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His path to the piano lesson was bathed in warm sunlight. Infiltrating through the dense, lush layers of green leaves, shimmering coins danced across the sidewalk. A faint, sweet scent of colorful tulips blooming in Amsterdam spring accompanied him as he hesitantly flicked open the door of a small building, after rechecking multiple times his mom’s texts.
The dappled wooden hallway floor carries a trace of moldy, damp yet well-maintained. Despite looking old at first glance, every corner is well-scrubbed, no trace of dust could be found in his peripheral view. Being a privileged ballet student, he furrows his eyebrows at the decrepit interiors but pushes through to find the room number mentioned in the text.
Forcing their kids to learn how to play piano isn’t something new to Asian parents, yet the trend emerged again in Yushi’s mom friend circle for some reason–problably because they ran out of things to talk to in their weekly tea break. So here he is, spending another two hours of suffering after his ballet practice, in a modest place that is tucked away from the bustling city centre–as according to his mom, “That’s how you know the place has good teachers.”
His mom insisted that Yushi would have little problem picking up the piano, as he had learnt it when he was eight, albeit missing the golden age for learning this instrument. Mind you, that was twelve years ago. And he half-heartedly studied the instrument for roughly three months out of boredom before returning to ballet.
Refreshing spring breeze and balmy light filled every edge of the building through rows of large glass windows. Yushi is able to peek into other teaching rooms–minimal decoration with each one placed musical instruments like violin, cello, etc yet all of them are unoccupied at the moment. As he moves up the speckled stairs, he hears a resonant sound of someone playing the piano.
He recognised it. River Flows In You, he even did a ballet solo to this piece multiple times before.
“Hello, is there supposed to be a piano lesson taught here?”
The melody stopped abruptly, and Yushi wonders if his question has ruined an immaculate performance as the person turned around to look at him. He looked much older than him, and was also Asian. The man wore a thin jacket with a white plaid shirt underneath, looking quite formal. His shoulders are broad and firm, his hair is chestnut brown–glowing under the bright sunlight, and behind thick black specs are bright, equally brown puppy-like eyes.
“Tokuno Yushi, right?” The glistening smile flexed his snaggle-tooth.
Shit, Yushi secretly has a thing for that.
It didn’t take him long to lose his composure entirely and flustered like a broken doll. Instead of muttering an answer as he should–he bristled, then shyly nodded so the man wouldn’t think he was some kind of fool.
The elder man stood up to give way to the piano to Yushi, his hand patting the velvet seat cushion–a gesture signalling him to come closer.
Seated, the man stands next to Yushi, making sure to keep a considerable distance between the two of them as he briefly flicks through the pages of the beginner textbook.
“So Yushi, which one would you be most comfortable with for our piano lessons? Dutch, Japanese or English?”
Is it weird that the first thought that popped into Yushi's head when hearing it is This will finally be the first boyfriend that mom would approve of ? Someone with many admirers like him never lacks people to date, yet he was never able to bring anyone home mainly because of his mother.
The Japanese one is not wealthy enough, he is even shorter than you. The Dutch one dislikes sushi and said the smell of miso soup is weird so there’s no way he would get to step foot inside our house. The Swedish guy is from an influential family, so there is a good chance his family would disapprove of a gay marriage. And so on.
Yushi’s boyfriends, more like his mother’s victims.
But this person is older than him, and from his demeanor and way of speaking, he seemed like the mature type too. He is tall, has a sturdy figure, and could speak many languages, especially Japanese. From the unfinished performance Yushi heard when he first entered, he must have achieved some success in this field. However, this person is everything but an arrogant prick. On the contrary, he was very accommodating.
They have a lot in common–you're typical, spending most of their life perfecting a type of art ever since their childhood prodigies.
“Japanese or Dutch is fine, whatever is easier for you”, Yushi looks down at the piano, takes a deep breath before looking up again “Are you also Japanese?”
“I’m Korean actually. I just happened to learn Japanese.”
Yushi’s parents had moved to the Netherlands years ago, so it would be a problem if this man just happened to study here with no intention of staying. Truthfully, Yushi isn’t sure if a spring fling would be worth it provided that he has competitions and many important performances lining up for the rest of the year. He’s a third year student after all.
“Are you here to study?” The question is a bit meddlesome, but curiosity kills the cat. The cat being him.
The man is ever affable, “My family immigrated to the Netherlands a long time ago. I have been living here since I was ten.”
Got the best outcome, Yushi wishes he could stand up and bounce on his heels in utter joy right now. He will gladly take this as a sign from the universe to try and make a move on this guy.
“Oh, I was so careless. I forgot to ask for your name.”
