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Renjun is tired of seeing all these cute couples. It just pisses him off. In the classroom, in the hallway and in the cafeteria – they are literally everywhere. Yes, even his friends are all in a relationship. In their reality, it's already difficult to find a comfortable partner with whom your smells are combined and moreover his personality isn't sweet at all. He has to endure, endure and... endure and wait for a prince or princess on a white horse who will relieve poor Huang of all troubles.
"Don't worry too much. Many people live alone nowadays and this is absolutely normal," says Hyuck, stirring something delicious-smelling in a saucepan. Renjun actually hears this almost every day, but he doesn't feel calmness. What does “don't worry” mean? So he just needs to close his eyes and not look around? Just scroll through these sweet couples tiktoks and not cry over his loneliness at three in the morning while someone's tender kisses and loving glances are endlessly repeated on the screen? Terrible. Donghyuck can't be trusted in such matters at all.
"Nah, don't start this again, please," Renjun lands his forehead on the table, hands covering head. His ears are already withering from these endless lectures and advices. He doesn’t care about where to find a partner or which flirting techniques to use. And also this terrible “top 10 best places for date”, brr. He already has a headache.
"Listen," Haechan turns his whole body to his friend, making a displeased grimace and waving a spoon threateningly in the air, "you are so interesting. “It pisses me off that I'm alone and everyone around me isn't, but I'm not going to solve this problem”? Then stop whining and get out of my kitchen."
"First of all, this is not your kitchen," Huang rolls his eyes, turning to the window so as not to let Lee know that he is completely right. It remains only for Renjun himself to accept this truth. "And in general I don't need anyone. I'm... self-sufficient."
"Nuh-uh, don't fuck with me, beauty. You wouldn't be sitting here right now if that were the case."
And Haechan hits the spot again. Renjun hates such moments – he begins to feel like his friend is smart. Then, however, Mark appears and everything falls into place, but there is still about half an hour before his arrival, which will have to be spent in the company of a toxic omniscient bitch. The main thing is not to get the stirring shovel on the head, so the best solution now is to shut up and be silent. It seems like the most optimal way to save Renjun's life and Hyuck's psyche: more nerve cells – more rescued homeless kittens, a fact.
"Why are you silent, was I right?" yeah, and when will you shut up? "Come on, are you offended by the obvious? Be grateful that I'm letting you in here at all, you tailless dog. To this temple, a holy place, a..."
"For God's sake, Hyuck, shut the fuck up!"
"Oh, so you can whine, but I can't? That's discrimination! Better tell me this: what should I treat Mark to on Valentine's?"
Renjun falls on the table again. He was always interested in how Haechan jumps so quickly from topic to topic and changes the mood at the click of his fingers? However, the question he asks is incredibly stupid. Is there at least one thing in this world that Mark won't be happy about, especially if it's given by Lee Donghyuck? Unlikely. It is also unlikely that he needs any presents from Hechan at all – he himself already is a gift.
"Umm..."
"I won't smear anything on myself or tie myself up with a ribbon. I don't like to repeat."
"Ha..." Renjun sighs heavily and takes a quick glance at the wall clock. Just ten minutes, ten fucking minutes. "Spare me the details."
"So what? Come on, tell me, otherwise you'll have lunch with Jisung tomorrow."
"God, no, please, Haechaniе, I love you, please don't, I beg you!" Hyuck grins contentedly as he pulls a pan of buns out of the oven. Buns... Exactly! How Huang didn't think of it right away? An obvious answer, too obvious, but Lee never seemed to take it into account. "Cinnabons."
"No, it's with poppy seeds."
"Are you dumb? I'm talking about a gift."
Donghyuck freezes. He turns around so slowly that there are only two options: either Renjun is a genius or completely fool. The chance is 30/70, but Hyuck looks impressed. At least his cheeks turned red and his mouth opened, as if he realized something.
"Are you ill by any chance? Where did such reasonable thoughts come from?"
"I'm more surprised you didn't do it the first time you met. You've been crying for so long that you're the perfect couple, there's no other one like him and won't be and that's how you love him? Be careful, someone more attentive will take him away and..."
"Dickhead, I'll definitely set Jisung on you," Haechan knows that his friend is joking very stupidly, so he ignores everything, but shakes his spoon threateningly anyway. Huang's stomach is writing a will for tomorrow and Renjun smiles wearily in order to preserve his sanity.
