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You know, when it recently rained and the atmosphere was blue and foggy? Yeah, today was that kind of day.
Intak sat perked up on the roof, his feet dangling off the edge, smoking a cigarette. His leather jacket was faded in places, and his grey cargos were soaked at the edges, along with his shoes. A Band-Aid was placed on his nose, decorating his stern face.
He felt someone approach from behind, slow and steady, as if not to startle him. He took one final drag of his cigarette, put it out on the concrete ledge, and tossed it off the roof.
“Aye! Did you finish smoking it before throwing it away?”
Keeho approached him, chains on his pants jingling ever so slightly. His cocky smile reached his eyes, where a piercing sat perfectly under one. Metal rings decorated his lips.
“I did. Don’t ask, it was my last one.”
Intak turned around to face the other boy, who was clearly not buying his lie.
“I’m not here to smoke; I came to find you. Miss Ahn isn’t very happy with your attendance or your grades. She’s calling you to her office.”
Stupid Keeho, despite being a total rebel himself, he somehow managed to keep his grades intact. Unlike Intak, who’s at the risk of repeating the year.
Intak scoffed and got up, looked over at the rusted and broken-down playground of the school, and walked over to Keeho. He slightly brushed his shoulder and gave him a mocking bow. “Thanks for telling me. I’ll see you later, man.”
Keeho stood unmoving for a second as he watched Intak leave through the door to the stairs. There was something off about him that he couldn’t pinpoint. Shoving his cold hands in the pockets of his ragged jacket, his fingers wrap around a foreign object. Pulling it out to look at it, he realised Intak must’ve snuck a single cigarette in his pocket when he brushed against him. He didn’t know how Intak was so good at this, but he appreciated it.
“Intak, you’re the best…!” He whisper-yelled at himself in excitement and pulled out his lighter from his back pocket.
——᧔࿔᧓——
Intak lazily walked down the stairs, practically dragging his feet over to the office. He sighed as he mentally prepared for the same conversation he had had with Miss Ahn a million times already.
His train of thought gets interrupted when he hears a yelp from across the hall. Making his way around the corner, he peeked to check the situation.
A blond girl was pinned against the wall. Three boys surrounded her, making her – from the looks of it – incredibly uncomfortable.
Intak wasn’t sure what to do when suddenly one of the boys reached and grabbed the girl’s waist while another grabbed her arm. Yeah, he had to do something about this.
He marched over to the main guy, pulling him back with his hood. With the boy being caught off guard, he managed to land a punch on his face, making him tumble to the ground.
The others weren’t stuck in their place for too long. One of them tackled Intak to the ground and held him in place, pulling him by his hair and forcing him to kneel. The leader of the group got up from the ground and stared at him, burning his eyes into Intak's.
That's when Intak felt a fist making contact with his nose, blood gushing out of his nostrils.
The girl hit the boy holding him still in the head with her book. With the bastard now distracted, he freed himself and countered the upcoming punch. He grabbed his arm and twisted it painfully, kicking him onto the ground. He turned to the other boy, noticing the third one missing, and he thought, ‘Fuck, they’re going to pin this on me.’
Being slightly distracted, he takes another punch in the face and a kick in the shin. His ears ring as he hears footsteps approaching.
“What in God's name is going on here?!”
The third boy called a teacher on them.
Well, shit.
The girl, who was somehow still here, ran up to the teacher and tried explaining the situation.
And apparently, the girl wasn’t a girl.
“Those boys were harassing me. Please don’t get the situation wrong, Ma’am! He only tried to help me.” A raspy voice explained the situation to the teacher, pointing at Intak with his lips.
“To the principal’s office! All 5 of you! Now!”
——᧔࿔᧓——
Long story short, the principal listened to the boy's side of the story.
“Thank you for your input, Jongseob. You’re free to get back to class.”
Jongseob stood up from his seat as he glanced at Intak. Meeting his eyes, Intak could read the faint ‘thank you’ in them. He nodded and left the room.
Now Intak was stuck in detention. Thankfully, the three boys got suspended, so they could take a bit of detention in exchange for it.
Looking around the room, he spots some familiar faces he has seen in detention before.
But one caught his eye.
Choi Taeyang.
Why was Choi Taeyang in detention?
Choi Taeyang was the most well-known student in the entire school. Perfect grades, perfect manners, talented, polite, and kind. Basically the perfect student and son. Everyone wanted to either be him or be with him.
Intak must’ve been staring for too long, because Taeyang was looking right at him. He shook his head and quickly looked away. All of a sudden the ceiling looked very interesting.
“Can I sit here?”
Intak was toying with his sleeve when Taeyang pulled out the chair beside him. He just nodded as Taeyang sat down next to him.
“Your lip looks bad. Did you disinfect it?”
“No, I didn’t have the time; it’s okay.”
“Disinfect it when you get home; it could get
infected.”
“Okay…”
“Yeah”
“Yeah…”
The awkwardness was so embarrassing that Intak was screaming inside. Why was this goddess of a man talking to him right now? It made him feel nervous. To ease the tension, he decided to ask the groundbreaking question.
“So… why are you here?” He choked out.
Taeyang looked at him, his eyes scanning Intak's face. Seeming to recall whatever made him end up in detention with him at this current moment.
“I got into a fight.”
