Archive of Our Own

“Eunho.”

A black-haired male stood in front of the classroom door, waiting for his grey-haired friend who still didn’t budge from his seat even though the bell already rang 20 minutes ago. The prep class had ended, and the classroom was empty besides the two of them. All students already went to their respective rooms in the dorm, or headed to the cafeteria for tea time.

Despite being persuaded by Hamin to just continue his study in their room at the dorm, Eunho was stubborn. He still didn’t want to budge before he completed reviewing the current topic he was studying. He had a goal to ace the exam as his parents just promised to buy him the gaming pc he always dreamed of, if he can reach top 10 in the school.

Seeing the red-eyed male didn’t even react, Hamin sighed loudly. Gripping his backpack’s strap tighter on one of his shoulders, and quickly sauntered over to his roommate who had basically buried his face in the book he was reading. 

Hamin knocked on the desk to get the other male’s attention. Eunho lifted his head and looked at him with his wide eyes for a moment.

“Ah Hamin, I’m still not finished. Just a moment”

Eunho said dismissively, and went back to his study, face planted in the book even harder as if it would make him absorb the information from the book directly to his brain faster.

“Don’t you realise what time it is now, Eunho? You said only 10 minutes more.” Hamin crossed his arms, and tapped his feet, getting impatient. He knew he could have just left Eunho alone, and walked back to the dorm by himself instead of coddling him. Yet, he didn’t have the heart to abandon his friend in the classroom alone, starving himself.

Knowing Eunho, he probably would have immersed himself in his studies until it was too late, and missed dinner time. Eunho needs a lot of food in a day to function like a proper human, so a missed dinner is the last thing he should avoid. In short, Hamin is worried about him.

Hamin raised one of his eyebrows, waiting for the excuses from the guy that has been his roommate for a year, already knowing how stubborn he can get.

“Uhm, I need to study this chapter a bit more. I still can’t understand it.” Eunho said, not lifting his head from his book. Still determined to finish it.

Hamin internally rolled his eyes at the excuse.

“Eunho, this chapter isn’t even due for the next few weeks. You literally almost finished the whole syllabus.” He tried to reason with him. Apparently being advanced a few weeks ahead isn’t enough for the silver-haired male.

“I’m aware of it, but isn’t it better if I study the whole thing now, so I can get the upper hand? Not gonna take a chance, my DREAM gaming pc is on the stake here.” Eunho looked at Hamin making a face that showed like it’s the most obvious thing he should do right now.

“At this point, the teachers have nothing to teach you anymore.” Hamin looked at him sternly.

Deciding to ignore the other male disapproval, Hamin forcibly closed the book Eunho was reading and packed all his things into his backpack.

“But-” Eunho tried to protest by holding on to his backpack’s strap for dear life, but Hamin was not a match for him. As someone who always represented the school for sports events, Hamin was undeniably stronger physically compared to him.

Hamin gave him a smug smile, as Eunho slowly released his backpack, well aware he would lose either way. 

The dark-haired male slung the backpack on his other shoulder to avoid Eunho from reaching it. Eunho could only watch in disdain and couldn’t help himself from pouting a bit, slouched on his seat.

A low chuckle vibrated from Hamin’s chest. Adorable, the only word that appeared in Hamin’s mind watching his roommate sulked, not that he could say it out loud.

If Eunho was any stubborn, he would just throw Eunho on his shoulder and carry him to their room. He never had to resort that way, but he’s pretty sure he can pull it off. Based on what he saw in their room, Eunho’s body is quite lean compared to him even though they only have 1 cm height difference, not to mention the smooth pale skin…

Wait, no. How is that related to this? 

Hamin shook his train of thoughts that suddenly went astray not very appropriately. Getting back to his senses, he tried to think of a way to persuade his roommate to leave the classroom.

“C’mon, let’s go. I heard today's tea time is apple pastry that you like so much. I can give you my piece if you want.” Hamin tried to tempt him, very aware of how much the other male loved his sugary treats.

Eunho’s eyes lit up once his favorite dessert was mentioned, and he was basically beaming at Hamin, totally forgetting about their dispute.

Seeing the smile on his roommate, the dark-haired male felt his heart pound, but not in a bad way. Somehow, it is kind of pleasant.

I’m not hungry, am I? Maybe… I also wanted the pastry.

Still, Hamin already decided he would give the dessert to Eunho, if that will make him smile this wide. 

This is what friends are for, right?

“Really?” Eunho shrieked in excitement, like a puppy wagging his tail while getting a treat.

“Totally.” Hamin closed the distance of their face, so Eunho could determine if he was lying or not from his expression. 

Eunho stared at him seriously, red-eyes squinting, checking if he was bluffing. He closed their distance and moved his head closer to Hamin’s face, to the point their breaths mingled.

Suddenly, Hamin puffed out his nose, exhaling his breaths loudly, causing Eunho to flinch back, and they both ended up laughing because of how stupid Hamin looked at that moment.

That scared me, I thought we are going to kiss. Hamin thought, trying to reassure and calm himself down-as if his heart didn’t almost leaped out from his ribcage just a moment ago.

“Alright then, let’s get going.” Hamin said after secretly gaining his composure.

Eunho nodded and followed Hamin who was already outside the class waiting for him to walk together. 

