Hyukjae flat owner, Mr Shin, had called him earlier in the week. He needed to find another tenant for the next months, indeed, Hyukjae was going to rent another apartment. A much cheaper one.

 

He had been renting the flat for one year and a half, his mum had insured him it was alright, they were able to pay. But his mum had been fired because the company she was working in wasn't working well. She had found another job, but her salary had been cut by two. Hyukjae had even taken a part time job in a cafe. He was working every week day from 7PM to 10 PM and from 2PM to 7PM on weekends. 25 hours during which he could no longer study.

 

He was very tired, but really wanted to help his family. He had now been able to convince his parents he could rent a cheaper apartment, even if he had to use common transportation for more than two hours everyday.

 

The condition for his parents to accept was for Hyukjae to reduce his working hours. He was lucky his boss accepted and he was now working 15 hours a week. 12 hours on weekend and three hours on Friday night.

 

His flat owner had been very comprehensive and had published the ad within the next day Hyukjae had talked to him about his problems.

 

And now, one week later, Hyukjae already had three visits for his apartment. The owner couldn't make it anyway. Mr Shin hadn't told him anything special regarding the visits, so he decided to be honest. There weren't any problems anyway. He had lived in a very comfortable place during this one and a half year.

 

The first two students had come on the Wednesday, both were girls, going to the same university as he was. On the opposite of Hyukjae they wanted to live closer to university. Both seemed interested and Hyukjae tried to tell as much as he could about the apartment. The visit lasted about 20 minutes as the apartment was composed of only one living room, one bedroom, a kitchen, and a bathroom. It was quick, the girls got as many information as they needed.

 

The last visit was on the Saturday morning. Hyukjae wasn't really happy to have to wake up earlier for the visit. He had had an exhausting week, and still had to work in the afternoon, and work for his classes too. The visit was planned to be at 9AM. At 8:45 Hyukjae had received a message from the visitor. He went in front of his building to meet the visitor.

 

« Hello, I'm Donghae ! Sorry for being early, I was a bit stressed »

« Hyukjae, I'm Hyukjae » the young blond guy replied « It's okay, don't worry ! Are you stressed about moving out ? »

«Yeah … I'm still living with my parents » the brunet guy admitted.

« Ah I see » Hyukjae said with a comforting smile.

« In Mokpo » Donghae added.

« Oh big move there ! Don't worry you'll get used to the life in the city ! » Hyukjae said. « It's quite cold, let's go and visit the apartment ! » he added, guiding Donghae by putting an arm behind his back.

 

The jolt of electricity he felt surprised him. Donghae was indeed very good looking, and his stressed self made him really cute, but Hyukjae had always focused on his studies and had never particularly been interested with being in love. Donghae had certainly felt the same as the blond could notice a blush on his cheeks.

 

None of them understood what was happening. The feeling had sure been really weird. And they were now both questioning it.

 

Hyukjae babbled all the things he had repeated for the other two visits. « Here there's a garage for your bikes », « Here are the mailboxes », « Here's the lift for the tiring days ».

 

When they arrived at the apartment Hyukjae unlocked it.

 

« The place seems great » Donghae said as he was entering the living room. « Hyukjae » the blond felt his heart race faster as the brunet guy prononced his name « I was wondering, why would you leave such a place ? It seems really nice. And the decoration seems really personal, really lively. »

« I … I can't really afford staying here anymore » he admitted, defeated.

« Oooh I'm sorry to hear about that, I shouldn't have asked. »

« It's alright » Hyukjae smiled.

 

That smile, Donghae swore he wanted to see it again and again.

 

They continued the visit. Donghae was smiling as he entered the bedroom. He could tell Hyukjae was someone really friendly, with lots of friends, and a bright personality. Definitely someone he would like to hang out with.

 

They were already 40 minutes in the visit and they couldn't feel the time fleeing. When they returned to the living room Hyukjae was talking about the service charges. Donghae was listening attentively, not that the owner hadn't told him about that. But Hyukjae's voice was really soothing. The stress of moving to the capital city of Seoul, was lessening as the blond was talking.

 

Donghae had another question :

 

« Excuse me again Hyukjae, you said you were studying at Seoul National University ? »

« Yeah that's right »

« You must be brilliant » Donghae said with a bright smile.

