Actions

Work Header

From 8009 To 0

Summary:

Phone dings and Jeongin's eyes drift to the new notification "aussie_97 started following you." Well, at least there are no awkward texts from them. With this exact thought comes the new message. The new message from aussie_97. Double fuck.

Or

Five moments of Jeongin and Chan interacting virtually and one when they meet in real life.

Notes:

Hi!! I didn't expect to write so much o.o I hope you will like it! (English isn't my mother tongue >.<) By the way, just in case, it's my first story where most of it is messages >.< And sorry for mistakes (a big portion of those are actually intentional, but not all, I guess)

! Keep in mind that there will be some “Attack on Titan” major spoilers (season 3 episode 18), in “+1” part, so in case you are avoiding those it starts with 😏😍Levi Ackerman's Fandom😍😏 and ends with Kim Seungmin // This right there👌

! Pay attention - trigger warning: this work contains panic attack.

(See the end of the work for more notes.)

Work Text:

😏😍Levi Ackerman's Fandom😍😏

 

Lixie

Everyone

I made

An ig acc!!!!!

 

Lixie's copy cat

wait you what?

 

Our Hyunnie

you - lee felix yongbok - made an insta???

 

 

 

Jeongin furrows his eyebrows. He with his best friends have been trying to lure Felix into creating instagram account for years and in the end it only became their little inside joke; when someone publicly despises something, they call it one's personal 'Lixie's instagram'. Of course, he is surprised to see Felix announcing the grand news with the excitement worth of the dozens of exclamation marks.

 

 

 

Yennie

Huh?

 

Lixie

Yup

I just thought

Maybe it's time

To

You know

Change something

Change myself

 

Kim Seungmin

Read: I convinced him and it didn't take too much of my efforts

 

 

 

Ok, I can see who was the biggest influence of this 'change myself' thingy. I'm not even that surprised anymore. Jeongin sighs, however smile appears on his face by just knowing that this newest development won't be negative act.

 

 

 

Lixie

MINNIE

But yeah

He is right

 

Our Hyunnie

so what are you waiting for? drop your nicj!!

nick

 

 

 

NICK?!?!?

 

 

 

Yennie

Someone said Nick NELSON?!

 

Our Hyunnie

oh shit

 

Lixie's copy cat

not again

you have unleashef the silent YENNIE GAY DEMON

 

 

 

Jeongin is instantly ready to answer the message with quite witty response, but he suddenly sees a whole sheet appearing in their chatroom.

 

 

 

Kim Seungmin

I would entertain this conversation, however my excited boyfriend was in the middle of talking so if you all would kindly just shut up and go back to the topic before I personally hunt you all down

 

Lixie's copy cat

and what? change all of ours nicks? too late becuase YOU ALREADY DID IT TO ME

 

Kim Seungmin

You deserved it and in your position I would be careful with my words unless you want this nickname to become permanent

 

Lixie's copy cat

i hate that you are admin

and you arer not as threatening as you think you are no need to use full words

 

 

 

That makes Jeongin roll his eyes. Even though Jisung is right, in Jeongin's humble opinion, currently he shouldn't be in the spotlight.

 

 

 

Kim Seungmin

You made Lixie pout, well done

 

 

 

And that is the outcome!..

 

 

 

Yennie

NOOO Lixie!

 

Our Hyunnie

we are so excited for your acc!! although, i would prefer to continue chatting here

 

Lixie

Of course

Hyunnie!!!

I just

Wanted

To surprise

You all!

But maybe

It's not something

To make

Such a big deal

Out of

...

:<

 

Lixie's copy cat

OH NO QUIT IT NOW

we all have been waiting for this for ages! i have been wanting to tag you in my posts and stories and show everyone what a cutie i have for a bestie

 

 

 

Youngest squints his eyes looking at Jisung's last message. Last time, like literally yesterday, Sungie-hyung was almost swearing I'm his best best friend forever and ever, for a ride and die near the rainbows, unicorns and some more shit.

 

 

 

Kim Seungmin

Better

 

Yennie

Hey?! Am I not your bestie?

 

Lixie's copy cat

emm yeah? but lixie comes first

 

Lixie

( ^ω^ )

 

 

 

Jeongin can only stare dumbly at Felix's adorable emoticon and connect all the dots, understanding where Jisung is coming from.

 

 

 

Yennie

I mean, fair

 

Our Hyunnie

oki, lixie, your nick, please

 

Lixie

Ohh

About that

...

 

Kim Seungmin

He really put a lot of work in this one, I'm a witness of it

 

 

 

Jeongin tilts his head noticing how suspicious and cryptic the messages between Felix and Seungmin look.

 

 

 

Yennie

I feel like you are about to share some kind of a government secret

 

Lixie

Noo

I just

Wanted you

To try

And guess

And find it

By yourself

😃

 

Lixie's copy cat

lixie no offence but there are liek millions of accounts

 

Kim Seungmin

Fact mistake; over couple of billions

 

 

 

Student falls down on the bed laughing. Not to be mean to Sungie-hyung, but this message was funny as hell.

 

 

 

Lixie's copy cat

-.-

 

Our Hyunnie

sungie is right

 

Lixie's copy cat

at least someone is on my sids! i knew i could count on you hyunnie! love you!!!

 

Our Hyunnie

😳😳

 

 

 

There are times when Jeongin feels a bit lonely in his friend group. Witnessing Felix and Seungmin's progress to the relationship and noticing some more-than-friends tension between Hyunjin and Jisung frequently makes him low spirited. Of course, he is so so happy for his friends; finding their own happiness in love territory is great, he would never wish to have them heartbroken. To add, he doesn't meet them often, as he lives and studies in Busan and they - in Seoul. However, the constant video calls and trips to Busan or Seoul make up for the lost time. Nonetheless, the jealous side of Jeongin also wants to experience what it is like to have a reciprocated crush.

 

 

 

Lixie

Yeah

But I will

Give you

A hint

My nick:

axxxxx_yy

(x - letters

y - digits)

\(😊)/

 

 

 

Oh, so he wants a guessing game?

 

 

 

Yennie

That’s actually some governmental shit

 

Kim Seungmin

Lol

 

Lixie’s copy cat

xdddd

 

Yennie

I hate that you are my weak spot, Lixie

 

Lixie

(^▽^)

 

Lixie's copy cat

but its not fair minnie lives with you he knows what nicks you didnt choose and towards which side you were leaninh with it

 

Kim Seungmin

That's true

So, I'm not in a guessing game as I helped him with it and I already know his acc

 

Our Hyunnie

oki, one last question before searching and guessing

is that axxxxx a real word or is it just a woeuuwoqoshhs

 

 

 

Jeongin squints his eyes. An woeuuw..? Is it supposed to be an accidental combination of words with many mistakes?.. Wait. Is THAT a keysmash?!

 

 

 

Yennie

Yuk

Was it supposed to be a keysmash?

 

Kim Seungmin

You could have just typed 'keysmash' out instead of this monstrosity

 

Lixie's copy cat

the best keysmash anyone of us could have typed out

 

Our Hyunnie

sungie🤗

 

Lixie

Biased Sungie

(⌒‐⌒)

But yes

It has

A meaning!

An English word

But you all

Definitely

Know it

 

Yennie

Got it!

 

Kim Seungmin

And let the hunger games begin

 

 

 

Jeongin lays on his stomach and instantly turns on the instagram app. What could he come up with as his nickname? What English words can I even think of now that starts with a? Oh, Ackerman?! But Lixie-hyung wouldn't shorten it to six letters... Or if he did, he would say so. Apple? Too short and no relations to Lixie-hyung... But does it really have to be related?.. Africa... Australia would fit with the meaning, however not by length... Student narrows his eyes while deep in thoughts. Oh, I know! He doesn't spare a second, typing out "aussie_" in the account search bar. And two digits... Could it be... 97? Jeongin instantly gets a suggestion with the exact nickname he came up with. The account is empty, just like a new one would look like, and on profile picture he can see a puppy that looks like a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. He doesn't even think twice before hitting the follow button and tuning back into their group chat to celebrate his win.

 

 

 

😏😍Levi Ackerman's Fandom😍😏

 

Yennie

Found him!!+

Well you, found you

 

Lixie

Huh?

So fast!!!

How?

 

Yennie

Well it's not a shocker when you have your nick as aussie_97

 

Kim Seungmin

Lol, it’s not him

 

 

 

What? Ok, it's not funny, but, Jeongin, he is just messing with you, calm down.

