Chapter Text
It could have really just been any regular day. Rationally, Junmyeon knew that he had just written his last exam of this semester. Last exam of his first year in University as a Literature student. He felt pretty confident about it overall. Pretty certain all the studying would pay off and he'd pass them all with good grades. He felt a little lighter than he had back when had handed in his last High School exam about a year ago. Arguably, he had felt a lot more pressure about performing well academically, now than he had back then, but the social pressure didn't weigh him down as much. He figured that could be why he for once was actually able to feel the sense of accomplishment that successfully ending his first year in this new chapter of life brought. There would be some studying he'd have to do over the summer and that business seminar he had promised his parents he would take, but mostly, he could breathe again.
"Jun!", he hears someone call for him and turns in the direction it's coming from. He already knows who the voice belongs to and greets his friend with a wave as he makes his way over.
"God, am I glad to be done with these exams. You want to celebrate by getting some Burgers before heading back to the dorm?", Minho asks once he's reached Junmyeon, who eagerly agrees.
Minho was Junmyeon's dorm roommate. They hadn't known each other a year ago before University, but sharing a room together had its ways of making people get close really fast and Junmyeon was glad about it. It's not that he generally struggled to make friends but it was always easier if the universe gifted you one that you'd get along with great right in the center of your day-to-day life. Junmyeon would even say that Minho has become one of his best friends over the past year. The only other friend he actually felt this close with was his best friend from school, Minseok, who unfortunately enrolled in a different University on the other side of the country, so the time they still spent together got cut down a lot. Still, he felt fortunate to have found someone to call a good friend in Minho so fast, it definitely made his student life a lot easier to not experience constant social pressure of "fitting in". Not that people in University cared as much as they did in school.
Minho was fun, he had a great sense of humor and would sometimes even indulge Junmyeon in his. They'd go on runs together, go out drinking together and studied together, even if they're enrolled in different majors. It was easy and comfortable and Junmyeon treasured the friendship a lot.
They both devour their Burgers in record time. There had been a bet going on between the two that didn't allow them to treat themselves to their favourite food until the exams were over. This moment might have felt even more accomplishing as actually handing in the last exam. Between slurps of their sodas and mouthy bites, they talk about their exams and upcoming summer plans. Minho is just about to explain where he and his boyfriend are going on their weekend summer trip when his phone rings.
"Oh, I have to get this.", he says when he sees the caller ID and wipes his hands before answering.
Junmyeon can't fully make out who he is talking to but he has an inkling on what it might be. Minho was waiting to hear about the confirmation for a student exchange in Madrid, and judging by the answers his friend gave, accompanied by an excited twinkle in his eyes, that's what was happening in this phone call right now.
Once the phone call is over, Junmyeon gives Minho a short moment before he asks about it. It looks like his friend's thoughts are speeding around in there and he looked a little overwhelmed. After a minute, when it seems like Minho's expression is somewhere between happy, shocked and conflicted, Junmyeon decides to break the silence. "So? Did they accept you?"
Minho nods and smiles at his friend. "Yeah."
Junmyeon returns the smile and reaches over the table to softly pat his friend's shoulder. "Congratulations! That's great, isn't it?"
Minho looks at him, a hint of confliction still on his face. "Yes, but…"
"But what?"
"Chanyeol."
And suddenly Junmyeon understood why his friend was sporting the expression he did. Of course. Chanyeol was Minho's boyfriend. From what Junmyeon knew, they got together sometime earlier this year after meeting through having been in the same Basketball Team in High School. Chanyeol was a bit younger so he was still in School when they got together, but as he has now graduated, he enrolled in the same University as them and would join next semester.
Minho sighs, "We talked about this so it'll be okay, I just… he was really excited we'd finally see more of each other."
Junmyeon raises his eyebrows questioning, "And you weren't?"
Minho reacts immediately, "Of course I am! You know I'm serious about him. I just don't want to see him disappointed, even if we knew this was a possibility."
Junmyeon understands. He met Chanyeol a couple times before. He was the kinda guy you really didn't want to see sad. Chanyeol was a very energetic person, someone who would make sure everyone in a room was enjoying themselves and had a gift for brightening up any atmosphere. The type of person that simply seemed too good for this world. Still, Junmyeon might not know him closely but he knew enough to know Chanyeol would be supportive.
"It'll be okay. He'll be fine, I'm sure.", Junmyeon reassures Minho. His friends nods with a sigh and while Junmyeon really is confident in that, he's also glad that he's not in Minho's position who later today, would have to tell his boyfriend that he'll be moving to a different continent and timezone for 6 months.
Later that day, Junmyeon joins Minho and a couple of other people in a spontaneous get-together to celebrate Minho's news at a barbecue restaurant in their area. The atmosphere is great and Minho is immediately bombarded with questions about when he's leaving, where he'll stay and what he's most excited about. It's all things that Junmyeon already knows from being Minho's roommate. So instead of engaging in the conversation, he unconsciously ends up watching Chanyeol, who sits across from him. His roommate's boyfriend was smiling, mostly. But he's a bit more quiet than usual. It's not too noticeable and he does try to involve himself in the conversation, sharing the excited ramblings of Minho and his friends. Almost trying too much. Overanalyzing people's behaviour was a habit Junmyeon was trying to get rid off, but he couldn't help and notice that a lot of Chanyeol's enthusiasm would be followed with conflicting expressions, the clenching of his jaw and eyes that didn't hold the same emotions as he was trying to express with words. Everyone would understand if Chanyeol struggled with getting excited over his boyfriend leaving and having to do long-distance, yet it was almost a pity how much the younger tried to pretend he'd only feel excitement about it.
Before he can notice being analyzed by the currently rather quiet literature student, Chanyeol grabs his own glass and gets up. "To my amazing boyfriend," he toasts and looks at Minho, his expression is tender and full of affection and Junmyeon can tell that Chanyeol truly means what he's saying, "you really deserve this opportunity." The others cheer and everyone, including Junmyeon, brings up their drinks to fulfill the toast. When Chanyeol sits down again, Minho leans over and kisses him on the cheek. Junmyeon watches the scene and silently roots for those two to be just as solid in 6 months time.
The evening continues in joy and celebrations. There's an arcade game in the corner that one of Minho's friends challenges the group to and most of the group gathers around it in competitive spirits. Junmyeon decides to stay back, not feeling all too energetic today and to his surprise, so does Chanyeol, who so far Junmyeon had only met as a very competitive individual. It seems to be out of character for the younger and Junmyeon can't help but empathize.
