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Harua sighed, running after Euijoo right after the clock struck 5, and they were off work. To Euijoo's despair, he was about to be pestered by Harua again, with that stupid request of his.
"I already said no" Euijoo said, before Harua could even open his mouth.
Since the past few days, Harua had been begging Euijoo to attend this blind date in his place. Harua's sister had been forcing him to go on this blind date with her co-worker's brother, saying the guy was totally Harua's type.
Harua had a terrible break-up last year, and since then his sister had decided that she would find the perfect guy for Harua. But he wasn't interested at all in dating anymore.
However, that was pretty difficult to explain to his sister.
"I have been declining all the blind dates till now" Harua said. "But noona said if I don't go on this one she won't talk to me, because apparently the guy is her co-worker's brother and she doesn't want me to embarrass her"
"Harua" Euijoo sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Your sister wants you to be with him, why should I go?"
"Look" Harua placed his hand on Euijoo's shoulder. "I am not saying you have to date him, you have to act weird so he rejects you"
Euijoo shook his head instantly. "Please, keep me out of this"
"Look" Harua walked along with Euijoo, matching his steps. "I would have gone myself I promise-"
"Then why aren't you?" Euijoo asked.
"Maki..wants to meet again.." Harua said, his voice getting barely audible by the end of the sentence.
Euijoo paused, blinking. "You're meeting up..with your ex?"
Harua slowly nodded, looking away.
"Does your sister know?"
"Of course not!" Harua shouted, realising he was too loud. "She doesn't, and no one will tell her because she hates Maki for breaking up with me"
Euijoo gave Harua a look full of disappointment, folding his arms as he leaned against the wall. "So let me get this straight," he cleared his throat. "You're not going on that blind date your sister set you up on because Maki, aka your ex wants to meet up again! And you cannot tell this to your sister because she will obviously beat your ass up!"
"You're so understanding Euijoo" Harua said, putting up the biggest smile, while furiously blinking at him.
"Harua" Euijoo let out another sigh. "You shouldn't be meeting up with Maki"
"That's my problem" Harua replied. "I want to hear him out, I promise I won't instantly forgive him"
Euijoo thought Harua had totally gone insane. And the favour he was asking Euijoo was absolutely crazy.
"Then reschedule the blind date!" Euijoo reasoned. He still doesn't understand why Harua wanted him to attend that blind date in his place when he could go on it some other day, and politely reject the guy. "Why are you setting me up?!"
"Well" Harua smiled once again. "Because you're good at scaring guys away!"
"Excuse me?" Euijoo widened his eyes.
"And you're so good with rejection!" Harua said. "Remember how you rejected Sungho back in college!"
"Euijoo" Sungho said nervously, holding up flowers in his hands, glancing up at him.
Euijoo was standing right in front of him, hands inside his pocket as he stared back at the boy with a blank expression.
"I like you" Sungho confessed, blushing.
Euijoo made the worst expression known to mankind after hearing that. "Sorry?"
Sungho blinked, confused. "I have feelings for you"
"But why?!" Euijoo asked, even more confused.
"Because I do?" Sungho continued, frowning.
"Don't you have anything better to do?" Euijoo said, eyebrows knitted together. "I mean it's cool that you like me, although I really don't understand why because I did nothing to win your heart"
Sungho stared in pure disbelief. Sure he must have seen rejections before but this was absurd.
"You know, you can simply say that you don't like me back" Sungho answered, shaking his head.
"I mean I could like you back" Euijoo shrugged. "But I kinda don't wanna invest in all that you know?"
Harua snorted at the side. He felt terrible for Sungho because his best friend was just brutal at times with rejection.
Sungho sighed deeply, slowly nodding. "So there's no chance?"
"Unfortunately" Euijoo hummed, looking around. "Nope! I am kind of sad, in mourning these days"
"Sorry what?" Sungho asked in concern. "Did someone die?"
"Yeah" Euijoo said, putting up a sad expression.
"Who?"
"My plants" Euijoo said.
Sungho blinked, once, twice. Was Euijoo making fun of him right now?
"Can you stop?" Sungho said, annoyed. "I am sorry I made the greatest mistake ever by telling you my feelings"
"I feel sad" Euijoo continued. "You aren't taking my plant's death seriously. We could never be together anyway"
Sungho instead of answering him, turned around with a loud scoff, storming off. The moment he disappeared, Harua broke into fits of laughter.
"Euijoo you're so funny!"
"Am I?" Euijoo turned to Harua. "I was just being for real"
"But that guy really wasn't taking my plants death seriously" Euijoo said in his defence, as Harua reminded him of that hilarious rejection.
"I just want you to pull some shit like that with my blind date" Harua pleaded. "I will do anything!"
Anything? Euijoo stopped to ponder over the offer. He just had to act uninterested? That's easy for him. He wasn't really interested in romance anyway, so it wouldn't be a problem. But he would have to put extra effort in tolerating someone.
"What are you offering?" Euijoo asked.
"Anything!"
"You're that desperate?" Euijoo raised an eyebrow.
Harua nodded, clasping his hands together.
"You're getting me tickets to Twice's concert" Euijoo said. "And I don't care if you say it's impossible, your sister has her sources, get me!"
"Deal done!" Harua jumped, throwing his arms around Euijoo.
