Work Text:
A ping from Doyoung’s phone made him stop working on his Physics assignment, and check the notification. A small smile formed on his face as he saw his lover’s contact name. It had been a while since they messaged each other.
Preparing for the finals is one, but having to finish your research paper before the first day of final exams is another story. Doyoung got lucky as he was in the same research group as Park Jeongwoo, the batch’s possible valedictorian. Things have been busy since their graduation is approaching, too.
For Junghwan, his lover and self-proclaimed big boy, it has not been going well. That is why Doyoung gave plenty of time to the other to let him focus on his academics. He would be lying if he said he did not want Junghwan to leave his pending works and give attention to him and him only.
Dob, I’m so tired . The text read. The smile fell from Doyoung’s face, and he immediately typed in his reply. Let’s call? He didn’t need any response as the other was already requesting for a FaceTime.
Despite the visible eye bags and disheveled hair, Junghwan still looked pretty. “Hey, big boy. How’s it going?” Doyoung would usually pat Junghwan’s head when he pouts, the same way with what he’s doing on the other side of the screen right now. Junghwan needs Doyoung by his side when he’s sulky.
“We’re halfway through Chapter 5 of the research. But I’m so exhausted, Dob, I’ve been doing all the work since 8AM.” Doyoung checked the time, and it was currently 2PM. “Have you eaten lunch?” Doyoung asked, almost instantly grabbing his other phone to open a food delivery app.
“No,” And an order of Big Mac and McFlurry with Oreo Cookies were immediately placed by Doyoung. “I’ve delivered something for you, love. Make sure to eat it, okay?” Doyoung knows Junghwan would usually protest with how he’s spoiling the bigger boy too much. But this time, he didn’t complain.
“Thank you, Dob. I’ll pay you back tomorrow.” Junghwan said, voice sounding too tired. “No need, love. I just need your presence tomorrow.” Doyoung replied, to which Junghwan responded with a confused face. It was cute in Doyoung’s eyes, of course.
“Tomorrow’s a special day,” Doyoung said as if he had read Junghwan’s question in mind. The other fumbled with something on his desk, and he gasped. “It’s my birthday tomorrow?” Junghwan said it like it was an interesting fact. Doyoung chuckled and nodded.
“You’ve been too busy with academics these days. I think you deserve to take a break, love. Ask your group mates to finish the remaining work, and be with me tomorrow.” Visibly, Junghwan wanted to decline. His eyebrows furrowing was a sign that he was conflicted. “Or, if you’re really busy and can’t find free time on your schedule, I’ll be going to you.” Doyoung suggested.
Junghwan shook his head. “No, no. You’ve got a plan in mind, right? Let’s go with that Dob.” His face softened. He knew Doyoung was always the one planning for special occasions (except for his birthdays where Junghwan’s surprises get better and better every year). “You sure? We could always just spend time together there at your house.” Doyoung asked. “Yes, it’s fine Dob. I think I deserve to rest, as well. Besides, I did all the work I could do.” Doyoung’s face beamed. “Okay, love. Meet me at 7PM tomorrow. Han River.”
“7PM?” Junghwan repeated. It was odd that Doyoung had a specific time in mind. “Yes, love. Come meet me at 7.”
The moment Junghwan opened his eyes, he was greeted by his mother’s loving smile. With a cake in hand. “Happy Birthday, Hwanie!” She exclaimed, and sang the birthday song. He’s now 18, yet this sweet and simple gesture by his mom still made his heart warm like the first time he experienced it when he was 10.
“Aw, thank you Mom.” He said, voice still groggy. His mom chuckled before lighting up the candles that formed ‘1’ and ‘8’. “Make a wish.” She said, handing the cake to her son. Junghwan gladly took a hold of his birthday cake (which was a custom-made bento-sized cake covered in white buttercream), and closed his eyes to whisper his wish.
He blew the candle which earned a clap from his mother. “I hope your wishes come true, son.” She said, and placed the cake on Junghwan’s study table. “Doyoung told me the both of you will be going out tonight.” Junghwan nodded at what his mother said as he also busied himself by making his bed. “Yes. 7PM, by the Han River.”
“Romantic. I bet it’s a picnic date.” Junghwan’s mom squealed as she thought about it. The boy’s heart also somersaulted while thinking about the possibility of cuddling with Doyoung and looking up at the sky, trying to recognize the constellations the night sky had to offer. “I hope so,” Junghwan said, placing the neatly-folded blanket on top of the pillow. “But before the date, I have to continue working on my research first.”
