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“I can’t believe Renjun and Jeno are choosing to miss family dinner for ‘date night’!” Chenle huffs as Haechan and Jaemin finish setting the table. The two had been invited in place of Renjun. “They’re missing out on the best hot pot in town.”
“Renjun hyung does love hot pot.” Jisung says, carefully bringing the plate of veggies he was put in charge of.
“Haech loves hot pot too.” Jaemin says, putting an arm around Haechan. “He was obsessed with it when we went to the US.”
“It’s so good.” Haechan adds unwrapping the sliced meat they brought.
“Not as good as you.” Jaemin coos and kisses Haechan’s cheek. Chenle and Jisung gag at the show of affection.
“Oh, like Jeno and Renjun are any better.” Haechan says, putting his hands on his hips.
“Good point. Since they finally started dating, they’ve been so open about being in love or whatever.” Chenle responds. “But at least they don’t show affection like you two!”
“That’s because Jeno’s allergic to affection.” Jaemin says as he pulls a seat out for Haechan. Haechan takes his seat. “That man doesn’t even like being called ‘baby’!”
“To be fair, you shouldn’t be calling your friends ‘baby’.” Jisung says taking his own seat.
“What’s wrong with that, baby?” Jaemin asks Jisung who gets shy.
“You guys are so gross.” Chenle sticks his tongue out.
“Ignore them, baby.” Haechan says patting Jaemin who began sulking.
“You two really are a match made in hell.” Chenle says. “How did you two meet anyways.”
“Through Bumble.” Haechan states matter of factly.
“No, like, how was your first date?” Chenle adds. “Like did you guys know immediately?”
“Well…” Haechan hesitates.
“Well?” Jaemin asks offended. “I was smitten with you the moment we met!”
“Oo, tell us more.” Chenle leans forward. His chin on his hands, all too eager to hear the tea. “Don’t spare any details.”
“You don’t want to know about my dating life before Jaemin.” Haechan sighs.
“You had a dating life before me?” Jaemin perks up. “You have to tell the stories now.”
“Come on, Jisung doesn’t want to hear about it!” Haechan says trying to get out of the situation.
“Oh I don’t mind hyung.” Jisung says innocently unaware of Haechan’s dilemma.
“You really want to know everything?” Haechan asks.
“Yes.” Jaemin says sitting straight. “I want to know all about the other men you met before me.”
“And I want to know why out of all of them you picked Jaemin.” Chenle adds.
“I am a great pick!” Jaemin turns to Chenle. Haechan sighs, he’s definitely not getting out of this.
“Ok, ok children settle down.” Chenle and Jaemin turn their full attention to Haechan while Jisung starts adding ingredients to the broth. “I’ll tell you my dating journey with Jaemin if you guys promise to listen and not judge.”
“That’ll be hard but I’ll do my best.” Chenle says scooting his seat closer to the table.
“Tell them how great I am, baby.” Jaemin coos.
“Well, let’s start from the top,” Haechan begins. “Three years ago, I had just been dumped…”
This was true. Haechan’s last boyfriend broke up with him after only three months of dating. He claimed Haechan was ‘too much’ and ‘too touchy feely’. He also didn’t like that Haechan was the same way with his friends. Particularly his three roommates—Johnny, Taeyong, and Doyoung—who Haechan was relaying this story too now.
“Dang, did you guys even kiss?” Johnny, the oldest of Haechan’s three roommates, asked. “You seemed so into him too.”
“I tried.” Haechan slumped in their couch. “He said I didn’t give him enough space. That we were moving too fast and I was ‘too much’.”
“Well, you can be a bit hard to handle.” Doyoung says bringing over a tray of drinks.
“Not helping Doie.” Taeyong hisses before turning back to Haechan. “It’ll be ok, Haech. You just need someone who…”
“Matches your freak, as they say.” Johnny finishes Taeyong’s sentence. Taeyong nods in agreement and Haechan groans at these old men.
“Do you guys really think there’s someone out there who can get me?” Haechan pouts. Eyes big and pleading. The three older men look at each other for a moment.
“Our Haechan is unique.” Doyoung begins. Haechan starts sulking and Johnny gets up to shove Doyoung who lets out a frustrated yelp.
“What does he know? He’s forever alone.” Johnny says.