A few steps in, Eunho checked on his watch to look at the time, and gasped loudly out of nowhere, startled Hamin.

“Oh shit! There’s only 5 minutes more for tea time.” Eunho screeched dramatically, and grabbed Hamin’s shoulder.

The academic buildings and cafeteria were both at the end of the school ground, and opposite each other, which made the distance quite far.

Not wasting any more seconds, Eunho yanked his arm to sprint with him towards the cafeteria. Not wanting to waste the opportunity to get his double desserts. Hamin just let himself get dragged on his feet to the cafeteria by his puppy-like roommate.

On their way to the cafeteria, they came across Yejun, who had just come out from the music room. The moment he saw them, his face immediately changed into a teasing look, and his lips formed into a shit-eating grin, wiggling his eyebrows at the sight in front of him.

Eunho didn't notice Yejun in his hurry as his thoughts were completely occupied with the dessert.

The dark-haired male saw the look Yejun gave them, he just rolled his eyes and ignored him. Knowing the teasings he will get later.

As for Yejun, the display of Eunho dragging Hamin around the school ground was amusing, to say the least. He needed to tell the others about this.

It was the usual weekday at 9.00pm, students were all in their respective classrooms for evening prep time. Hamin minding his own business, lounging at his desk, abandoning his homeworks entirely after looking at it for a few minutes. He decided to daydream until the prep time ended instead, as he no longer had the capacity to use his head for educational thoughts.

Staring at the clock on the wall, he grunted, there's still half an hour more before supper time, and they all can leave to their dorms.

Eunho, as usual, committed to finish his homework, ignoring anything else that happened in the classroom. ‘Today’s prep time is for homework, I need to study in our room after.’ He said, when Hamin asked him to stop forcing himself to study, and join him to relax for once. 

He knew Eunho wouldn't give in anyway so, he decided to be a good friend and accompanied him quietly, while Eunho did his homework in comfortable silence.

At least that's what he thought.

Prep classes were never quiet except during exam week. The buzzing sounds of students talking with each other filled in the entire classroom. 

Despite that Yejun’s voice boomed among all of the mixed sounds as he loudly gossiped with few of their other classmates, who already gathered around his desk. They seemed to be so engrossed in their own little gossip world, as they kept talking non-stop the whole time.

It was the usual occurrence, so no one bat an eye as long as the voice's volume was within limits.

Hamin put his head on his arms on the desk and watched his roommate who was seated just beside him, smiling to himself. He was glad Eunho was also his desk mate.

Staring at Eunho, who was immersed in his homework, was more than enough to entertain him. Examining the pretty ruby eyes, the plump pink lips and the soft fair cheeks. He’s lucky to have such a fair-looking friend, he could watch Eunho all day and still would not get bored. 

Feeling the urge to be close, he then casually rested his head on Eunho’s shoulder, who was still diligently finishing his homework like his whole life depends on it. Eunho just hummed as a response, and used his other hand that was not occupied to pat Hamin’s head without looking at him.

Ever since they became roommates a year ago, they have achieved this level of touch comfort. It was common for Eunho to request hugs from Hamin when he felt like it, that sometimes Hamin would even hug Eunho from behind while he was doing something and it wouldn't bother any of them.

Hamin took out a lollipop, and popped it inside his mouth, hummed some random song in his head while enjoying the taste. Licking and sucking it while still resting his head on Eunho’s shoulder, nonchalant of anything else.

The sweet smell of the lollipop caught Eunho’s attention, he took a glimpse of Hamin from the corner of his eyes.

“Is that the new melon flavour?” He asked Hamin, while still working on his homework.

“Yeah, wanna try?” Hamin said, pulled the lollipop out of his mouth and offered it to Eunho as a joke. Didn’t expect him to take the saliva stained lollipop in his hand.

However, Eunho didn’t hesitate and grabbed the lollipop from him. He gave the lollipop only a glance, plopped it inside his mouth to taste the new flavour.

Hamin was stunned by watching his friend sucking his saliva stained lollipop without even batting an eye. He only offered that to tease him, but Eunho didn't even hesitate to put it inside his mouth.

A wave of heat washed his face when a sudden thought occurred to him.

Isn’t that like an indirect kiss? 

No, it’s normal between friends. It’s probably nothing.

Eunho is his friend, they are besties. But he never shared anything directly from his mouth with others before. Well, he and Eunho have been close friends and roommates for quite some time already, this shouldn't be a big deal. Hamin convinced himself.

Despite the dilemma in his head, seeing the delight on the face he was unconsciously admiring everyday, Hamin couldn’t help, but form a soft smile at him.

“It’s good, isn’t it?” Eunho nodded enthusiastically, beaming at him.

“Mmhm, it’s very good! I should buy some later.” He said, taking the lollipop out of his mouth and handed it back to Hamin.

Hamin almost hesitated, but tried to appear casual as he calmly took the lollipop from him.

Eunho then continued his work like nothing just happened.

Hamin stared at the lollipop in his hand, uncertain if he should put it back into his mouth.

Sharing a lollipop between friends is nothing, right?

Well, Eunho didn’t say anything, so he shouldn’t make any fuss either. It does not have to have meaning, he made up his mind. Slowly putting the lollipop back into his mouth.

It’s sweeter.