 

 

 

Yennie

What do you mean it's not him?

Stop playing

 

Lixie

Why did

You think

It's me???

 

 

 

Jeongin can slowly sense how familiar feeling of anxiety starts to crawl up his back, reaching his stomach. Dread and restlessness join.

 

 

 

Yennie

Isn't it obvious? You like Seungmin thus you would put on a dog as a profile pictyre and also you just created an account so that's why there are no posts yet?!??

 

Lixie

Ok

Fair enough

But why

Would I put

97???

 

 

 

Yang still tries to hold on the last bits of hope like it's a lifesaver, even though it's easy to come to the conclusion according to this chat's current vibe.

 

 

 

Yennie

What kind of question is that? Of course, because you are obssrsed with Jungkookb?!?!!!

 

Lixie

Oh my god

 

Kim Seungmin

Reasons why aussie_97 couldn't be and isn't Lixie: 1) 97, good point about Jungkook, but it isn't a fan account! 2) I'm not similar to cavalier king Charles spaniel!! 3) That account has over 100 followers and same with following others. Lixie can reach those numbers easily, however he firstly wanted us to follow him and vice versa.

 

 

 

Well, fuck.

 

 

 

Yennie

Omh

Then who thew hell did O follow??!

 

Kim Seungmin

I have no idea, but you better unfollow while it's not too late

And make your acc private

 

 

 

Phone dings and Jeongin's eyes drift to the new notification "aussie_97 started following you." Well, at least there are no awkward texts from them. With this exact thought comes the new message. The new message from aussie_97. Double fuck.

 

***

 

1.

 

aussie_97

Hi!! Not intending to sound rude, but do we know each other?😮

 

 

 

Oh no... They speak English. Like, I know, their nickname is Aussie and English is like the most spoken language, but I'm not perfect at it and the situation I'm in right now is so messy and I need to stop overthinking and just answer their message!

 

 

 

wjddls.010208

I am so sorry

And sorry for my Englihs before hand

This situation is really messy but we most definitely don't know each other

I though you were my friend Lixie-hyung and well you a4en't

Sorry

I will stop bothering you right this instany

 

aussie_97

Hey, it's all good, no stress, really! And you are not bothering me!!

The situation is kinda interesting! And don't worry I'm not mad or anything! There is no reason for apologising

Just curious why my acc seemed like the one of your friend's (a fellow aussie I assume)?;D

 

 

 

Ok, they seem nice and chill... Jeongin has some troubles while trying to calm his erratically beating heart and his fingers don't stop shaking as it lingers over his chest, however he feels much better than mere minutes ago hovering over the edge leading to the pure terror. He knows that all this is over the social media and stuff, but it was and still is a bit terrifying.

 

 

 

wjddls.010208

Omg it's so silly actually

He jsut created an account adn thought we should to try and guess it (not without hint) and I just saw Aussie and the cutre puppy on profile picture and I was like it's him

 

aussie_97

Thank you for complimenting Berry!! She is a sweetheart really

And you said your English is bad... All man do is lie xD (we will ignore all typos for now)

Oh, so Lixie-ssi is not only an aussie, but also was born on the same year as me - 1997??

 

 

 

Huh, a Korean suffix?

 

 

 

wjddls.010208

Adorable name for a dorable puppy! She looks so cute!!!

Why do you think I am a man?

My English is terrible I feel like I make lots of mistakes and have no feeling of where the punctuatiins are

No he was born on 2000 but I thought that he will use 97 because he is obsessed ove rJungkook (forgot that he wasn't creating a fan account)

Sorry for my curiosity but do you maybe have some relations with Korea?

 

aussie_97

Right now she is by my side, sleeping after an evening walk we just had^^

You said hyung thus you are a man xD

Believe me, I do A LOT of punctuation mistakes and I mean A LOT (autocorrect is saving me in every message😃)

Jungkook, let's be real, we all are a bit obsessed over him, aren't we?

Actually yes, my parents are Korean and I was born in Korea, but we moved to Sydney when I was reaaaaally young

 

 

 

Oh, so they are basically Korean... I wonder if they are he or she? They are only four years older than me. Well, at least they claim to be four years older. Jeongin goes for a minute to their account but there are no stories, photos that they are tagged in, nothing.

 

 

 

wjddls.010208

Awww I wish I had a dog

But it would be also too sad when the time to die come

True, I revealed it myself😅 Are you a man..?

Autocorrect is our savior

 

aussie_97

Okay, stop, no more sad thoughts!! No more thoughts about rainbow tinted trail...

Yup, I'm!!

I just cannot disagree

 

wjddls.010208

Wait, so you do know some Korean?

 

aussie_97

Maybe, I do

Or maybe I don't

😉

 

 

 

Jeongin feels how his cheeks heat up seeing the winking face, and the messages itself look a bit mocking.

 

 

 

wjddls.010208

Are ypu teasing me and trying to see how bad can I be at English?🤔

 

aussie_97

Might be true :3

Wait wat?

Nooo, you are really good!!

 

wjddls.010208

😳😳

Anyways I should go to sleep it already 2am

 

aussie_97

Right, we are not even in the same time zone

 

 

 

Right, we are most definitely from different time zones, but are we like really far from each other..? Are we even in the same continent?

 

 

 

wjddls.010208

How bad it is? Are we in the different ends of the world?! 😖

 

aussie_97

Actually, we are like just one hour apart😃

Of course, if you live in Korea, which, I assume, you do

 

wjddls.010208

Omg just 1hour?!?!??

Wait...

 

aussie_97

I mentioned I live in Sydney, did you forget?XD

 

wjddls.010208

Exactly 🤦 And your nickname 🤦

 

aussie_97

Yes...🙈 Although I would still be an aussie anywhere xD

Anyways, I'm glad that we are just one hour apart!!

 

 

 

Yeah, it could be much worse... Even though we are indeed in different continents and far from each other. But why do I care already, for all I know he could be a creep. Maybe it's not even he, I can never be sure what is behind the screen...

 

 

 

wjddls.010208

Yeah!! We are really lucky!

 

aussie_97

Indeed

I have a weird suggestion xD

Can I?

 

 

 

Oh no... That doesn't sound promising. What if he is about to suggest for us to become some friends with benefits? Or ask for some feet photos? A lot of what ifs and only one way to figure it out. I can block him anytime.

 

 

 

wjddls.010208

Yes? I guess

 

aussie_97

So okay, yes, you were right about me knowing some Korean and I have friends that I speak to in Korean, but we mostly get so engrossed in our conversations that no one really bothers to correct each other

So I wanted to ask maybe you could help me with Korean? Just by chatting

And I could help you with English as well!!

Of course if you would be down for that

 

 

 

Jeongin is a bit dumbfounded. The suggestion was so unexpected and he kind of feels how stupid it was of him to think of aussie_97 negatively. Shame overwashes him as new messages quickly appear on the screen.

 

 

 

aussie_97

Are you still here? Because if you don't want to you don't need to agree to this! It's fine really! I just thought of it as of a great opportunity

A bit dumb of me to offer it at the end of our first chat...

Right

You can forget it!

 

wjddls.010208

Hey chill

My answer is yes

That's a great offer!

 

aussie_97

Wait wait...

Really?

 

wjddls.010208

Of course

It seem like you are a good conversationt and I could go with some more English practice

 

aussie_97

Wow

O.O

Thank you!

 

 

 

Adorable. He is adorable.

 

 

 

wjddls.010208

I really want to keep chatting but I really need to go... Tomorrow lectures

But before I go because we already agreed to chat I want to know tour name

 

aussie_97

Chan

My Korean name is Chan

Or you can call me Christopher or Chris if you want :3

 

wjddls.010208

Nice to meet you Chan! I'm Jeongin!

 

aussie_97

Okay

Now goodnight, Jeongin!! We will discuss other things after your sleep and lectures

Or just after sleep ;D

 

wjddls.010208

Because you are older: Goodnight Chan-hyung! And pass goodnight to Berry+

 

aussie_97

Will do!!

Now bye bye~

 

 

 

Shortly after notifying his friends that he just successfully "repaired the damage" Jeongin turns off Wi-Fi and puts his phone away on the table, head full of today's events. He is a bit afraid of what is waiting for him next in the near future. However, fear is not the only emotion, there is also detectable excitement. I shouldn't forget to be careful and alert at any time.

 

2.

