bioluminescence
Title: Bioluminescence
Author: masupeerman
Type: One-shot
Pairing: HaeHyuk
Genre: Fluff, Romance, AU
Rating: PG - 13
Summary: Hyukjae is feeling sad because Donghae doesn't care about their first year anniversary. (Sorry for the badbadbad summary)
Even though the warm rays of the sun were resting nicely over his bare back and the birds singing their love-songs outside the window woke Hyukjae up that morning, he didn’t feel any specific happiness.
Honestly, he hadn’t been feeling very happy any of the days earlier this week on the mornings, since he always woke up alone after Donghae had left his side. At the beginning of the week the other had at least been considerate and left a nice breakfast prepared and even a rose placed next to it, but for each day passed he didn’t get anything special, not even a tiny cup of coffee.
But today felt the worst. Hyukjae had expected Donghae to actually be right next to him as he woke up today, because today was a special day. At least that was what Hyukjae thought. He turned to lie on his back, arms lazily hung in front of his face to hide the sun from blinding him, as he cursed his supposed-to-be-good boyfriend.
Hyukjae thought he had made it very clear, though in an implied way, that he was very keen on anniversaries. To him, it was something symbolic and precious, that a couple has made it to a far point and from there they would know how much further they would be going. It was something worth celebrating, but a few days earlier when he asked if Donghae had wanted to do something on their anniversary, he had simply replied “yeah”, smiled that dazzling Donghae-like smile and gave him a fast peck before taking a shower, never saying anything more about it.
Today, one year had passed, 365 days, since Donghae and Hyukjae had become a couple. The younger had laughed at him before when he had told Donghae he counted the days they had been together as one, but he also gave him that heart-warming gaze and said a small “thanks”. Hyukjae blushed hard at that time.
He heaved a sigh as he literally rolled out of bed, dragging his feet along with some new set of clothes into the bathroom o take a shower. Even under the splashing water, Hyukjae kept on wondering if Donghae simply didn’t care about anniversaries or that he just forgot about it. But since it was their first, shouldn’t Donghae think it was a little bit special as well?
Eventually, Hyukjae gave up. If Donghae didn’t care, then why should he?
Sulking, Hyukjae proceeded to going to work, glaring at the pack of cereals his boyfriend had been so considerate to put on the dining table for him, as he passed the kitchen.
*
“Hey, you’re spacing out again Hyuk!”
“Damn, let him grow some long hair and he would totally look like Sadako. Seriously he’s really creepy.”
“Hyung!”
“Just look at the guy! He’s like a living dead!”
A blond male picked the book out of Hyukjae’s paralyzed hands and hit the latter’s head with it. That managed to wake him up, now whining at his hyung.
“Heechul hyung, that really hurt!” Pouting, he pulled the book back from Heechul and put it on its right place in the shelf, then proceeding with the rest of the books.
“Well you’re the one slacking off work.” The blond male puckered his tongue out and walked down the literature aisle and took a left turn with a pile of books in his arms.
“Don’t let him get to you Hyuk, he’s just teasing.” Another male comforted him while patting his shoulder and put up one of the books in the cart in the right shelf.
“I’m not, Ryeowook, I’m just not in the mood right now.”
The younger male pushed the cart in front of him, Hyukjae following just like Heechul had said: a living dead.
“Something’s happened?” Ryeowook asked, continuing doing Hyukjae’s work of putting back the books, since the latter seemed to be incapable of that at the moment. “As long as I have known you, you’ve always been a mood maker. It’s kind of creepy to see you like this.”
With a whine stuck in his throat, Hyukjae waited with answering. Several times he had checked his cell phone for any texts or calls from Donghae, and it wasn’t until after lunch-time that the latter actually sent a “Happy anniversary” text, with a heart following. Typing back, Hyukjae felt a little bit better, but he still hadn’t got to see Donghae, nor hear his voice making him even more depressed.
Even trying to call his boyfriend back first, he didn’t get any answer so he turned off his cell phone - equally decided if Donghae was to call him back he wouldn’t be able to pick up.
