The car ride to Jaemins apartment is silent. Haechan tries to calm himself by singing along to the radio but it's not enough to make him forget that he's in a closed space with the one person who can freak him out more than anybody else.
He accidentally lets out a sigh of relief when Jaemin parks the car in front of his building.
"Are you okay?" Jaemin asks, not really wanting but now wanting to ignore the males reaction.
Haechan nods and gets out of the air to soak up the slightly breezy air. The sound of the trunk slamming brings him out of his peace.
He raises an eyebrow when he sees Jaemin struggling to hide something behind his back. Jaemin notices and flashes him what's supposed to be a reassuring smile.
"Want me to open the door?"
"Yes, please."
Haechan takes the keys and turns away, trying to listen to what Jaemins to doing behind him. He opens the door and walks right into the living room.
"Should I close my eyes?"
"Uh, yeah."
Haechan does so, also making sure to face the wall so he can't see Jaemin has. The ruffling of a bag gets his attention, until it stops a few seconds later.
Haechan opens one eye, hoping Jaemin isn't in the living room. When he sees that it's empty, he seats himself on the couch and starts mindlessly scrolling through his phone to ease the unusual awkwardness that's been surrounding them.
"Want a snack or something?" Jaemin asks as he walks back into the living room.
The brunet shakes his head and places his phone face down against his thigh to give Jaemin his attention.
Jaemin sits on the armrest of his couch, trying to keep himself from just tackling his friend into a hug and apologizing against his chest.
He drums his fingers up and down his thigh, trying to give himself something else to focus on.
"I'm sorry."
"It's okay", Haechan says immediately, earning him a look. Haechan continues. "I can tell you feel bad. And if I did something, I'm sorry."
Jaemin shakes his head. "No, no, you didn't do anything. I-I'm..." Jaemin sighs. "I was jealous."
Everything in Haechans body and outside of it seems to slow down as he tries to process Jaemins small confession that makes him feel far too much.
"What do you mean?" He asks slowly.
"I know it's probably me...Especially 'cause I struggle with this a lot but sometimes I feel like you don't like me that much. Or if you do...that you..."
Jaemin doesn't finish his sentence but he doesn't need to.
"I'm sorry", Haechan says again. "It's not that I don't like you, I promise I do, I just don't know how to...be more mindful of people? And I should."
"Why don't you react when I say something nice to you?"
Haechans eyebrows pinch together in confusion. "What do you mean?"
"When Jeno said all those nice things about you, I could just tell you felt happy about it. Which is normal but...I feel like I could tell you the same things and you'd just say thanks."
Fuck, fuck, fuck, how do I get out of this idea?
As much as Haechan would love to admit the reason he refuses to show a reaction is because if he doesn't, he'll show too much, but he doesn't wanna mess anything up.
"I like your compliments a lot. I like when you say nice things to me. It makes me happy and the sort of...joy I get from being complimented...by you is a bit odd. And I'm afraid I'm gonna do something stupid."
"Stupid? Like what?"
Haechan shrugs, completely contrasting the rushed string of words that come out of his mouth. "Kissyouorsomething, I don't know."
Jaemin blinks. Once, then twice. If he's being honest, this definitely seems like one of the scenarios he's daydreamed about, but he's pretty sure Haechan actually said it. In real life. Just now.
"What?"
Haechan knows it's a cheap shot but it's all he can do to stop his panic from completely taking over. "What was that thing I'm not supposed to see?"
Jaemin doesn't respond for a minute, still unsure if his ears are actually working for a moment. It doesn't help that Haechan looks adorably flustered as he scrolls on his phone.
"Okay, I'm gonna get. 'Cause it's for you. We can talk about what you said...later."
Haechan doesn't answer, just waiting for Jaemin to leave the room so he can finally breathe normally and yell at himself in his head for what the hell he just did.
In the confines of his room, Jaemin takes a few deep breaths as he tries to understand exactly what he's feeling. And if it makes sense.
Haechans words stay in his mind, taunting him, further causing a jumbled mess of butterflies in his body.
Did he really say that?
Jaemin blows out some air as he focuses on getting his gift and making it look cute in the gift bag he got (he just couldn't help himself).
He returns to living room with a nervous smile on his face. Haechan looks over at him as he pushes his hair back.
Holy fuck, that's hot
The thought is instantly replaced when the brunets eyes light up and a shy smile decorates his hair. Being around the male is absolute torture for Jaemin. With him wanting to kiss him all the time, cuddle him to death, and just admit how much he loves him.
He slowly places the bag in front of the male and watches as he peeks into it and then at him before thoroughly going through it.
"An envelope?" Haechan questions.
"Open it."
Haechan does. And gasps when he sees what it is.
"Where did you get these?" He asks, holding up the tickets.
"There's a store that has a really small section of tickets and I got curious so I looked through them and found these."
Haechan launches himself at the male, squishing him snd rubbing his face against his shirt, trying to express all his excitement.
After a moment, he gets up and goes back to focusing on the bag, wondering what else Jaemin could have possibly gotten him.
