Work Text:
The gentle summer breeze sneaks into the room through the window, causing a subtle movement in the curtains leaving Jeno mesmerised as he observes the distant scenery. The sun rays force him to give up the landscape admiration, hiding his face in the soft pillow under him.
He’s trying to remember how he got himself into this situation, feeling as calm as nervous, his heart beating uncontrollably while remaining relaxed, lost in the atmosphere created in the room, full of light, warm, and filled with his favourite songs playing through the Bluetooth speakers. Also, with his best friend sitting on his lower back. His best friend, also the love of his life, as he likes to consider him.
He shivers slightly every time the brush, soaked in cold paint, touches his skin. He doesn’t know if it’s a reaction towards the coldness or not. He decides not to give it any more thought.
“Hey, are you okay? Is the paint too cold?” His friend asked, whispering, afraid to break the peaceful environment.
Jeno muttered softly into the pillow, shaking his head slightly.
“Alright. Just let me know if you need anything.”
He repeated his previous answer, this time also raising his arm slightly and showing a thumbs up.
The silence continued for minutes. It was comfortable. Both focused on their own worlds. Donghyuck immersed on his art. Jeno on the verge of falling asleep. The youngest decided to break the silence for the second time.
“You can sleep if you want, darling. I know you’re tired. I’ll wake you up when I finish.”
Ignoring how his heart skipped a beat, he stopped fighting his attempts for staying awake. The careful strokes on his back induced his immediate sleep.
“Thank you so much” he whispered. “I love you” he added before falling into deep dreams.
***
10 hours earlier.
“Jaem, wake up. You’ve been sleeping through your lectures all week. It’s Friday and Renjun will commit murder if you don’t attend today” Jeno said, shaking his roommate softly, trying to wake him up.
“Five more minutes…” he answered, snoozing his 6 am alarm.
The oldest sighed heavily. “Fine. If I don’t see you up and dressed in fifteen minutes, you’re walking to campus by yourself. I’m on a rush today.”
“Fine, mom” his friend mumbled from his bed.
“Go and take a shower, I’ll take care of the breakfast.”
Jaemin did as said, while Jeno poured some pancake mix on the pre heated pan. Then, he turned on the coffee machine and placed two cups on the dining table. Ten minutes later, his roommate joined him. They ate while talking about their assignments and near projects.
“Are you free at lunch?" Jaemin asked, munching on his pancakes. "I’m going with Renjun to this new restaurant next to the arts building. Mark said it was lit.”
Jeno shook his head. “I finish at three and I refuse to third wheel with you two. Also, I promised Huck I’d spend the day with him, he’s stressed with his assignments and need moral support.”
“Alright loverboy, don’t forget to eat something at least, okay? Don’t skip your meals!” Jaemin said, scolding him.
Jeno rolled his eyes and nodded. “Who’s the mom now? Huh?” he joked as he walked to the sink, leaving his empty plate and mug. “It’s almost seven, let’s go. I don’t wanna be late, I’d rather die than be on the wrong side of Mr. Kim.”
“Come on, he adores you as if you were his own child. You can’t do wrong in his eyes. Let me grab my bag and we can leave.”
“You’re so exaggerated. I just pay attention during his lectures.”
“Fine, fine. Let’s go. You’re driving today!” Jaemin said throwing the car keys at him.
Jeno sighed. “How can someone be this lazy” he said, closing the apartment door behind him.
A few minutes into driving, Jaemin is already recording Jeno. “What are you doing?” he asks, eyes still focused on the road.
“You look hot behind the wheel. I must immortalize it” he answered.
“I’m telling Renjun.”
“Shut up? I wanted to show this to Hyuck but I guess I won’t now. Good luck with your… personality” his friend replied, annoyed.
“I’m joking! Also, we’ve been best friends since forever, I think he likes my personality a little bit, at least.”
“Yeah well, you two are made for each other. I still don’t understand how you are not together.”
“Oh, because he doesn’t like me that way? Has that thought ever crossed your mind?” Jeno asked, ironically.
“You’re joking right? He’s whipped. Like, in love with you.”
“Yeah, right. And I’m working at the NASA” he replied, laughing.
“For an astrophysicist your IQ is extremely low…”
Jeno stopped the car in front of the communication and audio-visuals building.
“We arrived! Now get out, brat.”
“Getting rid of me will not make your problems disappear! Keep it in mind, baby. Love you!” he screamed, already out of the car.
“God, you’re so embarrassing. Goodbye” he said driving off.
Luckily, the science building wasn’t too far from where he dropped his friend, so he parked quickly and arrived at his class right in time.