The day passed too slowly, Heechul continuing mocking his depressed behaviour and Ryeowook giving him pitying glances. The latter had to bother Hyukjae a lot to make him spill his problem.
“Donghae doesn’t care about our first year anniversary.” He said lazily as he laid his head on top of the reception desk, the few customers who passed gave him un-approving gazes. “He’s even been too busy with his work the whole week.”
Ryeowook gasped quietly to himself. “Donghae... That fluffy-haired guy? You’re still together?” Hyukjae raised an eyebrow at Ryeowook’s weird definition of his boyfriend, but nonetheless he nodded.
“It’s our first anniversary and he still didn’t even bother to wake me up before leaving.”
“And I though he looked like a nice guy. He’s not breaking up with you is he?” Ryeowook suddenly burst out, making Hyukjae rise from his sloped position to stare at his co-worker.
“What?! Why do you think he’s doing that?” Near to tears, Hyukjae looked at the younger male with a quivering bottom lip.
“I’m sorry, Hyukjae.” Ryeowook said softly, feeling bad for have said such a thing. “I didn’t think he is, it just slipped my mind.” The younger gave Hyukjae a fast hug as an apologize.
“If he’s been avoiding you, he might just want to stay away from the celebration so he wouldn’t feel bad for dumping you afterwards.”
Heechul who was standing on the other side inspecting his manicured nails smirked, until a book was thrown out of Ryeowook’s hand and hit the elder’s head.
“You’re not helping!”
*
Turning his phone back on as he sat on the bus back home, he was hoping that there would be any other message from Donghae he had received but there wasn’t a single one. Maybe, Donghae really did want to skip any celebrations to not feel bad if he wanted to end their relationship any time soon.
He stuck the key into the hole of their shared apartment and pulled his shoes off in the middle of the hall room (because he knew Donghae hated when people did that) and let them be, along with his jacket.
The clock was after seven; still no Donghae was visible and in was starting to darkle outside. He walked into the kitchen, noticing a light blue post-it sticking to the fridge which hadn’t been there this morning. Moving closer, he took the piece of paper, immediately recognizing the sloppy handwriting.
Hi baby. I guess you’re hungry by now, so I prepared- Hyukjae stopped reading and instead wrinkled the paper in his hand and threw it in the trash bin.
“You had the time to go home and make something, but not just giving me a quick call or visit to apologize or make up any plans with me today, no, no.” Hyukjae cursed once again, leaving the kitchen and went directly to the bedroom and crashed on the bed. Only to get a second light blue post-it scratching his chin.
Dress warmly, it could get cold. Hyukjae read from the post-it, frowning.
“It’s summer Donghae, it’s freaking 25 degrees in the evenings, how do you expect me to get cold?” He spoke to the paper before tossing it away to the floor.
He got up and walked to his closet to change into sleeping clothes before turning into bed, but just as annoying as the other ones, he saw a third piece of light blue paper stuck to the inside of the wardrobe.
Meet me at my work.
I love you.
His heart beat increased rapidly as he read the sweet three last words. A smile decorated his lips instead of the pout which had been there all day. Still, he felt a little bit sour towards the other. Bringing the paper in his hand back to bed, Hyukjae lay down and pressed his face into Donghae’s pillow.
If Donghae asked them to meet he couldn’t keep on ignoring him. This was what he had wanted all day, to finally see Donghae.
Letting his smile stay, he looked over the words “I love you” once more; he knew that he never should listen to Heechul anymore because Donghae wouldn’t say that if he wanted to break up.
*
The sun was still a bit warming as the air had chilled. Hyukjae regretted not obeying Donghae’s second note to get dressed any warmer, because t-shirt and a leather jacket didn’t warm up very much. But he had gone too far to turn back now.
He slowly walked down the road, because if he hurried Donghae wouldn’t know he was angry for being ignored so much lately - especially today, and was after a long walk able to see the beginning of the path downwards to the beach.
Finally as he had reached his destination, Hyukjae sneaked off his shoes, placing them on the porch of the wooden house where the workers - lifesavers, beach watchers and cleaners - had their little gathering place, and dug his feet into the chilly sand.
