Chapter Text
What are you supposed to do when your crush of five years (aka the prettiest man to ever exist) confesses to you in front of everybody, especially if he is the most introverted guy known to mankind? Say yes obviously and that’s exactly what Aou did, but how exactly did he get there?
It all began in the last year of high school when Boom joined Aou’s class as a new admission. It would be nothing but a blatant lie if Aou said he didn't have an immediate crush on that unexplainably beautiful boy. But you can’t really blame Aou on that, can you? It wasn’t his fault Boom had the most pleasant looking face he had ever seen even in his dreams, just looking at him made Aou feel like he had committed a crime, because there was no way it was legal to look at that beauty for free.
And it so happens to be that Phuwin ended up befriending Boom almost immediately and before Aou knew it Boom was a part of his friend group, sitting with them at lunch, hanging out together. He was a natural fit into the group and who was Aou to complain? He might as well be the happiest guy on planet Earth knowing that.
It was not just that though, this was just the beginning of his little crush. After spending time with Boom and hanging out with him almost all the time they naturally became close. His friends often joked about how they are always with each other in their own little world. Even when all of the friends went out together somehow Aou and Boom would always end up separating from the group and then magically reconnect with them by the end of the day. Honestly, even they didn’t know when they separated from the group. It was just in the middle of them laughing and playing together that everyone else would disappear so they always ended up spending the day alone enjoying themselves.
Getting to know Boom told Aou that before having the most blessed face ever, how nice of a person Boom was. The way he was always protective of his friends and of the people he loved and how kind he was. The first time he noticed this was just another day when they were heading home together, Aou was just about to wave goodbye to Boom before heading into the opposite direction when their eyes caught the sight of two older boys huddled over one of their juniors in one of the corners just a bit outside school.
Aou’s first reaction was to look for a while and try to assess and understand the situation, but before he could turn his head in Boom’s direction to take in his reaction, Boom was already making his way towards the three boys. He didn’t waste one second before pushing one of the older boys away from their junior and grabbing onto his arm and pulling him towards himself. Aou taking in the situation had quickly run towards Boom to try and stop things before anything escalated, but by the time he had crossed the distance he saw that their junior was now standing in between Boom and the older guys who seemed to look a bit mad. It turns out that they were just his brothers and they were just playing around. Boom had apologised profusely after that, putting his hands together and was slightly embarrassed, but that didn’t stop Aou from thinking how cool Boom was.
That was exactly when it started being more than just a mere crush for Aou.
Then there was also how smart Boom was. The way he was always so focused during class and took his studies as seriously as his little habit to munch on jellies made Aou feel a kind of giddiness that he couldn’t exactly put into words. That was hot, Boom was hot and that was the only way Aou could explain his feelings to that. And come on, what isn’t hot about a guy that takes his studies seriously and focuses on work with all his heart while hanging out with friends and giving time to his family too? Aou could easily picture their life after marriage just from that. Yes, he did daydream about their wedding. Multiple times that is.
And of course don’t get Aou started on how insanely adorable Boom was because that would take multiple days and Aou wouldn’t even be half way done talking. The cutest thing about him though were his eyes, they were the most adorably expressive eyes Aou had ever looked into. They were already so perfectly round and big the first time Aou saw them and that should’ve been adorable enough, but whenever Aou ended up unlocking a new expression as they got to know each other those eyes would morph into a slightly different shape. Each one looked cuter than the one before. He had no idea how Boom did that, but you didn’t need to pay Aou for him to memorize each shape and safely lock it into his memory, because he would do that for free for the rest of his life.
Speaking of expressions, Aou also loved the way Boom had a different expression for everything he did. Aou could stare at his face the whole day and just looking at all the different expressions would be like watching a movie and going through multiple different emotions with every change in scene. His favorite of all those expressions yet, was the way Boom scrunched his nose softly whenever Aou told him a joke and then proceeded into a laughing fit of adorable giggles and just– ughh Boom was so cute.
The first time Boom told Aou that he was an introvert and didn’t like talking to a lot of people and preferred being away from crowds, Aou was frankly, shocked. Not because he didn’t believe him of course, but more because he and Boom had hit off right from the beginning and Boom was very animated right from the beginning with Aou, but as Aou observed more he came to realize that Boom was indeed a quiet person, when Aou was not around at least.
