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Nestled within the gentle embrace of a suburban neighborhood lies a magnificent modern house, its sleek design standing out amidst the traditional architecture of its surroundings. Doyoung found himself standing in front of his friends' house, a sense of excitement and responsibility coursing through him. As he approach, a sense of awe washes over him, drawn in by its clean lines and contemporary aesthetic.
The exterior boasts large windows that allow natural light to flood the interior, while a minimalist color palette of whites, grays, and hints of wood creates a timeless appeal. Doyoung would definitely be an architect in this life if luck favors him that much, but there’s just things that he can’t afford to trade over uncertainty he thought to himself. So he just lets himself be mesmerized and critic this house that’s infront of him.
Johnny and Taeyong, known to be his two close friends back from their old hometown had entrusted him with the care of their home while they embarked on a week-long business trip. It was “out of nowhere” as Doyoung said in his mind when he and Taeyong was talking about it over a video call just the other day. It was a daunting task, Doyoung said to himself when he received an invite from Taeyong, but with their relationship, he completely brushed it off. Besides the fact that it’s been almost 5 years since he visited the couple from their own place. Doyoung was eager to prove himself worthy of their trust… and maybe he needed an escape and some rest from his doctorate responsibilities.
Stepping through the front door, Doyoung was greeted by the familiar sights and sounds of his friends' home. The cozy living room beckoned him to relax.
It’s only an hour before the couple leaves, so, they had a little chit chat as Taeyong shows him around while Johnny loads their already packed up things outside the front porch to their car.
“Ah, here, this is your room”
Taeyong gestured him to the door that’s in front of them as soon as they reached the second floor. Taeyong twisted the knob and he was greeted with a king size like bedroom and fully furnished room with the most modern furnitures. Doyoung looks around almost entering but completely stepping back quickly as he doubted if this is really his room or Taeyong was mistaken.
“You’re kidding? Isn’t this…”
he was stopped midway to his sentence when Johnny interrupted from behind
snaking his arms around Taeyong’s waist
“Nope, not our room… too basic to be our room” Johnny said nonchalantly and Taeyong laughs it off.
“Ours is located on the third floor, it’s the only room up there”
Taeyong continued before removing himself from Johnny’s arms as they continue to roam around the second floor.
There are three rooms on the second floor, it’s all identical on Doyoung’s room. The third floor is much wider since it only has one room. It’s spacious enough that the couple had place an indoor jacuzzi and sauna in it. Overwhelming as it seems, Doyoung was spared already when a deck of pool table welcomed him on the first floor before the sofa and the dining table.
“This is what being married to an old money rich person looks like”
Doyoung murmurs to himself. He thought. So Taeyong was quick to back him up
“Yeah, so why reject Kyuhy—“
Doyoung rolled his eye and quickly defends himself
“Stop… no we’re not talking about him. Just no”
They both laughed as Doyoung thought Taeyong would stop there.
“But why? Don’t tell me…” there was a pause before they looked at each other. Seems like Taeyong figured out with just the look on his bestfriends face.
“it’s still the Japanese guy you met on the train??” Taeyong stopped on their tracks as Doyoung didn’t answered and left him there.
“What the heck Doyoung??? How martyr can you get over a stranger! from a foreign country! and on a random train!”
Taeyong nags at him as they continue to walk around.
To Taeyong and Johnny, he’s a stranger, but for Doyoung, he’s not.
[Winter, Osaka 2019]
It was a cold night, Doyoung was sent to Japan for an exchange student program that his university assigned him. It’s snowing so heavy but after the convention ended, he decided to wander around.
Doyoung got out of his hotel completely covered in winter clothing. He may have familiarized himself at the place as it’s been two days since he got here, but tonight’s the only time he got to finally roam outside, he does some research about Osaka in his hotel room everytime he comes back from the convention so he’s ready whenever he had an urge to go out. So he’s definitely familiar.
He thought.
He got into this train that’s supposed to take him to Tokyo. He has nothing but a basic knowledge on the language that’s infront of him. He got off on a random station and he’s now looking at the signage that he can’t seem to figure out on how to read.
