Chapter Text
It didn’t come off easy at first living in a foreign country located in the northeast USA especially if you’re Asian and your mother raised you alone. Every day has been a dread to the both of them not expecting what happens next. Time goes by and Soonyoung finally knows his ways here in this unfamiliar country that is now close to him, that now feels like his home— far from home.
Also, it wasn’t easy balancing his time with teaching, and during the weekends, he reeks a gallon of sweat (which his mother hates by the way) patiently teaching the kids to dance hours and hours then, after those packed schedules that have been running for almost three years he visits his mother at night and spends time with her during the weekends.
What Soonyoung didn’t get is that even though he is a very busy man, he met someone he is very sure of to spend his every day with, cliché it may sound but he felt the man he met almost two years ago is his ‘the one’. Going back to his thoughts—
“You’re zoning out again,” Someone says beside Soonyoung fixing his bag as he just finished teaching in his afternoon art history classes with the first years. He sighs and turns around nudging the man at the side.
“Don’t worry, your class is fine. And oh, by the way, someone’s waiting for you outside.” Doyoung, his co-professor (and best friend that he met last year) at New York University teaching Biology to his first years as well.
Doyoung gave him a teasing smile, “If I were you I won’t make the man wait,” he looks at his watch checking the time as he looks up and gave Soonyoung a tight smile patting his back.
“Gotta go as well,” Doyoung says waving goodbye to Soonyoung as the latter watches the scene unfolds in front of him. Doyoung jumps in surprise as he turns by right bowing at the man, Soonyoung can’t help but feel a little giddy inside as he laughs fondly making his way towards the exit.
He peeked outside as he’s greeted by a six-foot man in his dark green turtleneck with his hair styled at the side wearing his round-rimmed glasses smiling affectionately right at him.
“Hey you,” Soonyoung softly says walking up towards the man as he puts his arms around his neck locking him up as he tip-toes placing a soft peck on the man’s chapped lips. “Hey,” Wonwoo mumbles in his lips, making Soonyoung giggle adoringly.
“Didn’t know you’d come here and why are you wearing this,” Soonyoung says touching the hem of Wonwoo’s turtle neck, “It’s in the middle of the year, mind you.” Soonyoung scolds. Wonwoo shakes his head fondly interlocking their hands together as he places a chaste kiss at the back of Soonyoung’s hand, “Is it bad fetching my boyfriend in his university? And,” He raises his eyebrow looking down at Soonyoung as they walk off.
“It’s not that hot, you’re hot” Wonwoo teases, making Soonyoung roll his eyes.
But there’s another reason why Wonwoo was wearing that turtleneck, that’s for another story.
💸
“You literally own a black card—” Soonyoung was cut off by Wonwoo who’s chewing on a small cupcake Soonyoung ordered for himself.
“Which I don’t use much,” Wonwoo says leaning in as he steals a peck on Soonyoung’s soft plump lips, “And besides, you hate sweets, right? Well, you rarely ate them.” He adds making Soonyoung huff in response, “I’m going to order another one,” He finally says but Wonwoo shakes his head, “Hey babe, no. This is alright, here,” Wonwoo bites one last time before giving the rest to Soonyoung.
Soonyoung just flicked his boyfriend’s forehead as they both laughed with his childishness. “Can we order more of these, please? Thank you” Soonyoung smiles at the waiter in front of them, as he looks back at his boyfriend whose cheeks are puff because of the cupcake he just finished.
As Wonwoo drinks the last drops of his Americano, he sighs resting both of his hands on top of Soonyoung’s thighs, “So, as you know I wanted to explore other countries with you,” Soonyoung hums as the cupcake arrives, he bites into it while he waits for Wonwoo to speak again, “What about an adventure in East?” he asks with a hesitation waiting for his boyfriend’s reaction.
The tension was quite unreadable and Soonyoung felt his heart thump faster than the last time he felt this. Why is he nervous about his boyfriend just asking if he wanted to travel with him? It’s not like they’re permanently leaving the country. Just an adventure. With Wonwoo. With the love of his life, that’s it.
