Chapter Text
“Oh Hyuckie. Please come home to me” She finishes.
“Mom… I- I can't. Not yet. I'm sorry. I just called to let you know. Im okay. I- I’m alive. But i can't come home yet im sorry” Donghyuck apologizes before hanging up the phone
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Donghyuck threw his phone onto the coffee table after hanging up. His eyes were wide and he was breathing heavily.
“Hey… this is good right?” Jaehyun moves over to be closer to younger.
“It's not great timing. I mean you're 18 and it took you nearly dying but… she wants to be a real mother. Even if she does fall into her ways again… at least you won't have to worry about your father… and you’ll still have your brother… and me” Jaehyun trails off concerned by the silence from the often talkative boy.
“What's the point? She just feels pitiful. They all just feel pitiful. You are just pitying me. You all feel bad that I have a shitty life and wanted to end it. And once you all know I'm okay and not going to off myself you're all going to remember how annoying and how much of a nuisance I am. And I'll be all alone again. The only difference is my dad won't be around” Donghyuck wipes his tears away angrily.
“No. That's not true. I've only known you for less than 24 hours, but you are nothing but a pleasure to be around. Everyone from Joohyun the cashier to my mail man thought you were charming and seemed like a good person. Your family and friends' lives are richer with you in them, Donghyuck” Donghyuck shivers at the sound of his real name on Jaehyun’s tongue.
“Those are strangers. YOU are a stranger, Jaehyun. You don't know me. At least not really. Mark and Doyoung know everything there is to know about me and they still left me. And i can't blame them”
“Yes you can. You absolutely can blame them. That's horrible. The things they, particularly mark and renjun, said about you were horrible and they should be held accountable. They don't deserve you in their lives. I'm sure they regret their words now that they understand what they did to you”
“You don't know that…”
“No… I don't know that. But you can. You should talk to them. And your mother and Doyoung. Take all the time you need before you do. But, just… promise me, that you’ll listen to their words and believe them when they tell you that you are amazing” Jaehyun was gripping Donghyucks hands hard, but not so hard that it hurt. He looked at the younger with so much passion in his eyes. Donghyuck couldn't bare to see them turn sad, so he nodded and giggled as Jaehyun pulled him in for a hug.
They spent the rest of the day cuddled up on the couch watching Jaehyun's favourite american christmas movies.
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Monday December 23rd
“Hey Hyuckie” Donghyuck looked up from his book he was reading in his favorite spot in Jaehyuns apartment (besides Jaehyun's arms) the window sill to the kitchen where Jaehyun was washing the dishes they used to eat dinner that evening.
“Yes Hyung” Donghyuck placed his book down and walked over to a stool at the kitchen island counter and had a seat.
“Remember how i told you my parents… aren't.... Amazing to be around” Jaehyun says the words carefully to gage Donghyuck’s reaction over the topic of family. When he doesn't seem bothered Jaehyun continues.
“Well they're even worse during the holidays, which is why I didn't end up going there. I told them I was busy with finals and they cared more about my school than seeing me so they didnt question it. But that's not the point. My little brother, Jisung, was going to come over for dinner and spend the night on christmas eve and then leave after breakfast on christmas to try and get out of the house. If you don't feel comfortable i can just tell him-”
“-No! No. Absolutely don't make your brother stay home on my account it's perfectly fine. Its fine” Jaehyun looks hesitant for a moment but agrees.
“Thank you…” He smiles at the younger now stuffing his cheeks with some little candies left out on the counter.
“Don't thank me. It's fine… Do you want me to sleep on the couch that night? Or…” Donghyuck trails off
“No. No. Absolutely not. You stay in Sicheng’s room. He can sleep in my bed and I’ll sleep on the couch”
“End of discussion. No guest in my home is going to sleep on the couch” Jaehyun finalizes before Donghyuck has a chance to retaliate. He settles down but it doesn't seem like it'll be the last Jaehyun hears about it.
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Tuesday, December 24th
“Jisung should be here in 10 minutes” Jaehyun mumbles into the back of Donghyuck’s neck. They were currently cuddled up on Jaehyun's bed and working their way through the second season of Jersey Shore on his laptop. It was god awful but entertaining to watch nonetheless.
“Okay…” Donghyuck was nervous. Over the last couple of days he'd come to really like Jaehyun. Maybe even too much. And the idea that someone so important to Jaehyun might not like or think he's weird was very prevalent in his mind. Almost like he senses something is wrong Jaehyun presses his lips against Donghyuck’s neck before whispering.
“It's going to be fine. He's going to like you. He seemed excited to meet you on the phone”
“What exactly did you tell him about me?” Donghyuck asks, somehow feeling even more insecure.
