Archive of Our Own

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With hurried steps, Donghyuck storms to his bedroom. The door slams shut loud enough for it to echoes in his spacious room. One hand loosens the first few buttons of his shirt as his nose flares when he exhales angrily.  

Fuck. 

His hand itches to grab something, anything, and throw it across the room but Donghyuck is never one to be that violent. Instead, he grabs the nearest pillow and screams his lungs out in it. 

Usually, it gives him a sense of relief. Not this time, though. Donghyuck's frustrations have accumulated to a size of a mountain that screaming is just not enough. Nothing can make it feel enough.

The door to his room clicks open and Donghyuck doesn't have to glance behind his back to know that it is his brother entering his room. He always has such noisy footsteps. Annoyingly distinctive too. "Lee Donghyuck. You cannot just storm out like that!" 

Casting the pillow away from his face, Donghyuck tries his best to control his anger. “You can’t expect me to remain calm.” 

His brother sighs. “Donghyu–”

“This is your fault!” Finally, Donghyuck snaps. Don’t get Donghyuck wrong, he is not one to raise his voice at his older brother. However, he has been patient far too long and given the circumstances, his brother deserves it. “If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be in this situation!”

Any normal day, Dongmin would counter about his rude behaviour but this time, Dongmin knew that his younger brother was right.

Lee Donghyuck. 

He is far from just a mere man his age. He was only 10 when his bodyguard dragged him out of his class because apparently, his 17 year old brother had done something stupid back then. And what he meant by ’stupid’, is getting drunk at his private school property and actually crashing a statue worth 25 million won. 

Although it was easy for his parents to pay back the loss, what they couldn’t pay is the media titles. It was a scandal so huge that the nation was questioning the royal family's bloodline. How can someone of royalty behave that way?

It is one thing to criticize a 17 year old teen but it is another to speculate the dooms of a merely 10 year old child. 

Other than the headlines about his brother, numerous headlines about the 2nd prince of South Korea ‘following his brother’s footsteps’ were published. Donghyuck has always been very close with his brother despite the 7 years gap. They are always seen together. Thus, it is not surprising that the nation would speculate he would end up a ‘rascal’ like his brother. 

And his parents aren't exempted from that kind of speculation.

“How long do I have to feel trapped?” Donghyuck grabs his hair in frustration.

Ever since that scandal, Lee Donghyuck, the 2nd prince, has been kept hidden from the eyes of the nation. His mother was so heartbroken at what the media was talking about her 10 year old son that she pulled him out of his private school. Donghyuck has been homeschooled since then. 

School trips.

Friend trips.

Even family trips had a restriction. No one was allowed to see him directly. He was truly hidden to the point that some even speculated that he was deceased. It reached to a point that their family had to clarify that they will only introduce the 2nd prince to the world when he has reached a legal adult age.

And yet, here he is turning 21 in three months, still isn’t allowed to step outside without three bodyguards and a set of face masks, sunglasses and a hat. 

“I can talk to Mother.” Dongmin tries.

Donghyuck scoffs. “I would like to see you actually succeed this time.” He couldn’t help the venom lacing in his voice. If that scandal didn’t happen, Donghyuck wouldn’t hate his room like he does now. It is not fair because his brother got a taste of freedom while Donghyuck…

… nothing.

“You just needed to wait one year, Donghyuck.” His brother tries to calm him down but it just adds on to Donghyuck’s frustration.

“Have I not waited enough?!” 

First it was Donghyuck’s 19th birthday. He waited 9 years to be re-introduced to the nation only for his mother to postpone it to his 21st birthday. When the family was called into the main hall, Donghyuck expected the preparations for his introduction to the world to begin. 

So, do tell him if his outburst is an overreaction when his introduction is being postponed to another 2 years where they will reveal not just Lee Donghyuck as the 2nd prince of South Korea, but also the fiance of a family friend.

“I can’t live my life like this.” Donghyuck shakes his head. “Get out!”

“Donghyuck–”

“Just…!” Donghycuk cuts him off. “I need time to gather my thoughts.”

With that, his brother nods and proceeds to exit through the door.

He really can’t. Donghyuck can’t live like a bird trapped in a cage. It really fucking hurts when he sees his childhood friends go out enjoying their teens. Donghyuck expected that he would be able to experience it during his early 20s but… his parents are robbing him off that.

Just one day. One day where Donghyuck wants to feel like a normal man his age. The things he would do just for that one day to happen.

Donghyuck was never brave enough to rebel. How could he when the consequences of his brother’s action caused him to be trapped in his house. He can’t even imagine what his parents would do if he had stepped outside of the palace grounds without permission.

Looks like he is about to find out because Donghyuck, for the love of God, is about to do something that may or may not make his situation worse.

His butler, Sooro, is someone who stays in the main house. However, there are times where he took Sundays off to meet with his children, Donghyuck knows for a fact that one of those days is today when Sooro loads multiple paper bags in the back seat. Surprisingly, it didn’t take much for Donghyuck to climb in the boot of the car while Sooro is getting more bags inside the house. 

They need to move now because his bodyguards would start noticing his absence. When the vehicle starts to move, Donghyuck finally lets the fact that he is in deep shit settles in. As deep as he may be in trouble, he’ll regret it even more if he doesn’t do this.

Donghyuck’s heartbeat starts to quicken when he realizes that he has already exited the palace grounds from the sound of the traffic. He has no idea where Sooro is headed but all he needs is just one stop of the car. Just one stop then he can escape.

After what it feels like 30 minutes of driving, the car finally stops for good. Outside, it still sounds busy so Donghyuck assumes they are still somewhere public and not in a residential area. A gas station? Maybe not. 

