From that moment, Youngjae and Daehyun’s relationship changed, albeit that Youngjae still occasionally found Daehyun annoying.  It was fonder however.  Daehyun attempted to be the true gentlemen Youngjae claimed him for and so far, it worked.  He showed off his smart and sweet side and soon enough, his brains were back above his belt.  That’s right, Daehyun had a brain other than what he usually called ‘Little Dae’.  In fact, the boy was quite a romantic.  Though his advances were small due to them being at work, Youngjae still caught every single one.  Please don’t mistake this change for having completely 180’d Daehyun however, because the boy still found himself dreaming of dirty thoughts.

Constantly, Daehyun had to push away thoughts of how wonderful Youngjae would look sprawled out across his bed, or how majestic glistening sweat would seem when it trailed down his back.  Some dirty thoughts were incredible and wonderful and Daehyun found himself wishing he could be slowly pushing into Youngjae, whereas others were fast and rough and had Daehyun wishing Youngjae liked being told he was a ‘good boy’.  Both were perfect, and through the days, Daehyun finally settled on being content with whatever Youngjae wanted.  If it even got that far.  Though it may be obvious, there were a plethora of occasions where Daehyun stood up, covering his lap as he trekked into the bathroom and attempted to calm his friend down under.

Excluding Daehyun’s more ty thoughts, he also found himself dreaming of more peaceful ideas.  One of Daehyun’s favorites so far had been him and Youngjae lying on his couch, watching crappy dramas and eating cheesecake.  They would be in pajamas; him in pants and a tank top as Youngjae settled for short boxers and an oversized t-shirt—preferably Daehyun’s.  Recently, Daehyun had found these thoughts overlapping the more erted ones.  His dreams of screwing the younger until he couldn’t remember anything but Daehyun’s name being replaced with them going on exotic dates or just relaxing at someone’s home.  Along with that, Daehyun found himself wishing that the weekly dinners on Friday with his friends ended up just being him and Youngjae doing something similar, because for some reason, cuddling with his crush looked more appetizing than going out to eat food he didn’t have to make.

Youngjae, on the other hand, had been troubled with seeming to always be blushing.  Sadly, Daehyun’s flirting had only increased, though they had lost the ual touch it had with time.  The whispers in his ear were far more romantic and sensual to him and that worsened the dilemma he had.  Of course Youngjae knew he liked Daehyun, but he wasn’t an easy catch and Daehyun was making him one.  He hated how often he blushed, how the red would trail across his face as he forced himself to look down and try to hide the new color.  He hated how he would bite his lip to stop himself from smiling, because honestly, he really wanted to smile.  He wanted to do more than smile.  He wanted to hold hands with Daehyun, and hug Daehyun, and kiss Daehyun, and make love to Daehyun, but no, he refused to be easy.  He refused to fall at the boy’s feet and he was going to make sure Daehyun was ready to be in the long-hall.  Youngjae didn’t like short relationships, he didn’t like wasting his time with them, though it seemed that’s all Daehyun had experience with.

This would be a lot of work and Youngjae new it, but opposed to Daehyun, Youngjae was in it for the long-hall.  He knew that they would make each other better and though Youngjae had never been the one to want to change someone, he found himself doing it with Daehyun.  It wasn’t so much as change him though as it was bring out the real him.  Bring out the sweet, smart, and adventurous side that loved to laugh.  Youngjae loved Daehyun’s laugh.  He loved the deep tone it held as the older would finally release it.  He loved how abrupt each sequence would be as Daehyun seemed to only laugh in short bursts.  He loved how Daehyun’s eyes would become slits and the wrinkles he had by them would come out more prominently.  Overall, Youngjae loved every little thing about Daehyun’s laugh.

Noticing the little things was something that Youngjae tended to do a lot.  Ever since he was a young child, he noticed people’s actions and what they meant and represented.  He knew that when his teacher sighed that she was trying to hold back her anger, and he knew that his first boyfriend was gay before the guy even did because of how often Youngjae saw him glancing at his rather than a girl’s.  It was just something that Youngjae had done all his life, so when he started noticing Daehyun’s subtle romantic gestures, he couldn’t help but smile or blush.  He noticed how Daehyun would buy him lunch every day and offer to help him, and just generally be a gentlemen.  Youngjae was swept off his feet to say the least.  To have someone change and refrain from their ual needs for him felt incredible.  To have someone do things for him felt even better.  Youngjae liked this, he liked it a lot.  But no, he wasn’t easy.

~

Daehyun needed a plan, he needed one badly.  He wanted to date Youngjae and he knew it, but he also figured that Youngjae would take a bit of time before saying yes to the older.  Earlier in the day, Daehyun asked Youngjae if he would go on a date with him, but the glasses wearing boy curtly refused, explaining that he preferred to be friends with someone before he went out with them. 

“Sorry, Dae, but no.  I like you, a lot, but I don’t want to be easy.  I’m not the type of person to throw myself into a situation that could hurt me before I know what it’s about.  So, I’m not going to throw myself into you until I know you.  That means you have to be my friend for a bit, please respect that.  I understand if you lose interest, but it’s just who I am and if you really like me . . . you’re gonna have to get used to this.  I’m just not as brave as you.”