There is a bit of a comfortable silence between the two of them, now the only two people left on the table, as they both watch the others occupy themselves with the gaming machine.
Eventually however, Junmyeon breaks the silence.
"It's okay to be sad, you know."
Chanyeol turns to him with what's almost a surprised expression. It doesn't seem like he is going to reply with anything yet, so Junmyeon continues to offer his support.
"You can be happy for him, while also allowing yourself to be sad for you. It doesn't make you a bad boyfriend."
He can visibly see Chanyeol releasing some tension in his shoulders, before he replies with a sigh. "I just, I want him to do this. Of course I do, I'd never want him to miss out on that, especially if it was for my benefit, I just-" It seems the younger struggles to say the words so Junmyeon helps.
"You just were really excited to finally see him more. I get that. And he would too."
"I just don't want to bring down his excitement." Chanyeol admits and Junmyeon can see the hesitation and conflict on his face. It was almost adorable, but the younger really shouldn't struggle so much with feeling like this, when it was over something very understandable.
"You wouldn't bring it down. You now he's sad about leaving you too." Junmyeon assures. "But… I get it. You don't want him to worry or feel like you're not supportive so you keep it in."
It seems like Chanyeol is hesitating to continue but Junmyeon can sense there are things the freshly graduated man wants to get off his chest, so he gives him an encouraging nod.
"I'm just worried. It took us really long to get to this place finally, I took months before I finally confessed and then it was months of dating before we officially got together but I was the one still stuck in School while he was already starting his life in University and now I was finally supposed to reach the same point so we'd be at the same level for once but now…" Chanyeol sighs and takes another sip of his drink, letting the sentence drift off there.
Junmyeon feels for the younger, he really does. He can tell he truly cares about Minho, and he knows Minho feels the same, but he also remembers the just mentioned months of 'dating'. It was when Junmyeon himself was still getting to know Minho, so he didn't get involved much but Minho was really conflicted back then. It was obvious that he liked Chanyeol a lot but Minho worried that he would regret constricting himself to a relationship when he was just about to make all these new experiences in University. It took him a bit until he decided he cared more about Chanyeol than made-up expectations about what a University student should be like. Junmyeon had never thought about how that long period of uncertainty might have felt for Chanyeol, who was still in School at the time, just waiting for Minho to make up his mind.
"I mean, we've talked about it when he told me. We're not breaking up and I'm certain we'll make long-distance work so, I guess I just need a bit to get used to the thought." Chanyeol finishes his vent. His words are believable and the younger seems to have stopped overthinking his replies.
"That's only natural. Up until earlier today you thought your first semester at uni would be a lot different. But trust me, Minho adores you, you guys will be fine. And time will fly by so fast once you've started University. You'll see. You'll blink and Minho will be back. At least to me, the last year seemed to go by way faster than any year in School ever did."
Junmyeon continues to truly try and help Chanyeol through his current emotional turmoil. Maybe as an expert in pushing down emotions and feelings when he didn't know how to deal with them, he recognized a pattern that was at risk at becoming something bigger if not dealt with right at the start. He didn't want that fate to come down on his friend's relationship, for both the guys' sake.
Chanyeol smiles and looks a lot more relaxed as he half-jokingly, half-serious says "Well if you say so, it must be true."
Junmyeon laughs a little as well, noting that he tension the younger was carrying really has released by a lot. He's glad he was able to help him a little.
Still, Chanyeol gets a little fidgety and shy, just for a moment, before addressing his boyfriend's roommate again. "Sorry, for unloading all that one you like that. I'm not exactly sure where that came from…"
Junmyeon doesn't waste any time to reassure him. "Hey, don't even worry about it. I started it, didn't I? I truly don't mind even in the slightest."
Chanyeol smiles at him appreciatively, but Junmyeon can sense there's a little embarrassment still there. Or maybe it was the alcohol. "Still. Thank You. I guess I didn't realize how much I just needed to vent it all out until I just did it, so… yeah. Thank you, genuinely."
Junmyeon accepts the thanks and soon after they hear cheers and growls from the group at the arcade machine. He knows they're about to return so just be sure he asks again.
"You feel better now?"
Chanyeol nods. "Yeah, a lot. Thanks."
"Good. Don't push these kinda things down, just let them out. But now, let's continue to celebrate your annoyingly perfect boyfriend who I think just beat all of them at that stupid game and will want to celebrate that even bigger than today's good news. We won't hear the end of it all night I fear." Chanyeol laughs as he nods and the two are soon joined again by the rest of the group, spending the rest of the night with the air feeling a little less heavy.
"That should be it." Minho says after closing his duffle bag. He had spent most of the day packing up his things from his and Junmyeon's shared dorm room. Junmyeon himself only packed a small suitcase, making a trip no bigger than visiting his family, while his roommate would be flying to a different continent next week.
"I'm guessing you didn't check which of your things might have 'accidentally' ended up in my laundry and then closet, right?" Junmyeon double-checks but he knows the answer as Minho grins at him mischievously. "No. If you find any you can return them once I'm back." Junmyeon laughs at that, noting that he'll really miss his friend. But he meant what he said to Chanyeol before, six months feel like a lot less than they used to, once you're a university student.
Before leaving Minho turns back one more time as if he forgot something.
"Oh and can you do me a favor. Look out for Chanyeol for me. I'm not saying this in some cheesy, romance movie kinda way, but just…" Minho considers his words for a second before he continues with sincerity in his eyes. "I know he can fend for himself, but still. I was supposed to be here to help him settle in at university and all the changes and now I'm not. So I'd really feel a lot more at ease if I at least knew there was someone else he can come to if he needs something and that he already has one friend at least."
Junmyeon smiles reassuringly. "Of course."
He didn't mind being there for the younger if he needed something and he sympathized with him a lot. It was a favour that Minho didn't even necessarily need to ask for. As far as Junmyeon knew, he was the only other person Chanyeol knew here, so it'd be natural to look out for him a little.
His roommate still looks a little sad so he tries to put a lighthearted note to their goodbye and his friend's request. "Chanyeol is great and I like him. I'll just replace you and make him my new best friend here instead. It's a win-win so I don't need to find new friends either."
