Work Text:
~~~~
“Beomgyu-ya, go home. I'm going to sleep.” Soobin nudges him gently with his foot, eyes half-closed but warm. “It's far too early to sleep, hyung. Let me stay a little longer. Please?” The younger male’s voice is soft, pleading but filled with a quiet hope. His eyes meet Soobin’s, searching for permission. “Your actual house is ten minutes away from uni. Your dorm is right beside mine.” The older male muses aloud, voice laced with sleepy logic.
“But I like it here, hyung. You know how it is.” The redhead trails off, avoiding the deeper reasons he wants to stay. Soobin senses the flicker of discomfort beneath the surface and moves over to sit beside him on the bed, ruffling his hair affectionately. “I can stay by the beanbag. I won't make any noise, promise.” Beomgyu murmurs. The older male sighs, massaging his scalp.
“You know I love having you around, Gyu. But I’ve got a shift tomorrow morning. Having you here just makes me want to talk to you all night. You know I don’t do well without a proper sleep.” Beomgyu pouts, leaning into his touch. “Just face the other wall, hyung. Or wear a sleep mask. It'll be like I’m not even here.” Soobin pinches his cheek, catching the anticipation flickering in those big, earnest eyes.
“Aish. Alright, you punk. Go sit by the beanbag and scroll through your phone or something. But don’t be too noisy, okay?” Beomgyu nods with a thankful smile, hugging him tightly. “Thank you, hyung. I won’t make a sound, promise.” He shuffles away and flops down by the beanbag, pulling out his phone. It buzzes- Kai’s message lighting up the screen in their group chat.
Dubaddu Wari Wari
Kai: anyone wanna come do the laundry w me? Ion wanna be alone (ꏿ﹏ꏿ;)
Taehyun: It’s deadass 11pm, Ning. Why are you doing the laundry so late?
Kai: working on my thesis. just finished it rn. pls? I’ll treat you with some conbini food after (人*´∀｀)｡*ﾟ+
Taehyun: Maybe next time.
Taehyun: I’m drunk.
Taehyun: Can’t exactly get up right now, currently on the floor.
Yeonjun: I have to practice my dance routine for tomorrow. Sorry, angel. Will come next time! :<
Soobin: Already omw to dreamland. Sorry, Ning.
Beomgyu: i'll go.
Before he can stop himself, Beomgyu’s fingers flew across the keyboard. He doesn’t know why he answered so quickly- it’s Kai’s name lighting up the screen that just… makes him lose track. Soobin snickers softly behind him. “I thought you were going to sleep, hyung?” The older male clears his throat, pulling the blanket over his head. “I was! You know I can’t ignore Kai-ya's message. He’s my gum.” Beomgyu rolls his eyes. “I really didn't think this through.” The blond hums in tired agreement.
Kai: you will? ( ╹▽╹ )
Beomgyu: yeah.
Well, fuck me.
“Beomgyu-ya, do you even have clothes that need washing?” Soobin asks in a teasing voice. “Choi Soobin. Go to sleep.” He replies, already feeling the weight of whatever he’s about to do. The older male prods, turning on his side to face him. “Fuck doing my best at work. I have to see where this is going. And that’s hyung to you, punk.” Beomgyu groans, flipping him off. He hates how gossip-y his best friend is. “Are you really staying up late for this?” The blond nods. “Yep. Besides, it’s time you make a move. How long have you been crushing on him now? Four months? Five?” Beomgyu lowers his voice to a whisper.
“Six, actually.” Soobin looks at him with both admiration and pity. “Fuck you.” He mutters.
Kai: btw, we’re just walking to the laundry shop. That ok with you? ಠ﹏ಠ
Beomgyu types and deletes his message. Walking? He’s not the type to walk that far. The nearest laundromat is a 15-minute walk. His stomach twists. He has a car- but something inside pushes him to just go. Well, someone.
Kai: if hyung doesn’t want to walk I can just go on my own (• ▽ •;)
Beomgyu: no, I’ll go.
