325km - (The Distance Between Friendship and Love) [2/2] (for late_dawns19)
one | part two
"And this is the traffic report for 2am...." Came a soft barely there voice of the radio before the blond moved to turn it down a little further. It was growing late and sometime ago the floodlights turned on as the skies grew dark. Cars slowly lessened on the road. Jaebum knew he should pull over and sleep but right now at this very moment he didn't want to.
Reaching over carefully to the passenger seat, Jaebum hitched the blanket back up his sleeping best friends form. IT was boring driving alone with no one to talk but to have your best friend who you had just reconnected with in the car and fall asleep was far worse. There was so much he wanted to tell Jinyoung but it seems he would have to leave it for another day. He watched his best friends eyes grow steadily heavier as the night closed in on them. Chasing away the rain that had come in the afternoon after they had finished eating, the heavens opened and the rain chased them back to the car, laughter ringing out after them as they tried to dodge the raindrops.
Smiling warmly out at the road as the other hummed softly in his sleep and pulled the blanket tighter around himself, Jaebum recalled how the others eyes turned up into jinyoung's trademark eye smile that never failed to make his heart skip a beat as he laughed as they ran back to the car. It always lifted his heart to his best friend so free, to see him become the young teenager he had to say goodbye to when he moved away. He would rather his smiling face than the one for sorrow he had etched onto the back of eyelids every time he closed his eyes. It hurt when he left. Having never told the other of his feelings, fearing it was too late to. Starting and deleting countless emails to tell Jinyoung and then all together just giving up, burying those feelings to the deepest part of his heart. Only bringing them out when he needed to. Whenever he sang the ballad he used for his debut, he dug into those feelings, singing his heart out. Baring it all for everyone to see, hoping that Jinyoung would see and understand it was him he sang for. Jaebum knew it was a childish thought but it was what got him through the day. The thought of his best friend with the most precious eye smile that continued to lift his heart and light up his world. Jinyoung would always be his world, whether they just stayed best friends and the younger got married and had a family. He would always be there for the younger regardless to his feelings. His world was brighter just having him in it. He would take that over not having Jinyoung in it at all.
Swallowing thickly before running a hand down his face, Jaebum gave a soft grunt as he shifted in his seat, he had been driving continuously for hours. But the thought of not being as close as he possibly could to Seoul bothered him. He wanted Jinyoung to wake up to the city, he wanted to see the other's awed face as he looked out the car window as watched building pass by as they drove up to his apartment. He was getting tired though, he could feel his eyes growing tired as he continued to look out at the empty road.
Humming softly along with the radio, he shifted gear as he moved periodically through the lanes on the road. Jaebum had to admit, quiet roads where his favourite kind. The odd whooshing of a car as they passed by or the rumble of truck as it ambled its way down the road on the inside lane, the stretch of road going on forever softly warping into a turn now and then, it was definitely his favourite place to drive. Though the most dangerous too, with that thought he jolted slightly in his seat as he began to swerve, causing him to have to swing the car hard right and into the nearest exit before stopping in a lay-by.
"Jaebum....?" came a groggy voice. Turning to face his best friend, who was peering over the top of his blanket, squinting slightly, "What's wrong? Why did you stop?"
Swallowing as he looked over to the other, that could have been bad. Choosing not to think that he nearly crashed them into a guard rail. He was just thankful the roads where empty. he smiled sheepishly and slipped his phone out of his pocket, "Sorry Jinyoungie, did i wake you? My phone went off and it made me jump. I'm just going to check the directions for the hotel and then I will set off again. Go back to sleep. I will wake you when we get there." He replied softly, surprised that he managed to keep the tremor out of his voice. It seemed to work and pacify the younger male who nodded softly before snuggling back down under his blanket and falling back asleep in a matter of seconds.
Hearing the others breathing even out, jaebum let out a soft sigh of relief. He didn't want the other to fret, he did that enough without having him add to his best friends already long list of worries. Swiping his thumb over his phone, he leaned heavily into his seat as he looked through his emails and texts for the address his manager had sent him. Finding the message, he memorised the directions. Nodding once he was sure he could remember it, he started the car and carefully drove his way out of the exit and taking the road he needed to to get to the hotel.
It wasn't long before he reached the hotel, pulling into a parking space not far from the lobby, Jaebum turned off the engine before unbuckling his seatbelt and getting out of the car, shutting the door gently before jogging into the building. Handing over his details and his registration number, Jaebum made his way back to the car heading to the passenger door and opening it before giving the sleeping male a soft shake, Jinyoung was not that hard to rouse. "Jin' we are here....come on, wake up." He said softly, giving Jinyoung's shoulder a soft squeeze before pulling his hand back as the other whined softly in the back of throat. "Do I have to wake up? I'm tired, Jaebummie..." was the mumbled reply that was given before sleepy eyes blinked up at him blearily before the other sluggishly pulled his blanket away and unbuckled his belt. "Yeah," answered the blond shortly unable to keep the smile off his face at how adorable the other was when he was half asleep. "We are here now, I have checked in already so we just have to head up to our room and you can crash out there, sound like a plan?" He offered as he closed the door as the other stumbled out and away from the car. A grumbled affirmative was all he was given before he gently guided the black haired male in to the hotel.
Reaching the room, Jaebum swiped the card and pushed open the door, flicking on the light switch. As the room illuminated, Jaebum's mouth dropped open. There in the middle of the room was a single Kingsized bed....not what he paid for. Frowning slightly, Jaebum placed the key card on the desk before watching as the other flopped onto the bed, with a groan. "Don't get comfortable Jinyoung, I'm going to get us a different room." He said loud enough for the other to hear, the answer he received was another whine before Jinyoung raised his head from it's place on the pillow, his eyes shut. "Don't be stupid, it's not like it's a single bed. We can both sleep in this one. Please Jaebum, I'm tired. I want to sleep, we've shared a bed before." pleaded the younger who was busy kicking off his shoes distractedly, his voice beginning to lace with aegyo, causing the blond to crumble and concede. "Fine, fine. We'll share a bed. Just don't fidget." Jaebum replied finally, before kicking his shoes off and pulling off his jacket. "I'm not the one who fidgets...." came a mumbled retort.
Once he was certain they were both ready for bed and flicking off the lights, Jaebum crawled into the bed and flopped down with a sigh, he could feel the sleep tugging him in deeper as he felt something shuffle closer to his side. "Night, Jaebummie..." Came soft voice. "Night, Jinyoung." He mumbled as sleep washed over him and pulled him under completely.
_ _ _
As the sun filtered in through a sliver between the curtains, Jaebum felt his face scrunch up at the intrusive rays as the pulled him from his sleep and became aware of the warm weight on his shoulder. Blinking awake, his eyes focusing in on the stark white ceiling of the hotel. It took him a few moments for the events of yesterday to fall back into place as a giant affectionate grin spread across his face as he turned his head and was greeted by a head of black hair. Jinyoung had always been a cuddle fiend. Jaebum put it down to the younger have older sisters who used to look after him whilst their parents worked. He also blamed his sisters for Jinyoung's aegyo. No matter how strongly he was against something, as soon as Jinyoung pouted and looked at him with those big brown eyes of his, Jaebum would crack. It never failed.