His joke lands him his desired reaction as a loud laugh escapes Minho. "Okay, okay. I'll trust you." The laugh turns into a smile. "Thank You."
The two roommates say their final goodbyes, promise to call every once in a while and hug goodbye.
It's the first day of the new semester and Junmyeon feels slightly overwhelmed by the silence he started it with. Minho's side of the room was supposed to be taken up by an American exchange student. But as he pulled out last second apparently, there was no need or waitlist to fill it with which meant that Junmyeon now gets to occupy the space alone for the following semester. He was mainly glad for it, even if he'd probably need some time to adjust to the silence. When he had told his best friend Minseok about it however, he looked horrified at the news. His words ring clear in Junmyeon's head 'Oh god, your room is gonna turn into a dumpster if there's no one to force you to clean up.' Junmyeon knew the worry was justified but he truly was determined to not let his room derange too much. He'd try, at least.
The second off-part about his day was getting to campus by himself. It's not that he and Minho would have every class at the same time, but often enough. And if it was Junmyeon who'd only need to be in late, he'd still join Minho early and go the library before class. It wasn't anxiety, but part of him did feel like he was starting all over again, at least in the social aspect. There were enough people to casually talk to, people to sit next to in class or go eat with at lunch. But there was no one he was close enough to, to just hang out with for no reason. Not with Minho on a different continent and Minseok on the other side of the country. But he knew he shouldn't be worried about this. After all, he went to University to study. That was the plan. Study, graduate well, get good grades and get a good job to build a respectable life for himself and he had every intention to stick to that script. The social aspects were just a nice bonus that made it easier, nothing he should focus on too much. It's what worked for his father and his grandfather before him, it would work for Junmyeon as well.
It's only a couple minutes after he reached campus, that he spots Chanyeol standing in front of a big sign that's supposed to be a map of the campus. 'Supposed' because Junmyeon very well knows whoever made that, probably hadn't set a single foot on their campus in the last 10 years. It was practically useless. So he approaches the new student in hopes to be able to help him out.
"Hey there", he says and Chanyeol turns around, big brown eyes turning even bigger before a smile spreads across his face. "Hyung!" That was new. But Junmyeon didn't mind. Actually, he had never had a junior who called him by that before and as it turned out, he liked it.
"First rule you need to know as a student here, that thing", Junmyeon points at the map "is useless. You're only going to get lost."
Chanyeol looks confused for a second, glances at the map and then turns back to Junmyeon as he nods a little too fast. The second year literature major can't help a little smile escape at how the younger almost looks like a clueless little kid.
"Then can you help me how to find…" Chanyeol looks down at the paper in his hand and reads "Building 03B, Room 24?"
He looks at Junmyeon expectantly but before the senior can reply he adds, "Only if you have time of course! I wouldn't want to be a burden." which makes Junmyeon break into a genuine smile. This kid really was too kind for his own good. "I have to get to the same building, so don't worry. Just stick with me." he offers and Chanyeol gratefully accepts.
They make their way together and engage in an easy-going conversation. Chanyeol tells him about how he's not staying in a dorm but in a flat a bit off-campus that belongs to his uncle who is constantly away traveling for work anyway and how he found the best corn dog stall close to it. He finds out that Chanyeol isn't only doing a music major but also decided to join the basketball team. Of course, they also talk about how Minho has been settling in Madrid, how it was currently still the middle of the night for him and they were kinda jealous of the thought that he was still sound asleep while they were out and about. Mainly, Junmyeon felt positive about the casual way Chanyeol was able to talk about Minho's absence now, compared to a couple weeks ago when they'd talked about it in the restaurant. He was glad to see that the younger didn't seem to be so sad anymore. He was mostly listening to Chanyeol talk away, but couldn't help and notice the occasional questions Chanyeol would throw back at him, to try and engage him in the conversation just as much. He appreciated it, even if he didn't need it. He liked being the listener and Chanyeol was a good talker, so it was comfortable. Who knows, maybe Junmyeon really was about to find a friend in Chanyeol. Maybe they would end up really close after all.
Today was one of those days. It's only the second week of the semester but Junmyeon felt like it must have been weeks already and today was especially bad. He had a bad start to the day after struggling to sleep, then when he was in class he made a stupid mistake in front of everyone, the vending machine ran out of his favourite drink and when he finally thought he'd get a break, he'd spilled his lunch, had to run back to the dorm to get changed only to then make yet another mistake in one of his afternoon classes and then of course, some immature jerk who sat a couple rows behind had to comment on it teasingly, which only left him feeling even more stupid. He knew he was bad on lack of sleep, but today really came straight from hell.
So he's especially unsure why he agreed when some of his (nicer) classmates kept trying to get him to join them in taking some juniors to a bar. It was a ritual almost, there'd always be older students making the new ones socialize and usually Junmyeon enjoyed these type of events but doing it on a day where he felt really bad about himself? He wasn't sure it was a good idea, still he had agreed for some reason and couldn't back out now.
The bar they went to was a regular type of place to drink at, nothing special or fancy. It was close enough to the dorms so that all the drunk newbies could still find their way back and it was cheap enough to get drunk without going into debt. These were also the reasons why most the clientele in there were half the majors of their University. Pretty much all the tables were pushed together into bigger settings so that at least 10 people could fit on them each, all filled with students from different majors. So it's no surprise for Junmyeon when he spots Chanyeol, surrounded by his fellow music majors and clinking glasses of soju with them. When the younger spots him as well, Junmyeon nods him hello with a little wave and gets a bright smile back before a senior hands Chanyeol his refilled soju glass and Junmyeon takes place with his own literature major classmates.
Junmyeon's mood doesn't really improve by much over the course of the evening. He engages in some small talk, drinks only a little - not enough to feel more than a tiny buzz, mainly it just makes him need to use the bathroom more often - and spends most the time trying to calculate what would be an appropriate time to take his leave without having whiny voices trying to convince him to stay. He doesn't intend to be rude, he remembers being new and excited about hearing his senior's stories but it just really wasn't his day today. To contrast that, it seems to really be Chanyeol's day instead. Junmyeon doesn't constantly monitor the other table, but everyone in the room was well aware of the obnoxiously loud table where the music majors were placed. Chanyeol right at the heart of them. It didn't seem like anyone was bothered, but heads would constantly turn whenever the tall guy drunkenly laughed out loud. Junmyeon was pretty sure he heard a math major on the table behind him make a list and taking bets on how many people Chanyeol hit in excitement while laughing.