“That you are a friend going through a rough time with his family so you’re staying with me for the holidays. He and I share the same parents so don't forget he's empathetic to this kind of stuff” Donghyuck lets out a breath of relief, glad that Jisungs first impression of Hyuck wouldn't be ‘suicidal kid his brother had to physically pull off the edge’.
“Okay…” As the episode ends Jaehyun closes the computer and rolls over on his bead groaning, putting some distance between the two. Not much but more than there usually was.
“Hey what school do you go to again? Wouldn't it be crazy if it was the same one as my brother” Jaehyun chuckles.
“I go to-” Donghyuck is cut off by a doorbell signalling the brothers arrival. Jaehyun gets up and tries to mask his excitement as he walks out of the room and towards the front door but he doesn't do a good job.
Donghyuck waits peaking over the wall separating the kitchen from the entrance area so that he would be barely visible to someone at the door and make a quick escape if necessary but still see the scene.
Jaehyun swings open the door to reveal a tall (not as tall as Jaehyun but a good amount taller then Hyuck) and Donghyuck doesn't get a good look at his face as Jaehyun quickly embraces the younger and his big build blocks the younger's face.
Jaehyun begins murmuring in his brother's ear. Donghyuck can't make out what he says but it makes the younger groan in embarrassment before he finally pushes the larger away from his body making eye contact with Donghyuck for the first time.
Donghyuck’s breath gets caught in his throat as he finally sees the face. Jisung also looks shocked and taken aback once they meet eyes.
JIsung was one of Na Jaemin’s friends. He was the very one that saw Donghyuck in a moment of weakness on their final day at school in the locker room. While Jisung never hurt or really acknowledged Donghyuck, the smallest couldn't help but immediately feel cornered. So he does what anyone would do. He runs and locks himself in the bathroom
Jaehyun, who had not noticed the shock in the room, none the wiser to what just happened looked to Jisung in curiosity who still looked shocked but confusion was seeping into his features now too.
“That's your friend?” Jisung finally asks, swinging his bag onto Jaehyun's counter.
“Do you know him?” Jaehyuns asks back. Jisung sighs before continuing.
“Yeah he goes to my school” Jisung answers vaguely, looking off the bathroom in which Donghyuck was locked.
“Is that all?” There was clearly more to the situation if it made that poor boy lock himself in a bathroom.
“We literally never once had a conversation, Hyung”
Jaehyun looked back and forth unsure of what to do before walking over the bathroom and lightly knocking on the door.
“Are you okay, Hyuckie?” He asks lightly, listening for any response at all. All he gets is a sniffle. Jaehyun frowns.
“Unlock the door. You don't have to come out but let me in” Jaehyun was expecting more silence but was pleasantly surprised at hearing the door unlock.
Jaehyun spared Jisung one last painful smile before entering the room. Donghyuck sat with his back against the bathtub and knees pulled into his chest. He had a couple tears streaming down his face but he didn't seem too distraught which was a beacon of hope for Jaehyun who joined him on the floor.
“Are you okay?” Jaehyun asks stupidly.
“Sort of. I'm sorry I didn't mean to cause a scene. I just wasn't prepared to see anyone from my school. I hadn't thought about… my friends since… in a while. And he reminded me of them” Jaehyun let out a sigh of relief that Donghyuck was scared of Jisung per say.
“Why's that?”
“You know Mark? Well Jisung is friends with Mark’s boyfriend, Jaemin. Not someone I had particularly fond interactions with” the smaller boy wipes away the last of his tears laying his head on Jaehyun’s shoulder.
“Okay… is everything going to be alright while he's here?” Jaehyun asks, unsure of how to help the younger. Whenever the boy smiles he has stars in his eyes. Jaehyun would do anything to see the stars.
“Actually… Can I talk to him… alone?” Jaehyun's eyebrows shot up. He wasn't expecting that.
“Okay. Yeah sure. You can go out there and talk to him and I’ll just wait in here and… wash my hands” Donghyuck smiled back gratefully before leaving the elder alone in the bathroom.
“Jisung” Donghyuck called out quietly to gain the attention of the boy who was sitting scrolling through his phone eating an apple.
“Hey…” Jisung replies and moves over so Donghyuck can join him. Donghyuck sits on the couch leaving some room between the two.
“Hi,” Donghyuck says before an uncomfortable silence falls over them.
“How are you?” JIsung asks
“Jaehyun said your family was having problems” He continues when Donghyuck hasn't replied.
“Im… not the best. But better i guess. Has Jaemin said anything about me?” Donghyuck asks and prepares for the worst.
“Not since Friday…” They shared a look recalling what Jaemin had said in the locker room on friday.
“I'm sorry” Jisung finally says. Donghyuck looks up in confusion.