Intak snorted. Looking back at Taeyang’s raised eyebrow and serious expression, he realised he wasn’t joking, not even a little bit. Intak cleared his throat. “How did you, out of all people, get into a fight?”
Taeyang crossed his arms and leaned back into the chair. “They were making fun of Soulie for being different. Mocking and laughing at him when he was just being himself. Witnessing it, I had enough. I smashed one of the minions' heads into a wall. Not too harshly though, she's still fine.”
Soulie. Soul. Haku Shota. Intak has heard of him before. He was one of the most talented people in the school. His dancing could probably miraculously bring someone back from the dead; he was breathtaking and breath-giving at the same time. But because of his ‘different’ nature, he was naturally picked on.
But Taeyang smashing another student's head against a wall? That was unheard of.
“I don’t think you were wrong for that, not even a little bit.”
Taeyang smiled. Looking away from him, “Of course you’d say that, Mr Hwang Intak.”
He looked back at him; seeing Intak’s awestruck expression, he couldn’t help but laugh. “Don’t look at me like that. You’re very well-known despite rarely actually showing up. You’re like spiritually always lingering.”
Intak tilted his head, not even registering what Taeyang was saying to him. The boy resembled the sun. His beautiful eyes shone brightly, his face illuminating a warm hue. His simple clothing fit him nicely, his overgrown bangs framing his carefully sculpted face. Intak just couldn't get enough of looking at him.
“You don’t say…” Is all he manages to mutter.
Taeyang leaned in and rested his head on his fist. He was looking at Intak, carefully observing him, taking him in. Intak was practically wagging his nonexistent tail at him. Although he tried to play it off nonchalantly, he looked very cute. Taeyang could easily tell Intak wasn’t the violent and disobedient person everyone made him out to be. He was just a free person. He was himself.
Oh, how jealous he felt.
Intak was interesting, fascinating even. Taeyang was growing more and more fond of him by each passing minute.
They spent the remainder of detention talking about whatever came to mind, mostly Taeyang talking and Intak listening, his full attention on the sun before him. Taeyang’s manner of talking was so elegant. Intak thought he was talking to royalty.
Taeyang looked at the watch around his wrist. “Detentions over; I need to be home soon...” He got up slowly, reaching to grab his stuff from the table he moved from. Before he left, he spun around to look at Intak one more time. “It was nice talking to you; see you later, boy!” He smiled at him and took his leave.
Intak sat there gobsmacked for a moment. Thanking whichever god was watching from the sky above for this blessed day. With a happy mood and a cheesy smile, which he was oblivious to, he walked out of detention, finally leaving for the day.
——᧔࿔᧓——
“Did you meet Tyla or something?” Keeho questioned, “You’re literally geeked; the fuck happened?” He giggled, kicking his legs harshly, pushing himself on the swing.
Stuck in his own world, Keeho's question snapped Intak back to reality.
“What? No, I was in detention.”
Keeho didn’t look convinced.
“Yeah, I can tell by the wounds on your face, but you’re geeked about getting detention? highly doubt that.”
“Taeyang was there.”
Keeho halted. Not expecting it.
“Choi Taeyang?” He looked at Intak's face, studying his facial expression. “Damn, how did he, out of all people, get detention?” Keeho scoffed.
Intak grabbed his phone out of his pocket. “He got in trouble for defending Soul. You know Soul, right?”
“Soul??! Again? Every time I see that kid, he never has any lunch money. Anyone with that kind of build could beat like five people up at the same time! He has crazy strength; I don’t get why he doesn’t use it. Wait, Taeyang was defending Soul?”
Intak's heart skipped a beat at the mention of Taeyang again. He gulped and put his phone away, forgetting why he had it out in the first place.
“Yeah, he apparently smashed someone’s head against a wall… badass.” He spoke the last part without thinking, making Keeho jump off his swing.
“Oooh!! I know why you’re so ecstatic! Is Choi Taeyang really that charming that he immediately
stole your heart?” Keeho was being annoying, jumping around Intak making kissy faces. Eugh.
“No, why? Where did you… You’re unbelievable.” Intak tried defending his smitten behaviour, but Keeho knew him too well. He suddenly remembers the time when he broke his arm and played it off. Despite his acting being Oscar-worthy, Keeho was never easily fooled when it came to Intak.
Keeho stopped circling Intak like a deranged lunatic and leaned against the swing's structure, crossing his arms and smirking. “Okay… Whatever you say, Takki!!”
Intak groaned and kicked him in the leg immaturely, nearly sliding off the swing. Desperate, he tried changing the topic. “Want to go to the mall?”
Keeho grimaced. “First of all, we’re both broke. Second of all, I have places to be.” He placed his hand on his chest, sighing dramatically.
Oh yeah, it’s ‘Keeho disappears somewhere for four hours thrice every week without anyone ever knowing where he's going’ time. Intak is smart enough; he knows Keehos is meeting someone.
Intak hurriedly got off the swing and intertwined his arm with Keehos. “Let’s go.” He said, cheeky grin not leaving his face.
Keeho immediately scoffed, looking at Intak in disbelief. “You’re not coming!” He barked, eyebrows knit together, not genuinely upset about Intak's sudden act.
With Intak's puppy eyes and marvelous convincing abilities, Keeho gave in, letting the moon follow the earth around.
