Ever since their night at the airport, Brian and Jae's friendship begun reverting to its original comfort and playfulness. Jae's happy because he's missed this friendship and it allows him time to think that maybe he really does like Brian, Brian's happy because he thinks he's succeeding in remaining platonic. 

That was Brian's resolution - to try and keep things between him and Jae as platonic as possible. He's aware there's a fine line between best friends and significant others but he told himself he would confidently hop down from that tightrope and stay on the friendship side. No more wavering, no hoping for something more because Jae's heart was elsewhere. Brian knew this. Brian had that conversation with himself.

So, being aware of his resolution and his efforts to keep it, he's wondering why at this moment Jae's lips have met his own.

Earlier today, Jae and Brian were hanging out with the boys. Today is Valentine's Day, and considering half of their group was dating each other, they didn't want Jae and Brian to feel left out. As if Sungjin himself inviting Jae to their essential double date didn't make things even less enjoyable, the pity for both Jae and Brian was slightly irritating.

"This is totally how I imagined spending my Valentine's Day," Jae says with a groan from the passenger seat,

"How did you picture it?"

"I don't know, maybe some chocolates, a cute date, flowers? Anything, really, other than joining a double date with no date." and Brian laughs,

"At least I'm coming with you,"

"Oh, if you weren't going, I wouldn't go. No chance, nope." and Brian smiles,

"Do we have to go?" Jae asks, his tone almost begging Brian to turn the car around,

"We already said we were going, plus they're waiting at the theatre," Brian says, 

"Okay, I get them wanting to include us, but a movie? They couldn't choose something more, I don't know, bright and loud?" 

Brian laughs because Jae actually seems irritated,

"Are you that annoyed?"

"Yes, because today is Valentine's Day and our friends' effort to not make us feel lonely is backfiring because now we're just gonna be fifth wheeling the whole day!"

"Tell you what, if it really gets bad and boring, we'll ditch," Brian says, and Jae looks at him but his eyes are focused on the road,

"Really?" he says, slightly excited and Brian nods,

"You're not the only one fifth wheeling, so yeah... That's why I said I'd drive us when Junhyeok offered," he says and Jae laughs and says,

"What'll be our excuse?" 

"You have a family emergency," 

"Why me?"

"Fine, I can have the family emergency but good luck explaining to them why I need to take you with me," 

"Oh," Jae says and Brian smiles victoriously,

"Okay, deal... I bet we'll have to ditch during the movie,"

"No, after," Brian says, as if offended and Jae looks at him confused,

"I am not paying for a ticket and not watching the whole thing. Your family emergency can wait till they offer going to eat out," 

"How do you know we're gonna eat out?"

"To them, it's still Valentine's Day. They couldn't end the day without a meal, Jae, c'mon," and Jae nods. 

"I just don't get why we had to be included in their plans," Jae says, sighing and leaning against the window,

"My favourite part was them trying to pretend like it's not Valentine's Day," and Jae laughs lightly,

"Right? And them trying to act like they didn't plan it beforehand," Brian laughs, recalling Junhyeok and Dowoon finishing each other's sentences when trying to invite him and later finding out Sungjin said the exact same thing to Jae.

"As long as they don't make out in the theatre, it won't be too bad," Brian says and Jae lets out an exaggerated gag,

"I didn't need that mental image, thank you," 

"Which couple did you picture?" Brian jokes and Jae slaps his arm, earning a laugh from the latter,

"You're ridiculous,"

"But you love it,"

"I do not," Jae protests, 

"Your smile says otherwise," Brian counters and Jae instantly frowns,

"Eyes on the road." and the rest of the car ride is quiet of conversation with Brian wearing a content smile and Jae jamming to the radio.

"Hey, are you gonna be okay?" Brian asks after they park and exit his car,

"Yeah... Why wouldn't I be?" Jae replies just as they see Sungjin and Wonpil holding hands, Junhyeok and Dowoon in front of them doing the same thing.

"Right." Brian says, and they end that conversation there, greeting the couples with smiles as they pick up their tickets and get snacks. The seating, from left to right, is Brian, Jae, Sungjin, Wonpil, Dowoon and Junhyeok, and Jae thinks 'of course' when he settles into his seat between Brian and Sungjin. The couples bought their own popcorn and pop to share, while Brian and Jae do the same - both of them agreeing that it makes to share a large drink with 2 straws as opposed to separate drinks.

The movie is pretty good, Jae and Brian pretty invested in the plot, but Jae can't help but notice, out of the corner of his eye, Sungjin and Wonpil don't stop holding hands, and Sungjin feeding Wonpil popcorn with a loving smile.

