Archive of Our Own

“Sir, here’s your coffee.”

“Jisung, I’ve asked you innumerable times to just call me Jeno hyung.” Jeno said, smiling exasperatedly up at the boy who was standing sheepishly.

“Sorry, um, Jeno hyung. I’m just not used to calling my bosses by their name.”

“Well then, get used to it, at least with me.” Jeno said, taking a sip of his coffee and looking back at the file on his table. “Do I have any more meetings for the day?”

Jisung shook his head. “No, you’re done with the meetings for the day, but your father called and asked for you to be present at dinner with him and your mother tonight.”

Jeno sighed. “Did he say what he wanted?”

Jisung shook his head yet again. “He was really vague.”

Jeno rubbed his temples, already feeling a headache coming in at the mere thought of a conversation with his father.

“Okay thank you Jisung, you’re free to go home for the day.” Jeno said, giving the other boy a tight smile who gave him a sheepish smile in return.

“Thank you si- Jeno hyung. I hope the dinner with your parents goes well. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Jisung said, leaving the room and closing the door behind him.

Jeno leaned back on his chair and loosened his tie a bit, letting his eyes close.

A dinner with his parents normally meant bad news for Jeno. He wasn’t particularly on bad terms with his parents, in fact he was really close to his mom, his dad on the other hand, not so much.

Growing up, the only memory Jeno has of his father was that of him working nonstop to take Dream Corp. to the point it was today. Dinners were normally a stressful affair because his father always had high expectations off of him and was not easily pleased by anything he did and he used every dinner to remind Jeno of that.

So he and Jeno had never really gotten along, his father wanted an heir to his business, not a son.

But ever since Jeno had proved himself and practically taken over the company, his father’s disappointment with him had decreased, hence the dinners had decreased in number too.

So, being summoned to a dinner with his father tonight wasn’t really a good sign.

Jeno sighed again as he opened his eyes and saw a pile of paperwork to sign on his table.

A quick glance at the clock told him that it was six in the evening, his dinner was at eight and god forbid he reached there even a minute before that.

He opened up the first file to look through it.

Two more hours of work it was.

--

“You are getting married next month.”

Jeno stilled. His hand pausing in the middle of taking a bite of his food.

Uhm, what?

“Uhm, what?”

His mother sighed from where she was sitting beside Jeno. “I thought we decided that we won’t be going through with that.”

“I didn’t say that, you did. I already finalized everything.” His father said, calmly eating his food.

“Will someone please explain what this thing is about?” Jeno asked.

His mother turned to him, with something akin to pity in her eyes. “Me and your father are discussing things right now don’t worry-”

“Discussions are already done. He will be getting married next month.” His father interrupted her.

“Excuse me? What marriage? What is this about?” Jeno asked, voice surprisingly stable compared to how shaken he was feeling.

His father put down his fork and looked at Jeno. “You’re getting married to Lee Donghyuck of the Lee group next month, I finalized everything with his family today. This will lead to both the companies coming together to start a new project together alongside our respective businesses and will be very profitable for us. This marriage signifies that coming together.”

Jeno stared at his father.

An arranged marriage? Really?

“Really, Father? You didn’t even think of asking me first before deciding something this bi- no wait, of course you didn’t.” Jeno said, feeling frustration rise up within him.

He had done everything his father wanted from him ever since he was a mere child, and it still wasn’t enough for him.

“There was nothing to discuss with you. This is the best course of action for the business as a whole and I didn’t think you would object to that.” His father said, raising an eyebrow in challenge.

Jeno knew that his father was testing him. He knew how much Jeno loved the company, how many hours of sleep he sacrificed to take the business to the next level and how much he wanted what was the best for the business too. Jeno couldn’t even argue with his father when he put it like that.

And he needed to get out of here before he exploded just like his father wanted.

He stood up, his chair scraping against the floor.

His mother immediately stood up too. “Jeno you didn’t even eat-”

“Mom, its fine I’m not that hungry anyway. I’ll come visit you soon.” Jeno said, giving his mother a smile, picking up his suit jacket and turning towards the door to leave.

--

“Omg hi Jen this is a surprise- okay you’re not fine.” Jaemin said, the second he opened the door, smile slowly disappearing at the expression on Jeno’s face.

Jeno managed a weak smile. “Hey Jaemin, sorry to just show up out of nowhe-” Jeno started.

Jaemin rolled his eyes, pulling Jeno in and closing the door. “Don’t give me any of that bullshit, you’re literally always welcome here you know that.”

Jeno nodded, taking off his shoes and following Jaemin inside.

Jeno had been to his house plenty of times, Jaemin was his best friend after all, but the house always rendered him speechless.

Jeno was used to big houses, being the son of one of the biggest entrepreneurs meant that he’d seen plenty luxurious houses but Jaemin’s house was the most personalized yet, it showed the amount of time he and Mark had put into the décor of the house.

“I want our house to feel like home you know? A luxurious house means nothing if you feel empty coming back to it after a tiring day at work.”

That’s what Jaemin had told Jeno when this house was bought and Jeno couldn’t help but marvel at how well Jaemin had stood up to what he had said.

Jaemin took a seat on the couch, patting the spot beside him for Jeno to take.

“So tell me Jen, what’s gotten you looking so sullen?” Jaemin asked.

Jeno sat down, melting into the cushions. “I’m getting married next month.”

Jaemin choked on nothing, coughing violently at the revelation before turning to Jeno with the most incredulous expression. “What the fuck?!”

Jeno sighed. “Yeah.”

“Do not ‘yeah’ me right now Jeno Lee, you tell me in detail what you mean.” Jaemin said.

“I don’t fucking know okay? I was just called in by my father today and he told me- no- announced to me that I was to get married next month. I am just as clueless as you are.” Jeno said, voice rising a little because the frustration of the evening was fast catching up to him now.

Jaemin understood Jeno’s state of mind right away, immediately scooting closer and putting a comforting hand on his knee, his voice was soft when he spoke again. “Hey, you okay?”

Jeno sighed again, hand coming up to rub his eyes. “No Jaemin, I am not fine. I don’t really mind marrying for the business’ betterment you know? But my father could have at least asked me before just going out there and offering me as a pawn of some sort.”

“He didn’t have the right to do that, but your father’s always been, I’m sorry to say this, but an asshole, he’s never really seen you or anyone for that matter as human beings with feelings.” Jaemin said, hand drawing soothing circles on Jeno’s hand.

“I know Jaem, fuck, I just- in that dining room, I felt 12 again, like no matter what I do, it will never be fucking enough. That my father will always just find a way to make me feel small, I felt so fucking small Jaemin, like it doesn’t matter what I achieve, he still won’t see me as someone worthy.” Jeno said, head in his hands.

“Hey hey hey Jeno, baby, you know that’s not true right? You’re more than worthy. Your father is just a literal demon.” Jaemin said.

Jeno huffed out a laugh at the hatred in Jaemin’s voice.

He remembered the time both of them were 8 years old and Jeno had been scolded by his father for something entirely trivial and Jeno had cried, Jaemin had balled up his tiny fists and stomped as he declared that he’ll always hate Jeno’s father in his life because ‘no one makes Jen cry!”

And now, 19 years later, he still hated him. A loyal friend, Jaemin was.

“I am fine Jaemin, don’t worry. I just can’t believe that he still hasn’t changed his ways even a little.” Jeno said, feeling a lot better now that he had let most of his frustrations out.

“Me neither, man.” Jaemin sighed. “Are you considering the marriage though?”

Jeno shrugged. “I mean, it is going to be profitable for the business so why not you know? It’s not like I have anyone else that I want to marry. It isn’t a big deal. Just someone to share a house with.”

Jaemin’s mouth dropped open. “Did you just call marriage not a big deal? It is a big deal Jeno! It’s someone you’ll spend your life with.”

“I really doubt both he and I are going to really care about it, I just want what’s best for the business and I doubt he’d want anything different.”

“But what If you guys don’t get along? You’ll never fall in love then!” Jaemin sounded absolutely heartbroken at the prospect, the hopeless romantic that he was.

Jeno chuckled. “It’s okay Jaem, I’m not looking to fall in love either. Not everyone is as lucky as you and Mark were.” Jeno said.

“Did someone say Mark?” Speak of the devil, Mark appeared in the living room, smiling at them. “Hey Jeno, what’s up?”

Jeno smiled up at him, it was impossible not to smile around Mark, he was just too nice and kind.

“He’s getting married next month.” Jaemin said.

Geez, talk about straight forward.

Mark’s eyes widened. “What the fuck?!”

“My thoughts exactly.” Jaemin said, grinning. “You and I are soulmates babe.”

Mark rolled his eyes, smiling nonetheless. Whipped.

“Who are you getting married to?” Mark asked.

“Oh shit yeah, I forgot to ask that.” Jaemin said.

Jeno shook his head in exasperation. “Lee Donghyuck of the Lee group.”

Mark squeaked, face turning pale.

“Babe, stop making that face, you’re really not helping the whole situation.” Jaemin said.

“So he’s a jerk? Great.” Jeno said, putting his head in his hands again.

“No no! He’s not a jerk, not at all. He was just a little chaotic as a kid but he’s a good kid, his heart is in the right place.” Mark said, looking a little sheepish.

“That does literally nothing to comfort me.” Jeno said.

“Don’t worry Jen, it’ll be fine. Marriage isn’t a bad thing you know? Who knows you might even come to love him.” Mark said, patting Jeno’s shoulder and smiling at him.

“Just because you and Jaemin had the most heart touching love story ever and got married doesn’t mean we all want that, love that is.” Jeno laughed.

“But you deserve love Jeno, even if you think you don’t need it and I hope that if it comes knocking on your door, you won’t turn away from it.” Jaemin said, ruffling Jeno’s hair.

Jeno let out an indignant sound. “I hate when you do that!”

“Precisely why I do it in the first place my love.” Jaemin grinned and got up.

“Now go take a shower, and change into some of my clothes. You definitely didn’t have dinner so I’ll quickly whip up something for you.” Jaemin said, walking away.

“That isn’t really necessary-” Jeno started but trailed off because Jaemin had already walked away.

Mark laughed. “I’m afraid it wasn’t up for debate bud, go freshen up, we’ll wait for you at the dining table okay?”

Jeno smiled. “Yeah, a shower sounds really good about now.”

Mark laughed too, getting up and ruffling his hair and walking away.

This time, Jeno didn’t even seem to mind it that much.

--

“You want me to do what?!” Donghyuck asked, eyes wide as saucers at what his parents had just said.

His father just sighed while his mother said, “We think it will be in the best interests of everyone if you get married to the son of the Chairman of Dream corp.”

“Mom, I can’t just get married to a random stranger because you guys think it’s the best course of action!” Donghyuck said, anger rising within him.

How could they even think that he would agree to this?

Marriage wasn’t something trivial. As much as Donghyuck wanted what the best for the company was, there were lines, lines that shouldn’t be crossed.

His marriage was one of the lines.

His father approached him. “Look son, I know that it seems really unfair right now but you need to understand how much we’ll benefit from this merger. You’re the CEO of the company, you know the benefits well enough for you to not question this.”

“Dad, why can’t the companies just sign the contract without the marriage?” Donghyuck said, voice frustrated now.

“Because contracts can be nullified, but a marriage between the families solidifies everything. They can’t just back off from the merger once their son is married to you.”

“So you really are putting me up there as sacrifice?”

His father sat down, exasperated.

His mother stepped up. “Hyuck, it doesn’t have to be that bad, you may even come to love the boy. I’ve met Jeno before, he’s lovely and I’m sure that the both of you will be good for each other.”

“Mom please, I literally don’t care if Jeno was the most amazing human on earth. I don’t love him and I doubt I ever will and you’re forcing me to get married to someone I’ve never met!”

“Do you have someone else you want to marry Donghyuck?” His father asked, his voice stern.

Donghyuck sputtered. “What does that have to-”

“Do you?”

“No.”

“Then there’s no point in discussing this further. You’re getting married next month.” His father said, voice leaving no room for further argument.

Donghyuck had always had a good relationship with his parents, they were normally very understanding and accommodating of everything related to him and even appreciated him for everything that he did. He had always felt seen with him parents, ever since he was a kid.

But this time, they seemed to have no consideration for how Donghyuck felt towards this whole thing.

And that angered him, this was a big deal and Donghyuck couldn’t believe that his parents were just offering him up like that.

He couldn’t stay in the same room as them anymore.

So he left, the main door of the house slamming shut with a resounding bang.

--

“Maybe they’re right you know? Maybe this will end up being a good thing for you.” Renjun said, sighing as he handed the can of beer to Donghyuck.

Donghyuck stared at him, offended. “Excuse me? Are you hearing yourself right now? How are you okay with this?”

“I’m not okay with it Hyuckie, obviously it is unfair. But we’ve grown up in the world of business, you know that what we want rarely matters and I don’t want you to agonize over this when there isn’t any other alternative.” Renjun said, voice soft.

Donghyuck understood what he meant. In this world, people had to constantly live a life where they had to sacrifice what they actually wanted for what was good for the business, Donghyuck had learnt that at a very young age.

“And besides, you’re always too busy being the hotshot CEO to ever venture out and try to find someone to date but you’re a hopeless romantic at heart, maybe this marriage will make you find love. Even if it isn’t the course of action you imagined.” Renjun added.

Donghyuck rolled his eyes. “I doubt it Jun, I don’t even know the guy.”

“I do, I saw Jeno a lot in the corporate parties that you refused to attend. He’s a nice guy, very polite and charming.”

“You sound like you have a crush on him.”

“Are you already getting possessive over him?” Renjun asked, smirking.

“Shut up Jun, I am in a crisis right now.”

Renjun scooted closer to him and held his hands between his own.

“Listen Hyuckie, I know that marriage is a big deal for you and so is falling in love and it must be hard for you to know that you’re being forced to marry someone who you don’t even know, let alone love. But who knows Hyuck, maybe Jeno is the person you’ve been looking for and never found.” Renjun said with a small smile. “It might take a while to even accept this whole thing but I’m just asking you to give this a chance, give Jeno and you a chance. Don’t knock off your one shot at love just because you’re sure it won’t turn out well.”

Donghyuck exhaled, staring at the floor.

When Renjun put it like that, it did sound like it could work out.

He could at least work on acceptance, as soon as he accepted it, the sooner it would start to feel easy right?

“Okay, I’ll try to not flip out every time I think of the marriage I guess.” Donghyuck mumbled.

Renjun grinned. “Good, that’s all I’m asking of you too.”

--

Donghyuck groaned as he saw the email that he’d received from his father.

It was informing him about the get together that his and Jeno’s parents had apparently arranged for the two of them to finally announce their engagement.

Donghyuck sighed. He’d really hoped that when he woke up this morning, all of this would have been a dream but apparently, it wasn’t.

He was in the middle of his internal crisis when the door to his office burst open.

“You didn’t think it was important to tell me that you’re getting married?!” Chenle’s high pitched voice screeched as he entered his office and shut the door.

Donghyuck massaged his temples. “Keep it down Chenle, you’re the fucking CFO of the company, not some rebelling teen.”

Chenle rolled his eyes and dropped himself on one of the couches at the corner of the office, staring Donghyuck down.

Donghyuck turned uncomfortable under his stare. Chenle was a menace. “What?”

“Spill, hyung.”

“There’s nothing to spill, how did you come to know anyway? Was it Renjun?”

Chenle let out an offended noise. “So Renjun hyung knows and I didn’t?! Wow, the betrayal.” Donghyuck took a pen from his desk and threw it at him with an unimpressed expression.

Chenle dodged it. “Your father sent me an invitation to the party tonight, that’s how I came to know.”

Ah.

Right.

“He just told me yesterday that I was to get married next month to Lee Jeno, I didn’t really have a say in the whole thing. So that’s why you didn’t know, I didn’t know either.” Donghyuck said, sighing as he picked up the next file to go through.

Chenle hummed. “I see, a business marriage then?”

“Yeah, exactly that.”

Chenle got up from the couch then, walking towards Donghyuck and patting on his shoulder. “It’ll be fine hyung, I know this isn’t what you want but maybe it’ll bring something good in your life.”

Donghyuck nodded, giving Chenle a smile.

He’d grown up with Chenle and Renjun, the both of them were cousins and were family friends of Donghyuck’s parents. So they’d always grown up together.

Renjun had his own family business that he was the heir to, but his father was taking care of the business as of now and he put no pressure on Renjun to take over quickly. He was focusing on his art currently because that is something where his passion lied.

Chenle, a year younger than both of them, tagged behind them all the time when they were kids and both Donghyuck and Renjun loved him to pieces. Chenle’s family business back in China was being taken care of his older brother and Chenle had decided to stay back in Korea, becoming the CFO in Donghyuck’s father company instead. Chenle was the backbone of the company and practically like a son to Donghyuck’s parents.

“So, Jeno Lee huh? He’s nice.” Chenle said, face splitting into a grin.

Donghyuck face palmed. “Why does everyone know him but me?”

“Because of all the parties we attend that you refuse to.”

“Corporate parties are boring.”

“Well, now you don’t know how your future husband looks. Suffer.”

Donghyuck sighed. He really didn’t know Jeno, not even how he looked.

He hesitated, but then he went ahead with his question.

“How does he look?” He asked Chenle.

And immediately regretted it.

The Cheshire grin on Chenle’s face made him uncomfortable as fuck.

“Oh hyung, curious, are we?”

“Shut up before I fire you.”

A snort. “I’d like to see you try.”

“Get out of my office if you’re not going to be of any use to me, I have work to do.”

Chenle cackled. But started walking out of the office.

He stopped right at the door.

“Hyung?”

“What now?”

“You know that Lee Jeno was nominated the most eligible bachelor in the business world last year right?”

“Uh, no?”

Chenle smirked. “Well, let’s just say maybe his face and body had a lot to do with it.”

--

Jeno got out of his car at the entrance of the big fancy hall his parents had rented out to host the party in.

Jaemin had insisted that Jeno came with a driver today instead of driving on his own because ‘I think you’re going to need a lot of alcohol tonight’ and Jeno had had to agree with him because this party was the announcement of his engagement and god, if that didn’t make Jeno want to chug down an entire bottle of whiskey already.

He smoothened down the front of his suit jacket to get rid of the imaginary creases and entered the hall.

It was milling with people, which was expected knowing the nature of the event. It was no wonder that both his and Donghyuck’s parents must’ve invited every name in the business world along with the press too to ensure everybody knew about the wedding and by association, of the merger. After all, they had to show off the power that this merger would bring to both their companies.

It wasn’t business if it didn’t mean showing off power, after all.

Jeno took a deep breath as he entered further, already catching eyes of a lot of people, some of them going so far as already congratulating him on his engagement.

He managed a smile for them, thanking them all politely and he was just about to be swept up in an interrogative conversation by one of the older men in the room when Jaemin appeared out of nowhere to save him, god bless his soul.

“Hey Jeno! Oh sorry Mr. Kim, I’d have to take Jeno away for a while. I’m sure you’ll get plenty chances to talk to him later.” Jaemin said, turning on his charm and smiling at Mr. Kim so brightly that the other man just waved them both off with a smile.

Jeno sometimes forgot that Jaemin was a force to be reckoned with.

“Whew, Mr. Kim doesn’t stop talking once he starts, be glad I saved you.” Jaemin said, handing Jeno a glass of champagne that he immediately made a face at.

Jaemin rolled his eyes. “I know that champagne is too light for you right now but your father will definitely have my head if you were plastered off of scotch before the official announcement takes place.”

Jeno sighed but took a sip. “Where is Mark?”

Jaemin scoffed. “Being all business-y, what else.”

“Did you meet Donghyuck yet?”

“No, didn’t have the chance to, I met one of his friends though, Huang Renjun? You know him?”

Jeno nodded. “Yeah, I’ve seen him around.”

They were interrupted by Jeno’s father joining them.

“Son.” His father said in lieu of a greeting.

“Father.” Jeno replied.

“Did you meet Donghyuck yet?”

“No.”

“Well, I suggest that you go and meet him now then.” His father said, “He is your fiancée after all.”

Jeno rolled his eyes internally but nodded nonetheless.

Him and Jaemin walked away and were joined by Mark.

“Hey Jen, nervous?” Mark asked.

“I wasn’t but after you told me that my future husband was a jerk, I have been a little.” Jeno teased.

Mark sighed. “I literally never said that, Donghyuck isn’t a jerk. He’s just a bit difficult and I don’t know how he is now. This was years ago.”

“Well, maybe it’s time we find out for ourselves hm?” Jaemin said then, staring at someone in the corner of the room.

Jeno followed his vision to see three men standing together, talking.

He could immediately recognize Huang Renjun and Zhong Chenle, having met them quite a lot at different corporate events.

Standing between them, who Jeno guessed, was Lee Donghyuck.

Lee Donghyuck, his fiancée.

“Is that Donghyuck?” Jeno asked, eyes fixated on the boy who was currently laughing at something Renjun had said.

Fuck.

He was beautiful.

Jaemin seemed to have understood Jeno’s train of thought as his voice was laced with amusement when he said, “Yeah, that’s him.”

Okay so, Jeno had seen his fair share of beautiful people in his life.

He was friends with Jaemin and Mark for fuck’s sake.

But Donghyuck-

Well, let’s just say that Jeno hadn’t been ready for what he was seeing.

“Do you wanna go say hi?” Mark asked.

Did he?

“I mean, I am getting married to him so I should at least do that. Shouldn’t I?”

Jaemin chuckled. “Man, you’re making me nervous, let’s just go and greet them.”

He pulled both Jeno and Mark to where the other three men were standing.

Renjun immediately spotting them and smiling at them warmly.

“Jaemin, Mark and Jeno, hey!”

Jeno could see how Donghyuck froze, his face being stuck in an awkward expression.

They reached them.

“Hey Renjun, it’s been a while.” Mark greeted Renjun.

“Are you really going to act like you don’t know me Mark hyung?” Chenle said, amusement in his voice.

Mark let out an exasperated sigh but smiled nonetheless as he turned to Chenle.

“Hi menace, how have you been?”

Chenle chuckled. “I’ve been good!”

“I can see.”

“Jaemin, why does your husband know everybody?” Jeno asked.

Jaemin, who was sipping on his champagne while looking on shrugged. “A mystery to me, truly.”

Renjun seemed to be the first one to realize that Jeno hadn’t spoken a word since arriving.

He turned to him. “So, Lee Jeno, the man of the hour.” He said, smiling.

Jeno let out a small chuckle. “It’s nice to meet you.”

Chenle sidled up to him too. “Can I call you hyung?”

Renjun immediately smacked his wrist lightly. “Chenle-”

“What? He’s marrying Donghyuck hyung, we have to be close!” Chenle said.

Jeno laughed at the exchange. Donghyuck’s friends were quite a bunch.

“You can call me hyung, Chenle.” He said, smiling at the younger.

Chenle grinned. “I like you already.”

Jeno had heard stories of how efficient Chenle was as the CFO of the company and how his work ethic was something that even the most senior people of the industry praised but seeing him here, Chenle was relaxed and almost childlike.

It was a breath of fresh air in a place with people trying to be everything that they weren’t just to prove a point.

“Donghyuck, it’s been a while since I met you too.” Mark said.

Donghyuck smirked against the rim of his champagne glass. “It really has Hyung, miss me?”

Mark rolled his eyes. “Are you still the menace you were back in college?”

Donghyuck let out a laugh at that.

His eyes turning into crescents, face almost glowing brighter than the lights in the room.

God, Jeno needed to get a grip.

“Relax hyung, it’s been a lot of years since college. I’m well behaved now I promise.” Donghyuck said, smiling.

“Mark, you never told me you knew Donghyuck back in college.” Jaemin said, sidling up to Donghyuck. “A pity that I never got to meet you before.” He said, turning on his Jaemin smile as he shook hands with Donghyuck.

“Well, I knew Mark hyung got married but I didn’t know his husband was so handsome.” Donghyuck said right back, eyes sparkling with mischief.

Mark just sighed. “I should’ve known this would happen. You both are the most terrible flirts I’ve ever come across.”

Jeno just stood there awkwardly. His fiancée and best friend were flirting.

Excuse Jeno for not knowing what to do in a situation like this one.

Initially, it had been a shocker for Jeno that Mark was okay with Jaemin flirting with anyone who looked twice in his direction because it wasn’t the most traditional arrangement per say.

But when Jeno had asked Mark about it over drinks one night back when he and Jaemin had just got married, Mark had just smiled and said that it was who Jaemin was as a person, naturally charming and flirty and just full of life and Mark didn’t ever feel like taking that away from him.

Jeno strived to achieve that level of security in his relationships. Mark and Jaemin had never had any issues, both incredibly loyal and understanding and just whipped for each other.

A dream.

And Mark said it was fun seeing people be uncomfortable when Jaemin flirted with them in front of Mark because they didn’t know how to act.

Sadist.

Anyway.

“You fiancée is standing right there and you’re flirting with a married man, Hyuck, are you for real?” Renjun said, sounding exasperated.

Jaemin and Chenle laughed at that.

Jeno couldn’t help but smile too.

“Maybe we should leave them alone?” Mark suggested.

“Yeah, let’s just go.” Chenle said.

They left, not without Jaemin patting Jeno on his back as a good luck.

It was incredibly awkward after they left.

Jeno and Donghyuck looking everywhere but at each other.

Finally, Donghyuck spoke up.

“Hey.”

Jeno cleared his throat.

“Hi.”

Donghyuck chuckled a little. “A very weird situation we both are in, if you ask me.”

“Yeah, quite an extreme one.” Jeno replied, smiling a little.

Donghyuck breathed in. “Okay, I’m assuming you weren’t too thrilled at the idea of marrying me?”

Jeno sputtered.

He wasn’t, but isn’t that rude to say?

Donghyuck laughed. “No it’s okay, I wasn’t either. We had no say in this after all.”

“Yeah, true.”

“But let’s just agree to be civil to each other. We do have to share a house and all that jazz and I’d rather I wasn’t living with someone who wanted to kill me.”

Jeno nodded. “Yeah, I agree. We’ll be civil, we’re in the same boat after all.”

Donghyuck nodded back, face looking a little relieved.

“Okay, good talk.”

“Yeah, see you around.”

Jeno couldn’t help but wonder just what he’d gotten himself into the moment Donghyuck walked away.

--

“So first impressions?” Chenle asked the moment he, Renjun and Donghyuck got into the car to leave the party.

“I don’t really know what you want me to say.” Donghyuck said, feeling tired to his bones. Literally everybody had come up to him to congratulate him after the official announcement had been made and he’d had to thank each one of them and stand there with a smile plastered to his face.

He just wanted to go home and sleep.

“Oh come on, what did you think of Jeno?” Renjun asked.

Apparently, peace was too much to ask.

“He’s easy on the eyes.” Donghyuck said.

Renjun scoffed. “Man is a walking Adonis, what the fuck.”

Donghyuck had to agree.

His brain had promptly shut down when his eyes had fallen on Jeno.

Nobody had taught him how to act around someone that ethereal.

But as if his face wasn’t fucking enough, he had that body.

Cruel, Donghyuck thinks, how the world works.

“Jeno hyung indeed is something else.” Chenle agreed,

“What did you guys talk about?” Renjun pried.

“Jesus Sherlock, calm the fuck down.” Donghyuck mumbled. “We just talked about how we should at least be civil with each other because no one wants to be married to someone who hates them.”

Renjun fixed with a deadpanned look. “Wow, real romantic Hyuckie.”

“Hyung seriously? You’re getting married to this guy.”

Donghyuck sighed and closed his eyes, leaning back on the seat. “I don’t know what you guys are expecting out of this marriage but honestly, I just want to be on good terms with him and have both of us respect each other’s privacy. That’s it. Nothing more than that.”

“Hyuck you’re going to spend your entire life with this man, you really don’t want to give yourself a chance to fall in love with him?”

“I don’t think love is on the plate anymore Renjun, if he’s a good person at heart and keeps to himself, I’ll consider myself happy.” Donghyuck said.

Chenle made a sound that sound puppies made when they were sad as he cuddled up to Donghyuck.

“Hyung-”

“I’m fine Lele, don’t worry about it.”

He found Renjun’s hand and squeezed it, knowing that his best friend could see how hopeless Donghyuck felt.

“You too Junnie, don’t worry. I’m sure everything will be fine.”

--

“What are you doing here?” Jeno asked Jaemin as soon as he entered the suit store. The other immediately grinning looking at him.

“I came here to support you!” Jaemin said.

“You’re here just to flirt with Donghyuck, don’t even lie to me.” Jeno said, rolling his eyes.

It had been a week since the engagement announcement party, the newspapers and gossip tabloids had gone crazy at the news of two of the most influential bachelors in the business world getting married.

Jeno had drowned himself in work, not wanting to engage in the ridiculous gossips going around all around him.

He was here in this designer suit store right now for his suit fitting, the suit that he would wear for the wedding.

Their mothers had arranged for a joint suit fitting for him and Donghyuck because they wanted their suits to match and also for them to see if they looked good together.

Not that it mattered much to Jeno, or Donghyuck for that matter, if his business- like approach to the marriage at the party was anything to go by.

“Donghyuck’s already inside the changing room, trying on his first suit. You should go ahead too.” Jaemin said.

Jeno would never show it but he was glad Jaemin was here, Jeno barely understood how to go about anything with Donghyuck anyway, he wasn’t sure that he’d not be the most awkward person on this planet if he was left alone with Donghyuck right now.

“He came alone?” Jeno asked.

Jaemin nodded.

“Yeah, apparently Chenle is taking care of the reigns at the company while Donghyuck’s here and Renjun had to urgently fly down to Paris for some art exhibition?”

“Are you asking me or telling me?” Jeno said, amused.

“No I am pretty sure he said that but I just realized it sounds a little wild.” Jaemin laughed.

“So we’re just going to pretend that you didn’t randomly wake up one day last year and flew to Hawaii with Mark because you had a dream about sitting on a beach?” Jeno said, raising an eyebrow.

“Wow, you really did that? Respect.” Donghyuck said, appearing out of nowhere and looking amused.

Jeno’s eyes snapped up to look at him.

He looked-

Absolutely breathtaking in the white suit that he was wearing, the colour contrasting beautifully against his golden skin.

Jeno was sure that it would take days to get that image out of his head.

“Whoa, you look breathtaking.” Jaemin said.

Thanks, Jaemin. Exactly what Jeno was thinking.

“Why thank you, Jaemin.” Donghyuck said, smiling.

“Doesn’t he look amazing, Jen?” Jaemin asked, eyes turning to Jeno.

Jeno could only nod, he didn’t want to risk saying something embarrassing and making Donghyuck uncomfortable.

“Now hurry up, go in and get into your suit too. I want to see how you both look together.” Jaemin said.

Jeno obliged, going in and changing into the pristine white suit waiting for him on the hanger and coming out of the changing room.

Jaemin and Donghyuck were engaged in conversation, both of them smiling and laughing.

Jeno went up to them and cleared his throat.

Their heads turned to him in unison.

Jeno could bet that he saw Donghyuck’s eyes widen a fraction before his face schooled back to his normal expression.

If that didn’t do wonders to Jeno’s ego.

“Wow, okay. If you weren’t getting married and if the idea of doing anything with you didn’t nauseate me a bit, I would totally like, hook up with you.” Jaemin said.

“That’s a lot of conditions Jaem.” Jeno said, laughing.

“Yeah well, you are my best friend so.” Jaemin shrugged. “Joke’s aside, looking incredible Jen. Donghyuck wouldn’t know what hit him.”

“Uh, excuse me, I’m sitting right here?” Donghyuck said.

“Yeah I know, and you already look like you don’t know what hit you.” Jaemin said, smirking.

Donghyuck looked away, and was that a blush?

“It’s not like that. But yeah, you look good.” Donghyuck said.

Jeno smiled. “Thank you.”

“Now go Donghyuck, stand beside him so that I can see how you look together.”

“Don’t you have a company to run? Do you have the time to make my life more difficult than it has to be?” Jeno asked, exasperated.

Jaemin just chuckled. “Babe, I have other people who I trust enough to run the company in my absence for a few hours. I’m not a workaholic, if you know what I mean.”

Okay, Jeno felt called out.

Donghyuck stood next to Jeno and Jaemin slow clapped.

“Amazing, mind blowing, the most beautiful couple.”

“Dramatic piece of shit.” Jeno sighed.

Donghyuck just chuckled.

“Glad to know you approve.”

“Glad to know my approval matters.”

“You are my fiancée’s best friend, obviously it matters.” Donghyuck said, winking at Jaemin.

And if Jeno’s heart did something at the word fiancée, then he didn’t show it.

--

Donghyuck sighed as he sat down on his bed.

The suit fitting had gone, well, it had gone as good as it could, with all the awkwardness.

His phone chimed with a text.

He opened it up to see that it was from Jaemin.

Jaemin

Hey!!!!

It’s me, your new bestie ahaha

I texted for no reason

But well, I just hope you know that if you want to talk about anything, I’m here

Like, I know we don’t know each other that well

But let’s change that!

I look forward to getting to know you Donghyuck.

(P.S – don’t forget to text Jeno about the house!)

Donghyuck smiled as he read the texts, Jaemin was honestly a sweetheart.

He replied back to him equally as enthusiastically, Donghyuck could see him and Jaemin becoming fast friends.

Coming to the texting Jeno thing, he and Jaemin had talked about it when Jeno had been changing.

Donghyuck had just mentioned something about his own apartment when Jaemin asked him if he and Jeno had decided where to live after their wedding.

And Donghyuck realized, that, they actually hadn’t thought about that at all.

His expression had apparently been obvious because Jaemin then shook his head and asked him to text Jeno about it.

Donghyuck told him that he would.

But now, sitting in the sanctity of him room, he didn’t know what to text Jeno at all.

He opened up the empty chat thread and stared at Jeno’s contact for a long while.

Then he inhaled deeply and began typing.

Hey Jeno, It’s Donghyuck

I got your number from Jaemin

I hope this is okay?

I just wanted to text you because I realized that we haven’t really talked about where we would live after the marriage.

He sent the messages and kept his phone aside before he could overthink and went to was his face before getting into bed.

His phone chimed ten minutes later.

Jeno

Hey Donghyuck

This is more than okay

And yeah, the thought occurred to me too

I was thinking we could move into a new house together?

If that’s okay with you, of course.

Yeah

That sounds ideal

Let’s go house hunting sometime then

Jeno

Sounds good

Text me the days you’re free and I’ll work something out

Okay

Glad that’s sorted now

Jeno

Yeah

Sleep well, Donghyuck.

You too Jeno

Goodnight.

--

“We’re going on a trip.” Renjun announced as he dropped himself unceremoniously on the couch in Donghyuck’s office.

Chenle following closely behind.

“Weren’t you in Paris?” Donghyuck asked, not even looking up from his laptop.

“I came back like, the day after I went. Where do you live?” Renjun said, voice unimpressed.

“Anyway, we’re going a trip.” Chenle repeated.

“What trip and who are ‘we’? Donghyuck asked, voice distant as he focused on his work instead of the two idiots.

“Well, all of us.”

Donghyuck sighed. “You guys know that I don’t have the time for a trip right now.”

“We didn’t really ask you, you are coming. We’re just letting you know because we’re nice like that.” Renjun said.

Donghyuck finally looked up from his laptop at this. “But why are you so hell-bent on this trip?”

“We just think it’ll be nice for you and Jeno hyung if you spend some time before-”

“Wait a damn second, Jeno is coming?” Donghyuck said, incredulous.

In hindsight, he really should’ve guessed this.

“I told you he would freak.” Chenle said, looking at Renjun.

“Obviously I would freak out! I barely even know the guy and you want me to go on a trip with him?” Donghyuck said.

“You are getting married to him Hyuck, and you don’t even know him. You need to get to know him at least a little before you guys get married for life.”

“And what then Renjun? Even if I get to know him and he turns out to be a jerk, it’s not like I can call off the marriage. So what’s the point?”

“First of all, he’s not a jerk, I just cannot see him being one. And second, you’re making this a bigger deal than it has to be, we’re all going to be there. Jaemin and Mark are coming too. It can just be a trip that we youngsters go on, to relax.”

“As if the word ‘relax’ is in Donghyuck hyung’s dictionary.” Chenle scoffed.