The foggy, weird day atmosphere still lingered, tinting everything with a cold hue. However, it was now darker, being near evening. After a quick smoke break, evading puddles and slippery sidewalks, the pair made it to a nice-looking neighbourhood. Intak wasn’t familiar with it at all; it was definitely his first time here.
The older boy stopped in front of one of the homes and looked at Intak. “Please don’t embarrass me or yourself.” He was strangely serious about it, which intrigued the boy beyond belief.
“Why would I do that? Who are we visiting? The prime minister?”
“No, Intak, it’s someone way more important than the prime minister,” he paused. “…to me.”
What.
Keeho took off, walking to the front door. Intak skipped to him, weirdly excited about meeting this strange person, who was so important to Keeho, that he himself looked nervous.
Knocking on the door, quick steps, and a small ‘coming’ could be heard from behind. When the door opened, a boy around Keeho's height and age appeared. He had short black hair, and his glasses were sliding down his nose, which brought his features together nicely. He resembled a weird hybrid of a reptile and a critter; there was no correlation whatsoever, but it made sense.
“Hello, Keeho. Who’s this?” The boy asked, expression neutral, pretty eyes glancing at Keeho.
Keeho chuckled nervously. “Being mysterious never gets me anything; he convinced me to let him come along.”
Intak just looked confused and felt like an uninvited guest disturbing someone’s peace. Maybe this was a bad idea?
The boy hit Keeho on the head. “You could’ve at least told him about me beforehand! Yah! Stupid idiot! Get inside!” He very politely insulted him and invited him inside. “The poor boy looks so confused – I’m Jiung; please come inside. It's cold.” He invited Intak inside.
Taking off his shoes and walking into the living room, it was typical. A modern house, very clean and proper. Only a couple of family pictures decorating white walls. Intak quickly caught a glimpse of Keeho, who was already sprawled onto the couch like he owned the place.
“Useless boy, get up and introduce me to your friend properly.” Jiung walked behind him, carrying his slender build to the kitchen, which was connected to the living room.
Keeho groaned and sat straight. “Jiung, this is Hwang Intak. My childhood friend I’ve told you about. Intak, this is Choi Jiung. My Boyfriend.”
Boyfriend? Intak is pretty sure they skipped over that part and were already a bickering married couple.
“How come you never told me about him?! I feel incredibly betrayed. How could you do this to me?” Intak whined, grabbing Keeho by the shoulders, shaking him.
“I used to dislike people knowing.” Jiung suddenly said. “It isn’t his fault; he was just respecting my boundaries.” He sighed as he took three cups out of the cabinet. “I’d assume you’d also like tea Intak?”
“Yes please,” Intak responded, still glaring at Keeho.
“So, I’m curious. When did you two meet?”
“We met around three years ago. Our parents are friends, so when his parents asked me to tutor him, I really couldn’t say no.” Jiung poured water into the kettle, setting it on the stove to heat it up. He leaned against the counter and continued.
“At first I despised him and thought he was a lost cause. I even locked him outside a few times, not letting him in because he annoyed me.” He quickly glanced at Keeho, who was now sitting on the couch upside down. He couldn’t help but smile. “But, after some time, I thought he looked very handsome. And realized he genuinely had something up in that head; his skull wasn’t hollow.”
“So you’re the reason he’s been a straight-A student for the past few years. Here I thought he was doing witchcraft.” Intak laughed awkwardly.
Jiung nodded. “He was a pain to work with, always distracted and flirting with me. He eventually succeeded – look at him grinning right now.” He pointed at him.
Keeho was smiling ear to ear, a faint blush dusting his cheeks. Despite that, Jiung continued.
“After being stubborn with my feelings for months, I eventually got with him, almost two years ago.”
“I still think it’s insane he’s been hiding this from me for two years.” Intak pushed Keeho’s legs forward, making him tumble off the couch with an ‘oof’. Keeho got up and tackled him.
“Hey!” Jiung walked over and grabbed Keeho by the ear and dragged him off Intak. Pulling him closer to him, he kissed his cheek. “Sit down. I’ll pour all of us tea.”
After a long hour of chit-chat, Intak just listened to the couple talk. They were perfect for each other. They matched both aesthetically and personality-wise, like two pieces of a puzzle falling into place. Keeho’s boyish self needed someone like Jiung in his life. Their bickering reminded Intak of his parents. Arguing over useless things but still being deeply in love with each other. Intak was third-wheeling hard, but he had never been happier to look at a couple.
As it was getting late, Intak knew it was time to leave, so he met Keeho’s gaze from across the couch, signaling he needed to leave.
“Jiung, it’s time for us to leave. I’ll try coming over and staying longer, okay?” He got up, gathering his bag and phone. “I’ll make sure you have fun with me.”
Intak gagged at the implication, over-exaggerating it. Watched the couple act all lovey-dovey as they said their goodbyes.
“It was nice meeting you Intak,” Jiung said, smiling at him. “I hope we see each other again.”
Intak nodded. “Likewise. Have a nice evening!”
They walked together into the night. bumping shoulders here and there, until Intak decided to speak.
“Genuinely, how did you bag him?”
“With my charm. What? Need tips on how to bag the perfect Mister Sunshine?”
Intak pushed him, walking ahead. Keeho was unbelievably pissing him off, but the part where he said if he needed tips wasn’t far from the truth. So he decided to put his pride to the side and turn around to look at him.
“Maybe.”
