As Donghyuck reached his dorm, a loud, almost desperate sound drifted from inside – moaning, or perhaps just his imagination running wild. Instead of turning the handle, he knocked tentatively.
The door swung open, revealing Jaemin, who didn't even glance at him before shutting it again and collapsing onto the couch as if nothing had happened.
“Oh… hi, Jeno?” Jaemin said, opening the fridge and pouring himself a glass of water.
“Donghyuck… hi?” Donghyuck replied, a nervous laugh escaping him. “And the set-out thing… it’s on Saturday.”
Donghyuck choked on his water, his eyes widening. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?! I’m not prepared!” He threw the glass into the sink and rushed towards his room.
It was Thursday night, and Donghyuck had nothing to wear, a mountain of tasks looming before him. He felt overwhelmed, spiraling into stress with every passing hour.
What a friend he had, he thought bitterly.
---
“Jaemin, can you come with me?” Donghyuck whined, collapsing beside the younger man. He had nothing to wear, and if he was going to meet Mark Lee, he needed to look presentable.
“Why? Because of Mark?” Jaemin asked, looking at Donghyuck. He could see how stressed he was, how his hair was ruffled and unkempt. Donghyuck really liked Mark, didn’t he? Jaemin mused.
Rubbing his nape awkwardly, Donghyuck answered, “Maybe.”
“Yeah, sure, of course.” Jaemin stood up.
“Jamin… my legs hurt. We still haven’t found the right clothes…” Donghyuck complained, clinging to Jaemin’s arm. Five hours had passed, and they still hadn’t found anything suitable, at least for Donghyuck.
Thankfully, Jaemin, ever the capable and devoted friend, asked Donghyuck to sit down while he searched. What would Donghyuck do without Jaemin?
“This…?” Jaemin asked, holding up clothes with his left hand. “Or this?” He asked again, lifting another outfit with his right.
“That one!” Donghyuck replied, pointing at the clothes in Jaemin’s right hand. He immediately showered Jaemin with gratitude as he tried on the fit. Find yourself a friend like Jaemin, he thought – a stylist, a lifesaver.
(Okay. This is what it looks like, im too lazy to describe it)
(and mark in this)
---
The sound of his alarm jolted him awake. “Damn… shut up.” Donghyuck groaned and reached for the snooze button, but someone had already turned it off for him.
He shrugged it off, until realization struck. Wait, what…? He opened his eyes, peering around his room. He hid under the covers and peeked. Mark?
“Good morning!” Mark said softly, leaning against the doorframe.
“What are you doing here?” Donghyuck asked shyly, peeking out from under the blanket.
“Jaemin told me I could wake you up.” Mark replied, sitting on the edge of Donghyuck’s bed. “Did you forget about our date?”
“Is it Saturday?” Donghyuck asked, checking his phone.
“Yup! So come on.” Mark said excitedly, standing up. “Take a shower, I’ll be in the living room.” He left Donghyuck’s room, and a smile bloomed on Donghyuck’s face.
He excitedly jumped out of bed and rushed towards the bathroom, changing into the clothes Jaemin had chosen. He would thank Jaemin later. He ran a hand through his hair, settling on a side part, exposing half of his forehead.
He walked towards the living room and greeted Mark. “So… let’s go?” The younger man nodded cutely and smiled.
---
They decided to have breakfast at a café. Donghyuck sat at a table, waiting for Mark, who was ordering. Suddenly, someone entered the café, catching Donghyuck’s attention.
On the other hand, Mark noticed Donghyuck’s gaze and asked, “You like him?”
The question came hesitantly, his eyes scanning the man from head to toe.
“What? No! I like you! I don’t even know him.” Donghyuck replied impulsively, wanting to deflect.
Mark widened his eyes. Was he hearing things, or had Donghyuck really just said that? “Did you just confess to me?”
“Gosh… darn it.” Donghyuck mumbled, covering his mouth with his hands.
“Donghyuck I—” Before Mark could finish, Donghyuck cut him off.
“I-if you’re… you’re going to reject me… which I know is possible… umm… please reject me nicely.” Donghyuck said, closing his eyes and covering his ears, not wanting to hear the reply.
Mark took Donghyuck’s hands away from his ears and held them tightly. “No, baby, I like you. Why did I even ask you in the first place?”
“B-baby?”