 

It has been over two months since Jeongin and Chan started their little arrangement of practicing language through chatting and, in Jeongin's opinion, it's going really great. Sometimes they message each other all day and sometimes they can only contact each other in the late evening. However, they haven't missed a single day and Yang already feels more confident of his English language abilities especially with Chan constantly complimenting him for getting better and sounding more and more natural; he really believes that those practices are working. Of course, as expected, Chan's Korean is already really good, there are many days when Jeongin has nothing to correct (that results with him whining and Chan sending laughing emojis).

 

Without practicing language, they already succeeded in becoming close friends. Although, Seungmin, from the very start, warned Jeongin of dangers that could be hiding behind the screen (it was more of an eleven minutes long monologue, but Jeongin knows that his friend is only concerned for him and patiently listened to the whole public speech over video call feeling like he is on the lecture via zoom), but now Seungmin is more accepting seeing how Jeongin himself is happier with managing to make one more friend.

 

Jeongin is still amazed how Chan was able to make him open up so quickly, because he always needs time with new people, but with Australian boy they clicked almost instantly. Only some weeks of chatting and it was enough to make Jeongin feel welcomed. And that's exactly why he decided to share some big news with Chan today.

 

 

 

wjddls.010208

What

Are

You

Doing

?

 

aussie_97

Just

Chatting

With

Binnie

And

Minho-ya

Discussing

Some

Producing

Stuff

And

You?

*?

 

 

 

I just had an idea to start this conversation strangely and Channie-hyung immediately went along with this idea. Why is he like that? Why is he always that nice?

 

 

 

wjddls.010208

Just

Resting

After

Today

It

Was

A

Pretty

Long

Day

But

I

Am

Happy

 

aussie_97

Tell

Me

More

About

It

!!

And

Why

Are

We

Chatting

Like

That

?

XD

 

 

 

He didn't say that he thinks it is a strange way of chatting, he just asked the reason. Jeongin is actually smiling. Chan is like a fresh breeze near the calm ocean and he likes this aura that older is emitting.

 

 

 

wjddls.010208

I

Have

No

Idea

Ok, I think it's enough of this type of chatting

 

aussie_97

Oh

You

Really

Think

So

?

😈😈

 

wjddls.010208

😂😂😂😂

 

aussie_97

Okay okay, it's enough if you say so xD

I don't think there is a point for thinking of a conversation topic if we are still going to diverge and talk about other things?

I'm really curious about your pretty-long-day and obviously want to know why you are happy

OF COURSE I'M HAPPY FOR YOU TOOs

Don't get me wronh!

But aren't you usually the happiest because of chatting with me?😏

 

 

 

He is such an idiot and irreparable teasing flirt. Jeongin quietly snickers to himself, getting ready to tease Chan back, although his cheeks warm up quickly.

 

 

 

wjddls.010208

*too

*wrong

😇😇

 

aussie_97

Thinking you are so slick, aren't you? I can see you avoiding the question

 

wjddls.010208

Maybe I am

Maybe I am not

You will never know

😉

 

aussie_97

🙄🙄

Anyways

Back to the question, how was today??

You are Lright, right??

 

 

 

He is sooo caring I have no comments.

 

 

 

wjddls.010208

Ok

I don't really know how to start it, but I guess I should say it first

I'm gay, actually

 

 

 

Pause. Jeongin starts to panic that he said it too early into their friendship. What if Channie-hyung is not as accepting as he appeared through messages? Yes, internet may say that Australians are more accepting, but maybe not everyone. Of course, not everyone! And Channie-hyung also has Korean roots-

 

 

 

aussie_97

Yennie, I'm so proud of you for telling it to me. I know how much courage it can and is taking from one to come out, so I really appreciate rhe fact that you decided to tell it to me

(Also, not to ruin the coming out, but it looked like you were quoting Nick Nelson🤩)

 

 

 

OMG, Channie-hyung knows my fictional crush?! To think about it Nick Nelson kind of is a personification of a dog (just like Seungminnie-hyung, but also) like Channie-hyung. The hundreds (more like thousands) messages were enough for Jeongin to come to this conclusion.

 

 

 

wjddls.010208

(I will have to ignore that you literally NAMED my fictional crush and go on with my story, BUT we will have to talk about Nick right after my story time)

 

aussie_97

(Deal!!)

 

wjddls.010208

Ok, so today I came out to my parents

At first it didn't seem as a important topic that needs to be discussed with parents (read: me being scared and trying to lessen the important of me being gay) but only after sometime when they started asking me about any girl that maybe caught my interest in uni I decided that they should know that there are no chances for that

 

 

 

Jeongin stops texting, thinking that maybe Chan has and wants to add something. And he is right.

 

 

 

aussie_97

Oh, I'm really sorry that you felt kind of forced to come out... I know that it wasn't literal force, but their assumptions must have made you feel guilty for keeping quiet

And also, you are valid for feeling scared. I know that it's 21st century and such, but it is still scary to come out to someone. Family or friends, they are people who you don't want to lose, so again I'm really proud of you for coming out to your parents and me today

 

 

 

Only when Jeongin loudly sniffles, he notices the tears that are cascading down his face. He lets out a wet laugh, still feeling glad that Chan made sure all these things reached him. His coming out wasn’t the worst, but older’s messages successfully found not only his mind, but heart and settled there comfortably. With shaky fingers, Jeongin affords to type out response.

 

 

 

wjddls.010208

Will be riggt bacl

Meed to stop cryi h

 

aussie_97

Wait what?

Noooo

It wasn't my intention

Omg, did I say sometjing wrong?

I'm really sorry I thought my message will hmgive you some comfort and not make you cry

 

wjddls.010208

It"@ happy tears

Don't worry, Channie-hyunv

*hyung

You ahve no idea how I needed to heart it

Read it

Wanted and needer

 

aussie_97

I wish I could be there, near you, and give you a hug

 

 

 

Jeongin's eyes widen, rereading the last message he received from Chan. He needs to rub his eyes a few times to get rid of blurriness from the tears, but Jeongin is sure he got the text correctly. With deep breath student fills the message square.

 

 

 

wjddls.010208

I wish it too

 

aussie_97

🙁

 

wjddls.010208

2mins max amd I will be ready to keep on with my story

 

aussie_97

Don't worry+!

Take your time, we are not in a rush or anything

 

wjddls.010208

Still a little bit blurry, but let'd continue

 

aussie_97

You really okay to go?

We can postpone this conversation or drop it completely

I know you most probably were happy because of it and it's safe to assume it went well, however, recalling it can make you feel more and more emotions especially when you just went through it and it can exhaust you too much...

 

wjddls.010208

Believe me, if you were here I would suffocater you with my hugs

 

aussie_97

😳😳

I mean, I'm not against it🤗

We can cuddle 24/7!!~

 

 

 

Warmth and longing. I shouldn't feel these emotions considering the fact that Channie-hyung is my new new friend, but his messages... They make me shiver. Why am I like this? Probably still high from all the events that happened today.

 

 

 

wjddls.010208

Ok, stop it, we cannot really do that so we should focus on something we can do, which is discuss the story!!

 

aussie_97

And we also will need to talk about Nick Nelson😉

 

wjddls.010208

Yes, that too!

Ok, so to continue with my story I gathered them alk on the afternoon (and by all I mean parents and both brothers too) and I just said it without beating around the bush, because I knew if I will keep on dragging that, in the end it will only make me feel worse so I just said it and then it was silent. For a really short time and before my parents could react and/or I start panick, eldest brother got up and hugged me tightly... I can barely remember when we were hufging like that. Like you know, with honesty and not just half-hearted greeting/farewelling hug. I have no idea if I make sense here, but hope you get me

And he said that he is proud of me and that to whom I feel attracted to won't change what I'm like and I feel like these words weren't only meant for me but also for my parents to hear

Also my little brother joined the hug so I felt really safe, because I knew that even if my parents would say something like "it's a phase it will pass" or worse, my brothers support me

But my parents were also fine with it? Like dad said something like "I know we don't really understand how you feel, but you are still you, our Yennie, who we love" which I was reaaaaaally surprised to hear from him!

Mom nodded, agreeing with him, said that it will take time to get used to the idea, but she is happy if I'm happy and it doesn't matter what gender will be the persin who will hold my hand jn the end

It will take time to get used to it, but I'm not planning to go up to the altar tomorrow soo

 

 

 

Jeongin sighs out smiling to himself, although his smile still wavers from time to time. He is so happy that coming out went well, both with his family and with Chan, they are his closest people excluding Hyunjin, Jisung, Felix and Seungmin whom were the first ones he managed to come out to. The night full of tears, hugs and comfort still fresh in his mind.