Donghyuck shot him a glare.

He sighed. “Guys, I can’t just leave work. Who’ll take care of the company if both Chenle and I are gone?

“The company can survive 2 days without their CEO and CFO, Hyuck you know that. Stop working so much all the damn time and live a little.”

Chenle nodded. “Hyung, just come. You’ve been doing nothing except working anyway, you can afford a few days off.”

Donghyuck rubbed his temples. “Why do I feel like it’s a bad idea?”

“Everything we suggest seems like a bad idea to you but it isn’t this time okay? Just relax.” Renjun said, rolling his eyes.

“Yes! You deserve your bachelor’s trip!” Chenle said.

“My fiancée is literally going to be there?” Donghyuck said.

“So you see him as your fiancée? Good, acceptance is the first stage.”

Donghyuck ignored him.

“I don’t know what you expect by putting me and Jeno together like this. Did he even agree to this?”

Chenle and Renjun grinned. “We put Jaemin and Mark on that case.”

“We have real nosy friends, don’t we?”

“We literally just want what’s the best for you because you guys are really bad at taking care of yourselves.”

--

“As your Man of Honor, I announce that we’re going a trip.” Jaemin said, entering Jeno’s office in the middle of Thursday.

Jeno didn’t even look up when he replied. “As the one who’s getting married, I say no.”

Then, he looked up. “Who said that you’re my man of honor?”

“Bitch, literally who else?”

“It could be Mark.” Jeno said, looking at Mark who was standing, leaning against the doorframe.

Jaemin gasped. “I’ve been replaced by my own husband?”

“Anyone could replace you Jaem, you’re on thin ice.”

“Anyway, we’re going on a trip to Jeju this weekend, thought you should know.”

Jeno looked at Mark who just shot him a smile.

“Don’t you ever wanna, like, get rid of him?” He asked Mark.

“I have the body bag ready at all points of time.” Mark replied, amused.

“Rude.”

“I have too much work to do Jaemin, I can’t go on a trip right now.”

“You literally have nothing to do if you just stop obsessing over the small details that the other people in your office can very well take care of.” Jaemin said.

“Where does this idea of a trip even come from?”

“We just think that it’ll be nice for all of us to spend time together.” Jaemin said.

“All of us?”

“Yeah, Donghyuck and his friends are coming too.”

Ah, that was the catch.

“I’m not going.” Jeno replied, exasperated.

“I did not ask you, you cannot avoid Donghyuck forever, it’ll be nice if you spend a little time together.”

“I don’t know why you want us to be together Jaemin, this is a marriage of convenience, nothing more nothing less. None of us are going to fall in love.” Jeno said.

“Well, Mr. Pessimist, nothing wrong with getting along with the person you’re getting married to.”

Mark stepped in then. “Jen, its okay to have fun a little. Just relax for the weekend and come have fun with us. You don’t have to see it as a trip with just Donghyuck you know? We are going to be there too.”

“You both are going to disappear into your room to fuck and then never come out, don’t even get me started.” Jeno replied, begrudgingly.

Mark turned red at that.

“We won’t leave you alone Jen, don’t worry.”

Jeno stayed quiet for a second, closing his eyes.

A weekend trip did sound relaxing but he wasn’t sure if going with Donghyuck was a good idea.

“I’m at least taking Jisung along too, he needs a break too. And in case you guys really do abandon me, I need a buffer.”

Jaemin clapped in glee. “Yeah, let’s take Jisung along, I love the boy.”

Jeno called Jisung and asked him to come in.

His head popped in a few seconds later.

“Yeah hyung?”

That made Jeno smile, Jisung was getting comfortable with calling him hyung and that made him happy.

 “Jisungie! Long time no see!” Jaemin said, grinning at Jisung who became a little red in the face.

“Jaemin, stop terrorizing my personal assistant, thanks.” Jeno said and then turned to Jisung. “Are you free this weekend?”

Jisung looked confused but nodded nonetheless.

“We’re going on a trip to Jeju and I was really hoping you could come with.” Jeno said, smiling.

Jisung’s eyes widened. “Hyung I can’t possibly just-”

“You can Jisung, we want you to come with us.” Jaemin told the boy, smiling warmly at him.

Jeno knew that Jisung felt unsure of how to act around them because he wasn’t used to this world. But Jeno liked the boy, he was hard working, reliable and polite and he really hoped Jisung would relax around them.

“Come with us Jisung, I mean, you can say no if you feel uncomfortable but it’s just going to be us, Donghyuck, Renjun, Chenle and Chenle’s girlfriend.” Mark told him.

Jisung looked bashful. “I wouldn’t want to intrude…”

“You’re not intruding if we want you to come Jisung.” Jeno said.

Jisung stared at the floor for a while, seemingly making up his mind.

Then he looked up and smiled, “Okay, it would be a pleasure for me.”

Jeno smiled and Jaemin squealed.

Mark patted Jisung on his back.

“Good, pack your bags. We fly out tomorrow evening.”

--

“Uh, hyung, is this a private jet?” Jisung asked, eyes wide as saucers as he stared at the small jet in front of them.

“Yeah, it’s Mark Hyung’s family’s private jet.” Jeno replied as he smiled at the air hostess as they entered.

“Jeno, Jisung, finally!” Jaemin said, as he spotted them.

Everybody was already seated, Jeno and Jisung being the last ones to arrive.

The private jet had lounge-like chairs which were spread out in pairs.

There was space for just a maximum of twenty people on board.

Mark and Jaemin were sitting beside each other, Chenle and Ningning were together.

There were seats empty beside Renjun and Donghyuck.

Jisung, that little devil, seemed to have somehow adapted personality traits from Jaemin because he went and sat next to Renjun, leaving the space next to Donghyuck empty.

Now, Jeno could do one of the two things. He could either sit on one of the other empty rows’ seat, or take the seat next to Donghyuck.

He supposed sitting in a whole row altogether would be being rude so he just quietly took the seat next to Donghyuck.

“Hey.” He said, smiling a little at Donghyuck.

Donghyuck looked up from the book he was reading to smile back. “Hi, sorry if your friends pestered you to come. It was probably my friends’ idea in the first place.”

“Don’t worry about it, we’re in the same boat, you and me. And I’m sure that my friends are equally as terrible when it comes to this.” Jeno replied.

Donghyuck just smiled again and nodded before going back to his book again.

Jeno looked away to see Renjun trying to talk to Jisung, the other blushing and stuttering.

Jeno thought that this trip might be good for Jisung, maybe he’ll realize that they weren’t some otherworldly beings, just humans.

The pilot announced that they were ready for take-off, and they took off.

Immediately after the seatbelt sign was turned off and their champagne served, Jaemin stood up. Raising a toast.

“Here’s to our first trip together and the new bonds!” Jaemin said.

All of them drank to that.

Jeno looked around, he realized that out of everyone here, he had just not personally ever talked to Ningning before.

He knew that she and Chenle were dating, it wasn’t a secret at all in the business world. With both Ningning and Chenle being the children of highly influential businessmen of Korea and China.

Right at that moment, Ningning turned to him from the row beside his.

“Hey! We haven’t had the chance to talk, I’m Ningning.” She said, smiling widely.

Jeno couldn’t help but smile back, her enthusiasm was contagious.

“I’m Jeno, it’s really nice to meet you.” Jeno replied.

Chenle’s head popped up from beside her. “She’s my girlfriend!” He said, proud smile on his face.

Ningning just face palmed and Jeno laughed. “I know.”

Donghyuck groaned from beside him. “I’m pretty sure the entirety of the world knows by now.”

“You’re just jealous.” Chenle said.

“Literally of what?” Donghyuck asked.

Ningning sighed. “There there children, let’s not fight.”

“We’re both older than you.” Chenle and Donghyuck shot back.

Older?

“Wait, does that make you the same age as Jisung?” Jeno asked.

Ningning turned to Jisung with the same enthusiasm.

Jeno could see why she and Chenle were a good match.

“Hi Jisung, glad to meet you too! Are you 25 as well?” Ningning asked.

Jisung just shyly nodded. “Yeah, and it’s nice to meet you.”

Ningning clapped her hands in glee. “Finally someone my age! Between all these oldies, I was starting to feel old too.”

“Excuse me, I am not even a whole year older than you are.” Chenle retorted.

“Oldie.” Ningning stubbornly replied.

Chenle just stared at her for a while before smiling and kissing her on her forehead.

“Ah. Young love.” Jaemin said, looking at the both of them.

“This is why you all are old.” Jisung mumbled which prompted everyone to burst into laughter.

Jeno smiled as he saw Jaemin pulling on Jisung’s ear jokingly.

He had a feeling this would be good for all of them.

--

The plane ride to Jeju was a short one but it still had Donghyuck feeling a little tired.

As they all reached Renjun’s holiday villa, Donghyuck sighed in relief.

He wanted nothing more than a long shower.

Jisung still looked a little spooked at every show of extravagance which had become all too common for them but could look like too much to anyone else.

Donghyuck hadn’t been around the boy that much but he really hoped that he felt comfortable.

The caretakers carried all their luggage in. Renjun’s holiday villa was honestly one of the most beautiful properties Donghyuck had ever seen.

It was right in front of the beach, with a private pool and pristine white interiors, with all modern décor that adorned the house just right.

The villa looked like a dream. Donghyuck never really got over it.

“This is so beautiful Renjun, what the fuck.” Mark said as he looked around.

Renjun laughed, the sound happy.

“Thank you Mark hyung, please make yourselves at home.” He said.

And then turned to Jisung too. “You too Jisung, make yourself at home.” His voice softened when he said it, eyes crinkling as he looked at Jisung.

Donghyuck raised an eyebrow at that, filing that information away for later.

“So, rooms! Mark hyung and Jaemin have one room, And Chenle and Ningning have one. The rest of us have single rooms. Is that okay?” Renjun asked.

Everyone nodded.

Chenle spoke up. “But! Shouldn’t Donghyuck hyung and Jeno hy-”

“Finish that sentence and you won’t wake up to see another day Zhong Chenle.” Donghyuck warned.

Chenle grinned, satisfied. “Ooh the claws are coming out.”

Ningning just smacked Chenle on his forearm. “You’re impossible.”

“You love me.” Chenle replied.

“Damn, Mark, did we ever flirt like that?” Jaemin asked.

Mark just sighed in exasperation.

“You guys still flirt like that, it is very gross.” Jeno said.

Donghyuck suppressed a smile.

“I want to get in the pool.” Chenle said, pouting.

Ningning patted his head placatingly.

“Well, we can always do that later Chenle, let’s all shower and eat first?” Renjun suggested.

“Ugh, food sounds so fucking good right now.” Jaemin said.

Mark nodded. “Yeah, let’s all freshen up and eat first.”

Donghyuck liked how at least among all of them, he could rely on Mark to be the one with at least one working brain cell.

They all dispersed.

The rooms were all scattered across the house.

But Renjun told him that his room was upstairs and shooed him with a wink.

Donghyuck didn’t understand the reaction till he reached his room. The only other room upstairs was Jeno’s. He was also entering his own room when he saw Donghyuck.

His eyes widened a fraction. “Oh, hey. Guess we’re neighbours.” Jeno said, smiling.

Donghyuck let himself look at Jeno for a moment, he looked good today. In a more casual sense.

Ever since Donghyuck had met Jeno, he’d only seen the other in crisp suits. So his current outfit of a white button down with a blue jeans was a stark contrast.

And it was a welcome change.

Donghyuck thought Jeno looked even better in casual clothes.

Imagine.

He might have been staring too long because Jeno cleared his throat and Donghyuck’s gaze snapped away.

“Uh, haha, yeah I guess we are.” Donghyuck replied.

Jeno chuckled. “Meet you downstairs later?”

Donghyuck nodded. “Yeah, sure.”

He entered his room, closing the door and leaning against it.

What the fuck was that about just now?

--

Jeno came down, feeling refreshed from the shower he had just taken.

The house was in chaos.

“I don’t want Chinese!” Chenle whined. “It’s not even good Chinese food.”

“Go cook your own damn food then.” Renjun replied.

“I kinda want Thai.” Jaemin said.

“Thai food is really spicy. Let’s get pizza or something.” Mark suggested.

“We outgrew out pizza phase back in college hyung.” Donghyuck said, rolling his eyes.

Ningning and Jisung were talking amongst each other, not even listening to the others.

Jeno just shook his head and smiled, glad that everyone was getting along, enough for them to fight over food, apparently.

He joined them, taking a seat next to Jisung on the couch.

“Hyung!” Jisung turned to him, smiling.

He looked a little more relaxed, Jeno was glad.

Ningning smiled at him too. “Hi Jeno, please make these idiots stop fighting.”

Jeno just chuckled. “Yeah, I am starving and we won’t get any food to eat at this rate.”

“Hey guys! How about I cook something for all of us?” Jeno suggested. “Pasta sound good?”

He thought the quickest way to shut them up would be this, and he really didn’t mind cooking.

All of them turned to look at him.

“You can cook?” Chenle asked, incredulity in his voice.

Jeno shrugged. “I mean, yeah.”

“Hyuck, he’s a fucking catch what the fuck.” Renjun mumbled.

Jaemin just grinned and got up. “I’ll help with it too!”

Jeno smiled and nodded at him.

Jaemin was a fairly good cook too, so he was glad that he’d have some help.

“Me too!” Chenle said, as well. “I am a good cook too.”

“Okay then, let’s get to work.” Jeno said, going over to the kitchen.

The cooking itself was easy and fast.

Jeno found himself laughing at the way Chenle and Jaemin had found a Tom and Jerry dynamic.

Soon enough, they were done cooking as they all sat down to eat.

“This is so good?” Renjun said, staring at the pasta like he couldn’t believe it.

“Is that a question or a compliment?” Jeno replied, amused.

“It really is so good!” Jisung said. “Hyung, I didn’t know you could cook.”

“Yeah, I live alone so I had to learn in order to feed myself.”

“Donghyuck is a shit cook, so this worked out in his favour.” Renjun said, smirking.

Donghyuck sputtered. “I’m not that bad Renjun fuck you.”

“You still haven’t learned how to cook?” Mark asked him.

“I didn’t have the time!”

“Admit it Hyuck, Jeno is a better man than you.” Ningning said, teasing.

Donghyuck looked at her, offended. “Excuse me? What is this slander?”

Jeno chuckled, taking a sip of his wine as he looked at Donghyuck. “I’m sure Donghyuck has his own set of talents, it’s okay.” He said.

“He would have talents if he did anything in college except bother me and sleep around.” Mark said, rolling his eyes.

“Oohhhhh, wild college life Hyuck?” Jaemin asked, looking too interested.

Donghyuck just groaned. “He’s exaggerating, I didn’t sleep around that much.”

“You keep telling yourself that Hyuckie, maybe it’ll come true.” Renjun said.

Oh?

So, Donghyuck had a habit of sleeping around in college?

Jeno didn’t know what to do with that information.

Did Donghyuck still do that?

It’s not like it was any of his business, after all.

But he was curious.

“Well, thank goodness you became more human and less hormonal teenager after graduation and stopped having a new person in your bed every weekend.” Ningning said.

Oh.

“Man, I had a pretty wild time in college too.” Jaemin said.

“We could guess.” Jisung said.

Everyone laughed.

“I like this boy, we’re keeping him around.” Chenle said.

“If you don’t mind me asking, when did you two meet?” Ningning asked, looking at Jaemin and Mark.

“We met at one of Jeno’s family events. Mark’s dad is pretty close to Jeno’s dad, so I met him there. Back when I was thirteen.” Jaemin said, laughing.

“We kept meeting after that, I fell for him pretty quick but he didn’t so I was crushed.” Mark continued, smiling.

Jaemin rolled his eyes. “I fell for him too, I just, didn’t know if I was right for him.”

Jeno interrupted. “In short, Mark was perfect and Jaemin was in denial about it.”

Everybody laughed.

“Thank you for your input Jeno, but no one asked for it.” Jaemin said.

“Excuse me, all those years of pining, I had to hear every single bit of it.” Jeno retorted.

“Anyway, so we met after both of us graduated from college and reconnected right away.” Mark said.

“And I realized that I couldn’t stay away from him anymore, so I asked him out.” Jaemin grinned.

“That was 6 years ago, and here we are.” Mark sighed, smiling at Jaemin and kissing the back of his hand.

“That is so cute oh my god.” Chenle said.

Jeno fought his urge to smile, He knew this story first hand, and he had to admit, it was cute.

They were all done eating and were just sitting there, chatting.

“So, have you guys decided anything at all for your wedding?” Renjun asked.

Both Jeno and Donghyuck shrugged.

“They’re both disasters, perfect.”

“I didn’t even receive my official invitation to be your man of honor Hyuck, I am offended.” Renjun said.

“I could very well make Chenle my man of honor, you have been nothing but a nuisance.” Donghyuck replied.

Jaemin gasped. “That’s exactly what Jeno said to me too!”

Donghyuck chuckled and looked at Jeno.

Jeno’s breath hitched.

“What say Jeno, should we just not have men of honor at our wedding?” Donghyuck asked, smile teasing.

That was the first time Donghyuck had spoken to him because he wanted to, not out of some duty.

Jeno smiled. “I think that’s a great idea.”

“Ooh, they’re bonding.” Ningning whispered to Jisung.

He nodded and replied, “Good, they should. They are getting married for fuck’s sake.”

Chenle huddled with them too. “I agree.”

“What are you, a cult?” Mark asked the three of them.

The three of them chuckled. “We’re just bonding over you guys being pathetic. Please continue, don’t stop on our account.” Chenle said.

“I swear if you were not my cousin, I would have killed you by now. I just don’t want to be answerable to Uncle and Aunt.” Renjun said.

“You guys are cousins?” Jisung asked, looking at the two of them.

“Not by choice.” Both of them replied.

Jisung giggled.

They cleared up then, putting away the utensils and settling on the couch.

Donghyuck sat beside Jeno, because well, that was the only place left when he came back.

They kept talking about random topics.

And it was in the middle of one of Jaemin’s rants about something insignificant that Jeno found his attention being diverted to Donghyuck.

He thought it was natural, to be curious about Donghyuck, this man was going to be his husband after all.

And it was no secret that Donghyuck was absolutely gorgeous.

Jeno’s eyes fell on Donghyuck’s face. His side profile visible from where Jeno was sitting.

And Jeno let his eyes wander for a bit.

Donghyuck had a cute nose. Healthy cheeks.

A smile that crinkled up his eyes and a pleasant laughter.

And he had plush lips too.

Jeno realized that he wouldn’t mind ki-

Donghyuck turned to him right at that moment and all thoughts flew from Jeno’s head.

Donghyuck was looking at him questionably. Only then did Jeno realize that Chenle had asked him a question that he had absolutely not heard.

He cleared his throat.

“Uhm, I’m sorry I didn’t hear the question.” Jeno said.

Chenle just grinned. “It’s okay Hyung, you can go back to what you were doing.”

It was obvious that Jeno had been caught staring.

“Shut up.” He grumbled half-heartedly as he melted into the cushions.

Everyone laughed.

Donghyuck just looked away from Jeno resolutely, red on his cheeks.

--

“Honestly, the pool is the best part of the whole trip.” Chenle said, splashing into the swimming pool.

Donghyuck just shook his head, smiling.

He just sat on one of the lounge chairs, only wanting to sunbathe and not actually go inside the swimming pool anyway.

They’d all retired to bed pretty soon last night, the exhaustion of the flight quickly catching up to them.

Chenle had loudly announced at breakfast this morning that he wanted to swim today so all of them had relented and said yes.

This trip was for relaxing, after all.

A whistle disrupted Donghyuck, he looked up to see Jaemin and Mark.

“Looking good, Hyuck.” Jaemin said, patting his head.

Donghyuck just chuckled, amused.

He wasn’t even wearing anything special, just a loose shirt, two buttons unbuttoned and a pair of white shorts.

“I’m flattered that you think so.” Donghyuck replied.

“You aren’t swimming?” Mark asked Donghyuck.

He shook his head no. “Nope, not in the mood for a swim right now.”

“Okay, I’m gonna go then, you coming babe?” Mark asked Jaemin.

Jaemin just pecked his lips once, smiling. “You go ahead Mark, I’ll join you.”

Mark smiled back, taking off his shirt.

Both Donghyuck and Jaemin wolf whistled at him.

Jaemin settled down on the lounge chair beside him.

“So, how are you?” Jaemin asked him, voice soft.

Donghyuck looked at him, a bit shocked.

Jaemin scoffed at the visible shock on his face.

“What? I know this must be hard for you. I just wanted to make sure that you were holding up fine.” Jaemin said.

Donghyuck smiled then, touched at the gesture.

“I’m fine, all of this is a bit overwhelming to get used to obviously but I’m doing okay, Jeno is nice so that definitely helps.” Donghyuck replied, honestly.

Jaemin chuckled softly. “Did you expect him to be a jerk?”

“I couldn’t be sure, I didn’t know him at all. I still don’t actually but he’s nice to me and that’s more than enough for me considering our arrangement.”

Jaemin nods at that, looking ahead at Mark, Chenle and Jisung splashing each other like kindergarten kids.

“Jeno is a nice guy, I’m not just saying that because I’m his best friend, I swear.” Jaemin laughed. “He really is nice, the quintessential definition of it. And obviously this situation isn’t very ideal for either of you but as his best friend, I’m happy that it’s atleast you he’s in this with you.”

“Ooh, the best friend approves, I’m happy.” Donghyuck teased.

Jaemin laughed again, pulling on his ear lightly. “I wish the both of you all the best, and always remember that Mark and I are your friends too now. So never think twice before coming to us if you need any help okay? I’ll even beat Jeno’s ass if he bothers you too much.”

Donghyuck chuckled. “Yeah sure, means a lot Jaemin.”

Jaemin smiled, patting his back. “Don’t be a stranger.”

Then he went off, joining the rest of them in the pool.

Renjun came in right them, settling down beside him. “Bonding with your fiancée’s best friend?”

“Why? Are you jealous that you’ll be replaced?”

Renjun levelled him with a deadpanned look. “Please Hyuck, I need to be relieved of your babysitting duties. By all means, go ahead and replace me.”

Donghyuck laughed, flicking Renjun’s forehead.

“He was just asking me if I was fine.”

“Jaemin seems like he’s nice.”

“He is, he’s really kind and welcoming.”

Renjun nodded. “He has a best friend like Jeno and a husband like Mark, obviously he still has braincells left. I’m stuck with two trainwrecks.”

“Hey! We are amazing.” Donghyuck defended.

“Whatever.”

Ningning and Jeno appeared at that moment.

And Donghyuck promptly lost all sense of his surroundings for a split second.

Jeno was in an outfit similar to his, a loose shirt and shorts but his shirt was unbuttoned all the way through.

He was laughing at something Ningning was telling him, and god, Donghyuck should absolutely not feel this way towards the man.

Renjun looked in Jeno’s direction and then promptly looked right back at Donghyuck, seemingly very amused at what he found in Donghyuck’s expression.

Chenle wolf whistled from inside the pool.

“Looking hot babe!” He yelled, blowing a kiss to Ningning.

Ningning laughed and flipped her hair, striking a pose.

Everyone cheered.

“Oof, that’s the energy we love to see!” Jaemin said.

“Isn’t my girlfriend hot?” Chenle said proudly, looking at Jaemin.

Jaemin nodded. “She’s great, but my husband is hot as fuck too.” He said, teasing.

“My girlfriend is hotter!”

Jaemin gasped.

Mark patted his head. “Calm down babe, have you seen Ningning?”

Jaemin grinned. “I mean, when you put it like that. Yeah okay, Ningning is hotter.”

Chenle whooped, catching Ningning as she dived into the pool as well.

Donghyuck was trying to look everywhere but at Jeno, which turned out to be increasingly difficult as he walked right up to him and Renjun and sat down in a lounge chair beside them.

Renjun just grinned.

“Jeno hyung, do you hit the gym? Because damn.” Chenle said.

Jeno just laughed.

“He barely even does anything except work. He forgets to even eat some days.” Jisung grumbled.

“That is an exaggeration, I eat quite well. And yeah, I do hit the gym on the weekends whenever I can.” Jeno replied, smile intact on his face.

Well, good for him because Donghyuck was sure that his own face was flaming by now.

Maybe it was because he hadn’t had any sexual interaction in a while, yeah, that must be it.

It’s not like he found Jeno attractive or anything.

“I don’t get how Donghyuck hyung is functioning normally around Jeno hyung 24/7 knowing that he’s his fiancée, I would have died by now.” Chenle added.

Bold of Chenle to assume.

Jeno just laughed. “You overestimate me.”

“Uh, literally, no? You are attractive, anyone can see that?” Renjun said.

Thanks Renjun.

“There was a point where everyone was crushing over Jeno hyung in the office.” Jisung said, nodding his head.

Chenle squealed and patted his back. “Tell us all the tea.”

Jeno just face palmed.

“There isn’t any tea, everyone crushed over him and he just, didn’t pay any attention.” Jisung shrugged.

Ningning nodded. “I don’t know him well enough, but that sounds like something he would do.”

“Jeno hasn’t shown interest in anyone in such a long time, he’s too busy with work.” Mark said.

“Donghyuck’s the same, he always complained that he had a nonexistent love life but then did nothing about it because he always kept himself swamped in work.” Renjun said.

“Uh, guys, we’re right here?” Donghyuck said.

“Yeah, please stop talking about us in front of us.” Jeno said.

“Come, swim with us.” Chenle said.

Renjun got up, “Yeah I think we should all get in the pool.”

Donghyuck made a face. “I don’t want to.”

“You never want to but then you love it once you’re in the pool so come on.” Renjun pulled him up.

Donghyuck took his shirt off begrudgingly.

He could feel Jeno’s eyes on him but he didn’t look at him.

Renjun turned to Jeno. “You coming Jeno?”

“Yeah sure.” Jeno stripped of his shirt as well. All of them getting in the pool as well.

Chenle immediately splashed water on Donghyuck.

Donghyuck gasped. “You piece of shit.” He said and started chasing Chenle, tickling him relentlessly.

“Okay-fuck-hyung-stop-I’m sorry!” Chenle said, in between giggles.

Donghyuck finally let him go. “Be careful who you’re messing with.”

Ningning splashed water on Jisung who just stared at her in shock for a while and did nothing.

“Oh for goodness’ sake, just have fun Jisung! Fuck hierarchy and every stupid thing that’s stopping you from treating us like your normal friends.” Donghyuck said.

“Hear hear!” Chenle said.

Jisung seemed a little sheepish as he nodded.

And then he turned to Ningning, a mischievous grin taking over his face as he splashed her.

Everyone cheered.

“That’s what I’m talking about.” Jaemin screeched.

Donghyuck smiled, fond.

Ningning, Jisung and Chenle seemed to getting along great and it was amazing to see.

Right at that moment, Chenle almost fell back, trying to dodge an attack from Renjun and Donghyuck stumbled back instinctively.

He thought he was going to fall till he collided with a chest.

He immediately knew who it was, everyone else was right in front of him.

So it could only be Jeno.

He could feel the heat radiating from his body in this proximity, he also noticed how Jeno’s hand had come up to stable him but it just hovered over his waist instead of actually touching him.

Donghyuck gulped, what was the right thing to do in this situation?

He was hyperaware of all the places that their bodies were touching.

He hated that his body was betraying him.

Jeno snapped him out of this trance by chuckling lowly, moving out from behind him.

“Careful there, we wouldn’t want you getting hurt.” He said, smiling at Donghyuck and going away, joining the rest of them.

Ugh, Donghyuck hated him.               

--

“So, when exactly is the wedding?” Ningning said.

They had all come out of the pool after spending too much time there, now they were all freshened up and sitting on the couch. A multitude of takeaway boxes between them.

Jeno looked up at the question. “17^th of the next month.”

“That’s like, now.” Jisung added.

Donghyuck sighed. “You’re telling me.”

“Don’t you worry about a thing though, Renjun and I will take care of everything.” Jaemin said, high fiving with Renjun.

“I literally never agreed to this?” Jeno said.

“Your mom talked to me and asked me to take care of the preparations considering how thrilled you are about the wedding.” Jaemin rolled his eyes.

“And Donghyuck’s dad asked me.” Renjun said.

“Why the fuck am I not included?” Chenle asked.

“Because you’re a hazard.” Renjun said.

“Got to agree with him on this.” Ningning said, nodding and was immediately tackled by Chenle.

Jeno just shook his head and ate the rest of his food. He was actually glad that Jaemin and Renjun were taking over because he really didn’t know if he was even a little interested in picking out the theme and other stuff for the wedding, especially since he didn’t even want this in the first of all.

The faster it gets over, the better.

He glanced at Donghyuck, who suddenly looked a bit sad.

It must not be easy for him either. Jeno decided that he’d talk to Donghyuck about the whole situation again, feeling like he owed at least that much to him.

He exhaled a deep breath, feeling stressed.

Suddenly a glass of whiskey was passed to him, he looked up to find Jaemin smiling softly at him.

“Looks like you need it.”

He did.

He accepted the glass, smiling gratefully at Jaemin and downed it in one go.

“Whoa, easy there tiger. Trying to get sloshed?” Mark said, laughing.

Jeno just shrugged.

From then on it was a blur of chatter and a lot of alcohol.

Jeno thought he heard Ningning, Chenle and Jisung shout at each other in the middle somewhere but he’d downed too much whiskey to remember.

It was pretty late now, Jaemin and Mark had disappeared in their room pretty quick, presumably to fuck.

And Ningning and Chenle had retired to their room as well after Ningning had passed out on the couch.

Jisung was currently lying almost on top of Renjun, who just looked fond of the other boy as he caressed his hair.

Donghyuck was probably the most sober out of them all.

He nudged Renjun. “Do you like him or something?”

Renjun just rolled his eyes. “It’s not like that, he’s just cute.”

“You want to take him out to dates and stare at him lovingly level cute?” Donghyuck asked, voice amused.

“Shut up Hyuck, I haven’t spent enough time with him for it to be like that but,” Renjun looked down where Jisung was passed out with his head on his lap. “I think it could become something serious maybe. But I don’t want to scare him away.”

“He likes you too.” Jeno hears himself blurt out before he can even register anything.

Both of their heads snap to him, they probably didn’t realize that Jeno was awake.

Jeno immediately felt the need to clarify. “I swear I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but I’ve known Jisung for a while now and I can see that he’s definitely interested in you too. You might need to take the lead here though, Jisung’s kind of intimidated of the lifestyle we all lead.”

Renjun just blinked at him. “That actually helps a lot, wow, what the fuck, thanks Jeno.”

Jeno just smiled at him.

“You are sloshed, aren’t you?” Renjun asked, amused.

“Am not.” Jeno said indignantly.

“Uh huh.” Renjun said, not believing him for a second. “He’s your responsibility now Hyuck, I’m gonna go put this baby to bed.” He said, getting up and pulling Jisung.

“But-” Donghyuck tried to protest.

“No buts Hyuck, I think you can manage this much.” Renjun said, patting his head and taking Jisung to his room to tuck him in.

Jeno just blearily looked at Donghyuck who sat at his place unmoving for a long while before sighing and finally looking at Jeno.

Jeno smiled at him.

Donghyuck finally got up and walked up to him, kneeling in front of him.

He was somehow even more pretty this up close.

“You’re pretty.” Jeno said, brain to mouth filter off.

Donghyuck seemed to lose his footing for a second, ears flushing red, Jeno suddenly had the weird urge to touch his ears, and they were cute.

Jeno was never drinking again.

Donghyuck looked back at him. “Let’s get you to bed, yeah?” He asked, voice soft.

“But I’m not sleepy.” Jeno pouted.

Donghyuck’s eyes flicked down to his lips for a second before focusing back on his eyes.

“You need to rest Jeno, you’ll have a really bad hangover in the morning.” Donghyuck tried to reason.

Jeno just slumped down on the floor. “Let’s talk Donghyuck, we never talk. I talk to Renjun more than I talk to you.”

Donghyuck just blinked down at him as if not believing what was coming out of Jeno’s mouth.

The one conscious part of Jeno’s brain was telling him that he couldn’t believe it either.

“What do you want to talk about?” Donghyuck asked, cautious.

“Why do you hate me?” Jeno asked.

Donghyuck’s eyes widened. “Whatever gave you that impression?”

“As I said, we never talk. You’re so much more close to Jaemin.”

Donghyuck sighed. “That’s because I’m not marrying him Jeno, it’s easier to talk to him.”

Jeno furrowed his eyebrows. “I’m not going to bite you Hyuck.”

Donghyuck bit his lip then. Jeno’s hand going up to touch his chin gently and pulling his lip free from his teeth.

Donghyuck looked up at him, and Jeno saw something flash in his eyes before disappearing.

“I never know what to say to you.” Donghyuck admitted, voice soft.

Jeno’s hand was softly caressing his jaw now. “Is this okay?”

Donghyuck huffed out a laugh. “Yeah, it is.”

“I want to get to know you more Hyuck. I don’t want this wall.” Jeno said.

“You won’t even remember this conversation in the morning Jeno, let’s talk about this later.” Donghyuck sighed.

“I want to spend time with you.” Jeno said.

Donghyuck stood up. “Tell you what Jeno, if you remember saying this in the morning then we can talk more about it okay? I don’t want to have serious conversations with you when you’re this drunk.”

Jeno stood up as well, pouting sadly. “You don’t like me.”

Donghyuck huffed out a short laugh at Jeno’s pout, pulling him in the direction of his room. “You’re making that really hard for me to do.”

--

“We’re going to the beach today right?” Chenle said.

“Jesus kid, why are you always on the move?” Mark said, clutching his head.

Donghyuck just suppressed a smile, seeing how almost everybody had killer hangovers except him.

“Why did all of you drink so irresponsibly last night I will never understand.” Renjun said, serving pancakes to all of them.

Jisung was blushing furiously every time his eyes met Renjun’s.

Donghyuck was having too much fun with this, Renjun had told him that they’d ended up sleeping in the same bed because Jisung had attached himself to Renjun the second Renjun laid him down on his bed.

“Why are you always so responsible gege, I will never understand.” Chenle replied.

Jaemin groaned. “Why is every sound so loud today?”

“Fuck, I know right.” Ningning said, her head falling on Donghyuck’s shoulder.

“Why are you not suffering?” Ningning asked him.

Donghyuck just grinned. “I have self-preservation skills that all of you clearly lack.”

Ningning just weakly punched him. “Ugh I feel like I’m going to die.”

Donghyuck patted her head. “You’ll be fine kid, get some food in you.” He said, pushing his own plate of pancakes towards her.

“Food is nauseating right now.” She complained.

“Too bad you need to eat or the medicine will have no effect. I will feed you myself if I have to Ningning.” Donghyuck said, voice stern.

Ningning pouted but started to eat anyway.

“Where’s Jeno?” Mark asked.

“Yeah he’s normally an early riser, where is he today?” Jaemin said.

“He was hammered last night, maybe he’s still sleeping.” Renjun said.

“Jeno hyung drank that much?” Jisung asked, eyes widening.

“He had a lot on his mind.” Jaemin said.

“Donghyuck was the last one left with him last night, how was he Hyuck?” Renjun asked, eyes glinting knowingly.

Fuck Renjun.

“He was pretty drunk, so he must be still sleeping.” Donghyuck replied, quiet.

Nobody needed to know the conversation that the both of them had.

He was saved right from further questioning by Jeno himself appearing looking like he got run over by a bus.

“Why the fuck did you guys let me drink that much?” Jeno said.

“Good morning to you sunshine, eat some pancakes.” Renjun said, amused.

Jeno groaned and sat down on the stool. “Shut your eyes Jisung, you’re really not supposed to see me like this.”

“I’m afraid it’s too late now Hyung.” Jisung said, grinning.

Jeno just shook his head, digging in on the pancakes.

Donghyuck just sipped on his coffee, trying not to stare at Jeno but failing.

Did he remember anything at all?

He could still feel Jeno’s fingers caressing his jaw and he shivered at the memory.

“You okay hyung?” Chenle asked him.

Everybody turned to look at him, Jeno included.

“I’m perfectly fine Chenle.” He said, faking a smile.

It was okay if Jeno didn’t remember anything after all, it wasn’t like Donghyuck was particularly looking forward to having a conversation with Jeno.