It's after his maybe fourth bathroom break, that when Junmyeon returns he sees Chanyeol looking almost passed out and the other students around him wondering what to do. Junmyeon isn't too surprised considering the amount of empty soju bottles in front of him, but he worries for the younger and doesn't even need to think before walking over and offering to take him home.
"Don't worry, I can make sure he gets home safely.", he tells the very young-looking kid currently trying to keep a slurring Chanyeol awake. The kid looks at him suspiciously. "No offense sir, but…" before Junmyeon can decide if he's amused or offended over being addressed as "sir", Chanyeol speaks up. "Nooo, don't worry, I know him." He slurs out at the other kid, clearly drunk off his head. "He's my boyfriend….s….. really cool… and handsome… friend." Chanyeol's speech is very slow and Junmyeon has to push down a little giggle, feeling like it's rather adorable as someone else turns to Junmyeon. "You're his boyfriend?!" They ask in disbelief, which looks a little more like they were amazed than wanting it to be offending. Clearly they hadn't understood that full sentence. Junmyeon laughs. "No. I'm his boyfriend's friend." he clarifies, still amused by the scene.
"I trust him with my life.", a drunk Chanyeol dramatically adds to the conversation while sloppily pointing at Junmyeon. He then leans away from the kid that was trying to hold him and suddenly wraps his arms around Junmyeon's waist, holding onto him instead. Junmyeon is seriously entertained and a tiny bit flattered, so he lets it happen. As long as Chanyeol was going to be cooperative about being brought home, he'd take it.
Junmyeon manages to get the address to Chanyeol's apartment after the younger unlocks and hands over his phone before half-passing out in the back of the Uber that Junmyeon ordered. It's only a 10 minute ride, but about a minute in, Chanyeol's phone rings. Chanyeol mumbles something but makes no move to pick it up so Junmyeon decides to, once he reads the caller ID.
"It's me. Your boyfriend is currently too drunk to answer." Junmyeon immediately explains the situation to Minho, who laughs, obviously being a little amused as well.
"Is that my boyfriend?", Chanyeol slurs and Junmyeon puts Minho on speaker. He's sure this isn't the first time their Uber driver has had drunk students in the back of his car and figures he'll just ignore them.
"Well, hello there. You're lucky my respectable friend is taking you home. I told you, University drinking is different." Minho jokes with Chanyeol through the phone, who adorably pouts, really Junmyeon doesn't understand how someone built like an athlete and a head taller than the average guy can so easily look like an adorable little puppy just by the expressions he makes.
"I knoooow. Now I'm embarrassed. Your really, really cool and gorgeous friend now thinks I'm a loser."
This is the second time Chanyeol has unabashedly complimented him tonight and it did make Junmyeon feel a lot better about himself, compared to how he had felt most of the day. He takes the compliment, deciding to let the two boyfriends talk instead of correcting Chanyeol, who was so drunk he probably wouldn't believe him anyway. He could still tell him that he does not think he's a loser at all, when he was sober. For now, talking to Minho distracted the younger and kept him focused until Junmyeon would manage to get him home safely.
They hang up as they get out the car. Junmyeon made sure to confirm the code for Chanyeol's flat with Minho, not trusting the drunk junior to remember. Upon getting inside, Chanyeol immediately goes for his bed and passes out within minutes. Junmyeon makes sure to put a bottle of water next to it, before deciding he's done his duty at this point and made his way back to his dorm, figuring the music major could deal with falling asleep in his day clothes and unwashed by himself in the morning.
He has to laugh a little on his way back, as he realizes that getting Chanyeol home safely had been the perfect excuse to leave his own gathering, yet when it came to it, he didn't even think about himself. He felt good, for the first time that day probably. Chanyeol was home safe and asleep, Minho was informed and didn't have to worry about creepy seniors trying to take advantage of his drunk boyfriend and Junmyeon had a quite entertaining end to his horrible day. Ironically, his day from hell turned into a fun memory he loved to keep.
The next morning, Junmyeon decides to skip his usual morning run. It was a tradition for him and Minho to go running every Saturday, but now that his roommate wasn't here, he kind of lacked the conviction. Instead, he spent a chill morning, sipping his coffee and scrolling on his phone, occasionally thinking about how fun it was to take care of a drunken Chanyeol last night. He decides to send the younger a text.
[morning sunshine]
[i hope that head of yours doesn't hurt too bad]
[if you need some medicine or anything, let me know]
Junmyeon wouldn't mind stopping by the pharmacy and bringing something over. He should probably go to the library today to study, but he knew that'd only realistically happen if he had another reason to leave as well.
[oh and just in case you don't remember]
[I made sure you got home safely and minho called so he's well informed]
It takes a couple hours before he gets a reply. Unsurprisingly, Junmyeon has not left his room, but he did start cleaning a little. Well if putting all clothes in need of being washed on a pile and putting all empty water bottles in a bag counted. He continued reading the book he had to read for class as well, so for now he felt accomplished enough.
[thanks hyung! ⸜(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )⸝]
[and thx for the offer, but my boyfriend forced me to stock up with hangover cures]
[i guess he knew i'd be the person picked to get drunk by the seniors]
[or maybe he knew my low alcohol tolerance]
[either way, i got what I need but]
[thanks!!!]
The messages come in so fast that before Junmyeon even typed his replies, he'd see new writing bubbles appear and stopped to wait.
[oh]
[and I do remember]
[I'm actually a little embarrassed…(˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶)]
[if you're ever stranded anywhere drunk just call me]
[i owe you]
Junmyeon laughs. Of course, Chanyeol is the kind of person to go through the trouble and use Kaomojis. There haven't been writing bubbles for what seems long enough to assume Chanyeol has sent his last message for now, so he replies.
[don't worry about it!]
[I'm glad you're okay and I'll keep that in mind!]
Chanyeol's reply is instant.
[i'm serious!!!]
[you should change my contact name right now]
[to something like 'call when drunk']
[if anyone finds you passed out they'll call me!!!]
Junmyeon almost can't believe he'd be serious but he knew Chanyeol well enough at this point to know he meant that. He couldn't help but be amused and follow the instructions.
