[one shot] raising youngjae [2/2]
Title: raising youngjae
Pairing: Jackson/JB
Rating:PG-13
Length: ~14k
Summary: JB is left to care for his younger brother after their parents die, and he finds himself falling for his brother's new English tutor.
Some time later, Jaebum wakes to the sound of metal clanging and the smell of meat being cooked. At first he thinks some weirdo broke in and decided to eat their food for some strange reason, but then he hears a familiar voice swear loudly and he relaxes. It’s just Jackson. But what the hell is Jackson doing in their house so early in the morning?
“My ear's candy, sweet like honey. Your voice softly melts me away~,” Jackson sings as he tends to something on the stove. Jaebum hugs him around the waist and sings the next line in his ear.
“Ahh!” Jackson jumps a mile high, hitting Jaebum on the nose and nearly upending whatever he’s cooking.
“Ouch, shit that hurt,” Jabeum moans, holding his nose in pain.
“Oh shit, sorry,” Jackson swears in English. Jaebum hears the fridge door open and close, and then a cold pack is being pressed to his face. “You know, scaring the shit out of me aside, you have a lovely singing voice.”
Jaebum opens his eyes to see Jackson’s face right next to his. He’s not wearing his hat again, and this time he’s got a pair of glasses framing his face. He blinks in surprise before a jolt of pain shoots through his nose.
“Gee thanks,” Jaebum deadpans in English. He’s found that some things just don’t carry the meaning he wants when it’s said in Korean. Maybe that’s why Jackson slips into English and Cantonese every so often.
“And you said you wouldn’t learn,” Jackson grins, proudly. Even though he his nose is aching so badly that he has to breathe out of his mouth, Jaebum can’t help but smile.
“What are you doing here anyway?”
“I stayed the night. I figured it was easier since I’ll be staying to look after Youngjae,” Jackson says, turning back to the stove. “Ah the bacon hasn’t burned, praise the lord!”
“You don’t have to-”
“I know, but I’m doing it anyway. Breakfast is almost ready by the way. Go brush your teeth and wash your face and then you can eat.”
“Yes, dear,” Jaebum snorts, again in English.
He quickly brushes his teeth before he stops to check on Youngjae. His brother feels less feverish but his skin is still pale, he also coughs wetly in his sleep. Jaebum once again feels thankful for Jackson. There’s no way he would feel alright leaving his brother alone in this state.
After his shower, he heads back into his room to pull on his work clothes. He forgot to take them with him to the bathroom, but he figures there’s no harm in walking back to his room in just a towel. It’s a short trip and he and Jackson are both guys anyway. Even so, when he makes eye-contact with Jackson on the way, he pauses in shock and all but runs back to his room.
After he’s finished dressing he heads back to the kitchen where Jackson seems to be finished cooking. On the table in the living room are foods Jaebum has only seen in American movies. Jackson spots him coming out of his room and directs him to sit at the table.
“Hurry up and dig in, it’s twenty minutes to seven.”
“What?!” Jaebum looks up in shock.
“I hid your phone so you could get a bit more sleep. Here it is, by the way.” Jackson holds out his phone and Jaebum takes it from him. He narrows his eyes in annoyance at Jackson before biting into his food.
“I was only thinking of you. I even went out of my way to make you breakfast,” Jackson pouts, spreading his arms to gesture at the food sitting on the table.
‘Fair enough,’ Jaebum thinks.
“Thank you, it’s good,” he says while chewing. “Breakfast here is usually so plain. This is an interesting change.”
Jackson beams at him, his brown eyes sparkling behind his glasses.
“I’ve never seen you wear those before,” he says, gesturing to the large black frames.
“Uh, yeah, I don’t usually wear them in public.”
“Why? It’s not like you look bad in them,” Jaebum says before he can stop himself.
“So, hat or no hat? Glasses or no glasses?” Jackson asks with a cheeky grin. Jaebum just chuckles and shakes his head.
“I like you however.”
For a second he pauses eating, wondering if he really just said that out loud. He chances a peak at Jackson and sees that the other man is focusing on his food. Jaebum follows suit. The atmosphere isn’t exactly awkward, but it’s definitely not as comfortable as it was before his comment.
Out of habit, Jaebum starts to collect their dirty plates to wash in the sink, but Jackson swats at his hands and pushes him to the front door instead.
“I’ll do that, man. You just go to work.” Jaebum has to admit that if feels good to be looked after like this.
“Alright, see you when I get back?” This whole morning has felt a bit surreal from the start. He half expects to open his eyes to find that he dreamed the whole thing up.
“Yeah, now go and have a good a day.”
For half a second, Jaebum gets the wild idea to kiss him goodbye. Some passing spirit possesses his body and makes him lean in a bit before he catches himself and runs off, throwing a goodbye over his shoulder.
Eyes wide and mouth gaping, Jackson watches him go. He could’ve sworn that for a second it looked like…
‘I like you however’ he said, is it possible he meant…like that? Jackson wants to hope, but hope can be a dangerous thing. He bites his lip and shuts the door at last. He turns around to see Youngjae huddled up in his blankets, waving his fists.
“All in all I’d say breakfast was a success,” he cheers.
“How long have you been awake?”
“Your screaming woke me up, but I stayed in my room to give you and my brother some alone time. I couldn’t help but overhear you two flirting. Is there any food left for me?”
“We weren’t flirting. And no, there’s no food for sneaky little brats,” Jackson says he begins to clear the dishes.
“I’ll tell my brother that you’re being mean to me,” he whines before Jackson rests a plate of food in front of him.
Youngjae wanting to eat is a good sign. At this rate, he should be well enough to go to school by the end of the weekend.