Daehyun was up for the challenge.  He knew that Youngjae wasn’t that brave when it came to relationships, Daehyun knew that from the beginning.  It didn’t deter him at all however, it only encouraged him.  He had been getting to know Youngjae this whole time, yet he only seemed to be a couple layers into the true secrets of his crush.  In comparison, Youngjae was even farther behind than the older.  So if Youngjae wanted to know the true Daehyun, this boy would have to stop hiding under his shell and come out, insecurities ablaze.

That’s why he needed a plan.

Daehyun couldn’t simply open up to Youngjae without the younger expecting that he wasn’t willing to spend time on this relationship, but he also couldn’t get drunk and spill everything as well.  So, what could he do that would allow him to get closer?  Truth be told, Daehyun could imagine himself waiting three months for his crush to agree to a date, but he didn’t know if he could last longer.  He wasn’t very good at long-term relationships and Youngjae’s ideal dating scenario might test Daehyun a bit too thoroughly.

The idea hit Daehyun a week later, after he had spent all his free-time thinking about what to do.  In reality, the idea was probably incredibly stupid, but what else could he do?

“Youngjae,” Daehyun began when the two had gone out for lunch together.

“Hm?”  Youngjae responded, looking up from his food and to the nervous boy.

“Will you have a sleepover with me?”  Daehyun’s eyes flashed across Youngjae’s face as it contorted into confusion when he realized what he had said.  A laugh then erupted from him, probably believing this was a joke.  Daehyun didn’t know whether to be happy that he could get Youngjae to laugh so easily, or upset that he seemed to think that Daehyun was just joking about wanting to have a sleepover.

When Youngjae finally calmed down from his laughing fit, he looked to the silent Daehyun and realized that it wasn’t a joke.  “Aren’t we a little old to have a sleepover?”  He asked.

“I guess,” Daehyun began, “But I didn’t mean like the ones we had back in middle school.  I meant like . . . hanging out and then you just crashing at my place.  Friends do that right?”

Youngjae caught on at this point and attempted to hide the smile that threatened to spread across his face.  “I wouldn’t really know, Dae, I was always working and never had time to gain long lasting friends.  I had school friends, but they were just that.  I would be up for hanging out though, when do you wanna do it?”

Daehyun gulped and then smiled, glad that he took off another layer of Youngjae as well as got him to agree to his idea, “Friday.  Pack a bag so you can come to my house after work, then when we go to dinner I’ll just take you, and after we’ll go back to my house.”

“Cool,” Youngjae smiled, before looking back down at his food and leaving Daehyun in silence.

It was then that Daehyun realized he had no clue what they’d do.  Did he even have anything in his home that would be entertaining to Youngjae?  Worst of all, tomorrow was Friday, so he only had a day to come up with things they can do.  He had some investigating to do.

~

When Friday came, Daehyun was a bit nervous, just a bit.  His armpits were sweaty, but no, he was fine.  The previous day, Daehyun purchased drinks, games, and anything that Daehyun assumed would be fun to do tonight.  Later on, he planned on renting out some movies with Youngjae as well, but because he didn’t know the boy’s favorite genre, he decided to let him pick.  Daehyun looked down at his lap and gulped.  Did he have enough food?  Would Youngjae like the games and drinks he got?  Would Youngjae even have fun?

Daehyun looked up and glanced at the boy causing all his worries to vanish.  Surprisingly enough, Youngjae looked at him and smiled, causing Daehyun’s gut to twist.  His anxiety turned into giddy butterflies and the older boy couldn’t tell what was worse.  The beautiful grin from Youngjae caused Daehyun to smile back, his eyes becoming happy slits as if he wasn’t about to pass out.  After a few moments, Youngjae managed to look back at his work, eyes dashing across the screen and bottom lip finding its way back in between his fingers.

There had been occasions, multiple occasion where Daehyun and Youngjae were practically alone together.  The pair tended to go to lunch together and they were usually ignored during Friday night hangouts.  Daehyun had begun to believe the ignoring was for a reason too, it always seemed like romance-obsessed Himchan always initiated the overlooking of Daehyun and Youngjae.  So, yes, there were a plethora of times where Youngjae and Daehyun hung out and had fun and talked and laughed and Daehyun shouldn’t be nervous.  Except, they weren’t just getting food.  No, Youngjae was going to be at Daehyun’s place for hours.  He was going to see the basic interior that Daehyun had paid someone to do because he didn’t understand what looked good and what didn’t.  He was going to look in Daehyun’s fridge and notice the abundance of food, especially his favorite.  Youngjae was going to pick up on so many things by just simply walking into Daehyun’s home and though that is what the older wanted, he wasn’t sure if he was ready.