Throughout the day the two of them would keep texting back and forth about all kinds of things. Junmyeon wasn't very hooked by the book he had to read, so every chime of his phone came as a welcome distraction. Chanyeol himself was just chilling out his hangover and occasionally snapped pics of all the snacks he was treating himself with to cure his body. Junmyeon would complain about getting hungry himself because of it and somehow that landed him on a promise to go have coffee and cakes at a new Café in town tomorrow. There's a time of about 45 Minutes where he doesn't get any replies, he worries a little at first but then he notices the green dot on Minho's contact picture and has a theory. It's later confirmed when Chanyeol apologizes for his late reply, stating he was on the phone to his boyfriend before he went for his run. Junmyeon mentally curses himself for having skipped the run today, now feeling bad about breaking the tradition but mainly he's once again amazed by how Chanyeol even felt the need to apologize for something as small as not replying right away. If the fact that Chanyeol had like the biggest heart in the world wasn't so admirable, he'd probably be a little worried for the younger.
Junmyeon and Chanyeol are sat at a comfy little corner in that new Café only slightly off-campus. Chanyeol let Junmyeon take the more comfortable bench that was equipped with fluffy pillows, while he himself sat on the chair and insisted on getting their orders in with no help from the older. It felt nice for Junmyeon, getting out of his dorm and away from the fact that there are hundreds of things on his to-do that he has been procrastinating on. This space was quiet, and cozy and Junmyeon likes it.
Chanyeol comes over carrying their coffees and the cakes they picked after walking in.
"Oh these look delicious!", Junmyeon practically salivates at the sight of the cream cheese vanilla cake he picked. He doesn't wait long after Chanyeol sits down to dig into it.
While eating, he can't help but continuously express his happiness about the cakes, earning himself a chuckle from Chanyeol.
"What? Isn't your chocolate muffin just as great?", Junmyeon asks, believing anything here must be amazing if he went by how good his own order was.
Chanyeol continues to chuckle. "It is delicious. I'm just not really into sweet food."
Junmyeon looks at him almost scandalized, but not because he thinks it's wrong.
"Why did you suggest coming here then? We could have gone somewhere you liked."
Chanyeol shrugs in reply. "My boyfriend mentioned you had a sweet tongue, so…"
Junmyeon's disbelief turns even bigger. It was kind of hard to believe for him that Chanyeol would willingly suggest doing something he didn't like as much, just because he knew it was something Junmyeon liked. It felt silly to admit as there has been many people who have been nothing but nice to him but people putting him first, even as a small gesture? That felt rare. He worried that he was overreacting but he couldn't help and feel really touched.
"Don't look so surprised. You saved me on Friday, I just wanna repay you."
Junmyeon's about to argue when the younger continues. "I knew I couldn't flex my hot athlete boyfriend to make a good impression as he's not here but I still got taken home by the officially declared 'prettiest lit major' in this university. So that was definitely still a success on my reputation." Chanyeol grins at him and Junmyeon would be blushing, if it wasn't so ridiculous. "What are you even saying…", he thinks Chanyeol is joking but the guy suddenly gets very serious.
"It's true! It was voted on, did you not see?", he exclaims, as if Junmyeon was supposed to be in on the joke. Junmyeon can't believe what he's hearing. "You're making this up.", he accuses the younger.
Chanyeol looks offended as he takes out his phone. "No, I'm not, look!"
He shows him a poll on some social forum Junmyeon knows a lot of people at their University use. "See, it has hundreds of votes."
He's right. There's a poll with names and pictures and Junmyeon recognizes a lot of people from all years of his major. And himself, his picture and name and over 800 people that voted him as 'prettiest guy in the literature major'.
"I can't believe people would vote on this…" he mumbles more to himself as he just stares at Chanyeol's phone screen. Junmyeon's not even sure how to feel about it, nor does he want to think about who submitted him or where they got this picture of him from.
"They're correct by the way." Chanyeol says as he places his phone back on the table. Junmyeon is still a little too dumbfounded to react but he's slowly grounding himself. Chanyeol seems to sense that Junmyeon doesn't mind being the listener right now and takes over to continue the conversation. It was something Junmyeon had noticed before, somehow the two of them were really good at finding a balance when they were together, never resulting in awkward silences.
"I was really nervous actually. That night. I know I just joked about it, but I'm really anxious about fitting in here. So I knew I had to 'perform socially' or whatever, at that get-together and I drank a lot to compensate that. I was nervous and… scared maybe. So it sounds silly, but it's a big deal that at the end of that, I didn't have to look like an idiot more than I already had. I just, I don't know how to stop caring about what people think." Chanyeol opens up and Junmyeon is giving him his full attention again. He understands the junior's feelings, maybe a little too well, but it was indeed ironic. Because it seemed so silly for someone who was so naturally charming as Chanyeol to worry about how people saw him when there was nothing bad to see at all.
"I get that. I do." Junmyeon assures. He doesn't want to dismiss Chanyeol's feelings, but he senses that the younger didn't open up to start a deep talk and rather just vented a little. Just like he had back at the barbecue restaurant. So Junmyeon decides to reply further with some lighthearted banter. "If I'm 'prettiest' of my department, then you're gonna get voted 'most handsome new student' in no time, I'm sure."
Chanyeol huffs out a little laugh. "I actually came third in that poll, it already happened."
Junmyeon can't help but laugh, "I bet it was rigged."
Chanyeol then fully joins the laughter and the two bask in the comfortable atmosphere. Once it tunes down, Chanyeol once again, says something sincere.
"Thank you. Not just for that night, but also for today and my first day here or Minho's party. I think I'd be kinda lost here without you, hyung."
Junmyeon smiles at him softly, hearing his thanks. "I don't know if you've noticed, but I'm kinda lost here too with Minho gone. I'm not really the center of a big social life either so…" He's struggling to express his appreciation, it's never been his strong suit. He can tell however, that it reached the other, as Chanyeol smirks.
"Well they're probably just turned off by your bad jokes…"
"Hey!" Junmyeon pretends to be offended. "I'm funny!"
"You're cute. That makes up for it." Chanyeol sports a big grin but Junmyeon isn't mad at all. The opposite quite frankly. He's enjoying this teasing and banter. It's a welcome change from his usual shallow and uneventful life. He gives Chanyeol's shin a soft shove under the table and the laughter continues well into the rest of the afternoon with coffees getting refilled at least three times and maybe Junmyeon decides to treat himself to yet another dessert, crowning this close to perfect afternoon.