By the time they entered university that crush had completely turned into liking. Aou liked Boom and he didn’t try to deny it any longer. Did he go out and shout out to the crowd after discovering this new feeling? No, he didn’t. But did he try to hide it or pretend his feelings were otherwise? Again, No. He didn’t want to risk their friendship or the bond he adored so much with his selfishness into wanting something more, so he didn’t dare to confess his feelings out loud, but he remained protective and close to Boom at all times, quietly making sure he was adored and happy, because he deserved it. Boom was the nicest, kindest and most adorable boy Aou had ever met and he deserved all the love he could get and Aou didn’t mind being the one to provide him with that love. Even if it was just as a friend.
During their second year, not surprisingly for anyone, Boom became quite popular among the most pursued ones. According to their friend though, Aou was just as popular as Boom, but he didn’t care about those other people when he had his unrequited feeling for that unearthly good looking man. It would be anything but the truth if he said he wasn’t jealous whenever someone new approached Boom or confessed their feelings towards him, but he couldn’t show it, he had no right too. For some reason though Boom ended up rejecting every single person and as Aou had noticed, he didn’t take time to think about it either. So Aou had asked, not directly, but skillfully pulled it into a conversation just as another interesting topic. Or well… at least tried too.
“So you rejected that guy too?”
“What guy?” Boom asked as his eyebrows furrowed into confusion with the sudden change in topic.
“You know, that guy from architecture,” Aou said as he played with his fingers looking into his hands.
“Oh,” Boom said as he realized, “Yes I did.” That was all the explanation Boom gave, but Aou still felt curious.
“Why?” he asked, earning himself a questioning look from Boom, so he decided to clarify, ”I mean he seemed like a nice guy and the one before that. The senior that asked you out last week was also good looking and also that other dude, uh– what was it? Yea, the drama club president he also looked interested in you, but you ended up saying no.” Aou continued rambling until he lifted his face to make direct eye contact with Boom. Well… now a pissed off Boom, because although that angry pout indeed looked adorable on his face, it wasn’t one of the expressions Aou wanted to see often.
“You date them then,” Boom said, rolling his eyes in annoyance and getting up from his seat, “since you like them so much, go ahead.” Boom got up from his seat and started to make his way outside the cafeteria.
Well shit– That wasn’t exactly the way Aou had imagined the conversation to go. He quickly got up from his seat and ran behind the other man. He grabbed onto Boom's arm stopping him from moving further.
“Hey wait– Boom,” he pulled him back towards their seat to which Boom initially resisted but eventually gave up and followed.
“What now?” he asked, still pouting slightly.
“Aii Boom,” Aou insisted as he wrapped his hands around the others arms and rested his chin onto his shoulders, “I’m sorry, don’t sulk naa∼”
“I’m not sulking.”
But Aou wasn’t stupid enough to believe that.
“Oh come on Boom, I didn’t mean it as a bad thing. It was just that I was– ugh– I’m sorry I was just curious.” Aou continued trying to convince him.
“And what exactly were you curious about?” Boom asked, finally turning his head and looking at Aou directly.
“I um–” Aou stuttered slightly contemplating if he should continue or not. He decided to do so. “It’s just that,” Aou sat up straight looking into his hands and his tone got a bit shy, “You are an obvious catch so it’s not really surprising that so many people ask you out, but–”
“But?” Boom asked softly, urging him to continue.
“But I don’t get why you never date anyone. I’ve known you for like 3 years and I’ve never seen you date anyone. Not that you’re obliged too, you can do whatever you want, it’s your life. I was just uh– curious. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to be intrusive.”
“You’re not being intrusive,” Boom said quickly, a bit too quickly, “I mean I don’t mind you asking. That’s not why I was uh–”
Aou turned his gaze back to Boom when he noticed the slight reluctance in his voice, “It’s okay,” he smiled, “you don’t have to tell me.” and he meant it.
“No–” Boom refused, “I um– Are those guys really that good?”
“What guys?” Aou asked, confused.
“You know the one that uh– asked me out.” Boom clarified.
“I mean they’re not bad.”
Boom turned his gaze away once again as he heard that, but then Aou continued.
“But of course you deserve the best. I mean, no matter how good they are, they’re nothing compared to you. You’re so obviously kind and nice and thoughtful of the people around you, not to mention the way you take care of others' feelings and like to help them without them knowing. Even if you don’t like talking to many people, you don’t even think twice if you had to do it if it were for one of your friends, whether it’s me or anyone else. And then there is the most obvious fact that how pretty you are, because I’m pretty sure you’re aware of all the gazes you get while just walking through the hallway and it's honestly kind of annoying, but then again who would be stupid enough to not fall for you when they look at you and it would definitely be impossible when they get to know you, so yeah, I was just curious, but at the same time, I think I get it.”
