Chapter Text
Now this is a party; bass thumping around the house, strobe lights going wild, some things broken here and there, dumbasses outdoing themselves, people making out or humping each other, the scent of vigorous youth and something burning (read: weed) in the air. It’s the party of the semester, if not the year! No wonder Kid Cudi’s Pursuit of Happiness is playing in the speakers. What a cliche. Somewhere in the room, two people just scoffed yet nodded to the beat. Can’t beat ‘em, join them.
Oh, to be one of the popular kids surrounded by equally social people, booze, and the best party drugs. Or have an awesome experience with the adrenaline junkies and their reckless passion towards the swimming pool. It really isn’t a party without hearing water splashes. Maybe subdue the events on the seats and have an ‘intellectual’ chat instead, yes, that’s nice foreplay. At the end of it all, the point is to get laid then go to class tomorrow hungover. It’s college! Living it up has been the battlecry for generations. This generation’s no different from that.
Hands feel skin as lips claim aggressively, zero fucks about the others watching them because really, they don’t mind. In fact, keep looking. They know they’re the head turners in the room, the envy of all because the world has only been fair to them. Imagine being gifted with the ideal height, handsomeness to the point of ridiculousness and a great physique. You’re naturally talented, smart, well-off, and confident…and finding love in someone exactly like you, like that. Yes, that’s all everyone can do now, imagine, because Oh Sehun and Kim Jongin are off the market, having the perfect relationship this young in life.
Jongin pulls back slightly to breathe, his plump and soft lips shining with saliva as Sehun’s cold gaze only warms for him. He caresses Sehun’s pale skin, fingers skimming the sharp jawline of the guy of his dreams while he basks in bliss. The charm and adoration in Jongin’s eyes for his boyfriend could stop wars, stop a heart and bring it back to life. And that’s exactly what happened to Sehun.
Sehun is a few months younger than Jongin but always takes the lead especially in this relationship. He’s the one always invited to parties, very well-connected despite being an introvert, and just a nice guy overall. And Jongin’s equally nice if not nicer. They say two gorgeous people in a relationship are flawed inside, but not these two. No, their flaw, according to many, is their choice of best friends. Maybe it’s a similarity to them that makes many believe these two are pieces of one heart. Because the odds of two gorgeous people having best friends extremely opposite to them is a miracle. Wait, you think the story is about the perfect people in a perfect relationship? No, no, this is about the flaw attached to Sehun and Jongin, their best friends, many tagged as losers, loners.
“You don’t want to kiss anymore?” Sehun’s low voice seemed inaudible in the loud music but Jongin read his lips’ minimal movement perfectly. The elder between them looked around then found comfort in Sehun’s eyes.
“Just remembered Jongdae. I hope he didn’t get in trouble with the jocks again.” Jongin pouts adorably, softening Sehun’s gaze further.
“Now that you mentioned him, where’s…” Sehun looks around and relaxes, spotting his very tall best friend that always kept his head and eyes downcast, refilling others’ cups like he’s paid to do it. He rests his head on Jongin’s shoulder with a sigh and Jongin completely understands. They’re both very protective of their best friends after experiencing bad and humiliating things in the past.
Jongin’s best friend named Jongdae is his total opposite; slightly shorter than a guy’s average height, wears clothes two or three sizes too big, barely has muscles in his body, but he’s quite cute if you look his way longer than intended. He’s very quiet and awkward, always in his books, but he’s no nerd. He’s just the loner type, independent as he claims. While Sehun’s best friend Chanyeol is really handsome, maybe a little more than Sehun, just hidden behind those dorky glasses. He has really unusual and changing hobbies often, mind full of trivial knowledge and Science. He may look like he can handle himself because of his broad shoulders and intimidating height, but is truly a pushover to the point where his kindness gets exploited…like now.
“Maybe I shouldn’t have brought him here.” Sehun feels guilty for putting his best friend in this situation, his hopes to make Chanyeol more sociable and have new friends backfiring miserably.
“Don’t say that. He looks…content.” Jongin glances to the booze table, trying to look at things positively.
“He’s not a servant, Jongin.” Sehun sighs deeply and gets up to stop others from taking Chanyeol for granted, making his way to the booze table and slinging his arm around his best friend. “You alright, Yeol?” The 6-foot tall guy in an oversized hoodie and comfy shorts nods, smiling kindly at someone who says thanks for refilling their cup. “You should be talking to others, not acting like their waiter.”
“Eh, I was getting bored going around. Everyone already had someone to talk to.” Chanyeol’s voice is deeper than Sehun’s, can you believe that? His round eyes are actually very pretty and his dimpled smile sweet, but no one’s giving him the time of day. This author repeats that Chanyeol’s not ugly at all, nor is he dorky or nerdy, let’s get that out of the way. When Sehun first brought him to parties and simple hangouts, there were expectations that he’d be like Sehun but he wasn’t. To most, he’s just really boring and awkward. It’s like he doesn’t know how to be comfortable in his skin, which makes others feel burdened and Chanyeol is well aware that he does that to people. Still, he shows kindness and positivity, but it’s rare to see this guy with his chin up.