He texted Donghae that he had arrived, since he couldn’t spot Donghae anywhere and the house was empty. The breeze and sound of the sea made Hyukjae smile, envying Donghae for working down at such a relaxing place while he was stuck in a boring library, though he kind of liked it anyways. And working as a lifesaver might not be so relaxing either.
His cell phone buzzed, an “Ok”, and the pout was once more back where it had been earlier.
“He still is able to text back, why couldn’t he have answered earlier?”
Kicking the sand was the only enjoyment he had as he waited for something to happen, and something did happen as two arms sneaked around his waist from the back all of a sudden.
“Hey baby” the other cooed from the back, making Hyukjae relax more in the other’s arms and placed his hand on top of the other’s.
“Hi Hae.”
Donghae nuzzled his face in Hyukjae’s neck, making it tickle, and gave it a soft kiss.
“You missed me?”
“Yes...” the too honest and way too sad answer made Donghae frown, loosening his arms and turned Hyukjae around to face him.
There he was at last, the man who had been everything Hyukjae had wanted that day, the man who had caused his day all misery: Donghae.
He felt more sad as he didn’t notice until now how much more tanned Donghae’s skin got lately, since he hadn’t get to see him so much, because of working at the beach for a whole day in a burning sun. Even Donghae’s hair had become brighter.
The said male cupped Hyukjae’s cheeks lovingly, understanding the sadness he was feeling right now.
“I’m sorry I didn’t stick around this morning, Hyuk.” He apologized before the elder had time to complain about it, and gave him a peck on the lips. “And I’m sorry for being too quiet this week and not taking care of you as a real boyfriend should do.” Once more, he ended his sentence with a peck. “And lastly, I’m sorry for making you feeling sad.”
Donghae drew his thumbs over Hyukjae’s eyelids before the watery eyes were able to spill any tears, then bending over and giving the other a proper kiss. Hyukjae sighed into the kiss, feeling the day’s stress running out in the sand as Donghae hugged him closer.
“I thought you didn’t want any celebration today since you disappeared so early and didn’t call.” Hyukjae piped as he hugged the other as well. “Heechul hyung almost even convinced me that you wanted to break up with me.”
Donghae chuckled, kissing the top of Hyukjae’s head over and over.
“I thought you once said that nothing that comes out of his mouth is legit. Don’t ever believe anyone about that kind of stuff until I say it with my own words. And as for now, I don’t feel like ever saying such a thing.”
He smiled handsomely and pecked Hyukjae once more, the latter’s smile grew as well.
“Come,” Donghae pulled at Hyukjae’s hand and walked out to the middle of the beach and sat down. The sun was close to setting by the horizon.
Hands intertwined, Hyukjae leaning close to Donghae to have some warmth (“Why didn’t you dress warmly as I told you to?” Donghae complained when it started to blow more cold), and the sun beaming red as it coloured the rest of the sky in pink and orange.
“Hae,” Hyukjae spoke softly and the addressed man pulled an arm around Hyukjae to get him closer.
“Yeah?”
“How come you’ve been so busy this week then? The temperature isn’t as hot as last week, so the visitors shouldn’t be more now would they?” He peeked up cutely at Donghae who smiled.
“Sorry about that. No, I’ve just been taking on some extra shifts so my boss would agree with my deal.”
Hyukjae blinked and sat up properly so he could get normal eye-contact with the other.
“The deal about having the beach for just the two of us.” Donghae answered the question before Hyukjae had even asked it. “You didn’t wonder why there wasn’t a single person left here?” He smiled mischievously and then gave Hyukjae a long kiss.
“I wanted to give you a special surprise today, so I thought the beach would be the best. I have been planning this for about a month, so you should feel special.”
“Thank you Donghae.” Hyukjae hugged the other as the sun beautifully passed the horizon, leaving the orange sky to soon turn into black. “You definitely know what I like.”
“Of course. But just wait, it’s not over yet.”
*
It was easy to talk with Donghae, which had been one of the things that made Hyukjae fall for him. Donghae had come every day to the library where Hyukjae worked, to read. At least it started with reading.