“Do you really think I have a chance?” Jackson can help but ask. Youngjae grins, looking as though he was waiting for this question.
“Yeah, definitely.”
“Your brother, he likes guys?” Jackson asks so softly he’s practically whispering.
“No, but he likes you.”
“Oh, okay then.” Jackson can’t help but still feel a bit uneasy.
“Come on, trust me,” Youngjae declares in English.
“THR-ust me?” Jackson mocks him with an exaggerated lisp.
“I didn’t say it like that. My pronunciation is much better than that,” Youngjae throws head back and laughs with his mouth so wide open Jackson is worried something will fly inside.
“Finish eating and then go get your books so we can study.”
“’kay.”
Although he planned to help Youngjae with as many subjects as possible, he gets so confused by everything but English that that’s what they spend most of the day doing. Jackson orders chicken for lunch for the two of them, and he puts some away in the fridge for Jaebum, ignoring the smirk on Youngjae’s face.
When Jaebum gets back from work, he greets Jackson brightly, with none of the awkwardness that tinged their last interaction. He thanks Jackson for the chicken as if he had made it himself and he catches Youngjae smirking into his tea again.
“Thanks again for staying to look after Youngjae. I have Sunday off so you don’t have to stay over again,” he says as he digs into the food.
“Oh, okay then.” Jaebum probably thinks he’s relieving Jackson of an inconvenience, but Jackson just feels like he’s being kicked out.
Around 10:30 pm, Jackson grabs his duffel bag and gets ready to leave. Jaebum walks him to the door and thanks him once again before he pulls him into a hug. Jackson blinks in surprise, but quickly wraps his own arms around Jaebum. He can see Youngjae making kissy faces over Jaebum’s shoulder, so he closes his eyes to block him out and enjoy the feeling of Jaebum’s strong arms around him.
Too soon, Jaebum pulls away and bids Jackson a goodnight. Jackson’s knows he isn’t hallucinating Jabeum glancing at his lips because he does it like five times. Reflexively, Jackson licks them before he waves goodbye and turns to leave.
As he walks back, he feels a smile tug at his lips and hope bloom in his heart.
Jaebum’s mood lifts with each day approaching the new year. He’s always been glad for the three day holiday, and this year has felt especially draining. The only downside is that he won’t see Jackson until the week after; he’s going back to Hong Kong for Chinese New Year. He’ll miss him while he’s gone, but he knows Jackson is looking forward to seeing his mother and brother, especially since he wasn’t able to see them on Christmas. He had caught Youngjae’s flu and couldn’t fly out like he was originally scheduled.
“This is why I had my reservations about you looking after Youngjae,” Jaebum said when he visited him with soup. “Youngjae made a card for you, by the way.”
Jackson’s usually bright eyes looked weak, but some life returned to them when he saw the inscription on his brother’s card. Jaebum sat beside Jackson on his bed and read the English script aloud.
“‘Here’s to hoping you get some in the new year!’ Get some what?”
“Don’t worry about it.” Jackson shook his head, his face turning red. Jaebum placed his hand on Jackson’s forehead and felt heat radiating from it before he even made contact.
“Your fever might be getting worse. You should lie down and rest,” he frowned, placing the card on the bedside table and gently pushing Jackson back under the covers.
Earlier in the afternoon, Jackson had texted to say he wanted to come over for a change of scenery.
‘i’m not feeling great but i promise i’m not contagious. my dad’s driving me mad with his hovering. i’m touched that he cares so much but really! >:|’
‘if he says it’s alright, you can come’
He shows up on their doorstep two hours later, almost unrecognisable in his wrappings save for the ‘852’ cap adorning his head. Standing right beside him is his father, holding a duffel bag.
“Ah, hello Mr. Wang,” Jaebum greets him with a bow.
“I just wanted to make sure he got here safe,” he nods before handing the bag to Jaebum. Then he lifts his hand in a wave and makes his way back to a waiting taxi.
“Bye, daddy,” Jackson’s goodbye is muffled by his scarf, but his father seems to hear him anyway.
“See you tomorrow, Jackson.”
Jaebum opens the door wider, letting him in with a laugh.
“Shut up,” Jackson drones.
“No, it’s sweet. You’re his youngest child, it’s no wonder he feels protective of you.”
Jackson opens his mouth to reply to that, but he’s cut off by Youngjae bounding up to hug him.
“I heard you caught my flu,” he says when he lets the older man go.
“Yeah, I did. Thanks for that, by the way. Most people just give ties or books or socks to others for Christmas, but you went above and beyond to get me a virus.”
“You were the one who insisted on watching me.”
“And now you throw that kindness back in my face. Ahhh, kids these days, so ungrateful.” Jackson shakes his head as he hangs up his jacket and scarf and makes his way into the living room.
“Now, go and fetch me some tea,” he says as he makes himself comfortable on the sofa.
“You’re here so often you’re not even a guest anymore. You could make your own tea,” Youngjae grumbles, but obediently goes to fix him a cup.
“So, what have you been up to today?”
“Well, since tomorrow is a holiday, today was a slower day at work. I even got off earlier than usual. I took the free time to go through one of Youngjae’s old English textbooks like you suggested.”
“Are you feeling confident enough to apply for that job we talked about?”
“Hmmm maybe not yet.”
“I think you should at least try. Interviews are 60% bluffing anyway. Just put out a confident exterior and not only will the employer feel surer of you, you’ll feel surer of yourself.”
“Thanks, guru,” Jaebum snorts while Jackson nods solemnly. Soon after, Youngjae comes back with tea for the three of them.
“What a good boy you are,” Jaebum praises him as he sips his tea.