Just in time, exactly ten minutes after the last check of the clock by Renjun, the front door opens and Hyuk almost turns into a puddle, smiling happily, releasing more of his bakery pheromones and jumping into Mark's arms. Renjun will never say it out loud, but he actually really likes Haechan's own smell and their combination with Minhyung – bun and sweet cinnamon. And... honey? Wait, from where..?
"Let go, don't detain the guest," Mark kisses Hyuck on the nose, pushing him inside, and approaches Huang to shake hands. A thin boy in the same uniform as Mark's with a hoodie instead of a jacket is trailing behind and looking around disinterestedly. His head, by the way, is in such a mess like he hasn't brushed his hair since fifth grade, although it's surprisingly clean. But the most important thing is the smell. Perfect, not too annoying, but not weak, capable of blocking both smells: the Hyuck's bakery and the markhyuck's cinnamon bun.
"Mm, do you feel it?" Renjun flinches when he hears a whisper in his ear. Damn Donghyuck. "Smells like milk. I wonder who eats cereal at this time."
Haechan smiles maliciously, sits down next to his boyfriend and continues to look meaningfully at Huang and at their new friend, who, by the way, is sprawled on a chair as if this small kitchen is his home. Renjun very menacingly frowns, squeezing Hyuck's leg under the table, and just as “menacingly” blushes, trying in vain to calm his smell. It gets to the point where Mark starts sniffing and carefully looks at Renjun to make sure of his guesses. Huang hides in his palms from two pairs of curious eyes, hoping that he will not disgrace himself at the first acquaintance and this cute guy may call him... on a date?
Oh, god.
"So will you introduce us to a new friend or..?" Hyuck squeezes Minhyung's forearm, bringing attention back to his person. It's not good for Mark and Mark's health to worry about anyone other than Haechan, actually.
"Oh, yeah, right. Sorry. This is Na Jaemin, he's from Jeonju. Jaemin, this is Haechan, mine..." of course Mark doesn't finish, because Donghyuck urgently needs to shut him up(aka kiss his dear boyfriend asap). "Erm... I think it's understandable. Well, this is Renjun."
"My friend!" Hyuck interrupts again, Minhyung sighs and decides to take care of that pretty bun on the edge of the tray. "It may seem that he is shy, but in fact he is such a hottie," Lee smiles and then laughs maliciously, watching Renjun goes red again, but this time from anger.
Jaemin looks Huang from head to toe, as far as the sitting position allows, and grins in a relaxed way, holding out his hand. Renjun has something twisting inside, goosebumps, fever rises, stomach aches, dizziness and other strange symptoms that don't look like anything. He somehow puts out a trembling chilled palm in front of him, expecting that Jaemin will do everything himself, because Huang will not move another centimeter now.
"Hey, Renjun," he doesn't press on and takes Renjun's hand quite gently, like the most fragile porcelain in the world. Renjun sighs raggedly, experiencing the strongest stress in his life, and seems to melt on the spot like a Hyuck at the very thought of Mark. At first glance Jaemin looks more like a careless, rude and narrow-minded guy, but on closer inspection Huang realizes that fate has thrown him a real diamond.
Unfortunately, their conversation doesn't work out, because apparently Na is not particularly sociable and Renjun, well... paralyzed. He's been sitting there all this time, trembling and with an unnaturally straight back. By a lucky chance, he still manages to get Jaemin's number, but Huang just doesn't know what to do with it. Yeah, Haechan's lectures would be more useful now than ever...
"I don't know where you found him, but he has terrible manners! Give him more time and he would have climbed on the table with feet. Brr," Hyuck in his usual manner rants about nothing and it's unclear to whom he is addressing: either to Mark, peacefully wiping plates in the second round, or to Renjun, who is still in some kind of prostration. "He didn't even say goodbye!"
"But he shook your ha–"
"And talking with your mouth is no longer in a trend like? Maybe I can’t stand handshakes. You never know what he touched with these hands."
"Oh, excuse me, but not everyone is ready to greet you with kisses."
"Who said that kisses are better than handshakes!? I don't want to touch anyone at all, you are a huge exception, Mark."
"Okay, nevermind, but Jaemin is a good guy, I swear! He's just... simple? Without unnecessary problems, relaxed. We are not used to this, living in Seoul."
Hyuck suspiciously goes silent, causing Mark to turn around in curiosity. And meet the furious gaze.
"You've never said so many nice words even about me. It smells like..."
"I want him."