He laughs trying to process as he thinks of a joke, “We’re in the east babe but in the north— northeast in the USA,” He comments not looking at Wonwoo, the latter laughs along with him, “I was thinking of East Asia, you know,” Wonwoo trails off trying to get his boyfriend’s attention.
“Like?” Soonyoung asks with a confused expression, he finally locks his eyes with Wonwoo, the latter chuckles.
“Further east. My country, South Korea?” He hesitates again making sure his boyfriend is listening, Soonyoung smiles urging Wonwoo to continue, “It’s almost two years since we became together and it’s about time, plus it’s Mingyu’s wedding.”
“Your best friend, right?” Soonyoung asks as he drinks his juice while side-eyeing Wonwoo who’s holding his hand that he does not notice. Wonwoo smiles, nodding.
“Yeah. And I want them to finally meet you,” Soonyoung pouts as Wonwoo squishes his cheeks, “I’m also his best man, by the way.”
Thinking about this makes Soonyoung feel overwhelmed all of a sudden. It’s Wonwoo’s home country the possibilities of him meeting his family and friends are very high and it feels like he wants to puke right then and there, but the way Wonwoo talks about coming home makes him smile softly watching the way Wonwoo’s eyes sparkle with joy with the mention of his grandmother.
“You’ll see where I grew up, and also meet my family, my halmeoni?” Wonwoo says softly as Soonyoung tightly holds Wonwoo’s hand, “And have a reunion with your noisy but good voice college roommate of yours?” Wonwoo adds, making Soonyoung perk up from his seat as he smiles excitedly.
“Seungkwan!” He exclaims making Wonwoo laugh fondly nodding at Soonyoung’s excitement, “He has been calling me these days begging to visit him in our home country,” Soonyoung says as he pouts eating his cupcake who he noticed that Wonwoo probably took a bite again, “See? The universe has spoken, babe. The country wants you there,” Wonwoo bends a little trying to match Soonyoung’s eye level.
He noticed the little spots on Wonwoo’s cheeks as his hair was neatly styled making Soonyoung smile all of a sudden. He remembers meeting Wonwoo almost three years ago at a local library near his apartment looking for books, Soonyoung knew that the man doesn’t live around that area. He remembers how many times he glanced over at the man trying to take a good look at his sharp nose and his sharp jaw, cat-like eyes, and the way his shoulders built.
He thinks the man was cute but at the same time quote— “He’s hot”. Soonyoung could never forget as well the way Wonwoo whips his head and finally looks back at Soonyoung giving him a small smile. Soonyoung wanted to hide that time but what he didn’t expect was Wonwoo walking towards him and asking if he was Korean as well, which he awkwardly nodded but took it back immediately telling Wonwoo that his Korean was rusty already.
(“I’m sorry,” Soonyoung mutters as he bows as a sign of respect to his fellow Korean. Wonwoo shakes his head and smiles, “No, It’s alright,” Wonwoo looks at him for a bit second, and as they stare at each other, Soonyoung wanted to melt by his deep voice as he felt his ears heat up before Wonwoo speaks again,
“I just want to ask if you’re free this afternoon?” Wonwoo looks down rubbing the back of his neck, “Well— I mean. Uhm. It’s okay if you—” Soonyoung pokes his biceps making Wonwoo look up again with a confused stare.
“Yeah,” Soonyoung says sheepishly, “I’m free.”)
Soonyoung was snapped back by his thoughts as Wonwoo called his name, “Soonyoung, come with me back home, in South Korea.” He softly says, “I want everyone to meet my passionate and artistic boyfriend who deserves all the love with his works, his dances,” Soonyoung pouts as Wonwoo smiles fondly leaning in to get the pout off from his cute boyfriend.
“Okay,” Soonyoung mumbles in Wonwoo’s mouth, making the latter smile in between their kisses, “Okay,” Wonwoo mumbles back.
Wonwoo’s phone rings as he stood up taking the call leaving Soonyoung on the stool alone with his cupcake and juice. He looks around and shifts his position facing the waiters again since he felt a little uncomfortable. From his position, he slightly turns his head along with his shoulders to look around because he feels someone looking at him.