“Hey—” Doyoung tries to argue but Johnny continues.
“What you need is to date around. See what’s out there beyond your social circles, but don’t look for anything serious.”
“That’s horrible advice, hyung.” Doyoung says, migrating to the kitchen counter in exile.
“C’mon, he’s young! He should live a little bit.” Johnny says. Taeyong nods along and Doyoung rolls his eyes.
“Maybe Johnny hyung’s right.” Haechan contemplates. “I should see what’s out there. Meet new people. Maybe it’ll change my perspective.”
“Here, try this app.” Johnny pulls out his phone and shows Haechan Bumble. “Trust me, once you look outside your circle, there’s plenty of fish in the sea!”
“Online dating?” Doyoung peeks from his self exile. “Johnny hyung, that’s dangerous! There’s so many weirdos out there,”
“It’s the perfect place for our Haechan.” Taeyong says taking a sip of his drink.
“Ignore them.” Johnny says. “Hand me your phone. We’ll set you up a good profile!”
Doyoung and Taeyong get up and surround Johnny once Haechan lets him download the app on his phone. They spend about an hour deciding Haechan’s dating profile. The bio, the photos, the prompt, everything.
“Let’s use a silly photo to show he has a personality.” Johnny says.
“I have this one that makes him look so sexy!” Taeyong adds.
“Include this one of Haechan smiling. It’s so cute.” Doyoung coos.
Haechan, of course, made sure to give the final say of the profile. After a bit of arguing here and there, it was finally time to start swiping.
Haechan spent the last few days getting used to the app when he could, looking at suggestions every once in a while during his breaks at work. He felt strange just looking for flings, but figured the less people get to know him the better.
“What about this guy?” Haechan asks his hyungs. “Good job, reliable, says he’s a stand up comedian on the side.”
“Oh a comedian would be good for you!” Taeyong says. Haechan will have to talk to his hyungs about his image later.
He swipes right.
It’s a match!
“Try someone out of your comfort zone.” Johnny says, getting up and asking for Haechan’s phone. After being handed it, he swipes a few times. “This guy seems cool.”
“I don’t know.” Haechan hesitates. The photo shows a guy in a leather jacket with long red hair. A motorcycle behind him. Definitely badass, but Haechan wasn’t sure he could handle badass.
“Profile says he’s a lawyer. Volunteers at the local animal shelter. Loves people. He seems nice despite his scary looks.” Johnny points out. Haechan sighs and agrees. Johnny swipes right for him.
It’s a match!
“Oh! What about this guy!” Doyoung exclaims taking the phone from Johnny and showing Haechan the profile. The photo is of an admittedly attractive guy with his finger over his pouting lips. He had messy hair and a look in his eyes that was a cross between sparkling and crazy,
Na Jaemin, 22
Photographer
I’m Jaemin. I’m here ‘cause my bestest friend in the whole world thinks I need to spend time with more people. I love photography, my friends, my family, and my three cats (who are also my family).
Swipe right for a fun time or don’t, I can’t stop you over the phone haha.
“Ok, we need to talk about how you guys see me.” Haechan whines.
“No!” Doyoung shouts, “Something about him feels right. Trust me!”
Haechan side eyes Doyoung. He looks at the profile some more. The man was gorgeous. Aside from photos of his cats, there were a few selfies that showcased his big eyes and bright smile. The closest thing to a shirtless photo Jaemin had was a photo of himself at the gym in a tank top. Haechan almost drops his phone at how toned this guy was.
“That body with that face?” Haechan exclaims.
“You wanna swipe right so bad.” Doyoung teases. Haechan huffs as he swipes.
It’s a match!
Haechan hesitates. He has the matches now. The next step is to set up the dates.
Spending a few more days to chat with his matches, Haechan made three dates. The first of which was that comedian, Hendery.
They meet at a comedy club that Hendery was performing a set at. He was pretty good. He had the crowd—including Haechan—keeling over with laughter. Haechan could tell Hendery really shines on a stage.
“How was that?” Hendery asks after getting to their table after his set. “I had the whole room doubling over!”
“You’re a natural up there!” Haechan exclaims. “How long have you been doing stand up?”
“I started in college actually.” Hendery explains, “It’s what I majored in.”