Hamin was lost in his thoughts, he didn’t realise the classroom went quiet all of sudden. Yejun, Noah and Bamby were all staring at him. Focused on the interaction between Hamin and Eunho over a lollipop. They gave a knowing look between each other, wiggled their eyebrows.

Hamin felt himself being observed, and turned his head back and saw them staring at him.

Once they all realised Hamin stared back at them, they all gave him a teasing look, before whispering between themselves.

Hamin scowled at that, they were probably going to tease him again later. He huffed and turned his head back, ignoring them. 

He sighed. The supper time suddenly felt too long.

Hamin was reading the class notes on his bed, while resting his back against the headboard, when he felt the bed shifted a little.

He turned his head and saw Eunho was sitting on his bed just beside him. Their eyes met, and Hamin raised one of his eyebrows at him. Eunho didn’t say anything and squinted his eyes at him.

“Do you need anything?” Hamin’s brows furrowed.

“Yejun told me something during the prep class earlier, and he said I should play this particular game with you.” His voice was serious.

The silver-haired male was already in his sleeping get up which consisted of dark short pants, and an oversized white t-shirt. 

Hamin’s gaze swiftly detoured from Eunho’s face to the pair of smooth fair thighs. Suddenly feeling hard to swallow his saliva.

Did Eunho shaved his legs?  

He never cared before despite seeing it every night. But it really piqued his interest this time for some reason.

His own legs were so hairy, maybe he should shave too sometimes to achieve the level of mouth-watering thighs, Eunho owned. Fuck, what is he thinking? Well, it’s normal for guys tempted by thighs, right? Even if the said thighs were their own friends?

Hamin couldn't stop staring at it. Maybe he is secretly a pervert. No, Eunho is his friend, he shouldn't do this. Trying to rationalise himself.

“Hamin. My eyes are up here.” Eunho called him. Hamin sheepishly put his gaze back on Eunho after getting caught ogling his own friend. 

“Sorry, I-I was lost in my thoughts.” He reasoned, his voice came out shaky as heat rushed to his face, feeling a bit embarrassed.

Eunho looked at him with a confused face, but didn’t question it.

“Anyways, do you wanna try this game Yejun suggested? If you don’t mind, of course.” Eunho persuaded him.

Hamin had to hold himself from palming his face, this doesn’t sound good. There’s probably a hidden agenda, it’s too suspicious.

Why so sudden? 

He was about to refuse the request, but the hopeful look on Eunho’s face made him think twice. 

He didn't want to disappoint his dearest roommate, and to see Eunho’s sad face was the last thing on his mind.

This is what friends feel for each other, right?

Whatever. He gave up, he would never win against Eunho anyway.

“....yes, go on,” Hamin said carefully, making his voice as convincing as possible. Eunho’s face immediately lit up, and that's enough to cause his heart to pound. Beating hard.

Huh, am I that scared of this game?

Eunho climbed on Hamin’s bed to properly sit on it and faced him.

“I’ll ask a question, and if you are wrong I will take it from you, but if you are right you can take it away from me.” He said excitedly, his body kinda bounced from the excitement like a puppy.

Cute.

“Fair enough, what’s the question?” Hamin said, ready and feeling competitive.

“Okay, first hint. What is a thing that is a part of your body, comes in different sizes and colours?” Eunho questioned him.

“Huh, that is too general.” Hamin’s brows furrowed, confused. Hands?

“Next, second hint, sometimes it drips a little, sometimes it drips quite a lot.” Eunho said that while getting closer to Hamin, grinning like a little shit. 

Wait, impossible, Eunho doesn’t mean that right? No, Eunho wouldn’t.

Seeing Eunho slowly getting close to him caused Hamin’s breath to hitch a little. He was not expecting where this is going, not that he’s gonna stop Eunho. He definitely does not hate it.

“Next hint, please..” Hamin forced his voice out, despite feeling his heart beating in miles, feeling nervous. 

“Lastly, if I blow it, it would feel really good.” This time Eunho said it in a low voice as if he was tempting him. Eunho moved forward to get closer, invading Hamin’s personal space. 

Fuck.

Does this mean that? This caused a lot of stir in Hamin’s mind. He never knew his roommate swung that way. Not that it was a problem for Hamin. 

The fact that his roommate was almost on his lap, and Hamin found himself, didn’t mind it, even a bit.

But knowing Eunho, he probably did that to infuriate him. 

Hamin was equally stubborn and didn’t budge, staying where he was. Fingers gripping the bed sheet under him. Feeling a bit sweatier than before. 

Tonight is a bit hot, he reasoned himself.

“What is the answer, Hamin?” The sweet voice sounded again, this time Eunho was getting closer to his face.

Hamin audibly gulped, he was not sure if he should answer it. Does this mean he needs to... Wait, isn’t this violating the friend code.

But at the same time, Eunho is the one who asked him to play, so maybe he should just go for it. Hamin is not someone to back off from a challenge.

“Is it penis?” Hamin answered, feeling his face getting heated instantly.

He saw Eunho’s lips turn into a smirk, and the next thing he knew, there was an intense pain on his nose, he released a loud scream, as his nose was pinched and pulled ruthlessly by his roommate.

“Wrong, the answer is nose!” Eunho laughed out loud after he was done tormenting his roommate’s nose. Hamin looked at him perplexed, while palming his nose.