Soonyoung bows down a little as his lips make contact with the straw of his juice bringing it up as he looks around again, he later on locked eyes with few people he feels like don't live around here or this country. He shifts back to his original position until he feels a hand by his lower back.
“Hey,” Wonwoo’s voice rings through his ears as he looks up with a tight smile Wonwoo gladly returns it, “My mom called,” He sighs sitting down beside Soonyoung who’s just looking at him feeling antsy.
Wonwoo looks back and his expression changes with slight worry showing since Soonyoung hates it whenever he feels like he’s being pitiful, “Babe, you okay? You seem lost.” Wonwoo speaks holding his cheek as Soonyoung shakes his head pursing his lips as he pushes the cupcake in front of Wonwoo.
“I left you some piece,” Soonyoung says, not looking at Wonwoo, “As you were saying? Your mom called?” Soonyoung adds changing the subject as he looks up again giving Wonwoo a small smile.
Wonwoo looks unconvinced but later on continued resting his left hand on Soonyoung’s thigh and the other one holding the last piece of cupcake biting into it, “Oh yeah. About that, she just updated me about the occasions back home.” He sighs resting his elbow by the table giving Soonyoung a soft squeeze on his thigh.
“Everything okay, though?” Soonyoung asks, putting his hand above Wonwoo’s who just smiled at him, leaning in to give a quick peck on Soonyoung’s lips.
“Yeah.” He mumbles, giving his boyfriend a fond smile as Soonyoung gladly returns it.
💸
It was around July 2017 when he said yes to Wonwoo to be his boyfriend after being best friends (that’s what Wonwoo likes to call) for almost a year. Soonyoung thinks it was fast, they have all the time in the world since they weren’t rushing and Soonyoung thinks they don’t match (He also thinks that it’s not even obvious because there’s nothing to hide aka his feelings) but his friends even Seungkwan who’s thousands of miles away from him think that Soonyoung was in love with his best friend and indeed he was. He still is.
He just realized it the day Wonwoo confessed outside his faculty room asking if he can be his boyfriend and would love to spend every day with him. The sound of people clapping and saying their congratulations to them fades away as he nods at Wonwoo kissing the man and letting himself be carried, it is still vivid up to this day and Soonyoung realizes it is still possible to fall harder every single day.
Soonyoung is so, so in love.
Then it hits him that finally, after almost two years of being together he will be meeting his boyfriend’s parents which makes him really, really nervous so he’s here standing in front of a boutique with his best friend Doyoung helping him pick outfits for his trip with his boyfriend in South Korea.
“Do they have these traditional clothes or colors to dress up to when meeting the parents?” Soonyoung randomly asks as he scans the rack of black and white clothes inside the boutique.
“You are so not wearing your common sweats, hoodie, and your beanie when you meet his parents.” Doyoung deadpans giving him a look, “And, didn’t your mother teach you basic decency? And,” Doyoung goes in front of him and holds both of his shoulders, “Soonyoung sweetie, I know you can’t cook but learn any traditional Korean food, please.” He begs, making Soonyoung chuckle to where he stands.
“I know how to cook,” Soonyoung mumbles, later on, Doyoung scoffs, “Ramen doesn’t count, Soonie.” He sighs. “And please don’t wear that, again; wear something decent, you’re not going to dance in front of his parents and his halmeoni” Doyoung scolds getting the hoodie from his hands, Soonyoung pouts.
“You never know they might want me to grind in front of them,” Soonyoung says.
“Oh fuck off, only Wonwoo would love to see that,” Doyoung rolls his eyes as Soonyoung’s cheeks heat up from sudden embarrassment, looking around feeling the weird looks from the staff inside the boutique must have heard their conversation.
“Shut up!” He whispers at Doyoung as he grabs the clothes his best friend was holding.
It was silent for a minute or five, not awkward or that comfortable but Soonyoung felt tensed stealing glances to look at Doyoung who’s zoning out, later on, Doyoung speaks which made Soonyoung jump in surprise.
“You know it made me think,” He pauses looking at Soonyoung but the latter avoids his gaze, “You mentioned earlier that he owns a black card, but you also mentioned that whenever you try to ask more about his family, he changes the subject.” Doyoung walks towards him helping him with the clothes.
