Archive of Our Own

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“You’re insane.”

Renjun groans, throwing the book he took from the shelf into the air, making it fall neatly on the pile that’s floating beside him. “Chenle, you are being dramatic.” 

“You’re already taking like–what, three extra subjects. And now you’re teaching Jaehyun’s brother? Didn’t you offer to be the new transfer’s ‘buddy’ ?” Chenle exasperates as he walks backwards facing Renjun.

It’s just a normal Tuesday where Chenle, if he isn’t stealing Renjun’s food, is nagging Renjun on and on about his schedules.

“He won’t be here until November.” Renjun dismisses it lightly. 

Stopping Renjun from moving into another aisle, Chenle holds him in place with his finger against the shorter man’s forehead. “Renjun. November is next week.”

Next week?

The brown haired man blinks to himself before he internally gasps. No way! He thought there are still two weeks left in October! He could have sworn it was just last week Professor Yoo had assigned him the task.

“See! You can’t even remember the dates and now you’re taking more on your plate.” Chenle deadpans.

“I just got the weeks mixed up.” Renjun brushes it off again as he moves past Chenle who can only sigh. “Chenle, I'm not going to die from an additional schedule.”

The younger follows him again like a puppy. “Maybe. But soon you will! Have you even met Na Jaemin?”

Renjun pauses. Other than the fact that he’s Jaehyun’s younger brother, he knows practically nothing about the man. Although Renjun did see him a couple of times before. He is tall with an insanely beautiful face with striking colour hair as opposed to his brother. It’s in the genes for sure.

Though, those two aren’t always together. If Renjun were to judge, Jaehyun is a top of the class kind of guy. Jaemin…. Well… Renjun doesn't have a single clue. “He’s a Slytherin, isn’t he?”

“Yes. And that is very fitting of him.” 

Right, Chenle would know because he happens to have the same elective classes as the younger. Has he mentioned that Chenle is a year younger than Renjun? But Chenle’s a family friend before they enrolled in Hogwarts, which explained them being attached to hip despite being in a different house and year.

“I thought you didn't know him well.” Renjun throws another book in the air. 

Just how many books does he need, Chenle internally questions. 

“Just an observation.” Chenle walks behind Renjun until the other makes his way to their table. The floating books fall onto the table with a pak sound. “Remind me why Jaehyun is making you teach his brother.”

“Beats me.” If it wasn’t Jaehyun, Renjun wouldn’t have accepted. What Renjun forgot to mention is that Jaehyun is this year’s Head Boy. How can he say no to that knowing he has been working his ass off to prove himself worthy of being next year’s Head Boy.

Still, he understands why Chenle is nagging him about his time management. Renjun admits. It really isn’t the best. Chenle wasn’t worried for nothing. Now that he thinks about it, he really has too much on his plate. 

But this is a golden opportunity.

And yet, Renjun falls silent as he bites his bottom lip in worry. “He’s not a menace, is he?”

“Jaemin? Unless you’re fighting Slytherin for Quidditch, he won’t be much of a menace.” Chenle informs.

I see. Maybe that’s why he needs a tutor. Perhaps Jaemin is too busy with sports that it’s hard to catch up with his studies. Thank God for Renjun unathletic tendencies because he can’t imagine being a quidditch player on top of his piling responsibilities. 

Although, it is worrisome because Renjun didn’t exactly have the best experience teaching Slytherins. Yes, he shouldn’t be prejudiced but the two houses that it’s so hard to teach are Slytherins and Gryffindors. He won’t elaborate on the latter. 

“Only for this term.” Renjun tells himself. Next year, if everything goes right and he gets to become the head of students, then Renjun wouldn’t need to try so hard.

Renjun heaves a sigh. Two more years at Hogwarts. He’s almost at the end of his school years and yet, Renjun doubts he proves much as a capable person.

“You’re doing that thing again.” Chenle scolds, bringing Renjun’s attention back to Earth. The younger pouts as he rests his chin on his palm to stare at the older. “Remember how your mother reminded me to not let you overwork yourself.” 

“I can assure you both, I am not.” 

Yet, Renjun thinks. Just thinking about next week, Renjun knows it’s going to be hard to catch his breath but everything will be worth it. He hopes.

It’s not that Renjun had forgotten about it. It’s just once again, he got the dates mixed up and that’s why he is running all his might to the Headmaster’s office. 

He should’ve been there 5 minutes ago but Renjun had only remembered that today is a Thursday which means the transfer kid is here! Who the hell begins their new day almost towards the weekend anyway?

Renjun speeds as fast as his short legs would let him. He had to shout a little warning to the people he meets on his way so that they’re aware of the flying books that follow them. He can’t afford to slow his steps due to the weight of his books.

At last, he stops in front of the entrance staircase to Professor Yoo’s office. Catching his breath, Renjun turns around to uncast the levitation spell on his flying books, making them fall in his arms. “Honey Biscuits” Renjun says to the statue, making the staircase twirl. 

Renjun’s heart is beating a little nervously at the fact that not only the headmaster will see his tardiness but also the new joiner of the school will witness a possible candidate of the head boy blows it.

Despite feeling nervous, Renjun walks calmly into the office. 

“Huang Renjun. You are here finally.” Professor Yoo welcomes him.

“Apologies, Professor, I lost track of time.” Renjun answers honestly. Honesty is food to become a great head boy. He won’t jeopardize it, especially not when Professor Yoo Hee Yeol is as sharp as a knife.

“I understand. Not to worry. A bird told me you have been taking additional classes.” Professor Yoo beckons him to come further into the room.

“Nothing that I cannot handle!” Renjun assures almost enthusiastically.

The headmaster laughs. “Hope you are not pushing yourself too much. Taking too many responsibilities can have consequences.”

“I promise I am fine.” Renjun reassures him with a thumbs up. “And well.”

“In that case, I believe you have no problem to onboard our new student here.” Professor Yoo gestures to another boy that’s present with them.

While he was contemplating the headmaster’s reaction towards his tardiness, he barely registered the boy standing near the bookshelf. 

Tall. Black haired guy with a very handsome face, Renjun might add. “Hello,” The boy says with a smile. 

“Hi.” Renjun answers the greeting with the same smile. Though, Renjun’s eyes don’t turn into crescent moons like how the new student does. 

“He’s a new transfer from Durmstrang as I have briefed before. You don’t need to bore him with the history of the school, I have already done that. You may show him around then take him to his class after the tour.” 

“Of course,” Renjun nods as he takes the piece of paper that Professor Yoo hands him. It’s a note allowing Renjun to enter his class late for the sake of showing around this new kid. “You can count on me.”

“Wonderful.” Professor Yoo claps his hand. “Now off you go. No time should be wasted diddling around.”

The brown haired male excuses himself before glancing at the new student. “Come along.” He motions for the boy to walk before him. 

“If you didn’t get my name, it’s Huang Renjun, by the way.” Renjun introduces himself. This is the first time he is helping with a transfer student. Usually the head boy would do it. However, Jaehyun is a little occupied with some of the council stuff. 

“Lee Jeno.” The tall man replies with a deep voice. Renjun has heard a deeper voice but Jeno has such a handsome aura to his stance. With that voice, Renjun thinks it is such a bonus. “It’s nice to meet you.” The man with the awfully radiant smile replies. Just from his tone alone, Renjun can tell he is the polite type. There is a certain softness laces in between that voice.

Enough being distracted, Renjun mentally shakes his head! “Your transfer notes, can I have a look?” 

The man gives Renjun the paper without a protest. So… He’s a year younger than Renjun. Very active in Quidditch. His result last semester was pretty impressive. Hmm… Seemingly like a pretty good record. “Have you been sorted to your house yet?”

“Gryffindor, as I was told by the sorting hat.” 

A little part of Renjun is a little disappointed. He wished his house would be able to obtain a good player for quidditch. As if Gryffindor isn’t oversaturated with many great talents in that sport already, Renjun frowns.

“Is something wrong with the house?” Jeno asks, a little worried.

“Oh, God, no! I just thought you’d be, well, it’d be great to have you in Ravenclaw. Your background is amazing.” Renjun compliments him. "You will fit in perfectly with your house.” 

“Oh…” Jeno nods as his face softens. “That’s wonderful to hear.”

“Yeah. So uhm… let me change your uh.” Renjun takes out his wand. With one flick of his wand, he cites “Colovaria.” Almost instantly, Jeno’s black tie turns into red and gold that symbolises the house of Gryffindor. “There. Now you look like a Hogwarts student.” 

Jeno carefully inspects his new tie. “Cool! Never thought I’d be wearing a uniform with a tie.”

Granted Durmstrang have their own uniform and are very proud of it. However, Renjun has always liked his normal student uniform as opposed to Jeno’s former school. 

Even now when he imagines Jeno in the brown Durmstrang uniform, he thinks Jeno looks better now. “You look nice.” Renjun’s mouth utters before he could even stop it. 

At another compliment, both of them are equally surprised by it. “Thank you.” Jeno smiles.

A little embarrassed, Renjun hurriedly suggested they begin their tour. Although Professor Yoo said not to bore him with the history, Renjun had already prepared a script in his head. He might as well just repeat than going off script. “Students must be in their common rooms by 10:00 pm. You’ll leave at 6.00 am the earliest. There is a strong policy of NO physical and verbal violence which I hope that’s not a struggle for you.”

Jeno lets out a hearty chuckle. “Do I look like someone who fights a lot?” For a second Jeno’s eyes glance towards Renjun’s head before it goes back to meeting Renjun’s eyes. Renjun notices this. “We Durmstrang students may look tough but we only fight during classes.” 

“I… know that.” Renjun did hear they have combat as their subject that includes martial arts. Most of the Durmstrang students he met during Triwizard tournaments are pretty buff in physique. Jeno is no less. “Geez, what do they feed you there to make you so tall?” Then again, Renjun can pretty much count with his fingers the amount of men that’s actually shorter than him.

Quite a pride scratcher that one.

“Milk, perhaps?” Jeno answers with a teasing tone.

“Tell that to the younger me who drank milk everyday thinking I’d achieve 175 cm before my 6th year.” Renjun groans at his lack of growth in height. That, and the fact that his books are so heavy in his hands.

As they walk past a few places, Renjun manages to tell him a few rules and regulations. In return, he manages to find a little information about Lee Jeno. He is an only child. Transferred here due to his mother getting a job as a teacher here. He is also someone who looks tough on the outside but when he speaks, his tone is very soft spoken. That duality will probably get him famous in no time.

There’s one thing that Renjun can’t help but notice. It is that Jeno does walk relatively quite close to him. There was one time where he was avoiding a flying shoe by a random student. It made him jump next to Renjun. Ever since then, Renjun’s shoulder is always brushing the taller’s side as they walk.

“The professor told me you are running for Head Boy next year.” Jeno says, to which Renjun is a little shy. 

That’s pretty embarrassing considering the Head Boy candidate is quite late today. “I am actually.” Renjun answers sheepishly. He fidgets with the books in his arms. Truthfully, Renjun is kind of tired holding these stacks of books.

Yes, he knows he could just use one of the levitating spells like he did this morning. But first impressions always give a big impact. He doesn’t want the new kid to think he is too lazy to a point he needs to use the Levioso spell just to carry some books.

“You will see me quite often during the period of your transfer. If you need anything, you can always come to me.” Renjun affirms brightly.

The taller one only stares at him before he stops in his tracks. “I’ll keep that in mind.” 

What surprises Renjun is that suddenly the new kid holds out his hand and starts grabbing some of Renjun’s books. He had 5 thick books altogether. He tries not to show his surprise at the way Jeno’s hand is huge enough to hold three books in a palm.

Renjun could barely hold two.

“It’s fine! I’m alright!” Renjun tries to get back his books.

“I insist. Don’t worry about that.” Jeno says once again with that smile that somehow makes Renjun feel buttery on the inside. 

Really.

This Jeno guy not only has quite a dashing smile but he’s… a gentleman too.

The shorter male got a little bit embarrassed again so he just clears his throat before continuing to walk. “Ehem, your next class is?”

“It says here Transfiguration.” Jeno peaks at the paper on his hand again. 

Renjun leans in to look at the location before he nods. “I’ll take you there.”

“I’ll follow you wherever.” Jeno replies with a slight teasing tone that caught Renjun a little off guard.

This guy… is quite friendly, Renjun deduces. If Renjun didn’t know any better,  he would ask Jeno on the spot ‘Are you flirting with me?’. Then again, the sentence isn’t that serious and maybe Renjun is such a virgin in relationships that he is overthinking. 

Regardless, Renjun only lets out a nervous laugh before guiding Jeno to the other wing where his class will be at.

Once they have arrived outside of the classroom, the class has already begun. Renjun takes back his books into his hands as he nudges his chin to the door. “Just show the professor the slip and you’ll be having your first Transfiguration class. It may be a little confusing since you joined 2 months into the semester. Let me know if you need any help!”

Jeno nods as he blows out a puff of air. He’s nervous. Anyone would be when you have been Durmstrang for a whole 5 years of your life and suddenly he’s a Hogwarts student. 

“Great. I can write to you, right?”

“Yeah, that would be encouraged!” Renjun beams. His pride as the future head boy (not even confirmed but Renjun likes to pretend he is) is kicking in. “Okay then, I’ll leave you to it.”

“Thank you for showing me around.” Jeno thanks him to which Renjun shakes his head. 

“Don’t mention it.” He replies.

Renjun has already turned around and was about to take another step forward when suddenly, he feels a hand circling his wrist, halting his steps. 

Renjun turns around to look at Jeno with a surprised and quite confused expression.

“Sorry.” Jeno apologizes as he releases Renjun’s hand. “I just… one moment.”

There it is again, Jeno’s big palm closing towards Renjun’s face. He’s not sure why but Renjun looks downwards when the hand is just inches apart from his head.

Renjun is not one to let anyone ruffle his hair easily. Jeno doesn’t do that. But Renjun can feel Jeno’s hand is touching his hair. “Sorry. You got leaves in your hair.” Jeno shows the two leaves he plucked from Renjun’s brown hair.

Instantaneously, Renjun’s hands fly to the crown of his head. “ Fuck… ” he mutters under his breath.

Is that why Jeno occasionally glances the top of his head throughout the tour?! Renjun wanted to ask if his neat haircut is awful because it’s clearly causing a distraction to the new kid. 

