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Yeonjun remembered the first time he ever got a tattoo. He had just graduated high school, using the money he got from the plenty of cards from his family. It was a simple piece that went on his ribcage, not the ideal place to get the first one, but his parents would kill him if they knew. He had always been a fan of the renaissance era—he loved everything about that era, and he had several pieces that he wanted tattooed on him forever. He’s always wanted tattoos, wanted his arms to be covered in them.
The first one was obvious, and perhaps a bit overdone, but he loved the Creation of Adam. He’s talked Beomgyu’s ear off about the significance of the piece, the way he’s portrayed, and that’s why it was his first one. While it was a typical tattoo, he added his own twist to it that made it his own, and that’s when he decided he wanted to have a theme. He wanted to be covered with different pieces from the renaissance era.
Yeonjun got his second one during his sophomore year of college. It was the semester after he took a history of art class, having a class dedicated to his interest, to take a deep dive into different paintings. He got the eye of the fallen angel on his right forearm, formatting it in a way of a collage. He had a thing for black tattoos, barely any color, because he thought the subject of the tattoo was sufficient enough. The only colored tattoo he would get was Starry Night, but that would be years down the line.
He got his third one when he graduated college with his Art History degree, and he celebrated by getting a matching tattoo with Beomgyu. They’ve been friends since childhood, and he loved him—no matter how much the little twerp annoyed him. It was out of theme for him, but they got matching koi fish with their own unique touch. It was the first tattoo he got in color, and it was on his left wrist.
It was an experience that he’ll never forget because Yeonjun’s hand was practically bruised with how hard Beomgyu was clutching onto it. His best friend was the epitome of someone that was afraid of needles. He did better than what Yeonjun thought he would, but then again, Beomgyu was the one to suggest those specific fish. They were supposed to get it together, but he insisted that he was allowed to hold Yeonjun’s hand or he might pass out.
After the tattoo session, Yeonjun looked down at their wrists that were flushed against each other. The koi fish were in their favorite colors, and surrounding it was stuff they enjoyed. Yeonjun’s tattoo was purple, styled to look like a renaissance painting. Beomgyu’s was pink with little music notes around it. It was perfectly them, and it made him happy on the inside. He continued looking at it as they walked to get something to eat.
“Hyung, never again will I get a tattoo.”
Yeonjun looked over at his best friend, seeing that Beomgyu was looking at the tattoo while eating his pancakes. They went to a diner they always frequented because their breakfast was the best thing either of them have ever tasted. He promised to treat Beomgyu to whatever he wanted to eat, like a mother does to a child when they have to get a vaccine. He just smiled, giving Beomgyu’s hand a loving pat from across the table, but their hands interlocked instead.
“Why?” Yeonjun asked, trying to keep his laughter in. “You seemed to enjoy getting one.”
Beomgyu gave him an incredulous look. “Enjoyed it? I swear if it went on any longer I’m sure I would’ve passed out.”
Yeonjun shrugged, moving their hands from side to side. “It’s not that bad; you lived, and now you have a slay tattoo. Wouldn’t have suggested getting color for your first though.”
“First, never say slay again.” Yeonjun laughed a little too loudly, which made a few other patrons look over to their table. It was mostly older people that gave them a glare, but Yeonjun didn’t care. Not when Beomgyu was always his source of entertainment. “Second, that might’ve been nice to know prior to the fact of me crying like a toddler when he was coloring in the tattoo.”
“I’m pretty sure I mentioned it—”
“You didn’t, hyung. Stop lying.”
“You’re the one that picked it out.”
Beomgyu looked at him, mouth slightly opened. Yeonjun reached over, closing it for him saying that he’ll catch some flies. “Wow, putting blame on me because you failed to protect your loving dongsaeng’s dignity.”
“Loving?”
Beomgyu threw a napkin at him, hitting square in the face. Yeonjun threw it back, missing completely and it fell into the booth next to Beomgyu. The younger one picked it up, placing it back on the table.
“You’re going to get us kicked out if you keep throwing napkins.”
“You’re the one that did it first.” Yeonjun replied nonchalantly, letting go of Beomgyu’s hand to cut into his waffle. “Now, eat your food. We have a full day ahead.”
“Wow, look at you, being a hyung. Never thought I’d see the day.”
“I’m really starting to regret the matching tattoo thing.”
Beomgyu gasped, throwing the napkin back at Yeonjun. They did get a warning about their rowdiness—which they weren’t—but the ladies that were sitting at a table told on them to their waiter. Yeonjun almost wanted to be petty, but Beomgyu told him it wasn’t worth it and they continued to eat their brunch.
On the way out, he draped himself over Beomgyu, forcing the other to navigate around the parking lot with Yeonjun hanging off his back. He could feel Beomgyu wanting to throw him off, but instead he kept walking, Yeonjun whining about how his stomach hurt from eating all that food. That he couldn’t walk with his stomach being sore from the waffle combo, and he felt like an over inflated balloon.
“You’re so dramatic.” Beomgyu stopped, bending a bit at the knees, ushering Yeonjun with his hands. He could squeal because that was his plan from the beginning. It was always Yeonjun giving the piggyback rides, so it’s only fair to make Beomgyu do it for compensation of his bank account. “Up you go.”
He didn’t regret getting matching tattoos.
🦊🐰
Yeonjun hated to admit it, but he picked up the bad habit of smoking a few years ago. He only did it when he was stressed, and today was one of those days. He recently got a job at the local museum that was five minutes away from their apartment. Beomgyu would kill him if he found out that he picked up the habit he promised to drop. He pinky swore to it, but it was something about his boss that made him crave the burn of a cigarette.
Today was no different, his boss got on him about something he knew was right. He went to school, graduated with high grades, and even got good recommendations from his professors. He had his facts straight, he wouldn’t waste that many years of schooling to be wrong. He can’t pinpoint what exactly it was that made his boss dislike him, but he’s scared to fire him. Whether he liked him or not, he brought in the most customer revenue because everyone loved him. He was always picked for tours, especially when the tour was mainly children, and word of mouth gave the museum more money.
He was sitting on the outside steps, a cigarette between lips as he scrolled through his phone. It was his only break until he'd been stuck at a computer all day as they were getting new artifacts that were recently found. He would probably be the person that had to handle everything because his boss did nothing but sit in his tiny office. He was dreading his break to be over, so he texted Beomgyu, asking him to come to the museum for a bit.