« I can't admit that but I won't deny either. But well even with a 25 hours part time job I can't keep this flat anymore. I'll have to live further from the university. But wait, aren't you going to be studying at SNU too ? Then I must return you the compliment. »

« I am, I am ! But well I'll be starting my first year in two months. I just want to get used to the life here before ! »

« Say Donghae, would you like to drink something ! Surprisingly for me, as I like being home alone, your presence here enlightens the whole place. »

 

Hyukjae didn't get how he got the courage to say such a thing, but spending time with Donghae eased his fatigue.

 

They both had a hot chocolate. They kept talking. As he thought, Donghae learnt that the blond was two years older. And when Hyukjae did learn that Donghae was two years younger, the feeling of protection for the little country boy continued developing.

 

« I'm sorry Donghae, I really like your company. But I have to get prepared for work, and I need to work on some stuff from university before going ! I would like to keep you here but I really have no choice » he said with a pathetic smile.

« It's alright ! May I know which café you're working at ? »

« It's Chocolat Bonbon, it's just two blocks away ! »

 

Hyukjae reconducted Donghae outside the building and asked :

 

« By the way, are you interested in the apartment ? »

« It's really nice, and your personal touches made it better ! » I might be more interested in the tenant though, he added in his mind.

 

Hyukjae smiled and waved as Donghae was leaving the block.

 

 

 

Three hours later, Hyukjae was preparing to go to work and he received a message.

 

« I'm not sure what are your working hours, but I just wanted to tell you : fighting » it was from Donghae. He smiled widely. He didn't know why it made him that happy.

 

Two hours into work, and a particular customer showed up at the café.

 

« Donghaaaae ! » Hyukjae exclaimed, maybe a little too happily.

« Heeey » the other said with a shy smile.

« What is it that made you come here ? »

« Actually it was you » the brunet admitted with a smile.

 

Hyukjae almost cooed, the younger was indeed very cute.

 

« I'd have a hot chocolate please » Donghae said as he regained his senses.

 

Hyukjae smiled and rushed to prepare Donghae's order.

 

« Here for you » the blond said as he brought the beverage. He gave his brightest smile. No other customer had ever received it. He was a young and polite waiter but hey he had no reason to smile that bright for people he didn't know.

 

They chatted lightly and Donghae learnt the other's working hours.

 

He came back the next day, much later. It was 6:30PM, only half an hour to Hyukjae's finishing hour.

 

He ordered the same hot chocolate, and as the day before he observed Hyukjae. The young guy was really working hard and making all the efforts possible for the customers.

 

Hyukjae had sported the same bright smile as the previous day.

 

When the blond's shift was finished, Donghae rushed to see him.

 

« Hyukjae !! I got the apartment ! » I would have loved to move in with you though, roommates sounds great, he added in his mind.

« That's cool Donghae ! At least I might come back and visit some time ! I won't be lost » he said and laughed.

« Would you like it for us to grab something to eat » Donghae offered « I'm inviting you ! » his huge grin was showing.

 

Hyukjae was a bit embarassed but he accepted, Donghae brought them to a taco shop he had spotted during the day. They chose take away as Hyukjae offered for them to eat at his apartment.

 

It was a weird feeling, they had known each other for a day, and had talked for a few hours, but it felt like they had known each other for a long time.

 

Soulmate. Would that be the word ?

 

They settled everything in Hyukjae's and soon to be Donghae's living room. They began eating while talking about what things there was to do in the neighbourhood and Donghae exclaimed his sadness and the nostalgy he was already feeling after six days far from Mokpo.

 

« There's something I never asked Donghae, where are you staying for the moment ? »

« Some youth hostel in the neighbourhood »

« But wait aren't there super strict closing hours or something ? » the blond asked.

« To be honest I didn't think about that » the younger admitted, ashamed.

 

The cute look of Donghae's reddened face made Hyukjae's heart skip a beat.

 

« Heeeey it's okay ! We can check the time online »

 

They did, there was only half an hour left for Donghae to return to the youth hostel as it was already 9PM, and the youth hostel was closing earlier on Sundays.

 

Donghae panicked, as in, he totally had a panick attack. His breathing was short, he started grabbing his things.