Apparently, it’s the damn leaves that had stuck to his hair. This morning, Injeolmi, his damn cat, was being so damn cranky for being cooped up in the dorm so Renjun let him wander the castle. It all took a turn when his pet suddenly started chasing someone’s rat and Renjun did all his power to grab and chase his own pet.

…Including falling into a pile of leaves.

Just how long have the leaves been an accessory on his hair?

“I’ll see you around, Renjun.” Jeno says before disappearing behind the closed doors.

Now that he is left alone, Renjun groans before burying his face into his palms. Not only was he late, he wasn’t even presentable. What if Jeno goes around and tells his new friends about him? Shit, this is so embarrassing!

Defeated, Renjun walks to his class which thankfully is just nearby with heavy steps.

Jeno finds it amusing. When he walks in the classroom, Jeno still can’t shake the image of flustered Renjun. Before meeting the boy, professor Yoo mentioned that there is a 6th year boy who is trying his best to be the head of students. The professor also mentioned that due to him not being a prefect, he’s been working extra hard from other candidates to prove his qualifications.

For this reason, Jeno was able to be empathetic when this boy named Renjun was running late. At first, Jeno was surprised at how short Renjun was. At Durmstrang, of course, there are short boys but almost all his circle of friends are around his height. 

While they were walking back then, Jeno couldn't help but notice the difference in their build. It is quite funny to him.

But Renjun was cute. Easily flustered. Renjun may not realize it but he was rambling to Jeno about Hogwarts like he had memorized a script in his head. Maybe he did. But the more the shorter boy is lost in his rambles, the easier it is for Jeno to stare at Renjun.

“You can sit anywhere that is empty.” The Professor, Jeno heard her introduced as Professor Lee Jiyeon pats Jeno’s back and ushers him to take a seat.

There weren't many empty seats. Only two. So Jeno just sits down at the one nearest to him. “May I?” He asks the white haired boy first to which the boy only blinks at him for a second before he nods. 

Jeno notes that he’s wearing a different colour tie. As opposed to his red and gold, the latter is wearing green and silver. When he sits down, he is encountered with soft murmurs around him to his confusion. Professor Lee even had to hush everyone before continuing with the class. 

After 30 minutes into the class, Jeno concludes that Renjun was right. He did get a bit lost. However, Jeno is known to catch up quickly so he thinks he will be doing fine. “Psst.” The person next to him suddenly whispers.

Jeno looks to his right and raises his eyebrow in acknowledgement. “Let me know if you need notes. I can give you some.”

“You’ll lend me yours?”

Jeno was about to thank him when the white haired guy suddenly chuckled. “Not me. I don’t write notes.” He says. Jeno notes how the person next to him naturally has a wide smile and perfect teeth. “I mean, I can get people to lend you their notes. I think some people would be perfectly happy to do so.” He replies, eyes looking around the classroom.

Following his gaze, Jeno realizes that quite a number of students are pretty fixated on him rather than the chalkboard. 

“I’d appreciate that. Thanks.” Jeno coughs to himself, feeling himself a little bit hot from the burden of attention. 

“No problem, Jeno.” The guy nudges him lightly with his elbow. “Also give it a few weeks. We don’t usually get a lot of transferees in our year.”

Jeno gets it. Being new and all, he’s probably like fresh meat, if that makes sense. He’s not naive, he knows he himself is blessed with quite prominent facial features that people would find him handsome. 

A bit out of the question but… Jeno wonders if Renjun finds him handsome or not.

“I think Lee Jeno, both of us are going to be good friends. Wanna be friends?” There’s a confident smirk on the white haired boy's face. Although Jeno is from Durmstrang, but he has heard of the infamous Slytherin-Gryffindor rivalry. They either become great friends or enemies.

Jeno’s intuition thinks it's the former. After all, this guy seems genuine. “Lee Jeno.” He introduced himself with a hand offering a hand shake, not forgetting to give him a genuine smile. “And you?”

The Slytherin boy accepts his hand. “Na Jaemin. Call me, Jaemin.”

A few days prior to him supposedly tutoring with Jaemin, Renjun received a letter. He was having a late lunch at his table when an owl dropped it in front of him. Nosy little Chenle makes himself comfortable beside Renjun. 

“Who is it from?” Chenle chirps, picking up Renjun’s fork and starts stabbing into Renjun’s bowl of sliced fruits.

N J

Huh. 

It could literally be anyone but Renjun isn't going to play the guessing game any longer as he opens the envelope.

Meet me at the rooftop of the west wing. 

Na Jaemin

Renjun’s eyes widened. Na Jaemin as in the boy he is going to tutor? He is actually about to send an Owlery to Jaemin some time around Friday to ask for his availability.

He guesses that the junior had beat him to it. However, Renjun has always assumed that they would go to the library for tutoring. But the rooftop? The weather has started to become cold for them to be doing it outside. 

“That sounds just like something he would do.” Chenle remarked.

Yeah? He has always heard that Jaemin is unpredictable. He can be aloof then quiet the next minute. He can let such a roaring laugh then glare at you the next second.

Is Renjun nervous?

A little.

He tutored others before but that is for someone whom he knew. Walking up the spiral stairs, Renjun’s palms sweats as he holds the strap of his bag. 

Pushing the door to the said rooftop open, Renjun does not know what to expect. Actually he did have a scene in mind and that is perhaps Jaemin is sitting at the stone bench.

So forgive Renjun for feeling like his heart just leaped out his chest when the first thing he sees is a  boy flying in the air with shoes that have flaps of wings. “What..?!” Renjun steps closer.

The boy hasn't registered Renjun’s presence, neither did Renjun made himself known. Renjun is too caught up with the fact that this person doesn’t look stable at all! Almost like this is his first time doing so.

He was about to call this person but who is this guy…? Is it Na Jaemin? Or just a random student? However, before he could contemplate further, the flying boy suddenly makes an abrupt drop with a scream.

Renjun's heart drops the same and out of reflex, Renjun pulls out his wand and screams “Immobulus !” He sees his spark of magic follow the boy downwards but he doesn’t know if it actually reached him in time.

With hurried steps, Renjun runs to the edge of the tower to see if the man is still alive. If he isn’t, is Renjun going to be a suspect? He’s too young to go to jail! Or on a trial at that!

His chest deflates the second he peeks downwards and Jaemin, he finally sees the man’s face and it is in fact, Na Jaemin, levitating in the air, unmoving. “What were you even doing?!” Renjun can’t help the way he shouts. The man is still high up but Renjun can’t reach him. 

“Uh…. Are you Renjun?” Jaemin says with his back facing Renjun. “Hold on a sec, I’m turning. I’m turning.”

Renjun rolls his eyes before he flicks his wand again. “Accio belt.” Instantly, Jaemin is pulled up by his belt before Renjun drops him back on the rooftop.

“That was quite a ride.”

A ride? A near death experience are better words to describe! “You almost got yourself killed.” Renjun tries to help him up. He gently places his palm under Jaemin’s elbow and hoists him up to his feet. “Are you alright?”

“Don’t worry about me! Just a little mishap–”

“You almost died!”

“–And I am still breathing. Relax!” Jaemin pats the top of Renjun’s head. He mentioned this before, Renjun doesn’t like it when people make fun of his height, but he is too appalled with Jaemin’s nonchalant attitude. “You’re Renjun, right?” The tall man with platinum blond walks over to his other shoes placed near a bench. 

Renjun doesn’t even know where to even begin asking. “I got your owl.” Renjun says the first thing he could think of. “When your brother told me that I would be tutoring you, I expected our meeting to be in a library.”

“It will.” Jaemin shrugs before putting both of his normal shoes on. “It’ll only make sense if you tutor me in the library. The Great Hall will do too. But it’s the first introduction so I didn’t want to make it boring.”

“By giving me a heart attack.” Renjun can still feel his heart drumming in his ears.

“It’s a part of the learning process!” Jaemin says gleefully.

The shorter male can’t help but stare. Despite being brothers, both of them are so different. One is the Head Boy of the school while the other… Well. Very free spirited. 

Now that he’s at the rooftop, Renjun has never actually been up here. He rarely comes to this side of the tower. He’s not even sure who would. “Is this like… a secret place that you like?” Surely, it would be. Just like any novels Renjun has ever read, this kind of scene is all too familiar.

Jaemin hums. “Not really. It’s the first time I have been here.”

…

“Why did you bring me here then?” Renjun asks, bewildered.

“I wanted to try the shoes I got. Can’t do it in public, people will stare if I make a fool of myself.”

…

It took a few seconds for Jaemin’s words to flow and process thoroughly in Renjun’s mind. Once it does, a laugh escapes Renjun’s lips before he could even think of a reply. “I’m sorry.” Renjun covers his mouth with his palm.

Jaemin seems amused that Renjun is laughing instead of calling him lunatic. “What?”

“It’s just…” Renjun moves closer to stand near the bench as well. “I can never predict whatever you are going to say after. Quite an interesting person.”

The taller boy seems to like the compliment from the way his lips spread wider. “You know what they say, never let anyone know your next move.” 

Renjun chuckles as Jaemin grabs the other’s robe, gesturing to him to sit down next to him. “So, I'll be seeing you until you pass O.W.L.” Renjun says. He’s quite capable when it comes to teaching. His peers seem to like it whenever he teaches. “I can be quite stern, you know.”

“I don’t doubt that. As expected from the future Head Boy.” 

The brown haired boy’s cheek starts to heat up. Although he has been actively trying to get that position, still, he must have looked truly desperate. “Did Jaehyun say anything about me?” Renjun is prepared to grimace at any embarrassing stories Jaehyun must have shared to his little brother. 

“He did say some things. A lot of good things actually.”

“I hope that’s true.” Renjun bites his bottom lip in worry. “It’s pretty intense just to be selected as one.”

Renjun had expected a reply from Jaemin. Probably saying something along the line ‘you’ll be fine.’ But it never came. So, Renjun turns his head to his side, only to find Jaemin staring at him.

Now that they’re close, Renjun is only registering that Jaemin has an appearance just like his nonchalant personality. His white shirt is untucked. His tie is loose and his sleeves are rolled up to his elbows. Yeap, definitely a 180 difference with Jaehyun. And yet, this little brother of his has such a strong presence. 

And an immaculate intense stare power. 

“Have you ever heard that it’s rude to stare?” Renjun tries to put his hand near the side of his face to block the laser gaze directed to him.

“Not this kind of stare though.” Jaemin replies.

The older coughs as he sits straight. “And that is…?”

Again, Jaemin is not answering so Renjun once more, stupidly, turns to Jaemin and the man, not surprisingly, is still staring at him. He even has the audacity to tilt his head like he is forming an opinion on Renjun. “You’re quite… pretty.”

Renjun raises his eyebrow. “You mean handsome?”

The latter shakes his head. “No. Pretty. You’re pretty.”

That’s….! 

…is quite embarrassing because this is the first time Renjun is being called pretty. And he is not sure why he kind of likes it. “Uh…” Renjun clears his throat. “Thank you… You’re… pretty too?”

“Am I really?” Jaemin asks playfully.

The shorter male rolls his eyes, as he nudges Jaemin to cut it out. “You know you are. Chenle told me about you a little,”

“Nice things, I hope.”

To this, it’s Renjun’s turn to shrug and hum playfully. “Well, I wouldn’t be too confident per say…”

“Hey!” Jaemin’s eyes widened. “I’ve been nothing but civilized, okay!”

Renjun raises his palms. “’I’m only saying what people are saying!”

The younger boy laughs. Renjun takes note that Jaemin has pretty teeth. And quite a charming smile too. He sees why Chenle says that Jaemin always gets things his way with just a smile. “I guess that’s something that you have to decide on your own.”

Perhaps it is. After all, O.W.L is months away. Renjun thinks they’ll see each other much more frequently than he would plan.

“We’ll see.” Renjun grins.

A month passed by swiftly. Renjun finally is able to breathe a bit better now that his essays for Muggle Studies have been completed. Seriously… why do they have so many essay submissions especially in their 6th year?

Taking a bite of his toast, Renjun finally has the time to read the Daily Prophet. He hasn’t sat for breakfast in days. It’s great to finally feel like his schedules are finally aligning as it should again. 

“My my, am I surprised to see Huang Renjun here.”

The brown haired male rolls his eyes but he lifts his bag next to him to let his friend sit. “Good morning to you too, Younghoon.” Renjun says.

“If I knew you were going to the Great Hall for breakfast, we’d go together.”

They would but Younghoon is a heavy and grumpy sleeper to the point that no one should wake him up. He will wake up on his own and to this reason, Renjun prefers to head breakfast early than to have only the last half an hour remaining for breakfast. “Too lazy to wait. Apple?” He offers the other the apple that he has sliced.

“Sure.” Younghoon takes Renjun’s fork. “By the way, there’s another quidditch match next week.”

“Next week? With who?” Despite Renjun not having any athletic bone in his body, but he does enjoy a good quidditch tournament. Also, how can he miss his own house’s match. “Are the Hufflepuffs any good this year?”

Younghoon hums. “They’re good, I guess. I wouldn’t worry too much. But I heard Gryffindor’s got a new player. They’re playing against Slytherin on the same day of our match.”

As if anyone would miss Gryffindor vs Slytherin. Renjun has to admit, even when he himself is a Ravenclaw, Gryffindor and Slytherin’s matches are always so entertaining to watch. Perhaps because of their love-hate history.

“It’s going to be really crowded on that day.” Renjun laments. “I hope our house can get 1st place this year.” He really does. Last year they were second by 50 points behind Slytherin. It’s been years since their house gets 1st. 

“Don’t worry too much, Renjun.” Younghoon pokes his cheek to make the latter stop frowning. “I have a good feeling we will.”

“You said that last year.”

Younghoon rolls his eyes. “Don’t be so pessimistic! You, on the other hand, we barely hang out anymore in the common room because you’ve always got something going. Donghyuck is worried too, you know.”

Renjun groans. It’s the damn essays. Also the extra-curricular activities. Sometimes, Renjun wished he hadn’t made such promise to become the Head Boy to his parents. Not just that, but when he was 11, he made a strong declaration to his friends and even his teachers that he will be the Head Boy when he’s on his 7th year. 

Flash forward to the present, Renjun didn’t think it’d be so hard. Not to mention, he isn’t exactly a prefect so that means he has to work extra hard.

“A little hectic. But I’m fine.” Renjun assures his friend. A part of him is saying that to assure himself too.

“Tell that to your Gryffindor friend. He keeps on wailing whenever he comes here and you’re not present.”

