Chapter Text
What are friends for if not to help each other out?
Jeongin wakes up to the sound of the main door. The crying of the creaked wood closing with a silent gasp.
He closes his eyes once more, letting his eyelashes stick to his yawn-teared eye bags. The cool air fans into his face as he sits up, rubbing at his eyes, waking up from his static brain.
Maybe it’s his hearing, his head still in the clouds, but his eyes prove otherwise.
His door opens at the same time he sees the wall clock hit two in the morning—or, midnight?
The door screams, rusty and dry as it knocks against the wall, fully open.
A figure enters through his door, hesitant steps tapping against the flooring.
Jeongin doesn’t have a roommate.
But..
What he does have,
Is a best friend with his spare key.
“Seungmin?” Jeongin groans as he sits up, slow, uncomfortably blinking while he looks at the boy, “What—What’re you doing here?”
“Someone tried to hit on me.” Seungmin replies, instantly making his way to the rather empty side of the bed, “Move.” He demands.
Jeongin grumbles something under his tongue, but he shifts either way, even lifting the blanket up to allow Seungmin to slither in.
“Who tried to hit on you?” Jeongin questions once Seungmin finds comfort in the sheets.
“Some girl in my major. Had that section party I told you about the other day and she was there and..that..happened.” Seungmin clears his throat, “But—Like, I panicked and just said I had work due so I ran and kind of just left the party out of guilt and now I’m here. In my best friend’s apartment, in his bed.”
“Saying that like we had sex at the end of the night.” Jeongin yawns, receiving a slap on the left of his pec.
“You know what I meant.” Seungmin tuts.
Jeongin chuckles lightly, “Someone’s not very fond of women.” He coos.
“No,” Seungmin shakes his head, small dips digging into the mattress. “I do like girls, just not her. Or, not those kinds of girls.” He corrects.
“What kind of girls are there? A girl's a girl.” Jeongin teases.
“The type who pushes, or hits on me. You know what I’m talking about.” Seungmin grumbles. “I just don’t like it when they’re all up on me.”
Jeongin hums, understanding Seungmin’s point.
“Or maybe I’m just not ready for a relationship yet, I don’t know.” Seungmin adds.
“Maybe not with a girl.” Jeongin laughs, Seungmin swats his arm, making Jeongin yelp before attacking him back.
“I’m definitely straight, thank you very much.” Seungmin chides, “You don’t have to remind me of my desire for women.”
Jeongin laughs at Seungmin’s nag, knowing very well that Seungmin is, indeed, incredibly straight, very much so.
The two of them have known each other since they were in elementary school. Having been assigned seats, the teacher decided that placing the wannabe cool kid and the geek together would even out the odds of the two boys. Safe to say, it definitely did.
Up to date, the two still stayed friends, suffered through the thick and thin together. Jeongin watched as Seungmin topped the class in chemistry and literature while Seungmin watched Jeongin top in biology and english.
Jeongin also watched Seungmin get confessed to on the top of the rooftop while he was attempting a nap during lunch. He got to hear the heartfelt long speech the girl probably took weeks to prepare, along with another week to muster up the courage to let alone confess. Unfortunately for her, Seungmin rejected her in an instant. And unfortunately for Jeongin, he had to hear her sob as she ran down the stairs through the roof exit.
“How much did you hear?” Seungmin walks over to where Jeongin’s golden hair stuck out behind a healthy, well taken care of green bush.
“Pretty much everything.” Jeongin groans as he sits up, his blonde hair fully coming into view, it makes the green vibrant bushes look dull and pathetic.
Seungmin takes a seat next to him, instantly laying his head on Jeongin’s shoulder. He swears he hears Jeongin’s breath hitch. But honestly? Seungmin’s too tired to process it, he’ll apologise later for ruining his nap, but for what Seungmin knows, he needs one, asap.
That wasn’t the first time Jeongin heard Seungmin get confessed to. The guy was popular, very.
Jeongin honestly wasn’t very far off from Seungmin. Jeongin wasn’t a total loser who had absolutely no girls or guys, he just happened to be better at rejecting it.
Girls would come up to him once every few classes, ask him if they could talk on the rooftop or outside the school after the last period. Jeongin would agree, nod his head lazily and pretend he heard what they said knowing he would be a no-show.
Guys would show up to Jeongin through texts. Honestly, it was tougher to reject them considering Jeongin was a busy media man. He’d have to end up blocking them one by one, wincing as he hit the red button since he couldn’t help but feel bad for the ones who’d send him a long worded paragraph. Seungmin would tell him that he shouldn’t feel bad, knowing most of those guys, they probably couldn’t have written that much in a school assigned essay.
It doesn’t ruin the fact that they never dated before though, both of them did. At least once.
Jeongin dated both girls and guys, claimed he wanted to know which side he liked more, ending it off with him sliding more towards men. Not just because they were hot, it just felt better, comfier, he claimed. Since Jeongin was a man as well, he could understand what another would like, what felt good, how to make it feel good.
Seungmin wasn’t like that. He stuck to the modern tradition, dating strictly only women. He only dated one, though. And it didn’t even last that long since Seungmin wasn’t really into her either, his heart fluttered once or twice, but then again, it didn’t feel like the love that Seungmin imagined it to be. And unfortunately enough, Seungmin was still a virgin! Even Jeongin had sex before him, insane.