“For what?” Donghyuck had no clue what Jisung had to apologize for.
“For… well for… for not sticking up for you. For just letting them say that and then just leaving you there when you clearly needed someone. What they- What Jaemin said was not okay and someone should have told him what an inconsiderate ass he was being. And then I saw you and… I'm sorry” tears started falling from the younger's eyes during his apology and without thinking Donghyuck embraced him. He rubbed his back and whispered ‘it's okay’ as the young boy started crying harder.
They sat there for probably 15 minutes just hugging while JIsung calmed down before Jaehyun slowly opened the door.
“It's okay if you guys need more time to… talk, but I'm just going to grab my switch quickly. Sorry for interrupting”
“No it's fine. We're good” Donghyuck laughs patting Jisung on the back.
The rest of the evening goes swimmingly. JIsung doesn't treat Donghyuck like all the rumours he's definitely heard. He treats him like a person. Like a good person. Someone who matters. He even confides in Donghyuck that he actually has a secret boyfriend named Chenle. Someone whom Donghyuck had seen around school with an incredibly loud laugh and bright red hair. And not even Jaehyun knows about this.
However, at approximately 10 before midnight Donghyuck finds himself tossing and turning unable to fall asleep. He ultimately decides to get up and go see if Jaehyun is still awake.
Donghyuck smiled fondly as he saw the man who stands so tall and confident look so small and childish as he's wrapped up in a fluffy blanket, tongue sticking out the corner of his mouth as he concentrates on his Nintendo switch. When Donghyuck gets closer he sees that Jaehyun was actually playing animal crossing, but puts it down when he notices Donghyuck's presence.
“Hey” He smiles nicely.
“Why are you still up?” Jaehyun asks and opens his arms for Donghyuck to sit on his lap. Donghyuck complies.
“Every year since we were 9 Mark and I would have a sleepover on christmas eve. We would stay up so we could wish each other a merry christmas the moment the clock struck midnight” Donghyuck reminisces. He internally hits himself for wondering what Marks up to. He's with Jaehyun and Jaehyun cares for him and is there for him. That's what Donghyuck deserves. He knows that now. But Mark… was Mark. There wasn't anyone else quite like Mark.
“Well we will just have to start our own christmas tradition won't we?” Jaehyun places Donghyuck to the side before getting up. He walks over to his speakers and plugs in his phone and plays some song that Donghyuck doesn't recognize quietly.
“You're putting me on the spot so I can't come up with anything to inventive but how about dancing as the clock switches over” Jaehyun holds his hand out in front of Donghyuck before pulling him up and into a dancing position. Donghyuck lays his head on the olders chest as they sway to the music.
“Thank you Jaehyun. For everything. I think i'm going to call my mom tomorrow” Jaehyun hums in reply and rubs Donghyuck back comfortingly.
“If you want me there. I'll be there. If not. I'll give you space”
“I want you there”
Donghyuck watches as the clock struck midnight and pulled away. He looks up at Jaehyun through his eyelashes before going in for one final hug. When he pulls away from that he looks to Jaehyun's makeshift bed on the couch.
“You know… you don't have to… sleep on the couch… if you want you could sleep with… I mean only if you're comfortable. I'm just letting you know if that’s something you'd like i'm okay with it, but… actually forget i asked never mind” Donghyuck turned away blushing.
“Do I have to forget? Because I'd like to take you up on that offer” Donghyuck turned to look at Jaehyun half expecting him to laugh and say he's joking but he looks sincere and he's holding out his hand.
Donghyuck accepts his hand and follows as Jaehyun pulls him to the bedroom. Wordlessly get into bed together and cuddle the night away. Neither boy remembers the last time they slept comfortably.
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Wednesday December 25
10:45 AM
“Hyung'' Jaehyun groans and moves closer to the soft head of hair his face was currently pressed up against. But feeling hands shaking his arm he opens his eys to see Jisung packed and ready to leave.
“Oh shit what time is it?” Jaehyun asks, rubbing his eyes. Remaining quiet as to not wake the sleeping boy by his side. Every night since Donghyuck got here he had been awake before 7. The kid deserved some sleep.
“Almost 11. I'm getting picked up soon” Jisung whispers. Jaehyun motions for him to leave the room and that he’ll get up. Jisung leaves. Jahyun looks down at the small precious boy.
Jaehyun, without thinking, leans down and presses a kiss on the younger's forehead.
“Merry Christmas Baby”
Jaehyun joined Jisung at the island and hugged his little brother.
“Merry Christmas, Jisungie”
“Merry Christmas, Hyung” JIsung replies.
“Sorry I didn't get up sooner to make you a christmas breakfast” Jisung waves off Jaehyun apology and smirks.