But he couldn’t help but think if Jeno meant everything he said or was it just his drunk mind playing tricks on him.

“Will you all be alive enough to go to the beach later?” Renjun asked.

All of them let out collective groans.

“I feel like I want to sleep for two days straight but I also don’t want to waste this vacation away.” Jaemin grumbled.

“Literally, same.” Jisung agreed.

“I guess we should all take the medicines and short naps, that’ll make us feel a little better.” Mark said.

“Can we please do that, I feel like my head is going to split open.” Jeno said.

Chenle stood up, already done with his breakfast. “I’m going to go take the Advil and sleep for a while then, babe you coming?”

Ningning nodded and stood up as well, both of them leaving.

Jaemin and Mark left shortly after that.

Jeno was the only one still eating.

Jisung and Renjun had relocated to the couch and they were talking in hushed whispers, Donghyuck presumed that Renjun was just making sure that Jisung wasn’t uncomfortable with the whole sleeping in one bed thing.

Donghyuck felt awkward sitting with Jeno alone, considering he didn’t know how much Jeno remembered of last night.

But he also didn’t want to leave him alone while he was eating.

“You must be over the moon because you don’t have a hangover.” Jeno said, breaking the silence.

That shocked a small laugh out of Donghyuck. Jeno sounded so accusatory when he said it.

He grinned as he replied. “Well, I have control over how much alcohol I consume, unlike a certain somebody I know.”

Jeno just sighed. “Please stop me next time if you see me drink that much.”

Donghyuck smiled. “I suppose that is one of my duties as your husband after all. Making sure you don’t die of alcohol consumption.”

“I don’t even drink that much.” Jeno said under his breath.

“Yeah I get it, it must not be easy for you to get used to this whole thing.”

“But you’re doing just fine.” Jeno replied.

Donghyuck chuckled. “I’m really not Jeno, alcohol is just not my way of releasing stress.”

Jeno raised an eyebrow at that. “Then what is?”

Donghyuck shrugged. “Normally I don’t even get time off enough to relieve stress if I feel any but it used to be getting laid.”

Okay, Donghyuck had no idea why he’d said that but it was out now and it was the truth.

He just didn’t want Jeno to think that he was propositioning him.

Jeno just nodded. “That makes sense. I’m glad you brought that up actually, I wanted to ask you if you wanted to keep seeing other people after the wedding.”

Donghyuck raised both his eyebrows at that. He hadn’t thought about that at all.

“I mean, I haven’t thought about it. What do you want to do?”

Jeno shrugged. “For me personally, I don’t think I’ll ever have like an affair or whatever or pursue a serious relationship because there’s just no point of that when we’re already married but maybe hook-ups are on the table.”

“Yeah, hook-ups are fine but like, we should at least let each other know if we’re hooking up with someone else in case of any consequences.”

Jeno nodded. “Yeah, makes sense.”

Donghyuck nodded too, going back to his coffee.

He suddenly felt a sinking feeling in his stomach.

It looked like Jeno didn’t remember their conversation from last night, and even if he did, he didn’t want to talk about it.

Instead, the conversation they’d ended up having was about seeing other people outside the marriage.

And Donghyuck had always known that there would be no love or intimacy that would come out of this marriage, in fact he was the one who was hell bent on it.

But somehow, the mechanical way in which Jeno talked about the whole thing made him feel uneasy.

--

“Just kiss him and put us all out of our misery.” Chenle told Renjun, when he spotted Renjun looking at Jisung again.

Jeno bit back an urge to laugh.

They were all at the beach, finally feeling like they wouldn’t die from the hangover.

Jisung was clicking photos with Donghyuck and Ningning, Mark and Jaemin were with them too.

“Do you have any job except making my life significantly harder? Go bother your girlfriend.”

“Why? Are you jealous that Ningning has Jisung’s attention instead of you?” Chenle said, grin on his face.

Jeno did laugh at the expression Renjun made at that comment of his.

Chenle immediately stood up, raising his hands up in surrender.

“I’m gonna go before I get my ass beaten up.” Chenle said, running away in the direction of the others.

Renjun just let out an exasperated sigh and slumped back down.

“So, you guys are really pretty close huh?” Jeno asked.

Renjun smiled. “Well yeah, I and Chenle were always the closest amongst out cousins growing up and Donghyuck was my best friend first but through the years, the lines kinda blurred a little. Donghyuck is Chenle’s best friend too now.”

“Well, you are Donghyuck’s best man after all, maybe there’s still preferential treatment for the first best friend.” Jeno replied, amused.

Renjun laughed. “Donghyuck knows that I would hang him up if I wasn’t the best man at his wedding, and he’d be fucking useless without me and Chenle would just be useless as a best man.”

Right at that moment, there was a loud squeal and both of them turned to see Chenle throw Jisung into the water, Jaemin giggling and snapping photos.

“Quite an assortment of friends we’ve got.” Jeno said.

Renjun scoffed. “Tell me about it.”

They were quiet for some time, the silence broken by Renjun sighing.

“Look Jeno, I won’t give you the quintessential ‘hurt my best friend and I’ll kill you’ talk because I know that this situation isn’t ideal for either of you but I will say this, Donghyuck is a lot more soft than he lets on, he gets attached easily, pretends to be all tough about everything but he gets hurt too, and in general, he’s one of the kindest and purest souls I’ve met so all I’m hoping is that you’re patient with him. He probably won’t be a very good person to be married to at first because of his tendency to run away but give him time to open up and accept this. I know that it isn’t fair to ask you of all this because you literally didn’t ask for it but, it really would be the best for the both of you and the marriage as a whole." Renjun looked at him with a very soft expression, the expression of a best friend hoping that his best friend would not have to be hurt.

Jeno patted Renjun’s shoulder. “Renjun, I really don’t know how this marriage is gonna go but I can tell you for sure that I’ll try to make this as normal as it can be okay? For the both of us, Donghyuck and I are perfectly civil with each other and we’re going to keep it that way. No matter how this marriage came to be, it’s still a marriage and I won’t let Donghyuck feel uncomfortable or hurt by anything. So don’t worry about it.” Jeno said, smiling.

Renjun looked relieved.

Donghyuck joined them right at that moment. “What are you guys talking about?”

“None of your business, but one thing’s for sure, your fiancée’s a better person than you could ever dream of being.” Renjun said.

Jeno just shook his head, amused.

Their bickering was something for the books, honestly.

“I’m starting to think that too actually.” Donghyuck replied which made Jeno look at him, eyebrows raised.

“What?” Donghyuck said, defensively. “You’re not terrible I guess.”

Jeno snorted. “That’s an elite compliment, thank you Donghyuck.”

“You know that you can call me Hyuck right?” Donghyuck said, voice a little softer.

He looked a bit more hesitant than normal around Jeno today and Jeno immediately felt guilty because he knew that Donghyuck was struggling with how to act because Jeno hadn’t brought up their interaction from the night before.

It wasn’t like Jeno didn’t remember, he just didn’t want to have the conversation right now because it was their last day on the trip together and he wanted to give them both a little time off before they had to get into all of that again.

Renjun had wandered off somewhere in the middle of Jeno and Donghyuck’s conversation and it was just the two of them now.

“Uh, you know what? I’m just gonna go back actually-” Donghyuck said, attempting to go back to where he was before.

But before Jeno could even think, his hand shot out and held Donghyuck’s wrist. He didn’t want things between them to be unnecessarily awkward.

He didn’t want Donghyuck to feel like he had to tip toe around him.

Donghyuck looked a bit surprised to see Jeno’s hand on his own wrist and Jeno immediately dropped his hand. “Sorry about that.” He said, sheepish.

Donghyuck’s cheeks coloured. “Um, it’s okay?”

Jeno chuckled. “Are you asking me or telling me?”

Donghyuck cleared his throat. “Telling you, it is okay. Yeah, it is.”

“Okay.” Jeno replied, amused.

“So um, what’s up?” Donghyuck asked.

“I just-” Jeno breathed out. “I just wanted to tell you that I remember last night.”

Donghyuck eyes slightly widened at that but apart from that, he showed no signs of shock.

“You do?” Donghyuck asked.

“Yeah and I know that we have things to talk about and I promise that we will but today’s the last day of the trip and I think both of us deserve to enjoy for a little longer before reality kicks in.” Jeno said.

Donghyuck’s face remained impassive, but then he finally nodded.

“Yeah okay, makes sense.”

Jeno breathed out a sigh of relief.

“I didn’t think you’d remember though, you were really drunk.” Donghyuck said, chuckling.

Jeno smiled. “I remember all of it, I did get pretty drunk but I don’t forget stuff that easily.”

Donghyuck looked up at him through his eyelashes then, face turning a little mischievous.

Jeno’s breath hitched.

“Even the part where you called me pretty?” Donghyuck said, raising an eyebrow.

Jeno felt his ears turning red, he really needed to shut up when he was drunk.

But Donghyuck was gorgeous and there was no harm in Jeno acknowledging that.

“Yeah, even that part. I meant it, you know. Just for the record.” Jeno said.

Donghyuck just chuckled, the sound almost incredulous. “Damn, you’re just full of surprises, aren’t you?”

Jeno just shrugged, smiling.

Donghyuck was called then, Chenle shouting his name saying that he needed him for something.

“I’m gonna go now.” Donghyuck said, turning back to Jeno.

Jeno nodded.

Donghyuck turned around.

Jeno latched into his wrist again, he really needed to stop doing that.

“I’m glad we came on this trip.” Jeno said.

Donghyuck smiled. “Me too Jeno.”

“And Hyuck?”

Donghyuck looked at him, eyes questioning.

“Don’t be a stranger. Let’s make this work.”

And if the smile Donghyuck directed at him, eyes bright and shining, made Jeno feel some sort of way, he didn’t know what to think of it.

--

Donghyuck flipped through the pages of the menu, wondering whether he should order or wait for Jeno to turn up first.

He sighed and closed the menu, choosing to wait. It wasn’t like Jeno was late anyway, he’d just come a little early.

The bell at the entrance of the café chimed and Donghyuck looked up to find Jeno walking towards him with a small smile on his face.

“Hey.” Jeno said as he took his seat across from Donghyuck.

“Hi.” Donghyuck replied, straightening up in his seat a bit.

Things were still awkward between them.

“Did you wait long?” Jeno asked.

“No, not at all. You’re right on time.” Donghyuck replied.

Jeno smiled. “Did you order?”

Donghyuck shook his head.

“Let’s first order something then?”

They placed their orders, just coffee for the both of them.

The wedding was just two weeks away and Donghyuck and Jeno had barely exchanged two words ever since they’d come back from the trip.

He knew that their friends regularly met though, hell even he and Jaemin had met quite a few times, going out for lunch with him and Mark.

Donghyuck just didn’t know how to act around Jeno, and he guessed it was the same for Jeno. But the wedding was two weeks away and they still didn’t know where they’d move in after they’d gotten married so Donghyuck had texted Jeno to finally meet up.

Jeno had cleared up his schedule for a day Donghyuck was free almost immediately.

Presently Jeno cleared his throat drawing Donghyuck away from his thoughts.

He took a sip of his coffee as he looked at Jeno.

“So, about the house…” Jeno trailed off.

“What about it?”

“Well, my mom told me that both our parents are actually gifting us a house as a wedding gift.” Jeno finished.

Huh. Well.

Donghyuck blinked.

“Well, that solves it then.” Donghyuck said.

Jeno nodded.

They were quiet after then, both of them sipping their coffees.

Donghyuck wasn’t sure what to say now that the motive of their meeting wasn’t there anymore.

Was he supposed to go home? Is there a protocol to follow for situations like these?

When his coffee finished, he looked at Jeno.

“So, um, now that that’s solved, I’ll head back?” Donghyuck said.

Jeno’s eyes snapped up to look at him.

“Uhm actually, I had to pick up my suit for the wedding and do some shopping as well, I was wondering if you’d like to come with me? I mean, if you’re free of course.” Jeno said, looking a bit sheepish.

Okay, that was surely not the turn of events Donghyuck had expected.

But he didn’t particularly mind it.

He shrugged. “I took the day off so I have nothing else to do, I’ll come with you.”

Jeno smiled and nodded.

“Okay good, fucking hate shopping alone.” Jeno grumbled, finishing his coffee.

Donghyuck chuckled at that.

“Well, you’re in luck, I’ve been told that I’m a good shopping partner.”

--

Jeno was tired.

Donghyuck was like an over eager puppy ever since they’d come to the shopping mall, he had a lot to say about each brand and almost each piece of clothing and Jeno found it endearing at first but now he just wanted to go home. He wanted to buy a suit for work but apparently Donghyuck had a lot to say about every suit he tried on.

“This blue doesn’t suit you as much as the last blue.” Donghyuck pouted, assessing Jeno.

Jeno sighed. “I told you that I should just get the black one.”

Donghyuck nodded. “Yeah, get that one. It does look the best on you.”

Jeno heaved a sigh of relief as he went back into the trial room, changed back into his clothes.

They finally billed his purchase and went out of the shop.

After all the excited chattering Donghyuck had done inside the shop, it was eerily silent now that the latter wasn’t talking.

Jeno lightly nudged him on the shoulder. “No more facts about Louis Vuitton to tell me?” He asked, amused.

Donghyuck chuckled. “No, I think I went a little overboard with the whole shopping thing, there was really no need of me telling you all that stuff about clothes, so like, I’m sorry.”

“What the fuck Hyuck, don’t apologise for that at all. I enjoyed listening to all of it and besides, I do need to listen to everything you have an interest in, and in fact I want to so don’t stop yourself. We can be friends right?”

Donghyuck looked at him, and smiled. “But I really did chatter your ear off.”

Jeno laughed. “I am best friends with Jaemin Donghyuck, trust me when I tell you that this was mild.”

Donghyuck laughed heartily at that.

“Can’t even argue with that.”

“Though I do think that spending an hour and a half in that store to buy one suit for me was a little too much.” Jeno teased.

Donghyuck rolled his eyes. “Oh please, if I looked half as good as you, I would take more time than that to choose clothes that did me justice.”

Donghyuck’s ears turned red right after that realizing that he had basically complimented Jeno.

Jeno just chuckled. “You’re selling yourself short Donghyuck, you’re gorgeous.”

“Stop it.” Donghyuck whined.

Jeno laughed. “Okay fine.”

They walked to the parking lot, where Donghyuck had already asked his driver to come pick him up, not wanting to burden Jeno with driving him all the way back home.

Jeno’s face, however, turned a bit placid seeing the car.

“You asked your driver to come?” Jeno asked.

“Well, my house is in the opposite direction of yours so I took the liberty of calling my driver so that you didn’t have to bother.” Donghyuck replied, suddenly feeling like he’d done the wrong thing.

But Jeno just stared at him with a blank expression, before schooling a perfectly small smile on his face.

“That’s thoughtful of you Donghyuck. Have a safe trip back home. I’ll see you at the wedding." Jeno said, going away in the direction of his car.

Donghyuck sighed as he got in his car, he couldn’t shake off the feeling that maybe he’d done something to offend Jeno after all.

--

“So you just left him? Standing alone in the parking lot?” Jaemin asked.

Jeno shrunk back because of the clear judgement in Jaemin’s voice.

“I mean, yeah? Pretty much?” Jeno replied, sheepish.

Jaemin sat down in front of him, exasperated. “You know, maybe there is a reason why you could never date someone for long after all.”

“Ouch.”

“Do not ‘ouch’ me! You left your fiancée standing there alone! The poor boy probably thought you were mad at him or something.”

In Jeno’s defense, he’d thought of that as the normal course of action because he thought that Donghyuck hadn’t wanted to stay in his presence longer.

He had full plans of driving him back to his house, and even stopping at a restaurant to have lunch with him but Donghyuck seemed intent on cutting their time together short and Jeno was left thinking that maybe he didn’t want to spend time together anymore.

“I am not ready for this Jaemin, it’s like being in a constant push and pull game, its stressing me out. One moment I think that I’m finally getting through to him and just the next, he’s all closed off.” Jeno said, sighing.

Jaemin softened at that. “Jen, you know that it’s probably the same for him too right? I’m sure he is confused about this whole thing too.”

“Knowing that doesn’t really help.” Jeno grumbled.

“I just want you to know that there isn’t a right or a wrong way around this, you both have to figure it out on your own, and that will have to involve a lot of talking.” Jaemin said.

Jeno shuddered involuntarily.

Jaemin smacked his arm. “Do not shudder at the mere thought of communication Jen, I did not raise you like that.”

“I am literally older than you.”

“Literally no one cares.”

Jeno rolled his eyes.

“You talk to him right? Did you observe anything about him that I should know? That might help me getting closer to him?” Jeno asked Jaemin, knowing that the other had been keeping in contact with Donghyuck.

Jaemin shrugged. “Hyuck is a sweet guy, he is emotional too. He’s pretty easy to talk to and is very open in general. Maybe all of that doesn’t apply to you because you are his fiancée and he probably doesn’t know how much of himself he can be around you.”

Jeno frowned at that. “But he can completely be himself in front of me.”

Jaemin rolled his eyes. “Tell him that, not me. And secondly, you become a shell of the person you really are in front of Donghyuck and you expect him to be open with you?”

Jeno smiled sheepishly at the call out.

“I swear to fucking god, both of you are going to just prolong each other’s suffering by not talking.”

Jeno sighed. “I don’t know Jaem, a part of me tells me that I should get to know him better because we are going to get married and I don’t want to live in a house with a complete stranger but then this other part of me tells me that I shouldn’t bother because this is a marriage of convenience anyway, it’s not like we’ll ever find love in each other.”

“Well, that makes sense. But I suggest you go ahead with getting to know him better Jeno, because if worst comes to worst, then you’ll know that he isn’t interested in connecting with you but if you guys do end up warming up to each other, you’ll at least have gained a friend and hey, you know what they say, friendship is the foundation of a strong marriage.” Jaemin said, smiling as he squeezed Jeno’s hand.

“How are you so good at this?”

“I’m professionally trained to deal with your shit since we were six months old and besides I am the married one here.” Jaemin said, grinning.

“Yeah, you married the love of your life who also happens to just be the best man to have ever walked the earth. Not all of us are lucky like that.” Jeno said, smiling.

“If Mark hears that, he is going to start sobbing and there would be nothing I’d be able to do about it. And don’t be so pessimistic, Hyuck might just turn out to be the third best man to have walked the earth in all due time.”

“Who’s the seco- nevermind forget I ask-”

“It’s me, obviously!” Jaemin squealed.

“Delusional as fuck.”

“Get out of my house!”

--

Donghyuck breathed in deeply before pressing on the call button.

It was picked up after two rings.

“Hyuck?”

“Hi Jeno, were you sleeping?”

There was a light chuckle from the other side. “No, I was working. You know how our lives are Donghyuck, I’d be lucky to get any sleep at all.”

Donghyuck frowned. That was not a very healthy lifestyle to lead.

“You should atleast sleep a bit Jeno, this is not good for you.”

“I know that even you don’t sleep at night, so you really have no right to call me out for this.” Donghyuck could hear the smile in Jeno’s voice.

“Can’t even argue with that. Did you atleast eat something?”

“I did, Jisung force fed some fried rice to me about an hour ago.” Jeno laughed.

“I knew that kid could be trusted.” Donghyuck said, smiling.

The line went silent for a while.

Donghyuck sighed and spoke up. “So actually I called to apologise.”

Jeno made a sound. “I wanted to apologise too.”

Donghyuck raised his eyebrows at that. “For what?”

He could hear Jeno sigh. “I realised that I may have come off as rude that day when we went shopping, I really didn’t mean to be that dismissive when we went our separate ways. I should have atleast walked you to your car and bid you goodbye properly.”

Donghyuck smiled. Jeno really was too much of a sweetheart.

“Funny you say that Jeno. I wanted to apologise for that day too actually. I realised that going ahead and asking my driver to come pick me up may have come off as me not wanting to spend any more time with you and I should have atleast told you before just going ahead and doing it.”

Jeno chuckled. “We are a mess, huh?”

“Yeah, pretty much.” Donghyuck smiled.

“Well, both of us were wrong in our own ways I guess but I’m glad that we talked it out.”

“Yeah, me too.”

Donghyuck bit his lip. “And um, Jeno?”

“Yeah?”

“For what it’s worth, I really liked spending time with you that day. And I would have liked to stay with you longer if I hadn’t been stupid and called my driver.”

Jeno stayed quiet for a moment. When he finally spoke again, his voice was quieter and softer.

“I enjoyed myself a lot too Hyuck, I know this whole arranged marriage thing sucks but I’m glad it’s you I’m doing it with.”

Donghyuck closed his eyes. That was probably the most cliché thing someone had ever said to him but boy if it didn’t make Donghyuck happy.

“Did I overdo it?” Jeno said then.

That shocked a laugh out of Donghyuck. “No you didn’t.”

“I’m glad then, Jaemin always tells me that I either underdo it all the time or overdo it.”

“Well, I like it when you overdo it then I guess.” Donghyuck said on a whim and then promptly wanted to die because goodness, that sounded a lot like flirting.

“Is that so Hyuck?” Jeno said, sounding amused.

“You must have a lot of work to do Jeno, I should really not be wasting your time like this! I’ll talk to you later, bye!” He said and then cut the call before Jeno could get another word in.

Donghyuck stared at the ceiling. Was he even ready for marriage if he was constantly this much of a mess?

He shouldn’t have cut the call that way, oh god, what if Jeno thought it was rude? Did he have something else to apologise for right after he’d apologised for something?

Before he could work himself up to a meaningless panic attack, his phone chimed with a message.

Jeno

For what it’s worth, I like it when you get flustered. It’s really cute.

Goodnight Hyuck, sleep well.

Donghyuck shoved his face into his pillow and screamed.

--

“Why the fuck does this box weigh a hundred pounds?” Chenle whined as he put another box down on the floor along with the other boxes in the living room.

“That’s what you get for not listening to us and let the moving guys do the heavy lifting.” Jaemin said, rolling his eyes.

“Hey! They deserve a break too.” Chenle said.

Jeno just shook his head as he put down a box of his own.

“Seriously though guys, thank you for helping out with the move and everything. Donghyuck and I would definitely have been overwhelmed with doing this alone.” Jeno said, smiling.

“Yeah we know that the both of you are pretty much useless without us, its fine.” Renjun snarked.

Donghyuck smacked the back of his head. “Be nice to people Junnie.”

“The house is so pretty. Your parents have good taste.” Mark said.

“It really is a good place. And it is close to both of our offices too so it’s perfect.” Donghyuck agreed.

“Stop thinking about work for one second oh god.” Ningning complained.

“But isn’t this house your wedding gift? Then why did you get it before the wedding?” Chenle asked.

“Well, we officially will be given the keys at our wedding but we just thought that it would be more convenient if all of our stuff was already here instead of doing it after the wedding.” Donghyuck replied.

Everyone nodded. “Yeah I suppose that does make more sense.” Jaemin said.

“Where is the box that had my clothes in it?” Jeno asked.

“Oh! I put that in the master bedroom.” Chenle said.

Jeno smiled and shook his head. “I’ll go move it then.”

“Move it?”

“Yeah, Donghyuck’s taking the master bedroom and I’m taking the other one.” Jeno said.

“I wanted him to take the master bedroom but he didn’t listen.” Donghyuck rolled his eyes.

“Yeah, I should’ve guessed that you guys would stay in different rooms after all.” Chenle said.

Jeno ruffled his hair on the way out.

“I think Jeno hyung is warming up to me.” Chenle said, grinning.

Donghyuck smiled. “I think so too.”

“Jeno is so fucking nice though, like cannot relate.” Renjun said.

“Jeno’s always been very kind hearted.” Jaemin said with a smile.

“Are you guys talking shit about me behind my back?” Jeno said, appearing.

“What else.” Jaemin answered.

“I can’t believe that the wedding is three days away, wow.” Mark said.

“Tell me about it, three days and I’ll be a married man.” Jeno said.

“How are you guys feeling about this whole marriage and sharing the house thing?” Renjun asked.

Donghyuck shrugged. “I feel much less scared and lost now, Jeno is amazing so I don’t think anything will be that hard.”

Jeno blushed.

“Ooh, getting all soft for each other already are we?” Jaemin asked.

“Shut up Jaem.” Jeno chuckled. “But yeah, I think everything will work out just fine.”

“Amazing, I’m glad to hear it.” Ningning said. “Why isn’t Jisung here today again?”

“He’s out of town, visiting his family for the weekend.” Renjun replied.

Jeno raised an eyebrow. “Seems like someone here knows more about Jisung’s whereabouts than me, funny considering I was the one who sanctioned his leave.”

Renjun flushed red at that. “I mean, I just happened to talk to him yesterday.”

“You’ve been talking to him ever since we came back from the trip, don’t play around ge.” Chenle said.

“Ooh, Renjun is in looooveeee.” Ningning giggled.

“It’s nothing like that guys-”

“My baby Jisung is all grown up now.” Jaemin said, fake sobbing and then patted Renjun on his back. “But you’re amazing Junnie, I’m glad you and Jisung are a thing.”

“But we aren’t a thing-”

“And whose fault is that?” Donghyuck said, sighing.

“I’m just nervous okay? I am planning on asking him out next week so just chill out till then please.” Renjun said.

“Nuh uh, not happening. Renjun you’re not allowed to come at my wedding at all if Jisung isn’t your plus one.” Jeno said, smiling.

Renjun’s face turned ashen. “I cannot just ask him?”

“You literally can, the boy is whipped for you. Even when me and him text sometimes, all he talks about is you so please put us all out of our misery and ask him out to the wedding.” Ningning said.

“Jesus Christ, aren’t you all pushy.” Renjun grumbled.

“Welcome to my life dumbass.” Donghyuck replied, rolling his eyes.

“Okay fine I will ask him but if he says no, I’m not showing up at the wedding at all. I will be in my room, crying and eating ice cream.” Renjun said.

Jeno chuckled.

“You are literally Hyuck’s best man.” Mark reminded.

“He can get married without a best man for all I care.”

“This is why Chenle was a better option than you.”

“I’m still ready to do it!”

--

Donghyuck had no idea why he was this nervous.

Renjun had tried to tell him that it was because it was his wedding but Donghyuck believed that he had no reason to feel this nervous about the whole thing anyway, it was just like a business transaction after all.

Chenle and Renjun had given him disgusted looks when he’d said the same to the other two and he’d promptly shut up.

The wedding venue was beautiful and so the decorations were too, he made a mental note to thank his and Jeno’s mom later for doing such a good job.

“Would you look at that, you’re capable of looking good too.” Chenle said, looking a bit too amused but his eyes were sincere.

Donghyuck just chuckled. He did think that he looked good in his wedding suit, he was supposed to he guessed, he was one of the grooms.

“Ready to go hyung?” Chenle asked, voice and eyes soft.

Donghyuck breathed in. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”

The wedding was simple, there weren’t a lot of guests even though this was a very high profile wedding because both Jeno and Donghyuck had insisted on keeping it as private as possible, they were hosting a big party for the media and the other business contacts within the next few days.

Jeno had smiled at him blindingly when they met at the podium to exchange their vows. He’d immediately felt a lot more at peace knowing that Jeno wasn’t sad or questioning all of this.

“Do you, Lee Donghyuck, take Lee Jeno, to be your lawfully wedded husband?” The priest asked.

Donghyuck took a deep breath, looked up at Jeno and said. “I do.”

Jeno flashed a small smile at him.

“Do you, Lee Jeno, take Lee Donghyuck, to be your lawfully wedded husband?”

“I do.”

“I hereby declare Lee Jeno and Lee Donghyuck as husbands. You may now kiss.”

Donghyuck felt his entire being freeze. He’d completely forgotten about the fact that they had to kiss.

Now this wasn’t his first kiss, far from it, but he wasn’t sure if he was comfortable with kissing Jeno yet.

A voice in his head was telling him to not make a big deal about it, it’s not like they were doing it because they wanted to anyway but still, kissing had always been kind of a big deal for Donghyuck, too intimate, and he didn’t want to kiss someone he essentially felt nothing towards.

He could see Jeno leaning in, and he panicked, unable to do anything. But then, Jeno leaned down, pressing a soft kiss on Donghyuck’s cheek.

Donghyuck saw Jeno smile as he went back to his normal position.

Everybody around them cheered, Renjun and Chenle hugging him tightly, shouting their ‘Congratulations’.

And Donghyuck couldn’t help but look at Jeno, who was being swamped by his own group of family and friends that, he’d gotten really lucky with his husband after all.

--

Jeno’s cheeks hurt from smiling too much, he was tired from all the greetings and everything that had been going on since the morning.

They were in the reception hall currently after the wedding, Jeno and Donghyuck had been swept away by different people right after entering the venue which Jeno thought was quite odd.

They’d just gotten married for fuck’s sake, shouldn’t they be spending time with each other?

Not like Jeno and Donghyuck were the conventional couple, but still, they didn’t know that.

He sighed in relief as he bid goodbye to the person he was talking to. He needed a drink.

He paused when he felt a hand on the small of his back. “Hello husband.”

Jeno smiled as he turned around, and saw Donghyuck standing there with two glasses of champagne in his hand.

“Well, hello there.” Jeno replied.

Donghyuck smiled and offered one glass of champagne to Jeno. “Thought you might need a drink.”

Jeno nodded as he accepted the drink. “You’re a lifesaver.”

“It’s time for the best man speeches, let’s go yeah?”

“Yeah, let’s.”

Jeno followed Donghyuck to their table, sitting down beside him as Jaemin stood up and clinked his champagne glass to gain attention.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I’m Jaemin and I’m Jeno’s best man and best friend but I’m pretty sure everyone knows that by now considering how I bawled during the wedding.” Jaemin started.

 A round of chuckles went around, Jeno shaking his head in amusement.

“But anyway, I don’t really have much to say except the fact that, Donghyuck, Jeno is a catch and an incredibly patient person too so literally, do whatever you want, he’s never gonna say anything.” Jaemin said, grinning as he winked cheekily at the two of them making Donghyuck laugh out loud.

“He’s also always been the kindest, most considerate friend ever. Staying up with throughout the night when I had projects to finish in college, listening to me rant for hours over boy problems, giving up everything and running to me everytime I’ve needed him, those are things that will always stay very very close to my heart. Two years ago at my wedding, I remember looking at Jeno and feeling like I want him to feel the kind of happiness that I’m feeling right now and I hope and wish for the both of you to have an amazing married life. Jeno is amazing, but so are you Hyuck. Welcome to the family.” Jaemin ended, smiling as he raised his glass for a toast.

Jeno smiled, watching Jaemin sit down and wipe a stray tear away. That idiot. Jeno loved him with all his heart.

Renjun stood up next. “Hello everyone, I’m Renjun and I’m that idiot’s best friend.” He said, pointing at Donghyuck who just rolled his eyes at him.

“I honestly was dreading becoming the best man because I cannot give speeches to save my life but well, here we are.”

Another round of chuckles.

Renjun took a deep breath and his face broke into a smile. “So Donghyuck huh? We’ve been friends since I didn’t even know the meaning of the word and now a friend means Donghyuck for me. He’s a brother I never knew I needed but got anyway, we’ve been through a lot of shit together but we’ve grown together because of it and I wouldn’t have chosen anyone else to be my partner in crime. Jeno, he’s a menace and honestly too much to deal with sometimes so you’re free to call me and complain anytime, I’ll come over and beat him up.”

Jeno laughed at that.

“But anyway, happy married life to the two of you, I feel like both of you will be really good for each other and I wish that whatever you imagined love to be, both of you can find it in the other.”

Renjun sat down then, amongst a round of applause.

“Our friends are cheesy as fuck I want to withdraw my friendship.” Donghyuck said.

Jeno laughed. “I’m afraid it might be too late now Hyuck.”

“Ugh.”

“You both are supposed to dance, not sit here like you’re guests at someone else’s wedding.” Renjun said, approaching them.

Jisung following right behind.

“Ooh, so you did work up the courage to ask Jisung to come as your plus one.” Donghyuck remarked.

Jisung blushed. “Congratulations hyungs.”

Jeno smiled as he patted Jisung’s shoulder. “Thanks kid.”

“Oh my god, so Renjun did actually manage to ask Jisung?!” Jaemin said, appearing along with Mark.

“I am literally going to kill all of you.” Renjun glared.

“Don’t, please. I’d like to be a married man for a while longer.” Jeno said, grinning.

He caught Donghyuck blush a little in his periphery.

“Sick wedding Hyungs!” Chenle said.

Ningning immediately facepalmed. “That’s no way to talk about a wedding Chenle!”

“I mean, what a beautiful wedding hyungs. I am very blown away.” Chenle said, nodding solemnly.

Jeno laughed as Donghyuck smiled. “You’re such an idiot.”

“So like, do you guys plan on sleeping on separate beds tonight too?” Chenle asked, eyes glinting with mischief.

Donghyuck pinched his arm. “Stop asking weird questions! Obviously we will!”

“Jesus, you sure are defensive for someone who claims to not feel a thing towards his husband.” Renjun remarked then.

Jeno bit his lip, trying to control his laughter at Donghyuck’s affronted expression.

“Guys guys guys, let’s not stress them out on their wedding day.” Mark said, finally.

And angel indeed.

“That’s it. No one’s invited to the party except Mark hyung.” Donghyuck said.

“Oh please, nobody wants to be invited to a party full of stuffy people in stuffy suits talking about business anyway.” Chenle said.

“You do realise that on most days, we are stuffy people wearing stuffy suits talking about business, right?” Jaemin said, chuckling.

“That’s different! We’re cool!”

“Yeah, right.”

“Guys, on a scale of 1 to 10, how indecent is it to leave your own reception to go sleep at home?” Jeno asked.

Renjun and Jaemin laughed.

“Is it indecent though? Aren’t you allowed to want to rest?” Jisung asked.

“Oh little lamb, we corporate people really don’t have the luxury.” Jaemin said.

“But go on, you guys can leave. Nobody will bat an eyelash anyway.” Renjun said.

“Yeah, the party’s ending anyway and besides, people will just think that you guys left to spend time alone and obviously, what they don’t know won’t hurt them.” Mark said.

“Yeah, go on. You guys must be tired.” Ningning said.

“Now that you guys mention, my limbs do feel like lead.” Donghyuck said.

“Same.” Jeno said. “Let’s go home?”

Home. With Donghyuck.

That would need some time to get used to.

Donghyuck was whisked away by Renjun for five minutes to talk about something.

“Hey Jisung, I’ll probably come in late tomorrow. I might sleep in.”

Jisung just looked at him incredulously. “Hyung the fuck? Take a day off. You literally got married today.”

“Nah, I’ll be fine and besides, me and Hyuck spending time together alone will just be awkward so I’m better off at the office.”

Jisung just sighed but nodded anyway.

Jaemin came beside Jeno then and hugged him tightly.

“Whoa, what is this for?” Jeno said, laughing.

Jaemin broke the hug to flash him a blinding smile. “I’m proud of you.”

Jeno tilted his head in confusion.

“You’re trying. And that means a lot Jeno. I’m proud of you.”

Jeno cracked into a smile and nodded.

“Now go rest up, both of you.” He said, turning to Donghyuck who had just come back.

“Yeah, let’s get going.” Donghyuck said. “Thanks guys, for everything you did today.” He said to everyone.

“Don’t be stupid, go now.”

Donghyuck turned to Jeno. “Home?”

Jeno smiled and n2odded. “Home.”

Here goes nothing.

--

Donghyuck had no idea what it meant to be married, for obvious reasons.

He clearly had no idea what it meant to have a husband or be one.

Jeno facepalmed when Donghyuck told him this dilemma.

“Obviously you don’t know how it is Hyuck.” Jeno said as they entered their house.

“I mean, is there a way we’re supposed to act now?” Donghyuck asked.

Jeno let out a short chuckle, taking off his shoes. “I don’t think so? Just do what feels natural Hyuck, you don’t need to do anything that doesn’t come naturally to you.”

Donghyuck nodded. That seemed doable.

“Man I am wiped out.” Jeno sat on the couch, loosening his tie and leaning his head back on the head rest.

Donghyuck let himself look at Jeno properly for the first time tonight, he hadn’t got a good look at the other for the whole day considering how he was too nervous to think anything during the ceremony and then he was too busy.