Junmyeon is on the phone to Minho. His friend excitedly tells him about his first couple weeks in Spain and all the differences to being a university student over there. It feels good and normal to talk to Minho, even if it didn't happen everyday anymore. Junmyeon uses the time on the phone to simultaneously try and clean his room, but he gives up after throwing out all the used food containers. That has to be enough for now.
"I talked to Chanyeol this morning and he kept talking about you, saying you're meeting up for lunch tomorrow? I'm glad you're looking out for him."
Junmyeon smiles. It's true. He and Chanyeol saw each other most days now, it felt natural to be around each other. Of course, they'd talk a lot about Minho, but also a lot about other things. While he'd always liked his friend's boyfriend, he appreciated him even more, now that he got to know him as his own person as well.
"We get along great, actually. Your boyfriend is a really great person to be around."
"Do I have to be worried that my boyfriend is stealing my best friend and I need to find a new one once I'm back?" Minho jokes lightheartedly. He's not the type of person to actually get upset over stupid thing, so Junmyeon knows it's not serious.
"I thought that was your plan all along, telling me to look out for him?" Junmyeon jokes back and Minho laughs before shifting to a slight more serious tone.
"Honestly though, I'm glad he sounds so relaxed when talking about how he's been doing. I know it doesn't seem that way, because he's probably the nicest person on this planet, but he struggles to get really close to people. He always feels like he needs to prove that he's more than the loud kind-hearted tall guy. Especially now, as he doesn't have Sehun and Jongin around at all times, I guess I'm just glad he gets to be around you and doesn't feel the need to put on a show to earn someone's respect."
Junmyeon remembers Chanyeol mentioning Sehun and Jongin. They're Chanyeol's best friends but they're still in school. He's mentioned missing them a lot, even if they have the most active three person group-chat Junmyeon has ever seen. He had felt the same way coming here a year ago without Minseok, so he sympathizes a lot. He's had an inkling that Chanyeol's insecurities went a lot deeper than he's shown so far and it felt nice to know he had helped with that, even if just a little.
Junmyeon has had quite the busy week. He's just had to be at some business event for his parents, while having homework left untouched on his desk at his dorm room. It meant he felt quite annoyed with the fact that it was already a bit late as he returned to campus. He passes by the basketball court and sees someone on it, throwing some hoops. He initially plans to ignore it but once he gets closer he realizes it's Chanyeol, on his own and he decides to approach the younger, wanting to make sure he's okay.
"Hey there." he greets and Chanyeol jumps a little in surprise but calms down as he notices who it is. "Oh, hyung!" he smiles, "I didn't see you. Hi!"
"You're out here at nine pm just on your own?", Junmyeon asks. He doesn't intend to pressure Chanyeol but he did worry, especially knowing that the music majors struggles are usually deeper than they looked on the surface.
"Ah, I used to go and play some basketball with Sehun and Jongin whenever any of us felt stressed. But they don't live close anymore and have school tomorrow so… I came out here alone, I guess." Chanyeol seems a little embarrassed to admit this, as he scratches the back of his neck. It's cute.
"You're feeling stressed? Did something happen?", Junmyeon offers an opening for Chanyeol to unload. He sometimes wondered if he was poking too much into Chanyeol's life but that's what friends were for, right? Sure, mostly they had fun together and laughed about various things and for a lot of people that was enough to sustain a friendship, but Chanyeol seemed to hold so much more to his character, that Junmyeon couldn't help but want to discover.
"Nothing specific, just… everything. University is a lot different from High School. It's more exciting but it's also more pressuring. And I miss my boyfriend and I miss my friends and my parents and our dog. It's really quiet living somewhere without a barking little fluff ball that forces you to leave the house and get fresh air everyday."
"Your family has a dog?" is all Junmyeon replies to that for now.
"Yes!", it's like Chanyeol's eyes suddenly light back up and Junmyeon knows he picked the right thing to unpack in an attempt to cheer the younger up. "His name is Toben." Chanyeol takes out his phone again. Junmyeon notices it's a different phone case this time, he recognizes it's from Evangelion, an anime Junmyeon likes as well.
The picture of the little dog is super adorable. Junmyeon's not trained on dog breeds so it simply classifies as 'cute' to him.
"He's technically my mom's dog, but I named him. It comes from the composer Beethoven. I don't know, I just thought the name was cute." Chanyeol explains and Junmyeon liked acquiring new Chanyeol Lore. It was somehow unexpected, yet oddly fitting.
"If I need to think some things through, I usually take him for a walk. It helps grounding myself." Chanyeol says as he still looks at the picture himself, with a soft and aching look in his eyes.
Junmyeon decides to prompt him to open up. "Well, what do you need to think through right now?"
Chanyeol doesn't even hesitate this time. He pockets his phone again slightly avoiding eye contact at first, as if he was embarrassed, but he starts speaking regardless.
"I'm unsure if I can make it… You know I'm studying music and it's what I always wanted but I'm not doing it to become a teacher or something. I want to make music. I love expressing feelings with sounds or words and I love to just simply create, make art. Even if it's not good. But all of the professors keep saying I shouldn't focus on that. That they think I'd be a really good teacher and should focus on the theoretical part of it and stick to the scripts. That it'll be more secure for my future as well or whatever. I just want to make my own decisions without being underestimated." Chanyeol heaves out a big sigh and then looks Junmyeon straight in the eye. "Does that make me sound stupid?"
"Not at all." Junmyeon immediately replies. It's admirable, really. He can tell how passionate Chanyeol is about this and a part of him aches. He knows feeling that way in theory but in reality, any passion driven dream of his had always been kept small and kind of disappeared as soon as getting good grades and respectable appearance was something he realized was expected of him. He couldn't even say if there was anything he would have been passionate about if he had had the freedom to. Of course, he liked books and it's what made him enroll for a Literature major, but he wasn't sure if that had really happened if his family didn't own a publishing company, that he's expected to take over one day.
"Well, I think being true to yourself is what matters. You're young but you know what you want, that's a hell lot more than what most people can say. " he adds to his previous statement. It was ironic, how Chanyeol worried about the same things he did, just in a slightly different way. Here he was giving advice he never took himself. He envied Chanyeol and he way he would still stay true to himself in the end, while Junmyeon had always bent for what he thought was smartest, easiest and most importantly, what was expected.
