“Don’t say it,” Daehyun begged.

“You know I have to,” Jongup hummed.

Daehyun rolled his eyes and buried his head in a pillow. “Alright then! Say it and be done with it…”

Jongup smiled and hit Daehyun with his own pillow. “I told you so.”

Daehyun whined in protest. “Come on… There were many convenient circumstances I had no control over. I only had to start the conversation.”

“Considering that you didn’t even want to do that much, I’m proud of you.”

Daehyun couldn’t help but smile at that. He covered his face, sighing happily. Then he felt Jongup poking his side.

“I hope you won’t just let this be. You actually have a shot here.”

Daehyun huffed and sat up. “A shot at what exactly? I’m not some charmer, Jongup. I’m not about to flirt with him until he falls in love with me. I can barely get my heart under control when I’m around him…”

Jongup sighed and threw the pillow at Daehyun, who managed to catch it.

“You just don’t believe in yourself.”

Daehyun rolled his eyes. “That’s the cheesiest thing you could have said.” He shook the pillows off of himself and reached for his backpack. He hadn’t got the chance to unpack since when he had run into their room, he immediately jumped onto Jongup’s bed, snatched his book to get his attention and started blabbering.

“But it’s true,” Jongup said.

Daehyun just gave him a look instead of answering. As he was taking his things out, Daehyun came across a stray hoodie, something that definitely wasn’t his. It was plain grey with the kanji for Tokyo at the front. Daehyun stared at it, trying to figure out whose it was and how it had got in his backpack.

Then it hit him, and he suddenly started slapping Jongup’s arm.

“Woah, okay, what is it? Why not use words for communication?”

“It’s his hoodie!” Daehyun held it up in front of Jongup’s face for emphasis.

Jongup gave Daehyun a questioning look.

“We – oh gosh – we put his hoodie in the backpack to secure the kitten, I completely forgot!”

“So did he, apparently,” Jongup noted.

Daehyun was glowing. He held the hoodie against his chest and measured the sleeves. The size difference almost made him laugh.  Then he folded it neatly and put it along with Jongup’s clothes.

“Hey, put it with your stuff!”

“Mine are messy and nothing can happen to this hoodie. Please? Just keep it safe until tomorrow.” Daehyun made the best puppy eyes he could manage, complete with a pout and hands clasped together in plea.

Jongup rolled his eyes. “Fine.”

Daehyun grinned and tackled him into a hug. “Thank you, Uppie!”

Jongup whined, trying to throw the other off. “I wonder how much I’ll suffer because of your crush…”

* * *

Jongup’s gaze had drifted off out the window. He was leaning comfortably against Himchan, making it a bit difficult for the other to take notes. It was raining heavily, the grey clouds made it seem like the sky was about to crumble.

Jongup hated such weather, it made it hard to get out of bed, let alone function throughout the day. On the other hand, Himchan seemed a lot more enthusiastic about life in autumn. Whenever it rained, he would suddenly get in the mood to cuddle – unless they were in class – or to make tea and build blanket forts. It wasn’t a rare occurrence for him to just show up at Jongup’s door to take him on a spontaneous date. Jongup was, of course, never in the mood for such a thing, but Himchan was persuasive.

Classes were dreadful on rainy days; cuddled up against Himchan at the back of the class, playing with his hair and very often wearing one of his stolen sweaters, Jongup could only think about all the naps he would take once he was done for the day and the struggled to stay awake was insufferable.

At the moment, however, something else was on his mind. He sat up in his seat, releasing Himchan of his weight. Jongup poked his cheek.

“Chanie?”

He didn’t react, only raised his eyebrows to indicate that he was listening.

“How has the name of your best friend never come up in a conversation?”

This made Himchan pause to think about it. Eventually he shrugged, continuing to write. “I usually refer to him as ‘idiot’ or similar.”

The next question was lost somewhere along the way as a new one crossed Jongup’s mind. “Oh really? What do you refer to me as?”

Himchan didn’t even look at him. “That’s not the topic. Why are you asking about my best friend?”

“This isn’t over,” Jongup announced. Although he still didn’t react, Himchan’s cheeks were dusted pink.