 

 

 

aussie_97

That sounds so touching and I'm really glad that it went well!! Like mine honestly

 

wjddls.010208

??

 

aussie_97

Right... I myself already came out to my parents and closest friends

Wait, that sounded wrong... I consider you as one of them of course!!

Even though we have been chatting for around 2months

I just didn't know when and how to start this conversation with you

*Came out as pan

 

 

 

Maybe it's enough of this heartfelt moment? Jeongin chuckles quietly deciding that he can tease Chan a bit.

 

 

 

wjddls.010208

Consider me as one of your parents? Lol

 

aussie_97

Omg you know what I meant xDdd

We are chatting just as much as I with my best friends so of course I would want you to know about me as much as I'm willing to share

And as much as you want to listen

 

wjddls.010208

Believe me, there aren't a thing as me nor wantinf to hear you out

Be sure of that

 

aussie_97

I'm really happy to hear it!

Same goes to you

 

wjddls.010208

^^

Ok, I'm already embarrassed

 

aussie_97

Believe me, you will get over this embarrassment, especially when there is nothing to feel uncomfortable about

Should I maybe go over your texts to correct all the mistakes?😊

 

wjddls.010208

STOO TEASING MER

 

aussie_97

I'm not sure I'm following xD

 

wjddls.010208

Ugh... 😠

 

aussie_97

Cute

 

 

 

Even though Jeongin is really curious how Chan looks like, he is glad that they aren't on video call because he is hiding his heated face into the blanket, cursing Chan's boldness in his mind. When he lifts his head to their chat, he is greeted with a couple of new messages.

 

 

 

aussie_97

Okay okay😃

Soooo, about Nick Nelson!^^

 

3.

 

It's been six months since Chan sent first message to Jeongin and to the younger it still feels unreal. He has never been one of those people to get along with new acquaintances like that all the more everyday have something to talk about. All of his friends were met either in his hometown during childhood or through his mutual friends, that's second reason why those six months still feels like an illusion made up by boy's exhausted mind.

 

Sometimes Jeongin would feel miserable and alone, but he noticed how just one message from Chan would brighten his mood instantly. The older could simply react to meme with one word and smile unconsciously would appear on Jeongin's face.

 

But with getting familiar doubts appear.

 

And even as trusting as Jeongin is of Chan, sometimes his worn-out self can only fear that suddenly he will get a message from aussie_97 that will be saying "hahaha you believed in this poorly made-up story? There is no your Channie-hyung from Australia, how dumb are you to believe in it?" Of course, he doesn't feel that doubtful every minute, however with time passing so quickly he spends more and more nights overthinking.

 

 

 

aussie_97

That's how Binnie and Minho-ya met each other!! Thankfully, they are long over that primary awkwardness and are more likely to became allies against me if needed

Or if not needed as well

 

wjddls.010208

Awww, poor you... Needing to constantly watch over your back

 

aussie_97

That's what one gets having thise two as their best friends :,)

Of course, I'm not complaining!! But you know, sometjmes it's tiring

*sometimes

 

wjddls.010208

*those xD

Not hard to imagine!!

Can I ask you something..?

 

 

 

Jeongin is impatient and wants to be done with his doubts as soon as possible, so now he is sitting at his writing desk, right leg bouncing anxiously. Thankfully, answer comes rather quickly.

 

 

 

aussie_97

Yeah, sure!!

No need to ask if you can!

 

wjddls.010208

Do you ever wonder how it is like on the other side of the screen?

 

aussie_97

Sounds like we are from different alternative dimensions xD

 

wjddls.010208

HEY

I' akmost sure you know what I meant!

 

aussie_97

*I'm almost

So the question is... Do I ever wonder how you live like? I thought what you were sharing with me kind of sums up how the life is on the other side of the screen, no?

 

 

 

Ok, even though I did get better in English sometimes my messages don't sound clear enough so I still have area to improve. Jeongin unconsciously takes his squishy dumpling stress toy and starts squeezing it with one hand, other one busy replying to Chan.

 

 

 

wjddls.010208

Well, yeah

Wait let me rephrase

Do you ever wonder how I look like?

 

aussie_97

Ohhh you meant that

Sometimes

Ok, maybe quite often, but it really depends on how you describe word "often"

Of course, I'm curious how you look like, but does it really affect me not knowing this additional fact about you on a daily basis, I don't think so

Why? Are you curious about how I look?😉

 

wjddls.010208

Yes!

 

aussie_97

😳😳

So straightforward

 

 

 

Oh no, was I really too straightforward? Well, obviously, I'm curious, but answering in no time clearly wasn't my wisest idea. Now try to solve it yourself, Jeongin...

 

 

 

wjddls.010208

I mean... I have been curious about that from our first chat. Maybe it has to do something with the fact that I have never had a close friend made over internet and not in real lifer and always knew how the oerson on the other side of the screen looks like

And not knowing how you look

 

aussie_97

Makes you feela bit unsafe?

 

wjddls.010208

Yes

How did you..?!

 

aussie_97

Come on, Yennie... We have been talking for almost half a year! I cannot read your mind etc. but I can guess or recognize some of the emotions you are showing quite openly

 

wjddls.010208

Ohh, right...

So I wanted to suggest for us tk exchange selfies?

Photos

Anything

 

 

 

After Jeongin asked the persistent question that has been bothering him for a while he can finally breathe in deeper and go over Chan's words again. Almost half a year? Time flies quickly or maybe Channie-hyung has to do something with the way time is being comprehended in my head.

 

 

 

aussie_97

Well... I don't think I'm that against it. However, I should warn you that I'm not that good looking. Or even average looking

I just really hope that we won’t stop chatting after I reveal how I look like...

 

wjddls.010208

I-

Channie-hyung

No, of course no!

Your looks, it wouldn't change anything

And in no way I'm gorgeous or something so no self look belittling speeches! We all are unique and beautiful in our own way, you know?

 

aussie_97

You know that you just contradicted yourself in one message?

 

wjddls.010208

Oh shut up

 

aussie_97

Just sayin'😉

 

 

 

Jeongin founds himself pouting and blushing furiously experiencing Chan being flirty with him. It's not a rare situation, however, Jeongin most probably won't ever get used to it.

 

 

 

wjddls.010208

Anyways, I could start? Especially, if it would make you feel more at ease

 

aussie_97

Yeah, yes, that works with me

Only if you are okay with that..?

 

wjddls.010208

I wouldn't suggest it if I wasn't okay, would I? 😃

 

 

 

Jeongin was ready for this moment. He already discussed it with his four friends and they all together chose the first photo that would be suitable for introducing to Chan how Jeongin looks. "It perfectly encompasses your usual self - adorable and goofy" Hyunjin has said over the zoom call and everyone agreed instantly.

 

 

 

wjddls.010208

Ok, here goes nothing!

 

 

 

Silence. That's what Jeongin is met with and he starts to get fidgety all over again. Maybe Channie-hyung thought I look too silly or childish or both and he just decided to stop our chatting? This photo wasn't suitable, right? Did I lose a friend over it? Or maybe Channie-hyung just felt too pressured to send his photo and decided to leave me on seen?.. Channie-hyung is only a friend on social media, he might have not even been honest with me for the longest time, but why do I still feel hurt left like that?.. What- Jeongin's phone dings.

 

 

 

aussie_97

Ooiu89oiiiookjklo

 

 

 

Be it anyone else Jeongin would have called them out instantly for that keysmash, but it is Chan... His precious Channie-hyung... I'm a hypocrite and perfectly aware of that.

 

 

 

aussie_97

There is no way in hell I will send my horrible self after seeing how cute and pretty you are😳😤

 

 

 

Ok, I was too quick to judge. Too quick to overthink. Jeongin sighs out trying to ignore how Chan just called him "cute and pretty", but his heart reacts to it either way.

 

 

 

wjddls.010208

Stop! What I said about self look belittling speeches?

 

aussie_97

You said no

To those

But

 

wjddls.010208

I said no to those and there are no "buts". That is final

You are not allowed to do it. Not here, nor anywhere

 

aussie_97

😔

 

wjddls.010208

And don't 😔 me

As I said we all have something beautiful in ourselves

 

aussie_97

You? For sure!

Me? Not possible

 

wjddls.010208

Let me judge it for myself, okay? You already have a beautiful soul

 

 

 

Again silence stretches for couple of minutes and Jeongin wants to message something to check in on, but suddenly he gets notification on Instagram. Channie-hyung posted something for the first time?