“Smoking is bad for you, you know.”
Yeonjun almost toppled down the stairs from how hard he jumped. He looked at the person that was in front of him, giving him a good look down. He was pretty, Yeonjun will give him that. The boy in front of him was almost too pretty to be real—and if cupid were a real thing, he might’ve had an arrow shot at him.
Yeonjun smiled, taking the cigarette out of his mouth. “Is it? I didn’t know that.”
The boy gave him a deadpan look, reaching into his pocket to grab something. Yeonjun took the time to admire the boy further, his plain white shirt with a little design, fluffy black hair hidden under a green beanie. He looked like an idol, and Yeonjun would be surprised if he wasn’t.
“Here.” The boy held his hand out, holding a lollipop out to him. Yeonjun just looked at it for a few seconds, before lifting his gaze to the boy’s face with a confused look. The pretty boy shook it a bit, asking Yeonjun to take it. “It’s not the best alternative, but when you want to smoke, maybe suck on a lollipop.”
Yeonjun looked at the boy a little longer before slowly reaching to grab the candy. He looked at the wrapper, and it was a simple strawberry flavor. He doesn’t know why he felt compelled to take the candy, or to softly say thank you. Whenever someone gave him looks or made a comment about him smoking, he was ready to fight them because that’s the one thing he hated. People that don’t mind their business, but with the pretty boy in front of him, he just felt his heart racing.
The pretty boy smiled at him. “You’re, like, a bit too pretty to be smoking.”
“Oh, uh, thank you–”
“Soobin-hyung!”
The pretty boy, Soobin, turned to look behind him. He ran down the stairs, linking arms with the boy at the bottom of the stairs. He couldn’t hear what they were saying, but when both sets of eyes turned to him, he gulped a bit. He stood up, dropping the cigarette onto the ground, stomping on it before turning to go inside the building. Once he got back inside, he was bombarded with one of his coworkers about the shipment not coming through.
Yeonjun wanted to turn back around to go back outside. He didn’t get to finish the cigarette and now he wanted to finish it. Instead, he looked down at the lollipop that was tightly clutched into his hand. He unwrapped the wrapper, sticking the candy in his mouth, following his coworker into the back where they got their shipment.
In the midst of fixing the computer system, he couldn’t help but let his mind wander at the thoughts of the pretty boy—Soobin—and the lollipop that was still in his mouth. He couldn’t wait to tell Beomgyu about his newfound crush, cupid really had shot his arrow, completely making him smitten. Someone he only knew the first name of, and he wished he had more time to get his number. Before his mind wandered too far, his phone buzzed in the pocket of his jacket, pulling it out to see it was Beomgyu.
He felt relief when he read:
beommie-beoms
I’ll be there in ten min.
And I’ll bring your fav <3
jjunie-jun
And this is why your my fav bestie
beommie-beoms
I’m ur only bestie ;)
🦊🐰
It was late spring, when Yeonjun decided he wanted another tattoo. He didn’t know exactly what but he wanted it to be symbolic to his longing to find Soobin. It’s been four months since he had the encounter with him. He desired to meet with him again more than anything; to ask for his number and go on a date.
He may let his mind wander too far on occasion. Where he pictures them going on so many dates, to becoming boyfriends, to getting married. He wanted to be Soobin’s—and Soobin to be his—but he can’t have any of that if he can’t find him. He sat outside the museum everyday during his breaks, smoking one cigarette a day, hoping that the pretty boy would somehow appear in front of him. Cupid shot his arrow deep, and now he feels stupid waiting for Soobin to show up one day.
Beomgyu told him to let it go. There was no way he was going to find him, especially since he didn’t get his last name. There are hundreds of Soobin’s out there that it wouldn’t matter because that would be a tedious process. It would be simple to look him up on instagram, but Yeonjun has been through every possible profile that had Soobin in either the user or display name.
While he was dwelling on the fact that he has a crush on someone he’ll probably never meet again. Beomgyu put on a movie, placing a big bowl of popcorn on the table in front of them. Yeonjun didn’t care about the movie, so he laid his head onto Beomgyu’s shoulder. He whined a bit because of the movie that was on the screen. Of course it was a romance movie, and it rubbed salt on his nonexistent wound.
Beomgyu just placed his head on top of Yeonjun’s, eating the popcorn as the two main love interests kissed for the first time. It was the typical kiss that happens in the rain, and he couldn’t help but let his mind wander to Soobin. He wanted to live through all the romance cliches with him.
The kiss in the rain, the love confession that happens in the middle of the argument. Maybe not that one completely, but exasperatingly confessing it and Soobin kisses him. He wanted to go on the cliches date setting; the carnival, a cafe, ice skating, and so much more. Yeonjun wanted someone, Soobin, to love him unconditionally. It was a basic formula, and Yeonjun wanted to live in it.
Yeonjun wasn’t the biggest fan of love, as contradicting as it sounded. He hasn’t had the best examples of it, nor does he know what love is. It’s a foreign feeling to him, and he knows romance as a genre wasn’t something to base his wants on. Though, it was a fruit for thought, and he can never escape the cliches because Beomgyu was a sucker for romance. He’s been dragged too many times to the theater because his best friend wanted to see the newest romance movie.
“I think I’m going to get another tattoo.”
Beomgyu lifted his head from his, and Yeonjun didn’t have to look to see that was getting a ridiculous look. He already has plenty of enough, but he craved more. The craving to litter his body in art that he loved and wanted people to see. It’s gotten worse over the years, after getting his third one, he wanted to turn around and get another one within the next week. Beomgyu didn’t really get the sentiment, not when the only ability to get it was getting stabbed too many times with a needle.
“Oh.” Beomgyu shifted a bit, sitting cuddling with Yeonjun. They didn’t look at each other, still eyeing the screen as the main couple were having an argument. “Do you have an idea as to what?”
“Probably another renaissance painting.”
Beomgyu laughed. “You and your renaissance paintings. I don’t know what you see in them.”
Yeonjun tsked, lightly hitting Beomgyu’s arm. “It’s not just about the paintings. It’s about the era as a whole. The slow transition from strictly religious paintings to more humanistic art. It’s how we got art we do today.”
“Yes, so you have told me many times. Humanism is better to look at than religious paintings, is what you said. I’ll have to agree, some of them are pretty to look at. Others, not so much.”