“You could have warned me first!” He shrieked, rubbing his nose softly. Eunho really meant it when he said he’ll take it. 

“I’m sorry Haminnie, Yejun told me you probably won’t get the correct answer. And he’s right.” He said while still laughing.

Yejun, that stupid dolphin motherfucker. I’m going to get him tomorrow.

“Does it still hurt? Let me look at it.” Eunho said, still out of breath from his laughter, it seemed like he really had fun.

“It’s fine, don’t touch it.” Hamin sulked, slightly defensive of his poor nose and avoided Eunho’s touch.

“Stop being a baby, let me see it.” Eunho huffed.

Hamin tried to get away, but Eunho was faster. He pushed Hamin down and pinned him on the bed.

“What the?!” The dark-haired male was caught off guard by the unexpected action. He struggled to get away at first, he knew he could push Eunho back, but the moment he felt his roommate's body heat against him, he froze.

“Stay still, you big baby.” Eunho said, dropped his body against Hamin and immediately went to check on the abused nose.

If Hamin felt his heart beating miles just now, it’s now aggressively thumping against his ribcage by seeing Eunho’s face so close to his. He can even feel the silver-haired male’s soft breath on his face. 

Can Eunho hear my heart beat? Why the hell am I beating so hard?!

Their compromised position didn’t help either, if someone saw this, many rumours are going to spread around the school.

“Just a little red, no bruising. Maybe I pulled it just a little too hard.” Eunho said with a low voice, fingers slowly rubbing on Hamin’s nose softly unaware of Hamin’s inner panic. 

That little gesture caused Hamin’s heart to be more erratic, and he was now definitely sure Eunho could hear it as well.

“It should be fine now.” Eunho said, and slowly pulled himself up from Hamin’s body.

Before they could move into a non-compromising position, someone suddenly barged into their room.

“Hey Hamin, what are you doing for this-” It’s Noah, their next door roommate.

Noah abruptly stopped in his voice and steps, seeing his two roommates in a particularly suggestive position. 

“Oh my, looks like I’m bothering something. Continue what you two are doing. I’ll get going now.” Noah quickly sauntered back, but not without giving a thumbs up to Hamin before closing the door, leaving the two rendered speechless before they could explain anything.

Hamin loudly sighed and palmed his face with both of his hands. Knowing Noah would not shut his mouth.

He doesn’t have energy to go after Noah now, it’s not like he can stop that nosy guy anyway.

“Well, I think we should go to sleep now.” Eunho said after a moment, awkwardly getting off Hamin.

“Yeah, let’s just sleep..” Hamin agreed, and helped Eunho to move from his body.

For some reason, Hamin felt sad after Eunho’s body heat was removed from him, despite what just happened.

Hamin was asleep when he felt a tap on his shoulder that awoke him.

“Hmm.” He rubbed his eyes, seeing that it was still dark in the room and grabbed his phone to check the time. It was 2.30AM. 

“Hamin..” A whisper could be heard from his side.

“Eunho?” Hamin rolled his body to the side, accompanied by the sheer moonlight illuminated by windows, he saw his roommate crouching at the side of his bed, only his head poking.

“Hey, can I sleep on your bed with you tonight?” Eunho's voice was small, and there was a hint of a quiver in his voice. 

Something must have happened.

Hamin immediately scooted over to the side to make a space on his single bed, Eunho was quick to climb on the bed and lay down beside his roommate.

Once they settled up on the bed, both of them had their heads up, staring at the ceiling. After a few moments, Hamin questioned him.

“What happened?” He whispered, not wanting to break the comfortable silence between them.

“Just now, I felt something off and I couldn’t sleep.” Eunho confessed.

“You okay?” Hamin moved his head to look at his roommate’s face. Eunho only nodded.

“You have a night practice for the sports day today and skipped prep class, I felt kind of lonely without you during the time.” His voice soft, ruby-eyes stared at the ceiling.

“I didn’t know you value me that much.” Hamin teased him.

“I thought it was obvious.” Eunho said sarcastically. 

“Continue.” Hamin chuckled, to hide his stirred heart.

 “Anyways, I wasn't in any mood to study or do any work. Then, Bamby dragged me to his desk with the others, to listen to this old horror story that happened in our dorms a long time ago.” Hamin hummed, signaling Eunho to continue.

“When the clock strikes 3 am, a woman in white with dark long hair will knock on the window to meet all those who haven't slept yet."

"So like, she can fly?" Hamin intercepted Eunho's little story session.

"Can you just listen first?" Eunho squeezed Hamin's shoulder with his palm.

"Okay, sorry, go on." Hamin said while rubbing his shoulder, feigning hurt.

"If no one answers, which means everyone is already asleep, she will enter the room and stay there to stare until morning just watching if anyone is pretending to sleep.. and if that someone busted she's going to suck their blood dry...” He trailed off.

"So, that lady is a vampire and a pedo at that? Since she sucks teenager's blood you mean?" Hamin mocked the story.

"Huh, I don't know." Eunho looked at him weirdly.

“They probably made it up, Eunho.” Hamin tried to reassure him.

“I know, but it still kinda gives me chills.” Eunho faced his friend and squinted his eyes at him.

