Archive of Our Own

“Finally, we’re home.”

That’s the first thing Jaemin has ever heard as he takes off his AirPods and puts them back in its case. He immediately stepped out of the car and right in front of him, he saw their old house. Jaemin just returned to his childhood hometown because his parents decided to stay there for good as they are already financially stable and secure.

Jaemin noticed the changes in their whole neighborhood now, far different from his childhood memory of it. He clutched the strap of his backpack slinging on his right shoulder as he heaved a deep sigh—finally, home sweet home.

After helping his parents clean up their old house, he decided to see the whole neighborhood. As he roams around, he doesn’t know if it’s coincidental or fate as he sees his childhood friend who he secretly had a crush on when they were still kids. 

As he lets out a soft chuckle, he decides to look closer to affirm whether it is his childhood friend or not. As he stepped closer, it was no other than Renjun, who was above a tree, looking like he was calling for something. “You never changed.” It was quite audible enough for the small boy that made him to avert his attention slowly. 

He was surprised at first which made Jaemin bite his lower lip, hiding his smile but later on the smaller rolled his eyes at him and went back to what he was doing. Taken aback, Jaemin wondered why the older one did that. The last time he remembers, before he left their town to move out, they were still good, heck Renjun even bid him goodbye! 

So why?

He mentally shook his head and looked once again at the older. Renjun still couldn't find or reach for what he was looking for, so Jaemin decided to ask, “What are you looking for up there?”

“It’s none of your business.” He replied monotonously and with a bit of hostility.

“Can I help you?” He offered but the older one just shook his head. “Nah, I’m good. The thing you can do for me is to leave me alone.”

With his patience wearing thin, Jaemin is starting to get pissed off, “Why are you so rude? Look, I’m just trying to help you as any normal person would do to anyone they see above a huge tree!"

“I don’t need your help—” Renjun stopped when a white chunky fluff ball suddenly appeared from the thickness of leaves. Its eyes are round like boba balls and when it started to walk, it looked like a walking cloud, “Lily, come here baby!” He calls for the cat, however, it doesn't give him any glimpse at all and just jumps out of the tree and walks his way to Jaemin. 

With what he just saw, Renjun dramatically gasped, “Lily! Don’t come near people you don’t know! They’re dangerous!” he yelled while struggling to come down on the tree. His one leg dangling on the bush as he tries to come down.

Jaemin bends down to pet the white, fluffy cat that made its tail wiggle, “Hi there whiskers, nice to meet you.” and he even held its paw to shake hands with.

When Renjun successfully got off the tree (thanking the heavens as we speak) he immediately ran his way to the guy who’s now cooing his child (his cat actually.)

“Lily! I said don’t talk to strangers!”

Jaemin faced him with his forehead creased, “Stranger? We’re literally childhood friends, Renjun.”

“Correction! We used to be childhood friends, in case you forgot it. It’s actually my pleasure to remind you of this.” he sassily said while crossing his arms on his chest. Baffled with how Renjun acts towards him, Jaemin can’t grasp the fact that the once sweet little Renjun to him when they were still kids eventually turned into a very hostile boy who seems itching to strangle his neck out of irritation.

Unlike Renjun who didn’t have any connections at all to him while he was still in the city, he was still in touch with Jeno and Jisung who are both twins, who are also their childhood friends too. The twins attend the same university Jaemin used to go to before he returned to their town and even go to each other’s apartment to either hang out or study.

There was a time on their get together, Jeno once shared about Renjun. Jaemin just knew that Renjun really did cut him off because the twins said it, but he didn’t take it seriously because he believes he and Renjun are fine. “So you really did cut me off…” he whispered while staring at Renjun, in which the latter heard, “I did, and what about it?”

Jaemin shook his head and smiled. He stood up and was now towering Renjun, “You’re still small. Did you even grow?” he teased, which made the latter look at him daggers with his sharp and fox-like eyes. “Of course, I did! You’re just ridiculously tall.” he then picked up his child (cat) while still looking daggers at Jaemin. 

The latter felt as if stares could kill, perhaps he’s surely buried now six feet under.

Before leaving, he faced Jaemin. He looks so phlegmatic that it almost sent shivers to his spine. “Don’t show yourself to me ever again,” he said before completely leaving the younger all alone. Unbeknownst to what Renjun just said to his childhood friend, Jaemin sadly smiled after he heaved a deep sigh. Great.

When the clock strikes at 7 PM, Jaemin just knows it’s already nighttime. Still feeling new to his old house, he decided to just kill his time by staring at the window. Ironically, for Jaemin, doing nothing and just staring at the unknown is productive and something he can call recreational. That's weirdly introverted people for you, I guess.

As he stares outside, he wonders how different the flow of time is here in rural places compared to the city. When it’s already 7 o’clock, life in the city has just started while here, everyone’s now preparing to sleep or others are in their deep slumbers already. 

For him, time in the suburbs is far different from what he got used to. Makes him think for a second if adjusting to his new environment would be hard when all his teenage life and youth, he's already in a bigger place, trying to live and survive then all of a sudden, he'll need to slow down?

He sighs, he’ll be staying here for a long time now and he should adjust fast as he can. He decided to just lay down on his bed and was about to close the curtains when he heard a soft ‘pspspsps’ from outside. 

As he looked for it, he saw Renjun looking around the bushes while calling for Lily, “Miss girl, why do you like to hide so much even at nights?” he heard him say. Maybe it’s better for him to let the older look for his cat and just mind his own business. After all he’s not in his best state to exchange bickers with Renjun at this hour.

“I wonder where Lily could be…” he whispered while thinking of possible places Lily could hide when he suddenly heard a soft ‘meow’ under his bed.

He slowly walks his way to the bed, as he bent down to look for whatever is under his bed, he then saw Lily, purring. “Hey pretty, what are you doing there? Your dad’s been looking for you.” he gently spoke while getting Lily underneath his bed. The cat (who is Renjun’s child) turned out to love Jaemin based on how she comfortably snuggles at him with ease.

After doing so, he returned to the window and called for Renjun who was still looking for Lily, “Hey!” he called and the latter automatically rolled his eyes the moment he saw and heard Jaemin, “What now?”

“Lily’s here,” he said and showed the older his beloved cat who can’t stay still in his own home. With his eyes hinted with gladness, his eyes just wide open, “Oh my god Lily!” and he started doing that ‘pspsps’ again which the younger found ridiculously funny and cute. 

His arms stretched upward as if he’s reaching for Lily, he pleads, “Come down baby, we’re going home now.” but Lily didn’t even budge so Jaemin giggled which obviously annoyed Renjun who’s trying his hardest to get back his child, “What’s funny?”

“Your cat obviously likes me more than you, don’t you think?”

“Who?”

“Lily.”

“Who asked?” he snapped, “Give me my cat now, Jaemin.”

He didn’t need to be told twice, Jaemin was about to throw Lily when Renjun hissed at him, “Don’t throw her at me, you dimwit! Go down here and hand her to me gently and nicely or I’ll fucking break your bones!”

Renjun sighed in relief when the younger obeyed and went down to personally hand him his cat, “I thought I shouldn't show myself to you ever again, what happened to that though?” he teasingly said, clearly to annoy Renjun, of course! “It’s not my fault Lily likes to go to your house, particularly in your room."

Upon hearing it, Jaemin got hella curious, “She’s always here?” and the older one nodded, “Why?”