“Kadoma”
A stranger speaks beside him in a baritone voice, it’s also looking at the signage where Doyoung was looking intently. He was quick to look at the man.
It was a tall man with a mullet like long black hair in a half ponytail, wearing a petticoat and combat boots and more winter clothing inside. Eyes so big and doe with lashes so long too. Doyoung can’t also can’t help not to notice its pointy nose and crimson like lips despite of the cold weather.
“It says Kadoma Station”
The man spoke again, Doyoung was quick to fix his posture and face the guy blinking his eyes repeatedly before forming a thought and words to say.
“Ah… kadoma… shit…”
It was a curse that he let out before closing his eye for a second in embarrassment and disappointment, that made the stranger flash the most beautiful smile and a single chuckle. Doyoung swore that’s the most beautiful thing he saw after days of being in here.
“You’re a tourist aren’t you?”
He speaks English as well. Very well. Doyoung thought to himself.
“I… yes, too obvious I think?”
Doyoung asnwered deliberately as he looked around trying to avoid the eye contact the stranger is offering.
“Where are you supposed to head? If you don’t mind…”
The man asked him again as he fetch something on his pocket. His phone. He looked at it quickly before shoving it back inside.
“Tokyo”
The stranger nodded
“Come, I am heading the same way too”
They catch the next train and had a little to more conversation. The man is a local from Osaka and is a literature student that often leaves his hometown for exchange student programs. Doyoung was a bit delighted because they’re the same.
Nothing follows after that as they separated their ways the moment they both get off the train. They didn’t get to exchange their names nor contacts as Doyoung thought it would be weird.
And so Doyoung left Japan with only one thing on his mind. Or should I say “Person”
Hopelessly wanting and waiting to see the beautiful stranger he met on a cold night in Osaka again.
“It’s been four years” he muttered with a smile lingering on his lips.
“Yeah, and you’ve been single for four years because of that guy” Taeyong nagged him again.
Doyoung and Taeyong shared a few more chitchats before Johnny called Taeyong saying that they’re ready to go now.
They hugged each one last time other before bidding some goodbyes as Taeyong begins to walk towards the car only to pause midway and run to Doyoung again.
“I almost forgot, someone is staying here with you, a complete stranger don’t worry” Doyoung nods making Taeyong to continue
“We decided to offer the other room beside yours for an airbnb and someone booked it”
Taeyong was looking for something inside his bag but stopped when he realized it’s not there.
“What is it?” Doyoung asked
“I think I left it inside” Taeyong was about to step inside the house again when Johnny honked the car that made Taeyong jump making Doyoung laugh on the scenario.
“I’ll get it” Doyoung volunteers
“It’s just the key for the room!” Taeyong shouts walking away from Doyoung and finally getting into the car.
“Byeeee!” Taeyong waves his arm from the window and Doyoung waved back.
“Comeback safely!” Doyoung regards.
“Oh, and it’s not lo…” Taeyong shouts again but it’s incoherent for Doyoung to hear anymore as the car is already driving away.
A sigh left Doyoung’s body as he entered in this humongous house again.
“Let’s see whatever I can do in here”
Johnny and Taeyong had left detailed instructions and a list of responsibilities for Doyoung to follow, ensuring that everything ran smoothly in their absence. From watering the plants to feeding their beloved pet fish, Doyoung was determined to fulfill his duties to the best of his ability. And maybe have a little interaction with the visitor beside his room. He’s not that bad with strangers, he can vouch himself for that.
Several hours passed, Doyoung settled into his temporary role as “caretaker” of the house. He took pride in maintaining its cleanliness and order, ensuring that everything was just as Johnny and Taeyong had left it. In between his own college classes and other stuff.
The next morning, Doyoung woke up in cold sweats inside his room for unknown reason. And as a habit, he’s quick to jump off the bed and do a quick shower.
After washing off his morning air, he’s quick to run downstairs to the kitchen to cook something for himself only to get startled when he saw the man. The man that he met in Osaka four years ago. He must be dreaming, he thought as he stood on the last step of the stairs like a statue.
In his all glory form, wearing a basic black shirt and checkered black and white pajamas with his hair still being the same length not tied. Doyoung cleared his throat to let his presence be known. The man was quick to shift his gaze on Doyoung who’s still standing on the stairs.