Chenle. Who else would it be? No one is more worried about him than Chenle is. To which, Renjun is grateful that Chenle doesn’t blab to his parents about him taking so much on his plate. The nagging won’t stop for sure. What’s the point anyway because his junior will do that on his parents behalf.

Speaking of junior, Renjun has his eyes still on the Daily Prophet when suddenly, he feels a jab of an elbow on his side. “What?” He turns to Younghoon. The man gestures with his eyes to the front to which Renjun is surprised to find a familiar Junior of his standing right before him. “Jeno!”

“Hey!” Jeno greets with the same familiar smile. He can see his other peers are surprised to see a new face and from another house at the Ravenclaw table. Renjun hasn’t talked much with Jeno in person but they’re always writing to each other.

Jeno seems to need quite a help in adjusting and rather than asking his classmates, he seems more comfortable asking Renjun. Not sure exactly why but Renjun takes pride in being able to help people.

“Uh, right! This is Jeno. The transfer guy I told you about.” Renjun introduces Jeno to Younghoon. And well, to the others that are also in awe with Jeno. 

“You’re the new Gryffindor quidditch player!” Younghoon exclaims.

Shy, Jeno rubs his nape. “Ah… Words have gone out I see.”

“You must be extremely good then.” Renjun praises. He did read Jeno’s note the other day but for him to be chosen after just a month here, the Gryffindor team must have been so impressed.

“Anyways, Professor Heesu wanted me to give you this.” Jeno takes something out from his bag and hands it to Renjun.

“What’s this?” Renjun had to extend his hand before taking the envelope from the taller man.

Upon opening it, Renjun realizes this is an invitation to a gathering with the other students. 

Every early of the term, some time before the end of the year, Professor Heesu likes to gather some students he thinks have great potential or someone who has impressed him.

Renjun is no stranger to him. Professor Heesu had helped him multiple times throughout his fifth year. He’s quite lucky that professor Heesu is also teaching him this term too. “Oh, you’re invited again.” Younghoon says after reading the letter. “He gave this to you to give to Renjun?”

“Yeah. I told him I was meeting Renjun later and he asked me for a favour.” Jeno explains.

“You were going to meet me?” Renjun asks, a little confused. 

There it is again, the nervous laughter that Renjun knows all too well because Jisung, his other friend, always uses it on Chenle. “Do you like sweets?”

…

It was evident by the silence of no response that everyone did not expect that question.

“I… do.” Renjun answers.

“He loves them.” 

Thank you, Younghoon for that input.

Jeno nods, his hand rummages something from his bag again. “We had class yesterday. The professor was teaching us how to bake with just magic and…” No way… Renjun’s gaze pans to the plastic in Jeno’s hand and in there it looks like an ordinary cookie. “I realize I haven’t properly thanked you for helping me settle in.”

“Oh…” Renjun blinks a few times. That’s… very sweet of Jeno.

It might not be a big deal for anybody but this is the first time Renjun receives a gift outside of his birthday. A gift of gratitude. 

Carefully, he takes it into his hand. “You don’t have to.” He tries to conceal how a smile is fighting to form largely on his face.

“I want to!” Jeno says enthusiastically. “I kept it in a ziplock so it’s not stale. It’s not perfect though…”

“I’d love it regardless!” Renjun is quick to reply. It’s obvious that Renjun is very shy and even when he tries to control his expression, the redness at his ears can’t be tamed. 

First time receiving a gift for being a nice person…. Renjun internally sob. 

“Thank you, Jeno. That’s very thoughtful of you.” Renjun keeps the cookie near him. 

“Thanks, Jeno.”

“Yeah, thank you, Jeno. Even though it is not for me.”

Suddenly, some of his friends who are watching them are also thanking him to which Renjun hushes them. Obviously being teased, Jeno grows more embarrassed as well. “I’ll see you around, Renjun.” He says before leaving with a wave of hand.

Renjun could only wave his hand in return.

Exhaling heavily, Renjun finally lets himself smile where the corners of his lips reach his ear. “Did you see that?!” Renjun shows off the cookie in front of Younghoon. “Am I not the best future Head Boy or what?”

“You seriously think he gave you that just because you helped him?” His friend crosses his arm in front of his chest.

“Obviously. Why else would he?” Renjun scoffs as he opens the plastic wrap and immediately falls weak at the aroma of chocolate. “Don’t be jealous that juniors like me because I am dependable.”

“Aren’t you a little too happy about getting a cookie?” Another one of his housemate chimes in.

Younghoon stretches his arm around the smaller boy with that annoying grin on his face. “Cut him some slack. His dating life is so dry that this is the only time he gets– fuck !” 

His friend couldn’t even finish his sentence when Renjun has already pinch his side. “Jealousy is a disease, Younghoon.”

“I hope you choked on that cookie.”

“I hope you trip on your way to class.” Renjun mimics his friend.

Just when they childishly keep going back and forth, there is this presence hovering just behind Renjun and Younghoon. Feeling like they’re being watched, both of them turn around to find a very bright smile. 

“Wow, I didn’t know you could be so playful.” The blond man says with his gaze fixated on one person only.

Younghoon blinks his eyes twice before leaning towards Renjun. “Why is there another quidditch player coming to see you?” He whispers not so discreetly.

“He’s the guy I’m tutoring.” Renjun whispers back before he greets Jaemin. “Hi! What are you doing here?” …at the Ravenclaw’s table.

Unlike his previous junior, Jaemin lifts Renjun’s bag and place it on his lap as he sits down right next to Renjun. “Was just having breakfast then I saw you.”

… Right. Renjun might have saw Jaemin from afar too but they never actually talked outside of tutor sessions. He did however snuck a few glances every now and then at the Slytherin table who is just beside him because how can he not? The good looking ones are always in Slytherin. Jaemin included. “Here I am.” Renjun chirps albeit a little curious.

“See, I happened to hear you like sweets.” Jaemin says, resting his elbow on the table. “Is that right?”

Was he nearby when Jeno was at his table? Then again, Slytherin table is just next to them. “You heard that.”

“Hard to not when your friend has quite a loud voice. Hey, Younghoon!”

The other only raise his hand in acknowledgement. 

“I do quite like sweet stuff. Why? Do you have something for me too?” Renjun says jokingly.

It’s a fact that he was just messing around. But when Jaemin suddenly tilts his head with a small box in his hand, Renjun’s eyes widen. “You’re actually quite right.” Jaemin puts the box in Renjun’s hand.

“Did you bake these in your class too?” Renjun asks, just as surprised as he was when Jeno gave him too. He knows Jeno and Jaemin are classmates. Well, more than just classmates. Those two are always seen together. 

Jaemin’s smile dims a little. “Is that what he gave you? His baked cookie?” Renjun is not sure what to answer but Jaemin beats him to it. “I didn’t do well in class that day so my cookies are pretty much ruined. I actually got these from a friend.”

“Or the line of girls who kept confessing to you.” Younghoon interrupts them, making Renjun and Jaemin turn their heads towards him. At Jaemin’s strong stare, Younghoon clears his throat.  “Sorry, act like I’m not here.”

Focusing back on Jaemin, Renjun’s hold on the box tightens. “You’re giving it to me for…?” 

The younger boy only shrugs. “Because you like sweets, right? Why else?”

Renjun is not sure but having a staring contest with Jaemin feels like he is being played in a psychological game. Is Jaemin giving this to him for an ulterior motive or…? Is it to tease Jeno?

Sensing that Renjun is probably overthinking this, Jaemin goes to pat Renjun’s head, making the other Ravenclaws around them gasp. “It’s not poisonous, I promise.”

Renjun frowns, a little embarrassed. “Hey, I'm older than you.” He scolds, referring to the brief head patting. It isn’t the first time nor the second. Jaemin seems to develop that habit whenever they say their goodbyes at the end of their study session.

He didn’t mind it at first. Actually, it made Renjun quite flustered in the beginning. Especially when Jaemin does it with an expression that makes Renjun wonder if Jaemin sometimes forgets that he’s the younger one. 

“Why not?” Jaemin pretends to pout. “It’s a form of endearment. You should be honoured.”

Well…. He would if people around them aren’t cooing at it. Renjun is not sure if that’s a good thing or not or if they found Renjun looking weak next to Jaemin. 

“Anyhow, I have to get to class. See you on Friday?” 

“For tutoring class! Yes, sure! See you then.” Renjun hurriedly adds before other people could get the wrong idea. Looking at the sweets in front of him, Renjun is half glad and half confused at what just happened.

Glancing upwards, he sees Jaemin gives him a salute goodbye before he runs up to Jeno who has been waiting at the door. Somehow, that is the first time Renjun sees a smile that doesn’t look all too sincere on Jeno’s face.

The two leaves Renjun with thinking whether he is being pranked right now…

“You’re right. I guess juniors do like you.” Younghoon says.

…

Renjun isn’t too sure about that. Perhaps they like to play a joke on him instead.

“I didn’t know you knew Renjun.” They’re walking with Jaemin’s arm around Jeno’s shoulders. It’s Jeno who asked. 

“I didn’t know you knew Renjun.” Jaemin replies. 

For the past weeks, Jeno would say his closest friend here is Jaemin. Which is odd since they are not even in the same house. But they spend most of the day time together that they are classmates. 

Not just that but Jaemin has plenty of friends. However, Jeno is the only person Jaemin thinks he would actually take a curse for. Odd because they both just knew each other for a month.

Even odder that both of them happen to give a cookie and a sweet respectively towards the same person. 

“You gave him a cookie.” Jaemin states the obvious. He was there sitting at his normal seat at the Slytherin table when suddenly he sees Jeno approaching the Ravenclaw’s table.

Jaemin remembers Jeno saying yesterday that he’s saving this cookie for someone and Jaemin had teased it being his ‘secret crush’. Thus, seeing Jeno take out the said cookie he had baked, Jaemin’s eyebrow raised in curiosity. “Was he the senior that helped you a lot?” 

“You should know. I told you his name was Renjun.” Jeno replies. 

The blond hair removes his hand from Jeno’s shoulders. “Still, I didn’t think it’s the same Renjun.”

Jeno hums. They continue walking. It’s not like there’s tension between them. It just feels like there are so many questions between them. “What do you think of him?” Jeno is not one to beat around the bush.

Neither is Jaemin. “I think he’s great. Did I mentioned that he’s the guy that has been teaching me?” 

Jeno’s eyes widened at the revelation. Probably due to the fact that Jaemin has been telling him about this pretty guy that has been helping him with his studies. He’s all talk but when it comes to the person he likes, Jaemin is awfully shy.

He wouldn’t even tell Jeno what year the guy is. All that Jeno knows is that Jaemin definitely likes this person. 

So it was Renjun all along…

“What a coincidence, huh?” Jeno says coolly. 

“What do you think of Renjun?” Jaemin had to ask.

Since Jaemin is coming clean, it’s respectful that Jeno does the same. “I think I liked him the first time he fetched me at the Headmaster’s office.”

There was a silence between them before Jaemin broke it with a chuckle. “Is this a competition? To see who liked him first?”

“I’m just saying!” Jeno laughs along. It is his turn to rest his arm on Jaemin’s shoulder as they walk. “You should’ve seen him with the leaves on his hair.”

“That’d be such a view.” Jaemin’s lips curved into a smirk before he sighs heavily. Not in the way that he’s bothered that someone else likes the person he seems to have eyes on. Frankly, if it’s Jeno, Jaemin doesn’t feel anything ill. “Are we cool?” He’s making sure Jeno is on the same page.

“About Renjun?” Jeno pretends to give a thought first before he chuckles. “I don’t really care.” Jeno answers. “Strangely.”

Jaemin nods. He likes it this way.

“Come on, Jaemin.” 

The blond haired man groans, pushing the sheets away. “I’m done! I give up!”

“You can’t just give up Ancient Runes!” Renjun exclaims as he entrusts more papers towards Jaemin. The younger only spare one glance before he turns his nose away.

“I told you, I’m going to drop the course.” Jaemin insists stubbornly.

This is why Renjun said it was so hard to teach Slytherins. Not that he is saying everyone is the same but quite a number of them really do require extra patience. Especially when most of them, despite their competitive nature, easily try to find a shortcut even if it is highly unnecessary. “You’ve already taken this class for 2 years. You can’t just give up. I won’t allow it!”

Jaemin is still showing his back to Renjun which is ridiculous because one, they are in the library and two, the librarian is going to shush them for the third time if Jaemin doesn’t stop sulking loudly. 

“Come on, Jaemin. I worked hard in getting these materials for you.” Renjun frowns. Two can play this game. He sulks with Donghyuck and Younghoon all the time to get them to agree to whatever Renjun had requested.

Also, Renjun may or may not have lied. Thanks to his good side with the professors, he managed to obtain last year’s mock exam papers on the subject. So it really isn’t any hassle. 

Jaemin, of course, isn’t falling for it. “Really? Did you?” 

The brown haired male frowns deeper and nods. His hand is patting the paper that he oh-so-greatly took such an effort to get. At last, Jaemin can’t win as he pulls the papers to himself. It proves to be a wise thing because Jaemin couldn’t help but smile at Renjun’s celebratory squeal when Jaemin agrees.

Still, this subject is kicking Jaemin’s ass.

“I keep getting them wrong.” Jaemin huffs in dissatisfaction. Even worse when this stack of papers Renjun has prepared are more than 20 pages long. Front and back!

“That is why you need to do more practice and assessment. That way you’ll remember. Trust me!” Renjun tries to encourage him as he pats the back of Jaemin’s hand. Even that act alone manages to widen Jaemin’s smile. “Oh, right! The reference book! Let me get them.”

One thing Jaemin noticed today is that Renjun’s eyebags are more prominent than usual. Even the way he blinks his eyes is too frequent, almost like he is trying to blink the sleepiness away. Just at what time did the older one sleep yesterday. “I’ll get them.” Jaemin stands quicker than Renjun fully can.

“Hm? It’s okay, you just–” 

“Sit down.” Jaemin pushes Renjun back to sit on his chair. Somehow, Jaemin’s palm lingers on Renjun’s shoulder as he whispers near Renjun’s ear. “You know you can nap while I try to finish these.”

Renjun was about to argue if it weren’t for the fact that he can smell Jaemin’s perfume. His brain pauses when he realizes how close they are.