They spend the rest of the night watching television specials and chatting about the similarities and differences between Korean New Year and Chinese New Year celebrations.
“Chinese New Year in Hong Kong is amazing but one day I want to go to Times Square in New York and watch the New Year’s ball drop,” Jackson says while eating chips.
“Why would anyone want to wait out in the cold for hours in a crowd with a bunch of strangers just to countdown ten seconds?”
“It’s the atmosphere, JB. The thrill of anticipation!”
“Well I much prefer the atmosphere that I get from being in the warmth and comfort of my home with my friends and family,” Jaebum snorts.
“Alright, grandpa,” Jackson sneers. “What about you, Youngjae?”
“The same, to be honest,” Youngjae says with a shrug. Jaebum holds his hand out for a high five as Jackson rolls his eyes at them.
“Although, there is one American tradition that I find interesting,” Youngjae pipes up.
“What’s that?” Jaebum asks.
“The one where people kiss at midnight to bring in the New Year,” Youngjae says with a weird glint in his eyes.
“Oh, really? Like, couples?” Jaebum asks, surprised.
“Couples do it, but friends and even strangers will do it too.”
“Ah,” Jabeum says before he gulps down the rest of his tea. “Have you ever done that?” he asks Jackson without looking at him.
“Um, yeah, once when I was living in L.A. I kissed one of my friends to celebrate the new year. It was um, it was the first time I kissed a guy,” Jackson says the last part of that sentence in a rush. It takes a second for Jaebum to register what he said.
“Really?” he asks, finally turning to look at the other man.
“Yeah, it was nice,” Jackson mumbles, eyes on the ceiling.
“Ah.” Jaebum nods before he heads to the kitchen to make himself some more tea.
When he walks back into the living room, Youngjae and Jackson are rolling around on the floor with their hands covering each other’s faces.
“Do I even want to know?” he asks as he steps over them to reclaim his seat.
“No,” Jackson says firmly as he detaches himself from Youngjae.
Somewhere around 11:30 pm Youngjae starts to nod off. Jaebum thinks it’s odd, and for a moment he wonders if his flu has come back. Youngjae assures him that he’s fine, that he just tired himself out after a day out with his friends.
“Just relax and enjoy the rest of the night,” he says with a smile as he heads off to his room.
“Alright,” Jaebum says, a niggle of worry still at the back of his mind.
“Goodnight, hyung. Goodnight, Jackson.”
“Goodnight, Youngjae, Jackson says blandly.
Youngjae leaves and then it’s just the two of them. He and Jackson just look at each other for a moment before an idea comes to mind.
“I don’t usually have adult company to celebrate special occasions with, but now seems like a good time,” Jaebum says as he gets up to rifle through a special cupboard. He places a half-full bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label on the table.
“That is special,” Jackson says, sounding impressed. Jaebum gets two glasses and he pours a drink for each of them.
“To the new year,” Jaebum proposes.
“Cheers,” Jackson touches their glasses and they both drink.
“How long has that been sitting in there by the way?” Jackson asks.
“Ages, my dad originally got it as a present from a business partner before Youngjae was even born.”
They finish their drinks in silence, Jaebum checking his watch every few minutes. At ten minutes to midnight Jaebum finally admits to himself that he wants to kiss Jackson. At seven minutes to midnight he worries his bottom lip and wonders if Jackson would kiss him back. At three minutes to midnight he decides to go for it. And at one minute to midnight he finally puts his glass down.
“Hey, Jackson,” Jaebum softly says as he stares at his watch.
“What is it?” Jackson asks, equally softly.
Jaebum musters up all his courage, real and liquid, and wraps his arm around the other’s waist, pulling him closer. Jaebum pulls the hat off Jackson’s head and removes his glasses from his face, Jackson staring at him the entire time. He inhales deeply before leaning in slowly. At the very last minute he begins to doubt himself, and he stops. Just when he’s about to lean back and blame his odd behaviour on the alcohol, Jackson leans forward and licks the words right out of his mouth.
Jabeum’s eyebrows rise in surprise, but he wraps his arm more solidly around Jackson and leans back, taking the other man with him. Jackson falls into his lap, arms wrapping around Jaebum’s shoulders. With he’s shifting around, their groins make contact and Jaebum feels explosives go off in his head.
Eventually he needs to breathe, and so he pulls back, staring at Jackson with what he guesses to be a dopey expression on his face. The other man looks downright beautiful as he is lightly bathed in purple light, that changes to green, then yellow and then red. Glancing over his shoulder, Jaebum sees fireworks going off in the distance.
“Happy New Year,” he smiles.
“Happy New Year, JB,” Jackson grins back before leaning down to kiss him again.
“Haha, you are so gonna catch my flu.”
Youngjae wakes the next morning and sees his brother fixing up breakfast in the kitchen as usual. Youngjae looks around the living room for their guest before he asks his brother where he went. Jaebum flushes as he says he’s sleeping in his room. For a moment Youngjae gapes at him. He was hoping they would finally get together but he didn’t think they’d get that far so soon.
“You shut your mouth. I know what you’re thinking and we didn’t, we didn’t do that, okay?” Jaebum stammers as the red spreads to his ears.
“Okay,” Youngjae mouths before he starts eating. He gets the impulse to ask how far they actually did get, but he might get something thrown at him so he stays quiet. He resolves to ask Jackson later.
About an hour later, Jackson saunters into the kitchen, stretching and scratching.
“Morning,” he mumbles sleepily before he walks up to Jaebum and kisses him lightly on the lips.
“Morning,” his brother says lowly in reply. Youngjae feels his smile threatening to split his face.