“Come sit with us. Just get smashed tonight, let loose, buddy.” Sehun shakes him to enjoy himself but Chanyeol just smiles and refills Sehun’s cup, pushes it to his chest and lets him go back to his boyfriend. “You better tell me if you’re leaving the party early.” He warns his best friend and Chanyeol nods obediently, genuinely okay with keeping himself busy like this. Conversations just wear him out faster in fact.
Sehun sits back down next to his boyfriend, shaking his head at the failure as Jongin chuckles, knowing Chanyeol wouldn’t give in to Sehun’s wishes like always. Still, it’s nice to see Chanyeol going to parties because he’s such a sweetheart. They just hope everyone stops ordering the guy around just because he’s a good handyman and taking advantage of his kindness because he rarely says no.
“He’s hopeless. He’ll live alone for the rest of his life.” Sehun drinks, then puts his arm around Jongin.
“That makes him and Jongdae.” Jongin chuckles.
“Did you find him? Or did he reply to you?” Sehun wonders, empathizing with his boyfriend.
“He’s over there, reading…as usual.” Jongin points to the sofa at the other side of the room and Sehun spots the guy taking as little space as possible, head down with a book in hand. It amazes them both how Jongdae manages to read and understand what he’s reading with this loud music blasting and a pair making out next to him. Jongin holds Sehun’s jaw and kisses him again, whispering to his ear to stop worrying about their best friends now. Sehun recognizes the want in Jongin’s eyes and gives in to his boyfriend, resuming their liplock.
Chanyeol finally puts the beer hose down and lifts his own cup, walking around to find a comfortable space that will not bother others. His back meets the wall of the room, smiling to himself before drinking his beer. Yes, this is comfortable for him; this is where the party is for him, by the boring wall where he can see everyone enjoying themselves. He doesn’t dance or mingle, just stands by the wall and vibes to the music by himself.
When he’s tired of looking far, he notices the people closer to him, looking down to his side when he spots a guy reading a book in this loud and chaotic place. The couple making out next to him has no care about bumping the guy, too immersed in their own horniness to even be sensitive. Then again, who’s the weird one between them and the reader in this place? Chanyeol scans the words on the page then shifts his weight on one leg, taking interest in the story even if it’s already somewhere in the middle. He looks ahead and spots Sehun’s encouraging wink, mouthing an order to dance with the seated reader. Chanyeol shakes his head subtly, mouthing he doesn’t know this guy.
Jongdae flips the page of his book and scratches his thick brow, licking his cute kitten-like lips absentmindedly as his kind eyes scan the words that transports his mind in a world that tunes the existing world and loud music out. While that does a good job keeping him busy in this place, he still hears the hum next to him. It’s been going on for a while; different reactions and murmurs he isn’t supposed to pay attention to but the stranger seems to voice out his own mental reactions. Jongdae’s eyes tear away from the words first then tilts his head to see the really tall guy in a hoodie next to him. He feels the stretch of the stiff muscle on his neck from the action, feeling and hearing a satisfying crack in his bones that makes him blink rapidly.
Chanyeol and Jongdae look away fast when their eyes meet, flustered to be caught doing whatever they are doing. Jongdae spots Jongin looking at him with that intrigued grin, rolling his eyes then lifting his book and pointing at the cup carefully clipped between his knees to say he’s content with the setup tonight. Jongin doesn’t buy this bullshit anymore, detaching from Sehun to take some matters in his hands. Sehun follows, alarming both Jongdae and Chanyeol for some reason.
“Hey,” Jongin lets out as both Chanyeol and Jongdae’s eyebrows raise, thinking they’re the one being addressed. They both know Jongin anyway.
“You two know each other?” Sehun adds, grinning when the clueless looks meet him. “Chanyeol, this is Jongin’s best friend.” Jongdae tilts his head up again, mouth agape this time as Chanyeol blinks fast.
“Jongdae, this is Chanyeol. Chanyeol, this is Jongdae.” Jongin reaches out to ruffle Jongdae’s soft hair, smiling fondly after introducing them to each other.
“Ah, really?” Chanyeol bows his head before sipping his beer to seem busy. Nice try.
“H-Hi?” Jongdae closes his book, unsure if he should stand up or what. Neither expected to be introduced to someone tonight, let alone have small talk. Oh dear, small talk is the worst because there’s nothing small about making a good impression on a stranger. Chanyeol and Jongdae look everywhere but each other, settling for seeing the other from their peripheral vision yet their eyes meet at the exact time out of all the seconds in existence.
Chanyeol shifts in his footing while Jongdae finally notices the couple going wild next to him, flustered further as he tucks his hair behind his ear. Sehun and Jongin end up conversing about something else entirely in front of their best friends, oblivious to their discomfort and hesitation. Jongdae looks at his book then tries to open his mouth so he wouldn’t seem like a snob, but Chanyeol keeps holding the cup to his face, blocking his glances to the guy seated next to him. So no conversation happens at the end of it all; they just watch and listen to Jongin and Sehun gossip about someone nearby.