But that's good enough. As long as the car stopped. After a minute hearing Sooro walk away, Donghyuck pulls the emergency boot release and sneakily exits the car boot. He was right, it isn't the resident area. They are at a mall. Luckily at night, there is barely anyone in this parking area to witness his escape. 

With his hoodie and mask on, Donghyuck makes a quick run to the elevator of the mall. Going to the ground floor may or may not cause him to get caught by Sooro if they crossed paths but Donghyuck has no other options. 

One could only imagine how fast Donghyuck's heart is beating. Of course, this isn't his first time being outside, duh. But it is the first time where he has zero restriction. Nothing from his steps is being mapped to him. It is both thrilling and frightening to him. 

He somehow managed to arrive at the main entrance of the mall without getting caught. In fact, Sooro was nowhere to be found, which is a relief. As he walks out the mall, he smiles. Lee Donghyuck has finally achieved this freedom, although temporarily. 

What should he do now? 

Truth be told, Donghyuck expected his ass to be caught immediately. Half of him was sure he wouldn't be able to succeed. But now, he is outside and walking down the street with his hands in his pockets. Under his mask, his lips lift into a wider smile. 

He can do anything right now. And he should do it fast before his parents declare a royal emergency. He doubts his parents would reveal to the public that their hidden son is missing. 

Either way, he will be as good as dead once he is back home. Thus, Donghyuck might as well enjoy this limited time out to his heart's content. 

The first place he went to was karaoke. They have a karaoke room at home which he uses quite often. A room that could fit a party can be lonely sometimes when you are the only one using it. Donghyuck has always wanted to try the karaoke booth, the ones he sees in movies instead. 

He wasn't feeling too crazy so he sang a series of ballads. It's comforting. If he wasn't a royal blood, Donghyuck knew he would be a singer. 

Donghyuck is not stupid. He may have not been outside that much but he is at least smart enough to find his way around. From asking people for directions to reading the map available nearby, Donghyuck isn’t exactly lost. But it is still an overstatement to say that he knows where he is going.

Throughout the whole day, he has been walking aimlessly. Going from one mall to another. He doesn’t have his phone with him because that’s the easiest way for anyone to track him. He doesn’t even carry his credit cards because using it will just bust his location. That is if his parents haven’t blocked them yet.

All he brought with him is his thick wallet that would probably be enough for a few days, a week at least.

Donghyuck wonders if he will be caught in a few days. Like he said, he didn’t expect to be roaming around this long. 

One thing Donghyuck concludes… he likes this serenity.

Something caught his eye in the quiet dark road. It’s a convenience store with a big ass 24 hours logo sign. The corner of his lips quirks upwards. He has seen in movies and dramas how people have late night snacks by the window. Of course, Donghyuck will never experience that.

…or will he…

“1500 won.”

Donghyuck gives the man exactly just that. He’s young, the cashier. Probably a student doing part time. With his noodle cup, he heads to the back of the shop where the hot water is at. Previously, there wasn’t anyone sitting at any of the stools. But now, someone wearing a hoodie is sitting in the middle one.

Silently, Donghyuck places his already filled cup on the table, two seats away from the man. He assumes it’s a man because despite the small figure, Donghyuck hears a deep voice groan.

After making himself comfortable, Donghyuck realizes that he needs to find himself a place to stay. Maybe the sauna. Or is there any moderately fine hotel nearby? Bringing his mask down, Donghyuck starts to stir his ramen after it’s cooked.

“What do you mean Jisung got caught?!” 

Donghyuck’s ears not so intentionally paid attention to the man’s conversation beside him.

“I’m still eating. What?! I can’t–!” The loud voice halts for a second at the same time Donghyuck foolishly decides to look at the man. Their eyes meet up awkwardly and instantly they look away at the same time. 

Shit, Donghyuck internally sweats. Has he been caught eavesdropping?

Regardless, the man next to him continues talking on the phone. “I can’t climb over it on my own.” The man says and this time, it’s slower. Even if Donghyuck tries not to hear the conversation, it’s not his fault that the other’s voice is still at a hearing distance.

“My legs aren’t short! I don’t care. One of you needs to come down and get me.” The man next to him hisses before he gently throws his phone on the table. Finally, the man removes the hood of his hoodie, showcasing his brown hair. 

Oh… He looks around Donghyuck’s age. 

Donghyuck was never someone who had to be reprimanded that he was staring at anyone so when he stares, he sometimes doesn’t realize it. “Can I help you?” The brown haired man asks, making Donghyuck blinks his eyes.

“No. I just– nothing.” Donghyuck replies, pulling his cup closer. 

This is turning a lot more awkward than previously. The latter looked embarrassed enough, probably assuming that Donghyuck had heard his conversation. Which isn’t exactly a lie. “Pretend you didn’t hear anything.” The man says.

Donghyuck shrugs. “Don’t worry. My hearing isn’t that good.” 

“Right.” The other nods, turning his body back to face the front.

He’s not sure where this smuggish feeling is coming from. However, Donghyuck has always been someone who likes to tease his friends and brother. This stranger isn’t any different. “Though, I think your legs aren’t really that long.”

“Hah!” The stranger points at him. “You did hear my conversation!”

“Buddy, there’s only one chair between us.” Donghyuck chuckles.

The man groans once again, burying his face in his palms. “I know~” Is he whining, Donghyuck wonders. “I guess it is not entirely your fault.”

He can agree that much. Looking back at the man, the stranger could be around his age. Maybe younger?

There’s not much Donghyuck can say. “Well, hang in there.” Donghyuck tells him after slurping his last string of noodles. He really means it. Whatever that this guy has to climb with his… not short legs, Donghyuck wishes him all the best.

Well, that is an experience of eating noodles by the window. Since he aims for a place to sleep next, Donghyuck goes straight to the cashier. “Hi. May I ask you something. Is there any hotel nearby?”