“Goodmorning” The man greeted as he slowly walks towards Doyoung.
“You must be the friend’s owner?” The man acclaimed as he offers his hand, Doyoung nodded as he accepted the man’s hand to shake. It’s an odd feeling cause his hands are… cold?
“I am, when did you came?” Doyoung ignores the cold hand of the man and let it go completely after asking the question
“Oh, just this morning” the man answered putting his both free hands on his pockets.
He missed his voice, Doyoung can’t lie. So he stepped down finally, facing the man a little closer.
“Well… welcome to this humble home, I’m Doyoung by the way” Doyoung introduced himself with a smile and walked pass the man.
“Yuta” the man spoke. It made Doyoung stop from walking through the kitchen isle as it feels like he confirmed something.
“Yuta?” Doyoung repeats and face the man once again.
“Yuta Nakamoto” the man spoke again as he settled into the high stool that’s placed on this kitchen isle before continued eating.
“Oh…” Doyoung nods before finally getting something for himself at the counter to eat.
Several thoughts are running into Doyoung’s mind as he beats an egg. Does he not remember? I mean its been years. But only minimal stuff had change into his appearance, how could Yuta forget him? Was he not that impeccable as a person?
Was it just a random winter night for Yuta?
Is Doyoung no—-
“You seem familiar, have we met before?” Yuta spoke while still sitting
Doyoung stopped from what he’s doing and looked at Yuta
“I… uh… I’m not sure” that’s so stupid, Doyoung thought to himself.
“Right… I just thought” Yuta stood up from the stool and brought his dishes to the sink and began washing them. They’re now standing beside each other. There should be tension, Doyoung thought. But to his surprise, there was nothing. They just both continued what they were doing until Yuta spoke again completely done with his dishes.
“I’ll be out for today with some friends, won’t be back til midnight” Yuta grinned looking at Doyoung before excusing himself before the other could even answer.
‘Well that’s one hell of a conversation, Kim Doyoung’ he thought to himself before proceeding into his chores for today.
And so Doyoung spent his day inside this house. Completely entertained in every corner. There’s so much to do, to see, and to discover.
Venturing outside, Doyoung discovers a backyard oasis that seems to be a portal to the woods. Taeyong never mentioned nor tour him to this part of the property. Huge trees can be seen and when Doyoung said huge he mean it. I mean he’s literally at suburbs he thought that maybe the reason Johnny and Taeyong chose to settle in this place is because it provides privacy and creating a serene atmosphere that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of city.
[ 11:00 PM MIDNIGHT ]
Doyoung’s on his last task for the day, that is to feed Taeyong’s fishes on this big tank. It’s always a delight to do this, Doyoung thought to himself before standing up but he immediately sat down to his surprise when he saw Yuta standing almost near him.
“Fuck…” Doyoung cursed a little and held unto his chest dramatically
“Sorry to startle you” Yuta just smiled at Doyoung and walked past to him going upstairs.
There’s little to no conversation at all between them for the last two nights. Until the third night comes. Doyoung’s busying himself at the kitchen trying to cook something off the recipe he found on the internet. He’s following it step by step, pausing the video before continuing his chopping and measuring.
“That smells nice” Yuta muttered across the kitchen isle that startled Doyoung once again making him jump a little
“jesus…” Doyoung could only mutter in small voice before breathing deeply and give Yuta wide grin “hey” he greeted Yuta.
Yuta smiled at him “What’s that?” He asked before walking up to where Doyoung is standing. They’re at a close distance now.
“Dinner, my dinner” Doyoung looked at him before looking back to the rice he’s mixing.
“Care to share?” Yuta spoke in a low voice that made Doyoung shiver. In response, Doyoung nods and smiled at him saying
“Yeah of course, the recipe says it’s good for two… so…” he lets out soft chuckles before moving away from Yuta and washing his hands to the sink.
“Great, thanks. I’ll be upstairs” Yuta said before leaving.
When Yuta left, Doyoung let out an exhaust breathe. Cause what the hell was that? He’s so tensed up around Yuta to the fact that he can’t bring up the topic that he’s the stranger he happened to be with inside the train four years ago.