Haechan turns around as quickly as ever and stares in shock at the Renjun. Firstly, when did it happen, and secondly...
"Really?" Hyuck smiles, rests his chin on his hand and prepares to listen.
Huang, however, cannot utter a sound after a single thrown phrase, just as shocked by his boldness. A little brainstorming led him to the fact that, perhaps, he likes Jaemin. Just a little. So little that the breath spits and butterflies starts flying in the stomach. He doesn't really believe in love at first sight, but it's not love, is it? He's just interested in these new feelings and Na is so damn handsome with his relaxed carelessness, so why not try it?
But what about my long-standing beliefs?
"So what, what? Come on, speak!"
"Umm, erm... Well..."
"Hyuck, don't push him," displeased Hechan, surprisingly, falls silent and Mark along with him, until he gives out quietly. "So I was right."
"God, it was obvious. Ren doesn't know how to control his smell, everyone knows that," by “everyone” Donghyuck apparently means himself and Huang's relatives and rolls his eyes in displeasure when Minhyung arches an eyebrow incomprehensibly. "I'm more surprised that he confessed himself."
"I..." Renjun makes another attempt to say something intelligible to explain himself at last, but Haechan suddenly jumps up from his seat, squeaking his chair terribly loudly on the floor.
"No, don't say anything, I get it. Ah, my hour has come!" both the boyfriend and the friend look at Hyuck as if he's crazy, but they don't dare to interrupt the moment. "Hang on, Huang Renjun, I'll arrange a date for you, after which you'll owe me to the grave."
And something tells Renjun that trusting Hechan is a bad idea.
"Hyuck, I think it’s a little bit..."
"What “a little bit”!? It's perfect! I've calculated everything down to the smallest detail."
Today Haechan is more active than usual. Renjun noticed this as soon as Lee stumbled into their room with a silly smile on half his face and a terribly strong cinnamon trail. At such moments Huang is very worried about Mark and his physical and mental health.
"It's just not my style. I don't think Jaemin is either–"
"Who's the dating expert here: you or me? Look, with my plan success is guaranteed."
"Oh, really?" Renjun chuckles mockingly, folding his arms over his chest. "Remind you of your first date with Mark and how he shied away from you for next month?"
"Asshole," Hyuck launches a pillow at a friend, but misses, causing a malicious laugh from the opponent. "You will follow my instructions and this is not up for discussion."
"Well, nope."
You don't need to know much about relationships to understand that Hyuck's advices are shit. Yes, at first Renjun tried to follow them somehow, but realizing that each time he gets more troubles than lovers, he returned to a peaceful life. Sometimes he wonders if Haechan's recommendations were one of the main reasons why he was not interested in dating for several years.
"Not interested in asshole's opinion," Lee buries himself in the mobile phone, not noticing the tongue sticking out in his direction. "Because I've already arranged everything."
There’s a chat with Jaemin on the screen in front of Renjun where the hyperactive Haechan scribbles an entire poem with an invitation to a date with one “interested person” and receives a short “don't mind” in response. Huang's heart sank to his stomach and seemed to stop.
"Wh-wh-what have you done..?"
"Made your dreams come true," Hyuck's proud appearance can only be envied: he shines like a polished coin. "That’s it, you're not welcome here on Friday night."
Donghyuck looks suspicious, as if he just fooled someone. Yes, Renjun seems to understand who else will not be happy to see him on Friday. He gasps, not knowing what to react to first: to the chat with Jaemin or to the fact that Haechan somehow managed to fit his love life into his “brilliant” plan.
"Mark is not allowed in our room."
"And you think I care about this?" Hyuk significantly arches an eyebrow and Renjun gets it.
"I just... really hope it wasn't on my bed."
"Oh, trust me, it was in a lot of places I won't even remember," he is obviously mocking, but this doesn't stop Huang's imagination from drawing piquant scenes with the most unpleasant plot.
"Oh my god, ugh, disgusting, Hyuck."
It's not that Renjun was sick of natural processes or anything, it's just... They're his damn friends! He prefers to think that Haechan's maximum is shower masturbation and Mark is generally holy, untouchable and reproduces by budding. As for himself, his libido isn't high, but discharge is also sometimes useful. In general, Renjun doesn't get hung up on this topic and mostly relieves stress in other ways – believe me, with the constant contact with Donghyuck a lot of it accumulates.
"What a pity, I don't care," Haechan turns the phone back to him and goes into notes, clearing his throat to start a speech. "Listen and remember..."