 

 

Caption says "It wouldn't change anything, right?" Jeongin feels dumbfounded. How in the hell it happened? Why aussie_97 literally had to be the most beautiful man I have ever chatted with? Like is he for real? It doesn't even look like he was seriously posing, not looking at the camera... But he looks like a Greek god and I wish I was hyperbolizing it, but I really am not. I know Lixie-hyung, a fellow aussie, who is really pretty, but Channie-hyung is on the whole another level, what the hell?

 

 

 

aussie_97

Well, now you can

 

wjddls.010208

"My horrible self" my ass

You are drop dead gorgeous and saying something less than that is literally a crime, Channie-hyung

 

aussie_97

You really think so?o.o

 

wjddls.010208

And you really don't think so? I think I will make this my routines to wake up every morning and start the day by complimenting you

 

aussie_97

I

😳

Thank you, Yennie

 

 

 

Channie-hyung compliments me so easily, but is shit at receiving those... He is literally someone that should be protected and appreciated always. I will make sure that he is treasured every day.

 

 

 

wjddls.010208

No need to thank me for my honest opinion

And just for the record I really think smile would suit you

 

aussie_97

Just so you know, you just made me smile extra wide

 

wjddls.010208

Photo or it didn't happen!

 

aussie_97

Oh you sleeky fox

Sorry, but I think my self-exposing battery is too low now...

 

wjddls.010208

Oh, I totally I get you... And I think it's time for bed

 

aussie_97

Yeah, you should go to sleep

 

 

 

This won't work with me, Channie-hyung. Not today.

 

 

 

wjddls.010208

*we should go to sleep

 

aussie_97

Calling me out like that... I guess I have no choice, but to follow you to the dream land

 

wjddls.010208

Will we meet in our dreams?

 

aussie_97

Definitely!^^

 

 

 

Jeongin purposefully misses to comment on Chan's post caption that was surely directed at him. "It wouldn't change anything, right?" Jeongin isn't sure yet.

 

Maybe it will.

 

4.

 

It did change some things.

 

Of course, nothing happened overnight, but Jeongin is sure that the photo (or at this point, several) indeed had some influence on their relationship. Feelings intensified eightfold if not even more. There wasn’t a day, a two-hours time stamp that Chan wasn't present in Jeongin's mind and he couldn't complain. He, actually, liked having thoughts about his older friend, it gave him warmth, although it still couldn't compare to the happiness that caught him every time he saw a new notification from Chan.

 

At first his friends joked, asking when the wedding would be, however soon Jeongin got enough courage to confess to them, that maybe he indeed isn't thinking about Chan only as an internet bestie anymore. It was already scary to say it to his friends out loud, but they took this news positively, sharing their thoughts and comforting Jeongin. From what Jeongin’s friends heard, they had their suspicions about Chan's feelings towards him as well. It looked kind of obvious from their point of view.

 

And even now, when Jeongin managed to fall sick and not be in the best condition for his long conversations with Chan (a literal angel, who put Jeongin's health above everything and made sure to not tire him with messages, which Jeongin is thankful, but also he is Channie-hyung's-messages-deprived) he still thinks about him.

 

It's 3am and Jeongin is on his fourth cup of tea still feeling as if his head and nose are full of cotton, when he receives a message from Chan. He blinks confused. It's not a shocker to get messages from Channie-hyung at 3am. However, yesterday he made me promise to chat less and rest more. And to notify him of my health...

 

 

 

aussie_97

Yennie

 

wjddls.010208

Yes?

I'm here

 

aussie_97

Yennier

I nerd your hwlp

Plewsd

 

 

 

Jeongin is straining his mind, rereading the lines, trying to get what Chan is messaging him about and the reason behind many mistakes.

 

 

 

aussie_97

Van't see

 

wjddls.010208

*Yennie😅

*need

*help

Channie-hyung, are you drunk? So many mistakes o.o

Wait

Are you okayu??

Channie-hyung?

 

aussie_97

Cwnt brrathe

 

wjddls.010208

Calling you pick up

 

 

 

Jeongin can hear his heart pounding with fear right after receiving the concerning messages from Chan. Channie-hyung can't breathe. Channie-hyung needs my help. Will I be able to do something? Why is he not picking up, I'm already losing my mind-

 

Who appears on Jeongin's phone screen is not the boy, who he got used to seeing in a handful of posts and privately sent photos. At least, not in the same condition. There is nothing from the usually relaxed Chan's posture, timid, dimpled, smiles and twinkling eyes, smooth skin; the surrounding peaceful aura is gone.

 

Right now, Chan is in disheveled state, hunched over the phone and not really looking at the camera, every breathe is accompanied by a wheeze and eyes are squeezed shut, in general he seems like he is in great pain. And obviously panicking. Jeongin has helped some of his friends with panic attacks countless of times, but never through the phone. Now he needs to keep himself calm not to join his friend and spiral down to the depths of his own anxieties as right now he feels like someone is holding him in a chokehold. What to do? Ok, Jeongin, think, what do you do when you start panicking?.. What calms you down... He is quick to eliminate every single one of the activities that would require even an ounce of attention till it all clicks on one solution. He sits up straighter, not that Chan's, whose head is hanging low, focus is on the phone screen. It's hard to ignore Chan's obviously painful state, but Yang breathes in a shaky breath and starts singing.

 

"Your words, your face, I can’t figure it out // The hardest thing in the world is to gain your trust." Jeongin sings out, voice a bit hoarse because he is sick, but he is planning to continue and dares to lift his gaze to the screen. There he sees Chan looking at his phone, camera connecting their gazes. He seems surprised, maybe because Jeongin never really revealed that he can sing. Is singing his hobby? Of course, but is he good at it? Well besides the fact that his voice originally is different from the one that is right now. Jeongin flashes a little grin to the other boy, noticing how little pants are gone, and continues singing after receiving a hesitant smile back. It's working.

 

As soon as he finishes the song even the air is lighter. He can see how Chan's once tense muscles now are relaxed, he is already leaning against the bed, seemingly calmer, staring at Jeongin's soul from another part of the world. However, younger gets concerned seeing dry tear tracks on Chan's face.

 

"I should sing one more, right?" Jeongin suggests ready to do anything for Chan.

 

"B-but your voice and well-being..?" And it's the first time Jeongin hears Chan's voice. It's almost like he imagined, but not quite that. He could never expect to hear older stuttering, however the concerned Chan is not exactly a rare occurrence on their chats. Jeongin finally decides to put the phone on the desk (till then he was clutching it mercilessly out of dread). Channie-hyung is better now, I myself should calm down.

 

"It's ok, Channie-hyung, I'm fine." If hell was on earth, it would be in Jeongin's throat, but for Chan he can do almost anything, so he holds in. After receiving the smile from other boy, Jeongin starts singing yet another song. It passes quite quickly, especially while singing for Chan, who, to Jeongin’s amusement, would blush anytime their gazes meet.

 

After the song Jeongin deems that Chan is calm enough for the conversation. "Hi." Chan's surprised chuckle reaches Jeongin.

 

"Oh, right, we didn't greet each other! Hi." Chan is definitely calmer, however Jeongin is not sure if he should try and talk about what just happened.

 

"Wow, it’s nearing 4am." Jeongin chose wrong words and Chan's demeanor changes instantly. He hesitates, not saying anything more, but it's apparent that he doesn't want to cut their call. And Jeongin shares the sentiment. "Do you want to talk about it? Or maybe you just want to chill with some movie? I will be also present, of course." Jeongin suggests eyeing his companion curiously.

 

"Can we talk about it some other day? I could really use some movie right now." Chan looks a bit sheepish and hesitant as if Jeongin could disagree with him and force him to open up about the situation. Instead Jeongin just smiles encouragingly and nods. I could never refuse him anything and it's quite scary. Is it even a good thing..?

 

"Of course, just say the word and we can spend this call however you want Channie-hyung." And here are the beautiful twinkling eyes I have missed.

 

"Wait, repeat that." Chan asks Jeongin and he doesn't even hesitate to do as asked.

 

"Say the word and we can spend this call however you want Channie-hyung..?" Jeongin raises his eyebrow, looking at the screen, hoping he could detect the answer on Chan's face, but he doesn't need to put much more effort as older reveals the reason behind this favor.

 

"I like how it sounds... You saying my name." Jeongin feels as if he has reached pearly gates, his cheeks catching fire similarly to his heart.