"Baby, why is there more?"
The nickname slips out of Haechans mouth before he can remember how he feels. And that he probably shouldn't call Jaemin that nickname, for his own sake.
Jaemins face tints with pink but he clears his throat, trying to brush it off. This isn't the first time he's been called this nickname but something about Haechan saying it like it's second-nature makes him feel fuzzy.
Little does he know that Haechan wishes he could say it this casually. All the time.
"I went a little crazy. I just kept seeing things and thinking of you. Chenle even said that you'd be happy with one thing and I know you would but I just wanted to give you more."
Can you be anymore perfect?
The question narrowly avoids escaping past Haechans lips. He even thinks of letting himself say it but he knows he's not prepared for whatever else he may cause. He's already admitted that he would kiss the male next to him, he figures that's enough for today.
The plastic at the bottom of the bag distracts him.
"Jaemin, what's in here?"
He can hear the grin in the boys voice as he says, "Just look at it."
Haechan takes the thing out and sees—well he doesn't know what this is. Some soft of tan vacuum-sealed item.
"Take it out of the plastic and you can see what it is."
Haechan gives Jaemin a weird look before doing as he says. The item slowly starts to inflate until he can see what it is.
He gasps. "YOU GOT ME A CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE PLUSHIE!"
Jaemin laughs as Haechan squeals over his gift. He giggles even more when Haechan tackles him in another hug and places kisses all over his face. Jaemin loves it.
But of course his feelings have to ruin it as he has to restrain himself from making the slightest movement or puckering his lips so their lips can brush.
"There's...more", he says through laughing, trying to sit up before he actually does kiss Haechan.
I could kiss you
Haechan accidentally slaps a hand over his mouth, forgetting that Jaemin is right there to see the action.
"I...am...just...", Haechan racks his brain for anything that won't give away his feelings. "Overwhelmed by you know, all this. I love you so much, Jaemin, I really do."
A small smile forms on Jaemins face as he nods and then holds out the gift bag to Haechan, wanting him to see the other things.
"Ooh, another envelope", Haechan wiggles his eyebrows before opening it.
He only needs ten seconds before deciding to hug Jaemin again, basically plopping himself in his lap this time.
"You should've done this first time", Jaemin grins, really hating himself for his inability to control his urge to flirt with the brunet.
"Yeah, I should've."
Haechan hurries up and pulls out the snacks, avoiding looking at Jaemin. He doesn't see the way Jaemins eyes widen and he's so distracted with his own feelings that he doesn't notice how fast Jaemins heart is beating or how tense he is.
Right as Haechan turns to look at him, Jaemin sits up and wraps his arms around Haechans waist, momentarily making him forget what he was gonna say.
"You good?" Jaemin asks, tightening his hold on Haechan.
"I, um, yeah. I was just gonna say that I, like, really, um, really love you", Haechan stutters, getting distracted with the way Jaemin is looking at him and holding him.
Jaemin pecks his cheek and pulls away smiling. "I love you too."
My poor heart, Haechan thinks, fully aware of the fact that Jaemin will probably quickly realize how affected he is.
"Thank you for telling me how you feel, by the way. Next time, just tell if I hurt you. That is something I don't ever want to do, okay? And I'm sorry for the way I acted before. I didn't mean to make you feel like I don't like you that much."
Jaemin nods.
After five minutes of silence pass, Haechan behind putting stuff back in the bag. Besides the plushie because it's too big.
"I should probably go."
Disappointment fills Jaemin but he nods and stands up to follow Haechan to the door.
He opens it for him but gets his attention right before it's open enough for him to exit through.
"I'm really sorry again and I will talk to you next time, I just..." Haechan loses track of what Jaemin is saying, not being able to keep up with his rushed words. And because his attention is elsewhere.
He promises he's an attentive person and this really isn't the best time to zone out he can barely control his thoughts when his gaze keeps dropping to Jaemins lips.
Jaemin talks even faster, growing nervous from the brunet who is definitely looking at his mouth. Words rush out, barely being related to his apology anymore but he just needs to keep talking.
Haechan tries to control himself, he really does.
But his heart wants what it wants.
Haechan lets his bag slip out of his fingers. It barely hits the ground before he grabs the front of Jaemins shirt and yanks him forward, making their lips collide.
No, he doesn't know what he's doing but he's letting his desire to kiss Jaemin control him. He feels on fire when Jaemin kisses back.
Does Jaemin have any idea what's going on? No. Does he love it? Absolutely.
Jaemin takes control of the kiss, devouring Haechans lips. His feelings for the male fuel him. Along with the reality—he really hopes this is is reality—of the situation.
Haechan is kissing him.
Haechan initiated the kiss.
He grabbed his shirt.
That knowledge on its own makes something in Jaemin snap. His hands go to Haechans waist as he pushes him back against the door, slamming it shut and pinning him in place.
Something in Haechans chest drops, the feeling immediately getting replaced with adrenaline. Jaemin is kissing him. Against a wall (door, technically).