The cashier stares at him for a second before he shakes his head. “I don’t think so.”

That is not the answer that Donghyuck is expecting. “That can’t be. How can there not be hotels nearby.” 

The man looks at him emptily again before answering. “Not in this area. These days people use online platforms to book places to stay anyways.”

“I can’t book a place to stay now. I need a walk-in hotel or sauna. Not even cheap hotels?” 

“That’d actually be a dream come true for students here. A nightmare for the university warden though.” 

Donghyuck sighs. He does not care about any students or wardens. He just needed some answers. “Fine. Can I borrow your phone?” 

“You don’t have a phone?” 

Do cashiers usually ask a lot of questions to the customer? “I lost them.”

Thankfully, the cashier didn’t ask him further and handed him his phone. Searching for the nearest accommodation, it’s almost an hour to go there by foot. It would really save him the time if there's public transport. “The last bus just left.” Donghyuck flinches hard at the voice behind him. Looking over his shoulder, the previous man is right behind him. “Here’s close to a bus stop but the last bus left 15 minutes ago.”

Great! Looks like Haechan just has to opt for an hour of walking. His legs are starting to get sore from walking all day. And it’s getting really cold. “Alright, thank you very much.” Donghyuck says as he hands the phone back to the cashier.

To Donghyuck’s attention, the legs behind him follow him as he exits as well. Confirming that the stranger behind him stops in his tracks when he does the same, Donghyucks knows something was up. “Can I help you?” It is Donghyuck who asks this time.

“I’m Renjun. Huang Renjun.” 

“Donghyuck.” He answers before his mind could even think if it is safer for him to use an alias instead. “You want something from me, don’t you?”

“Your help, maybe?” Renjun says, unsurely.

“Maybe?”

The brown haired man huffs. “Okay. I truly need your help.”

Haa… Isn’t this a surprise? “Tell me this isn’t about the thing that you have to climb.” Donghyuck gives a cheshire grin.

“Well, that’s… a fence, for your information.” 

Bingo.

Turns out this Renjun guy’s legs are smaller than Donghyuck realizes. He isn’t that much shorter than him but Donghyuck is definitely taller. What is this fence anyway? “I’d like to help but you have to say what is in it for me?”

Renjun’s expression shifts to annoyance. “Can’t you just be a kind stranger?”

Not much patience in this short man, I see. Donghyuck amuses. “Tough world we live in.” Donghyuck counters, almost letting out a laugh at how the man tries to blink his irritation away into a more civilized expression. 

“Alright, then. What exactly do you want in return? You can pick anything from the convenience store.”

Donghyuck hums. He buries his hands in his pockets as he turns to face Renjun fully. “I’m not hungry though.”

“It doesn’t have to be food.” Renjun says. 

The cogs are working in Donghyuck’s head. How does he turn this situation into his favour? He doubts this man could bring him to the nearest hotel. Not even to help book a place to stay. So, what can he do for Donghyuck?

In the midst of Donghyuck’s silence, Renjun’s phone rings. The man peeks at his phone then sighs loudly. “Look. I just need you to help me climb over the dorm’s fence. Then, I’ll pay you or give anything you need to make it even”

?

Dorm?

Donghyuck’s lips curve into a smile again. Wider this time. “Anything?”

Renjun gulps at the grin. For the first time, Renjun doubts if he had done the right thing.

“Be quiet!” Renjun whispers harshly. 

Well, isn’t that easy for Renjun to say when he isn’t the one being stepped on. “ Why are you not up yet?!” Donghyuck whispers back.

“The guard is still looking.” Renjun replies, keeping his head under before he peeks above the fence to scan the area.

Maybe, just maybe Donghyuck regrets agreeing to help Renjun. His palms are on fire as the bottom of Renjun’s shoes stabs his skin. Unable to take the pain any longer, Donghyuck unties Renjun’s shoelaces and removes the shoes from his feet. “What the fuck are you doing?!” Renjun scolds him in a hush voice. 

“Your shoes are killing me!”

Surprisingly, Renjun’s socks didn’t smell bad. Donghyuck was prepared for a smell that could send a rat into coma, which significantly shows how in pain Donghyuck is if he is willing to put up with smelly feet. Instead, Donghyuck can smell the sweet fragrance of detergent. “I’m bailing if you don’t get up the fence in 5 minutes.”

“I swear to God if you drop me – now! Now! Now!” Renjun repeatedly hits Donghyuck’s head. The man underneath grunts as he raises his palms and pushes Renjun up until he climbs completely on the fence. “Don’t forget my shoes!”

Donghyuck rolls his eyes as he picks up Renjun’s shoes and hands them to the boy sitting on top of the fence. With Renjun’s help on pulling him up, Donghyuck manages to climb atop of the fence as well. In the count of 3, they both hop off the fence and land on the ground with a loud thud.

“Ah- mmph!”

Donghyuck couldn’t even groan in pain when a palm suddenly clamps on his lips. “Shhh!” Donghyuck keeps his eyes wide as he comes into view with an old man wearing a bodyguard uniform. Slowly, the hand left his lips. 

When the bodyguard turns away, Renjun immediately grabs Donghyuck’s hands and makes a run from crouching down. They didn’t stop even when they got into one of the buildings. Donghyuck is being dragged like he’s on a leash through the stairs and eventually reaching to the third floor. 

Even then, the rush isn’t truly over as Renjun slams on the door of a room. “Lee Jeno, you better open the door!”

Instantly, the door opens and Renjun is being pulled inside by his shirt. Naturally, Donghyuck is being dragged too. 

“You made it!” A deep voice congratulated him.

“I almost didn’t!” Renjun pants. His heart needs some time to recover from all the running. 

“Who are you?” Noticing that Renjun isn’t alone, Jeno squints his eyes at another panting man behind Renjun.