There’s a sudden silence that filled up the space. Renjun contemplated whether to tell Jaemin the reason or not. But of course, Renjun being Renjun he won’t surely tell so he just shook his head to dismiss the younger’s curiosity. 

“We’ll go home now, sorry for the disturbance a while ago. I’ll make sure to never let Lily go to your house ever again since you’re now home,” his voice sounded a little sad and bothered, “Bye.” his last words before starting walking his way home.

It was just several footsteps when Jaemin called him again,

“I missed you,” he said impulsively. Renjun’s back-facing him. Waiting for him to say something looks so impossible but at the same time could likely happen.

But what shattered his small chunk of hope was he didn’t hear anything from the guy who was now walking away from him.

For Renjun, those words definitely broke him even though he shouldn't feel that way. He can still feel Jaemin's stares amidst not facing him so all he did was to bite his lower lip and just continued to walk his way home underneath the neighborhood’s streetlights.

It’s been days since their last meeting, four days to be specific. That's how Renjun made sure they will never see each other again. Well, that was stupid to think they could avoid each other when they only live four blocks away from each other's houses. 

Jaemin occasionally sees Renjun whenever he'll look outside. 

He's actually everywhere; you'll be seeing him in the neighbor's garden, plowing it. In the playground with the kids, babysitting them, in the health center volunteering to help, and a lot more, just basically doing everything useful in their neighborhood.

What's bizarre is that whenever he volunteers for the neighborhood, he always carries Lily with him in her pet carrier. He really treats Lily as if his own child which Jaemin finds greatly adorable, 

"Renjun has been called that friendly neighborhood cat dad ever since he started doing volunteering work for the neighborhood," Jeno said while flipping the pages of the magazine in his hands. Jeno, Jisung, and Jaemin are all together in Jaemin's house because the two decided to go home since they have a 1 week break from the university. 

Jaemin scoffed, "Friendly neighborhood cat dad?" He gave the twins a questioning look, "Can you still call someone friendly as hell when they want to kill you in their head whenever they see you? I don't think so." Jaemin added.

Jisung, who's the youngest of the three of them, finally spoke, "For someone who has a small figure, he has a big heart to keep. We're telling you, Renjun's the kindest neighbor you'll ever have." Jisung said. Skeptically, Jaemin mentally scoffed. Of course, Jisung would say that. He and Renjun are close as hell— he will surely defend that fun-size chunky cheeks boy in front of his face!

"Stop being biased just because you and that cute fun-size cat boy are literal neighbors. How would I know if he's still the same Renjun I've known forever?" he stopped to look outside the window. There he saw Renjun outside, on another neighbor's porch, sitting in front of a Labradoodle, petting it. "I wasn't around for years, pretty sure everything has changed... he surely changed," he said without even looking elsewhere.

"He didn't, well at least in our eyes." the samoyed-looking guy said with a shrug of his shoulders. 

Jaemin only rolled his eyes and lay on his back with his arms as his pillows. Well, would you look at that! Another Renjun shooter we have here.

Sunny days have never been bad for Renjun. It just means a lot of volunteer work to do which he loves. Him being a sociology major finds bliss and happiness whenever he gets to serve and work for the neighborhood. He’s not called a social butterfly and their ‘friendly neighborhood cat dad.’ for nothing.

As he walked down the neighborhood's pavements, he shifted his gaze to the white two-story house which is owned by the Na family.

"He doesn't leave his room?" he asks.

He always passes by Jaemin’s house whenever he's around the neighborhood. When he's about to pass by the house, he simply glances at the younger's window just to peek. His probable reason? to roll his eyes at him because Jaemin Na is annoying as hell. 

Jaemin could just stand in front of him and he can already write a whole fucking essay about how he hates that brunette-haired boy. 

For him, Jaemin Na (derogatory!)

"I do.'' He jumped in surprise when he heard Jaemin's voice behind him. "What the fuck!" Renjun yelps to his surprise as he sees Jaemin in the flesh, standing next to him with his annoying pretty bunny smile. "Were you looking for me?" he asked with a smile that's now showing off his cute, bunny teeth.

With a bit of disgust and denial, Renjun answered, "No I don't!"

"Yes, you are."

"I don't, you weirdo."

For someone who's already caught-handed, Renjun isn't a good liar to begin with so Jaemin just shrugged his shoulders and placed his hands on both of his pockets, "Whatever the baby says." 

With his usual annoyed face and furrowed brows, like a cat that he is, Renjun hissed at him again, "What the fuck are you on—"

The thing about Jaemin and his continued pursuit to annoy the hell out of Renjun are his reactions and how he manages to talk him out of his own game. Annoying Renjun became one of his coping mechanisms ever since he came back. 

Right at this moment, he thought pushing his buttons won't hurt, right? So then he decided to cut him off, "Where's Lily?"

He snorts, "At my house, why?"

Metaphorically, the younger's eyes twinkled like a star, "Can I go to your house?" was a question that will surely scare the hell out of him, especially if Jaemin's the one who asked it.

The older straight up said "No."

"Luckily I have that thing called a selective hearing, let's go!" and he dragged Renjun who's clearly confused and protesting because he didn't even agree with Jaemin's plan in the first place. He doesn't want Jaemin around him, what more to his own house? 

Unfortunately for him, Jaemin is at the Huang residence after years of being away. Renjun (who's clearly not in favor of the thought that Jaemin, who's his former childhood friend is at his house but he can't do anything about it) just left the younger one in the living room without any words.

The wholeness of the living room is cozy and at the same time wide yet kind of empty. 

As Jaemin wanders around, he sees some picture frames that are displayed on the side corner of the room. 

On the table, there are some of Renjun's photos ranging from his childhood, middle school, and now, a family portrait of him, his mom, Lily, and a solo picture of Lily when she was still a kitten. 

If his memory still serves him right, Renjun loves keeping pictures. He's a very sentimental individual and he likes to keep things for a long time. There’s this specific core memory of them way back when they were still kids. Jaemin once decided to give Renjun a small keychain of a red fox which is made of cotton and cloth. Renjun loved it (he seriously loves everything Jaemin gives him and holds it very dearly close to his heart) to the point that even if it already looks so worn out and too close to its destruction, he would always still find a way to fix it.

The last picture frame didn't escape Jaemin's observant eyes. He noticed a picture placed in the farthest spot behind the picture frames, and it was Renjun and Jaemin way back when they were still kids. 

It was a picture of them on their first day as grade-schoolers. They were still at the same height and body frame, both lanky and small. Renjun did his usual and favorite peace sign while Jaemin smiled big which made his eyes into cute crescents. 

Being born in the same year with a hundred and forty-three days gap to each other’s birthday, it somewhat served as their common ground alongside the twins next door. In their little friend group, Jaemin and Renjun are the closest. In everything there should be either a Jaemin or a Renjun; Both are inseparable, a buy 1-take 1 package as they usually say. 

Jaemin was busy staring at the picture frame when he felt a soft thing moving on his legs. As he looked down, he then saw Lily. "Hey there, pretty! haven't seen you in a while," he said as he lifted the cat and placed it carefully inside his arms. 

"After an hour, you must leave or you shall never ever see your bloodline expand." he threatens, which made Jaemin chuckle. "I'm dead serious, by the way." The older added.

After his few banters with Renjun, it seems like he's now okay with the older being sarcastic and bitchy towards him. He doesn't even find it offensive or upsetting, rather, he finds it amusing and cute. 