“It’s Kim Daeyoung. But you can call me Jaehee if that’s easier.”
Daeyoung smiled at him as he leaned over to put a simple music sheet in front of Yushi. His ears reddened at the thought that Daeyoung would have to embrace him to teach him the keys. Instead, reality shattered his illusion as the elder man stood next to him, using his left hands to press each piano key.
Yushi was a bit disappointed.
During the rest of the lesson, after Yushi had learned the basic music notes and Daeyoung let him try playing with different keys to get a feel of it, Yushi eagerly jumped on his bed the moment he got inside his good old room and googled the name with a grin.
Ever since his young age, Daeyoung has gained momentum in contests such as NLiszt or YPF European Piano Competition. He was most active in his early 20s, where he participated in both the International Franz Liszt Piano Competition and the most prestigious one of them all–the International Fryderyk Chopin Competition.
After winning first place in the International Franz Liszt Piano Competition and third place in Fryderyk Chopin at the age of 24, he took a step back, almost semi-retired and only participated in competitions in the Netherlands or within Europe, along with solo shows where the fans can appreciate his talents. Six years later, thousands of seats still sold out in a matter of minutes the moment ticketing opened, and he can still be seen on the board of judges for the piano competitions across Europe.
Yushi gulps thinking about the amount of money and connections his mom must’ve used to get him this teacher. It’s true that she takes hobbies too seriously. But Yushi doesn’t become one of the few Asian ballerinas pursuing Bachelor of Arts in The National Ballet Academy of Amsterdam for no reason.
The possibility of getting a handsome boyfriend as a cherry on top of knowing how to play the piano makes him look forward to those lessons more.
𓂃˖˳·˖ ִֶָ ⋆🌷͙⋆ ִֶָ˖·˳˖𓂃
From then on, he keeps his usual ballet practice outfit–a cute puffy white shirt, sometimes a tighter one to show the outline of his pretty upper body, along with high rise skinny pants and occasionally, a short skirt outside with matching colors.
Riku–his best friend at the academy was surprised when Yushi borrowed his body mist and darted out of the campus to catch the latest bus in his practice outfit. If it’s as per usual, Yushi wouldn’t care about his nightmare of a hairstyle with fried hairlines sprouting in every direction possible after intense practices–along with putting on a big coat that might reach his knees and change into comfy baggy jeans with bottoms kissing the ground before leaving.
He now styles his hair during the last minutes of class, keeps his ballet practice outfit, retouches his blush, applying lip balm so his lips are glossier and in his words–more irresistible. Always has to spray some type of nice fragrance on him and even leaves the make up on instead of immediately wiping it off on days they have to perform.
Somehow, everything made sense the moment Yushi showed him a picture of his latest crush–his piano teacher.
“You think this color suits me?” Yushi asked, looking at his reflection in the pocket mirror as he applied another layer of light pink lip gloss.
“Every color suits you well, Yuu-chan. I bet he’d like it too” Riku reassures as he finds a space to shove his pointe shoes into the duffel bag.
“Does he though? This guy has been unexpectedly difficult to hit on so far” The blond guy sighs as they walk out of campus, twirling his hair in impatience.
Yushi wishes he was just messing with Riku. But no wonder there isn’t a section for Spouses or Relationships for Daeyoung on Wishipedia. Around his age, some of his teachers have already divorced then remarried, twice even. Yet, this guy genuinely seems to spend all of his time on perfecting his piano plays.
After two months of subtly flirting, giving hints and asking seemingly out-of-nowhere questions, Yushi came to the conclusion that Daeyoung is actually kind of plain. His hobbies are formed from typical things that Asian parents send their kids to extra classes like piano, history and a bit of drawing. The most notable one is karaoke, but that’s about it.
Aside from preparing for his shows, judging competitions and teaching, he usually goes karaoke for a few hours before getting home. Surprisingly, this is everything but a turn off for Yushi. Regular as he is, there is something about this man that just makes him alluring. The man is like the best-seller dish of a well-known restaurant that everyone wants to take a bite off.
𓂃˖˳·˖ ִֶָ ⋆🌷͙⋆ ִֶָ˖·˳˖𓂃
“Hello Yushi, I ran into a newly opened bakery on my way here. So I got us some pastries” Yushi swears Daeyoung’s eyes brighten up the moment he sees him walk through the door, hands hugging a huge paper bag. “We can practice later, let’s just eat first” Smirked, the elder one creeps his hand behind his hair. Yushi resisted the urge to smooth a strand of Daeyoung's messy hair into place.
Gosh, he looks so stupid. Stupidly attractive.