“Oh, right! He’s with me!” 

“Who’s with you?” Another head comes into the picture. The man is sitting on top of one of the two beds in this room.

“This is Donghyuck. A friend of mine.” Renjun introduces. When all of them said nothing but stare, Renjun drags Donghyuck by the sleeves away from the door. “He’ll be staying here tonight.” 

The man from the bed stands up. “You have other friends?”

“Ugh, thanks, Chenle.” Renjun glares before jumping onto his bed, leaving Donghyuck to just stand awkwardly between Jeno and Chenle. “You can sit anywhere.”

Scanning the room, the room could only fit two people but instead there are four including him. The Chenle guy too hops back onto his bed followed by Jeno and they start to watch something from the laptop. There’s a perfectly vacant seat at the study table however Donghyuck feels odd somehow if he sits farther away from Renjun.

“So, which one of them is your roommate?” Donghyuck says in a quiet voice. The mattress dips as he takes a seat next to Renjun.

“Neither. They just like to crash here.” Renjun answers.

“I see.” Donghyuck nods. He was pretty sure his voice was low. That, and that he was talking to Renjun only. However, when he looks on the other side of the room, two pairs of eyes are staring curiously at him despite the movie is still playing. 

Donghyuck only manages a smile before he looks away, specifically looking at Renjun. The man is lying down while playing with his phone. Donghyuck doesn’t have that luxury since he has nothing but his wallet on him. 

“So, I assume this Jisung guy is your roommate?”

Renjun nods albeit eyes are glued to his screen. “Correct. Since he got caught by the security for going over curfew, he’s most probably running laps if he doesn’t want to get demerit instead.”

Ah… so one can get out of a demerit by doing that? Guess it is good to be athletic but it’s almost 2AM and on a weekday. Not even Renjun showing signs of going to bed early. Even Chenle and Jeno….

Donghyuck instantly chokes on his spit when once again, his eyes meet two pairs of eyes staring at him with the same squint like Donghyuck is a man under surveillance. Does Donghyuck look that sketchy to them? Leaning down towards Renjun, the latter is startled at the sudden close proximity as he lowers down his phone. “What?” Renjun asks.

“Are your friends always this… observant…?”

Both of them slowly turn their head to the side to find Jeno and Chenle, still not pausing the movie, shamelessly staring at them. Clicking his tongue, Renjun glares at them. “Is the movie that boring?” He asks sarcastically.

Ignoring the question, Chenle speaks up first. “Are those all fake? Your clothes, I mean.”

Donghyuck pulls back to sit straight, missing the way Renjun lets out a silent sigh of relief when he does so. “These?” He checks himself. He’s only wearing a white shirt and a black windbreaker. “I don’t wear fake stuff.”

As cocky as that sounds but Donghyuck doesn’t lie. Not because he scrutinizes it or anything. It’s just he has never had a chance to even own anything fake. How can he wear one when he doesn’t have any?

“So that is really an LV windbreaker?” Jeno asks.

Like a flash, Renjun sits up to inspect the inside of Donghyuck’s hood. “Shit. You’re wearing a windbreaker that costs almost 6 million won.”

Donghyuck doesn’t actually remember the price nor did he care. But he forgets that in public universities, people who wear high end brands easily get attention. “It is surprising how you all believed me so fast.” Donghyuck chuckles. “Of course, it is fake.” He lies.

Renjun snorts. “You got me for a second.” 

Jeno and Chenle start to nod, saying ‘I told you so’ to each other which might have been the reason why they were staring hard. Donghyuck sighs.

Glancing at Donghyuck, Renjun bites his lower lip before he turns to his friends again. “Why don’t you guys take Jisung’s hard disk and watch it in your own room?”

“We’re already in the middle of watching…?” Chenle counters.

“Yeah. With an attention span of a teaspoon.” Renjun remarks sarcastically. “You can take the laptop as well, whatever.”

Donghyuck sends Renjun a grateful look to which Renjun just laughs. “I know.” He mouths to Donghyuck.

“Look at you, Huang Renjun. Kicking your friends out for this man who we have never heard of.” Jeno complains as he takes Jisung’s laptop and hard disk in his hands.  

Chenle suddenly snaps his fingers. “Are you two–”

“Out!” Renjun shouts. 

When both of them refuse to move and instead, sending suggestive looks to him, Renjun stands up from the bed and personally pushes them out of the room. “If Jisung returns, invite him for the movie marathon too!” He says before slamming the door shut.

Something about seeing their interactions amuses Donghyuck. 

“Sorry about that.” Renjun sighs, walking back to his bed. “They’re just wary about you.”

Donghyuck hums. “I’m not saying you should but I am practically still a stranger you’re letting in freely.”

Renjun scoffs. “Hey, you’re the one who asked me to.”

“I could be a serial killer.” 

The brown haired man rolls his eyes. “Considering you were letting me step on you when you could have attacked me back then, I don’t think so.”

The prince chuckles. “Thanks, by the way.”

"I can tell you were uncomfortable." Renjun says, giving him an apologetic smile. "Aaand I can tell you weren't lying about not wearing fake stuff."

That is certainly not what Donghyuck expected him to say. "I wasn't." He didn't bother to keep up the lie. 

"See. I have a knack of telling apart people who lie."

"I could be a pathological liar though." Donghyuck teases. "You let people into your home so easily."

"Wha– this is your idea!" Renjun defends.

"The point still stands." 

The shorter male scrunches his nose. "That's kind of true. Well, you don't really look like you mean harm. Or else, why would I bring you here?" 

In some way, Donghyuck feels honoured that Renjun chose to trust him just by his looks. His appearance currently isn't really that exceptional. It's a wonder that Renjun doesn't see him as someone sketchy. However, from his observation, Renjun does look like someone who looks at the positive side of things. Ever since he follows Renjun here, the man has never looked at him indifferently. "I guess I should say I'm grateful."