Shifting softly so as to not wake the other male, Jaebum carefully moved the other on to his own pillow rather than his shoulder and slid out of the bed, making his way to the bathroom. he set the shower running before setting about brushing his teeth and relieving himself. Once he was sure the water was hot enough he stripped himself of his tank top and bottoms, before stepping into the tub and drawing the shower curtain across. Humming softly to the song he had been practising for his comeback before he left for home, he grabbed the shower gel that the hotel provided before squirting some on to his hands and washing himself carefully the smell of orange and lemon filing his nostrils as he stepped under spray washing away the suds. He felt better now, he was so tired he had fallen asleep in his jeans and with the added heat from Jinyoung he woke up feeling really sticky and gross. Not that having his best friend he has crushed on for years sleep on his shoulder, snuggled up into his side wasn't great but the other radiated heat. Grabbing the shampoo that was nestled in the corner of the tub, the blond poured some into his hands before reaching back to massage the substance into his hair, humming louder as he began to massage his scalp, smiling as he felt the tension that gathered around his temples disappear as he continued to stimulate his scalp before stepping back under the hot water to rinse out his hair before turning off the water as stepping out of the shower. Standing in front of the steamed up mirror, raising a hand to wipe the condensation so he could see himself, the blond checked out his appearance. His hair needed touching up, though there was talks of him possibly having his hair dyed when he got back so he wasn't so fussed about his roots showing.He had a beanie in the car to he could put that on his head when he got back to cover his roots.
Nodding when he was sure that he was presentable, albeit in a towel hung low on his hips and a smaller one around his neck to dry his hair off. His change of clothes where in the other room, flushing slightly at the thought of the other seeing him in nothing but a towel came to the forefront of his mind which he quickly pushed back to the dark recesses of his mind. thoughts like that were lethal and often caused embarrassing situations to occur. Shaking his head forcibly to dislodge it, he gave a soft huff before opening the door to the bathroom. He would collect his clothes once he was dressed.
"Morning Jaebummie," Came a husky voice that caused Jaebum to look and his heart to short circuit. Sat up in the bed , the neck of his loose shirt slipping off his shoulder slightly and his dark hair sticking ever which way. Jaebum had never seen someone look so adorable with bed hair before. But then he was truly biased when it came to the younger male. To Jaebum, Jinyoung could wear a bin bag and he would still be breathtaking. It took him a while to answer, his face growing hot the longer the silence went on between them. He couldn't help but trail his eyes over his friend, the pale skin taunt over his collarbone made Jaebum's mouth water slightly. Clearing his throat and looking at his hands before looking up at the other, whose face was one of mild confusion and mirth, though Jaebum didn't miss the slightly pink that was dusted over the apple of best friends' cheeks, giving him a blinding smile, "Morning Jinyoungie. sleep well?" He said before turning to root around in the overnight he had brought in with him. Pulling out a spare set of clothes for himself and Jinyoung, placing them on the bed as he heard the sheets rustle. "I did thank you....um...I'm going to shower." Replied the younger as he pulled his shirt back over his shoulder (Jaebum had to catch himself so he didn't pout at the loss of sight of that patch of skin). Nodding as he flashed the other another grin before turning his head back to the overnight bag to find some socks, not seeing the lingering look the other had given him before turning and walking into the bathroom. Hearing the soft click of the lock on the bathroom door,Jaebum whipped around pulling over his towel, making sure he was dry
"Hey, do you have any-" Came a voice before it halted, causing Jaebum to turn his head towards the bathroom door, which housed a very pink cheeked Jinyoung. Raising an eyebrow at the other, whose eyes where currently focused on his stomach, smirking slightly at this friends gaping expression, "What? It's like you have never seen me half naked before. I'm wearing more than i was a minute ago." teased the older before laughing softly as the began to plutter, his face turning a deep shade of red. "Oh shut up! I wasn't fully awake....I am now." replied the other flustered as he looked down at his slightly, "Can i borrow a change of clothes." Laughing affectionately, Jaebum sauntered over to the bed before picking up the pile of folded clothes and handing them over to the blushing male in the doorway, "These should fit." he offered as he watched the other take the clothes and give a soft nod as Jinyoung's eyes darted anywhere but the slightly taller before turning and closing the door causing the blond to chuckle before heading back to the bed to find his black tank top and pulling it over his chest before buttoning up his jeans properly. Grabbing the blue shirt that was laid out, he layered that over the top before turning up the sleeves to his elbows. Once he was happy with his appearance he roughly dried his hair before leaving it to dry on it's own. He was only going to throw a hat on later so there was no point in styling it . Flopping onto the bed, he pulled out his phone and scrolled through his emails. answering texts from Youngjae and his manager, giving them a rough estimate time of arrival before looking over his new schedule he had asked his manager to arrange for him. Nodding in satisfaction before pocketing his phone, Jaebum looked up as the other walked out of the bathroom, fully dressed with a towel over his head. "Better?" he asked before smiling as he watched the towel bounce as the black haired male nodded. "Much better." replied the other as he pulled the towel from his head, his hair still in a state of disarray causing the blond to smile. Cute was the only word he could use to describe the other right now. He had a very limited vocabulary it seemed when it came to his best friend. Each word more nauseatingly affectionate than the last. "Ready to go?" asked elder of the two as he tossed a snapback over to Jinyoung before packing up their dirty clothes and picking up his keys and wallet. "Yeah! Let's go! Seoul here we come!" cheered the slightly younger excitedly, before making his way out of the room. Laughing as he followed after the excited male, closing the hotel room door, Jaebum made a mental note to make time to stop for breakfast. "Hey want to stop somewhere for breakfast?" He shouted to the other who had just turned the corner and laughing when he got a loud whoop for an answer. He would take that as a yes then.
_ _ _
Shifting his headlight down as he reached the exit for the turning he was finally able to take, Jaebum couldn't help but smile as he saw the city he had fallen in love with all those years ago appear in the distance. Checking the clock on the dashboard, it was only early evening. They had made good time. The roads had been steady after they set off after stopping for breakfast. The journey was full of laughter and a loud sing-along which turned into Jaebum singing on his own as the time went on. It was only as the last song on that particular CD has finished did the blond realise that the other was sound asleep. It was okay though, they were almost there and Jaebum didn't have the heart to wake the other up. He looked so at ease when he was asleep, his forehead scrunched up in sleep rather than worry, his lips slightly parted as he breathed deep and even. As much as he hated having to wake up the other from that peaceful state, he wasn't about to let the other miss the sights of Seoul. So with that thought in mind, he lifted a hand from the steering wheel, "JIngyoung, wake up. We are here." He said excitedly as he shook his friends shoulder.
"Wha?" Grunted the sleepy male as he looked out of the window before looking back at Jaebum. It took all of three seconds for the penny to drop. The other face morphed into one of excitement as a bright grin flitted over his face. "We are here! The biggest are so big here!" said the other, his satoori lilting his words as he bounced slightly in his seat and he pressed himself closer to the glass. Laughing at his friends reaction, Jaebum opened the others window with switch on his door, "Smell the air, take a deep breath of that... Welcome to Seoul, Jinyoung." He said warmly as the other stuck his head out of the car, letting out a yell of happiness into the night air. The others happiness was infectious, Jaebum found himself letting out a yell of his own, his entire being feeling lifted for being able to give Jinyoung a chance to visit the city. "Yah, Jinyoung get back in the car, I don't want you t lose your head. Not when you have only just gotten here." he said as he tugged on the hyper male's shirt for a few moments before letting out a sigh of relief as the other sat back in his seat. The smile that graced Jinyoung's face mirrored was one he himself had once wore when he first arrived in capital. Now he wore one of affection for the city he now called home. The neon lights and mirrored buildings twinkled with reflections as if greeting the two males as they passed, setting the scene perfectly for Jinyoung's first night here. "Can we go for a walk tonight? Can we? Please?" Asked the younger as his eyes flitted from one sight to another as he sat practically vibrating in his seat, his satoori getting stronger causing the elder of the two to curl into himself. Jaebum couldn't help it. He just found it beyond attractive when the others broad accent appeared when he got excited or angry.