The weather is colder today, Daeyoung wears a black blazer with a white plaid shirt inside and a pair of dark-colored pants that accentuated his long legs. Today was also one of those rare occurrences when he got his specs on.
Yushi licked his lips. Why does the room get so hot all of the sudden?
There is a small table inside the room where they keep the recent sheets of music books. Being the gentleman he is, Daeyoung carried and groggily put them back into the bookshelf before laying out the pastries being stored in heaps of smaller paper bags.
Even for a foodie that couldn’t stop his mouth from nibbling on something every five minutes, this is still an atrocious amount of food. “This is a lot, hyung”, Yushi exclaims as he begins looking into them.
“I didn’t know which one you’d like, so I just got one of everything they got on display” Daeyoung looked at him with fond eyes, “Tell me what’s your go-to drink, and I can get it next time too.”
Yushi’s cheeks blushed every time he comes to piano class recently. It warmed his heart that Daeyoung–who normally would shop for clothes on e-commerce sites only when they were on sale, had just bought every selection at the pastry shop just to make sure he would find at least one thing that he’d like.
It’s not like this is the first time he gets any affection from men. He gets them all the time. Yet, this one feels like it’s because the person is genuinely a nice guy and cares about him as a friend, instead of flaunting with the goal of getting inside his pants.
They had the pastries in pleasant silence when Daeyoung decided he’s finished (when Yushi was still half-way through). The man sat in front of the piano and suddenly, he’s home again. Completely different from the simple melodies consisted of just Do Re Mi or brief sequences of music notes he demonstrated when teaching Yushi, his fingers danced graciously over each key.
The sound goes from sharp, forceful as he’s hammering on the keys to fluid and smooth when he’s trying to blend the notes into a dreamlike melody as each song goes by. Finally, it’s something Yushi realised. “Merry-Go-Round of Life” from Howl’s Moving Castle. The piece filled the room with an eminently beautiful sound, the notes flowing from his fingers making Yushi feel as if he’s in a fantastical adventure.
“Daeyoung hyung, you’re so good at this”, Yushi exclaims.
“If you keep showing up to our practices, I will teach you how to play this piece one day.”
Yushi would like to see it as a flirt.
𓂃˖˳·˖ ִֶָ ⋆🌷͙⋆ ִֶָ˖·˳˖𓂃
Yushi wasn’t exaggerating when he said he had tried everything.
Knowing that the places they live are in the same direction and Yushi gets home by train, Daeyoung offers to drive him home. Daeyoung even greeted his mom once when she got home at the same time as Daeyoung dropped him off. And she hasn’t really stopped raving about it ever since.
To her regular “When are you going to bring him home?” Yushi sighs “Mom, I’m trying my best.”
Knowing that he has a thing for Korean food, Daeyoung even bought him homemade kimchi from his mom. The tiny person inside Yushi bounced in enjoyment knowing that Daeyoung's family knew of his existence.
He’s even able to obtain Daeyoung’s personal number after enticing that it would be the most convenient way of contact for both of them, just in case something happens. Ever the busy man that Daeyoung is, he always replied to the pictures he sent with That’s a scenic view, where is that; The food looks so good, I think I have been to this restaurant before or his personal favourite The ballerino’s outfit suits you, Yushi.
Once their relationship has advanced to a point where skinship doesn't seem like something out of the ordinary, Yushi decided to make a bold move. He uses one of his best cards–eyes widening as he slightly tilts his head to create that innocent doe-eyes effect on Daeyoung–who’s once again absorbed in the complex rhythm of the piano piece when Yushi is taking a break, sipping on a drink right next to him.
His voice softened to an intentional, almost purring coyness “Daeyoung hyung,” he whispered, "Your ring size is so big."
This is the first time he sees Daeyoung wear any type of jewellery. He’s more dressed up than usual, with part of the bangs styled backward, revealing his forehead. Yushi even noticed the golden ear cuff on his left ear as it shone under the sunlight. The man is incredibly handsome in a way that perfectly fits Yushi’s ideal type.
Did god actually send this guy here just to please my taste?
“Is it though?” Daeyoung smiled cherubically as he stopped playing the piano to spread his fingers out to see for himself.
Seizing the opportunity, Yushi moved closer to put their hands next to each other. He spontaneously pulled a ring from Daeyoung's ring finger. Trying his best to downplay it as a joke, yet his heartbeat was so palpable that he prayed albeit their close distance, please make Daeyoung not hear them.
“Hyung, you see? The ring on your ring finger fits my index", as soon as he slid Daeyoung's ring on his finger, the lingering warmth made his pulse spike. Thank god his shoulder-length hair covered his reddening ears.