Renjun smiles. He has a slight dip in his cheeks when he does so, Donghyuck notices. They are pretty... the dimples. "So uhm, how old are you–woah?" 

Suddenly the ceiling light in their room starts to flicker. From the way Renjun is startled like he is, Donghyuck doesn't think this is a normal occurrence. The flickers go on for about 4 seconds before suddenly the light turns off for good.

 On reflex, Renjun immediately grabs Donghyuck's hand. "What's going on?!"

"First of all, ouch. Second, how should I know? This is your school."

Judging from the commotion outside, it's not just their room, Donghyuck assumes. Donghyuck shouldn't be surprised that there are quite a number of people that are yet to sleep at this hour. What makes matters even worse is that suddenly, the fire alarm in everyone's room starts to go off. "Shit. Shit." Renjun curses under his breath. "This is bad."

This is certainly bad. Donghyuck might be overdramatic but he already envisions the headline "Son of Royalty dead in fire at a local university." 

The room is pitch black so Donghyuck doesn't know what expression Renjun has right now. He has a guess that he's probably thinking from his silence. 

Before Donghyuck could ask, the door of the room suddenly barges open with Jeno holding his phone with flash on. "Guys, why are you guys still in the room?!"

Donghyuck and Renjun flinch at the sudden light shoved into their faces. Then, suddenly the light shifts downwards to their hands. "Renjun, this is no time for romance! Chenle is screeching, can’t you hear that?!”

So the high-pitched scream belonged to Chenle? Donghyuck really thinks Renjun has a set of amusing friends.

Like fire, Renjun pulls his hands away and stands up. "What the hell happened?" Renjun grabs his phone and turns on the flash as well. 

"Something must have triggered the alarm. Or is it a mock fire drill?" Chenle suggests.

When did he get here, Donghyuck whips his head at Chenle who is suddenly beside him. 

"Yeah, I doubt they'd do it at 2 am in the morning on a Tuesday night." Jeno counters. 

"I mean, have you seen the dean? He hates us. It's possible–"

"Uh, guys?" Donghyuck stands up as well and automatically is next to Renjun. "Not that I'm singling out that this could be a fake alarm. But if there's really fire involved, shouldn't we start running?"

The three of them stood there silently before Donghyuck's words actually registered in them. "Shit! I'm getting my laptop!" Jeno screeches as he sprints out of the room. Chenle follows suit, screaming about his limited edition basketball shoes. 

Which left the room with one flashlight only. "This is really bad timing." Renjun worries as he starts moving around searching for things. "There's going to be a roll-call and they are going to check the names one by one."

The first sign of fear is starting to kick in Donghyuck's system. "Am I going to get busted?" Was following Renjun here a mistake? 

"You're in luck. Jaemin slept out tonight so at least there's someone you can pretend to be for the time being." Renjun says, rummaging through his closet. 

"Who is Jaemin?" 

Renjun arrives back at the bed with an oversized jacket and a cap. "He's in the room next to Jeno and Chenle’s. Remove your windbreaker and wear this instead."

Donghyuck has no problem taking off his windbreaker. If it catches fire, he could just buy it again. While Donghyuck is working on the zip, suddenly he feels fingers brushing through his hair. 

"Sorry." Renjun apologizes, seemingly forgetting he sort of invaded his personal space. "Just, I need your hair to be pushed back."

Donghyuck wouldn't say he minded. Surprised, yeah. But he doesn't feel like taking a step back to put some distance between them when he could actually do that. Then, the cap Renjun was holding was put on his head. As a final touch, Renjun tucks Donghyuck's hair on both sides to the back of his ears. 

Donghyuck should be grateful that the room is dark enough to hide his ears that are turning red.  "Done. Jaemin has brown hair but it's night so as long as we hide it, people won't notice, I hope."

When Renjun finally takes a step back, Donghyuck exhales the breath that he didn't realize that he held. "Thanks." 

"Here's your mask." Renjun hands him a black mask. "Don't say anything unless necessary. Your full name is Na Jaemin, alright."

Donghyuck nods.

"Good. And don't go far away from me."

The latter chuckles. "I don't think that's possible."

The answer made Renjun's mind buffer for a second before he blinked his puzzlement away. "Alright. Let's move." 

At first, Donghyuck thought that it was ridiculous for Chenle to stuff 5 pairs of shoes in his backpack. But seeing the many people that are gathered in front of the dorm building, some of them were bringing their whole ass gaming setup. 

Everyone was confused as they are. Donghyuck can't emphasize what a crazy timing this is. However, this is his first time experiencing something like this. For the first time, he is surrounded by many people of his age. A part of him felt a little happy. If he had been born as a normal civilian, he too would be able to talk with a friend about attending a basketball match. 

If only...

"Hey," 

Donghyuck feels a jab on his side. Glancing to the side, Renjun is looking worriedly at him. "Don't worry. We won't get caught." He whispers.

The thing is, Renjun could have said it to assure himself as well since he's the one who would be punished for bringing a stranger in. But from the way he is trying to cheer Donghyuck up, it does seem like he is genuinely trying to reassure Donghyuck. 

Renjun is... really kind-hearted. And it's not just because he is risking himself to give Donghyuck a place to stay. But because Donghyuck truly believes Renjun really is kind. 

"I'm not worried about that." Donghyuck nudges him back with a curve of his lips. "I just think that this is fun."

The brown haired male looks at him like he had grown another head. "Loitering around late at night like this is fun?"

Donghyuck chuckles. "Better than being homeschooled all your life."

That catches Renjun's attention even more. "You were homeschooled? I guess I should've expected that." Renjun mumbles, probably referring to Donghyuck's expensive jacket. "And your education now?"