Jeongin admired Seungmin for that. For always being so straight-forward and decisive in what he wanted. He was happy seeing Seungmin date around but it also hurt knowing that Jeongin would never be able to take that place, Jeongin was just Seungmin’s best friend. He accepted it long ago, thinking that if he just shutted up about it and let this continue then the feelings would go away. He didn’t expect that he would end up completely in love with his best friend by the time they entered high school. How many years had it been already? Jeongin fears that if he knew the answer he’d just feel bad for himself instead.
Whatever.
“Say, Seungmin.” Jeongin starts, a yawn breaking through.
“Mmh?” Seungmin hums, his eyes already being closed, not bothering to open them. Judging Seungmin, Jeongin already knows he’s half-way into dream land, he continues either way.
“Why don’t you try dating guys? You never seem interested in women, like, genuinely. You should try it, just once.” Jeongin suggests.
Seungmin hums sleepily, popping his lips once before he speaks, “Mm, maybe I should—mmh, consider it.” He yawns, stretching an arm out and draping it across Jeongin’s shoulder, scooting closer towards the boy, Seungmin’s face in his chest, breath tickling at his clothed skin.
This was normal to them, just bros cuddling. Imaginary socks on, no homo. Jeongin was used to it, Seungmin was the one who initiated them, that was just how their friendship went, always will. It would’ve been the same even if Jeongin had no shirt on, the day was just more chilly, winter was coming. Why does this matter again?
“You really should, it wouldn't be a waste.” Jeongin whispers, his hands spreading out, one wrapping around Seungmin’s back, the other had his fingers intertwined into Seungmin’s hair, thumb rubbing up and down at the nape of his neck. Seungmin sighs, his body relaxes and his breathing evens out against Jeongin’s chest.
“Let’s..talk about this tomorrow..” Seungmin groans, his other hand coming up to hold onto Jeongin’s shirt.
“Okay.” Is all Jeongin replies with.
“Mhm…love you.” Seungmin mumbles, he digs deeper, his nose now grazing against Jeongin’s shirt.
“Love you too, Seungmin.” Jeongin mumbles, soothingly scratching at the boy's hair, tickling his scalp softly, Seungmin lets out another sigh, this time more out of his nose than it was his mouth, Jeongin knows it means he fell asleep.
“You know, Seungmin.”
“Mm..?”
“We should try to date.”
“…”
“Mm.”
“Good morning.” Seungmin calls out, his head not even turned from where he stands, his back facing Jeongin as he works on making two cups of coffee by the coffee machine that Jeongin bought since Seungmin loves coffee too much that he needs it every morning.
“Morning,” Jeongin yawns, his body shuddering, “It’s so cold today, shit.” He rubs his arms warm.
“Yeah, winter’s coming isn’t it?” Seungmin laughs, finally turning around with two cups in his hands, placing them down on the kitchen island between him and Jeongin. “You should get a hoodie on.” He points.
Seungmin must’ve woken up slightly earlier than Jeongin, considering how his hair doesn’t look half as messy as it does on a normal morning. He definitely had already showered and he’s even wearing a hoodie that Jeongin knows came from his own closet.
“I’ll just turn on the heater later, thanks.” Jeongin takes the cup, blowing the steam away from the top before taking a small sip, wincing as it burns on his tongue.
“Jeongin.” Seungmin calls, the sudden name makes Jeongin flinch, but he looks up either way.
“Yeah?”
“You should shower, the water should still be hot.”
“Ah—Yeah, I’ll go right now.”
“We should talk afterwards.” Seungmin smiles, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. It was one of those professional smiles that Seungmin throws to all the girls after he rejects them.
Jeongin can’t help but feel his body go cold, shivered as goosebumps form on his skin.
“Yeah?—Okay.” He replies, before sprinting out of the living room and into the toilet.
What… What was there to talk about?
“What did you want to—talk about?” Jeongin comes back, his hair damp, towel dried as he sits down on the sofa beside Seungmin.
Seungmin turns the television off, the silence now forming in the house. Jeongin doesn’t like it.
“Why’re you so tense?” Seungmin raises an eyebrow, his hand coming up to knead at Jeongin’s shoulder.
“It’s—Ah I don’t know..” Jeongin’s shoulder relaxes at the touch, fighting back the small urge to lean into it. “We never had a conversation where it needed to be planned, so it just felt off.”
Seungmin hummed, nodding as he lowered his hand.
“I heard what you said at night.” Seungmin confesses.
Jeongin really feels his blood go cold this time, his shoulders threatening to arch up again, his feet trembling to just run.
He wants to laugh it off, tell Seungmin that it was just something he suggested for shits and giggles. But, Jeongin doesn’t want to hide the fact that he’s had a massive, bodacious crush on his best friend for years. Jeongin lowers his head, refusing to look at Seungmin straight.
“Seungmin.”
“Hm?”
“I’m sorry.”
“What for?”
“I like you.”
“Ah.”
“I’m sorry.” Jeongin wants to say, he wants to scrunch his face in a ball with his own two hands and run away from this mess he made. Years of friendship. YEARS! Jeongin and Seungmin were friends for more than half their lives and Jeongin stupidly just ruined all of it because of his ridiculous feelings. Good fucking jo—
“You mean that?” Seungmin asks instead.
“What?” Jeongin looks up again, shocked
“You’re serious?” Seungmin asks again, this time scooting closer to Jeongin as he turns his body whole, his knees buried into the sofa cushions as he takes Jeongin’s hands into his own. “Really?”