That was the test though, wasn’t it?  Youngjae wanted to peel away Daehyun’s layers just like how he wanted to peel away Youngjae’s as well.  So tonight would be a large step that would take away the outer layers for sure, maybe even more.  Not many people had gotten that far and here Daehyun was, allowing someone to do so.  Maybe it wasn’t the food and games that Daehyun was worried about, but it was what Youngjae would discover, what Daehyun never showed at work.  No one really showed themselves very well at work.  Jongup was always incredibly shy and polite at work, but the guy could be a real dork.  Himchan was always vibrant and happy, but he loved to shop when he was stressed which was the majority of the time.  Yongguk played boss at work and only a few of him employees knew how kind he was.  Junhong was young, but hard working and willing to do anything.  Daehyun knew his friends secrets and fears, but very few knew his.  He assumed Jongup had figured it out by now, and only god knows what Himchan discovered.  So tonight would be a milestone for Daehyun.  He would be realizing who Youngjae was as Youngjae realized who he was and he had to accept that.

He couldn’t go on forever thinking he could construct himself, because someday someone will come along, ready to find the center of who he was.  Daehyun was pretty sure that someone was Youngjae, but he wouldn’t say that out loud.

“See you later tonight, Dae,” Were the words that broke Daehyun’s thoughts.  He looked up, eyes wide at who was talking to him.  It was Jongup.

“Yeah, see you later,” He smiled back, recollecting his thoughts and actions.  It was time to clock out, time for Youngjae to head home with him.  Jongup smiled again before patting his back and heading to Junhong and Himchan to say his goodbyes.  Daehyun looked to Youngjae who was closing out his things.  Daehyun followed along by entering in his sales for today and shutting down his computer.  When finished, Daehyun looked back over at Youngjae, “Ready to go?”  He asked.

“Yeah,” Youngjae responded, grabbing his bag before heading out with Daehyun.  The two walked in silence down to their cars, both of their minds clouded with insecurities.

As they got to their cars, Daehyun let a smile grow on his face as he looked at Youngjae, “So, just follow behind me, my place is only a few minutes away.”  Youngjae nodded and smile before getting into his car.  A sigh left Youngjae’s lungs when he got into his car.

In comparison, Youngjae was going through similar problems to Daehyun.  He was used to long relationships, but this was one he knew that he would be in it a hundred percent.  Most relationships ended with someone completing him, but him not completing them, for that reason, he was broken up with on more than on occasion.  It wasn’t hard for people to discover he was brave and goofy and sassy and everything he really was, but it was hard to him to accept who they were and help them while in trouble.

Recently, he had only dated people who seemed to have everything together, that way avoiding having to build them up when they fall apart.  Youngjae realized that if he was to know Daehyun, there would be no doubt that the older would have issues.  There had to be a reason the romantic guy that Youngjae has come to know preferred one night stands.  It would be a challenge for Youngjae, but he could hopefully conquer it with Daehyun.  Noticing small things were his forte, but fixing them was the problem.  He couldn’t just wave a wand, no, it would take work, and Youngjae never had the time to help his partner.  Maybe he would get over it with Daehyun, and he was willing to try.

Youngjae’s thoughts stalled for a moment as he turned into a parking complex, following after Daehyun’s car.  He parked near Daehyun and got out of the car before grabbing a duffle bag with some things he decided to bring tonight.  The majority of it consisted of clothes and other supplies to make him look acceptable while going out.  Daehyun caught up with Youngjae and gave the younger a small grin before leading him to his apartment.

“You know, I cleaned my house for you, so you better be thankful,” Daehyun said as he opened the door to his room, or to him, his heart.

Youngjae let out a small laugh before responding with and, “I feel so special.”  After walking into the house, Youngjae began taking in the interior of it, not realizing that Daehyun was staring at his face, hoping for acceptance.  “Your home is so black and white,” He decided to joke, figuring that Daehyun wasn’t one for having a cozy home, or maybe he couldn’t make one.  That would be an easy fix.  “Wow, mine is so cozy and sweet, and yours looks so . . . so bare.” Youngjae laughed, hoping that Daehyun wasn’t hurt by the comment.  Luckily, a smile crept onto Daehyun’s face as he walked up to Youngjae and grabbed his bag.

“I know,” He began while trailing into his room and putting the duffle on his bag.  “I’m not very creative when it comes to this so I paid someone to make it look nice.  You’re apartment looks better.”

Youngjae smiled as he followed Daehyun, glad that his home was coined as the more appealing one.  If this relationship continued like he hoped, he wouldn’t have to worry about changing homes or having to change the design he worked so hard to build.  “Good,” He spoke before lying on the bed, “When are we going to dinner with Jongup and everyone?”

“We have to leave at five because we’re going to a really nice restaurant,” Daehyun explained while he walked into his bathroom and began getting his hair and face ready for the dinner.  Meanwhile, Youngjae lay on Daehyun’s more-than-comfy-bed and attempted to not fall asleep.  When Daehyun finished his eyeliner he smiled before looking over at the relaxed boy.  “Jae-Jae?”

“Hm?”

“Can I do your eyeliner?”  Daehyun asked, sitting down on the bed next to Youngjae with a grin stretching from ear to ear.

“Why?”  The younger asked, sitting up and looking at Daehyun’s practically puppy dog face.