Yeonjun sat up, looking at Beomgyu in fake anger, “Okay, Mr. Art Wiz, you know everything. You just don’t appreciate art.”
Beomgyu simply smiled at Yeonjun, before turning back to watch the movie. “It’s only a matter of opinion. I do appreciate art, babe, just not the same way you do. Though, you said it yourself, I know everything~!”
“Your opinion is immediately invalid.”
“Why?”
Yeonjun snickered, leaning back against the couch, already knowing that he’ll get a pillow thrown at him. Even worse will be that Beomgyu will try to murder him—he wouldn’t put it past his friend to do so. Riling up Beomgyu was his favorite pastime when he was bored because it was so easy to do. It didn’t take much, poking the bear only took a few pokes before they were throwing metaphorical hands.
“Because you’re….you.”
It was as if he could read the future because Beomgyu indeed threw a pillow at him. He even went as far as to climb on top of Yeonjun, continuously hitting him with said pillow. If another were to walk in right now—it would look like something completely different at the glance of an eye. It was a blessing that both of them lived alone, the both of them living with each other.
“Yah, cut it out before I lose the ability to breathe.”
The pillow hitting only stopped for a second. Yeonjun was too naive to think Beomgyu stopped, he was stubborn as a bull. That mixed in with competitiveness was a potion of disaster. Them being struck by competitiveness used to be a result of disaster when they were children; never knowing when to quit which led to a lot of bruised and scraped knees.
“That’s kind of the point, hyung.”
Before Beomgyu could continue his one sided fight, Yeonjun quickly sat up, knocking him onto the other side of the couch. The pillow falling onto the floor, laughing, sitting up a bit. Beomgyu continued to lay there on the couch, a pout forming on his lips.
“I win.”
“You’re a cheater.”
Yeonjun hummed, pretending to think. “I won fair and square.”
Beomgyu picked up the pillow to throw it at Yeonjun one more time before sitting up. He grabbed the bowl of popcorn, turning his attention back to the tv as if he wasn’t acting like a petulant five year old only a second ago. They were past the argument stage of the movie, now the main couple are back to kissing each other. He knew where that was going, the simple equation of a romance movie never failing.
“Will you go with me? When I make the appointment.”
“If you want me to, hyung, of course.” Yeonjun smiled at that, going back to their previous position. Laying his head on Beomgyu’s shoulder, eating some of the popcorn out of the bowl, and watching the stupid movie. “Just say you want to hold my hand, it’s okay, no need to make excuses.”
Yeonjun slightly pinched Beomgyu’s side, making the younger jolt a little. “I do not want to hold your hand.”
“You do.”
Yeonjun sighed. “If that helps you sleep at night, Beomie.”
🦊🐰
Yeonjun managed to get an opening to look at the different artwork of the artists, and a semi appointment if the artist was there to give a consultation. It was in a month, a day he could take off, which gave him time to fully think about what exactly he wanted. Over the years, he’s gathered a long list of tattoos he wanted. He managed to condense his list to two that he wanted now. He didn’t have the budget or the time to sit through two sessions.
He promised to meet Beomgyu at the place, as the younger was already out running errands. He was happy that Beomgyu was able to take off because he would be meeting a new tattoo artist today. His old one had moved to a different shop—a little too far for Yeonjun’s liking, so he’s alright with moving to another artist. He needed Beomgyu to be there for him, as his emotional support person.
beommie-beoms
I’m here when you get here ;)
I met one of the tattoo guys, and lowkey….
nah high key, I would let him color me any day
jjunie-jun
tmi beoms
I thot you never wanted a tattoo again
beommie-beoms
first, when did you become illiterate
say thought not thot
you’re not a hoe
second, I would let him tattoo me in more ways than one 😍
jjunie-jun
Why am I friends with you ??
if anyone’s the hoe, it’s you
about to fold over a man you just met??
I thought I raised you better
beommie-beoms
😦 you know what…
at least I’m not pining over someone that I’ve only met once.
just get here so I can have an excuse to flirt with Kai.
jjunie-jun
I’m literally down the street
beommie-beoms
well walk faster
I have a date to catch,
literally 😏
jjunie-jun
whatever you want, princess
beommie-beoms
😚
Yeonjun pocketed his phone, turning the corner to see Beomgyu outside, head in his phone. He wakes closer to the younger, and it was only when Yeonjun nudged him that he finally looked up.
“You know, if you’re not environmentally aware, the higher chances of you getting kidnapped is likely.”
Beomgyu tsked. “I am environmentally aware, hyung. I was only looking at Kai’s instagram, and to say he’s talented would be an understatement.”
“Oh? You got his Instagram already? Didn’t know you had it in you to catch someone. I was worried about my little beomie being single forever.”
Yeonjun went to pinch Beomgyu’s cheek like a grandma, when the younger shoved him off. Yeonjun went in for a hug instead, draping over his best friend. He would never admit this to Beomgyu, he rather shoot his right foot then tell the younger how he feels. They’ve been friends since forever but he wasn’t the best when it comes to that.
“Aw, is my baby junie scared?” Beomgyu cooed, rubbing Yeonjun’s back. He was a little scared; he was meeting a new artist today. There were so many scenarios running through his head. What if the new artist couldn’t do what he wanted and he was stuck with something he’ll regret. What if there was no one that could do what he wanted. What if this was the one that he’d regret in ten years.
“I’m not scared.”
He nuzzled into Beomgyu, trying to get the comfort he seeked. No words had to be exchanged, they’ve been friends way too long—they can read each other’s moods like it was organic chemistry. Beomgyu just hugged him tighter, giving Yeonjun a reassuring squeeze.
“Did they tell you who will be your new artist?”
Yeonjun pulled away, scooting a bit back to tuck his hair behind his ear. “No, not yet. They said I should get a feel for who they have before making a decision.”
“That’s a good idea, hyung. Well let’s go, don’t want to keep them waiting.”
Beomgyu opened the door to the shop, ushering Yeonjun into the shop. As soon as both of them were in there, Yeonjun grabbed Beomgyu’s hand. His heart was beating out of his chest—he’s gotten three tattoos before, so he shouldn’t be scared. The little bell on top of the door jingle, and a blonde haired boy peeked his head up from the front of the desk.
“Hi, welcome to Blue Hour! Do you have an appointment?”