Step 1: Clothes. “Clothes count for first impressions”, right? Therefore, you will be in gorgeous costumes that emphasize your every bone, you slendermans.
Step 2: Place. No-no, I won't let you just walk around the nearest park because you're too lazy to get your asses up. I've booked a table in a restaurant, which, of course, you will pay for yourself. I'm not your sugar daddy yet.
Step 3: Flirt. Wow, that's my most favorite! Flirt more with your eyes, playfully touch him with your hand or “kick” under the table. When you feel him reaching the necessary condition – grab and run! You can book some hotel, but if he likes thrills, the restroom will do, too.
Step 4: Perfect completion. Godness, just imagine how he holds your hand, covers you with his jacket, because it's cooler in the evening, escorts you all the way to the dorm and... kisses you. Two, please.
Step 5, the last one: Plans for the future. Congratulations, you've had the perfect date, which means it's time to plan a second one, start a courtship period and etc. And then goes wedding, kids, mortgage, you know.
Renjun is trying to comprehend the information he received and only freaks out more. Is Haechan able to break through the bottom where he is now? Definitely yes and this plan is a direct confirmation of that.
"Don't you think it's too, um, old-fashioned?"
"Don't you think that no one has asked for your opinion? But of course you can follow your own plan, just don't come to me later in tears and don't say that you should've listened to me and..."
Huang sighs heavily, face falling down into the pillow just not to hear that nasty voice anymore. Of course he can’t get away from all this nonsense. Well, since there is no choice...
Okay, the restaurant isn't that bad. The chairs are comfortable, the tables are large enough and evenly spaced around the hall so as not to interfere with each other, the interior is somewhat reminiscent of a gardencore and the lighting is cozy and warm, but it doesn't set up a romantic mood, it’s more like sleepy. Renjun feels an inner tension, as if something is pulling under his chest. He awkwardly looks around, scratches his cheek, fix his hair although it's already perfect, sniffs and other meaningless actions that help distract from the heavy silence. Jaemin, as luck would have it, looks too relaxed and even smiles slightly, looking straight ahead.
Huang still can't get rid of the feeling of someone else invading their personal space, besides the waiter, periodically asking if the guests are ready to order.
"One cappuccino for me and some water for my companion," Na saves the situation, finally freeing the poor waiter from running around, and orders for two at once. Actually, it's a bit rude because he didn't even ask if Renjun wanted something more than just water, but overall Huang is grateful. Jaemin is lucky that he really doesn't want anything because of the intense stress. "Hey, how long will your friend be watching us?"
Renjun turns hot from the realization that Jaemin is addressing him and then cold from Haechan. He is found literally in a minute of careful inspection of the surrounding area sitting under one of the bushes that enclose tables for large companies. Damn, what a shame!
"Oh... I-I'm sorry if this makes you uncomfortable. Of course, I knew that he's such a weirdo, but I didn't think that so much as to haunt us throughout the whole date!"
"Is this a date?" Jaemin smiles and speaks in a tone that Renjun takes as flirty. He hopes that this is so, because if Na keeps it up like this, he will have every chance to get Huang's heart. However, something is off.
"Wait, didn't Hyuck messaged you about this..?"
Jaemin shrugs, leaning back in his chair. He either doesn't worry at all or doesn't care at all. Last assumption doesn't fit with his behavior, although there is a possibility that he is just bored and wants to play.
"That's the point. I want this to be a date for you, not for Donghyuck."
Renjun just fell in love. Unconditionally, irrevocably and firmly, contrary to his beliefs. He doesn't need just a relationship, he needs the right person. And Jaemin seems to be suitable for this role.
Huang bites his lips, trying to hold a spreading smile, and hides in a glass of water. It's like he's in a completely different place right now, where there are neither all these extra people nor Haechan, just the two of them. As if this is how it should be, as if life has set everything right, as if this is fate. Jaemin seems just... right.
"I know a place," Na leans closer to Renjun, whispering conspiratorially. "Let's go before your friend comes to his senses."
And Huang relaxes, and of course agrees, and runs, not looking at his feet and not noticing anything around. He is intoxicated by the gorgeous evening coolness, the bright lights of the city and the light snow, reminiscent of the end of winter. The end of winter and the beginning of spring full of freedom, youth and love. Renjun is already anticipating the joy of thinking that he is no longer alone, that such a refreshing Jaemin will appear next to him. Na Jaemin, honey smelling, wearing hoodies instead of boring classic jackets and so, so incredible.