“You have such slim and pretty fingers, Yushi” Daeyoung’s mouth agape at the comparison, then laughed with delight as Yushi dropped the ring back onto the surface of his palm.
He would surely take the hint now, right?
𓂃˖˳·˖ ִֶָ ⋆🌷͙⋆ ִֶָ˖·˳˖𓂃
“What happened next?” Riku asked as he just finished slurping a bite of the pesto pasta.
They’re sitting at their favourite Italian restaurant, located on the top floor of a building with stunning, grandiose classical architectural style. From where they are sitting, Riku and Yushi could see a poetic view of the city of Amsterdam. It took them both a month to make a reservation as it has recently become well-known to tourists.
Per usual, there should be at least ten pictures taken of the cute peony bouquet decorated in the middle of the table along with their scrumptious plates of food and appetizers right now, yet Yushi barely even touches his chicken alfredo pasta–his go-to whenever they have lunch here.
“Apparently he didn’t take the hint. This is devastating”, a deep crease formed between Yushi’s eyebrows as he uses the fork to mess with his food.
“How’d you be so sure of that?”
Yushi rolls his eyes as he recalls the events, “During the last thirty minutes of our lesson, there was a sound of someone playing the violin from downstairs. Once we had finished, the violinist came to our room. Turns out he’s Daeyoung's friend.”
“Okay, what about it? Can’t he have friends now?” Smirked, Riku teases. His plate is already half-empty, meanwhile Yushi is still filled to the brim. He barely touches his drink also. Seems like whatever happened bothered him to a great degree.
“He seems like the popular type, so I think that’s just a given. But the thing is, when you have something for someone, you wouldn’t want them to misinterpret your interaction with other people, right? So they’d know that you’re also single and I don't know, ready to mingle?”
With green sauce all over the corners of his mouth, Riku tilts his head upwards from the plate to nod. Yushi shakes his head, giving his best friend a mildly disturbed look as he leans over to hand Riku a tissue.
“But his friend, Zhang Hao or something, just casually clinging both of his hands onto his shoulder” Sighed, Yushi pokes his fork at the poor food again, “And Daeyoung just let him. They were talking non-stop once the class dismissed until Daeyoung had sent me off. And I’m fluent in three languages, but Korean is unfortunately not one of them”, Yushi scratched his head in frustration. “I swear that Hao guy gave me one of those looks where they scan you from head to toes”, he half-eyed at the scenery outside, “I wanted to ask him about their relationship so bad, but that would be intrusive.”
Riku paused for a moment, looking like a cat trying to scheme up a plan.
“I think everything boils down to the fact that he still considers you to be his student, nothing more. He’d only see you as someone he could date if the line between the teacher-student relationship is blurred”, Riku declared, elegantly wiping his mouth and looking perfectly presentable again–as if the person who just demolished a pasta plate minutes ago wasn’t him. “That’s also when you can ask him questions about his personal relationships.”
Yushi rested his chin on his hand, pensively digesting this possibility.
“So, I think the best way to approach this would be,” Slightly leaning forward, Riku continues, “You have to move most of the relationship outside of that damn classroom. If you’re able to do that, his impression of you would slowly shift from ‘just a student’ to a cute guy that he might date”. Riku thoughtfully explained, “That classroom setting made him unconsciously stereotype you, so even if you flirted with him, he’d register it as nothing more than innocent affection from a student for his teacher.”
Yushi’s brain short-circuited. He almost wanted to give himself a slap for not coming up with this sooner. He immediately lurches over the table to grasp Riku’s hand.
“That’s it! Everything finally clicks!” His eyes glistened with joy, and a toothy smile showed his signature cat-whisker “Riku, you’re my saviour!”
“I know I’m smart”, Riku replied coolly, gently patting Yushi's head. His eyes, however, had already locked onto the plate in front of Yushi. “So, are you going to finish that–Or I can lend a helping hand.”
𓂃˖˳·˖ ִֶָ ⋆🌷͙⋆ ִֶָ˖·˳˖𓂃
It didn’t take Yushi long to find the perfect timing. As during the next lesson, Daeyoung gave him a ticket for his upcoming musical show. “It will be great if you can make it”, he smiles sheepishly.
Oh, of course he’s going to make it.
Yushi made sure to pre-order flowers from a first-grade florist that his class specifically goes to when it comes to special occasions, such as celebrating the end of a grand ballet performance at the academy. Being the privileged kid that he is, Yushi still scrunched when the total price popped up at the cash register and there’s no other escape but to swipe his card.
“For tomorrow, instead of that brunch place, can we just go to the budget-friendly one near campus? I’m kinda broke”, Carefully putting the pretty white bouquet into the backseat of his car, Yushi glumly texted Riku.