Yeonjun shook his head, and he was about to explain when Beomgyu cut him off. “This is my friend I was telling you about. He’s here to peruse the options as one might say.”
The blonde boy laughed, a little too loudly, and Yeonjun put two and two together. This must be the Kai person Beomgyu was speaking of. He looked at both of them with an incredulous look because what was said wasn’t remotely funny.
“You’re so funny, hyung.”
Yeonjun turned towards Beomgyu, who just gave him a look. A look that meant they’ll discuss whatever this was later. He went with Kai to go through the list of artists that they had—some of them he’s met before, and others are new. Kai, himself is new, but he was definitely an option if he couldn’t find anyone else.
Yeonjun was flipping through the book while Beomgyu talked Kai’s ear off about something random. He was nonchalantly looking through the book, none of them appealing to him because no one did it in a style that he liked. He was about to put the book down until he saw Soobin. It was only a mere glimpse, but it made him open the book back up, and he took a good look at the big photo in the middle of the page.
Yeonjun felt his heat jump a bit looking at the picture. Those eyes he could remember from anywhere, and those lips that gave him the biggest smile when he took the lollipop. He’s been wandering in Yeonjun’s head since the first time they met.
“Beomie.” Yeonjun whispered, shoving the book into his friend’s lap. Beomgyu took the book from him, looking at the picture. Yeonjun scooted closer, pointing to the picture. “That’s him.”
“Soobin-hyung?” Yeonjun heard Kai ask.
Yeonjun nodded. “He’s the one that gave me the lollipop that one day. A few months back.”
“Oh!” Kai exclaimed. “I remember you. You were the tour guide.”
Yeonjun nodded. He didn’t have to look at anyone else in the book because his mind was made up. If this wasn’t fate wasn’t on his side, then cupid was because this was his chance to get Soobin’s number and go on a date. He was going to win Soobin’s heart…he wanted to win his heart.
“I want him.” Yeonjun said it a little too quickly. He heard Beomgyu snort a little, and Yeonjun nudged him a little. He realized how that could come off in different ways, so he cleared his throat and reiterated. “I want him to do my tattoo.”
“Soobin-hyung won’t be here for another thirty minutes if you want to wait a bit.”
Yeonjun nodded. When Kai walked away, saying he needed to write it in the appointment book. Beomgyu nudged Yeonjun, wiggling his eyebrows, and poking the older. Yeonjun already knew the teasing was going to commence, it happens every time he fumbled a bit.
“Looks like Yeonjunnie is going to meet his future husband.”
“Wow, we’re gonna skip right to husband?”
“You’re getting old, hyung.” Beomgyu shrugged, leaning back on the chair, arms crossing over his chest. “Gotta marry you off soon or you might be crippled and gray before someone loves you.”
“Listen here—”
Yeonjun was halfway putting Beomgyu into a chokehold when the bell on top of the door rang. Both of them look towards the door and Yeonjun swears his heart almost jumps out of his chest—not only is it Soobin, but it was Soobin dressed in a cute pink sweater. It was Soobin with blonde hair. Yeonjun didn’t know he could get any prettier—he looked like an angel.
“Hyung!”
“Good morning, Kai-ah.”
Oh. Yeonjun was going to run out of the shop before he had a heart attack. He doesn’t know if it’s possible—he’s sure it’s not possible, but Soobin’s voice is deeper than he remembered it. He clutched onto Beomgyu’s jacket like it was his only lifeline, the only thing telling him that it was real. That it was real that Soobin was standing in front of him.
“You have an appointment, like, right now.”
Yeonjun clutched onto Beomgyu tighter when he and Soobin made eye contact. He felt Beomgyu shake him off, standing up to talk to him. He wasn’t listening, all he could do was admire the blonde. He was so pretty, and Yeonjun was starstrucked, but he’s been thinking about this moment for months. Their first remeeting after months of pining and waiting for the universe to make them see each other again.
He was going to have his romance movie.
“Hyung.” He heard Beomgyu call. He looked away from Soobin to his best friend, eyes blown wide as if he was caught doing something he wasn’t supposed to. He gestured towards Soobin. “I’ll wait for you out here. You better plan something mind blowing. I wanna be blown away.”
Yeonjun felt his heart drop. He was going to be alone with Soobin, and he was scared that he'd make a fool of himself. Beomgyu gave him a reassuring nod, and Yeonjun stood up, wiping away the nonexistent dirt on his pants.
“Yeonjun-ssi.” Soobin bowed a little, giving him a soft smile. Yeonjun then determined that he would be dead by the time he was done. “It’s nice to see you again.”
Yeonjun’s brain short circuited. Soobin remembered him. From all those months ago, where Yeonjun would admit wasn’t his best moment. He tucked a strand of hair back behind his ear, trying to not turn into a tomato as his heart was doing a marathon in his chest.
“You—it’s nice to see you too.” Yeonjun smiled, bowing a little. “Just Yeonjun is fine. There’s no need to be so formal.”
Soobin shrugged. “If you say so. Can I call you, hyung, then?”
Yeonjun nodded. He should be mildly offended that it was assumed that he was older. He hates when people automatically assume he’s older. Yeonjun had Beomgyu telling him quite enough how old he is. He didn’t need random people he didn’t know indirectly calling him old. He guessed from Beomgyu calling him hyung, it didn’t take much to put two and two together.
“Come on, hyung.”
Yeonjun looked once more at Beomgyu, who gave him a reassuring nod. He was going to leave out of here with a tattoo appointment, and hopefully with Soobin’s number.
🦊🐰
“Hyung, my eyes may deceive me, but he likes you.”
That was the first thing Beomgyu said as soon as they walked out of the shop. He linked arms with his best friend, walking down the street to get some lunch. He wouldn’t say that Soobin liked him—he would’ve picked up on that, but then again Beomgyu has always called him oblivious.
“I don’t think—”
Beomgyu glared at him. “If I hear so much as hear “no I don’t think he likes me” I will literally throw you. He literally gave you his personal number. I don’t think most tattoo artists do that.”
“Well, sometimes, they do.”
Beomgyu shook his head. “Nah, I don’t believe it. Even the guy that did our tattoos didn’t even do that. It was strictly through email.”
Admitting defeat, Yeonjun huffed. “Enough about me. Were you able to get lover boy’s number?”
Beomgyu smiled, waving the piece of paper around. “Oh, yes, I did. Guess who has a date to schedule?”
