Work Text:
Jake Ji and Dean Kwon had known eachother for ages. Dean was one of the only four people who Jake trusted to tell them about how he was feeling. Then again, Jake never really opened up, believeing that men walk alone and he needs to not rely on anyone to be strong. Dean thought that it was complete bullshit, but never said a word to Jake, knowing Jake would just laugh and brush him off. But on that fateful night when Kenny Ji was seriously injured by Changyeon Lee, the head of Manwol, and the other high ranking Manwol executives, Jake Ji finally broke down into tears. The same strong Jake, who never cried infront of others, broke down into heart-breaking sobs. The sight of his dear Kenny lying in that hospital bed, shattered Jake. He didn't even register the doctor saying Kenny would need another operation, and would never be able to play football ever again. Jake could only stare on in shock. He wouldn't cry, not yet atleast. Soon, that shock turned to pure rage. Changyeon Lee would pay. Jake would make sure of it. Even if Jake died, he'd make sure Changyeon Lee wouldn't get away. Jake turned away, heading towards the rooms door. Dean stopped him.
"Hey, Jake, where are you going?"
Dean spoke, looking confused and voice full of worry.
"To get some... coffee."
Jake knew Dean wouldn't buy the excuse. He never did. Dean was too smart.
"You really expect me to believe that? I know you're going to see Changyeon Lee, Jake. Are you stupid? Going to Manwol on your own is practically suicide!"
Dean angrily told Jake. He wasn't actually angry. He was also affected by Kenny, and was processing this too.
"If you go, I go. Kennys like a big brother to me too."
Dean carried on. Jake looked conflicted. He couldn't bring Dean into this mess. Especially since he could get hurt. Jake would never let Dean go into danger. At that moment, Donald Na came into Jakes mind. The offer to join the union. It had its pros and cons. But Jake knew he couldn't take all of Manwol on at once. It was impossible. So, Jake and Dean headed over to Yeoinaru, where Donalds office was.
He wasn't there, but that lanky prick Kingsley was. Kingsley rang up Donald, who was busy beating up Ben Park and Alex Go. Donald, after hearing Kingsleys words, decided to let Ben and Alex go, in favour of bringing one of the strongest teens in Yeongdeungpo into the union.
After this, Jake joined the union. Dean was honestly worried about Jake. The second Jake entered his house, he broke into tears. Dean comforted him, holding Jake close. He didn't bother telling him 'everythings going to be okay' or 'its okay' because it wasn't. Kenny would never play football ever again. He'd lost his dream. Jake has signed away his freedom all for revenge. Changyeon Lee was dead in an abandond building. Nothing would ever be the same again.
Jake continues to cry against Dean, hands tightly fisting into Dean's hoodie. He just couldn't help himself. It was all his fault. Maybe if he had never fought Naksung Yoon, maybe if he had never started getting into fights he wouldn't have been scouted by Manwol and Kenny wouldn't be lying in a hospital bed, unconscious, with his dream of being a football star officially crushed. Jake never liked to cry. It made him feel weak. He didn't like feeling weak. It pissed him off. But around Dean... he felt like he could cry. Dean never judged him. He had never. Not when Jake admitted he liked anime, not when Jake came to Deans house battered and brusied after a fight, not when Jake got a shitty score on a maths test, not when Jake realised he liked guys as well as girls. Dean never judged him. He felt safe with him, always. Maybe thats why when he couldn't reach Kenny, Dean was right there in a close second if Jake needed comfort.
The tears wouldn't seem to slow down, but after what felt like hours, Jake finally began to sniffle, no more tears left to cry. He still clung onto Dean, his head resting against his chest, the familiar scent of Dean comforting Jake.
"Feeling better?"
Deans voice rang in Jakes ears. It was uncharacteristically soft. Dean was never soft. But with Jake? That wall sometimes broke down. Mutually, Dean hated being soft or weak. But with Jake, it felt like he just could be whatever he wanted. Jake sniffled in response, slightly nodding his head before yawning. Dean immediately knew that Jake would fall asleep within the next few minutes, so like the good best friend he is, he picked up Jakes heavy ass and hauled him onto his back, beginning to trudge up the stairs of the Ji house, reaching Jakes room. Kicking open the door, Dean gently lowered Jake onto the bed. Jake had a nice room. It was pretty big, with dark blue walls and a double bed in the middle, a built in wardrobe to the beds left and a desk with his laptop and manga volumes ontop of a shelf to its right. Opposite the bed was a TV with a set of drawers underneath it. At the foot of the bed was a black fluffy rug and the sheets were black too, but the underside was a grey colour. Jakes red givenchy hoodie was lying on the bed, so Dean tossed it aside, untieing Jakes shoe laces and chucking them somewhere. He could help Jake get ready for bed, but that would be a bit gay. Dean blushed at the thought, as a sleepy Jake pulled off his hoodie, the shirt underneath pulling up to reveal his stomach, and Dean couldn't help but admire him. He'd always known Jake was extemely attractive, and he couldn't lie he looked really good right now. Jake also was Bi, so maybe Dean had a chance...
He smacked himself internally for thinking that. Jake was NOT in the right state right now. Kenny had nearly died for fucks sake! Dean sighed, gently rolling Jake under the covers, making sure his head was resting properly on the pillow. Jakes eyes were practically closed now, so Dean decided to leave, thinking he was asleep. But as soon as he turned, Jakes arm shot out, hand curling around Deans wrist.
"Stay.."
He murmered drowsily.
"I don't wanna be alone.."
Dean turned around, looking at the sleepy Jake.
"Okay."
He nodded in that same soft tone. Dean untied his own shoe laces, before slipping onto Jakes bed next to him. Jake, still being half asleep and not particularly aware of what he was doing, turned around and wrapped his arms around Deans waist, snuggling into his chest. Dean blushed again, but let Jake be.
He could get used to this.