The bokkeumbap that he’s making and kimchi chiggae is already done and it’s now up for plating. When he’s done placing the utensils he quickly run upstairs to knock on Yuta’s room.
Doyoung knocked three times
“Hey, uh, the dinner’s served”
10…9…8…7…6…5 Doyoung counted in his head before knocking again, but to his surprise the door opened and reveals a Yuta standing infront of him, completely shirtless with a grey sweatpants on (atleast) Doyoung’s quick to shift his gaze somewhere before saying
“I’ll wait for you downstairs” and leaves infront of the topless man quickly.
The dinner was surprisingly entertaining and full of chit chats, completely different from the atmosphere that Doyoung had thought.
“So, you’re a professor from your university?” Yuta asked to which Doyoung nodded while chewing.
“What program you’re inclined to?” Yuta asked again
“English and Literature” Doyoung answered timidly.
“I see” a short pause
“Have we met before?” Doyoung chokes up and Yuta was quick to run behind him and soothe his back offering Doyoung to drink some water.
Doyoung was red, he could’ve died. But he just laughed it off that made Yuta tilt his head out of curiosity.
“Sorry” Doyoung coughs again as Yuta settles back in to his chair.
“It’s fine” Yuta assured him.
“You just seem so familiar, I didn’t mean to choke you” Yuta continued while looking at Doyoung intently. They’re both staring at each other now, awkwardness crept in to the both them.
“Do you wanna play pool?” Doyoung breaks it off with that question and he’s already picking things up and bringing them to the sink before Yuta could even answer.
What an ice breaker.
And so they played pool for hours. It’s not a boring game for them since they both know how to play. Doyoung’s only goal was to forget everything that happened to the dinner table, he’s already positioning for the last ball to get into the hole. It went in. Together with the white one. He just laid the half of his body bending on the pool table together with the stick because of the disappointment. Yuta let out a few chuckle before taking the stick away from Doyoung.
They’re near from each other again, Doyoung was quick to stand up and to fix his posture and stood normally.
“I gotta feed the Fishes now” he excused himself before completely walking away from Yuta who’s fixing everything.
That night ended quite nice, definitely not the way Doyoung was expecting.
Fourth day of staying in this place, Doyoung is now watering the plants with Yuta helping around him. Doyoung was doing everything with Yuta almost beside him from time to time, assisting him, talking to him, asking him about random stuff, getting to know each other more case scenario.
Doyoung once again vouched himself that’s he’s indeed a good company. Or Yuta himself is a good one to be accompanied with.
Later that night, Yuta went out again with Doyoung’s notice. But he didn’t bother waiting for the other man to come home.
Doyoung woke up in the middle of the night feeling thirsty so he went downstairs and went straight to the kitchen opening the two door refrigerator. The light inside of the refrigerator was the only light source Doyoung had. He was chugging down on the pitcher when he felt something walked passed behind him. A thin air that vanished completely within a second so Doyoung ignored it, not to mention he’s half asleep too. But he swore he saw a man’s shadow near the staircase the moment he closed the door of the fridge and the only source of light inside the house is coming from the street lights outside, he’s not a huge fan of ghost stories because he finds it really boring and unreal, so when he rubs his eyes for a clearer vision, it was indeed a man who’s standing at the staircase.
It was Yuta.
“You’re back” Doyoung greeted him, eyes lidded close walking towards him.
“I am” Yuta responded nonchalantly not taking his eyes off of Doyoung as he approaches
“Goodnight” Doyoung yawns with a smile after as he walked passed to him going upstairs, the staircase was freezing cold, that’s what Doyoung felt upon taking each steps.
The week will end in a few hours as Sunday night approaches. The last two days are just some “normal” days where him and Yuta are bonding together over something inside this humongous house, they pretty much have explored almost everything including the jacuzzi and sauna on the third floor. Safe to say that it was indeed a steamy Friday night for the both of them.
It happened so fast, Doyoung thought. But that’s what happens when two consenting adults who’s not in a committed relationship happens to have their needs. And one is very much kind to offer and to tend the other.