Kai: thanks, hyungie (≧▽≦)
“You have a washing machine in your unit, Gyu.” Soobin points out. “I do.” Beomgyu admits reluctantly. “I just did the laundry this morning.” The blond gives him a knowing look. “You don’t even like walking. You fucking despise it. Also, you have a car.” His head throbs. “I have a car, yes.” An awkward silence settles between them. “You’re sick in the head, Choi Beomgyu.” Soobin declares, shaking his head. Beomgyu can’t help but agree.
“My laundry basket is in the bathroom. Go grab it. Don’t worry, my underwear is in a separate bag. Just- fold my clothes properly.” Soobin says, a brotherly tone in his voice. Beomgyu grins like he won the lottery. The older male rolls his eyes. “Are you sure, hyung?“ The blond hums. “He’ll notice the clothes aren’t yours, though. Maybe. We’re not the same size, and our styles are totally different.” Beomgyu ignores him and darts to the bathroom, grabbing the basket. It’s light, easy to carry.
Not much clothes in here.
“I have a trolley, you don’t have to carry it like that.” Beomgyu runs back and kisses Soobin on the forehead. “Ew, dude. What the hell?” The older male laughs, no heat in his voice. “Choi Soobin, you know I love you, right?” Soobin grunts, softening. “I love you, too.” Then waves him off. “Now I’m actually tired. Go. Don’t come back until tomorrow.” Beomgyu laughs, grabbing the trolley. “Bye, hyung. Love ya!” The blond hums and quickly curls up under his blanket- a perfect burrito.
Beomgyu: omw downstairs.
Kai: yipee! (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*.✧
~~~~
Beomgyu spots Kai waiting by the entrance, bundled in his sky-blue pajamas dotted with little bears. He looks impossibly soft in the glow of the hallway light, clutching a huge bag of dirty clothes. It’s- a lot.
How long did he wait to do the laundry? Damn.
“Hi, hyungie. Sorry, I know it’s so late.” Kai says, smiling timidly. His pink hair is slightly mussed, eyes heavy with exhaustion. Beomgyu lets his eyes linger, taking in his beauty. Pink really suits him and his angelic features. “All good. I didn’t have anything better to do anyway.” The redhead replies. “Oh, right. I’ll take that.” Beomgyu mutters, offering his hand to Kai. “This? You don’t have to. But since I’m tired, I’ll take you up on that offer. Thanks.” He grins, handing the redhead his tote bag.
Beomgyu puts it on top of his. “A trolley? That’s… smart. Never thought of that.” Kai blinks at the trolley, impressed. “Yeah, it’s Soobin-hyung’s.” The older male admits as they leave the building together, pushing the trolley into the dim-lit street. The night air is cool and quiet, wrapping around them as they begin the fifteen-minute trek to the laundromat. The city has quieted. Streetlights cast long shadows that ripple across the pavement.
“So, how’s the thesis treating you? You just complained about your groupmates three days ago, I think?” Beomgyu asks, shooting Kai a sympathetic glance as he keeps pace. “I did. You remembered that?" He shrugs. "That was the group chat's topic the whole night." The pink-haired male lets out a dramatic sigh, walking long strides to avoid the cracks on the road. "I'm barely surviving.” He mutters, kicking a pebble off the sidewalk.
“It’s not even the thesis itself that’s killing me- it’s everything around it. The expenses are making my measly allowance cry, and our critic and adviser want completely different things. Sometimes I swear they do it on purpose- one says to add more, the other says strip it down. Critic says it needs to be more ‘theoretical,’ adviser says it’s already too ‘conceptual.’ Like, who are we even supposed to listen to? I feel like I’m stuck in a toxic relationship with two people who both think they’re right. Pretty sure my veins are made of ramyeon now and my blood is Red Bull.” His pout is genuine, frustration etched into every word.