“It’s not even scary to begin with.” 

“Yeah, but then what if you are not there with me when it happens, and I just got really sad..” Eunho looked at him earnestly.

Hamin felt his heart beating loudly. Eyes widened at Eunho’s confession.

Eunho rolled his body to face Hamin, and quietly stared at him. A smirk formed on his lips.

“Eunho.. Uhh, I don’t know what to say.” He stuttered, feeling the heat on his face.

Eunho looked at him, chuckling. “I made you shy now, didn’t I?”

“What, no!” Hamin nervously shouted in his small voice not wanting to make much noise late at night. Eunho sniggered at his roommate's reaction and continued to tease him again.

“Is that so, then can I hug you in my sleep tonight since I'm so scared of losing you.” Eunho tried to grab his waist.

“Eunho!” Hamin's face bloomed with heat. Not expecting Eunho to say that.

“Shh, it’s late. That lady is going to find us.” Eunho laughed at him, and had to cup Hamin’s mouth with his palm from making too much noise.

Hamin then pinched Eunho’s thigh which caused him to scream a little. Eunho looked at Hamin in disbelief, and now his fingers were on their way for revenge. Hamin quickly grabbed Eunho’s wrists, and now they were wrestling on the bed avoiding getting pinched by each other.

The room was occupied with the sound of questionable gasps, from Hamin avoiding Eunho’s fingers, and Eunho whining loudly as he was not able to land his fingers on Hamin's skin.

While they were busy bantering, the window in their room had a clicking sound, like someone knocked on it.

They both went silent and stared at each other. Sudden chills entered their body, Hamin then picked up his blanket to hide himself and Eunho under it.

Both stayed quiet for a few minutes, waiting. But nothing ever happened.

“So much for a made-up story huh.” Eunho mocked Hamin.

“It’s probably just a branch.” Hamin looked at Eunho and rolled his eyes.

“Then, explain why you are hiding both of us under the blanket.” His fingers pointed at the blanket covering them.

“Ugh, let's just go to sleep.” Hamin uncovered both of them, and pulled Eunho closer to him, snaking his arms around the silver-haired male’s waist. Eunho stared at him dumbfoundedly.

Without a word, Hamin dragged his head closer to his chest, hugging him tightly. 

“There, I hug you. Now let’s sleep, I’m tired.” Hamin was starting to feel sleepy again. He didn't know where his boldness came from, but he didn't care. Eunho asked for it afterall.

Eunho got his face squished between Hamin’s chest and suddenly giggled. He even had the audacity to rub his face on Hamin’s chest, snuggling against it. Hamin looked at Eunho scandalously.

What a disgustingly cute human.

His heart started to pound heavily, again. At this point, he didn’t even care if Eunho heard him. He wished he heard.

“What are you doing?” Hamin questioned him, he wouldn’t admit he actually quite liked it.

“I didn’t know you had such a nice chest, it feels good to snuggle my face here.” That caused Hamin to get embarrassed.

“Stop that.” Hamin moved his body backward, distancing his chest from Eunho’s face.

“You are the one who puts my face here.. By the way, can I touch it instead?” Eunho teasingly showed him a small groping motion with his hand. Hamin frowned at that.

“No pervert. Sleep, or I will kick you to your bed.” Eunho pouted not being able to feel the mounts in his hand, but he obeyed as he also started to feel drowsy. It was late after all. 

Trusting Eunho won’t do anything weird, Hamin continued his previous position. They ended up cuddling and sleeping in each other's arms comfortably that night. 

The next morning, Hamin could feel someone shaking his shoulder harshly, but this time it was Bamby.

“Ugh, what time is it?” He asked in his half-awake state.

“It’s 6.30 already.”

“Oh fuck.” Hamin was about to get up when he felt something heavy hanging from his waist. It was Eunho hugging him, with that, all the memories of last night came to his mind.

“Noah was right, you two are fucking behind our backs,” Bamby stated, giving him an incredulous look, leaving no room for a debate.

“We are not.” Hamin said in a low voice at him, to not wake the male beside him.

“Yeah, yeah. Could’ve fooled me, if Eunho kept his mouth shut. You guys were wild last night.” He smirked at Hamin, who had his mouth hanging open wide.

What the hell?!

“It’s a misunderstanding.” Hamin tried to explain, but Bamby brushed him off.

“I won't tell anyone about that, it's not my business. But this is so gossip-worthy isn't it.” He said in a teasing voice before he walked back to his own room.

“Not you too.” Hamin grumbles.

At this point Hamin just gave up to deny any rumours surrounding him and Eunho.

Hamin was waiting for Eunho in the classroom as he said he needed to take care of something in their room first. However, it passed 15 minutes and his roommate was suspiciously late. The wardens would start their round soon.

He decided to sneak to their dorm room as Eunho still didn’t show up even after 20 minutes passed.

The dark-haired rolled his eyes as he saw Eunho was sleeping soundly without a care in their room, probably he just fell asleep while resting. 

He sighed and tried to wake Eunho up.

“I’m so tired, Hamin. Just let me sleep in this once.” Eunho whined, face planted on the pillow.

“The wardens will catch you, Eunho.” Hamin said while trying to get his roommate up from the bed, by tugging on his arm.

“Nah, they rarely check inside the rooms anyway.” Still didn’t want to budge from his position on the bed.

