Jae and Brian are still unofficial, and if he were to be completely honest, Jae's starting to worry if anything really happened. After Valentine's Day, they continued on like normal, and Jae thought it was because they didn't want to give anything away to their friends, but even their text conversations are the same. So, he nags at himself - what if Brian didn't really mean any of that? His feelings probably changed. Someone else probably confessed this week and he's over you. 

Stop. He tells himself, Brian is not like that. Jae exhales leaning back in his chair, if you're so anxious, ask him yourself, he thinks but he feels like Brian would usually take the lead. He pulls the strings of his hoodie and squishes his cheeks, giving them light slaps before returning his focus back to his homework.

As he's figuring out a trig problem, his phone rings and he habitually smiles when he answers,

"Hello?"

"Hey," Brian's voice sounds irritated and Jae's smile falls slowly,

"Are you busy right now? I need to talk to you,"

"Uh no, not busy."

"Okay, can I pick you up then?"

"Wait, you're coming here?"

"I'd rather not tell you just over the phone." What the Hell does he have to say, he bites his lower lip nervously,

"Yeah, okay. I'll be ready" and Brian doesn't even say bye, just ends the call and has Jae flailing in his chair, making incoherent sounds in frustration and anticipation as he puts on a pair of jeans and goes downstairs,

"Oh, where you headed?" his mom asks,

"Bri's picking me up, he needs my company,"

"Okay, be safe. Invite him over for dinner after,"

"Yeah, maybe," Jae says, not knowing where this conversation is going to go. 

burger kang: I'm outside

Wow, he didnt even come to the door this time? and he's not in the best mood when he says bye to his parents, goes out the door and into Brian's car.

"Hey," Brian greets but keeps his eyes forward, immediately backing out of the driveway as soon as he hears Jae's seatbelt click,

"Hi," Jae replies, eyes on his lap as he steals glances at Brian.

"Where're we going?"

"You'll see, I just wanted somewhere to talk." and Jae decides to stop asking questions. They arrive at this park with no one around and Brian parks, saying a,

"Let's go," as he gets out of the car.

They walk up a hill, Brian keeping his hands in his pocket and Jae leaves his arms swinging, kind of hoping Brian would grab it and hold his hand but he doesn't. Jae tells himself not to sulk because he has no real reason to, he tries to stop pouting which becomes easy when Brian turns around with the widest smile and his arms spread, and says the cutest,

"Ta-da!"

Behind Brian and his proud, anticipating smile is a picnic set up, his acoustic guitar resting on top of its case and various fruits and snacks laid out on a mat. Brian motions for Jae to sit down as he grabs his guitar, sitting in front of Jae who can't stop smiling, hiding his happiness with his hands.

"Honestly, I was kind of mad at myself for taking you to the airport before because I don't know how to top that," he explains as he gets in position to play,

"But, hopefully this is enough," and Jae's already nodding as Brian places his fingers on the fret board and strums. 

Jae's always loved Brian's voice, ever since he first heard it at the school festival. He loved how versatile it was, how it could be grainy like sand or smooth like the waves that meet it. But this time, it was the lyrics that made him smile and stare at him with such adoration that even Brian couldn't help but smile as he sang. When he reaches the chorus, he looks at Jae with confidence as sings,

I like you

I tried holding it back, but I can't anymore

Now I can tell you, I want to love you

And Jae's swaying slightly to the melody, hiding his flushed face in his hands and sleeves, sincerely contemplating if this is reality because he can't believe this is actually happening. Brian finishes off his quick performances after that confession and says,

"Valentine's Day is over, so I just wanted to remind you that I like you, a lot... I also wanted to ask you, will you be my boyfriend?" 

See? Jae wants to laugh at his worries earlier and repeats, Brian isn't like that.

"Yeah, yes, duh loser," he replies, looking at Brian happily and Brian pumps his fist into the air in a lame cheer. He hastily puts his guitar down and reaches over to pull Jae in for a kiss.

"So, we're official, yeah?" 

"Yeah," Jae says with a smile as his eyes linger on Brian's lips,

"Okay good, it would've been awkward if your feelings changed within the week I made you wait. Sorry about that, I didn't know what could top the airport night,"

"My feelings changed? You've been acting so weird this past week! And then you suddenly call me up sounding all angry,"

"Oh, my voice acting worked?"

"Yes! Very effectively." Jae says, as if drained from the worrying he was put through,

"And you were driving kind of fast. I was so convinced you were in the worst mood and I was like 'why did he pick me up if he's gonna be pissed'?" and Brian laughs,

"I had to drive fast! Our picnic was waiting. I made Seungmin keep watch until we arrived," he informs and Jae responds with an "ah".