“Because it would be fun,” Daehyun responded, “So can I?”

“I guess . . .” Youngjae responded, fully sitting up and facing Daehyun.

The wide smile on Daehyun’s face was immediately replaced by an excited one as he moved around to get a good view of Youngjae’s eyes.  “Okay, close your eyes,” He told Youngjae, while moving closer and holding the younger’ face still.

Youngjae closed his eyes and couldn’t help but blush at the grip that Daehyun’s had on him.  Soon enough, he felt something cold going across his eyes.  This process continued, occasionally being told to open his eyes, until he was told to open them for a final time.

When he opened his eyes and blinked to adjust to the light, he could see the incredible smile that belonged to Daehyun growing.  He looked so happy, and Youngjae soon realized he would do anything to see that smile repeatedly.

“It’s perfect,”—you’re perfect—Daehyun spoke as he grabbed Youngjae’s hand and pulled him to the mirror.  Youngjae really looked amazing to Daehyun.  Even without makeup, Youngjae had this aura that screamed handsome and the eyeliner added this obvious y tint that Daehyun was sure get him a lot of numbers.  On second thought, maybe Daehyun didn’t really want Youngjae looked incredibly and undeniably y out tonight.  “I change my mind, this looks dumb,” Daehyun rushed, pulling Youngjae’s head to look at him.  Previously, he was admiring himself in the mirror.

“I like it.”

“Yeah, whatever, let’s just wipe it off now,” Daehyun ignored Youngjae as he grabbed some facial wipes and held Youngjae’s head still.  He began wiping away the liner, but Youngjae pulled back, pushing Daehyun’s arms away in the process.

“What is wrong with you?”  He asked.  His voice was hinting at pissed, but then again, he also sounded kind, like he could see what was wrong and just wanted Daehyun to say it for himself.

“I don’t like the makeup, that’s it,” Daehyun replied, “Now, come on, let’s wash it.”  It might have been a mistake not admitting his fault and why he was acting like this, but at the moment Daehyun cared more about his pride than he was with getting closer to Youngjae.  He couldn’t get closer to him when another guy was chatting him up.

“Daehyun, I like it and we’re gonna keep it on, now touch up the side you messed up,” Youngjae retorted.

“But—”

“No buts.”

Daehyun groaned, “Fine.”  He grabbed his eyeliner and began fixing the smudges, wiping away and redoing it so that it would match the other eye.  As he did so, he would occasionally sneak looks at Youngjae, seeing how excited he was.  It was his first time wearing makeup, and if done right, it can make you feel amazing.  So why did Daehyun’s opinion on how jealous he was going to get matter when Youngjae was so goddam smiley?  It didn’t, and Daehyun realized that.  He pulled away soon to admire his work.  “I’m sorry about before.  I was being dumb.”

“Yeah,” Youngjae smiled, “You were.”

Daehyun mocked a scoff, “Rude.”  He trailed to his bed and yelled out a, “I’m gonna change,” Before proceeding to take off his tie and his shirt.  He pulled on clothes that he had prepared days in advance.  This was one of the few times that Youngjae got to see him in regular clothes and he definitely was going to use that time to make an impression.  When he had enough clothes on to be considered appropriate he called out an, “All clear!”

Youngjae padded in seconds later, a smile still bright and shiny on his face.  “I have to change too.”  He commented.

“I’ll be done soon, then I can get out and let you change.  We still have a bit, so we could do whatever after,” Daehyun spoke as he fidgeted with his clothes, getting them as perfect as possible.

Youngjae nodded and went to lie on the bed while waiting.  Tonight, Himchan had planned a much earlier dinner so the two were already getting prepared, however, they were ready to relax afterwards and possibly change into much simpler clothing.  When done, Daehyun looked over at Youngjae with a smile.  He had a tired face on and his arms were above his head, causing his untucked shirt to ride up a little high.  Daehyun smiled and made his way to the bed, lying down right next to Youngjae he closed his eyes and sighed, a smile growing on his lips.

“Aren’t you gonna leave so I can change?”  Youngjae questioned, though he still didn’t sit up from his place.

Daehyun groaned a wiggled his body so some of his limbs would be on Youngjae.  “Do I have to?”

“Yes,” Youngjae replied, his voice squeaking in a hurry.

“Mm, but I bet your skin is so soft and nice and—”

“Dae.”

“Yes?”

“A few things.  First, stop being a .  Second, of course my skin is soft, I moisturize.  And lastly, get out!”

“Boo,” Daehyun pouted, moving so he’s be above Youngjae.  There he saw the beautiful blush that had grown on his crush’s face.  He looked so cute and wonderful like that and it took all of Daehyun’s willpower not to peck his lips just to see the reaction.  “You’re boring,” Daehyun got up.  “But whatever, see you soon.”

Daehyun could only picture Youngjae face as he exited the room, but he knew that it would be good and he knew that tonight was going to be a big night.  Daehyun retreated to a mirror he had hung on the wall, checking his clothes and deciding that he needed to apply more eyeliner.  Part of him wanted to walk into his room with that excuse just to see Youngjae, but luckily, his brain stopped him and instead he went to go sit on the couch and wait like a true gentleman would.