 

« Hey, hey wait ! Donghae, we have just started eating ! You paid for it ! Stay ! »

 

Donghae kept trying to steady his breath. Hyukjae had given him a helpeful solution but still he thought of himself as such a failure for never thinking enough.

 

He, in fact, started crying.

 

« I'm such a failure » he said between the sobs « I kind of hate it here, I know no one, I know nothing, I keep messing up... » he was crying hard.

 

Hyukjae knew he wasn't the best at comforting people. But now, he had the urge to hug the younger. And so he did.

 

« Donghae, please don't cry... I know adapting is hard, really hard. But hey you know me, right ? I'm here, and you're adorable I'm sure you'll make tons of friends when university starts » he tried.

 

Donghae had calmed down a bit, he felt Hyukjae hand his back, trying to soothe him.

 

« I really want you to be my friend, but is that a real start ? Me stealing your apartment ? » he said a bit too loudly.

« There's no need to feel guilty Donghae, I can't afford it, it's alright, I'm okay to move out, I've convinced myself it it okay. »

« But from what I know, you go to university 10 minutes away from here, you work 5 minutes away from here, this is the ideal apartment for you ! » he said, detaching himself from the embrace.

« Ideal apartment, yet twice too expensive » Hyukjae said with a small smile.

 

Twice too expensive ? An idea popped in Donghae's mind. Yet he wasn't sure if he dared to mention it.

 

« Twice too expensive » he thought, this time, out loud.

« Yeah twice too expensive... Don't tell me you have something in your mind ? »

« Why did you never think about having a roommate ? »

« You can't be serious Donghae » he laughed « you're really adorable » Hyukjae had directly sensed the other wasn't mentioning any other roommate than himself. « If you want to know I was supposed to move in, a two-bedroom apartment with my best friend back then, but he dropped me, and then I had to search for an apartment on my own. This is what we found, my parents assured it was okay, but I know the rent was already a bit too much for them. They had to buy cheap food, so do I, and then my mum lost her high position. That's when I started working, six months ago. But the work, the studies and the weight I was for my parents was too much » he explained honestly.

 

Donghae was almost tearing up, he was luckier. His dad had an international company which was working well, and his mum didn't even need to work. She was most of the time baby-sitting her grandsons, Donghae's brother's two sons. Donghae was totally in love with them, and it broke his heart even more to leave his parents, his brother and nephews. He was definitely not used to live alone. That's what he explained to Hyukjae.

 

« If only we had met earlier, maybe it would have been possible » the blond commented with a small smile.

« It's never too late actually » Donghae shyly said.

 

The whole thing was totally crazy they both thought. But it almost felt natural. They must have really met each other in another life.

 

They finished eating, the idea still on their mind. They were silently watching the TV show.

 

« I know I'm pretty bold, but I wouldn't be with everyone. I don't really know why, but it really seems like our personalities match. » Donghae broke the silence. « It kind of must be fate, I mean fiding an apartment now is really rare and it feels like I've known you for yeeeears » he insisted on the last point. « I didn't even get close that fast to my best friend back there in Mokpo ! »

« You must be right at some point but the apartment is made for one person Donghae. »

« Not true, I've lived in a similar sized apartment with both my parents when I was younger. »

« That's your family ! Imagine if on the second day you're already tired of me. »

« It really doesn't seem like something plausible. You and your bright personality, your kindness, your smile, you seem like someone who would be easy to live with » Donghae was really enthusiastic about the idea.

 

Hyukjae wondered how in one day and a half the younger had noticed so many things about him.

 

« Anyway I'm staying here for the night ! Remember ? We'll see how that turns out ! » Donghae said stubbornly.

 

The latter yawned. Hyukjae found it extremely cute. He offered for him to sleep on the couch, he brought him a pillow and a duvet.

 

« I have classes from 8 to 10AM you can sleep in ! »

 

Donghae hummed as he was already falling into slumber.

 

 

 

The next morning, on his way to university Hyukjae was thinking. He found it really pleasurable to have this 10 minute walk only to his university. It was handy living close to it. And Donghae was right, he had everything here : the supermarket he was always going to, his work and his university. For work, with his new apartment, on Friday for example, he knew he wouldn't be home before midnight, and that he'd have to leave by 12:30PM on the weekend, to return around 9PM.