“Y—Yeah?” Jeongin squeaks, his hands trying to pull out of Seungmin’s hold but it’s useless as Seungmin only tightens his grasp.
“For how long?” He asks, straight away like a curious puppy.
“Years man I don’t know,” Jeongin laughs, trying to ease the awkwardness that he’s pretty sure only he is feeling. “Too many to count.” He averts his eyes from Seungmin’s, trying to find something else to stare at.
It finally hits Seungmin. The deepened cuddles, the soft little head scratches, the flinch Jeongin does before whipping his head away with a new shade of blush on his cheeks whenever Seungmin pretended to kiss him by puckering his lips, the upset little pout Jeongin always tries to hide whenever Seungmin tells him about a new talking stage, followed by the soft sigh of relief he releases after Seungmin tells him it didn’t work out. The whispered little confessions Jeongin says only when Seungmin’s closer to the clouds than the reality.
Jeongin had been caring for Seungmin for years, looking out for the boy like a guardian angel even if it meant their future together wasn’t changed. Jeongin must’ve liked him for years, years and not just years.
“Fuck,” Seungmin huffs in disbelief, Jeongin’s eyelids relax at them, looking down at the carpetted floors in disappointment—in himself. “I’m so sorry.” Seungmin says.
“What? Why?” Jeongin looks back up again, his eyes widened at Seungmin’s apology, it wasn’t his fault. Jeongin was the one who liked him after all.
“I didn’t know that you did, not until now.” Seungmin says, his eyes softening with a sad look, his back slouching lightly. Seungmin rubs at Jeongin’s knuckles with his thumb, looking down at his slim fingers.
“It’s okay, really.” Jeongin reassures, fighting the urge to hold onto Seungmin tighter, he tries to pull away again.
Seungmin mumbles something next, under his tongue, a heavy spill. Jeongin tilts his head while Seungmin digs his chin nearly into his own neck. “What was that?”
“I’m willing to do what you said at night.” Seungmin whispers. “The—dating?”
“Ah.” Jeongin shies. “You—You heard that too?”
Seungmin nods, finally letting go of Jeongin’s hands to rub the back of his neck with one of his own. “Yeah..” He says.
“Oh my god.” Jeongin huffs, both his hands coming up to shield his face. “I’m so fucking sorry.” He says, muffled behind his palms.
Jeongin wants to explode, wants to run away and hide and never come back, change his identity and fly across the country as a new and changed man, but he knew the one most precious thing to him ever would never change; his feelings for Seungmin.
Only then does he process what Seungmin said earlier, Jeongin was too flustered and at a loss over the fact that Seungmin heard what atrocity he’d been whispering into the poor boy’s ears at night that he didn’t even take in the conversation starter.
“Wait—Did, did you just say you were willing to..” Jeongin trails off, watching as Seungmin nods his head slowly, his lips curled nervously, Jeongin sees the small ounce of sweat at Seungmin’s temple, his flushed face.
Seungmin was driving Jeongin crazy.
“I..I’m willing to try out dating a man, as long as it’s you.” Seungmin gulps, hesitant on speaking, as if one wrong word spewed could ruin their whole life of friendship. “I trust you.” Seungmin says.
“I—” Jeongin doesn’t know how to feel about this, not at all. All he knows is that he’s ecstatic, his heart’s running at a hundred miles an hour, his mind not any slower. He wants to smile, so, so badly. He lowers his head instead. “U-Uh.”
“I see you trying to hide a smile, Jeongin. Don’t think I don’t know you.” Seungmin sighs out a chuckle, a small grin coming up his lips. “You can smile, if you’re that happy about my offer.” He laughed.
Seungmin didn’t understand. It wasn’t just ‘happy.’ Jeongin was overjoyed! If it was possible he’d probably have exploded into streams of colourful paper and golden confetti by now. Jeongin was the happiest man alive, happiest person on earth. Yet, he still smiled shyly, letting the creases on the corners of his lips slowly creep up. “Okay.” He mumbled behind those sealed lips. “We can try it, if you’d like.” Jeongin replied, a soft, sheepish tone. He still couldn’t fight back that stupid little smile.
“I’d like that.” Seungmin replied nearly instantly, his smile widening, tilting his head to get a look at Jeongin. “What about you?”
“I—Yeah. Yeah I’d like that too.” Jeongin replied, hastily, an awkward laugh leaving his lips.
Seungmin couldn’t bite back the soft giggle that left his lips, a smile so gentle Jeongin could cry knowing he was the reason who made him feel that way. Seungmin’s best friend was happy, of course he couldn’t hold back a positive reaction.
Was it that easy? One confession and a cuddle to sleep after a late night party was all it took for Jeongin’s life-long crush to be his. Even if just for a day, a trial. Jeongin still had Seungmin, be it real or fake. A relationship was a relationship.
And just like that. Their trial relationship commenced.
Jeongin dated quite a bit to know what to do as a boyfriend, how to treat a partner. The basics, Jeongin had it all jotted down into a pretty little mental excel sheet.
Deep breath.
Jeongin nudged the back of his index finger at Seungmin’s, giving him a small warning before he moved higher, his pinky grazed Seungmin’s thumb as he moved, slowly, cautiously sliding his fingers in between Seungmin’s, interlocking their hand together.
He felt so nervous, Jeongin had never felt this nervous in ages! Sweat was about to bead at his forehead but he thanked the season for reaching winter as it could easily be hidden.
