Chapter 26.

Dear true love,
I'm a writer without any words,
I'm a story that nobody heard 
When I'm without you.

Jaehyun pushed out their sofa table and placed three pillows around it, the carpet below was green and the pillows a teal blue and grey. He helped his father with the side dishes trying to fix his hair in the mirror but it didn’t want to sit the way he wanted it to. His father had combed his hair out of his face, his amber colored glasses sliding down his nose, and he held them up as he fried the meat. Jaehyun opened windows so that the air stayed fresh and then the two in the Jung family finally felt calm as the clock reached 7.

As soon as it hit 7 the clock buzzed and Jaehyun’s father cocked a brow. “He’s punctual.”

Jaehyun smiled. “Doesn’t surprise me to be honest.” He said and walked over to the door. He inhaled deeply before unlocking the door and opening it, revealing Taeyong who wore a white button-up shirt, hair brushed back, black jeans and a blazer thrown over his right shoulder. Jaehyun was happy that he had breathed in before opening the door because he lost his breath. Taeyong in a white button-up shirt was too hot a sight and Jaehyun didn’t know what to do with himself.

Taeyong’s lips stretched into a smile that suited his handsome face so well and Jaehyun had to look away smiling to himself as he stepped aside, inviting Taeyong in. Taeyong looked humble as he took off his shoes, eyes curiously roaming the narrow hallway of the apartment. They stood close and Jaehyun took Taeyong’s blazer and hung it on the coat hanger. Taeyong immediately bowed when Jaehyun’s father stepped into sight. The tall man smiled kindly at Taeyong who looked sheepish as he greeted the older. Jaehyun didn’t know what to do but reached out his hand, finding Taeyong’s fingers and linking them with his own.

  “Well, you’ve already met each other when we went to get Ten but… Taeyong meet my father, father this is Taeyong.” Jaehyun said with a chuckle and Taeyong beamed even brighter when their gazes connected.

Jaehyun’s father chuckled as well. “Nice to meet you again, Taeyong. You look very handsome.” Jaehyun’s father said and reached out a hand, Taeyong had to let go of Jaehyun’s in order to shake Mr. Jung’s hand.

The three gathered around the sofa table, Taeyong and Jaehyun sitting side by side. Jaehyun nervously nibbled on his food as his father had the expression of starting some small talk and Jaehyun’s stomach ached uncomfortably. Taeyong was really polite and as Jaehyun’s father questioned Taeyong about age and where he lived, Jaehyun couldn’t help but feel his heart swell.

Everything was too good to be true, but it was very true. Jaehyun had accepted Taeyong’s feelings and here they were, on a date that seemed so normal. It wasn’t normal to Jaehyun though, it was his very first. He could see on his father that he wanted it to go well too, doing his very best to satisfy Taeyong.

  “So…” Jaehyun’s father asked as they sat around the table a plate of newly cut fruit between them. “Can I ask you when you started liking Jaehyun?” He asked taking a sip of his glass with curious eyes looking above his glasses at Taeyong.

Jaehyun whined. “Father…” He said but then noticed Taeyong smiling.

  “Did you perhaps see a game where Jaehyun and someone from the other team nearly got into a fight?”

Jaehyun’s father hummed to himself. Jaehyun was blushing furiously. “Yeah, that small guy seemed really angry.”

Jaehyun’s eyes widened. “Father!” He hissed but Taeyong just laughed.

  “That was me.” He said and Jaehyun’s father almost choked.

  “Oh sorry did I say small? I meant handsome young fellow.” He said hurriedly and Jaehyun nodded.

  “Nice save, dad.” He said in irony but felt Taeyong’s hand on his knee. It immediately silenced him.

  “Well, I was quite caught by Jaehyun ever since then, I have this reputation that I’ve never intentioned to bring upon myself, but nobody dares to say anything to me. Jaehyun didn’t show any fear of me.” Taeyong laughed and Jaehyun remembered how ready he was to crush Taeyong at that game. “I didn’t realize it at first, but we played some games in the park and Jaehyun fainted because of the heat… I went over to help him and I usually do not approach people like that. He made me do things that even my friends questioned.”

