Archive of Our Own

"And from the top again. Let's go. 5-6-7-8..."

The rehearsals had been going on since the afternoon. The basement practice room of SM Entertainment was filled with trainees giving their all to perfect the choreography. Half of them had been there since morning, while the other half entered after completing their classes for the day.

Dongyoung also came in after finishing school. He'd had to go for vocal lessons first, then came for dance practice—a completely packed schedule. He was already starting to feel drained.

"Dongyoung! Focus! You've been messing up the steps for a while now," Taeyong, their team leader, shouted.

"Sorry, hyung. Just not feeling it today," Dongyoung replied apologetically. "I'll do my best."

Suddenly there was a scoff. A guy from the front of the team started, "Huh! Hyung, we're all tired. You're not any exception. If we're all working hard, you have to work hard too. Otherwise, you'll never improve."

And there goes Dongyoung's mood. Obviously this comment could only come from one person.

Jeong Yuno.

The perfect golden boy of their team. Good at everything—singing, dancing, visuals, academics... everything. He'd even been introduced as an SM Rookie last December. Everyone on their team technically worshipped him. Everyone except Dongyoung.

He knew it was all a facade. Behind all that pretense, Yuno was a typical jock and an asshole—an absolute A-grade one. The type Dongyoung hated with a passion.

So he decided to ignore the comment, ready to glare at the younger. Just then another trainee said, "Hyung, don't worry. I'll help you perfect it." Their team's very own angel, Mark. The Canadian boy was passionate about everything but also very polite to his hyungs. Not like Jeong "asshole" Yuno.

"Thank you, Mark." Dongyoung patted the kid's back in gratitude.

"Okay, we're done then. Can we start again? Or should we take a water break? What do you say, Taeyong Hyung?" Ten, the Thai trainee, voiced.

"Yeah, Ten's right. Let's take a break. We'll start again in fifteen minutes," Taeyong announced.

Dongyoung was already exhausted, so he went to rest in the corner, leaning against the wall and closing his eyes. Usually the kids would follow him to play around, but today, looking at him, they knew it was better not to annoy him. So he was just resting there in peace.

But suddenly he felt a cold sensation on his neck, which made him jerk his eyes open.

"What the hell!"

There was Yuno towering over him with a cold water bottle pressed to his neck.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" Dongyoung snapped.

"Drink this before you collapse on us," Yuno replied nonchalantly.

"You don't have to do me any favors. Please."

"Oh, I'm not doing you any favor. I'm doing the whole group a favor. You're just being an eyesore right now. Maybe drinking this can fix you."

The whole room was silently watching them bicker. Nobody dared to interrupt, as it was nothing new—they argued every day like clockwork. But today it was getting too heated.

"Oh please, shut up. No one else has a problem except you. Who do you think you are?" Dongyoung couldn't help but snap back.

"Guys?" The cool, calm, and collected Johnny tried to intervene, right when Yuno was preparing another rude reply.

"I think that's enough." His authoritative tone was enough to stop it for the time being.

Yuno just forced the cold water bottle onto Dongyoung's lap with an unreadable expression and went to Johnny. The oldest tried to talk to him to calm him down.

Dongyoung, on the other hand, looked at the bottle with disgust and tossed it aside. Even though he needed that water, he decided against it—his ego was on the line.

Soon the fifteen minutes were up. They all started practice once again, back to the grind. Dongyoung was losing energy slowly, and with that, his sensitive mood started to escalate. He was getting irritated easily and continued to sometimes miss the steps, which made him even angrier.

Taeyong could easily notice his friend's strange mood, as he was having a hard time matching everyone's energy.

"Dongyoung, why don't you take another break? Go to the washroom or maybe eat something, then come back," Taeyong tried to motivate him. "I think that'll be better. Right?"

Taeyong looked at the other members for validation and was answered with affirmative hums.

"Dons, let me come with you," Yuta, the Japanese trainee, volunteered.

"No, no, Yuta Hyung. It's okay. I'll manage myself. Thank you," Dongyoung assured him as he prepared to take his break.

He went straight to the washroom, splashing cold water on his face first. He stood there for a while looking at his reflection. He looked tired.

Nowadays he was working too hard to get validation from the training team, evaluators, and the company. It had already been almost two years since he joined. Most of his friends and colleagues had already been introduced as SM Rookies. They were in the limelight, working in front of cameras with established idols.

It wasn't like Dongyoung wasn't getting recognition too. He was also participating with the trainees in all the projects. Currently they were preparing for a new EXO variety show where they'd talk about famous '90s K-pop idols and recreate their iconic MVs. EXO and SM Rookies would get a chance to be featured, with the announced members at the front and Dongyoung and other trainees in the back.

He knew he shouldn't feel this way. He was working hard every day, and even the training team acknowledged it. But then there were people like Jeong Yuno taunting him at the end of the day. He just needed to secure his place as an SM Rookie faster. Only then would everyone acknowledge him more.

With that motivation, he came out of the washroom. When he reached the practice room, Johnny patted his back encouragingly, and they started practice again.

The day ended around 8 PM. When he went outside, it was already dark. The nightlife of the city was alive around him. They said goodbye to the trainees living in the dorm and started going back home. Taeyong and he always walked together to the station. Sometimes Yuno or Jeno and Jaemin joined them. Today it was Yuno.

They talked about the day and how much they needed to practice more to perfect the choreography. Fortunately, this time Yuno didn't make any offhanded comments to rile him up. Maybe he was just as tired as him—or so he thought.

Soon they reached the station. They got their tickets and checked the train times. Taeyong was feeling thirsty, so he went to buy something to drink. Yuno followed him while Dongyoung waited. They came back within five minutes. Taeyong was already sipping his Pocari, and Yuno was carrying two cans of Coke—one regular and one Diet. As soon as they returned, Yuno offered him the regular Coke.

That made Dongyoung look up at him. "What?" he asked.

"I bought two. I wasn't sure which one I wanted, but now I want to drink the Diet one," Yuno gestured at his drink. "So you can have this."

"No, thank you," he refused.

"No, no, take it. Otherwise you'll keep looking like an angry bunny," Yuno chuckled at his own words.

"Excuse me? What the hell do you mean by that?" Dongyoung was offended. Why did he keep annoying the shit out of him! Others would think Yuno was being sweet by offering him a drink, but no—it was just an excuse to rile him up by giving him his extra drink and saying those things.

Even Taeyong was giggling at that.

"You don't know, hyung?" Yuno tried his best to control his laughter. "You actually look like a bunny. And right now you look like an angry one with that frowning expression."

That got both Taeyong and Yuno laughing loudly, with Dongyoung getting even more pissed.

"Taeyong! You too?" He whined at his friend.

"Sorry, sorry," Taeyong was having a hard time breathing through all the laughter. "I mean, he's kind of right though. You do look like a bunny!" He pointed at his expression again and started laughing.

Dongyoung just sulked and looked at Yuno, who was sporting a proud expression. He was grinning at Dongyoung, dimples on full display.