As the piano showtime drew closer, Yushi felt more and more anxious. Today, he had chosen a white, long-sleeved, slightly see-through laced blouse with a matching silk top underneath. So he’d appear opulent and seductive at the same time.
Yushi hand-picked some ear cuffs to borrow from Riku, along with a dainty star-shaped stud. His best friend was busy customizing his pointe shoes, yet he was kind enough to instruct Yushi how to do his makeup over facetime. Light pink blush for a natural look, curled lashes, and a slightly darker pink shade than usual for his lips. He also goes out of his way to add glitter to the part beneath his eyes.
The ticket was in the front row. During Daeyoung’s set, there were pieces that Yushi can recognise, familiar melodies he has played from time to time when he’s catching a break from the piano. Yet, tonight was something more special.
Perhaps it was the bright, slightly sapphire-colored light that bathed Daeyoung in an unreal, ethereal glow, or perhaps it was the sheer weight of thousands of eyes fixed solely on him, but Daeyoung seemed to become one with the instrument. The rhythm of his fingers, surfing the keys, felt more fierce, more hysterical, and passionate than Yushi had ever witnessed. The emotions behind the music were pushed to their absolute limit. Up there, before the crowd, Daeyoung looked untouchable.
In place of his usual approachable teacher, Yushi got a glimpse of his youth–someone who swept through some of the toughest, most prestigious competitions.
𓂃˖˳·˖ ִֶָ ⋆🌷͙⋆ ִֶָ˖·˳˖𓂃
Still not quite recovered from seeing another side of Daeyoung, Yushi calmed himself down before knocking on the backstage door. There were a bunch of people packed inside doing their own thing, it’s evident that Yushi isn’t his only acquaintance that attended the show. His heart dropped knowing that there likely won’t be anytime for just the two of them. The room looks like they’re about to head to an after-party later.
“I’m sorry, who are you supposed–”
To his surprise, Zhang Hao hollered when he saw him talking to a stranger by the door, "Hello, you must be looking for Daeyoung right?" while he waved cheerfully with a bright smile, almost about to jump off the couch.
Stunned at the newfound ally, Yushi felt bad for assuming that Zhang Hao might bear any malicious thoughts toward him. However, not two seconds later, his gut churns as Hao turns to Daeyoung, who is facing his back against them as he’s listening to one of his friends, to call out to him in flawless Dutch. His cherubic smile froze.
This motherfucker clearly talked about me right in front of my face.
In contrast to his untouchable, seamless image on stage, Daeyoung turned his head with one cheek puffed, half-eaten cookie in his hand. In Yushi’s peripheral view, he looked so silly that he had to hold back his laughter. His friends also looked over his shoulder to stare at the direction of the door.
Okay, first of all, does Daeyoung have some kind of magnetic force that attracts all the super, breath-takingly attractive men to surround him? His friend, despite having a really small face, has comically big eyes. They’re also sparkly and his eyelashes are so long that Yushi can vividly see the shadows of them casted under the make-up table’s lights. The grunge style with darker colors and bold patterns peculiarly fits him, making him look even more charming.
The man clearly raked Yushi before exchanging a look with Zhang Hao. He then mischievously whistles with glee and teases Daeyoung about something in Korean. Yushi just made this guess solely based on their body language, even though he swears to god that he can hear the guy telling Daeyoung about his night at the bar in Dutch, and Dutch only when they did not recognise his existence.
“The flowers are very pretty. Thank you.” Daeyoung exclaimed as he gently took the bouquet Yushi gave.
“I’m glad you like it”, he looks down shyly.
His two friends quickly darted over, each one taking a side of his shoulders. The bunny-like man nudges, “Daengie ah, that’s all what you have to say? Tch, if I were you, I would show more appreciation. I mean, look at them, the bouquet seems lavish.” Zhang Hao chimes in as he gasps at the flowers, “Sion’s not wrong. I recognised this florist, they’re gifted to the top contestants at some violin competitions I’m a part of. You know, the fancy, custom-made type.”
Okay, why did those two speak in perfect Dutch just now? Can we all just become monolingual and speak Dutch?
“Oh, now that you both mentioned it, I recognised this brand too”, Daeyoung hasn’t really got the chance to take a closer look at the bouquet, as he was busy staring at Yushi–who looks alluring like a pretty swan tonight. His gaze towards him grew gentler, “You don’t have to go this far next time. Just a simple bouquet would do, provided you wanted to give me something”, he uses his free hand to pat Yushi’s head.
“But you deserve the best, Daeyoung hyung” Yushi pouts as he plays with his fingers to reduce the feeling of nervousness. His heartbeats have become so palpable that he has trouble hearing anything else.