“Look at you.” Yeonjun amused, ruffling Beomgyu’s hair. The latter clicked his tongue, shoving Yeonjun away. Complaining that he messed up his hair. “I’ve taught you well. You have the ultimate rizz added to your belt.”
Beomgyu sighed. “Never say rizz again, hyung. You’re like an embarrassing mother.”
“If anything, I am exactly like your mother. She made me promise to take care of you. You’re attached to my hip, you’re like my little baby munchkin.”
Beomgyu groaned. “I am not a baby munchkin, and I’m certainly capable of detaching myself from you, but I choose not to. So…”
“So?”
Beomgyu hugged Yeonjun, it was more of a sideways hug—but it left them completely immobile. He felt the air leave his lungs the tighter Beomgyu squeezed him. “I love you, hyung!”
Yeonjun lightly pushed Beomgyu in response. “Exactly like my child. You have to let me style you up for your date.”
“Okay.”
“I didn’t expect you to agree so quickly.”
Beomgyu shrugged. “You may not have a lot of amazing qualities, but you do have an amazing sense of style. I’ll give you that.”
“You’re such a twerp. I hate you.”
Beomgyu grabbed onto Yeonjun’s arm. “I love you too~!”
🦊🐰
It was a random Friday when Yeonjun got a text message from Soobin. Beomgyu had accidentally fallen asleep with Yeonjun during their weekly movie night, the two of them cuddled up on Yeonjun’s king sized bed. He heard the familiar text tone, assuming it was his mother or something, Yeonjun unwrapped himself from Beomgyu to reach his phone. Rubbing the sleep out of his eye, he checked his phone. He expected to be a plethora of people, he was a popular guy, but he didn’t expect to see Soobin’s name in his notification bar.
“Beomie. Beoms.” Yeonjun rapidly tapped on Beomgyu, who tried to swat his hand away like he was a fly. Though he was persistent, when Beomgyu rolled over, he practically shoved the phone in his face. “Look.”
Beomgyu sat up a bit, leaning on Yeonjun’s arm, sleep still apparent on his face. It took him a minute to process what he was looking at. “Oh, Soobin-hyung texted you.”
“You’re on a hyung basis now? While I’m still on the client basis, I can’t do this anymore.”
Beomgyu snorted. “Well, it has only been two weeks since you spoke. I’m dating his friend, so of course, he insisted I call him hyung.”
“Oh.”
“You’re still my favorite hyung.”
Yeonjun pouted a bit, completely forgetting about the unopened text. “That’s not—”
“I know.” Beomgyu reassured, patting Yeonjun’s arm. “You want him to like you. More than just the random guy that works at a museum. Open the message.”
Yeonjun opened his phone, clicking on Soobin’s name. He doesn’t know why he’s scared, Soobin said that he’ll be in contact with him when he has a free spot in his schedule. He shouldn’t get his hopes up that it’ll be anything different than what he usually goes through with tattoo artists. It’ll be a simple text; usually it would be done through email in his past experiences, but he still was nervous.
cutie
hi, hyung!
I finally have a free moment to book you for an appointment.
when are you free?
beomgyu’s platonic husband
hi, soob
im free this friday at any time
“Aye, Beomie, when did you change my contact name?”
Beomgyu giggled. “I did it yesterday when you weren’t looking.”
“You’re such a brat.” Yeonjun tried to nudge Beomgyu off him, but the younger one held onto his arm tighter. Complaining that he was trying to go back to sleep. “I think I’ll have a tattoo appointment soon.”
Beomgyu hummed, laying back down, clinging onto Yeonjun like a koala. “I’m glad, hyung. Maybe during the appointment you’ll win his heart.”
“One would hope so.”
Yeonjun was about to put his phone down, going to attempt to get a little more sleep until they had to get up. Beomgyu wanted them to have a “besties” day, and Yeonjun said they spend almost every day with each other, or the fact that they live together. They’re attached to the hip, as their parents would say, have been since they were kids. He’ll never understand how they became friends when they were two years apart, but they did. They were platonic soulmates, and he’s happy to have someone to lean on. Someone that understands him so perfectly that sometimes it’s scary.
While deep in his own mind, he felt his phone buzz in his hand.
cutie
okay, you can come by 12:30ish!
also, hyung
i have a question
beomgyu’s platonic husband
hit me
Yeonjun watched as the three dots of death were moving, signaling Soobin was typing. The longer Soobin typed the more anxious he was, the many possibilities of questions floating through his mind. He really needs to work on not fretting over the smallest of things, but he can’t help it. It’s been a problem since college, and he doesn’t know what exactly triggered it, but it’s something he deals with. He has to deal with it.
cutie
never mind!
i’ll ask you when you come in for your appointment :D
beomgyu’s platonic husband
wow, soob, way to give a guy a heart attack
cutie
sorry, hyung 😌
though, i’d love to attack your heart any day 😘
beomgyu’s platonic husband
o-oh?
cutie
hyung
did
you
just
stutter
over
text
?
beomgyu’s platonic husband
my finger slipped
cutie
you’re so cute
if you say so.
i’ll see friday 🤍
beomgyu’s platonic husband
❤️
“He totally has a thing for you.”
Yeonjun almost jumped out of his skin. He looked down at Beomgyu, who was looking at the phone screen. He reread the conversation, about three times, and it does seem like Soobin was flirting with him. It made him feel giddy on the inside because that means he has a chance. He’ll try to not dwell on the fact that there will be an unasked question—he’ll turn old and wrinkly from the anxiety.
“I—”
“No, hyung. You can’t deny that it isn't sus.”
“What happened to not saying sus?”
“It’s different cause it’s me.” Beomgyu sat up, taking Yeonjun’s hands in his. He anxiously laughed because the look on Beomgyu’s face was serious. He was rarely serious. It was always Yeonjun that was the serious one. “He likes you, hyung. You can’t deny that fact. I mean it's pretty obvious he’s like you since day one. Who randomly gives a guy a lollipop? It’s like the whole “don’t take things from strangers” flew right out the window for you.”
“There was a reason he gave me the lollipop.”
Oops, he shouldn’t have said that.
“What were you doing?”
Yeonjun audibly gulped. “Promise you won’t be mad?”
“Were you smoking?” Beomgyu asked, voice strangely serious. When Yeonjun didn’t reply, that was the only answer he needed. His face dropped a bit, squeezing Yeonjun’s hands a bit. “I thought you promised you’d quit.”