Jackson starts momentarily upon noticing Youngjae sitting at the table, but then he carries on and sits down across form him.
“Hello, beloved new step-son,” Jackson says solemnly while cradling Youngjae’s hands. Jaebum chokes and a laugh explodes out of Youngjae.
After breakfast, they all get dressed and head down to the Han River where Jackson challenges Jaebum to a game of basketball. Youngjae alternates between being a cheerleader and trying to assist one of them, but getting in the way.
“Oh my God, Youngjae! How do I end up doing worse with a two-on-one advantage? Just sit on the sidelines and cheer!” Jackson shakes him off after he fumbles yet another pass.
After he loses, he sends Youngjae to get them drinks as punishment for holding him back. After he leaves, Jackson joins JB on a bench and wraps an arm around his shoulder, pulling out his phone and holding it up in front of their faces.
“What are you doing?” Jaebum asks with a laugh as Jackson puffs out his cheeks.
“Being cute. Now shut up and smile, this is our first couple selca.” Jackson sees Jaebum smile indulgently in the screen before he takes the photo of the two of them.
“You know, normally you look cuter without the hat, but you actually do look really cute with it today. Did you brush your hair differently before you put it on?” Jackson cracks up but JB actually looks like he’s serious.
“No, really,” he says. And Jackson would kiss him if they weren’t out in public.
When it’s time for Jackson to leave later in the evening, he spends a good five minutes kissing JB at the door, unwilling to go just yet.
“Not that I want you to leave, but if you don’t go soon your father will probably be suspicious,” JB says against Jackson’s lips.
“Alright,” Jackson pulls back fully, but still doesn’t leave.
“You know I love you right?” JB says softly, looking down at him.
“I didn’t actually,” Jackson says, his words belied by his grin.
“I suppose I love you too,” Jackson says before kissing JB one last time, just because he can.
“So, it’s graduation day at last,” Youngjae says as he takes a seat at the low table for breakfast.
“Yeah,” Jaebum sighs.
“How’re you feeling?” that’s such an odd thing for Youngaje to be asking. He’s the one who’s graduating after all.
“I’m so, so proud of you, and I’m happy for you, but of course I’m not looking forward to you leaving for university.”
“To be honest, I’m nervous about it too, but Australia isn’t too far away; you could fly out and see me for Chuseok.”
“Ah, my little baby is all grown up and leaving the nest,” Jaebum sighs as he ruffles Youngaje’s hair fondly.
“You know, I wouldn’t be going to Australia if you didn’t have Jackson,” Youngjae says softly.
“Youngjae, I’m touched, but you should live your life for yourself. That’s what I’ve worked so hard and sacrificed for you to be able to do.”
”I know, but I don’t think I would have the peace of mind to leave if I was leaving you alone,” Youngjae mumbles eyes on the table. “You’re my brother who has looked after me all my life; I’d worry too much if you didn’t have someone to make you happy while I was gone.”
“Well, that’s a moot point now, so let’s not dwell on it anymore.”
“Where is Jackson by the way? Didn’t he stay over last night?” Youngjae resumes finishing his breakfast.
“He went to the florist to get ‘the biggest fucking bouquet I could possibly carry’,” Jaebum says with a roll of his eyes and a smile tugging at his lips. Youngjae giggles, still not used to hearing his brother speak, let alone curse, in English.
“Don’t forget to tell him not to cheer and make a scene at the ceremony,”
“I will, but who’s to say that will make a difference.”
Jackson actually manages to be quiet for the entire ceremony, but as soon as it’s over, he jumps up and cheers loudly, pulling Youngjae into a congratulatory hug. The teachers and parents look bemused, but Youngjae’s classmates seem to find it amusing.
“I’m proud of you, baby!” Jackson pulls Youngjae’s forehead down so he can lay a wet kiss on it.
“Hyu~ng,” Youngjae whines with his face scrunched up, but he doesn’t try to pull away. Jaebum knows Youngjae will miss him too.
Outside at the school gate, Jackson makes Youngjae hold the ridiculously oversized bouquet while he takes a picture of him and Jaebum. He passes off the camera to one of Youngjae’s classmates and asks her to take a picture with all three of them. She looks a bit confused but seems to remember him as the one who made a scene at the end of the ceremony. She chuckles a bit as she snaps the photo of Jackson in the middle with his arms wrapped around both brothers.
“I’ve got to get to work and Jackson has a class to prepare for, so we’ll be heading off. See you at dinner later.”
“Later, hyung. Later, Jackson.” Youngjae waves before he runs off to find his friends. Jaebum watches him go, blinking rapidly.
It’s months away still - one good thing to come out of Youngjae going abroad to study - but he doesn’t know how he’s going to be able to say goodbye to him at the airport. Just as he gets out of sight, Jaebum feels a warm hand holding his, their fingers lacing together. He squeezes the hand gently and takes a deep breath before turning to look at the man standing beside him. He had his hair slicked back with a side part for Youngjae’s graduation, and so it looks even glossier than it usually does.
“It’ll be alright, Jaebum. He’ll be alright, you’ll be alright, everyone will be alright!” Jackson says before grabbing his shoulders and shaking him lightly.
“I know,” he smiles despite himself.
“I know he’s technically too young still, but I think we should let him have a drink tonight at dinner.”
“Sure, why not?”
“That’s the spirit! You’ve really loosened up, Im Jaebum. Personally, I think it’s all thanks to me,” Jackson says with a hand on his chest.
“I actually have to agree with you,” Jaebum laughs as they walk, hand-in-hand, to the train station. Jackson grins, looking quite pleased, and Jabeum understands what Youngjae meant about having peace of mind. He’s got plenty of that now.