“I’m sorry, Ning. That sounds awful.” He says, empathizing with the man. Kai smiles at him, eyes turning into half moons. “It’s okay, hyung. Well, not okay. I haven't eaten a proper meal for a week now. But it’ll be over soon. I just have to endure a few more weeks of trying to be nice to my thesis mates.” The taller male replies, shaking his head. A comfortable silence settles in as they walk. Beomgyu realizes his legs are starting to complain. His calves ache, and there’s a twinge in his left foot from the unfamiliar stretch. He shifts his grip on the trolley’s handle, rolling his ankles when Kai isn’t looking.
Kai seems to pick up on his fatigue, slowing his pace ever so slightly to match Beomgyu’s steps. After a moment, the pink-haired male speaks again, quieter. “It’s kinda weird, right? This is the first time we’ve hung out, just the two of us. Without the others around, I mean. We’re always in a group, but I never really got to know you like this.” Beomgyu grins softly, despite the ache settling in his bones. “You’re right. I hope this is not awkward for you?” Kai looks at him, eyes crinkling and smiles wide.
“Not at all! I wanted to be close to you too, you are really funny.” Beomgyu feels a little proud. “Funny- more like, crazy." Kai glances at him and snorts. "We could be much closer than you are with Soobin and make him jealous. Nothing’s stopping us.” He says, wiggling his brows. The pink-haired male's eyes light up as he giggles. “I’d really like that, hyung. I always thought you seemed… cool. Just, you know. A little hard to approach.” Beomgyu looks at him weirdly and laughs, the sound ringing across the quiet street. “Hard to approach? Since when?" Kai shrugs. "I don't know. You have that kinda vibe around you." The redhead hums, unconvinced.
"I’m cool?" Kai nods. "Definitely. You're a bassist and vocalist and you always play during school festivals. It's what I always look forward to, you know?" Beomgyu's ego shoots up to the roof. "Oh, Soobin is gonna have a field day when he hears that one.” He says, smirking. Kai’s cheeks flush, but he grins, the mood brightening. “But he already knows, hyungie. Anyway, let's make up for lost time. We can start with... convenience store snacks! I promised to treat you tonight, didn’t I?” The thought of food gives Beomgyu a second wind. “You did. I’ll hold you to that. What are you thinking? I could go for something warm and filling.” Kai hums.
“Onigiri and hot chocolate for sure. Or, if you’re brave, that weird spicy ramen they started stocking last month with the soft serve ice cream combo. We should try it together.” He suggests, giddily. "Thought you were made of half ramen and half Red Bull already?" Kai shrugs. "Yeah? And what's one more going to do?" Beomgyu grimaces. "Probably UTI. But I never back down from shit like this. Challenge accepted.” He replies, laughter shaking away some of the tiredness in his limbs. “It’ll be so fucking disgusting.” Kai beams, bumping shoulders with him. “I know. What monster even thought of combining such contrasting foods?” As the laundromat’s neon sign flickers into view, Beomgyu’s fatigue melts away.
~~~~
“You have a lot of clothes.” Beomgyu teases, watching the younger male stuff a mountain of whites into the washing machine. “That’s almost three weeks of dirty laundry, I think.” He whistles. Kai makes a face, sheepish and endearing as he shoves the last shirt inside. “I know. I’ve honestly been wearing my sleep clothes to uni. But no one really cares…I’m pretty shit at fashion anyway.” Beomgyu hums, eyes soft as he glances over Kai’s pajama set.
“The ones you’re wearing right now look really pretty on you. It doesn’t look like shit to me.” Kai blinks. For a second, he looks like he’s short-circuited, pink coloring his cheeks. “Thanks. Yeonjun-hyung bought it for my birthday.” Voice small but sincere. Beomgyu starts arranging “his” clothes, forcing them into the machine with a little more effort than necessary. “You know, those are some pretty huge clothes. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you wear that one before.” Kai points at a pastel pink sweater.