“I know! I’ve been trying—but when I get stressed it’s like what my brain thinks about first. I’m trying, Beomie, I am. It’s hard.”
“I know, babe.” Beomgyu brought Yeonjun closer, the latter resting his head on Beomgyu’s shoulder. It was probably time for him to get a new job—one that didn’t make him smoke three times in one shift. The only downside was that not many places were available to make use of his degree. He’ll tough it out until he can go back to school to get his teaching certificate. “It’s a hard habit to kill off. I only want what’s best for you, and smoking isn’t that.”
“I know. I promise I’ll quit, for good.”
Beomgyu held up his pinky. “Promise you will. Pinky swear that you will.”
Yeonjun linked his pinky with Beomgyu’s. “I pinky promise. Now, continue telling me why the facts line up that Soobin likes me.”
Beomgyu hummed, dropping his hand once their pinkies separated. “No stranger is going to tell another to stop smoking. That’s an argument waiting to happen. It was the thing that encouraged him to talk to you. I’m surprised you didn’t get his number then.”
“Your boyfriend came before we could get to that part.”
“Hey, don’t blame my sweet pea like that.”
Yeonjun giggled, separating himself from Beomgyu to lay back down. He was suddenly tired from all of the serious talk they just had. He hated when they talked seriously like that, and it was a rare occurrence, but it still felt like being schooled by their mothers. He hated when Beomgyu became serious because he rarely was, and when he was, it was kind of scary.
“I can recognize that “Soobin-hyung” from anywhere.”
“It’s like how Taehyun can recognize us from our footsteps.”
“How’s my little Terry?” Yeonjun asked as Beomgyu cuddled up against his back. They’ve been in four different positions in the last thirty minutes, he realizes. Though, Yeonjun wasn’t known to sit still for long. Always needed to move. “Is he living the dream in America?”
“Busy with school, as usual. He said he might visit us this summer. So, better get a boyfriend so you can impress him.”
“I can impress Taehyun just fine by simply showing up. He loves me enough.”
Beomgyu hummed, his tone was in disagreement. “No, I don’t think that’s enough. He said he expected you to be married, and living your best life. Told him to not get his hopes up because you’re a lost cause.”
“Is this what Taehyun wants or is this what you want.”
“This is about Tyun, not me.”
“Uh huh.”
“Anyway.” Beomgyu continued. “This might be good for you. It’s been how long since you’ve dated someone?”
“I don’t think I’ve really dated anyone, well, maybe except that one girl in high school. I’ve just….never really craved or experienced romantic attraction until Soobin. I’ve never even wanted to be intimate with anyone, and maybe I still don’t, but it’s not something I crave.”
“Have you considered that you might be on the ace spectrum, or maybe aromatic?”
“No, I haven’t. You would know more about that than I would.”
“That’s a conversation for another time, babes. Enough with the hot and heavy, we’re going to have the best day ever.”
Though, Yeonjun couldn’t help but to think about what Beomgyu said throughout the duration of their day.
🦊🐰
Yeonjun did end up going on google to look up the terms Beomgyu had mentioned. At first he was confused, he’s never taken into account what exactly his sexuality was. He doesn’t necessarily care who the person was, as he never given much thought to what he liked. It didn’t take him long to realize that he liked women and men; it only took kissing Beomgyu to solidify that. He never wanted to date anyone, never felt the need for it with school being his life for the majority of his youth. His sudden feelings for Soobin have unlocked something he didn’t know he wanted. He has fallen in love for the first time.
He’s all about the romantic cliches—he tolerates romance movies because of how unrealistic they are, but his mind has changed. The hypotheticals of it all makes him think of all the possibilities that could happen with Soobin. He’s still not sure if he wants to be labeled as one thing because he doesn’t know what exactly he is. He pocketed that information for later, when he feels like he can open up that jar.
He was getting ready for his appointment, trying to make himself look somewhat presentable. It was a tattoo appointment, but he had a plan, and that was to win a date with Soobin. He was going to confess his feelings to him, and he’s hoping that Soobin feels the same. He was in the process of fixing his hair when his phone buzzed on the counter.
He picked it up and he has several text messages from Beomgyu and one from Soobin. His heart jumped a little when he saw that Soobin texted him; they’ve been texting a little more recently, which prompted his best friend to tease him about it. It was mostly them sending TikTok’s to each other. He opened Beomgyu’s first because if he didn’t answer quickly then Yeonjun would be done for.
jjunie’s husband (real)
hyung!
today is the day !!!
I bought some snacks and loads of water <3
I’m excited 😁
beommie’s husband (real)
you’re strangely more prepared than what you were for your own.
I’m sure you’ll just drop the bag off with me so you can hangout with kai
simp
jjunie’s husband (real)
and so what if I am ?
I gotta leave you be so you have a chance
flex your rizz
get your soobles <3
beommie’s husband (real)
rizz?
I thought that was illiterate to say?
and isn’t it weird if I ask my tattoo artist out on a date?
jjunie’s husband (real)
not necessarily, no.
cause you knew of him before this
and as I said, he likes you
like borderline a simp for you 😒
always asking me how you are when I visit the shop.
beommie’s husband (real)
he asks about me 🥹
that’s
omg
I might sob
jjunie’s husband (real)
aye aye
save that for later
I’ll see you when you get here babes
ly 🩷
beommie’s husband (real)
ilyt 🤍
Yeonjun clicked on Soobin’s chat, and a smile popped up on his face. He hasn’t even read the message yet, but he was happy to be able to see Soobin in person after almost a month of not. He’s seen the younger in passing when he picks up Beomgyu, but they haven’t had a real conversation since when they discussed the tattoo. Their schedules weren’t lined up to have decent conversations that weren't formal greetings.
soobles <3
hi jjunie-hyung
I know you’ve been through this like fifty times
so I won’t bore you with the useless info that kai will tell you :D
but I’m excited to see you 🤍
Yeonjun was about to have a heart attack. There was no reason that Soobin should be adorable, even through text. He was excited to see Yeonjun—he kept reading that text over and over again. It made his heart frantically beat in his chest, he felt tingly all over.
beommie’s husband (real)
soobie !
hi 🩷
lol yeah I know what you’re gonna have to tell me
I wouldn’t mind </3 I love when you talk
I think I’m more excited to see you 🫢
soobles <3
nah I don’t think that’s possible <3
so you better get here soon or I’ll cry
and do you want to see me cry, jjunie hyung??
beommie’s husband (real)
no 🧍🏻
I’m running <3
soobles <3
😘
Yeonjun put his phone into his back pocket, doing some final touches to his hair before he deemed it good. He grabbed his messenger bag, and headed out the door. It was close to being winter, the trees around his apartment building being almost bare. The leaves on the ground, into big piles, waiting for children to jump into them.