“I can’t leave you alone.” Hamin crossed his arms, frowning at Eunho.

“Heh, just say you are lonely without me in class.” He tilted his face to the side and gave Hamin a cheeky smile.

“I am.” Hamin said seriously.

“Very cute.” The silver-haired male replied, before planting his face again against the soft pillow. 

“Come on, let's go while the warden isn't here yet.” Still did not give up to coax his roommate to not skip the prep class.

Eunho sighed, exasperatedly. He looked at the clock on the wall, apparently, they were almost 50 minutes late by now. 

“Fine, ugh.” Eunho stood up and rubbed his face. Hamin smiled at his little victory in persuading him, and at how cute his roommate was looking right now.

They both sneakily walked through the corridors of the dorm building watching for any person in the building. Just in case the wardens decided to take their job seriously, checking the buildings for any student skipping today.

Once it cleared, they ran towards the stairs but luck wasn’t on their side. From the 2nd floor, they saw a warden rounding the building on the ground floor and was about to take the stairs. Eunho panicked, and almost ran in the opposite direction when Hamin grabbed his wrist.

“Eunho, here,” Hamin whispered, still holding Eunho’s wrist in his to drag him away towards the other side to avoid getting caught.

They went to the other side of the corridor which had open-air stairs on the first floor to hide from the warden, but the gate for the stairs was chained. Worried they would be found out, Hamin proposed an idea to jump from the railings on the first floor.

“Let’s jump from here,” Eunho said in a haste.

“Are you insane?!” Hamin had to hold himself from shrieking, totally not expecting that from Eunho. 

“I did this plenty of time in my junior year, don’t be a pimp.” He used to skip classes in his junior year after all, before he was promised his gaming pc if he behaved and studied well by his parents.

“I'd rather be a pimp than an idiot with a broken back.” Hamin is not ready to break any bones in his body yet.

“Are you calling me an idiot?” Eunho pursed his lips, and squinted his eyes at Hamin.

“Well, you are acting like one now!” Hamin raised his voice so much, that Eunho had to grab him, and palmed his mouth to quiet him down.

“Shut up, slow down your voice. Are you stupid?” Hamin nodded his head at the warning. 

“You are the stupid one here.” He said, after Eunho released him.

“Ugh, can’t you just trust your precious roommate for once?” Eunho circled his arms around Hamin’s shoulder trying to persuade him.

“I don’t want to end up in the hospital.” Hamin said while crossing his arms.

“You won’t, watch me.” Eunho then climbed on the railings, and stood on the outer edge, before he gracefully jumped down. That amazed Hamin, mouth floored down at the dangerous stunt. 

“Hurry Hamin, I got you.” Eunho said from the ground below.

“I’m not really convinced Eunho.” Despite the demo Eunho showed him, Hamin still didn’t have enough courage to do it himself and he was the school’s athlete for good’s sake.

“Just jump already if you don’t want to get caught.” Eunho was already half-shouting, the warden was going to find them, sooner or later.

“This is not safe at all!” Hamin said from above, despite that he gave in, and slowly climbed on the railings to stand on the outer side. Not daring to jump yet.

“You won’t be safe up there either, if I get there, and break your legs myself. Now jump!” Eunho’s patience ran thin this time.

“Promised you would catch me! Don’t forget I’m bigger than you!” Hamin said, braced himself to jump.

“You are only 1cm taller than me! No big deal, I will catch you! My princess, come on!” Eunho already spread his arms, ready to catch Hamin from below.

“I’m jumping now!” Hamin let go of the rail, and jumped directly to Eunho.

Eunho caught Hamin as he stumbled once he landed to the ground. However, Hamin caught Eunho’s shoulder a bit too hard and caused him to lose his balance, they both still tumbled on the ground. 

Eunho’s face planted on Hamin’s chest. The tan-skinned male instinctively circled his arms around his roommate protectively as he just didn’t cause them both to fall onto each other just now.

“Your chests are so nice.” Eunho suddenly exclaimed as he planted himself between Hamin’s chest. The dark-haired pushed him off, and frowned at him. Even in this dire situation Eunho still had the guts to do that.

Eunho laughed it off, knowing how much it annoyed Hamin.

“Stop doing that, quick before they find us.” Then both of them quickly scrambled up towards the dorm’s gate. Thinking they managed to sneak away.

But luck wasn't on their side, as another warden was already waiting outside. They were caught red-handed immediately, just as one step out of the gate.

Luckily, they both got a light punishment since it was Eunho’s first offense, and the discipline teacher knew him as the top student.

Hamin and Eunho were punished by standing in front of the assembly ground until the prep time ended. Everyone can see them from the windows in the academic building, not to mention the students need to walk past the assembly square to go to the teacher’s lounge.

How humiliating ugh.

“I’m so sorry Hamin, your reputation is tainted now,” Eunho said slowly, watching Hamin from the corner of his eyes. Hamin, the model student who never broke the rules.

“It was my fault. Maybe if I just left we wouldn’t be in this situation.” Hamin tried to reassure him that it was not his faults.

“There’s nothing to blame, we just sucked at sneaking.” They both stared at each other with suppressed laughter, mocking themselves. 