“Um, it’s new. Just bought it from the mall.” The redhead mutters. Kai doesn’t comment on the sleeves dusted with suspicious yellow powder. “Trying out new styles, you know. I'm a fashion God.” The pink-haired male only shrugs, lips twitching. “I think it would suit you, Fashion God.” Beomgyu fumbles a smile, a bit embarrassed. Kai sits, peeking up through his lashes as the machine starts to spin. He gestures to the bench. “Sit, hyung. Not a lot of people here, right?” The laundromat is mostly empty—just a handful of faces lost in the hum of washing machines. “It’s late. Aren’t you cold?” The pink-haired boy flicks his wrists, smiling gently. “I like the cold. Helps me sleep better.” He lets out a perfect little yawn, so soft and genuine that Beomgyu’s heart clenches.
“Well, you weren't lying.” The redhead jokes, fighting a grin. “Rude.” Kai bumps their shoulders. “I’m gonna nap for a bit, hyung. Tell me when the cycle’s over, okay?” Without waiting for an answer, he plops his head onto Beomgyu’s shoulder, curling in like a sleepy kitten. “So you see all these empty benches and decide you want to nap here?” Beomgyu snorts, amused. He feels his heart nearly jumping out his chest. The redhead tries- to discreetly make his breathing even. Seeing a pretty boy on his shoulder does really awful things to his body.
“Yup. Now shush, hyungie. I’m sleepy.” Kai murmurs, seemingly not noticing. Just like that, he’s fast asleep- breathing steady, lashes fanned on his cheeks. His lips are slightly open, snoring softly. The redhead struggles not to coo out loud. He watches the younger boy’s peaceful expression, feeling his own exhaustion melt away. “So pretty.” Beomgyu whispers, touching Kai’s cheeks lightly before grabbing his phone from his pockets, watching some shorts in silence.
~~~
“Huening-ah. Laundry’s done.” Beomgyu’s voice is quiet as he shakes the younger male awake. Kai sprawled on the bench, Beomgyu’s own jacket now draped over him. The redhead did his and Kai’s laundry and folded it already. He was worried that the younger male would wake up when he moved, but he was pretty exhausted so nothing woke him. Kai stirs, his bleary eyes blinking. “Is it? I’ll fold the clothes…” He mumbles, still miles away from consciousness.
Beomgyu smiles, gentle. “No, you don’t have to. Let’s just go home.” The pink-haired male blinks again, only now noticing he’s totally sideways. "How am I lying on my back right now? Did I sleep walk or something? My back hurts.” He whines, rubbing it with a pout when he sits up. “Sorry. Had to move you so I could finish the laundry.” Kai looks down and sees Beomgyu's jacket draped over him. He puts it in his face. "Smells good." He mutters. The redhead almost chokes on his spit. "Oh, uh. Thanks." Kai hums, staying like that for a few more seconds. "My back is really hurting now." He finally gets up, meeting Beomgyu's gaze with a barely hidden grimace. “Want me to give you a massage?” He yawns, lips forming a half-smile. “It’s fine, hyung. Thanks. You’re so sweet.” The redhead coughs, looking away.
“Uh, it's what friends do. I bet Soobin would do the same thing." Kai tilts his head, and snorts. "Soobin-hyung would not do that. He would back away and watch me bang my head against the bench." Beomgyu scratches his head. "Okay, yeah. Wrong person to compare to. Anyway, do we still want to go to the convenience store?” He asks gently. “I’m not sure. I’m so sleepy, I’ll blink and be out like a light.” Kai admits, leaning on his shoulder. The older male laughs softly, nudging his side. “Yah, wake up, you punk. You promised you’d treat me out!” Kai’s eyes widened in alarm, suddenly worried. “Are you upset?” His voice is small, uncertain.
The older male’s whole form softens. “Of course not, cutie. I was kidding. Let’s get you home, okay? You look like you're about to pass out.” Kai looks around, noticing his neatly folded clothes already packed. “You… did all this, hyung?” His voice is small, touched. “Yeah. You needed the extra sleep tonight. It’s no big deal.” Kai leans in, bumping their heads together lightly. “Thanks, hyung. Not only are you cool, you’re also dependable.” Beomgyu scrunches his nose, awkward under the compliment. “It’s nothing. Come on, get up. Let’s take you back to your dorm.” The pink-haired male hums and loads up his bag, but when he tries to grab the trolley, Beomgyu is already stepping in.