But now, looking at Jeno, Donghyuck marvelled again at just how absolutely gorgeous the man in front of him was.

Jeno was objectively one of the most attractive men Donghyuck had laid eyes on and Donghyuck wasn’t sure how to deal with living with someone this hot in such a closed space.

Well, at least the apartment was big and they had different rooms and exhausting schedules, Donghyuck counted his blessings.

Jeno’s eyes snapped open then, zeroing in on Donghyuck. “You hungry?”

Donghyuck shook his head, slightly flustered because he’d been caught staring. “Not really, I ate quite a lot at the reception, are you though?”

“Nah, I just want to take a quick shower and sleep.” Jeno said, standing up and stretching a bit.

Donghyuck hummed in agreement. “When do you normally leave for work?”

“I don’t really have a fixed time, but I normally leave by 9. You?”

“I leave by 8 on most days but I think I’ll go in a little late tomorrow. Chenle will have my head if I turn at the office early a day after my marriage day.” Donghyuck said with a chuckle.

Jeno smiled, a smile that crinkled up his eyes.

Donghyuck needed to stop, honestly.

“Get some sleep Hyuck, it was a tiring day.” Jeno said as he walked past Donghyuck to go to his room.

He stopped in front of Donghyuck and ruffled his hair softly. “Goodnight, I’ll see you tomorrow?”

Donghyuck softly chuckled at that. “We live in the same house Jeno, I’m afraid you’ll be seeing a lot more of me from now on.”

Jeno gave another one of his eye smiles. “Looking forward to it.” And then he left, the door to his room closing with a soft click.

Donghyuck stood there for a while, looking around.

The apartment was beautiful, no doubt. And it was very spacious, a lot more spacious that practical for just two people living but it was fine.

He went to the kitchen, taking out a water bottle to drink from as he sat on one of the stools along the kitchen counter.

He sighed.

He was married now. And while Jeno was definitely one of the kindest people Donghyuck had met, he wasn’t in love with him and neither was Jeno in love with Donghyuck.

Donghyuck wondered if it even mattered to Jeno, the fact that their marriage was to be love-less. If he even cared about things like that.

There was very little Donghyuck knew about Jeno, and his views on love and marriage was not one of them.

There was a part of him that wanted to make this work and even try to see if he could fall for Jeno but then there was this other part of him that wanted to just treat Jeno like a stranger, live together and nothing else.

He sighed again as he took another sip of water.

He would be polite and friendly to Jeno, he deserved atleast that. After all, it wasn’t like Jeno was in a much different situation than him.

He stood up, turning off the lights as he went to his room to sleep.

He’d gotten married that day for fuck’s sake, but nothing had changed.

He took a shower and changed, lying down under the sheets and willing himself to go to sleep.

The bed felt strangely cold and lonely that night.

--

Jeno woke up a little later than usual, his sleepy brain not exactly registering his surroundings as he went outside his room, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes.

“Oh Jeno, good mor-”

He heard Donghyuck’s voice trail off. When his eyes focused back on Donghyuck, he saw the other’s ears red as he looked resolutely to the side.

Jeno stood confused for a second, not understanding what he could have done first thing in the morning to get such a reaction from Donghyuck but then he quickly realised what was up.

He wasn’t wearing a shirt.

Jeno didn’t sleep with a shirt on, it was a habit he’d gotten ever since he was a child. He only wore his sweatpants to bed.

Just like right now, he was wearing only a pair of grey sweatpants and no shirt.

Damn it, way to make Donghyuck feel uncomfortable.

Jeno sheepishly scratched the back of his head, feeling embarrassed.

“Um, sorry, not used to having anyone around when I wake up. I’m gonna go wear a shirt.”

With that, he turned around and went back to his room, grabbing the first tshirt he saw.

He brushed his teeth, and washed his face before going back out again.

Donghyuck was sitting on one of the couches, coffee in hand as he stared at the view outside the window.

Jeno grabbed a bottle of juice from the fridge and flopped down beside him.

“Sleep well?” Jeno asked.

Donghyuck seemed to be in a reverie which was broken when Jeno asked that question.

He smiled and nodded. “Yeah, I slept well. What about you?”

“Me too.”

They drank their own beverages in silence.

“My mom called to remind me that we need to pick up our suits for the party.” Donghyuck said.

Jeno nodded. “Yeah I remember, I was going to get mine after work today. You want me to pick up yours too?”

Donghyuck looked up at him with slightly widened eyes.

Jeno internally cursed at himself, was that too domestic? Did Donghyuck mind it?

But even friends offered to pickup stuff for each other all the time right? It wasn’t that big of a deal.

It would just be convenient than Donghyuck driving all the way to pick it up as well. They did live together now after all.

“That would be nice.” Donghyuck finally replied, voice soft.

Jeno flashed him a smile and stood up. “I’m going to get ready for work then.”

“But you didn’t eat breakfast?” Donghyuck said.

“I don’t really eat breakfast.”

“That’s not healthy.”

“I know, Jaemin tells me all the time but don’t worry though, I’ll probably grab a sandwich.” Jeno said, smiling.

Donghyuck took a sip of his coffee, grumbling. “Whoever said anything about worrying.”

Jeno just chuckled and left to get ready.

While getting ready, he couldn’t help but wonder how easy it was to fall into this pattern with Donghyuck.

Yeah sure, it hadn’t even been a whole day since the wedding but he didn’t think he’d have any issues living with Donghyuck. The other was a good person to be around, Jeno wondered if they could at least become friends. He would like that.

He came out of the room, fixing his tie and he saw Donghyuck sitting in the exact same position from earlier.

“Hey, I’m leaving now. When do you leave for work?” Jeno asked.

Donghyuck looked at him. “Ah, I don’t think I’m going to work today. Don’t really feel upto it and there isn’t much to do for me around the office today anyway. Chenle said he’ll take care of everything.”

Jeno furrowed his eyebrows. “You feeling okay? Are you coming down with something?”

Donghyuck huffed out a laugh. “No no, I’m fine. I just feel a bit tired, I guess. You go on, have a good day. Don’t skip meals.”

Jeno smiled. “No promises.”

Donghyuck just rolled his eyes.

“I’ll see you when I get back then, yeah?”

Donghyuck nodded.

Jeno couldn’t help but feel good about having someone to come back home to after this long.

--

Renjun picked up after two rings.

“You better make this fast, I’m in the middle of painting and I don’t want to lose the crative spurt I just had.”

“Always so welcoming.”

“What’s up?”

“Um so, I wanted to talk about something?”

Donghyuck heard Renjun put down his art supplies at the sound of seriousness in Donghyuck’s voice.

“Is everything okay with Jeno? Is he horrible to live with?”

Donghyuck sighed. “He isn’t. He’s too nice almost.”

“Then what’s wrong?”

“Okay so I will say it only with the promise that we won’t speak of it again.”

“Uh huh.”

“He might be one of the most attractive people I’ve met?”

Renjun cackled.

Donghyuck just about regretted his entire life.

“Shut up Renjun.”

Renjun was still laughing.

“This is the funniest shit ever.” Renjun said.

Donghyuck just groaned and covered his face.

“I don’t know why this is funny.”

“You’re agreeing that you’re thirsting over him Hyuck, this is very funny.”

“I never said anything about thirsting over him the fuck? I just find him objectively attractive.”

“If you found him objectively attractive Hyuckie, you wouldn’t call me to talk about it.” Renjun said, sounding way too amused.

Donghyuck hated Renjun for always being right.

“I’m not having a crisis, fuck you. I just felt weird for feeling this way.”

“What way?”

“I don’t want to find him attractive like that Renjun, he’s not some hot guy I met at the club, he’s my husband.”

“Which rule says that you cannot feel attracted to your husband?”

“But he’s so nice to me, constantly smiling and being friendly and I’m just a creepy person who keeps staring at him.”

“Well, he is very stare-worthy, I’ll give you that.”

“Not helping.”

“Okay sorry, I think you should wait it out. The feelings may subside once you get used to living with him. You haven’t been with anyone in a long while so maybe your brain is playing tricks on you.”

Donghyuck sighed. “Yeah maybe, you’re right.”

“Or you might just be attracted to your husband, nothing wrong with that either.”

“A lot wrong with it, you won’t get it.”

Renjun sighed. “The way I see it, you’re making this more complicated than it has to be so I’ll leave you to it and wait for the next time you come to me crying about this.”

“I won’t.”

“Mm, we’ll see.”

“Fuck you.”

“Love you too sunshine, bye now.”

Donghyuck kept the phone down and sighed, staring up at the ceiling.

He knew Renjun was right, Donghyuck may be making this more complicated than it has to be. It was natural to feel attracted to someone that attractive if you’re living in close quarters with them and besides, it wasn’t like Donghyuck was going to do something about it and make Jeno uncomfortable anyway.

Ugh, Donghyuck had seen too many guys shirtless. Jeno not wearing a shirt should not have this effect on him.

He probably needed to sleep.

Yeah, a proper rest would do him good.

--

“Correct me if I’m wrong but you don’t work here.” Jeno said, amused when he saw Renjun in his office’s lobby, talking to Jisung.

Or trying to, at least. The other boy looked too shy to even look up.

Renjun, on the other hand, gave Jeno a beaming smile on seeing him.

“If it isn’t my favourite husband of my best friend’s!”

Jeno chuckled, walking up to them. “I’m hopefully the only husband of your best friend’s.”

“You never know with Hyuck.” Renjun said, sighing but smiling nonetheless.

“Fancy seeing you here though.” Jeno said.

“I was dropping off a painting in the neighbourhood and I figured that I’d eat lunch with Jisung but he’s too scared to ask you if he can go out to eat with me.” Renjun said, rolling his eyes.

Jeno just sighed. “Jisung, stop painting me like a horrible boss.” He said, tone light-hearted.

Jisung immediately gasped, looking up. “I never said that Hyung-”

“What kind of boss would I be if I scold you for going out to eat Jisung, it’s literally your lunch break anyway. Go out and have Renjun treat you to a good meal.” Jeno said, smiling and patting Jisung’s back.

“Hey! I never agreed on paying.” Renjun said.

“Aren’t you the hyung here, Renjun?” Jeno said, eyes crinkling with mirth.

Renjun just shook his head. “Perfect, that’s what you and Hyuck are for each other.”

Jeno let a laugh out at that. “Well, thank you. I sure hope your best friend feels that way too. No, shoo both of you, go.”

“You’re welcome to join us too you know? I know for a fact that you haven’t eaten anything.” Jisung said.

Jeno shrugged him off. He wanted them to have some alone time.

“I’m not hungry, and I have paperwork to complete before my next meeting.”

Renjun lightly flicked him on his arm. “You got married yesterday, for the love of god, slow the fuck down.”

Jeno just smiled at him as the both of them walked away.

Jeno went back up to his office.

He sat down on his chair, firing up his laptop.

--

“Am I the only person who thinks this is very unnecessary?” Jeno heard Donghyuck whisper from beside him.

Jeno chuckled. “Count me in.”

They were at the entrance of the hall where the party was taking place, and it was ridiculously huge.

Jeno knew that they had quite a lot of contacts in the business world and combining them with Donghyuck’s only meant double the people but Jeno didn’t even know halls this big existed.

“I can already tell my cheekbones are going to be hurting all night with all the smiling I’ll have to do.” Donghyuck grumbled.

“Well, if it makes you feel any better, I’ll be right there in your suffering with you.”

“That does make me feel better, actually.”

Jeno laughed. “Shall we, then?”

Donghyuck nodded and in they went into the flurry of people.

They were noticed right away, of course.

Jeno felt himself smile slightly at the way Donghyuck’s hold on his arm tightened a bit at the amount of people around.

But it loosened right away, Donghyuck probably realising that he did that without noticing.

“My sons!” Donghyuck’s father exclaimed, walking up to them and wrapping them in a hug.

“So he’s your son now?” Donghyuck said, pointing at Jeno and looking amusedly at his father.

His father laughed. “Why, of course he is.”

Jeno smiled. He liked Donghyuck’s father, he realised where the boy had gotten a bit of his sunshine personality from.

“I do hope both of you will enjoy the party.” His father continued.

“Dad, you and I both know I hate parties and neither is Jeno keen on them.” Donghyuck said.

“Now now, it’s okay. It’s just today after all. And why are your hands empty, get a drink.”

Donghyuck sighed, smiling fondly. “Yes dad we will, now go find mom and stay with her, will you?”

They walked away from his father then. “So, you’re close to your parents, right?” Jeno asked.

“Yeah, you could say that. I’m a lot closer to my mom than my dad but he’s pretty cool too.”

Jeno nodded, as the both of them got a glass of whiskey each for themselves.

“Where are our dumb friends? I swear I could spot Chenle’s laugh from a mile away if he was here.” Donghyuck said, looking around.

Jeno frowned, come to think of it, he hadn’t seen any of them around either. That was weird.

And then suddenly, a pair of hands were covering Jeno’s eyes from behind, squealing “Guess who?!”

Jeno felt his entire face light up, not being able to help the grin starting to take over his face as he recognised who it actually was.

“Hina?!”

“Ding ding ding, you are correct!” The hands fell away and Jeno was immediately turning around and pulling Hina into a bone crashing hug.

Damn, it had been way too long since he’d seen that girl.

Hina laughed. “You must’ve missed me.”

“Not even a little bit.” Jeno replied, still not breaking the hug.

“He literally cried to me almost every day ever since you went away.” Jaemin said, walking up to the both of them.

Jeno broke the hug then, taking a look at Hina. “You really flew from Japan to all the way here?”

“I mean yeah? It isn’t every day that your best friend gets married.” Hina said, pulling Jeno’s ear lightly.

“You missed the wedding though.” Jeno said.

“Ugh, don’t even remind me. I was almost on the way to the airport when I had to rush back to the office to finalise one of my important brand deals.” Hina said, looking annoyed at the thought of it.

“She sounded mad when she called to tell me that she couldn’t make it.” Jaemin said, chuckling and ruffling her hair up a bit.

“I was mad! I wanted to surprise you, I even had it all planned out with Nana.” Hina pouted.

Jeno laughed, pulling her cheek. “You’re here now and that’s what matters.”

“Come on come on, I want to meet Donghyuck!” Hina said.

Oh shit.

Jeno had completely forgotten about Donghyuck standing right behind him.

He turned around to thankfully find Donghyuck still there, smiling a little.

“Hina, this is Donghyuck, my husband.” Jeno would never get used to saying that.

“Donghyuck, this is Hina, my best friend.” Jeno finished with a smile.

Donghyuck came forward a bit, putting a hand out to shake when Hina hugged him.

“I’m so glad to meet you!” Hina said, pulling back again.

Donghyuck looked a bit shocked at the impromptu hug but smiled once he recovered.

“It’s nice to meet you too.”

“I hope we can be close because if I cannot gossip about Jeno behind his back then what’s the point.” Hina said.

Donghyuck laughed at that.

“Seriously woman, it’s been five minutes since you’ve been back, give me a break.” Jeno sighed.

“Never.”

“What are we missing out on?” Chenle said, appearing alongside Renjun and Ningning.

Mark appearing beside Jaemin too.

“Guys, this is Hina, she’s my best friend. She just flew here from Japan.” Jeno introduced her to everybody else.

Hian smiled. “It’s nice to meet you guys.”

“Finally a girl! It’s so nice to meet you, I cannot stay with guys anymore.” Ningning whined.

Jeno smiled.

“I know how that feels, I grew up with Jeno and Jaemin and it was literal hell being the only one with working brain cells.”

“Excuse me, I had brain cells.” Jaemin said.

“You did not, do not forget that you would’ve lost out on Mark if I hadn’t been around to save your sorry ass.” Hina replied.

Mark laughed. “She’s right about that one.”

There were too many people talking at the same time after that for Jeno to fully comprehend the conversation, he smiled as he saw the people who he’d been close to his entire life getting along with the people who were the newest additions.

--

Donghyuck swirled the drink in his hand. He’d finally taken a break from socialising, standing in the corner just enjoying his drink.

He saw Jisung and Renjun talking, Renjun getting that pretty blush on his cheeks he always got when he really liked someone as Jisung navigated through the conversation pretty well.

Apparently, Jisung was only that shy around Jeno. Donghyuck supposed that made sense but he wanted Jisung to come out of his shell more, he wanted to see the sassy and witty Jisung Renjun kept talking about too.

He saw Chenle and Ningning, talking to Ningning’s group of friends. He recognised a few of them as Jimin, Minjeong and Giselle. They were Ningning’s closest friends and Donghyuck had seen them around quite a lot.

Then his eyes fell on Jeno, Jaemin and Mark, all standing around, laughing at something Hina was telling them.

Jeno had his one arm slung over her shoulder as he listened to her attentively and smiled.

Donghyuck sighed.

Seeing Jeno with Hina had been … weird.

He didn’t know how to describe it.

He’d seen Jeno around his other friends and he was plenty open around Jaemin and Mark, but the side of Jeno that Donghyuck saw around Hina was completely different.

This side of Jeno was fond, indulgent, all eye smiles and hair ruffles.

And Donghyuck didn’t know why it was so different to see that.

He knew that both him and Jeno were walking on eggshells around each other because obviously they were and it was just a bit unnerving to see this very soft side of Jeno right in front of him. They’d been married for a week now and Donghyuck never even knew this side existed.

But he liked Hina, could even see them becoming fast friends and he supposed people who are that precious do bring out the soft sides in people.

Jaemin was already a soft bitch and even he was extra gone for Hina. Donghyuck chuckled a bit to himself thinking that.

“Why doesn’t a gorgeous man like yourself have any company?” Donghyuck heard someone sidle to up to him.

He turned to see who it was only to come face to face with a vaguely familiar face.

The guys was tall, definitely handsome and had a pretty smile which as currently being directed at Donghyuck.

“It’s rude to stare without at least introducing yourself.” The guys said, winking.

Donghyuck couldn’t help that chuckle that slipped past his lips at the boy’s cheekiness.

“Hi I’m Donghyuck, and you are?”

“Very pleased to meet you.” The other replied, grinning.

Donghyuck rolled his eyes at the terrible attempt at flirting but he was smiling nonetheless.

“Sorry that was bad, I’m Sungchan.” He finally said.

Ah, that made sense.

He was a close friend of Yangyang’s.

Yangyang was a close friend of Renjun and Chenle’s.

“Oh yeah right, I have seen you around.”

Sungchan smiled. “Why are you all by yourself though? At your reception party, no less.”

“Well, my husband is over there socialising if that’s what you’re asking.” Donghuck replied, smiling.

Sungchan nodded, looking at the direction of where Jeno was standing, he had moved from his previous place and was currently talking to Ningning’s friends.

Ningning must’ve dragged him there to socialise.

“Care to join me for a drink? Your glass has been empty for a while.” Sungchan said.

“So not only are you flirting with a married man but you’ve been creepily observing me for a while too huh.” Donghyuck replied, amused.

Sungchan’s ever present smile didn’t falter a bit. “I hadn’t been observing you, but pretty things demand attention don’t you think?”

Donghyuck’s eyebrow raised. This guy sure was brave.

Must be Chenle’s age.

Donghyuck laughed and so did Sungchan.

“Come on hyung, just a drink and don’t worry, I’m pretty close to Jeno hyung. He won’t kill me for this.”

“I somehow cannot see Jeno even getting mad, let alone kill someone.”

“Jeno hyung’s scary when he’s mad.” Sungchan shuddered.

Donghyuck’s eyes followed back to where Jeno was, standing alone with only Jimin now.

Jeno was smiling at her, the distance between their bodies very less. And then she leaned in to say something in Jeno’s ear, making him laugh.

Donghyuck snapped his gaze back.

“Let’s go, I think I’m ready for that drink.”

--

Jeno approached Donghyuck, he could see the other standing there, his back towards him.

A while ago, Jeno’s dad had come up to him and told him to spend a little time with Donghyuck, act like they were close at least because there were journalists around and they really needed their marriage to at least be believable.

Jeno had sighed but agreed. And he was making his way to Donghyuck now.

“Hey.” He said, standing right behind Donghyuck.

Donghyuck jumped a little but regained his footing when he realised it was just Jeno.

“Jesus, warn a man Jeno.”

Jeno chuckled sheepishly. “Sorry.”

“How do I have the pleasure of your company now?” Donghyuck said.

There was a smile on his face and Jeno hinted a bit of something in his tone, bitterness probably?

“Okay so this might be awkward but there are journalists around and we need to make this marriage look believable so that a scandal doesn’t break out.”

Donghyuck tilted his head. “And how exactly do we do that?”

“We might have to stay a little closer to each other, look like we’re having a private moment or two I guess? Sorry if it makes you uncomfortable, we can just not do-” Jeno was cut off by Donghyuck diminishing the distance between them by a considerable amount.

“Stop thinking so much Jeno, we are married after all. It’s only natural for us to be all up in each other’s spaces.” Donghyuck said.

Jeno smiled at that. “We aren’t what you would call a quintessential newly married couple, now would you Hyuck?”

“I wouldn’t but what they won’t know won’t hurt them.” Donghyuck replied, eyes fluttering a bit.

Jeno thought Donghyuck was a bit tipsy because there was no other way Donghyuck would let his guard down so much that he let Jeno see the way his eyes kept dragging across Jeno’s body.

A slow song was playing and Jeno had an idea.

“Hey Donghyuck?”

“Hm?”

“Wanna dance with me?” Jeno asked.

Donghyuck giggled. “Yeah sure.”

Jeno led Donghyuck up to the middle of the floor, what better way to shut people up except by giving them a show after all.

Donghyuck’s hands rested on Jeno’s shoulder but Jeno didn’t quite know if it would be appropriate to put his own hands on Donghyuck’s waist.

It seemed Donghyuck had caught up on Jeno’s internal dilemma because he leaned a bit and said right in his ear. “Put your hands on my damn waist Jen.”

Jeno bit his lip to not smile then as his hands encircled Donghyuck’s waist, pulling him a bit closer.

And they slow danced, like every other couple in the room.

Except they weren’t in love.

But Jeno thought that they were pretty good at pretending that they were.

Jeno’s eyes drifted to Donghyuck, he looked exceptionally good today.

The black suit doing him wonders and enhancing every feature of his face and body.

Jeno had found lit a little difficult to breathe when Donghyuck had walked out of his room dressed like that.

 Pressed close like this, they didn’t have an option but to look at each other, let their eyes take the other person in.

And Jeno internally shuddered, thinking back to he’d walked out shirtless and Donghyuck had just been there. He remembered the way Donghyuck’s eyes had dragged across his torso before resolutely looking away, how the pink on his cheeks had darkened.

Jeno knew that Donghyuck had found him attractive in that one moment and Jeno hadn’t known what to do with that look directed at him.

But he guessed it served Donghyuck right, for Jeno found him attractive on too many occasions.

Practically every day.

“Your best friend is making very exaggerated hand gestures of kissing.” Donghyuck said, suddenly, his eyes focused behind Jeno.

Jeno laughed at that. “Ignore him. Jaemin is mad.”

“Oh, now Renjun and Hina are doing it too.” Donghyuck said, smiling now.

‘They want us to kiss?” Jeno asked.

Donghyuck shrugged. “I suppose. I mean, it makes things more believable right?”

Jeno looked at Donghyuck. “Yeah, I suppose it does.”

And then he was leaning in.

Going past Donghyuck’s lips and kissing him right at the juncture of his cheek and jaw, a soft little peck.

He let himself linger there for a bit.

“Thank you, for dancing with me.” Jeno said in his ear, hearing a short stutter in Donghyuck’s breath before pulling back.

“You’re a menace.” Donghyuck said, under his breath.

It probably wasn’t for Jeno to hear, so he pretended that he didn’t.

--

“That was a hectic party.” Mark said as he sat down on one of couches.

They’d all ended up staying at the hotel where the party had been at, all of them too tired and tipsy to go home.

“These things are always fucking hectic.” Jaemin agreed, taking a seat on Mark’s lap as Mark’s hands came around his waist naturally.

“There’s literally so much space on the couch?” Donghyuck said, rolling his eyes and sitting beside the two of them.

Jaemin just chuckled as he kept his feet on Donghyuck’s lap. “Jealous, much? Hyuckie, you know that you can always just sit on Jeno’s lap right? He’d let you.”

Donghyuck’s ears turned red at the suggestion before he just scoffed. “You’re terrible.”

“Oh please hyung, we all saw the two of you on the dance floor tonight.” Chenle added from the couch across from them.

Ningning had already gone to sleep in her and Chenle’s room and Donghyuck had been looking forward to sleeping too but all of the others had piled up in his and Jeno’s room.

“You guys saw nothing. Stop exaggerating for no reason.” Donghyuck said.

They had danced, the distance between their bodies practically non-existent.

So what?

It was all for the cameras anyway.

Jeno was just resting on the couch as well, he’d gotten rid of his suit jacket and his sleeves were rolled up.

He had a drink in his hand as he looked around the room, amused.

“Jeno, don’t you have anything to say about it?” Jaemin asked.

Donghyuck looked at Jeno as he sipped on his drink and raised an eyebrow. “Say anything about what?”

“The moment you and Donghyuck shared out there.”

Jeno’s eyes locked with Donghyuck’s momentarily before he looked away, shrugging.

“It was for the cameras.”

Someone scoffed, probably Renjun.

“It was for the cameras, yeah right.” Renjun said.

“I have no idea what you’re getting at.” Jeno added.

“You guys were out there looking one second away from-” Donghyuck put a hand on Chenle’s mouth before he could say anything else.

“Shut up Le.”

Jaemin smirked. “Baby?”

Mark hummed.

“Is that what the kids are calling it these days?” Jaemin continued.

Mark chuckled softly. “Leave them alone Jaem.” He said, before nuzzling his face into Jaemin’s neck and pressing a kiss there. Jaemin shivered.

“Yes please Jaem, listen to Mark.” Jeno said, sighing. “And also Mark hyung, please get out of here before Jaemin’s tongue ends up down your throat.”

Mark looked up a bit from Jaemin’s neck, eyeing Jeno. “So, it’s only okay if his tongue is down your throat Jen?”

Jaemin shook with laughter as Jeno just face palmed. “Et tu, Mark Hyung?”

“Just calling out the hypocrisy here.” Mark said before going back to nuzzling Jaemin’s nape.

Donghyuck gulped.

Um, what had just happened?

“Wait, what?” Renjun asked.

Jeno just massaged his temples as he finished his drink. “I won’t speak about it.”

“It was just a one-time thing anyway, I don’t even know why Mark keeps bringing it up.” Jaemin said, playing with Mark’s fingers.

“Because Jeno always gets annoyed.” Mark said, smiling a bit before pressing another kiss on Jaemin’s nape.

“Okay that’s it, we’re getting out of here.” Jaemin said, standing up and pulling Mark up.

Mark chuckled, being dragged by Jaemin. “Goodnight kids, sleep well.”

With that, they were gone.

“That….” Renjun said.

“Was fucking wild.” Chenle completed.

“Yeah, um, sorry about them. They aren’t normally like that, especially Mark hyung but well.” Jeno said.

Donghyuck was still quiet.

This night was a night of revelations and Donghyuck did not know how to deal with it.

“Jeno hyung, you had a wild life.” Chenle laughed.

Jeno chuckled tiredly. “I really did not.”

“The stories we seem to find out say otherwise.” Renjun added.

“How were things with Jisung today?” Jeno asked.

Renjun smiled. “They were amazing, we’re getting to know each other right now and it’s been good so far.”

“I’m so glad.”

“Renjun gege gets this weird look on his face every time Jisung is around, it’s disgusting.” Chenle added.

“You know, the way you talk about love, no one could ever guess you have a girlfriend you’re madly in love with.” Jeno said, laughing.

Chenle grinned. “But that is because my girl is amazing, how could you not love her?”

Jeno smiled and ruffled his hair.

“Hyuck? Cat got your tongue? You’ve been quiet for a while there.” Renjun said.

Donghyuck looked up. “Nothing, I’m just tired is all.”

Renjun raised in eyebrows, not believing.

But Chenle said, “Yeah I think we’re all wiped out. How those two still have it in them to have sex right now is beyond me.” He said, talking about Jaemin and Mark.

“Yeah we should all head to bed.” Renjun added.

“I think that’s a good idea I have a busy day tomorrow.” Jeno said.

“Ooh, what are you doing hyung?” Chenle asked.

“Nothing, just taking Hina out for shopping and anything she wants to do. I can’t really afford to take a day off right now but there’s no way I’m not spending at least one whole day with her.”

“You and Jaemin really love her, huh.” Renjun said, smiling.

“Yeah you guys treat her like a princess.” Chenle said.

Jeno smiled. “That’s because she is. She proclaimed herself a princess when we played together when we were kids and it just kinda stuck. She has me and Jaem wrapped around her little finger.”

“Damn, soft emo bitch.” Renjun said, getting up. “I’ll be going to bed now.”

He patted Jeno on the shoulder, turning to look at Donghyuck.

“Hyuck, are you really okay?” He asked softly being careful so as to not let Jeno hear who was engaged in a conversation with Chenle.

Donghyuck managed a smile. “I really am just tired Junnie, don’t worry about me and get some sleep.”

Renjun smiled, squeezing Donghyuck’s shoulder. “Okay then, sleep well Hyuck.”

He and Chenle left then, the door closing behind them.

Donghyuck still didn’t really understand why he and Jeno weren’t in different room for the night but he supposed whoever booked the rooms thought it natural to give them a room together.

“Man, I am tired.” Jeno said, plopping down on the bed.

“You’re telling me.” Donghyuck replied, sighing.

“It was a long night, wasn’t it?” Jeno asked.

“Yeah, definitely one of the longest.” Donghyuck grumbled.

“Funny how much interest people take in you when you’re married to an influential person.” Jeno chuckled.

Donghyuck scoffed. “People always had interest in you whether you were married or not, Mr. Most eligible bachelor.”

Jeno laughed at that. “Keeping tabs on me now?”

“You wish, Chenle told me.” Donghyuck said. “Back when I had just gotten to know that we were getting married.”

Jeno hummed. “That must have been quite a shocker huh?”

“I mean, obviously it was. But there’s no point dwelling on the past so whatever.” Donghyuck shrugged.

They were silent for a while.

“You should take the bed, I’ll take the couch.” Jeno said.

Donghyuck scoffed, getting up from the couch and walking towards the bed. “What are we? Seventh graders? The bed is big enough for the both of us.”

Jeno sat up. “I mean, I don’t mind.”

“Good.”

Donghyuck sat down on the side of the bed that was not taken up by Jeno.

“I’m sorry if the room arrangement made you uncomfortable, I didn’t know they’d put us in the same room.” Jeno said.

Donghyuck waved at him dismissively. “Don’t apologise, it’s not like you did this after all.” And then he added, a little more softly. “And, I don’t really mind sharing a room with you.”

Jeno smiled at him. “Is that so?”

Donghyuck shrugged so as to appear nonchalant. “I mean, all things considered, you’re a decent roommate.”

Jeno smirked. “That’s such a high compliment, thanks.”

Donghyuck rolled his eyes. “I take it all back, you’re insufferable.” He said, huffing as he lied down on the bed.

Jeno chuckled, unbuttoning the top two buttons of his shirt to get it to be a little less stuffy. None of them had brought along a change of clothes so they had to sleep in their clothes.

Donghyuck normally slept shirtless but with Jeno in the same room, that wasn’t an option anymore.

“I’m kidding Hyuck, but what about as a husband? Am I a decent husband?” Jeno asked, lying down beside him, a smile intact on his face.

Donghyuck smiled as well. “I don’t know yet, I’ll need a little more data to figure it out.”

Jeno chuckled.

“Should I turn the lights off?” Jeno asked.

Donghyuck nodded. “Yeah, go ahead. We should go to sleep now anyway.”

Jeno reached out to turn the lights off and then they were shrouded in darkness.

Donghyuck let his mind wander to the events of that night, seeing Jeno with Hina, seeing Jeno with Jimin, finding out that Jaemin and Jeno had a thing (?) in the past.

It was a lot.

It was a lot, because he didn’t know Jeno at all.

And as much as they had been forced to get married, Donghyuck liked Jeno as a person, and he would like to get to know Jeno more as well.

He swore that was all he felt when he saw those sides of Jeno tonight.

But his fists clenched yet again when he thought back to how Jeno and Jimin looked together, clearly flirting.

He willed himself to unclench his fists.

And the thing with Jaemin …

Ah, fuck it.

“Jeno?” Donghyuck spoke up, quietly so that if Jeno was asleep, he wouldn’t be startled awake.

“Yes Hyuck?”

“Um.”

Jeno laughed. “You want to know what happened between Jaemin and I?”

Donghyuck’s eyes widened. “How the fuck did you know?”

“You went suspiciously quiet ever since Mark hyung mentioned it, it didn’t really take Sherlock to figure it out.”

Donghyuck suddenly felt sheepish. “Sorry, I know I have no place to ask-”

Jeno cut him off. “We were in the first year of college, you know how it is. It’s just parties, drinking and hook-ups. And that’s how it was for Jaemin and I too. And one of the nights, after one party, when both of us were drunk, Jaemin initiated a makeout. I think it went along the lines of ‘hey Jen, wanna makeout?’” Jeno laughed, thinking back. “I was surprised so I asked ‘why?’ Jaemin shrugged and replied ‘why not?’, and my drunk brain had no answer to that so I pulled him in and kissed him. We made out for a while, and then we laughed about it for the next twenty minutes.” Donghyuck could hear the smile in Jeno’s voice, the kind of smile that comes on your face when you’re remembering a particularly stupid but fun memory.

Jeno then turned to face Donghyuck. Donghyuck had already been facing his side so now they were face to face.

“And you can ask Hyuck, whatever you want to know. It is your place, you’re my husband.” Jeno added.

Donghyuck got a bit flustered at that. “Thank you for telling me.”

“It’s no big deal, Nana and I still laugh about it.” Jeno said.

“Why, was it that bad?” Donghyuck asked with a chuckle, obviously teasing.

“No actually, Jaemin even told me that it was one of the make outs he’d had. Said I was a good kisser.” Jeno said, his voice low.

Donghyuck felt a jolt in his body.

What the fuck?

He did not need to know that.

But he gained his footing back soon, and he scoffed. “You sure he didn’t say that to boost your ego?”

Jeno chuckled, voice still low. “Guess you will never know, huh? Night Hyuck.”

With that Jeno turned around, facing the other side so that Donghyuck was left staring at his back.

What the fuck?

What the fuck?

“Night Jeno.”

--

“So, how’s marital bliss?” Hina asked as they finally sat down at the restaurant to have an early dinner.

They’d spent the entire day together, going shopping and just talking. There was a lot of catching up to do after all.

Jaemin had joined them for this dinner too, Hina wanted to spend time with both her best friends after all.

“I don’t really know? Doesn’t feel like I’m married.” Jeno said.

Jaemin sighed. “Do you and Donghyuck even talk to each other?”

“Yeah we do.” Jeno said, he couldn’t hide the defensive tone in his voice.

Hina just reached out and squeezed his hand. “How is he? Donghyuck, I mean. He seemed great to me when I saw him at the party but what about you? What do you think of him?”

“He’s great, like, I could even see us being friends. He’s friendly and lively, and a good person to talk to.” Jeno said, and it was true, he really liked Donghyuck.

“Yeah, Hyuckie is amazing. He and Jeno could be good for each other, I think they balance each other out.” Jaemin said.

Hina smiled. “I’m glad, I want to get to know him too, maybe I will meet him for a while before I go back to Japan. I want him to feel included, it must’ve been intimidating for him to see you with us after all.”

Jeno tilted his head. “Intimidated, why?”

“Because you’re different with us, he must’ve felt a little weird seeing that side of you considering you’re different with him.”

Huh?

Jeno hadn’t thought of that.

“Do you think he felt hurt about it?” Jeno asked.

“No I don’t think so, he probably just felt a bit left out? It wasn’t your fault obviously but yeah, you guys are married at the end of the day, arranged or not and you’re incredibly soft and open with us so it’s natural for him to feel a bit left out.” Hina said.

Jeno frowned, he didn’t want to do anything to make Donghyuck feel that way though.

“Is there anything I should do to make it better for him?” Jeno asked.