It is when Jaemin disappears to find the books he needed when Renjun finally exhales. He didn’t realize he was holding his breath. Staring at the younger’s back, Renjun comes to terms that he can never predict the younger.

Out of all the people he has met, Jaemin is next to Chenle when it comes to invading his personal space. Whether Jaemin himself realizes it or not. It should be alright since Renjun has practiced it with Chenle sticking to him like glue, however, with Jaemin, there’s a strange effect that Renjun refuses to admit.

It’s not like he can help it that he freezes whenever Jaemin is just centimetres away from him!

Despite what Chenle had told about Jaemin, Renjun finds Jaemin quite more mature than he actually expected. Yes, sometimes Renjun hears Jaemin’s loud boisterous laughter in the Great Hall or that he’s always climbing some tree whenever Renjun passes a certain area, but whenever it’s just the two of them, Jaemin is surprisingly… calm.

And when he is calm… Renjun finds that there’s a certain charming side of Na Jaemin. Other than him being good looking, of course, but he was also someone who speaks tenderly with a pretty smile to him. Sometimes it made Renjun's heart skip a beat.

That’s when Renjun knows he need to fucking sleep because why is he finding someone a year below him attractive?

Though, there’s nothing wrong with that BUT…

…

… nah. As dry as his love life may be, but younger boys are… 

Nevermind.

Jaemin looks at the time on his wrist. He has only half an hour with Renjun left. Although Jaemin loves the time he spent tutoring with Renjun, a part of him wishes they weren’t just talking about studies all the time. 

Whenever he asks Renjun for time after studies, the man is always busy with class or extracurricular activities. Catching Renjun’s brown hair on the random hallways are such super rare moments. He wonders…

If Jaemin asks him to meet up during the weekends, would Renjun say yes?

After picking up three books, Jaemin walks back to the table and he is not at all surprised to see Renjun with his cheek pressed on his crossed arm. With careful steps, he approaches near Renjun to see that the man has really fallen asleep. 

Renjun’s bangs have really grown longer from when they first talked to each other that it’s now almost covering his eyes.

For a minute, Jaemin is just crouching beside Renjun as he stares at Renjun’s serene face. He’s pretty.

There were quite a few times where Renjun would call Jaemin pretty and to be frank, Jaemin has heard that all his life. However, it was raining when Jaemin accidentally met Renjun near his class. Jaemin’s class was just waiting for Renjun’s to be done.

At the moment, Jaemin was dripping wet from head to toe. In a sea of people, Renjun did not waste his time to pull out his handkerchief when their eyes met. If Jaemin had complained about his wet shoes previously, the moment Renjun had offered to wipe his forehead because Jaemin’s hands were full with books, Jaemin praised the rain after.

It’s also pretty darn cute that Jaemin realizes how short Renjun is by how the latter has to look up to him.

It was subtle. 

Jaemin barely heard it. 

But he did. 

Pretty, he heard Renjun whisper under his breath. 

Instantly, Jaemin looked down to Renjun to catch the awe look on the older’s face and it was genuine. His eyes as he stared up at Jaemin were so pretty.

It was only a split second before Renjun suddenly coughed in embarrassment and took a few steps back from Jaemin.

That was the first time Jaemin had ever felt a compliment had made his heart flutter so much. 

Back at the library, Jaemin hopes Renjun will continue to sleep until the end of their session. He looks like he needed it and thank God they are at the library and not at the Great Hall. He’d glare at anyone who would ever make a noise that would wake Renjun up.

While he was on the 5th page, he noticed that Renjun kept moving. Looking up from the paper, the sunlight from the window next to them is causing Renjun to wince. Humming to himself, Jaemin then takes out his wand from his robe. Mobiliarbus, he taps to Renjun’s wooden chalkboard before directing it to fly just by Renjun’s face, successfully blocking the ray of sunlight from hitting his face.

Seeing the way Renjun’s forehead relaxes, Jaemin shakes his head before continuing with his work.

It wasn’t 20 minutes later when Jaemin surprisingly finished the assessment early. What would be a better way to kill time other than counting Renjun’s eyelashes. It’s pretty prominent from his view here.

In this peaceful silence, suddenly Renjun jolts awake, surprising Jaemin as well. “What’s the time?!”

“Good morning, to you.” Jaemin greets him sweetly.

Looking at his side, Renjun is surprised to see a floating board next to him. His chalkboard. “Wha–?” When he pulls the board down, Renjun is greeted with a blinding light from the window. His mind is 50% hazy but he realizes that it’s probably Jaemin’s doing.

“Did I sleep for too long?” He asks after a yawn escaped him.

Jaemin shakes his head. “You should sleep longer.”

“I have class.” Renjun panics when he glances at the clock on the wall. It’s almost time for his next subject. 

Once again, Jaemin can only stare sadly whenever Renjun packs his stuff to flee to his next schedule of the day. This time however, Renjun pauses just beside Jaemin. The older man looks like he is contemplating something before he bites his bottom lip. “Thanks.” Renjun says timidly. “I probably had such a good nap thanks to you.”

It’s not the shy way Renjun thanked him. It’s the way Renjun’s ears are failing to hide his blush that Jaemin finds it too endearing to function. “You better leave before I cast a spell to make you stay by me.” Jaemin shakes his head as he chuckles. “I’ll see you around.” Jaemin tells him like the many times he did. 

“As if you could outsmart me with spells.” Renjun sticks his tongue out playfully before running away.

Jaemin takes a deep intake of breath before he drags his palms across his face. 

This is bad for his heart.

“Jeno!” Renjun shouts his name from afar. 

The younger is leaning his back against the wall as he taps his foot in boredom. The second he spots Renjun, Jeno immediately stands straight and waves at him. It is the night of Professor Heesu’s gathering with the students he favors. Earlier today, Jeno wrote to him that he didn’t have any blue tie. Renjun wanted to laugh because why would he need a tie? It’s just a casual gathering. However, Renjun still brought one for Jeno.

“Here’s your tie!” Renjun wriggles the tie in front of Jeno.

“Ay this goes well with my shirt.” Jeno praises the Heavens that it isn’t a mismatch.

Thankfully it is a great combination because Renjun has different shades of blue. He can’t possibly bring it all to Jeno. Thus, he decided to go with his hunch to pick and seeing it now around Jeno, Renjun thinks he made the right choice.

After Jeno has successfully tied it around his neck, Renjun notices that his collar is untidy. “Wait.” He says, hand reaching up to fix the younger’s collar. He can't let Jeno ruin his first impression at his first gathering.

What Renjun doesn’t know is the way Jeno’s neck is starting to feel a little hot due to Renjun’s thumb accidentally brushing Jeno’s skin. It’s just an innocent feathery brush but Jeno feels like a shot of electricity buzzing at that touch.

“You look handsome tonight.” Renjun compliments him as he pats Jeno’s shoulder once he is done. The younger one really does. With just a plain light blue shirt with his sleeves rolled. The tie perfects it. He looks dashing.

Very dashing.

To a point that Renjun unconsciously gulps.

“Does it please your eyes?”

Catching himself again, Renjun snorts, punching Jeno lightly. “You are starting to sound like Jaemin, do you know that?” 

On a second thought, he does, Jeno thinks. He hung out with Jaemin so much that they are starting to mirror each other. Not just that, people are starting to call them fated lovers. It did feel like a fateful meeting. Both Jeno and Jaemin agree on that. 

It’s like meeting his other half who thinks differently but also the same.

Lots have branded them fated lovers and the two of them did discuss it among them. They find it funny but not really repulsed by that label.

Jeno won’t deny that he did found his soulmate-ism with Jaemin although he meant it platonically.

However, when it comes to romantic feelings…

Jeno stares at the short man in front of him. He’s asking Jeno if he should split his hair in the middle or part it from the side.

To Jeno, Renjun looks good in whatever he does. He would say that out loud but he isn’t Jaemin who says cheesy stuff very bluntly. “The one you did before.”

“Side part? Got it!” Renjun fixes his hair again. 

Jeno’s eyes soften at the way Renjun keeps assuring him that he is always there if Jeno feels overwhelmed by his first meeting with other seniors. Truthfully, Jeno feels just fine. But there is this warm emotions bubbling in him at the way Renjun cares for him.

There are so many nice and caring people around Jeno. However, he craves it from one person more than others. Greedily craves it.

The gathering is as per last year. They just sit at the round table and each taking turns to speak about themselves. Renjun remembers his first time and it was nerve-wrecking to him. The ambience in these gatherings are always awkward even on his third one this year. 

He might be okay with it but Jeno looks evidently uncomfortable. Even when Professor Heesu was asking him a lot of questions, Jeno’s a little awkward talking about his old school. 

They are rival schools after all.

It’s a good thing that Jeno is beside him. Whenever Renjun hears a slight stutter in Jeno’s voice, Renjun would reach out to pat Jeno’s thigh for encouragement. “You seem to be doing quite well here, Lee Jeno.” Professor Heesu praises him.

“Well, what can I say? I have a good senior to guide me.” Jeno replies with a witty smile….

… And a hand grabbing Renjun’s one under the table.

Renjun only smiles as he pats Jeno’s hand that is on his lap, grateful that the younger even mentioned him. But to his surprise, Jeno’s hold on his hand is firm as if there’s no room to escape. 

Even when they have diverted the topic on to another student, Jeno’s hold on his hand remains unmoved. 

Clearing his throat, Renjun gently releases Jeno’s hand. He had to use a little force which Renjun felt slightly guilty. But not for long… Because those long fingers catch Renjun’s small ones and intertwine their fingers together.

Renjun’s heart begins racing when Jeno only looks at him and smiles innocently before he focuses back on what the circle was talking about.

It is safe to say that Renjun is glad that his turn has passed. Knowing himself damn well, he easily stutters whenever he is embarrassed. If anyone were to ask him a question now, not only would they see Renjun as bright as a tomato, but Renjun would trip on his words undoubtedly.

Seriously, Renjun needs to have a minute with himself because why is his heart fluttering so easily to any man? Is he that deprived of relationship experience?

When Jeno finally lets go of Renjun’s hand, the younger had the audacity to give Renjun a little wink and that made Renjun bury his face even more in his hands.

Jeno is definitely having fun teasing him.

The gathering ended earlier than expected. Well, thankfully for them it did. 

They are walking back with just the two of them. There were others who had wanted to walk with Renjun but Jeno may or may not have pulled Renjun faster than lighting to walk ahead of others. It was also quite adorable seeing how Renjun was trying to match his pace with his little legs.

Unlike Jaemin, Jeno doesn’t have many instances of meeting with Renjun face to face. However, Jaemin did have his fair share of complaints such as Jeno getting Renjun letters every now and then. “Trust me. The awkwardness doesn’t get any better.”

“He must have at least felt it.” They laugh about some of the most awkward moments that happened just minutes ago during the gathering. Jeno wasn’t the only one hoping time would go fast. Everyone was not so discreetly glancing at their wrist watch every 10 minutes. 

“I feel like everyone except him felt it. He is just happy to gather his excellent students every year.” Due to this meeting every year, Renjun actually manages to increase his connections. That’s why no matter how much he dreads it, he’d get something good out of it. “He likes you, Jeno. You are going to see more of him and the others in the room.”

Not that Jeno minded. This just means there are more instances for Jeno and Renjun to meet up in the future. Jeno then walks further in front of Renjun before turning around. “Does that mean I get to see you more?” He walks backwards as he faces Renjun.

“I guess… If you need me or anything.”  

“Only for school-related stuff?” Jeno suddenly asks.

There is something on the floor as Jeno is heading to it. Discreetly, Renjun uses his wand to flick it aside so that Jeno doesn’t trip on it since the man can’t walk properly. “That depends.” Renjun answers coolly.

Although walking backwards, Jeno knew that Renjun was looking out for him. Jeno couldn’t hide the smile at the gesture. “How about Quidditch?”

“What about it?”

Jeno stops his tracks. “I know you’re already going but who knows you aren’t staying for Gryffindor and Slytherin’s match.”

“Lee Jeno.” Renjun crosses his arms as he tilts his head playfully. “Are you asking me to watch your Quidditch match?”

“Would you be up for it?” Under the semi dark hallways, Jeno’s eyes shine with hope.

Renjun finds it lovely. Before Renjun could answer though, suddenly another voice startled both of them. “No fair! I was about to ask Renjun that.”

Surprised, looking beyond Jeno’s shoulders, Renjun’s eyes widened at the newcomer. “Jaemin!” What is he doing here? It’s almost their curfew. 

Jeno shares the same sentiment but he recovers from his surprise faster than Renjun did. “Yeah, right.” Jeno waits until Jaemin is already next to him before he grabs the plastic in Jaemin’s hand. “Is this the ice cream that you said was so good?”

“Yeah. Got them from Wooyoung just now.” Jaemin nonchalantly lets Jeno steal one like he has done it so many times.“You can have one too, Renjun.”

At his name being mentioned, Renjun just realized he was actually zoning out. Something about seeing Jeno and Jaemin together makes him stare head blank towards those two. Renjun lets out a sheepish laugh. “Ah, it’s fine! You’ll run out of it.” 

Really, seeing both of them standing next to each other, Renjun kind of sees something… stunning.

Both of them are tall. Very tall. They both have great features. One is pretty and another is handsome. 

Of course, Renjun isn’t living under the rock. He knows exactly about the rumors that have been going around. Plus, Chenle does a good job in updating him with things that Renjun himself isn’t really interested in.

Even so, when Chenle told him that Jaemin and Jeno might have been in a relationship, Renjun isn’t surprised. It was just an assumption but really. Just look at them now. Two attractive individuals that mesh well together.

How can they not be attracted to each other?

Renjun is quite… jealous.

Of whom, he doesn’t even know.

Yet, Renjun never really asked Jaemin or Jeno about it because it is not really his business and he didn’t think they were on that level of friendship to ask something so personal.

“Did you come here to get Jeno?” Renjun asks after taking the ice cream that is being offered to him. 

At the question, Jeno and Jaemin visibly stiffened before glancing at each other. Renjun is not sure if that question is offensive but sensing their silence, he felt like it might have rubbed Jeno and Jaemin in the wrong way. “I mean, seeing how you two always hang out during the day, I assume–.”

“Not really.” Jaemin answers with a complicated smile. “I love night strolls before curfew.”

“And I wanted to walk you home.” Jeno says bluntly, which causes Renjun to cough and Jaemin to let out a chuckle.

The pretty guy nudges Jeno on his arm. “You’re hanging around me too much, you're starting to talk like me.”