That somehow made him even angrier.

Soon the train was arriving, so he got up and started walking toward his platform.

"Ugh. Bye."

"Bye, Bunny Hyung," Yuno called back.

"Shut up!" he shouted back and left, the Coke clutched in his hand.

The other two were still laughing.

On the way home, he kept thinking about their words. It wasn't like he was insecure about his looks, but bunny? Never in his life had people called him that. It just irritated him.

When he arrived home, he was surprised when his brother opened the door for him. He was so happy that he jumped on him.

"Hyung! You're home. Oh my god."

His older brother, Donghyun, was actually too busy these days. He was now known as Gong Myung and had already debuted as an actor, making their parents proud. He actively worked with an actor group named 5urprise.

So it had been a while since he'd seen his hyung. Donghyun couldn't be there for his own birthday. So now he had come home for a three-day holiday over the weekend, and Dongyoung was overjoyed. He forgot all about the tiring day as soon as he saw his brother.

He quickly went to freshen up as his mother had made their favorite meal. He hurried to the dining table to join his brother, as he had a lot to talk about with him.

"Hyung, how is everything? Have you met anyone famous recently? Are you working on a new drama? How are your other members?" He kept asking questions one after another without any break as his mother served dinner.

Donghyun couldn't help but laugh at his brother's antics. "Oh, Dongyoung, calm down," he kept chuckling. "Everything's been great. The members are all doing well, and everyone's nice to me. No, there hasn't been a new drama recently since we just finished the last one, but I'm auditioning for new roles regularly. Also, we're appearing in a lot of variety shows lately. You can see your brother on TV a lot."

Dongyoung listened to his brother with sparkling eyes. He couldn't be more proud. "Wow, that's so great. I'm so proud of you, hyung."

"Aww, thank you, dongsaeng." Donghyun pinched his cheek adoringly.

"Okay, enough. Now start eating," their mom interrupted. "Both of you had a long day today, so eat a lot. Donghyun, you've become so thin—eat properly. And Dongyoung, you have practice again tomorrow, so you too eat a lot. You need energy."

"Okay, Omma," they both said in unison and dove into the food immediately.

"So Dongyoung, how was your day?" their father asked over dinner.

"It was tiring. After school I went for vocal lessons, and when that ended I went for dance practice," he said between bites. "We have this show coming up that EXO sunbaenim are doing. We're also participating as background artists, so we have to practice a lot too."

He talked about his day but avoided mentioning the incidents from practice.

But he was still curious about one thing, so he couldn't control himself and asked, "Hyung, can I ask you something?"

His hyung replied with a hum while eating.

"Do you think I look like a bunny?"

"Hmmm?" Donghyun swallowed his food. "What? Why are you even asking that?" He raised an eyebrow. Even his parents were now curious.

"No... it's just..."

"Did anyone say something to you?" His mother was concerned. They were always very cautious about bullying issues. He knew they were always worried for him after that last incident at school.

"No, no, nothing like that. It's just that today Yuno and Taeyong Hyung said I look like a bunny," he assured them. "They were just joking. Yuno said it and Taeyong Hyung agreed with him. But that got me thinking—do I?"

His parents were relieved, and they just chuckled. His brother asked, "Yuno and Taeyong? Yuno as in the dimple guy? The one with the cute voice?"

"Yeah, that irritating guy," Dongyoung scoffed.

"Why? I like him. He's so polite every time we meet him. Right, Appa?" his brother continued, much to Dongyoung's displeasure. His father also nodded. "Yeah, he's a nice kid," while his mother smiled.

Obviously this was happening. Yuno was always keeping up his front as the ideal guy in front of everyone, even when he met Dongyoung's family. He behaved all polite and soft with them. Just one smile with those dimples out, and everyone was cooing at him. His mother immediately became a fan. Yuno also had the audacity to sweet-talk his brother, which got Donghyun on his team too. They bonded over sports and all that. Dongyoung just hated it.

So this conversation came as no surprise to him.

"No, it's just a facade. He's very rude, impolite, and annoying," he argued.

"No, Dongyoung, don't say it like that. You just said he bought you Coke today. If he was what you describe, he'd never do that. You should be thankful," his mother interjected.

"I don't know, Mom. I just don't like him. He gets on my nerves. Can we stop talking about him? Please?" Dongyoung pouted to end the conversation.

"Okay, okay. Let's talk about something else. Don't sulk," his brother elbowed him.

Dongyoung pretended to get hurt at that, but then they were talking about upcoming holidays with smiles on their faces.

Dongyoung went to sleep that day thinking about his holiday weekend and had a nice dream about singing in a pretty field of dandelions.

The next day his routine was the same—school, vocal lessons, then dance practice. He was determined to concentrate on everything properly today and work hard. And he continued like that.

Until it was dance practice again.

Today somehow Taeyong was in a bad mood, so the atmosphere in the practice room was already gloomy. Donghyuck had already gotten scolded twice for joking while practicing, and now the kid was sulking in a corner. Ten was having some issues with the training team and was completely silent. (If you asked Dongyoung, he thought Ten and Taeyong had fought over something, and that's how the latter's mood went downhill.) So Dongyoung chose to stick with Johnny and Hansol today, which was a good decision, because Yuta was also on the verge of getting scolded.

And there was Yuno, just chilling in the middle of the room as if nothing was happening.

It all started during their second break. Dongyoung saw Yuno talking to Ten, and the other guy was laughing obnoxiously at something the younger was saying. Then they looked at him. Ten nodded and started laughing again with Yuno. He tried to ignore it at first—he was already tired and didn't want to start any argument. It was just a waste of time.

So he went to drink water from the cooler outside and filled up his bottle. As soon as he came back, Yuno greeted him while giggling.

"Hi, Bunny Hyung!"

"Shh, Yuno. Bunny is drinking water," Ten joined in.

"Guys, please don't. I'm not in the mood," Dongyoung tried to warn them.

"No, you won't believe this, Dongyoung—I found a video of you eating on YouTube," Ten continued. "Wanna see?"

Even before he could protest, Ten started showing a video of a bunny eating, and everyone around them started laughing, comparing it to him.

Dongyoung complained and pouted at his fellow trainees to stop. They played around for a while, then Taeyong called everyone to start practice again. Dongyoung just glared at Yuno, who was smirking at him evilly, his sinful dimples showing. He also had the audacity to wink at him.

Dongyoung's blood was boiling.

They started practice again, and all he could think about was how evil Yuno was. He'd provoked everyone to make fun of him, told everyone he looked like a bunny, and now everyone would laugh at him. Such a bully Yuno was. He gritted his teeth and concentrated on the choreography.

They practiced like that for another hour before the next break. Now he was tired, so he leaned against the wall and tried to rest. Soon there was a poke. Yuno was standing there with a can of Coke.

"For you," he said while handing him the can. Dongyoung noticed some other drinks in his hands, and some trainees were already drinking from theirs. Even Jeno on the other side of the room was giving out drinks to his friends. So he took the drink from Yuno's hand, thanking him.