“No, not really. It will come naturally when you guys open up further with each other. Don’t rush it.” Jaemin suggested.

Jeno nodded.

They ate and talked about other things for a while.

They were talking about how Jaemin and Mark were planning on going on a trip together when Jeno said it. “Oh by the way, no thanks to Mark hyung, Donghyuck now knows about that one horrid time we made out.”

“Hey, it wasn’t horrid! And why? Did he ask you about it?” Jaemin asked.

“Yeah he did, last night when we were going to sleep. I could tell he wanted to ever since hyung brought it up.”

“Do I even want to know why Mark brought it up?” Hina asked, amused.

“It was a part of their foreplay.” Jeno said, rolling his eyes.

Hina laughed as Jaemin picked up a tissue and threw it at Jeno.

“I hope you don’t mind that Donghyuck knows?” Jeno said.

“Of course not, he’s your husband, I would mind if he didn’t know. Also that’s good, that you guys are talking about stuff like this, it means you’re opening up.” Jaemin said.

Hina looked up at Jeno then, eyes glinting mischieviously. “You think he was jealous?”

Jeno face palmed. And Jaemin scoffed. “Maybe, but maybe he was just surprised at the fact Jeno can kiss. He keeps kissing Hyuck on his cheek.”

Hina giggled.

“Fuck you, I don’t want him to be uncomfortable.” Jeno said.

Hina pinched his cheek. “I raised you well.”

“You’re like four months older than me.”

“I raised both you and Jaemin, shut up.”

Jeno laughed as he saw Jaemin reach out to ruffle Hina’s hair who gasped and smacked his arm in retaliation.

--

Donghyuck entered the house, bone-deep tired.

He had a very tiring day at work, a new deal had to be signed that their company had been waiting for and Chenle and him had been in nonstop meetings since morning.

He hadn’t even gotten time to eat anything and he was hungry now, but didn’t even have the energy to actually make himself something.

He was sitting on the couch, eyes closed with his head tilted back when he heard Jeno’s voice.

“Rough day at work?”

Donghyuck hummed softly. “You could say that. We had a new deal to sign, you know how tiring those things can get.”

“Yeah, it’s always crazy busy with meetings whenever it happens, you must be wiped out. You want anything to drink?”

Donghyuck smiled a little even with his eyes closed. It was definitely good to have someone around who understood perfectly what Donghyuck meant, and was considerate about it.

He and Jeno had gotten a little closer ever since the reception party took place, it had been almost two weeks since that day and both of you found a familiar rhythm to settle into.

Donghyuck no longer felt that he would vibrate off of the earth everytime Jeno did anything mildly attractive and Jeno had gotten a lot more used to Donghyuck’s presence as well.

They still didn’t talk much though, a little chat here and a little laugh there, that’s all.

But it was fine, it was as good as it got, Donghyuck guessed.

“I’ll die without water.” Donghyuck replied to the question of whether he wanted anything to drink.

He heard Jeno walk towards the kitchen and scoff. “Technically we all will.”

Donghyuck just shook his head a little, opening his eyes as Jeno handed him the bottle of water. “I see what Jaemin meant when he called you unfunny.”

“Hey! I’m not unfunny, my humour is just advanced.”

“Right.”

Donghyuck drank some water, lightly massaging his shoulder with the other hand, groaning when he felt a bone crack.

Jeno’s eyes softened. “You seem really tired Hyuck, did you eat anything?”

Donghyuck looked up at Jeno, smiling sheepishly.

Jeno just shook his head, knocking his head twice.

“You’ll get sick at this rate, go take a shower. I’ll cook us something.” Jeno said, smiling.

Jeno was too nice.

“You are too nice.”

Jeno just laughed. “That’s not true, I just don’t want you getting sick, your company is linked to mine now. Can’t have the CEO missing work now, can we?” Jeno added, winking.

Donghyuck chuckled. “You’re insufferable.”

“That’s more like it, now go take a shower. Do you have any food allergies?”

Donghyuck shook his head. “Nope, I eat just about anything.” He said and then paused. “Except seaweed, I hate seaweed.”

“Got it.”

Donghyuck stood up then, taking a shower was starting to sound like a really good idea right about now.

He went to his room, getting into the shower. The water felt like heaven on his skin, all the unwanted tension almost seeping away.

He came out a while later, Donghyuck always liked taking long showers.

Changing into a tshirt and sweatpants, he went outside.

“Ooh, smells good in here.” He exclaimed, sitting down on the table when he spotted Jeno already sitting there with two plates in front of him.

Jeno smiled, keeping his phone down. “I was getting worried that the food will get cold before you come back.”

“Jeno, I’m so hungry that you could serve me the coldest food ever and it would still taste like heaven.”

Jeno chuckled. “Well, in that case, dig in. I made fried rice because that was all I could make with the ingredients in the fridge.”

“Thank you for the food!” Donghyuck said before digging in.

His eyes widened a bit at the taste. “This is so good the fuck?”

Jeno laughed. “It’s just friend rice Hyuck.”

“So what? It is so good Jeno wow.”

“Well, do you mean that or is it because you’re so hungry that I could serve you anything and it would taste like heaven?” Jeno asked, teasing.

Donghyuck looked up at him. “Guess you’ll have to feed me when I’m not dying of hunger to see if I mean it or not then.”

 Jeno was staring at him too. “Deal.”

Donghyuck smiled a little, eating again. “But this is seriously so good.”

“I’m glad, eat up.”

Two more servings of fried rice later, Donghyuck was finally full.

“Why do you also know how to cook though? Why are you like this?” Donghyuck grumbled.

Jeno chuckled from where he was cleaning up. “I lived alone, so I had to somehow feed myself.”

“I’ll help clean.”

“Don’t. Just rest Donghyuck. I had a considerably light day at work today so I’ll clean up and do the dishes.”

“I will literally feel terrible if I can’t even help you a bit.” Donghyuck couldn’t help but a whine a bit.

Jeno’s eyes locked with his. “Okay fine, you can dry the dishes as I wash them, that okay?”

Donghyuck nodded. “Yeah.”

Donghyuck got up to stand beside Jeno at the sink, drying cloth ready in hand.

“So how was your day? I didn’t ask earlier.” Donghyuck started.

“It was fine, not a lot of work for me to do today. So I enjoyed it while I could.”

“Wait, how are you, the most workaholic person I know, saying that he enjoyed not working?” Donghyuck asked, drying the plate Jeno passed to him.

Jeno chuckled. “It’s good to have a free day at times, you would know if you stopped working for even a second.”

“Don’t call me out.”

“Stop working so much.”

“I will when you do.”

Jeno sighed and Donghyuck grinned, seeing it as victory.

“So, my mom called me today when she was out for tea with your mom.” Jeno said.

“Oh no, what did they say now?” Donghyuck asked, sighing.

“Nothing that abnormal, they just asked us when we plan on going on honeymoon.”

The plate Donghyuck was drying almost slipped from his hands. “What?”

“Yeah.”

“They do know that they forced this marriage on us right?” Donghyuck asked.

Jeno chuckled, a quiet sound. “They think it would be a good way to bond.”

Donghyuck scoffed and rolled his eyes. “Oh so they think having sex will make us magically bond with each other?”

It was Jeno’s hand’s turn to slip.

“I mean, doesn’t it normally work?” Jeno said, amused.

“What works? People bonding after fucking?”

“Yeah? I mean, personally, I think bonding should come before the fucking or there should be no bonding at all, but you’re my husband not a one night stand so.”\

Yup, never getting used to Jeno calling him that.

Donghyuck sighed. “This is stupid, at this rate, they are going to want us to adopt kids in six months.”

“Don’t worry Hyuck, I told them that we’re not going, at least now. Told them that we need some time to get to know each other and that we’re busy with work.” Jeno added.

“Thank you, you’re an angel. If my mom had tried to have this conversation with me, especially today, I would have had a breakdown.” Donghyuck said.

“It’s okay, I got you.” Jeno said.

They were done with washing and drying now. Donghyuck leaning against the counter as the tiredness hit his body in full force.

Jeno noticed right away, standing behind Donghyuck and putting his hands on his shoulder.

“Off to bed now.” He said as he guided Donghyuck to his room.

He finally stopped at the entrance. “Sleep well Hyuck and take it easy tomorrow.”

Donghyuck looked at him sleepily, nodding. “Goodnight Jeno, thank you for everything.”

“Don’t mention it, what are husbands for.” Jeno said, shooting him a smile and a two finger salute before going in his own room.

Donghyuck smiled to himself as he entered his room and closed the door behind him.

He could get used to coming home to this.

--

“Another party? Literally why?” Jeno almost whined when Jaemin told him.

Jaemin smacked him on his arm. “It’s Dad’s 50^th birthday Jen, don’t be rude.”

Jeno pouted. “Your dad doesn’t even like big crowds.”

“Well, he should’ve thought about that before becoming a successful businessman.” Jaemin shrugged. “We would have kept a smaller party but it is his 50^th so people will be expecting it to be huge. We still have called only the closest circle of people we have so don’t worry.”

“Jaem, last time you said something like ‘closest circle’, 500 people showed up.”

Mark laughed, joining them on the couch. “I said the exact same thing, but he only invited 250 this time.”

Jeno sighed.

“What are you doing in my house anyway? Don’t you have a new husband to dote on now?” Jaemin said, taking a sip of his wine.

“Excuse me, I can come to your house anytime. And besides, I come to meet Mark hyung, not you.” Jeno said, making a face.

Mark chuckled, ruffling Jeno’s hair. “You’re welcome anytime Jen.”

“Disgusting, you’re spoiling him.” Jaemin said, affronted.

“Where is Hyuck anyway?”

“He’s out with Renjun, Chenle and Ningning tonight, they dragged him out to celebrate his new deal getting through successfully.” Jeno said.

“Why the fuck did you not go?” Jaemin asked.

“I didn’t want him to feel on edge the entire time when he was supposed to celebrate, we’re still kinda awkward around each other.”

“The thought ever cross your mind that he might have wanted you there?” Mark said, softly.

“Why the fuck would he want that now?” Jeno asked, frowning in confusion.

Jaemin dramatically sighed, plopping his head down on Mark’s lap. “Why do I have to deal with this idiot again?”

“Babe, be considerate.” Mark said, smile threatening to break on his face.

Then Mark stood up, gently putting Jaemin’s head on the couch. “You guys talk, I have an important call to make.” He said, leaning down to kiss Jaemin’s forehead and waving Jeno goodbye.

Jeno watched Jaemin watch him go with a little bit of sadness in his eyes.

“Okay you’ve been weird ever since I entered your house today, what’s going on?” Jeno asked.

Jaemin startled, turning to Jeno with slightly widened eyes. “Nothing is up, why would you even think that?”

“Nana, you’re drinking. You never drink outside of parties or special occasions.”

Jaemin stared at Jeno for a second, his gaze then drifting to the now empty glass of wine in his hand.

And then he sighed, taking a sip of his wine. “Okay fine you got me.”

“I know I did, now tell me, what’s up?”

“Mark wants to adopt.”

Whoa.

Okay.

What?

“What?” Jeno asked.

“Mark wants to adopt, he wants kids.” Jaemin added.

Jeno was definitely not expecting that.

“And you don’t?” Jeno said, eyes furrowing a bit.

“That’s the thing! I don’t know. I’ve always wanted kids Jen, you know that.” Jaemin said.

Jeno nodded, he did know that.

Jaemin had always talked about having kids.

“So, what’s the problem?”Jeno said, massaging Jaemin’s shoulder lightly.

“I just-I don’t know.”

“Hey, you know that this a no judgement zone, right? Whatever’s on your mind, just let it out.” Jeno said.

Jaemin nodded, staying quiet for a while before finally speaking up.

“I’m not ready to share Mark yet. We were apart for way too many years because of my stupidity and denial and even after we came together, he and I were in different countries for a while and now that I’ve finally gotten him all to myself, I want to enjoy that a bit more.”

“Fuck I feel like a bad person.” Jaemin added, chuckling a little sadly.

“You’re not, Jaem, you know that makes sense right? If you’re not ready, then you’re simply not ready. And there is nothing, absolutely nothing, wrong with that.” Jeno said.

“I know that, I guess I just feel a bit disappointed that I’m not ready yet? Like it’s just a bit conflicting. I don’t know how Mark is feeling about this either.”

Jeno furrowed his eyebrows. “Did he say anything to make you feel-”

“No no, god no, that just isn’t the kind of person Mark is. He mentioned it two days ago and when he saw how I looked a bit uncomfortable, he just stopped and never mentioned it again. I know he’ll understand, I just need to figure out what I actually want.”

“That’s natural. This is possibly the biggest decision you guys will make as a married couple and it’s okay to not be sure about it right away. Think about it Jaemin, you’ve always been a smart cookie and you’ll figure this out too.” Jeno said, kissing the crown of Jaemin’s head.

Jaemin chuckled softly. “Did you just call me a smart cookie?”

Jeno grinned. “I did.”

“Damn, your mom always used to call me that. Said I was smarter out of the two of us.” Jaemin recalled fondly.

Jeno knocked his head. “If only she could hear you now, being a mess.”

“Hey! I am allowed.”

“You are, Jaem, but don’t let this ruin anything for and Mark hyung okay? Whatever you decide, tell him honestly and for god’s sake, please be honest with yourself too.”

Jaemin nodded.

“I will Jen, thank you.”

“Ew.”

Jaemin hit him and laughed. “Fine, dumbass. Want to watch Lion King?”

That had been Jaemin’s comfort movie ever since he was a child, if Jeno ever entered Jaemin’s room and saw the other watching Lion King, he would just quietly snuggle up against the boy till Jaemin finally spilled whatever made him sad.

Jeno smiled. “Yup.”

--

“So, were you going to ever talk about your budding romance with Jisung or do I have to force it out of you?” Donghyuck asked, sneaking a glance at Renjun who was sitting on the passenger seat.

Renjun chuckled. “You’d know if there was anything to tell Hyuck.”

“Bullshit, I heard from Jeno that you went to visit Jisung at work that day.”

“Tell your husband to tell you the full story next time. I was in the area to drop off a painting at a gallery and I dropped by to eat lunch with Jisung. It wasn’t a big deal.” Renjun said, trying his best to sound nonchalant.

God, Donghyuck had to keep his hands on the wheel or else he would be strangling Renjun by now.

“My office has been two blocks away from your house since forever and you’ve never dropped by to have lunch with me.” Donghyuck said in a monotone.

“That is because I hate you.”

“Ouch.”

“Deserved.”

“Fine, hide everything from me. It’s okay.” Donghyuck said, faking a sniffle.

Renjun sighed. “There seriously nothing okay? Nothing big enough to be anything profound at least. We just talk, text and meet sometimes and I keep liking him a bit more each time, that’s all.”

“Only you can say something that heart fluttering in a deadpan, Junnie.”

“Thanks. It’s a talent.”

“But-”

“No Hyuck, there’s really nothing to even talk about. We’re just meeting with good feelings as of now.”

Donghyuck snorted. “What are you, one of those kpop companies who try to hide their artists’ dating lives?”

Renjun laughed at that.

“Whatever it is Jun, I hope you’re careful with your heart. Don’t get hurt okay? Maybe prioritise yourself for a little while.”

 Renjun had been a mess after his last boyfriend left him. Renjun was sure that he’d marry the guy, being as madly in love as he was, but then one fine day, he was single. His boyfriend – ex – was apparently not into Renjun anymore, apparently he found Renjun to be ‘too much’.

Donghyuck’s fists tightened on the steering wheel just at the memory.

That had been almost two years ago and as much as Donghyuck wanted Renjun to find love again, he’d rather never see his best friend in a state anything remotely similar to that.

Donghyuck thought that Jisung was a good kid, he’d seemed incapable of even hurting a fly in the few times Donghyuck had met him and he liked the way Jisung made Renjun so happy.

He just hoped Jisung would turn out to be worth it.

He made a mental not to ask Jeno a bit more about Jisung.

Renjuns seemed to understand that as he softly patted Donghyuck’s thigh.

“I’ll be fine you big soft baby, don’t worry.”

Donghyuck smiled.

“I know I don’t have to worry about you Renjun.”

Renjun scoffed. “Yet you do, anyway.”

Donghyuck smiled as well, flicking Renjun’s forehead quickly. “Yet I do, anyway.”

--

“Wait a damn second, you really mean to tell me that you haven’t watched any Meryl Streep movies?” Donghyuck asked Jeno, mouth hanging open.

Jeno just shrugged, smiling sheepishly as he passed Donghyuck his coffee.

“In my defense, I don’t really like watching movies. I’m more into series anyway.”

“Wow, we cannot be married, clearly.” Donghyuck said. “I’m getting divorced.”

Jeno snorted, settling down on the couch beside Donghyuck. “I’d like to see that unfold, reason of divorce : my husband is uncultured.”

“Should be a pretty good reason to divorce anyone in my opinion.” Donghyuck said.

“Thank goodness you don’t run the law in this country Hyuck.” Jeno replied.

It was Sunday, a rare day of peace and quiet they both had. Away from constant meetings and deadlines.

Jeno felt pretty relaxed. He’d gotten too used to the silence in his home when he lived alone, starting the mornings off with banter was a very pleasant change for him.

“So um, can I ask you something?” Donghyuck said, looking away from the TV and looking at Jeno.

Jeno was temporarily struck with the familiar feeling of attraction he felt towards Donghyuck in that one moment. Donghyuck was in casual clothes, and he’d just woken up so his hair was a mess, lips red and a bit pouty and Jeno was doomed.

“Earth to Jeno?”

Jeno snapped out of his trance and the tell-tale small smirk on Donghyuck’s face, Jeno had definitely been caught staring at Donghyuck’s lips for a second there.

“Yeah? What’s up?” Jeno said, sipping his coffee.

Donghyuck bit his lip to not smile and Jeno swore he felt the boy side up closer to him, but then again, Jeno could very well be imagining things.

“I just wanted to ask about Jisung.” Donghyuck said.

Jeno furrowed his eyebrows. “What about him?”

“Renjun and him have been getting pretty close lately and Renjun may even like him, I guess my best friend instincts just want to be placated that Renjun is in safe hands.”

Jeno chuckled. “Hyuck I assure you, Jisung is probably already head over heels for Renjun and the boy is the purest person I know. Don’t worry, Jisung is a good guy, I can vouch for him.”

Donghyuck smiled, and his hand brushed against Jeno’s in a silent thanks.

Yup, Donghyuck was definitely sitting closer to him than before.

“I’m glad then, I guess I knew in the back of my mind too that Jisung was no trouble at all, but well, hearing that from you helped nonetheless.” Donghyuck said.

Jeno nodded and looked away, focusing on what was playing on the TV.

“What are you even watching?”

“The Witcher, I’m rewatching or else I wouldn’t be talking to you.” Donghyuck said, haughtily.

Jeno chuckled. “So sure that you wouldn’t get distracted?”

Donghyuck looked at Jeno, regarding him for a long while.

“No, actually. Pretty sure I would get distracted, with you looking like that.”

Jeno raised an eyebrow. “Oh? And why is that Donghyuck?”

 Donghyuck leaned back on the sofa a little, so much so that his thighs were pressing against Jeno’s. Jeno could feel the heat radiating from his body.

“How about you answer my question first Jeno.” Donghyuck said, staring right at him.

“What question?”

“What’s with the tank tops?” Donghyuck asked, eyes darting down the one Jeno was wearing right now.

Jeno had been wearing tank tops around the house, normally he stayed shirtless but that wasn’t an option anymore.

Tank tops were the enxt best alternative but he didn’t know that it had any effect on Donghyuck.

“Would you rather I stayed shirtless instead?” Jeno asked, it was a bold move, to say that. Jeno was playing with fire here but the way Donghyuck’s eyes glinted dangerously at that made Jeno’s heart rate pick up.

“Your arms are already distracting as it is Jeno, I won’t apologise for the person I’d become if abs were added to that equation.” Donghyuck said, voice deliciously low.

“If it makes you feel any better, you never show any skin and I’m still not doing that well.” Jeno admitted.

Donghyuck smiled secretively a bit, hand reaching out but stopping midway.

“Is this okay? Can I touch?” Donghyuck asked.

Jeno nodded.

Donghyuck’s hand reaching out to rest on Jeno’s chest before he let out a scoff. “Good to know I’m not the only one whose heart is beating out of their chest.”

Jeno managed a chuckle at that that turned strained towards the end when Donghyuck’s hand descended a bit.

“God, how are you even built like this?” Donghyuck said, voice low enough that he was probably talking to himself.

His hand ventured even lower and Jeno’s breath hitched.

His hand came to rest on Donghyuck’s atop his stomach. “Any lower and it’s going to be a problem Hyuck.” Jeno said, breathing a little fast.

Jeno could see Donghyuck’s pupils dilate as he bit his lip, the urge was probably strong to keep going.

But he stopped venturing lower, hand going up to caress Jeno’s neck and jaw.

“Can you come a little closer, please?” Jeno said.

Donghyuck scooted forward until he was in perfect distance for Jeno to put his hands on Donghyuck’s waist.

“What are we doing right now?” Donghyuck asked.

Jeno drew circles on Donghyuck’s waist, feeling the other boy sigh.

“Who cares? We’re two people who find each other attractive, that’s enough for now.” Jeno replied, pulling Donghyuck a bit closer.

Donghyuck’s fingers playing with the short hairs on Jeno’s nape was driving him crazy.

“Are you even attracted to me?” Donghyuck asked, smile mischievious.

“God, you have no idea.”

“Could have fooled me, you’ve gotten so many chances to kiss me and you still haven’t.”

“Each and every time, I’ve wanted to. I just didn’t want to make you uncomfortable.” Jeno whispered, eyes focused on Donghyuck’s lips.

“Well, today’s your lucky day then.” Donghyuck said, licking his lips.

Donghyuck closed the distance between them right after saying that, pulling Jeno in closer by his nape.

Jeno’s hands immediately tightened around Donghyuck’s waist, pulling him flush against him.

The kiss was heated from the start, it was bound to be with all that repressed tension that had gotten accumulated the past few weeks.

The kiss was passionate, fiery, all gasps and short moans. Jeno pulled Donghyuck even closer and he went easily, almost straddling Jeno now.

Fuck, Donghyuck’s lips really were as soft as they looked. Jeno could feel his insides turn molten.

He detached from the kiss when it got a little difficult to breathe, his lips kissing down his jaw and nipping on his ears.

Donghyuck moaned lowly, hands gripping Jeno’s hair and pulling a bit.

And the he yanked Jeno’s head back and kissed him again, Jeno groaned at the way Donghyuck nipped on his bottom lip and kissed the living daylights out of him.

The kiss turned slow after that, their mouths moving languidly against each other.

Jeno was the one breaking the kiss as Donghyuck leaned forward and rested his head on Jeno’s shoulder.

Jeno drew circles on Donghyuck’s back.

That was intense, wow.

“That was…” Jeno started off.

“Amazing. It was amazing, fuck.” Donghyuck said.

Jeno chuckled. “That good?”

“Shut the fuck up.”

“By all means, make me.”

Donghyuck looked up, staring at Jeno who just flashed him a smile.

“Ugh, you’re so infuriating.” And then Donghyuck was crashing his lips against Jeno’s again.

--

“Wow, I don’t think I have seen Jisung this smiley and giggly at a corporate party before.” Jeno said, passing the glass of champagne to Donghyuck.

Donghyuck chuckled. “Yeah, Junnie must be having a good effect on him. It’s good to see him open up.”

“I’m pretty sure I got stress headache trying to tell Jisung to loosen up a bit.” Jeno sighed.

“Come on, you’re his boss, he was bound to be intimidated. Give the kid a break.” Donghyuck replied.

“Good evening sunshines!” Donghyuck chuckled at the bright voice of Jaemin’s before he was being scooped up in a hug by the said man.

“Hey Jaemin, great party.” Donghyuck said, smiling when they broke the hug.

Jaemin just waved dismissively. “All of these parties have the same protocol, I did nothing. If you want to see my real party planning skills, come to one of my house parties.” Jaemin grinned.

“They’re such a hassle to clean up after, I’m always trying to tell him not to do it.” Mark said.

Donghyuck rolled his eyes. “Oh please Mark hyung, as if you could say no to anything Jaemin says.”

Mark pulled his ear as Jaemin laughed delightfully.

“I am feeling really left out.”Jeno said.

“Go talk to Renjun and Chenle then.” Jaemin said.

“Excuse me how are you such a useless best friend?” Jeno said.

“I’m getting bored of you now, Donghyuck is way more interesting.” Jaemin remarked.

Donghyuck just shook his head. “Do you guys ever stop bickering?”

“They really don’t. It’s like watching a table tennis match.” Mark said.

“As if you’re any better though, have you seen yourself with Renjun?” Jeno said, narrowing his eyes a bit at Donghyuck.

“He is insufferable, that’s different.” Donghyuck said.

Jeno opened his mouth and then closed it, just settling for sighing. “Wow.”

“You guys think both of them are dating?” Mark asked, eyeing Jisung and Renjun who were across the room.

Donghyuck scoffed. “Renjun sure wishes they were.”

Jaemin sighed. “It’s like everyone is hopeless when it comes to love these days.”

“Maybe you should give them classes, babe.” Mark said, teasing.

Jeno laughed. “You sure have the audacity to question people after how hopeless you were.” That made Jaemin cross his arms.

“So, Mark hyung, you were in love with Jaemin all along right?” Donghyuck asked.

Mark nodded. “Unfortunately.” That earned him pinch on the arm from Jaemin.

“What about your college boyfriends?” Donghyuck asked and then his eyes immediately widened. “Oh my god, that’s out of line I am sorry.”

 Both Mark and Jaemin laughed at that. “It isn’t, don’t worry.” Mark said.

And then continued. “I didn’t actually know if Jaemin was ever going to fall in love with me so I tried to move on, for a while. But I did make it clear right in the beginning to everyone I dated that I did have feelings for someone else or it would be unfair to them.”

Donghyuck shook his head. “I am pretty sure you’re the Virgin Mary.”

Jaemin chuckled.

“Yeah, every time I hear anything about Mark hyung, i cannot believe that this guy’s real.” Jeno said.

“It’s called kindness guys, try it out sometime.” Mark said, rolling his eyes.

“Must have been all those years in Canada, huh Mark hyung?” Donghyuck said.

“Are we picking on Mark hyung?” Chenle said as he approached them along with Ningning and a few other girls who Donghyuck recognised as Ningning’s friends.

“I breathed.” Mark said, pinching the bridge of his nose.

“Anyone seen my idiotic cousin around?” Chenle asked.

“He’s flirting with Jisung.” Donghyuck deadpanned.

“Ah, right, Renjun ge has a love life now.” Chenle said.

“Anyway guys, I wanted to introduce a few of my friends to you.” Ningning said. “Well, Mark and Jaemin invited them so they must know them and I introduced them to Jeno the other night so it’s just Donghyuck.”

“Donghyuck, meet Jimin, Minjeong and Giselle.”

Donghyuck smiled at the girls, shaking their hands.

“Finally, it’s so nice to meet you, it was starting to feel like we all made you up in our heads.” Minjeong said.

Donghyuck chuckled. “The pleasure is all mine, I apologise for not having introduced myself earlier. To such beautiful girls, no less.”

The girls all laughed.

Ningning rolled her eyes. “It is so weird to me how all of you turn on this side, this full of charm and flirty demeanour as if you aren’t just a bunch of middle schoolers underneath it all.”

“Nobody asked you to expose us like this.” Donghyuck remarked.

Ningning just cheekily grinned at him.

From the corner of his eye, he could see that Jimin and Jeno were talking and Donghyuck was teleported back to the last party where he saw the two of them blatantly flirt and it left a bitter taste in his mouth.

He snapped his attention back to Minjeong who was talking to him now.

“I won’t lie, all of us were a bit heartbroken when the two of you got married. Losing one eligible bachelor is okay but losing the two most eligible bachelors was a bit of a blow. I think my mom is still sad.” She joked.

Donghyuck laughed. “Well, not sure your mom would have wanted you getting married to a gay man.”

Minjeong sighed. “Heartbreak.”

Donghyuck smiled, amused. “We’ll find you a good man don’t you worry.”

Minjeong’s eyes sparkled. “And what if I want a girl?”

Donghyuck grinned. “I think the job of finding you a good woman is substantially easier.”

Minjeong giggled. “You are so much fun, Jeno is a lucky guy.”

Donghyuck smiled. “I can see the two of us getting along well, it really was a pleasure meeting you.”

Minjeong patted his arm. “Same, I will hope that I can see you more often than these ghastly parties.”

“Yeah we will.”

Minjeong waved him goodbye then, going off somewhere and Donghyuck turned around to see that Mark and Jaemin were nowhere to be seen which was natural, they were the hosts, they couldn’t possibly spending that much time with them.

Giselle, Ningning and Chenle were standing and talking.

And then there were Jeno and Jimin.

This girl really needed to stop whispering in Jeno’s ear.

Donghyuck had had plenty of conversation with different people in this party alone and not once had he felt the need to speak directly into someone’s ear.

The music wasn’t even loud, what the fuck.

“She won’t evaporate off just by the heat of your glare but brownie points for trying.” Renjun said, appearing beside Donghyuck.

“Done flirting with your boyfriend?” Donghyuck asked, snarky.

“Not my boyfriend, but yes, thank you for your concern. So what’s with the look?” Renjun asked.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“The look that you are directing at Jeno and Jimin.”

“There is no look.”

“Don’t tell me, are you jealous, Hyuck?”

And that was the thing, Donghyuck wasn’t jealous.

He just-

“I am not jealous.”

“Then pray tell, Donghyuck, why do you care that someone is flirting with Jeno?”

“I mean, if he’s planning on doing anything with her then he should atleast tell me, right?” Donghyuck said.

“He isn’t doing anything, it’s probably just harmless flirting, chill.” Renjun replied.

Donghyuck knew that the kiss that he’d shared with Jeno changed nothing, it was just natural, both of them found each other attractive and lived in such close quarters, both of them didn’t think of it as anything else.

But Donghyuck couldn’t help but let his mind wander, if, hypothetically, both of them progressed beyond just kissing, would that still mean that the hooking up with others part stood?

Anyway, that was too hypothetical, they wouldn’t ever do anything more than just kissing.

And that was a one-time thing.

Right?

“Earth to Donghyuck. It is mildly concerning that you’re fantasizing about your husband while I am standing right in front of you.” Renjun said.

“Shut up, I am not fantasizing about Jeno.”

“Yeah, okay.”

Fuck Renjun, he really wasn’t.

--

Jeno chuckled at Jimin’s words.

She was sweet and charming, a little too flirty at times but Jeno paid that little attention.

“So, how is married life going for you?” Jimin asked.

“Pretty good, Donghyuck and I have kind of struck a balance so it is comfortable.”

Jimin nodded. “I think I’ve felt him glaring at me a few times through the night.”

Jeno chuckled. “You must be imagining things, Donghyuck wouldn’t do that.”

“I mean, he could be jealous.” Jimin shrugged.

Jeno shook his head. “I am pretty sure that he isn’t.”

Jeno looked up and scanned the room, eyes zeroing in on Donghyuck who was looking straight at him and Jimin.

Donghyuck’s eyes snapped away when Jeno looked at him.

Huh?

Jimin laughed. “See what I mean? I think I should let you go now.”

Jeno nodded, a bit confusedly.

“I’ll go talk to Donghyuck, it was a pleasure to talk to you tonight Jimin.” Jeno smiled, giving her a side hug.

Jimin smiled, “Always a pleasure.”

Jeno walked up to Donghyuck right after that.

“Hey.” Jeno said.

“Hi.”

“What are you doing here, standing alone?” Jeno asked.

“Well, my husband thinks it is very funny to never be with me in any of the parties so, I ahd no choice.” Donghyuck said, tone snarky.

Jeno felt taken aback. He had no idea that Donghyuck was feeling this way.

In most of the parties, Donghyuck always had people.

Jeno always assumed that it was best to leave him to socialise with them.

“I am sorry? I didn’t know that you would mind that I went off elsewhere.” Jeno said.

Donghyuck scoffed. He wasn’t even facing Jeno.

“Yeah it’s okay, it’s pretty late too though, can we just head back home now?” Donghyuck said, voice lacking the earlier snarkinesss but still distant.

Jeno nodded. Is this a fight?

Were they fighting right now?

“Yeah sure, I’ll ask the driver to bring the car out front.”

--

Donghyuck clenched and unclenched his fists as they entered their apartment.

He didn’t know what had come over him for him to act like that at the party, Jeno wasn’t obligated to stay with throughout the parties, he could literally go off with anyone he wanted.

Donghyuck took off his shoes, the slience between him and Jeno stifling. He sighed, going towards the direction of his bedroom.

Jeno reached out and held his wrist. “Hey Hyuck?”

Donghyuck turned around. “Yeah?”

“You know this is probably something that we should talk about right?” Jeno said, voice soft.

Donghyuck knew. He nodded.

“Yeah okay we should.” Donghyuck said.

He walked over to the couch, beckoning Jeno over.

Jeno sat down beside him. “So what’s up?”

Donghyuck chuckled. “Nothing much really.”

Jeno smiled. “Very funny Donghyuck, you know what I mean.”

“I acted childishly, Jeno. I am sorry, I don’t know what came over me.” Donghyuck said with a sigh.

Jeno hummed. “Don’t be sorry, but I need to know if there’s anything I am doing that’s causing any problems.”

“No Jeno, you’re amazing. I don’t know what happened, honestly. It’s just that-” Donghyuck stopped.

Was he supposed to just tell Jeno that he didn’t feel entirely comfortable when he saw him and Jimin together?

“Why’d you stop speaking?” Jeno asked.

“It’s nothing, don’t worry about it.”

“Hyuck, if we’re doing this marriage thing, let’s just at least be honest with each other. I’d rather not have instances where we don’t even know why the other is upset.” Jeno said. “But if you really don’t want to talk about it, you don’t have to.”

Maybe Donghyuck should tell him. Maybe Jeno wouldn’t think that he was jealous or something equally stupid.

“I just, don’t know why, didn’t feel that comfortable when I saw you with Jimin? Like I don’t know what I felt but it wasn’t pleasant.”

Jeno nodded slowly. “Okay, I get that. So you don’t want me to flirt with others?”

Jeno’s tone wasn’t accusatory in the slightest, but Donghyuck still felt it.

“It’s not like that, as I said, I don’t know what I felt but it wasn’t jealousy or anything so you don’t have to worry about not flirting with others. You can do whatever you want.”

Jeno regarded him for a moment.

“Is this about the kiss Donghyuck?”

Donghyuck froze for a second.

Was it?

It could be. They hadn’t talked about it at all.

Donghyuck sighed and then scoffed. “Kisses, actually.”

Jeno chuckled as well. “Smartass. We should have talked about it.”

“Yeah well, we should have.”

Jeno sighed. “Look, I find you attractive Donghyuck, you know that. You’ve been borderline driving me crazy for a while now and the kiss was the culmination to all of that.” Jeno said and then he looked straight at Donghyuck. “And I won’t mind if it happens again.”

Donghyuck bit his lip. Focus Donghyuck.

“Yeah, same. I find you attractive too. And I wouldn’t mind kissing you again either.” Donghyuck said.

Jeno smiled. “Glad that’s cleared up then.”

“That’s all there is, right? Mutual attraction?” Donghyuck asked, voice quiet.

Jeno blinked. And then nodded. “Yeah, that is all.”

Donghyuck sighed, he felt a bit relaxed.

Did the potential for catching feelings on either side the reason Donghyuck had been feeling weird?

 Donghyuck felt more at ease now.

“So, Jimin huh?” Donghyuck asked.

Jeno chuckled. “We were just talking and flirting a bit.”

“She’s beautiful.” Donghyuck said. It was true, Jimin was one of the most gorgeous people he’d laid eyes on.

Jeno looked at Donghyuck. “Yeah, seems like I am surrounded by a lot gorgeous people these days.”

Donghyuck felt his ears get hot. He looked away.

“Isn’t it a bit mean that you’re leading her on when you don’t even like girls?” Donghyuck said, voice teasing.

Jeno chuckled. “Well, I am bisexual. So I’d say that she has a fair chance.”

Oh shit, wait.