 

"Oh..." He lets out unintelligibly, at a loss for words. This territory is foreign to him as it's the first time Chan is complimenting him while staring right at his eyes even if through the phone's screen.

 

"Yennie."

 

"Mm?" Jeongin is only able to make a sound, still baffled by the compliment.

 

"You have a really beautiful voice." Come on, just end me with neverending compliments, will you? Channie-hyung, stop doing THIS to my heart...

 

"T-thank you... This means a lot, especially when you are producing music stuff yourself. I really value your words." Maybe Jeongin looks like he is fine on the outside, but his insides are in chaos. He decides to change the topic. "But really, are you alright to watch a movie?"

 

"I'm fine. Better now that we are talking." Younger is afraid to let himself trust that Chan's words are leaning more to the romantic field.

 

"Don't say it like that." Jeongin can hear his voice slightly waver.

 

"Huh?" Chan tilts his head, confusion drawn across his face, but Jeongin cannot take his words back.

 

"Don't say it like you mean it." And something breaks in Chan's face, Jeongin can see it on the grim smile that appears shortly after.

 

"Yennie... I know I just had an panic attack and can look like I'm high on emotions, but I would never say such serious things offhandedly. I mean it, Yennie. This is sincere." And how can Jeongin not believe it, especially when seeing Chan who wears his heart on his sleeve.

 

"Thank you, Channie-hyung. I know it will look like I'm saying that as if I feel owing, but talking to you, every day, those are the highlights of my days." And then they share a smile. A happy, but also peacefully serene, the one that they only share with each other.

 

5.

 

They ended up watching "Ice Age: The Meltdown". Jeongin had two reasons behind offering this exact movie: 1) Not long time ago Chan started rewatching "Ice Age" series and stopped at first part, as far as Jeongin knows. 2) Animated movie sounds light, just right what they needed. Especially, when Chan already saw it. They were quietly sharing their thoughts, but when Manny and Ellie reunite with the others on boulder Jeongin's remark is left hanging and he instantly understands that Chan fell asleep. One glance at the screen showed up older hunched up, eyes closed, cheek pressed to the pillow, breathing evenly. Jeongin falls asleep shortly after while looking at this adorable sight in front of him, wishing to be within reach.

 

On the next morning Jeongin is feeling much better, although he still has a bit higher temperature than he should. And of course, Jeongin's phone couldn't survive all night on the call with 20%. It is sad and kind of makes Jeongin restless. What if something happened? Maybe Channie-hyung woke up and had another moment of attack..? Jeongin's mind is a mess as he is plugging in his phone and turning it on. And in fact, the first thing that phone shows is incoming video call from Chan. Jeongin has half mind to make himself look presentable and answers.

 

"Hi, Channie-hyu-..?" He stops in the middle of his apologies seeing that on the other side of the line is definitely not Chan. However, now Jeongin remembers how Chan has mentioned that his friends just flew to Australia to visit him for few weeks. And because of many stories he has an inclining feeling that he knows the name of this friend, who is sitting and smiling widely.

 

"Hey! I don't need to introduce myself, do I? I suppose we know each other from Channie-hyung's talks... I hope he has mentioned Binnie at some point." Yes, just as I thought, it's Changbin-ssi - Channie-hyung's first friend, who lives nearby his grandmother in Korea. Jeongin nods in confirmation, rising one eyebrow, still lost as to why they are on the call. And where is Channie-hyung? Is he alright? "I'm on a short time right now, as Minho-hyung is literally looking after Channie-hyung, who is sleeping at the moment. In case if he wakes up, while we are still on the call, Channie-hyung won't notice that his phone is gone, which is very unlikely knowing how he messages you basically 24/7. I'm calling just to make sure that you and Channie-hyung are on the same page. Like what your intentions are... Are you not using him..." Boy needs some time to process all the information he just received. It seems that Chan hasn't said anything about his panic attack, but he is still sleeping so it's logical. It's not a conversation over text messages, more over when his friends are on the other side of the wall.

 

"Are you perhaps trying to give me a shovel talk?" He says it a bit teasingly and giggles seeing Changbin blush.

 

"You said it yourself!"

 

"I don't think you are sure of what you are doing yourself, aren't you?" Jeongin deems loudly and cocks his head at the conversationalist.

 

"Sorry! It's my first time doing something like that." Changbin scratches behind his head. However, Jeongin is really glad that Chan has friends like that, who care for him as much as Changbin and Minho.

 

"You mean it's not usual for you to secretly use Channie-hyung's phone?" Grin stretches on Jeongin's face.

 

"STOP IT!" And it makes Jeongin laugh, now he knows what Chan meant by how entertaining it is to tease Changbin.

 

"Eitherway," - Jeongin starts knowing that he can answer honestly, Changbin is just being a good friend to Chan, looking out for him - "I can say one thing for sure. We both really care for Channie-hyung."

 

"Plus Minho-hyung!" Changbin quickly adds and Jeongin is on time to see some kind of glimmer in guy's face, however he is not going to point it out.

 

"Yes, plus him. Either way, I don't think my intentions matter. I'm only his internet bestie..." He smiles sadly. I guess us being from different continents was already a strong indicator that we are not meant to be.

 

"Hey, hey... No pity party! And I doubt that you are just his internet bestie. First of all, Channie-hyung is shit at replying, but not to you, Jeonginnie, never to you." Younger feels a little bit dazed, not only because Chan's friend already talks with him like with a longtime friend, accepting him so easily, but also because of his words. Indeed, he vaguely remembers how Chan in the first days of talking would take some time to reply. But after that his replies were and are quick unless he has a busy schedule or something like that. "Second, he keeps mentioning you in any and almost every conversation we have, like he is thinking about you all the time."

 

"Well, not all the time, let's be real..." Jeongin says, but one look at Changbin's face stops him.

 

"Thank you. Third, you have no idea how happy you make him. I have been the witness to how only mentioning your name or engaging into the conversation concerning you makes him smile and giggle like a lovesick teenager. There are lots of instances where we have been sure that Channie-hyung likes you a little bit too much for a simple friend. I know that it is scary to think about confession or something like that, especially, when you can't trust me and our observations like that. I mean, it's our first time talking, but please consider my words and try to detect some signs. His love hides in simplest acts. And you have my blessing!" He said so much and I really need time to go through all of this, try to find moments out of my head that would confirm-

 

"Mine too!" As soon as Jeongin traces the new voice, another guy appears on the screen.

 

"Minho-hyung?!" Changbin yelps silently, eyes widening in shock, Minho only slides on the narrow space between his friend and armrest and turns to the phone, smiling.

 

"Hi, I'm one of the closest Channie-hyung's friends-"

 

"What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to watch over Channie-hyung?" It's a mess but when Changbin mentions Chan Jeongin also starts nervously fidgeting, fingers tangling on his legs, teeth gnawing on his lower lip.

 

"Yeah, I was. But as soon as he woke up, he was rambling something about how to delete one's self from existence. Also, he mentioned how he messed up everything yesterday and how he needs to clear his mind with a refreshing shower before looking at his phone." If Channie-hyung thinks that he did a mistake calling me during that moment I will need to give him a piece of my mind. He is wrong and there is no way I'm not going to say it to him. "Conveniently, I said that it is hidden from him for now and Channie-hyung didn't have any question."

 

"Oh, his showers are short." Changbin remarks.

 

"Yeah." Minho sides while leaning his head on Changbin's shoulder.

 

"Yes..." Jeongin agrees, not really thinking about how that sounds. However, he gets gazes from both conversationalists almost immediately and realizes how that sounded.

 

"How do you know?" Minho asks wiggling his eyebrows suggestively and Jeongin's face goes beet red in seconds over implication.

 

"I..." The younger splutters, internally cursing himself for the embarrassing situation he just got himself into. "We had conversations about all sorts of things..." He tries to defend himself with whatever reaches his mind, but seeing Changbin and Minho with irritating smirks isn't helping.

 

"I'm almost sure Jeonginnie was counting minutes till he will be able to chat with our Channie-hyung again hundreds of times." Jeongin in seconds reaches the conclusion to flee from the call.

 

"Bye!" Jeongin ends the call abruptly. Heaving deeply a sigh of relief. Shit... How did I become so careless in such a short time? And so obvious to Changbin-hyung and Minho-hyung that they could guess that instantly. However, Jeongin is still happy that he finally got a chance to chat with Chan's closest friends, even though they got really comfortable with him in no time. He decides to message Chan right away, believing that Minho and Changbin aren't using his phone anymore.