He was still skeptical but gave him the benefit of the doubt. It wasn't the first time Yuno had given him something.

But all his thoughts stopped as soon as he opened the can. It burst and spilled so fast that he was soaked from the top within seconds. Foam and Coke were dripping from his hair and clothes. It was even in his eyes. He was too stunned to react.

All he could hear with closed eyes were giggles everywhere.

"OMG, look, a wet bunny! Hahaha," sounded like a high-pitched Donghyuck commenting while laughing, with someone else shushing him.

When he was able to open his eyes, he heard Yuno first before seeing him.

"Oh My God, hyung, are you okay? Shit. Wait, I'll get a towel."

"Shut up!" Dongyoung shouted. "Just shut up." He was on the verge of breaking into tears.

"You did it on purpose, right? Don't act all innocent now!" He was fuming.

"No, hyung. I didn't do anything. It wasn't me. I swear," Yuno tried to reason.

"Oh, shut up. I know you very well. You intentionally did it to make fun of me. And now you're acting all goody-two-shoes," Dongyoung was finally losing it.

"Dongyoung, what are you even saying?" Either Taeyong or Hansol tried to calm him down.

"Oh, I know what I'm saying. It's all a show. You're just a bully, Yuno."

"No, hyung. I swear it wasn't me," Yuno tried to get hold of the older.

"Don't touch me. Just leave me alone." Dongyoung freed his hand and fled from the room.

He could hear Yuno, Johnny, and the others calling him back, but he ignored everyone. He just ran and ran, finally coming to a stop in front of a storeroom. He entered the room on a whim and sat on the ground.

The humiliation was getting to him so badly. All he could feel was rage, shame, and betrayal. Everything reminded him of the time he got bullied at school, and that broke him. He started crying his eyes out while blaming Yuno for everything.

"He's a bully. Such a bully. Why does it always have to be me? Why did I have to meet him? Why did he choose only me to bully? Am I that easy? I wish I had never met Yuno. I hate him. I hate him."

He kept crying there. He had no idea how long it had been since he left, if his friends were looking for him, or if they'd forgotten about him. Thinking about all this while crying just made him more and more tired. Before he knew it, he was falling asleep there.

Dongyoung woke up to morning sunlight and birds chirping. He groaned and squinted his eyes at the light, trying to block it with the duvet covering him. He was resting on a bed covered with silk sheets and nice soft pillows under his head. The room was pleasantly cool with the soft hum of a machine somewhere nearby. He felt so content with everything that a smile automatically came to his lips.

After all the nonsense that had happened yesterday, he must have come home and slept soundly. And now he had two days of holiday to spend with his family.

With all these thoughts, he finally opened his eyes and the room came into view. A fairly large bedroom covered in white everywhere. A large window beside the bed with sunlight streaming through it. Dongyoung was still sleepy and confused, so it took him time to realize what was wrong.

And then it hit him. This wasn't his bedroom. What the hell!

He sat up with a jerk and immediately felt a sharp pain in his back.

The second realization came to him. He was naked under the sheets. Not only that, there was a sticky sensation on his backside, and he was so sore.

Sure, he was inexperienced in all these things, but he definitely knew what that meant.

He clutched the white sheets around his body, stood up at lightning speed, and started to panic. He tried to remember what had happened last night and how he'd ended up like this, but nothing came to mind.

It was all a dream, right?

But the pain in his backside and the surroundings felt so real. He stood in the middle of the room, closed his eyes, and shook his head, as if that would wake him up or something.

Another realization came to him in the process.

"Wait," he almost shout-whispered to himself. "I'm not a virgin anymore?"

"I thought we'd already established that long ago?"

The deep voice startled Dongyoung like nothing else. He squeaked and looked back to see a man standing there, grinning at him with dimples displayed on his cheeks. He was wearing only sweatpants with a coffee cup in his hand. He had typical milk-white skin and a built body that Dongyoung would surely have dreams about later.

The guy set the cup on the bedside table and greeted him.

"Good morning, baby." He cupped his cheek and leaned in for a quick peck, which immediately sent Dongyoung into shock. He widened his eyes at the gesture and looked at the guy, who replied, "I made breakfast. Your favorite," and looked at him with a soft expression.

Then Dongyoung saw it. He got to look at the guy properly to see his features. He knew those eyes, that smile, and definitely those dimples.

"Yuno?" his stunned voice came out automatically.

"Huh? Suddenly?" The guy just chuckled and hugged him, burying his face in Dongyoung's neck, making him feel ticklish. "You haven't called me that in so long. Also, you smell so good."

The guy kept inhaling his neck and giving small kisses here and there. Dongyoung's brain was short-circuiting. He wasn't able to think like this, especially with those hands roaming around his back. He couldn't understand anything at all. The confusion and weirdness of the situation just made him more panicky.

Was this really Yuno? The most irritating guy he knew? His bully? The rudest guy ever? What was he doing here? Why did he look so manly? When did his voice become like that? It sounded so deep and sexy... Wait, what? No, no, no... What the hell was he doing there? With Man-Yuno? And also like this... naked and... yeah...

His chain of thoughts vanished as soon as he felt lips at the corner of his mouth. The Man-Yuno was about to dive in for a kiss on his lips when he squirmed out of his arms.

The Man-Yuno just let out a groan of protest. Dongyoung retreated back, only to end up in front of the mirror. What he saw was enough to make him feel faint.

He was looking at the reflection of a Dongyoung who appeared to be in his late twenties. Taller with sharper features. His hair was longer and disheveled. Obviously, not to mention his neck and collarbone were littered with red marks that made him blush. But that confirmed the state he was in right now.

But that wasn't his main concern. He looked older. But how?

"What's wrong, baby? Are you okay?"

Dongyoung had no answer for that question. He was frantically looking around for answers to every question in his mind. He looked at the bed, at the coffee, at the Man-Yuno standing there with a concerned expression, at the mirror. He wanted to scream.

And then he saw the cabinet beside the mirror with a digital calendar displaying the date and time in bright white.

2024.05.29

What?

"2024?" Dongyoung went closer to the device. "Why does it say May 2024?"

"Hyung, what are you even saying?" The Man-Yuno looked puzzled.

"How can it be 2024?" His voice was wavering. "It's 2014."

"What?" The Man-Yuno frowned at his words. Confused, he said, "Hyung, why would it be 2014? It's 2024. May 29th, 2024. 2014 was ten years ago. Are you okay, hyung?"

Dongyoung's head was spinning. He looked at the man and the calendar, trying to find words to say. Everything was so overwhelming that he felt dizzy.

Soon his vision went dark and he lost consciousness, while Man-Yuno screamed his name.

"...Yes, hyung. I know. I think he stressed himself a lot over the solo concert. Yes, yes. I understand. Thank you so much again."

Dongyoung groaned and grumbled as he tried to open his eyes for the second time that day. He hoped his dream had ended by then, but as soon as he opened his eyes, he was welcomed by Man-Yuno again.