After another short while, Jaebum pulled into a building, going into the basement. Chuckling at the others soft cry of 'aw, no fair' before picking a spot to park in. "Come on, we have all the time in the world to go sightseeing. I have a appointment at the salon in a couple of days but other than that. I am pretty much free." reassured the blond as he turned the car off before turning in his seat. The sight that greeted him was stunning. Jinyoung was looking at him his eyes twinkling from excitement and his cheeks flushed pink. He was just breath taking and no matter how many times he looked at the other, he still stole the air from his lungs and caused his heart to skip a beat. After a few moments, the smile on the others face turned gentle and slightly sheepish, "Come on let's go...I'm sure your roommate is probably sick of waiting for us to arrive." Jinyoung said softly before unbuckling his seatbelt. Nodding as he did the same, Jaebum climbed out the car before shutting the door and moving to grab their baggage. Handing a few over to Jinyoung before making his way over to the elevator with his best friend at his heels. "What's Youngjae like?" asked the shorter as he watched Jaebum key in a code so the doors opened and gestured him to walk through. "I hope he likes me." He finished as he dropped a few bags to the floor as the other joined him and pressed the button for the sixteenth floor.
As the lift shuddered to life and carried them upwards, Jaebum hummed softly, "He's quiet and loud all at once. You'll get on with him fine. He's a singer and a good one at that." he replied thoughtfully, "Just don't be surprised if you see me being rough with him in the morning..." he added before spluttering, his face turning bright red as Jinyoung's mouth fell open in shock, "No! Oh no! It's not like that. He's a heavy sleeper and he has vocal practices early so I have to get him up as I am the eldest of us both. Just room mates I swear!"
Giving him a side eye and a soft hum, Jinyoung nodded. "Okay, if you say so..." teased the younger as they arrived on the correct floor and stepping out into the foyer of the apartment before bursting into fits of laughter at the elder's face. He looked so put out that he didn't believe him. "Relax, Jaebummie...I believe you." he said finally, watching as the others shoulder slumped in relief. "Come on, lets get in and pt this stuff down. What did your grandma pack you? The kitchen sink" He said as he waited for Jaebum to reach his side. "Knowing my grandma, I wouldn't out it past her to." replied the blond with a chuckle before he knocked on the door loudly and than rang the bell.
"Ah!" came a voice through the speaker, "You're finally home! Come in!" finished the voice before a soft buzzing could be heard before Jaebum opened the door, letting Jinyoung enter first. Dropping the bags just inside the hallway before removing his shoes, bending down to straighten them. Though it seems that Jaebum wasn't watching where Jinyoung was as he shut the door. Resulting him to step back and the backs of his knees knocking against the others shoulder, taking them out from underneath him causing a yelp to rip its way out of his throat as he tumbled to the ground, and onto his best friend with an almighty crash. Staying like for a few moments as his world finally stopped tumbling, only to come back to the reality as the other gave a pained groan under him.
"Well..." Came the voice from before, causing the two tangled males to look up. There leaning against the door to the lounge stood a blonde male with an exceptionally pretty face, his lips pulled up in a mischievous glint in his eyes. "I see you brought Jinyoung home. Though...next time Jaebum, at least wait until you are in your room before you decide to jump him. I have to live here too, you know."
"Youngjae!" yelled the blond, his face turning a deep shade of red which caused the male by the door to let a round of raucous laughter.
Jinyoung decided he liked this guy. Anyone who could make Jaebum turn such a interesting shade was alright in his books.
_ _ _
Youngjae was definitely how Jaebum had described him to be. Though to say the younger wasn't shocked to see Jaebum manhandling the younger male out of the door the first morning would be lie. Though Jaebum wasn't lying either when he said the other was a heavy sleeper. Jinyoung watched as the elder, pretty much marched him into the bathroom and then back out again. pushing some breakfast bars into the still half asleep male's hands before handing over to who only Jinyoung could assume was his Youngjae's manager before closing the door with a heavy sigh.
It was relaxing, and Jinyoung felt himself growing more fond of the city the more he explored it with his best friend. The air was different and there was no sound of the sea, just the sound of the bustling city which he could hear faintly from his spot on the observation deck of the Namesan tower. He had pleaded Jaebum to take him and after half an hour of aegyo the other finally agreed to take him. "It's wonderful up here, Jaebummie." He said softly as a serene smile flitted over his face as he looked out over Seoul. It was breathtaking, Jinyoung wished his father could have seen this. His father loved views like this one. "Your father would be so proud of you right now." Said the other, as if reading the his best friend's mind. "He would be happily taking pictures from corner to another so he could line them all up and have the entire view." Finished the other as he adjusted his sunglasses causing the younger of the two to laugh. Jaebum was right, his father would have done that. He had done it countless of times when both their families had gone on trips together. "Yeah, and then make us all sit there whilst he gives us an deep analysis of each picture." laughed Jinyoung as he leaned into his friends side, finding the elder's presence comforting and soothing as a pang of sadness and longing to see his father again hit him. Jae' do you have your camera?" he asked, smiling when Jaebum nodded before smiling as he caught onto what the younger was getting at . "Lets do it..." agreed the idol, looking around. "Where should we start?" he asked the slightly shorter male as he threw the camera strap around Jinyoung's neck, placing his hands on the others shoulder. "How about there?" suggested Jinyoung, his voice coming out slightly breathlessly.
He didn't know when it had happened but somewhere along the way as they were growing, Jinyoung found it hard to breathe around the older. His face heated up and his heart hammered in his chest. It wasn't until after the moved away that he figured out what it was. He had been crushing on his friend for years. And no matter how many times he tried to tell the other, he never found the courage to. He thought he had buried his feelings for his handsome best friend deep but it seems as if they had surfaced.
Feeling Jaebum's warm hands guide him as they snapped the pictures together, Jinyong couldn't help but smile fondly as his cheeks dusted a pale pink. The rush of being so close to Jaebum and being so very touched by something so sentimental as taking a panoramic picture in his father's memory washed over him, leaving him short of breath and high off of warmth that was spreading through his chest. Jinyoung wished it would never end.
As the last picture was taken, Jinyoung turned to look up at his best friend who was still stood so close to him. He was glad it was starting to get dark, so that the other wouldn't see how flushed his cheeks had become. Jaebum was always so handsome, even this close. Jinyoung trailed his eyes over his friend's face. Jaebum oozed masculinity from his defined jawline to his dark eyes with the cutest beauty marks Jinyoung had ever seen. "Jaebum...I..." started the younger, his eyes flicking down to the others lips before licking his own as the blond moved closer. Their bodies gravitating towards each other. "Yeah?" breathed out the elder, his breath fanning over Jinyoung's face, his dark eyes focused on the smaller's lips. "I..." started Jinyoung before his phone vibrated in his pocket causing him to jump a mile, which in turn caused Jaebum to step away and look at his camera, trying to act as if they hadn't almost kissed. Jinyoung could see the pink that had spread over the other's face as he tried not to smile, the back light of the camera' screen illuminating the fact as bright as day.
