Work Text:
Taesan sat on his bed, silently observing the sight before him.
Leehan fluttered around the small 2 gallon tank that had recently taken up residence in Taesan's bedroom. It had been present for a couple of weeks now so that the water could cycle properly but today brought the purpose for the tank's existence in the first place: a brand new betta fish. Leehan had burst into his room just over an hour ago with the bag from the fish store in hand, eyes sparkling brightly and full of enthusiasm as he'd brandished the tiny creature in Taesan's face.
"Isn't it cute Taesanie? I saw the colors and I just knew this one was perfect for you!"
The younger wasn't wrong, the fish was cute and he'd even managed to find one that had Taesan's favorite colors. It didn't erase the small amount of dread that he'd been feeling since Leehan had first brought up the idea of raising a fish, just after they'd filmed for What? Door! and he'd revealed that he'd been experiencing a slump. He'd let the information slip casually and had done his best to maintain his composure even as he'd noticed the shocked reactions from the others, particularly Leehan. They'd had a discussion afterwards as a group where Taesan had reassured them that he hadn't been hiding it from them on purpose, he just hadn't thought it was a big enough deal to warrant worrying them. By the end of it they'd cleared the air but he'd noticed how in the days following their chat, Leehan had stayed hovering just at the edge of his vision with an anxious look in his eyes.
It wasn't until those few days had passed that the concerned look faded only to be quickly replaced by a fierce determination that Taesan didn't often see in Leehan outside of the recording studio. Still nothing could have prepared him when the younger had practically charged up to him a couple of days later to tell him about his idea. He'd been reluctant at first, pointing out how he knew next to nothing about caring for a fish and that it wasn't really his thing but Taesan was a weak man. Specifically a man who was very weak to one Kim Leehan and the power that his wide, pleading eyes held when paired with the pout that Taesan refused to acknowledge was adorable but melted in the face of every single time.
So eventually he'd broken down and agreed— though only after Leehan promised to set it all up and show him how to do everything properly— but he'd never really gotten a proper reason as to why Leehan wanted him to raise a fish so badly. So even if it was probably a bit late to do so, he decided to ask now.
"You said you wanted me to have a new hobby because you were worried about my slump but why— of all things— did you suggest raising a fish?"
The younger didn't respond and Taesan watched quietly as he carefully tipped the bag over to allow the betta to swim freely in the tank for the first time. He cast a glance over his shoulder when he was done, a look of fond amusement in his eyes that made Taesan's heart rate shoot up. The knowing grin dancing on the younger's lips was frustrating because it made Taesan feel like he should already know the answer to the question but for the life of him he couldn't think of what it was.
The frustration built and almost boiled over but just as Taesan was about to snap, Leehan's soft voice cut him off, "I just thought you'd like it is all."
He didn't turn to look at him again but from his seat Taesan could see a faint shade of pink appear at the tops of his ears and found himself struck dumb.
He'd thought that Taesan would like it. That was his only reason.
It was a little obtuse, innocent in its simplicity and so Leehan that it made Taesan blink hard against the hot tears that suddenly welled up in his eyes. He stood and crossed the room with quick strides to drape himself over Leehan's back, burying his face into the soft fabric of his hoodie while curling his arms around the younger to hold him against his chest.
Leehan had always been good at reading all of them but Taesan was by far the best at reading him. So even though he'd only said eight short words, Taesan could hear everything that Leehan hadn't said between them.
Taesan had spent years now watching Leehan take care of his fish and had witnessed countless times how relaxed the younger was while doing simple things like feeding them or even just watching them swim around in their little aquatic world. He'd always looked so at peace even after their worst, most exhausting days. Taesan understood now that Leehan gifting him the fish wasn't about giving him new hobby, not really— Leehan was trying to share that peace with him. He was offering Taesan that calm relaxation, that simple joy that the younger basked in every night when they came home and he sat in front of his fish tank.
He felt fluffy curls brush against him when Leehan tilted his head to try to look at him, "Hm? A back hug all of a sudden?"
"Just… Thank you, Donghyun-ah." Taesan tightened his grip, voice rough and uneven with emotion that he tried to contain. Taesan wasn't just thanking him for the gift— it was a thanks for the concern, the consideration that was behind it. What he was giving Taesan was a small piece of himself, a treasure more precious than Taesan thought he deserved. The act was so purely, unabashedly Leehan that Taesan was helpless but to love it.
Feeling drunk off of the affection overflowing from his heart, Taesan turned his head and impulsively pressed a feather-light kiss to the soft skin of Leehan's neck just over his pulse point. He heard the younger's breath hitch at the contact and felt him go stiff in his arms. Taesan felt his own breathing come to a stop as he waited for the fallout, half-frozen in terror that he'd just ruined something he knew to be irreplaceable.
Maybe half a second passed before he felt the younger's pulse begin to pound under his lips and slowly Leehan relaxed back against him, his warm weight settling into Taesan's arms like he was meant to be there. He let out a satisfied hum and Taesan sighed in relief at the wordless acceptance and silent understanding, holding him tighter in response. Eventually one of Leehan's hands drifted up to rest over Taesan's own, slender fingers rubbing gentle circles into his skin. Taesan lost himself in the way the brilliant hues of red, blue and purple on the betta seemed to sparkle in the water and already he could find himself getting used to this, contentment settling under his skin.
Leehan's voice was soft and curious when he eventually broke the silence, "Are you going to name it?"
Taesan tilted his head, "Well…" He trailed off, kissing Leehan again this time on the cheek just because he could. He smiled to himself at the giggle the younger let out before he continued, "You're the one who got him for me so what do you suggest?"
"Mm… Well the whole point of giving him to you is that I hope you don't experience a slump again. So maybe a name related to perseverance or something along those lines?"
Taesan thought about it for a second before a name came to mind, "How about YongYong? The first character like for 'eternal' and the second for 'courageous'."
He shifted forward so that he could see Leehan's reaction and was gifted with the sight of his favorite smile blooming across the younger's handsome face. Leehan's beautiful eyes were shining as he turned to face him, crinkling into crescents as he smiled even wider, "I love it."
Taesan took advantage of their position and leaned in to kiss him on the lips this time. It was quick, just a peck and when he pulled back he was greeted with an impossibly bright grin and flushed pink cheeks— a sight so beautiful that it knocked all of the air out of his lungs. He committed it to memory immediately, heart burning with the desire hold onto the image of Leehan like this for the rest of his life.
I love you.
The thought took Taesan by surprise but what was even more unexpected was the feeling of how right those words felt. Because how could he not love Leehan? Leehan who took all of Taesan's inhibitions and sent them flying out the window with a simple tilt of his head or a smile slanted just so. Leehan who'd captivated him since their first meeting with his weird, infectious charms and sweet disposition. Leehan who thought of offering things like peace and comfort in the form of a multicolored fish.
Wonderful, beautiful, strange Leehan who Taesan wouldn't trade for anything in the world.
He didn't say the words out loud. He didn't need to.
Taesan could see his love reflected in the endless galaxy of Leehan's eyes when their gazes met, felt it in the way slender fingers tightened around his own tenderly. The world slowed around them and Taesan felt the last dregs of his slump finally shake loose, inspiration and excitement swirling in his chest as he buried a smile in Leehan's curls.
"Seriously. Thank you, Donghyun-ah."
A gentle kiss accompanied by a light giggle brushed against his jaw, "Anytime, Dongminie."