 

He liked his life here, it was easy.

 

He tried to focus on his communication class for the next two hours.

 

How is it to live with someone everyday ? What to do when you need your time alone ? And also they'd miss a separate room for them to have their own define space. It was something tempting, but it seemed like neither him of Donghae had ever experienced living for someone.

 

As he entered his apartment, what a surprise he received. The kitchen table was full of food for breakfast.

 

« Time to eat » Donghae yelled.

« It's already 10:15AM, isn't that a bit late for breakfast ? »

« I told you it's never too late, besides, I heard you leaving without having anything for breakfast ! »

« Aren't you a bit like a mother ? » Hyukjae asked, laughing.

« Only when it's necessary ! »

 

They continued to eat the breakfast Donghae had prepared. Hyukjae then offered for them to watch TV.

 

« Oh Donghae it's right I didn't think your clothes are still at the youth hostel ! Would you like to shower and change into something ? »

« It's alright I'll be going there soon anyway »

 

Hyukjae sported a disappointed look on his face. Silence slowly settled in the room. The only noises could be heard from the TV.

 

« Hyukjae »

« Donghae » they both said at the same time.

 

Hyukjae made a sign for Donghae to start talking.

 

« It might not be a bad idea, you know... I mean I don't know anyone here and I'd gladly have you as a company. It seems really weird for me to ask that after two days... But you like the comfort living here provides you. I promise I'll make myself discrete. I've looked around. Your bedroom is big enough to contain two single beds. Even if that'll reduce our personal space, I think I can live with that knowing that you won't end up hours from here. » Donghae said as frankly and honestly as he could. « Let's try out for the week, before you have to sign anything ! »

 

Hyukjae nodded, he was really tempted.

 

 

Later on that day, while Donghae had left to collect his stuff at the youth hostel, Hyukjae was calling his parents. They liked the idea a lot, even if he didn't specify he had known Donghae for a very short time. Hyukjae's mother was always very worried about him ! She prefered him to stay near the university and his workplace.

 

Hyukjae started to only see the good points of the idea of having a roommate.

 

 

He had never had such a good week. He would never feel lonely, but Donghae would also leave him alone when he sensed he did. He would take care of him, would cook him healthier meals. Donghae had also treated him to a hot chocolate, or to a good meal. He was the perfect roommate. And maybe even the best friend Hyukjae had lost several years ago.

 

 

On the fifth day when Donghae's mum called, the latter adorned a huge smile that Hyukjae had immediately labelled as cute. The tears when the phonecall ended were rather inexpected though. The blond knew how the other missed his house but Donghae had been nothing but a bundle of happiness. He broke into tears and Hyukjae wondered if he was supposed to leave him alone or comfort him. Something he would be very clumsy with.

 

He didn't have to think any longer, Donghae got up from the couch and launched himself into his arms. He hugged him tight, letting the tears fall on his shoulder.

 

 

By the end of the week, Hyukjae had taken his decisions, and both had decided to meet up with Mr. Shin the flat owner. He agreed with a huge smile, as he was really happy Hyukjae could stay here. He really liked the tenant of his apartment.

 

They signed the new papers, with both their name on it and both felt quite a weird feeling. It felt more than moving in with a roommate.

 

 

Within the second week Donghae had bought two single beds, and insisted to pay for them. Hyukjae didn't agree, he argued that he could at least sell the double bed to pay a little for the expenses.

 

It was their first argument. Kind of a couple one.

 

Hyukjae returned to the living room and plopped down on the couch, sulking.

 

Donghae arrived five minutes later, to be sure Hyukjae had calmed down, and sat down next to the blond. A minute later he grabbed his hand, and two seconds later he was hugging his grumpy roommates. Hyukjae couldn't stay mad any longer.

 

 

When it was time for Hyukjae's exams to begin, Donghae was so silent, Hyukjae wondered if he really had signed to have a roommate. Donghae would make sure he had eaten, he had drinken water. At lunch he would make sure Hyukjae didn't need him to help him revise. The answer was always no. At times like this Hyukjae was rather a loner. But he was surprised Donghae was so easy to live with.

 

Going to work was really a pain at periods like this. But Hyukjae didn't want to give up on his work, as he already had less working hours. But Donghae would alwas enlighten his long hours of work by coming, ordering a hot chocolate and being as cute as usual.