Harua provided Euijoo with all the details of the blind date. Euijoo sat down on his bed, scrolling through the information.
Nicholas (Wang Yixiang)
Age: 23
Nationality: Taiwanese
Hobbies: Sports, Swimming, Fashion, Painting, Photography
Euijoo hummed, before snorting. "Why does this seem like an arranged marriage proposal profile? I thought this was a blind date"
He picked up his phone, dialling Harua.
"Yeah what happened?" Harua spoke.
"Well" Euijoo started. "Are you sure this isn't a marriage proposal"
"Blame my sister" Harua groaned.
"But seriously" Euijoo rolled around on his bed. "Wouldn't he recognise that I am not Harua? Did your sister not send your photo to him?"
"Nope!" Harua responded. "Neither did she send me Nicholas's photo. So it's going to be a fucking surprise for you!"
"Wow" Euijoo laughed. "You really planned your way into it"
"Plus it's just a stupid blind date. I am not serious about dating this Nicholas guy. Just fucking make sure he's completely weirded out by you and doesn't ask for a second date because my sister was so confident that he's the one for me"
Euijoo sighed, staring at the ceiling. What the hell was Harua even demanding from him.
"Alright" Euijoo said, "I will try my best"
Euijoo pulled out his laptop, opening up google. He had to be mentally prepared for this blind date, and make sure that he doesn't look interested one bit.
How to reject someone on a blind date.
1 Make up weird hobbies
2 Eat like a bear
3 Be rude but in a subtle way
4 Keep mentioning your ex (even if you are single as fuck)
5 Let them know they are not up to your standards
Euijoo scrolled through reddit and twitter, getting all the ideas he needed for the date. He needed those twice concert tickets. That's the only reason he was willing to go this far.
The day for the dreadful date was finally here. Euijoo stood in front of his mirror, slapping his cheek hard. He had a huge task to perform today.
He remembered that Nicholas was into fashion, which meant he had to wear something horrible to the date, so he'd completely turn off the guy.
Euijoo looked through his closet, not finding anything weird to wear. He only owned boring items, nothing which could turn into a fashion disaster.
Suddenly his eyes fell on a bright pink tank top.
Should he just go to the blind date in that tank top? Would it be revealing too much of his skin?
He roamed around in the room, weighing his options.
Maybe he could pair it with that ugly neon yellow flannel he owned, and then take it off in front of the guy after spilling something on himself. No guy would be willing to date a clumsy loser.
He smiled to himself. "Euijoo you're a genius"
Anything for those twice concert tickets. He got dressed within a few minutes, texting Harua that he'd be on his way to the date soon.
Harua texted him back that Nicholas was also on his way to the place. Euijoo took a deep breath, mentally preparing himself for the disaster that was about to happen.
Euijoo walked inside the restaurant, looking around. Okay, how the hell was he supposed to recognise Nicholas since he didn't have a photo of him.
He looked around the place, hoping to identify a Taiwanese looking man in the Japanese crowd.
He walked up to the waiter, asking him. "Did some Nicholas guy come here?"
The waiter stared at him, before smiling. "Oh you're his blind date? Let me take you to his table!"
Euijoo returned the smile awkwardly, bowing before following the guy. The waiter stopped at the last table, directing Euijoo towards it.
"Harua-ssi is here" the waiter told Nicholas, who slowly lifted his eyes up from his phone to stare at Euijoo.
The moment Euijoo made eye contact with him, his heart dropped into the pits of hell.
Why the fuck was this guy so damn fine?!
No way Euijoo was going to embarrass himself in front of him? All for Harua!
And then he remembered the damn concert tickets. He swallowed, smiling at Nicholas before settling down.
"Well hi" Euijoo casually greeted, trying to hide his nervousness. The guy in front of him was insane attractive. No wonder Harua's sister was trying to set up Harua with him.
Nicholas sat up straight, putting his phone down while staring at Euijoo without blinking. "So you're Harua?"
Euijoo nodded, giving a little smile. "And you're Wang Yeeshang!!"
Nicholas flinched at the way Euijoo pronounced his name, but still gave a polite smile back.
"I heard a lot about you, Harua" Nicholas said. "But I didn't expect you'd actually be up to my expectations"
Euijoo's smile fell instantly. What the fuck? He hadn't even tried to scare the guy away yet? Why did he seem interested?
"Am I up to your expectations?" Euijoo asked, rolling his eyes. "What if you're not up to my expectations? Ever thought about that?"
Nicholas tilted his head sideways. "Okay, what do you look for in your partner?"
Euijoo's hand sweated. His mind was blanking out. Why did this guy seem so interested in the damn blind date?
"Well honestly" Euijoo leaned back, folding his arms. "I was going through your profile, and our hobbies don't align"
"Okay?" Nicholas said, laughing. "What are your hobbies then?"
"I like rolling over in my bed" Euijoo said, seriously. "And sometimes waking up in the middle of the night to dance to gangnam style-"
Nicholas broke into laughter, his eyes turning into crescents. Euijoo looked at him in confusion.
"Oh god, you're so funny" Nicholas said, still laughing.
"It's not supposed to be funny" Euijoo said, glaring at him. "It's an actual hobby"
"Why gangnam style?" Nicholas asked, amused.
"Because why not? It's my favourite song. Do you have a problem?" Euijoo asked.