Jaehyun’s father was smiling brightly. “Ah, love does that. It has a different effect on people. I remember when I fell in love with Jaehyun’s mother very clearly. It was in college and there was this beautiful girl who was always talking with a group of friends, smiling and laughing and I heard her everywhere I went. I took myself in listening when I ate my lunch and then when I approached her in a café… she was sitting alone. She was stood up by a stupid guy who had some stupid band. I quickly started to talk about something I knew she liked, eventually I made her laugh and she started saying hi to me in the hallway.” Jaehyun’s father sighed. “Jaehyun’s mother was really beautiful, she had style and she didn’t say yes to the first guy asking her out which made me hesitate for so long.”

Jaehyun smiled, it wasn’t often that they spoke of his mother, now finally hearing about how his parents met really warmed his heart.

  “Ten is a bit like her.” Jaehyun’s father then began. “I would’ve thought Jaehyun would fall for Ten, it wouldn’t have surprised me, but the two have now found new handsome boyfriends and I’m proud of my sons.”

  “Dad…” Jaehyun said and faked gagging at the other. “You’re sounding like mother now.”

  “I am?” Jaehyun’s father realized. “Oh… time for me to go to bed then.” He said and Jaehyun glanced at the time to see it was around 10. They had been talking for all this time.

Taeyong laughed heartedly. “I think it’s amazing to hear more about Jaehyun.” He said. “He’s kind of hard to get to open up.” Taeyong joked and Jaehyun pouted while his father laughed.

  “You managed to get to his heart though. You deserve a medal for that.” He said and bent down to clean up after them.

  “Don’t worry, father.” Taeyong said and quickly took the plate from the table. “We’ll clean up.” He said and Jaehyun’s father’s eyes widened.

  “Oh Jaehyun, please keep him.” His father said as if in shock and Jaehyun pushed his father playfully. He helped Taeyong clean up and went into the kitchen with the other. Taeyong kept on chuckling to himself and Jaehyun kicked the other’s shin.

  “Stop it.” He whined.

Taeyong glanced at him. “I love it here.” He said as he washed the dishes and Jaehyun stopped drying the plate he was holding, looking at Taeyong with wide eyes. Taeyong looked genuinely happy and Jaehyun felt his heart grow twice its size, filling his chest with warmth and he put down the plate and towel. Taeyong noticed it and looked up. Jaehyun leaned against the kitchen counter, eyes roaming over the other’s face. This was it, this was Taeyong, his boyfriend. Jaehyun almost gagged at how cheesy that sounded, but it was true. Jaehyun was in love with Taeyong and without doubt he knew that Taeyong was in love with him too. It was such an amazing feeling that embraced him.

  “What?” Taeyong asked and Jaehyun reached out a hand, dipping his fingers into the soap water and raising his hand. Taeyong’s eyes squinted and Jaehyun flicked the water into Taeyong’s face. The other spluttered and laughed. “Jaehyun!” He gasped and reached out to hold onto Jaehyun’s wrist. Jaehyun laughed but then felt Taeyong tug him closer and Jaehyun watched the other wipe his eyes with his free hand. Taeyong looked up at him and Jaehyun smiled when he noticed the corner’s of Taeyong’s mouth twitch upwards. “How can I get my revenge?” Taeyong asked, voice low and Jaehyun’s eyes flickered to Taeyong’s lips. He could feel the other’s breath on his lips. Jaehyun waited for Taeyong to lean in, but then something wet met his lips and his eyes widened when Taeyong’s fingers pressed soap water to his lips and Jaehyun spluttered.

  “Ew, Taeyong!” He said as he wiped his mouth, Taeyong laughed eyes crinkling and Jaehyun hated how he couldn’t even get himself to hate Taeyong anymore. It was impossible.