"Online." 

Renjun scrunches his nose. "Yikes..."

Yikes, indeed. Honestly, from the way his family prevents him from having fun outside in public, Donghyuck is surprised that he hasn't lost his sanity yet. 

"That sounds lonely, not going to lie." Renjun continues. Oh, the shorter male has no idea. "I mean, the classes here are pretty dreadful but it's the activities after class that makes it fun."

"Really?" Donghyuck crosses his arms as he leans a little closer to Renjun. "Do tell me what I have been missing." It was a genuine favour. Donghyuck wants to know if the things in the dramas are as they actually are in real life. 

Renjun could have been lazy in answering if he wanted to. It’s almost 3 AM now and this is the 2nd time Renjun has brushed his eyes with his knuckle. Instead of making fun of Donghyuck for not experiencing the social life of a young adult, Renjun lets him know what he could've done while simultaneously encouraging him. 

"There's after class activities. I'm in the choir, Chenle and Jeno are in basketball. If you like sports, there's a few places you can watch matches!"

"After class we would go on cafe hunting. Jaemin is really good at spotting the good ones. I can make a list for you, if you want."

"Hiking! Or camping stuff like that. There's a community of them. You can search them up! I think I know one. Hold on, let me check."

Donghyuck had expected a sentence or two but Renjun excitedly explained to him one by one. Even when the night is dark, Renjun's eyes actually beams as he enthusiastically shows Donghyuck the pictures of the places he went to on his phone. 

Perhaps this is one of those moments that Donghyuck has only heard of: some people have eyes that give off warmth. Renjun is definitely one of them. 

Donghyuck feels comfortable despite only knowing him for less than 3 hours.

"Alright, I'm here!" 

Jeno and Chenle were both startled at the pairs of (big) hands patting each on their shoulders. 

"Jisung!" Both of them chorus. 

The tallest of three is panting as he tries to catch his breath. "Thank God for the fire alarm. Or else I had to run another ten laps." Jisung pats his own chest then steals Jeno's bottle to drink. 

"You kind of deserve it." Chenle clicks his tongue to which Jisung complains about Chenle never backing him up. 

"If Renjun hadn't suggested we go out, I wouldn't be in this position." Jisung argues, throwing back the bottle to Jeno. "Where is he, anyways." Instead of answering, both Chenle and Jeno narrow their eyes towards the direction they have been staring. Jisung follows suit. "Who's that?"

"Renjun's other friend, apparently." Chenle answers with crossed arms. "He's Na Jaemin tonight though so he won't be caught."

Jisung's eyes almost exit his eye sockets. "Renjun sneaked someone in?!" He stares at the newcomer in bewilderment. So he's not someone who dorms here? Jisung can only count with his fingers who Renjun is friends with or at least the ones he hangs out with. 

His choir mates don't count! 

Certainly, Jisung has never seen this man around Renjun at all. "I'm surprised there's a friend of Renjun that I don't know of."

"Right!" Chenle slaps Jisung's arm. "That's what I said to Jeno."

"But... don't they look kinda..." 

The three of them hum as they not at all discreetly stare at the two. How is it possible that Renjun who just had sudden cravings for ramen suddenly came back with a friend. He didn't mention anything about seeing anyone tonight. 

Totally oblivious under three pairs of eyes, the man that is wearing Renjun's jacket listens intently at whatever Renjun is showing to him on his phone. However, in the middle of Renjun's rambling, the man looks up and sneaks a glance at Renjun. His gaze softens and it lingers on Renjun's face for a good 30 seconds. What is worth noticing is the way the stranger’s lips curve upward into a small smile. 

As soon as Renjun was about to look at the man's direction, he immediately looked back on the screen like he was afraid to be caught staring. 

Jisung thinks he had just witnessed a real life movie scene

To Donghyuck's luck, as well as Renjun's, both of them weren't caught that night. After the whole fiasco, it was deemed as a false alarm and everyone went back to their respective rooms with half lidded eyes. 

Donghyuck is one of them. 

He is so tired from walking the whole day and now all he wants to do is just lie down. 

"I'll be in Chenle's room for a while." Jisung announces. 

Renjun glances at his wristwatch. "It's 4 am, Jisung."

"I don't have class tomorrow!" Jisung insists before he escapes Renjun's further nagging. 

Renjun sighs. "Lucky bastard."

Now that they are back in the room, it finally dawns on Donghyuck about where he should sleep. There are only two beds where each is made to fit one person. "Uh... so... where do I sleep?" 

"Oh, right!" Renjun snaps his fingers before he strides to his closet. The shorter male takes out what looks like a futon and blankets before putting them down in the space between Renjun and Jisung's bed. "This should be okay, right?"

Donghyuck stares at his sleeping setup. He knew the risks it came with when he decided to run away from home. Even so, he did expect to at least sleep on a comfortable bed and not... on the ground. 

"Sure..." Donghyuck gulps. He watches Renjun, who was kind enough to set up the futon. When Donghyuck lies down, he knows he is going to wake up with back ache with how thin the futon is. 

"Goodnight, Donghyuck." Renjun says sleepily as he tucks himself in his bed. 

Despite how uncomfortable sleeping on the ground is, Donghyuck's sleepiness overpowers literally anything in his mind. As soon as his head hits the pillow, Donghyuck is gone. 

"Hey... hey..."

Donghyuck groans. His eyelids are still closed and slowly he is regaining his consciousness. Even so, Donghyuck doesn't want to open his eyes. 

"Wake up."

He feels a nudge on his shoulder this time. 5 more minutes, he internally laments. Usually if he groans, his maid would understand and come back in 10 minutes to wake him up again. 

But why does this person keep calling him, damn it.

"Donghyuck!"

