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Doyoung used to be annoyed by a lot of thingsㅡstill is, honestly, but there are some things that have changed and now his mind thinks differently. He likes to think that it's because he gets older and more mature, but who is he kidding, most of it is actually because of a certain senior who came into his life and changed few things unknowingly.
For example, Doyoung used to think that romance was overrated and that he would never ever have feelings for anyone. But that goddamn senior came and went straight to his heart without permission and somehow now Doyoung's heart flutter every time his name came up in conversation, his brain full with the image of a certain sharp jaw and strong hands, and his heart clench in agony when he can't touch his skin.
It's annoying. A pleasant annoying. But still annoying. But Doyoung doesn't mind a bit. In fact, he enjoys it.
He also used to think a long-distance relationship is stupid and there's no way a couple can last long with the distance between them. It's like, why put so much effort in a relationship that will fail anyway? And like, no one can guarantee your partner will loyal to you.
But, well, look at him now. In a fucking long-distance relationship only because he can't bear the thought of saying "let's break up".
"You changed your hair again?" Doyoung asked after Taeyong received the call and now his laptop showed a video of Taeyong from the other side of South Korea. His boyfriend was currently sitting against the wall and the first thing that Doyoung noticed was the fact that his boyfriend's hair was no longer pink.
"Yeah, do you like it?" Taeyong asks as he runs his finger through his own hair absentmindedly. "I missed my black hair and thought why not."
"Hmm ... It looks good on you," Doyoung nodded his head. It really looked good on Taeyong. Doyoung wondered how someone could make a basic hair color looks so special? Perhaps, it's because it's been far too long since Taeyong had dark hair. Or maybe ... maybe it's because it's Taeyong. As simple as that.
Doyoung used to have a hard time complimenting someone's look. It was mainly because he didn't want people to mistake it as interest. And also because he had a big ego. But that too changed after he met Taeyong. Gradually, he became the expert of "showering Taeyong with compliments".
Doyoung chuckled as he remembered that one time his friends heard him telling Taeyong he had "Best Face" and choked on their tteokpokki.
"Why are you laughing?" Taeyong asked.
Doyoung shook his head. "Nah, just remember something Ten told me."
"Ah, I miss him. How was your day? Is Ten still mad at Jaehyun?" Taeyong asked.
And as if in cue, Doyoung began on a rant on how tiring bis week has been. From dealing with stupid friendship drama that only happened because of misunderstanding to dealing with never-ending assignments from his professors.
Doyoung and Taeyong are different in many ways. If Doyoung finds a lot of things annoying, Taeyong finds love in everything. And if Taeyong already has a steady job as soon as he graduates which also when they began to date, Doyoung is still an active university student.
At the beginning of their relationship, Doyoung worried a lot. The differences between them made Doyoung thought that they wouldn't work. Taeyong was always busy with his job and Doyoung couldn't relate to his struggles. And Doyoung was just a jobless and broke university student who still tried to have fun in every chance he got.
"We'll make it work. Don't give up on us yet," is something that Taeyong always said after their fight. And Doyoung nodded and surprisingly enough, his heart wanted to stay. The thought of giving up scared him. And, if Taeyong has faith in them, why wouldn't Doyoung?
Things got harder ever since Doyoung found out that Taeyong had to do some works in a small city located six hours' drive from Seoul. Taeyong said he had to do it and he had no valid reason not to. Taeyong said it would help his career. And Doyoung, of course, couldn't make him stay.
I should break up with him, Doyoung thought to himself right after Taeyong announced his planㅡor rather, a plan that his company made for him. But the thought of letting out that curse three words pain him. His chest felt so heavy and the last thing he knew, he sent Taeyong to the train, hugged him tightly, and whispered "Two years. Go there two years and then back again to me. I'll wait for you.'
"We'll make this work, Doyoungie," Taeyong whispered back.
There were no tears fell between them. But Doyoung felt his heart aching as Taeyong's figure gradually left his sight.
Doyoung sighed and walked away.
It was now a year later, Doyoung was almost done with his degree, Taeyong got a promotion, and their relationship was still strong. There were days when they had no time to simply sending texts. Some days were more difficult than others. Some fights sounded impossible to mend, but somehow they made it here. Still.
"ㅡit's not as scary as people make it to be. You just have to understand your research which I believe you do 'cause you're the one who makes itㅡ" Taeyong went on and on about tips he had for Doyoung's research seminar.
Doyoung listened to it carefully, his eyes fixed on Taeyong.
He used to feel annoyed when people lecture him out of nowhere. But Taeyong is always has been an exception. Something about the way he talks doesn't make Doyoung feels stupid. Maybe it's because of how Taeyong talks in pout which makes it a hundred percent cuterㅡand Doyoung enjoys watching cute Taeyong. Maybe it's also because Doyoung loves listening to his deep voice. Or maybe it's because Taeyong never failed to remind him that he had done a good job.
"I'm sure you'll get this. You have worked hard, Doie," says Taeyong as he sipped his ice americano.
There was nothing Doyoung wanted more than to touch Taeyong right now.
"I want to hug you," Doyoung whispered, the voice was so small that he doubted Taeyong could hear it.
But Taeyong always heard him.
"Oh, Doyoung ... I miss you too."
Doyoung sighed and opt to hug his pillow instead.
The last time he met Taeyong was Christmas. It didn't last long because Taeyong spent the majority of his time with family and then had to go work again for some important meeting.
"Wait for me okay? We'll make it work."
"Yeah," Doyoung answered weekly.
They stare at each other through the laptop until someone knocks on Doyoung's door to announce that dinner was ready.
"I have to go," Doyoung said.
"Eat a lot. I can't wait to squish your cheek when I get back."
"Come back soon, okay?"
"Hmm ... Tell Ten and Jaehyun I miss them."
"Will do."
"Stay healthy."
"You too."
"I love you."
Doyoung smiled. "I love you too."
They stare at each other again, none of them dare to click the red button, until they chuckled because of their own antics.
"Why are we like this?" Doyoung heard Taeyong whined.
"You should hang up."
"No! You're the one who calls me, you should be the one who ends the call too."
"But, I don't want to!"
"Me neither."
Taeyong chuckled. "At this point, we'll never end this call."
"Hmm ... sounds good to me."
Taeyong smiled fade. "I'm sorry, Doyoung."
"Why?"
"This whole thing," Taeyong made a gesture with his hands, "is my fault."
"No, it's not. Don't you dare think that way! If you forgot, you got a promotion and now richer by a few percent. Exactly someone who I want to marry."
"You want to marry me?"
"You fit the criteria so yeah."
"What are the criteria?"
"Rich men," says Doyoung and shrugging his shoulders.
There are no criteria since it has always been Taeyong and only Taeyong, but the latter doesn't have to know that.
"I swear I'll kiss the hell out of you once we get back."
Doyoung grins. "Can't wait."
"But for now I have to go back to my work and you have to eat. Good luck, babe."
"You too."
This time Doyoung ended the call. He watched as Taeyong's face disappeared in one click.
Doyoung sighed. His heart felt lighter now but it didn't mean he didn't miss Taeyong anymore. In fact, he missed him more now.
One more year, Doyoung. One more year.