Pairing: Jackson/JB
Rating:PG-13
Length: ~14k
Summary: JB is left to care for his younger brother after their parents die, and he finds himself falling for his brother's new English tutor.
Some time later, Jaebum wakes to the sound of metal clanging and the smell of meat being cooked. At first he thinks some weirdo broke in and decided to eat their food for some strange reason, but then he hears a familiar voice swear loudly and he relaxes. It’s just Jackson. But what the hell is Jackson doing in their house so early in the morning?
“My ear's candy, sweet like honey. Your voice softly melts me away~,” Jackson sings as he tends to something on the stove. Jaebum hugs him around the waist and sings the next line in his ear.
“Ahh!” Jackson jumps a mile high, hitting Jaebum on the nose and nearly upending whatever he’s cooking.
“Ouch, shit that hurt,” Jabeum moans, holding his nose in pain.
“Oh shit, sorry,” Jackson swears in English. Jaebum hears the fridge door open and close, and then a cold pack is being pressed to his face. “You know, scaring the shit out of me aside, you have a lovely singing voice.”
Jaebum opens his eyes to see Jackson’s face right next to his. He’s not wearing his hat again, and this time he’s got a pair of glasses framing his face. He blinks in surprise before a jolt of pain shoots through his nose.
“Gee thanks,” Jaebum deadpans in English. He’s found that some things just don’t carry the meaning he wants when it’s said in Korean. Maybe that’s why Jackson slips into English and Cantonese every so often.
“And you said you wouldn’t learn,” Jackson grins, proudly. Even though he his nose is aching so badly that he has to breathe out of his mouth, Jaebum can’t help but smile.
“What are you doing here anyway?”
“I stayed the night. I figured it was easier since I’ll be staying to look after Youngjae,” Jackson says, turning back to the stove. “Ah the bacon hasn’t burned, praise the lord!”
“You don’t have to-”
“I know, but I’m doing it anyway. Breakfast is almost ready by the way. Go brush your teeth and wash your face and then you can eat.”
“Yes, dear,” Jaebum snorts, again in English.
He quickly brushes his teeth before he stops to check on Youngjae. His brother feels less feverish but his skin is still pale, he also coughs wetly in his sleep. Jaebum once again feels thankful for Jackson. There’s no way he would feel alright leaving his brother alone in this state.
After his shower, he heads back into his room to pull on his work clothes. He forgot to take them with him to the bathroom, but he figures there’s no harm in walking back to his room in just a towel. It’s a short trip and he and Jackson are both guys anyway. Even so, when he makes eye-contact with Jackson on the way, he pauses in shock and all but runs back to his room.
After he’s finished dressing he heads back to the kitchen where Jackson seems to be finished cooking. On the table in the living room are foods Jaebum has only seen in American movies. Jackson spots him coming out of his room and directs him to sit at the table.
“Hurry up and dig in, it’s twenty minutes to seven.”
“What?!” Jaebum looks up in shock.
“I hid your phone so you could get a bit more sleep. Here it is, by the way.” Jackson holds out his phone and Jaebum takes it from him. He narrows his eyes in annoyance at Jackson before biting into his food.
“I was only thinking of you. I even went out of my way to make you breakfast,” Jackson pouts, spreading his arms to gesture at the food sitting on the table.
‘Fair enough,’ Jaebum thinks.
“Thank you, it’s good,” he says while chewing. “Breakfast here is usually so plain. This is an interesting change.”
Jackson beams at him, his brown eyes sparkling behind his glasses.
“I’ve never seen you wear those before,” he says, gesturing to the large black frames.
“Uh, yeah, I don’t usually wear them in public.”
“Why? It’s not like you look bad in them,” Jaebum says before he can stop himself.
“So, hat or no hat? Glasses or no glasses?” Jackson asks with a cheeky grin. Jaebum just chuckles and shakes his head.
“I like you however.”
For a second he pauses eating, wondering if he really just said that out loud. He chances a peak at Jackson and sees that the other man is focusing on his food. Jaebum follows suit. The atmosphere isn’t exactly awkward, but it’s definitely not as comfortable as it was before his comment.
Out of habit, Jaebum starts to collect their dirty plates to wash in the sink, but Jackson swats at his hands and pushes him to the front door instead.
“I’ll do that, man. You just go to work.” Jaebum has to admit that if feels good to be looked after like this.
“Alright, see you when I get back?” This whole morning has felt a bit surreal from the start. He half expects to open his eyes to find that he dreamed the whole thing up.
“Yeah, now go and have a good a day.”
For half a second, Jaebum gets the wild idea to kiss him goodbye. Some passing spirit possesses his body and makes him lean in a bit before he catches himself and runs off, throwing a goodbye over his shoulder.
Eyes wide and mouth gaping, Jackson watches him go. He could’ve sworn that for a second it looked like…
‘I like you however’ he said, is it possible he meant…like that? Jackson wants to hope, but hope can be a dangerous thing. He bites his lip and shuts the door at last. He turns around to see Youngjae huddled up in his blankets, waving his fists.
“All in all I’d say breakfast was a success,” he cheers.
“How long have you been awake?”
“Your screaming woke me up, but I stayed in my room to give you and my brother some alone time. I couldn’t help but overhear you two flirting. Is there any food left for me?”
“We weren’t flirting. And no, there’s no food for sneaky little brats,” Jackson says he begins to clear the dishes.
“I’ll tell my brother that you’re being mean to me,” he whines before Jackson rests a plate of food in front of him.
Youngjae wanting to eat is a good sign. At this rate, he should be well enough to go to school by the end of the weekend.