But if it was his lifetime crush, Jeongin felt a sense of insecurity he couldn’t quite point.
Still, Jeongin wouldn’t back down so quickly. He had finally gotten the boy of his dreams. He’d plan out the most perfect first date to take Seungmin out on.
It was week one of their trial dating, the third day. Three days ago since Seungmin spoke of his willingness. Three days ago since Jeongin became the happiest person on planet earth.
It was a very regular occurrence for them to call each other on an alternate daily basis. This was just, with added feelings.
So Jeongin rang Seungmin’s phone, watched as the words below his contact changed from Calling… to Ringing… and three beeps later, a timer pops up instead.
“Seungmin.” Jeongin said straight away.
“Hey.” Seungmin responded, his voice clear, kind of hydrated. “What’s up?”
“Wanna,” Jeongin cleared his throat. “Go on—on a date?” He asked, hesitantly.
The call went silent for a bit, Jeongin could imagine Seungmin behind the screen, probably his index finger scratching at his chin, maybe his cheekbone.
“Hm.” Seungmin thought. “Sure, where to?”
“Just a simple dinner downtown.” Jeongin said quickly, a blush creeping up his neck already. “Me and you.”
“Of course it’s just me and you.” Seungmin chuckled lowly, “Do you want other people to be there on our little date?” He teased.
Jeongin flushed, swallowing a thick lump in his throat. “Uh—No.”
“So, date?” Seungmin repeated.
“Mhm! Dinner.” Jeongin shot him a shy smile, Seungmin couldn’t help but shoot one back.
This might be more intense than Jeongin had anticipated.
Thankfully they didn’t live together, else Jeongin feared he would’ve combusted seeing Seungmin’s outfit.
They chose to meet in between both their places, which lead to the train station downtown. It was a walking distance from the restaurant which Jeongin had reserved for, speaking of, he could even see the restaurant from where he was standing.
“Jeongin!” A familiar name he heard—Wait, that was his name.
Jeongin turned his head to where the voice echoed in the left side of his ear, looking at a small figure running, an arm waved high in a dark crowd of people. Seungmin was truly like the sun. No matter how dark the sky was, how dull the people looked, Seungmin always stood out in the audience, he made a sad night look like a bright morning. It was.. Astonishing.
The boy wore a white button up top, as well as a light blue cardigan which accentuated his soft, beige skin and his light brown hair. Seungmin was like, cotton candy. Soft, sweet, sometimes also kind of cute… Ah, Jeongin was so whipped. Help.
“Seungmin.” Jeongin smiled, watching the boy come closer to him, Seungmin’s button up’s plastic button nudging at his ring finger. “Shall we?”
“Mhm!” Seungmin nodded enthusiastically.
They made a turn for the traffic lights. A short, two minute walk because jaywalking is a crime.
Was the start of dates always this awkward? Jeongin didn’t know, even though he should. He just felt like, this time it was a proper date instead of just a sad rebound or, whatever.
He also felt Seungmin’s cardigan’s arm sleeve grazing against his jacket’s own. Almost as if Seungmin was trying to initiate something. Jeongin hope he wasn’t overt, or dry up.
“Welcome!” A collated cheer of every worker in the restaurant called once they entered, the bells at the top of the door jingled as Jeongin held the door open for Seungmin to enter.
“Do you have a reservation?” A big eyed teenager behind a black mask asks, scrolling down on a tablet screen.
“Yes, for two. Under.. Yang Jeongin.” Jeongin nods, watching as the teenager frantically swipes for the 7pm slots, thank god for alphabetical order she found it easily.
A server instantly found them a seat for two. Jeongin, being the ever so kind, pulled a chair back and insisted for Seungmin to sit down on it before going to the opposite seat.
“Didn’t know Yang Jeongin was such a charmer.” Seungmin giggled behind his sleeve.
“Me neither.” Jeongin smiles, “Not until we started dating.”
Seungmin scoffed, he couldn’t hide the huge smile that formed because of those words, but his smile also couldn’t seem to stay for long once it dwelled on him that Jeongin, actually has, dated a few people before. What he said was probably a lie. Right?
“Seungmin?” Jeongin calls, worried. “Are you. Okay?”
“Huh?” Seungmin looks up, his face panicked. “Ah!—Yeah, yes yeah I’m—I’m okay.” He quickly cleared the air, forcing an awkward, somewhat reassuring smile to Jeongin.
Seungmin probably felt pressured, obligated to do this because they were friends and Jeongin just greedily spouted out his feelings, maybe.
“We don’t. We don’t have to do this if you don’t want to. Seungmin.” Jeongin said, he tried to smile, but it wasn’t really playing a part.
“What? No! I—I want to do this Jeongin.” Seungmin shot, his hands waving in Jeongin’s face. “It’s just..” He gulps.
“Just..?” Jeongin looks up, hopeless.
In order for a relationship to work, the partners have to communicate. Communication is key. That’s what nearly every book says, what every poem reads.
“What you said earlier.” Seungmin swirls a finger in the air. “The—How you didn’t know you were a charmer until we started trial dating.” He looks for Jeongin’s reaction. Jeongin nods, and so he continues.
“Was it true? I mean—You. You dated quite a few people before me, and..”
“Was that what this was about?” Jeongin cuts.