“It's okay. I didn't want to wake you when you looked so peaceful” Jaehyun rolls his eyes as Jisung snickers.
“Listen Hyung. About Donghyuck… I really like him. And I'm glad you're taking care of him. He deserves someone like you, you know. BUt… be careful. In terms of what people say about him at school…”
“Jisung” Jaehyun says warningly, feeling wildly protective over the boy in his bed.
“Hyung... hear me out… I don't believe things people say until I see for myself. But, this thing was sort of impossible to miss. I'm not sure if he's talked much about Mark. But… they were very close. And, Jaemin, Mark's boyfriend, was very adamant that they were a little closer than friends should be… They were attached to the hip before Jaemin came into things…”
“What are you getting at, Jisung?” Jaehyun has a feeling of what Jisung is getting at, but he wants to hear him say it.
“I just don't want you getting involved and falling for someone who is emotionally unavailable... that's all. I just don't want you to get hurt” Jaehyun sighs before taking the younger into a final hug.
“I'm going to be fine Jisungie. Don't worry about me. Okay… Call me if mom or dad get on your case okay. Don't be afraid to stand up for yourself” Jisung rolls his eyes but returns the hug and the sentiment before leaving Jaehyun and the sleeping boy alone in the apartment.
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“Are you sure?” Jaehyun and Donghyuck were currently sat sides flushed against each other just enjoying each other's company after breakfast when the topic of Donghyuck calling his mother came up.
“Yeah… I… I had a good day today. And the last couple days even… and just… I’m ready to deal with the situation… It'd be better to do it when I can still run back to you rather than when I'm forced to approach everyone when school starts back up” Donghyuck was fiddling with his thumbs.
“Okay… When do you want to call?” the look in Donghyuck’s eyes was answer enough and the elder stood up to go retrieve his charging phone on the other side of the room before returning and handing the phone to Donghyuck.
Donghyuck held down the power button to start his phone and sighed nervously as the apple symbol came up. Once the one was completely on several notifications came up. Most were from Mark and Doyoung. A lot were from Renjun. A few from Jeno (but they were basically essays). And even one from Jaemin. Donghyuck ignored them all and opened the phone app to call his mother. He put it on speaker before placing it on the couch between him and Jaehyun.
It only rings twice before his mother's nervous voice cuts through the room.
“Hello? Donghyuck?”
“Hey Mom…” The boy whispers back.
“Merry Christmas Hyuc- Donghyuck. I- I… I love you” Donghyuck sucks in a sharp breath at her words. His grip on Jaehyun's hand tightens.
“Yeah I- Merry Christmas…”
There is silence in reply the only sound is the woman's deep breathing.
“So… Why are you calling?... I'm glad you are… Just… Is there anything I can do for you? Do… you want to come home? I kicked your father out. He's staying with his brother until we properly get the divorce settled”
“No… I mean that's great, but… I'm not coming home not yet. But maybe… I can come by… see you? Has Doyoung left yet?”
“I don't think he's leaving until he sees you in one piece and knows you're okay. He and his boyfriend got a hotel nearby… I would love to see you. I'm sure Doyoung would too. Maybe for dinner?” Donghyuck looks up at Jaehyun for confirmation. Jaehyun nods and smiles.
“Yeah that sounds good… Can I bring Jaehyun? He’s… The guy I'm staying with” Jaehyun's heart flutters at the fact that DOnghyuck wants him there when he confronts his family.
“Yes. Of course. I would love to meet him… How does 6 o'clock sound?”
“That's good. See you then”
“See you… Love you…” Donghyuck mutters a ‘mhmm’ in reply before hanging up and falling back onto the couch dramatically.
“You did great, bub” Jaehyun whispers in his ear while ruffling his hair.
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“Okay Hyuck you ready” Jaehyun opened the bedroom door to see Donghyuck dressed in Jaehyun's absolute smallest clothes (they are still huge on him) and sat on the bed gnawing at his fingernails. He looks up and meets Jaehyun's eyes and the poor boy looks petrified. Jaehyun's heart breaks.
“Hyuck… We can still cancel if you want. I'm sure everyone would understand” Jaehyun just wants to take the boy into his arms and protect him from everything forever.
“No Jae… i mean Hyung. I'm ready. I can do this… I want to do this today”
“Okay let's head out then” Donghyuck nods and grabs Jaehyun's hand as they exit the apartment together linked by the hand until it's time for Jaehyun to adjust the mirrors in his car.
The drive is silent. The only noise coming from Jaehyun's phone telling him which turns to make. Jaehyun can feel the anxiety radiating off of Donghyuck, but the younger one has been clear and determined. Nothing is going to hold him back.