Jaemin is a firm believer that he's actually appealing and hard to resist, perhaps trying his charms on Renjun won't hurt? "An hour and a half, perhaps?" Jaemin negotiated but Renjun just shook his head, 

"An hour won't be enough! Why are you so eager to kick me out? Aren't you at least happy that your childhood friend is back for good?" he cheekily asked but Renjun with his sharp eyes answered, "How could I be happy that you're now back when we're not even friends anymore?" 

That shit hurts.

Jaemin had no idea how much this would hurt. He assumed there would be someone waiting for his return, someone waiting for him, but there wasn't.

All along he just made himself hope for something which is for Renjun to wait for him but he didn't. Renjun didn't wait anymore.

With his hardest, he tried to speak even if he felt like there was something on his chest that prevented him from talking, "How did we end up like this?" Jaemin asked. A risky question if he's to say. 

Unbothered, Renjun throws him another distasteful look, "Why are you suddenly asking me nonsensical questions? Can you just shut up before I kick you out of my own house?"

Jaemin's about to answer when suddenly, the front door opens. Wow, saved by the bell from the incoming heated argument. Jaemin mentally thanks the lady in the doorway, which is his Ayi. 

There he saw Renjun's mom, standing in the doorway, with a small smile on her lips, "Sweetheart, I'm home—oh, you have a visitor?"

The younger one smiled, delighted by the fact that it’s the first time he saw her again after so many years. "Ayi, it's me." and for Renjun's mom, there's only one person who calls him that. 

When she realized who the tall handsome guy was in front of her, she walked her way to him, "Oh my god, Jaemin! you're back!" and then she hugged Jaemin while Lily was still in the younger man's arms. The cat purrs and snuggled more to Jaemin,

Chuckling, he asks, "I've been home for weeks now, didn't Renjun tell you about it?" When they break the hug, Jaemin simply looks at the older who's now frowning at the side. 

Renjun snorted, "Why would I?"

Like any other Asian mom you'll see whenever their child starts acting a little bitchy to other people, she immediately tells her son, "Renjun, that's not nice!" his mom warned him. Jaemin chuckled, "It's fine Ayi, maybe Renjun is just not having a good day."

"Yeah, ever since you came back." he bites back but Jaemin pretended he didn't hear anything at all. He thought perhaps he should master the art of not giving a fuck when it’s Renjun’s time to act hostile on him and bring out the worst on him every bickering and arguments so they could achieve world peace.

Mrs. Huang smiled sadly while looking at the two grown-up men in front of her, "I didn't think I'd be seeing the two of you again together. It's been years, right? and you're all grown up into fine young men." Renjun's mom said and even acted as if she was wiping her tears away. Jaemin chuckled and gave Mrs. Huang a side hug which made Renjun crease his forehead, "Sorry it took me so long to return, Ayi." the woman only caressed his back, enough to make him welcome and warm again.

"Since I missed you, why don't you eat dinner here with us?" Mrs. Huang asked, the first one to react was none other than Renjun himself, "Ma, no!" Renjun protested. There's no way he'll eat with him, it won't happen, most probably Renjun will choose to starve rather than to eat with Jaemin at one table.

"We don't treat our visitors like that, sweetheart! If you don't want to eat with us then fine, have fun eating noodles all by yourself then," she said and walked her way to the kitchen. Renjun couldn't believe what he just heard. He forgot the fact that his mom loved Jaemin so much when they were still kids (and friends) that it sometimes looks like he’s the legitimate son and he’s the outsider here.

Jaemin bit his lower lip and shrugged his shoulders while Lily's still in his arms. Renjun groaned and rolled his eyes, "You're so annoying!" 

A smirk can be seen on Jaemin's plump lips. With his right index finger, he even pointed to his face, "This annoying man is loved by your own mom and cat more than you, worry about that." he said before leaving Renjun who's now baffled and on the brink of exploding because of annoyance.

The dinner went fine for the three of them— well, not really for Renjun. It was just basically Mrs. Huang and Jaemin catching up after so many years of not being able to see each other and Renjun could all do was listen to whatever they were saying against his will and munch down his dinner in silence.

He doesn't really care about what Jaemin says and just chooses to immense on his own little world. Even though his mom tries to include him in the conversation, he would just decline and choose not to answer any of their questions.

After dinner, Jaemin went to Mrs. Huang who was currently washing the dishes, "Ayi, how are you and Renjun for the past years?" he started.

The water running down from the sink makes a slight noise between them. Mrs. Huang slightly turned off the faucet, "I'm fine now, but I'm sure Renjun is just putting up a facade about what happened in the past years."

Bewildered with what he just heard, he asked, "What do you mean, Ayi?"

"When you and your family decided to move out to live in the city, Renjun was really devastated," she said while dampening her wet hands on the dry rug. It made Jaemin wonder because he thought all along Renjun was okay with it, they were both okay when he left. "But what shattered him the most was a week later, after you left, his dad left him too without any words... we just woke up and he's not here anymore."

It must've been tough for him. Jaemin thought to himself.

Mrs. Huang looks at Jaemin who's still waiting for her to talk, "That's why he's acting like that towards you. He's surely building up these walls because he doesn't want to be left again ." 

Her hand finds its way to hold his, "I know it won't be easy but can you please be more patient with him? Ever since you left, he hasn't tried to make friends anymore… I know he's somehow friends with the twins next door, but you know that they're always not around because of school and I'm just afraid he'll completely shut everyone out of his life."

With his reassuring smile, Jaemin nodded. "Try to gain his trust again, Jaemin. I'm sure he'll come around once again when the right time comes."

As he walks out of his house to do his volunteer work again, he's about to do some errands from a neighbor because he volunteered to do grocery shopping for them since Mrs. Jung won't be able to do so since she's a very busy corporate slave.

He was about to take another step when he saw Jaemin who was waiting for him at the steps of their house, his arms crossed on his chest and his head hanging low.

"What are you doing here this early morning?" It caught the younger's attention which made him stand up, all smiles at Renjun, he said, "I'll accompany you for the whole day."

For Renjun, it's a horror to be stuck with Jaemin for the whole day. "Lily and I are completely good on our own, thanks but no thanks." he firmly answered while fixing the locks of the carrier strap around his torso.

"I didn't ask for your permission though? I'm telling you I'll go with you and Lily."

It would be so funny for other people to see two grown-up men in the middle of a breezy morning, bickering with a cat in the middle, placed on a carrier. Renjun visualized their situation right now. Why do they look like a stupid couple fighting over child custody at 8 am in the morning? He doesn't know, and he doesn't know why he's thinking of him and Jaemin as cat parents all of a sudden? 

Maybe I should stop skipping breakfast starting today, it makes me deranged as hell.

Renjun hissed at him, "Whatever, do what you want to do. Just don't disturb me doing my work." and all he could hear was Jaemin squealing 'yes!' and his stupid sea lion-like clapping. Dear Lord…

At the grocery store, Renjun is in-charge of choosing what to put in the cart while Jaemin is the one who's pushing it, just basically trailing behind the older one.

He's busy putting everything on the lists, he even checks if it's healthy or not even though he shouldn't have to. Renjun just loves taking care of people. 

Just like what Jisung said, a small boy like him has a big heart to keep. Aside from quality time, he likes to do acts of service to their neighborhood ever since.

