brother,, jaeyong

1

5 years ago;
Jaehyun is 12
Taeyong is 14

"Jae sweetie we're getting on the big boat now," Jaehyn's mom calls.

"What if I don't want to? I don't really like the ocean," he replies.

"Come on, kid. you love boats. It's just like when we go out on the lake," his dad smiles, showing off the dimples that Jaehyun himself inherited as well.

Jaehyun looks uncertainly between his parents and the ship with wide eyes, fingers twitching in his pockets and feet shuffling nervously. His parents give him wide smiles once again and push him up the ramp slowly, suitcases in tow.

~

Jaehyun didn't really like the low ceilings and bunk beds of their cramped suite, but his parents assured him that he would be comfortable and could pretend he was sailing off on adventures like Luffy.

Jaehyun sighs as he unpacks his clothes. The room feels stuffy and looking out the window makes him feel slightly seasick.

"Why don't you go get some fresh air? I'm sure you're welcome up on the top deck. Who knows what fun awaits, honey," his mom's eyes shine, although Jaehyun gives her a dull nod.

"Alright."

He pulls open the heavy door and steps into the hallway. He takes the elevator up to the main deck; their room being on floor 8 of the ship.

a/n i've been on a cruise before, but like i was small lmao. do cruise ships have floors? i mean i assume—

The wind rustled his brown hair and he immediately smelled the salty air of the ocean. Ack.
Jaehyun walks over to a side-rail and peers over the edge into the waves below. He's never been afraid of heights, but he doesn't really like the ocean. And he's secretly been afraid of large boats ever since his parents forced him to watch The Titanic.

Hm, kinda wish Leonardo Di'caprio would show up to save me from this trip,
Jaehyun thought glumly.

He supposed this would be fun, I mean, it was a cruise with incredible views, water-parks, games, and plenty of entertainment. Jaehyun just didn't really prefer that kind of thing. He likes to keep to himself and read manga or do his homework.

Suddenly he turned around, feeling like he was being watched. He glances around and his eyes hit a teenage boy watching him intently.

Jaehyun holds the stare, not really feeling a hostility between them, but more of a curiosity or interest.

Maybe I'll find a friend.

"Jae! Hun! over here!" Jaehyun hears his parents calling. He raises his eyebrows and nods to the interesting boy before jogging over to where his parents were.

"Hm," he replies.

"I thought you might want to swim, or get something to eat, or maybe—" Jaehyun cuts his mom off.

"I kinda just want to sleep, maybe later today? It's only like, 2pm."

"Sleep? Oh, alright sweetie," she answers, looking a bit disappointed but understanding nonetheless.

~

Jaehyun wakes up to the sun on his face, his back in a cramped position, and a sweaty forehead.
"Gah, why is it so hot in here?" he wonders aloud. He swings his legs over the side of the bed and hops off, thinking his feet will automatically land on the floor.

How wrong he was.

"OW WHAT THE HECK," he complains loudly when he falls off the top bunk onto the floor.
"What decent people don't put railings on there?!"

His mother pops her head in from the other room and sees him on the floor.

"I fell," Jaehyun explains quickly, getting up and stretching. His mother laughs lightly and asks him if he wants to have dinner.

He agrees.

They head up to the top deck and are seated at a fancy table with a deep crimson cloth and pretty china.

A waiter whisks by with water and they look at the menus while they await his return.

"I'll have the lasagna, can I go to the washroom?" he asks his parents.

"Of course, son, we'll order for you."

Jaehyun stands up and walks towards the main building, as they were seated outside.
Aish why is this place so confusing? This restaurant is so fancy, and lasagna was the only food i recognized on the menu!

Sighing, Jaehyun pushes the door to the men's washroom open, promptly running into the person coming out.

It was the same boy who was staring at him earlier.

"Oh, hey! I'm really sorry about running into you, it was an accident," Jaehyun explains quickly; the older boy slightly intimidated him.

"It's okay," the older boy says. He walks back into the bathroom after holding the door open for Jaehyun as well.
The older boy leans towards the mirror to check the growing red spot on his chin from where Jaehyun's head hit.

"Ah! Did i hurt you? I'm really sorry, come here~" Jaehyun checks his own face quickly before turning back to the boy and squinting at the mark. He touches it lightly,
"Does it hurt?" he wonders.

"No, i think i'm alright," the older boy assures him, grinning.

"Whats your name?" he asks.

"Jung Jaehyun."

"I'm Lee Taeyong." he replies, smiling again. 

He looks much less scary when he's smiling, Jaehyun thought.

"Well, sorry for running into you, Jung Jaehyun-ssi, I hope to see you around!" Taeyong grins one last time before heading out the door. Jaehyun shakes his head, wondering how many people he will meet on this trip.

~

After being seated down once again, Jaehyun realizes that this 'Taeyong' boy is about five tables away from him. After catching his eye, Jaehyun waves. Taeyong crinkles his eyes happily and smiles back, causing his parents to look as well. Jaehyun watches him explain a few things vividly using his hands, before turning back to his plate.

"Who was that, sweetie?" his mom asks.

"Oh, a new friend I made on the way to the bathroom. His name is Lee Taeyong," he explained.

"That's nice, he looks a few years older than you?" his father says.

"Dunno, never asked," Jaehyun shrugs, looking down towards his plate again and eating more. His parents watch him fondly before eating their own dishes.

sorry if this is kinda boring, i think next chapter will be the last of flashbacks since I don't really have all that much to do with it haha (actually I might just swap between present day and flashbacks throughout the story, it won't be boring I promise:D

;) i hope you enjoy this!