When Jaehyun finally pulls up in front of the small home he gives Donghyuck one final look as if saying ‘we can still turn back and just cuddle and watch jersey shore today’ but Donghyuck opens the door and walks with confidence to the front of the house. Jaehyun follows suit.
When Donghyuck is not even 1 foot away from the door it bursts open showing a middle aged woman who strongly resembles Donghyuck. She goes in for a hug but immediately retreats when Donghyuck flinches back. She then gives the two boys a pained smile.
“Donghyuck. I'm so glad to see you… Merry Christmas. And you must be Jaehyun. Thank you for taking such good care of my son” She reaches out to shake Jaehyuns hand before opening the door wider.
The two boys walked in, discarded their shoes and when they entered the family room there were two other men who looked just a little bit older than Jaehyun. One was very striking and pretty with sharp angular features and hair that is half white and half red and resembled an anime character. While the other was taller and looked like a bunny. He didn't look much like Donghyuck (certainly not like his mother had) but he had a very similar aura in the way he held himself so Jaehyun assumed that he was Doyoung.
Jaehyun was able to confirm his assumptions as the taller man immediately ran up to Donghyuck and hugged him. Donghyuck didn't seem to flinch like he had with his mother but he still looked taken aback. Doyoung begins whispering in Donghyuck’s ear. The entire scene seems very emotional so Jaehyun looks away to give them so privacy. He makes eye contact with the todoroki doppelganger and smiles politely.
“Hi im Taeyong, Doyoung’s boyfriend” He shakes hands with him.
“Hi I’m Jaehyun”
After the introduction the two just stand awkwardly together waiting for the brothers to finish their moment.
Jaehyun looked around the house. It was… nice. It was clear that Donghyuck’s family was neither affluent nor broke but they seemed to be comfortable. Although the home seems very cold almost as if there isn't a family living there. There are no pictures up or anything really that doesn't look like it came straight out of an ikea catalogue.
Jaehyun is brought back to attention when Donghyuck pulls on his sleeve. He looks down to see Donghyuck with some tear tracks on his face but a soft smile on his face.
“Hey how'd it go? You don't have to tell me. But if you want to you can”
Donghyuck opens his mouth to reply but is cut off by his mother entering the room.
“Doyoung, Taeyong can you boys please help me set the table?” The three then exit the room and head to the dining room.
“It went… good. He apologized. And cried. And… I guess he just mostly apologized and cried. Ummm. Yeah he just said he was sorry for leaving. But i can't really blame him. He had no reason to think I was alone I guess. So i forgave him but then he got mad and told me I shouldn't be forgiving anyone that easily. And then… he said that he and Taeyong are looking for an apartment in the city. Doie said he wasn't going to leave me again and Taeyong works out of the city and Doyoung said the drive to his college campus isn't too far. So… he told me if I wanted to... I could live with them. If i didn't want to live with my mom”
“That's… really nice of him. Do you know what you're going to do?”
“I… I don't want to intrude. Like he and Taeyong are young and I doubt they want some teenager living with them. Doyoung is like the most responsible person i know, but that doesn't mean he should be responsible for me. But, i'm scared to live with my mom. What if it just goes back to the way it was when the guilt fades away. I don't know if i would be able to handle it again” Jaehyun grips Donghyuck’s hands. He wants to take away all his fear and pain. He's never felt this way before.
“I can't speak for Doyoung and Taeyong but… they wouldn't offer if they didn't think that they'd be able to provide a happy and comfortable environment for all three of you. But, you don't need to be scared of making the wrong decision. If you want to try and take your mom up on her offer and she does become distant, I'm sure Doyoung and Taeyong would take you in. And don't forget. You will always have a place with me. Things will never go back to the way they were because you'll never be alone again. I'll make sure of that” Donghyuck tears up and hugs Jaehyun.
“Thank you Jaehyun”
“No problem Hyuck”
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“No. You kids go sit down, I can handle this mess” Donghyucks mother shoos the boys out of the dining room and back into the living room.
The dinner had been extremely pleasant. Donghyuck and Taeyong were beginning to get along really well and while Doyoung seemed skeptical of Jaehyun he seemed to be warming up to him.
They had gotten a deck of cards and were in the middle of a game of crazy 8s when the home phone rang.
“I'll go get it” Doyoung gets up and dusts his pants off before walking over and picking up the phone.
“Hello”
“Oh… it's you… give me one reason why i shouldn't hang up” The three boys immediately snapped over to Doyoung, his suddenly hostile tone paralyzing the room. The person on the phone seems to say something that calms Doyoung a little because he untenses and doesnt hang up.
“Donghyuck… its Mark” Doyoung says the name like its acid in his mouth.
