahaha
jaemin:
it’s fine! i mean, i’m already used to it
renjun:
can we meet after my comeback show?
jaemin:
aren’t you busy? that’s your birthday and album release in one
renjun:
it won’t take that long, maybe an hour and a half?
jaemin:
i see why not?
renjun:
cool. let’s just meet at your place again. is that okay?
jaemin:
of course! see you and good luck on your album, jun. looking forward to it ❤️
renjun:
thank you, jaem 💗
The day of Renjun’s comeback — or birthday — both came faster than they expected. The moment Renjun’s agency posted a “HAPPY BIRTHDAY to #RENJUN 🎂 WE 💚 YOU” on Twitter at 12 am, Jaemin immediately liked, retweeted it, and even said “if they love him, they wouldn’t treat him this way”
“If he loves you, he will fight for your relationship” Jeno interferes again.
“That’s a different situation, Jen. Are you that mad at him? I told you it’s my f—”
Jeno throws the book he’s reading, releasing his frustration over Jaemin’s stubbornness. “I’m not mad at him and I will never be. What you’re doing is what I’m mad at, owning the blame for your break-up. Jaem, aren’t you tired of it? When people ask you what’s the reason behind it, you’ll immediately blame yourself for it when it’s not fully your fault? I hate that the two of you can freely talk as if nothing happened months ago.” Jeno finally explained his point to Jaemin, hoping that he would understand the reason behind his frustration whenever they’ll talk about Jaemin’s past relationship with Renjun.
“The thing is, Renjun is blaming himself too. He said things are too heavy for him to handle and even our break-up was his fault too. I just hate that he’s having a hard time too.”
“But you’re the one who’s experiencing it now. Don’t be too hard on yourself, Jaem. I’m not really mad but I hate seeing you suffer because I’m your friend after all.” Jeno patted Jaemin’s back, giving him a smile to somehow lift his mood up.
“I can’t believe you have a soft spot for me as well” Jaemin laughed at him
“Happens rarely, you should make the most of it.’
“But thank you, Jen. Hope you’ll understand me too.”
“I always do.”
It’s already 4:45 in the afternoon. 15 minutes before Renjun’s comeback show slash birthday celebration and Jaemin is still debating whether he’ll watch it and meet Renjun afterwards. For the very first time, astonishingly, he seeked Jeno for advice. And the advice in question: “why are you suddenly asking me that? If you want to talk to Renjun and settle things with him properly then go after him. Your unanswered questions may be answered tonight. It’s your life after all, dude.” Being such an indecisive person he is, he decided to watch and meet Renjun after the show. Well, he decided to watch it on TV instead of watching it personally or else he’ll look like a loser ex at the corner watching the love of his life perform and would suddenly say i’m so proud of you. Although it indeed happened, he would appreciate it more if Jeno was the one hearing it.
“Such a loser. You look more like his former manager than ex, dude.” Jeno teased when he heard Jaemin say i’m proud of you while Renjun was performing the song they actually wrote before. Rainbow.
After performing his old songs, Renjun started introducing and performing his new songs from his newest album. It’s not actually arranged sequentially, which is unusual because Renjun would always perform it in logical order. It went like this; Walk you home, Walk with you, Be there for you, My first and Last, To my first, Bye my First, Never Goodbye, My Everything, Good Night, and Sorry, Heart. He made sure that the last song is dedicated to Jaemin — the whole album is — but to be more specific, he chose to dedicate this specific song for Jaemin. And before performing the last song, Renjun finally said his ending ment, “Everyone, this will be the last song for tonight. Thank you so much for joining me today as I celebrate my album release and birthday. This day has been extra special because of you guys. To end this special night, I will be performing Sorry, Heart which I said before was a way of me apologizing to someone whom I love a lot but ended up hurting them.” Upon hearing it, Jaemin didn’t insist on listening to it anymore and went directly to Renjun.
Jeno is right again. He knows. He knows that the songs were all about and the whole album itself is dedicated to him. It makes sense that Renjun dedicated all of it to him. It’s already making sense that Renjun still loves him but can’t directly say it because he’s afraid that everything will happen the same way as before. He’s afraid that he might hurt Jaemin again.