The man was talking on the phone with someone, clearly concerned. His back was toward Dongyoung. That's when he noticed the red lines and scratches scattered across it, which made him remember his own state again. All the flashes came back to him one by one. He just flopped back on the bed and sighed loudly. That caught Yuno's attention.

"Hyung, he's awake. I'll talk to you later, okay? Yeah, I'll take care of him. Don't worry, Johnny Hyung. Bye." He faced Dongyoung.

"How are you feeling now, hyung?" Man-Yuno asked while caressing his head, the other hand draped over his waist.

"I'm fine," Dongyoung managed to answer, feeling strange that the touch and caress didn't feel unfamiliar at all. He didn't feel repulsed by it, as he should, thinking of the person in front of him.

"Thank goodness. You scared me, Doie Hyung!" The Man-Yuno hugged him. "You suddenly fainted while looking at the calendar, murmuring '2014' over and over. Was it a bad dream?"

Dongyoung thought about what to reply for a moment and decided to go with the flow.

"No, um, nothing like that," he told the man. "Sorry for making you worry."

The man just smiled at him, cupping his face and pressing a kiss to his cheek.

"It's okay. You're fine now. I checked your temperature and everything seems normal."

Dongyoung looked at the man, trying to find the guy he knew—the rudeness and annoyance hidden somewhere inside him. But all he could see was love and concern in those eyes.

How had that happened exactly? Wait, he was saying something.

"Sorry, what?" he asked.

"Am I that handsome that you ignored everything I said?" He chuckled. "I said I talked with our manager hyung about your schedules today. You don't have anything major other than recordings for the new album. Don't worry about them—you don't have to go in today." He was caressing Dongyoung's head, relieving him from the slight headache he was having. "Haechan and Jungwoo will go in today."

Haechan? Jungwoo? Who the hell were they?

"Who?" he asked confusedly. "Who are Haechan and Jungwoo?"

That made Man-Yuno even more confused. He frowned at him.

"Are you sure you're okay?" he asked concernedly. "I mean, I did say last night that I would fuck you so hard you'd forget everything but only remember my name. But man, I was joking. Did I actually manage to do that?"

Dongyoung gasped at his unhinged words. "Oh my god, shut up!" He tried to hit the giggling man to stop him but was caught by him. The Man-Yuno easily toppled them over on the bed and caged him underneath.

"No, seriously. Since you woke up this morning, you keep calling me Yuno instead of Jaehyun. And now you can't even remember your own members." He looked intensely at Dongyoung. "Is this some kind of roleplay? Do I need to perform last night's acts again to make you remember everything? Huh?"

He tickled him and kissed his collarbone. The sensation was so new to Dongyoung but also very familiar. Soon they were face to face, looking into each other's eyes, and Yuno was diving in to kiss his lips. This time he didn't protest.

As soon as the lips touched his, he felt something burst inside his chest. Soon their lips were moving against each other. It was so new for him—obviously he'd dated before, but none were serious enough to kiss like this. The passion, the pressure, everything felt so good that he involuntarily released a moan. That made Yuno deepen the kiss. His hands were roaming against his body, making it more pleasant. All Dongyoung could do was follow his lead, tilting his head at the right angle, chasing his lips at the right time.

Suddenly there was a tongue inside his mouth, and that startled Dongyoung enough to retreat.

Man-Yuno looked surprised at the movement but didn't say anything. He just sighed and asked, "So about breakfast. Do you want to go to the table, or should I just bring it here?"

Dongyoung was still in a daze, so he couldn't answer properly. His face was flushed red with a blush, and that made Yuno chuckle. "You know what? I'll just bring it here. You rest."

And he left Dongyoung alone with his thoughts.

He facepalmed himself. His face was hot as he slid under the sheets once again. He let out a muffled squeal to express his current state, then huffed back onto his pillow.

Finally he was able to think about the situation. His head was clear enough to piece everything together. He was currently in 2024, in his late twenties, apparently living with Yuno. And they were... ahem... lovers? He was in a group and had a manager. His members were some Jungwoo and Haechan.

Oh God, did he time travel? To the future? Ten years? To 2024? Wow, damn!

But why Yuno? Also, he'd called him Jaehyun? Why?

And then he remembered that Yuno was actually introduced as Jaehyun when he was announced as an SM Rookie. So that's why!

But what was going on between them? That kiss just now and the fact that he was still naked were telling him a story he didn't want to believe. How had this even happened?

Also, was this the same Yuno? But now all caring and concerned for him, taking care of him all the time. He'd even made breakfast for him, which he was going to serve in bed. That was so odd—like a total 180° transformation of the guy he knew. So hard to believe.

He sat up again and looked around. There were some pictures around the room. One with his parents and his brother—everyone looked older than he remembered them. Another was with his brother, and it looked like it was from a photoshoot. And lastly there was a photo of his older self and older Yuno (or should he call him Jaehyun?) smiling at the camera.

He wondered: was his older self happy? With Jaehyun and everything around him?

He sighed at the thought. But one thing he was sure of—happy or not, he was definitely satisfied. At least the soreness in his back and the red marks on Jaehyun's back were enough to assure him of that.

He covered his face again with shame at that thought.

"And I'm back," Yuno—aka Jaehyun—announced. But as soon as he saw him sitting like that, he got all concerned again. He set the tray filled with plates aside. "Doie Hyung? What happened? Are you feeling sick again?"

"What? No, no. I'm okay," Dongyoung answered, somewhat embarrassed. Also, Doie Hyung? That was cute.

Then he saw all the food in front of him. "Oh wow! So many things. Thanks."

The man chuckled as he set up the bed table, keeping the tray beside it.

"Well, it's nothing much. I just reheated the tteokbokki from last night. These are the side dishes your omma gave us yesterday. And I just made this seaweed soup and heated up some rice for you, so you can feel better after all that stress you've been through." He grinned at him.

Dongyoung kept looking at the food when Yuno lifted a spoonful of rice for him. "Aaa... open your mouth. I'll feed you."

Yeah, this definitely couldn't be the same Yuno at all, Dongyoung concluded.

"So you'll just rest. I'll be back by six at the latest—or I hope so. I'll try to get back sooner, okay?"

Dongyoung nodded as he listened to the younger. Apparently he had schedules for his own solo album (wow!) which he couldn't cancel, so he had to leave now. He'd at last put on some clothes—a white t-shirt, jeans, and a snapback.

"Are you sure you don't want anything? You don't want anyone to keep you company?" he asked again. "I can ask Ten Hyung to come upstairs if he's free. Do you want me to?"

"What? No, not Ten, please," Dongyoung was reminded of the menace Ten had been to his past self. "I swear I'll be okay."

Yuno—aka Jaehyun—just sighed. "Okay. It's just that you make me worry, hyung. Still, if anything happens..."

"I'll call you ASAP. I know, Jaehyun. You've told me so many times by now." It wasn't that Dongyoung was irritated—he knew the other guy meant well. But nagging was his forte, so it was weird to hear someone else nagging at him.