Aou had felt his ears heat up as he spoke those words, but something told him not to stop just yet.
Aou thought that he heard Boom murmur something close to, “Yea they’d be really stupid,” but he wasn’t sure if that was just him lost in thought. “What was that?”
Boom’s eyes looked into Aou’s. Oh those eyes. “You’re really popular too you know, you get asked out a lot too, but I’ve never seen you date anyone.” It sounded like a question more than an observation, so Aou decided to reply.
“Oh– I’m not really interested in them. They’re not my type.” Aou replied with no hesitation.
“Then what’s your type?” Boom asked and that’s when Aou finally noticed. Was Boom blushing?
“I–I’m not sure, I don’t think I have a type honestly.”
“You don’t have a type, but you know that they’re not your type?” Boom confirmed with a raised brow.
“Yes?”
“Sounds like you do have a type, but just don’t wanna tell me.”
“I uh– don’t– wait.” But Boom was already up from his seat and making his way out the cafeteria again. This time though, Aou was able to catch the hint of a smirk on those beautiful lips. Was Boom not angry?
“Boom don’t go. Where are you going?” he asked, following him.
“To class,” Boom replied, crossing his arms, “or are you planning to be late?” He turned towards Aou and gave him one of his ideal shrubs before running in the direction of his next class.
Aou couldn’t help but laugh at this reaction, he really thought Boom was angry, but whatever. As long as Boom was happy he had nothing to worry about, he thought before running behind Boom to not be late for the class.
Then there was that day. The day they had crossed the line of a simple friendship during their third year. Boom, as usual, wasn't the one to go to parties a lot, on the contrary Aou was a huge fan of them. This time though Aou had managed to finally convince Boom after a lot of insistence only because it was one of their close friends' birthdays.
They had arrived at the party together in Aou’s car and made their way inside the house looking around till they found their friends in the crowd among many other people whom even Aou didn’t know. It had been fun, Aou was really enjoying and at the same time making sure Boom wasn’t bored either which he noticed wasn’t the case as he looked at Boom softly dancing in front of him with a glass of alcohol, most probably beer, in his hands.
Maybe it was the alcohol or the atmosphere, but they were being extra clingy to each other, following each other wherever the other went and not leaving each other's sight for even a second. Not only that, but they also made sure that no third person approached them in between. Aou did at least and he also made it obvious when he pulled Boom closer to him by the waist hugging him tightly and swaying along as he noticed another guy approaching him from behind. He made sure to throw a death glare towards the guy which made him turn around and not approach them again.
Boom also seemed to mutually enjoy the closeness, because he didn’t try to pull back from that embrace and only held Aou tighter when Aou had tried to pull away in case Boom was uncomfortable. When Aou noticed Boom stopping him, he was more than happy to oblige and so they danced along with each other while tightly holding onto each other. Sometimes, pulling back to look into each other's eyes and giving a soft smile before continuing with their movements.
It was quite late at night, when most of the people had left and the party had gotten lighter leaving only some of their close friends. Someone had proposed the idea of playing a game, so now everybody was settled on the floor in a circle as they spun one of the empty beer bottles on the ground.
It landed on Dunk first, who chose dare and was asked to whisper something into his boyfriend's ears. Dunk had leaned over without any sign of hesitation and whispered into Joong’s ears leaving him into a blushing mess as his eyes widened.
Then Dunk spun the bottle again which ended up landing on Pond and everybody cheered along. He was forced to choose dare and as he was the birthday boy asked to take five love shots with any one else of his choice from that room. He obviously chose Phuwin which made both of them blush before they started to take the shots as everybody counted them down.
Pond proceeded to spin again and the bottle ended up landing on Joong who chose truth and was asked to tell the story of the first time he found Dunk attractive to which he confidently replied was since the first time he saw him.
Aou could relate, he thought, turning his eyes to the slightly drunk and yet still absolutely adorable guy sitting right next to him. His eyes traveled down to their legs that were tangled with each other so naturally that Aou didn’t want this night to end, he was loving this a bit too much.
The bottle had landed on Perth in the meantime and he was asked to hold hands with the person next to him—Santa, obviously, for the rest of the game.
Santa spun the bottle one more time and it ended up landing on Boom and the whole room erupted into cheers as if they had won the lottery or something. Boom just smiled and lifted his head, which had now been resting on Aou’s shoulders.
He looked into Santa’s eyes for a while and then smirked a bit before choosing ‘dare’. Santa’s eyes looked at Aou and then back at Boom and Aou could swear he saw a mischievous glint reflecting into them.