Haruto, I’ve added for the Summary. If you could, please add some more. I will be out since I have some important matters to attend to. Junghwan sent a quick message to one of his group mates before setting his phone aside. Sure. Also, happy birthday bro! The notification read. Junghwan smiled at it and went on to prepare for his date.
6:50. The Han River was just a 5-minute walk from where Junghwan lived. He shivered to the cold breeze blown to his face. He isn’t exactly sure what they would be doing, but he thinks it’s a simple date so he wore his most casual outfit; white tee covered in blue puff jacket, black jeans, and white Converse. Doyoung always reminded him of how handsome he looked in whatever he wore. Maybe Doyoung would still compliment him if he wore just a garbage bag.
6:55. There were still some people hanging out by the Han River as Junghwan arrived. He walked past couples, friends, and family who were also enjoying their time. He looked for a certain familiar person that looked and felt like home.
6:57. He had spotted Doyoung, sitting on a polka dot-designed blanket that was sprawled on the ground. His mom was right, it is a picnic date but during the night. Beside his lover was a basket, probably containing the food they were going to eat.
6:58. Doyoung had not noticed Junghwan walking towards him as he was busy adoring the calm waters of the river. The small laughs of the people around him made him feel light, and the little sprinkles spread out on the dark sky above him felt a little too sentimental.
6:59. Junghwan watched as his lover closed his eyes to the light breeze blown by the wind. He thought about how he has always been thankful for Doyoung’s existence, yet tonight, he was much more than grateful. He can’t express it in words how much joy the other boy has brought in his life. Most importantly, he doesn’t know if he deserves any of this.
7:00.
“Hey, love.” They have been together for 2 years, but every time Junghwan says that endearment, Doyoung’s heart still flips. “Oh! Hey, birthday boy.” He exclaimed as Junghwan sat beside him. “Have you been waiting for long?” Doyoung shook his head before grabbing something inside the basket. “Here, I made cupcakes! But there are also sandwiches. And you love lemonade, right? I made them as well. Though I hope we won’t get too cold.” Doyoung babbled, which Junghwan found so adorable. “Thank you, Dob. You really prepared a lot.” He said before taking a bite of the cupcake.
“You know I always want to make everything special for you.” Junghwan thinks he should’ve gotten used to Doyoung’s words the very moment they started dating, but the latter always found a way to make him blush. “Still the sweetest Dob ever. And, these cupcakes are the best.”
“Do they taste good? I successfully made them after 4 tries.” Junghwan was surprised at the other’s dedication. “Four?! Dob, you really love me that much?” Junghwan teased. “I do! I do. So much.” Doyoung pulled his lover closer and kissed his head. “Fair enough, ‘cause I do too.”
Before they knew it, they had finished eating all the food. Junghwan may have eaten all the cupcakes by himself since Doyoung made it so well. He even asked the other to teach him how to make it one of these days.
“I’m cold,” Junghwan pouted, clinging close to Doyoung. He was trying to cling closer, striving to find warmth in the latter’s small body. “We shouldn’t have drank the lemonade, no?” Doyoung chuckled. The lemonade he made was cold with the ice cubes, and the breeze of the Han River was not helping. “I wanted to try it, though.” Junghwan responded. “You want to lie down? Let’s cuddle for a little bit.”
Usually, Junghwan isn’t fond of showing too much display of affection in public. He’s okay with holding Doyoung’s hand in front of people, sure, but cuddling? He’s not a big fan of that.
Though tonight may be a different story. He just seems so in love with Doyoung and the moment they’re sharing together that he doesn’t really care about people’s eyes anymore. “What a surprise. You’re not declining my offer of affection to you.” Doyoung chuckled as Junghwan motioned him to lie down. “Well, I am in love with you.”
He made Doyoung lie on his chest, basically cradling him. “Yes, you are.” Doyoung whispered. They stayed in that position for a while, listening to their surroundings. They both love silent moments like this. Just them breathing in sync; Doyoung listening to his lover’s heartbeat, and Junghwan playing with the other’s hair.
“Let’s talk, I might fall asleep.” Doyoung said after a few minutes, which made Junghwan chuckle. “Okay. What about?” He asked, still playing with Doyoung’s hair. “How are things going for you, love? You can always share to me your worries about everything.” Oh, and one thing that Junghwan loves about Doyoung is that he urges the other to talk, though not with force, and he would listen without any judgement.