“Oh my god, I am so sorry I shouldn’t have assumed-”

“It’s okay Hyuck, don’t worry about it. I just realised we haven’t even talked about important shit like this.” Jeno chuckled and shook his head.

Jeno was bisexual.

That means he could definitely get attracted to Jimin.

Okay.

That was okay.

Right?

“I mean, sexuality is a spectrum but if you don’t mind me asking, what is your sexual orientation?” Jeno asked.

Donghyuck snapped out of his trance. “I’m gay as fuck dude.”

Jeno laughed. “Okay.”

“So, are you attracted to Jimin?” Donghyuck asked, keeping his tone light so that he didn’t come off as nosy.

“Is she attractive? Sure. Am I attracted to her? No, not really.”

Donghyuck scoffed. “Could have fooled me with how close you guys were to each other all night.”

Jeno smirked. “Does that mean that you were attracted to Sungchan?”

Donghyuck’s eyes snapped up to meet Jeno’s.

“What? Didn’t expect me to be paying attention?” Jeno asked, amused.

“No, actually. I didn’t.”

“Well, I was. So tell me Donghyuck, were you attracted to Sungchan?” Jeno asked, leaning closer to Donghyuck.

Donghyuck was immediately aware of how he was pressed down against the cushions and Jeno was too close.

His eyes darted down to Jeno’s before snapping up again.

“Sungchan is really good looking.” Donghyuck said.

“Hm, he is, Not the answer to my question though.”

“I wasn’t attracted to him and I wasn’t all over him either.” Donghyuck said, raising an eyebrow.

Jeno chuckled, leaning closer. “Careful Hyuck, if I didn’t know any better, I’d think you were jealous.”

Donghyuck let out an indignant noise. “That’s not-”

“Can I kiss you?” Jeno asked.

That promptly shut Donghyuck up. He assessed the situation, Jeno looked absolutely ethereal even in this angle, his lips plump and ready to be kissed.

“God, yes.”

The last thing Donghyuck remembered was Jeno’s smile as he leaned down and pressed his lips to Donghyuck’s.

--

Jeno jumped a bit when he felt arms coming up to hug him from behind. “Is this okay?” He heard Donghyuck’s sleepy voice say.

Jeno chuckled. “It is. Good morning Donghyuck.”

“Mm, morning. What are you making?”

“Pancakes, I didn’t really know what you’d like to eat but pancakes are always a safe choice right?

Donghyuck smiled. “I love pancakes.”

“Good then, take a seat, I’ll fix you a plate.”

Jeno fixed up two plates of breakfast for the both of them, grateful when he saw that Donghyuck had gone ahead and made two cups of coffee.

“I can’t really function in mornings without coffee so thank you for this.” Jeno said, taking a sip.

“Well, jump on the bandwagon, pretty sure I’m not human before my first cup of coffee.” Donghyuck scoffed.

“We should probably do something about our unhealthy habits instead of feeding onto them.” Jeno said with a laugh.

Donghyuck let out a dramatic sigh. “We’ve lived like this far too long my friend, there’s no going back now.”

Jeno chuckled. “Eat up Hyuck.”

They ate and talked, conversation flowing really smoothly for people who didn’t know a lot about each other.

“Shit, I had a feeling that you liked waffles more.” Jeno said when the other revealed that he liked waffles more than pancakes on an average.

Donghyuck laughed. “I like pancakes just fine Jeno, don’t worry about it and besides, these are heavenly.”

“Maybe you’re just biased.”

“Maybe I’m just angling for another kiss.”

Jeno chuckled. “You’re cheeky this morning.”

“I’ve been cheeky since ever, you’re just noticing it right now.”

Jeno shook his head, taking their plates to the kitchen.

“So, tell me about yourself.” Jeno asked.

Donghyuck made an inquisitive noise. “Well, what do you want to know?”

Jeno shrugged. “Whatever you want to tell me.”

Donghyuck hummed. “Should I tell you about that one time Renjun and I ran away from home?” he said, eyes sparkling.

Jeno laughed. “Of course both of you have tried to do that, how old were you?”

“We were eight.”

“Why’d you come back home then?”

Donghyuck sighed dramatically. “We’d just reached a few kilometres away when Renjun suddenly remembered that we’d left Chenle behind and that he’d cry without us and that seemed like the end of the world back then, so we ran back.”

Jeno smiled. “Couldn’t you just have taken Chenle with you?”

Donghyuck looked at Jeno like he’d said the weirdest thing. “He was a baby Jeno.”

“He is one year younger than the two of you.” Jeno deadpanned.

“Irrelevant.” Donghyuck waved his hands dismissively. “But nonetheless, we came back and found out that Chenle had managed to somehow start crying even in the short time that we were gone so everyone kinda figured out that we weren’t there. I swear the kid had a sixth sense when it came to Jun and I.” He grumbled the last part.

Jeno laughed. “Sounds like a wild time. I didn’t know you lived together.”

“Oh, we don’t, anymore. Our families did live together the first few years after Renjun’s family moved to Korea but then they moved out.”

Jeno nodded. “So is it safe to assume that you had a knack for adventure when you were a kid?”

Donghyuck scoffed. “Yeah sure, but Jun was worse. If he didn’t always had Chenle to look out for, he would have done a lot of reckless shit as a kid.”

“You sound very fond of them.” Jeno observed.

Donghyuck shrugged. “They’re family. Anyway, enough about me, tell me some stories about you and Jaemin.”

“There’s nothing to tell, really.” Jeno laughed.

Donghyuck narrowed his eyes at him as he picked up his phone from the table, texting.

“What are you doing?” Jeno asked.

“Accepting Jaemin’s invitation for dinner.” Donghyuck grinned.

Jeno sighed and shook his head, smiling exasperatedly. “Should I be scared?”

Donghyuck shrugged. “I don’t know, do you have reasons to be?”

Jeno turned to the dishes, washing them, sighing dramatically. “Your perception of me might change.” His tone was amused.

He didn’t have any dirty secrets but well, he didn’t know what Jaemin would tell Donghyuck after all.

The last time this happened, Donghyuck came to know about the time he and Jaemin made out.

Donghyuck chuckled. “Can’t wait.”

--

“Excuse me, he did what?” Donghyuck said, jaw dropping.

Jaemin laughed in glee.

“This was clearly a monumental bad idea.” Jeno lamented.

Mark just smiled and patted his shoulder. “Its okay bud, Jaemin will stop eventually.”

“Yeah, Jeno had a pretty wild college time, who would guess?” Jaemin grinned.

Donghyuck took a sip of his drink. “No offense but the first time I saw Jeno, I thought he was too stuck up to even have sex.”

Jeno choked on his drink, Jaemin and Mark laughed out loud.

“Excuse me?” Jeno asked.

Donghyuck shrugged. “What? You barely even smiled and spoke in like monosyllables for the first two times I met you, I almost thought you were a robot.”

“Oh trust me Hyuck, you wouldn’t be the only one thinking that. Our Jeno seems to have that effect.” Jaemin said, amused.

Jeno shook his head.

“Did your views on Jeno change though?” Mark asked.

Donghyuck smirked. “Still kinda think he’s a bit stuck up, not gonna lie.”

Jeno made an offended sound. “Wow, just wow.”

“Jeno’s plenty fun, I’ll hope you get to see that side of him soon.” Jaemin said, winking at Donghyuck.

“I was scared for Jeno’s life when I first found out that Donghyuck would be the one marrying Jeno but he seems to be handling Hyuck well enough.”

“Excuse me, what the fuck does that even mean?” Donghyuck asked.

“It means, that Jeno is easily the kindest person I know and you are easily the most troublesome.” Mark remarked casually.

“I take immense offense to that fact.” Donghyuck said.

Mark just smiled and drank.

“What did you even do to Mark back in college that he’s mean to you?” Jaemin asked.

Donghyuck rolled his eyes. “I did nothing, he’s just petty.”

“You once put ketchup in all of my food Hyuck, all of it.” Mark said.

Jeno and Jaemin cackled. “Mark hates ketchup.”

Donghyuck grinned. “Exactly.”

“I only ever like Chenle.” Mark sighed.

“The kid worships you, obviously you like him.” Donghyuck rolled his eyes.

“Why does everyone in this group bicker so much?” Jeno questioned.

“Because we’re apparently two year olds playing dress up in our suits.” Jaemin said, chuckling.

“Man, everything aside, I am glad I get to be close to you again Mark hyung.” Donghyuck said.

Mark snorted, eyes turning fond anyway. “Speak for yourself, I am not happy to see you at all.”

“Uh huh, you tell yourself that.”

--

“I am appalled at how unprofessional you’re being right now.” Donghyuck said, glaring at Chenle from where he was sitting in his chair.

Chenle just rolled his eyes, sprawling even further on the couch in Donghyuck’s office.

“Chill Hyung, I have the work figured out.”

Donghyuck sighed, he knew that no matter how much a menace Chenle was, he was one of the most hard working people he knew. So he didn’t doubt that Chenle wasn’t just lazing around when there was work to do, he must have it all figured out.

“Why are you in here moping, anyway?”

“I am not moping.” Chenle said, pouting.

Donghyuck scoffed. “Yeah and the sun rises from the west. Ningning and you fought, didn’t you?”

Chenle looked up at him, eyes slightly wide in surprise.

Donghyuck rolled his eyes. “Oh please kid, don’t give me that look, I’ve known you as long as you’ve been alive and nothing gets you moping like a fight with Ningning does.”

Chenle just let out a whine. “Hyung, I hate fighting with her.”

“Why don’t you tell her that?”

“I did, and she said she wasn’t mad and even gave me a kiss before she left but I feel guilty for snapping at her.”

Donghyuck turned to him fully. “We all lose temper sometimes Chenle, I’m betting you realised your mistake right away?”

Chenle nodded, looking like a kicked puppy. “I did, I gasped and ran to her and hugged her and said sorry.”

Donghyuck held back the urge to laugh. Chenle was too cute for the world.

“Well Chenle, I’m sure she isn’t mad but if it makes you feel any better, get a bouquet of flowers delivered to her?”

“Already done.”

Donghyuck walked up to Chenle, ruffling his hair. “Don’t worry kiddo, just keep in mind to not place your anger somewhere it doesn’t belong okay?”

Chenle nodded.

 “How’s stuff with you and Jeno hyung anyway?” Chenle asked.

Donghyuck didn’t know what his face did at that but judging by Chenle’s grin, it must’ve been something funny.

“Ooh, looks like there is something after all!” Chenle exclaimed in glee.

Donghyuck groaned. “Shut up, there is nothing to tell. We barely talk to each other.”

“Lying is a sin Hyuck hyung.” Chenle said.

Donghyuck pulled on his earlobe. “Get out of my office, brat.”

“What are you gonna do if I don’t? Fire me?” Chenle said, chin raised in defiance.

“No, but I am going to tell Renjun about that one time-”

Chenle stood up immediately. “No need, I’m leaving.”

Donghyuck snickered. “You don’t even know what I was gonna say.”

“I don’t need to, don’t tell Renjun ge anything, ever. Thanks, bye.” Chenel said and hurried out the door.

“Pleasure doing business with you!” Donghyuck yelled after him.

He shook his head as he went back to his desk.

He wondered about Chenle’s question. How had he and Jeno been doing?

Well, Donghyuck had certainly gotten used to living with Jeno in the past month and a half, Jeno was a good housemate, always clean and organised. Donghyuck rarely had any complaints.

He even cooked, Donghyuck could cook decent meals but sometimes it was nice to go back home to a pre-cooked meal and Jeno always did that for him, with his eyesmile in place all during dinner as he heard Donghyuck rant about his day.

They had started getting a bit closer too, they talked about a lot more stuff these days, mundane things and sometimes serious things too when Jeno came home after a particularly tiring day at work, exhaustion in his eyes and a deep furrow between his eyebrows. He took a while to say anything but when he did, it all poured out of him and Donghyuck listened. Jeno did the same for him too.

All in all, Donghyuck could say that he almost liked living with Jeno, they were fast becoming friends and Donghyuck felt no burden on him at all thinking that he and Jeno were married, only because the other never made him feel like Donghyuck was obligated to do anything just because of that fact.

And, there was also the kissing.

They kissed pretty rarely, even though sometimes Donghyuck found himself wishing that the instances weren’t so rare. It hadn’t progressed to anything further than kissing and Donghyuck doubted it would. And he didn’t mind, kissing Jeno was nice and he was sure Jeno thought the same too.

So yeah, things were good between them. Donghyuck could find no faults.

Right then, his phone chimed.

Jeno

*image attached*

Jisung has these cute bear keychain on his table

It looks like you lol

Donghyuck scoffed.

Excuse me????

I look nothing like a bear

I am cute

Jeno

Yes, you are

Cute

Just like a bear

I was thinking of making Jjajangmyeon today

See if you get any now

Jeno

!!!!

Why?

I just said you were cute

You called me a bear

Jeno

Are you saying that bears can’t be cute?

How rude of you Hyuck

Donghyuck sighed, even though he was biting down on his bottom lip to not smile.

I can’t ever win with you, can I?

Jeno

Nope

Looking forward to Jjajangmyeon tonight!

Donghyuck smiled as he kept his phone down as he got back to work.

Yeah, things were pretty good.

--

Jeno didn’t know who had suggested it, but all he knew that he was soon going to have a headache at how loud his house was.

They were all adults in their mid to late twenties for fuck’s sake.

Thank goodness that Donghyuck, the angel, stopped the chaos.

“Guys! I’ll kick all of you out the house if you don’t shut up right now.” Donghyuck said.

Technically, the only ones being loud were Chenle, Ningning and Jisung. Jeno regretted getting the three of them to meet in the first place.

Jisung scoffed but sat down beside Renjun anyway, arms crossed, looking too much like a child throwing a tantrum.

“Who even told the three of you to start fighting over what movie we should watch?” Donghyuck asked the three of them, hands on his waist, looking too much like a mom scolding her children.

Jeno bit back an urge to laugh at the identical pouts all three of them had on their faces.

He stepped in. “It’s okay, let them decide. It’s fine, unless all of them end up having a seizure because of the screaming match.”

They were all gathered together to watch a movie together and chill, Jeno remembers it being Donghyuck’s idea.

He’d said that all of them had too busy lives to ever actually slow down and a night in with good movies and food and friends would do all them some good.

Jeno was still kind of surprised at how both sides of their friendship groups seemed to get along so well, so quickly.

Donghyuck walked upto Jeno. “Did you order the food?”

Jeno nodded. “Yeah, I did. Chill for a bit Hyuck, you’ve been stressed since morning for no reason. These are just our crackheaded friends, no one to impress here.”

Donghyuck exhaled. “I am not nervous, it’s just weird I guess? Having all of them over at our house all at once? I keep feeling this weird need for everything to be perfect.”

Jeno chuckled and reached out one hand to massage Donghyuck’s nape a little feeling the other relax.

“Maybe you needed this hangout more than anyone else, huh?” Jeno said.

He knew that Donghyuck had been tightly wound up the last few days, he’d been snappy and low and nothing Jeno could do would’ve made him feel better so he’d let him be. Maybe it was work, maybe it was something else. Jeno wished Donghyuck would talk to him, but he respected his space too.

Donghyuck sighed. “You’re right, I’ll relax.”

“Yeah, go cuddle with Renjun for a bit. You’ll feel better.”

Donghyuck scoffed. “Renjun would much rather cuddle with Jisung.”

Jeno glanced back at the group, scrawled across the sofas and saw Renjun looking at Donghyuck in concern. He’d picked up on the weird mood Donghyuck had been in too.

Jeno smiled as he looked back at Donghyuck. “Yeah, I don’t think so. Go, he’s waiting for you.”

Donghyuck made a confused noise but went over to Renjun anyway, immediately cuddling upto him when Renjun automatically opened up his arms.

Jeno smiled and went to sit beside Jisung, who smiled at him.

“Thanks or inviting me Hyung.”

Jeno smiled. “It was all Donghyuck, but why wouldn’t we invite you? You’re a part of this now, like it or not.”

Jisung made a sour face, but Jeno could see the smile he was trying to hide. “This group is a mess, can’t I get a refund?”

Jeno laughed. “Brat.”

Jisung grinned and turned to the tv.

Apparently, they had all reached the conclusion to watch some supernatural movie. Jeno rolled his eyes at the obvious choice.

“Is Hyuck hyung okay?” Jisung asked a while later.

Jeno looked at him. “Not really, but he will be.”

Jisung nodded.

He spoke up again a while later. “This may not be my place to say this but for what it’s worth, I think you’re a great husband.” His voice was quiet and shy, treading carefully.

But Jeno reached up to ruffle his hair. “Why do you think so Jisung?”

Jisung blushed, a little embarrassed. “Well, I mean I’m no expert but I’ve seen the way you are with him and how obvious it is that even if you guys aren’t like the conventional married couple, you care about him a lot. It’s just nice to see two people trying when they had the option not to.”

Jisung was looking at everything but Jeno, no wonder a bit embarrassed at having said that out loud but Jeno felt touched.

He smiled. “Thank you Jisung, it means a lot that you think that way.”

Jisung rubbed his nape sheepishly as he shrugged, appearing nonchalant. “Just be happy I guess.”

Jeno chuckled. This kid was clearly a mess when it came to emotions.

“Jisung!” Chenle yelled at that moment, aggressively patting the seat next to him. “Come here, I want to show you something!”

Judging by how Ningning was shaking her head, it was probably something related to the addiction to games that Chenle and Jisung shared.

Jeno laughed yet again. “Go, have fun.”

Jisung gave him a last smile, going away to sit with Jisung.

Jeno sat alone for a while, the only sound being the TV, and the hushed whispers of Renjun and Donghyuck talking from the couch beside him.

And then Jaemin came and promptly landed on top Jeno.

“Oof, you’re heavy, get off.”

Jaemin made no move to get up. “Don’t wanna.”

“Is anyone in this room watching the movie?” Jeno asked.

“Mark is, he’s too into it so I got bored and came to bother you instead.” Jaemin grumbled.

Jeno patted Jaemin’s back. “There there, I’ll keep you company. How’s the whole adopting crisis coming along?”

Jaemin sighed. “It’s still a crisis.”

“Well.” Jeno said.

“Hey, I’m glad that you and Hyuck are getting along. How did that happen?” Jaemin asked.

“We were never not getting along Jaem.” Jeno said, rolling his eyes.

“Yeah, but something shifted.” Jaemin asked.

Jeno thought if he should spill it to Jaemin.

Jaemin was his best friend after all.

“We kissed.” Jeno said.

It was almost comical how Jaemin sat up straight, his eyes wide.

“What?!” he whisper-yelled.

Jeno shrugged. “We kissed, like twice. It isn’t a big deal or anything but I think we’re a lot closer since then.”

Jaemin was blinking at him. “My brain has shut down.”

Jeno scoffed. “Good, it should sometimes.”

“So you are fucking telling me that you and Hyuck are kissing now?” Jaemin said.

“Yeah, and keep it down if you don’t want the entire room to know.”

“How did this even happen?”

“Both of us think that the other is attractive, that’s how.”

“And that’s it? Just kissing? Nothing else?”

Jeno sighed. “What else would be there Jaemin?”

“I don’t know? Feelings?” Jaemin said.

Jeno chuckled. “Nope, there aren’t any feelings between me and Donghyuck except mutual acknowledgement, I promise you.”

Jaemin narrowed his eyes at Jeno, Jeno hated that look. It looked too much like being x-rayed.

“Are you sure you know what you’re getting yourself into?” Jaemin asked.

“This is all casual Jaem, chill out and besides me and Donghyuck are getting along well these days so that’s all that matters.”

Jaemin stared at him for a while longer and after realising that Jeno was sure about this, that he wasn’t backing down, he fell on top of Jeno again, sighing.

Jaemin had no reason to worry, Jeno knew what he was doing.

--

Living with Jeno for the past two months meant Donghyuck had started noticing things that could only come with living with someone.

Most of Jeno’s habits were, endearing actually.

Donghyuck noticed how Jeno was practically like a puppy when he’d just woken up, all dazed and puppy noises. Jeno also liked to pretend that he could handle spicy food only to always end up red-eyed and red-cheeked trying to eat it.

Jeno was also very put together and almost annoyingly accommodating of everything Donghyuck said. Donghyuck wanted a dishwasher, it was delivered a week later, Donghyuck complained to himself that he didn’t really like how their balcony didn’t have any plants and Jeno took him out to buy plants the same evening. Almost every meal was according to what Donghyuck wanted to eat, be it take-out or them cooking themselves. Every time he confronted Jeno about this, Jeno just shrugged and said he didn’t really care and he liked to eat everything.

It was sweet at first, but it got a bit annoying real fast because of how it left Donghyuck feeling a little guilty every time Jeno was this accommodating of him.

But he supposed that Jeno was just this nice in general, he was honestly lucky to have someone this easy to live with as his husband, he honestly didn’t know what he was complaining about.

But he tried to still be accommodating of Jeno even though the other never said anything about his likes or dislikes, there were some things that Donghyuck had picked up on by noticing Jeno.

Which is why he was making egg mayo sandwiches for breakfast for both of them, he’d seen how Jeno’s eyes had brightened slightly the last time Donghyuck made this for breakfast unknowingly.

He was done with the stuffing and just was going to take the bread out when arms snaked around his waist.

Donghyuck smiled.

There was also this.

Jeno was clingy in the mornings, and ever since their first kiss, both of them had gotten pretty casual with their touches and pecks. It was just easy and Donghyuck liked it, being someone who always craved physical touch of any sort.

He was the one normally initiating contact though except in the mornings when Jeno attached himself to Donghyuck.

Donghyuck liked mornings like these more than he would admit.

“Morning Sleepyhead.” Donghyuck said.

Jeno hummed, nuzzling his face in Donghyuck’s neck that had Donghyuck’s face heating up.

“Mornin’” Jeno mumbled. “Did you sleep well?”

“Yeah, you?” Donghyuck didn’t know if he’d ever get used to Jeno’s deep morning voice.

“Slept pretty well, what’s for breakfast?” Jeno asked, leaving a soft peck on Donghyuck’s neck that had him holding back a gasp.

“Egg mayo sandwiches.” Donghyuck replied, voice a little quieter.

“Mm, best thing to wake up to.” Jeno said, pressing another kiss to Donghyuck’s pulse point.

Donghyuck felt a chill run down his spine.

Jeno had to know the effect he was having on him.

They hadn’t really done much except kissing, and Donghyuck would be lying if he said that he hadn’t thought about doing more than that.

Jeno was hot and he roamed around pretty much shirtless at home all the time, and Donghyuck was a weak man.

“Knew you liked them.” Donghyuck said, managing a chuckle. “But I actually need to be able to make them for you to eat, Jeno.”

“Go ahead then, make them.” Jeno said, making no move to detach himself from Donghyuck’s back, still peppering his neck with barely there kisses that left Donghyuck squirming.

One of the hands that were on Donghyuck’s stomach was rubbing circles into his skin from the top of his shirt and Donghyuck was pretty distracted.

“Jeno, come on.” He whined. “You can act like a koala later.”

Jeno just hummed. The hand going to the hem of his tshirt and stopping there.

“Is this okay?” Jeno rasped. “Can I touch you?”

Donghyuck felt his heart beat rise. He had touched Jeno’s naked torso before- shirtlessness, remember?- but Jeno had never touched Donghyuck’s skin before.

Donghyuck nodded.

Jeno’s hand went underneath his loose sleep shirt, his hand splaying out on Donghyuck’s stomach.

Donghyuck let out a soft gasp at the cold hand on his skin, and at how big Jeno’s hand felt on him.

Jeno began to softly carress the skin as he started sucking and kissing at the exposed column of Donghyuck’s neck.

“Jen, no marks, I have work tomorrow.” Donghyuck rasped out, tilting his head to give Jeno more access anyway.

Jeno hummed and continued. The hand on Donghyuck’s stomach, travelling up and up till it reached his chest.

He stopped again.

“Is this still okay?” Jeno asked, voice laced with something that made Donghyuck’s gut clench.

“Yes, please, Jeno it’s okay. Please touch-“ Donghyuck’s rambling got interrupted by a drawn out whimper when Jeno’s finger flicked his nipple experimentally.

There was a small silence after that, and Donghyuck felt Jeno’s smile against his neck.

“Sensitive, huh?”

“Shut up.” Donghyuck said, feeling even more blood rush to his cheeks.

He hadn’t meant to sound that needy.

“Now, that’s not very nice of you, is it?” Jeno said, voice dripping honey as his finger rubbed Donghyuck’s nipples in a circular motion that had Donghyuck’s knees almost giving out as little gasps and moans fell from his lips.

Fuck Jeno and his weird way of getting to know all of Donghyuck’s weaknesses.

“So fucking responsive.” Jeno grumbled lowly as he finally turned Donghyuck’s face and kissed him, hard.

Donghyuck felt relief and arousal both crash on him at the feeling of Jeno’s lips finally on his.

Donghyuck turned around to face Jeno, deepening the kiss as Jeno lifted him up to sit on the kitchen counter.

His hand were still roaming all over Donghyuck’s torso.

Jeno broke the kiss and went right to nipping every inch of his neck that he had missed kissing.

And then lifted Donghyuck’s shirt up to pepper kisses all over his stomach.

Donghyuck keened at that, his hand tightening on Jeno’s bicep.

He let out a breathless chuckle. “Wow, you woke up really needy today.”

Jeno just continued to kiss up his stomach and chest, looking up at Donghyuck once before taking a nipple in his mouth.

Donghyuck’s head felt back at the sensation on Jeno’s warm mouth, he really was sensitive.

“I don’t see you complaining.” Jeno said as he saw Donghyuck panting with every flick of his tongue.

That insufferable asshole.

Donghyuck could feel himself getting turned on by the minute and he and Jeno hadn’t talked about actually going further before, so he just pulled Jeno up and kissed him.

This was safe territory.

This wouldn’t make Donghyuck lose his mind with arousal.

Except the way Jeno was groaning in his mouth was making it harder to achieve.

They made out with each other for a while before parting, taking deep breaths.

Donghyuck still felt ruffled from the assault that Jeno’s mouth had done on him but he felt at least a bit consoled by the fact that Jeno had a flush going down his cheeks to his neck too.

He reached up to fix Donghyuck’s shirt before half smiling at him.

“Finish making those sandwiches Hyuck, I’m starved.” He said and then he was winking and walking away.

Leaving Donghyuck on the kitchen counter.

He had completely forgotten about the sandwiches.

Donghyuck let his head fall back against the wooden cupboard with a thud.

Damn Jeno, for being this distracting.

--

“Renjun? Where are you? I literally waited for you for like, half an hour in front of the restaurant but you didn’t show-” Donghyuck stopped in his tracks when he saw Renjun sitting down on the floor, leaning against the wall.

Renjun didn’t even look up at him as he just sniffled.

Donghyuck should’ve known something was wrong when Renjun didn’t turn up at their meet up place, he was never late and much less a ‘cancel on the spot’ type of a person.

He approached him gently, and sat down beside him.

“Hey bub.” He said.

Renjun still wasn’t looking at him. “Hi.” His voice was softer than usual.

“Do you want to talk about it?”

Renjun sniffed and then let out a groan, hitting his head softly on the wall behind him.

“Two of my pieces got selected for the Art Basel fair.” Renjun said.

Donghyuck did a double take. He’d heard Renjun talk about art enough over the years to know what he meant.

“Isn’t that, like, the biggest art fair in the world?”

Renjun covered his face with his hands, visibly frustrated. “Yes.”

“That’s great then! Wait, why aren’t you happy about this? Didn’t you want this for a long time?” Donghyuck asked.

“I did but I don’t even fucking deserve it!” Renjun said, voice rising. “Fuck Hyuck, I got this opportunity just because my dad is a big name and I am rich, I don’t fucking deserve this.”

Donghyuck deflated. “Hey Junnie, don’t be this hard on yourself, you art is really good-”

“It could be the best goddamn art pieces in the world but it won’t change the fact that I get these chances just because I have the sources. Do you even know the number of people out there who are magnificient artists and don’t get half the opportunities because of how fucking capitalistic the world is? It’s like, art always fucking takes the back seat. Did the Art Basel people even go out and see how much talent is out there? No, they just found me because I am rich and convenient and would add to their name.” Renjun bristled.

Donghyuck sighed. He knew Renjun felt deeply about things like this.

He hated how privileged he was, and that everything in his life was a hundred times easier because he belonged from a rich family.

“I don’t even do this for a living. I don’t deserve this.” Renjun added, voice falling.

Donghyuck took one of his hands in his own. “I know this sucks and you feel that it is unfair and I won’t say that it isn’t true because let’s fucking face it, yeah, maybe we really get all the opportunities because we’re rich and our parents are big names but Renjun, that really doesn’t take away all the creativity and hard work you put in every single art piece of yours. Don’t even try to deny it, I’ve seen you work.”

Renjun just shook his head. “It’s just so fucking unfair Donghyuck, I can’t help but feel guilty and just sad about this.”

“I know how you feel Renjun, the world is a shitty and capitalistic place where people with money get everything and the people who aren’t that well off don’t get shit even if they have the talent for it, I know. But instead of feeling like your art doesn’t deserve the appreciation it gets because that isn’t even true, maybe let’s think of ways to promote talent like that better?” Donghyuck suggested.

Renjun sniffled again. “I’ve been saving up money you know.”

“For what?”

“I know I can’t really help everyone, but I want to put my money into smaller artists, investing in them and making sure that their art reaches bigger art exhibitions and museums so that they have a better chance at getting recognised. I even want to arrange an art exhibition of my own for smaller artists, I have enough credible connections that the artists will get good buyers for themselves.” Renjun said, sighing.

Donghyuck smiled, he was so proud of Renjun. A lot of them felt that these things were unfair and sad but very few actually took the initiative to do something about it.

He squeezed Renjun’s hand. “That’s great Jun. I am so proud of you.”

Renjun huffed a chuckle that sounded sad. “I haven’t actually done anything yet.”

“Hey, if I know anything about you, it’s the fact that if you think about something, you’ll go ahead and do it. And please, in the meantime, don’t sell your art short, it’s amazing.”

“Yeah, okay.” Renjun nodded.

They sat in silence for a while.

“Damn, I really have a philanthropist best friend.” Donghyuck marvelled.

Renjun laughed, hitting Donghyuck on the head. “You’re an idiot. Still up for dinner?”

Donghyuck grinned. “You’re paying.”

Renjun scoffed. “I’m the sad one, shouldn’t you be paying?”

“I came here and saved your sorry ass from moping all day long so I deserve a treat.”

“You’re insufferable, I hope Jeno kills you in your sleep.” Renjun said, unimpressed.

“He likes me too much for that.” Donghyuck said.

And promptly froze.

What?

Renjun narrowed his eyes at him. “Does he, now?”

Donghyuck dragged him out the house. “Let’s just go!”

He’d unpack that sentence later.

He had a best friend to cheer up right now.

--

“Hyuck I am trying to watch this movie.” Jeno said, exasperated as he tried to gently push Donghyuck away.

They were on the couch, watching Netflix because Donghyuck suggested watching a movie.

But it had been 30 minutes and Donghyuck was clearly distracted if the way he kept kissing Jeno’s neck was any indication.

“You can push me away if it bothers you that much.” Donghyuck said, voice lilted up in a teasing way.

Jeno huffed a laugh, actually pushing Donghyuck away and resting Donghyuck’s legs on his lap.

“So, I have to go on a work trip.” Jeno said.

Donghyuck raised an eyebrow. “Oh, where to?”

“London, for like, a week.” Jeno sighed.

Donghyuck nodded. “When do you leave?”

“Day after tomorrow, actually.” Jeno smiled, sheepishly.

Donghyuck narrowed his eyes. “Did you even start packing?”

Jeno shrugged. “I’ll just do it tomorrow.”

Donghyuck shook his head and sighed before flopping down. “Ah, I love London so much.”

Jeno perked up at that. “Really? You wanna come with?”

Donghyuck laughed before raising his head to look at Jeno with mischief. “Depends, would you parade me around as your trophy husband for everyone to see?”

Jeno chuckled, hitting Donghyuck’s leg.

Donghyuck flopped back again. “I wish I could go, but too much work.”

Jeno hummed in consideration. “Want me to bring something back?”

“Obviously.” Donghyuck said, grinning. “But, surprise me.”

Jeno whined internally. He’d have to get Jaemin’s help on this one.

“Sungchan hit me up recently, asked to meet up for drinks.” Donghyuck said.

Jeno felt himself turn rigid, but he didn’t really know why it affected him to hear that.

“Oh, what did you say?” Jeno said, voice casual.

“I said no, he’s not really my type.”

“What is your type?”

Donghyuck looked at him and winked. “You.”

Jeno laughed. “You’re a terrible flirt.”

“Excuse me, I’m an amazing flirt. I just go easy on you, if I unleashed my true form, you’d be falling in love with me like this.” Donghyuck snapped his fingers.

“That confident?” Jeno said, amused.

“I mean, it is a tried and tested method.”

“Maybe you should try it out and see then.” Jeno said, pinching Donghyuck.

Donghyuck let out a yelp.

“I think you like me enough without me doing anything.” Donghyuck said, winking as he got up to make popcorn.

Jeno just sighed.

Donghyuck was insufferable, but he was also right.

--

“This is honestly so stupid.” Donghyuck said, frowning at his phone.

“It kinda is, not gonna lie.” Chenle said, shrugging.

Donghyuck glared at him.

“I mean, you literally almost ran away at the prospect of marrying Jeno hyung and now, here you are, sulking because he hasn’t texted you.” Chenle said, sighing like an old man.

Donghyuck’s ears felt hot. “It’s not like that, I just think it’s weird that he hasn’t contacted me at all ever since he landed. Like, he could just let me know that he’s alive or whatever.”

Chenle narrowed his eyes. “You know that you could text him too, right?”

Donghyuck wanted to bang his head on the nearest wall, he was acting like a teenager for no reason, it really wasn’t that complicated. He could just text Jeno but something in him was offended that Jeno hadn’t even woken him up before he’d left for the airport, just leaving a note behind.

“If Renjun ge was here, he’d have a field day.” Chenle said, cackling softly.

“I genuinely want you both to suffer.”

Chenle waved dismissively. “Whatever, so what is your relationship with Jeno hyung now?”

Huh.

Donghyuck hadn’t actually thought about that.

He knew that things had shifted, for sure.

But he hadn’t actually sat and thought about the said changes.

He supposed that they were friends now, between all the movie nights and bickering over basic things around the house, they had established a kind of casual and warm bond establishing between them. Jeno was very very pleasant to be around and extremely easy to talk to.

“We’re friends now, I guess.”

Chenle raised an eyebrow. “You guess?”

Donghyuck looked at him resolutely. “It’s none of your business.”

Chenle looked done. “Remind me again, who’s the older one out of the two of us?”

Donghyuck concluded that he didn’t want to dignify that question with an answer.

Chenle just sighed again. Changing the topic once he sensed Donghyuck recoiling.

“How’s Renjun ge doing?” Chenle asked instead.

Donghyuck pinched the bridge of his nose. “He’s better now, can’t stop feeling guilty everytime he looks at his art pieces though.”

“I swear Renjun is too good for this world.” Chenle said, quietly. “But every day, I wish he was as kind to himself as he is to others.”

Donghyuck smiled at that. This was one of the rare moments where Chenle would actually praise Renjun out loud.

Because after all, there wasn’t anyone in the world Chenle respected and loved as much as his Renjun gege.

“Getting all soft on Renjun, Lele?” Donghyuck said, smile still in place.

Chenle rolled his eyes. “I’ll go see him today and smack some sense into him.”

“I doubt you’d be able to come out of that unscathed.”

“Fear is temporary, satisfaction is forever.” Chenle said, puffing out his chest.

“Only you would use a serious quote when talking about fighting your cousin.”

Chenle grinned. Donghyuck threw his pen’s cap at him.

A normal day.

And if Donghyuck kept glancing at his phone more often than usual, Chenle pretended that he didn’t see it.

--

Jeno rubbed his eyes as he finally sat down on the bed in his hotel room.

Everything had been a mess ever since he’d landed in London.

The meeting originally scheduled for tomorrow, was preponed to today and it was an important meeting so Jeno had rushed directly to the meeting from the airport, spending hours going over the proposals presented to them.