Donghyuck’s eyes widen comically. Jaehyun can't help but feel a sour feeling in his gut as he remembers Jisungs warning about Mark. But he immediately yells at himself as now is not the time to be selfish over who is or isn't important to Donghyuck.
“Okay…” Donghyuck walks over to Doyoung and takes the phone. He takes a deep sigh and spares one final look towards Jaehyun. When he sees the warm comforting smile on the handsome boy's face he feels a surge of confidence and he finally holds the phone up to his ear.
“Mark…”
“Donghyuck…” Mark's voice breaks halfway through and Donghyuck’s breath catches in his throat at how utterly devastated the boy sounds.
When Donghyuck doesn't respond Mark continues.
“I'm so so so sorry, Donghyuck. I dont… I cant… you were… you ARE one of the most important people in the world to me and I hurt you. And I can never take that back. When I read your letter it felt like the world stopped, Donghyuck. There was a moment there after i read it that i just… wanted to be with you and i was willing to do anything to be with you. Anything, Donghyuck. I didn't want to live in a world where you weren't there every morning to walk with me to school or laugh at me when I trip or dance with me in the rain. I felt lost. And I'm not trying to guilt you into accepting my apology. You shouldnt accept my apology. I don't deserve it. I don't know what i need to do in order to earn your forgiveness but i'll do whatever it takes because… I love you Donghyuck. I care about you”
Donghyuck had cried so much in the few days and a week ago these words would have made him sob until he couldn't breathe but… He just feels numb. Numb isn't the right word. Because his heart breaks at Marks words but it doesn't make him feel the way he would have before. Because he doesn't forgive Mark. Not yet. Maybe not ever.
“Okay Mark… Im okay. Im… the best i've been in a long long time. But youre right. I don't forgive you. And to be completely honest I will likely forgive Renjun and Jeno and Doyoung but you… I put so much trust in you and I don't think I'll ever fully recover from how badly you hurt me. I care about you to Mark. And I'm not saying I don't want you in my life anymore, but I need some time. And we'll never be what we used to be. Take care of yourself Mark. Thanks for calling” Donghyuck feels empowered by his words. The personal growth he's made in the last couple days has been exceptional.
Mark lets out a shaky breath.
“Okay, Donghyuck I understand. I'm glad- I'm thrilled that you're okay. I will be here when you're ready. Bye Donghyuck”
“Bye”
Donghyuck places the phone down and turns around. Doyoung and Taeyong seemed to have started a game of go fish, and Jaehyun was just watching Donghyuck with a fond smile on his face. He looked proud.
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Tuesday December 31st
It was ending the last few days of holidays before school started back up again. Donghyuck had been staying at Jaehyuns house but his mom had bought an apartment for the two to live in and was in the process of selling their old house. Just yesterday Jaehyun had helped Donghyuck move his stuff to the new place. Also, Jisung had been spending a lot of time at Jaehyun's home so Donghyuck had gotten much closer to him and even got to hang out with his boyfriend, Chenle a few times.
Donghyuck was currently at a small gathering with a bunch of people from school for new years eve. It was only the second time Donghyuck would be seeing Jeno and Renjun in person. The day after Christmas Donghyuck went to see them because they desperately wanted to apologize. Donghyuck essentially forgave them but said it'll take a while to rebuild trust. Donghyuck had yet to see Mark in person after their phone call, and had only talked to Jaemin once on the phone when he wanted to apologize.
The gathering was hosted at Marks house so this would be the first time he'd see him in person. It also meant that Jaemin was likely not coming as the two had broken up only a few days prior. Donghyuck is not sure why but cant help but feel like he was part of the reason.
Jaehyun had picked up a shift at the grocery store so he wasn't at the gathering but he was supposed to arrive at 11 where Donghyuck would introduce him to Renjun and Jeno (and maybe Mark).
Currently, Donghyuck is sitting between Renjun and Jisung as they play cards against humanity. He was having a really good time. This is the first time Donghyuck felt happy and comfortable without Jaehyun one foot away from him in months.
Jeno ends up winning the game and goes on a rant about how people always say he's not funny but here he is when Donghyuck makes eye contact with Mark across the room. Mark smiles and waves. Donghyuck tells Jisung he's getting a drink (non-alcoholic ofc Marks parents are upstairs) and makes his way to Mark.
“Hey. This party is fun. How'd you get your parents to agree?” Donghyuck asks once he's beside Mark.
“Honestly, they only agreed because Doyoung agreed to chaperone,” Mark said, nodding his head to the other side of the room where Donghyucks brother sat mindlessly scrolling on his phone looking miserable.
Once Doyoung found out that Donghyuck wasn't forgiving Mark (at least not easily) and he saw just how remorseful Mark was he decided that he could go easy on Mark. Donghyuck was grateful for that. As hurt as he was by the boy he still wanted the best for Mark.