“There is no tip; just be yourself.” He spoke, not in his usual voice, but in a softer, gentler one, as if he were trying to be as genuine as possible. Intak watched him as he played with his lip piercing with his tongue. Concentrating, thinking of what to say next. “You’re a good guy, a great guy even. There’s no need to change yourself for someone; I’m sure he’ll be able to see that anyway.” He smiled at him.
“Try to approach him more, talk to him, get to know him. He’s popular for a good reason.”
Intak nodded, taking everything in. It was nice to see Keeho actually giving him good advice. They spent the rest of the walk talking until their ways split, both heading to their separate homes.
——᧔࿔᧓——
Days pass and Intak ends up at school again. He walks down the halls during recess, warm sunlight seeping through the windows, lighting up the environment. Intak occasionally spotted people he knew, greeting them with small nods. His eyes searched but couldn’t find the one they were seeking.
He walks into the men's bathroom. Going over to wash his hands, a stall opens and the boy from the other day walks out. The boy's gaze immediately lands on Intak. He walks over to the sink next to him, making conversation.
“I didn’t get to properly thank you for what you did the other day, so thank you, and I’m sorry that you got into detention because of it.”
Intak hummed playfully. “Jongseob, right? Don’t mention it; I couldn’t just allow them to harass another student.” He shook his hands in an attempt to dry them, since there were no paper towels to be found.
As Intak was about to leave, Jongseob quickly caught his sleeve.
“If there’s anything you ever need my help with, let me know, okay?”
Intak escaped his grasp, sliding his hand up to catch the others in a handshake.
“Deal.”
Walking out of the bathroom, lost in his thoughts, he doesn’t notice where he’s going and accidentally walks into someone, making both of them tumble onto the ground. Intak groaned, opening his eyes; he was greeted by the light he’d been looking for all day.
He realises the person under him with narrowed eyes and beautiful plump lips is indeed Taeyang.
Intak immediately scrambles to his feet, muttering quick apologies and helping the other also get up.
“Calm down, it’s okay.” Taeyang catches his flustered expression but doesn’t comment on it. He dusts himself off, not seeming annoyed at all. “I’ve been looking for you actually!” He quickly loops his arm through Intaks, dragging him elsewhere, somewhere less crowded.
Before Intak even registers the fact he’s being dragged down the hallway, they’re already on their way up the stairs to the roof. Pushing the door open, Taeyang exhales in relief, seeing nobody else up there with them.
Taeyang releases Intak's arm and walks over to sit on the ground, back leaning against the railing. He meets the other’s confused gaze, who has yet to say anything.
“What? First time seeing someone as proper as me sit on the ground?” He chuckles to himself. “Give me a cigarette.”
Intak furrows his brows.
“What?”
Taeyang blinks at him. “Cigarettes. You have some on you, I know.”
“Why?”
“Because I want to smoke.”
Intak is dumbfounded. Choi Taeyang is asking him for cigarettes. The Mister Perfect, does-no-wrong, proper son, Choi Taeyang, wants a cigarette.
Reluctantly, Intak takes a pack out of his pocket. He passes Taeyang a lighter as well. Watching the boy light the cigarette was an elegant sight to see.
Taeyang looked beautiful, angelic even. Smoke escaped his lips as he held back a cough, clearly being his first time smoking even if he tried to play it cool.
“You didn’t inhale it properly.” Intak crouched beside him, taking the cigarette out of his fingers and bringing it to his mouth. He looked Taeyang in the eyes, demonstrating how to properly inhale.
“You inhale air through your nose after taking a drag from the cigarette; try it.”
Taeyang takes the cigarette back. He slots it between his index and middle finger, taking a drag without breaking eye contact. Intak could see his glittery brown eyes as they glistened in the slight sunlight, illuminating his face.
“Oh, that’s how it works; I see the appeal.” His smile revealed neat, pearly white teeth. Intak couldn’t get enough of staring at his features.
“Never thought I’d see you out of everyone smoking with me up here.” Intak played it cool, as Taeyang laughed. “You'd better get used to it.” He playfully kicked Intak's knee, startling the other.
Taeyang puts out the cigarette and puts the bud in his pocket, not wanting to litter the area any further. He swiftly stands up.
“I’ll get going to class; take care!”
“Wait!”
He halts, turning around at Intak's sudden calling.
Intak pulls out a packet of gum.
“You might smell of cigarettes; if you didn’t want people around you knowing –”
He walks over and places his hand on Intaks, stopping him mid-motion.
“I don’t care about that.” His gaze lowered. “Thanks for the gum, though!” He takes it from his hand, smiling at him one last time, turning around to leave.
Intak stands there for a bit, mouth agape, grinning ear to ear like an idiot.
——᧔࿔᧓——
Today was moody. The sky wasn’t visible, clouds not letting any sunshine through. The weather forecast warned of possible rain, but Intak never minded getting a little wet; besides, it’s getting warmer now.
“Soo… How's Taeyang?” Keeho kicked Intak’s shin, earning a harsher response from the other. They sat on the elevated part of the roof, feet dangling over the building.
“I don’t even have his number.” Intak groaned and leaned back; Keeho caught him in time.
“Falling back on the roof isn’t going to help you evade a concussion; it’s better than death, but not worth it over a boy.” He helps straighten Intak’s position, eliminating the probability of the poor boy falling to his doom.