Nicholas shook his head. "Of course not! I like it too!"
Euijoo panicked. Why wasn't Nicholas weirded out after hearing all that? He bit his lip, reaching for the menu.
"What are you ordering" Euijoo asked, changing the subject.
"I am okay with anything!" Nicholas responded.
Euijoo ordered whatever he found on the menu, not really paying much attention to the dish. He just wanted to get the fuck out of here, hoping that the guy rejected him by the end.
After they placed their orders, Nicholas once again brought his entire attention back to Euijoo, smiling wide.
"So Harua" Nicholas continued. "I am assuming you must have liked something about me which made you come to this blind date. My sister told me you haven't been to any blind date in a while"
"It's because my ex has been ghosting me" Euijoo said, making Nicholas pause for a moment. "I thought I should give some other guy a chance too"
Nicholas snorted. "Your ex?"
"Yeah" Euijoo nodded. "Hottest guy to ever exist"
Nicholas pouted, folding his arms. "It's kind of breaking my heart that you're calling your ex hot while I am in front of you"
"Well" Euijoo clicked his tongue. "Sometimes one has to lower their standards for the betterment of the society, and that's what I decided to do"
Nicholas nodded in amusement, and Euijoo really couldn't tell if he had pissed off the guy enough yet.
"Well" Nicholas said. "You're hot so I am going to ignore the mean comments you're passing"
Euijoo paused, staring at Nicholas. His heart thumped against his chest. Did this guy just disregard everything because...he found him hot?!
"I thought you were into fashion" Euijoo said, with a chuckle. "Yet you didn't comment about my mismatched outfit?"
"It looks good" Nicholas said. "The pink and yellow go so well together, it's making your skin tone pop so much"
There's no fucking way this guy was real. Euijoo couldn't believe this. Why was nothing working?
Euijoo reached over, hand knocking the ketchup bottle over on the table. A huge blob fell onto his flannel shirt, something which he had planned.
"Oh god" Nicholas leaned forward. "You need help?"
"No" Euijoo immediately responded, putting his hands up. "I am like that, clumsy as fuck. Lunch is going to be a disaster by the way!"
Nicholas laughed, looking at him. "I don't mind"
Euijoo huffed, before taking his flannel off. He rolled the shirt into a ball and started cleaning the table with it, leaving Nicholas in utter confusion.
"Why are you ruining your shirt?!" Nicholas panicked.
"Oh I have plenty" Euijoo said, wiping the ketchup off from the table, before shoving the shirt in the corner of the table. "Let's ignore that"
"Oh god Harua," Nicholas laughed, facepalming. "You won't feel cold in that tank top?"
Euijoo shook his head. "Not really? Sorry if you're getting uncomfortable, which I totally understand! It's weird to strip like that on the first date-"
"It's alright" Nicholas smiled. "I don't mind! In fact, I can't stop staring at your arms"
Euijoo's heart dropped once again. He gulped, nervously laughing. He felt like pulling his hair out in frustration because Nicholas seemed to be okay with literally everything.
He clasped his hands tight, inhaling in sharp breaths. The moves he had pulled by now should have scared Nicholas away. Or at least made him lose interest.
But the way Nicholas kept shamelessly staring at him with those eyes, Euijoo felt his entire self burn hot.
Thankfully food arrived in that moment, before Nicholas could continue.
And now Euijoo had to resort to his final straw. Which was to eat with no manners, and make sure that Nicholas was icked out by the end.
"Go ahead!" Euijoo said, smiling. "Please eat fast, or else I am going to eat your portion too"
Nicholas stopped for a moment. "Sorry?"
"I kind of eat like a bear, get distracted and end up eating the entire dish! It's another hobby of mine!"
"Harua" Nicholas said in disbelief before laughing.
Without wasting another second, Euijoo picked up two spoons in either hands, poured out the soup into his bowl, and started eating with both spoons at the same time.
Nicholas instead of eating his own, stared at Euijoo in pure amazement. Euijoo internally applauded himself. He's 100% sure Nicholas is weirded out by his eating habits and behavior.
Euijoo spilled most of the soup on his tank top, and Nicholas volunteered to help him clean but Euijoo refused.
"I like having my shirt stained" Euijoo responded. "It kinda makes it look artistic! Don't you think!"
Nicholas nodded, agreeing with him. "You're so interesting Harua"
"I get that a lot" Euijoo said, forcing a smile.
"So" Nicholas once again started another conversation. "Mind telling me how your previous boyfriend won your heart?"
Euijoo choked, before coughing loudly. Nicholas immediately stood up to pat his back gently.
Why the fuck was Nicholas asking this?
"Well" Euijoo cleared his throat. "He had to wait for 16 years"
Nicholas frowned. "Huh"
"To win my heart" Euijoo said.
"16 years?" Nicholas said. "So you're 23 right now, which means?"
"Yeah so we broke up 2 years ago when I was 21" Euijoo continued with his lie. "Started dating when I was 20, we had known each other since the age of 4 and poor guy had to wait till 20 to finally get my approval!"
"Are you serious?" Nicholas asked. "Why make him wait for so long if you thought he was the hottest guy ever!"
Euijoo paused for a moment, before shrugging. "Well, it took him 16 years to get hot! I had to wait for his prime to date him, you know my standards are up in the sky!"