Jaehyun peeked into his father’s room, telling him goodnight and then he went out in the hallway where Taeyong stood. Taeyong leaned against the door, a smile on his lips as Jaehyun approached him. Jaehyun didn’t want Taeyong to leave, he reached out his hands and Taeyong opened his arms, letting Jaehyun bury his face into Taeyong’s shoulder. Breathing in his scent. Taeyong’s cologne was fresh, reminding Jaehyun of the beach and the ocean. Taeyong was holding onto his blazer and his hands found their way to Jaehyun’s waist. Jaehyun rested his arms on Taeyong’s shoulders and Taeyong leaned in, Jaehyun didn’t lean away, his hands cupped Taeyong’s face and he titled his head letting the other’s lips meet his own.

The kiss tasted of soap, but none of them minded that. Taeyong chuckled and ran a hand through Jaehyun’s hair.

  “You really need a haircut.” He then said and Jaehyun leaned into the touch when Taeyong’s hand slid down to cup the other’s cheek.

  “I guess you’re right.” He mumbled sleepily and Taeyong chuckled.

  “Get some rest.” He told the other and Jaehyun nodded, smiling at Taeyong as the other backed into the hall of the staircase.

  “Thank you, Taeyong.” Jaehyun said and leaned against the door frame. Taeyong sent him a smile that made Jaehyun’s heart flutter.

  “Thank you too, Jaehyun.” He said and then made a small wave of his hand as he started to dismount the stairs. Jaehyun waved at the other and then listened to the other’s steps echoing through the hall. Jaehyun let the door swing closed and then he leaned against it, it felt cool against his face. Jaehyun felt like drowning, but it was okay, he also felt like flying.

Jaehyun was lying in his bed with Ten on the phone the next morning.

  “So how did it go?” Ten asked excitedly, Jaehyun heard Johnny’s groggy voice in the background and had to shake the picture of Ten and Johnny in a bed together, chests and tangled together under the comforter, out of his head.

As he recalled the night he felt himself melt. “It was really amazing… this feeling… Ten I can’t even describe it.”

  “Love.” Ten voiced the word. “That’s what it is.” He said and Jaehyun felt himself being overwhelmed. The words still scared him and to know that he had let himself get this far, he felt the fear rise again.

  “I’m still scared.” He admitted. “It’s too amazing.”

Ten sighed. “It really is…” He said and Jaehyun played with his sheets. “Jaehyun, live in the moment, that’s the only thing you can do. Stop thinking about the future, it only makes you worry.”

  “You’re right.” Jaehyun sniffled and wiped his eyes hurriedly. “I’m worrying about stupid things.”

  “It’s okay…” Ten silenced for a moment. “Did you kiss?”

  “Ten!”

Jaehyun smiled to himself as Taeyong took Jaehyun’s hand in his when they were sitting on the bus. A new week of school ahead of them. Jaehyun spoke about an odd dream he had had and Taeyong showed to have knowledge in dream meanings. “Oh I read about that somewhere.” He said with his eyes wide in realization.

  “You gave me an acorn.” Jaehyun chuckled. “Like in Peter Pan.”

Taeyong frowned and looked through his phone. “Here…” He said and moved closer to Jaehyun, showing him his phone. “An acorn symbolizes strength and durability. Seemingly the smallest beginnings can have the biggest growth. Alternatively it means that you’re entering a new phase in your life.”

Jaehyun nodded with a small ‘ah’ as it made a lot of sense. “I also dreamt about peeling down the wallpaper in my room and I even took down my spiderman poster. I don’t know why I did it?”

  “Oh I saw that.” Taeyong said with a smile and Jaehyun frowned.

  “I don’t remember me showing you my room.” He said and narrowed his eyes on Taeyong who’s lips broke into a smile.

  “When you went to the bathroom your father told me to go take a look.” Taeyong said and laughed and Jaehyun pouted. Taeyong tapped his chin. “Why are you so cute?” He asked the other and Jaehyun huffed.

