Work Text:
There were galaxies in Haechan’s eyes, and stars painted on his skin. That was always what Taeil thought when he took a closer look at Haechan, trying to memorize every detail there was about him. Each time he looked, he discovered something new. Little dark dots, peppering his soft skin, both in the places that are visible to everyone and the spots only Taeil’s eyes could see.
I.
They were watching their favorite TV show. It was their usual weekend sleepover at Taeil’s place. Once they both had dinner, it was their time to relax before they had no choice but to go to sleep before the morning comes and it’s time to go to work again.
It was their little tradition they created over the months, when they both decided that starting the new week with seeing each other first thing in the morning was the best way to begin yet another work week, when they probably would be busy and have less time for each other. It was perfect in Taeil’s opinion.
As they were watching, somehow along the way, Haechan’s head landed on Taeil’s lap, and, after some time, his boyfriend drifted off to sleep. The clock, ticking beside them, soon enough showed 11pm, and Taeil considered waking his boyfriend up to drag him to bed. Instead of carrying out with his plan, Taeil quickly got distracted by patting Haechan’s hair, his fingers tangling in the soft strands, and soon the TV became a white noise, all of Taeil’s attention on the boy sleeping peacefully, and Taeil once again caught himself in awe on how beautiful he was.
Not only outside but inside as well, the fond smile stretched on his face instantly. Taeil carefully moved his hand to his face, caressing the mole right under Haechan’s eye, then his cheek, and then down to his neck.
Taeil made sure to be gentle and careful, so he wouldn’t wake Haechan up, not wanting to disturb him just yet, taking the time to just look at him — to admire him. Letting the warm, fond feeling to spread from his chest all over his body.
Taeil felt like he was flying, like he wanted to scream and laugh, because maybe, finally, only now the realization came to him that Haechan was real. And Haechan was his, just like Taeil belonged to him.
Once upon a time, Taeil thought that love would never find him. That, perhaps, it was just not meant to be. At some point, he made peace with it, living his life on his own. The idea of being in a relationship fading away, and at some point he started growing comfortable being alone. But then one sunny weekend, Haechan came into his life, and he’d never left since.
They were going at a slow pace in the beginning, Haechan understood perfectly what it was that Taeil needed. It was so easy to grow closer to Haechan, and eventually Taeil fell for him completely. It was easy.
They knew each other for almost two years at that point and dated for almost a year. Taeil had never been more grateful that the universe once again changed his plans, and he found a person he could fall in love with. Someone to share his life with.
Taeil fell in love with him in a blink of an eye, effortlessly like it was breathing, even if he didn’t realize that for a long time.
“Haechannie. Baby? Let’s go to bed.” Taeil whispered, nudging him gently, the smile never left his face, Haechan groaned but when he woke, he smiled right back at Taeil, and Taeil yet again felt warmth and love towards him.
When Taeil fell asleep, he dreamed of galaxies.
II.
Taeil wasn’t a fan of shopping. The crowds of people everywhere, clothes that seem to be stylish and nice at first only to turn out as failures the moment you’re in a dressing room. Not to mention that buying clothes in general was something that Taeil dreaded. He didn’t shop until it was absolutely necessary, and even then, his first thought was to shop online before doing the dire act of shopping in public spaces. He just didn’t enjoy it. Taeil avoided any store that wasn’t a grocery store like fire.
However, when it was Haechan who wanted to go shopping with him, Taeil agreed without hesitation. Taeil had one weakness, which was watching an excited Haechan with sparkling eyes looking through various pieces of clothing or jewelry. Taeil didn’t like spending more time in shops than necessary, however he could watch Haechan doing so for hours.
And now, as Taeil was looking at him, there was something his heart wanted to say out loud. The words had been there for a while now, and yet Taeil, for some reason, had yet to get the courage to say them.
These words were right at the tip of his tongue, running through his mind, trying to fly out of his mouth. And yet Taeil just stood there, observed, his body screaming I love you towards the boy with curly chocolate hair, and a gray checkered shirt, styled with black jeans and a pair of very worn out sneakers.