"I can't believe this" Nicholas said, shaking his head. "You're telling me I have no chance against someone who waited 16 years?"
Euijoo clicked his tongue. "I mean if you wait 32 years, then maybe..?"
"Oh god, you're being ridiculous"
"I am dead serious!" Euijoo said. "After 32 years, we can even get married!"
"Right" Nicholas laughed. "I have been to several blind dates but you, Harua, are the most interesting out of all"
Euijoo frowned, looking at him. "What?"
Nicholas sighed, leaning back. "You think I can't tell what you're trying to do?"
Euijoo's heart dropped. "What am I trying to do?"
"Reject me, what else"
"Well, you're not that dumb after all!" Euijoo said, clapping his hands.
"But you know what" Nicholas said. "I have never seen anyone reject me like this, you're so damn funny"
"It took a lot of trauma to be this funny" Euijoo replied.
"Trauma?" Nicholas raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah, I have been traumatised a lot in the past"
Nicholas frowned. "What? How?"
"Several of my plants died after I over watered them, I still feel sad everytime i remember it"
Nicholas facepalmed, snorting out loud. "Harua, what the fuck"
"I swear this really happened!" Euijoo said. "I am not making this shit up"
"Oh really?" Nicholas asked, clearly amused. "Well then let me buy you artificial plants so you can heal from that trauma"
Euijoo stared at him, in shock. Why was Nicholas so invested in the random bullshit he threw his way?
"You deserve better" Euijoo said, after a while. And he really meant it. He had tried his best to reject Nicholas by being mean, weird and cringey but somehow the guy still hadn't stood up to leave?
"Why?" Nicholas asked.
"Because I am not interested" Euijoo said. "You have figured it out by now"
Nicholas took the last bite of his food, putting his utensils down. "I mean I could tell"
"Then why'd you not leave?" Euijoo asked.
"Isn't it obvious?" Nicholas laughed. "I found you interesting"
"Yeah but" Euijoo internally groaned. "I was really just forced by my sister into this, you know. I am still stuck up on my ex-"
"Right, I understand" Nicholas answered. "I don't judge Harua, it's completely fine. I had a good laugh today, thanks to you"
Euijoo's face burned hot, as he facepalmed. He was going to butcher Harua for making him go through this all today.
"Well then, Nicholas" Euijoo said. "Thank you for tolerating me! I hope we never meet again, since this date went too well, there wouldn't be the need for another!"
Nicholas laughed at him, nodding. "Sure, Harua"
Euijoo stood up, forcing a smile as he walked out of the restaurant. He released a long sigh after standing in the fresh air.
"Fuck you Harua" Euijoo muttered, turning to run to his place. "You're so dead"
"It was horrible" Euijoo cried, as he lay on Harua's bed. He ran straight to his place after that nightmare of a blind date was over.
Harua had also returned home from his meet up with Maki, which apparently didn't go too well. Harua seemed upset and refused to mention it, so Euijoo also avoided the subject.
"But thank you" Harua said, patting his shoulder. "You did it"
"He could totally tell that I was acting" Euijoo groaned. "Also he was handsome as hell, and I can't believe that was my first impression on him"
"Damn" Harua laughed. "If you really liked him then you should have went as Euijoo, not Harua"
"Shut up" Euijoo shoved him away.
Just then Harua's phone dinged. Euijoo assumed it's probably Maki, which is why Harua suddenly went silent. But a minute passed by, without Harua uttering a single word, which eventually made Euijoo look up.
"What's wrong?.is it..Maki?" Euijoo asked.
"Euijoo.." Harua said, eyes flashing with panic. "You left your wallet with Nicholas"
"My wallet?" Euijoo frowned, checking his pockets to find them empty. His heart dropped. His wallet was missing.
"Euijoo" Harua stood up. "Fuck we're in trouble"
"Harua" Euijoo stood up as well, pacing around. "My ID card is in that wallet! If he sees my name next to my photo we're both doomed!"
"He must have by now!" Harua cried, pulling his hair. "Noona is going to murder me! And say goodbye to your twice tickets too if she finds out I didn't attend the blind date!"
"What?!" Euijoo shouted. "You promised me! I went through all that, embarrassed myself infront of Nicholas to go to that concert! You can't do this now!"
"Euijoo, noona only promised me tickets if I went to the blind date! I swear if Nicholas exposes us, then we're gone for!" Harua said.
"Then" Euijoo paced around, trying to think. "Listen, there's no other way"
He can't believe he had to swallow his self respect and resort to this. After all, he humiliated himself enough today.
"We come clean in front of Nicholas" Euijoo said, and Harua was already shaking his head in disagreement. "There's no other way! We need to explain the whole deal! He will understand!"
"But what if he still tells his sister that we scammed him!" Harua cried. "You are going to lose your tickets! And noona will fucking murder me!"
"Leave it to me" Euijoo said. "I will handle Nicholas"
Euijoo and Harua walked side by side to the location Nicholas had sent them. Harua was clinging to Euijoo's arm, shaking him throughout the way.
"How could you forget your wallet!" Harua complained. "Everything would have been perfect if you didn't forget it!"
"Shut up okay" Euijoo muttered. "This is all your doing in the first place"
Nicholas soon came into their view, standing next to the streetlight with Euijoo's wallet in hand. Both Harua and Euijoo walked up to him.