~

When Youngjae and Daehyun arrived at the restaurant, they were surprised to see that no one was there yet, which was especially weird since they were 5 minutes late because Daehyun was busy fixing his eyes.

“Where are they?”  Youngjae first questioned, his eyes going back and forth, side to side.  He looked nervous, and Daehyun couldn’t help but feel bad.

“Don’t worry.  We’ll wait a few more minutes before going in by ourselves,” Daehyun reassured.  “Look, I’ll even call them.”  Daehyun pulled out his phone and smiled at Youngjae who seemed to be calming down.  Daehyun searched through his phone and called Jongup.  After five long rings, Daehyun groaned and practically hung up until he heard Jongup’s voice.

“Hi, sorry I can’t pick up.  I’m probably busy or asleep; leave a message and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.  Thanks!”  Beep.

“Hey, it’s Dae.  Youngjae and I are waiting for you.  Hurry up and get here, I’m calling the rest of the guys.”

“Did he pick up?”  Youngjae asked after Daehyun had hung up.

Daehyun laughed, “Do you think he did?”

“No,” Youngjae awkwardly responded, “Not really.”

“You’d be right there, I’ll call Himchan.  He always picks up.”  Youngjae smiled at him and watched as Daehyun called him.

Only two rings before Daehyun heard Himchan’s voice.

“Hey, Dae, sorry I’m running late, the guys and I were in the middle of a pretty intense game—”

“Game?”

“Yeah, yeah, whatever.  Listen, we’ll be there in a couple minutes, just go in for our reservation and we’ll meet you there in a bit.  Okay?”  Himchan retorted.

“Mhm, see you soon.”  Daehyun hung up the phone and looked over at Youngjae who had been listening and seemed a lot more collected.  “They’ll be here soon.  Himchan said we could just head in.”

“Okie dokie,” Youngjae responded with a smile that Daehyun just had to give back because sometimes Youngjae could be so cute and dorky and Daehyun just wanted to kiss him right this minute.  But he couldn’t do that so he settled with the smile and opened the restaurant’s door. 

In Youngjae’s perspective, he knew that they looked like a couple.  He knew that Daehyun treated him perfectly even when it was obvious how troubled he was by not being able to initiate any type of contact, even when simple.  It made him feel snide, to be honest.  He didn’t like it, but he didn’t like rushing into something even more so he pushed away that thought and opted for thinking about all the amazing things that would happen tonight.  Hopefully, by the end, he’d have enough confidence in Daehyun that they could share a kiss, because he really wanted to feel Daehyun’s big lips against his.

Youngjae stepped to the side and allowed Daehyun to talk to the lady at the front.

“We have a reservation for 5:30 under the name Himchan,” Daehyun spoke, a kind smile playing at his lips.  Youngjae smiled when it was really just a kind smile, no hidden seduction in it like the usual mirk he had perfected.  No, that must be reserved for only Youngjae by now.

“Ah, yes, right here.  Follow me,” The woman spoke as she grabbed two meus and began weaving through the crowded place.  Daehyun and Youngjae followed in suite, both silently curious.  Didn’t they usually wait for their whole group to come?  The question was answered however when they came to a secluded table for two.  “Here you are,” The girl smiled obliviously, “I’ll send a waiter over to give you a run-down of the menu.  Have a beautiful night.”

And the girl was on her way.  And Daehyun and Youngjae were left alone.  Well, practically.  There were a few table scattered this way and that, but this room was obviously for love-birds that wanted alone time.

“I didn’t plan this,” Were the first words out of Daehyun’s mouth.  For some reason, he felt the need to explain himself.  He didn’t know the boundaries they had set for this half friendship half relationship, but he was pretty sure this romantic dinner was off limits.  He would love to spend the night like this, however, drinking wine and eating expensive food, occasionally kissing Youngjae when his brain and heart told him to, and ending the day with a peaceful drive home before they fled for their bed, shredding clothes, ready for sleep and more.

Youngjae snorted, “I figured.  Call up Himchan, I’ll wait here.”  Youngjae smiled and it brightened Daehyun’s mood and god was he hoping that this wasn’t a mistake because he would have to kiss Himchan to high heavens and hope that Yongguk didn’t end up killing.

Daehyun nodded and walked out a side door, Youngjae still in view.  He rung up Himchan and waited while watching Youngjae sit down and begin looking at the menu.  A blush seemed to tint his cheeks and Daehyun felt even happier.  Maybe the feelings were mutual, maybe Youngjae liked this just as much as him and was hoping that this restaurant would fill their evening and early night.

“You’re welcome.”

Daehyun was brought back to reality by his friend’s voice.  “So this wasn’t a mistake?”

“No, way,” Himchan spoke.  “I knew that any plan you thought of would so I decided to pull this in hopes that the two of you would connect better.  Genius, right?”

Daehyun nodded, “I have to admit it is.  So, no one is coming?”

“No one, have fun!”  The dial buzzed in silence and Daehyun hung up with a hidden smile.  Go was he happy right now.