“You won’t believe it,” Jongup then said, changing the subject.

“Maybe I will if you tell me.”

Jongup leaned forward, snatching Himchan’s pen to get his full attention. “Get this – my best friend has a crush on your best friend.”

Himchan leaned back, giving Jongup a concerned look. “Oh, boy. That won’t be good.”

Jongup frowned, tapping Himchan’s pen against the desk. “Why do you think so?”

“They are both... What’s the word…. Huge dorks.”

Jongup couldn't argue with that. He nodded in agreement. “They are, but what if I told you that they actually managed to kick off?”

“You're joking,” Himchan said in disbelief.

Jongup shook his head. “Didn't Yongguk tell you about the kitten he smuggled in yesterday?”

“No, he was knocked out when I got back.” He frowned. “I was pretty confused when I saw it, though.”

“Well, Daehyun helped him smuggle it. That's how they met.”

Himchan nodded, then sighed in relief. “So we won't have to play the game of matchmakers?”

Jongup started clicking the pen and Himchan had to take it from him to make him stop.

“Not sure…” Jongup said, biting his lip. “They started talking, but will they be too clumsy to start dating?”

“We should give them time to figure it out.” Now Himchan was the one fidgeting with the pen, but at least he wasn't clicking it. “For all we know Yongguk might not like Daehyun like that.”

Jongup knew that he had a point, but his protectiveness over Daehyun made him glare at Himchan.

“I didn't mean— Well, they only met yesterday, right? I'm sure that Daehyun is amazing, but sometimes it just  doesn't click. We have to let it unfold.”

Jongup wasn't pleased with that, even though he knew it was true. He said nothing for a moment.

“I want it to work,” Himchan said. He had put the pen down, playing with Jongup's hand instead. “Yongguk could use someone like Daehyun right now. He could use anyone, really… But even though I don't know him well, I can tell that Daehyun is someone good to be around.”

“He really is... You're right,” he admitted.

“But if they end up liking each other and not wanting to admit it or taking too long, we’ll interfere,” Himchan added.

That solution was satisfying enough. Jongup smiled, leaning against Himchan again.

He let out an exasperated sigh, but didn’t make Jongup move.

When the class ended, Himchan and Jongup were approached by Daehyun, likely because the next class was his turn to sit with Jongup.

Daehyun was bouncing. He had an uncertain smile on his lips and he was holding something against his chest – Yongguk’s hoodie, Jongup realized.

“Hey, Uppie…”

“You need something,” Jongup stated. He felt like he wouldn’t like it.

Himchan observed with a knowing smile on his face and his hand around Jongup’s waist.

“Yeah, well, I need a tiny favour,” Daehyun admitted.

Jongup raised his eyebrows. “Of course you do. Speak.”

“Can we not sit together the next class?” He said it all in one breath. Then he bit his lip, anticipating the answer.

Himchan and Jongup exchanged surprised looks. Ever since they started dating, they had had to share Jongup as a sitting buddy. It wasn’t a problem for Himchan, but Daehyun usually found it hard to find someone else to sit with.

“You don’t want to sit with me? As in, you’ve found someone else to sit with?” But even before he got the sentence out, Jongup had realized what was going on.

“You’re acting like I have no friends!” Daehyun complained.

“You don’t,” Jongup said flatly. Before Daehyun had the chance to get even more offended, Jongup continued. “Of course it’s okay to not-sit with me!”

“Tell Yongguk I said hi,” Himchan added.

Daehyun opened his mouth to answer, as his ears reddened. But he gave up on replying, shook his head and walked away. As Himchan and Jongup giggled, Daehyun skipped towards the door.

Himchan groaned, ruffling his hair. “Ah, I’m conflicted now! Do I ditch you or Youngjae?”

Jongup wrapped his arms around Himchan’s waist, resting his chin on the other’s shoulder. “You’re not ditching me. You’ll have to apologize to Youngjae.”

Himchan rolled his eyes. “Aish…”

* * *

Approaching Yongguk proved to be a lot more difficult than Daehyun had anticipated. He was reminded of why he had been too scared to talk to him in the first place.