“I watched everything,” Jaemin met Renjun backstage. Running out of breath since the moment he got off the taxi, he immediately ran backstage hoping Renjun would still be there. And he happened to be there.
“Why are you here? I told you I’ll message you after?” Renjun whispered to him. Good thing there are no people around them and it’s literally just Jaemin and Renjun. Jaemin is currently having a mental crisis on why he arrived earlier. He couldn’t say that he’s there to give presents or flowers since he came empty-handed. Maybe he’s just overwhelmed? He doesn’t know either, the voices inside his voice just told him to leave and meet Renjun immediately.
“Thought we’ll meet after your show? Didn’t your show end already?” At this point, that’s the only excuse that he could think of.
“Yeah but not literally after the show. You really don’t know how this industry works”
“Sorry”
“Yeah whatever. I can’t just throw you away since you’re already here. Just go to the artist’s lounge so that no one would see you here. Just make sure you’re not going anywhere, okay?”
“As if I know everything about this place,” Renjun just nodded at him and he immediately went to the place where Renjun told him to go. Surprisingly, he was greeted by Mark Lee who had flowers beside him, sitting at the couch, obviously waiting for Renjun as well.
“Hi! Jaemin, right?” Mark welcomed him and let him find a seat. This Mark guy is quite kind. Maybe I judged him too early. Jaemin said to himself.
“Yeah. How did you know by the way?”
“If not for your ex who still loves you, he would tell me lots of things about you everyday” Mark let out a chuckle.
Emphasis on the ex who still loves you. That caught Jaemin’s attention.
“Really? I thought I’m no one to him already.”
“That’s what you think, dude. Haven’t you heard his album yet?”
“I already did. I watched the comeback show on TV”
“So you have concluded that?”
“That the whole album and that one song is for me — for us.”
“It’s all fun and games until you break-up with Renjun Huang huh? You’re not that slow at all. His inner swiftie heart just popped off when we were writing the lyrics of every song. I can tell that he’s really into it and he’s hoping that you would get the message behind every song. So I’m glad that you did.”
“You took part in writing the lyrics? Is that the reason behind the dating rumor?”
“Precisely. Hope you didn’t take the wrong way, dude.”
“I didn’t,” Jaemin chuckled. Even though the conversation between him and Mark is continuous, he can feel a little awkward tension between the two of them. After all, it’s just his first time seeing Mark personally and he can’t deny that he’s kind and he’s happy that Renjun has him along.
“Anyway, I’ll get going. Seems like it would take a million years for Renjun to realize that he has someone waiting for him here in the lounge. Just tell him I passed by and give these flowers to him. Thanks dude”
“Yeah. No problems. Bye, Mark. It was nice seeing you.”
“Me too, dude. Hope we can hang-out sometime.” Mark smiles at him and patted his back as he leaves the lounge. Jaemin had nothing to do so he went around the lounge. He saw lots of banners, cakes, and gifts all for Renjun. It was way more than he expected. Who wouldn’t receive lots of gifts when you celebrated your birthday and album release in one? He was smiling all the time looking at every picture around the room, not until he saw a frame displayed at Renjun’s table. It was a picture of him and Renjun when they were writing Rainbow. Of course he wouldn’t forget it, that’s the only song they wrote together because Renjun is having a hard time writing the lyrics of it. That's why he asked Jaemin for help since he’s quite good at words. That was also the day when Jeno and Donghyuck recently started dating. That's why whenever they are, Jeno and Donghyuck are tailed to them. Things are the happiest before.
“What’re you thinking?” Renjun pats Jaemin’s back, giving him a warm smile.
“Oh. Nothing. Is everything already good?”
“Yeah. Just needed to deal with my stupid manager since she told me that I should go home already.”
‘You’re already 23 and you’re still stubborn.” Jaemin flicked his forehead.
“That hurts! You haven’t greeted me with a happy birthday yet”
“Okay okay I will. Happy birthday, Jun” Jaemin cupped his face.
“Thank you. I’ve been dying to hear that from you. Anyway, how was my performance a while ago? Don’t tell me you did not watch it!”