The steam inside the sauna is the one to blame. That’s what Doyoung thought before he found himself grasping for air as Yuta and him explores each others mouth. It was a sloppy and mouth watering make out, Doyoung’s left hand were found tugging Yuta’s locks and the other is palming the man’s jaw. He’s not ready to let go of Yuta’s head as they suck each other’s soul through their mouths. Yuta’s both hands were found on Doyoung lithe waist as the older pinned him on the marbled wall feeling the intensity between them.
Yuta was quick to switch their position as soon as they reached the corner by settling down on the small marbled countertop like inside the sauna, making Doyoung sit on his lap as they keep lavishing the insides of their mouths. Doyoung couldn’t believe he had this side of him, he never used his tongue this much, not even on a debate and lecture. Drool all over the place but Doyoung won’t back down, not when he felt the older’s tongue touch his palate, an airy whine got out from his mouth before a demon took over as he sucked Yuta’s tongue and pressed his body even closer, embracing the older’s neck with his both arms, he slowly grinds down his hard on to Yuta’s abdomen making the older let out a groan directly on his mouth.
Yuta’s hands are on his waist guiding it from the way Doyoung pleasures himself, Doyoung finally took a breathe by leaving the older’s mouth to tilt his head up with his eyes closed feeling the ecstasy, to which Yuta took it as an opportunity and munch on the younger’s neck and eventually finding its pointy addams apple and began sucking it. It was over for Doyoung when he felt Yuta’s thumb began pressing on his lower abdomen, he was quick to lean his forehead on Yuta’s as he let out breathy moans infront of Yuta’s opened mouth.
“come on, give it to me, come for me” Yuta finally spoke that completely drove off Doyoung to edge. It was his voice and one hard press on his lower abdomen that made Doyoung vibrate as he spurt out strings of milky white cum inside his trunks.
That’s it. He couldn’t believe it, he came untouched on top of Yuta who’s now soothing him by caressing his back as he rests his head on Yuta’s shoulder calming from the sensation.
But he lifted up his head and met Yuta’s deep gaze that’s staring completely inside his soul, it’s like a magnet, he felt hypnotized and went autopilot into leaning to claim Yuta’s mouth again.
-
It’s the last day of the week and the couple will most likely to arrive on Monday morning, so Doyoung had to make sure that everything in this house is on it’s right element, fishes: fed, plants: watered, furnitures: clean and movie night with him. With Yuta.
The older went out again and said to be back by midnight. And so Doyoung waited for hours and he accidentally slept at the sofa while waiting for Yuta.
12:45 PM
Doyoung felt someone’s staring at him, it’s only seconds when he had to knock off from his subconscious and saw Yuta standing infront of him. He’s quick to stand up and greet Yuta with peck on its cheek before walking away from him
“I’ll just get the wine, settle down” Doyoung smiled as he walk into the kitchen getting everything.
The two shared some glasses of wine while watching a romcom movie, Doyoung’s head is lying on top of Yuta’s lap as the older is seated comfortably at the big velvety couch caressing the younger’s hair. It was such a sight to see if you’d ask me, your typical movie date night. It was not long when Doyoung fell asleep again to Yuta’s touch.
Doyoung woke up in cold sweats and almost grasping for air, feeling a little dizzy too. He’s so scared and nervous as he looks around. It’s already morning. He’s still at the living room, he looks lost and confused, he almost jumped when his phone made a sound that say’s he got a text. He’s quick to fetch it, holding his head as he felt it aches a little. It was Taeyong.
The following moments made Doyoung tensed up and drop on the floor.
[ From: YONGBY ]
“Doyi!!! Sorry for just reaching out to you right nowwww, we were really busy! But hey, we’re on our way back there, also, remember the person that’s gonna use the other room? He’s with us right now, we happen catch the same flight and seats with him, what are the odds right? hahaha see you later!”
Doyoung felt lightheaded as he try to digest every words Taeyong had said in his message. The floor is suddenly spinning for him and he’s so confused.
“What?” Is the only thing he can mutter as he look around. And for the first time in years, he felt fear. He stood there for a moment trying to compose himself, he looked around from every corner of this house, something catches his eye. A small red light. It’s a surveillance camera. It’s blinking. A few deep breaths before Doyoung busted a move by looking at his phone again and unlocks it.