“Nope. I called a taxi for us.” Kai brightens, relief clear in his doe eyes. “Hyung. You’re the best. But don’t tell Soobin-hyung or he’ll get really sulky with me.” He whispers the last part. Beomgyu pinches his cheeks. “No need to butter me up, brat. I’ll carry that for you. Just fold the trolley. It won’t fit inside, anyway.” Kai obeys, ears rosy, and hands over his bag before folding the trolley and holding it close. “Let’s go?” Beomgyu prompts. The younger male nods, his eyes softer than the lamplight overhead. “Let’s go.” Right on cue, the taxi was there, asking for Choi Beomgyu. “Here!” He says, waving his hand.
The driver salutes and the two walk to the car. “You first.” Beomgyu says quietly, opening the door for Kai, who slides in and promptly melts against the headrest, eyelids fluttering as exhaustion overtakes him. Beomgyu slips in behind, arranging their bags as best as he can before shutting the door. “It’s a little… cramped.” He says awkwardly. “You can put those in front.” The driver calls, and Beomgyu hums in thanks, shuffling them forward.
“To the OO dorm, please.” The cab’s gentle motion and hum of the road work their magic- Kai is fully asleep before they’ve even left the laundromat. The city lights flit across his features, brushing them in soft halos. He looks so peaceful, so impossibly lovely, that Beomgyu feels his heart squeeze with longing. He’s glad- relieved, even- that he could give Kai a moment of rest. It was hard watching him run himself into the ground lately.
“You keep staring at him like that, you’ll melt the poor kid’s face off.” The driver teases, catching the redhead’s gaze in the rearview. Beomgyu startles, eyes meeting with the older man. “Sorry, ahjussi.” He doesn't know what he's apologizing for, but he does, anyway. The older man just chuckles. “You better wake him up. Nearly at your stop.” Beomgyu peers out the window, recognizing their dorm gates up ahead. He tries- gently, to rouse Kai. Nothing. Another attempt. Still nothing. Desperate, he looks helplessly at the driver. “Um, can you please help me?”
“Yessir. I got it.” The taxi pulls to a stop, rounds the car- and before Beomgyu can even begin to strategize how he’ll lift a six-foot-tall boy and their clean laundry, the driver opens the door and already has the bags sorted for him. Beomgyu grits his teeth and gently gathers Kai in his arms, instantly feeling all six feet and every inch of his weight. His arms threaten mutiny, legs trembling, but he pushes through, steady and careful, not daring to jostle the younger male’s peaceful sleep.
Kai’s head lolls against his chest, his breathing soft and steady. In this moment, he somehow feels both impossibly heavy and impossibly precious. "Holy fuck." He whispers to himself. The driver carries the bags to the entrance, shooting Beomgyu an amused look. “Thank you, ahjussi. I’ll go with a 35% tip. Seriously, you saved me.” The man thanks him sincerely. “Be careful, young man. Looks like you’re not strong enough for him.” He salutes, disappearing into the night. "Okay. That was... fuckin' rude." The redhead scrunches his nose.
Beomgyu pauses at the front desk, trying not to wobble with Kai still in his arms. “Um, can I leave these here for a sec? I’ll be back for them in a minute.” The RA, face full of sympathy, nods. “I’ll have someone open your room for you. Quick, before you drop him.” He types away on his computer. The elevator ride to the second floor is mercifully short, though Beomgyu nearly drops his knees at every bump. "How do I-" He mashes the button with his elbow.
“Please, please, please.” He prays to the elevator gods. It opens, with no one inside. Beomgyu thanks the deity of elevators. When he gets out, a student is already waiting, unlocking his door. “Rough night?” Felix grins. “You have no idea. Good Night, Felix. Thanks.” Beomgyu wheezes, stumbling inside and delicately lowering the pink-haired male onto the sofa, limbs shaking and chest heaving with relief. He hears the door close behind him. "I'll have to thank Felix tomorrow." Beomgyu mutters. Kai doesn’t wake, his pretty face calm and undisturbed, mouth slightly parted as he burrows into the cushions.