"Well hi" Euijoo said, nervously. "Sorry for the inconvenience"
Nicholas gave a little smile. "No issues Harua.." he paused. "Or should I say, Byun Euijoo?"
All color faded away from Euijoo's face, body freezing in one place. He nervously glanced at Harua who stared back at him. They both were doomed.
Nicholas's smile soon turned into a smirk, as he shoved the wallet into Euijoo's hand. "I am assuming this guy is the real Harua?" He pointed at Harua.
Harua nodded, laughing nervously. "Yeah.."
"Did you hate me so much that you had to send in this very interesting candidate in your place?" Nicholas said, glancing at Euijoo, who gave him an offended look in return.
"Look" Harua said. "It's very complicated, but my sister was kinda pestering me to go to this blind date. And me and my ex are still in a situationship so I really couldn't go. Plus my sister hates my ex so I couldn't tell her why I can't go on this blind date.."
Nicholas sighed, looking at Harua. "You could have just told me that you didn't want to do the blind date"
"Well yeah" Harua said. "But my sister has been doing this to me for a while now. She said I must attend this one. I am sorry for that, please don't tell anything to your sister"
Nicholas clicked his tongue, gaze flickering to Euijoo as he smirked. "How bad would it be for you if I told my sister?"
Harua's eyes widened. "Please don't"
Euijoo nodded. Those twice concert tickets flashed his mind. He cannot loose them. "Nicholas it's a request, please don't"
Nicholas diverted his attention to Euijoo now, the smirk not leaving his lips. "Oh, so you do know how to be nice?"
Euijoo looked away, hating the guy's attitude. "I am sorry for everything I did"
"It's alright" Nicholas laughed. "But don't you think it's kinda unfair to me?"
"It is!" Harua agreed. "It is indeed, very wrong!"
"So?" Nicholas continued. "How are you going to compensate?"
Harua and Euijoo exchanged glances, before looking at Nicholas.
"What do you want?" Harua asked.
There's a pause, before Nicholas pointed at Euijoo, lips curved up into a smile. "I want him"
Oh.
What the fuck.
Euijoo stood there, frozen to his place while Harua slapped a hand to his mouth, in complete shock.
"You want Euijoo?!" Harua confirmed.
Nicholas nodded, stepping closer to Euijoo. "I will keep your guy's secret safe! But for that, I want Euijoo's number"
Euijoo's cheeks heated up almost instantly. He felt more than embarrassed right now. He wanted to fucking vanish from there, or shift to a foreign country. After he totally embarrassed his ass in front of Nicholas today with the hopes of never seeing him again, the guy wanted his number?
The universe hated Euijoo.
"Fine" Euijoo said, swallowing his pride completely. Everything for those damn twice concert tickets. "Give me your phone"
Euijoo typed his number in for Nicholas, handing him the phone back. Nicholas took it back, smirking at him.
"See you around, plant killer Euijoo" Nicholas winked at him, before turning around to leave.
Euijoo fell to the ground, knees scrapping the pavement. He groaned loudly, facepalming.
"Shigeta Harua I hate you!"
The next day, Euijoo got Nicholas's text. He hoped that maybe Nicholas forgot about him, or was joking. There's no way he would develop any interest in him after the shit he pulled at the blind date.
But now he was staring at the text message Nicholas had sent.
Unknown:
It's your blind date ;)
The guy you wanted to chase away
But guess what, I can wait 32 years for you :P
Euijoo groaned, rolling over in his bed. He could no longer give an attitude to the guy, because what if he started blackmailing both him and Harua about exposing the truth to his sister?
Euijoo:
Well hi!
You also know all of that was an act
I didn't mean any of that
Nicholas:
So you don't dance to gangnam style in the middle of the night?
Euijoo's face burned hot with embarrassment. Imagine this being the first impression of you, in front of a fine schyte like Nicholas.
Euijoo:
Well absolutely no
Im not crazy
Nicholas:
You convinced me that you are tho
Euijoo:
Well, can we forget that blind date?
Nicholas
Lmao
Why?
Are you embarrassed?
Euijoo:
Please
Obviously
Nicholas:
You're actually funny
That's what made me go after you
I really don't mind that you lied and shit
At least you were funny about the whole thing
Euijoo:
I am actually questioning your standards now
Do you really like such people
Nicholas:
No
But you're an exception
I made you one the moment I saw you
Euijoo:
Wow
That's touching
Nicholas:
Lol
So, do you wanna meet up?
Actually I should order you,
Let's meet up
Euijoo:
Where's my consent?
Nicholas:
You want me to start blackmailing you?
Euijoo:
Okay let's not do that
Nicholas:
Good boy :P
Let's go on a real date this weekend
Euijoo:
Fine fine
Euijoo put his phone down, as he stared at the ceiling. Nicholas was definitely going to tease him and get his revenge for the whole blind date mess. It's obvious. There's no other reason why Nicholas was sticking around.
There's not even the slightest possibility that Euijoo was his type.
Saturday came almost instantly. Euijoo was getting ready for his 'not blind date' with a normal outfit this time. For him normal meant, wearing no colors or patterns.
He dressed up in all black, before heading out the door. Nicholas insisted on going shopping as a 'date' idea. Euijoo doesn't remember shopping being a hobby of his, but since fashion was, he connected the two.