He looked directly at Boom before speaking, “I dare you to,” he began pointing at Boom, “kiss somebody in this room for at least 30 seconds,” The room erupted into a chorus of ooooh’s and before anyone could object Santa added, “And it’s supposed to be a full proper kiss.”
Everyone in that room seemed to have a teasing smile on their lips, everyone except Aou, who had turned his face away from Boom. No matter how much he wanted Boom to be happy and choose whatever was best for him, he couldn’t bear the idea of seeing him kiss someone else. It sounded too painful for his heart.
He let out a deep breath as he looked around at the room walls waiting for it to be done and over with when he felt a hand on his chin turn his face around. He was met face to face with an absolutely ethereal Boom and the soft sigh he let out was enough to say that he was at a loss of words.
Boom’s hands travelled from his chin to his cheek, cupping his face softly as the other one landed on Aou’s knees travelling slightly up to his thighs. Aou wasn’t sure if this was real, or if he was just imagining the whole thing but when he felt Boom softly whisper his name which made him feel Boom’s breath on his own lips, the shiver that ran down his spine told him very well that this was not a dream.
He saw as Boom’s eyes travelled over his face, looked directly into his eyes and then went down to his lips. Aou couldn't help but do the same and how lucky he was to catch just it time to see Boom biting his lips between his teeth and letting them go. Oh so badly Aou wanted to do the same for him.
There was an unknown force between them that seemed to pull the two closer and just when they were a breath away Aou felt Boom stopped. Did he not wan– But before he could even complete that thought Boom spoke softly, almost against his lips, their breaths intertwined, “Can I?” he asked.
Aou gulped, because oh my god just when he thought Boom couldn’t get any hotter he had been, yet again, proven wrong. He nodded, because that was all he could do, all rational thoughts had left his mind and the only thing he could think of at that moment were those lips and how badly he wanted to taste them. He leaned forward, parting his lips slightly to do exactly that and attempting to catch them with his mouth, but Boom moved back, stopping him from achieving the only thing he wanted in the moment.
Aou let out an involuntary groan as his lips automatically followed Boom’s making him lean forward. But this time Boom stopped him with a hand on his shoulder moving up from his thigh, purposefully making more contact then needed.
Aou saw the smirk widening on those plump lips he was dying to taste so bad and then he saw them moving as Boom said the next words, all Aou’s mind could comprehend in that haze were the two words spoken, “Say it.”
Another groan left Aou, hearing those words before he sighed in reply, “Yes,” he breathed, and then, “please”
That was it, Aou looked into Boom’s eyes as he saw the last barrier fall down and then he closed all remaining distance between them. Their lips met with a heat so intense that it melted Aou right away. Boom’s lips began to move against Aou’s almost instantly as he moved forward, trying to fill any imaginary distance left between them.
Aou’s hands did their own thing as they moved behind Boom’s neck softly playing with the hair on the back as he felt the shiver go down Boom’s spine. He clawed into the hair tightly and pulled Boom impossibly closer, reciprocating the kiss with the same intensity.
Their mouths moved with a fervour only those two could explain and then suddenly, Aou was pushed back slightly, until his back hit the couch behind him.
Even with his closed eyes he could feel as Boom crawled forward without breaking the kiss and his hands automatically went to his waist to pull him closer. Boom happily obliged to that as he moved closer, settling himself into Aou’s lap to seek every kind of touch he could feel.
They parted slowly and Aou looked up at Boom. Boom, who was sitting in his lap, straddling him. Boom, who was kissing him with the same need as himself right now. Only in his dreams had he ever imagined being in this situation. And trust him when he says, he wouldn’t have wanted anything else.
Both of them were panting, their breaths uneven, but somehow matching each other perfectly. Aou saw as Boom gulped, his eyes traveled from his face to his throat, landing on his chest before moving back up to meet his eyes. Boom moved forward again and Aou did the same, slowly, until their noses touched.
Boom let out a sigh, close to a purr and Aou absolutely lost it. He pulled Boom into another feverish kiss as one of his hands went to Boom’s cheek to caress it. Boom reciprocated with the same intensity and wrapped his arms around Aou’s neck. He sighed into Aou’s mouth and Aou took that as a chance to claim his mouth with his prodding tongue finally getting the taste he’d been dreaming about for four years.
Boom couldn’t help the moan that left him when their tongues met and that only added more fuel to Aou’s needs. Their mouths worked against each other as their tongues danced together, discovering a new taste with each moan.