“Yeah… How are you doing, Mark? I heard about you and Jaemin” Mark cringes when Donghyuck brings it up but waves it off when Donghyuck attempts to apologize and change the topic.
“Im fine. It was for the best. I don't think we were that good of a couple. We sort of brought out the worst in one another” That surprised Donghyuck. They always looked so happy to him. But you never know what happens behind closed doors. The conversation dies off and leave the two boys in silence.
“Donghyuck..?-”
“-Mark…?”
The both laugh at the fact that they started talking at the same time.
“You go first” Donghyuck smiles at Mark.
“I just wanted to… apologize. In person. I… I was a dick. And I'm a really shitty friend. And I didn't just hurt anyone. I hurt you. And I knew how much you relied on me but I still did what I did. And i will truly never forgive myself for that” Donghyuck looks down not wanting the serious turn of their conversation to bring down his mood
“Mark… yes you hurt me. But before these last couple months, you were the most amazing friend I ever could have had. I was on the edge for so long. I didn't just have one fight with you and decided I didn't want to live anymore. You were the reason i hadn't done anything much much earlier and that's way too much pressure to put on a teenager. So… it's okay. What you did wasn't. But, we're okay… This doesn't mean I forgive you or that I trust you even half as much as I used to. But I want you in my life” Mark tears up at Donghyuck’s words.
“Can i hug you?” Mark asks,
“Yeah”
Mark embraces Donghyuck tightly and stays like that for a moment before letting go.
They pull away but Donghyuck stays by Mark's side observing their friends in a comfortable silence. Mark cant help but look over at the boy. He looked so much better than the last time he saw him. He didn't have swollen eyes from crying or eyebags from lack of sleep and most of all he had a light, but beautiful smile on his face.
Mark watches as Donghyuck opens his phone and replies to a text. Mark also notices Donghyuck’s lockscreen, what was once a picture of Donghyuck hugging Mark is a picture of him kissing, what Mark assumes is Jaehyun's cheek. For some unknown reason this makes Mark's chest hurt. But he doesn't even consider saying anything about it.
“Hey, Jaehyun is outside so i'm going to go let him in and introduce him to Renjun and Jeno. It was great talking to you Mark. You should come over so you can meet Jaehyun if you get the chance. He's very important to me” Mark nods and watches as Donghyuck skips through the house.
He watches as Donghyuck opens the door revealing the very handsome man that was indeed on Donghyuck’s lockscreen. Donghyuck hugs the man tightly and Jaehyun lifts him off the ground quickly. Donghyuck then takes his hand and drags him over where Renjun and Jeno are.
“Ew oh my god what are you doing here?” Jisung complains loudly as Jaehyun is dragged up to the group.
“Shush. I was invited” Jaehyun smirks. JIsung rolls his eyes as he notices some of the boys and girls also playing games looking at Jaehyun with hearts in their eyes. Jaehyun doesn't seem to notice as he’s too busy looking at Donghyuck.
“Jaehyun Hyung this is Renjun and this is Jeno. They are two of my closest friends. Renjun, Jeno and Jaehyun Hyung” Renjun and Jeno both stand up from the game and shake hands with Jaehyun.
Jisung joins them as they head outside to talk.
Jaehyun meshes in with Donghyuck’s friends really well and it makes Donghyuck’s heart swell.
It doesn't take Renjun and Jeno long to notice the way Jaehyun and Donghyuck interact. They look at one another with so much love in their eyes and they are constantly touching each other.
This causes the two boys to by uneasy as Mark comes outside.
“Hey…” Mark waves awkwardly in true Mark fashion.
“Oh Mark hey. Jaehyun this is Mark. Mark this is Jaehyun”
The two boys awkwardly shake hands but the clear tension between the two seems to go right over Donghyuck’s head.
“I've heard a lot about you” Jaehyun directs to Mark once they sit down. Jaehyun also makes a point of wrapping his arm around Donghyuck’s shoulders.
“I've heard a lot about you too. Mostly from Doyoung. But a lot nonetheless”
“Hmmm” The group falls silent after this but the silence is finally broken as Chenle runs outside.
“Jisung! it's 5 minutes to midnight you better get your ass in here. I've spent 16 years having no new years kiss there's no way i'm doing that on my 17th too especially when i have a damn boyfriend” Jisung blushes before he excuses himself and joins Chenle inside.
The rest of the group follows suit. Jaehyun holds Donghyuck behind so that when they get inside they are separated from the group. Donghyuck looks up at him.
“Your friends are really nice. I'm glad you have them” Jaehyun takes a piece of Donghyuck’s hair and pushes it behind his ear.