“Do you really think I have a chance?” Jackson can help but ask. Youngjae grins, looking as though he was waiting for this question.
“Yeah, definitely.”
“Your brother, he likes guys?” Jackson asks so softly he’s practically whispering.
“No, but he likes you.”
“Oh, okay then.” Jackson can’t help but still feel a bit uneasy.
“Come on, trust me,” Youngjae declares in English.
“THR-ust me?” Jackson mocks him with an exaggerated lisp.
“I didn’t say it like that. My pronunciation is much better than that,” Youngjae throws head back and laughs with his mouth so wide open Jackson is worried something will fly inside.
“Finish eating and then go get your books so we can study.”
“’kay.”
Although he planned to help Youngjae with as many subjects as possible, he gets so confused by everything but English that that’s what they spend most of the day doing. Jackson orders chicken for lunch for the two of them, and he puts some away in the fridge for Jaebum, ignoring the smirk on Youngjae’s face.
When Jaebum gets back from work, he greets Jackson brightly, with none of the awkwardness that tinged their last interaction. He thanks Jackson for the chicken as if he had made it himself and he catches Youngjae smirking into his tea again.
“Thanks again for staying to look after Youngjae. I have Sunday off so you don’t have to stay over again,” he says as he digs into the food.
“Oh, okay then.” Jaebum probably thinks he’s relieving Jackson of an inconvenience, but Jackson just feels like he’s being kicked out.
Around 10:30 pm, Jackson grabs his duffel bag and gets ready to leave. Jaebum walks him to the door and thanks him once again before he pulls him into a hug. Jackson blinks in surprise, but quickly wraps his own arms around Jaebum. He can see Youngjae making kissy faces over Jaebum’s shoulder, so he closes his eyes to block him out and enjoy the feeling of Jaebum’s strong arms around him.
Too soon, Jaebum pulls away and bids Jackson a goodnight. Jackson’s knows he isn’t hallucinating Jabeum glancing at his lips because he does it like five times. Reflexively, Jackson licks them before he waves goodbye and turns to leave.
As he walks back, he feels a smile tug at his lips and hope bloom in his heart.
Jaebum’s mood lifts with each day approaching the new year. He’s always been glad for the three day holiday, and this year has felt especially draining. The only downside is that he won’t see Jackson until the week after; he’s going back to Hong Kong for Chinese New Year. He’ll miss him while he’s gone, but he knows Jackson is looking forward to seeing his mother and brother, especially since he wasn’t able to see them on Christmas. He had caught Youngjae’s flu and couldn’t fly out like he was originally scheduled.
“This is why I had my reservations about you looking after Youngjae,” Jaebum said when he visited him with soup. “Youngjae made a card for you, by the way.”
Jackson’s usually bright eyes looked weak, but some life returned to them when he saw the inscription on his brother’s card. Jaebum sat beside Jackson on his bed and read the English script aloud.
“‘Here’s to hoping you get some in the new year!’ Get some what?”
“Don’t worry about it.” Jackson shook his head, his face turning red. Jaebum placed his hand on Jackson’s forehead and felt heat radiating from it before he even made contact.
“Your fever might be getting worse. You should lie down and rest,” he frowned, placing the card on the bedside table and gently pushing Jackson back under the covers.
Earlier in the afternoon, Jackson had texted to say he wanted to come over for a change of scenery.
‘i’m not feeling great but i promise i’m not contagious. my dad’s driving me mad with his hovering. i’m touched that he cares so much but really! >:|’
‘if he says it’s alright, you can come’
He shows up on their doorstep two hours later, almost unrecognisable in his wrappings save for the ‘852’ cap adorning his head. Standing right beside him is his father, holding a duffel bag.
“Ah, hello Mr. Wang,” Jaebum greets him with a bow.
“I just wanted to make sure he got here safe,” he nods before handing the bag to Jaebum. Then he lifts his hand in a wave and makes his way back to a waiting taxi.
“Bye, daddy,” Jackson’s goodbye is muffled by his scarf, but his father seems to hear him anyway.
“See you tomorrow, Jackson.”
Jaebum opens the door wider, letting him in with a laugh.
“Shut up,” Jackson drones.
“No, it’s sweet. You’re his youngest child, it’s no wonder he feels protective of you.”
Jackson opens his mouth to reply to that, but he’s cut off by Youngjae bounding up to hug him.
“I heard you caught my flu,” he says when he lets the older man go.
“Yeah, I did. Thanks for that, by the way. Most people just give ties or books or socks to others for Christmas, but you went above and beyond to get me a virus.”
“You were the one who insisted on watching me.”
“And now you throw that kindness back in my face. Ahhh, kids these days, so ungrateful.” Jackson shakes his head as he hangs up his jacket and scarf and makes his way into the living room.
“Now, go and fetch me some tea,” he says as he makes himself comfortable on the sofa.
“You’re here so often you’re not even a guest anymore. You could make your own tea,” Youngjae grumbles, but obediently goes to fix him a cup.
“So, what have you been up to today?”
“Well, since tomorrow is a holiday, today was a slower day at work. I even got off earlier than usual. I took the free time to go through one of Youngjae’s old English textbooks like you suggested.”
“Are you feeling confident enough to apply for that job we talked about?”
“Hmmm maybe not yet.”
“I think you should at least try. Interviews are 60% bluffing anyway. Just put out a confident exterior and not only will the employer feel surer of you, you’ll feel surer of yourself.”
“Thanks, guru,” Jaebum snorts while Jackson nods solemnly. Soon after, Youngjae comes back with tea for the three of them.
“What a good boy you are,” Jaebum praises him as he sips his tea.