“Still the same, Dob. Stressed and tired. We’ve been so busy since we’re graduating soon. We barely spend time together because I’m always not available. And I feel apologetic for that.” Junghwan said. Doyoung looked up to him and left a peck on his chin. “Don’t be. Didn’t I tell you to put yourself, your family, and your studies first before me?” Doyoung said.
“You’re important to me, too.” Junghwan pouted. “No, really. I understand your situation right now, love. I’ve been busy too, you know.” Why is Doyoung so kind and understanding?
“Besides, what’s important is that you’re here with me. Right now, on your special day.” Doyoung added, wrapping his arms around Junghwan’s waist. “Right. Thank you for this, Dob. I really appreciate it.”
“Did you like my plan? I contemplated this a lot. I wanted you to spend this day in serenity and this is what I had in mind, but I feel like it’s too boring.” Junghwan frowned upon hearing what his lover had to say. What does he mean with ‘it’s too boring’?
“This is perfect, Dob. I needed exactly this. To rest my body and mind. Don’t ever think that what you do for me is boring, or not enough.” He said. He felt Doyoung nodding his head. “Okay, will do. But you know, this picnic date isn’t the only thing I have in mind for us tonight.”
“Oh? There’s more?” As usual, Doyoung always finds a way to surprise Junghwan. “Yeah. Isn’t your favorite movie Toy Story? Let’s have a movie marathon.”
He may be 18, but he’s still a kid at heart. His excitement couldn’t be hidden by the big smile plastered on his face. “I feel like you’re going to cry again.” Doyoung prompted, which earned a scoff from Junghwan. “Aren’t you the one who cried himself to sleep because he couldn’t get over how Woody stayed with Bo Peep instead of Lightyear and the team?” That earned Junghwan a glare from his lover. “This time I won’t. Anyways! Love, I need you to scoot aside.”
Junghwan moved a little bit to the left side of the bed, giving his lover some space to sit on. Once they settled, Doyoung played the media displayed on his laptop. They’ve always liked watching a movie that has multiple installments, like Harry Potter, Marvel Cinematic Universe, and The Hunger Games. They would spend the day cuddling in bed, watching the film series continuously.
But their favorite film series has got to be Toy Story. Doyoung only got to like the film when Junghwan recommended it to him one day. He’s not a big fan of animated movies, but if Junghwan loves them, he’d love them too.
It was 9PM when they arrived at Doyoung’s abode, and now it was 11PM when they finished the 2nd film. “Dob, I have a question. I’ve always wanted to ask this a while ago.” Doyoung hummed in response, too tired to change the film to the 3rd one. Junghwan playing with his hair was contributing to his drowsiness, too.
“Why did you want us to meet specifically at 7PM?” Junghwan asked his lover, as the movie credits rolled on T.V.
Doyoung leaned on to him more upon hearing the question, as if Junghwan would fade away if he wouldn’t let the latter feel his warmth.
“It was 7PM when you told me something I’d never forget,” Doyoung answered as he closed his eyes, taking in the light kisses that Junghwan was giving to his hair. “And what could that be?” His young lover asked.
“Remember the first time we binge watched this? It was the summer we got together. Our first date. We started watching it around 6PM. When you randomly told me in the middle of watching the film that you wanted us to last for a long time, I looked up at the clock and saw the hands pointing to 7PM.”
“Those words were something I’d never forget because I felt the same way. And, I want us to live up to what you said.” Doyoung expressed. He remembers every single detail about Junghwan that the latter finds himself tearing up. “Gosh, this is the best birthday ever.” He sobbed. He has always felt so lucky to be with Doyoung that sometimes he thinks he doesn’t deserve any of this.
“Told you, you’d be crying.” Doyoung teased, though tears were also starting to form in his eyes. “You made me cry!” Junghwan wailed, and Doyoung only laughed at him. “What’d I do, love?” He asked, wiping every tear that was streaming down his lover’s face. “You make me so happy, and sometimes I think I don’t deserve you.” Junghwan answered.
“How many times do I need to remind you that you deserve me, in any way possible?” Doyoung now kissed the tears away. “You know how people always wish at 11:11 PM? I do the same thing love, but I do it at 7PM. It’s a meaningful hour for me. And I always wish for the same thing.”
He intertwined his hands with Junghwan’s big ones. “That you will be happy. And that we will last for a long, long time.”