Seungmin felt insecure, was this normal? It was his first ever boyfriend, first ever date. And he was already feeling like shit. Maybe, dating isn’t Seungmin’s thing, maybe he should just stay single forever and die a virgin, maybe that would make him smart. Maybe that’s why einstein died a virgin—
“Seungmin. I’ve, truly, never acted this way towards any of my partners. Please, don’t think about them when you’re who I like, when you’re who I want to date.” Jeongin said, hand on his heart and everything.
Seungmin felt so fucking bad! His insecurity led to Jeongin giving him a full blown confession that usually happens in episode eight of a drama, yet here it was already unfolding in the freaking trailer! Seungmin, you’re such a loser!
“I’m so sorry. I—I didn’t mean to make you upset. I was just feeling a little. Insecure.” Seungmin quickly said, blush creeping up at his cheeks, this was so embarrassing. And it was on the first date. God, Jeongin probably doesn’t even want to go on another date with a loser like him ever again. Way to go, Kim Seungmin, fucked it up again.
“I’m sorry I made you feel insecure. Seungmin.” Jeongin said.
Yang Jeongin had such a way with words, Seungmin just wished he could stop talking so that Seungmin could live a second on this date without feeling guilty. Jeongin was so caring while Seungmin was so selfishly thinking of himself.
“I. It—It’s okay.” Was all Seungmin could say.
Thankfully, the food came right after that, and they easily found a new topic to talk about. Thank god that they were best friends before they became trial boyfriends. Else Seungmin feared this would be his last ever date before Yang Jeongin ghosted him.
Jeongin truly was a gentleman, he walked Seungmin back to his apartment complex and even waved him off, only turning his back once he saw Seungmin enter his apartment.
Seungmin felt like a teenage girl, he knocked his shoes off his heels and fell flat on the living room carpet, face first and everything as his legs started to kick up.
Seungmin needed to call his group of gossip girls, the only group of people who knew about this trial date, the same group of people which placed a bet that Seungmin would be gay by the time he hit nineteen.
On a good note, Seungmin did end up being sorta gay by nineteen. On a bad note, Han Jisung won ten dollars.
No matter how the note goes, Seungmin needed to call his friends and give them a life update, it had been over a day, one and three quarters, that was nearly.. forty-two hours.
Seungmin also couldn’t help but wonder. What were the three of his friends doing anyways?
“Do you think the date’s going well?” Felix asks, swaying side to side as he sips on his iced taro milk tea, humming in content as his lips wrap around the straw, sucking up three lumps of tapioca.
“Think they fucked yet?” Jisung swooned, wiggling his eyebrows as he looked at Felix from the floor. Felix looks back, of course. Raising an eyebrow with a smirk tugging on his lips.
“Don’t think Seungmin’s the type to whore himself out on the first date like you, Han Jisung.” Hyunjin scoffs, looking at neither of them. His palm was laid flat on his chin while his other held his phone high up to his eye level, scrolling away on instagram, or something.
“Ya!” Jisung pouts, shifting his body weight up to his arms as he props himself up on his elbows. “How can you word it like that?!” He feigned a sob, his bottom lip jutting out as his chin found its place in the carpets again. “Plus, at least it worked. Minho’s so into me.” He gloated, pride in his tone.
“Mm. I think Minho-hyung would’ve been into you either way, Jisung.” Felix smacks his lips off the straw. “I mean—he always had that look in his eyes whenever he saw you on campus.”
“Agreed.” Hyunjin nods, finally paying the two some attention. But it soon quickly went away as a new notification dinged in his screen. Probably from his boyfriend, Changbin. Well, definitely, from Changbin, because now Hyunjin was grinning ear to ear. He doesn’t do that on the regular, only unless it was for Changbin.
“Wonder what he’s even doing—Oh!” Felix was about to start, but his phone cut him off, a vibration that went off loudly against the glass table. “Speak of the devil.”
Kim Seungmin is ringing…
“It’s a video call too!” Jisung beams, “Must’ve been good, pick up, hurry!” He reaches for Felix’s phone himself, too impatient to wait for Felix to do it himself.
“It’s literally in the group chat.” Hyunjin rolls his eyes, looking at the same notification that was on Felix’s phone that also laid on his own screen. Still, he turns his phone off, watches as the bright couple on his wallpaper fade to a dark black, laying his phone flat on the same table as he knee-walks over to Felix and Jisung.
“Yeoboseoyo?” Seungmin’s voice comes through the line, static, soft.
“Seungmin!” Jisung squeals, his face filling up the screen.
“Woah!” Seungmin yelps, flinching as he pushes his glasses up to his nose. “Are you guys all.. together?” He asks, circling a finger around, imitating a group.
“Mhm!” Jisung nods enthusiastically, finally moving his face away from the screen. Revealing the two other boys which were hidden behind his head.
“How did it go?” Felix starts, his voice deep, excited.
“Wahh.” Hyunjin laughs, “Kim Seungmin really lives up to the virgin title, huh.”
“Rude.” Seungmin tuts, but he sighs right after. “This is like. My first time ever being on a date, come on guys! Be lenient.”
“No, because. What do you mean you got all shy over a simple graze of fingers and holding hands for a three minute walk?” Jisung raises an eyebrow, bewildered. “Maybe we don’t get it cause we ain’t virgins.” He shrugs.
“I get it.” Felix nods, “I was a little shy when Chan first held my hand.”
At least one person was on Seungmin’s side.
“See?! Thank you Felix.” Seungmin points a finger at the screen, Felix snorts.