“Really? That’s so cool!” Haechan is enjoying his time with Hendery. They chat like life long friends.
“Why don’t you give it a try?” Hendery says. “They have an open mic hour at the end.”
Haechan tries to wave Hendery off but Hendery insists. When Haechan Stans up on the stage he’s nervous, but quickly gets into a rhythm.
“Now imagine this,” Haechan starts, “three grown men hunched over a phone trying to set up a lucrative dating profile. You think ‘the more minds the better the profile’, right? Wrong. Their first attempt made me look like some kinda of gym nut. I’ve never set foot in a gym! Look at me! You think anyone would believe I can rep 825? I can barely lift myself up out of bed at 1:27pm!”
The crowd roars. Haechan thanks them and sits back down to Hendery clapping. “Not bad. Not bad.”
“Thanks.” Haechan says shyly.
The rest of the night Hendery and Haechan spend bouncing comedy off each other. It was fun, but Haechan could tell this date wasn’t headed anywhere romantic. When Hendery dropped Haechan off at his building the two stood a bit awkwardly for a moment.
“I had fun tonight.” Haechan finally says.
“Yeah! Who’d’ve thunk you’d be a natural comedian!” Hendery exclaims. “We should do this again.”
“Yeah…” Haechan hesitates. “It’s be fun.”
“Yeah…” Hendery starts at his feet some more.
“As friends.” Haechan adds. Hendery looks up expectantly.
“Yeah, I like that!” Hendery chimes. Haechan doesn’t even feel hurt that the feeling was mutual. “Well, bye!”
He holds his fist out and Haechan fist bumps him back. The two part ways as friends rather than lovers.
“What was that?” Johnny exclaims. “A fist bump?”
“Not even a romantic fist bump.” Taeyong shakes his head.
“What even is a romantic fist bump?” Doyoung asks.
“That doesn’t matter.” Johnny waves them away, “Haech, the details!”
Haechan tells them about his date and how by the end of it Haechan felt he got a great new friend, but nothing beyond that.
“Maybe the next date will be better.” Johnny sighs. “Motorcycle guy.”
Haechan was still hesitant about him, but he was willing to give ‘thrilling’ a shot.
The day comes for Haechan’s date with motorcycle guy, Yuta. He’s intimidatingly cool from his profile. And he’s a lawyer? Crazy.
Haechan meets Yuta outside a diner where he’s busy fixing something on his motorcycle.. The man was tattooed up, Haechan notes. He was wearing a black tank top with faded cargo pants that had chains coming out of every direction. Meanwhile, Haechan was wearing a nice argyle sweater vest and khaki pants.
“Hi,” Haechan approaches nervously.
“Hey!” Yuta exclaims, getting up. He tried to wipe some motorcycle gunk off his face, but it just ended up smudging instead. Not that it dampened his good looks or anything.
“So, should we head inside?” Haechan asks.
“Huh? Oh, no I thought we could go for a ride.” Yuta grins. “Figured we could see the sunset or something.”
“Oh.” Haechan is hesitant. This wasn’t in the plans they discussed through text.
“I mean, if you want to go instead—” Now Yuta hesitates.
“No! Let’s go for a ride. I’ve never been on a motorcycle before.” Haechan interrupts. He figured it’d make for a better story. The hyungs—minus Doyoung—would get a kick out this.
Yuta helps him put on a helmet and get on the bike. Haechan wraps his arms around Yuta’s lean but muscular body and tries not to think too much about their combined body heat.
The ride was thrilling but terrifying. Yuta drove like a madman weaving through cars and speeding passed yellow lights. Several times Haechan believed he’d breathe his last breath on this ride.
Yuta takes them to a mountain clearing, over looking the city.
“Woah,” Haechan exhales as he sees the view.
“This is my favorite spot.” Yuta says bashfully.
“I can see why!”
The two settle on a nearby bench, waiting for the sun to set. The silence is a little awkward for Haechan who’s used to the noise of four people in a tight living space. Yuta shifts closer and Haechan gets nervous again.
“So, why did you become a lawyer?” Haechan asks to break the ice.
“Huh?” Yuta looks confused. Haechan gets confused at Yuta’s confusion.
“Your profile? It says you’re a lawyer.”
“Oh that! Yuta exclaims. “Everything on my profile is made up.”