When he finished up and figured that his cheeks weren’t too pink, he came back into the restaurant and Youngjae looked up at him with wide eyes that turned into a smile.  “So?”  He spoke as Daehyun took his seat.

“Himchan planned us a date,” He responded.

“How kind,” Youngjae replied, sarcastically.

Daehyun’s natural smile faltered for only a second and barely enough for even him to notice.  “We can go, if you want.  Just go get regular food and then head back to my place.”

Daehyun, however, didn’t miss the fault in Youngjae’s face.  He almost looked scared.  “No!”  Youngjae looked up at Daehyun a gulped before clearing his throat and looking down at his lap.  “N-no, I mean, why waste this reservation?  Himchan set it weeks in advance.”

Daehyun really doubted that Himchan had really set this weeks in advance considering the conversation they had and that Himchan just seemed to know people.  There had been a multitude of instances where Himchan had pulled through on something really difficult to do and when asked how, he’d simply respond with an, “I know people.”  Yet, Daehyun wasn’t going to speak his thought aloud because if he could spend tonight like this, he definitely would.

Just when Daehyun was going to speak up and agree with Youngjae, a waiter walked up and began speaking.  Daehyun tuned out the voice and looked towards Youngjae who had on a glowing smile as he nodded and listened along to the waiter politely.  And that is how their night began.

~

As the night continued, Daehyun found him and Youngjae repeatedly being told to keep it down.  There really wasn’t a lull in their conversation and that might just have been because the two were sharing old stories.  Some about childhood, college, and other about their coworkers.  Either way, both boys would end up in a fit of laughter as they attempted to hide their snickers and instead focus on the delicious food in front of them.

“Daehyun, shh, you’re going to get us kicked out,” Youngjae hissed as Daehyun giggled and cut into his steak.  It was one of the best pieces of meat he’s ever had, but then again it was really expensive and he was too distracted with Youngjae’s stories to really enjoy it.

Daehyun nodded and calmed down his laughter before taking a deep breath.  It was just in time too because their waiter came by, however he didn’t look annoyed like before.  He had on the same smile as before and Daehyun could already tell it was for desserts.

“How is your meal, gentlemen?”  He asked, looking at both of them.

“Wonderful, thank you,” Youngjae responded, clearly the more composed and polite one out of the two.

“I’m glad, now would you like the check or would you like to see the dessert menu?”  Their waiter asked, a smile still plastered on his face as he pulls out a tiny menu that had various sweets on it.

“The menu, please,” Youngjae spoke, knowing just how much Daehyun loved dessert, knowing just how much he craved for this menu to have cheesecake.  Youngjae was handed the menu and he bid the waiter adieu before turning back to a grinning Daehyun.

“You’re perfect,” His crush spoke, reaching over to grab the menu.  He scanned the menu, all too aware of the blush on Youngjae’s face.  It may have been a stretch to say that, but Youngjae just did everything perfectly in that one moment and that’s all he could say to hold himself back from pecking the younger’s lips.  Youngjae was boyfriend material and Daehyun did not want to wait anymore.

~

The dinner ended with Daehyun and Youngjae sharing two different flavored pieces of cheesecake.  Daehyun, of course, had the majority of the pieces, but Youngjae stole some bites here and there that ended in both of them having whipped cream across their noses and Daehyun flirtatiously implying that he could help Youngjae get rid of this mess.  The shorter promptly replied with a deep laugh and a hit on the shoulder before wiping his nose.

“So, I was thinking we could go rent a couple movies.  I already have snacks, but if you see something you want, that I don’t have, we can get it,” Daehyun suggested as the two of them got into his car and drove out into the road.

“Sounds perfect,” Youngjae replied.  His hands rested on his thighs and his cheeks were most likely a permanent pink.  Through the night, though it had barely started, Youngjae had been finding himself in positions where he really just wanted to make out with Daehyun.  It was, really, to resist the urge with his crush’s lips being so plump and how gentlemen-like he was being.  Youngjae was about to give up, he was about to accept how much he liked Daehyun and was about to plan on kissing him when they got back to his apartment.  And Youngjae did admit to himself just how much he enjoyed Daehyun’s company.  Just how much he enjoyed spending time with the boy, the hour being filled with laughs, flirtations, and anything in between.

Youngjae looked down and noticed Daehyun’s hand resting between them.  The younger reached over and put his hand on top, lazily lasing their finger together.  He looked up at an excited Daehyun, heat rushing up his neck in the color of pink and resting on his cheeks.  Youngjae smiled as well before looking down at his lap.  Daehyun’s hand was warm, a little too warm, but Youngjae just assumed it was because he was nervous.  It was clammy too, and Youngjae knew that it was nerves getting to him.  The almighty Daehyun would not have hot, sweaty fingers for anyone normal.  And though it wasn’t comfortable in the slightest, Youngjae could bare it with the thought that he made Daehyun nervous, that he was able to make him blush.  This was the Daehyun that Youngjae liked, the Daehyun that was barely shown and god did it feel good to be the one it was shown to.