“Fine, fine.” Hyunjin swats at the air. “Go live your little kdrama life babe.” Rolling his eyes.
“You’re acting like Changbin-hyung doesn’t make your heart flutter every day from just a single text, Hwang Hyunjin.” Jisung sticks his tongue out as he looks at the boy.
“And you’re acting like Minho-hyung doesn’t make you want to stick your asshole out for his dick every time you see him!” Hyunjin slams the table, making the phone shake and the screen fall flat. Felix yelps, quickly reaching for it while in between the two going off in a squabble, facing it up again.
“Can you guys stop fighting?” Felix puts both hands up, one in Jisung’s face, the other in Hyunjin’s. “I’m sure both your boyfriends both want you guys because your asshole feels fantastic.”
“Gross.” Seungmin gags.
“Virgin behavior.” Jisung giggles. “Ah! Speaking of. Are you and Jeongin gonna.. You know..?” He doesn’t say the word, but all four of them seem to understand anyways.
“I.. Never thought about that.” Seungmin admits.
“Well, do you want to?” Hyunjin asks.
“Uhm.”
“Kim Seungmin.” Jisung groans, palms digging in his eyes as he shoots his head up in frustration.
“He’s definitely gonna die a virgin.” Hyunjin whistles, his palm on his chin again as he looks away from the phone call.
“You’re cooked.” Felix says in English, all of them understood it either way.
Jeongin took Seungmin out for a date again. The first one went pretty well, a little rough on the edges and awkward as a start. But this was the start of something new despite having been friends for half a lifetime. It sounded right, awkwardness.
There was a new movie coming out, a movie version of the anime series that they watched together. One where they squeezed together on the loveseat at Jeongin’s apartment every Friday to watch the weekly updates. Demon slayer.
Honestly, Jeongin wanted to ask Seungmin out to watch that movie. Seungmin almost agreed instantly, the boy loved demon slayer despite people talking about how overhyped it was, people can’t appreciate good shows without a little criticism in fine print.
But, looking at it from a boyfriend perspective, especially as a second date, the demon slayer movie wasn’t really an ideal date movie choice. So Seungmin shook off Jeongin’s request, asked to watch a romance movie instead.
Jeongin thought it was weird, why would Seungmin want to watch romance when his favourite anime was right in front of his own two, or four, eyes?
Seungmin was a confusing man, but Jeongin agreed nonetheless.
And so here they were, sat side by side with an arm rest squeezed in between them. It was uncomfortable, seriously. Seungmin wasn’t a fan of these individual seats with squeaky, tough armrests. But he couldn't move it up, Jeongin bought a medium sized bucket of popcorn, salted, because Seungmin was already drinking something sweet and needed it evened out.
The movie was getting boring. Seungmin honestly regretted not picking the demon slayer movie, but he wanted a romantic atmosphere. That was how first dates work wasn’t it? Demon slayer was more of a show to watch as friends. And from what Seungmin can decipher, he and Jeongin aren’t friends!
The movie was already halfway through. Usually, in romance movies the climax should be reaching in about three minutes according to his romance-genre loving friend group who couldn’t live a day without K-drama.
Hre took a sip of his sweet tea and dipped his hand into the popcorn bucket. Coincidentally, Jeongin did too.
Their hands collided in the popcorn, kernels knocking against Seungmin’s fingers but the only thing he managed to feel was Jeongin’s hand against his.
Seungmin felt like a teenage girl, pretty sure that was established the night after the first date. He was feeling hot in the air conditioned theatre, thanking the dim light for hiding the blush that sprinkled on his cheeks.
Jeongin turned to look at him, watching as Seungmin’s gaze stuck to their hands which both refused to move, let alone leave the bucket of salted butter popcorn. Jeongin took it as an initiative, he lifted his index finger and hooked it around Seungmin’s, knocking some popcorn aside as he locked a finger with Seungmin’s oily own.
Only then did Seungmin look up, shot Jeongin a shy, cute smile. It warmed Jeongin’s heart, much more than the hot soup he drank for breakfast.
Just then, the movie started playing its dramatic slow-mo song, the one that always starts when something romantic was about to happen. Seungmin couldn’t really see it, not when he was looking at Jeongin. So he slowly turned his head to look, the show that once only appeared in the corner of his eye slowly expanded.
He also heard Jeongin start to speak, but Seungmin couldn’t help but keep his mind focused on turning to watch the show, to see the exciting climax that Jisung always squeals to no matter what show, because this always happened in romance.
“Seungmin.” Jeongin called out.
Seungmin watched the main characters out in the dark night, where a gentle snow seemed to rain beneath. The male lead held onto the female lead’s side while the female lead held onto his shoulders.
The screen zoomed in onto her feet, slow-moded into a tip toe before moving back to its original screen.
Slowly, the distance between their faces seemed to shorten. Seungmin must’ve been too mesmerised, he didn’t even feel the hand that snaked to his jaw, gently tilting his head to the left, to face where Jeongin sat.
Suddenly he remembered the soft voice that called out, the one that Seungmin had forgotten to reply to because he was too focused on the show. Speaking of, Seungmin wondered whether they had kissed yet.
“Can I kiss you?” Jeongin whispered once their eyes met for the second time.
Just like the movie.
“The climax is always the most exciting part! They always kiss!” A hint of Jisung’s voice rang in the corner of Seungmin’s head.
Huh.
This was.
Just like a movie.