"Do you drink beer?"
"Not a fan, but I do sometimes."
Half an hour later they're on the roof of some building and Renjun feels much better than in a close stuffy room. A frosty breeze ruffles his hair, alcohol burns unpleasantly from the inside and Jaemin's jacket is on his shoulders. The suit, however, isn't the most comfortably – Huang itches all over it – but he couldn't ignore the first step of Donghyuck's plan.
"Feel better?"
"Huh?"
Renjun looks questioningly at Jaemin who smiles in a relaxed way, looking at the night city, and looks mysterious and so magical, like in a teen movie, under the weak light of the moon and with a disheveled bang.
"You don't really like crowded places, do you?"
"Hmm..." Huang pauses to take another sip of beer. "Is it really that obvious?"
"Only if you're not nervous about me," Jaemin winks, making Renjun wince with embarrassment, and crushes the empty can, throwing it back. "And now let's be honest: what do you want?"
Huang doesn't quite understand what Na means, but he thinks for a moment. Not about something specific – in general. This date will end and then what? Does Renjun want Jaemin to be a reliable friend, a safe place, a lover for him? Maybe his real destiny is to live his whole life alone? Something's not right.
He feels that he is going deep into his thoughts and closes his eyes, trying to clear his mind. He shouldn't be too philosophical.
"Do you believe in soulmates?"
Jaemin seems taken aback – as if for the first time in his life.
"No, but since that’s how nature works, maybe it makes sense. Like, what should do people with unique smells? And with universal ones?"
"I see..."
"And do you believe?"
"Mm.. not really either. But sometimes I just want to find this perfect combination like Hyuck. Can I tell you a secret? Just don't tell Mark." Jaemin nods briefly, unobtrusively moving closer to Renjun and placing palm on his knee. "I envy them very much. Sometimes Hyuck is a bitch and it's insanely hard for me to imagine how Mark copes with this, but their chemistry is incredible. I don't know what nature was guided by when created the perfect couple for Minhyung but it has an excellent sense of humor."
Na grins and everything seems to fall back into place again. No more thinking, please.
"And how often do you get drawn to difficult conversations after one beer?" Renjun asks. Jaemin rubs his chin, carefully crawling from Huang's knee to his shoulder, hugging boy. It seems that not only Haechan likes these step-by-step plans.
"I don't like conversations at all. And people, too."
"Sounds harsh."
"But there are always exceptions," and he looks so significantly Renjun wants to drive up the wall.
Renjun falls back to Earth when he finally notices Na's hand, which has been on his body for quite a long time. He feels it sliding down his back, wrapping around his waist a little more confidently. Huang's insides light up, fireworks in his head and his eyes shine, looking into the abyss of opposite pupils. Jaemin is literally twenty centimeters from his face and randomly laughs, velvety and completely without malice, forcing Renjun to bury himself in his neck with embarrassment.
"You smell delicious, milk boy."
"Shut up."
Jaemin pats Huang soothingly, taking him into hug. So cozy, so reliable. Renjun feels like no problem is able to get to him in these hands. The honey fragrance pleasantly envelops, mixing with his own milky, and lulls them to sleep while the weakened wind rocks them in its cradle.
"Injunie," Jaemin calls. Huang reluctantly pulls away, returning to the previous twenty centimeters, and feels like home. Only his mom calls him that.
"Yeah?"
"Don't like to rush, but I want to try. You."
And he lowers his eyes to the lips opposite, absolutely unequivocally and decisively. Renjun doesn't want and isn't going to refuse, so he leans forward, closing his eyelids and puts one of his palms on boy's neck. He lets Jaemin lead, because he hasn't even held hands with anyone in romantic way, and Jaemin really leads. Gradually, step by step, like a bird learns to fly. He kisses the upper lip, then the lower, alternates, tries to get inside with his tongue, but Renjun finds it disgusting, so they stop at wet kisses. Huang clings closer, Jaemin hugs him, weaves his fingers into the outgrown strands, tucking behind his ear, and squeezes his waist.
Renjun wonders why he didn't do it earlier? Why has he never tried kissing? Is it always so pleasant, dizzying, fingers curling or is it just Jaemin? He gently pulls away, but only to give himself a little respite and prepare for a new dose of dopamine.
Never ever he will listen to Hyuck's stupid advices again.