He grew up serving and loving his neighbors unconditionally. He works for them without anything in return and for the whole neighborhood, Renjun is indeed an angel.

Jaemin on the other hand enjoys watching him do his own thing while he's just there behind him.

When he was still in the city, grocery shopping was completely boring and something grown-ups are accustomed to which he is not but needs to do anyway— well maybe today he's wrong? 

Most probably grocery shopping suddenly became fun and enjoyable if you'll ask him.

Renjun was so immersed in reading the list and blabbing some things like the brands of the product they need to buy, the quantities, and the likes. On the bottom list was a can of sweet kernel corn. When Renjun looked at the shelves, unfortunately for him, it was placed on the upper part of it.

He tiptoes while his arm stretches upward, reaching for the can of processed corn.

Mentally, Renjun's cursing whoever decided to make the shelves this high and disadvantageous for people like him!

As he continuously tried to reach for a can of sweet corn, he felt a press of a body on his back, more likely Jaemin's presence behind him which kind of felt warm and good. "Is this the one you need?" he asked with his voice lowly,

He turned his head to see him and shortly nodded, "Mmh, yeah..." maybe the sane version of Renjun would smash his head with a can of corn with how he stuttered for a man. What the hell is wrong with you, Renjun Huang?

Jaemin only hums before placing the can on the cart and pushing it, leaving Renjun behind. 

"The bar is in hell," he whispers as he watches Jaemin's broad back, every muscle, and part of him flexing whenever he moves and pushes the damned cart. Gone was the lanky and small Jaemin he knew, the little boy who can't even twist the damn cap of a ketchup bottle without trying for like 50 times.

Seeing Jaemin and how he evolved like a fucking pokemon makes his head spin. He won't lie or even deny how good-looking he is now, he's definitely sure Jaemin is the type to win the whole student body's heart with his looks and charms.

Without going around in circles, Jaemin is indeed breath-taking. A face to die for, actually. (According to Renjun himself) needles to say he sure knows when and how to appreciate beauty even though he has a (one-sided) bad-blood with him.

The sound of the speakers wakes Renjun up from fantasizing about how good-looking his old friend is. "Damn, what was I thinking?" 

"Did you forget something?" Jaemin walks back, a little confused as to why Renjun suddenly vanished.

He shook his head, "No, I was just wondering where we will buy that meat which Mrs. Jung wants." a white lie, obviously. The heavens must've heard him pray to which Jaemin nodded his head, "Oh, we should look for it later. Let's just finish this grocery list."

Renjun loves domesticity. He loves the feeling of warmth and the sweet taste of love. He may have grown up without his dad, but it didn't affect how he dreams of loving someone.

It's crazy how he suddenly thought of this right now, wherein he's with his (ex) childhood friend who he dislikes the most for leaving him with a short notice. Thinking of Jaemin is an abomination itself, yet he's here, feeling a little weird and funny for feeling something positive for him? 

Unconsciously, Renjun gave Lily to Jaemin. "Hold her for me." he shortly said and helped the younger one lock and tighten the straps. As he stares at Jaemin and Lily, a smile rises on his lips, and fortunately for Jaemin is he saw that adoration from the older, 

His fingers went to touch Lily's paws and motioned as if she was waving her cute little paw. Renjun wanted to laugh but he chose not to and turned around to continue where he left off with a suppressed smile. Such a dummy.

"Mrs. Jung! Here's what you wanted us to buy in the grocery!" It was not long after when the two arrived at Jung's residence. The old woman gladly took the groceries, "Ah injun, thank you so much,” she then diverted her eyes to Jaemin who’s standing tall behind Renjun, with Lily attached to his upper body. She smiles, a malicious one—the usual nosy auntie you encounter on a daily basis, “You and your boyfriend are such a big help." she said with a smile.

Renjun's about to protest when the younger interrupted, "You're welcome, auntie. Renjun and I are willing to give you a hand if you need one. Just tell us and we'll do it for you."

He grimaced from what he just heard, "Oh my god what are you—" but got cut off when Jaemin wrapped his arm around Renjun's shoulder and simply put his hand on his lips to cover it, "We'll go now, auntie! We still have some volunteering work to do." Mrs. Jung was not able to bid his goodbye as Jaemin dragged Renjun out of Jung's well-furnished porch.

While he is busy dragging Renjun, they see the twins walking up to them side by side, "Hey, what are you two doing?" Jisung asked, evidently confused as to why the two are together.

Renjun forcefully removed Jaemin's hand on his lips and was about to punch the hell out of him when Jeno suddenly grabbed him on his shirt, "Woah, calm down little bean. He has your child." he consoled the smaller and all he could do was to just rolled his eyes (again) and placed both of his hands on his waists,

"What brings the two of you here?" Jaemin asked.

"We're going to hang out with Renjun later. How about you? What made you go outside though?" Jeno gave Jaemin a knowing look. "I'm running errands for the neighborhood." he casually said.

"Wow, good for you I guess?" 

"Since you want to volunteer for the neighborhood, I shall go now and hang out with the twins," Renjun said while carefully unlocking the locks of Lily's carrier, which made Jaemin look at him with disbelief. "What?"

Renjun puckered his lips, "You can do all the volunteer work today. I owe you this one, so thanks!" Before Jaemin could protest, Renjun immediately dragged the twins, leaving him all alone, dumbfounded. "Ah, fucking hell."

Gaming and hanging out have always been their thing. It was something the twins and Renjun got used to and eventually became their bonding as a trio. When they go home whenever they have free time, they would just play or watch films all day while Lily just plays with Jeno's cat named Auggie.

When he finished chugging down a bottle of coke zero, he then said, "Why didn't you invite Jaemin a while ago?" Jisung asked while holding a game console, his eyes on the monitor, scanning for some games.

Annoyed, Renjun answered, "I don't want him around so why would I?"

"Aren't you a bit harsh on Jaemin?" This time, it was Jeno who asked,

Defensively as he may seem, he said, "I'm not! He should be thanking me that I'm still civil towards him." which is something that the twins don't even see nor feel if you’ll ask them.

Grabbing a new pack of Cheetos, Jisung presumes to tell Renjun what he needs to hear, "That's like the barest minimum if you'll ask me." and proceeded to munch down his food,

Staring at the table placed in the center, he uttered, "Who cares?" 

"Did you even think of talking to him instead of shitting on him for the past weeks? He's trying his hardest to gain your trust again and be friends with you, why can't you even see that?"

Whenever Jeno speaks, Renjun can't say more. He's always right, even if he doesn't look like he is, he's right and that's the thing he hates about Jeno. He always knows what to say no matter what the situation is!

"It's not his fault they needed to leave so they could make a living." Jeno then looked at the smaller frowning, the thing about Renjun is he's really hard-headed and stubborn. More like untamable at times if we are to describe him,

"Does not change the fact that he's just like my dad."

Jisung placed down the game console to look at Renjun, "Uncle Jun left you because he's a fuckass while Jaemin left because they needed to. They're not the same, Renjun."

Renjun knows that, he surely does. He’s fully aware of it, "I'm just scared... What if the moment I let him in, he'll just leave me again? I don't want to be left behind anymore."

Renjun is now home. As he entered the house, he heard some voices coming from the kitchen. Kind of muffled and unclear because of the distance. When he walked up, there he saw his mom and Jaemin, talking while eating dinner. Why the hell is he here again?