 

 

 

wjddls.010208

Hi, how are you Channie-hyung?

I really hooe you are fine!

*hope

And sorry our call ended, my phone died ㅠ.ㅠ

And I hope your sleep was peaceful~

 

 

 

The answer from Chan comes quickly - in about ten minutes. Shouldn't he be with Changbinnie-hyung and Minho-hyung?

 

 

 

aussie_97

Hi! Can you talk??

Like right now?

 

 

 

This makes Jeongin shove the rest of the sandwich in his mouth and message back hastily.

 

 

 

wjddls.010208

Yes!

Of course

 

 

 

Differently from first call, Jeongin is now nervous for another reason. Thoughts of how Chan will see the real him this time and dislike him are spinning in Jeongin's head, but the distraction comes in the form of video call coming from Sydney.

 

This time Chan looks like a different person, he just got out of the shower and it is obvious from the towel hanging around his neck and damp hair, he sits comfortably, leaning over the headrest of his bed. To compliment his appearance, the room is bright, of course, it's the case at 1pm. However, Channie-hyung still looks a bit nervous, biting his lip, and his eyebrows furrowed... Why?..

 

"Channie-hyung, did something happen?" Jeongin hears his own voice going up with worry, but that coaxes a smile out of Chan.

 

"Yeah, no... About yesterday..." Now it's apparent that he is anxious, getting lost between what he wants to voice out.

 

"Channie-hyung, it's okay, it's just me. Hi." Jeongin keeps his voice serene and mellow, not urging Chan to talk, just greeting him casually, in hopes to calm the boy on the other end of the call. And he succeeds.

 

"Thank you, and I'm so sorry, Yennie. Last night, I really didn't think you would be online. I'm really really sorry-"

 

"Hey, Channie-hyung, breathe, yeah? Slow down, ok? You are ok, right? How are you?" The younger asks, intentionally controlling the conversation, changing the topic, turning everything not only about him alone, but about both of them.

 

"I'm okay, but you... You were sick! And still, I-" Chan now is leaning over the phone and Jeongin almost feels the concern going towards him in waves.

 

"And you didn't do anything. Channie-hyung, we all sometimes need help and I think we can depend on each other. You helped me many times already and you totally can lean on me when something is bothering you. I will be only happy to help you." I wish, you would see what I see, feel what I feel when I'm thinking about you...

 

"I... Well yeah, but... Wait-" Chan tries to form a sentence unsuccessfully and Jeongin takes this chance to address the situation at hand.

 

"I know it will take some time for you to accept this offer by me. To lean on me. But reconsider it when you have time. Not now, though. You have too much in your head already." And he sees how his words reach Chan, how he really thinks over what Jeongin said, hand lowering, not raking through his wet hair anymore, he finally relaxes. "I'm glad to see you like this. Out of all worries." Australian's dimpled smile brightens the atmosphere even more. I love this kind of smile. I love Channie-hyung’s dimpled smile so much.

 

"Oh, and about the reason." Jeongin wants to interrupt him, to assure that it's ok not to share it, but Chan notices it. "I know, I know, you would say that I'm not obligated to share, right?" Jeongin nods eagerly. "But it's really not that deep, especially when I think about it now, with a not overwhelmed, exhausted mind. I was thinking about the future... It's scary to think about it alone, I don't have excitement about its unpredictability and yesterday, well tonight, it was clearly too much for me." Oh no, the sad smile that I despise so much, quick, I need to say something. Jeongin's mouth filter conveniently stops working.

 

"I know what you mean by that, scary future... But that's how life is, I guess, we will never know for sure what will happen next. However, we will always have someone to support us, you will have your family, friends... Eventually, you will have me." Jeongin emphasises and even though he often humbles the importance of himself in someone's life it seems that self confidence in this conversation is essential for Chan, who is a bit surprised by younger's words. "You don't have to step into the future by yourself, Channie-hyung, you will always have me."

 

"Thank you... Sorry, I don't know what to say more other than you will always have me as well." Those words brighten Jeongin and he sends smile to Chan. "And also, I still need to apologise for tonight. I fully didn't expect you to answer... And because I thought you were sleeping it was safe for me to try and concentrate on only one task - write how I feel during the episode." Sheepish, but honest answer and Chan looking like a puppy, who did something bad and fears that owner will be mad at him.

 

"But I wasn't sleeping." Jeongin simply states. And I'm glad that I wasn't sleeping at that time. Don't want to think what could have happened if...

 

"Yes, you weren't sleeping. Thanks to my luck, I was able to calm down..." He sees Chan hesitating about his next words, but only one look he shares with Jeongin lets him decide. "Only because of you being there with me as well." If Jeongin was glad mere seconds ago, now he is over the moon, not seeing clearly because of how widely he smiles, but still manages to hear Chan's giggles.

 

"I hope you didn't go to sleep too late after me falling asleep, right? We were talking roughly till 6am so 5am your time, been on the call for..." And Jeongin sees how Chan looks intently at his phone. During the time when Jeongin appreciates the beauty on the screen, his eyes widen remembering the call he had with Changbin and Minho. "Yennie, we didn't have a call today before this one, right..?" The question makes Jeongin laugh nervously. Ok, he figured it out, my reaction gave everything away. I'm doomed.

 

"Yes, that's right." He lowers his head down, and lifts his eyes at Chan, who stumbles over his next words.

 

"But... But you did have a call with my account, yes?"

 

"Yes..." At that moment Jeongin sees how Chan goes through five stages of grief. In the end covering his face with hands. Adorable.

 

"Oh my... What did Minho-ya and Binnie said?.." Jeongin is glad that Chan isn't angry. But he looks a bit frightened, so Jeongin hurriedly assures him.

 

"Don't worry about that! Let's say we had a nice little chat, because they were really concerned about you and wanted to make sure I'm a good person." In answer he gets a groan from clearly flustered Chan.

 

"It's so embarrassing, the hell... Why did they have to do it? I knew Minho-ya acted suspicious this morning..." Jeongin can't surpass his giggles that draws Chan's attention and younger finally gets a glimpse of guy's bright eyes.

 

"I would want to talk with you more, but you probably should already go to them. They came to Australia to spend time with you after all." Chan leans back over the headrest and rubs over his eyes. He still must be tired after that kind of night...

 

"Yeah, and maybe... I should open up about what happened tonight." Chan says and looks back at Jeongin through the device and Korean feels relieved hearing him admit that younger's idea was good.

 

"Yes... In case if that happens again, I wouldn't be the only one option. They could also help you." And they share a smile again, understanding each other on a level that is a little bit different from the ones they share with their closest friends.

 

"But before parting ways, could you sing for me again? Like now." Chan asks, leaving Jeongin shy. He really enjoyed my singing. For him, I could sing till my throat hurts again. He quickly collects himself.

 

"Oh, we both know you love me!" Jeongin teases expecting Bang Chan to react as usual - play along and in that way deny any Changbin's not long time ago revealed theories. Usually, Chan will just text something along the lines "of course, my precious Yennie" and put lots of emojis, but this time isn't like usual. Jeongin can easily see through the screen, how Chan blushes furiously.

 

"Stop! Just do it." Younger's heart skips a beat witnessing this scene in front of him. Could it be that I made him act like that? Voicing out the word "love" and him... Is it a proof that Channie-hyung sees me as something more than an “internet bestie”?

 

Jeongin chases off all those thoughts and starts singing, deciding to go with the same song he sang at night. It's not too hard knowing all the lyrics by heart, however this time he makes eye contact with Chan and holds it throughout the whole song. It was one of Jeongin’s childhood wishes - to sing a song to a person he likes. Romantically likes. Thoughts make him flush, but not as much as Chan's awestruck expression. This way song continues with a few giggles here and there, and Chan by his own also cannot contain joy inside. Only after the call is finished, he gets a message from Chan.

 

 

 

aussie_97

Thank you, Yennie

You might not have idea how you made me feel right now, I would want to thank you personally, in real life, but most probably that will have to wait

However, thank you again, having you means a lot to me

 

wjddls.010208

Aw... And you have no idea, how much you mean to me, hopefully we get a chance to meet soon!

 

aussie_97

Yes, that would be wonderfull...

Ok, I'm off or Minho-ya and Binnie... They will honestly hunt me down alive and yeah...