His eyes instantly open, revealing his blood shot eyes. The first thing Donghyuck sees is a man's face hovering close to him. Due to his brain not processing who the man is, he yells and sits up abruptly, causing their foreheads to collide with a loud thud. 

"Ahh, fuck!" Renjun yelps as he holds his forehead. 

Donghyuck does the same. In the middle of easing the pain in his forehead, he finally registers the situation he is in. "Ah, Renjun. Sorry for that." Donghyuck apologizes.

It hurts a lot. Renjun probably felt even worse because Donghyuck was told he had a solid forehead. If this hurted for him, it would hurt twice for the latter. 

"Nevermind." Renjun is still soothing the aching area. "I had to wake you up because I'm leaving for class. Jisung has one soon too.”

“It’s fine. It’s fine.” Donghyuck rises up to his feet. Probably because Renjun himself is in a hurry, he picks up the futon and starts folding them. Donghyuck’s mind is still hazy as he sits on Renjun’s bed.

“Do you uhm… want to shower first?” Renjun offers.

Donghyuck shakes his head. One thing about him is that he takes a very long time to shower. Seeing how Renjun is in a hurry, it’s probably best that he doesn't waste any more of the brown haired male’s time. “That’s alright. You’re in a rush, right?”

“Yeah…” Renjun looks at him apologetically.

Seeing how guilty Renjun looks for waking him up abruptly, Donghyuck internally laughs. It’s not even a big deal but the way Renjun cares about these small little things, Donghyuck truly believes Renjun has a good character. 

“There’s a shower at the indoor swimming pool. You could take a shower there. There’s a library–”

“Hey.” Donghyuck cuts Renjun’s ramblings. “When does your class end?”

Renjun blinks his eyes repeatedly. “What?”

“Let me treat you to lunch. I owe you since you let me stay for the night.” 

The brown haired man looks at him in confusion. “I thought we already made it even.”

“I don’t think helping you climb the wall and letting me stay in your room counts as even.” Donghyuck shakes his head. It isn’t just that. Renjun also prevented him from getting caught so that is also something Donghyuck is grateful to him. “Don’t overthink it. Let’s have lunch together.”

There’s hesitancy in Renjun's stance but eventually, the man lets out a smile. “I wouldn’t say no to free food. Though I will be available after 2. Choir practice.” 

“Where would that be?” 

“In the music & performing arts faculty.” Renjun answers.

Donghyuck nods. “I’ll find my way there.”

The gratitude on Renjun’s face gives a little satisfaction to Donghyuck. Right. Maybe Day 2 of his rendezvous would actually be better that he has someone else with him.

The swimming pool’s showers weren’t really bad. It’s the first time Donghyuck actually went to one. He didn’t realize how easy it is to walk around in a university as a stranger. Maybe it’s because he is already inside. Taking advantage of that, he spent his morning well. There’s a store that sells buns for him to have breakfast.

He walked around the campus. Observing the students here, some walked alone, some in pairs. He envies the ones in groups. This could have been him if his life was in his favour. Looking at the empty bench, Donghyuck envisions himself sitting with a few of his childhood friends. He hasn’t seen them since all of them are busy with school. 

After having a fulfilling self-tour, Donghyuck ended up in the library. Waiting until 2pm seems longer than he had expected. He uses his time well by catching up with sleep. His body is still too tired. 

Just in time, Donghyuck got woken up around 1.30pm all thanks to a chair screeching beside him. He has 30 minutes to find the choir room which Donghyuck thinks he actually had passed by the faculty before.

It didn’t take too long to find the faculty. He did ask around for directions. Glancing at his watch, he arrived in front of the faculty building just in time. If only he has his phone with him. He could play games while–

“You fucking asshole!”

Donghyuck’s right arm is being dragged mercilessly and his first instinct is to scream but a palm is being pressed above his lips. “Do you have any fucking idea what the house has turned into?!” Registering that voice, Donghyuck starts to resist even harder. He’s being dragged to a secluded place at the back of a staircase. His attempt to bite the man’s hand fails when the man pushes him away. “You have a lot of explaining to do!”

Donghyuck smirks, rubbing his abused arm. “Fancy seeing you here, brother.”

“Are you crazy?!” Dongmin almost shouts. “Mother was about to go on a full-scale research for you! And father, he’s livid!”

Donghyuck clicks his tongue. “Both of them had it coming. Did you think I’d stay put?”

“You’re rebelling.” Dongmin hisses through his teeth. 

He is, thank you very much for noticing. As if being locked up isn’t enough but now he has to be part of an arranged marriage? No fucking way!

“Thought you all would find me sooner.” 

“Please.” Dongmin rolls his eyes. “We found you yesterday through the convenience store cctv. But then you ran off into a fucking university.”

Once again, Donghyuck really owes Renjun. Him letting Donghyuck to stay with him has saved him more times than he had expected. 

“If it weren’t for the fact that we didn’t want another royal children scandal, we would have barged in and dragged you out.” 

Donghyuck knows they wouldn’t. They know that Donghyuck would make a scene and with this era of people recording random shit, it wouldn’t be long before his name will be tainted. “I’m not going back until they promise me to grant two things.”

Dongmin barks out a laugh. “Who do you think you are? You don’t have a choice but to follow me back.”

“It’s you who don’t have a choice. One scream and everyone will know my face.” To make his point across, Donghyuck removes the mask he has been wearing and slicks back his hair. There is no way Dongmin will call for a back up to drag Donghyuck out. Especially not when students are starting to exit the faculty building.

“What are your conditions?”

“My introduction ceremony will happen this year on my birthday. And no marriage.”

Dongmin scoffs. “Why don’t you wish to be born from a non-royal family instead?”

Oh, believe him. He has been wishing ever since he was nine! 