Now, the rest of the day passed painfully slow. After four hours of sleep and almost seven hours of classes, he couldn’t see the end. Until his phone started ringing during his short lunch break. Confused, he checked the hour. Then answered the call.
“Jen?” a voice mumbled through the phone, trembling.
“Hyuckie? Hello, everything okay?” he answered, worried.
“Uh… no? But yeah, I will be. Sorry.”
“No, no. Stop. Tell me, what’s going on?”
“I’m sorry to bother you so much. I’m just a bit anxious, you’re coming home today, right?” Donghyuck asked, nervously.
“Of course, in fact I can go now” he suggested. “I don’t mind skipping my last lecture, it’s useless anyway. Attendance doesn’t even count.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, yes don’t worry. I’m on my way, okay?” he said, getting up from the table, apologizing quickly to Chenle and their friends before leaving. “Remember, deep breaths and drink some water. I’ll be there in ten minutes. Do you want to hang up or do you need me on the phone?”
“No, no. It’s okay. Focus on the road, be careful. Love you.”
“Okay. Love you too. See you in a bit.”
Ten minutes later, he arrived at Donghyuck’s dorm. Jeno knocked a few times, nothing could have prepared him to see the image in front of him. His best friend opened the door, dishevelled, with tired eyes and a sad smile.
“Hey, come here” he said, before opening his arms, waiting for the younger to hug him. It was familiar, the way his body is already Hyuck shaped, perfectly fitting every time they hold each other. Jeno caressed his hair slowly, calming him down. “It’s okay, I’m here now. Let’s get inside, shall we?” he said after a minute. He nodded.
Jeno led him to his bed, holding onto his waist the whole time. He intertwined their fingers, encouraging him to speak.
“Do you want to talk about it?” he asked, softly.
“Yes. First, I’m sorry for making you lose lectures. I should be able to take care of myself” he said, embarrassed.
“Hey, look at me” Jeno requested, lifting his head, locking their eyes. “I am here for you, and if you’re struggling, it’s okay to ask for help. I don’t care missing a whole week of class if that way I can help and make you feel better. Now, tell me what’s going on. No rush.”
Donghyuck sighed weakly. “Well, I’m feeling overwhelmed with my assignments. I finished almost all of them, but I feel that they’re not good enough.”
“Look, if you’ve already finished them there’s no reason to worry. Now, you’re the most talented person I’ve ever met, and I’m not saying it because you’re my best friend, I promise. I would never lie to you. Would you like to show me your works?”
His friend nodded, visibly more relieved than before. He walked to his workspace and grabbed a big artbook filled with a few works. It looked new, probably bought a few weeks ago. Jeno browsed through the pages, more and more surprised every time. “These are amazing, Hyuck, really. You’re getting the highest mark; I just know it.”
“Well, thank you Mr. Lee, art expert” he joked. Colour came back to his face in form of a blush, eyes sparkling again. Jeno felt relieved and laughed alongside him.
“I am not an expert, but I have eyes, and this is amazing. Really. You’re so talented. I’m so lucky to experience your existence and being able to admire your works this closely.”
“Do you want me to start crying? Because I will” he said, throwing himself towards his friend, knocking them both over the bed.
“You’re so clingy, get off me!” Jeno complained. Joking. He would love to be with him this way forever.
“You love affection, stop with that rude boy façade” Donghyuck said, hiding his face on Jeno’s neck.
He knows him so well. They’re best friends after all. They stay in that position cuddling for an hour, taking a short, improvised nap. The youngest is the first to wake up. He gets off bed carefully to not wake up Jeno and walks back to his desk, as he still has some assignments to finish. Opening his laptop, he struggles with his next task. Gaze focused on the screen, he doesn’t realize that Jeno is standing behind him, peeking.
“Looking at the screen won’t magically finish your homework.”
“I know” Hyuck groaned, resting his head over his arms. “But I don’t know how to proceed with this one.”
“What do you mean?”
“Tell me yourself…” he answered, pointing to the document in front of them.
Jeno read it carefully and understood his friend’s struggle.
“So… You need to paint something over an unconventional place? What’s an unconventional place? The floor? A car? I don’t get it.”
Hyuck shook his head.
“It says unconventional, not illegal. Also, you can paint on the floor, it’s not strange at all.”
Jeno felt useless, he really wanted to help Hyuck with this, he looked so hopeless.
“You know what? I’m dropping this subject. I can’t think of anything, and the deadline is tomorrow” he decided, throwing himself back in bed.
“Hey, don’t say that. I will come up with something.”
“Jen, drop it, you have your own assignments to worry about.”