“Selfishly, I’m glad it happened. It was fun seeing you, in your pimp nature.” Eunho snickered at him. Hamin was so offended that he punched Eunho’s arm lightly.

“I won’t jump again if I was given a second chance. I think my soul left my body for a moment.” Hamin admitted.

“Obviously.” Eunho said mockingly, causing Hamin to give him an incredulous look, and mouthed ‘Asshole’.

They had a staring match, which ended with them laughing at the face each other made. Then, they stood in comfortable silence, waiting for the punishment to end.

Suddenly, they heard a voice calling them from the side.

“I heard two little lovebirds got caught skipping prep time.” It was Yejun, and a few others followed him behind.

“Shut up, Yejun.” Hamin squinted his eyes at him. 

I don’t have the energy for this.

“How romantic, getting punished together.” Yejun still gushed, and loudly announced. “I told ya, these two have a thing.”

“We are not, and can you guys just please just go,” Hamin said, without hiding his distaste.

“Well, apologise for bothering you two, let’s get going.” Yejun said while giving a teasing smile and walked off with the others.

Hamin groaned and rolled his eyes, while Eunho only gave a small sigh at the side, not saying anything.

It was exam week, Hamin was still studying on his bed when Eunho slowly approached him.

“Hamin.” He called. Hamin lifted up his face from the notes he was currently reading and looked up at the other male who stood beside his bed.

“Are you done studying?” Eunho asked, his voice was neutral but there was a sense of urgency hidden between the words he spoke.

“Yeah, it’s only maths tomorrow. I’m just reading the notes for our history test later. Why?” Maths has always been an easy subject for Hamin, and he didn't even need to study much for it, as long as he paid attention in class and understood the concept.

“Great then! I’m done too.” Eunho clapped his palms excitedly. 

What is he so excited about? it’s not like he had to study maths much too. 

“What are you doing?” Hamin said feeling confused, when Eunho took hold of his arms, and dragged him up.

“We have around 20 minutes more before midnight, let’s get going.” He said eagerly, and took the black sweater hanging from Hamin’s locker to put it on him and zipped it up. Eunho brushed off Hamin’s front with his palms, causing Hamin to give him a funny look, but he didn't question it.

“Okay done, get walking.” Eunho pushed him to the door.

“Wha-” Before Hamin could utter more words, Eunho already put his finger on his lip to shut him up. 

What has gotten into his roommate?

“I have a surprise for you. Just us. You better be quiet, or the whole dorm can see us sneaking out, especially Yejun and Noah. But they are still busy studying so shh.”

Sneaking out, again? Hamin was audibly confused, but he knew he can never say no to Eunho, and he was pretty sure Eunho knew that as well. 

So, in the end, he just let himself be dragged by his roommate to who knows where. 

He followed Eunho until they reached the main gate separating the dorms and school grounds. 

The gate was locked since it’s almost midnight already. What Hamin didn’t expect, Eunho took out the keys from his pocket and unlocked the chains for the gate.

“Where did you get that from?! I thought only the dorm board members, and wardens had those.” Hamin shouted in his whispers. 

“Well, since everyone is busy studying. I told William, who was on duty this week, that I would help him open the gates for today and tomorrow.” To say Hamin was stunned was an understatement, since when Eunho turned into a rebel. 

The most important thing now is where are they going?

“Where are you dragging me?” Despite the suspiciousness, Hamin still followed Eunho behind.

"Shh, just follow me."

They reached the school grounds, it was dark but Eunho seemed to know where he was going as Hamin obediently followed him behind. They finally reached in front of the home economics class, Hamin hesitated to enter but Eunho pushed him inside.

“Still a pimp huh?” Eunho mocked the other male.

“This is illegal Eunho!” Hamin whispered in a high pitched voice. 

Not attending prep class was an offence, but not enough to actually cause them a huge trouble with the school, while this is borderline trespassing, they could get suspension if caught.

“Calm your tits down Hamin, we got this.” At the mention of tits, Hamin immediately crossed his chest protecting his front.

“I’m offended you think that low of me.” Eunho huffed at the sudden reflex movement, brows furrowed, and mouth hanging open. The look on Eunho’s face almost caused Hamin to laugh out loud.

“Maybe I won’t be this defensive if you are actually being subtle in your attempt to grope my chest.” Hamin still protected his front as if Eunho was going to grope it any moment. Not that he was actually mad if he did.

“I can’t help it, it is a nice chest.” Eunho openly admitted, as if Hamin didn’t know already.

“Let’s stop talking about my chest. Other topics please.” Hamin tried to deter him from talking about his chest.

“So are we gonna talk about my super nice bouncy ass now?” Eunho grinned, which caused Hamin to be speechless, and his eyes subconsciously glanced at Eunho's ass.

How did the conversation even turn out this way?

Well, it is true beside his thighs, Eunho does have such a nice ass but that’s not the point. 

No, focus.

“What are we doing now?” Totally ignoring what Eunho has just said, to actually emphasised the matter at hand. Eunho just laughed it off and asked him to wait obediently at one of the desks.

Eunho lit a candle and brought it to Hamin.

“It’s not midnight yet, wait a minute.” Eunho then proceeded to look at his watch.

“Okay, it’s 12:00am now.” He then pushed it in front of Hamin, and gave him a soft smile.