They pulled away to catch their breaths and that’s when Aou felt the hardness against his abdomen. He didn’t need to look down to know what it was, but he still did. And apparently Boom might’ve noticed that too because that’s when he decided to make his next move. Even before Aou could move his eyes down completely Boom lifted up slightly off his lap and then sat back down producing a delicious friction as they rubbed against each other making both of them groan loudly. Aou threw his head back, resting it on the couch and Boom leaned forward resting his own on Aou’s shoulders. He repeated his movements letting out another moan.
They were on cloud nine and it seemed like they had forgotten where they were in the haze. The tension in the room had exceeded everyone’s expectation and those two saw the rest of the world as a blur, nobody existed but them and they didn’t look like they were stopping.
The sound of someone's palm hitting the coffee table seemed to break them out of their trance.
“Okay, okay, Happy birthday to me I guess, I didn’t ask for a live show though.”
It was Pond. Shit. They both came back to their senses at the exact same time and moved away from each other as if they’d just been hit with an electric shock.
Oh no.
Oh no.
Aou looked at Boom with his eyes widened who was grabbing a cushion from the couch to try and hide an obvious problem. Aou quickly decided to do the same as his eyes avoided contact with everyone else in that room. What was that? What had he just done?
He suddenly got up, “It’s late, I should leave.” He nodded towards all his friends before turning towards the door. Not even after two steps, he stopped and turned back around, looking directly at Boom, “aren’t you coming?” he smiled.
Boom stood up quickly and after saying a quick bye to his friends, followed behind Aou.
They got out of the house and made their way to Aou’s car. He was about to get in the driver seat when Boom stopped him, “You can’t drive. You drank.”
Aou looked at Boom and smiled again, “I didn’t,” he assured, “I knew I had to drive you home so I didn’t drink. I’m completely sober, don’t worry.”
“Aouu,” Boom tried to talk, but Aou was already inside the car and shut the door. Boom stood outside for a while before walking around and getting into the passenger seat.
The car ride was silent. A bit too silent, which was weird, because it was never silent, not when Aou was there. He always ended up filling the emptiness, but this time, he remained quiet.
He stopped the car as they reached Boom’s condo, he turned and gave Boom another smile, desperately trying to act that everything was alright, that nothing was wrong.
Boom stayed in the car.
“Aou,” Boom tried again and Aou could only reply with another fake smile and a nod.
“We need to talk.” Boom continued.
“About what?” Aou managed to ask.
Boom sighed, “You know what. The dare.”
“Oh right,” Aou replied animatedly, “No worries about it.”
“What do you mean ‘no worries’?” Boom asked, angrily, “I kissed you.”
Aou was aware. He didn’t need to be reminded. He’d never forget it.
“Yea, that stupid dare,” Aou laughed, forcefully. “It’s not like you forced me or anything, you asked and I agreed. So it’s all good, don’t worry.”
“Right,” Boom nodded, smiling back, “Just a stupid dare. We’re all good then.”
Boom got out of the car and closed the door behind him.
He entered the building and turned back around one last time, giving Aou a cheerful smile before he disappeared inside.
Aou stayed outside for a while before taking a deep breath and starting the car again. He drove to his own house and parked the car. He got inside the house and went straight to the bathroom to take a shower, a cold shower. He undressed and got under the freezing water ignoring the shiver that ran down him as he shut his eyes letting the water fall over him. He stayed still for a while before he felt the warmth of his tears run down his face. He had no idea when he had started crying.
He sat down, pulling his knees to his chest as the water continued to fall out of the shower head. It was alright, he was alright, Boom doesn’t hate you was all he murmured to himself as he cried out all his remaining tears. He wasn’t sure of the exact reason for his tears, all he knew was that he couldn’t lose Boom, he couldn’t let Boom hate him. He couldn’t destroy what they had because of his stupid selfishness, but no, he wanted to be selfish, he wanted Boom to be his and his alone and those were the exact thoughts that kept eating him alive.
He wasn’t like that, he wanted Boom to be happy, he wanted Boom to have a choice for himself, he wanted Boom to have the best of everything and Aou knew he couldn’t do that. He felt that fear inside his heart of disappointing Boom, of hurting his feelings, so Aou couldn’t risk that. But after what happened today Aou was even more scared. Scared that Boom would drift away, that they would lose whatever they had and that’s all Aou thought as he stayed in the corner crying with everything until he was out of tears. He somehow managed to make it out of the bathroom and get dressed before falling into bed. His eyes fell close the moment he hit the bed. That night he dreamt of the kiss.