“Just quit your tantrum and follow me! I’m already risking myself being seen. Then there’s that fire alarm and now this!”

Ha… why Donghyuck isn’t the least surprised to know that the fire alarm was caused for him? “Making students sleep exhausting late? Very royal of you, Dongmin.” Thanks to that fire alarm, everyone went to sleep later than what they usually do. Renjun had to lean on him because the warden wouldn’t let them sit for ungodly hours.

“That’s the only way to pull you out. But you were sticking to that short kid. I can’t even approach you.”

Short kid... 

Renjun!

“You better get going. I have to meet someone.” Donghyuck steps aside to leave.

As he expected, it isn’t as easy as that. “The hell you are. You’re coming with me!”

With an unnerving gaze, Donghyuck approaches his brother. They had a mini stare down and on normal times, it would’ve been funny. It still is but after a few seconds, Donghyuck uses his strength to push his brother before storming away from the staircase.  

The push was so hard that Dongmin ended up on the floor but thankfully he fell on his ass. “Fuck.” The man curses. His brother has successfully escaped.

Not giving up, Dongmin is back up on his feet and follows suit running. Damn his little brother has always been a runner. But he was too, so Donghyuck wouldn’t get far. 

There’s a reason Donghyuck is in front of this faculty. Going back to the entrance of the building, Dongmin smirks under his mask when he spots Donghyuck’s LV windbreaker. “You better–”

His hand was about to pull Donghyuck’s arm again when it registers in Dongmin’s head that Donghyuck is standing close to a group of people. His steps slow down as Donghyuck stubbornly approaches the group. 

“–try to pull me in a pyramid scam.” He hears Donghyuck saying to the students.

What?

The students immediately look at Dongmin with a scandalous look. “Excuse me, old man. He’s not interested!” The brown haired guy, Dongmin noticed he is the one Donghyuck clings to last night, scolds him. The little guy even pulled Donghyuck to stand behind him. 

“This is a misunderstanding. I am a relative of his.” Dongmin tries to explain. It doesn’t help that Donghyuck is not wearing a mask so these kids are capturing his face. In the future, they’d surely remember Donghyuck had made a visit here.

The guy that’s ‘protecting’ his brother turns to look at Donghyuck. “Is he lying?”

“Of course, he is ly–”

“I didn’t ask you.” Renjun interrupts Dongmin. 

Dongmin internally scoffs. Oh, he would love to see this short guy’s expression when he realizes in the future that he is talking to a prince. He is about to bring his mask down when it dawns on him that doing so is probably not a good idea.

‘Royal brothers Are Fighting In Public’

That headline does not look good to him nor his brother which automatically will cost him another yelling session by his mother.  

“I told you. He’s trying to scam me.” 

Renjun nods his head and turns to the man wearing the mask. “Do I need to tell you off twice? Or should I call security?”

Donghyuck knows he is in a serious situation, but he cannot help the grin that is threatening to form on his lips. Everyone has always been afraid of his brother so whenever they both argue, the people in the palace always take his side. Thus, seeing Renjun telling him off is pretty heart-fluttering, not going to lie.

It is a given but Donghyuck feels protected. Especially when Renjun most likely knows that Donghyuck is lying but he still pulls Donghyuck closer. 

“Fine.” The man wearing the mask says. “You will see me again.” He says before turning his heels and leaving.

The group of students present starts to gush loudly, commenting on how strange and creepy that person is. Donghyuck releases a sigh of relief. He’s definitely going to get it when he gets back to the palace but for now, he’s successful in getting his brother off his back.

Honestly, he wasn’t really going to fight back if he was to be captured. Maybe a little banter back and forth before being dragged back to the palace. After all, Donghyuck is powerless. However, he made a promise with someone. A lunch.

“You’re okay, Donghyuck?” Renjun looks at him worriedly. He even goes as far as scanning Donghyuck from head to toe to see if he is injured.

Donghyuck smiles. Again and again, Renjun proves to be his savior and the smaller man didn't even know it. “I’m alright. Don’t worry, Renjun.” He mutters, a little too softly, Donghyuck notices this about himself.

“Okay.” Renjun replies with the same grin.

“Woah, I have never seen you before.” One of the girls says. “Are you a student of this faculty?”

Quickly, Renjun shakes his hand. “Oh, no. He’s my friend. He’s just visiting.”

Another girl speaks up. “Well, Renjun’s friend. Are you going to join us for lunch?”

The way Renjun is surprised and confused at the invitation himself shows Donghyuck that Renjun having lunch with them isn’t a frequent occurrence. “Actually, I was about to ask if I could steal Renjun for today.” Donghyuck naturally slings his arms across Renjun’s shoulders. “I promised him a lunch date.”

Renjun’s hand almost slips the book he is holding at the word, earning a laugh from Donghyuck and some noisy cooing from his choir mates. “Sure! Sure! We wouldn’t want to impose!” The girl says with an excited smile.

“Yeah! We’ll see you around! Have fun on your date!”

They waved them goodbye. Helplessly, Renjun waves back knowing the misunderstandment has been done. Donghyuck too is waving enthusiastically before Renjun elbows him on the side. “Was that really necessary?”

Donghyuck winces, clutching his hip. “What~ It’s funny.”

“Now the whole choir thinks I have a boyfriend when I don’t even know you.” 

“That’s not true.” Donghyuck stands straight. “You know me and I know you. You’re Huang Renjun and I’m Lee Donghyuck.” 

Renjun hums. “I’m a university student and you are…?” Donghyuck falls into another staring contest and this time with Renjun. The prince is pretty good at it. Meanwhile Renjun, he couldn’t even last 5 seconds before he looked away. “You’re annoying.” He pushes Donghyuck then walks away from him.

The latter bursts into a loud laugh before catching up to the brown haired man. “Let’s go together!”