He spotted Nicholas outside the mall, waving at him. Euijoo waved back, suddenly feeling nervous all of a sudden.
This time he was here as Euijoo, not Harua. He's not impersonating anyone, but on this date.. as himself.
"You look great" Nicholas complimented. "No neon flannel today?"
Euijoo shook his head. "That was the ugliest fucking thing ever"
Nicholas laughed in response. "You looked great in it. But hey I won't lie, I liked you without it, when you took it off"
"Shut up" Euijoo's face turned red almost instantly. He should prepare himself for this. Nicholas was definitely going to tease him the entire day.
"I mean it" Nicholas said, with nothing but sincerity in his tone. "You being effortlessly hot kind of outweighed your weird behavior at the blind date"
Euijoo hid his face in his hands. "Can you stop bringing that up"
"How are you holding up with your plant trauma?" Nicholas continued, and this time Euijoo had to elbow him hard in the stomach, so he would shut up.
"One more reminder of that date, and I am running away" Euijoo threatened.
"Okay darling" Nicholas teased, leaning forward to pinch Euijoo's cheek, who swatted his hand away. His blush spread all across his face to his neck and ears within seconds.
He absolutely hated the affect Nicholas had on him.
Surprisingly for the rest of the 'date', Nicholas didn't bring up embarrassing stuff Euijoo did on the blind date again. Something for which Euijoo was extremely thankful.
They roamed around many shops, as Nicholas bought clothes for himself. He even offered to get Euijoo some, but Euijoo being Euijoo, refused obviously.
After shopping was over, they both went to a restaurant to eat, since they had spent the entire day just walking around without eating.
Nicholas stared at Euijoo, quite shamelessly. And Euijoo absolutely hated being stared at. He covered his face, feeling it heat up the longer Nicholas stared.
"Gosh" Euijoo groaned. "Stop looking"
Nicholas laughed, reaching forward to pull Euijoo's hands away from his face. "Come on, I didn't wait all week for you to hide your face like this"
"You're so shameless" Euijoo commented.
"I am straight forward" Nicholas replied. "Are you still pretending to not acknowledge?"
Euijoo gulped. "Acknowledge?"
"That I am interested in you?"
Euijoo froze for a moment, blinking. Nicholas was joking right. He's messing around probably because Euijoo also did mess around on that blind date.
"I know you're joking" Euijoo said.
Nicholas's face fell. "Do you not want to take me seriously on purpose?"
Okay, Euijoo was more than confused here. He had no idea how on earth did Nicholas end up liking him? He absolutely did nothing on that blind date that could make him fall for him, and that too, this seriously?!
Euijoo put his hands down, sighing. "Look, I know I acted mean, passed weird comments to reject you. So it's obvious to me that you aren't taking me serious either"
"Euijoo" Nicholas said, his voice gentle. "What are you talking about?"
"I-I don't understand" Euijoo said. "How on earth could you have ended up liking me seriously after I pulled all that?"
"Well" Nicholas looked at him. "Have you ever considered the possibility of you..being my ideal type?"
"What?!"
Euijoo was beyond shocked to hear that. A fine piece of schyte like Nicholas could have Euijoo as his ideal type?
"I liked you the moment you walked in" Nicholas said. "And I could easily tell in the first 2 minutes that you were pulling the rejection stunt"
"So you didn't care that I wasn't interested?" Euijoo asked.
Nicholas shook his head. "It's me who liked you, not the other way round. So of course I have to pursue you"
Euijoo stared at him for a few seconds before breaking into laughter. Nicholas stared at him in confusion, unable to stop his smile from spreading.
"I am sorry" Euijoo said. "It's just so funny to me. What do you mean you liked me after all that?"
"I won't lie you did seem like a psycho wiping the ketchup with your flannel" Nicholas reminded him, only for Euijoo to hide his face in embarrassment again. "But I swear I found you really interesting, so I was like hey, this guy is not only hot but funny too!"
"I am so embarrassed" Euijoo said, facepalming to avoid looking at Nicholas's face.
"Don't be" Nicholas said reassuringly. "So if you would allow me..."
Euijoo finally faced Nicholas, moving his hands away from his face.
"Can I pursue you?" Nicholas asked.
Euijoo blinked, as his heart pounded against his chest. "You-what?"
"I want to pursue you" Nicholas repeated. "I don't know if you like me yet, but I am going to try my best to let you know that I am serious"
"I mean" Euijoo nervously laughed, blush spreading across his cheeks once again. "We barely know each other"
"You're right" Nicholas said. "Which is why, we should meet often, and you should reply to my texts often, then perhaps we can get closer?"
The idea..wasn't so bad to Euijoo. Nicholas was a great..potential boyfriend. Especially if he liked him after seeing his worst possible cringey side, perhaps no one else could understand him like he did.
"Well.. if you insist" Euijoo replied. "I will allow it"
"Really?"
"Yeah, but on one fucking condition-"
"Fine fine!" Nicholas laughed. "I won't remind you of that embarrassing yet iconic blind date!"
"Nicholas!" Euijoo whined.
"It's historic" Nicholas laughed. "Imagine telling people that's how we met"
"We're not telling anyone about that. In that case, we should make up a fake story-"
"That's no fun" Nicholas complained. "Plant killer Euijoo needs to be known-"
Euijoo kicked Nicholas's leg under the table, as the guy continued to get on his nerves. Despite the guy ragebaiting him to his potential, Euijoo still felt at ease, laughing and spending the day with him.