“That’s what Renjun said just now!” Jeno laughs as he pushes Jaemin back playfully. When he realizes he had pushed Jaemin a little too hard, Jeno pulls Jaemin back to him and brushes Jaemin’s arm sweetly where he had knocked him.

Honestly… Renjun is so confused right now. The thing about both Jeno and Jaemin, seeing how they interacted with each other, it gives Renjun every reason to think they’re both together. 

But over the past 4 months with those two, sometimes Renjun thinks…

He thinks…

It’s stupid, Renjun shakes his head. Once again, he blames his lack of experience that he is starting to speculate things that are probably not there.

“Uhm, I guess I will see you guys later. Whenever.” Renjun attempts to excuse himself.

“You’re leaving?” Jaemin stops laughing and focuses back on Renjun.

The older of the two shows his wristwatch. “It’s almost curfew. You two need to go back.” Renjun, despite his height, tries to look a little intimidating by discreetly raising his heels to appear taller. Renjun is, after all, the future Head Boy so he should be strict on these things. “You don’t want to break any rules, do you?”

In his mind, Renjun thinks he did such a good job intimidating his juniors. They should be nodding obediently by now. But instead, the two just laugh and before he knows it, Jeno crouches down to pick up Renjun’s legs while Jaemin carries him by his upper body. “What’s going on?! Put me down!”

“Did you know today’s a full moon?” Jeno asks innocently like the two tall towers aren't abducting him to God knows where.

“It’s really pretty.” Jaemin adds. 

Why does that even matter right now?! Renjun wants to scream. “Where are you taking me?!”

“To watch the moon!”

????????

As the three of them move farther from the other group of people, they hear one person who attended the gathering shouts. “Renjun, do you need help?!”

Renjun flails his arm. “They’re kidnapping me!”

“We’ll return him in one piece. Don’t worry!” Jaemin waves the others goodbye before carrying Renjun away with Jeno.

Really…. Why was Renjun born short? This is not the first time he has been manhandled like this. It’s both insulting and entertaining. However, Renjun is quite shy now that he’s being carried by both Jeno and Jaemin. “I can walk, you guys. Just tell me where we are going.” Renjun huffs after he has stopped resisting. 

With that, the two of them carefully put Renjun down and the three of them start walking up the stairs in the familiar tower. “Why are we going up here?” It’s the tower where Renjun and Jaemin met for the first time.

When they open the door to the rooftop, as expected, it’s just the three of them. “Look! You can see the moon clearer.”

Looking up at the sky, Renjun can definitely see the moon clearer. And bigger!  

It reminds him of the subject he learned during Defense Against Dark Arts. There’s a certain type of animagus that reacts at the full moon. It was one of his favourite subjects actually. Renjun was about to ask the two if their classes are going well but when he turns around, he is surprised to find Jeno and Jaemin have already laid down the concrete ground. 

What are these two doing now…

“We’re lying on the ground now?” Renjun asks with a sigh. He can’t predict anything when it comes to them.

The two didn’t even say anything, just pat at the space between them. 

With a smile.

Renjun definitely feels like he is being pranked around. It’s just…

He thinks those two are onto something. He still can’t decide if it is out of good faith or malicious.

Regardless, he follows the two and lies on the ground. Currently, the moon is directly in his straight line of vision. It’s better than having to crane his neck up most of the time. “15 minutes.” Renjun says. He’s never one to be a rule-breaker. On purpose, at least. But what harm can be done when they’re already inside the school grounds.

As long as they don’t get caught.

“We should have camped here.” the Slytherin suggests casually.

“Absolutely not!” 

The two tall men laugh as Renjun further pouts. “You’re that scared to defy the rules? No one will catch us here.” Jaemin turns his body to face Renjun.

“I trust Jaemin on this.” 

Renjun rolls his eyes at Jeno’s comment. “You trust Jaemin on this? That smile?” 

The two of them turn to look at Jaemin who has that little to no good smile plastered widely on his face. “What? This is my default smile.”

“You two are really something.” Renjun shakes his head, settling back with his back against the concrete.

Now that they’re here, Renjun thinks back to Chenle’s words about those two. He said that people were envious of Renjun for being close with the duo. Renjun thought otherwise. It was purely coincidence that he happens to help Jeno with his transfer and also being Jaemin’s tutor.

Plus, what’s there to be jealous about? It’s not like being in Renjun’s shoes meant he had a chance with either of them. From afar and even from near, those two are pretty much closed off.

… I think.

“Renjun.” 

The way Jaemin calls his name made him realize that he was in his thoughts again. When had Renjun even closed his eyes? “Yeah?”

There was a few seconds pause that made Renjun open his eyes in wonder. “What do you think about us?” 

Renjun blinks at the question for a moment. He’s not sure if he gets it. “As in…?”

“Individuals?” Jeno continues for Jaemin. The younger one sounded as unsure as he was.

What an interesting question. Renjun didn’t think deeply when he answered. “Two juniors that I meet the most these days. Minus Chenle.”

Jaemin snorts. “Is that it?”

After a second, Renjun decides to put more heart into his answer. “How do I put this? You both are different individually but sometimes reminded me of each other. Jeno’s a very soft-hearted person despite his prominent features and Jaemin, everyone knows how kind you are and I can see that.”

What Renjun left out is that he has so much confusion when it comes to both of them. One time he feels like he is being treated with extra care and extra special that it made Renjun’s heart race. Another time he starts thinking rationally about why would they do that?

They both come into Renjun’s life at the same time and start being very close to him. A part of him feels suspicious. However, a bigger part of him enjoys these butterflies in his stomach.

Even when Renjun doesn’t want to admit that.

When both Jeno and Jaemin did not respond, Renjun sits up and looks at them. “Is that not the answer you both want?”

“Then.” Jeno shifts a little to lie on his side, facing both Jaemin and Renjun. “What do you think about the both of us together?”

Renjun’s brain short circuited for a moment. How should he interpret that question? More than that, how should he interpret the way Jeno and Jaemin’s eyes are looking expectantly at him.

Are they asking his opinion about them as a duo? Or as a couple? Or…?

Renjun decides it’s the middle one. It has to be that. “I think you both uh… would look great as a couple.” He answers with an assuring pat. In Renjun’s head, perhaps this is one of those times Jeno and Jaemin are trying to confide their feelings with someone who is older and experienced for personal matters. 

The duo hasn’t said anything as they are processing Renjun’s answer while staring at Renjun’s hand on their respective thighs, patting them in assurance of what seemed like a miscommunication scenario. 

Jeno is the first to laugh. “You think Jaemin and I should be a couple?”

Isn’t that what most people think? Renjun knows for a fact that if they get together (or already are), they’d be the most pleasing couple to look at. Renjun would envy them…

…which is weird because Renjun never envies someone like this.

Jeno is such a gentleman who has such a pretty eye smile that will melt anyone’s heart. Jaemin too is someone who is funny, entertaining and yet will brighten your day with his wittiness. Those two fit like a puzzle. 

He wonders if Renjun will find his own puzzle where a piece of him fits.

“Yeah. Why not?” Renjun smiles. It doesn’t reach his ears though. Not because of selfish reasons. God, no. He just realizes that maybe he’s been a little lonely and maybe graduating without a single experience of young love isn’t ideal. 

“You are something too, Renjun.” Jaemin chuckles, repeating Renjun's previous words. 

Renjun would ask Jaemin to clarify further what he meant but Renjun has a feeling like it will stay as riddles even after explanation. That’s how much he knows about Na Jaemin.

“I won’t lose to you both, though.” Renjun eagerly states.

“What does that even mean?”

Maybe seeing both of them finally clicks something in Renjun. Renjun thinks he has only ever had a crush on someone throughout his life twice. Once during his third year during the Triwizard Championship. The Durmstrang guy was really handsome. The second time was with Younghoon’s classmate. There was a time he had asked Junho for help and well, Renjun couldn’t help thinking he was an eye-candy the least.

Despite it all, Renjun never intended it to be anything more than a crush. Relationships weren't really in his 8 year plan of being head student but now that he thinks about it…

He might have just graduated as a loser with no love experience if that were to happen.

“It means that I will find myself a partner as well!” Renjun declares enthusiastically with determination in his eyes.

“WHAT?!” The duo choruses.

“I think they’re dating.” Renjun comments softly but loud enough for his classmate, Donghyuck to hear.

They are sitting at the bench of the Ravenclaw section. Renjun can barely see the two of them but he has an idea which one Jaemin and Jeno are. Pretty hard not to guess correctly when those two are always standing next to each other despite their teams going to go against each other.

“They do kind of look like it.” Donghyuck replies half-interestedly. Mainly because this is the 5th time Renjun has mentioned those two today and they only met each other 2 hours ago. “You have been talking a lot about them, you know that?”

Renjun turns his head slowly to Donghyuck at that revelation? “I have?”

“These days I’m either hearing about Jaemin’s fun tutoring session or Jeno’s cute letters.” Donghyuck shrugs. When Renjun makes this face like the world has just betrayed him, Donghyuck almost laughs. “I’m not lying! You never talk about your juniors as much as them.”

“I never do…”

“Exactly!” Proving Donghyuck’s point. “Don’t tell me you enjoy the time with them more than you should.”

Renjun bites his lips. He… might have. But it’s not Renjun’s fault, in his defense! How do one expect two attractive guys who kept saying these sweet things, treated him sweetly, and expected not to feel some type of way? 

Which is frustrating because one, those two are best friends. Two, they might as well date each other from the way they act with each other. “I don’t know.” Renjun sighs.

“Which one?” Donghyuck suddenly asks.

“Huh?” 

Pointing back to the field, Donghyuck asks again. “Which one? Between the two that you actually like.”

Renjun furrows his eyebrows. “What are you even talking about?”

“Do you think I’m dense? I have known you for 6 years, Renjun. This constant bugging that you don’t even remember to bring your scarf.” 

Shit, Renjun internally curses. The temperature has started dropping and it was really windy today. Of all days, it’s today that Renjun forgot his scarf. 

If only Donghyuck knows why his mind is all over the place. After the meeting with Jaemin and Jeno, the air around them got a little stranger. Renjun was so sure that he didn’t say anything wrong. However, Renjun somehow finds himself being a victim of Jaemin’s sarcasm.

“Jaemin, can’t you pay attention?” Renjun had asked in one of their tutoring sessions.

Usually Jaemin would immediately stop playing around and focus but instead, Jaemin rolls his eyes at him. “Ask that to your boyfriend.”

That is such an unprovoked answer that it shocked Renjun.

There was another instance where Jaemin said he will walk Renjun to his class after their tutoring session. Granted, it was a long walk so Renjun assured him so many times that he doesn’t need anyone to accompany him but Jaemin insisted.

This had resulted in Jaemin being late to his next class. Even so, Jaemin stubbornly refuses to leave Renjun until they are at the front of Renjun’s classroom. “You should go now, Jaemin.” Renjun does not want to be the reason why Slytherins are getting 5 points off for being late. 

“Fine, I’m going.” Before he left completely, Jaemin turned to Renjun and said; “Get rid of the person you’ll be dating if he is not willing to be late for you.”

…

Renjun has no reply to that so he lets Jaemin walk away. This is truly messy because why does Jaemin keep talking about that? Ever since their meeting at the rooftop, this topic keeps getting mentioned.

Jeno isn’t any better.

In his letters he keeps on bringing up Renjun’s non-existent (future) boyfriend. 

“The new restaurant at Hogsmade is delicious. You and your partner should try that.”

“Are you coming for Quidditch practice? Will your partner be there?”

He tried confiding with Chenle about the two of them and that man had the audacity to suggest something ridiculous. “Maybe, they both have a crush on you.” Chenle had said.

Renjun found it so funny that he started tearing up from laughter. But seeing how serious Chenle was, it got Renjun contemplating. 

Back to Donghyuck’s question… Renjun doesn’t even know what this feeling he harbors towards the two of them even means. Yes, he finds them both attractive. Very attractive. If they ask if Renjun sees them as a potential boyfriend, absolutely, yes. Renjun genuinely thinks if anyone ended up with either two, that person would be lucky as hell.

All this thinking is starting to hurt his brain.

“I wanted to talk to you about something.” Renjun uncrosses his arms and sits up straight facing Donghyuck. “You will set me up with someone.”

His friend’s eyes enlarged. “I will?! Wait, you know what you’re asking, right?”

“I’m serious! You have been bugging me anyways.”

Both Donghyuck and Chenle did try to talk to him about some blind date but Renjun barely has the capacity in his attention span to think about it. Now that he has time to even think about complicated feelings, why not try to do something for his bleak love life? He can’t believe his juniors are stirring his feelings this much. “Choose. Older or younger.” Donghyuck demands.

“Older.” He has always thought if one day he’ll be in a relationship, it’d be someone older or the same age as him.

“Ravenclaws or doesn’t matter?” 

Renjun clicks his tongue. “Why would their house matter?”

“I’m just trying to narrow it down. I have someone in my mind that you might like. There’s just a setback though.”

“Who?!” Renjun’s eyes sparkle in interest.

Donghyuck seems to hesitate about this person but eventually he says his name. “Johnny. From Gryffindor.”

“Johnny Suh?!” Renjun’s palm covers his mouth as he is taken aback. “What makes you think Johnny Suh would ever want to go on a date with me?”

“For your information, he was the one who asked me if there’s anyone that I can set him up with.” Donghyuck explains. Automatically, Renjun lifts his binoculars to find the man at the field. He knows Johnny is a friend of Jaehyun’s. The same year as Jaehyun too. 

If anyone asks him, yes, Johnny Suh is a fine young man that is well-loved by so many people due to his outgoing and funny personality. Definitely out of his league. Not to mention his girlfriend was beyond beautiful.

Speaking of which, “What happened to Sowon? Haven't they been dating since last year?”

Donghyuck grimaces. “See, that’s where the setback is. They broke up recently so my assumption is he is trying to get a date as a rebound.”

“Rebound?” Renjun frowns. “I don’t want to be a rebound.”

“Yeah… But a date won’t hurt, right? Like… it could just be your first experience to prepare for the next one.” 

Horror falls onto Renjun’s face. “How many blind dates do you think I will be going on?!”

“Doesn’t matter! Practice makes perfect!”

What does that even mean?! But Donghyuck seems excited at that idea so Renjun guesses it’ll be fine. Besides, going on a date with quite a popular 7th year… 

Renjun thinks he wouldn’t mind that.