“I almost finished mines, Hyuckie, and the other ones can wait until next month.” He comforted his friend, patting his head.
Donghyuck groaned. “It’s like you’re carrying me on your back, I’m the worst friend in the world, always making you worry about-” Jeno lost track of his friend’s words as an idea crossed his mind.
The outcome could be wonderful or catastrophic, but it wouldn’t hurt to try. Or at least that’s what he thought.
“You just gave me an idea. Isn’t a back an unconventional place?” Jeno asked.
Hyuck looked at him confused. “Are you high? What are you talking about?”
“Your assignment! I mean, painting on someone back is unconventional, right?”
His eyes sparkled with hope. “You’re right!” But his happiness left as quickly as it came.
“Why the long face? We solved the problem, right?” Jeno asked after the sudden mood change.
“Yes, but who would be willing to do so? It’d take a lot of time and stillness. And it’s too late to find someone already.”
“What about me?”
Hyuck looked at him, confused, again. “What about you?”
“You can paint on my back, I don’t mind. At all. I already cleared my already empty schedule to spend the day with you” he suggested.
“No. Absolutely not. I will not burden you anymore. Forget about it” Donhyuck refused with a slight blush painting his cheeks.
“I really don’t mind, Hyuck, and I don’t see any other option. Jaemin can’t be still for more than fifteen minutes. Neither Chenle. Renjun and Mark are busy with their projects. And Jisung has training. I’m the one left, and I told you hundreds of times I love your art, so it would be an honour to be your canvas.”
Donghyuck was left speechless. That was indeed an unconventional occasion.
“I… alright. If it’s… fine with you” he agreed. “Just… uh take your shirt off and lay in bed. I’ll go grab the paint.”
“On it!” Jeno said, following those exact steps. Hyuck’s bed was so comfortable, soft, and smelled like him. He really doesn’t mind spending the whole afternoon this way.
On the other side, Donghyuck felt like throwing up. He was extremely nervous. ‘What do you mean that I have to be in contact with Jeno’s back. During who knows how many hours. Oh my god. Lord, help me.’
He walked back into his room with his paint equipment, stumbling on the way. ‘Get a grip, man’ he thought. ‘Don’t make a fool for yourself, don’t make a fool of yourself, don’t make a fool of yourself’ he breathed.
“Do you have everything?” Jeno asked form the bed.
Hyuck was breathless.
It was a heavenly view. The slightly tan skin and the dark blue hair in contrast to the white bed sheets. And that back, reflecting the sunlight. Hyuck thanked every entity that Jeno was face down and couldn’t see him panic.
“Uh… almost. I need the hairdryer, put some music, whatever you want. The speaker is on.”
“Okay” he answered, connecting his phone, starting with their shared playlist. Daylight by Taylor Swift started playing as soon as Donghyuck walked through the door.
Equipment in hand, he walked towards the bed, shaking. ‘Believe in yourself, you can do this. Don’t mess it up.’
“Are you comfortable?” he asked, before doing anything.
Jeno nodded.
“Great. I’ll start with some hydrating lotion, okay? So we can easily remove the paint later.
Jeno nodded again and closed his eyes, bothered by the afternoon sun. Donghyuck put a bit of lotion on his hand and spread it on his back. He ended up giving him a short massage, it was going to be a long session after all.
“Do you already know what you’re gonna paint? Or are you improvising?” Jeno asked.
“Well… I’ll improvise something to match your hair, what do you think?”
“Great idea, I love it.”
“Perfect. So, uh… I have to sit on your lower back so let me know if I’m too heavy in any moment or if you’re uncomfortable” he said nervously.
“Hyuckie, it’s fine. It’s just me. You can do whatever, I won’t even move. Start before it gets darker, take advantage of the natural light for better results.”
“You sound like my teacher, Jen. Exactly like him. Unbelievable.”
Both laughed and the youngest jumped on the bed carefully, situating himself with Jeno between his legs, one on each side, his whole body resting over him. “Is that okay?”
“Very much okay. Don’t worry about me, focus on your work” his friend reassured.
“Fine. I’ll start now” he said, grabbing his favourite brush, dipping it in white paint. He needed a base first. His mind suggested a night scenery, full of stars and constellations. He used the darkest blue on the palette, the one that matched Jeno’s hair the most.
After a few minutes of small talk, they fell into a comfortable silence. Both focused on their own thoughts. Each brushstroke was followed by feelings. Admiration, happiness, uncertainty, infatuation, excitement, fear.
But especially love.
He loved Jeno.
He knew that. He had never met anyone worth to compare. No one such as kind, loving and compassionate as him. Not a single flaw from his eye smile to his toes.