Yeonjun should drive there, save him from freezing his tail off, but it was only two blocks away. Beomgyu would probably scold him for walking outside with nothing but a leather jacket, but he needed to clear his head a bit. Yeonjun needed to go over his plan in detail before he got there.
He hasn’t done this since high school. When he asked a girl to the school dance, and even then he didn’t ask her out. She asked him to be her boyfriend, and he agreed. They didn’t last long, not many high school relationships do, but that’s the only relationship he can claim under his belt. Beomgyu was more educated on dating than he’ll ever be.
Yeonjun hopes that everything will go according to his meticulous plan that he laid inside his head. He opened the door to the shop, the little bell on top of the door signaling his arrival. He took a minute to look around, and it seems that he was the first customer. At this point, he wasn’t on a customer basis, but he was the first one here.
“Hyung!” Yeonjun turned towards the front desk, both Kai and Beomgyu were standing behind it. It seems that Kai is the greeter until either an appointment of his comes in or another artist does. Though, Kai always seems content to be at the front when Beomgyu is there to keep him company.
“What’s up, my babies?”
“The sky.” Beomgyu answered, trying to keep his laugh at bay. Yeonjun walked over to the desk, going to give his friend a piece of his mind. Beomgyu moved at the last second behind Kai, who was laughing at the two of them. “Aye, leave me alone. I only stated the obvious.”
“If you wanna be obvious, then conceptually speaking then the ceiling is what’s up.”
“Wow.” Beomgyu covered his face, pretending to cry. “I never thought I would see the day that my Yeonjunnie would be literate.”
“If anyone’s illiterate it’s you. Can’t even spell a word like silhouette.”
“It’s a hard word!”
“Yeah, okay.” Yeonjun mumbled, setting his bag behind the counter as Kai motioned him to. If anyone else was here—it would be weird considering that Yeonjun was a customer. Neither he or Beomgyu worked here, but being friends with them had its perks. “Hit me with the boring stuff, Kai-ah.”
Kai went over everything that was going to happen, after he filled out a consent form. He’s done this three times already, so filling out the form was second nature to him. Now, all he had to do was wait for Soobin to be ready. Kai told him that he’s already here, but doing some stuff before Yeonjun could go back.
He whipped out his phone to play a game as he waited. Yeonjun was definitely going to be gray by the time he went back there. To put it plainly, he was nervous about what was about to transpire after the fact of the tattoo. Beomgyu would tell him that he’s fretting over something that’ll happen in two hours.
He was a nervous person by default.
“Yeonjun-hyung!”
Yeonjun turned a little, seeing an excited Soobin coming out from his little room. He took a minute to admire the younger, clad in a basic gray hoodie and some sweatpants. Soobin looked homey, and Yeonjun wanted nothing else in the world then to run into those arms. He wasn’t though, not when Beomgyu and Kai were watching them. He would never live it down if he let his thoughts win.
“Hey, Soobie.”
“Are you ready?” Soobin asked, a smile that could cure millions adorned his face. “It should only take minimally two hours.”
Yeonjun nodded. He followed Soobin into his designated room. He hasn’t been in here yet—when they did the consultation, it was done in another room. It was a simple conversation then, he showed Soobin what he wanted and then he was on his way. He took a minute to observe the room, taking off his jacket in the process.
He hasn’t known Soobin long, barely at all besides what they’ve talked about over text, but he can say this with confidence. The room was as Soobin as Soobin himself was. He sat down on the chair that was in the middle of the room. He’s done this plenty of times, but he was still nervous. He trusts Soobin to do his tattoo—and as crazy as it sounded—he would trust Soobin with anything.
“Okay, hyung. Just chillax while I get everything prepared and then we can get started.”
Yeonjun nodded once again. He’s scared that if he tries to talk he’ll blurt out everything and anything. It was even more nerve wracking because they were alone. There was no Beomgyu or Kai to diffuse the tension if everything went sideways. He tried to take his mind off it by looking around at all the different tattoo drawings, and he couldn’t help but to ask.
“Soobles?”
Soobin hummed, still preparing his workspace. Yeonjun didn’t have a pressing question, but the silence was going to kill him if one of them didn’t try to talk. Usually, Yeonjun was an extrovert, talking to people came naturally. With Soobin it’s different. Everything with Soobin was different.
“Do you have tattoos?”
That was the first thing he could think to ask, though, it’s been a question he’s been dying to ask. He didn’t remember seeing any the day they met, but Soobin has worn sweaters or hoodies every time they’ve seen each other in passing since. He’s even tried to ask Beomgyu, who sees him more often than he does, and all he got was a shrug. Now that he thinks about it, he never thought to ask Kai. Soobin’s best friend.
“Nah, I don’t.” Soobin answered, rolling over to sit next to Yeonjun’s arm he’ll be working on. He wiped it down with a disinfectant wipe before placing the stencil on it. “Unfortunately. It’s not my thing.”
“Really?”
Soobin laughed. “Yes, really.”
“Isn’t it a given that tattoo artists have tattoos? Isn’t it like the secret job requirement because it somehow makes people believe you know what you’re doing? At least that’s what a friend told me, a while ago.”
Soobin rubbed at the stencil with his hand, making sure that it was flush against Yeonjun’s skin. He laughed a little, taking off the gloves that were covered in the stuff that was over the stencil. Soobin rolled the chair over to the trash can before rolling back, leaning against the table that Yeonjun had his arm against.
“A secret requirement? You’re so cute, hyung.” Soobin smiled, causing Yeonjun’s ears to turn red. “To answer your question. It is most common for tattoo artists to have tattoos themselves, but me, I don’t think I’d look good in them. I’m also really indecisive; what if I like it the moment I get it but ten years later I don’t? I rather help people get what they want.”
“Yeah, let’s hope in ten years I don’t regret my decision, I probably won’t. No matter how much my mother insists I will.”