“Huh?—” Was all Seungmin managed to say, before all the air left his body, punched out his lungs as he felt Jeongin’s lips against his. Soft, patient, featherlight.
It felt like nothing, yet once Jeongin pulled back Seungmin could feel everything.
“Huh.” Seungmin said once Jeongin moved, he looked at Seungmin for a while, blinking hesitantly as he studied the boy’s face. Seungmin started straight, blank. His lips were agape and Jeongin didn’t know if this was a good sign or if he should stand up and run out of the theatre now.
Seungmin started to process everything. The kiss in the movie, the kiss that just went on his lips. Seungmin blinked hastily, his hand shakily coming up to feel his lips.
Kim Seungmin was such a big virgin that he couldn’t believe he just got kissed.
He gasped, shocking both him and Jeongin as he looked up at the latter, finally, realising what had just happened. “Y-You—”
“I’m sorry!” Jeongin spurted out, a whisper. “I—I shouldn’t of had—”
“That was my first kiss.” Seungmin said, his eyes wide, Jeongin looked back at him and returned nearly the same look.
“Oh my god.” Jeongin said, horror in his face. “I’m the worst person ever I—” He cut himself off, his hand coming up to grip the hairs on the side of his head. “It—You should've been able to have your first with someone special. I’m—I’m so sorry.” He replied, guilty. Jeongin couldn’t even bring himself to look at Seungmin this time.
“It’s okay.” Seungmin said softly, reassuringly. He lowered the hand that covered his mouth before looking down at the bucket of popcorn as a distraction. “I.. You. You’re special. To—To me.” He mumbled. But Jeongin heard it anyways.
Seungmin felt like a blushy mess. His life was playing like a literal movie right now and he didn’t know what to do, everything felt too quick yet time felt so slow. Seungmin’s feelings were a mess. Yang Jeongin, the boy who played the dutiful role of being his best friend of a decade was now suddenly his trial boyfriend and Seungmin couldn’t even tell if this happiness he was feeling was love or.. something else.
Seungmin ended up looking away, back down onto his hands which were both laid flat on his lap. He couldn’t hide the smile that formed on his lips, and he also couldn’t help but feel a little bit selfish, knowing he wished it lasted a little longer, maybe he could be greedy and steal a second kiss?
So he peeked, tilted his head a little and prayed his long bangs were hiding the sneak peek he was taking. Jeongin had his face buried in his hands, his head lolled up and knocking against the headrest. Seungmin spotted a red tint at the tip of his ears, if it wasn’t for the movie screen suddenly turning a flash of white, Seungmin probably wouldn’t have been able to see it.
“Jeongin.” He whispered, hoping the boy hears him. But he doesn’t.
“Jeongin.” He tries again, a little louder than before. But Jeongin still doesn’t hear it. Seungmin clears his throat.
“Jeongin!” More than a whisper, but soft enough to be a partner voice, Seungmin remembers learning that in elementary.
“Huh?!” Jeongin flinches, his hands instantly flying off of his face as he looks at Seungmin. “Yes, yes? I’m—S-Sorry I didn’t hear you. W—What was it?—”
Jeongin’s eyes blow wide, nearly ready to just pop out of his sockets as he feels Seungmin’s hand on the side of his face, cupping at his jaw. Seungmin’s eyes were closed, his lips felt quivery, he was nervous. So was Jeongin.
Maybe, this was just a silly, little newly-coupled thing.
This.. wasn’t so bad after all.
Jeongin smiled into the kiss, Seungmin felt Jeongin’s lips curl while his was shaky. He soon felt Jeongin’s own hands on his face, angling them slightly to the side to properly slot their lips together.
This counts as their first, official kiss. Right?
They left the movie theatre with an empty popcorn bucket and a half quarter left of diluted soda. Hand in hand, arms swinging as they walked down the stairs, towards the exit, and even on the walk home.
Seungmin was so cheery, he couldn’t bite away the smile that kept forming even after the kiss, even after the movie ended. Gosh, Seungmin doesn’t even remember when he stopped smiling, his cheeks were on fire and he felt his dimples deepening.
The second date was such a success, Seungmin loved every part of it. The shoulder bumps whenever they walked because Seungmin couldn’t walk straight for the life of it and Jeongin didn’t seem to mind. The subtle hand—finger holding in the buttery popcorn bucket, Seungmin thanked himself for bringing a packet of tissues. The little impulsive kiss Jeongin initiated, followed by the hesitant one he returned.
Jeongin smiled as he watched Seungmin giggle to himself. From a third person’s perspective, people would’ve thought Seungmin was insane. But when you’re in love, everything is endeared.
“Did you like the date?” Jeongin started, his eyes probably dry from staring at Seungmin without a single blink.
Seungmin turned to face Jeongin, widening the grin on his face before smiling fully with his teeth, his eyes squinting a little in the process.
“I loved it.” He said.
“I’m glad.” Jeongin chuckled.
Unfortunately, the night came to an end, way too quick. Jeongin booked a late night ticket because he had a work shift and ended late, Seungmin felt a little sulky that they couldn’t spend much time together today. But that’s just how growing up works, isn’t it? It felt rather bittersweet, but it still made Seungmin happy knowing how Jeongin wanted the rest of his day to be spent with him. Jeongin didn’t give up even on his busiest days.
Jeongin dropped Seungmin off at his apartment complex lift lobby, letting go of Seungmin’s hand as he entered the lift.