Looking down at his phone, Jinyoung gasped softly. It was Mark, the guy he had been talking to for months, he had completely forgotten about him. Swiping his thumb over the screen, he pressed the phone to his ear, "Hello?" he said softly as he looked out over the view of the setting sun.
"Hey! It's me! Are you here? Do you want to meet up tomorrow?" said the other male, his Korean broken and slightly abrupt. It had imporved, Jinyoung had to admit but it was still a little jaunty in places.
"Sure, Jaebum has an appointment at the salon tomorrow, so I could meet you for coffee, say about 2pm?" replied the black haired male, his heart sinking as he saw Jaebum stiffen slightly.
"Okay, I will text you an address where I will be? Bye Mark. See you tomorrow." he added before ending the call after the other gave a cheery farewell.
Sighing heavily, Jinyoung wanted to let out a groan as he faced Jaebum who looked so crestfallen. "We should go home." said the blond, quietly., "I have a busy day tomorrow." He added before swallowing thickly and giving the other a soft smile, "I'll get these developed for you whilst you are out." Jinyoung wanted to flinch as Jaebum spoke about his plans, pretending that it didn't phase him. Jinyoung wasn't stupid, he had seen the way the other looked at him. At first he was sure it was his imagination. But the more they spent time together, the clearer it had become.
Unable to swallow the guilt that was lodged in his throat, he croaked out a simple 'Yeah' and let the blond idol lead him away from the beautiful night and picturesque view. His mind whirring at all the revelations he had just come to realise.
_ _ _
Jaebum was not in the best of moods the next day, he wasn't angry per say. He just felt put out, he hated that not only did he have to go and change his style for their comeback; but he had to now go and do a photo shoot and an impromptu gig as a space had become available due to an act pulling out because of sickness. He had begged and pleaded his manager to reschedule it but he had refused, saying it was good publicity for young idol before hanging up the blond. A colourful word left the blond's mouth loudly as he slammed his hand down on the table, causing his sleepy room mate who had been almost drowning into his bowl of cereal jolt awake. Giving Jaebum a scandalised look, Jaebum grabbed an apple and left the table grumbling about noisy hyungs and being late, leaving Jinyoung sat opposite him nursing a cup of tea between his hands.
"It's okay, Jae'. I can keep myself busy." reassured the younger of the two best friends, "I'll come see you at your gig, I have a backstage pass. I'll take you out for dinner, how does that sound?" he offered before stopping as the blond snorted loudly. "Save it, Jinyoung. You'll have fun with Mark and I'll see you when you get in." snapped the blond before getting up and storming out, instantly regretting snapping at the other. The shocked and hurt look on Jinyoung's face burned into his mind as he grabbed his coat and left the apartment, shutting the door hard as he went.
His head itched slightly as the bleached worked on lightening his roots. It seems the company was to make him silver for this comeback, much to Jaebum's chagrin. He didn't like idea, but if that was the final word than he had no choice. He knew he would be in for a ribbing when he returned home. Youngjae would revel in the fact he was for the lack of a better word, grey haired.
His thoughts drifted from that of his room mate to his best friend. Guilt weighed heavy on his chest, he honestly didn't mean to snap at the other. It just irked the blond that Jinyoung obviously had feelings for him yet he was swanning off with some random guy he had met online mere months ago. Taking his phone out of his pocket, he swiped his thumb over his screen checking for the umpteenth time for any word from the younger male. Opening a new message, 'Sorry, Jinyoungie. Please forgive me.' he typed out before sending it, sliding his phone back into his pocket, his mind whirling as he tried to get a handle on his feelings. Realisation hitting him full force.
He was in love with his best friend.
_ _ _
Running his hand over his face as he waited behind stage for his cue. Jaebum was a ball of nerves, he still hadn't heard from Jinyoung and he was worried. It wasn't like the other to just let him snap at him. Jinyoung was a force to be reckoned with and on numerous occasions had put Jaebum on his ass for being rude to him. Groaning as he ran his hands through his freshly dyed hair, the chemicals still up his nose making him feeling more nauseous that he already felt.
“Nice hair, dude.” Came a teasing voice. Looking over to his right, Jaebum groaned for what felt like the thousandth time that day, "Not now, Youngjae. I've not had a great day." pleaded the elder, his voice coming out a little sharp causing the blond singer to hold up his hands and smile. "Hey, don't shoot me...I've brought you someone to see you..." replied Youngjae before stepping to one side to reveal a very sheepish looking Jinyoung. Standing up so quickly, he went light headed, "Jinyoung...." He started before making his way over to the other, reaching out slightly before stopping. "I'm so sorry...please forgive."
The look Jinyoung gave Jaebum, he knew he was about to get a telling off. Bracing himself for it, it never came. Instead a pair of hands cupped his face between them before a pair of lips pressed themselves against those of his own. Blinking softly, it took a few moments to sink in that Jinyoung was kissing him.
Wait...
Jinyoung was kissing him.
Pulling back from the other, Jaebum looked down at his best friend, "What..." he started before blinking down at the other, confusion pulling his eyebrows together, "What about Mark?"
The smile that spread across Jinyoung's face was a sheepish one but to Jaebum he never looked more beautiful. "I met with him. We spoke for a bit but we both decided we are just friends. And well..." started the younger as he slid his arms around Jaebum's neck, "...he said he could tell I was in love with someone else."
Unable to keep the smile off of his face, Jaebum hummed softly as he nudged the other nose with his own, "Oh? And who is the lucky guy?" he asked softly as he nuzzled the others cheek, encouraging a giggle out of the other.
Pulling away slightly from the blonde, Jinyoung looked him dead in the eye. "You." was the answer Jaebum was gifted with before he felt the warmth of the others lips against his own. Melting into the sweet kiss, Jaebum pulled the other closer before lifting one had to flip off Youngjae in his general direction who had decided to make gagging noises and complain loudly about overly affectionate couples. The kiss was sweet, nothing rushed just pure affection. It was perfect, he couldn't have asked for more.
Jaebum couldn't be any happier as he pulled away. He had so much to say but as he opened his mouth to say something he was being called to perform. "I'll see you after my set." he said affectionately as he pressed a quick kiss to Jinyoung's lips before pulling away and making his way to the edge of the stage. "Jaebum, fighting!" called a voice causing the idol to turn on his spot. A grin broke out over his face as he soaked in the memory of his best friend's flushed pink cheeks and his eyes sparkling with pure affection.
That night he won best performance. Jaebum was felt as if he was flying as he received his award and giving his thank you speech before he felt a weight jump on his back and a loud cheer in his right ear. "Yah! Youngjae.."He laughed his smile growing before he looked towards the edge of the stage and his smile turned into a full on beaming smile as he saw Jinyoung cheering for him loudly. Catching the younger's eye, he crossed his finger and thumb to form a small heart, laughing as the others face turned a deep red before sheepishly replying with the same gesture.
Jaebum was right. This was the best idea he had ever had bringing Jinyoung here on this road trip.
It had taken them a while, but here they were, finally together, after five years, and 325 kilometres.