"Okay, okay, I understand. I'm going. You take care of yourself." He hugged him and gave a chaste kiss on his lips before taking his bag.

"Bye, baby. See you in the evening. Oh, and don't forget about the dinner reservations tonight." He smiled at him and then left.

As soon as the door closed, Dongyoung let out a sigh of relief. He must be such a good actor to pull that off just now. It wasn't like he could announce that he was from the past—that would be so weird.

He started to move around. First he took a shower. When he looked at his body, he was shocked—his stomach was built with abs. His older self was really taking good care of his body. Then he went to the closet to get some clothes. While searching for something to wear, he found t-shirts with NCT written on them. They looked like merch. Even SMTOWN ones were there. A lot of branded clothes. And a whole section of Dolce & Gabbana clothes and accessories. Wow, he must earn a lot to spend that much on luxury. He settled on a simple black t-shirt and sweatpants.

He collected the sheets from the bed and went to look for the washer. God knows what they'd done to them last night. That was his first time getting out of the room. He looked around the place to find it clean and well-maintained. He somehow felt proud.

As the sheets were getting cleaned, he started to roam around the house. He knew it was his own house, but still it felt foreign to him. He felt like he was invading someone else's personal space. Yet curiosity got to him.

While looking through the well-appointed living room, he saw a shelf full of albums, merch, and other items. There were also LPs and an LP player.

It also looked like his future self had made peace with the bunny allegations. There was a lot of bunny-related merchandise around the apartment. It was still unbelievable to Dongyoung how that had happened, as the thought still repelled him.

He started looking through the albums. Most of them were from a group called NCT, which must be the name of the group he was in. There were albums with his face on them that said NCT 127. Also albums with just the name NCT and years written after them in different styles. There were also other albums from groups like NCT Dream, WayV, and NCT DJJ. So many of them.

He found out that he was part of NCT 127 and NCT DJJ. There were eight other people in 127, including Jaehyun. He knew most of them except for one guy. He was also with him in DJJ. He looked for him and found out that this guy was Jungwoo, who had filled in for him today. God bless this guy. He wasn't there for some albums—maybe he'd joined later. That's why he didn't know him. But who was Haechan then? He looked through the members of 127, only to discover that Haechan was none other than Donghyuck—the same annoying, mischievous kid Donghyuck, who now looked so different and mature that he almost couldn't recognize him.

Also, he apparently now went by the name Doyoung? Strange. Maybe the company had shortened it for some reason. Anyway, it didn't sound bad at all.

He kept looking for all the people he knew during his training—the ones who were already announced as Rookies. He found Johnny, Taeyong, Yuta, and Mark with him in the group. Even Jeno, Jaemin, and Jisung were in that Dream group. At first he couldn't find Ten anywhere, but then he saw him in the WayV group. That was NCT too? It looked like it, as they were also in those albums with years on them. He was surprised to see Ten not with them. But he was more surprised to not find Hansol anywhere in the albums. Maybe something had happened in the intervening years. It was best not to know everything about it.

Lastly, he saw an album with his face on it. "Youth" written over it. It looked very recent—that must be his solo album. It looked so good. That meant his future self had actually made it. He prevented himself from looking more into it, as that would ruin the surprise for his future self.

He was so engrossed in his search when a sudden "ding" sound startled him. It came from a phone—his phone. More like his future self's phone. He saw it for the first time since morning. He picked it up, and it was password protected. But by now, he knew his future self very well. He had an idea about the password. He tried his own birthday, which didn't work. He tried Yuno's birthday, but that didn't work either. Finally he put in 2114, and it immediately opened.

There he was greeted with so many apps. The phones had surely upgraded a lot since then. His KakaoTalk had so many unread messages. There was also his Instagram with so many notifications. Also another pink app named Lysn Bubble. He opened it just to find out it was an app to communicate with fans via chatting. Then he opened his Instagram. It was kind of hard to navigate since everything looked new, but he managed eventually. There were so many posts from him. So many photos. (And they actually looked good. His older self must be so good at taking photos.) The last ones were from a concert—his solo concert, which had happened two days ago. (Damn, that was so awesome!) Also the fact that Taeyong Hyung was apparently serving in the military now.

Finally he paused at the KakaoTalk app. He hesitated to open it and in the end decided against it. He settled for the photos app instead. He opened it and kept looking over the photos and videos one by one. He kept awing and laughing over different photos as he scrolled through them.

Soon he fell asleep on the couch.

He woke up again the next time with the sound of his phone ringing. He sat up straight and looked for the device. When he found it, it displayed "Johnny Hyung" on the screen.

He felt somehow nervous picking up the call. He didn't know what to say. But eventually he picked it up.

"Hello!"

"Hello? Doyoung? How are you now? Jaehyun told me you were sick?" Johnny asked without a break.

"I'm okay, hyung. I think I was just tired. Don't worry," he replied politely.

"That's a relief. When I met you on the last day of the concert, I don't know why you kept saying, 'It's time. Finally.' And you were so happy about that 'time' too. I thought you were talking about your solo concert, so I didn't pay any attention. What were you talking about? I forgot to ask," Johnny asked him.

"Huh? Time?" He had no clue what the other guy was talking about. Did his older self already know about this? He tried to stay neutral, "I was talking about having a good time after the concert only. Like resting at home. Haha."

"Dude! Are you sure you're okay?" Johnny suddenly seemed doubtful.

"Yeah, I am. Why?" Dongyoung asked nervously. Had he found out?

"No, it's just you're talking weirdly. First you didn't whine about Jaehyun. I was so sure you'd do it again, especially because I'm sure he nagged at you today, which you hate. And then you're being all polite to me suddenly. It's so weird," Johnny laughed at his own conclusion.

Dongyoung also laughed with him, as he had no other choice. He didn't want the guy to know about him.

"Man, look at me. You must be resting now, and here I am calling you, disturbing your nap. I would've gone to meet you today, but my schedule is kind of tightly packed today. You also enjoy your special day today. I'll go tomorrow for sure. Anyway, I need to see it with my own eyes," Johnny kept saying.

"See what?" Dongyoung asked curiously.

"Huh? What do you mean? He didn't tell you yet? It was today, right? I thought it was?" Johnny was now mumbling to himself.

"What is today? I don't understand, hyung," he replied.

Today? What was today? He kept thinking. It wasn't their birthday, right? No, it was May. His concert had also ended. Jaehyun also hadn't mentioned anything special.

"Did you mean the dinner reservations tonight?" Dongyoung asked him.

"Huh? Yes! Yeah, dinner. I meant your dinner only," it felt like Johnny let out a sigh. "I mean, don't get too excited, okay? We don't want Dispatch to know, right? Haha..." He tried to lighten the mood.

Dongyoung also laughed at that absurd comment. "What are you even saying, hyung?"

"I don't know either, Doyoung," they were laughing again.

And then he remembered something he needed to ask Johnny.

"Oh, hyung. I actually wanted to ask you something."