In the beginning he asked Hyukjae where to find a certain book - which happened to be Hyukjae’s favourite - then he always asked only Hyukjae what kind of books he liked so Donghae could read them as well.
Donghae only asked questions to Hyukjae - which the latter found sometimes a bit annoying since even when he was busy, Donghae refused someone else’s help, but also a bit cute.
It ended up with Hyukjae sitting down longer with Donghae for each day - being scolded by Jongwoon every time for lacking off work (he didn't really care, because Jongwoon wasn't really scary). It took three times for Donghae to ask Hyukjae out before the said man had agreed to it, and it didn't take long before both of them fell deeper and became a couple.
Every time he had time, Donghae would sneak into the library and childishly spy on his boyfriend.
*
The darkness had crept even closer, now only the moon, a few stars and the yellow lamp from the wooden house further away was lightening up. Donghae surprised Hyukjae with bringing up fireworks out of a bag he had brought with him, having to nag at Hyukjae to convince the latter to play with him.
Mentally going back in age, they both played around in the sand with the sparkling fireworks in their hands, laughing loudly. Hyukjae was happy Donghae had planned such a fun evening with him.
Exhausted after playing too much, Hyukjae fell onto the cold sand to rest for a bit. Donghae followed after have packed away the used stuff, placing himself to sit behind Hyukjae who peacefully rested against Donghae's chest with the said mans arms wrapped around him.
"I'm starting to get a bit tired." Hyukjae whined cutely and forced down a yawn, snuggling his face against Donghae's shoulder.
"But Hyukjae, you haven't seen your surprise yet."
"Wasn't this it?" Donghae chuckled as he let Hyukjae turn around fully to face him. He hugged the latter's waist and drew circles on his back to give some warmth through friction.
"No, don't you think I planned anything more special for you?" Hyukjae blinked sadly.
"I...I'm sorry Donghae."
"Baby, why are you even apologizing?"
"I-I expected so much from you today, but I haven't been able to do something for you, myself. I've been too egoistic."
"Don't say that Hyuk. You bought me a cruising ticket for my birthday, remember? Even at Christmas you took me to go skiing."
"But that cruise sucked! And we both got sick after the skiing trip!”
"It doesn't matter, because what I loved about those trips was that you were with me." For a second, Hyukjae thought he saw something glitter in Donghae's eyes, making it blue. "And right now, I get to be with you as well. That's all that matters to me."
Hyukjae was speechless, for those words meant so much to him. He hugged Donghae's neck tightly long enough to make sure he wouldn't cry because of Donghae's amazingness.
"Hey, it's time for what I really wanted to show you." With a pat on his back, Hyukjae let go of Donghae, and now for sure he could see the same blue sparkles in Donghae's beautiful eyes. Donghae noticed the other's expression, smiled and then pointed at the sea. "Look," he whispered in Hyukjae's ear and continued hugging him as he turned to look.
If Donghae wouldn't have been there, then Hyukjae's first reaction might have been to scream in surprise, but it seemed like his boyfriend had perfectly full knowledge of what was happening.
It was nothing like he had ever seen. People usually describe the sea as "blue", but never had Hyukjae seen the water taking the colour of real blue. His hand found Donghae's and he squeezed it tightly as he stared at the small waves rolling up on the shore and leaving some blue lightning sparkles there. It only covered the coast of the water, the deeper water had the same colour as usual, but still this was the most beautiful scenery Hyukjae had ever seen.
“It’s magic.” Was all that he could say as he was feeling spelled by the ocean.
"Let's go over there" Donghae whispered in Hyukjae's ear, helping the latter up and walking towards the water, hand in hand. "You like it, right?" Donghae asked as he looked at his boyfriend's stunned expressions. "It's called noctiluca scintillans.” Hyukjae made a weird expression indicating that the word didn’t say much to him. Donghae chuckled. “Also sea sparkles. You know bioluminescence right? They light up just the same way as fireflies, only a different colour.