Intak's eyes were scanning the playground when he looked down when suddenly he saw a familiar figure between the alley of the small nearby market and the school.
It was Taeyang, with somebody significantly older than him. Intak's brain didn't have enough time to theorize on who it was until recognition struck him and he realised that the woman was Taeyang's mother. Intak has seen her in the crowd during Taeyang's speeches before.
He squinted his eyes, trying to tell what was going on. It appeared the mother and son were talking, though Intak couldn’t decipher what the two were talking about; he felt rather nosy.
“And then Jiung said, ‘Wait, are you even listening to me?’” Keeho paused and followed Intak’s gaze, eyes landing on the target. “Ooh…”
All of a sudden Taeyang’s mother slapped him. She lingered for a few seconds until she turned on her heel and walked away, leaving Taeyang seemingly rubbing his cheek all alone. Abruptly, as if the sun felt all eyes on him, his head spun, looking up.
Intak's heart jumped to his throat as Taeyang looked directly into his eyes from so far away.
Intak blinked, and Taeyang was gone.
“What the hell was that?” Keeho questioned, displeased. “What did he even do?”
Intak thought the same. What did Taeyang do?
Taeyang was perfect; he did no wrong. He was the perfect example of what a perfect son should be. Seeing his mum harshly discipline him rubbed him the wrong way. It ignited something in him.
“Anywho, I’m going to Jiung’s place, if you even heard what I was telling you.” Keeho sounded excited, seemingly unaffected by what he witnessed. “I’d better get going!”
“Okay then, I’m heading home.”
Just as Intak and Keeho walked out of the school, rain started pouring.
——᧔࿔᧓——
Intak rarely even went shopping. When his parents rarely ever gave him money, he would mostly spend it on cigarettes, energy drinks, etc. Never on clothing. Now he's at the thrift store at an ungodly hour in the morning to buy something, anything; half of his wardrobe is falling apart. Desperate times.
He had a few shirts thrown over his shoulder, holding two pairs of pants; maybe getting a basket would've been a good idea. Running on three hours of sleep, he’s surprised he made it all this way without being run over by a car.
The store was rather small, so there wasn’t a lot to look through. The girl at the cash register looked bored out of her mind, resting her head on the table but also eyeing Intak, just in case he took anything without paying for it. Intak didn’t do that anymore.
All of a sudden the bell chimed, and someone Intak was definitely not expecting to see walked in.
Taeyang?
The cashier turned her head, seemingly straightening up. Taeyang walks past her, walking up to the guy who actually caught his eye.
“Intak-ah! Hello!” He waves.
Intak was very surprised. Why was Taeyang at an alternative clothing store? The guy who wore classical clothing, comfortable cardigans, and proper attire would never willingly step foot in here.
“What are you doing here?” Intak smiled, cancelling out the rude nature of the question. “I didn’t think you’d enjoy anything here.”
Taeyang rubs the back of his neck. “I wanted to try something different.”
He could tell. Realisation hit Intak like a meteorite. Not being able to wipe the smile off his face, Taeyang grabbed his arm and dragged him further into the store, like he usually does at this point.
Intak would happily let Taeyang put a leash on him and drag him around like a dog wherever he wished. Not even in a weird way.
“Help me pick something out; you’d know, your taste is nice.” Taeyang was looking through the hung shirts when Intak got a bright idea; removing a shirt from his shoulder, he handed it to Taeyang.
“Would you like this?”
Taeyang unfolded the crumpled-up shirt and stared at the print of the band.
“Oasis?” His starry eyes brightened up immediately. “I love Oasis! Ah! Are you sure you want to let me buy it instead?”
“I didn’t know you liked Oasis.”
“You don’t know a lot of things about me, come on! Let’s buy these; we can go elsewhere too.”
With a happy Taeyang and an equally happy Intak, they end up in a different clothing store. Taeyang eyes a wide-legged pair of jeans with a miniskirt over them.
“You should get it.” Intak snaps him out of his thoughts. “It would look nice on you.”
“My mother will disown me if she finds a skirt in my wardrobe.”
Intak momentarily remembered the scene he and Keeho witnessed the other day. Taeyang noticed the look Intak was giving him and sighed.
“She lost her cool. I have been acting out recently. She wants me to go back to whatever she calls normal.”
Taeyang kept glancing at the bottom.
“It only motivated me more.”
He walks over and takes it off the rack.
“I’m done suppressing who I really am.”
Intak's heart fluttered in adoration. Taeyang smiled softly, his face brightening up. Intak was thanking whatever God was up there for giving him the pleasure of witnessing Taeyang's beautiful face illuminating the entire store with his rays.
“I want to try them on. I think this is my size; can you hold my bag for me?”
He handed his bag over to Intak, looking around the store for a fitting room while the other trailed behind him like a puppy.
After a few minutes, Taeyang steps out, and Intak thinks he looks absolutely gorgeous. The white, ruffly skirt over the light blue jeans and the large, black jacket he grabbed while looking around tied the outfit together nicely. The only things he was missing were appropriate jewelry and shoes.
“How do I look? I’ve never worn anything like this before,” he muttered, hands hidden behind him.
“You should definitely get these.” Intak tried to clap excitedly, bags heavy on his elbows.
“Okay then! We’re getting them!”