Seungmin watched as Jeongin fidgeted with his fingers, connecting them together and pulling them apart. So he asked. “What’s wrong?”
Jeongin finally looked up at him again, this time trying to gain some sort of confidence before pulling Seungmin closer to him, making the boy stand by the automated elevator door before planting a chaste kiss on the left side of his cheek. “Just. Wanted to do that.”
Seungmin felt his face heating up, outrageously so at the specific left side. But he nodded shyly either way.
“See you again.” Jeongin smiled.
“See you.” Seungmin returned it.
Again. Seungmin couldn’t let go of those words. It made him excited knowing that there was another time, and another right after that one, and again. They were going to go on so many dates. Seungmin couldn’t help but feel the adrenaline pump in him, he was so excited! This was his first ever proper relationship and Seungmin loved every second of it!
Seungmin couldn’t wait. He wondered, if the second date was already this fun, this exhilarating, then just how fun would the future dates be? Seungmin wondered if there would ever be an end to that level of fun, if it would only get better and better from today.
Seungmin couldn’t wait.
Again, again. Again.
Gossip Gays
Kim Seungmin
Guys
Hwang Hyunjin
Spill
Han Jisung
Did you guys fuck
Lee Felix
That would be a miracle
LMAO
Han Jisung
😭😭😭
Kim Seungmin
We didn’t fuck
Hwang Hyunjin
As expected of Kim Seungvirgin
Kim Seungmin
😐
But we kissed
Han Jisung
WHAT
Lee Felix
WHAR
Hwang Hyunjin
Oh wow
Lee Felix
How did it happen??
Wait call
Gossip Gays: Lee Felix is requesting to video call
“Yeobose—”
“How did it happen?” Felix asked instantly.
“Not even a hello?”
“Hello, annyeonghaseyo. How did the kiss happen? Wae?”
“Did he initiate it or did you initiate it?” Jisung chimed in.
“He…did.”
“Make out or just a puppy peck?” Hyunjin asked, not even bothered by how it happened. He just wanted to know how well it was, maybe.
“...Both?”
Seungmin heard a collective gasp in the call. He couldn’t tell if it was from Felix or Jisung, probably even Hyunjin. Maybe even all three of them.
“Kim Seungmin made out on his first—Second date, that’s… unexpected.” Jisung scoffed.
“It was more like a. Not make out per se. Just a—Longer kiss?”
Everybody clearly lost the plot, this conversation wasn’t even meant to be about kissing! It was supposed to be about the date—Or at least, how the kiss came about. Seungmin knew these non-virgins wouldn’t give two shits about how his puppy love date went.
“Well, that aside! Can you get to the story time?”
Seungmin ended up leaving all three of his friends awestruck. Jisung couldn’t believe it finally happened. Felix couldn’t believe that Seungmin initiated a second kiss, and Hyunjin couldn’t even believe that Jeongin, let alone Seungmin, had the balls to do such a thing at all.
Seungmin also couldn’t sleep that night. He showered and wrapped himself in the covers just to push them away once he felt too hot from blushing too much, then tried to put it back on to hide from embarrassment just to push them away again because it felt too uncomfortable. Seungmin couldn’t sleep, he was too happy.
He also couldn’t help but wonder what Jeongin was doing, their last message was right after the date ended which was Jeongin asking Seungmin to text him when he reached home. Seungmin wondered if Jeongin was blushing just as hard as he was, cheesing just as much, kicking around the sheets like a teenager with a crush.
This was their second date, as romantic partners. Trial, romantic partners. If Seungmin were to count how many times they went on “dates” platonically. Ho ho, that would be tough to count, wouldn’t you like to know, weather boy.
Second romantic date and they already kissed?!!!! God, once it hits the fifth Seungmin thinks there's a high possibility of them getting married. But, that would be rather cute, wouldn’t it? Childhood best friends to married lovers.. Starting from a trial relationship.
Seungmin felt kinda sad now, they’ve been best friends for so long and yet they still have to label their dating as a ‘trial’. It felt taunting, but there wasn’t anyone to blame. Seungmin wanted this as well.
He shouldn’t stress about it. This is like his first proper relationship ever! Seungmin should take it slow, he doesn’t even know what it’s like to date. Slow and steady wins the race, factually probably not, but it always shows in the slowburns he watches.
Seungmin managed to sleep a fair amount, though he woke up rather early, there were no messages on his phone, no ‘good morning’ from Jeongin which meant that he probably wasn’t even awake yet.
Anyways, Jeongin said ‘see you again’, which meant he wanted to see him again. Seungmin couldn’t wait for when that day would come, when he’d see Jeongin again.
Wait—Why was Jeongin always the one asking Seungmin out? Was this the norm? By stereotype? Maybe it’s because Jeongin started to try dating hence he’s the one always asking. Ah, that makes.. sense. Right?
But, Seungmin honestly kinndddaa hates going by the standards, I mean, he’s already half-semi gay. That already wasn’t really seen as a standard, was it? Also, he won’t lie that he feels sort of bad that Jeongin is always the one asking Seungmin out when he could be the one being asked. Sometimes the alpha wants to be the omega too, so what if they wanna be a little submissive, right?.. What?
Well, however the term goes, Seungmin totally understands it. Felix had sputtered a ton of this relationship shit into his ear for years. Honestly, it felt like Seungmin had been in a relationship since forever thanks to that. Anyways! Nothing wrong with him being the first one to initiate a date this time, right? Ha…haha….