Something having Haechan in his hands just makes Jaemin feel more. He loves the way he gets to finally gets to touch him like this. Too much energy surges through him, causing him to deepen the kiss. He knows he's probably bruising Haechans lips but he's not sure he cares. Haechan doesn't seem to mind.
Haechans fist clench the fabric of Jaemins shirt, bringing him even closer, though there's really no room. He just wants him closer. He wants him so much.
The two kiss until they can't anymore. But even with their lips bright pink and puffy, they still can't keep themselves under control. Jaemin rapidly pecks Haechans cheek as the two move back to the couch.
As soon as they sit down, Haechan turns his head to face Jaemin, catching his lips. The kiss is slower this time but he still feels the same way. He still feels the rush of affection, the pit of fluttering in his chest, and the heat running up his body.
He's tempted to pull him into another makeout session but he really does need to have mercy on his lips.
He waits until it's too unbearable to kiss anymore and then he slowly starts to pull away.
Jaemin pants, trying to catch his breathe. He didn't realize kissing took so much energy. That doesn't mean he cares though. He'd always choose to have this happen.
Jaemin puts on the TV, mostly for himself so he won't just turn his head and kiss the life out of Haechan.
The brunet snuggles against him. Jaemin runs his fingers through his hair, watching him further relax.
Neither know how long they stay that way. And then when they start kissing again 'cause they really have no self-control, they don't know how long they do that either.
But a thought weighs on Haechans mind, almost him wanna get up and run. He squeezes Jaemins hand, getting his attention.
"Cookie, what is it?"
Haechan wants to cry. First the first time, Jaemins called him by his nickname. His favorite nickname. It sounds so nice and sweet coming from Jaemins voice.
"What...", he gulps, "what are we?"
Jaemin sighs, accidentally startling the brunet. He gently tilts his chin up and places a gentle kiss on his forehead, getting almost the same reaction he did earlier. But Haechan looks sadder.
"I like you. I...I feel a lot for you. But I think...you won't be the only one. And I don't want you to think it'll always just be you if I can't promise you that."
Haechan grabs Jaemins face and places a soft kiss on his lips. He giggles at the confused look on his face.
"You're so cute. And a bit dumb if you think I didn't know this or the fact that it's the same for me."
"Hey!" Jaemin pouts. Haechan grins, feeling delighted when the pout slowly slips off Jaemins face and he leans in to kiss him again. "What would you like to do?"
"Can we...have an open relationship? But like specifically open to Mark and Jeno only. I don't want...anyone else."
God, I love you so fucking much
The words are on the tip of Jaemins tongue but he catches himself, wanting to save it for when they're official.
He sighs in content and snuggles closer in contentment. Haechan leans against him, feeling so giddy and just so happy.
I had to pause writing this chapter to remember what's supposed to happen way too many times
I literally had to just-
Oh, and if you want a slightly more thorough explanation of his gift, here:
^That's supposed to be whatever the fuck Haechan was eating but the typos will (will literally got autocorrected to El😭 wait do you think my keyboard likes Stranger Things?) never escape me. And neither will autocorrect trying to make me look like an idiot.
Okay back to the job thing because I wanna include them but I still need two (?) ideas
Lele: Bartender, done deal
Mark: Demo artist (the idea of this makes me happy :))
Haechan: Cute little worker at a donut shop (BAHAHA I JUST IMAGINED HIM LOOKING PISSED WHILE CLEANING THE COUNTER (BUTHESREALLYOKAY) AND A CUSTOMER WALKS IN AND DOESN'T KNOW WHAT TO DO...AND THEN HE SHOULD SHOW OFF HIS PRETTY SMILE *fanpersons* I LOVE HIM)
Jeno: Karaoke cafe waiter (I wanna do this one just to describe his uniform👀) OR barista at a pet cafe OR both
Jaemin: I still don't know
Jisung: I still don't know
Okay I think that is all. My thoughts come and go at the speed of light so I'm probably forgetting something but we'll get to that when I remember, forget, and then remember again and actually tell you that time
OKAY I JUST REMEMBERED SOMETHING BUT I'M HONESTLY SO CONFUSED NOW. I FORGET WHY IN THE WORLD THIS WOULD HAPPEN BUT I THOUGHT OF A SCENARIO WHERE MARK GETS PUNCHED, I DON'T KNOWWW😭
I'm gonna stop before way too many thoughts come to mind
I hope you have a good day! I FUCKING LOVE (WUV) YOU🤗🤗🤗💖💖
Oh this is completely random but I love this song so much I need to talk about it. Opening Sequence by TXT is my song bias. THEIR VOICES😭❤️
YOUSHOULDREALLYREALLYLISTENTOITOKAYBYE
WAITANDLISTENTOIKNOWILOVEYOUASWELLILOVETHATSONGANDTHEPERFORMANCEWHAT'SYOURS?
I apologize for anyone's eyes I hurt when I do that^ but I just want you to understand how fast I'm talking because I'm just like that. Okay, now bye for real
I love you again! *Kisses your cheek* Mwah!
Oh and this is definitely not proofread😂❤️