 

 

Their routine kept going for a month. Donghae would try to ask Hyukjae to hang out a bit, they would, Hyukjae would show him what was not to miss in the capital. It would usually be on Wednesday night because Hyukjae would only have classes Thursday in the afternoon.

 

Donghae would always treat Hyukjae to dinner on whatever good restaurant Hyukjae had heard about. Hyukjae always wanted to refuse but Donghae was stubborn, and said he had to pay for his guide.

 

 

Donghae went back to Mokpo for five days. Hyukjae had lived alone for one year and a half, but these five days seemed to be an eternity. His friends at university had even asked if he wasn't sick, or if he would like them to call a doctor or anything.

 

Hyukjae was not physically sick. He just felt empty.

 

 

When Donghae came back, Hyukjae was at work. He was pouting thinking the brunet was in the apartment, and he wasn't. What he didn't expect was Donghae to hug him from behind, behind the counter. The café was rather empty, so Hyukjae decided to stay a little bit in the embrace. And then turned to face Donghae, hugged him once again and whispered tons of « I missed yous » in his ear. When the doorbell of the coffee rang, they separated. Hyukjae prepared the habitual hot chocolate for Donghae, and he felt his whole body come back to life.

 

 

As soon as Hyukjae's exams were finished, another month later, he was so happy he insisted to invite Donghae to the best restaurant he knew. It was an Italian restaurant. They both enjoyed the outing, until one guy asked a girl out at the table right next to them.

 

Donghae found it lovely, Hyukjae felt a bit shy as Donghae set his eyes on him.

 

Later that night, Donghae didn't ask Hyukjae out. But he finally revealed the surprise he had been preparing : a trip to Jeju. They were planned to leave on Monday.

 

Hyukjae was surprised Donghae had organized this much. They were really close to one another, but it was really a huge surprise, with a certain cost too.

 

Hyukjae was happy, but felt bad for having Donghae spending money on him again.

 

It was a discussion they had when they went back to the flat.

 

« You know Donghae, I didn't want to make a fuss, or having us fight, but I'm feeling a bit bad for having you spending money on me, when you could enjoy everything you'd like with it » he looked down.

« If I were to be alone I wouldn't be that happy, and your company is needed because you know I hate being alone. Having you around brightens my world » he admitted shyly.

 

Hyukjae assured he could have kissed him right away. He was a bit shocked at his thoughts, but he knew his and Donghae's relationship was seen as something more than a relationship between friends.

 

 

Their trip was wonderful. The island was rather exotic, it really felt as if they had flown thousands of miles away. Hyukjae tried to cover Donghae with little, but meaningful presents. He offered him a snow globe, because Donghae would end up intrigued with them every time he would enter a shop, he offered him a tee-shirt the brunet had eyed with envy so many times.

 

After their return, Hyukjae also made a photo album with pictures of them for Donghae.

 

Donghae loved it. This trip hadn't been short of emotions, memories and nice moments.

 

 

The next week, it was Hyukjae who left to see his parents. They were super happy and kept him occupied the entire week and he was barely able to send a message to Donghae everyday. He had sensed by the short replies of the brunet that something was wrong.

 

On the third day away, he told his parents he was tired and needed a nap. But he used the time to call Donghae. What he wasn't expecting was to hear Donghae cry even before he could utter a word.

 

« Donghae, hey, Donghae, have you been crying. »

 

On the other side of the line, he could only imagine Donghae nodding.

 

« I'll be coming back tomorrow, I thought you would be okay, I'm totally sorry » he said a bit panicked.

« I-I … I tried » Donghae breathed.

« Wha-what did you try Donghae ? »

« Being away from you » the brunet said and immediately hung up.

 

Hyukjae couldn't bear to hear Donghae cry. His parents were living on the total opposite side of Seoul. He gathered his clothes and ran downstairs, saying something was wrong with his roommate. His parents were understanding and they just hugged him goodbye.

 

He ran to reach the closest metro station.

 

Within two hours he had arrived. Donghae wasn't in the living room so Hyukjae went to their shared bedroom. The younger was there, in Hyukjae's bed, wrapped up in these blankets that beared Hyukjae's scent.