"Sweetheart, come eat with us!" Mrs. Huang stood up to prepare some utensils for Renjun when he looked displeased as to why Jaemin was here again, "You're here again? Don't you have a house of your own?" 

Without even looking at Renjun while he was slicing his freshly toasted garlic bread, he answered, "Ayi invited me for dinner again." 

Typical Renjun just rolled his eyes, "Whatever, I don't want to eat. Enjoy your dinner, I guess." He didn't let his mom finish and just ran his way upstairs. He doesn't normally do this shit in front of his mom, but since Jaemin is here he can't help but to act like a brat because seeing him maddens the hell out of him.

He's about to enter his room when he felt a hand gripping his arm softly, "Hey." He doesn't need to guess who it is. Weirdly, he already knows who it is if he is too based on his touch and the way he feels. 

He clears his throat, "What now?"

"You should eat."

"Don't tell me what to do."

"Look, I just want you to eat so you don't starve yourself. Don't be too stubborn."

Renjun snorted while staring at Jaemin, his eyes full of ridicule and sarcasm, "Why are you so upset about me not eating at all?"

"Because I care about you! Isn't that obvious?" If he remembers it all too well, Jaemin is the kind of person who's very patient with everything. Too patiently good for Renjun,

"I don't really care. Just go back and finish your dinner and leave me alone."

He was about to enter his room when Jaemin said, "I won’t leave your door until you come down." 

Renjun smirked, he's definitely challenging him. Little did Jaemin know that Renjun is a little evil but he doesn't need to know it anymore. 

The sound of the door closing was all Jaemin had heard before Renjun went back to his room.

If Renjun is stubborn, I might be one as well.

Two hours have passed and he’s now bored surfing the internet. Renjun's tummy is rumbling in starvation. All the chips and soda consumption from the twins' humble abode did not suffice at all so he decided to go to the kitchen.

Completely forgetting that Jaemin challenged him, he was shocked to see the younger man outside his door; sitting on the floor, leaning his back on the wall while his arms crossed on his chest. what the fuck?

"Why are you still here?"

He looks at him while still remaining in his position, "I told you, I won't leave until you come down to eat."

"Can't you just leave me alone? or just fuck off?"

As he stood up from the floor, he looked at him in silence before saying, "nope." he said, emphasis on the letter ‘P.’ "Come, I'll cook for you."

"No need, I can just eat cookies and drink milk." was something he definitely won't do even if the gates in hell open and he has the chance to throw Jaemin there, he won't. Despite being small, he has a big appetite and is in love with eating.

Jaemin is persistent and determined to make Renjun eat, "I'll cook noodles for you, come on." 

It sounded so tempting for Renjun. His tummy rumbling, he needed food tonight and Jaemin needed to get out so he ended up tagging along with Jaemin, trailing behind him while his lips pouted and eyes rolling whenever he glanced at Jaemin.

In the kitchen, Jaemin is busy cooking for Renjun who's just sitting on the kitchen counter, silently watching him go around the corner. 

He's wearing his mom's pink apron which (he won't deny) looks good on him. He's facing Jaemin's broad back. The fact that the younger is only wearing his track pants matched with a white tee isn't helping at all because he looks terribly good and awfully handsome.

Even though he's only side-eyeing him, Jaemin caught him staring so the first thing he would probably do is to annoy Renjun again, "Enjoy what you are seeing, baobei?" Jaemin asked with a smirk on his lips. 

"Fuck you," Renjun answered. Laughing mildly while steering the noodles, he responded, "Okay, when?"

"God, you are so annoying!"

Jaemin served the noodles to Renjun. The older just silently devours it while the younger just sat across from him, watching him eat in delight. 

Maybe opening up a small talk won't hurt, right? So Renjun decided to ask him, "Since when did you learn to cook?" Renjun tried to hold a small talk because he can be as nosy as he can if he wants to. "Since I'm 10? just the basics before I completely learned how to cook.”

Without looking at him, Renjun asked, “Why do you need to learn to cook when you have your mom with you?” he asked before slurping the long thread of noodles. 

“We lived in different houses while we were in the city,” he said. Renjun paused from eating to look at the younger, “I had to live alone in an apartment near my school while they’re away for their work… In order to survive, I need to mature early unlike other kids out there.” he added while looking at his fingers. 

Renjun couldn’t say anything. He’s still in awe to know Jaemin had to go through all of that at such a young age while living in a big city, away from his parents.

“It was scary to be on your own in a big city… I had no friends there for so many years and I just keep on hoping I'll be home soon, here beside you."

He silently puts down his chopsticks while nibbling his lower lip after what he heard from Jaemin. Somehow, there's guilt lingering from within— from the day he just got back and he immediately treated him badly, up until now just because of what he felt years ago when in reality it's hard for Jaemin too. 

Looking down on his bowl, Renjun whispered, almost inaudibly low for the other to hear, "I'm sorry…"

Jaemin looks at the boy seated across him with a small smile on his lips. He kinda understands where Renjun's coming from, of course. They have been best friends since diaper days, they got each other's back, they grew up together, went to the same school together, and a lot more; surely for Renjun who was very dependent and attached to Jaemin, it was really hard. 

"It's fine," he said while drawing small circles on the wooden table's surface. "You don't need to worry about it. Stop saying sorry."

He nodded with his lips in an arc, "Okay, I'm sorry."

"Didn't I just tell you to stop apologizing already?"

"Yeah shit, I'm sorry—"

The younger chuckles, "Hey, it's really fine. You don't need to apologize anymore, okay? I'm not mad at you for being mean to me ever since I went home and for depriving me of seeing Lily as his godparent." 

He giggles, "Fine, as an apology, you can see Lily anytime. Sounds good?"

Jaemin remains staring at Renjun with his fond glances and soft smile, perhaps this is something he can call progress? maybe for him, it is.

He hums, "Lovely." 

As they fell into silence, Renjun just picked up his chopsticks again to continue eating and his small smile never left his lips even after he finished eating his noodles. 

What happened last night is something we all could collectively think of as progress between the two. Jaemin has a lot to ask but it doesn't bother him now that they all have the time in the world. He's not going anywhere though, he could slow down and just enjoy his time with Renjun and Lily.

For the past weeks, the two seemed to be getting closer again. Jaemin is always at the Huang residence, playing with Lily, helping Mrs. Huang cooks, and helping Renjun with his volunteering work in the neighborhood.

As if he was tamed, Renjun just realized he's no longer having that one-sided beef with Jaemin. His mom even told him it was a miracle for the two to finally live without threatening to strangle the other for a day. Renjun finds it funny and ridiculous, he was sure that mad and annoyed with Jaemin.

Surprisingly for the many, they saw how their cat-dog relationship evolved into friendship (once again), how they got close to each other, and how they both take care of Lily as what they call cat parents.

Maybe miracles are true, well at least for Jaemin. He's a firm believer that the Gods witnessed how frustrating his situation is with his childhood friend turned enemy (not really) and now his co-parent with a chunky fluff ball cat named Lily? A wild ride they say.

Well, aside from being good with each other, Jaemin didn't see ahead how Renjun would feel comfortable around him again. 

His warm smiles, his fox-like eyes turn into crescents whenever he laughs, his touch against his skin whenever he unconsciously held his arms because apparently it's a mannerism Renjun acquired before, the way he holds into Jaemin's pinky whenever they walk side to side; just basically everything is just so unbelievably good for him.