“Okay, it’s starting!”

Renjun instantly calms his heart. Without his binoculars, he tries to find Jaemin and Jeno. If he’s not mistaken, Jeno is a seeker. Jaemin is a chaser. 

Them being in opposite teams make it hard for Renjun to cheer on which team should win. It’s such a cold and damp morning. Despite his freezing hands, his palms sweat throughout the match whenever a bludger comes close to either Jaemin or Jeno. 

This is the first time Renjun had prayed so hard for no one to get hurt.

The game ends in Jaemin’s favour. It’s a win for Slytherin and despite being happy for Jaemin, Renjun is kind of sad that Jeno didn’t win his first match.

To congratulate them both, Renjun waits for them outside the tent where all the quidditch players rest. He’s supposed to be here with Donghyuck but the man left him to find Younghoon. Renjun’s lips quiver at the cold as he begs for the time to go fast.

Eventually, one by one players start coming out. Then, he sees the winner of today’s match exit the tent. Renjun made a small wave to catch Jaemin’s attention and once Jaemin spots him, the blond male breaks into a wide smile.

“Renjun!” He shouts before sprinting towards Renjun’s direction.

At the speed of Jaemin running to him, Renjun had to shout back “Don’t run.” because if he trips, they’re going to have to go to the infirmary instead.

When they are just a few steps apart, Jaemin discards all of his bags and his broom to the ground before picking Renjun up in a hug. “You made it!” Jaemin squeals as he twirls Renjun around. 

To say that Renjun is surprised is an understatement. He too can’t help the squeak he lets out. “Jaemin!”

“I saw you in the crowd! I didn’t think you’d wait.” Jaemin puts Renjun back onto the ground but his palm stays resting on Renjun’s hip.

At the close proximity, Renjun tries not to tumble on his words. Not when Jaemin with his wet sweaty hair is being pushed back. Even after sweating so much, Jaemin still smells so freaking good. “I have to congratulate you immediately. You played so well.”

“Was I cool?” Jaemin asks smugly. 

Renjun scoffs, hitting Jaemin lightly on his chest. “For today, I’ll admit.” He rolls his eyes before genuinely nodding. “You look plenty cool.” 

He knows Jaemin has such a radiating smile. But when Jaemin says nothing but grins so widely like this as he stares at Renjun, his heart makes a leap and it’s moving rapidly. “Will you be waiting for me like this for my future matches?” Jaemin asks sweetly.

“Should I?” Renjun asks back.

Of course, Renjun would definitely not miss any match but greeting him after every game ends? Strangely… Renjun doesn’t mind that. He likes it.

Jaemin finally lets go of his hips. “If you do, even when I lose, I’d immediately cheer up.”

Oh… Renjun’s cheeks have been warming up pretty fast although it was freezing minutes ago.

Seeing how red Renjun’s nose is from the cold, Jaemin makes a jog to his bag before he takes something from his bag. Once he is in front of Renjun, the younger wraps a scarf with Slytherin colours around his neck. “Next time wear a scarf. You’re shaking like a chihuahua.”

“I do not.” Renjun whines but his voice is being muffled by the scarf.

Speaking of losing, Renjun gasps as he thinks of someone. Jeno!

Like there is a telepathy between them, Jaemin points to the tent. “Jeno’s in there still. You can meet him if you want.”

Renjun does want to do that. “Would Jeno be okay if I see him now?”

“Are you kidding me?” Jaemin chuckles. “You’ll cheer him up. Go!” Jaemin gently pushes Renjun’s spine with his palm. “I’ll wait for you two here!”

The shorter male nods before he powerwalks towards the tent.

Lifting the tent, there are still some people left cleaning their stuff. There’s a big banner that says Gryffindor. Jeno happens to be the only one left. It looks like he is putting his sports shoe and some towels into his bag. 

From here, Renjun sees Jeno doesn’t have much emotions on his face. Then again, that is his default face. But whenever he smiles, just like now as he registers Renjun’s presence, the Sun has a serious competition.

“Hey, Jeno.” Renjun nears him.

He’s not really sure what to say to Jeno at this time. Usually if Ravenclaw loses, Renjun would just pat Younghoon on the back. But this is Jeno. He wants to cheer the latter up. “You did great out there. Congratulations on your first game as a Hogwarts student.”

Jeno nods with a smile that doesn’t reach his ear this time. “Thank you. Though, I wish I could catch the Golden Snitch this game but–”

“You played wonderfully, Jeno!” Renjun cuts him off. “The people in my area, they were saying how good the new boy is!”

Though most of them were saying how the new seeker was very darn good-looking, Renjun knows, but a lot were very impressed by how Jeno’s chemistry with the team is great despite being a new joiner. 

Renjun knows Jeno is probably feeling down right now. Even so, Jeno is trying his best to smile. 

“I’m…” Renjun hesitantly reaches his hand out in front of Jeno. The other seems to anticipate it as well. “I’m proud of you.” Renjun’s palm meets with the top of Jeno’s head and his thumb gently caresses the soft and wet hair. “So, you should too.”

Jeno has done that to Renjun multiple times. Patting his head, Renjun meant. This time however, Renjun offers it to him.

From above, Renjun feels his nervous system alarming at the way Jeno is staring up at him. The younger one didn't say anything and Renjun was already thinking what his next consolation words will be when suddenly, Jeno takes Renjun's cold hand and shifts it to his face instead. “Tell me you’re proud of me again.” Jeno closes his eyes as he presses the palm against his cheek. 

Renjun gulps. “I’m… proud of you, Lee Jeno.”

His stomach is making a backflip when Jeno leans into his hand while still looking up at Renjun with the most puppy dog eyes. “Glad to hear that.” Jeno whispers softly. 

It is actions like these that makes Renjun greedy. And he hates feeling greedy because he has no right to. It’s selfish of him. 

After some time, Jeno finally lets go of Renjun’s hand and collects all his stuff. “I assume that Jaemin is waiting outside.” 

The brown haired male nods. “He is.”

Jeno hums. Before Renjun could walk in front of him, Jeno pulls the sleeve of Renjun’s sweater to make him wait. Confused, Renjun watches the other take out what looks like a pair of gloves from his pocket. “Wear this in the meantime. Your hands are cold.” He advises.

Renjun smiles at the red gloves. “Thanks.”

When they’re outside, they find Jaemin with his arms wide open, offering Jeno a comforting hug. Renjun finds it adorable that Jeno instantly melts into Jaemin’s embrace. Despite them trying to tear each other down an hour prior, yet their relationship is bigger than that.

“I’ll treat you, butterbeer.” Jaemin releases Jeno from the tight hug then slings his arm around Jeno’s shoulder. 

Jeno scoffs, hand settles around Jaemin’s waist. “I should be treating you. Congratulations on the win.”

“If you insist.” Jaemin winks before he turns to Renjun. “Let’s go together.”

The older of the three raises his eyebrows. “Hmm?”

“You’re free, right?”

Oh! 

Well, Renjun would love to actually. But… He’s not sure what to feel about being the third wheel. Though, Jaemin and Jeno do look expectantly at him right now. 

Perhaps it’s not such a bad idea to join them. But wait. He needs to find Donghyuck first.

Speaking of the devil, suddenly a palm slams against his back. “He agreed!” Donghyuck exclaims excitedly with ragged breathing like he had been running.

“What—?” 

“I came across Johnny just now while with Younghoon, and he’s down! You’re not doing anything next Saturday, right?”

Renjun is a little speechless and heavily surprised right now. Did the Johnny just agree to go on a date with him? “I didn’t expect it to be so soon.” 

He really didn’t. Renjun thought it would take a couple of weeks but he forgot this is Donghyuck he is talking about. He is friends with everybody. “Whatever. He’s coming your way so act normal.” Donghyuck tells him.

And fair enough, just behind Donghyuck, Johnny is jogging towards them with a wave. “Hey.” The others present reply to his greeting. Uhm. Except for two people. “Do you mind if I steal Renjun for a little chat?”

Wow. Seeing him up close, Renjun is just realizing how painfully good looking this Gryffindor player is. However, he couldn’t really bring himself to answer yet. A part of him feels like his time is indebted towards his juniors. Turning to Jaemin and Jeno, he hasn’t answered them both either. 

Jaemin pats his shoulder in assurance. “You can go. I’ll see you in our next session.”

“I’ll write to you tonight.” Jeno says too. 

There’s a big lump forming in his heart after seeing Jeno and Jaemin’s expressions. It could also possibly be due to the fact that deep down he had actually wanted to spend more time with the two. 

Then again, seeing how so attached the duo’s hips right now, it made Renjun realize what situation he is in. “Okay.” He answers. 

Johnny seems happily clueless as he guides Renjun to walk ahead. Renjun couldn’t help but look above his shoulders one last time before finally focusing fully on what Johnny is saying.

Meanwhile back near the tent, Donghyuck is grinning as he pats himself on his chest. “Did I do a good job or what?” He boasts to no one in particular.

“You got him a date? With Johnny of all people?” Jaemin lets out an annoyed huff.

It is only then Donghyuck realizes the atmosphere around him. Thick and cold. No. Not cold from the weather. But from the piercing stare of the two towers. “What? Why are you guys looking at me like that?”

“You know he just broke up with his girlfriend a week ago.” 

Jeno’s expression hardens. “He what? Did Renjun know about this?”

“Woah woah you two, calm down!” Donghyuck lifts his arm in surrender. “You don’t think I would suggest Johnny without telling him, right?”

“Then why?” Jaemin clicks his tongue.

So that’s how Donghyuck had to explain their initial conversations about how it will be good first date experiences to prepare him for the next. The more Donghyuck explains, the more visible the wrinkles between their forehead.

Donghyuck squints his eyes at the two. These two are suspicious.

Very suspicious.

“I knew you two are up to no good.” 

Just like last week, Donghyuck has his arms crossed against his chest as he squints his eyes at the two men in front of him. Both Jeno and Jaemin are sitting down at the round table while slurping their butterbeer in a smuggish manner. 

It’s irritating because Donghyuck may have not been around Renjun that much these days but he definitely isn’t oblivious. The minute Renjun left after the Quidditch tournament with Johnny, those two had the ugliest glare that could bore holes on the 7th year’s back. “How did you even know where?” 

He doubts Renjun told those two because as far as Donghyuck knows, Renjun was hoping those two aren’t there.

“What do you mean? Can’t two guys hang around Three Broomsticks Inn in their free time?” Jaemin places his glass on the table as he leans back. “It’s the weekend after all.”

“Right.” Donghyuck clicks his tongue. “And you happen to also sit at the table that conveniently places Renjun in your line of vision.” 

The three of them turn their gaze to the man four tables away from them. Renjun and Johnny are chatting away to God knows what. It is a shame that Renjun is sitting with his back facing them. Jaemin couldn’t figure out Renjun’s expression.

“Come on, seriously. Who told you two? Was it Chenle?”

Jeno wiggles his index finger. “Now. Now. Don’t go accusing people.”

“Yeah, it was me.” A new voice appears in the picture and pulls the empty chair on the left of Jaemin’s. 

Great, Donghyuck mentally facepalms. Now, Chenle is here too? Who is next? Younghoon?

“What are you doing here too?!” Donghyuck exasperates.

“It’s not everyday your childhood friend goes on a date. With Johnny Suh at that!” Chenle whispers excitedly at the last part. 

Jaemin groans. “Is he that much of a catch?”

“Play nice, Jaemin.” Jeno nudges the other’s knee under the table. “What are you doing here too if it’s not for the same reason?”

Donghyuck puts his hand on his chest. “Me? Don’t lump me with you guys. I happen to have a feeling that a suspicious smiling princess here and his all too nice boyfriend would be here and do something.”

“Please.” Jaemin waves his hand. “I may be a Slytherin but I would never let Renjun have an awful first date.” 

“Though, I am still not over you suggesting Johnny to Renjun.” Jeno’s voice turns serious. “What if this date goes well and he likes Johnny sincerely when the man had only wanted a rebound?”

Donghyuck huffs, pulling the chair as well for him to sit. “For the last time, Jeno. This is Renjun’s decision. Let him decide if he wants to or not.” 

Now that Donghyuck is staring at the other three people at the table, Donghyuck is the oldest and it’s a bit comical. Renjun has two guys who are tailing him like a puppy with a crush and an overly nosy junior who happens to be in the same class.

Chenle is always like that. He harbors no ill intentions. But those two though…

“What are your intentions, really?” Donghyuck questions. His elbows rest on the table as he glances to both Jaemin and Jeno’s direction. “Do you two like Renjun?”

“I actually asked them this before I gave them the deets.” Chenle chirps curiously. “They like him.” 

The fact that Jeno and Jaemin look unbothered at Chenle and Donghyuck’s appalled expression is appalling. “And you two are okay with liking the same person?”

“Why not?” Jeno shrugs. “It doesn’t change anything.” 

“I’m surprised that you two aren’t dating each other. But what if Renjun likes one of you and I don’t know, you two date. Won’t the other feel jealous?” It was Chenle who asked. Donghyuck nods his head in agreement because wouldn’t that be weird? Donghyuck doesn’t think he could.

Jaemin breathes out a heavy sigh. “Listen. If Renjun wants to be with Jeno, I fully support it. I mean,” He points to Jeno with his thumb. “Jeno’s great. I would feel jealous though. But I wouldn’t lose my friendship with the two important people in my life.”

“Same here.” Jeno pats the back of Jaemin’s hand and Donghyuck watches them lock into hand holding. 

This….

No matter what Donghyuck thinks…

… is odd. 

“You don’t have to understand.” Jaemin says lastly, with a hint of annoyance after seeing the hesitancy in Donghyuck’s face.

On the contrary, Donghyuck wants to understand because this is Renjun they’re talking about. For someone who has no experience in love, this all will be too confusing for him.

“Wait! They’re going somewhere!” Chenle whispers to which all four of them immediately grab the menu and hide their faces. 

“I’m sorry to cut this date short. I’ll write to you!” 

They all lower down the hard paper just below their eyes and they see Johnny is picking up his coat and wearing them while Renjun just stays there. Damn, they’re so curious at what Renjun’s expression is.

“Not to worry. I understand.” Renjun assures the older man.

After staring, Donghyuck bites his cheek at the familiar woman waiting for Johnny near their table. It’s someone that Donghyuck recognizes.

“Is that Sowon? The ex?” Jeno asks as his expression dims.