"Yeah, tell me?" Johnny replied.

"Um... hyung, do you remember the time Yuno and I got together? Like the specific date or how it happened and all?" Dongyoung asked very carefully.

"Suddenly why are you asking me that? Also Yuno?" Johnny said.

"Oh, actually I'm trying to write something. So I wanted to know about a third person's point of view about it. And the name, haha, I am actually trying something." Dongyoung tried to make a believable excuse. He hoped it would work.

"Okay? Well, if you ask me like that, I would say it was so sudden? I mean, I remember you guys fighting like cats and dogs one day, and the next day you both were stealing shy glances. But even after that, you guys kept bickering all the time. God, it's so weird, your dynamic," Johnny kept chuckling.

Even Dongyoung was amazed knowing that.

Then Johnny continued, "But I don't think you guys dated back then. Or at least that's what you told everyone. I remember Jaehyun whining about getting your attention all the time. And you were there trying to act all oblivious of that. I think it changed during Show Champion. Yes, when you both became the MCs. You got to spend a lot of time together then and eventually started dating."

Show Champion! Yes, he'd seen a photo of their teenage selves together in front of the logo. It was framed and hanging in the hall.

"Right! Thanks, hyung, for telling me your point of view. It was of great help," he replied.

"I'm glad?" Johnny replied confusedly. "Anyway, I have to go now. You just rest, okay? Don't take any stress. I won't say anything anymore, or Jaehyun will have my head. Just enjoy the evening. And all the best. Bye." He giggled again, making Dongyoung confused.

"Bye, hyung." And with that, he hung up.

Dongyoung couldn't stop thinking though. What was today? Anything special? Their anniversary or something like that? The way Johnny Hyung was saying it, it sounded like the dinner was special. God knows. Maybe he was thinking too much.

He looked at his phone again, planning to explore it a little bit more. This time he tapped on the KakaoTalk icon. There were a lot of messages—a group chat for NCT 127 with the managers and one with just the members. He got messages from Jungwoo and Ten asking if he was feeling okay.

First he opened Ten's chat. It said:

Hey! How are you now?  

Do you need anything?  

If you need company, let me know.  

I'll come upstairs.

That made him think. Was this the same Ten he knew? That same guy who got on his nerves deliberately, always teasing him? That guy being this caring? God, time must have changed everyone, including his Yuno. He had also changed a lot. Wait. His? Did he just say his Yuno? Oh my god. He must have gone mad.

He replied to Ten, saying he was okay and thanking him for asking about him. All he got back from him were a heart and a wink emoji. Then he opened Jungwoo's message. The younger was also asking him about his health and for him to rest well. He also replied to him the same as Ten and thanked him for filling in today.

Then another message appeared on his screen. From Jaehyun.

Miss you ㅠㅠ  

How are you feeling now?  

Do you need anything?

He was startled for a moment, thinking about how Jaehyun was being so sweet, so caring. But just thinking back about the Yuno he knew sending him such a message suddenly made him shiver. So weird. He couldn't imagine that guy saying such things to him.

Jaehyun was different.

He eventually decided to reply.

Miss you too.  

I am all okay.  

Don't worry.

He tried to give back the same warmth to this Jaehyun, as he deserved it.

The replies came back immediately.

:)  

Are you sure about the dinner today?  

Will you be able to go?  

Or do you want me to get the food at home?

See... this guy was so sweet. Thinking so much about him and his wishes that he was ready to make changes to his plans. Dongyoung's heart melted at that.

He replied back with care.

No no. Don't need to cancel the dinner. 

You planned it for so long.

He really felt bad. And then he saw the replies.

Hyung! It's totally okay. 

I don't mind.  

Your health comes first.  

You just finished such a hectic schedule.  

You need rest.

Dongyoung's chest felt so full as the messages kept coming.

You know what, I'll just get takeaway from the restaurant and we can have the food at home.

That way you can have your rest and we can have our dinner too.  

What say?

Dongyoung didn't even waste time thinking. He replied instantly.

Okay. I think that will be great.

Jaehyun replied back immediately.

Then it's set.  

I'll postpone the reservation for now.  

We will just celebrate at home.  

I'll be home by 6 pm. Bye.

Dongyoung also replied with a bye, and they ended the chat.

He kept looking for things here and there in the meantime. He found out that he'd even debuted as an actor, following in his brother's footsteps. He searched for the videos on YouTube to watch, but soon enough he regretted it. The scenes were so cringey that he couldn't watch anymore. Now he knew why his brother never watched back his own acting projects.

He searched more and saw Jaehyun had also debuted as an actor. He'd even been cast as the main character of a drama. So he searched for the episodes and started watching them.

He was so into the drama when he got another message. It was now from Jeno.

Doyoung Hyung! Congratulations!

Huh? He was confused again. So he asked.

Hi Jeno.  

Congratulations? For what?

And waited for the reply, which came within minutes.

What? Did Jaehyun Hyung not tell you yet?

What was he even talking about? Dongyoung had no clue. So he asked.

Tell me what?

He needed to know. He waited until the reply came.

No no. Nevermind. 

I actually met him in the company today, while he was leaving. So I thought he already went home and told you. My bad.

Huh? That was so vague. So he pressed for more.

No Jeno. He's not home yet.  

But what is he supposed to tell me?

Again the reply came immediately.

Hyung! That's not something for me to say.  

Just wait and you'll know. ;)

Now he was getting restless. He needed to know. But again, he didn't want to mess up anything. So he tried to change the topic.

Jeno! Can I ask you something?

Jeno replied affirmatively.

Yeah sure, Doyoung Hyung.

So Dongyoung asked what was on his mind.

What do you think about us hyungs, Jeno?  

About Me and Jaehyun being together?  

For such a long time?

He waited for the reply again.

Why do you suddenly ask, hyung?

Obviously he would ask that.

Nothing. Hyung just wanted to know about your thoughts. I am trying to write something for Jaehyun. 

So I asked.

He replied with the same thing he'd said to Johnny.

Oh! In that case... I love you both! 

You know that I think of you both as my parents in NCT, right?

You guys are so important to me.

When you first got together, I was so happy. I always knew you both were the ones for each other.  

You guys even gave me the courage to tell my feelings to Jaemin.  

I'll always be grateful for that.

Jaemin? Wow! So Jeno and Jaemin were together? That was good to know. Jeno kept messaging.

I know you guys fight sometimes. But that's the charm of your relationship. 

That's how your love is.  

And I hope you guys always stay like this.

Dongyoung's heart was swollen with love. Jeno, the guy he'd always seen as his closest younger brother among the bunch, was talking so maturely. He'd even seen his pictures—there also he looked so mature and grown up. He replied back to him with adoration.

Awww Jeno.  

That's so sweet of you.  

I'm always happy for you and Jaemin.  

And don't tell the others. But you're my favorite too. 

Hyung loves you a lot too.

He heard the door opening as he was replying.

"Baby, I'm home," Jaehyun's voice came from the hallway.