It won't be a lie that he feels warm and giddy about it. It is a collective truth that Jaemin once liked Renjun, however, feeling this way is so much different from nearly a decade ago. 

If he's to describe it, maybe saying he likes Renjun again is not the right word, rather, he likes Renjun more this time — more intimate and a lot more serious than just a stupid puppy love way back then.

Renjun is (surprisingly) at Jaemin's house, particularly inside his room. He's sitting on the floor while his back is resting on the end of the bed with bunches of polaroids scattered around. It's Jaemin's pictures of the city's scenery, especially at nighttime. The dangling city lights, the dark skies showered with stars, and just every little thing about it. 

On his lap is where Lily's positioned while playing with a ball of yarn given by Jaemin's mom. 

He didn't notice that Jaemins was already seated on the bed, watching him as he looked at those pictures. 

Renjuns about to place the polaroids back in Jaemin's designated box when he noticed something. It's a picture of Jaemin with a guy (probably around their age) whose arm is wrapped around his shoulder and both are smiling ear to ear. 

"That's Haechan, he's my only friend from the city. He's a college classmate of mine from some minor units." Jaemin says.

"Oh,'' Renjun said, still staring at the picture. There's something questionable happening inside his head and chest which he can't answer and doesn't know what's happening. 

He didn't notice that he was already creasing his forehead not until Jaemin touched it with his fingers, moving his fingertips into circular motion, "Seems like you're thinking something deep, penny for your thoughts?"

The older one shook his head, "Nah, I'm good." He shortly said and placed all the pictures on the box. "Where should I put this?" 

Jaemin pointed to the shelf above which Renjun couldn't reach, "There."

He just nodded. Mindlessly, Renjun put down Lily on the floor to bring back the box on the said shelf. In an attempt to place the box successfully but he failed to do so since he cannot reach it. "Why is this ridiculously high?" he whispered to himself.

Like what he's seeing, Jaemin decided to help the older one by placing both of his hands on his waist to lift him up. It was easy for Jaemin because fortunately, Renjun is not that heavy. 

When he put him down, Renjun faced him with his cheeks undeniably flushed red. "You're blushing," he said as if he's taunting him, clearly pushing Renjun's buttons again. "I am not."

"You are."

"No, I'm not!"

"Yes you are—" Jaemin didn't manage to finish what he was about to say when Renjun tiptoes to give the younger one a peck on his cheek, making Jaemin left dumb-founded. 

With his devilishly smirk, he asks, "Who do you like more between me and Haechan?" 

If he's not malfunctioning right now, Jaemin would probably question Renjun why he is asking things like this—but yet again, he's not one of God's strongest soldiers out there.

Renjun is waiting for his answer, wearing a lopsided smile and Jaemin could only stare at those lips while having an existential crisis just because of a kiss on the cheek from this cute, ball of sunshine in front of him.

"I'm waiting," he said, which made Jaemin snort and shook his head, "Do I need to answer that though?"

"Of course."

This is killing me, he's obviously playing with me! Jaemin clears his throat and he saw how Renjun's eyes followed the motion of his adam’s apple,

One thing about Renjun, he may look like someone who won't do anything wrong to anyone, but he's actually wicked and evil when it comes to things like this.

"You, obviously." 

The smaller beamed at him with his adorable breadish smile, "As you should," and patted Jaemin's cheek lightly, feeling satisfied. 

Once Renjun left, Jaemin heaved a deep sigh because he forgot to breathe when Renjun was in close proximity to him. Biting his lower lip, he whispers, "I am fucked."

"You and Renjun seemed close now," Jeno mutters while looking at Jaemin, who is also looking at Renjun, busy helping Jaemin's mom grill some skewered meat for their little picnic. The twins and Renjun (with Lily) are at Na's residence for a backyard picnic because his parents decided to hold one for his childhood friends and for them to get together.

Jaemin snorts, "Kinda." he said. The older one obviously didn't buy it but he didn't push it further and let Jaemin melt Renjun with the way he looks at him. Jeno knows there's something going on but he won't stick his nose into other business because he's not the type to do that.

Jaemin and his family have been in the neighborhood for months now, and so far, it was good. He finally adjusted to his environment, he already established a good relationship with his neighbors, especially with the elders who Renjun always volunteers to help, and even attended a nearby college and majored in pharmacy, the same university where Renjun studies too.

For the first time, Jaemin felt everything was going his way. The way he wants his life to be is finally happening right before his eyes, and he's glad. 

Of course, all this won't be possible without him. He became his pillar when he needed him the most. He was always there for Jaemin, either behind him or right beside him.

If it's not for Renjun, perhaps everything won't be easy and bearable for Jaemin. Who would've thought that he'll eventually fall in love with their friendly neighborhood cat dad who turns out to be his childhood best friend and his co-parent with Lily? 

Staring at Renjun with his lips curled into a smile, Jisung snickers, "You're terribly in love with him, aren't you?" he teases which Jaemin only shook his head; either not denying it with words or just plainly shy about it because he is in love with Renjun. There's no in-between.

"You're down bad."

Jaemin thinks so too.

"You're feeding her again!" the moment Renjun caught Jaemin feeding Lily (for the fourth time at this hour) he immediately got their child and placed her on his lap. Ever since Jaemin came and took care of Lily, there was never a moment he never caught him feeding her excessively. Renjun's afraid she might get too fat considering that she's already big and old.

Jaemin pouts, "She's asking me to feed her, who am I to refuse?" he reasons out. There goes the annoyingly cute dummy that he is! He hates it when Jaemin tries to use his charm on him because it basically works on him, every damn time. (Get well soon, Renjun!)

The park is surprisingly filled with kids playing even though it's a weekday but Renjun won't think about it much because it's not that big of a problem. The weather is perfectly fine for a cozy mini picnic for the three of them. Jaemin, who initiated this mini picnic of theirs, walked up to the Huang's humble abode and just decided to drag them out of the house. 

Renjun didn't protest at all, why would he? He loves the idea of it anyway.

As he glances at Jaemin, he's just laying on the picnic mat with his eyes shut and his arms behind his head as his pillows for support. If he was the same Renjun who definitely hates the man who he is with right now, he would really question himself why is his heart beating at a not-so-normal amount just for seeing Jaemin? As likely as not, he'd think it's weird that his heart goes ballistic just because of some guy?

Jaemin is perfect. It would've been an understatement to call him pretty because for Renjun he is beautiful. It was as if he was a well-written fictional character by a female author who everyone loves—or maybe the gods and goddesses took their time to make him this enchanting.

Will he deny the fact that he has fallen in love with Jaemin? Of course, he won't.

Renjun sighs, they both have the time in the world. There's no need to rush for them, right? Jaemin will never leave again and Renjun's sure of what he's feeling for him so might as well slow down—what could possibly go wrong right?

"Jae!" From a close distance, he heard someone calling. As he looked around, there he saw a beautiful man running towards them. Jaemin seems to hear it too and even gets up from laying on the ground. Renjun presumes he knows the guy because he smiled wide. The man in question threw himself at Jaemin who hugged him back.

Renjun thought the kids not having classes on weekdays wasn't a problem at all, not until this golden boy with a healing smile suddenly appeared out of nowhere— maybe it's a big problem to me now.