He was tired, the kind of bone-deep exhaustion that made you not want to get out of bed for 48 hours straight.

He missed his bed from back home, no matter how much he travelled, Jeno could never get used to sleeping in hotel beds.

His eyes snapped open.

Fuck.

He’d totally forgotten to call or text Donghyuck ever since he came here.

He scurried to find his phone, calling Donghyuck right away.

Only when Donghyuck’s sleepy voice greeted him from the other end of the line did he realise that he’d completely forgotten the concept of time zones.

It was 9:30 pm in London right now.

Which meant 5:30 in the morning in Seoul.

“Hey.” Came Donghyuck’s groggy sleepy voice.

Jeno felt sheepish for disturbing him but also glad to hear is voice, he’d gotten too used to Donghyuck’s constant presence around him after all.

“Hi, were you sleeping?” Jeno asked.

“It’s 5 in the morning here Jen, ofcourse I was sleeping.” Donghyuck said, maybe trying to sound irritated but his groggy voice lessened the effect.

“I am sorry for calling this early, go back to sleep.” Jeno said, apologetic.

But Donghyuck spoke up. “Wait! Don’t- don’t go.”

Jeno’s heart skipped a beat at how soft Donghyuck’s voice sounded.

“I was mad at you today.” Donghyuck added.

Jeno huffed. “I know, I’m so sorry, I should have texted.”

“Yes, you should have.” Donghyuck said. And then quietly added. “Are you okay?”

 Jeno let out a sigh, resting his head against the bed frame and letting his eyes fall shut.

“I haven’t been this tired in forever.”

Donghyuck hummed, sounding more awake by the minute. “I’m here if you want to talk about your day.”

And in a shocking moment of clarity, Jeno realised that he wanted to.

He wanted to talk about his day with Donghyuck, tell him all the frustrations and just let it all out.

So he did.

He talked and Donghyuck listened.

Jeno let out a sigh after he was done.

“Well damn Mr.CEO, you had one hell of a day, didn’t you?” Donghyuck said, teasing but soft.

Jeno chuckled. “You can say that. And I really am sorry for not contacting you at all today, I don’t have a valid excuse for that.”

“You literally do Jeno.” Donghyuck said.

“How was your day?” Jeno asked.

“Oh you know, worried about Renjun, bickered with Chenle, signed a bunch of documents, the usual.”

Jeno laughed. “You still haven’t told me what you want me to get for you from London.”

“And I don’t plan to, as I said, surprise me.”

Jeno just sighed but didn’t say anything, both of them just staying in silence for a while.

“You should get some sleep before the jetlag hits in full force.” Donghyuck suggested.

Jeno hummed. “I should.”

And then neither of them did anything to cut the call.

Donghyuck let out a chuckle. “Go, Jen.” His voice was soft.

“Just a minute more.”

Jeno didn’t know where the neediness was coming from, maybe it was just exhaustion, or maybe it was the fact that he suddenly didn’t know how to sleep knowing that Donghyuck wasn’t just across the hall from him.

Donghyuck let out a pleased hum. “It looks like you miss me, Jeno.” His voice lilted with mischief.

Jeno just chuckled. “So what if I do?”

Donghyuck fell silent after that.

Jeno opened his eyes, was that too forward?

But Jeno did miss him though, living together with someone for 2 months had its effects.

“I miss you too, loser.” Donghyuck said, almost whispering.

And then louder,

“If you don’t wake me up next time you leave for the airport, I swear I’m going to lock you out of the house when you come back.”

Jeno laughed. “I didn’t want to wake you.”

“I know, but I’m telling you, wake me up next time.”

Jeno wanted to ask why, why was it so important to Donghyuck that he woke him up when he left but Jeno had an inkling that he shouldn’t ask questions he wouldn’t be able to answer is directed towards him.

“Fine, I will.” He settled on that.

“Good. Now go to sleep.” Donghyuck said.

“You too, Hyuck.”

“Don’t skip meals.”

“I won’t.”

“Goodnight, Jen.”

“Goodnight Hyuck.”

The line went dead and Jeno put his phone down on the night stand beside the bed and plopped down on the bed.

He never liked work trips that much anyway, but he couldn’t wait to go back home this time around.

--

“Here you go, your Americano.” Donghyuck turned to see Mark offering the drink to him.

Donghyuck smiled as he took it from him. They were at the park close to both of their offices, Mark had texted him asking to meet up and Donghyuck had agreed. It was lunch break anyway.

“So, how are you?” Mark asked before chuckling. “I feel like we have rarely talked at all after we reconnected.”

Donghyuck scoffed. “Well, yeah. I feel the same way too, Jaemin does most of the talking when we’re together and you just make lovey dovey eyes at him.”

“I do no such thi-actually maybe I do, nevermind.”

“Thank you for being self-aware.”

Mark gave him a secretive smile and shrugged.

Donghyuck couldn’t help but have his own smile tug at the corner of his lips. Mark and Jaemin were so in love, it was honestly beautiful.

“You both make me feel so single sometimes.” Donghyuck said around a sip of his coffee, smile still in place so that Mark knew that he was still joking.

But Mark’s features softened. “You know you can have that too right?”

Back in college, Donghyuck had never been too good at hiding his feelings from Mark.

Some things never really changed, did they?

Donghyuck shook his head. “I never said I want that.”

“Hyuckie, please.” Mark said.

Donghyuck flinched at the nickname. It was what Mark used when he knew that Donghyuck was not being truthful.

“It’s not wrong to want love.”

Donghyuck knew that, he knew that he could even have that with Jeno if he really tried.

“You know something weird?” Donghyuck said.

Mark made an inquisitive sound.

“I actually miss Jeno.” Donghyuck said, huffing out a chuckle.

Mark smiled too. “Well, that’s progress. Oh the times when you used to only glare at him.”

Donghyuck gasped. “I literally never did that, you make me sound so mean.”

Mark grinned. “You were the literal ice prince to Jeno in the beginning, but none of us said anything because Jeno was the same. Glad to know you guys are warming up to each other.”

“He’s nice.”

Mark smiled. “He is, isn’t he? Nice enough for you to fall in love?”

Donghyuck flushed. He was going to punch Mark.

Damn, that jerk even sounded smug.

“Shut up.”

“Whatever you say, Hyuckie.”

Mark hadn’t even been in Donghyuck’s life for a while but trust Mark to still know him like the back of his hand.

“I don’t really like you Hyung.”

Mark hummed. “Glad to see nothing’s changed.”

And he was right.

Nothing really had changed after all.

--

Jeno rested his head on the door for a second.

He was so tired that it was ridiculous.

He did have the option of staying in London another day to get rest but he’d caught the first flight back the moment his last meeting had ended.

And he was tired.

But he sighed as he stood up straight and fished the keys to the apartment, unlocking the door.

It was late at night and he wasn’t expecting Donghyuck to be awake but he still felt anticipation thrum in his veins.

He’d called Donghyuck everyday ever since the first night mishap and they’d talked for as long as they could stay awake.

But Jeno hadn’t told him that he was coming back home a day early.

Would Donghyuck even care that he was back early?

He took his shoes off, leaving his luggage on the floor of the living room.

“Jeno?”

Jeno froze.

Donghyuck was awake.

He turned around, a sheepish sort of smile coming on his face. Donghyuck was already walking closer to him.

“Did I wake you? I tried to be as quiet as possible.”

“You’re back early.” Donghyuck said, finally standing in front of Jeno.

“Yeah, caught an early flight, sorry I didn’t tell you, I meant for it to be a surprise?” Jeno said, feeling stupid.

But the smile that appeared on Donghyuck’s face was worth it. He took Jeno’s hand and squeezed.

In Jeno’s dictionary, that was as good as a hug.

“Welcome back.” Donghyuck said.

Jeno couldn’t help but mirror his smile.

“You must be exhausted, go take a shower Jeno, did you eat anything?”

Jeno nodded. “I ate at the airport.”

“Okay, go take that shower then.” Donghyuck said with another squeeze as he turned to leave.

Jeno stopped him with the hold he had on Donghyuck’s hand.

Donghyuck turned around.

“No welcome home kiss?” Jeno asked, trying not to sound too hopeful, keeping his voice teasing so that Donghyuck could laugh it off and move on if he wanted too.

But a kiss would be good.

Jeno had no reason to miss Donghyuck’s kisses but he had, and that’s all he could think about the whole cab ride back from the airport.

Instead of laughing however, Donghyuck’s eyes darkened a bit, his eyes darting down to Jeno’s lips and back to his eyes.

Jeno gulped.

Donghyuck came closer to him till the distance between their bodies was practically non-existent.

“Thought you’d never ask.” Donghyuck said, finger coming up to trace Jeno’s lips.

Jeno smirked. “Can’t you kiss me without me having to ask for it?”

Donghyuck pressed a kiss on Jeno’s jaw. “I can.” Another kiss on the corner of his lip. “But baby, where’s the fun in that?”

That was all the warning Jeno got before Donghyuck was crashing their lips together, his hands cupping Jeno’s jaw and Jeno’s hands found purchase on his waist.

The kiss was rushed, as if they were both just breathing each other in and Jeno felt Donghyuck moan into his mouth when he bit his lip.

Donghyuck’s hands went into Jeno’s hair, pulling.

“Fuck, Hyuck.” Jeno panted into Donghyuck’s mouth right as their kiss broke and Donghyuck started kissing and sucking every spot he could find on Jeno’s neck.

Jeno groaned as he let his head fall back.

Donghyuck nipped at a spot right under Jeno’s ear, smiling against his skin when he heard Jeno’s choked up gasp.

Jeno pulled Donghyuck up into another bruising kiss, their hands all over each other’s body.

But it slowed down, till it was just their mouth moving languidly against each other, to the point where Jeno almost whined when Donghyuck pulled off, a pleased smile on his lips.

“Good way to tell you that I missed you when you were away?” Donghyuck asked, caressing Jeno’s cheek.

Jeno smiled, feeling a little dazed.

Keeping up with Donghyuck was exhausting, but Jeno loved every bit of it.

“If this is the welcome I get, I’ll have to go away more often.”

Donghyuck caressed Jeno’s lip again, gaze darkening when Jeno’s tongue darted out a little to lick at his finger.

“I have a feeling you’ll be getting a lot of it even when you’re here.” Donghyuck said, voice low.

Jeno smiled. “Even better.”

Donghyuck’s gaze snapped up as if waking up from a trance and he let his hand fall.

“Go take that shower Jen, and some rest. I’ll see you in the morning.” Donghyuck said, smiling a bit and walking away.

Jeno sighed and leaned against the wall to regulate his breathing.

These little, adventures, with Donghyuck had him feeling riled up all day long, they really needed to find a solution to this, talk about going further or stop doing it all together because this couldn’t be good for Jeno’s sanity.

Jeno knew that there were a lot of things he needed to clear up with himself. About how none of this was just physical anymore, that Jeno had always liked Donghyuck’s company but never craved it like he did now.

Like, how maybe sometimes he wished he could wake up next to him.

--

“So, you and Jeno seem to be closer than before.” Jaemin said right when Jeno left to talk to Mark.

Donghyuck couldn’t fault Jaemin for asking that, Jeno and Donghyuck had been cuddling on the couch after all.

He shrugged. “Yeah, we’re a lot closer these days, he’s nice and good to cuddle with.” He said with a smile.

Jaemin gave him an all too knowing smile. “Yeah, I’m sure he is Hyuck.”

“Get off my case, go bother Renjun and Jisung, they haven’t stopped being gross since the moment they entered.” Donghyuck said with an eye roll.

And it was true.

Renjun and Jisung were all over each other, Donghyuck knew that Jisung had finally said yes to going on a proper date with Renjun about three weeks ago and it had been uphill since then.

Renjun looked so sickeningly happy around Jisung, Donghyuck almost couldn’t believe it.

Jaemin laughed. “Nah, they’re adorable.”

But the both of them walked up to Renjun and Jisung anyway.

Jisung immediately jumped ten feet away from Renjun.

“Oh! Jaemin hyung, Donghyuck hyung, hi! Jaemin hyung, you have a really nice house.”

Jaemin laughed. “Thank you Sung, you don’t have to look that scared.”

Renjun just sighed as he looked at Donghyuck with a glare, obviously miffed at how they had interrupted him and Jisung.

Donghyuck chose to ignore it and flopped down beside Renjun. “Hi sweetheart.”

“I do not like you.”

“Aw, aren’t you adorable?” Donghyuck replied saccharingly.

“Um, why aren’t Chenle and Ningning here?” Jisung asked as if finally noticing the room around him.

“They’re on vacation, those two take short vacations every six months.” Donghyuck said.

“Ah.” Jisung said and noded.

Jaemin grinned. “So, you two boyfriends now?”

Jisung spluttered as Renjun turned a bit red.

“Jaemin, do you have to be this much of a menace?” Renjun grumbled.

“Yes of course, I am already married, your love lives are very interesting to me.”

Renjun looked at Jisung, to perhaps, see if he was comfortable.

But Jisung was looking down, ears red.

Donghyuck noticed it too, speaking up before the situation made Jisung uncomfortable.

“I don’t think-” He started, only to be interrupted by Jisung.

“Yes, we are.” Jisung spoke up, soft.

Both Donghyuck and Jaemin’s eyes widened.

“Uhm, what?”

Jisung looked up at them, smiling bashfully. “Renjun hyung and I are boyfriends.”

Renjun looked at him fondly as he reached out to hold his hand that Jisung took.

“When the fuck did this happen and why did I have no idea about this?” Donghyuck floundered.

“I asked him last night actually.” Jisung said.

Jaemin gasped. “You asked him?”

Jisung smiled.

“Wow, I need to sit down.” Jaemin said, settling down on the couch beside them.

Renjun looked at Donghyuck who still looked betrayed. “Don’t be mad, I was going to tell you today but you guys asked first.”

Donghyuck stared at him for a minute, before deciding he was too happy for his best friend to even pretend to be mad at him.

So he finally let the wide smile take over his face as he hugged both of the boys.

“I am so happy for you two!” He said as Renjun and Jisung laughed against him.

“I’ll join the hug too, wait!” Jaemin said as he hugged them as well. “You guys are so adorable, I am glad you guys got together.” He said, genuine happiness in his voice.

“Geez, you guys act like we’re getting married or something.” Renjun said, embarrassed at all the attention.

‘Wow, you guys are having a cuddle pile without us?” They heard Mark’s voice say from behind them, voice laced with amusement.

“What is the occasion?” Jeno asked.

Jaemin finally broke away with a grin and looked at the Jeno. “Jisung and Renjun got together.”

Both Mark and Jeno smiled at that. “That is such good news.”

Jeno walked over and ruffled Jisung’s hair. “I’m happy for you Ji.”

Jisung smiled.

Jeno directed a smile towards Renjun as well.

“Well, this calls for a celebration, l’m going to open up a bottle of wine.” Mark said.

Jaemin followed him and Jeno and Jisung started talking amongst themselves.

Donghyuck hugged Renjun from the side, attaching himself like a koala.

Renjun laughed but accommodated him anyway.

“I really am happy for you Jun, Jisung seems amazing.”

Renjun patted Donghyuck’s hand. “Thank you Hyuck, and he is.”

“You think Chenle’s gonna be mad that you got together when he wasn’t here?” Donghyuck asked, chuckling.

Renjun smiled. “Oh, definitely. He is going to throw a tantrum.”

They sat in silence for a while.

“Hyuckie.”

“Hm?”

Renjun sighed. “It’s time to get your shit together too.” Renjun said, softly.

Donghyuck knew he was talking about Jeno but he asked anyway. “What do you mean?”

Renjun carded his fingers through Donghyuck’s hair as to soothe him. “Open up your heart Hyuck, you know you want to.”

Donghyuck would never understand how Renjun understood all the internal dilemmas Donghyuck had even without Donghyuck ever saying them out loud.

“It’s scary.” He admitted, voice bordering on a whisper.

Renjun smiled. “I know it is, so that is why, take your time. Just don’t run away from whatever you’re feeling just because you think it’s not the right thing to feel, okay?”

Donghyuck nodded.

“You’re so creepy.” Donghyuck told Renjun.

Renjun made an inquisitive sound.

“You’re like some psycho analysis expert or something.”

Renjun laughed and pressed a kiss to Donghyuck’s hair.

“Nah, I am just your best friend.”

Donghyuck smiled as he burrowed himself further into Renjun.

--

It was pretty late into the evening when they came back home.

Normally, when they came back from somewhere, they went to their separate rooms and retired for the night but Donghyuck felt fidgety today, he didn’t want Jeno to go just as yet.

So, the moment Jeno turned to him, smiling, possibly to bid him goodnight, Donghyuck said the first thing that came into his mind.

“You want to watch a movie together?” he said, a bit rushed.

Jeno blinked owlishly at him, clearly not expecting the question.

“I mean, it’s okay if you don’t want to and you’re tired, I get it.” Donghyuck hurried to add.

Jeno just smiled. “I’d love to, but could we watch it in one of our rooms? My back is kinda killing me and the couch will only make it worse.” He said, sheepish.

Donghyuck chuckled. “Okay, old man. Is my room okay?”

Jeno nodded. “Yeah okay, I’ll just go change out of these clothes and join you.”

Donghyuck nodded and went into his room.

And he realised with stark clarity that Jeno had never been in his room before.

Not once since they’d gotten married.

He internally facepalmed.

That’s what he gets for unnecessarily creating that much distance with Jeno in the first few days.

He changed quickly, organising whatever little mess he had lying around in his room before settling down in his bed and switching on his laptop when the door to his room creaked open and Jeno’s face peeked in.

Donghyuck beckoned him in with his hand, suddenly feeling a little nervous at the prospect of having Jeno this close to him on his bed.

Jeno smiled as he entered, closing the door behind him. He looked good even in his simple t-shirt and sweatpants.

But then, when didn’t he?

“What are we watching?” Jeno asked as settled down beside Donghyuck on his bed, a respectable distance away.

Donghyuck eyed the distance between them before turning to the screen.

“The Terminal?” Donghyuck asked.

“Sounds good.”

Donghyuck pressed play on the movie and settled back against his pillows, feeling amused at how stiffly Jeno was sitting on his bed.

“Jen, relax, actually you know what-” Donghyuck cut himself off, readjusting his pillows to make Jeno more comfortable and also diminished the distance between their bodies.

Jeno just chuckled. “If you wanted to cuddle Hyuck, you could have said so.” He teased.

Donghyuck felt himself flush, he did want to and he hated how obvious he’d been.

“I don’t want to.” He said, scrambling away to put some distance between them only to be pulled flush against Jeno.

“But I want to.” Jeno said to him. “Is that okay?”

More than okay.

Donghyuck’s heart was beating too loudly.

He nodded.

Jeno relaxed behind him, letting his hands wrap around Donghyuck as he rested his head on his shoulder and Donghyuck comfortably leaned back and rested his head on Jeno’s chest.

The movie was practically a blur, Jeno was a warm weight against him and he felt himself getting distracted quite a lot of times in the middle.

“Jen?”

“Yeah?”

“When did we get so comfortable?”

Donghyuck asked, the question had randomly popped up in his head.

He felt Jeno’s chest vibrate with laughter.

“You finally let me in, that’s how.” Jeno said, his smile apparent in his voice.

Donghyuck couldn’t help but smile too. He had.

“But you did too. Let me in.”

Jeno paused for a long while before he left a peck on Donghyuck’s jaw. “I couldn’t have stopped it if I tried to be honest.” Jeno whispered.

Donghyuck felt a sigh escape him.

This was the most honest Jeno had been with him.

“I like spending time with you.” Donghyuck said.

Jeno nuzzled into his neck, the next words he spoke were against Donghyuck’s skin.

“I do, too.”

Donghyuck couldn’t help it, he turned his head sideways and captured Jeno’s lips in a kiss.

Every kiss with Jeno kept getting sweeter, in Donghyuck’s opinion.

But he wondered if that was just his heart softening up for the other.

Jeno smiled against his lips when the kiss broke.

“Getting all soft on me Hyuck?”

Donghyuck laughed and pecked him on the lips, settling against his chest again.

Jeno was right.

Donghyuck was getting all soft on him.

--

When Jeno stirred awake in the morning, he didn’t quite understand why he was in a different room or why there was another person cuddled up next to him.

The he remembered last night and how he’d fallen asleep in the middle of the movie and Donghyuck had just laughed and had asked him to just stay the night in his bed.

So Jeno had.

He looked down to where Donghyuck was tucked into his chest, looking every bit of an angel.

He smiled and caressed his hair.

Donghyuck stirred a little in his sleep and Jeno froze.

“Go back to sleep, Jeno.” Donghyuck grumbled, eyes still closed.

Jeno chuckled. “I’m wide awake though.”

“Then hush and let me sleep.” Doghyuck said.

Jeno smiled, Donghyuck was still wrapped around him like a vice.

He absent-mindedly played with Donghyuck’s baby hair on his nape, reaching down to splay a hand on his waist.

He rubbed a few circles on his waist and Donghyuck stirred again, but then he reached his hand down to put Jeno’s hand under his shirt, eyes still closed.

Jeno went along with it, using his new found permission to caress Donghyuck’s skin, moving up his spine.

God, Donghyuck had such soft skin, Jeno never wanted to stop touching it.

It was when Jeno’s hand played with the drawstring of Donghyuck’s sweatpants that Donghyuck let out a full body shiver against him.

Jeno smirked and rested his hand on Donghyuck’s thigh hearing Donghyuck let out a small whine.

“Not pretending to be asleep anymore?” Jeno asked, lips brushing Donghyuck’s ear.

Donghyuck looked up at him, crashing their lips together without any preamble.

Jeno squeezed Donghyuck’s waist right as the other sucked on his bottom lip making Jeno groan and kiss him harder.

Donghyuck was pressed up against him which made Donghyuck’s erection press right against Jeno’s thigh, he grinded his leg against Donghyuck once which made Donghyuck choke back a moan as his fingers tightened their hold on Jeno’s t-shirt.

“Is this okay?” Jeno asked as he kept rubbing his thigh against Donghyuck’s clothed cock.

Donghyuck moaned. “Yes Jeno, just please-”

Jeno fastened his pace, hands roaming freely on Donghyuck’s body, coming up to play with his nipples.

Donghyuck moaned louder than Jeno had heard him moan.

He sounded downright sinful.

“Feel good, baby?” Jeno whispered.

“Fuck, Jeno, yes.” Donghyuck said, breaths coming out shorter.

“Can I touch?” Jeno asked when he noticed that Donghyuck’s high was fast approaching.

Donghyuck nodded, breathless.

Jeno tapped his fingers on his lips. “Words, baby.”

“Yes Jeno, touch me.” Donghyuck managed to say.

Jeno reached his hand down, lowering Donghyuck’s sweatpants and boxers in one go, taking a hold of his cock, jerking him off, he could tell Donghyuck was close by the high pitched moans the other was letting out.

Jeno latched his mouth onto the sensitive skin of Donghyuck’s neck and Donghyuck’s body arched beautifully agasint him.

“I’m coming-” Donghyuck gasped.

Jeno hummed rucking his shirt up higher, taking a nipple in his mouth next and that was it.

Donghyuck was letting out another moan and coming all over his fingers, his chest heaving from the exertion.

Jeno moved his hand away when Donghyuck shivered with oversensitivity.

“Fuck.” Donghyuck said. “That was....”

Jeno hummed against his neck, peperring kisses all over.

That had been hot, hearing Donghyuck make those sounds and coming undone beneath Jeno’s hands, his body responding that beautifully to Jeno’s ministrations, it was safe to say that this would appear in Jeno’s dreams for a while now.

Jeno’s erection was starting to be painful from where it was restricted by his boxers, he needed to get off.

But he didn’t think he could ask Donghyuck to do that.

So he slowly unlatched himself from Donghyuck, sitting up.

Donghyuck looked at him blearily, pushing him back down on the bed.

“Don’t even think about it.” Donghyuck said, caging Jeno in.

“I didn’t even do anything.”

“You were going to leave and take care of your boner yourself, weren’t you?”

Jeno blushed. He was.

Donghyuck scoffed. “You don’t get to do that, not after giving me such a good orgasm.”

With that, he kissed Jeno again.

He rid Jeno’s lower body of clothes quickly, finally taking his cock in his hand.

Jeno let out a desperate sound, he hadn’t realised how much he’d wanted relief till this moment.

Donghyuck smiled against Jeno’s lips. “I think this is the first time I’ve heard a sound like this from you.” He nibbled on Jeno’s neck. “It’s the hottest thing I’ve heard in a while.”

Jeno closed his eyes, gasping when Donghyuck’s hands started moving faster.

Low moans and gasps were falling on their own accord from Jeno’s mouth now, his hands clutching onto Donghyuck’s hair as his mouth did its own assault on Jeno’s neck and collarbones.

When Donghyuck looked up at him, his eyes were dark with arousal.

“I think I quite like you like this, all desperate.” Donghyuck said. “Can I suck you off?”

Jeno inhaled sharply, letting his head fall back as he tried to regulate his breathing.

“Please, Hyuck.”

Donghyuck hummed, moving down and taking the tip in his mouth before letting it go and giving the head a few kittenish licks.

Jeno groaned. “Fuck, Hyuck stop teasing.”

Donghyuck just smirked, moving his hands devilishly slowly.

Jeno closed his eyes, just the sight of Donghyuck between his legs alone was enough to drive him over the edge.

But then, as if sensing Jeno’s desperation, Donghyuck finally took him in his mouth as far as he could, and sucked.

Jeno moaned.

Fuck. If that didn’t feel amazing.

Donghyuck’s lips and mouth were perfect.

Jeno felt his entire body shiver when Donghyuck hummed around him.

Jeno had been on the edge for too long, he felt his high approach him quickly.

“I’m coming- fuck.” He warned Donghyuck.

Donghyuck pulled off, jerking him off fast, and giving the head a last suck.

And Jeno came, it felt like his orgasm washed over him in waves, he relaxed against the sheets.

Donghyuck joined him, bringing wet wipes and cleaning their hands and stomach before cuddling into Jeno’s neck.

Jeno chuckled. “I can’t believe that happened.”

“Well, your own fault for being this hot.”

Jeno kissed the top of Donghyuck’s head. “Pretty sure you’re the hotter one here.”

Donghyuck nuzzled into his neck further.

“Shut up.”

“Did you even hear yourself baby? Could listen to your moans all day.” Jeno whispered.

Donghyuck shot up from the bed, face flushing.

“I am gonna go take a shower.”

Jeno grinned. “Want me to join?”

Donghyuck threw Jeno’s discarded sweatpants at him, leaving the room.

Jeno chuckled.

He hadn’t expected his morning to start off like this.

But he sure as heck wasn’t complaining.

--

“Hyung, I’ll need you to sign the- wow.”

Donghyuck looked up from his coffee to see Chenle standing beside him.

When had he even entered the cabin?

“What?”

Chenle just looked half smug and half disgusted.

“That is one monster hickey, hyung.”

Donghyuck’s hand instinctively flew up to guard his neck.

He’d forgotten to cover it up in hurry, fuck.

“Have you been going around the office like this all day?” Chenle asked, grin intact on his face.

Donghyuck flushed. “Shut up, I didn’t leave my cabin today.”

Chenle flopped down on the couch. “Well, thank god for that, what would the employees think if they saw their boss traipsing around the office like that?”

Chenle was teasing.

Donghyuck shot him a glare. “Do you ever shut up?”

Chenle shook his head before wiggling his eyebrows. “Who knew you and Jeno hyung could reach this point.”

“Who even said it was Jeno, what if I was with someone else? We decided in the beginning that we could sleep with other people.”

Chenle rose an unimpressed eyebrow. “Oh please, feed that bullshit to someone who hasn’t grown up with you. You are a possessive bitch and Jeno hyung gives off the same vibe.”

Donghyuck felt his ears turn red.

Chenle sighed. “It’s okay Hyung, you don’t have to get all flustered about it or explain anything. I am just glad you and Jeno hyung are getting along in whatever way it might be.”

Donghyuck nodded.

Chenle stood up, leaving a file on Donghyuck’s table. “Sign these papers.”

“Will do.”

Right before leaving, Chenle turned around, smirking.

“I have concealer here, you want to borrow?”

Donghyuck shot him an incredulous look. “Why do you have- I don’t even want to know. Get out.”

Chenle’s cackle could be heard all the way till his own office.

Donghyuck willed himself to calm down.

He and Jeno had gotten each off, that’s it. That wasn’t a big deal.

Donghyuck could totally be chill about this.

But why couldn’t he?

He’d gotten distracted too many times today, blushing just at the memory of being in Jeno’s arms, the events flashing in his mind more often than it should be normal.

He should have more control than this, he’d done these things more times than he could count, he wasn’t a high schooler anymore.

But why did everything feel so different with Jeno?

Maybe because he’s the hottest person you’ve met and he’s good in bed.

His brain added helpfully.

That could be a possibility.

He shot a text to Renjun.

Hey jun

Quick question

Junnie

What

Jeno gave me a handjob and I blew him

But I’m malfunctioning a bit and can’t stop thinking about it

You think it’s because Jeno’s hot and good in bed?

Junnie

……….

about that

(ALSO I NEED MORE CONTEXT BITCH
THE LAST I CHECKED YOU WERE JUST KISSING)

What does that mean

(I THOUGHT WE WERE ONLY KISSING TOO GIVE ME A BREAK)

Junnie

It means you’re a goddamned idiot

(I’m coming over today I don’t fucking care)

…. I did nothing to deserve this slander

(okay)

He hoped Renjun could give him some insight on his own feelings.

After all, he’d always been good at doing that.

--

“You have a hickey.”

Jeno sighed.

“Actually, I have hickeys. Plural.”

Jaemin gasped. “Why?”

“Well you know it happens when you suck the ski-”

Jaemin smacked him on his thigh. “Don’t act over-smart with me.”

“You’re the asking dumb questions.”

“I thought you and Hyuck were just kissing?”

Jeno took a sip of his coffee. “Well, yeah. Things derailed a bit today?”

Jaemin blinked at him.

“Okay I don’t know what happened, we fell asleep together and when we woke up, things got heated and yeah.”

Jaemin was still blinking at him.

“Do you like Donghyuck? Or are you just hooking up with him?” Jaemin said and the paused. “Wait, is that the right term even when you guys are married?”

Jeno looked at him, exasperated.

“I don’t know.” Jeno said. “Some days, I think I’m just attracted to Donghyuck but then on other days, I want to make him breakfast and watch movies with him while cuddling.”

Jaemin nodded. “That sounds confusing, bub.”

“Oh it is. I don’t even know what I’m doing, when I feel like I maybe falling for him, I feel like is it because I truly like him or is it because we’re married and my brain has conditioned me into thinking I should like him.”

Jaemin took another sip. “I don’t think it’s the latter though, like obviously you’d know better but I know you and I know that you won’t let yourself be conditioned like that. If you like Hyuck, it’s completely out of your own free will.”

Jaemin reached out and patted Jeno’s knee. “Feelings can be hard to sort through, so take your time to realise why you’re feeling a certain way and then decide.”

Jeno nodded, smiling at Jaemin.

“And besides, Hyuck is amazing. It won’t be a surprise if you fell for him.”

Jeno chuckled. “He is, isn’t he?”

--

Donghyuck wasn’t expecting Renjun to come over almost at the same time Donghyuck came back from the office but the second he took off his shoes, the doorbell rang.

Donghyuck opened the door to a low-key exasperated looking Renjun and he had brought food if the bags in his hand were anything to go bye.

“This is why I love you.” Donghyuck said, gesturing him in while eyeing the bags of food.

Renjun scoffed, taking off his shoes and walking into the house. “Because I feed you?”

“Among other things.” Donghyuck said. “You really came right when I came back home. What are you? My stalker?”

Renjun rolled his eyes. “You wish, Lee. I just wanted to come here and talk to you as soon as possible so that you wouldn’t chicken out from this conversation.”

“What conversation?” Donghyuck asked, feigning innocence.

Renjun shot him glare. “The conversation about you and Jeno that we are going to have after you’re done getting changed and have gotten proper food in your stomach.”

Donghyuck sighed.

There was no getting out of this one.

But he didn’t mind, actually. Talking to Renjun was always helpful.

He freshened up, got changed into more comfortable clothes and Renjun and him scarfed down all of the food while talking.

If Donghyuck saved some food for Jeno to eat later, Renjun didn’t have to know.

“So.” Renjun started. “Mind giving me a few details as to what happened today?”

Donghyuck fell back on the couch. “It was exactly how I told you, we woke up in bed together and things got heated from there.”

“And what about the not being able to stop thinking about it part of the whole ordeal?”

Donghyuck sighed.

This was where things got… tricky.

“I don’t really know, it’s not like this was my first ever time getting a handjob but I kept getting these flashbacks of everything that happened the entire day and my mind would not stop thinking about Jeno.”

Renjun hummed as if taking in all the information.

“It could be just because I hadn’t really been sexually active for a while so maybe I was more wound up than I realised.” Donghyuck added as an afterthought.

Renjun narrowed his eyes at him. “You really think it’s just that Hyuck?”

Donghyuck shrugged.

The other possibilities were off-limits.

Renjun sighed. “Do you like spending time with Jeno?”

“Yeah, he’s cool. He watches movies with me and listens to me babble about them, cooks for me, cuddles with me whenever I need affection and is just very thoughtful. It’s nice, living with him.” Donghyuck said.

He couldn’t help the small smile that appeared on his face as he talked about Jeno, the other was really just too nice and kind to be true.

Donghyuck had grown to love the time the two of them spent together.

Renjun scoffed at Donghyuck’s reaction. “I have so much to say but I won’t. Do you miss him when he’s away?”

Donghyuck didn’t really know the answer to that.

Did he?

But then he thought back to the week Jeno had been in London and how much Donghyuck had missed his presence around the house.

Around him.

Fuck, he missed him when he was away, didn’t he?

“I guess.” Donghyuck answered, voice small.

“Are you only interested in hooking up with him?” Renjun asked.

This was easy.

Donghyuck could answer this one, he was pretty sure he was only attracted to Jeno sexually.

That’s it.

… right?

In the coming times, whenever Donghyuck would think back to this moment of realisation, he wouldn’t describe it as the world stopping around him.

No.

It was much less dramatic but much more in slow-motion.

He thought back to how everytime they did anything remotely sexual, Donghyuck seeked out Jeno’s embrace almost immediately.

That how some days, Donghyuck didn’t even care that they just cuddled up on the couch and talked about mindless things.

He thought back to seeing Jeno walk out of his room every morning in a half-asleep state and being hopelessly endeared by the other’s gummy smile as he wished him a good morning.

Donghyuck hadn’t realised how, but somewhere in between finding Jeno irresistible and being kissed breathless by the other, he’d developed feelings.

Donghyuck looked at Renjun, panic perhaps palpable in his eyes because Renjun reached out and patted his shoulder.

‘I’m guessing you had a realisation.” Renjun said, voice kind and soft like he was talking to a baby animal.

“Fuck, Jun.” Donghyuck managed to squeak out. “You think I like him?”

“That is not my question to answer Hyuckie, but I’ll tell you this, I’ve seen Jeno and you around each other and it was only a matter of time.” Renjun said, small smile on his face.

Donghyuck had no clue what to do with his newfound realisation so he just sat there.

Renjun pulled on his ear softly. “You better not talk yourself out of liking Jeno.”

Donghyuck whined.

He was already confused and vulnerable, he didn’t need Renjun to call him out.

Before Donghyuck could come up with a reply, the doorbell rang again.

“I’ll go see who it is.” Donghyuck said.

He opened the door to a sheepish looking Jeno.

“Hey, I forgot to take my keys today morning.” Jeno said.

Donghyuck chuckled.

It was good to know that he wasn’t the scatter brained one in this relationship for once.

Donghyuck opened the door further to let Jeno in.

Jeno entered, stopping right in front of Donghyuck as if contemplating something before he leaned down and pressed a kiss to Donghyuck’s lips.

“Hi.” Jeno said, smiling as he withdrew.

Donghyuck’s cheeks were no doubt red. “Hey.”

Before Jeno could do say or do anything that would make Donghyuck want to strangle himself, he blurted out. “Renjun’s here.”