Daeyoung forcefully urges his two friends who just exchanged a knowing grin back into the room. “Let's call an Uber for you, as I cannot drive you home today”, Daeyoung turned to him after he gave the flowers to Sion.
Under the dim orange street lights outside the venue, Yushi mustered up all his courage to walk closer to Daeyoung. He almost jumps out of joy the moment he notices Daeyoung’s shadow also getting closer to him. Their shoulders brush, and Yushi can smell his cologne.
“I’m glad you’re able to make it, Yushi. Truthfully, I spotted you early on at the front row , so I was rather nervous”, he meekly chuckled.
The younger quirks his eyebrows asking why.
“I’m your piano teacher after all, so it would be embarrassing if I fumbled or simply didn’t live up to the expectation” Yushi’s heart flutters as Daeyoung gives him a wide smile that shows his deep dimples, “I wanted to leave a good impression on you.”
Their conversation got cut short by the arrival of his car. Whilst Daeyoung offered his familiar, routine send-off: “Get home safe and text me once you’re home,” Yushi was lost in his own train of thoughts. The quiet surrounding, the looming departure, the intimate they’ve built up previously. Everything was set up for a cinematic parting kiss. If only the title of their relationship allowed for something more than just this.
The first thing that Yushi does after opening his eyes the next morning is to unlock his phone to check Daeyoung's new text while he is still half asleep. He yawns, taking a closer look at the picture of a delicate vase with his bedroom as the background. Inside were the flowers Yushi gifted decorated splendidly. Still not fully awake, Yushi almost replied with "I'll be climbing onto that bed of yours soon."
𓂃˖˳·˖ ִֶָ ⋆🌷͙⋆ ִֶָ˖·˳˖𓂃
Yushi hasn’t stepped foot into the familiar building for three weeks by now. It’s not that he didn’t want to, but he's extremely occupied with preparing for the end-of-semester ballet performance. In return, Daeyoung obviously got cordially gifted pairs of front-row tickets mailed to him.
Yushi has spent so much time in the ballet studio that he has simply lost sense of time, the lights are always on and the curtains are always drawn. In what feels like a blink of an eye, Yushi is currently putting on his leotard, hands using all his strength to pull the left-tight to make sure there would be no wrinkles. Suave leg lines and slim body figure is meticulously captured under the fit.
The performance was the classic "Swan Lake." Yushi, embodying the White Swan, was dressed in a long-sleeved white coat, decorated with lines of solicitously placed gem stones. His natural curly hair was smoothed and neatly controlled, slicked back to complete the look of a regal, proud Swan Prince. A touch of dark eye shadow at the corners of his eyes emphasized a sharp contrast, highlighting the delicate, chiseled features.
As Sung Hanbin, their teacher in charge herded everyone to line up on one side of the stage according to their order of appearance, Yushi puffed out his cheeks nervously. Peeking out from the stage’s velvet curtain, it didn’t take him long to spot Daeyoung chatting with Sion and Zhang Hao in a sea of audiences. He rubbed his clammy hands on the tights to wipe off the sweat, before reaching out to hold Riku's hand–a habit he hadn't repeated since first year.
"We'll give the audience a memorable performance and enjoy every moment on that stage," sensing his fidgets, Riku reassured.
Responding with a determined nod, Yushi stepped onto the stage as the angelic music started playing.
Every reach and every leap was executed with skillful fluidity and absolute precision. Each arc and extension of his body feels like a pure embodiment of a swan prince, captivating the eyes of everyone watching. Beneath the bright stage lights, he appeared ethereal.
The final pose held, and the theater was engulfed by a chain of sustained applause. Raising his head from the bowing pose, Yushi anxiously scanned the front-row for Daeyoung’s reaction. He wasn't just clapping; he was applauding relentlessly. His eyes curved into joyous crescents as their eyes met. Yushi smiled back before the curtain on both sides were lowered, separating them as he moved back with the crew.
Yushi bounced at the first knock on the door and to everyone’s surprise, darted forward and volunteered to open it. He tries his back to hold back from yelling “Yippe!” as the person is indeed, Daeyoung.
Riku quickly noticed what’s happening and rushed to hide behind his shoulders to take an ecstatic look at Daeyoung. His best friend clearly has something to say–preferrably not in Dutch so only the two of them can understand. But Yushi quickly gestures his index finger to his lips and silent him as unfortunately, Daeyoung is very good at Japanese.
Daeyoung wasn’t alone. Accompanied by the man were Zhang Hao and Sion. After brief introductions, the group exchanged greetings and Riku’s ears reddened at the praises about their performances from the men. The conversation got cut short as Hanbin demanded the crew to leave backstage to their dinner location, groaning “Guys, I really don’t have the money to pay for after-hours fines.”