Brian moves to sit beside Jae and feeds him some fruit, which Jae eats happily.

"So, what now?"

"What do you mean?"

"Like what does dating even include?" and Brian blinks a couple of times,

"You know, that's a good question... Let's figure out the answer to that together," he says, extending his hand and Jae slips his fingers between Brian's. Brian's popping grapes into his mouth as he lists,

"I mean, now I can hold your hand freely, hug you freely, kiss you freely, which no one else can do. We should probably stop being awkward and flustered around each other," he says with a laugh and Jae says,

"I don't think I'll ever stop getting flustered around you, you make it so hard." and before Brian can comment with his amused smile, he adds,

"We can go on more dates,"

"More?"

"Oh c'mon, we've essentially been on dates. To the mall? The airport? Valentine's Day? This!" 

"Damn, we really delayed this, huh?" and they laugh. Jae gets up and gets Brian's guitar,

"Are you gonna serenade me?" the other asks excitedly as Jae adjusts the tuning,

"Should I?" 

"Yes please, boyfriend," Brian says, smiling at being able to use that title and it makes Jae laugh as he begins strumming.

When I'm looking at you

When our eyes meet

My face grows hot but

Feels so nice

It's a rather fun and groovy song that has Brian bouncing slightly, clapping as Jae finishes with flushed cheeks,

"You blush a lot," 

"It's 'cause I like you a lot, ," he replies, placing the guitar back in its case as he laughs at Brian's audible offended gasp.

He goes to sit back beside Brian when he realizes the other has his arms and legs spread, patting the space between them,

"Come here," and Jae, although flustered, complies and sits down and tenses up at Brian's arms that wrap around him.

"I like you a lot, Jae." he says, pulling him closer and resting his chin on Jae's shoulder. 

Jae tries to calm his heart, even his exhale comes out shaky, but he settles into Brian's chest, leaning back slightly and placing his hands on top of Brian's,

"Yeah, I like you too. We've confirmed this already, we can stop," and Brian's laugh is low this close and he places a kiss on Jae's neck,

"No, I don't want you to forget or doubt my feelings."

"I won't, now stop kissing my neck,"

"Oh sorry, does it make you uncomfortable?" Brian asks, genuinely concerned as he distances himself just a bit and Jae hides in the collar of his sweater, muffling his reply of,

"No, it just drives me a bit crazy and we're at a park." and Brian smirks at how red the other's ears are,

"Noted, I'll continue that when we're in your room- Ow," he gets winded by Jae's elbow jabbing his stomach, and getting up to leaving to which Brian tightens his grip,

"I'm kidding, I'm kidding. Stay... Please," 

and Jae rolls his eyes with a suppressed smile as he leans back into Brian, finding comfort in the arms that hold him close. They finish the food as the sun sets, their conversation descending to voices that switch between a low talking voice and whispers. They talk about trivial things, just like they used to on the phone for hours, but now Jae's in his arms and Brian's holding him, his laugh right in his ear and it's not because of a phone.

"Should we tell our parents and the group?" Jae asks, and feels Brian shrug,

"Up to you. I'm just happy that you're officially my boyfriend,"

"I'll probably tell my parents tonight, and maybe you can come over for dinner soon?"

"Yeah, I'm down for that. Just give me notice days in advance so I can prepare cue cards for dinner,"

"Cue cards- Bri, you're ridiculous,"

"For wanting your parents to like me?"

"For thinking they won't" he replies, turning his head to look back at Brian, and Brian takes advantage of the access and gives him a quick peck and Jae sputters jokingly, making both of them laugh.

"Should we make a dramatic announcement like the group did?"

"Nah, that's not us." Brian says and Jae agrees with a nod and smile,

"So how do you suppose we let them know?"

"They'll figure it out, let's just be ourselves around them. If we just happen to link hands or kiss naturally, I'm sure they'll get the message."

After it gets dark, Brian drops Jae off back at home, a swift goodbye kiss at his doorstep and Jae's biting his lower lip to suppress a smile when he gets inside.

"Oh, where's Brian?"

"Huh?"

"Dinner? We told you to invite him,"

"Oh, next time, Mom" Jae says as he goes to help set up the table, and once they settle down and start eating. He speaks up,

"But, about Brian..." and he goes on to tell about how they may or may not be dating, playing with his fork that his eyes remain fixated on as he tries to relay the information. When he looks up, his Mom looks happy and curious, but his dad doesn't look too happy.

"Do you really like him?" his dad asks,

"Yes," 

"And does he like you?" 

"Yeah... Is something bugging you?"

"How do you know he really likes you?" and that sends Jae off. Placing his fork down as he replies,

"Because he stuck by my side even though he thought I liked Sungjin, because he took me to the airport to cheer me up, he's considerate of me, he thinks of ways to make me happy. I know because of the way he smiles at me, listens to me, talks to me, sings to me... And because he said so, and continues to prove his words." 