It was almost the same look he wore when they first met. Haechan was looking so casual, and yet Taeil felt like he was looking and the brightest of stars. Haechan was too immersed in trying to pick which necklace to choose, not paying Taeil’s staring any attention, but he didn’t mind, he was happy just to stand there quietly, right by his side. Admiring him, and smiling as the memories flooded his brain.
“Hyung, what do y- what? Are you okay?”
Taeil snapped out of it immediately, blinking a few times, looking now at Haechan’s concerned face, with maybe a bit of amusement in his eyes. Haechan knew perfectly well he caught his boyfriend - he was just good at playing games, as if he wasn’t already aware of the fact that Taeil can’t take his eyes off of him.
“No, nothing. I was just thinking” Taeil said softly, reassuring him by gently placing a hand on his waist, just for a second, to create a small moment between themselves that no one else would notice. Haechan watched him for a while, as if trying to read his mind, but he had to not find anything too suspicious, because with a small smile and a soft sigh he returned to the silver jewelry,
“So, which one is your favorite?” You. Taeil almost said. And he could feel himself blushing, but he ignored it, clearing his throat he leaned in Haechan’s space, trying to focus on the necklaces, and ignoring his boyfriend’s curious gaze, and his own fast beating heart.
Taeil made his pick, and Haechan agreed. After that they wandered around for a few more minutes, until Haechan decided it was time for an ice cream break and from there they walked back to Taeil’s apartment because it was closer. Although Taeil was ready to call it
their
apartment from the moment they started dating.
But he knew it was too soon, and he needed time, so instead of voicing any of his thoughts, he grabbed Haechan’s hand and put their clasped palms in his pocket as they walked through the busy streets back to his place. They’d probably order takeout, or maybe they would cook something together, watch TV, and cuddle. Because perhaps Taeil wasn’t sure how to say I love you out loud just yet, but he certainly knew how to show it to Haechan in many ways.
III.
Taeil was tired. From the very few hours of sleep he’d gotten, to the eight hours he had to spend in the office doing paperwork, to dealing with traffic, and annoying people over all, Taeil was exhausted to put it simply. He was ready to go to bed and sleep for the rest of the month. He debated calling Haechan and canceling their plans for a movie date, but to his surprise as he entered his place, his boyfriend was standing there, smiling at him softly.
“Haechannie?” Taeil’s voice didn’t hide the surprised tone. Sure, his boyfriend had the key to his apartment and he could enter without problems, but Taeil was sure they made plans to meet up at 8pm, where now it was only nearing 6pm
“I figured from your messages that today sucked so,” Haechan clapped his palms as he got closer to Taeil, to help him with his coat, and then proceeded to grab his arm to drag him to, what Taeil figured was, the bathroom.
But his bathroom didn’t have its usual look. First, the things he put all around as he was getting ready in the morning were now all put away on their correct spots. There were candles lit, and a floral scent floating around, not too strong — just perfect. His bathtub was filled with hot water and bubbles, the steam from the water was still lingering above, Taeil glanced at his boyfriend dumbfounded.
“I figured we could take a nice bath, and then we could order something in. I brought some clothes. I’m staying the night, so we can cuddle. How does that sound?” There was an extra amount of sweetness in Haechan’s usual soft, calming tone and Taeil could feel all the exhaustion of today fall off of him. Taeil couldn’t help the grateful smile forming on his face.
“I’d love that.” Taeil’s own voice was a mere whisper, afraid that this would turn out to be a figment of his imagination.
Haechan sighed, happy with the answer, squeezing his hand comfortingly. As if he knew. As if Haechan wanted to reassure him that this was all real.
“Good. Now out of your clothes and inside the bathtub you go! I know you like hot water, it should be to your liking still. I’ll join you in about five minutes.” Haechan announced and rushed out of the bathroom. Why? Taeil wasn’t able to ask.
He could feel bubbling in his stomach, and smile on his face, the warm feeling spreading all over him. Taeil couldn’t help but feel happy. Like he was walking on clouds. It was nice to take care of someone, but it made his heart extra big when he was on the other end of the care . And no one did it as well as Haechan.