“I did okay. Your performance was still as good as before.”
“Is that so? Why did everyone tell me that it changed a bit?”
“It’s because they don’t know you at all, Jun. They only see you as an artist but not as a normal person. They have differences too, you know”
“So you see me as a normal person?”
“I always do. The Renjun on stage a while ago performing isn’t the Renjun I’m talking to right now.”
Renjun smiled at him. “As expected, you’re still the Jaemin that sees me differently from others.”
“Is that bad though?”
“No. I like it. I’m tired of people seeing me as someone who’s always good at things. I mean, I get tired too. Everyone gets tired too yet being tired seems like a crime in this industry. It feels like someone would jail you for being tired. Is it a sin or a crime though?”
“It will never be a sin to feel tired. That’s what makes us humans, Jun. And all artists have the right to feel it. It’s okay and it’s valid to feel it, Jun. You’ll always have me.”
“Always?”
“Did you forget that I literally watched your comeback show a while ago? I know it, I know everything already, Jun. And I understand that something fears you, that's why you can’t say things properly. I know that you’re bad at expressing your feelings. That's why through your songs, I got every message that you’re trying to convey. I understand you, Jun. You have nothing to fear at all.” Jaemin pulled him in a tight hug as Renjun bursted in tears. He can’t believe that he’s crying on his own birthday when should be happy celebrating it. But nothing beats the feeling when you’re finally celebrating it with your own comfort person. A comfort person who’s always been there for you through your ups and downs. The comfort person who tries to be strong for you whenever you feel like you’re the weakest person. The comfort person who’ll always be a home that you can go home to.
And that comfort person is none other than Jaemin. It has always been Jaemin all the time.
“If we try again, what if things will happen the same way around? I can’t lose you again, Jaem. 10 months without your presence was already difficult for me”
“You won’t lose me again. Jun. We’ll be stronger, okay? Things were difficult for me as well before to the point that I’m already tired of blaming myself for the reason for our break-up.”
“You think we’ll be better?”
“They said love is lovelier the second around, why not prove it?” Jaemin tried to lift Renjun’s mood, wiping away his tears, and pulling him in a kiss.
Renjun pulled out, attempting to form a smile to show that he’s happy — he really is. It’s by far one of the best birthday celebrations he ever had in his life. Although Jaemin reassured him that things will be alright, something about it still worries him. Jaemin isn't even an artist at all, it would be more difficult for them to go out on dates. Once people will know Jaemin’s identity, everyone would bother his peaceful and simple life and Renjun doesn’t want that to happen. Nothing’s more difficult than dating while working in this industry. However, he still believes that love will be lovelier the second time around. If it’s Jaemin who said it, he has nothing to worry about.
Considering the fact that they just got back together, Renjun didn’t stay at Jaemin’s place. It’s still his birthday after all, and he has lots of interviews to attend inclined with mfal’s release. Despite his super busy and hectic schedule, he manages to make time for Jaemin.
“You told me Jeno isn’t here, but why do I hear his voice in his room?”
Jaemin covered Renjun's mouth. “Shh. He’s currently in the process of reconciling with Donghyuck. This is their biggest fight yet, he’s not disclosing the reasons why. So I assume that it is indeed a huge fight between them. I just hope they won’t break-up.”
“I do hope so. It’s been many years since they started dating, I even thought they already got married when Hyuck posted a ring on instagram. Turns out, it was just a ring that he had somewhere.” Renjun laughed as he stuffed his mouth with food.
“Jun?”
“Why? Is something wrong?”
“Do you remember the day that we wrote Rainbow together?”
“Course. That’s like one of the happiest memories that I shared with you. Why?”
“Just realized if we can write a song together again? You know, I can feature on the song too. More publicly for me since I’m no artist at all. And in that way, we can go out publicly and Dispatch will report that you’re dating me.”
“I’m not against us working on a song again but are you sure about it? The world is very scary, Jaem. It’s not easy at all.”
“Then at least you don’t have to face this scary world alone, we’ll face it together.”
“Stop. You’re making me cry again. If that’s what you want, then I’ll talk to my agency about it. So do you have a title in mind already?”