"Come" Donghae led Hyukjae closer to the water, but the latter immediately pulled away. "Hyukjae, they're just algae. It can't hurt you in any way, so come on." Offering his hand, Donghae smiled encouragingly for the elder to take it. Trusting Donghae, he did as he was told and took one step into the surprisingly warm water. His feet disappeared in darkness and lit up blue sparkles. Another step and they were standing in the middle of the amazing blue stars of water, holding hands and exchanging glances. Hyukjae saw the blue light reflect faintly in Donghae's eyes and face, same went for Donghae. He thought Hyukjae looked incredibly beautiful with blue sparkling eyes.
"This is my gift to you, Lee Hyukjae. Happy anniversary." Pulling Hyukjae closer, Donghae smiled charmingly and rested his forehead against the other's. The elder smiled and circled his arms around Donghae's neck.
"I love you Donghae."
"I love you too."
Feeling the essence of feeling each other, Donghae closed that little gap between their lips to kiss those lips he loved the most. Even though they would share kisses daily, it still would almost feel like they were kissing for the first time.
Donghae nibbled and licked Hyukjae's lips slowly and gently as he carefully led them to walk deeper into the blue sea. Since being fully concentrated on Hyukjae's lips he had a hard time walking straight and ended up falling down, pulling Hyukjae along.
"Hae!" Hyukjae whined and coughed as his clothes go wet. Donghae just smiled, noticing Hyukjae had got algae stuck in his hair to make some spots of blue lighting up the man fairy-likely, then pulling him down to continue the kissing session.
Hyukjae climbed to the younger male as he still felt slightly intimidated by the abnormal creatures surrounding them.
Donghae cupped his hands and scoped up water in them and held it out to Hyukjae. The said male did the same with his hands and Donghae carefully transferred the water to Hyukjae’s, both observing how the blue sparkles still were able to glow.
“You know,” Donghae started and broke the silence between them. “If I was to marry you, I would like to do it right here on an evening when there are the double amount of sea sparkles.”
The statement shocked Hyukjae, hearing Donghae speaking of marrying him all of a sudden wasn’t something he had ever thought about. Well, not that much at least.
“Don’t look so serious Hyuk, I’m not planning on proposing to you yet!” Donghae laughed teasingly, earning himself the water in Hyukjae’s hands to splash up in his face.
“You’re so mean!” Hyukjae continued splashing water on Donghae until the latter gripped his arms and made himself on top of the elder male.
“I still love you, though.” Leaning down, Donghae kissed the other sweetly before freeing his arms. “And you look way too beautiful when you’re all wet and sparkling.”
Hyukjae blushed and pushed the other off his body to be able to sit up properly, still being held by Donghae.
“Thanks to you, I’ll have to walk home with soaking wet clothes.” He sent the other a glare, though it looked much too cute since he was pouting as well.
“I never said we would go home.” Donghae’s eyes sparkled as he smiled.
*
“Donghae, what if someone comes?” Hyukjae’s bottom lip quivered as he stood in the sand with two blankets wrapped around his naked body.
“I told you, we’ve got the beach for ourselves. It won’t open for the public until later than usual tomorrow.” With a quick peck on the lips, Donghae pulled Hyukjae to lie down on the blanket he had spread out in the sand and moving closer to sneak under Hyukjae’s blankets as well. The latter sneaked his arms around Donghae’s chest and hugged him close, cold skin meeting cold skin, but together they created new warmth.
This was indeed much more than Hyukjae had wanted for his first year anniversary with Donghae, but he didn’t complain. Everything had just been perfect, the sea sparkles still shining from the sea, moon reflecting in the water and stars painting the sky above them.
“This is the best gift I’ve ever had, Donghae. Thank you.” Hyukjae pecked Donghae’s cheek and then rested his head on the other’s chest.
Donghae smiled and hugged the other close, whispering:
“You’re my greatest gift I’ve ever had.”
Now Hyukjae knew that this love would definitely live on until next anniversary.
*
A/N: Fail...Sorry... I just saw an article about those algae’s yesterday and this popped up in my head. I was super tired when I wrote this last night, so sorry about weird grammar or fail plot For some reason my brain and fingers can’t cope with each other still ><... Started to think if I maybe should do a prequel for this... Idk
Hope you enjoyed it~