“So?” Soonyoung curiously asks, “Look, what if he’s embarrassed about his family? What if they’re like those kinds of filthy rich Koreans in dramas and would hurt you. Man, my eomma said that Koreans are strict.” Doyoung adds.
He sighs, shaking his head, “Stop indulging yourself in Korean dramas, Doyo.” Soonyoung teases but Doyoung shrugs him off, “I’m just really worried for you, Soonyoung.” Doyoung sighs holding his best friend’s shoulders, Soonyoung protests, “Look, I think it will turn out great! I’m Korean, my mom’s Korean, I have best friends who are Koreans, I think they’ll accept me— I know they’ll accept me.” Soonyoung says with finality but Doyoung disagrees.
“Yeah. We’re Koreans but Soonie— we were raised here in America, we picked up the culture and know the culture here more than back home, while Wonwoo?” Doyoung mutters, “He grew up there, families who grew up traditionally are way different than us here. I won’t even get surprised if what happens in dramas also happens in real life, you never know!” Doyoung whispers shout, making Soonyoung giggle.
“Trust me, it will all go well.” He assures his best friend and all Doyoung can do is sigh in defeat.
“Fine. But please, please Soonyoung. Wear something decent that will make a good impression,” Doyoung says, finally getting the clothes and bringing them to the counter, “That’s easy, I make first impressions not just good, but better.” Soonyoung says cockily, making Doyoung laugh, “Well yeah? You slipped on the first day we met” Doyoung comments as Soonyoung shakes his head.
“Shut up,” Soonyoung says in Korean as Doyoung laughs harder.
💸
Soonyoung loves kimchi.
It’s part of his checklist for his daily meals-- specifically lunch or dinner. He can not eat peacefully without kimchi. Well because he’s Korean but he had never tasted his homeland’s very own kimchi, even since he was a child because they never actually went back home even just for vacations which makes Soonyoung despondent especially if it’s summer.
At the age of 27, he still lacks knowledge when it comes to cooking. Sure, he can cook eggs, bacon— sometimes burnt but Wonwoo doesn’t mind— ramen, if that counts, or porridge, even Wonwoo admitted he can’t cook but between them, Wonwoo knows some recipes that his mother sent him so he can cook for the both of them. The number one reason for Wonwoo not letting Soonyoung cook as well is because he might burn their shared apartment— which he almost did. Once. That was more than a year ago, moving on.
Standing in front of the stove makes Soonyoung anxious, so here he is preparing to try making decent kimchi so if he meets Wonwoo’s mother, he can give some which by the way he was told by his mother to try and learn some so it won’t be embarrassing for him to meet a family who grew up traditionally.
“Do we really need to bring kimchi for his mother?” Soonyoung asks as he helps Doyoung clean the cabbages they just bought from the market, “Do I need to know more so I can be ready after this?” Soonyoung adds not batting an eye at Doyoung who’s busy washing as well.
It was quiet for a minute until Doyoung spoke up, “Honestly? Just being you is already enough, Soonie,” Soonyoung feels Doyoung’s gaze through his side, he hums waiting for Doyoung to add something through his sentence but to his dismay, Doyoung never continued so Soonyoung stops what he was doing and faced Doyoung who’s resting by the corner of the small kitchen.
“But?” Soonyoung asks quirking his eyebrow as he wiped his hands on the apron he was wearing walking towards Doyoung as he settles beside him, the latter smiles and pats his back, “I am actually nervous about you meeting his parents,” He starts, sighing, “Actually there are no buts, I’m just saying that being yourself probably is enough for them to like you,” Doyoung says softly looking at Soonyoung genuinely.
“Then why do I need to learn these things, dress up for them, or if there’s something more even though I’m just meeting them?” Soonyoung crosses his arms as he looks down with a pout, “I feel anxious about it these days, you know? It’s actually one of my goals to meet his parents and the bonus part is traveling in Asia, especially our homeland.”