They spend the rest of the night watching television specials and chatting about the similarities and differences between Korean New Year and Chinese New Year celebrations.
“Chinese New Year in Hong Kong is amazing but one day I want to go to Times Square in New York and watch the New Year’s ball drop,” Jackson says while eating chips.
“Why would anyone want to wait out in the cold for hours in a crowd with a bunch of strangers just to countdown ten seconds?”
“It’s the atmosphere, JB. The thrill of anticipation!”
“Well I much prefer the atmosphere that I get from being in the warmth and comfort of my home with my friends and family,” Jaebum snorts.
“Alright, grandpa,” Jackson sneers. “What about you, Youngjae?”
“The same, to be honest,” Youngjae says with a shrug. Jaebum holds his hand out for a high five as Jackson rolls his eyes at them.
“Although, there is one American tradition that I find interesting,” Youngjae pipes up.
“What’s that?” Jaebum asks.
“The one where people kiss at midnight to bring in the New Year,” Youngjae says with a weird glint in his eyes.
“Oh, really? Like, couples?” Jaebum asks, surprised.
“Couples do it, but friends and even strangers will do it too.”
“Ah,” Jabeum says before he gulps down the rest of his tea. “Have you ever done that?” he asks Jackson without looking at him.
“Um, yeah, once when I was living in L.A. I kissed one of my friends to celebrate the new year. It was um, it was the first time I kissed a guy,” Jackson says the last part of that sentence in a rush. It takes a second for Jaebum to register what he said.
“Really?” he asks, finally turning to look at the other man.
“Yeah, it was nice,” Jackson mumbles, eyes on the ceiling.
“Ah.” Jaebum nods before he heads to the kitchen to make himself some more tea.
When he walks back into the living room, Youngjae and Jackson are rolling around on the floor with their hands covering each other’s faces.
“Do I even want to know?” he asks as he steps over them to reclaim his seat.
“No,” Jackson says firmly as he detaches himself from Youngjae.
Somewhere around 11:30 pm Youngjae starts to nod off. Jaebum thinks it’s odd, and for a moment he wonders if his flu has come back. Youngjae assures him that he’s fine, that he just tired himself out after a day out with his friends.
“Just relax and enjoy the rest of the night,” he says with a smile as he heads off to his room.
“Alright,” Jaebum says, a niggle of worry still at the back of his mind.
“Goodnight, hyung. Goodnight, Jackson.”
“Goodnight, Youngjae, Jackson says blandly.
Youngjae leaves and then it’s just the two of them. He and Jackson just look at each other for a moment before an idea comes to mind.
“I don’t usually have adult company to celebrate special occasions with, but now seems like a good time,” Jaebum says as he gets up to rifle through a special cupboard. He places a half-full bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label on the table.
“That is special,” Jackson says, sounding impressed. Jaebum gets two glasses and he pours a drink for each of them.
“To the new year,” Jaebum proposes.
“Cheers,” Jackson touches their glasses and they both drink.
“How long has that been sitting in there by the way?” Jackson asks.
“Ages, my dad originally got it as a present from a business partner before Youngjae was even born.”
They finish their drinks in silence, Jaebum checking his watch every few minutes. At ten minutes to midnight Jaebum finally admits to himself that he wants to kiss Jackson. At seven minutes to midnight he worries his bottom lip and wonders if Jackson would kiss him back. At three minutes to midnight he decides to go for it. And at one minute to midnight he finally puts his glass down.
“Hey, Jackson,” Jaebum softly says as he stares at his watch.
“What is it?” Jackson asks, equally softly.
Jaebum musters up all his courage, real and liquid, and wraps his arm around the other’s waist, pulling him closer. Jaebum pulls the hat off Jackson’s head and removes his glasses from his face, Jackson staring at him the entire time. He inhales deeply before leaning in slowly. At the very last minute he begins to doubt himself, and he stops. Just when he’s about to lean back and blame his odd behaviour on the alcohol, Jackson leans forward and licks the words right out of his mouth.
Jabeum’s eyebrows rise in surprise, but he wraps his arm more solidly around Jackson and leans back, taking the other man with him. Jackson falls into his lap, arms wrapping around Jaebum’s shoulders. With he’s shifting around, their groins make contact and Jaebum feels explosives go off in his head.
Eventually he needs to breathe, and so he pulls back, staring at Jackson with what he guesses to be a dopey expression on his face. The other man looks downright beautiful as he is lightly bathed in purple light, that changes to green, then yellow and then red. Glancing over his shoulder, Jaebum sees fireworks going off in the distance.
“Happy New Year,” he smiles.
“Happy New Year, JB,” Jackson grins back before leaning down to kiss him again.
“Haha, you are so gonna catch my flu.”
Youngjae wakes the next morning and sees his brother fixing up breakfast in the kitchen as usual. Youngjae looks around the living room for their guest before he asks his brother where he went. Jaebum flushes as he says he’s sleeping in his room. For a moment Youngjae gapes at him. He was hoping they would finally get together but he didn’t think they’d get that far so soon.
“You shut your mouth. I know what you’re thinking and we didn’t, we didn’t do that, okay?” Jaebum stammers as the red spreads to his ears.
“Okay,” Youngjae mouths before he starts eating. He gets the impulse to ask how far they actually did get, but he might get something thrown at him so he stays quiet. He resolves to ask Jackson later.
About an hour later, Jackson saunters into the kitchen, stretching and scratching.
“Morning,” he mumbles sleepily before he walks up to Jaebum and kisses him lightly on the lips.
“Morning,” his brother says lowly in reply. Youngjae feels his smile threatening to split his face.