Because it was easier to do so when Yongguk was alone and vulnerable, as opposed to when he was sitting in the lecture hall, holding the attention of everyone in his close proximity.

Yongguk probably wasn't even aware of the girls and a couple of guys stealing glances his way and whispering amongst themselves.

He was completely focused on the notebook which was balanced on his knees as he wrote hastily in it.

Daehyun knew that he couldn't just stand there for too long, but he hesitated. The knowledge that he would catch the attention of Yongguk’s admirers if he approached was the reason anxiety settled in his gut.

He once again had to choose between fleeing and making a move. He swallowed and stepped forward, having chosen the latter.

“Hey,” he said, his voice coming out weak and unsure. He cleared his throat.

For a split second Yongguk panicked, shutting his notebook. But the smile he gave Daehyun was nothing but sincere.

“Daehyun! What's up?”

Daehyun shrugged. “Nothing much... Uh, you forgot your hoodie in my backpack,” he said as he handed it to Yongguk.

“Right, I was going to ask you about it, but then I realized I haven't got your number, not even your instagram username,” he rambled as he stuffed the hoodie in his bag. He sounded a bit apologetic.

“That's fine, I can…” Daehyun trailed off since there was a more important thing on his mind. “Can I sit with you?” He asked hesitantly.

Yongguk nodded, offering a bright smile. “Of course!”

That made Daehyun sigh quietly in relief. Yongguk removed his feet from the chair to let Daehyun sit.

He took out his phone and went to his instagram profile, then he turned the screen towards Yongguk. “That’s me.”

Yongguk took a look and soon Daehyun got the notification that Yongguk had followed him.

Finally.

Daehyun had been through Yongguk’s ‘following’ list so many times that he’d learned it by heart. It was three people: Himchan, Jongup and some guy Zelo.

In times when Daehyun’s imagination would wonder off, he’d think about his username being added to the very short list. And it finally happened. He had to stop himself from smiling.

“So… How’s the kitten?”

Yongguk perked up at the mention of the kitten. “Oh, she’s doing well! She’ll need to get used to the new surroundings and I’ll have to take her to the vet…”

“That sounds like a new adventure,” Daehyun said. Maybe he was hoping that Yongguk would make an invitation. Just maybe.

Yongguk nodded. “I’ll need help.”

Daehyun smiled, bowing his head. Then he remembered something, “Hey, what’d you name her?”

“Mrs. Dakko,” Yongguk said proudly.

Daehyun couldn’t help but chuckle. “Really? That’s not like you..”

Yongguk seemed confused. “It isn’t? No offense, but what do you know what I’m like?”

“Well, I just meant—” Daehyun had said that because the gloomy, mysterious image of Yongguk hadn’t yet fully left his mind. He wasn’t sure how to tell him that without sounding silly. “—You don’t seem like the type to… It’s just that, at first you seemed a lot more… intimidating. Unlike Mrs. Dakko.”

For a moment Yongguk said nothing. He then smiled faintly in disbelief. “Intimidating? Me?”

Daehyun felt a bit embarrassed and looked away. “I guess it’s just your reputation.”

“Do people really think that?” Yongguk asked, disbelief still evident in his voice.

“Oh, come on. Don’t tell me it’s all unintentional.” Daehyun threw a glance at Yongguk, seeing him blush a little.

“Well… I do try, but intimidating was never my intention.” He shook his head. “It really is odd to me how people can think I’m the least bit intimidating.”

“Honestly? I’ve been scared to talk to you for most of the semester,” Daehyun finally admitted. It felt good to say it, but ultimately he felt dumb for it.

Yongguk’s chuckle felt like a mockery, even though it was actually genuine. “Well, I’m glad you did. But it’s silly that you didn’t want to. I don’t – even have that many friends,” Yongguk confessed, running his hand through his hair. “I’m grateful for you and Himchan.”

Daehyun nodded. He would have said something else sincere but it appeared that had turned his attention towards the lecture. It could have been his way of avoiding the topic; Daehyun decided not to mention it.