When the credits roll and the lights turn back on, the group exits the theatre,

"Okay, when they start talking about going out to eat, check your phone and pretend like something happened," Brian whispers in his ear and Jae almost freezes at the closeness. 

Upon receiving a nod, Brian goes to throw out their empty cup and popcorn bag. Sure enough, like Brian predicted in the car, Wonpil mentions going somewhere to eat and Brian's just waiting for Jae to-

"Oh man..." Brian contains his laughter as Jae looks at his phone screen,

"Guys, sorry I have to go," Jae says, his voice slightly shaking and his eyes slightly teary to which Brian gives a mental applause for his acting. The rest of the group looks sincerely concerned, 

"Is everything okay, Jae?" Brian asks, putting a comforting hand on his shoulder,

"I don't- I'm not sure... Sorry Bri, can you take me home?" 

"Yeah yeah, of course," he says and Jae turns to the group again,

"Sorry guys, family stuff,"

"No, don't apologize! Let us know if everything's okay" Wonpil comforts, his eyebrows furrowed in worry,

"Brian, get Jae home safe," Sungjin says, and Junhyeok adds,

"Don't worry about coming back Bri, just make sure Jae's okay," and Brian gives a determined nod before grabbing Jae's arm and they jog to the car.

They enter Brian's car, laughing,

"Holy, you can act!" Brian comments as he inserts the key and starts the car,

"At least now there'll be no suspicion," 

"Oh of course not, no one's gonna question those tears of yours," Brian replies with an impressed smirk and Jae turns on the radio with a laugh as they exit the theatre parking lot.

"Are you really taking me home?" Jae says after a few minutes, slightly embarrassed he even asked but finds comfort in Brian's bright smile,

"Nah, the night is young. Let's enjoy Valentine's Day as singles," and Jae blushes just barely as he smiles. 

There was something about escaping that suffocating 'group hang out' with Brian that made Jae feel so excited - so happy that Brian was by his side with that dashing smile and controlled carelessness. They drive until they're confident they're far enough to not be spotted and find a strip of little shops, cafes and other activities where they can walk down. Brian excuses himself for a bathroom break and Jae's looking at various sweaters, ignoring the couples in matching outfits that surround him. It's been a couple of minutes now and Jae decides to look around the store to see if he just lost Brian amongst the other customers.

"There you are, you took so long-"

Jae stops talking when he notices Brian holding flowers and chocolate, extending them to the latter,

"Yeah sorry, the line was pretty long." he comments casually,

"Thought it was pretty y you spent Valentine's Day fifth wheeling with one of the couples being your crush, so," Brian says with an awkward smile,

"Happy Valentine's Day," and Jae's too busy staring at the boy, jaw slacked and more amazed than flattered.

Once again, Brian thought of how to cheer Jae up and just like the night at the airport, Jae isn't even sad about Sungjin because he's pretty sure where his heart lies now. Brian's red with embarrassment and he looks away, letting out a strained chuckle,

"It's pretty weird to accept these, right? Sorry-"

Jae takes them from him with a smile, and looks him in the eyes for a few moments,

"Thank you, Brian."

Brian clears his throat, keep it platonic, he reminds himself - as if giving flowers and chocolate to someone on Valentine's Day is for friends - and they're out on the sidewalks of the strip as the sun sets. Jae's holding the flowers and chocolates close while Brian's scanning the area for something fun to do. Jae notices various people looking at them, whispering amongst each other, 

They look like models

Do you think they're dating? 

They look so good together! 

Did he get him those flowers, that's so romantic!

He doesn't really like the attention, but there's a small smile on his face as he thinks about the possibility of being together with Brian.

Maybe it's because Jae's focused on the flowers and chocolates, or him straining his ears to listen for more whispers, but he manages to lose Brian in the busy strip. He's grateful he's tall as he searches for the boy, and is about to pull out his phone to call him when someone gets too close for comfort.

"Hey," the voice is low and its owner is tall and smells of cigarettes. Jae doesn't respond but just looks at the man in fear,

"I was talking to you, pretty boy," 

"U-Um,"

"Oh, your lips are cute when you stutter," 

Jae them out of nervousness and that seems to just entertain the man more,

"Why're you out here alone on Valentine's Day, hm? Tell you what, why don't we go back to a hotel and you can spend this lovely day having fun," the way he leans in closer disgusts Jae and he looks him in the eye,

"I'm not alone." Jae manages to say,

"I don't see anyone with you," 

"My boyfriend went to find a restaurant,"

"He just left you alone like this? Sounds like a ty boyfriend,"

"He got me these flowers and chocolates, he is not ty." Jae doesn't know where this confidence is coming from, but he hopes he can continue to feign it until someone notices the situation.