“That’s the thing, Kwon. I also am not sure, but what I’m sure,” Doyoung turns sideways to face Soonyoung and hold both of his shoulders, “Is that you’ll be fine,” Doyoung laughs, “I’m sorry I doubted you days ago about meeting them, but if something’s wrong you know how to contact me, yeah?” Doyoung held both of his hands, circling his thumbs inside Soonyoung’s palm.
“Mhm, yeah. Thank you, Doyo.” Soonyoung smiles back as Doyoung ruffles his hair, “Anything for my buddy,” Doyoung turns his back as he speaks again, “Wonwoo loves you a lot, just trust him.” He sighs with a smile on his face ignoring the heavy thumps of his heart as he goes back to cleaning the vegetables.
Time passed rather quickly as they finally finished three tupperwares. Soonyoung looks at the time and furrows his eyebrows as he notices that it’s almost past six in the evening and his boyfriend hasn’t called or texted him since then. He puts the tupperwares at the side, wiping his hands as he makes his way through the living room to check his phone, and at that exact moment, he hears the front door opening with heavy footsteps walking its way along the corridor.
Soonyoung’s heart swells with so much love.
He smiles as he opens his arms greeting a tired Wonwoo who’s holding a plastic bag, putting it down by the coffee table making his way towards Soonyoung, “I missed you,” Wonwoo mumbles on the crook of his neck as he feels his lips tugs a small smile, “I missed you so much,” Wonwoo repeats peppering his neck and jaw some soft kisses making Soonyoung giggle probably because of Wonwoo’s little stubbles that tickle him.
“We see each other each day,” Soonyoung rests his cheek on the side of Wonwoo’s head as he feels the man bending down a little to hug his waist properly, plus Wonwoo’s height.
“That doesn’t change the fact that I still miss you,” Wonwoo retorts back in a sleepy voice.
Soonyoung starts brushing Wonwoo’s hair locks with his small, soft hands as he makes them both sway side by side. Soonyoung sees Doyoung’s shadow by the entranceway of the kitchen, probably holding the trash. He closes his eyes, feeling the warmth of Wonwoo’s body, hugging him tightly.
“I was not informed that there’s a prom here? I don’t even have a partner!” Soonyoung opens his eyes staring at Doyoung, hands on his hips with a look of disbelief on his face. He jokingly rolls his eyes walking towards the couch as he plops himself, “Just kidding, continue swaying or something,” He waves his hand as he goes back focusing on his phone.
Wonwoo lets go of Soonyoung’s hold, leaning back a little as he looks at his boyfriend from head to toe. He raises his eyebrow as he holds Soonyoung’s arm gently stepping back a little, Soonyoung tilts his head confusedly staring back at Wonwoo who’s covering his mouth trying to stifle a laugh. Soonyoung peeks at Doyoung who’s minding his own business so he gets back to Wonwoo with an unsure smile.
“Why are you holding back a laugh?” Soonyoung asks, Wonwoo shakes his head fondly, “Nothing, I— You— The—” Wonwoo finally releases his laugh leaning back his head as he rests his hand above his abdomen.
“What’s funny?” This time, Soonyoung starts to pout, curling his toes as he felt his cheeks heat up in embarrassment, “Wonwoo,” He calls out his boyfriend’s name who’s still staring at him, “Tell me what’s funny,” He is starting to whine until he felt both of his shoulders felt the warmth he knew who it was from.
“Nothing, babe,” Soonyoung stares at Wonwoo’s eyes with a glare that didn’t even intimidate the younger one, “It’s my first time seeing you wearing an apron.” Wonwoo finally says until they both turn their heads in Doyoung's way.
“Called it.” He mutters, throwing his phone beside him, clasping both of his hands as he rests it above his stomach, “Well, being your best friend for more than a year also made me realize just seconds ago that you are wearing an apron,” Doyoung stands raising both of his arms, “An apron!” He adds shouting it inside the kitchen making Wonwoo chuckle.
“Why is it such a big deal,” Soonyoung says as he unties his apron from his back walking towards the kitchen but he felt long fingers ghosting along with his, “Wait, let me,” Wonwoo says as they both walk towards the kitchen.