“What?” Haechan just stares.
“Yeah, sorry about that! People tend to judge right away so I tried to say things that would get people to want to get to know me!” Yuta lets out a big laugh. Haechan laughs nervously beside him.
Great, Haechan thought, now he’s stuck on a secluded mountain path with a madman he now knows nothing about. He can see Doyoung pull out his ‘Stranger Danger: What to do when someone you don’t know approaches you’ powerpoint. Again.
“I’ll be honest,” Yuta continues. “I wasn’t expecting you to out right ask me on a date. Usually people find the truth out through messages.”
Haechan was going to kill Johnny.
“Wait, what did you think of my profile?”
“Oh I didn’t read it.” Yuta admits. “I just thought you were really cute so I swiped right.”
Haechan is both flattered and offended at the same time.
“If you’re not a lawyer, then what are you?” Haechan asks.
“Hey man, this is only the first date!” Yuta says putting a hand up. “Give us some time to get to know each other.”
Haechan thought knowing what each other does for a living counts as ‘getting to know each other’. Haechan could only look on exasperated, but he wanted to tread lightly since Yuta was his only way out of here. Haechan keeps the conversation on the sky. Yuta was at least nice, but there was not going to be a second date. This was enough thrill for one lifetime.
After they watch the sunset—romantic, Haechan admits—Yuta takes him back to the diner. Haechan was not going to be giving this man his address and Yuta did not ask.
“It wasn’t bad.” Yuta nods.
“Likewise.” Haechan replies. At least the sunset was pretty. Too bad he can never go back to that spot in fear of running into Yuta.
Yuta looks expectant but Haechan just puts his hand out for a firm shake.
When Haechan gets home, he relays the story to his hyungs.
“YOU DID WHAT?” Doyoung exclaims.
“I know, I know. Dangerous and stupid.” Haechan throws his hands up.
“Never listen to Johnny hyung again.” Doyoung scolds.
“Hey! Now he has wicked lore!” Johnny defends himself.
“Maybe Haechan should take a break.” Taeyong says patting the youngest on the head.
“I’d love to but I still have one date left.” Haechan sighs.
“Right. Doyoung’s pick.” Johnny sticks out his tongue.
“You don’t have to go, Haech.” Doyoung ignores Johnny. “Don’t overexert yourself.”
“We already booked the reservation.” Haechan plops on the couch. “I’ll just go on this one and if it goes horribly wrong, I’ll just be celibate for the rest of my life.”
“Well, you don’t have to be so dramatic.” Doyoung huffs. “Besides, I think this one could be a really good one.”
“You’re basing this off looks.” Johnny says, hands on his hips.
“I’m basing this off gut feeling.” Doyoung says proudly. “And my gut is rarely wrong.”
“Your gut is lactose intolerant.” Taeyong points out. “But you still eat ice cream.”
“My gut is right. I’m the one who’s wrong.” Doyoung snaps back. “Sometimes it feels good to be wrong.”
Haechan pinches his nose and pulls his phone out. He looks back at Jaemin’s profile and wonders what crazy story he’ll get out of this one.
Haechan walks into the chosen restaurant and immediately spots Na Jaemin. He’s taking photos on his drink when Haechan approaches.
“Hey.” Haechan says nonchalantly. At this point, he can barely muster the energy to care about this date.
Jaemin perks up and nearly falls getting out of the booth. “Hi! I’m Na Jaemin.”
“Lee Haechan.”
“Have a seat, have a seat.” He says ushering Haechan to slide in across form him. This guy was enthusiastic, Haechan will give him that. “I hear this place has amazing kimchijjigae! Your profile says it’s your favorite right?”
“Yeah. You read my profile?” Haechan says, touched that Jaemin cared enough to read through his account.
“Of course! I wanted to get to know you!” Jaemin exclaims. Definitely a different experience than the last date. “You asked me out so quickly, I didn’t get to ask you a lot of questions.”
“Yeah, sorry about that. It gets busy at work so I wanted to get things scheduled.” Haechan lied. He wasn’t sure how other people feel to find out they’re the third date someone’s had in a month.
“No, no that’s totally ok.” Jaemin says. “Do you like cats?”
Suddenly?