They stare at each other for a while before his dad smiles fondly, confusing Jae and it shows in his furrowed brows,

"You really like him, don't you?" 

"N-Not too much, you know? Like not really really-"

"I'm glad he makes you feel in such a way that you wanna defend him... I hope we get to meet your official boyfriend through dinner," his dad says with a laugh. And Jae smiles as he picks his fork back up, 

"Soon. He said he wants to," 

"Good, he should,"

"Dad,"

"I'm kidding, you know I like Brian... Now I can challenge him in another round of billiards." and the family laughs. 

They're eating in comfortable silence when his mom asks,

"So... What I saw at New Years-"

"Oh my God, Mom, please-"

"What did she see at New Years?" his dad asks, eyeing the two suspiciously,

"Nothing, it was nothing." and he eats as his mom laughs lightly,

"Him and Brian," and Jae's eyes widen and he's tempted to shove rice in his mom's mouth,

"Were the only ones counting down as everyone fell asleep. It was cute," she says, and Jae settles back into his seat,

"Ah, you've liked him for a while then?"

"He liked me first," Jae gets oddly defensive and his dad laughs,

"But he asked you officially today?"

"Yes. And I'm really happy about this, so I hope you guys can support me?" he says, an expectant grin on his face and both of his parents nod.

"Of course. Brian seems like a good kid... Although, he does look like trouble,"

"What?" Jae asks, amused,

"He gives off vibes in his leather jacket, but offers to wash the dishes... I mean, I'm thankful, but he should stick to a concept," and Jae lets out a bark of a laugh,

"Concept?! He's just Brian!"

"Okay honey, like you didn't identify him as solely 'the vampire from Halloween' multiple times," his mom fires back and the rest of the dinner is playful bickering over Brian's vibes and his true personality.

Jae helps his mom with the dishes while his dad goes upstairs,

"What happened to liking Sungjin?" she teases,

"Honestly a cover-up because at the time, I didn't know what I felt for Brian," 

"I mean, I saw you guys almost kiss so isn't that a bit of an indicator?"

"Mom, just be happy for me please?" he pleads, a tired smile on his face because he's run over these details of confusion multiple times. Asking himself why he didn't see the signs, and then explaining to Brian what he was feeling at the time. 

"Of course I am," she says as they're finishing up, and hugs him, placing a kiss on his cheek,

"We'll plan a dinner with him soon," and Jae smiles gratefully.

The next day at school, they don't make an announcement that they're dating. The group doesn't even catch them holding hands on the slope in the morning because they lag behind like they usually do. They pass by Seungmin who gives them a bright smile, Jae mouthing a 

Thank you and Seungmin responds with two thumbs up before he catches Jeongin and Jae watches with a knowing smile,

"They're cute," he comments,

"Yeah but we're cuter,"

"No, they're adorable, we're like..."

"Hot?" Brian says with a confident smirk and Jae slaps his arm, but doesn't deny it because he understand the vibe Brian gives off his parents were talking about last night.

It's only when they're parting ways and Brian grabs Jae by his waist and places a kiss on his cheek and they exchange the words,

"I'll text you later, yeah?" 

"Yeah, get home safe,"

That the group freezes and stares at them. Brian and Jae don't even notice so Brian places a quick kiss on Jae's lips and Jae smiles, and Junhyeok yells,

"Oh my God?!" and Brian, who was already starting to walk home, goes,

"What?"

"What? Yah, Kang Bri-"

"Oh! Right!" he cuts Sungjin off and walks back to Jae's side, swinging an arm around him,

"Yeah, we're a thing now," he says casually and Jae just nods as Dowoon's staring at them with his jaw hanging,

"See you guys tomorrow!" Brian says and Jae kisses him on the cheek, making him stutter in his steps as he goes to walk home,

"Brian, get back here!" Sungjin calls out, and Brian sticks his tongue out but starts running when Sungjin looks at Wonpil,

"I'll text you later," and lets go of his hand before he sprints in Brian's direction,

"You little shi-" Jae laughs at Sungjin's unfinished insult as he runs after his best friend,

"Jae!" Wonpil says,

"You and Bri are dating?!" Junhyeok asks, and Jae just nods,

"Mhm,"

"Why didn't you guys tell us?" 

"Well, we figured you guys would notice at some point. We even held hands on the slope, you didn't see?" and they shake their heads. 

"We kind of saw it coming but we weren't sure," Wonpil comments and Jae looks surprised,

"Wait, you guys saw it coming?"