"Hmm, welcome home," he replied while messaging Jeno.

Always be like this okay?  

Lovable and cute.  

Okay Jaehyun just came home.  

I'll talk to you later.

He messaged as Jaehyun appeared in the living room. He smiled at him.

"Hey, whatcha doing?"

Just then Jeno's message came.

Okay then I won't disturb you guys anymore.  

Enjoy tonight.  

See you later hyung.  

Bye.

"Oh, I was just texting with Jeno," he replied to Jaehyun while closing the chat with bye.

"Nice. I just met him on my way back," Jaehyun said as he set the takeaway bags on the table.

"Hmm, he was telling me that only," Dongyoung smiled back at him. "So how was work?"

"Work? It was good. We discussed the album and the songs today. I'll let you know about it all as soon as we confirm everything. I want it to be as perfect as yours." They smiled at each other.

Dongyoung looked at the takeaway bag then.

"Oh? What did you get us?" he asked.

"I brought some pasta and chicken from our favorite restaurant. And some red wine, just to be fancy," Jaehyun said while wiggling his eyebrows.

Dongyoung just chuckled at that.

"Woah. I like that."

He was such a liar. Never in his life he had that combination. His 18-year-old self could only ever dream of drinking red wine, especially a good one.

"So I'll just go freshen up and set up the table, okay?" Jaehyun suggested.

"No!" Dongyoung protested. Jaehyun looked at him in surprise.

"I mean, let's eat here only, on the couch. I want to continue watching this drama."

Then Jaehyun noticed the TV. He looked literally taken aback.

"You're watching Dear M? You?" he asked with his eyebrows raised and eyes wide.

"Yeah. Why?" Dongyoung answered nonchalantly.

"Why? Because you hate it. Even when the members wanted to watch it back in the dorm, you protested like anything, saying you hated watching me romancing and kissing someone else. Your words, not mine," Jaehyun chuckled as he reminisced. "But yeah, you made such a scene. It was cute, seeing you all possessive. I loved it."

Wow. His older self was sure a piece of work—making a scene because his man was kissing another girl on screen? He tried to think about it. Jaehyun kissing a girl while he was watching. Kissing just like he'd done to him in the morning. Okay, no. He didn't like it for sure. Not because he was possessive, but more like it was repulsive to think about it. But he had to act cool now to uphold his image.

"No, it's actually fun. I don't know why I said that. But it's fun to watch you like this, behaving like an idiot on screen. I'm sure you will become a good lover in the later episodes too. So I want to watch it. Please?"

"Okay. If you want to, I have no issues," Jaehyun shrugged. "I'll just go freshen up. And then we can set this up together."

Dongyoung nodded enthusiastically at that. He started the show again as Jaehyun went to do his business. He paused the drama again when Jaehyun came back. They set the table in front of the couch and settled there. He started the drama again.

They were eating in silence as the main characters were having a crucial conversation on screen. Jaehyun's character was giving hints about his love to the female lead. And that made Dongyoung think again.

"Jaehyun?" he asked so softly.

Jaehyun hummed back to him, eyes fixed on the screen.

"Do you remember how we got together? Like the time before that? When we used to fight like anything?" he asked as he looked at the guy.

Jaehyun also averted his gaze from the TV at this question, surprised even.

"You love to talk about this and make me feel bad, right?" He chuckled.

"What? Nooooooo... I just asked," Dongyoung protested.

"Well, in that case... I regret it," Jaehyun replied.

And now it was Dongyoung's turn to widen his eyes at the answer.

"What? You regret it?"

"Let me finish the sentence first, Oh My God!" He stopped him with his hands.

"I regret it as in, I regret the way I used to behave before that. And I only understood it after that Coke incident," he sighed.

"I know it was Donghyuck and Yuta Hyung who pulled that prank. But you thought it was me and said so many things. That made me realize what I was doing to you. Just because it was easy to get a reaction out of you, I just irritated you all the time. Only because I couldn't come to terms with the fact that I actually liked you."

He looked down bashfully.

"You liked me? Since when?" Dongyoung couldn't help but ask.

"Being honest, I don't know. It just happened, okay? Somehow, someday I realized it and started pulling all those stunts to get your attention. I think the other guys knew. Especially Johnny Hyung and Ten Hyung. So they always tried to help me. I even always bought extra snacks to feed you, as you never took care of yourself," Jaehyun giggled as he remembered.

"What? But you always said it was the extra one that you didn't want to waste. Wow. Damn," Dongyoung was now almost talking to himself.

"Hyung, why are you asking me all these as if you didn't know already? This is so embarrassing!" Jaehyun settled the wine glass on the table to hide his red face and ears.

"But it's nice to hear it again. Tell me more. When did you think of confessing? How did it happen? Everything. Also Ten helped you? He used to be as irritating as you back then," Dongyoung was skeptical.

"Haha, yes. That's how Ten Hyung is, right? He also loved getting on the nerves of his best friend. I think that's why you guys are that close still now," Jaehyun said as a matter of fact.

"And about the other questions. I never thought I'd get to tell you about my feelings! Or like I never believed you could feel the same. But then you hugged me. After we found you in the storeroom. Which honestly scared me like anything when we were unable to find you. Johnny Hyung scolded me a lot that day, you know? And then we found you, told you the truth. And then while going home, in the station, you just hugged me out of nowhere. And that messed up with my brain. I loved that hug so much that I knew I needed to get that every day," Dongyoung listened to Jaehyun's intense story and kept wondering about that day. What had happened after he fell asleep there in the storeroom?

"We started dating during Show Champion, right? Before that we just used to go on impromptu dates. Because I was a confused mess. During that time Johnny Hyung and Ten Hyung gave me a lot of advice. I knew you were waiting for me to just ask you. But sorry that it took so much time. And when I asked you and you said yes instantly, I'll never forget that feeling. Oh, and our first kiss," Jaehyun clutched his heart as if it was about to burst.

Dongyoung couldn't help but chuckle at that gesture of the younger.

"And how was it? Our first kiss?" He just couldn't help but ask.

Jaehyun just looked at him amusingly and moved forward until their faces were inches apart.

"Our first kiss? It was... magical!" He moved closer. Both of them could feel their breath on each other's faces. "Just like this." And then he leaned forward.

But it was Dongyoung who closed the distance, capturing those alluring lips in his. The kiss turned heated very soon. He clutched onto Jaehyun's shirt with one hand and the other on his nape, pulling him closer. While Jaehyun was caressing his face with one hand and the other holding his waist. Soon he became lost in the sensation. Truly it was magical. He shivered at every touch and caress that Jaehyun was giving him. This time he didn't back out when he felt the tongue poking into his mouth. He welcomed it without any hesitation. Soon Jaehyun was pressing him back on the couch, and he was going to lie down with the man over him, never stopping the kiss at all. But then there was a soft clank on the carpet beneath.