Hearing that, Sion handed Daeyoung a flower boutique from the same store that Yushi gave him–this time in a much bigger size and more gorgeous, before sending his goodbye and leaving with Hao. Riku turned back to tell Hanbin that Yushi would catch up with them soon before also waving goodbye to Daeyoung, as he grouped with the crew walking outside through the backdoor.
Yushi was barely verbal in the previous conversation. It’s because he was doubting himself, seeing a strange type of look that Daeyoung has never given him before. It’s something much deeper, in the eyes that are still like water, a new emotion has finally risen. And the person that threw a stone that greatly disturbed that body of water is no one else but him.
This is it.
In this moment of oscillation, Yushi felt that if he didn't seize this opportunity, there would be no other chance.
Gathering all of his courage, Yushi asked softly, heart pounding “So hyung, I was thinking”, his hesitation was met with an encouraging look “As I’m having a long break ahead and we have spent time together for around six months–I think it would be nice if I invite you out for lunch. As a thank you for patiently teaching me over the past time”. He clears his throat, loosening his shirt’s collar while trying to hide anxiety by not looking directly into Daeyoung’s eyes.
“How’d you think about it?”
“I think it would be great. Just text me the date and location, and I will be sure to make time for it”, smiled radiantly, dimples indenting his cheeks. Daeyoung stepped forward to gently hug Yushi, who was holding a large bouquet of flowers barricading between the two of them. His eyes widen, unable to believe what’s happening.
The hug was just a fleeting one and Daeyoung didn't actually touch any inches of his body. Yet it was enough to make Yushi look like he had lost half of his soul at the later dinner.
𓂃˖˳·˖ ִֶָ ⋆🌷͙⋆ ִֶָ˖·˳˖𓂃
Yushi decided to go with an overpriced restaurant with tables situated right next to the barricade of the dazzling Amstel River. The weather worked in his favour, bright sunlight washed over the small ripples on the riverbank, making them sparkle. Soothing wind breezes ease the mildly warm temperature. The blue sky is clearer than ever, and the purple gladiolus branches in their table’s vase are gracefully blooming.
The wind blew Daeyoung's hair as he came over. His bangs slicked back, just how Yushi likes them. The long gray pants, along with a black belt, and dark shirt made him look younger than usual. A casual European summer outfit in place of his usual formal teaching look, except for the Patek Philippe watch on his wrist–making Yushi wonder if this place was too ordinary.
“This restaurant seems like a great choice just from the view alone”, Daeyoung admires the scenic river, occasionally there were boats rowing by.
During the meal, Yushi was surprised at how pleasant and effortless their conversations were–mostly because Daeyoung is a bigger social butterfly than he thought. It was refreshing to escape the piano iceberg for once to hear Daeyoung complaining about how Sion would wake him up at 2AM to come pick him at the bar since he’s so drowsy that his legs are as firm as spaghetti or Hao pretended to not know either English or Dutch to avoid a speeding ticket, making the police contact him instead.
Yushi laughed so often that his jaw hurts even though he hasn’t even finished half of the food on his plate.
While Daeyoung wiped his mouth as they’re preparing to leave, Yushi noticed his glass of juice remained more than half.
“Jaehee hyung, is that drink not to your liking?”
“It’s actually really good, but I’ve had so much food that I don’t think I can digest anything anymore” The elder scratches the back of his head.
“Can I have it then?” It was supposed to be an innocent question, yet Daeyoung's sudden bristle makes Yushi wonder if he has said anything wrong.
What felt like an entity of silence flew by before Daeyoung subtly nodded, “You can have it.”
Instead of sipping at the brim of the tall glass, Yushi holds the straw firmly and finishes the drink. Daeyoung looked at him with a deep gaze. The man seems like he wanted to say something, but ultimately decided to brush it off.
Neither of them said farewell to each other and cut the hangout short, so they naturally walked along the riverbank.
As they’re strolling around the footpath, a cyclist speeded out of nowhere, almost launching his bicycle at Yushi from behind, catching him off guard. He was too startled to even move an inch of his body. As he closed his eyes, preparing for the worst to come, a large hand pulled Yushi back towards his direction. His back touching the other person's heaving firm chest.
“Are you alright?” The taller one gave him a worried look. He raked over his body, trying to find the smallest hint of injury.
“I’m fine,” every word breathed hot air into Daeyoung's ear, Yushi could feel his whole body tense up from the intimate contact. “Thanks for saving me, Daeyoung hyung,” a purring coyness as he held on to Daeyoung to stand up.