THE END.
one | part two
"And this is the traffic report for 2am...." Came a soft barely there voice of the radio before the blond moved to turn it down a little further. It was growing late and sometime ago the floodlights turned on as the skies grew dark. Cars slowly lessened on the road. Jaebum knew he should pull over and sleep but right now at this very moment he didn't want to.
Reaching over carefully to the passenger seat, Jaebum hitched the blanket back up his sleeping best friends form. IT was boring driving alone with no one to talk but to have your best friend who you had just reconnected with in the car and fall asleep was far worse. There was so much he wanted to tell Jinyoung but it seems he would have to leave it for another day. He watched his best friends eyes grow steadily heavier as the night closed in on them. Chasing away the rain that had come in the afternoon after they had finished eating, the heavens opened and the rain chased them back to the car, laughter ringing out after them as they tried to dodge the raindrops.
Smiling warmly out at the road as the other hummed softly in his sleep and pulled the blanket tighter around himself, Jaebum recalled how the others eyes turned up into jinyoung's trademark eye smile that never failed to make his heart skip a beat as he laughed as they ran back to the car. It always lifted his heart to his best friend so free, to see him become the young teenager he had to say goodbye to when he moved away. He would rather his smiling face than the one for sorrow he had etched onto the back of eyelids every time he closed his eyes. It hurt when he left. Having never told the other of his feelings, fearing it was too late to. Starting and deleting countless emails to tell Jinyoung and then all together just giving up, burying those feelings to the deepest part of his heart. Only bringing them out when he needed to. Whenever he sang the ballad he used for his debut, he dug into those feelings, singing his heart out. Baring it all for everyone to see, hoping that Jinyoung would see and understand it was him he sang for. Jaebum knew it was a childish thought but it was what got him through the day. The thought of his best friend with the most precious eye smile that continued to lift his heart and light up his world. Jinyoung would always be his world, whether they just stayed best friends and the younger got married and had a family. He would always be there for the younger regardless to his feelings. His world was brighter just having him in it. He would take that over not having Jinyoung in it at all.
Swallowing thickly before running a hand down his face, Jaebum gave a soft grunt as he shifted in his seat, he had been driving continuously for hours. But the thought of not being as close as he possibly could to Seoul bothered him. He wanted Jinyoung to wake up to the city, he wanted to see the other's awed face as he looked out the car window as watched building pass by as they drove up to his apartment. He was getting tired though, he could feel his eyes growing tired as he continued to look out at the empty road.
Humming softly along with the radio, he shifted gear as he moved periodically through the lanes on the road. Jaebum had to admit, quiet roads where his favourite kind. The odd whooshing of a car as they passed by or the rumble of truck as it ambled its way down the road on the inside lane, the stretch of road going on forever softly warping into a turn now and then, it was definitely his favourite place to drive. Though the most dangerous too, with that thought he jolted slightly in his seat as he began to swerve, causing him to have to swing the car hard right and into the nearest exit before stopping in a lay-by.
"Jaebum....?" came a groggy voice. Turning to face his best friend, who was peering over the top of his blanket, squinting slightly, "What's wrong? Why did you stop?"
Swallowing as he looked over to the other, that could have been bad. Choosing not to think that he nearly crashed them into a guard rail. He was just thankful the roads where empty. he smiled sheepishly and slipped his phone out of his pocket, "Sorry Jinyoungie, did i wake you? My phone went off and it made me jump. I'm just going to check the directions for the hotel and then I will set off again. Go back to sleep. I will wake you when we get there." He replied softly, surprised that he managed to keep the tremor out of his voice. It seemed to work and pacify the younger male who nodded softly before snuggling back down under his blanket and falling back asleep in a matter of seconds.
Hearing the others breathing even out, jaebum let out a soft sigh of relief. He didn't want the other to fret, he did that enough without having him add to his best friends already long list of worries. Swiping his thumb over his phone, he leaned heavily into his seat as he looked through his emails and texts for the address his manager had sent him. Finding the message, he memorised the directions. Nodding once he was sure he could remember it, he started the car and carefully drove his way out of the exit and taking the road he needed to to get to the hotel.
It wasn't long before he reached the hotel, pulling into a parking space not far from the lobby, Jaebum turned off the engine before unbuckling his seatbelt and getting out of the car, shutting the door gently before jogging into the building. Handing over his details and his registration number, Jaebum made his way back to the car heading to the passenger door and opening it before giving the sleeping male a soft shake, Jinyoung was not that hard to rouse. "Jin' we are here....come on, wake up." He said softly, giving Jinyoung's shoulder a soft squeeze before pulling his hand back as the other whined softly in the back of throat. "Do I have to wake up? I'm tired, Jaebummie..." was the mumbled reply that was given before sleepy eyes blinked up at him blearily before the other sluggishly pulled his blanket away and unbuckled his belt. "Yeah," answered the blond shortly unable to keep the smile off his face at how adorable the other was when he was half asleep. "We are here now, I have checked in already so we just have to head up to our room and you can crash out there, sound like a plan?" He offered as he closed the door as the other stumbled out and away from the car. A grumbled affirmative was all he was given before he gently guided the black haired male in to the hotel.
Reaching the room, Jaebum swiped the card and pushed open the door, flicking on the light switch. As the room illuminated, Jaebum's mouth dropped open. There in the middle of the room was a single Kingsized bed....not what he paid for. Frowning slightly, Jaebum placed the key card on the desk before watching as the other flopped onto the bed, with a groan. "Don't get comfortable Jinyoung, I'm going to get us a different room." He said loud enough for the other to hear, the answer he received was another whine before Jinyoung raised his head from it's place on the pillow, his eyes shut. "Don't be stupid, it's not like it's a single bed. We can both sleep in this one. Please Jaebum, I'm tired. I want to sleep, we've shared a bed before." pleaded the younger who was busy kicking off his shoes distractedly, his voice beginning to lace with aegyo, causing the blond to crumble and concede. "Fine, fine. We'll share a bed. Just don't fidget." Jaebum replied finally, before kicking his shoes off and pulling off his jacket. "I'm not the one who fidgets...." came a mumbled retort.
Once he was certain they were both ready for bed and flicking off the lights, Jaebum crawled into the bed and flopped down with a sigh, he could feel the sleep tugging him in deeper as he felt something shuffle closer to his side. "Night, Jaebummie..." Came soft voice. "Night, Jinyoung." He mumbled as sleep washed over him and pulled him under completely.
_ _ _
As the sun filtered in through a sliver between the curtains, Jaebum felt his face scrunch up at the intrusive rays as the pulled him from his sleep and became aware of the warm weight on his shoulder. Blinking awake, his eyes focusing in on the stark white ceiling of the hotel. It took him a few moments for the events of yesterday to fall back into place as a giant affectionate grin spread across his face as he turned his head and was greeted by a head of black hair. Jinyoung had always been a cuddle fiend. Jaebum put it down to the younger have older sisters who used to look after him whilst their parents worked. He also blamed his sisters for Jinyoung's aegyo. No matter how strongly he was against something, as soon as Jinyoung pouted and looked at him with those big brown eyes of his, Jaebum would crack. It never failed.