They separated at last. Dongyoung tried to look for what the sound was, and what he saw just made him widen his eyes. He looked at Jaehyun, who was smiling shyly while looking at that object, before picking it up. He rubbed his neck and presented it in front of him. A simple silver ring with three diamonds etched in it—one big in the center and two small ones surrounding it.

Dongyoung was speechless. He obviously knew what that meant. All those congratulations and celebration talks now just made sense to him. But still he was so surprised.

"So, Mr. Bunny," Jaehyun started saying, "you know that rude, mannerless asshole was actually waiting for you to notice him the entire time. But he ended up making you cry. And that day he promised himself that he'd never let you cry ever again, other than from happiness. He'll always protect that precious smile of yours." He took Dongyoung's hand in his.

"This bunny gave him the opportunity to fulfill his wish ten years ago. And since then this rude, mannerless asshole has been keeping his promise. And now, as a man, he will keep doing that in the future too. Protect and love the most precious thing for him ever. Only if Mr. Bunny allows it."

Dongyoung felt himself already shedding tears and sobbing as he heard the man in front of him continue his monologue. He felt Jaehyun lift his left hand to slip that ring on.

"Kim Dongyoung," he looked into his eyes, "I love you. Will you marry me?"

"Dongyoung... Dongyoung... Wake up!"

He opened his eyes, startled with a gasp. It took him a second to realize the surroundings. When he lifted his head, there was Johnny Hyung towering over him and shaking him. Ten was standing behind him frowning, and at the back there was another boy.

Jaehyun. Or more like Yuno.

Who was a boy again with the thin familiar frame. And this time he looked genuinely worried.

He realized that he was back at the storeroom again.

"Dongyoung? Are you okay? Oh God! We were searching for you everywhere," Johnny said.

"Dongyoung, were you crying? Oh my god." And then Ten was hugging him, trying to comfort him.

They took him back to the practice room. Johnny and Ten tried to cheer him up, while Yuno just stayed silent with his head down the entire time.

Once they entered the room, everyone else came to him asking if he was okay. He looked at his colleagues, remembering all the things he'd seen in the future. He assured them that he was okay. He saw Yuno and Taeyong glaring at Donghyuck and Yuta Hyung. Soon both of them were hugging Dongyoung and profusely apologizing, almost crying. He hugged them back and accepted their apology. Soon everyone was smiling as the issues got resolved.

Yuno was still not looking at him. He just kept his head down. Dongyoung kept glancing at him from time to time. He could still feel the sensation of the ring on his left ring finger.

Soon he realized that he needed a shower before he went home. His clothes were still sticky with the Coke. So they headed back to the locker room.

As Dongyoung went to shower, he heard Johnny Hyung and Ten talking to Yuno there.

"You're such an idiot. Just talk to him. Tell him that it wasn't your fault. He'll understand," Johnny Hyung said. "Yeah, just talk, man. It solves all issues," Even Ten agreed.

He finished his shower fast and changed into his clothes. As soon as he came out, they stopped their talk. Dongyoung gathered all his stuff and was ready to head back home. He felt so tired that he just wanted to get back and sleep it off.

He was so engrossed in his thoughts that he didn't even realize who was with him until they were outside. He looked around to realize it was only Yuno with him. For the first time that night, he looked at the older.

"Taeyong Hyung had some work, so he went back to the dorm with Ten Hyung. It's just me today," Yuno informed him.

Dongyoung just nodded at the information and kept walking toward the station.

Once they were inside, they got their tickets and waited for the train to arrive. With still time in hand, Yuno announced that he wanted something to eat and went to buy it, while Dongyoung waited. He already knew what the other was trying to do.

Soon he came back with bread and a packet of popcorn in his hand. He announced that he didn't have change, so he'd had to buy the popcorn packet, and offered it to Dongyoung. The fact being that he loved popcorn like anything, and Yuno knew that—he had no clue how.

Then he remembered Jaehyun's words.

He accepted it with a timid thank you for the first time, which made Yuno look at him in surprise.

They both opened their food and started to munch on them. But suddenly, after the first bite, Dongyoung felt overwhelmed like anything. All his emotions came at him together. He felt like crying. So he did the unthinkable.

He pulled the younger sitting beside him into a tight hug.

"I'm sorry. Hyung is so sorry, Yuno. I said so many bad things to you when I got mad. I didn't mean them. Please forgive your hyung?" Dongyoung said in a muffled voice as he buried his face in the younger's shoulder.

Then he felt a hand caressing his back, trying to calm him down, only for him to realize that he was crying.

"No, hyung. It's not your fault. I should be the one who's sorry. I behaved so badly with you all this time, never realizing that I..." Yuno sniffled while replying. It felt like he was also holding it in for a long time.

"Please forgive me, hyung. I swear I'll never do that to you ever again. I'll never make you cry. I promise I'll be good to you."

They stayed like that for some time and then separated. Both their faces were red—tears staining Dongyoung's face, while Jaehyun's ears and nose were all red.

"Let's start fresh, okay? Let's be friends. We won't be like that ever again. Okay, hyung?" Yuno asked hopefully.

Dongyoung didn't say anything. He just raised his pinkie finger toward the younger. "Pinkie promise?" his eyes glistening with tears.

Yuno nodded as he held the finger tightly with his own. "Yes, pinkie promise."

And then they smiled at each other. The first genuine smile between their younger selves, just like the meaningful ones their older selves shared all the time. The same feeling came back to him again—the feeling that made his chest full.

Soon their trains were arriving. They promised to text each other when they reached home as they boarded the trains to their destinations.

Honestly, somehow Dongyoung couldn't wait for the time when they'd go home together, be it to the dorms or to their own home.

He kept thinking about all that had happened today with a smile on his face all the way home. He was so happy today. He'd already forgotten whatever had happened before it all started. His mind was occupied with the events after that.

Yuno. Jaehyun. The kisses. The state he'd woken up in. Their conversation. Johnny Hyung and Jeno's words. The ring. Everything was still fresh in his head, and it felt like more than a dream.

He reached home and texted Yuno, to which the younger also replied immediately, prompting a smile on his face. Then he ate dinner with his family, all chirpy, which made his family laugh at his energy.

After dinner, when he went to sleep, trying to turn off all the thoughts in his head, a message dinged on his phone.

From Yuno:

I'm glad we solved our issues today, hyung.  

I hope we can be close friends too.

Dongyoung looked at the message and found it so cute. Yuno wanted to be his friend—a close one too. So he replied immediately.

Me too, Yuno. Me too.  

Let's be close friends. Sure. ;)

He chuckled as he typed it and sent it. The reply came instantly.

Sweet!!!

And then the next message just made him emotional.

Miss you ㅠㅠ

As soon as that message came in, Dongyoung got such a deja vu. He wasted no time replying the same.

Miss you too :)

He saw the other guy typing another message.

Good night hyung. <3

He smiled at the message and replied:

Good night <3  

See you on Monday.

And then went back to sleep with the most peaceful smile ever.

He was sure that he would have the best sleep today.

He just couldn't wait to grow old. To be Doyoung. And to meet Jaehyun again. In the future.