Taeyang and Intak spent the day walking around town and having fun, taking a few smoke breaks here and there. Apparently, these tasks make one very hungry, so the pair end up in a small family-owned restaurant.
“Order whatever you want; it’s on me,” Intak says, looking at the menu.
“No, it’s fine, you don’t have to.”
“I want to.”
Taeyang smirks fondly. “Fine by me then.”
As they’re waiting for their food, Intak can’t help with his habit of staring at Taeyang's face. Taeyang's hair looks longer than before, definitely overgrown, but he assumes Taeyang wanted to grow it out.
“Are you growing your hair out?”
“Yes. I want to experiment more with it.”
“You look amazing.”
“You love complimenting me.”
Intak couldn’t help but blush at the comment, ears turning red. “Well, I say the truth.”
“A very unexpected pairing; I like it.” The waiter arrives with their food, scaring the crap out of Intak.
Taeyang and Intak look at the waiter, then at each other, then back at the waiter again.
“Soul?!” They say in sync.
“Enjoy your meals,” Shota says. “I hope I see you two around again.”
“You didn’t tell me you worked here – hey, wait – get back here!” Taeyang couldn’t finish his sentence when the alien boy had already gone back to the kitchen.
“I like that kid. He’s so cool.” Intak says to himself, smiling at the direction Shota went.
“He really is.” Taeyang smiles, looking at Intak.
“Eat it before it gets cold.” Intak caught his eyes, lowering his gaze in embarrassment.
They eat their food and bid farewell to Shota; now it is time to do the same to each other.
The weather felt bright and sunny. With trees starting to flower, it got warmer, less rainy, and less depressing. The pair walked side by side in a park, admiring the world around them, along with each other.
“This is where our paths split, I believe,” Taeyang says, facing Intak. “I had so much fun today; I hope we can meet outside of school more.” He checks his bag and pockets, making sure he hasn’t lost anything. “Oh, before I forget, can I have your number? Can’t believe I haven’t asked you yet.”
Intak raises his eyebrows, surprised. “Of course.”
Taeyang laughed embarrassed, handed him his phone and watched as Intak typed in the digits.
“I had an amazing time hanging out with you too.” Intak manages to say, looking at Taeyang’s beaming expression.
That smile. That same smile that drives Intak insane. Before he could bury the idea in the back of his mind forever, he leaned in, quickly placing a small kiss on Taeyang’s cheek.
Realization hits him, and he gets embarrassed for the millionth time today.
“Sorry, I should’ve asked first. I mean, I shouldn’t have done it without permission –”
Taeyang scoffed, stepping closer to the other and pulling him in for an actual kiss. The kiss was soft and sweet, but it ended before Intak could reciprocate. Unsatisfied, he pulled Taeyang in again, kissing him properly. Intak's face started heating up, his heart threatening to escape by how fast it was beating against his chest.
Taeyang was pretty, so pretty, and apparently a good kisser too.
“You kiss well,” Intak says, smiling against Taeyang’s lips.
“I’d say I’m a natural then; I have never actually kissed someone before, I have only recently started to watch queer romance movies; I wasn’t allowed to.”
“No way, you’re lying.”
Taeyang chuckled, his arms still thrown around Intak's neck. “No, I’m not lying; you’re the first person I’ve kissed.” He caresses the back of Intak's head, fingers gently tangling in his curls.
Intak’s speechless. Staring at Taeyang wide-eyed. This boy really knew how to make a man malfunction. Taeyang caught on and giggled, finding Intak’s reaction cute.
“I’ll see you later, boy.” He pulled away, waving at Intak, swiftly turning.
“Text me when you’re home, okay?” Intak shouts at him, now farther away.
“Alright!” Taeyang shouts back, not turning around, continuing his path.
Intaks stands there, his body frozen despite the warmth. Adrenaline is pumping in his body. He felt like the happiest man on this planet. Getting to spend the day with Taeyang and getting a kiss from him? Dreams come true.
He placed his fingers on his lips, Taeyang's touch still lingering, making his heart flutter remembering it. The world around him felt ten times hotter, yet it didn’t bother him at all. The sun must be in a good mood today, mirroring his own.
Walking home, his phone rings. Not expecting Taeyang, he picks it up and brings it to his ear.
“Hello.”
“Well, well, well. Streets saying you were out on a date with Taeyang?”
“Keeho? Who told you?” He heard a laugh from the other line.
“You guys ended up at the small restaurant Soulie works at; he snitched. Don’t get mad at him.” He paused, thinking of what to say next. “Did anything happen between you two? Come on, as your bestest friend in the world, I need details.”
Intak grumbled, continuing his walk. “We kind of, umm…” Intak suddenly felt shy, not having enough courage to say it. “We kissed.”
The squeal from Keeho was so loud that Intak had to distance the phone from his ear.
“What do you mean you kissed?! This calls for a celebration! Oh my God, my little Intak-ah finally kissed his crush! Oh, what a shame I’m not there right now…”
Before Intak could respond, he heard sheets rustling in the background and an annoyed voice saying something along the lines of ‘too loud’, ‘who are you talking to?’, and ‘nugatory asshole’.
Ah, Keeho was with his wife.
“I was out here trying to kiss a boy while you were getting laid by your boyfriend, I see,” Intaks says playfully, earning a snort from his friend.
“Yes, and I had a good time. I’ll call you back; this isn’t over.” He says and hangs up.