In the soft glow of Beomgyu’s room, he looks even more angelic- like something Beomgyu could never attain, but would do anything to protect. “Holy shit. I need to work out.” The redhead wheezes, collapsing on the floor next to the sofa, still feeling the burn on his arm and legs. Kai, deep in his sleep, makes a contented noise and turns his face towards Beomgyu. The older male watches him, every ache and shiver worth it just for this moment- just for the peace of seeing Kai safe, and cared for. After resting for a few minutes, he hauls himself up. The night isn’t quite over- there are still clothes to bring in. “Man, Soobin-hyung’s going to laugh at me if he finds out.” Beomgyu says with a grimace, already seeing Soobin’s teasing grin.
~~~~
“Hi, hyung.” Beomgyu nearly stumbles over the trolley, cheeks flushing from the near-fall. Kai opens the door for him. His voice is soft, sleepy around the edges. “Hello. Maybe don’t- jumpscare me with your beauty when I thought you were asleep.” He says without thinking, the words falling out like loose marbles. “Beauty?” The redhead sputters, waving his arms in a flailing, goofy mess like a panicked seal. “Uh, yeah? You’re… pretty. So- don’t scare me like that, please.” His voice wobbles as he chokes the words out.
Kai blinks slowly, still processing what he said. “Sorry? Um… come in.” He steps aside, watching Beomgyu push the trolley inside the unit, feeling a warm flutter creep up his neck. The pink-haired male’s next words are casual, but laced with quiet guilt. “I fell asleep again. Sorry. Um, how did I get here?”
“I actually carried you here.” Beomgyu says, trying not to sound too proud. “You did? You’re… strong, hyung.” Kai eyes him from head to toe, his brown orbs lingering on Beomgyu’s arms. The redhead shifts from side to side, feeling a little conscious about his lanky arms. “I brought you here since I didn’t know where your room was. Tried to wake you but it.. didn't really work. As you can see." Kai smiles shyly. "Sorry for bothering you, hyung." Beomgyu shakes his head. "You're not a bother at all, Ning. Sorry too. I hope you’re not uncomfortable I, uh, carried you while you were unconscious and brought you to my room. I also left you alone for a few minutes…” He winces, suddenly aware of how weird it all sounds in hindsight.
But Kai just blinks slowly, tilting his head with a softness that makes the redhead’s heart stutter and stumble. “Yeah, but… it’s you that I’m with, hyung.” Beomgyu swallows hard, his cheeks burning, and says, “I’m… flattered?” then quickly adds, “But please don’t do that with people you don’t know.” Kai snorts, amused. “Of course I won’t, silly. I only did that because I'm with you.” Then he pauses, glancing around the quiet room. “By the way, I don’t hear any noise?” Beomgyu nods, unloading the trolley with calm hands. “This whole unit is mine. My- uh, dad paid for it.” Kai hums thoughtfully. “So the car key on the kitchen counter is yours?” The older male freezes, eyes flicking up to meet Kai’s unreadable expression, a flicker of panic stirring.
Is he mad? Disappointed?
“They’re mine,” Beomgyu mutters, looking down. The taller male nods slowly, then adds gently, “I also went to the bathroom, and on my way there, I saw a washing machine.” Beomgyu closes his eyes briefly, sighing inwardly. “It’s broken.” He lies through his teeth. Kai smiles, too knowingly for his comfort. “I saw your clothes inside, drying. That shit was still spinning, hyung.” The older male purses his lips. “… Okay, yeah. It’s working.” Kai takes a step closer, close enough for Beomgyu’s heart to threaten to burst.
“Those clothes- they aren’t yours. They’re too big. I saw the crumbs on the sleeves, which means they aren’t new.” Beomgyu swears silently, staring at the ceiling, almost begging the universe for mercy. Then he sighs and confesses. “They’re not. They’re Soobin-hyung’s.” Kai gently cups the redhead’s cheeks, thumb brushing just beneath his eye, tilting his chin up with such tenderness that Beomgyu nearly forgets how to breathe.