“Happy birthday, Hamin.” The dark-haired male was caught off guard, he didn’t even remember it was his birthday today.

“I-I what.” He stuttered.

“Come on, make a wish and blow out the candle.” Eunho put his elbows on the desk, cupping his face in his palms, and looked straight at Hamin with a gentle smile.

Hamin took a big breath to compose himself and closed his eyes. Making his wishes before blowing it. 

Eunho clapped slowly, as Hamin looked at him with a smile, and they stared at each other's eyes. He never thought the feelings in his heart could bloom this much, and Eunho was the only one who ever made him feel like this. 

There was no doubt, at the moment Hamin finally realised, what was this feeling that he felt all this time for Eunho.

I am an idiot.

How could he never realise this before? It’s always been Eunho.

“Eunho, I-” He didn’t think he could contain this feeling anymore.

“Wait a second, I have something for you which is the main reason I brought you here besides the candle of course.” And left the desk to take something from the fridge.

“Using the dorm's pantry fridge is too risky since someone is definitely gonna steal it. I made this for you and stored it in the home economics class fridge.” Eunho brought a box and put it in front of Hamin.

“How did you convince them to let you use this class?” Hamin questioned him. “Did you bribe them?” Hamin looked at Eunho suspiciously.

“You know, I get along with everyone in the school.” Hamin looked at him incredulously, maybe being extroverts had its perks. 

“You are unbelievable.” Hamin breathed.

“Always has been.” Eunho lifted his eyebrows and gave him a smug look.

Hamin scrunched his nose at that. He then picked up the spoon Eunho gave him, and opened the box. 

A cat shaped, dark chocolate cake. 

“I made it myself.” Eunho said proudly.

Hamin didn’t like dessert much, but the thought Eunho made this for him made him appreciate the cake much more.

The urge to kiss Eunho silly was strong at the moment.

“Is it good?” Eunho asked, after Hamin took a bite.

“Yeah, it's so good." He smiled at him. "Thanks Eunho, for everything, I appreciated it.” His voice was sincere, as their eyes met. 

“I’m glad.” Eunho gave him a sweet tender smile, which made the urge inside Hamin to kiss him become stronger. 

At this point, having Eunho's lips on him was the only reason for him to breathe. But Hamin is not an animal, he could control this, furthermore, he’s not even sure if Eunho would want it.

“Feed me too!” Eunho said suddenly. Hamin looked at Eunho who was already batting his eyelashes at him.

Fucking cute.

“How old do you think you are? Five?” Hamin held his straight face and pretended the sight didn’t stir his poor heart.

“Aaaaaa.” Eunho ignored the look Hamin gave him and opened his mouth. Hamin just rolled his eyes and fed him a huge piece of cake. Eunho quickly closed his mouth, causing his cheeks to become puffy, barely fitting the cake in his mouth.

Hamin laughed at him, as Eunho struggled to chew.

Too cute.

But the moment was ruined, as they heard footsteps from outside. It's the school’s security.

Hamin swiftly grabbed Eunho and pulled him under the table, hiding.

They both hold their breath, waiting for the security to pass by. Eunho hugged his knees, while Hamin sat cross-legged on the floor under the desk.

After a few moments went by, “That was close.” Eunho broke the silence with a whisper and a little laugh.

Eunho then rested his face on his knees and tilted his face towards Hamin who was only a few inches from him. Smiling radiantly. Hamin stared back at him, feeling lost in his gaze.

That’s it. He could not hold it any longer.

Before they both realised, Hamin grabbed Eunho’s head and pulled him closer. He then planted Eunho with a soft kiss just at the corner of Eunho’s lips, instead of on the lips. 

Eyes wide and shocked, Eunho turned red at the sudden prompt kiss.

“Sorry, I can’t hold myself.” Hamin avoided eye contact as he moved his face to the other side.

“Why?” Eunho, still dumbfounded, at what just transpired.

Hamin mustered up his courage and faced Eunho. “I-I like you, Eunho. It took time for me to realise this, but it’s always been you. I thought the feelings I have for you, is what others have for their friend. Apparently, it's stronger than that.” He looked at Eunho intensely, hoping his feelings would be conveyed enough.

Eunho stared at him without a word, before a smile broke on his lips. “Then why don’t you just kiss me.” 

“Huh?” Hamin was confused. 

What? Does this mean?

“I like you too idiot, took you too long. I’ve been waiting.” Eunho said, and tackled Hamin down with a hug, pushed his face on Hamin’s chest.

Well, of course. Hamin rolled his eyes internally.

“I’m sorry for the wait.” The dark-haired male said, rubbing Eunho’s back and kissed the top of his head.

“You are forgiven. Now, how about you kiss me properly this time.” He teased Hamin.

“I don’t think I can do that.”

“Why? Are you too shy now after trying to kiss me?” Hamin smiled at him, squished Eunho’s cheeks, and brought his head closer to his lips to whisper directly on Eunho's ears.

“I don’t think I can stop at once.” Eunho’s face went red at the notion.

“Who told you to stop just once.” The blonde looked at Hamin and exclaimed boldly.

“No one, but I don’t think I’m able to control myself much.” As he put their foreheads together, eyes staring into each other.

“Then don’t, we can continue more kisses in our room later.” Eunho smiled.

“You bet.”