Soonyoung removes his apron leaving it by the counter getting both of Wonwoo’s arms circling it around his waist as he claps both of his hands using Wonwoo’s, “So you were cooking something?” He hears Wonwoo ask near his ears as he feels his boyfriend looking around.
“Wait, is that chili powder?” Soonyoung looks in the direction Wonwoo was looking at and there and behold, the chili powder scattered above the counter.
“Oh, god,” Soonyoung gasps, removing himself from Wonwoo’s hold as he cleans up the mess.
“I’m going to leave you two,” Soonyoung turns his head as he sees Doyoung peeking from the entranceway of the kitchen, “Text me this weekend when you both have left and arrived in Korea, okay?” Doyoung says as he points at them, “And you, Wonwoo,” Wonwoo hums, “Take care of Soonyoung and if anything happens to him,” Doyoung threatens Wonwoo with a playful slit on the throat action, “I swear, Wonwoo.” Doyoung finally says, scowling.
Wonwoo nods with a smile, “Don’t worry, he’s safe. He’s with me.”
Soonyoung felt a hand behind the back of his head, he smiled softly as he continued to clean up the mess saying his goodbyes to Doyoung who left by the second he was done cleaning up.
“So?” Soonyoung looks back at Wonwoo whose right hip is resting by the counter, crossing his arms with his right eyebrow raised. Soonyoung shakes his head fondly as he notices Wonwoo’s eyeglasses a little tilted. He puts his arms around Wonwoo’s neck right after he fixes his eyeglasses, a smile crept up his lips, “Care to explain why you were wearing an apron and our kitchen was a mess?” Wonwoo asks, resting his hands above Soonyoung’s hips.
“Trying something?” Soonyoung blurts out which made Wonwoo frown, “Fine. I was trying to learn how to make kimchi,” Soonyoung mumbles, staring at Wonwoo’s lips, avoiding the taller gaze.
“For?” Wonwoo asks softly and patiently. Soonyoung felt Wonwoo’s lips touch his forehead so he closed his eyes pressing his body against Wonwoo, “To give something for your mom,” Soonyoung replies as Wonwoo hums in response, “Did you succeed in making them?” Wonwoo asks again, Soonyoung chuckles under his breath as he rests his head on Wonwoo’s shoulder, “I think so? I’m not sure.” He replies as he feels Wonwoo smile above him.
Soonyoung suddenly felt his heart beating really fast as he thought of asking Wonwoo one question he’s been meaning to ask since a while ago after talking to Doyoung. He opens his eyes as he looks up at Wonwoo whose eyes were close as well, breathing evenly.
“Wonwoo?” Soonyoung whispers.
Wonwoo hums, looking down at Soonyoung.
“Do you think your mom will like me?”
The taller man leaned back as he held Soonyoung’s cheeks with both of his hands, he squished it softly leaning down to steal a quick peck. Wonwoo smiles.
“Of course she will,” Wonwoo mumbles, looking at Soonyoung’s lips as his eyes travel back up to look at Soonyoung’s eyes again. The latter can see how genuine Wonwoo is to his words and with that, he went back into Wonwoo’s arms tucking himself on the crook of Wonwoo’s neck, “Is something bothering you?” Wonwoo suddenly asked. Soonyoung shakes his head as he hugged Wonwoo tightly.
“You sure?” Wonwoo asks again.
“Yeah,” Soonyoung replies softly, “What’s the plastic bag you brought a while ago?” He asks, Wonwoo rubs Soonyoung’s back gently, “It’s kimchi.” Wonwoo replies shortly, then he adds, “Do you want to eat dinner already?”
In times like this, Soonyoung would never trade even if it costs billions for exchange. In times like this, it’s enough for him to say how in love he is, how Wonwoo makes him happy that even he, himself can’t comprehend how it is possible to fall for someone harder each day.
They say, it’s hard to fall in love— but Soonyoung says otherwise. Falling for Jeon Wonwoo is easy, very easy.
“Aren’t you tired?.” He asks back, Wonwoo looks down at him with a small smile, “Not at all,” He gently stroked Soonyoung’s bangs leaning down to press his lips against his forehead.
“Let’s eat?” Wonwoo asks.
Soonyoung smiles, nodding.