Since that day, Euijoo became closer to Nicholas. From time to time Nicholas did bring up stuff from the embarrassing blind date, but Euijoo had gotten used to it.
Harua had given him those damn concert tickets too finally, for which he sold his pride. So it was worth it for him in the end.
While he was still in the office, Euijoo got several texts from Nicholas. Harua's ears perked up instantly, as he heard the buzzer going off again and again.
"Is your boyfriend-to-be texting you?" Harua teased.
"Shut up" Euijoo replied, unable to hide his flustered smile. "He texts me all the time"
"So, are you serious about him yet?" Harua asked.
Euijoo thought about it. There really wasn't a bad thing about Nicholas, plus the most important thing was, Euijoo felt at ease with him.
Throughout the years, Euijoo had only stayed close friends with one person, and that was Harua. He didn't let any guy date or pursue him, and he doesn't understand how he gave this chance to Nicholas the first time he asked him.
Nicholas was attractive, funny, caring and made Euijoo's heart race in a way it never did before. Although the way they first met up wasn't a very normal way to meet your significant other, Euijoo now found it really funny, looking back at it.
Not to mention the sweet, out of the way things Nicholas had done for him lately.
"What's this?" Euijoo asked.
Nicholas shoved a box into Euijoo's hand, who curiously looked through its contents.
"It's a gift" Nicholas replied.
"So you're the kind to give gifts during situationships?" Euijoo laughed before opening the box.
"Only with situationships I am serious with" Nicholas replied.
"Well okay" Euijoo said, seeing what was inside. His eyes widened, taking out the gift. "No way"
"I thought it's time we heal from that trauma?" Nicholas said, folding his arms.
He had gifted Euijoo two artificial plants in red and orange color. Euijoo actually wasn't that sad about his plants dying but Nicholas seemed to be taking his words way too seriously.
Nevertheless, it touched his heart.
"That's so nice of you" Euijoo said smiling. "No one has ever taken shit I say so seriously"
"You should know that I am taking you very seriously, Byun Euijoo" Nicholas replied, with the gentlest smile across his face.
He also remembered how once he was slightly sick, and Nicholas could immediately tell by his voice that he wasn't okay. Despite reassuring the guy that he was okay, he still had shown up to his doorstep.
"Euijoo" Nicholas nudged him. "Get up come on"
"It's a slight fever, I will be fine. Why are you panicking?" Euijoo complained, looking up at him. He was on the sofa, hugging one of his stuffed toys.
"You're either taking this pill right now, or else I am carrying you princess style out of this apartment till the hospital-"
"Okay okay" Euijoo immediately sat up on the sofa, sighing. He knew Nicholas was just trying to look out for him, but at times he was just so stubborn.
Even after making sure that Euijoo had taken his pills and eaten well, Nicholas stayed the night, just in case of an emergency situation. He held Euijoo's hand the entire night, after carrying him to the bed, still maintaining that safe distance in bed since they weren't in an official relationship.
Euijoo's heart wouldn't stop pounding that night, because no one had ever cared this much for him. So it was kind of impossible, to not fall for him.
"I mean" Euijoo started. "He's nice and makes my heart feel all funny"
Harua giggled, slapping Euijoo's arm. "What the fuck are you waiting for? Date him!"
"Well" Euijoo rolled his eyes. "For that he would have to ask me no?"
"You can ask him instead" Harua shrugged.
"But he's the one pursuing me" Euijoo reminded. "Shouldn't he confess?"
"Then at least give him some hint that you're ready to be with him?" Harua said, raising his eyebrows.
Hint? What hint should Euijoo give him?
He opened his text messages immediately.
Nicholas:
When do u get off work sweetheart?
Euijoo stared at the message for long. Nicholas always addressed him with such names.
Maybe to show that he was equally interested, he should do the same?
Euijoo:
In half an hour baby 🥰
Without thinking much, Euijoo sent the message.
And then his phone started vibrating non stop.
Nicholas:
EXCUSE ME???
Did you just
CALL ME
BABY
oh my god
Oh
My
Fucking
God
EUIJOO???????
I AM ABOUT TO FAINT
Euijoo laughed, covering his face with his hands. Nicholas's reaction was extremely funny to him. It seemed like the guy had been waiting his entire life to hear that.
Nicholas:
I will be picking you up from ur workplace today
😘😘😘😘
Euijoo stared one last time at the message, before turning his phone to focus on his work.
"Byun Euijoo, who allowed you to do that?" Nicholas asked. Euijoo was finally off work, and Nicholas came to pick him up today.
"Oh we're talking about the text message?" Euijoo asked, grinning wide.
Nicholas playfully shoved him, before dragging him towards his car. "Of course, you think you can just say that and then disappear"
Euijoo laughed. "Who said I disappeared? I am right in front of you"
Nicholas opened the door for Euijoo, before going over on his side to sit down.
"I mean you disappeared on text" Nicholas said, settling down before turning to Euijoo. "I for a moment thought that maybe you meant that for someone else"
Euijoo doesn't fail to notice the dejected look on Nicholas's face.
"Why would I say that to someone else?" Euijoo said, as he brought his hand forward to place it on top of Nicholas's, who freezed at the touch.