"I missed you!" the guy said. "I missed you too, Haechan," Jaemin said. Renjun is on the side, looking awkwardly uncomfortable because he suddenly just got shoved off by some random stranger who hugged his friend out of the blue. 

He felt Lily step back so he gently caressed her head and she got back to sleeping again. Renjun saw Jeno walk up to them carrying a black duffel bag, "You outran me this time," he said, his hands on his knees and even panting. As the golden boy detaches from their shared hug, he smiles at Jeno, "Just say you're too old and go!" to which Jeno snorted and shook his head.

"It's been months since I last saw you, how have you been?" the golden boy asked Jaemin while his hands remained clung to the latter's arm which made Renjun furrow his eyebrows silently. "I'm perfectly fine, Channie. How are you? Why are you here? Don't you have classes today?" Renjun mentally gawks at what he heard, Channie? Just how close they are to using a nickname basis when addressing each other? He doesn’t even call me any cute names at all?

Renjun smirks to himself, perhaps today isn't just a good day for a mini picnic only but to be petty too.

He faked a cough to catch their attention which he successfully did. He then forced a smile on the golden boy who was now looking at him with a smile. "Oh my, Hi! Sorry I didn't see you a while ago!" he almost scoffed at what he said, he's there on all fours and he's not that small to not be seen, why is he acting like he's that small?

"Nah, it's fine. I'm Renjun," he offered his hand to the latter who gladly shook their hands, "I'm Haechan. I'm Jae's friend from the city," he stops to look at the cat that is sleeping on Renjun's lap, "What's her name? She's adorable and fluffy." he cooed.

Renjun took a short glance at Jaemin who was only watching them on the side. He then smirks at him before proceeding to converse with Haechan. 

One thing about Renjun, when he's jealous, he would surely play against you and will make sure to win these little games,

"Her name's Lily… Jaemin and I are her cat dads, making us her parents." For Jaemin, Renjun doesn't need to try because he already won in the first place.

Renjun found out that the golden boy in question earlier was Haechan. The same Haechan he saw on one of Jaemin’s polaroids.

If Renjun is to describe him, he would say that the golden boy is undeniably pretty and kind. He’s talkative and easy to be with too. Some people who see him automatically fall for his charm and wit which is not too hard to notice. The moment Lily woke up and Haechan asked permission to carry her, she already fell in love with Haechan and was all lovey-dovey which made Renjun snort in annoyance.

It didn’t escape Jaemin’s observant eyes. The moment he saw Renjun sulking in the corner, he gently tried to talk to him, “Hey, you’re frowning again.” he says. Renjun rolled his eyes at him, “I am not.” he quickly answered back, making Jaemin chuckle, “You’re a terrible liar.”

“Stop poking fun at me or I’ll take Lily away from you!” he threatens—or so. Jaemin knows he should be serious at times like this, especially since Renjun is sulking mad for some particular reasons. He already knows the older one is acting like this because of Haechan who is totally harmless if he'll explain but he knows Renjun won’t listen, at least not for now so maybe assuring him in some little ways that he knows might work,

“Hey,” He called for Renjun's attention but the latter didn’t pay him any attention at all he was persistent so Jaemin drew on Renjun's right arm with his finger. A little later, he let his finger trace Renjun’s skin slowly down to his hand to clasp it with his.

He’s waiting for the boy to protest or even take away his hand but there was none. All Jaemin received was Renjun’s subtle affirmation by intertwining their clasped hands in silence.

“You’re calm now?” Jaemin asks, breaking the silence between them. 

Still a little sulky, Renjun snickers, “So you’re trying to calm me down? I thought you just wanted to hold my hand when you could’ve just said so, no need to run around in circles.”

Jaemin knows this side of Renjun, but every time it just shows up it feels like all hell breaks loose. He didn’t respond and just tagged Renjun towards Haechan and Jeno who are both playing with Lily.

Renjun thinks to himself why Haechan and Jeno are always together and always this close to each other? Is he also that close with Jaemin when they were in the city? Are they cute together too? Some questions started to flood Renjun’s head and unconsciously, he gently squeezed the younger’s hand. Jaemin looks at him, “Hmm?” to which Renjun only responded with his lips formed in a pout and a short shake of his head.

When Haechan noticed their presence and their hands intertwined, he simply nudged Jeno beside him and pointed at their hands using his lips. The latter only smirked and shook his head upon what he saw, “You should’ve seen how whipped Jaemin is before going back to the city.” he whispered. It piqued Haechan’s attention, “How whipped is this dumbass based on your observation?”

Jeno snorts, “A hundred percent,” he pauses, “People in love stinks, honestly.” He added that made Haechan roll his eyes at him jokingly, “You’re literally dating me, Jeno?”

The samoyed-looking guy only smiles at him, “We’re an exception, love. Don’t worry.” The younger one didn't say anything and let his lover play with Lily.

Renjun’s annoyed expression didn’t escape Haechan’s eyes. He already knows why Renjun is acting a little hostile towards them. He’s not that dumb and insensitive in the first place, the way Renjun looks at Jaemin is already self-explanatory plus it could also be based on a sense of relatedness because that’s how he and Jeno too as someone who’s in a secret relationship—glances are one of their way of communication, especially in the out.

But Haechan didn’t take a 2-3 hour bus trip just to shut up, he also needs his own fun. Certainly, pushing people’s buttons is one of Haechan’s favorite things to do.

“Hey Jaemin, your mom invited me for dinner before I need to leave tomorrow,” Haechan said while pouting. The tensions of Renjun’s shoulders started to form again and if only Jaemin wasn’t holding his hand, he probably pulled the Joker card right now.

He smiles, “Yeah sure, they surely miss you too.” he says and Haechan almost laughed his ass off when he saw how Renjun rolled his eyes, he was simply trying to unclasp his hands with Jaemin but the latter didn’t let him, thus holding it more still. 

Haechan enjoys this drama going on before his eyes and something he and Jeno could gossip about when they’re both back in the city and to his apartment where all their business as a (secret) couple begins.

When the night came, they all gathered inside the dining room of the Na family’s house for their dinner before sending Haechan back to the city tomorrow morning. Renjun found out that Haechan and Jaemin’s parents’ are close and heard so many stories about the two. He remained silent beside Jaemin who only joined the conversation when he was being asked some particular questions.

Hearing these stories and banters makes Renjun wonder how happy Jaemin was when he was still in the city. He can't control himself but to think because based on how Haechan tells those stories, it looks fun and lively, compared to what they had for the past months which is simple, repetitive, boring and casual. 

What if Jaemin changes his mind and wants to go back to the city with Haechan? 

Feeling a bit gloomy, he steals a glance at Jaemin. The latter noticed it and gave him a breadish smile. Supposedly antics like those would make his heart at ease and happy but tonight is an exception.

After dinner, Renjun bid goodbye to go home. He didn't look at Jaemin before leaving their house and just went straight to the front door to go home. 

Haechan nudged Jaemin who was staring at the door, puzzled. "He's obviously jealous of me being here." 

Jaemin feels it too. He feels bad that Renjun felt that way when Haechan being here is totally harmless. He's completely torn between blaming himself for not telling Renjun but then again, if he tells him about Haechan and Jeno, he would feel bad about it and for snitching on them.

He sighs. This will be a long night.

When he reached his house, the first thing he saw as he stepped in was his mom who was watching an underrated Chinese drama again.