“Thank you. I'm glad you like them” Donghyuck is blushing as Jaehyun pulls him closer so their chests are pushed against each other. Jaehyun looked down lovingly into the younger's eyes. Donghyuck audible gulps.
“Have you ever had a new years kiss?” Donghyuck asks quietly.
“Yes. But never someone I really cared about… you?”
“Sort of. Renjun and I had a quick peck when we were 14. Jeno was furious. I care about Renjun but not in that way. And it was barely a kiss. And we screamed like girls afterwards” Jaehyun laughed and any tenseness in Donghyuck's body seemed to go away. Jaehyun looks up as the clock strikes 11:59.
“Do you want a proper New years kiss?” Jaehyun finally asks. The room begins counting down before Donghyuck can answer. He is blushing really hard and his gaze keeps going down to Jaehyun’s lips. Once the count got down to 5 Donghyuck finally got the confidence to nod.
“4”
“3”
“2”
“1”
“Happy New Years”
Jaehyun softly places his lips on the younger's heart shaped ones. The kiss is anything but raunchy. They softly move their lips together. No tongue, no heat, just passion. The kiss doesn't last that long but the two stay in each others embrace for the rest of the night.
This looking to be the best year of Donghyuck’s Life
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2 Years Later: July 2020
Not long after New Years Jaehyun and Donghyuck started dating. They took things incredibly slow as Donghyuck was still sensitive. Donghyuck’s mother was also quick to get her son in therapy to help him cope with his insecurities and depression brought up from his adolescence.
The second half of Donghyuck’s senior year goes well. He gets good grades and finally feels happy and confident in his friendships and also begins to hang out with Jisung and Chenle a lot. At the end of the year Donghyuck was ecstatic as he got his acceptance letter from SMU the same school Jaehyun goes to. In the following fall Donghyuck begins his studies for his major in Psychology. He makes plenty of new friends, one of which being Na Jaemin. They both matured a lot after highschool and were actually in the same major. They bonded a lot over their shared classes and Jaemin was now one of Donghyuck’s closest friends. And finally felt happy.
Donghyuck's relationship with his Mother is better than ever before. They spend a lot of time together and she seems to really take their relationship seriously and never distances herself away from him again. The same goes for Doyoung. He and Donghyuck get lunch at least once a week and Donghyuck would often spend weekends at Doyoungs place he shares with Taeyong.
Donghyuck does drift away from Renjun, Jeno, and Mark slightly as they are in different programs and that's just what happens, but they never allow their friendship to end as the four of them frequently get dinner together and catch up when they all have time. Renjun and Jeno are still dating, and Mark has been in a few different short term relationships since Jaemin but nothing has stuck yet.
In Donghyuck’s second year at DMU he moves in with Jaehyun and he gets his first part time job as a barista at a locally owned cafe. He gets along really well with his coworkers and actually makes really good friends with some of them. Such as the owner Taeil, and his fellow baristas Jungwoo, Johnny, Kunhang, and YangYang.
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Donghyuck was cleaning off the tables in the cafe and preparing for closing when the bells on the door chimed signalling that someone had entered the cafe.
“Sorry we're closed” Donghyuck says without looking up, but gasps as arms wrap around his waist. He turns around to see Jaehyun. His Jaehyun.
“Hey you” Donghyuck pecks his boyfriend on the lips.
“I thought you had a night class today” Donghyuck mumbles against his lips.
“It got cancelled so I thought I'd come pick you up from the cafe and walk you home” Jaehyun smiles widely showing off his dimples.
Donghyuck prepares to say something witty and tease him for being so cute, but Donghyuck is just too happy he can't even be a little shit. No matter how much he wants to.
“I love you,” Donghyuck says simply.
“I love you too” Jaehyun grabs Donghyuck’s hands and places them on his shoulder before placing his own hands on the younger hips before swaying.
Donghyuck lies his head on the olders chest and hums as they sway. The couple feel like they are in their own world with no one but each other but that's not true.
Mark stands outside the cafe watches as Donghyuck and Jaehyun slow dance. He had been at the music studio late that night and by the time he finished he realized that Donghyuck should be closing up and maybe Mark could walk him home. The two did not get to spend much time together these days. But Mark watches longingly and a little envious as he shows up too late. He is left wondering what would've happened had he not been such a coward. What would have happened had he revealed that he loved the boy just as much as he once loved Mark instead of throwing himself completely into Jaemin and away from Donghyuck.
Nothing would happen now. Mark was now the one alone. He betrayed the person that means the most to him and now he gets to watch him be happy with another. Mark would never ruin it though. Now he really will never reveal his feelings. Donghyuck is happy with Jaehyun. And that's what Donghyuck deserves.