Shifting softly so as to not wake the other male, Jaebum carefully moved the other on to his own pillow rather than his shoulder and slid out of the bed, making his way to the bathroom. he set the shower running before setting about brushing his teeth and relieving himself. Once he was sure the water was hot enough he stripped himself of his tank top and bottoms, before stepping into the tub and drawing the shower curtain across. Humming softly to the song he had been practising for his comeback before he left for home, he grabbed the shower gel that the hotel provided before squirting some on to his hands and washing himself carefully the smell of orange and lemon filing his nostrils as he stepped under spray washing away the suds. He felt better now, he was so tired he had fallen asleep in his jeans and with the added heat from Jinyoung he woke up feeling really sticky and gross. Not that having his best friend he has crushed on for years sleep on his shoulder, snuggled up into his side wasn't great but the other radiated heat. Grabbing the shampoo that was nestled in the corner of the tub, the blond poured some into his hands before reaching back to massage the substance into his hair, humming louder as he began to massage his scalp, smiling as he felt the tension that gathered around his temples disappear as he continued to stimulate his scalp before stepping back under the hot water to rinse out his hair before turning off the water as stepping out of the shower. Standing in front of the steamed up mirror, raising a hand to wipe the condensation so he could see himself, the blond checked out his appearance. His hair needed touching up, though there was talks of him possibly having his hair dyed when he got back so he wasn't so fussed about his roots showing.He had a beanie in the car to he could put that on his head when he got back to cover his roots.
Nodding when he was sure that he was presentable, albeit in a towel hung low on his hips and a smaller one around his neck to dry his hair off. His change of clothes where in the other room, flushing slightly at the thought of the other seeing him in nothing but a towel came to the forefront of his mind which he quickly pushed back to the dark recesses of his mind. thoughts like that were lethal and often caused embarrassing situations to occur. Shaking his head forcibly to dislodge it, he gave a soft huff before opening the door to the bathroom. He would collect his clothes once he was dressed.
"Morning Jaebummie," Came a husky voice that caused Jaebum to look and his heart to short circuit. Sat up in the bed , the neck of his loose shirt slipping off his shoulder slightly and his dark hair sticking ever which way. Jaebum had never seen someone look so adorable with bed hair before. But then he was truly biased when it came to the younger male. To Jaebum, Jinyoung could wear a bin bag and he would still be breathtaking. It took him a while to answer, his face growing hot the longer the silence went on between them. He couldn't help but trail his eyes over his friend, the pale skin taunt over his collarbone made Jaebum's mouth water slightly. Clearing his throat and looking at his hands before looking up at the other, whose face was one of mild confusion and mirth, though Jaebum didn't miss the slightly pink that was dusted over the apple of best friends' cheeks, giving him a blinding smile, "Morning Jinyoungie. sleep well?" He said before turning to root around in the overnight he had brought in with him. Pulling out a spare set of clothes for himself and Jinyoung, placing them on the bed as he heard the sheets rustle. "I did thank you....um...I'm going to shower." Replied the younger as he pulled his shirt back over his shoulder (Jaebum had to catch himself so he didn't pout at the loss of sight of that patch of skin). Nodding as he flashed the other another grin before turning his head back to the overnight bag to find some socks, not seeing the lingering look the other had given him before turning and walking into the bathroom. Hearing the soft click of the lock on the bathroom door,Jaebum whipped around pulling over his towel, making sure he was dry
"Hey, do you have any-" Came a voice before it halted, causing Jaebum to turn his head towards the bathroom door, which housed a very pink cheeked Jinyoung. Raising an eyebrow at the other, whose eyes where currently focused on his stomach, smirking slightly at this friends gaping expression, "What? It's like you have never seen me half naked before. I'm wearing more than i was a minute ago." teased the older before laughing softly as the began to plutter, his face turning a deep shade of red. "Oh shut up! I wasn't fully awake....I am now." replied the other flustered as he looked down at his slightly, "Can i borrow a change of clothes." Laughing affectionately, Jaebum sauntered over to the bed before picking up the pile of folded clothes and handing them over to the blushing male in the doorway, "These should fit." he offered as he watched the other take the clothes and give a soft nod as Jinyoung's eyes darted anywhere but the slightly taller before turning and closing the door causing the blond to chuckle before heading back to the bed to find his black tank top and pulling it over his chest before buttoning up his jeans properly. Grabbing the blue shirt that was laid out, he layered that over the top before turning up the sleeves to his elbows. Once he was happy with his appearance he roughly dried his hair before leaving it to dry on it's own. He was only going to throw a hat on later so there was no point in styling it . Flopping onto the bed, he pulled out his phone and scrolled through his emails. answering texts from Youngjae and his manager, giving them a rough estimate time of arrival before looking over his new schedule he had asked his manager to arrange for him. Nodding in satisfaction before pocketing his phone, Jaebum looked up as the other walked out of the bathroom, fully dressed with a towel over his head. "Better?" he asked before smiling as he watched the towel bounce as the black haired male nodded. "Much better." replied the other as he pulled the towel from his head, his hair still in a state of disarray causing the blond to smile. Cute was the only word he could use to describe the other right now. He had a very limited vocabulary it seemed when it came to his best friend. Each word more nauseatingly affectionate than the last. "Ready to go?" asked elder of the two as he tossed a snapback over to Jinyoung before packing up their dirty clothes and picking up his keys and wallet. "Yeah! Let's go! Seoul here we come!" cheered the slightly younger excitedly, before making his way out of the room. Laughing as he followed after the excited male, closing the hotel room door, Jaebum made a mental note to make time to stop for breakfast. "Hey want to stop somewhere for breakfast?" He shouted to the other who had just turned the corner and laughing when he got a loud whoop for an answer. He would take that as a yes then.
_ _ _
Shifting his headlight down as he reached the exit for the turning he was finally able to take, Jaebum couldn't help but smile as he saw the city he had fallen in love with all those years ago appear in the distance. Checking the clock on the dashboard, it was only early evening. They had made good time. The roads had been steady after they set off after stopping for breakfast. The journey was full of laughter and a loud sing-along which turned into Jaebum singing on his own as the time went on. It was only as the last song on that particular CD has finished did the blond realise that the other was sound asleep. It was okay though, they were almost there and Jaebum didn't have the heart to wake the other up. He looked so at ease when he was asleep, his forehead scrunched up in sleep rather than worry, his lips slightly parted as he breathed deep and even. As much as he hated having to wake up the other from that peaceful state, he wasn't about to let the other miss the sights of Seoul. So with that thought in mind, he lifted a hand from the steering wheel, "JIngyoung, wake up. We are here." He said excitedly as he shook his friends shoulder.
"Wha?" Grunted the sleepy male as he looked out of the window before looking back at Jaebum. It took all of three seconds for the penny to drop. The other face morphed into one of excitement as a bright grin flitted over his face. "We are here! The biggest are so big here!" said the other, his satoori lilting his words as he bounced slightly in his seat and he pressed himself closer to the glass. Laughing at his friends reaction, Jaebum opened the others window with switch on his door, "Smell the air, take a deep breath of that... Welcome to Seoul, Jinyoung." He said warmly as the other stuck his head out of the car, letting out a yell of happiness into the night air. The others happiness was infectious, Jaebum found himself letting out a yell of his own, his entire being feeling lifted for being able to give Jinyoung a chance to visit the city. "Yah, Jinyoung get back in the car, I don't want you t lose your head. Not when you have only just gotten here." he said as he tugged on the hyper male's shirt for a few moments before letting out a sigh of relief as the other sat back in his seat. The smile that graced Jinyoung's face mirrored was one he himself had once wore when he first arrived in capital. Now he wore one of affection for the city he now called home. The neon lights and mirrored buildings twinkled with reflections as if greeting the two males as they passed, setting the scene perfectly for Jinyoung's first night here. "Can we go for a walk tonight? Can we? Please?" Asked the younger as his eyes flitted from one sight to another as he sat practically vibrating in his seat, his satoori getting stronger causing the elder of the two to curl into himself. Jaebum couldn't help it. He just found it beyond attractive when the others broad accent appeared when he got excited or angry.