He’d never met anyone who could light up a room so quickly with a simple smile. Never saw eyes so bright and full of love. Because he could perfectly represent the form of love. Either platonic, romantic, or friendly, Jeno always made sure to make everyone feel loved. And it was his most beautiful quality. The easiest for Donhyuck to fall in love with him.
So, when his best friend bursts out a suddenly ‘I love you’, he freezes. Because it feels different from the other times, somehow. A distinct kind of air lingers between the words and the recipient. Probably because of the vulnerability of the moment.
“I love you too, darling” he answered, not noticing the other falling asleep.
“Really? You decided that it’s the moment to fall asleep?” he complained, whispering, caressing his soft blue hair carefully with regular movements.
After a few minutes of processing his feelings and calming his throbbing heart, he resumed the painting.
It’s been three hours since he started. Thankfully, he just needed to retouch the last layer, deepening the shades, and enhancing the lightning. Donghyuck almost starts crying admiring his piece of art. And also how beautiful the painting looks.
Although Donghyuck was always someone who preferred to paint on canvas, now Jeno's back was his favourite form.
He took a few pictures for the assignment before leaning in and kissing the back of Jeno’s neck softly. The latter groaned.
“Sorry for falling asleep.”
“It’s okay baby, you already did a lot for me. I finished the painting; do you want to see it?” He asked.
“Of course!” Jeno answered excitedly.
“Wait, I don’t think it’s fully dry. Let me check.”
And if that was another excuse to glide his fingers over his back, no one needed to know.
“Okay, we’re good to go. You can check in the mirror, let me know what you think, and be fully honest.”
“I promise. Now let me go check” Jeno asked, greedy.
“Alright, alright!” Donghyuck answered, getting off him.
Jeno rushed towards the living room mirror, checking himself in awe. The delicate painting still fresh over skin overwhelmed him with its beauty.
“I… I have no words, Hyuckie. You’ve outdone yourself this time. I… there’s literally no words to describe how magnificent this is. Thank you” he said, hugging him tightly.
A few tears streamed down the face of the youngest, nothing serious. He is so grateful for having such a supportive presence in his life.
“You really think so?”
“Yes. Yes, I do. You’re passing this subject with flying colours Hyuckie. I’ve never seen such a beautiful painting. Excluding your works. But this one, is by far my favourite one” he confessed, looking into his eyes. “Thank you for letting me be a part of your journey as an artist.”
Well. Now he was definitely crying. He embraced Jeno tighter this time. “I’m so lucky to have you in my life, Lee Jeno. I don’t know where I would be without you.”
“You’d be a very talented artist with one less hot friend, that’s pretty much it” Jeno answered, joking.
“I’m not joking. Your support means the world to me, Jen. Thank you for not letting me give up.”
“I would never, Hyuck, never let that happen. A talent like yours can’t be wasted. I just hope you can perceive it as I do someday” he declared, looking into his eyes.
And there it was. The look of love. The love itself personified on his best friend.
He couldn’t hold himself anymore. He closed the tiny gap between them, brushing their lips for a brief moment, just like the feeling of the summer breeze, warm and ephemeral.
When Jeno intertwined their hands, he knew he didn’t feel nervous anymore. They were in love. Both of them. No more fear, no more uncertainty. Just happiness, warmth, and peace.
“I love you so much, Lee Donghyuck” he confessed, again, kissing his forehead.
“I know, you told me a few hours ago. And then you fell asleep leaving me alone with my panicking, such a gentleman. Thank you so much” he scoffed.
“I did what?” Jeno asked, genuinely confused, blush creeping up his whole face.
Donghyuck was flabbergasted.
“I thought it was intentional? A love confession?”
“It was not… It slipped out, I guess” he answered honestly, processing his friend’s words. “Oh my, I’m so sorry” he apologized.
“Hey, it’s okay. I wouldn’t have the courage to do this if you didn’t say it” he confessed, pressing their lips together again. This time, Jeno was the one who pulled away.
“You’re gonna give me a heart attack someday.”
“I’m sorry, I’ve been wanting to do this since I’ve met you.”
“Me too. Thankfully, we have all the time in the world for ourselves from now on.”
“We do. Thank you, darling, for being by my side my whole life.”
“Thanks to you, for making me happy” he said, caressing his lover’s cheeks.
They kissed again. And again. And walked back to the bed, cuddling and kissing the whole night. This kind of all-nighters healed their souls, not like the ones wasted on college assignments and ‘what if’' thoughts.
***
So, it’s safe to say that Donghyuck graduated with honours and, more importantly, with the best boyfriend ever.