With a trembling thumbs, he taps through the screen forming a reply towards Taeyong’s recent message.
[ To: YONGBY ]
“Where can I see the footage for the cctv in this house?”
That’s what he sent. It only took a few seconds for Taeyong to reply.
[ From: YONGBY ]
“It’s on the third floor, the narrow door across our room. The keys are the ones that I told you I forgot inside when we’re about to leave. Why? did something happened?”
When Doyoung read Taeyong’s reply, he’s quick to run upstairs not bothering to reply back. He stopped when he reached the second floor, he looked at the empty hallway and with a hesitant mind, he walked through the hallway with feet trembling as he stood infront of Yuta’s room. He held the knob to twist it open, but to his surprise, it was locked. He tried twisting it again but eventually gave up on the fifth attempt.
He’s now infront of the this narrow door and he doesn’t know why he feels scared. He palmed the key that’s always been on his pocket. He just noticed it too now. Why he’s carrying the key that’s supposed to be for the room beside his. He’s confused and afraid now, but he’s much eager to connect some dots. So with shaking hands, he inserts the key into the knob of this door and twist it open. It’s a function room. It has three monitors that shows all the location of where the surveillance cameras are located.
He sat down on the swivel chair and started maneuvering everything. He started by looking for the footage of when the couple left him. With few typings and clicks from the mouse, he found everything in order. Doyoung sucks up before watching everything in two times speed. He couldn’t believe of what he’s seeing. From the moment he first woke up, he saw himself walking downstairs and talking to the air. The hand gestures he’s making, the way he looks towards someone, conversing and laughing, it seems like a normal thing.
Only he’s alone.
There are tears in Doyoung’s eyes as he covers his mouth, unable to process a thought as he watch himself do things all by himself for the last six days. All this time he was alone. What is happening? What just happened? He’s now unto the last tape from last night, and with a weak heart, he looked at the screen one more time and saw himself dancing waltz all alone, having a toast with literally no one. Where was Yuta?
Where is Yuta? Is all he can’t think off as he continues to cry in agony inside the function room. He didn’t even noticed that he’s already lying on the floor from crying so hard, mumbling inaudible words, Taeyong is already engulfing him into his arms taking him out of that room. Until Doyoung eventually passed out.
-
Hours already passed and Doyoung was quick to gain consciousness. Taeyong was the first one that he sees.
“Doyi, hey…” Taeyong spoke softly.
“How are you feeling now?” Taeyong asked while he caressed Doyoung’s head. Doyoung only gulped before a single tear fell off and that didn’t escaped Taeyong’s eyes, he was quick to wipe it off with his thumb.
“Shhh you’re fine… you’re safe now” Taeyong tried calming him down. Johnny then entered the room looking more concerned as he approached Doyoung.
“Can you talk?” Doyoung nods and attempts to sit up all by himself but Taeyong was quick to assist him and Johnny made him held on his arm for support.
“What happened to you?” Taeyong asked with an evident worried from his eyes. Doyoung shakes his head as he gathers his thoughts trying to form one.
“I don’t know… I don’t really know…” Doyoung spoke with a broken voice from so much crying.
“Doyoung…” Johnny spoke that made Doyoung look at the older.
“Who is Yuta?” Johnny asked.
“You keep saying his name… even in your sleep” Taeyong spoke and sat beside him.
“Who is he?” Taeyong asked again.
Doyoung already gained consciousness to think, but he somehow don’t want to answer his friends question. With a heavy and afraid heart from all the things he discovered and experienced. He can’t also help not to ask the same question.
Who is Yuta?
And most importantly.
Where is Yuta?
Doyoung slowly shifts his gaze at the opened window inside his room, he looked at this huge tree that’s almost talking to him. He pointed at it that made the two look at from where he’s pointing at same time.
But all Johnny and Taeyong could see is this very tall, petrifying, huge and enigmatic tree.
“There… there’s Yuta” Doyoung spoke as he smiled.
[ Cue to Adele’s Love in the Dark ]