Work Text:
- Genre: Halloween, fluff, college au
- Prompt: “Wait you love me?” “I always have.”
- Word Count: 1,533
- Pairing: Reader x Jaemin
- World: NCT Dream
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“That’ll be all class. Don’t forget about the report that’s due Monday morning!” called out Miss Maria from the front of the classroom, though I doubt anyone was listening.
The students were abuzz with excitement over the Halloween party that was taking place this weekend. It was a bit premature since it was only the third of the month, but you had no doubt that there would be plenty to fill the space in between.
Everyone loved Halloween at this school so October was always super fun and exciting, even for those like you who preferred a more… introverted approach to college life.
The halls were fully decorated already, ghosts hanging from the ceiling and the upper half of skeletons glued to lockers. Some of the classrooms had been rigged with cloaked figures that jump out at you when you walk through the door while others had cauldrons full of candy with signs warning people not to take the whole bowl.
It was such a fun, cool environment to be in and you were glad that you had taken the chance to attend college.
An arm was draped across your shoulders as you walked down the hall and you didn’t even have to look to know who it was. There was only one person who would do that to you – as if his cologne wasn’t enough of a dead giveaway on its own.
“How was class, squirt?”
You didn’t bother glaring at him for the nickname, having long since accepted that he would never stop calling you that. It wasn’t your fault that he was born a damn giant. “It was fine. I wasn’t really paying attention.”
Jaemin quirked a brow at you, a smirk gracing his lips. “You’re not gonna graduate if you don’t pay attention in class.”
You wanted to point out that he slept in most of his classes but he was trying to go pro with football rather than graduate. Instead, you just shrugged a shoulder. “I’m sure it’ll be fine.”
“Are you going to the party tonight?”
“I don’t know why you’re asking when you fully intend to drag me along whether I want to go or not.”
“Because I’m trying to be nice.”
You scoffed. “How is forcing me to do something I’m uncomfortable with being nice?”
“If I didn’t force you, you’d never socialize.”
“I don’t see the issue.”
He rolled his eyes, ruffling the top of your hair. “You can’t lone wolf it forever, ya know.”
You pushed his hand away with a frown, wanting to ask him why. Wouldn’t be the first time, but he’s never given you a straight answer. He’s been forcing you to socialize for years, though nothing has changed. You’re still an introvert who prefers your own company over the company of others.
He’s not just wasting his time, but yours too.
“Shit, I’m gonna be late for practice! Catch ya later, squirt!” He grinned at you before taking off down the hall.
A group of girls nearby sighed dreamily as they watched him, their gazes snapping to you and turning to hatred when he finally disappeared around the corner.
Aside from being forced to be social, being his friend came with another drawback – his fangirls. It was no wonder why he had a fan club – he was tall and lean, with messy blue hair and brown eyes that could make your heart melt. He likes to act dumb, but he’s actually pretty smart despite rarely ever studying.
Jaemin was the school’s heartthrob and no one, not even you, understood why he spent so much time with you over the other cool kids. His efforts were wasted, honestly, but good luck telling him that.
You readjusted the strap of your bag, ignoring their looks as you continued down the hall.
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You settled down in front of the TV, grabbing the controller and loading up your favorite spooky video game. Well, it was supposed to be spooky since you’re a survivor trying to outrun a killer, but it was just super fun to you.
Your roommate had left for the party already, as most of the students had inside your dorm, leaving it eerily quiet. It was a nice change from the usual rowdy and loud nature. Getting peace and quiet was rare and you fully intended to take advantage of it.
Just as you were about to start your first match, the door was slammed open, making you jump in surprise. Your wide eyes snapped to the door, half expecting Ghostface to be standing there. Honestly, you think that would have been easier to deal with.
Jaemin scowled at you, his tall frame taking up the entire doorway. “Yah, what are you doing?”
“Uh, playing survivor?” You replied innocently, motioning toward the TV. “I mean, I know it’s killer bonus right now but I just prefer -“
“You know what I mean!” He huffed, stepping farther into the room. “You were supposed to meet me at the party yet I find you here doing this.” He motioned angrily toward the TV.
“I never said I would,” you pointed out with a frown. “I said I’d think about it.”
“And you knew I’d be upset if you didn’t show up.”
“Do you even care how I feel?” You asked softly, playing with a loose piece of thread on your shorts.
“I – huh?” The question seemed to catch him off guard, his lips parting and closing as he grasped for the right words. “You know I do…”
“Then why won’t you listen to me when I tell you I don’t want to go?”
“I’m trying to help -“
“You’re not.” You shook your head, lifting your gaze to meet his. “You’re trying to turn me into one of your popular friends but that’s not me, Jaemin. If you can’t accept me as I am, then maybe you should find a different friend.”
He swallowed hard, taking a step closer. When he spoke, his voice was shaky. “Don’t say that…”
“I can’t be the social person you want me to be. I don’t like it and you can’t force me to. So what if I’m a lone wolf? I enjoy it.”
“You don’t want to spend time with me?”
“Don’t get me wrong! I love spending time with you, Jae, just… not around all your other friends. Why can’t we just spend time alone together like we used to? Maybe watch a movie or -“
“I can’t,” he groaned, falling onto the side of your bed and covering his face with his hands.
You tilted your head to the side, confused. “Why?” When he didn’t respond, you crawled over to him, resting your hand on his leg.
He sucked in a breath, his body tensing at your touch.
“Why?” You asked again. “What’s changed?”
“Everything!” He cried out, standing up and beginning to pace across the room, gesturing wildly with his hands. “I can’t stand being alone with you anymore. It’s like… there’s something clawing at my insides. I love you so damn much it hurts. God, all I want to do is hold you and kiss you and make you mine but I can’t ruin our friendship. Don’t you understand? If I’m with my friends, I can’t do any of that but when I’m alone, I don’t think I can stop myself!”
You blinked dumbly at him a few times, your brain trying to process the information he had just provided. When it finally clicked, your face burned. “Y-You… you love me?”
Jaemin hung his head as if ashamed of himself. “Yeah… I always have. I didn’t mean for it to happen, it just did and I hate myself for it.”
“You can’t help how you feel…” you bit your lip, slowly standing up.
“I’ve ruined everything, haven’t I?” He chuckled bitterly, running a hand through his messy hair. You didn’t miss the way his voice trembled. “I get it if you never want to see me again…”
“The truth is… I don’t feel the same way.”
His shoulders fell and he laughed again, shaking his head. “I know. I’m just your friend, right? Well, I guess that’s over, too. I’ll just leave.” He turned to do just that but you grabbed a hold of his jacket, stopping him in place.
“I don’t feel the same, but… I think I could.”
“Huh?”
You searched for the proper words to express how you were feeling. “You’re my best friend, Jaemin. You’ve always been there for me no matter what happened. When we started high school and you became popular, I figured you would leave me behind but you didn’t. You’ve always stuck by my side. I… will you go out with me, Jae? Like, a proper date, not a party.”
Several tense moments passed by in silence.
“Are you… serious?”
“Yes.”
Jaemin slowly turned around, his eyes searching your own before he threw his arms around you, smothering you against his chest. His warmth and familiar smell comforted you, as it always had. “Yes… yes, I’ll go out with you. Just the two of us.”
You smiled, wrapping your arms around his waist. “I’m looking forward to it.”
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