No, Youngjae really didn’t mind the dirty actions, or the conceited talk, but the idea of baking cookies on a Saturday felt so much more enticing, and Youngjae didn’t want to share it with anyone.  It was like Daehyun had his own personal side to him that was only shown to the one’s he cared about, or at least Youngjae hoped he cared about him.

Youngjae knew he had a side like that too.  He had spent enough time depicting himself, that he knew how much dorkier and less sarcastic he got.  Well, he was still sarcastic, but it seemed to be on a much more comfortable a sassy side rather than the aggravated one he mainly portrayed.  He also became incredibly smiley, and that had been pointed out to him time and time again.  In fact, it may have broken quite a few of his relationship because he “just wasn’t who he was before.”

In contrast to his relationships, Youngjae always liked having a hidden side, something to peel away at.  If someone took the time to do so, it showed how determined they were, and if not, then they just weren’t worth the time.  Youngjae, though he doubted that Daehyun was aware of how different he could be, loved the new sides of him.  He was one of the only people Youngjae met that was like that, and he would admit that it was one of the main reasons he wanted to date Daehyun.  Compatibility.  Youngjae’s brain worked like a computer until he got the answer to their compatibility, and Youngjae was close to a quite positive answer.  He felt so much selcouth in those moments that it overshadowed any thoughts he could have.

Youngjae had recollected himself when the car stopped in front of a store.  It was pretty small and it just seemed like a corner in the wall, but Youngjae figured it had to be.  Places to rent movies were going bankrupt and only small ones like this seemed to be surviving.  Youngjae followed Daehyun into the shop and trailed behind him, looking at a variation of movies.  In reality, his mind wasn’t focused on the movies as it was focused on his cold hand, no longer being held by Daehyun’s.  It was distracting, and Youngjae didn’t like it so he grabbed Daehyun’s hand again and smiled up at him before leaning closer and snuggling into Daehyun’s warm body.

It made Daehyun go crazy.  His body temperature increased immediately and his heart was beating so fast that he was sure Youngjae could hear it.  It was hard enough to go through a whole work day while simultaneously keeping himself together every time Youngjae looked at him.  The shorter seemed to have that power over.  To be able to keep his mind and attention on him any time he wanted to and any time he didn’t want to and Daehyun would be lying if he said his sales didn’t falter from how often he caught his eyes wandering to the black-haired beauty that sat by his side.  Work had gotten harder, and Daehyun continuously thought about staying in late to make sure all his work was done, but then his manly needs would get in the way when Youngjae would wave goodbye and subconsciously sway his hips and wiggle his as he left the building.  And Daehyun would soon follow after, rushing into his car and speeding slightly to get home faster and though those needs had grown recently, Daehyun still refrained from constantly making ual comments to Youngjae based on how much he knew the younger hated them.

By the time both movies were chosen—by Youngjae of course because Daehyun was lost in his thoughts—the night sky was showing and the city lights were gleaming bright enough to block off almost all stars, but it still looked nice and they stood outside for a minute or two, looking at the sliver of a moon that seemed to guide twinkling stars.  Though science didn’t work like that and so the two got back into Daehyun’s car and drove back to his place, silence blanketing them and leaving them with thoughts of each other.

The night continued on and two movies dwindled down to one and before they began watching the typical romantic comedy, Youngjae decided to set up a drinking game.

“I always do this,” He had begun before going into a short story on why he did and why he chose this movie.  He then proceeded to explain the game, telling Daehyun that they would take shots or swigs of alcohol with the most predictable scenes would happen.  “And about 15 minutes in we pause the movie and each make a guess on how it’ll end and the person with the closest answer wins while the other had to take a swig of multiple drinks mixed,” He finished the smile on his face grower as he spoke faster and faster.  And though this didn’t seem like something Youngjae was passionate about, it still felt wonderful to see Youngjae get so excited.  Daehyun made a mental note to ask him more about things he enjoyed so he could hear Youngjae’s voice grow louder, and faster, and raise an octave or two.

Daehyun was also glad they he had bought a plethora of alcohol in preparation of tonight.  So the older agreed to the game and went to his kitchen to collect various cups and drink and came back with a glowing smile as Youngjae hopped up to help him with the load.  Daehyun was even gladder for this game because part way through the movie, Youngjae snuggled up to him and became somewhat of a clingy drunk.

When the movie ended, Youngjae and Daehyun had had three shots, two bottles of beer, and a few swigs of tequila, they couldn’t remember how many by then.  Though Youngjae did remember that he won the big game and made sure to hold it over Daehyun’s head as he mixed three different types of beer together and added in a couple squirts of lemon when Daehyun wasn’t looking because he remembered a few weeks ago when Daehyun had told him how much he hated lemon in his beer.  When Daehyun took his first sip, his face scrunched up and he groaned and begged Youngjae not to make him do this.

“No way, this is fun.  You have to take three more big gulps and you’ll be done.  Come on, Dae!”  Youngjae mockingly cheered, laughing the whole way through.  Daehyun glared at him and took another gulp, again grimacing at how horrible the combinations tasted.