"Well, I don't see your boyfriend,"

"Turn around." Jae recognizes that tone of Brian's voice - the same defensive and irritated tone he used when he protected Seungmin from Kisung, that same hint of disgust and anger.

"Oh another pretty boy!" the man says in shameless excitement,

"Are you guys a 2 for 1?" and Brian resists the urge to just punch him in the face,

"No, we're both unavailable and we have a reservation to catch so let my boyfriend go." Brian's expression and his voice makes the man put his hands up in defeat,

"I wasn't holding him hostage," he says, backing away from Jae and Brian quickly retrieves him, intertwining their fingers,

"Unless he'd be into that," he comments and Brian turns around, ready to swing when Jae puts his arms around him,

"It's okay Bri, let's just go." Jae interrupts and Brian's fuming eyes don't leave the man who's laughing at this point,

"Please." and with that Brian takes Jae's hand again and they're off. 

"Can't believe I lost you, I'm sorry," he says and Jae notices how Brian slightly tightens his grip on Jae's hand.

"Bri, it wasn't your fault, why are you apologizing? I'm just glad you found me when you did..." Jae smiles at their hands,

"Thank you."

They continue walking, Brian refusing to let go of Jae's hand and Jae doesn't complain, just using his free one to hold the flowers and chocolates closer. Jae wonders if he should apologize for calling Brian his boyfriend in the heat of the moment, but concludes now isn't the time. Their pace slows when Brian deems it's far enough from that man, and they're looking for a place to eat, still holding hands when they come face to face with a familiar pair.

Both pairs stop, Brian letting go if Jae,

"Oh." is what escapes Brian's lips,

"Oh." Seungmin echoes, holding hands with Jeongin,

"Well then..." Brian says, eyeing their linked hands and Seungmin nods at Brian and Jae's which were previously intertwined,

"Yup..."

"You're rather far from our neighbourhood," Brian comments, and Seungmin replies,

"Went the distance the same reason you did."

"Fair enough."

"Let's never speak of this,"

"Of what, stranger?" Brian says, grabbing Jae's wrist and walking away sharing an amused smile with Seungmin who just nods and walks away with Jeongin. As they're walking away Jae asks,

"Wait, have you and Seungmin ever been a thing?"

Brian looks at him surprised,

"No, why?" 

"Oh, I just assumed because of the panda thing, and the times you guys meet up, and you always being there for him,"

"I'm there for you a lot, does that make us a thing?" slips through Brian's lips and Jae's eyes widen just a tad in surprise,

"U-Uh, no, but-"

"I'm there for all of my friends," he tries to save, keeping it platonic.

"Right," Jae says, looking at his flowers, and doesn't push the conversation further.

Brian is confusing, Jae thinks. But he also realizes that he treated Seungmin like he was special, too, and they didn't have anything going on. Was he misreading signs again? Are there no signs at all and he's just imagining it? Brian is kind and he's demonstrated it several ways, not just to Jae but to the people he cares about. Yet there's something about the way Brian looks at Jae that makes him think that maybe he isn't misreading signs. There's something about the way Brian's always there for Jae to pick him up in any way he can that makes Jae believe he does like him back - Back? Jae isn't a fan of confirming his feelings for Brian on Valentine's Day, holding flowers and chocolate from Brian. It's almost too perfect for things to go wrong.

"Do you wanna eat here?"

"Hm?" Jae looks up from the flowers he didn't realize he was staring at, eyes unfocused 

"The wait doesn't look too bad," Brian says and holds open the door for Jae as he walks in, saying "Thank you" with a smile.

After about 10 minutes of waiting, Jae and Brian decide to be seated outdoors and the setting is beautiful. String of lanterns illuminate the space, allowing a calm glow that contrasts the busy buzz of the diners. It's fascinating though, the amount of people that seem to be in their own world, and Jae smiles at the happy couples that surround them.

Dinner is pleasant, and Jae admires the way Brian tells stories with a smile on his face the whole time, and Brian has his chin in the palm of his hand as he watches Jae tell stories with a bunch of hand gestures. 

"And then my dad tells my cousin...." he trails off when he notices Brian's stare and asks,

"What?" 

"Nothing, you just looked cute," and Brian mentally facepalms and in a desperate attempt to keep to his resolve adds,

"Buddy." Crap, that wasn't smooth at all, he thinks and Jae just blinks at him in silence, and Brian's thankful their server comes when he does.

"Any dessert for you two tonight?"