“What’s wrong, hyung?” Yushi stares into his eyes. He has been silent for a minute now.
“Tokuno Yushi.”
The sudden full name drop made his whole body stiffen up.
“Yes, hyung?” Yushi softened his voice with hope that the elder man wouldn’t be mad at him.
“I’m about to ask you a question, and I need you to be totally honest with me, okay?” His tone was dead serious. It was a question, yet Yushi doesn’t get a chance to refuse.
His spike pulses as he decides to keep pushing “Yes, Jaehee hyung. I will be honest with you about anything.”
Daeyoung scrunches the bridge of his nose. Evidently, the constant hyung coddles did something to him. Yushi just doesn’t know if it’s for better or for worse.
Yet.
“Are you trying to make a move on me?”
Yushi feels as if his heart is about to burst into a million pieces. The fact that he didn’t immediately fall on his knees at this very moment is already a miracle. The uncertainty is immeasurable, yet–
“Yes, hyung. I like you in that way” Yushi clears his throat, “I have always been. Since the first time I saw you.”
“Are you sure? It’s not because of our constant interaction, or the close proximity–”
The warmth emanating from Daeyoung is stripping Yushi’s patience thin. He hates being doubted like this. Was he sure? What a stupid question.
It should have been, had he ever stopped liking Daeyoung since they first met?
Instead of an answer, Yushi pulled the taller person's shirt, the force made their lips touched. Daeyoung felt the humid of his lip gloss, and Yushi tasted the faint sweet of juice from him.
Initially, Daeyoung's arms hung loosely around Yushi's waist. Once their lips touched, he lurched forward to hold his waist tighter, pulling him closer to deepen the kiss. Then, Yushi suddenly felt something soft and hot.
Daeyoung was pushing his tongue in. From the position of the hunter, Yushi became the prey, caught up in Daeyoung's heated rhythm. "Hyung, please don’t. Not here", as they are in a crowded place, Yushi tried weakly to push Daeyoung away. But like a vise, his grip is a firm cage that doesn’t allow Yushi to break free .
When Daeyoung finally let him go, not because he’s had enough–but rather he’s finally out of breath. Their chest heaving from heavy panting. A silver thread drawn between their lips.
The ambiguous atmosphere was broken by the loud ringing from Daeyoung’s phone.
“What’s wrong, hyung?” Daeyoung puts the call on speaker, thinking it was just another mundane request from Sion. He just wanted to get this over quickly.
His blaring voice is annoyingly high-pitched, “It’s wayyyy past lunch time now, so how did the date go, Daengie?”
Before Daeyoung even got the chance to scramblingly end the call, Zhang Hao jumped in as if he’s on steroids.
“You guys definitely have fucked by now. I told you, that guy totally has a thing for you. From a gay to a fellow gay. Remember to put condom–”
At last, his struggling thumb found the red “End Call” button.
“My gosh, I’m terribly sorry about that.” Unlike the intimidating man with absolute control from the make out, Daeyoung turned into a miserable wet puppy–one that had dipped itself in mud.
“Daeyoung hyung, please be honest with me too” Yushi mutters as he finally gave in and reached his hand out to fix Daeyoung’s messy hair strain, “Your friends have been talking about me right? When they’re not speaking in Dutch or English.”
“They were,” he admits, head bows down “From observing our interactions, they kept saying that you definitely had something for me. And I kept brushing it off, despite the romantic feelings growing stronger as time went by and we grew closer–all because I wanted to maintain our upright, simple teacher-student relationship.” Covered his eyes with his hand to hide the embarrassment, “I felt so guilty for the longest time liking someone who is ten years younger than me.”
A mischievous smirk drawn on Yushi’s pretty face, “Yet here we are, with your lips stained with my lip gloss. And awfully dampened my saliva, also.”
“Believe me, my dearest Yushi. I really did try my best” Daeyoung looks directly at him with adoring eyes, “Yet all of my greatest efforts turned into mere pathetic attempts when it comes to you. You’re simply irresistible.”
The cherished name calling and unexpected sweet confession made his cheeks blushed.
“Jaehee hyung, so–are we dating now? Boyfriend and boyfriend?” Yushi pouts as he swings his big hands.
“What do you think?” Daeyoung bursts out laughing as he pulls Yushi closer for another kiss.
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“Yuu-chan, where are you? Me and Hanbin hyung have been waiting for ten minutes! We've planned a dinner today, remember?”
Riku nearly dropped his phone, and Hanbin jumped at the rain of sputtered complimentary water from him as he got a reply.
I don’t think I can move my legs today. Jaehee hyung is too strong.