Jackson starts momentarily upon noticing Youngjae sitting at the table, but then he carries on and sits down across form him.
“Hello, beloved new step-son,” Jackson says solemnly while cradling Youngjae’s hands. Jaebum chokes and a laugh explodes out of Youngjae.
After breakfast, they all get dressed and head down to the Han River where Jackson challenges Jaebum to a game of basketball. Youngjae alternates between being a cheerleader and trying to assist one of them, but getting in the way.
“Oh my God, Youngjae! How do I end up doing worse with a two-on-one advantage? Just sit on the sidelines and cheer!” Jackson shakes him off after he fumbles yet another pass.
After he loses, he sends Youngjae to get them drinks as punishment for holding him back. After he leaves, Jackson joins JB on a bench and wraps an arm around his shoulder, pulling out his phone and holding it up in front of their faces.
“What are you doing?” Jaebum asks with a laugh as Jackson puffs out his cheeks.
“Being cute. Now shut up and smile, this is our first couple selca.” Jackson sees Jaebum smile indulgently in the screen before he takes the photo of the two of them.
“You know, normally you look cuter without the hat, but you actually do look really cute with it today. Did you brush your hair differently before you put it on?” Jackson cracks up but JB actually looks like he’s serious.
“No, really,” he says. And Jackson would kiss him if they weren’t out in public.
When it’s time for Jackson to leave later in the evening, he spends a good five minutes kissing JB at the door, unwilling to go just yet.
“Not that I want you to leave, but if you don’t go soon your father will probably be suspicious,” JB says against Jackson’s lips.
“Alright,” Jackson pulls back fully, but still doesn’t leave.
“You know I love you right?” JB says softly, looking down at him.
“I didn’t actually,” Jackson says, his words belied by his grin.
“I suppose I love you too,” Jackson says before kissing JB one last time, just because he can.
“So, it’s graduation day at last,” Youngjae says as he takes a seat at the low table for breakfast.
“Yeah,” Jaebum sighs.
“How’re you feeling?” that’s such an odd thing for Youngaje to be asking. He’s the one who’s graduating after all.
“I’m so, so proud of you, and I’m happy for you, but of course I’m not looking forward to you leaving for university.”
“To be honest, I’m nervous about it too, but Australia isn’t too far away; you could fly out and see me for Chuseok.”
“Ah, my little baby is all grown up and leaving the nest,” Jaebum sighs as he ruffles Youngaje’s hair fondly.
“You know, I wouldn’t be going to Australia if you didn’t have Jackson,” Youngjae says softly.
“Youngjae, I’m touched, but you should live your life for yourself. That’s what I’ve worked so hard and sacrificed for you to be able to do.”
”I know, but I don’t think I would have the peace of mind to leave if I was leaving you alone,” Youngjae mumbles eyes on the table. “You’re my brother who has looked after me all my life; I’d worry too much if you didn’t have someone to make you happy while I was gone.”
“Well, that’s a moot point now, so let’s not dwell on it anymore.”
“Where is Jackson by the way? Didn’t he stay over last night?” Youngjae resumes finishing his breakfast.
“He went to the florist to get ‘the biggest fucking bouquet I could possibly carry’,” Jaebum says with a roll of his eyes and a smile tugging at his lips. Youngjae giggles, still not used to hearing his brother speak, let alone curse, in English.
“Don’t forget to tell him not to cheer and make a scene at the ceremony,”
“I will, but who’s to say that will make a difference.”
Jackson actually manages to be quiet for the entire ceremony, but as soon as it’s over, he jumps up and cheers loudly, pulling Youngjae into a congratulatory hug. The teachers and parents look bemused, but Youngjae’s classmates seem to find it amusing.
“I’m proud of you, baby!” Jackson pulls Youngjae’s forehead down so he can lay a wet kiss on it.
“Hyu~ng,” Youngjae whines with his face scrunched up, but he doesn’t try to pull away. Jaebum knows Youngjae will miss him too.
Outside at the school gate, Jackson makes Youngjae hold the ridiculously oversized bouquet while he takes a picture of him and Jaebum. He passes off the camera to one of Youngjae’s classmates and asks her to take a picture with all three of them. She looks a bit confused but seems to remember him as the one who made a scene at the end of the ceremony. She chuckles a bit as she snaps the photo of Jackson in the middle with his arms wrapped around both brothers.
“I’ve got to get to work and Jackson has a class to prepare for, so we’ll be heading off. See you at dinner later.”
“Later, hyung. Later, Jackson.” Youngjae waves before he runs off to find his friends. Jaebum watches him go, blinking rapidly.
It’s months away still - one good thing to come out of Youngjae going abroad to study - but he doesn’t know how he’s going to be able to say goodbye to him at the airport. Just as he gets out of sight, Jaebum feels a warm hand holding his, their fingers lacing together. He squeezes the hand gently and takes a deep breath before turning to look at the man standing beside him. He had his hair slicked back with a side part for Youngjae’s graduation, and so it looks even glossier than it usually does.
“It’ll be alright, Jaebum. He’ll be alright, you’ll be alright, everyone will be alright!” Jackson says before grabbing his shoulders and shaking him lightly.
“I know,” he smiles despite himself.
“I know he’s technically too young still, but I think we should let him have a drink tonight at dinner.”
“Sure, why not?”
“That’s the spirit! You’ve really loosened up, Im Jaebum. Personally, I think it’s all thanks to me,” Jackson says with a hand on his chest.
“I actually have to agree with you,” Jaebum laughs as they walk, hand-in-hand, to the train station. Jackson grins, looking quite pleased, and Jabeum understands what Youngjae meant about having peace of mind. He’s got plenty of that now.