"Just the bill please," Brian notifies with a smile, and when he returns with one bill they look at each other before laughing.

"He can't just make assumptions," Jae says, shaking his head and Brian scoffs,

"Right? How dare he see your flowers and chocolate and us two eating dinner and think we were together," he jokes and Jae laughs and wonders if they could really be a thing one day.

C'mon Brian, you're horrible at this. Platonic, my . Your lame attempts at flirting are a bad idea. Stop this.

"I got this one," Jae says and thus begins the only problem they have whenever they eat together. 

Jae does succeed in paying, only after rather violently shoving Brian's money away from the server who accepts Jae's cash with a wary smile.

"I got dessert then," Brian says as they're leaving the restaurant and Brian gets a text notification.

Seungmin-ah: So you and Jae, huh?

Brian lowers his screen brightness

Kang Brian: You and Jeongin, huh?

Seungmin-ah: Did you get him those flowers? Cute

Kang Brian: Maybe

Kang Brian: We're just friends.

Seungmin-ah: Oh do you get flowers and hold hands with all your friends? Did I miss that memo??

Kang Brian: I hate you

Kang Brian: we're stopping this convo here

Seungmin-ah: Don't lie to yourself Bri

Seungmin-ah: plus, he seems to like you too :)

Brian looks up from his phone at Jae who's looking at the streetlights and various shops with a content smile, holding his flowers close. He likes seeing Jae like this: happy.

Kang Brian: That doesn't matter

Seungmin-ah: AHA SO YOU DO LIKE HIM! 

and Brian clicks his tongue in annoyance before shoving his phone back into his pocket, not wanting to deal with Seungmin. 

"Oh, a ferris wheel!" Jae says,

"Let's grab some ice cream and then ride it? I mean, if you want," 

"Yeah, I love being in the sky," Jae replies with a cute smile before following Brian to a nearby ice cream parlour with various flavours. They practically share again, just like the time at the mall, and fall in line. 

The small ferris wheel carts are in the shape of hearts, Brian commenting it was cute and fitting as they entered. The ride up is comfortably quiet, Jae and Brian across from each other, Jae admiring the clear night sky while Brian smiles at the little town below them. When they reach the top, it stops for a bit and their eyes meet. Neither of them look away, as if both of them are trying to convey everything they want to say with just their gaze.

Brian is confusing, Jae thinks again, but it's times like these where they get closer and closer that Jae thinks he might as well find out for sure. 

Jae doesn't know if he himself closed the distance, or if Brian did - regardless, the kiss is soft. It's unsure, it's almost clumsy, it's shy contact and Jae wonders if Brian's going to push him away but is almost relieved when Brian kisses him back. It's a sweet kiss in sentiment and quite literally as it almost tastes of their ice cream.

Brian's eyes widen in surprise before fluttering closed and allowing himself to appreciate this moment, gaining the courage to pull Jae just a little closer to tell him that it's real. 

They only pull away because Jae drops his bowl of ice cream on Brian, which causes him to jump in surprise at the sudden cold,

"Oh God, I-I'm sorry," Jae says, clearly flustered for a reason other than spilling his ice cream.

"It's okay," Brian says with red cheeks as he wipes off his jeans with the napkins he grabbed at the parlour. They stare at each other again, neither of them knowing how to acknowledge what just happened, 

"I-"

"So-" 

They speak at the same time and both motion for the other to continue what they were saying. 

"Uh," Brian starts,

"We should probably talk about what just happened..." 

Jae didn't necessarily picture his first kiss to be one they have to analyze after, but then again he didn't picture it to be with Brian either. 

"I liked that." Jae blurts out, not caring that he's looking at Brian with his flushed cheeks,

"I'm happy that that time we closed the distance and my mom didn't interrupt." 

Brian stares at him, mouth agape in surprise at Jae's shamelessness, but Jae's always been like this - his wild confession to Sungjin being the reason they're friends in the first place.

"And I like you." Brian admits, speaking the explicit truth for the first time as the ferris wheel ride comes to an end and they're back on the ground.

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Are you guys excited for Youth pt. 2?! :D I'm so excited! Oh guys, please check out my YouTube channel if you haven't! I do covers, but I'm thinking a fun video topic could be me talking about being a fanfic writer. Just click on the photo to check out my latest cover!

Did you guys enjoy this chapter? JaeBri finally kissed~ heheh :D please comment any thoughts, I'd love to read them! 

If you guys wanna be friends, you can contact me on either: 

twitter: @zenkrcovers | kakao: zenaya

thank you for so much for reading! I'll try to update soon, until then PEACE!  - Zen.