Jongin notices the two once again, encouraging them to dance or refill their cups as Sehun turns his attention to someone else that approaches him, conversing comfortably like it’s so easy. Jongdae stands and takes up the offer to have another drink, realizing Sehun’s best friend’s freakishly tall because he’s the smallest among them right now. How is it possible someone’s taller than Sehun and Jongin? Jongin chuckles at the awe and judgment in Jongdae’s eyes, slightly embarrassed for him because Chanyeol looks very uncomfortable with the gaze. Maybe he really needs to take matters into his own hands.
“We’ve known each other since middle school.” Jongin slings his arm around Jongdae’s narrow shoulders, leaning some of his weight on him as Chanyeol nods and smiles kindly. Because what else can he say? He can’t carry a conversation. The same goes for Jongdae who pretends to drink something from his empty cup. Jongin realizes this is hopeless, so he lets Jongdae go to refill his cup. That’s when Chanyeol’s voice comes out with his delayed reaction. Jongdae looks over his shoulder, surprised that the tall guy possesses that kind of voice and Sehun sees his reaction, wondering why Jongdae’s being quieter than usual.
If Chanyeol was the waiter earlier, now it’s Jongdae. Many ask him to refill their cup because he’s there, throwing thanks but Jongdae wants to roll his eyes at them. Just when he can refill his own cup, the keg’s empty. Instead of asking someone to open a new one, Jongdae sighs and decides to call it a night. He holds his book and makes his way out of the house, inhaling the cold night’s air like it’s his first breath in a long time. A sweet smile blooms across his adorable face before taking the first step going home, his kind of peace.
The music grows distant behind him as the silence replaces it comfortably. Jongdae strolls down the sidewalk, enjoying the slight darkness and the luminescence of the streetlamps like mini spotlights that give him brief attention before moving on to the next. Unlike Jongin who has no problems with attention, Jongdae likes things quiet and subtle, private. Despite being his best friend’s opposite socially, Jongdae and Jongin are alike inside; sensitive, soft-hearted, and driven towards the things they want. They rarely compete over things, so their friendship never cracked or crumbled over something as silly as jealousy. They know they’re not the same people and it’s alright. As long as they can support and comfort each other, this friendship will always be worth keeping and cherishing.
That’s why Jongdae has no problems with Jongin being in a relationship with a perfect 10. In fact, he’s happy for Jongin. Sehun’s a sweet guy, even to Jongdae, so he can’t fault the guy at all. Sometimes, he wonders what life would be like with a partner when he sees them, but he’s not in a hurry to find the right one. Who would even like him if he’s so into books and silence? Jongdae snickers after undermining himself, accepting that he’s not special. He’s just an ordinary guy with boring hobbies, getting by every day and that’s fine. At least he doesn’t have ridiculous problems and miscommunications.
When watching his feet bored him, he looks around and notices a shadow adjacent to him…on the other side of the road. It’s going in the same direction, going at the same pace as him; literally a shadow of him if not for the pale, long shins under the shadow’s black shorts and the nice Nike shoes. Jongdae squints to see whoever’s walking with him, cautious yet unalarmed until the hooded figure’s eyes meet his.
Stupidly, they trip over their own foot at the same time but regain their balance after registering each other’s presence. Chanyeol is so deep into his thoughts since he left the party, hood covering his face to avoid attention (his amazing height isn’t doing him a favor) that he never noticed Jongdae walking on the other side of the road. But what now? Chanyeol wonders if he should go say hi as Jongdae contemplates if he should cross and acknowledge the other, both walking slowly, still in step with each other as this awkward encounter prolongs with their agony.
Chanyeol steps down on the road like toes dipping in icy water, his shyness taking over his huge physique even if he wants to at least say hi to Jongin’s best friend. Should he wave? He lifts his big hand and musters the courage to do so, but Jongdae’s looking at the bushes on the other side. Chanyeol pockets his hand fast and pretends nothing happened, scolding himself to get a grip and not be a snob. This guy might tell Jongin he was snubbed and Jongin would tell Sehun, and Sehun, Sehun would never stop nagging Chanyeol to be more sociable. His big pointy ears are very sensitive to sound, extremely sensitive to Sehun’s nagging so no. He has to be friendly, at least to his best friend’s boyfriend’s best friend.
The situation’s not any better in Jongdae’s mind as he formulates the possible conversation they may have in case he crosses the street and talks to Sehun’s best friend. He whines internally since his peace’s disturbed, heart racing while preparing to have a conversation with someone he just met. He looks up to the starry sky, hoping one would fall and end his misery already. Like Chanyeol, he thought about waving at him but Chanyeol’s walking with his head down. Maybe it’s better to pretend they didn’t see each other. That way, there will be no pressure, right?
Jongdae gulps before glancing at Chanyeol as Chanyeol peeks at Jongdae through his hood, eyes locking once more in their fruitless attempt to pretend neither exists. They both witness each other flinch in recognition and look away, steps more hurried than earlier as if they’re not going in the same direction. Fuck it, Chanyeol thinks, stepping down on the road again only to step back up on the sidewalk and just forget it. Jongdae rounds the corner and almost runs away stupidly as Chanyeol crosses the road ahead, shaking his head to forget this awkward encounter for good. Maybe now’s not the right time.