“Puzzle Piece.”
Just as planned, dating rumors about Jaemin and Renjun (finally it’s them) started to circulate the internet. It’s not like that they should be mad over it since it’s even true that they’re dating and they planned this to happen. Even Renjun’s agency had nothing to do with it. It wasn’t actually a nice plan for his agency but Renjun insisted that “many couples go on a date to promote their collab or whatever they have”. Renjun also admitted to his agency that they’re actually dating and he wants to make their relationship public by releasing a song together. He even threatened his agency that if they won’t allow them to do it, he will terminate his contract and sue them (such an unserious guy). Since Renjun is their only hope, they have no choice but to continue what the couple wanted.
“Dude, dispatch finally released an article about the two of you. I can’t believe the two of you can kiss publicly. Totally disgusts me,” Jeno teasingly said as he was reading the article about Jaemin and Renjun. Surprisingly, a lot of positive comments were received from the netizens. It includes: “ Oh my god the guy is very handsome!”, “I don’t know the guy but he seems kind and he loves Renjun so much 🥺 I’m so happy for them!”, “Power couple! I hope the guy will reveal himself soon.” which is somehow a relief for Jaemin. Maybe he really is ready to reveal himself as Jaemin and not as Renjun’s boyfriend only. Who knows? He might make his debut soon.
“Should I pursue being an artist at this point?” Jaemin stopped writing, looking at Renjun who’s busy writing the lyrics for their song.
“Why not? You have the talent. You’re good at writing too.” Renjun looked back at him, forming a smile. “By the way, are you already done writing your rap part?”
“Yeah. Have a look, it’s not that long since if I’ll make it longer, it won’t fit the ballad genre of the song. What do you think?”
Hello, long time no see, it's been a while
This little piece I carried everywhere in my pocket
To make it look fuller, let's stay together in a beautiful way
Renjun smiled upon seeing what Jaemin wrote. His ears and cheeks are turning red, the line totally fits them. “It’s cute. You never failed at writing beautiful lyrics.”
“Thank you. Hope we can finish this before August.”
“Before August? Why?”
“If you released your album on your birthday, might as well we release this on my birthday.”
“You’re loving it huh?”
“Of course. I love you.”
“I love you too, handsome.”
Just like what Jaemin wanted, they’re set to release the song on August 13 which is his birthday. Renjun’s agency also offered him an exclusive contract so that it would be easier if they’re under the same agency. Renjun couldn’t imagine that Jaemin had to go through that so that they can freely date wherever and whenever they want to. As expected, he’s Jaemin. He’s willing to take the risk especially if it’s for the guy he loves.
Crazy little thing called love .
The day of the release of Puzzle Piece came earlier than they expected. The two didn’t plan on celebrating its release through a comeback show, they decided to celebrate it with their friends instead which is more fun and simpler. Not all things should be done with plenty of people, after all.
Jaemin. Jaemin’s the name. Finally, everyone finally got his name. Everyone’s also debating whether their duo name should be ‘RenMin’ or ‘JaemRen’ but they liked it both that’s why they decided to utilize it both. Everyone rooted for them and it’s the very first time that Renjun’s agency confirmed a dating rumor about him. This would be the first and last.
They said you can’t separate soulmates, and it’s true because you really can’t separate Renjun and Jaemin even if the whole world is going against them. Renjun doesn’t have to worry about facing the scary world alone, he finally found someone who’ll face it with him and it’s Jaemin. It’s a pity that they couldn’t do it before since, one move and the camera will capture the next move you’ll make — it’s the reality. It’s the reality of dating someone like Renjun before but Jaemin couldn’t accept it that’s why he chose to live in darkness. It was considered as the best choice for the two of them. It’s such a pity that they were cowards before. It’s such a pity that Renjun had to keep Jaemin like a secret despite being his firsts. Now that they’re older, they had enough of the firsts, because how about the lasts? They can’t guarantee what will happen in the future yet what matters the most is that they have each other again.
They’re each other’s puzzle piece that fits every missing part of the puzzle and fills up all of the wounds in their broken heart.