“And you did all that because…?” The redhead inhales deeply, locking eyes with Kai. The pink of his lips, the shimmer in his honey-brown eyes, the constellation of moles on his skin… He ingrains Kai’s beauty in his memory like a photograph. Beomgyu exhales sharply. “Because I like you. Love you, I think.” The weight lifts off his chest. His shoulders sag, his body finally believing the words that slipped out.
Kai blinks, then again, as realization slowly crashes over his face like a wave. His cheeks bloom into a flustered pink. “I- huh? What? You- um…” He steps back, flustered and fumbling, and Beomgyu mirrors him, walking backwards with wide eyes. "You like me? Me?" He points at himself. Beomgyu cringes. “Sorry,” The older male mutters quickly. “Sorry if I made it weird—”
“Shut your mouth for a sec,” Kai blurts, shushing him. Beomgyu clamps his lips shut, shifting nervously from foot to foot. The younger male paces, his hands playing with his pink hair, mumbling to himself. The seconds stretch unbearably. Finally, he spins on his heel and dashes toward Beomgyu. "Huening Kamal Kai, you're pretty and all, but please stop jumping at my face like that. You're gonna give me a heart attack.” His body nearly collapses, startled by Kai’s face so close to him he could count the freckles on his cheek.
“Be my boyfriend- wait, no! I got the order wrong-” Kai stumbles backward, face flushed, palm slapping his forehead with a groan. “Huh?” The taller male groans in exasperation. “I meant- I like you too. I’ve liked you ever since Soobin-hyung introduced us.” Kai finally blurts out, voice breaking with sincerity. “Will you allow me to be your boyfriend? Sorry, I wasn’t supposed to say it like an order. Holy fuck.” Beomgyu stares wide-eyed.
“Are you fucking serious right now? How fucking long ago was that?” Kai hides behind his hands, chuckling nervously. “I like you too, hyung. I swear. Not kidding. No. Nope.” Beomgyu laughs- a stunned, breathy sound, almost like a crack breaking wide open. “Holy shit.” Six months. Six months of calculated distance and stolen glances. Six months of yearning- and now because of his dumbass lies- he has a boyfriend. “So?” The pink-haired male peeks through his fingers.
Oh, shit.
Beomgyu blinks, realizing he forgot to answer. “I- yeah. Let’s be boyfriends, please. I'd really really like that. Um, no takebacks.” He says, a little too eager. “Really?” Kai’s grin spreads wide, the kind that floods his chest with warmth. The redhead nods, slower now, heart full and soft. “Then, will you let me do the laundry here? In your room?” Beomgyu blinks slowly, then snorts. "Did you make me your boyfriend so you could do the laundry for free?" The pink-haired male slaps his arm. He stumbles back from his strength. "Yah!" Kai apologizes. "That is so rude, hyung." He says with no heat in his voice. “Is that it? That all you want from me?” Kai grins, inching closer. “I’d also like to move in here. Immediately. I’m getting sick of hearing my roommates moan while I’m trying to sleep.” Beomgyu raises a playful brow.
“I'd be delighted to have you here. But why not get your lick back before you move in? We could be the talk of the dorms.” Kai flushes and kisses him shyly on the cheek. “Idiot. Pervert.” The redhead beams, all his love spilling out in that smile. “I have a boyfriend.” Beomgyu says proudly. “You’re my boyfriend.” Kai nods. “I am.” The taller male whispers, voice soft and shining. Then, like it’s the most natural thing in the world, Kai presses his lips to Beomgyu’s- sweet, slow, a little clumsy, achingly perfect.
They both close their eyes, leaning into the moment. It’s awkward, tender, and undeniably real.
“So, does this make you my laundromat lover?” Beomgyu rolls his eyes.
“Way to ruin the moment, punk.”
~~~~