He figured he should focus as well. That proved more difficult as Yongguk was right there, right next to him. Daehyun’s thoughts would often wonder off, thinking about how if he had the guts to do so, he could just take Yongguk’s hand. He didn’t dwell on how it would be received, he just thought about how easy it seemed.

And then Yongguk would notice him staring and give him a smile. Daehyun would look away, blushing.

By the end of the class, Daehyun had written very little. Yongguk and him went to find Jongup and Himchan and once they were reunited, Daehyun tugged on Jongup’s sleeve.

“Uppie… Can I borrow your notes?”

“Geez Daehyun, were you distracted again?” Jongup asked, speaking up on purpose. Daehyun punched his arm. Himchan chuckled, while Yongguk only smiled, keeping his gaze down.

* * *

Himchan waited or Yongguk and him to be alone in their room to bring up the matter. He sat on his desk, arms and legs crossed. His gaze was so intense that he didn’t even need to make a sound to get Yongguk’s attention.

He glanced up from his phone and met Himchan’s gaze. “What is it..?”

“So, you befriended my boyfriend’s best friend and smuggled a kitten and I hear about it this morning, not from you,” Himchan said, getting straight to the point.

Yongguk shrugged. “There was no time.”

“Right. I can forgive you for that.” Himchan looked out the window, letting a moment pass before he brought the other thing up, “So, what do you think about Daehyun?”

“I guess…” Yongguk leaned back, giving Himchan a calculating look. “He’s cool.”

“He’s cool? That’s it – all you have to say?”

“Well – I don’t know – what do you want me to say? We haven’t spend much time together. I know he likes cats… He dresses well? I like his hair colour… He’s nice to be around, it’s refreshing in a way. You know how I’m usually drained by social interaction?”

Himchan nodded.

Yongguk twisted his phone as he spoke. “Well, so far it hasn’t been like that with him. It’s quite the opposite, his presence is… relaxing.” He shrugged. “And he’s cute I guess.”

The look Himchan was giving him made Yongguk frown. “What?”

Himchan didn’t have to say anything, he only kept looking at Yongguk with a small smile.

“Chanie! Come on, I hardly know him! Give it some time, yeah?”

Himchan raised his arms. “Hey, I’m not saying you should bang him tomorrow. I just think that this is a good thing.”

Suddenly Yongguk didn’t seem irritated. A sorrowful smile appeared on his lips as he glanced down. “You really want to get rid of me, don’t you?”

Himchan frowned. He got off the desk and sat on the bed instead. “Yongguk, I’m going to say this once – and by that I actually mean as many times as it takes for you to finally get it – I am not choosing anyone or anything over you. Not my studies, not Jongup, not my other friends. I am not trying to replace you or push you away or get rid of you. Got it?”

Yongguk nodded, but they both knew that he would need that kind of reassurance again and again.

“As for Daehyun, I just like you being around someone whose presence does you good.”

Yongguk nodded again. He couldn’t bring himself to look up. He stole that moment to glance at his phone again and saw one new notification.

It was a comment on his most recent selfie, one he’d taken with Mrs. Dakko. More importantly, the comment was from Daehyun and it read, “omg what a cutie”.

Immediately after another notification popped up, another comment by Daehyun  which read, “the kitten is okay too”.

It made Yongguk smile. Before even thinking about it, he replied to the comment with a heart.

“Well, you didn’t hear a single thing,” Himchan stated.

Yongguk looked up at him apologetically. “Uh… No, sorry. Was it important?”

Himchan paused as if thinking about the answer, but in the end shook his head. “Nah. But I am interested in why you’re smiling at your phone. Is it Daehyun?”

Yongguk just showed him the comments.

Himchan laughed, shaking his head. “That escalated quickly!”

“Oh – come on, it probably doesn’t mean anything…” As Yongguk stared at Daehyun’s profile page, he got the irrational feeling that everything hung on whether he’d text Daehyun or not. He took a deep breath and sent “hey” before he could change his mind.

Himchan watched Yongguk’s turmoil with an evil smile. “How’s that going?”

Yongguk buried his face in his pillow. “Shut up.” As soon as his phone buzzed he grabbed it. There was a bubble in his chest as he hoped that it was Daehyun’s answer and not another random notification.