Jeno’s eyes widened a bit in surprised before a smile took over his features. “That’s great. I’ll go say hi.”

With that, Jeno was turning around and walking to the living room leaving Donghyuck to question his entire existence.

He willed himself to calm down, it was just a peck on the lips.

But why did it feel more than that?

He shook the thoughts away and walked to the living room where Jeno and Renjun were laughing at something.

“Wow, I leave you guys for two minutes and you’re suddenly best friends?” Donghyuck teased.

“What are you talking about? I replaced you with Jeno ages ago.” Renjun said, grinning.

Donghyuck rolled his eyes as Jeno laughed, his eyes turning into pretty crescent moons.

“You guys talk, I’ll go change out of these clothes.” Jeno said, standing up and approaching Donghyuck.

“I left some food for you. I can heat it up if you want?” Donghyuck offered, noticing that the other loked tired.

Jeno smiled at him, reaching his hand out to squeeze Donghyuck’s waist lightly. “I’ll heat it up when I want to eat, you have fun with Renjun.”

Donghyuck nodded, a smile of his own appearing on his face.

Jeno left after that and Donghyuck looked at Renjun only to see the other struggling to not smile.

“What?”

Renjun shook his head. “You’re whipped.”

Donghyuck threw a cushion at him. “No I’m not.”

“Dude, you should look at your face when he does anything, it’s funny. But he’s just as whipped so you’re not that embarrassing.”

“Now you’re just being delusional, getting into a relationship has ruined your brain cells Jun.”

Renjun rolled his eyes. “Right, be in denial all you want.”

Donghyuck reached out to pinch his cheeks knowing how much it annoyed the other.

“Also, talking about relationships, I have a date now so I’ll get going.” Renjun said.

Donghyuck whined. “Don’t gooooo.”

Renjun’s eyes softened. “You know if you really want me to be here, I will be.”

“No no dummy, I’m just being a baby. Go, have fun!” Donghyuck said, ushering Renjun out.

Renjun paused at the doorframe. “Think about everything, okay?”

“I will, don’t worry.”

Donghyuck leaned against the door when Renjun left.

It was starting to seem like he had some figuring out to do.

--

“Jaemin was complaining that he hasn’t seen you in ages, said I was hogging you and it wasn’t fair.” Jeno said, chuckling as he dried the dishes and out them back in their racks.

“Chenle also mentioned not seeing you for a while, you think we should all have a get together?” Donghyuck said.

Jeno hummed. “Mark and Jaemin’s anniversary is coming up and he isn’t throwing a party this year, so we could go and give them a surprise?” Jeno offered.

Donghyuck gasped, pausing in the middle of washing the dishes. “Why didn’t you tell me that their anniversary was soon, I have to buy a gift!”

Jeno chuckled. “It’s okay, it’s not that big a deal.”

“But it is!” Donghyuck whined.

Jeno smiled, he thought it was cute how Donghyuck cared about Jeno’s friends’ special days like this too.

“You can still buy them a gift, their anniversary is next week.”

“That is not enough time but I’ll figure something out.” Donghyuck grumbled.

“I’m sure you will. How are Chenle and Ningning?”

“As grossly in love as always. I don’t know why Chenle hasn’t proposed yet, I swear the boy knew he was going to get married to Ningning from the first second he saw her.”

Jeno chuckled. “Yeah those two are a perfect match.”

“Renjun seems to be happy with Jisung too.” Donghyuck added.

Jeno scoffed. “Don’t even get me started on Jisung. He’s as professional as always on the surface level but I swear I can feel his happiness vibrate off of him in waves.”

Donghyuck laughed. “He’s so cute, I see why Renjun likes him.”

Donghyuck and Jeno were done doing the dishes.

“Is Renjun okay by the way? Not like he needs to not be okay for him to come visit you but I thought I’d ask.” Jeno said.

“Oh, he’s fine, don’t worry.” Donghyuck told him.

Jeno nodded.

He clenched and unclenched his fists, he knew that it was getting late and he should retire to bed now if he didn’t want to half dead at work tomorrow but the thought of sleeping alone again was making him fidgety.

It had been wonderful to sleep with Donghyuck cuddled up next to him and it had been even more amazing to wake up next to the other.

But Jeno didn’t know if he could actually ask Donghyuck if they could sleep together again, he didn’t want to put the other in an uncomfortable situation, so he sighed.

“I guess I’ll go to bed now.” Jeno said.

Donghyuck looked up at him as if brought back from a trance of his own.

“Oh, yeah. It’s getting late, we should sleep.” Donghyuck replied.

Jeno nodded, turning around to go to his own room.

But he was stopped by a pair of arms hugging him from behind. Jeno tried not to smile.

“What’s up?”

Dongyuck nuzzled into Jeno’s nape. “You can say no obviously but I was wondering if we could sleep together today too?”

Jeno smiled, bringing Donghyuck’s hand up and kissing the back of it. “I thought you’d never ask.”

He could feel Donghyuck’s smile against the back of his neck so he had no choice but to turn around in his embrace to capture that smile with his own lips.

--

“So we’re just supposed to ring the bell and shout surprise when one of them opens the door?” Renjun said, looking unsure and unimpressed.

“This is so not well-planned, what if they’re having anniversary sex and we’re just barging in on that.” Ningning said.

Jeno spoke up, “I texted Jaem when we were on our way here and he said he was just baking the cake so we’re safe.”

“Are we going to stand here all day?” Chenle said.

Donghyuck agreed with that sentiment so he rang the bell.

They heard a distant ‘coming!’ from inside the house and then the door was being opened.

Jaemin’s face went from surprise to glee really quick.

“Surprise!” they all chorused and Jaemin’s smile became even bigger. “Oh my god you guys!”

Donghyuck couldn’t help the grin spreading on his own face, Jaemin’s happiness was contagious.

“Happy anniversary.” Renjun said, smiling.

Jaemin laughed and ushered them all in. “I was totally not expecting this what the fuck.”

“It was Jeno hyung’s idea, we just went with it.” Chenle said, grinning.

Jaemin’s eyes twinkled as he turned to Jeno and pulled him into a hug.

Jeno chuckled and patted his back. “I know you said that you didn’t want a party, I hope you don’t mind.”

“Are you kidding? I love this!” Jaemin said.

“Where’s Mark?” Donghyuck said.

“How many times do I have to ask you to call me hyung you brat.” Mark said, appearing with a smile on his face. “You guys are all here, wow. This is such a good surprise.”

“Right?!” Jaemin said. “Come on in now, let’s sit.”

They all went in and sat down on the couch.

Jaemin squished Jisung’s cheek in the process. “I haven’t seen you in so long!”

Jisunf blushed. “Happy Anniversary Hyung.”

Jaemin smiled, ruffling his hair.

“We didn’t intrude on anything right?” Ningning chirped.

Mark laughed. “Not at all, Jaemin was in the middle of his self-imposed bake-off challenge and I had to help him in it, so you’re doing me a favour really.”

“You just sounded so disgustingly domestic right now.” Chenle made a face.

“Baby, it is their marriage anniversary.” Ningning said, laughing.

“How have all of you been? Not Jeno, I hear enough from him but the rest of you.” Jaemin said.

Jeno rolled his eyes.

“We’re good! I did kind of miss you, is that weird to say?” Chenle said, confused.

Mark chuckled. “We missed you too, let’s not go this long without meeting again.”

“How was your and Ningning’s trip?” Jaemin asked.

Chenle brightened up, so did Ningning.

“It was amazing! We had a lot of fun and ate so many delicious dishes!” Ningning said.

Donghyuck leaned towards Jeno. “Bet you a hundred dollars that’s not all they did.” He whispered.

Jeno gave him an amused smile.

“But we come back from the trip and Renjun and Jisung are suddenly together.” Chenle said.

“About fucking time.” Donghyuck said.

Both Renjun and Jisung blushed at that.

“How is your honeymoon phase going then?” Jaemin asked, eyes sparkling, eyeing Renjun and Jisung intertwined hands.

“It’s been good.” Renjun replied.

“And Jisung? What about you? Renjun treating you well?” Mark asked.

Jisung shyly nodded. “Renjun hyung’s amazing.”

Renjun’s smile widened a fraction at that.

Donghyuck was so happy for them. He hoped they’d always be like this, happy and in love.

“And what about the other married couple here?”

All eyes turned to them and Donghyuck found himself fidgeting a little bit under the attention.

“We’re okay Jaem, stop terrorising everyone.” Jeno said.

Jaemin whined. “I’m just asking because I missed Hyuck.”

Donghyuck smiled at that.

He’d missed the other boy’s infectious energy too.

“We all really did become one huge group of friends because of these two getting married, wow.” Renjun said.

“I know right? I’m so glad it happened.” Chenle said.

“You guys are great to be around.” Ningning spoke up, smiling brightly.

Donghyuck could see everyone’s eyes turning fond at her admission.

“And I’m so glad we have Jisung!” Chenle said and put his hand across Jisung’s shoulder who laughed at him.

“Always a menace, Lele.” Jisung grinned at him and Chenle grinned right back.

Donghyuck was happy.

Everyone in this room were people Donghyuck felt genuinely happy around, he hadn’t known Jeno, Jaemin and Jisung for that long but he knew that those three would always be three of the best human beings he had ever known.

He must have zoned out for a while because he was brought back from his trance by Jeno softly squeezing his hand.

“Hey, you okay?” Jeno asked him, soft smile on his face as he looked at Donghyuck.

And how Donghyuck wished to lean forward to kiss him.

His affection for Jeno had been through the roof ever since the two of them sleeping in one bed every night had become a common occurrence, he was more clingy and affectionate with Jeno and holding himself back today would turn out to be a difficult feat to achieve.

“I’m fine.” Donghyuck said, mirroring his smile.

The evening was full of fun, laughter, dancing and singing at the top of their lungs, everything that made Donghyuck smile ear to ear and feel light-hearted.

He hugged Jaemin tightly on his way out, surprising the other because Donghyuck had never been this openly affectionate with him.

But Jaemin hugged him back. “Thanks for coming Hyuckie.” Jaemin said, a smile apparent in his voice.

Donghyuck broke the hug, smiling at the other widely. “Let’s have lunch together sometime.”

Jaemin nodded. “Definitely.”

Donghyuck hugged Mark next. “You’ve gotten better at accepting hugs than back in college.” He teased.

Mark chuckled. “I married a very affectionate person, I had to.”

Donghyuck smiled up at him. “I’ll hope to celebrate your 50^th anniversary as well so you guys better stay together.”

“Now that is a threat I can abide by.” Mark teased. “Don’t be a stranger Hyuck, let’s meet up soon yeah?”

Donghyuck nodded.

“Ready to go Hyuck?” Jeno asked.

“Yup.”

They bid their final goodbyes to the couple and left.

“You got really close to Jaemin tonight.” Jeno said when they reached home.

Donghyuck chuckled while popping the first two buttons of his shirt open, loosening up.

“Yeah, he’s nice and his happiness is contagious.” Donghyuck said, drinking water.

Jeno scoffed. “Wait till his niceness wears off.”

“You always talk like you wouldn’t kill for Jaemin.”

Jeno looked at him, sheepish. “Did I get caught?”

Donghyuck laughed, feeling endearment swell in him.

He kept the bottle of water on the table and made a split second decision.

He walked up to Jeno, who looked confused at the sudden determination on Donghyuck’s face, and kissed him.

It was a short kiss, a small peck really.

“Wanted to do that all evening.” He murmured against Jeno’s lips.

Jeno’s lips stretched into a smile, putting his arms around Donghyuck’s waist to pull him closer.

“Wanted to do that all evening and still all I get is a peck?” Jeno said.

Donghyuck smiled and kissed him again.

Donghyuck didn’t know where the neediness was coming from, but his hands would not stop roaming on Jeno’s torso and back, pulling him closer even though their bodies were already pressed together.

He let out a whine when Jeno pulled back from the kiss and immediately felt bashful that he’d let himself be that far gone.

Jeno rested his forehead against his, chuckling a bit.

Donghyuck felt his ears redden knowing that Jeno had felt him being desperate and needy.

“I’m sorry.” Donghyuck heard himself say.

Jeno immediately shushed him, cupping his cheeks and kissing his cheek and then his lips once. “Baby, don’t be sorry for anything.”

Donghyuck felt an electric tinge go up his entire body at the pet name and the soft way Jeno had said it.

“Are you okay? Do you need anything?” Jeno asked, voice still soft as he kept caressing Donghyuck’s cheeks.

Jeno being this indulgent and soft with him was not helping Donghyuck’s neediness at all.

He had no idea why he wanted Jeno so bad and what had suddenly changed but he just wanted to drown in Jeno and his touch that night.

And something told him that it would not be too much to ask for.

“You.” Donghyuck whispered. “I want you.”

Jeno’s breath audibly hitched as he let the words wash over him, his eyes closing on their own accord.

And when he blinked them open, his eyes were dark, a look that made Donghyuck shiver.

“You don’t know how long I’ve wanted to hear you say that.” Jeno finally said.

With that, he closed the distance between their lips again.

‘Yeah’ Donghyuck thought. ‘Definitely not too much to ask for.’

--

Donghyuck looked up at Mark who was watching him with mischief twinkling in his eyes.

Donghyuck rolled his eyes. “What? Spit it out already.”

Mark chuckled. “I think it’s cute how you think just sitting there not talking about it is going to make it any less real.”

Did anything go past this guy?

“I have no clue what you’re talking about.”

Mark scoffed. “Yeah right, you called me here to talk to me in the middle of the day when you have a hundred meetings just to sit there and talk to me about the weather.”

“How did you know you loved Jaemin?” Donghyuck asked.

Mark clearly understood what the other was trying to get at but he let him get away with it for now, and Donghyuck was grateful.

“It started feeling like something was missing on the days I didn’t get to see him, I started feeling like I’d do anything if that meant I’d wake up to Jaemin the next morning,” Mark paused, chuckling. “I started liking coffee, even though I’d hated it all my life.”

Donghyuck smiled at Mark’s words.

The kind of love those two shared was one for the books, Donghyuck was lucky to witness it up close.

“Well, I knew that life would go on if he didn’t love me back and I had to move on, but I couldn’t help but think how life would make a lot more sense with Jaemin beside me.” Mark finished, smiling at Donghyuck.

“You make love sound like the most beautiful thing on this planet and it low-key disgusts me.” Donghyuck said, even though he was smiling.

Mark rolled his eyes. “Coming from a hopeless romantic like you, those words mean absolutely nothing.”

“Anyway, what is this really about?” Mark continued.

“Nothing, I was just curious.”

Mark stared at him, looking one second away from asking questions but then he nodded.

“I hope it helped then, with whatever you needed help figuring out.”

Donghyuck threw a napkin at Mark. “You need to stop reading me so well, I did not remember giving you consent.”

Mark laughed. “Not my problem you’ve always been an open book.”

Donghyuck knew that he was only an open book to a handful of people, and Mark had always been at the top of the list.

--

“I do not remember keeping this plant here.” Donghyuck said when he saw a plant on their window sill.

Jeno laughed. “That’s because I put it there, somebody gifted Jaemin a plant and he gave it to me, saying he had a lot of them at home.”

Then, Jeno walked over to him, patting his head. “Welcome home.”

Donghyuck made a face. “What am I? A dog?”

Jeno smiled, he loved when Donghyuck got pouty. “A very cute one.”

“You’re the one who looks like a Samoyed puppy.” Donghyuck said, ruffling up Jeno’s hair.

Jeno smiled and rested his forehead on top of Donghyuck’s head. “How was your day?”

“Hectic, as usual, dad called me today.”

Jeno flinched, their parents calling them was never a good sign.

“What did he say?”

“He asked me how were things with you, and if I was trying at all to make this marriage work,” Donghyuck said, rolling his eyes. “And then mom chimed in and asked if we’d started sharing a room.”

Jeno couldn’t help but sigh. “For people who just wanted this marriage for an alliance, our parents sure are nosy.”

“I know right? Like, I don’t even understand why they care.”

Jeno hummed, drawing circles on Donghyuck’s waist.

He’d been thinking to ask Donghyuck how he felt about just sharing a room, them staying in each other’s rooms had become increasingly common in the last month.

“How do you feel about sharing a room?” Jeno asked.

Donghyuck froze up for a second, and then relaxed.

“I think that’s a great idea.”

Jeno smiled, kissing the top of Donghyuck’s head. “Great.”

Disgusting. Just tell him you love him coward. A voice that sounded a lot like Jaemin said in his head.

He ignored it.

--

Being from the background that they were from, corporate parties were almost as normal as breathing.

But today was a special day, Renjun’s father was officially handing the CEO position of the company to Renjun.

Donghyuck was almost vibrating in his shoes the whole day.

That was his best friend!

And he was so proud of him.

Jeno laughed as Donghyuck pulled on his arm a little too hurriedly.

“Calm down babe, I’d be useless if you tear my arm off.” Jeno said, teasing.

Donghyuck immediately blushed, letting Jeno’s arm go. “Sorry.”

Jeno clicked his tongue, flicking Donghyuck’s forehead.

Then he took his hand in his. “Let’s go.”

They entered the hall together, too many people had gathered there and it was to be expected, Huang Enterprises was after all, one of the biggest companies in China and Korea.

Donghyuck quickly scanned the crowd the best he could in hopes of finding Renjun.

“There he is.” Donghyuck said.

“Let’s go congratulate him then.”

They walked over to where Renjun was standing, his entire body language shy as his father praised him in front of two other men.

Donghyuck almost laughed, god, Renjun really couldn’t handle compliments.

Donghyuck walked over to the group of men and overheard, “He’s proven over and over again why the company would be safe in his hands.”

Donghyuck grinned. “I agree, Renjun really is the most qualified one for this position and the responsibilities.”

Renjun turned to him, glaring as Renjun’s father laughed and clapped Donghyuck on his back. “About time you showed up Hyuck, you’re the only one who can loosen Renjun up enough and make sure he has fun. Today is his day after all.”

Donghyuck chuckled. “Don’t worry Uncle, I’ll ensure Jun has fun.”

He looped his arm through Renjun’s. “I’ll borrow him now.”

They walked away when Renjun’s father waved them off.

“Do you really need to embarrass me further?” Renjun hissed when they reached where Donghyuck had left Jeno.

“I can’t even compliment you? Wow. You’re my best friend and I’m proud of you, I could shout it from the rooftops!” Donghyuck said, having Renjun glare at him.

“Shut up, oh my god.” Renjun said, but he was fighting a smile off his face.

Jeno smiled. “Congratulations Renjun, you deserve this.”

“Thank you.” Renjun smiled back at him.

“Do you have a drink? I’m supposed to be ensuring that you’re having a good time.” Donghyuck said.

“I have a drink Hyuck, chill.”

“And where is your boyfriend?”

“He’s somewhere with Chenle and Ningning, I sent him away so that he didn’t have to deal with any of those stuffy businessmen in suits.”

Donghyuck laughed. “For the umpteenth time Jun, we are the stuffy businessmen in suits.”

Renjun looked down at their attires and chuckled. “Shit, you’re right.”

Jeno shook his head at their antics. “Where are the others anyway?”

“Jaemin got tired of mark socialising so he must be sulking somewhere in a corne-”

“I was not sulking!” Jaemin said, joining them.

“You so were, dude.” Mark said, joining them too.

“People tire me the fuck out, I’m here for Junnie anyway.” Jaemin said.

Renjun smiled. “But seriously guys, thank you so much for being here, it does wonders to ease my nerves.”

“I’m sure it does gege.” Chenle said, a teasing lilt to his voice when he, Jisung and Ningning joined their little circle too.

“We came to deposit your boyfriend back to you, he kept looking in this direction.” Ningning chirped.

Renjun and Jisung blushed but Renjun pulled Jisung to his side and pressed a kiss to his temple anyway.

Donghyuck smiled. Renjun really thrived when he had his favourite people around him.

He felt an arm snake around his waist. He smiled and looked at Jeno.

“You want a drink?” Jeno asked.

Donghyuck shook his head. “Maybe later?”

Jeno nodded, smiling.

Donghyuck looked away to find Chenle, Renjun and Jaemin eyeing him.

He rolled his eyes. Those three needed to chill out for a second.

“Your best friend’s giving me the stank eye.” Donghyuck said, amused.

Jeno laughed. “Well, if it helps, your best friend is giving me the stank eye.”

“Maybe we should only keep Mark and Jisung around.”

Jeno laughed. “Maybe.”

Mark left right after that, being summoned by Jaemin’s father sor something.

“Oh Yangyang hi!” Renjun suddenly said, his eyes focused on someone behind Donghyuck.

Jeno’s hands tightened on Donghyuck’s waist and Donghyuck resisted the urge to snicker.

Chenle had been right, why they both thought that the whole sleeping with other people thing would work for them was beyond Donghyuck.

But instead of Yangyang joining them, Renjun was the one who went up to him to talk instead, taking Jisung with him.

Maybe he’d picked up on the sudden tension in Jeno’s shoulders.

Renjun had always been perceptive like that.

“Jen, you think you can come with me for a second? I need to talk to you about something.” Jaemin said to Jeno, shooting Donghyuck an apologetic smile. ‘I’m sorry, I’ll bring him right back.”

Donghyuck smiled and waved them away.

Chenle and Ningning immediately sidled up to Donghyuck.

“So, what changed?” Ningning asked.

Chenle scoffed. “They had sex, duh.”

Donghyuck sputtered. “Jesus, kid. Do you have no filter or shame?”

Chenle shrugged. Ningning laughed. “But that is not all that happened though, you guys are lovey dovey now.”

Donghyuck paused. They were?

Is that how they appeared to the other people? Donghyuck hadn’t realised because that’s the way they were with each other normally.

“We aren’t. We’re just closer now, I guess.” 

Ningning scoffed. “You’re more oblivious than those main characters of the dramas Chenle keeps watching.”

Donghyuck lightly pulled on her ear. “You’re such a brat Ning.”

Ningning just grinned. “But why drag it out though, you obviously have feelings for him.”

“Donghyuck hyung likes to make his life angsty for fun.” Chenle said.

These kids.

“Are we talking about Donghyuck’s crush on Jeno?” Renjun said, reappearing.

“Don’t put it like that the fuck, I’m not in middle school.”

“Then stop acting like it.” Renjun said.

Well, ouch.

He looked at Jisung for some relief. The other just squirmed.

“I mean, it is getting pretty ridiculous hyung.” Jisung said, smiling sheepishly.

“Aha!” Chenle said, high fiving Jisung.

“It’s like both of you are waiting for the other shoe to drop, just go ahead and confess already.” Ningning said.

“You guys are already married for fuck’s sake, what can even go wrong?” Renjun said.

“Uh, everything? He might not like me back and then we’d be awkward as heck.”

Jisung cleared his throat. “I don’t think Jeno hyung doesn’t reciprocate your feelings hyung, so don’t worry about that.”

“See?” Chenle said.

“Okay fine! You guys can shut up now.” Donghyuck said.

Jeno came back at that moment, and their friends thankfully shut up.

The night dragged on after that, like most parties did. Donghyuck stayed by Jeno’s side for most of the night atleast when neither of them were being accosted by some other businessmen or shareholders.

When the party came to a close, Renjun dragged himself over to Donghyuck. “I feel like I have died.”

Donghyuck chuckled, fond as he put an arm around Renjun. “At least it’s over now.”

Jeno offered Renjun the drink that he had in his hand and Renjun downed it in one go.

Jeno laughed. “Easy, tiger.”

Renjun sighed. “Sorry, I’m just tired.”

Donghyuck knew that it must have been tiring for Renjun especially knowing he didn’t deal well with the spotlight being on him, much less for this long.

“The party’s over anyway, most of the guests are leaving, I think you should go home, cuddle with Jisung for a bit and sleep.” Donghyuck suggested, gently massaging Renjun’s shoulder.

“I need to find Jisung first, I feel so bad, I couldn’t even be with him at all today.” Renjun said.

“He probably understands Renjun, and he had a very fun time with Chenle and Ningning so he wasn’t even lonely.” Jeno said, smiling at Renjun.

Renjun gave him a soft smile in return.

“I should go find him and then maybe I really should just go home and rest.” Renjun said. “Thank you guys for coming, really.” Renjun said, squeezing both of their hands.

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world Junnie.” Donghyuck said, pressing a cheeky kiss on Renjun’s cheek as the other laughed and walked away.

“Guess it’s just the two of us.” Donghyuck said, turning towards Jeno.

Jeno chuckled. “Want to head back home?”

“We should, it’s getting late.”

“Let’s go say bye to the others then.”

They found Mark and Jaemin first, huddled together and smiling very broadly at each other.

They immediately straightened up when Jeno and Donghyuck approached them.

“What were you two so happy about?” Jeno asked.

Mark chuckled, nervously. “Nothing, it was nothing.”

Donghyuck scoffed. “Hopeless.”

Jaemin smiled at the two of them. “You’ll know.”

And if that wasn’t a cryptic answer.

“Leaving for the night?” Mark asked.

Jeno nodded.

“Okay, we’re leaving too.”

Then Jaemin and Mark made eye contact for a second.

And then Jaemin looked back at the two of them. “We’re having a dinner at our house on Friday, you think you guys can make it?”

Donghyuck didn’t know Jaemin that well but he could tell that Jaemin was vibrating with excitement.

Maybe he had an announcement or something.

Donghyuck nodded. “Yeah I’m free that day. Jen?”

Jeno nodded too. “Yeah, we can make it.”

Mark grinned at them. “Okay good!”

Donghyuck looked at Jeno, silently asking if he knew what this was about but Jeno’s resulting shrug was answer enough that he didn’t.

--

“Jaemin and Mark are acting so weird.” Jeno heard Donghyuck say.

Jeno chuckled, burrowing himself further in Donghyuck’s neck. “They’re weird, don’t think about them too much.”

They were cuddled up in bed together, ready to fall asleep.

Donghyuck’s hands were drawing circles on Jeno’s back and it felt calming.

Jeno knew that their relationship had shifted, they couldn’t fool themselves anymore.

Jeno knew what he felt for Donghyuck was starting to look a lot like love, wanting to be with him all the time, thinking of things to do that would make Donghyuck smile, wanting to take care of him and have him take care of Jeno too.

The shift had been almost natural for Jeno, no earth shattering realisations had happened. Instead, the entire feeling had been that of warmth and comfort, maybe Donghyuck’s mere presence did that to Jeno.

“I just hope it’s something good.” Donghyuck said, and Jeno was brought back from his reverie.

“It is, did you see the way they were smiling?” Jeno said against the skin of Donghyuck’s neck, smiling when Donghyuck shivered.

Donghyuck hummed.

Jeno pressed a kiss to Donghyuck’s neck, cuddling him closer.

“You sleepy yet?”

“Yeah.” Donghyuck muttered.

Jeno reached his hand out to turn the table lamp off, shrouding the room in darkness.

Jeno knew that he had to tell Donghyuck about his feelings, but everything felt perfect already.

The lines, after all, were really blurred, if you were already married.

--

“The curiosity is killing me.” Chenle whined.

They were all at Jaemin and Mark’s house for dinner and they had still not stopped acting weird.

Jeno was out of loop of this whole thing as well, and he’d be lying if he said that he didn’t feel at least a bit offended.

Jaemin and Mark were his best friends, what even.

“Same, can you guys just say it already.” Donghyuck complained too.

Jaemin and Mark just looked amused, as they had looked for the better part of the night.

“It’s like they are enjoying this now.” Renjun grumbled.

Jaemin laughed. “Okay fine, don’t get all pouty now, all of you.”

“Well, me and Jaemin just wanted you all here today because we kind of need to announce something.”

Jeno narrowed his eyes.

No way-

“We’re adopting.”

The room descended into eerie silence, none of them had expected this after all.

Jeno was the one to go up to them and hug them both, laughing. “Congratulations, what the fuck.”

He pulled back to ruffle Jaemin’s hair. “So you finally made up your mind, huh?”

Jaemin grinned. “Yes.”

Jeno smiled at him and then at Mark who looked over the moon. “I’m so happy for you two, you’ll be such amazing parents.”

The rest of the room were still shocked but then Chenle and Renjun shrieked. “Oh my god!”

They hugged Mark and Jaemin too. “This is so amazing!”

Ningning joined soon, tears in her eyes. “Fuck, this is making me so emotional.”

Jaemin smiled and ruffled her hair.

Jisung approached them too. “Congratulations hyungs.”

They beamed up at him.

Jesus, Jeno could cry from how happy he was right now.

This new chapter of their lives would be beautiful.

Donghyuck approached them last, hugging Mark so tightly that Mark gasped but laughed and hugged him back.

“I can’t believe this, fuck.” He mumbled.

Mark hummed. “Me either.”

Donghyuck hugged Jaemin next. “If I’m not your kid’s favourite uncle, I’m going on a strike.”

“Excuse me, I’m right here.” Jeno said.

“No.”

Jeno rolled his eyes.

“I’ll be the favourite uncle, you all can keep crying.” Chenle said, haughtily.

Jisung and Renjun just looked on with amusement.

Jaemin spoke up then, teary eyed but so so happy. “You all are the best.”

Jeno could see Donghyuck’s bottom lip wobble too as he shouted. “Group hug!”

When they broke apart, Chenle cleared his throat. “I had an announcement too.”

Ningning face palmed. “Not here babe, it’s Jaemin and Mark’s day.”

“Bullshit, that doesn’t mean you guys can’t say anything.” Jaemin said. “What’s up?”

Chenle went up to Ningning, pressing a kiss on her temple as she blushed.

“We’re engaged.” Chenle said.

The room descended into silence again.

“I think I’m going to have a heart attack.” Jisung quietly mumbled.

“WHAT.” Jaemin said.

“ZHONG CHENLE WHY DID I NOT KNOW THIS.” Donghyuck yelled.

Jeno couldn’t help the laughter that bubbled out of him. God they were all ridiculous.

And this day was turning out to be chaotic.

“I proposed just yesterday.” Chenle said, sheepish.

Donghyuck took him in a headlock while Jaemin and Jisung congratulated Ningning, fawning over her ring.

Jeno and Mark went over to them and congratulated them too while Renjun was suspiciously sniffing.

Chenle rolled his eyes. “Ge, literally you were the only one who knew about this, why are you crying?”

Renjun shook his head. “You’re just all grown up.”

Chenle’s eyes softened as he hugged Renjun, Ningning joined them. “Welcome to the family Ning.” Renjun said.

Ningning smiled.

Jeno could see tears in Donghyuck’s eyes as well.

He pushed him towards Renjun and Chenle, who welcomed him into the hug with open arms.

Jeno knew that Donghyuck saw Chenle as his younger brother too, this must be an emotional moment for him too.

He went up to Jaemin. “I’m really glad you decided to adopt.”

Jaemin hummed. “I am, too. Mark cried when I told him.”

Jeno chuckled. “Of course he did.”

Jaemin hugged Jeno then. “Thank you.”

Jeno made an inquisitive sound.

“For being my best friend.” Jaemin said.

Jeno smiled, hugging Jaemin back tighter.

He met Mark’s eyes and smiled.

Today was a good day.

--

“I can’t believe Chenle didn’t tell me that he proposed to Ningning.” Donghyuck said, the moment they entered home.

He wasn’t actually as offended as he pretended to be for the dramatics but well, he was still offended.

Jeno laughed. “Well, Jaemin didn’t tell me about the adoption so if that makes you feel any better.”

Donghyuck huffed as he sat down on the couch, Jeno sitting down beside him.

“I can’t believe Chenle’s getting married, wow.” Donghyuck said.

Chenle was his baby, when had he gotten so big?

Jeno nodded. “Yeah, but Ningning and him are so good together, I’m happy for them. Renjun seemed to be very emotional.”

Donghyuck chuckled. “Yeah, Junnie’s very soft for Chenle, he thinks Chenle is his real sibling you know? Obviously him getting married is going to him sob like a baby.”

Jeno smiled and reached out to caress Donghyuck’s head. Donghyuck leaned into his touch, and let his eyes all closed.

“Everyone was so happy today.” Jeno mused.

Donghyuck let out a hum. “Yeah, I love seeing them so happy.”

“Can’t believe our friends really merged together like this.”

Donghyuck smiled. “They seem to get along so well.”

“I’m glad I met you.” Jeno said, pressing a soft kiss to Donghyuck’s cheek.

Donghyuck felt warmth run all over his body as he looked up at Jeno, cupped his cheeks and kissed him.

Kissing Jeno always felt right. Like this is what Donghyuck was supposed to be doing, like he didn’t know why he hadn’t been doing this all along.

Donghyuck remembers feeling like the world came crashing down on him when his parents had told him about the arranged marriage, but who knew he’d get the best thing in his life out of it.

He caressed the side of Jeno’s face, pressing kisses to his cheeks and forehead, smiling at the way Jeno’s nose crinkled up when he kissed his eyelids.

And then, saying it was as easy as telling a mere fact would be, “I’m in love with you.”

Jeno’s eyes shot open, and Donghyuck thought his eyes were the most beautiful eyes he’d ever seen.

And for some reason, even though he had no clue how Jeno felt towards him, he wasn’t afraid.

He was just full of love and adoration.

Jeno smiled, kissing Donghyuck softly on his lips once.

“And I’m in love with you.”

A smile made its way to Donghyuck’s lips as he hugged Jeno, nuzzling into his neck.

He didn’t plan on this in the least. He’d thought that it’d be good if he and Jeno at least got along, but somewhere in these months, he’d fallen in love.

And he wouldn’t change a thing.

“So where do we go from here? You’re my husband already.” Jeno said, teasing.

Donghyuck chuckled. “We can’t be boyfriends and date.” He pouted.

Jeno smiled. “I’d still wine and dine you baby.”

Donghyuck grinned back. “You better.”

--

“It’s like these two cannot even see us here.”

Donghyuck rolled his eyes. “You were the one who wanted me to confess Renjun, now suck up and deal.”

Chenle scrunched his nose. “But you guys are so gross now.”

Jaemin sighed. “Young love.”

“I’ll never understand your fixation on making us sound like we’re 60.” Mark said, amused.

“I’m just glad you both finally got your shit together.” Ningning said.

“Yeah, about fucking time.” Jisung grumbled.

Jeno gasped. “What did you do to my sweet assistant?”

Chenle cackled. “He’s finally realising how ridiculous we really are underneath out fancy clothes.”

“Yeah, you guys are a mess.” Jisung said.

“I blame Renjun for this.” Donghyuck said.

Renjun just scoffed, kissing Jisung’s cheek.

“This is not gross?!” Donghyuck said.

“No, Jisung is cute, we can’t call him gross.” Jaemin said.

“This is blatant favouritism.” Donghyuck mumbled.

“So wait, does this mean you guys are in an established marriage now?” Ningning said.

“I think we were established since the day we got married.” Jeno said, amused.

“Yeah maybe, but it’s your hearts that count.” Ningning said, nodding.

“Babe, you’re smart.” Chenle said, patting Ningning’s head.

Jeno hid his laughter in Donghyuck’s shoulder while Donghyuck threw a pillow at Chenle. “When are you two brats getting married?”

“Next summer, maybe?”

“I hope you know I expect to be best man.” Renjun said.

Donghyuck scoffed. “You’re not even a good man, let alone the best man. And besides, what am I? Chopped liver.”

“Hey, I might just go crazy and make Mark my best man, don’t get ahead of yourselves.” Chenle said.

Mark and he highfived.

Ningning made a face. “I have a feeling wedding preparations are going to be chaotic.”

Jaemin laughed. “Oh honey, have you met us? Of course it’s going to be chaotic.”

“I’m glad I know you guys, everything ended up working together in the end.” Donghyuck spoke up.

“Yeah, I told you to not be negative when the marriage was first announced.” Renjun said.

“But yeah, I’m glad I know everyone in this room right now.” Jaemin said.

“I’m happy too.” Jisung admitted, shy.

Everyone cooed over Jisung as he tried to bat away the hands trying to pinch his cheeks.

Jeno smiled as he hugged Donghyuck closer, and looked around the room.

Sometimes, the weirdest things ended up making the most sense in the end.

And getting married to Donghyuck ended up being one of them.

“Hey, you with me?” Donghyuck asked, seeing Jeno a bit dazed out.

Jeno smiled, kissing his lips once. “Always.”

--