She acknowledges her son's arrival by greeting him, "You're home, how's the dinner with your friend's sweetheart?" she sweetly asked. His lips slightly frowning, he answered, "It was fine. How about you, have you eaten?"

"I did, I was with my officemates. So, tell me about your dinner at the Na's." She said,

A small pout evident on his lips, he said, "I'm already sleepy, ma. I'll just tell you some other time." 

Worriedly, she gave Renjun a small smile, "Okay, sleep well sweetheart." It was the last thing he heard before he was in his own room, laying on the bed and curled up like a child.

He heard the sound of the door being opened,  "Ma, I'm going to sleep now." he said but there was no response.

Jaemin walked up to him and sat on the floor just to face him. He then asks, "Why did you leave immediately? I could've walked you home." he softly says. "Are you sulking again?"

Renjun says he's not, but the younger one just chuckles, "You clearly are sulking, Renjun."

"I said I'm not, just go away!" 

Jaemin shakes his head, "But we still have a problem to fix, baby." The sound of Jaemin's calm voice made his stomach turn upside down, not to mention the sudden endearment he just used— he must be crazy!

Renjun rolled his eyes, "Go back to the city with Haechan I suppose!" Jaemin sighs, I was right, he did feel that way.

Jaemin gently reached for Renjun's hand and intertwined his fingers with his, "I won't go anywhere. I'll never leave again."

It was as if all he needed was Jaemin's assurance, Renjun somehow calms and feels relieved upon hearing Jaemin's affirmative words. 

He sat up and looked down at Jaemin who was still sitting on the floor and lifted his head to see him, "Do you know why Lily's precious to me?" he starts. 

He shook his head, still holding Renjun's hand, "Tell me about it."

"When you and dad left, I missed you more each day that I decided to go here, to your room. It was unusual to hear a cat crying inside an empty house and the fact that your family doesn't even own one, but as I looked under your bed, I saw Lily there, all alone… I decided to adopt her and treat her like my own," he pauses, Jaemin gave him an encouraging smile, and Jaemin was listening attentively, even drawing circles on the top of Renjun's hand using the pad of his thumb to assure him that he was listening. 

"She filled the emptiness inside me when you were away and dad was nowhere to be found," he added.

When Renjun finished talking, he looked at Jaemin with his dark brown orbs, "I'm doing everything I can so people will stop leaving me." It was painful for Jaemin to see and know why Renjun continuously does this to himself. 

He carefully speaks, making sure Renjun won't interpret this in a wrong way, "People come and go. Some will stay if they can. If only people had the choice to stay, they would probably not go elsewhere." he said, his eyes remaining on Renjun.

As he looked down, Renjun said, "Am I not enough reason for someone to stay?" it was so faint that Jaemin almost not heard it,

"You are. you are more than enough, okay? But at the same time you need to understand that not everyone is bound to stay, doesn't mean they won't remember you anymore. Others leave because it’s either a matter of choice or circumstances. Some will leave and even go back, some may not… But what’s important is Ayi, Jeno, Jisung, Lily, and I— even Haechan, if you'd let him, we will never leave you. You have us okay? We won't go anywhere."

A bit cynical, Renjun asked, “How about Haechan? He’s not here to bring you back to the city, right?”

The younger one nodded. He must've gone crazy because he finds everything cute with Renjun. “He’s totally harmless. I assure you, he’s just a friend and he’s already dating someone else.”

It made Renjun smile gently. He reached for Jaemin's face, his fingertips lingering on his cheeks, softly caressing it. It made Jaemin lean on the touch, "You okay now?"

Renjun hums, "Yes, thanks."

The two remained to stare at each other's eyes. It is the way he loves Renjun's eyes sparkle. Jaemin loves how he sees the world through Renjun's eyes and how lovely it is.

There wasn't a total silence, Renjun bet it was his ballistic heartbeat banging on his chest for the boy in front of him. 

If you'll ask him what he learned for the past weeks and months of being with Jaemin, he would probably say he learned 3 things: one is he learned what acceptance really is, second is he learned how to forgive and move forward, and third is he learned how to love Jaemin.

Renjun's fingers remained on Jaemin's skin. As the boy continuously caressed the younger's cheek, Jaemin never knew the feeling of being home could be felt through someone's touch and warmth. So home isn't just a place after all.

Renjun calls for him. The sound of his mellow voice flutters his heart and just wants to shut his eyes close and hear it all over again. "If you'll ever leave again… please tell me no matter what, okay?"

"Renjun—"

"Shush! Promise me!" and he gave his pinky, Jaemin just stared at him more.

Renjun pointed his pinky with his head by tilting it, "Come on, I'm waiting~"

Jaemin surrenders and clings his pinky with Renjun's, "Promise."

With their fingers still clung together, Renjun smiled. He leans down and kisses their pinkies which made Jaemin widen his eyes in amusement, "It's sealed then!" he gleefully says. When he noticed that Jaemin isn’t saying anything, he questions him, “Why aren’t you saying—” he wasn’t able to ask him properly when Jaemin suddenly said, “I’m sorry I’m not holding back this time,” 

Confused and puzzled, Renjun’s about to ask again when Jaemin leaned in to give Renjun a kiss on his lips. His eyes widened in response to such shock. It was just a quick kiss yet it felt like an eternity for Renjun. 

He went back to his senses when he heard Jaemin chuckle, "Why are you so adorable even though you're not doing anything at all?"

"Did you just— why did you—was that a kiss—" Jaemin watches Renjun stutter and lose his shit because of that kiss. Jaemin being Jaemin loves to see Renjun lose his cool, "My baby looks so pretty while blushing, isn't he?" and even lightly rubbed Renjun's chin while adoring him.

"What?"

Acting as if he’s not hearing anything, he started talking amidst Renjun’s crisis in front of him, "Do you know Lily's cat dad? The one with cute fluffy cheeks, a healing smile, fox-like eyes, and pretty dark brown orbs? the one they call friendly neighborhood cat dad? yeah? I love him." and Renjun totally lost it.

"Stop messing with me—"

"I love you but please listen to me first,"

"Jaemin I swear to God—"

He shushes him gently, "I'm absolutely smitten by him; he doesn't have any idea at all." That was Renjun's cue to shut the fuck up and just listen to whatever Jaemin is about to say, 

"I have seen different people all my life while I'm in the city, but he has been the prettiest and loveliest. I may look like I'm just messing around and annoying him for the laughs but the moment I felt like I wanted to hold him tight and never let him go, that's where I realized he bewitched the entirety of me into loving him."

Jaemin looks at him, "They say a home is a place, but why does it sometimes feel like it could be a person? Why does he feel like home?"

Jaemin carefully rises from the floor, not breaking the staredown with Renjun. When he's on his feet, he bends down to level his face with him, "After thinking of possible answers for so long, I now have the answer to it," he pauses.

Renjun feels like he's about to collapse because he hasn't breathed properly ever since Jaemin told him he's in love with him.

Jaemin continues, "Because home is where the heart is… and this heart is yours to keep,” and his gaze went down to his lips before he said, "I adore you in perhaps the most basic, desperate human way, Renjun."

Renjun didn't say anything but there was a soft smile lingering on his lips. He doesn't need to say it for Jaemin already knows as he is fluent with silence. 

It wasn't long enough, maybe a ten seconds pause when Renjun closed their distance, took the initiative this time, and claimed his lips. 

He successfully shattered all of my defenses, yet I never really resent it.