 

wjddls.010208

Ok, ok, I got it! Pass on "hi" from me and have a nice day touring!!^^

 

aussie_97

Hm... You just had a call with them🤔 But I will, don't worry~ Have a nice day as well, talk to you later!

 

 

 

I got an idea! I... I need to go and tell it to others! It takes no time for Jeongin to change chatroom's entering his friends' chaotic one.

 

 

 

😏😍Levi Ackerman's Fandom😍😏

 

Kim Seungmin

Not to offend anyone, but I really think Erwin should have been the one to survive and not just because of the possible loveline with Levi

 

Lixie

I agree

 

Jisung's only one

exactly... armin is a good character, however all of this because he wants to see the sea?.. when erwin is the one, who has lots of experiences in making strategies and leading them

ok, he is not the main, but still, do you have to be main to simply survive?

or do you have to be side character to die?

 

Kim Seungmin

This right there👌

 

 

 

Ok, I was not expecting to find them talking about it again, we already had a couple of conversations that concerned that "Attack on Titan" scene, but it's really not surprising... Hate that I need to break it.

 

 

 

Oblivious lovesick boy whose feelings are reciprocated

GUYS

Sorry to interrupt this discussion (which I agree to you wholly), but I need your opinion on one thing!!

 

Lixie's copy cat

im all ears for you

 

Kim Seungmin

I knew that you are ignoring me on purpose!!

 

 

 

Jeongin taps his fingers on his knee impatiently, seeing how another conversation is about to take place there.

 

 

 

Lixie's copy cat

of course im you are the one who refuses rto eventually change my nick its been like that for almost a year already😭

i just want to have a matching nick with hyunnie

thats all

 

Jisung's only one

aw... sungie🥰 we have matching ones on our personal chat, don't let this evil of a man to hurt you😔

 

Lixie's copy cat

❤️❤️

 

Kim Seungmin

I breathed..?

 

Lixie's copy cat

and that was enough

 

Lixie

Ooop🤯

 

 

 

Well, I guess, it's time to remind them that I'm still waiting.

 

 

 

Oblivious lovesick boy whose feelings are reciprocated

Guys...

 

Lixie's copy cat

oh right yennie go on!!

 

Oblivious lovesick boy whose feelings are reciprocated

So, apparently, maybe, Channie-hyung really has some feelings for me

 

Lixie

Ooop×2😳😳

 

Kim Seungmin

Okay, maybe it's time to change some of the nicks

 

Jisung's only one

happy to see that you aren't in denial anymore^^

 

 

 

Jeongin takes a deep breath. His idea might sound crazy to them, however, he feels that it's one of the best things he got to come up with in months. Jeongin just felt that it's the right thing right away and that says a lot.

 

 

 

Oblivious lovesick boy whose feelings are reciprocated

Yes, that's a good idea

And to add... I think I'm ready to make some plans that would end with me and Channie-hyung meeting up

In real life

 

***

 

+1

 

Ok, maybe Jeongin didn't think through this entirely. Yes, he can speak English quite well, however, understanding it with Australian accent is hard. I guess Channie-hyung was trying his best to keep the accent out when we were talking in English through video calls... He was wishing the best for me, but it turned out to make me stumble as now I'm wandering around the Sydney's airport.

 

Jeongin's plan was to surprise Chan and he already survived the tiring, fourteen hours long flight from Busan to Sydney, however now he is trying to find a place with free Wi-Fi. He is almost sure, he walked a few kilometers till he found some coffee shop that has free access.

 

As soon as he manages to connect to it, his phone vibrates with dozens of messages in different apps and chatrooms and he waits for it to quiet down. After, Jeongin is ready to give a notice to his friends that he landed in Australia successfully, but he gets new notifications about messages from Channie-hyung.

 

 

 

aussie_97

Can you send me your location?

Want to check something really quick

 

 

 

Jeongin's eyebrow quirks. A specific message about this particular situation. As if he knows that I'm here..? I don't think my friends contacted him, that would be out of blue and they wouldn't want to ruin my surprise, that I have been blabbering about for-

 

"Yennie?" And now Jeongin's breath hitches, because he sure as hell recognises the voice he only heard through his phone. He blinks and turns around slowly, eyes meeting Chan. The guy looks casual, cap over his head, black hoodie, jeans, a pair of sneakers; Jeongin can confirm long known fact that he is a couple centimeters taller than the older. He doesn’t look any different from Chan in the photos Jeongin saw or the video calls they shared. However, it's real Chan. Real Chan as in skin and flesh. Chan's eyes get the answer even before Jeongin says anything.

 

"Eh... Um, surprise..?" Very eloquent, Jeongin. But it's not important because now he is drowned in the black hoodie and spicy pink pepper with vanilla scent. He winds his arms around Chan's torso, trying to keep his emotions at bay, because this moment is making him blink more than he should.

 

"It's really you..." It's the first time they are hugging, but Jeongin already feels like he is addicted to this. Addicted to Chan. He doesn't want to let go, placing hopes that Chan is at the same page.

 

"Wha-what are you doing here? I'm almost sure Changbinnie-hyung and Minho-hyung left Australia like two weeks ago?" He hears Chan chuckling and it sounds even more entrancing in real life.

 

"Actually, funny story, I wanted to visit you in Korea." Ok, well now I really need to look at him. I don't believe he is real. He still keeps his hands around Chan, but pulls away a little till their eyes meet. "I have been wanting to do it for a while and it's like our chatting-"

 

"Chatting anniversary. Nine months ago we..." Jeongin is unable to finish and Chan's eyes are glistening. The older breaks their eye contact by throwing his head back.

 

"Hah... How did we even synchronise our travel dates? It's insane that we managed to meet each other at the airport out of all the places." Chan looks back at him and Jeongin spots one tear going down Chan's cheek. It makes the two of us letting our emotions show in this way.

 

"What are we going to do, Channie-hyung? We will be forced to part ways..." Unconsciously his fingers squeeze the foreign material, drawing in the sniffle, he pouts, Chan's small smile appears.

 

"I wanted to tell you this in person and well, we are here, so... I'm actually set on moving to Korea. Surprise!" Jeongin's eyes widen as soon as he registers what news he just heard. He is happy. He is so unbelievably happy that he just pulls Chan back into a hug and they both giggle simultaneously. "We discussed with Minho-ya and Binnie and decided that we will try our luck with some music companies in Korea. It has been our dream job for some time. So yeah, what I think right now, I will go back to Australia again in around week to take more stuff, but I could surely spend more time at my home country... With you..."

 

"I would love to." Jeongin breathes out, going slack like a sack of potatoes. Chan's firm embrace holds him from falling and he feels how older snuggles closer. Like a puppy.

 

"And I'm almost sure my family is not against taking you under their wing for the time being." It makes Jeongin realise that he will have to live some time only with Chan's family and be eaten alive in Australia doesn't sound tempting at all.

 

"Channie-hyung!" Jeongin complains weakly and Chan laughs loudly.

 

"Hehe... Don't worry, they most probably will spend the whole time embarrassing me. Honestly, how can I leave you?.." Rhetorical question is shortly followed by an airport announcement. Chan needs to go through passport control.

 

The pair pulls away and Chan brushes away Jeongin's tears, cupping face and standing on tiptoes to kiss his forehead. Boy's mouth falls open. I didn't expect... I mean, it's not possible to be ready for it, but... It's definitely not "simplest acts in which Chan's love hides"..? It was a big gesture. Unless...

 

"Did you bid farewell like that with Changbinnie-hyung and Minho-hyung as well?" He asks tentatively and Chan shakes his head, fond gaze directed towards Jeongin.

 

"No, Yennie, it's just you... You are different."

 

After the quick farewell between Chan and his family and making his parents promise to not show any embarrassing childhood pictures (Chan's mom whispered to Jeongin that she is crossing her fingers behind her back) they got to the car to go back to their home. When conversation cease to the silent trip with radio on, Jeongin draws out his phone to text Chan.

 

 

 

wjddls.010208

Before wishing you a good flight and answering hundreds of messages you left

When we will meet will we cuddle 24/7? Like you once promised

 

aussie_97

Yes, of course

When kilometers from 8009 will lessen to 0

 

wjddls.010208

Can't wait❤️

 

aussie_97

Me too❤️

 

Cut~

Notes:

-Jeongin has Chan’s instagram notifications on, that’s why he got the notification of Chan’s new (first) post right away!

Thank you for reading! Kudos/constructive criticism and just comments are highly appreciated!!^^ Have a good morning/day/night! :3

 

My Twitter