It must have been his lucky day.

[dh_jung_:] hi!

[dh_jung_:] listen, about the comment

[dh_jung_:] Jongup took my phone I’m really sorry

[bangstergram:] Hahaha it’s okay.

[bangstergram:] Does that mean you don’t think I’m cute?

[dh_jung_:] no!

[dh_jung_:] I mean I do think that, just

[dh_jung_:] the comment was kinda

[bangstergram:] I’m messing with you Daehyun.

[dh_jung_:] right haha

[dh_jung_:] so about that play-date we’re supposed to organize for Himchan and Jongup

[dh_jung_:] it is going to be hell aligning all of our schedules

[bangstergram:] I didn’t even think about that.

[bangstergram:] I think that weekends are pretty safe?

[dh_jung_:] I have no friends so I’m always free

[dh_jung_:] not sure about Jongup tho

[bangstergram:] Me too.

[dh_jung_:] you too what?

[bangstergram:] I have no friends.

[dh_jung_:] come on that can’t be true

[bangstergram:] It is.

[bangstergram:] I only pretend to be cool, remember.

[dh_jung_:] you are cool

[bangstergram:] I’m glad you think so.

[bangstergram:] Anyway, I’m free this weekend. I’ll ask Himchan and you talk to Jongup. Be subtle.

[dh_jung_:] I’m always subtle :p

Yongguk chuckled at the last message. He sent another heart before looking up at Himchan. “Hey, Chanie?”

He was going through his notes and he just raised his eyebrows to indicate that he was listening.

“What are you doing this weekend?”

“Studying… Drinking coffee… Maybe meeting up with Zelo and Youngjae…”

“When are you seeing them?”

“Sunday, probably. Why do you ask?”

Yongguk quickly thought of an excuse. “I just want to know how long I’ll be alone.”

Himchan grimaced and threw an eraser at Yongguk. It completely missed him – not that Himchan was trying – and Yongguk chuckled.

“I’m kidding, I’m kidding!”

Himchan shook his head, returning his attention to his notes.

When he took his phone, Yongguk saw that he had already received a message from Daehyun.

[dh_jung_:] Jongup says he’ll spend the weekend in his bed because the weather is ty

[bangstergram:] Well, that’s perfect. Himchan has some plans on Sunday, but I’m pretty sure I can kick him out on Saturday.

[dh_jung_:] … so my room is getting demolished?

[bangstergra:] hahaha I guess so? I mean, I’m the one who can get Himchan out. I’m guessing it’ll be hard to get Jongup out of the bed.

[bangstergram:] Besides, isn’t that where Himchan wants him?

[dh_jung_:] I don’t wanna think about it

[dh_jung_:] but you’re right

[bangstergram:] Don’t worry I have a ton of video games and CDs here. I also have Netflix and books so just take your pick.

[bangstergram:] Besides, Mrs. Dakko is here!

[dh_jung_:] omg you’re right

[dh_jung_:] have you taken her to the vet yet?

[bangstergram:] Nope. We could go together this Saturday.

[dh_jung_:] that sounds amazing

[bangstergram:] We can grab coffee on the way back.

[bangstergarm:] And snacks for later.

[dh_jung_:] that literally sounds perfect

[bangstergram:] Yeah, well, I at human interaction so it all comes down to cute animals, music, movies and food.

[dh_jung_:] honestly? that  still sounds perfect

[bangstergram:] I’m glad you think so.

[bangstergram:] We’ll see about the time tomorrow, okay? You don’t have to ask if you want to sit with me.

[dh_jung_:] then I won’t

[dh_jung_:] see you tomorrow Yongguk

[bangstergram:] xoxo

* * *

When Jongup started asking about who he’s texting and why, Daehyun wanted so badly to squeal into his pillow, “I have a date with Bang Yongguk,” but that would have ruined their plans. So he stayed quiet, smiling to himself.

~ * * * ~

Note no.1: Dakko in Japanese means to hold (a baby or a pet) or to snuggle. Isn’t that ing adorable?

Note no.2: I excluded the 'bap' in the end of Daehyun's actual instagram username because B.A.P isn't a thing in this AU.