It's what the weather forecast deems as the 'last good day of fall' so Junmyeon and Chanyeol decided to meet up at a nice place on campus where most students gather to have picnics and studying sessions before the incoming winter would force them to be confined to a dusty library instead. Junmyeon got there first, having brought a blanket and has already made himself comfortable, getting out his study material when Chanyeol approaches, guitar case over his shoulder and what catches Junmyeon's sight even more, a little paper bag that suspiciously looks like it could contain snacks in his left hand.
"For you.", the taller man, whose hair looks really shiny under the direct sunlight, hands Junmyeon the paper bag. He thanks him and peeks inside as Chanyeol sits down.
"What did I do to deserve this?" Junmyeon asks as he spots the sweet desserts, that he knows Chanyeol didn't bring for himself.
"I'm just buying your affection so you won't be hard on me when I stop studying after 20 minutes and start annoying you."
They laugh and exchange some small talk about each their days so far, before they turn quiet and focus on their studying. It's actually 30 minutes until Chanyeol sighs and shoves away his study books. "I've had enough.", he whines and Junmyeon just silently smiles, letting the junior take his break, while continuing to study himself. It took him a bit to convince Chanyeol that he's going to be really grateful for all the studying he's done during the semester once they reach exam season, so he knows not to push him too much.
Chanyeol then gets out his guitar and places it on his lap. He slowly starts plucking some strings and plays a nice and slow melody. It's not distracting at all and Junmyeon could easily still focus on his books but he can't help and want to fully focus on Chanyeol's playing instead. He knew the guy was talented, but he's never actually heard him do anything musical.
"I wish I could play like that. Or play at all, actually." Junmyeon admits, impressed by the younger's talent.
"I can show you." Chanyeol offers in return, smiling at the compliment.
Junmyeon unconsciously looks around at that. He was suddenly feeling very aware of the many students who decided to spend the last warm day just like them and knew it'd be really embarrassing for him to show himself do something, that's not just far from perfect but probably seriously bad. "Maybe another day." he then dismisses the offer. But he thinks he might come back to it, if his schedule allows.
Chanyeol nods and continues to play some more. Junmyeon just listens for a while until he suddenly has the urge to clarify something that was never even in dispute.
"Just so you know, I'm not just hanging out with you because of Minho."
Junmyeon's not sure why it was at this moment that his thoughts brought him there, but somehow they did. And even if it was a lot of him looking out for Chanyeol, he believes the younger might not be aware of how much Junmyeon actually appreciated the time they spent together.
Chanyeol hums before casually saying "I know." he then grins and shortly pauses his guitar playing. "No one spends two hours listening to someone rank Pokemon games just because they think that person might be lonely without their boyfriend."
Junmyeon laughs at that and surprisingly feels a burden release that he didn't know he was carrying. He really liked how there was no one else he'd be able to so seamlessly move between sincere talk and serious topics to banter and teasing like he did with Chanyeol. It's only been a couple of weeks but somehow the music student had ended up being his closest companion here.
Today has been a good day so far, so Junmyeon didn't even need to be convinced once he was asked by classmates if he wanted to join them for drinks. Maybe getting out a bit and being amongst other people instead of only hanging out with Chanyeol all the time, was a good idea. Funnily enough, it's then no surprise to him when after being there for only about 20 minutes, Chanyeol walks in with a small group of people as well. After all, it's the bar everyone in their University usually goes to.
Chanyeol notices him too and waves as a greeting. Junmyeon decides to invite the group of music majors to their table, as there were still enough empty spots. He figured the newer students would also appreciate mixing amongst people from other courses.
It's mostly a fun night for everyone and since Junmyeon has already had a good day so far, he relaxes and let's himself enjoy the drinking and conversations, feeling a bit more carefree than usual. Being around people and the energy of students drinking didn't always help take his mind off all the things he had to do, but tonight it did.
At some point, the conversation moved to one of his - quite drunk - seniors who is venting about his relationship problems. He's trying to put all the blame on his girlfriend but the girls in the group immediately catch on and consistently stun him by not letting him change the narrative, making sure he knows the girlfriend was rightfully upset and that he wouldn't get any sympathy from them. It's amusing and Junmyeon knows they're right, so he occasionally throws in Exactly!'s and Tell him!'s. The atmosphere turns quite energetic due to it, so everyone drinks even more. Junmyeon and Chanyeol would sometimes silently communicate across the table, both having fun and subtly laughing with each other as they exchanged their opinions on the talked about topics with looks.
"Hyung," a junior at their table suddenly addresses Junmyeon. "What do you think?"
"You're asking me?!" a by now slightly drunk Junmyeon sounds almost scandalized. "I'm not the one to ask."
He thinks he whispers the next part silently enough but he realizes the alcohol makes that impossible and everyone at the table likely hears it. "I've never even gotten something for Pepero day."
Someone that Junmyeon has never even met before suddenly spits out their drink and he can hear Chanyeol laugh at them and hit his signature clap over it. "YOU'RE A VIRGIN?" they suddenly, very inappropriately, ask him. Junmyeon isn't really offended by the question though, he believes there's nothing wrong with anyone who is, but he wasn't.
"That's not what I said." he clarifies."You were asking about serious relationships." he then adds, while teasingly raising his eyebrows before taking another sip of his drink. There's low whistles and oooh's around the table as the implication lands. Luckily for Junmyeon however, the conversation quickly moves on to someone else. It's not that Junmyeon cared too much, he wasn't too bothered by his current lack of a love life. He had to focus on University and being a student now, there would still be time to meet someone after. Still, he didn't need them to dwell on it while he was a little too drunk to possibly filter his thoughts.
The past week felt like it must have been the worst week of Junmyeon's life so far. He was behind on some assignments, had to overthrow a whole presentation after accidentally making it about the wrong topic, his parent's made him go to multiple evening seminars this week which meant he had even less time for his usual studies and his body wasn't cooperating either, having him constantly in back pain or unable to focus. He hadn't had a real meal in days and he didn't have a single break all week. His phone showed constant unread messages, only replying to his friends once a day and then trying to keep up with everything that was happening in the group chats he had for uni projects. It was exhausting. And it felt endless and he really didn't know how to get out of the spiral, even now as he would finally have a little less busy weekend, he was unable to take a break, not knowing how to relax when there was always something he could be doing instead.