“Uh, I like them enough.” Haechan says. “I’m more of a dog person, though.”
“Oh.” Jaemin thinks. Haechan wonders if he said the wrong thing when Jaemin suddenly perks up again. “My roommate’s like a dog!”
Huh?
Jaemin continues. “His name is Lee Jeno. He’s exactly like a samoyed. He’s also in love with his best friend but won’t say anything. The two of them drive me crazy!”
“Uh, ok,” Haechan will definitely go home and tell his hyungs that he is in fact a normal human being. He’ll have to admit Doyoung was right about weirdos on the internet but it’s a sacrifice he’s willing to make.
“Sorry, I probably shouldn’t bring up my friend’s drama on a date haha.” Jaemin says rubbing the back of his head. Haechan can see his ginormous biceps and decides to give the guy another chance before he gives up completely.
“So is this the friend that made you make a profile?” Haechan asks, trying to keep the conversation going.
“Oh, yeah. He said I need to stop being so clingy with him and the love of his life so he’s forcing me to meet new people.” Jaemin wipes a fake tear from his eye. “They grow up so fast.”
“How’s that been going?” Haechan asks. As someone who also clings to his friends, Haechan feels a certain kindred spirit with Jaemin.
“Not great.” Jaemin admits. “I mean, I’m pretty sexy, but then people get turned off when I talk for some reason.”
Haechan nods. Jaemin is pretty sexy, but he is also pretty weird. But at least he’s weird in an endearing way.
“It’s like people hate to see you be affectionate!” Jaemin says exasperated.
“No! Because I can barely keep a relationship because people say I’m ‘too much’!”
“Me too!”
“People just get it! I’m an affectionate guy!”
Jaemin slams the table, snaps his finger, and points it at Haechan. “You get me!”
The two get more comfortable with each other as the night goes on. They continue talking as they finish their meals.
“Jeno hates it when I baby him! Renjun’s a little more ok with it but when I try to kiss him, he fights back!”
“Ugh sounds like my friends.”
“Why is it so wrong to kiss your homies?”
“That’s what I’m saying!”
The two laugh. Their dishes finished, but the night’s still young.
“Hey, wanna get out of here?” Jaemin asks, leaning in again.
“As long as it’s not some remote mountain path away from civilization.” Haechan says.
“Don’t even know how to get to a place like that.” Jaemin slaps the table. “I was thinking more like a bingsu place.”
“Oh, I like bingsu.” Haechan says. Very public.
Haechan reaches for his wallet when Jaemin stops him.
“No, no, I gotchu.”
“No really—” Before Haechan could argue, Jaemin gets up and runs to the front register to pay. He really is a weird guy. But he was Haechan’s type of weird guy.
Jaemin returns with a big smile that makes Haechan’s stomach feel warm and bubbly. They start making their way down the street. Jaemin found a popular bingsu place just a few blocks from where they had dinner.
“I’ve been meaning to try this place.” Jaemin says showing Haechan his phone. “I hear good things about it!”
Haechan notices how close Jaemin is, but doesn’t say anything choosing to suffer in silence as he notes that Jaemin smells good. He uses far hand to flip through the photos posted on never. “Wow, this one looks delicious!”
It was a bingsu covered in mango chunks and smothered in condensed milk.
“Ok, we’ll get that one.” Jaemin readily agrees.
“Nah, we had my favorite for dinner, you can pick dessert.” Haechan tells him, pulling a little away. As he pulls away, Jaemin seems disappointed in the distance created between them.
“Seriously, I’m good with whatever you want.” Jaemin says nonchalantly, flashing that wide grin of his. Haechan’s gut is about to do a flip. “I can eat anything.”
“I just want to make sure you get something out of this date, too.”
“I’m on a date with a sexy guy. I’m just happy to able to take you out.” Jaemin winks. Haechan can feel the heat crawl up his cheeks. As they walk side by side, Haechan feels their hands brush. Before he knows it, Jaemin is interlacing their fingers shocking Haechan who stops in his steps.
“Sorry, too much?” Jaemin asks, but Haechan tightens his grip before Jaemin could pull away.
“No, just surprised.”
They walk the rest of the way, hand in hand. As soon as their bingsu comes out, Jaemin takes a big bit, gets up, and starts clapping.