____________
The water was still warm, most of the bubbles were already gone, but they couldn’t care less. Taeil almost felt sleepy lying there, breathing in the sweet aroma, leaning against Haechan’s chest, enjoying the gentle massage his boyfriend was giving him. It was his own type of heaven. Or maybe it was even better than that.
Haechan was leaning his head against Taeil’s, his lips right next to his ear, humming some unknown melody to Taeil. There was an urge in Taeil to say these words again, but at the same time a thought crossed his mind, telling him that it was not the right time. The moment was sweet, and perfect. But the idea of saying I love you, was terrifying.
There was a moment in Taeil’s life where he thought he would never find anyone who he would fall in love with, and who would fall in love with him. And yet in the most unexpected moment they found each other, and Taeil felt all sorts of beautiful feelings. He felt all types of emotions uncovering from within his soul. It was both beautiful and scary.
He discovered emotions and feelings within him that he thought he would never find. And he wanted to scream those feelings out loud. He wanted to make sure Haechan was aware of them all, but there was still something blocking his mind from letting these feelings out.
Even though his heart was fully ready to make that jump, and fly right into Haechan’s hands, to allow Haechan to do whatever he wanted with it. Taeil’s heart was already his. Taeil’s soul was already his . Only his brain was too afraid to make that leap.
With a soft sigh, he leaned even closer to his boyfriend, eyes closed. Pushing the thoughts away for now, he tried to focus only on the moment. The words would come, eventually. Taeil was sure of it.
IV.
Sunday mornings couldn’t be more perfect in Taeil’s humble opinion. The beams of sun falling through the window, the lazy stretching and Haechan ending up cuddling with him asking for a few more minutes in bed before getting up, and how could Taeil say no to him?
They were happy in their own company — soft giggles and playing with each other’s hands. Quick pecks on the lips and lots of cuddles was what Taeil wished they could do forever.
Haechan nestled himself in closer, hugging Taeil’s side, his face buried in Taeil’s neck. One of Taeil’s hands wrapped around his waist, while the other was stroking his cheek. It wasn’t the most comfortable position he was in, but it was worth it. Taeil was humming a made up melody, and he could hear Haechan mumbling that he was about to go to sleep again, Taeil huffed, smiling softly. He felt so much love for this boy.
Taeil fell silent, and for a few seconds all that could be heard were the city noises outside the window and their slow breaths, and Taeil’s brain screaming all declarations of love, he wished to say out loud.
“Hyung, keep going.” Haechan whined when the quiet was too long for his liking.
“Sorry, I was thinking.” Taeil whispered, and felt Haechan changing his position so he could look at Taeil. His face was so close that Taeil could easily lean in to steal a kiss, but instead he got lost in Haechan’s eyes, the chocolate gaze making Taeil want to freeze the moment and relish in it. To never move from this position, from this room.
Taeil wanted Haechan by his side always, all the time. For the rest of his life. Taeil couldn’t even remember the times when there was no Haechan in his future plans. Now, looking back…
A life without Haechan in it sounded more like a nightmare. Cold, and lonely — something Taeil didn’t want to go through ever again. With Haechan, life was fun, warm, gentle and full of love. Haechan was in all parts of Taeil’s future. In each step of his life plan — Haechan was right by his side, walking hand in hand. Taeil wanted all this forever and ever, without second thought.
“I love you.” Taeil said in a hushed tone, and he watched how Haechan’s eyes sparkled even more, as if Taeil hung up the stars in the sky. Haechan sighed and leaned in, leaving a kiss on Taeil’s lips before inching away, their noses touching,
“I love you too,” Haechan answered softly, content . Short and simple. And Taeil felt like the happiest man alive. He kissed Haechan this time, deep and full of love,
“I love you. I love you. I love you.” Taeil repeated in between kisses, and Haechan started giggling away.
Taeil felt like he was on a cloud nine. Or maybe better. It was as if he once upon a time reached to the stars and managed to catch the brightest one. And now that the star had brought so much light and warmth into his life, he couldn’t imagine it any other way.