Even once he decided, earlier than on every other day that week, that his brain was done for the day and wouldn't be able to do any homework or studying, he felt forced to start cleaning up a little instead of resting. Rationally, he should have ordered food and gone to bed, but something about not being busy and letting himself sit down and come down from the stress had him really scared. He didn't want to be alone with his thoughts right now, so he kept busy.
It was long before his room could be called "clean" and was still in a state that would give Minseok a heart attack, that he suddenly heard a knock on his door. It was very unusual to have an unannounced visitor at his dorm, but Junmyeon set down the laundry basket he was about to sort and answered the door.
He opens it to see a smiling Chanyeol who was holding paper bags standing in front of it. Junmyeon is quite a bit stunned by the revelation. Chanyeol has only been in this room a couple of times and those were all last year when he'd be meeting Minho. When Junmyeon and Chanyeol had plans, they would always meet up elsewhere. It was also unusual that there had been no texting about meeting up before. Did he forget that they were supposed to meet up? Was he so busy that it slipped his mind?
He must have stared at Chanyeol without saying anything for so long, that the younger decides to speak up before being welcomed.
"I have an inkling you haven't had dinner so, I brought it." He says as if it was the most normal thing in the world and then pushes past Junmyeon, walking straight to the little coffee table in the middle of the room. Junmyeon is still adjusting to the sudden intrusion as he closes the door while Chanyeol clears off the books and papers on the table to make space for the containers of food he brought.
"I heard you're overworking yourself and I haven't seen you at lunch all week so I asked my boyfriend about your favourite food, and brought you burgers and fries and if you're really nice, I've maybe even got some sweets for dessert."
Junmyeon still feels a little dumbfounded despite the explanation. Everything this week had been about being stressed and not having breaks and everything he had to do being planned and scheduled and this. This was not.
"I- Thank You." He manages to say but it still hadn't settled so he tries to dismiss the gesture before thinking "But I was actually just busy doing-"
"No." Chanyeol cuts him off immediately. "Not tonight. You're not busy tonight, you're sitting down, you're having dinner and then we're just gonna hang out and do absolutely nothing that needs any energy from you." Chanyeol sounds really assertive and as Junmyeon tries to argue, about to recite all the things his head can come up with that still need doing, Chanyeol once again gives him a warning look with strong finality. "Don't argue. You're gonna lose. I'm forcing you to take a break so, sit down and eat and don't waste your energy."
Junmyeon sighs and gives up. The food really does look delicious and with every second those big bambi eyes bore into him, he felt his defense dropping. Maybe it was okay. Maybe he could take a little break tonight. "Alright." he sits down across from Chanyeol, on top of an unwashed shirt probably, he's too lazy to check now. The younger immediately places a burger and fries in front of him and Junmyeon considers saying more, thanking him, but he feels all the stress of the week slowly crashing down on him and he can't bring himself to speak just yet.
They eat in silence but Junmyeon notices it. The way Chanyeol would keep checking if he was really eating. Kept looking at him, like he was making sure Junmyeon wasn't going to break apart any second. He was here, he was worrying about him and he was making sure Junmyeon took care of himself. Once, Chanyeol even immediately reached to wipe the sauce from Junmyeon's forearm when it accidentally spilled. Slowly, the more time passed, Junmyeon was starting to settle. Breathing, for the first time that week and he couldn't help but put a lot of that down simply to the taller's presence and care.
Usually, they'd be talking a lot when they met up and it never got quiet for long unless they were studying. But now, it seemed like Chanyeol knew that silence was exactly what Junmyeon needed right now. Silence, for the first time in days and the comfort by another person that was there solely for him to be able to lean on.
"Thank You." Junmyeon finally breaks the silence with a small voice. He hopes it carries all the emotion he's unable to express with more words right now. He wishes he could, but he had no energy left to find the right things to say.
"No need. You've been there for me a lot. Now I'm there for you." the way Chanyeol speaks almost sends shivers over Junmyeon's spine. Like it was a given that someone would care for him like this. Would give their own time just to make sure he was taking a break and eating properly. He stares at the music student, waiting for the banter or teasing but there is none. This time there is only sincerity and an irregular beat in Junmyeon's heart that he doesn't register.
Once they're finished Chanyeol insists on cleaning up their dinner while he tells Junmyeon to get changed and put on his pajamas and think of what he'd like to watch. Junmyeon's already realized that there's not point in arguing, nor has he the energy too so he obliges.
They end up watching 'The End of Evangelion' as Junmyeon remembered Chanyeol's phone case and while he wouldn't call it his comfort anime, he'd seen it enough times to know he could rest a little while watching it, not having to pay too much attention to know what's happening. There's no couch or any other comfortable way to sit in the room, so Chanyeol builds a make-shift couch on the floor in front of Minho's unoccupied bed using pillows and blankets. It was comfortable enough for them to sit while watching on Junmyeon's Macbook that was placed on the coffee table. Despite the hardness of the floor it was nice and cozy. So much that Junmyeon didn't even realize when he fell asleep pretty soon into the movie and only woke up as the end credits rolled. He's softly woken by Chanyeol touching his shoulder to get his attention. "I think we both fell asleep." Junmyeon slowly opens his eyes and blinks the younger into focus. His eyes were a little red and he looked tired but still so handsome, that it kind of suited him. Chanyeol was really handsome, wasn't he?
"I guess I should get home…" Chanyeol says with a yawn as he stretches from the probably uncomfortable position he had also fallen asleep in.
"Or maybe you can just stay here the night." Junmyeon doesn't know where that came from, his mouth speaking before he thought about it. Maybe he was still half-asleep and could blame it on that. But if he was honest, he just really didn't want to be alone tonight. Now that he's finally calmed down and had all the pressure of his life pour into him, he was scared to fall asleep feeling all alone again.
While he's still thinking of ways to backtrack, scared that he made the younger uncomfortable, Chanyeol replies with a reassuring smile. "Okay, I'll stay. I actually didn't feel like being alone tonight either."
Junmyeon isn't sure if Chanyeol really meant that or if he said it for his sake but he appreciates it just the same. He appreciated everything about this evening. The food, the companionship, the knowing exactly what Junmyeon needed, even if it wasn't their usual long conversations and well intended teasing. Chanyeol was there for him tonight when he needed it the most. He made him feel less alone, which for someone who felt alone most of the time, that was a big deal. Maybe too much of a deal as Junmyeon went to sleep that night with and unfamiliar ache in his chest and a sense of comfort he's never experienced before.