“I don’t think I’m ever having beer again,” He groaned.  Another gulp.  “Why does it taste so much like lemon?”  Final gulp.  “I swear to god, Jae Jae,” He put down the cup, “If I puke today, you’re gonna have to clean it up.”

Youngjae’s laugh grew at that remark and he toppled over, falling off the couch, causing himself to laugh even more.  Tears had pricked his eyes and his eyeliner was smudging so Daehyun grabbed a hold of him and brought him to the bathroom.

“Let’s get you cleaned up,” He explained.  Youngjae didn’t protest, so Daehyun held his face and took a wet Q-tip and started cleaning his eyes; he did feel Youngjae stiffen as he touched him though and Daehyun was slightly glad to know that he had a similar effect on Youngjae and Youngjae had on him.  He carefully swiped at Youngjae’s skin and eyes, making sure not to hurt him and stopped when it took like he got off all the eyeliner he could.  He had sobered up quite a bit while doing so and smiled at his crush, “All done.”  He then proceeded to fix his eyes, using less care since he knew how to handle pain after years of making sure he looked good.  It definitely wasn’t normal for men to pluck their eyebrows and wax and their chests or do anything to make them look better make up wise, but who was Daehyun to care because if people couldn’t accept that he liked a clean, neat body, then they weren’t worth his time or friendship.

After finishing, Daehyun turned to see Youngjae on his bed again.  He climbed to the smaller and rested by his side, intentions much less dirty this time around.  It was peaceful though, to be able to lie there, no words being spoken, enjoying the other’s drunk company.  It was Youngjae who broke the silence.

“Where did you grow up?”

“Busan,” Daehyun quietly responded.  Most people were surprised to hear that because throughout the years he’d perfected hiding the accent for his job.  Though when Youngjae simply hummed a response he decided to ask.  “What about you?”

“Here is Seoul.”

Daehyun smiled, “So we both grew up in a big city,” He thought aloud.  Youngjae hummed again.

“Have you ever been outside a city?”  Youngjae broke another silence that had grown.

“A few times to visit my grandma, but otherwise no.”

“Did you ever want to live somewhere closer to the suburbs?”

“When I was younger and the city was scary and big, yes, but now the suburbs seem scary and vast.  I grew up with fast paced cars and city lights and I don’t know how I’d suffice any other way,” Daehyun explained.  Yes, the thought of a family had occasionally skipped across his brain and he didn’t wonder about movie to a more appropriate area for the children, but then he remembered that he grew up in the city and how scary would it be to move.  “Did you ever want to go to the suburbs?”

“Not much for reasons like yours, but on nights like tonight, where I take time to look at the stars I wish that I could.  So I could see more of the universe’s beauty for as it has been made.”

“You don’t have to move to see the beauty,” Daehyun corrected.

“What do you mean?”

“I’ll take you camping sometime.  We’ll see the stars, see everything intensify, look at the city lights from far away,” He explained.

“Have you ever been camping?”

“Yeah, I never really enjoyed it all that much when I was a kid, but last time I went was years ago and I think I can go again for you,” Daehyun answered, his voice growing deeper and more peaceful through their conversation, a contrast the how much they had been laughing before.

Youngjae blushed at his wording.  For you.  All for him.  “I’d like that,” Youngjae finally responded before closing his eyes and taking in a deep breath, memorizing every smell in the room.  It was mainly Daehyun’s musky cologne, but there was still hints of the roses that were in the bathroom or the smell of alcohol that reeked across their bodies.  Youngjae even smelled vanilla and honey on the bedsheets—along with fabric softener and detergent—and that’s when he realized how much time he had spent on this room, on this bed tonight.  He’d never been here before, but it still sometimes smelled like he had.  It was similar to how Youngjae’s house had begun to smell like Daehyun’s cologne due to how he had made it a habit to pick Youngjae up before Friday dinners and how he would barge in and almost always change Youngjae’s outfit.

Neither of them broke the silence for a while and though they had plans for the rest of the evening to be filled, they found themselves drifting off to sleep, no longer caring if they didn’t do anything more productive because they felt pretty good about how they spent the night and if they were to do it again, they’d do the same thing—even Daehyun drinking the nasty combination of beers.  And so it was Youngjae who fell asleep first and Daehyun was tempted to fall asleep too so they could sleep side by side, but all his lights were on and that would be one hell of an electric bill so he pushed himself off the bed, grabbed a blanket and put it on Youngjae, turned off the lights and grabbed one last drink before he went to bed on the couch, drifting off after an hour or so and dreaming of peaceful nights with Youngjae.

A/N:  Hi!  I spent a lot of time on this and it may be shorter, but it's more in-depth I think.  I thought it sounded nice ending here and I was wondering if I should add another part or not?  I could, or I could end it here, idk, what do you guys think?  Please tell me!!!  This part is a bit different than what I usually write so it has more thought in it and you could also give me advice on that too!  It would mean so much and idc itf it's negative or not!  :)

I hope you enjoy this as much as Jongup enjoys dancing!

PS  I hope the boys are doing well with their suiing and stuff, I hope they get back well rested and for a better company that treats them right!!!