“If it helps any…I think you look good with tattoos. They suit you.”
Oh.
“Aw, really?” Yeonjun tried not to blush. Tried to not make it obvious that at this point he was fishing for compliments. Beomgyu has told him plenty of times that he looks good with tattoos. It was more of a compliment then he’s gotten from other people, Beomgyu saying he would date Yeonjun if he didn’t know him. It was a backwards way of a compliment, but he’d take it. Nonetheless, hearing it from Soobin made Yeonjun want to always be complimented by him.
“Yes, really.”
Soobin put gloves on again, leaning over to look at the stencil to make sure it was alright. He took it off once Yeonjun deemed it good enough to start the actual tattoo. Yeonjun looked at the stencil and it truly is what he wanted. It was perfect; the way the statue of David was perfectly in the spot he wanted with everything else covering it. Soobin somehow got his exact vision and he doesn’t understand how because he’s only referenced to his other tattoos, and the exact pieces he wanted mixed in. He left his faith completely with Soobin to make up what he thought would fit the theme of the tattoo.
“Ready, hyung?”
He looked up from his arm to Soobin, who had the tattoo gun in his hand. Yeonjun had exactly two hours to hype himself up to not chicken out. Two hours to find the proper words so he didn’t sound like a complete fool asking Soobin out. He’ll never forgive himself if he lets this opportunity slip past him.
“As ready as I’ll ever be, Soobles.”
🦊🐰
Two and half hours later, Yeonjun had a tattoo on his left forearm, right above the koi fish. He continued looking at it as Soobin put ointment on it and wrapped it in plastic. He gave the whole spiel about how to take care of it, what to do and what not to do. Yeonjun was about to run out the room to show Beomgyu that both his forearms were complete. First, he had to fully admire it as Soobin cleaned up his area.
“Soobie, this looks so good. It’s better than what I imagined it to be.”
Soobin giggled, leaning over to admire his work. “I did a pretty good job. You can flex to your friend that someone with no tattoos did that.”
Yeonjun whined. “Don’t tell me Beomgyu has been rubbing off on you.”
“Maybe he has.”
“He calls me an embarrassing mom every time I say “slay”. Acting like we’re not two years apart.”
“He calls me an embarrassing dad.” Soobin finished cleaning, standing up from the chair. Yeonjun sat up, putting his legs so they were dangling off the side. “He says I dress like one too.”
“He’s such a little twerp.”
“Would he be Beomgyu if he wasn’t?”
“Nah,” Yeonjun affirmed, tucking a strand of hair behind his ear. “I would have to make sure he wasn’t possessed if he stopped being a brat.”
Soobin laughed. Yeonjun was stalling, he realized that the moment Soobin was done tattooing him. He’s had so many chances to say how he feels—it was always on the tip of his tongue, ready to spill out. He’s never done this before, and what if he’s been reading the signs wrong and he gets rejected. Yeonjun could feel Soobin looking at him, but if he looked up, he might cry with how fast his heart was beating.
He needed to rip the bandaid off.
“Soobin-ah, I—”
“Can I kiss you, hyung?”
Oh.
Oh.
Yeonjun’s words were taken from him, his heart stopping a beat as he took in the words Soobin just said. As soon as he nodded, Soobin was kissing him, and it was better than anything he'd ever imagined in his head. It was one of those kisses that were in the typical romance movie. It was slow and tender; the way Soobin held him and kissed him. Yeonjun was on cloud nine, maybe even above that, but he felt like he could touch the clouds.
Yeonjun was going to cry with how romance-movie-typical was. He doesn’t know the first thing about this; he’s thankful for kissing Beomgyu all those years ago when he wanted to try it out. If this was against the rules, kissing before a date, then so be it. He would replay this moment over and over again if it meant the ending was Soobin kissing him. He couldn’t wait to tell Beomgyu; that his rizz game was still up to par.
Soobin pulled away. “I like you, hyung.”
“I like you, too.”
Yeonjun leaned in to give Soobin one more kiss before the door opened. Beomgyu and Kai were standing there with confetti. He just gave them an incredulous look as they threw it at them, congratulating them on their newfound love. Dramatic was all Yeonjun could think as he watched the two of them fanboying.
“Were you listening the whole time?”
“No…” Beomgyu trailed off.
Soobin laughed, cleaning up his space as Yeonjun stayed in the chair. “It’s rude to eavesdrop, you know.”
“It’s all for a good reason. We had to make sure mom and dad got together.”
Beomgyu nodded in agreement to Kai’s statement. Yeonjun sighed, accepting his destiny; there was no refuting because his age would be the subject of the joke next. The two of them wished them congratulations again, Beomgyu signaling to his phone which meant he wanted Yeonjun to check his phone. He gave a thumbs up, standing up from the table to meet Kai at the counter to pay for the tattoo.
Yeonjun didn’t get far, Soobin grabbing his arm that he didn’t work on. “Will you go on a date with me, hyungie?”
“I never thought you’d ask.” Yeonjun smiled, leaning down to give Soobin a kiss on his cheek. “I’d love to.”
🦊🐰
the polycule soulmates
hyuka’s bear
TAEHYUNNIE!
YOU WON’T BELIEVE WHAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK
terry berry
??
soobin’s hubby
it’s not a big deal
hyuka’s bear
stop lying, hyung 😠
our baby went out on a date
and is going to get married within the fortnight
soobin’s hubby
that’s crazy
i must’ve been asleep for a few chapters
cause jumping already to marriage ??
terry berry
i’m happy for you, hyung 🙂
i didn’t know you had it in you
unlocked your nonexistent rizz
soobin’s hubby
i hate the both of you 😄
hyuka’s best
you love us 🤗😚
terry berry emphasized a message
terry berry
will i get to meet this soobin?
soobin’s hubby
maybe
if you promise not to give him the scary friend talk
terry berry
i wouldn’t 🙂
hyuka’s bear
THAT is a lie 💀
he about scared hyuka through the phone screen
terry berry
i had to make sure 👍🏽
soobin’s hubby
the way you didn’t even deny it 😭
soobin wants to meet you but i swear
please don’t flex ur muscles and scare him
i’ll sob
terry berry
i won’t 🙂
hyuka’s bear
the way 🙂 doesn’t help your case
nor does 👍🏽
terry berry
🙂👍🏽
hyuka’s bear
😒