After another short while, Jaebum pulled into a building, going into the basement. Chuckling at the others soft cry of 'aw, no fair' before picking a spot to park in. "Come on, we have all the time in the world to go sightseeing. I have a appointment at the salon in a couple of days but other than that. I am pretty much free." reassured the blond as he turned the car off before turning in his seat. The sight that greeted him was stunning. Jinyoung was looking at him his eyes twinkling from excitement and his cheeks flushed pink. He was just breath taking and no matter how many times he looked at the other, he still stole the air from his lungs and caused his heart to skip a beat. After a few moments, the smile on the others face turned gentle and slightly sheepish, "Come on let's go...I'm sure your roommate is probably sick of waiting for us to arrive." Jinyoung said softly before unbuckling his seatbelt. Nodding as he did the same, Jaebum climbed out the car before shutting the door and moving to grab their baggage. Handing a few over to Jinyoung before making his way over to the elevator with his best friend at his heels. "What's Youngjae like?" asked the shorter as he watched Jaebum key in a code so the doors opened and gestured him to walk through. "I hope he likes me." He finished as he dropped a few bags to the floor as the other joined him and pressed the button for the sixteenth floor.
As the lift shuddered to life and carried them upwards, Jaebum hummed softly, "He's quiet and loud all at once. You'll get on with him fine. He's a singer and a good one at that." he replied thoughtfully, "Just don't be surprised if you see me being rough with him in the morning..." he added before spluttering, his face turning bright red as Jinyoung's mouth fell open in shock, "No! Oh no! It's not like that. He's a heavy sleeper and he has vocal practices early so I have to get him up as I am the eldest of us both. Just room mates I swear!"
Giving him a side eye and a soft hum, Jinyoung nodded. "Okay, if you say so..." teased the younger as they arrived on the correct floor and stepping out into the foyer of the apartment before bursting into fits of laughter at the elder's face. He looked so put out that he didn't believe him. "Relax, Jaebummie...I believe you." he said finally, watching as the others shoulder slumped in relief. "Come on, lets get in and pt this stuff down. What did your grandma pack you? The kitchen sink" He said as he waited for Jaebum to reach his side. "Knowing my grandma, I wouldn't out it past her to." replied the blond with a chuckle before he knocked on the door loudly and than rang the bell.
"Ah!" came a voice through the speaker, "You're finally home! Come in!" finished the voice before a soft buzzing could be heard before Jaebum opened the door, letting Jinyoung enter first. Dropping the bags just inside the hallway before removing his shoes, bending down to straighten them. Though it seems that Jaebum wasn't watching where Jinyoung was as he shut the door. Resulting him to step back and the backs of his knees knocking against the others shoulder, taking them out from underneath him causing a yelp to rip its way out of his throat as he tumbled to the ground, and onto his best friend with an almighty crash. Staying like for a few moments as his world finally stopped tumbling, only to come back to the reality as the other gave a pained groan under him.
"Well..." Came the voice from before, causing the two tangled males to look up. There leaning against the door to the lounge stood a blonde male with an exceptionally pretty face, his lips pulled up in a mischievous glint in his eyes. "I see you brought Jinyoung home. Though...next time Jaebum, at least wait until you are in your room before you decide to jump him. I have to live here too, you know."
"Youngjae!" yelled the blond, his face turning a deep shade of red which caused the male by the door to let a round of raucous laughter.
Jinyoung decided he liked this guy. Anyone who could make Jaebum turn such a interesting shade was alright in his books.
_ _ _
Youngjae was definitely how Jaebum had described him to be. Though to say the younger wasn't shocked to see Jaebum manhandling the younger male out of the door the first morning would be lie. Though Jaebum wasn't lying either when he said the other was a heavy sleeper. Jinyoung watched as the elder, pretty much marched him into the bathroom and then back out again. pushing some breakfast bars into the still half asleep male's hands before handing over to who only Jinyoung could assume was his Youngjae's manager before closing the door with a heavy sigh.
It was relaxing, and Jinyoung felt himself growing more fond of the city the more he explored it with his best friend. The air was different and there was no sound of the sea, just the sound of the bustling city which he could hear faintly from his spot on the observation deck of the Namesan tower. He had pleaded Jaebum to take him and after half an hour of aegyo the other finally agreed to take him. "It's wonderful up here, Jaebummie." He said softly as a serene smile flitted over his face as he looked out over Seoul. It was breathtaking, Jinyoung wished his father could have seen this. His father loved views like this one. "Your father would be so proud of you right now." Said the other, as if reading the his best friend's mind. "He would be happily taking pictures from corner to another so he could line them all up and have the entire view." Finished the other as he adjusted his sunglasses causing the younger of the two to laugh. Jaebum was right, his father would have done that. He had done it countless of times when both their families had gone on trips together. "Yeah, and then make us all sit there whilst he gives us an deep analysis of each picture." laughed Jinyoung as he leaned into his friends side, finding the elder's presence comforting and soothing as a pang of sadness and longing to see his father again hit him. Jae' do you have your camera?" he asked, smiling when Jaebum nodded before smiling as he caught onto what the younger was getting at . "Lets do it..." agreed the idol, looking around. "Where should we start?" he asked the slightly shorter male as he threw the camera strap around Jinyoung's neck, placing his hands on the others shoulder. "How about there?" suggested Jinyoung, his voice coming out slightly breathlessly.
He didn't know when it had happened but somewhere along the way as they were growing, Jinyoung found it hard to breathe around the older. His face heated up and his heart hammered in his chest. It wasn't until after the moved away that he figured out what it was. He had been crushing on his friend for years. And no matter how many times he tried to tell the other, he never found the courage to. He thought he had buried his feelings for his handsome best friend deep but it seems as if they had surfaced.
Feeling Jaebum's warm hands guide him as they snapped the pictures together, Jinyong couldn't help but smile fondly as his cheeks dusted a pale pink. The rush of being so close to Jaebum and being so very touched by something so sentimental as taking a panoramic picture in his father's memory washed over him, leaving him short of breath and high off of warmth that was spreading through his chest. Jinyoung wished it would never end.
As the last picture was taken, Jinyoung turned to look up at his best friend who was still stood so close to him. He was glad it was starting to get dark, so that the other wouldn't see how flushed his cheeks had become. Jaebum was always so handsome, even this close. Jinyoung trailed his eyes over his friend's face. Jaebum oozed masculinity from his defined jawline to his dark eyes with the cutest beauty marks Jinyoung had ever seen. "Jaebum...I..." started the younger, his eyes flicking down to the others lips before licking his own as the blond moved closer. Their bodies gravitating towards each other. "Yeah?" breathed out the elder, his breath fanning over Jinyoung's face, his dark eyes focused on the smaller's lips. "I..." started Jinyoung before his phone vibrated in his pocket causing him to jump a mile, which in turn caused Jaebum to step away and look at his camera, trying to act as if they hadn't almost kissed. Jinyoung could see the pink that had spread over the other's face as he tried not to smile, the back light of the camera' screen illuminating the fact as bright as day.