“No.” Jaemin answers with a clenched jaw. “That’s her best friend. Something happened probably so Johnny is heading to her.”

Donghyuck turns his body around to face the group. “Guess I was worried about the wrong person trying to sabotage the date.” 

Of course, there’s a possibility that maybe Sowon isn’t even part of it. Or something truly happened. But Johnny only pulls that kind of expression when it is associated with his long term girlfriend. Donghyuck is sure of it.

He had hoped Renjun enjoyed the date eventhough it was what, merely 20 minutes?

“Well, I’m done watching.” Jeno claps his hand before he stands up. Jaemin does the same too and before Donghyuck knows it, the two are already making their way to Renjun.

This time, Donghyuck just lets them.

They’re just sitting in silence while Donghyuck steals Chenle’s drink. This is beyond him. He’ll let Renjun deal with those juniors of his own.

“So…” Chenle rests his chin against his cheek in wonder. “Do you think Renjun knows what poly is?”

The question resulted in Donghyuck turning into a coughing mess. “What the fuck, Chenle?”

Renjun is just sitting at the table with a sigh. Did he get dumped? Probably but Johnny said he would write to him. However, Renjun doesn’t mind if he doesn't. Their date lasted 20 minutes and in that short span of time, Renjun thinks he has more chemistry with other people than the taller one.

Don’t get him wrong. Johnny is a great guy. If everyone ignores the fact that he left Renjun here mid-date.

But somehow, Renjun’s mind isn’t present fully either. 

There is no way he can fully pay attention when all he could think of is the four people that are just tables away from him. When Johnny told him that he has such supportive juniors, Renjun knew right away who were behind him.

“Is the seat taken?” 

At the two voices mixing, Renjun couldn’t help but smile.

“Not at all.” Renjun watches Jeno and Jaemin sitting at the chairs next to him, making Renjun situated in the middle. 

"You'll have luck on your next date.” Jaemin says bluntly to which Renjun hisses in annoyance.

Don’t remind him of that. His next blind date should be a month later or so. He needs to regain his pride after being stood up by one of the popular seniors. “Do you want me to put a hex on him? I can turn his hair green.”

Renjun turns to glare playfully at him. “Jaemin. No.”

“It wouldn’t be so bad.” Jeno supports the idea. Of course, he would.

“Thank you but I’m not too hurt for you to suffer detention because of that.” Besides, Renjun feels a little at ease now. Jeno and Jaemin are here and somehow, he prefers it like this. “You two are on a date perhaps?”

Instead of answering seriously, Jeno hums as he picks up a tissue and wipes the foam at Renjun’s top lip. “We weren’t. But now we are.”

Renjun opens his mouth to ask what he meant but then he feels his Jaemin’s hand brushing Renjun’s hair behind his ear. “He’s right. Your first date might be with Johnny. But this is your first time on a date with two people, right?”

Oh…?

Oh!

“You know,” Renjun starts off. “Jokes have their limits.” 

Jaemin’s smile turns tense as he tilts his head. “What makes you think we are?”

“What’s going on?” Renjun finally asks. He makes sure to direct the question to both of them with his eyes. “One time I feel like you two are dating each other and another I feel like…” His words stop at his throat. 

How can Renjun say it without sounding so full of himself? 

“Go on.” Jeno’s soft voice encourages him. The way his eyes blink softly isn’t helping Renjun’s situation either. “Like what?”

“Are you two dating each other?” Renjun asks instead. Is it his delusions or why is Jeno and Jaemin’s proximity with him decreasing? And why is Renjun’s voice getting softer?

“I think you know that yourself.” Jaemin whispers, his eyes, unlike Jeno’s, are piercing towards him. That’s the difference between the two of them. “You know why we are upset that you went on a date.”

The sound of chair screeching illuminates the restaurant as Renjun stands up abruptly. “I have to go.” He says before grabbing his coat and fleeing outside. 

Seeing Renjun scramble, both Jaemin and Jeno can hear Donghyuck shouting Renjun to wait before they hear the door of the shop closes. 

Jeno releases a puff of air as he leans his head on the table. “Did we scare him?”

“Probably.” Jaemin frowns as he pats the back of Jeno’s head. 

The black haired man shifts to rest his chin on the back of his palm. “Well, at least he can contemplate his feelings. If he even contemplates us.”

Jaemin snorts. Renjun? He wears his heart on his sleeves. Staring at the door that Renjun left, Jaemin knows the reason that Renjun is overwhelmed is because he is confused with his feelings. 

“You’re ignoring them.”

“I am.” Renjun answers Younghoon while he is under his covers. 

His friend only exhales as he sits on Renjun’s bed. “You need to stop worrying about them.” Younghoon squeezes Renjun’s foot through the blanket. “You can’t let this weigh you down.”

“But this is weighing me down.” Renjun’s voice comes out muffled. “I’m so embarrassed to meet with the two.”

“Why…”

Renjun pushes the blanket up. He looks at Younghoon sadly. “They wrote to me. Both of them.” 

This is news coming from Renjun. “They wrote to you? About… what?”

“Their feelings.” Renjun gulps as he lies down again. “In their own words, they confess that they have feelings for me.”

Shit… Younghoon didn’t know that. All he knew was that Renjun stopped giving lessons to Jaemin with the reason that he is busy preparing for his own studies. Jeno too who didn’t have much opportunity to meet up with Renjun to begin with.

“Did you reject them?” Younghoon asks carefully.

The brown haired male shakes his head. 

“You accepted one of them?!”

“No!” Renjun groans out loud before grabbing the pillow next to him. “I don’t know. I didn’t reply.”

Younghoon grimaces. “Is this a matter of you can’t choose?”

“It’s not that. Well, maybe it’s like that but what they told me…” Renjun bites his lips. “They said something that’s making me confused.”

Younghoon wanted to roll his eyes. Is there even a time that Renjun isn’t confused when it comes to the both of them? “What is it?”

“They said… Well, they said uh…” Renjun suddenly turns red and presses his face in his pillow. “They said I can date them both.”

“I’m sorry?! Repeat?!”

Renjun throws the pillow away. “Who offers something like that?!” By now Renjun is already standing on the bed. “Why don’t they just stab me instead of dropping the bomb like that!” Renjun grabs the wooden bed pillar and starts knocking his head against it. 

Meanwhile, Younghoon is appalled. “What are you even moping here for?! This is everyone’s dream?!”

“You don’t get it,” Renjun hugs the pillar instead. “It’s Jaemin and Jeno.”

“Precisely!”

“No.” Renjun shakes his head. “What they have going on, I can’t ruin it.”

It may seem like a fever dream to date both of them. But if Renjun was to think even deeper, those two are friends. Their relationship goes deeper than what Renjun has with both of them. What if things go wrong? What if one of them felt lonely? What if a fight ensues and they lose each other?

That’s selfish. Renjun can’t do that to Jeno and Jaemin’s friendship. He’ll never forgive himself.

If there is ever a slight possibility that Renjun could ruin their friendship, he'll back off. 

Renjun was set on rejecting both of them. That’s what he should do and Jeno and Jaemin never have to see him again. But at the thought, Renjun gets so sad. He didn’t realize how much he misses those two after Jeno’s letters stop coming and he hasn’t heard Jaemin’s laugh in a while.

Trying to gaslight himself, Renjun tells himself it will be alright. He only has another year of Hogwarts and by then, all would be history.

“You don’t have to complicate things, Renjun. Just go with the flow.” Younghoon says.

The only problem is that this flow isn’t smooth. Renjun knows he overthinks too many things.

And this is one of them.

Renjun did it anyway.

It was probably a coward of him to write it instead of saying it face to face but Renjun did in some way reject them both.

Which proves to be the right thing, Renjun concludes.

Because not three months later, it was announced that Jeno and Jaemin finally began dating after ‘dancing around' with each other. A lot of people call it romantic. 

Friends to lovers. 

Renjun sees it coming. Everyone did. If Renjun had chosen one of them, it’d mean he was in the way of the two’s love story.

He did the right thing. Renjun is sure of that. It’s just that Renjun wished he didn’t lose two people that meant a lot to him in the process.

People may disagree but Renjun would rather take a Cruciatus curse than be a reason for Jaemin and Jeno’s wrecked relationship. Now that he’s alone, Renjun does what he does best; buries his nose in his books and other activities that take most of his day time. When he gets home, there’s no space to think. All he wants is to sleep. 

It feels like he is back to the time before he met Jeno and Jaemin. The downside is that the sweet memories of Jaemin and Jeno linger.

There are some times he crosses his path with the two. The other day, he saw Jeno in the library. Half of him wanted to say his greeting but another part of him said Renjun shouldn’t. It’s a closed chapter and Jeno is already dating Jaemin so what’s the harm?

The harm however is that perhaps Renjun is the one who is still at the restaurant. Why is there so many what ifs when he is the one who stepped back?

Turning his heels, Renjun decided he will stay at the restaurant a little longer. His heart isn’t able to take it if Jeno stares at him. He needed to leave. Just as he turned around, his nose accidentally knocked with a sturdy chest, making him drop his books.

“Ow!” Renjun grimaced at the pain on his nose. “Sorry–”

“Renjun.”

At the familiar voice, Renjun’s gaze lifts to see that his guess was correct. He’d recognize that voice anywhere. “Jaemin.”

The platinum blond’s male is staring at him with an unreadable expression. Renjun gulps. “I was just–”

“Staring at my boyfriend.” Jaemin answered before Renjun could. Something in his heart aches at the way Jaemin had said it.

“I’m sorry. I couldn’t help it.” Renjun confessed honestly. “It’s been a while since I saw you two. So…”

He saw Jaemin’s lips was about to say something but Renjun quickly broke their eye contact and kneeled down to get his books and papers that fell. It’s embarrassing enough that he was caught by Jaemin of all people. Then it hits Renjun like cold water. The two of them are really together.

Great for them. Renjun means it. Good for them and he’s happy for them.

Just not happy for himself.

After gathering his fallen stuff, Renjun points to the other way, opposite of Jaemin, “I uh… I’ll go this way.” Renjun stuttered then turned around for his 2nd attempt at fleeing.

Which is another bad decision because his heart nearly jumped out of his chest at Jeno who is suddenly just 4 steps away from him. “Renjun!”

Ha ha ha….

Renjun wanted to cry.

His two heartbreaks are in front of him. “Hi, Jeno.” He forced the greeting out of himself. But the minute his eyes meet Jeno’s hopeful ones, he immediately cowers. “I have to get to class! Bye!”

Forlornly, Jeno watched Renjun’s leaving back, just like how he did five months ago. “What did you say to him?” Jeno frowned as he approached Jaemin.

Jaemin said nothing at first as he hugged Jeno’s arm before resting his chin on the latter’s shoulders. “I called you my boyfriend.”

“You did?” Jeno hummed, pulling Jaemin closer. “How did he take it?”

“He looked like he was about to cry.”

The black haired man scoffed. “He’s so stubborn with his stance.”

“Can you blame him?” Jaemin sighed. “Then again, if he hadn’t rejected us, we wouldn’t have happened.” 

“Yeah.” Jeno brushed their fingers together. “I know you still like him.”

The blond male lifted his chin to stare at Jeno. “I know you do too. But I like you too.”

At the declaration, Jeno dipped his head to plant a kiss on Jaemin’s cheek. “I know. Same here, Jaemin.”

Renjun spends the rest of his day after that encounter in his thoughts. He refuses to shed tears on the things that were his fault. He’s not deserving of it.

Just like the many times he did. He buries himself in more work. Take more side quests even though Jaehyun had told him that Professor Yoo was set on making him the Head Boy next year.

Everything is falling into place. He’s just one step closer to his life-long dream.

But why can’t Renjun just forget those two?

It’s frustrating because he should be celebrating that his position is secured and yet, Renjun would be in his room.

Maybe I did like them a lot more than I should have.

At that realization, instead of sleeping, Renjun gets out of bed and pulls out his wand. Incendio. Renjun lights up the scented candle in his room. He studies better with a sweet aroma. Just like how he usually does.

It wasn’t until a week later when Renjun looked like he hasn’t slept in days. Maybe he hasn't, he didn’t know. There was no time for Renjun to coddle his heart. Apparently, he didn’t get an Outstanding during his Potions class and that sent Renjun in a spiraling mess. 

He never gets anything below Outstanding.

This is a wake up call to him.

So, Renjun studied and studied.

This is not new, by the way. Somehow this time, Renjun is feeling anxious about his grades and also his future to a point that a break isn’t an option.

Which is a bad idea because Renjun’s mind feels hazy as he is walking alone to his Divination class.

The hallways are empty as everyone is probably in their respective classes. Renjun is running late but he has a special pass because he was helping Professor Yoo with a task. As he is running, Renjun slowly feels even more light headed that he has to stop.

“Shit.” Renjun curses. He leans his body against the wall as he still tries to keep his legs moving. In his mind, he can’t help but imagine his bed and how he wants nothing more than just to lay down.

God, why can’t he have a Portkey so he can just teleport to his room. The hallway is spinning and before he knows it, his legs go weak and everything turns black.

Warm. 

That is what Renjun is feeling.

Warm. and that his head feels heavy. “Fuck.” Renjun curses under his breath. He doesn't usually do it but he finds that currently, it feels like he has 1kg sandbags attached to his eyes. Thus, Renjun only nuzzles his face into his pillow deeper. 

5 more minutes will do. 

“You’re awake.” He hears a voice.

“No, let me sleep.” Renjun mumbles sleepily.

There’s a chuckle coming from above him. His head is being scratched so Renjun hums in delight. However, as the person laughs, Renjun can feel the vibrations against his cheek.

What…?

“You can sleep more if you want.”

Upon hearing that voice a little more clearer, Renjun forces his eyes to open.

At first, his vision was blurry. But when it starts to clear, Renjun recognizes the walls to be in his room. The problem is…why is that voice here?

The problem is…

What is Renjun doing lying down on Jaemin’s chest, of all people?!

“AHHH!” Renjun shrieks as he puts distance between them. Due to that impulsive action, Renjun ended up backing away so much that he fell on his ass off the bed. “Renjun!”

“Renjun! Are you okay?!”

Still laying on the ground, Renjun groans in pain. “Jeno? Is that you?” He asks after hearing another familiar voice.

“Holy shit, why did you fly backwards like that?!” Renjun can hear Jaemin utter in worry. “I feel offended.”