 

He didn't want to wake the younger up, with empty hands. He went to the kitchen, prepared a hot chocolate and returned to the bedroom. There, he sat on the edge of his bed, where Donghae was sleeping. He slowly approached his hand, as if he were to touch the most fragile thing in the universe and finally reach Donghae's arm. He rubbed it slightly, almost caressing it. Donghae softly shifted in his sleep. He tried again, this time calling the younger name.

 

The brunet slowly woke up, wondering if he was dreaming when he saw Hyukjae. He pinched his own cheek and opened his arms when he realized he was well awoken. The blond glagly obliged.

 

« I never thought I could miss someone that much in my life » Donghae admitted.

« These days were hard for me too » Hyukjae said, hugging Donghae a little bit tighter.

« I guess it's time for me to tell you ... » Donghae started.

« I think I've liked you from the first day » they both said.

 

Joy exploded, they both felt like they were surrounded with fireworks. The rapid pace of their hearts had now a reason to beat so fast in the other's presence.

 

Their first kiss was short, was clumsy but it wasn't short of love. They were both shy because they didn't know they'd confess that soon. It seemed crazy to them.

 

Their love had bloomed within a few minutes. It had taken them a few months to realize. A little more time will be needed for them to say « I love you ».

 

When they met for the first time they felt as if they already knew each other, when they got to know each other they thought the other might be their soulmate, but when they confessed and first kissed each other, the word wasn't just a feeling anymore. It was a reality.

 

Hyukjae's life was supposed to become hard and tiring, but thanks to Donghae it became wonderful and especially full of love.

 

 

« I love you » Hyukjae said as he was accompanying Donghae to his first class ever at university.

 

The younger was a bit shocked. It was the first time one of them employed the « love » word.

 

« Hyuk ! You can't be serious ! Why now ? How am I supposed to tell you how much I love you with all the words I've ever wanted to tell you ? » he said, hitting Hyukjae a little.

« You've always showed me » Hyukjae retorted.

 

He put his fingers under Donghae's chin, forced him to look at him in the eyes.

 

« I love you and I always will » he concluded his sentence with a kiss on Donghae's lips.

 

Donghae melted in the kiss but became self-conscious as he thought about the people on the campus watching them. He slowly pushed Hyukjae away, but the latter refused to get away from Donghae. He leaned his foreheard against Donghae's.

 

« Don't be shy, the whole campus needs to know you're mine, because you're the sun of my life, not theirs » he let a kiss land on the brunet's neck.

 

Donghae checked his watch, he only had two minutes left. He grabbed Hyukjae's hand and made them run towards his classroom. When he was in front of it, and after making sure the teacher hadn't arrived, he hid his face into Hyukjae's neck.

 

« I love you, I love you, I love you » he said and delicately placed dozens of kisses on Hyukjae's neck. « You're mine, don't forget that. »

 

 

That one time, Hyukjae and Donghae were sitting in front of the window of their bedroom observing the moon. The single beds had been long forgotten. It had been one year they had signed their flat contract together. Time had fled so fast.

 

« Imagine if you didn't need to leave the apartment » Donghae suddenly said.

« Imagine if you hadn't been so blunt » Hyukjae retorted, laughing.

« Imagine if you hadn't been such an angel »

« Imagine if you hadn't been so cute »

 

They kept going for another two minutes.

 

« Imagine if you weren't you » said the brunet

« We could rewrite the whole story Hae, but it would never be as perfect as it is now. I have you, you have me, and our love is endless. Thank you for entering my life. »

« Thank you for being you, I would have fled back to Mokpo if it wasn't for you. You're the reason I never broke down here. I love you so much. »

« I love you even more »

 

Once again this night they didn't only tell the words, they proved each other the love and care they felt for the other. Light touches, long kisses, whispered words, the union of two bodies, that was surely something they hadn't planned one year before, but now it was an evidence.

 

Their love was an evidence to the world. No one could deny it. The sparkle had been there from the first day. And now it was as a big as the sun.

 

Their love could fight everything, could heal anything and couldn't be contained in such a world.

 

 

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Hey there ! Thank you for reading my story I hope you liked it ! I'm aware things are a bit rushed and it wouldn't happen this fast in life, but hey it's a fiction ! ^^

I'd be glad if you decided to leave a comment ! :D