Looking down at his phone, Jinyoung gasped softly. It was Mark, the guy he had been talking to for months, he had completely forgotten about him. Swiping his thumb over the screen, he pressed the phone to his ear, "Hello?" he said softly as he looked out over the view of the setting sun.
"Hey! It's me! Are you here? Do you want to meet up tomorrow?" said the other male, his Korean broken and slightly abrupt. It had imporved, Jinyoung had to admit but it was still a little jaunty in places.
"Sure, Jaebum has an appointment at the salon tomorrow, so I could meet you for coffee, say about 2pm?" replied the black haired male, his heart sinking as he saw Jaebum stiffen slightly.
"Okay, I will text you an address where I will be? Bye Mark. See you tomorrow." he added before ending the call after the other gave a cheery farewell.
Sighing heavily, Jinyoung wanted to let out a groan as he faced Jaebum who looked so crestfallen. "We should go home." said the blond, quietly., "I have a busy day tomorrow." He added before swallowing thickly and giving the other a soft smile, "I'll get these developed for you whilst you are out." Jinyoung wanted to flinch as Jaebum spoke about his plans, pretending that it didn't phase him. Jinyoung wasn't stupid, he had seen the way the other looked at him. At first he was sure it was his imagination. But the more they spent time together, the clearer it had become.
Unable to swallow the guilt that was lodged in his throat, he croaked out a simple 'Yeah' and let the blond idol lead him away from the beautiful night and picturesque view. His mind whirring at all the revelations he had just come to realise.
_ _ _
Jaebum was not in the best of moods the next day, he wasn't angry per say. He just felt put out, he hated that not only did he have to go and change his style for their comeback; but he had to now go and do a photo shoot and an impromptu gig as a space had become available due to an act pulling out because of sickness. He had begged and pleaded his manager to reschedule it but he had refused, saying it was good publicity for young idol before hanging up the blond. A colourful word left the blond's mouth loudly as he slammed his hand down on the table, causing his sleepy room mate who had been almost drowning into his bowl of cereal jolt awake. Giving Jaebum a scandalised look, Jaebum grabbed an apple and left the table grumbling about noisy hyungs and being late, leaving Jinyoung sat opposite him nursing a cup of tea between his hands.
"It's okay, Jae'. I can keep myself busy." reassured the younger of the two best friends, "I'll come see you at your gig, I have a backstage pass. I'll take you out for dinner, how does that sound?" he offered before stopping as the blond snorted loudly. "Save it, Jinyoung. You'll have fun with Mark and I'll see you when you get in." snapped the blond before getting up and storming out, instantly regretting snapping at the other. The shocked and hurt look on Jinyoung's face burned into his mind as he grabbed his coat and left the apartment, shutting the door hard as he went.
His head itched slightly as the bleached worked on lightening his roots. It seems the company was to make him silver for this comeback, much to Jaebum's chagrin. He didn't like idea, but if that was the final word than he had no choice. He knew he would be in for a ribbing when he returned home. Youngjae would revel in the fact he was for the lack of a better word, grey haired.
His thoughts drifted from that of his room mate to his best friend. Guilt weighed heavy on his chest, he honestly didn't mean to snap at the other. It just irked the blond that Jinyoung obviously had feelings for him yet he was swanning off with some random guy he had met online mere months ago. Taking his phone out of his pocket, he swiped his thumb over his screen checking for the umpteenth time for any word from the younger male. Opening a new message, 'Sorry, Jinyoungie. Please forgive me.' he typed out before sending it, sliding his phone back into his pocket, his mind whirling as he tried to get a handle on his feelings. Realisation hitting him full force.
He was in love with his best friend.
_ _ _
Running his hand over his face as he waited behind stage for his cue. Jaebum was a ball of nerves, he still hadn't heard from Jinyoung and he was worried. It wasn't like the other to just let him snap at him. Jinyoung was a force to be reckoned with and on numerous occasions had put Jaebum on his ass for being rude to him. Groaning as he ran his hands through his freshly dyed hair, the chemicals still up his nose making him feeling more nauseous that he already felt.
“Nice hair, dude.” Came a teasing voice. Looking over to his right, Jaebum groaned for what felt like the thousandth time that day, "Not now, Youngjae. I've not had a great day." pleaded the elder, his voice coming out a little sharp causing the blond singer to hold up his hands and smile. "Hey, don't shoot me...I've brought you someone to see you..." replied Youngjae before stepping to one side to reveal a very sheepish looking Jinyoung. Standing up so quickly, he went light headed, "Jinyoung...." He started before making his way over to the other, reaching out slightly before stopping. "I'm so sorry...please forgive."
The look Jinyoung gave Jaebum, he knew he was about to get a telling off. Bracing himself for it, it never came. Instead a pair of hands cupped his face between them before a pair of lips pressed themselves against those of his own. Blinking softly, it took a few moments to sink in that Jinyoung was kissing him.
Wait...
Jinyoung was kissing him.
Pulling back from the other, Jaebum looked down at his best friend, "What..." he started before blinking down at the other, confusion pulling his eyebrows together, "What about Mark?"
The smile that spread across Jinyoung's face was a sheepish one but to Jaebum he never looked more beautiful. "I met with him. We spoke for a bit but we both decided we are just friends. And well..." started the younger as he slid his arms around Jaebum's neck, "...he said he could tell I was in love with someone else."
Unable to keep the smile off of his face, Jaebum hummed softly as he nudged the other nose with his own, "Oh? And who is the lucky guy?" he asked softly as he nuzzled the others cheek, encouraging a giggle out of the other.
Pulling away slightly from the blonde, Jinyoung looked him dead in the eye. "You." was the answer Jaebum was gifted with before he felt the warmth of the others lips against his own. Melting into the sweet kiss, Jaebum pulled the other closer before lifting one had to flip off Youngjae in his general direction who had decided to make gagging noises and complain loudly about overly affectionate couples. The kiss was sweet, nothing rushed just pure affection. It was perfect, he couldn't have asked for more.
Jaebum couldn't be any happier as he pulled away. He had so much to say but as he opened his mouth to say something he was being called to perform. "I'll see you after my set." he said affectionately as he pressed a quick kiss to Jinyoung's lips before pulling away and making his way to the edge of the stage. "Jaebum, fighting!" called a voice causing the idol to turn on his spot. A grin broke out over his face as he soaked in the memory of his best friend's flushed pink cheeks and his eyes sparkling with pure affection.
That night he won best performance. Jaebum was felt as if he was flying as he received his award and giving his thank you speech before he felt a weight jump on his back and a loud cheer in his right ear. "Yah! Youngjae.."He laughed his smile growing before he looked towards the edge of the stage and his smile turned into a full on beaming smile as he saw Jinyoung cheering for him loudly. Catching the younger's eye, he crossed his finger and thumb to form a small heart, laughing as the others face turned a deep red before sheepishly replying with the same gesture.
Jaebum was right. This was the best idea he had ever had bringing Jinyoung here on this road trip.
It had taken them a while, but here they were, finally together, after five years, and 325 kilometres.
THE END.
one | part two