Intak puts the phone back into his pocket, taking out a pack of cigarettes instead, only for it to be empty. Intak sighs, tosses the pack into the trash, and walks home.
——᧔࿔᧓——
“Slow down, it’s not going anywhere.” Jiung pesters Keeho like he always does. “My man eats like a boar...” He uses a tissue to wipe off the shawarma mayo all over Keeho's lips.
They were sitting on a random bench, Intak thirdwheeling the couple (very much against his will), at least getting food out of it. He looked up, and clouds covered the sky. It was gloomy, clearly about to rain soon.
“Are you a child? Look at Intak being all proper.” He jokingly whines. Intak looks at the pair, furrowing his eyebrows.
Keeho swallows his bite. “He can’t get too messy; Taeyang won’t like him otherwise.” He teased Intak unapologetically, earning a nudge from Jiung.
“If you don’t stop eating like a child, I won’t like you anymore either.”
“You love me.”
Keeho and Jiung bickered endlessly. Intak was spacing out, thoughts running back to Taeyang. Taeyang, Taeyang, that’s all he’s been thinking about recently. The late-night calls, texting all day long, talking about everything and anything. He got closer and closer to him, his feelings running deeper each passing day. He craved Taeyang, and it all felt so serious to him.
Intak got to know more about Taeyang. Things like how he enjoys drawing, creative writing, and sculpting. Even unexpected things – such as playing the electric guitar, which was something he hadn’t gotten the chance to properly try yet.
Every time Intak thought about Taeyang, his heart would race, and he wholeheartedly hoped the boy also felt the same.
A sudden drop fell on his face, making him look up.
A second drop followed, then another, and soon enough, rain was pouring down. The trio took cover in a nearby gazebo, thankfully avoiding getting too wet in the process.
“It picked up so quickly; it’s not going to stop anytime soon.” Jiung noted, sitting down. “We should stay here for a bit and wait for it to get lighter.”
“Are you going to finish that?” Keeho pointed at Intak’s half-eaten food shamelessly.
“Are you serious?”
“I’m still hungry, and you haven’t finished it yet; let me help.”
Intak laughs. “Did Jiung impregnate you?? Why are you eating for two?”
“Not yet.”
“Not yet?!?!” Jiung pipes up suddenly. “What do you mean not yet?!”
Watching the two bicker, Intak suddenly gets a phone call from Taeyang. Distancing himself from the noise of the pair, he answers.”
“Intak-ah.”
This didn’t sound like normal. This wasn’t the cheerful tone he used when talking to Intak; this was something serious.
“Taeyang? What's wrong? Are you okay?”
He hears a sniffle from the other line.
“Intak, my father, he – he found my things, Intak. He was very angry.” Taeyang's voice shook, barely holding back tears.
Intak was heartbroken, his entire body overheating with concern. “I’m coming over Taeyang. Send me your location.”
“I can’t – he could see you –”
“I’ll be careful; I’ll crawl through your window.”
Taeyang was silent for a second, eventually agreeing to Intak's proposal.
“I’ll be there in fifteen minutes, Taeyang. Don’t worry, I’m coming, okay?”
Intak hung up, noting the pair’s concerned faces.
“I need to go.”
“But it’s picking up even more Intak, you’ll get sick—“
“I don’t care; Taeyang needs me.”
Intak shoved his food into Keeho’s hands and left his friends, running through the rain. He could barely process what was going on. All that was on his mind was that Taeyang was distressed and he needed him. His Taeyang was crying, and Intak couldn’t magically appear there to comfort him. The rain picked up more; it felt like he was taking a cold shower. His shoes were completely drenched, jacket dripping from the rain. It was all trivial to him; only Taeyang's well-being mattered to him.
Not being able to avoid dozens of puddles, while also being rudely splashed by moving cars, he finally made it onto Taeyang’s porch. He carefully snuck around the house, avoiding windows at all costs. He reaches the back of the building, the window looking into Taeyang’s room. Peeking in, Intak sees him sitting on the bed, legs pulled to his chest, head buried in his knees.
Intak gently knocks on the window, attempting to make it loud enough for Taeyang to hear it over the rain but not too loud for his parents to be alerted.
Taeyang notices and immediately gets up to open the window for him. Intak carefully climbs in, grabbing Taeyang's hand, trying not to make too much noise. As soon as he steps both feet into the room, Taeyang falls into his embrace. He buries his head in Intak’s neck, sniffling.
“I’m sorry I made you come all this way in the rain, Intak-ah.” He muttered as Intak's soaked clothes started to seep into his own. “I really needed you; I’m so glad you’re here with me. I miss you.” He tightened his arms around him, reassuring himself that he wouldn’t run away.
Intak hugged him tightly, pulling him in as close as he could. His fingers caressed Taeyang’s hair as he kissed his head, whispering sweet nothings.
They don’t know how long they spent locked in each other's embrace. Taeyang’s silent crying slowed and eventually stopped. He went limp in Intak's arms, feeling safe and secure.
The pouring rain outside followed him, calming down and leaving its surroundings bathed in its own tears.
“Taeyang, baby, do you feel better?” He takes Taeyang’s face into his hands, wiping his tears away with his fingers. “Let’s get changed, and you tell me what happened, okay?”
Taeyang detaches himself from Intak, walking over to his wardrobe, pulling out two pairs of pyjamas along with towels to dry off.