“So sexy! Sexy food!” He exclaims. Haechan’s so glad there’s only one other couple in the café. This guy was crazy. But what was worse is that Haechan must be crazy too because he was so into Jaemin.
They finish their bingsu and Haechan allows Jaemin to walk him home, though he wishes the night wouldn’t end.
“I had fun tonight.” Jaemin says, “Thank you for letting me be me!”
“I had fun too.” Haechan leans on the door. “I’ve met some weird guys before. But you were the right kind of weird.”
“I don’t know what that means but I feel the same way about you.” Jaemin winks. Haechan sighs, getting up from the door and leaning in. He gives Jaemin a small kiss. Jaemin’s eyes widen.
“Sorry! Too soon?” Haechan asks panicking. Jaemin shakes his head, smile widening.
“I’ll call you, then?” He shoots Haechan a finger gun.
“I’ll allow that.” Haechan nods. He contemplates inviting Jaemin in when suddenly the door bursts open.
“Wanna come in for coffee?” Taeyong shouts.
“Uh…” Jaemin hesitates and Haechan groans. The one good date and his hyungs have to ruin it.
“Please come in, Johnny got a new espresso machine and wants to test it out.” Doyoung calls from the kitchen.
“I need more guinea pigs!” Johnny shouts.
“I promise they won’t bite.” Haechan says to Jaemin who just looks confused.
“I’ll only stay if you want me to.” Jaemin says, like a true gentleman. Haechan looks into Jaemin’s eyes wondering if maybe they’re moving too fast for a first date, but the look Jaemin gives him fills his stomach with butterflies. Nothing about either of them was normal so why start now?
“You probably would end up meeting them anyways...” Haechan trails off.
“You mean…?”
“Yeah, I’d date you.” Haechan sighs grabbing Jasmin’s hand and leading him into the townhouse.
“So, Jaemin, what do you do?” Johnny asks once they settle onto the barstools around the kitchen island.
“I’m a photographer.” Jasmin says proudly as Johnny prepares his drink.
“Is that stable?” Taeyong asks. Haechan glares at him but is ignored.
“I work on a project by project basis, so it’s not steady, but I’m usually booked and busy during wedding seasons so I make good money.”
“What about exes? Any crazy exes?” Doyoung asks.
“My exes would probably call me the crazy one.” Jaemin lets out a big laugh.
“Haechan’s too.” Johnny ponders as he hands over a concoction to Jaemin who readily drinks it. His eyes go wide and he smiles.
“This is delicious!” He exclaims.
Johnny looks at him concerned. “Dude, that’s like eight double shots of espresso.”
“Really? It’s amazing.” Haechan can practically see Jaemin begin to vibrate. “I’ll be honest. I don’t get much sleep.”
“That explains a lot.” Taeyong mumbles and Doyoung elbows his ribs.
“You know, it’s been awhile since we’ve met any of Haechan’s potential partners.” Johnny says, stirring his own drink.
“Really?” Jaemin perks up. “So I must be special.”
Johnny laughs as he straightens to his full six foot height. “You’re cute. Listen kid, we have strict standards for our Haechan’s partners.”
What are you talking about?” Haechan asks. “You’re not even my real brothers—”
“Shhh.” Johnny hushes Haechan. “I’m an only child, let me have this.”
Haechan throws his arms up in defeat. Jaemin looks at him but Haechan decides to leave him to the wolves.
It surprisingly goes well. Jaemin’s answers often get Haechan’s hyungs to laugh or at least pretend to laugh along. Jaemin answers every one of Johnny’s questions like a pro. Haechan forgot it’s only their first date and Jaemin doesn’t seem to be weirded out by how fast everything is going.
“Damn, 1am already?” Johnny notes, chuckling from one of Jaemin’s answers. He sighs and continues. “Well, Jaemin, it was great talking to you. Now get out of my house.”
“We can’t just kick him out!” Taeyong exclaims.
“We just met him.” Doyoung points out. “But it doesn’t feel right to let someone so young go home so late…”
Haechan sighs as his hyungs start arguing about whether or not to let this stranger stay in their house for the night.
“Do they do this often?” Jaemin whispers to Haechan.
“Argue? Yeah.” Haechan nods, unfazed.
“I don’t have to sleep over.” Jaemin says, “If you don’t want me to.”