Well, his apologies that he was shocked after seeing the last person he expected to cuddle–wait! Why were they even cuddling anyway?!

His train of thoughts are being interrupted when he feels a pair of hands snake under his thigh and shoulder. In a matter of seconds, his body is being carried bridal style and he is face to face with all too familiar Jeno’s strong features. “Are you okay?”

“What…?” Renjun can’t help but stare dumbly at Jeno. 

What is going on?

Jeno then places Renjun on his bed where Jaemin lies. He is now back next to Jaemin as their shoulders brush at the close proximity. “Wait. Why are you two in my room? How did you get past the eagle knocker?”

The couple shares a look first before Jaemin answers. “You’re not in your room, Renjun.”

“Actually,” Jeno says carefully. “We are in the room of requirement.”

“What?!” Renjun sits up to look around this room. It’s identical to his. Even the line of candles he arranged on his desk. 

He then feels Jaemin engulf his hand in a warm hold. “We were on our way to the Gryffindor common room. Jeno forgot his book. Then we saw you were walking so wobbly so we had to follow you. Next thing we know, you suddenly fainted onto the ground.” 

“You had us both worried.” Jeno presses his lip into a thin life. The hand approaching him was hesitant but then Jeno decides to hell with it. Gently, he swipes Renjun’s bangs away from his forehead. 

There lies a red mark that soon will form into a bruise. “You hit your head pretty hard.” 

Now that they said it, Renjun feels an area of his head is pulsing. Yeap. That’s definitely a bruise forming. “And this room, I was thinking about sleeping in my room before I fainted.” Renjun says tiredly. 

Maybe that's why the room of requirement appeared before him.

Renjun buries his face in his free hand. It’s one thing to faint, it is another that it happens in front of the two people Renjun has been so embarrassed to cross paths with. 

“Why are you working so hard, Renjun?” Jaemin almost scolds him. “Younghoon told me that your role as the Head Boy is pretty much set. So why are you pushing yourself so much?”

“I–” Renjun bites his words back. They talked to Younghoon about him?

“We might have stopped talking but we never stopped asking about your updates.” 

That’s… Something that Renjun never knew. Was it Younghoon alone? Or were there other people that he was not informed about? This could only mean one thing, they were forced into secrecy or else Renjun would’ve known.

“You still ask about me?” Renjun asks. 

From the corner of his eyes, Renjun can’t help but notice the way Jaemin is brushing the back of his palm. He sees the way Jeno’s hand has now moved its place to his thigh. “You ditched us, Renjun.” Jeno says. Albeit softly, there’s a little resentment. “We could have stayed friends even if you rejected the both of us.”

“How can I?” Renjun replies with a fold between his brows. “You two made me choose. I couldn’t hurt one of you.”

“So you hurt us both?”

Renjun grits his teeth. “That’s not fair.” What other options does he have? It was either Jaemin and Jeno and how does he even begin choosing who to hurt? How does he even choose when Renjun himself doesn’t know who he loved more. “You think I wasn’t hurting too?”

“I know you were.” Jaemin exhales. “We can see you, Renjun. All the time. Our eyes naturally gravitate to you even if you don’t see us.”

Renjun gulps. His heart becomes heavier every second he spends in their vicinity. “It doesn’t matter. It’s all in the past. You two found each other and that is all that matters.”

The two of them stay quiet at Renjun’s words. Jaemin pulls back his hand and so does Jeno. 

“Renjun.” Jeno calls his name sweetly. “Jaemin and I bonded… at the loss of you.”

The oldest of the three’s heart drops to his stomach. “What?”

“It didn’t start that way. We really meant it. Our feelings to you. Then you left us coldly. It’s just–” Jeno sighs. “It wasn’t easy for both of us.”

“You don’t have to explain.” Renjun interrupts. He shifts from his position to stand from the bed but before he could, Jaemin holds his waist. 

“No, we have to.” Jaemin states with a firm gaze. “I love Jeno. Very dearly. And Jeno loves me too.” He declares.

Renjun knows that. He does. He wants to sit here and be the dependable senior he had been but his heart is hurt. And he is disappointed in himself that it does because he wants to be 100% happy for both of them. “I know, Jaemin.” Renjun didn’t realize when a tear had escaped from his eyes.

“But we love you too.” Jeno wipes the tear away with his knuckle. “Just as dearly.” 

…

It feels like time has stopped. Renjun doesn’t know what to make of Jeno’s words. “What are you saying?”

“It’s possible, you know. Loving two people at once.” Jaemin smiles tenderly as he holds Renjun’s chin. “Happen to me. Happen to Jeno.” Renjun’s breath hitches when Jaemin comes near him. Before he knew it, Jaemin had given him a peck on his cheek. “It happened to you too,right?”

This time, more tears rolled down Renjun’s pink cheeks. In this room with only just the three of them, Renjun feels a rollercoaster of emotions. One, the realization that Jeno and Jaemin still have feelings for him. Two is that he is happy and confused to hear that. And three…

It’s the realization that Renjun too has strong feelings for two people. That itself scares him. “Is it okay to feel this way?”

“Of course,” Jeno moves closer so he can hold Renjun too. The brown haired man welcomes Jeno’s hold as he buries his face in Jeno’s nape. Jaemin is rubbing circles at the bottom of his spine. “We really want to be with you, Renjun.” Jeno whispers before planting another kiss on Renjun’s forehead. “If you let us.”

Renjun knows what people call this. Poly relationships as Chenle once explained to him. Renjun didn’t think it was possible. He definitely knows it’s not the norm. 

“Do you think we could do it?” Renjun asks, scared and unsure.

“A three way relationship?” Jaemin asks. “I don’t know. It’s a first for us too. But,” Jaemin’s palm brings Renjun’s head from Jeno’s shoulder and presses their foreheads together. “We can try, Renjun. You’ll never know until we try.”

Is it truly fine? Somehow, even if it isn’t, even if it comes with a lot of challenges, Renjun selfishly wants it. “I do.” He whispers softly with a nod. His hand makes a grab at Jeno’s fingers before intertwining together. “With you and Jeno.”

With that declaration, Jaemin leans forward and their lips sealed into a kiss.

It didn’t feel real in Renjun’s head. His first kiss. And it is with someone who he realizes just now that he likes him a lot. His fist crumples the sleeves of Jaemin’s sweater when the latter pulls his nape for a deeper kiss.

It is okay to feel this happy, right?

When they both pull back, Jaemin swipes Renjun’s bottom lip with his thumb before planting one brief peck on those lips. He then nudges his chin to the direction behind Renjun. “There’s someone else who is dying to kiss you too.”

Turning around, he is met with Jeno’s impatient stare. The black haired man wastes no time and connects their lips together in a soft kiss. Jeno’s kiss was a lot softer but just as electrifying. Renjun can’t help but hum when Jeno cups his jaw to taste Renjun’s lips even more.

“You taste so sweet.” Jeno mutters when their lips are apart. 

At the compliment, Renjun turns red. “This is so unexpected.” Now that the emotional rollercoasters are slowly getting stable, Renjun feels deeply embarrassed. He buries his face in his hands before mumbling something that his juniors didn’t quite grasp.

“What was it?” Jaemin pulls Renjun’s hand to reveal the tomato face. “You two should kiss too. In front of me.” 

The two seem amused. They know this is Renjun trying to figure out his feelings. Without another word, Jeno and Jaemin lean forward and their lips sealed in front of Renjun. 

All this time, Renjun had never really felt jealous of Jeno and Jaemin being together in that way. His jealousy was different. And now that they’re in this relationship, Renjun feels like he didn’t mind seeing those two kiss.

On the contrary, it’s kind of hot.

Jeno and Jaemin break off their kiss and immediately both of them go to tackle Renjun on the bed. Renjun gasps when he feels a hand, he’s not sure who it belongs to, is sneaking under his shirt while his neck is being pampered with kisses as well as his lips. 

Yeap. Renjun thinks he will get used to this quite with no problem.

Some months later

The door to the Headmaster’s office opens slightly. “You were looking for me, Professor Yoo?” A girl with long jet black hair enters. Her hair is at a waist length with a blue head band gracing her head. 

“Ah, yes.” Professor Yoo beckons the newcomer to come closer. “Yoo Jimin. This is Kim Minjeong. Introduce yourself.”

“Hi!” This girl, Minjeong, was it, lifts her hand to wave awkwardly before it goes back to her lap. 

Jimin gives the newcomer an assuring smile. “I see Renjun must have been occupied.”

“Our Head Boy has too much on his plate already. Especially it’s at the beginning of the term.” The headmaster says.

Of course. Despite being a year younger than Renjun, Jimin has seen the way Renjun has worked himself to become the Head Boy. Almost all prefects including herself acknowledge Renjun as the Head Boy.

“Alright. Come.” Jimin turns to the nervous girl sitting by the shelf. “Let me show you around.”

By the time that they finished touring the key points of the school, Jimin brings her to the courtyard where students often spend their breaktimes between classes. 

Minjeong is especially happy about this. “I have always wanted to be a Hogwarts student.” She chirps as she scans the many students with different coloured ties just chilling with their group of friends.

“You will definitely love it here.” Jimin encourages her. 

Minjeong watches how one group of friends are just reading together under the tree. Some of them are practicing their spells and most of them are just hanging around laughing. 

There was a loud explosive sound coming from the group that sits around the fountain. From the looks of it, one of the students had a spell gone wrong. Thankfully, it is not anything serious because everyone is just laughing at that mishap.

There are two particular men that Minjeong can’t help but stare at. From the way the blond one is sitting on the other’s lap with their fingers intertwined, Minjeong assumes they are a couple.

They look good together. 

“Jeno and Jaemin.” Jimin says, making Minjeong halt her stare. “They’re the Quidditch star player of their respective houses.”

“Ah…” Minjeong rubs her nape, embarrassed that she got caught staring.

“It’s no worry. Everyone seems to find them pleasing to look at.” Jimin nudges her playfully.

Minjeong turns to Jimin as she curiously asks. “Yours too?” 

Shaking her head, Jimin lifts her index finger to indicate that she’s wrong. “Nope. I have my own eye candy.”

“Jimin!” A male voice resonates around them,surprising Minjeong.

The black haired woman smirks as she winks at Minjeong. “And here he comes.”

“Jimin! I’m so sorry!” The man arrives in front of them while panting. Minjeong’s faces light up in interest to see who the man Jimin is referring to. 

“Why are you running so fast? Didn’t Professor Yoo tell you that I’m covering for you?” Jimin playfully scolds the other. Minjeong takes notice how this is the biggest smile she has seen from the prefect since the first time they met an hour ago.

The brown haired man claps his hand together in front of Jimin. “I know but I feel bad! Come on, tell me anything and I’ll buy it for you!”

“It’s alright, Renjun! This is nothing!” Jimin lightly punches Renjun’s shoulder.

So his name is Renjun, Minjeong recites it in his mind. From their back and forth conversation, Minjeong is able to catch that this Renjun guy is possibly the Head Boy and is in charge of onboarding her today until Jimin stepped in instead. 

Staring at the brown haired man, Minjeong finds that Renjun is really… cute. 

He’s still way taller than Minjeong herself but if it’s Jimin and him, they are almost the same height. They look good together, especially with Jimin who is now standing close by Renjun’s side. “Instead of something you buy, why not a favour?”

“A favour? Sure!” Renjun exclaims optimistically. “If it is within my capabilities.” 

Yoo Jimin smirks as she holds Renjun’s arms. “It’s Triwizard year this year, isn’t it? Perhaps we could…”

Before Jimin could even finish her sentence, suddenly a tall figure had pulled Renjun away from the prefect and trapped him in a back hug. “Is she bothering you, babe?”

Minjeong is surprised at the intervention however, Jimin doesn’t seem to faze one bit. “Nice to see you too, Jaemin.” Jimin remarks sarcastically. Her face is anything but glad, contradicting her words. 

“Na Jaemin!” Renjun half-heartedly slaps Jaemin’s thigh. “What did I say about interrupting people?”

The blond man only shrugs before he rests his chin on the crown of Renjun’s head. “Oops.” He pouts, making Jimin shake her head.

Minjeong’s confusion multiplies when another man enters the picture and it happens to be this Jaemin guy's boyfriend. Instead of going to his boyfriend, the black haired man stands beside Renjun then makes a grab of the Head Boy’s palm before planting a kiss on the smooth skin. “I thought you’re supposed to be in class right now.” Jeno fits their fingers together.

Minjeong’s eyes almost left her eye sockets. Is that normal between friends?!

“It ended early because Professor Jun wasn’t feeling well.” Renjun informs. 

“Ah… This means you’re free right now?” Jaemin’s face bears excitement as he hugs Renjun tighter.

“Wait! I was going to help Jimin show the new kid around.” 

The Slytherin and Gryffindor guys look at Minjeong and Minjeong mentally yelps at the sudden attention. “Oh, we were just done.” Minjeong waves her hand. “Jimin is going to show my class next.”

“You heard that, baby.” Jaemin releases his iron grip, not before landing a peck on Renjun’s temple. Jeno takes this opportunity to sling his hand around Renjun’s shoulder and Jaemin maintains one arm around Renjun’s waist. “We have 30 minutes until next period. Let’s go somewhere else.”

Watching the three of them leave, Minjeong is left clueless as she spins her head to Jimin. “Where are they going?”

Jimin only shrugs lazily as she inspects the sleeves of her robes. “No idea. Probably in a storeroom to make out or something.”

The other accidentally chokes on her saliva. “What?! Aren’t the Slytherin and Gryffindor guy…?”

“Ha ha.” Jimin laughs dryly. “Those two are definitely dating, no doubt. But speculation implies that they’re not the only ones in the relationship.”

Minjeong’s jaw drops in shock. “You mean…”

“It’s just an assumption really. But you’ve seen how they act.” Jimin replies. 

It is a very known fact that Jaemin and Jeno are dating. No doubt. However, how can one not be suspicious of Renjun’s involvement when there are rumors that they have seen Jaemin and Renjun passionately making out at the secluded section in the library or that one time a 3rd year swore they saw Renjun straddling Jeno’s lap at the owlery when no one was around.

Even so, Renjun kept laughing the rumors off. The 6th year duo also did a scary job and threatened anyone that speaks on Renjun which would result in tarnishing Renjun’s name.

Despite these rumors, Renjun is such a diligent student and leader. Thus, these rumors remained rumors. 

As for the truth, only the three of them know.