“Wear these; I think they’ll fit you.” He gives Intak the towels, turning around to undress.
Taeyang's room was boring, to say the least. His typically bland cover on the queen-sized bed was near the window. What seems to be a study desk was in the corner, with countless books stacked on each other, all neatly organised. His moderately sized wardrobe was next to it. There were a few family pictures hung on his wall. Other than that, nothing special.
Intak shamefully glanced at Taeyang’s back; the freckles on his shoulders were scattered like stars, connecting constellations. All of Taeyang was ethereal, carefully hand-sculpted for the universe to admire.
Taeyang slightly glanced over his shoulder, meeting Intak's eyes. The boy immediately looked away, the tips of his ears turning red. He hurriedly put his shirt on, followed by his pants.
“Put the wet clothes there; I’ll deal with them later.”
Intak nodded and hurriedly got dressed, though his hair remained damp. Taeyang climbed into his bed, inviting Intak to join him.
“Taeyangie… Can you dry my hair?” Intak put on his best puppy eyes.
“Come.”
Intak sat in front of Taeyang while the other worked on drying his hair. Intak closed his eyes, enjoying Taeyang's service.
“Can you tell me what happened now?”
Taeyang sighed. “He snooped through my stuff without permission and found what he didn’t want to find,” He finishes his job and gets up to put the towels and wet clothing on the radiator to dry. “He didn’t give me a chance to explain. Called me a faggot and a disgrace. He said he didn’t raise me like this and I should be ashamed.”
He crawls back to Intak on the bed. “And I couldn’t say anything, because it’s all true.” He places his head in Intak’s lap. “Why is wanting to be myself so shameful? I don’t understand Intak, but it hurts.”
Intak’s hand plays with Taeyang's hair, pulling his bangs out of his face.
“He said if I don’t stop and ‘return to the right path’, he’ll no longer be my father. But honestly? Fuck him, he was never fatherly to begin with.” He laughs to himself.
“But it still kind of hurts, you know? I finally started to figure out what I liked and what I wanted. If he hates that version of me, so be it; I won’t change for him.”
“I’m so proud of you,” Intak whispers to him.
Taeyang turns to look up at him. His face was full of sincerity.
“You’re not a disgrace, nor a disappointment, nor ‘on the wrong path’. You’re finally yourself, Taeyang, and there's no shame in that.”
He watched Taeyang sit up in his lap. His eyes were glossy, further making the living stars in his irises shine and glisten beautifully. He pushed Intak back on the bed, climbing on top of him. They stare at each other for what feels like centuries before Intak inches his face closer, connecting their lips.
Their lips fit together so perfectly. The kiss is slow, careful, and fragile yet also so beautiful. Intak can feel Taeyang melting into him. His arms give in, his thighs straddle Intak’s lap while Intak’s hands hold Taeyang’s face.
Taeyang breaks the kiss and places his forehead on Intak’s.
“If loving you makes me a failure, I’ll gladly be a failure.”
He resumes, hungrier, desperately. Intak returns the energy.
They kiss till they’re out of breath. Taeyang collapses comfortably onto Intak's body, placing his ear on his chest, listening to his heartbeat for him.
“May I be your boyfriend Taeyang?”
Taeyang sits up quickly, chuckling. “Seriously?”
“I haven’t had the chance to properly ask!”
“You may.”
Taeyang casually nuzzled against Intak while Intak freaked out internally. ‘Oh my goodness, this man is your boyfriend! Can you believe it?’ He smiled to himself, feeling like the happiest man on earth.
He kissed the top of Taeyang's head again, inhaling his scent. “Your hair is so long now, Taeyang, so soft.” Intak played with the strands, twirling them around his fingers.
“Do you think I should bleach it? Maybe piss my family off more?”
“You’d look amazing with any colour of hair, sunshine.”
They stayed quiet for some time, and only the sound of the clock ticking and their breath mingling could be heard in the room.
“I’ll wake you up early tomorrow so you can leave without my parents seeing, okay?”
“You know I don’t like waking up early.”
"And you know I don’t want to let you go home in the first place.”
Taeyang puts a blanket over them. Cozily snuggling with each other, they fall asleep peacefully.
——᧔࿔᧓——
After months of smoke breaks on the roof, shopping trips, and countless dates of graffiting abandoned places, Intak got into trouble and fights while Taeyang tended to his wounds. Helping Intak skip classes more easily, as well as convincing him to come to school more often.
Despite Taeyang’s longer, now blond hair, smoky eye makeup, and opposite style, he was still heavily influential and respected amongst his peers. Since his parents were not very fond of his transformation, Taeyang spent a lot of his time at Intak's place, eventually moving in with him with the support of Intak’s parents.
The change was immediate. Since Intak lived alone, he didn’t bother anyone else in the house. They slept in the same bed, ate the same food and lived together peacefully. Intak introduced Taeyang to his parents properly, and they absolutely adored him. Always warning him to not break his heart or they’ll break his neck.
Intak would rather break his own neck if he were to hurt Taeyang.
The thing about Intak and Taeyang is that they fulfill each other. They found the perfect way to evolve and make the other a better version of themselves. Intak helped Taeyang through his nightmares, comforted him every time he woke up in cold sweat.
Maybe soulmates are real and yours is the person you’d never think of.