Haechan thinks for a moment. A hard moment. Then he sees his hyungs arguing and realizes that he and Jaemin wouldn’t get a moment of peace in this house.
“Maybe I can stay over at your place.” Haechan gets up to start packing. “They’re going to be huffy all night.”
“Really?” Jaemin asks before trying to play it cool. Haechan giggles at Jaemin suddenly trying to keep a calm demeanor. “I mean, if you want.”
“Yeah, let me just pack a bag.”
Haechan and Jaemin slip out of Haechan’s townhouse and make their way to the subway station hand in hand. Haechan didn’t mind that this date was moving fast. It was thrilling but Jaemin didn’t seem like a threat. Haechan felt a connection between the two. Like they were on the same wavelength.
“I just gotta text my roommate that I’m bringing someone over.” Jaemin says.
“And he’ll be ok with it?” Haechan asks.
“It’s just the two of us, so it’s not like we don’t have the room for you.” Jaemin says shrugging, though that’s not really what Haechan had asked. “If he has a problem, he can stay with his friend.
Jaemin’s apartment was pretty clean. At least as clean as an apartment can be with three cats. Lucy, Luna, and Luke, Jaemin introduces each cat one by one like they were his birthed children. Jaemin’s roommate, Jeno, had gone to stay with a friend, leaving Haechan alone with Jaemin. It starts to dawn on him that he’s alone in a stranger’s home with no one around.
“You can stay in here.” Jaemin says coming out of the spare room, having just cleaned it. “Let me know if you need anything—You ok?”
“Just peachy.” Haechan says with a nervous smile.
“I’m going too fast, aren’t I?” Jaemin asks with genuine concern. “I’m so sorry. I tend to do that. If you want to go home—”
“No!” Haechan interrupts. “I rushed too. I mean you met my hyungs.”
“I just really like you.” Jaemin says sheepishly. “I didn’t want to mess this up.”
“I like you, too.” Haechan says, taking a step closer. “I feel like you… match my freak.”
“Oh my God, I feel the same way about you!” Jaemin perks up.
Haechan, following his gut, leans in and his lips touch Jaemin’s once again. This time Haechan doesn’t get the chance to pull away as Jaemin deepens the kiss, instantly. Jaemin grabs at Haechan’s waist and leads him to the room—
“Ok! That’s enough there.” Chenle shouts, nearly choking on his portion. “We didn’t need those details.”
“On the first date?” Jisung asks, scandalized.
“Hey, when you know, you know.” Haechan shrugs.
“And boy did I know.” Jaemin says dreamily, remembering their first date.
“You guys had like four dates in one.” Chenle points out. “And neither of you blinked an eye. Truly a match made in hell.”
“Are you satisfied with the stories, baby?” Haechan turns to Jaemin who nods happily.
“Though, is Hendery the Hendery I know?” Jaemin asks.
“Oh, yeah, we bounce comedy acts off each other.” Haechan says nonchalantly. Jaemin starts to sulk.
“He gave me a fist bump!” Haechan defends.
“And not even a romantic fist bump.” Jisung adds, unhelpfully.
“That’s a good point.” Jaemin gives in immediately and gives Haechan a kiss.
“Gross, don’t do that over my hot pot.” Chenle says covering his plate like it had eyes.
“What are we doing over hot pot?” Renjun says, appearing in the front door with Jeno.
“Renjun, save me from these mushy idiots!” Chenle cries out.
“What did you two do?” Jeno accuses as he walks to the table.
“Nothing, Haechan just told them how we met!” Jaemin tries to defend Haechan.
“Ah. Did you tell them how you ended the night in my bedroom and I had to buy a new mattress?” Jeno says glaring. “Came home to the worst surprise the next day.”
“No! Ew gross, I didn’t need to know that!” Chenle plugs his ears.
“Chenle cut me off before I got to that part.” Haechan says.
“Oh was that the date you called me to complain about?” Renjun asked.
“We are moving on from this topic!” Chenle demands. From then on, stories would exclude raunchy details.
Jaemin and Haechan were happy to be invited to Chenle’s family night. It had been fun and Haechan was happy he got to tell the story of how he fell for Jaemin. Jaemin may exasperate him sometimes, but that was still the love of his life.