  “Why are you so cute?” He retorted and Taeyong threw his head back when he laughed. Jaehyun noticed the sun’s rays fall over his face when he did and he thought Taeyong looked too beautiful when he laughed or smiled.

Taeyong scrolled through his phone. “Wallpaper.” He read aloud. “Hmmm… It can mean that you’re beginning to let down your guard. You’re breaking down a barrier one layer at a time.”

Jaehyun nodded. “Sounds right.”

Taeyong beamed at him. “It’s amazing what your mind can try to tell you, right? I really love these things.”

Jaehyun smiled warmly. Then Taeyong looked up as the bus stopped. “Your school.” He smiled and Jaehyun nodded and stood up.

  “My amazing school. The best high school ever.” He joked and Taeyong narrowed his eyes on him.

  “You wanna fight?” He threatened with a smile and Jaehyun winked.

  “I can definitely beat you.” He said as he was backing out and Taeyong stood.

  “Let’s see to that!” He yelled as the doors closed and Jaehyun laughed to himself before entering his school.

Jaehyun was happily walking towards the school entrance, he was going to have music class and decided to take the entrance into the school on the left side and he was the only one doing it. Jaehyun had his hands in his pockets, noticing the cooler air as autumn was upon them and then he heard the sound of a cry.

Jaehyun froze. A boyish voice had cried out and Jaehyun heard a hollow thump and he stepped closer to the wall, inching forwards to peek around the corner. Some student was being beaten by three other sophomores and Jaehyun cocked a brow. He wished he had Ten with him, because then it would be easier to confront them. He readied himself to step out when the boy who got kicked looked up and bared his face. Jaehyun’s blood ran cold.

It was Mark.

  “I’m sorry.” He cried and raised his hands defensively.

  “Your aunt owns that convenience store, right? How hard can it be for you to get us cigarettes? We asked for three pairs not one.” A boy said and threw the package in Mark’s face. Jaehyun was outraged, his blood went from ice cold to boiling hot. “You better.”

Jaehyun turned around and noticed a trash can behind him, he stepped around it and kicked it so hard to flew past the bullies and they all turned to look Jaehyun’s way. Jaehyun couldn’t see them yet, he was still hidden. Without another thought he stormed forwards, throwing his bag to the side and placing a kick at the nearest bully.

  “These bastards!” He hissed and grabbed the collar of another and threw him to the ground. “Have you no honor? No ing dignity to-” He kicked one over the shin and punched him. “-ing force a freshman to steal from his family…” Jaehyun avoided one hit and placed two punches on the guy. “You three stay the away from Mark or I’m bringing everyone from the basketball team after you, okay?” He hissed and when one boy turned around to run off Jaehyun grabbed his hair and pulled back. He read the name tag of his uniform. Kwang Oh. The two others scrambled to their feet. “Do you know the Rivers? Our rival school’s basketball team? Yeah I’m pretty sure some of those boys would love to mess you up.”

Mark cried out. “Jaehyun…” He said and tugged in Jaehyun’s pants at his ankle and Jaehyun let go of the boy.

  “ off.” He spat and the other boys ran.

Mark sobbed and Jaehyun kneeled down beside the younger, taking his face into his hands. Mark had a beginning bruise on his cheekbone.

  “When did this start?” He asked Mark and the younger looked at him with gritted teeth as he cried.

  “I’m sorry…” He cried and Jaehyun pulled the younger into a hug, ignoring the ringing bell of the first period starting. 

A/N:

I have so many Taeyong feels so re-reading this chapter made me be all like: I love this boy so much <333

I think I've mentioned that I would bring most of the other boys into more light as the story goes on and now it's time for some more Mark. <3

What do you guys think of the chapter?
I love love love to hear your thoughts, just finally connected the two separate parts I had written, so I'm at chapter 31!

Remember you can always follow me on tumblr as Tenlion. I post 99% NCT. <33 (and scream in my tags)

See you soon <3

Love,
Emma <3