"Yeah! Brian was so obvious around you, it was crazy. Did his persistence make you give in?" Dowoon jokes and Jae laughs and keeps the smile, thinking about how Brian acted the way he did, even if his friends could figure him out.

"I'm happy you guys are together now though," Junhyeok says, and Jae says a "thank you" and they part ways with that.

A couple of days later, Brian's adjusting his shirt, checking for the third time for any unwanted wrinkles or creases and making sure his hair is in place, when Jae answers the door.

"Hey," he says with an excited smile,

"Hi," Brian replies, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek before going inside,

"Brian!" Jae's mom says, and he straightens up his posture,

"Hello," he greets and is surprised when she gives him a hug,

"Don't be so tense, it's just dinner," she assures and goes back into the kitchen, making way for Jae's dad who extends his hand,

"Brian,"

"Sir," he responds and he laughs,

"I told you, Dad is fine," and Brian finds comfort in his smile,

"Do you need help setting up?" Brian offers, and walks with Jae's dad to the kitchen and Jae watches from behind, smiling. 

Sure, Jae's never dated before but this is practically a dream come true. His boyfriend being able to openly converse and interact with his parents, and he's still smiling when Brian turns around and prompts with a soft, 

"C'mon," and dashing smile. 

They set up the table together, Jae stealing glances at how warm and domestic Brian seems, and Brian quietly laughing at Jae almost dropping a glass. They're eating and Jae's parents are communicating with their eyes, both trying to find the right time and thing to ask Brian, but they don't have to because he does.

"Sorry," he starts, placing his glass down and earning the attention of the table,

"I just want to start by saying thank you for inviting me to dinner," and Jae slows down his chewing to listen to what comes next,

"And I know we've met before and you both always treat me so nicely, but I can understand if there's a change in perspective on me right now... But I just want to make it clear that I am serious about dating Jae."

"We know," Jae's mom says with a warm smile, surprising both boys,

"I-I'm sorry, you know?" Brian prompts for elaboration,

"Jae's told us about how you introduced him to your friends, he would go on about these long phonecalls with you, and then that day you showed up at our door." she says,

"So although we don't know the extent of it, we do know you care for him." his dad comments with an approving nod at Brian,

"Plus, the way you asked him was very cute," 

"Mom," Jae whines and Brian cracks a smile,

"Is this your first relationship, Brian?" he asks,

"Yes, it is... So, I may not be perfect, but I'll try my hardest to make this work," he replies, looking at Jae with a smile,

"This is Jaehyung's first one too. You know, for young love you both seem to want to take this seriously,"

"I do," Jae says,

"Me too," Brian says, smiling as he replies,

"I want us to last a long time... So, with your permission I would like to openly and seriously date your son." 

The parents look at each other and smile before looking at Brian,

"Yes, you have our permission... And Brian, remember," and he expects a warning of some sort, but instead hears,

"You're welcome here anytime. Don't be so tense with us, okay?" and he nods with a thankful smile,

"Yes, thank you!" and Jae's smiling too,

"After dinner why don't we have a second round of pool?" his dad suggests and Brian nods,

"Of course," and the rest of the dinner isn't as tense.

They talk about little relationship tips and advice they may want to offer to the new couple, Brian talks about himself a bit more than usual to which Jae listens in adoration, his chin in his hand and his mom smiling at the cute scene. They wrap up dinner, Brian offering to help with the dishes but Jae's mom insist they just go downstairs to play pool, so they do. Brian wins this round, and Jae's dad jokes saying "I guess you deserve my son now," to which Jae replies "now?!" and they laugh.

Things are going well for the new couple, that is until Jae's reminded in not the most pleasant way that Brian truly was the popular guy at their school. He didn't even pay mind to the fact that he was the first person to date the infamous rejector until he's stopped in the hallway as he's late to class.

"Park Jaehyung," and he looks up to see Kisung smirking and something tells him he should run but he can't move and just hopes Brian happens to stroll by, but he doesn't.

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

merry christmas, mydays!♡  and if you don't celebrate, happy holidays, mydays! Sorry this update took a bit longer than I intended, the holiday season is always so hectic for my family. I also apologize if this chapter wasn't interesting, I had to split it up because I felt like I was rushing a certain part that I eventually edited out. Anyway, I hope you guys are enjoying this festive time, regardless of how you spend it. please leave a comment on your thoughts! AH, can you guys believe we're almost at 50 comments? :D I'm so incredibly thankful for each of you that decide to leave me a couple of words to read after reading the words I've left for you guys! hehe. If you guys wanna be friends (I'm actually really friendly and receptive c: ) you can contact me on

twitter: @zenkrcovers | kakao: zenaya | instagram: @zenkrcovers | YT: zenkrcovers

I'll try and update soon, but until then, peace! - Zen