"Huh" Nicholas's system malfunctioned completely.
"It was meant for you" Euijoo reassured, gently caressing his hand. Nicholas stared back at him, eyes wide with a blush creeping across his cheeks.
"Wait so-" Nicholas stuttered. "Hold on, this is too much-" he readjusted himself. "Does this mean..you like me too?"
It was long due, Euijoo felt, it had been a couple months to their situationship, and he didn't want to waste any more time. He decided to give Nicholas the surety that he indeed, wanted him just as much.
He finally was going to let him know about his feelings.
Euijoo nodded slowly, with a shy smile and Nicholas had to slap a hand to his mouth to hide his expression.
"Oh my god" Nicholas gasped.
"I think.." Euijoo started. "I know you well enough to start going out with you.."
"You really didn't give me any warning before doing all this" Nicholas chuckled, running a hand through his own hair nervously.
"If you didn't notice" Euijoo pointed at his tank top and flannel. "I wore the disaster blind date outfit today"
Nicholas laughed hard. "And you still look cute in it"
"Shut up" Euijoo glared. "But yeah, I wanted to reminisce"
"So are you going to take the flannel off? If we're reminiscing?" Nicholas teased, turning to him and leaning closer.
Euijoo's heart skipped a beat before he leaned in as well, taking Nicholas by surprise. "There really isn't any reason for me to take it off, unless you want to do it..yourself?"
Nicholas froze at his place, before moving back. "Oh" he laughed, his face burning. "Oh, you'd let me?"
"Why not" Euijoo replied, although his entire body was shaking from nervousness.
Nicholas smiled, before leaning forward to grab Euijoo's shoulder, pulling him towards himself. He then rolled off the shirt from his shoulder, dragging it all the way down before completely removing it from his arms, leaving Euijoo in that bright pink tank top.
"Don't tell me you want to get rid of this too?" Euijoo raised an eyebrow, seeing how Nicholas was staring at him.
"I mean" Nicholas blushed furiously. "Of course but I wouldn't do that in my car"
"So is there anything you can do, while we're in this car?" Euijoo asked.
Euijoo really doesn't know what made him so bold tonight for saying stuff like this, but once he started, there was no going back.
"Well, can I kiss you?" Nicholas asked, leaning closer.
A thousand butterflies erupted in Euijoo's stomach after hearing that. He gulped, breathing too fast to match his heartbeat but still non-chalantly answered him.
"Yeah, sure. You can" Euijoo replied, and that was all Nicholas needed to hear.
He pulled Euijoo towards himself, placing a hand on his nape and gently pressed their lips together, closing his eyes shut.
The car felt smaller than it was, air around them thick as both of them felt their skins burn at the touch. Nicholas gently moved his hand all around Euijoo's neck before grabbing his jaw to tilt his face to the side to kiss him better.
Euijoo couldn't help but smile into the kiss. He moved his hands towards Nicholas's shoulder, gripping them for support as Nicholas continued to move their lips together.
Euijoo found another perfect thing about Nicholas. The guy was really good at kissing. He's pretty sure there wasn't a single bad thing about this guy.
A minute later, Nicholas slowly pulled away, gasping for air as his forehead collided with Euijoo's.
"You're so worth the wait" Nicholas said, lips curved up into a smile.
Euijoo blushed harder, if that was possible. Nicholas was just too good at making his heart flutter like that.
"So you're okay waiting for 32 years?" Euijoo teased.
"Shut up now" Nicholas whined, before grinning.
"Just kidding" Euijoo laughed. "I cannot wait for that long either"
Nicholas looked down to reach for Euijoo's hand, holding it in his own hand before looking into his eyes. Euijoo's stomach flooded with butterflies at the touch and their proximity, although they just kissed a minute ago.
"So.." Nicholas started. "Byun Euijoo"
"Yes, sir" Euijoo replied, tilting his head to the side, smiling widely.
"Will you go out with me?"
Euijoo hummed, looking around as if he was contemplating on the offer. Nicholas rolled his eyes playfully, slightly annoyed by the other teasing him like this.
"What are the consequences of saying no?" Euijoo asked.
Nicholas glared at him jokingly, before shoving him away. "We can't kiss again"
"Shit man" Euijoo whined. "How will I live without that"
"Byun Euijoo!"
"I am just kidding" Euijoo laughed, reaching forward to pull Nicholas against himself, stealing a kiss. "I really don't think I can live without kissing you again after experiencing it once"
Nicholas froze, turning into a flustered mess. It seemed like they were going to stay in this car park the entire night, because Euijoo flirting made Nicholas's brain malfunction really bad.
"Please spoil me more" Nicholas said, staring into Euijoo's eyes.
And of course, who was Euijoo to refuse this fine schyte? After all said fine schyte was now his boyfriend.
"I'll spoil you for sure, love" Euijoo replied, gently caressing Nicholas's cheek, enjoying the flustered expression on the other's face after he successfully flirted with him. Euijoo pulled Nicholas in once again, throwing his arms around him, enveloping him in yet another kiss.
Euijoo believed that he made the best decision of his life, by agreeing to his best friend's request. Not only did he get the tickets to twice's concert but also a down bad fine piece of schyte boyfriend.
If someone like Nicholas could fall in love with Euijoo after that disastrous blind date, then he had definitely won at life.