Youngjae huffed as he wiped the sweat off of his forehead, his arm muscles aching already from carrying most of the crates into the storage room but too excited to care. He picked up another crate and placed it on his shoulders, quickly running to put it in the storage room before placing it on the ground none-too-gently. He winced as the heavy object bounced a little on the wooden floor, not really meaning to throw it on the ground, when he felt a hand slap the back of his head.

“Ow! What the-“

“You brat, there are fragile things in there! I know you’re excited to finally get to see him, but be a bit more gentle at least? You’re stronger than you think you are, you know.” Youngjae tensed and rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, turning around to face his hyung.

“S-sorry, Himchan-hyung!” He visibly relaxed, though, when he saw Himchan’s eyes soften before a grin spread on the black-haired man’s lips. Himchan ruffed Youngjae’s hair a little, laughing when the teen yelped and tried to push his hand away. 

“It’s alright, kid. It’s kinda cute seeing you so hyped up, I haven’t seen you this lively in ages.” Youngjae blushed at the comment, making Himchan laugh more, but couldn’t help the smile that spread on his own face. Ever since his parents had been brutally taken away from him and his village demolished when the darkness fell over the kingdom all those years ago, Himchan had been there to take care of him. He was lucky enough that he managed to escape his village before any of the monsters were able to find him was able to run to another village. He got even luckier when Himchan managed to spot him in the darkness covered streets, saving him from being spotted by any more monsters lurking about and taking him into his home. 

“To be honest, I’m quite excited as well. I’ve heard so many stories about this ‘Hero of Time’, how courageous and strong he is. You guys grew up in the same village, right?” Youngjae nodded, the memory of seeing his face every morning when he would run around the town doing errands for all the adults, how brightly he always smiled at everyone, still clear in his mind. Even if they grew up in the same village, they barely exchanged any words- the fact that he was constantly surrounded by his fans and that Youngjae himself was too shy to even approach him contributing to the lack of conversation. But that didn’t matter to Youngjae. He still completely admired and adored the older teen. And after the one long exchange they did have when he saved Youngjae from a group of minor monsters when Youngjae was only 12, Youngjae vowed to become as brave and strong as him one day.

“You look so cute blushing like that!” Youngjae yelled out as Himchan proceeded to pinch his cheeks, but couldn’t help but laugh when the older man started to.

“Alright, let’s get going, kid. You can move the rest of the crates later, he’s gonna be in town soon.” Youngjae practically skipped after Himchan, his heart already starting to beat rapidly at the thought of finally being able to see him again. He walked along side his hyung, stretching his arms up causing his shirt to rise up a bit. He heard Himchan whistle at him and instantly snapped his arms down, his cheeks a dark red.

“W-what the heck, hyung??” Youngjae glared even more at his hyung when Himchan raked his eyes up and down his form before winking at him.

“If I didn’t already know you were so in love with hero-boy, I would’ve considered keeping you for myself.” Himchan his lips over-dramatically, making both of them burst out laughing shortly afterwards. Even after all these years, Youngjae still wasn’t too used to Himchan’s teasing, but he knew his hyung meant well.

“I-I’m not in love with him, hyung! Besides, what about your precious sword-smith, hmm? Wouldn’t he mind if you started batting your eyes at younger men??” Youngjae laughed loudly when Himchan instantly flushed, moving away when the older tried to swat his head again. 

“He’s a traveling sword-smith, mind you. He was here for only three days-“

“Enough days for you to fall hard for him-“

“Shut up, brat.” Youngjae’s stomach started to hurt from laughing too much. He tried to regain his bearings, though, when Himchan managed to give him a small punch on the side. 

“And he hasn’t been back since. I want a man who’s more stable, thank you very much.” Himchan sniffed for a humorous effect, but despite all the playing, Youngjae could tell he really was a little upset that the sword-smith hasn’t returned ever since his visit a few months ago.

“Who knows, maybe the gods will send him back here for you so that you’ll have someone else to nag every hour of the day.” Himchan’s eyes widened slightly at his dongsaeng’s words. Despite the jab, Himchan could sense the sincerity behind them, and couldn’t help but feel his chest swell up with gratefulness, so glad that he had someone that was so witty and caring that he could practically call his little brother. 

“Maybe the gods will bless me with that one day, they’ve certainly blessed you these past few years.” Even if Himchan constantly teased Youngjae, he really did think Youngjae grew up beautifully these past five years. He went from just a small and fragile 12-year old to a tall and handsome- although still a little feminine- young man. 

“I wonder if the Hero of Time will recognize you, you look so different now.” Youngjae bit his lip at that, that exact thought bothering him ever since he first heard of the hero’s return. 

‘Does he even remember who I am?’

Himchan saw the distraught look on Youngjae’s face and patted his shoulder reassuringly. 

“Don’t look so upset. With all the stories I’ve heard about him and from what you’ve told me about him, I’m sure he’ll remember you.” Youngjae forced a smile, though his gut still twisted painfully at the thought that he wouldn’t.

“I hope so, hyung..” Himchan frowned at Youngjae’s tone, intertwining his pinky with the younger’s. 

“What was his name again? I feel so old, I still forget it after hearing all these stories of him.” Himchan smiled when he managed to make Youngjae giggle at that.

“Daehyun. Jung Daehyun.”

_____

I’M SORRY LoZ FANS PLEASE DON’T KILL ME ;.; *offers cookies*

I decided that I will continue this over the summer xD I really like this AU, but I would still like some feedback ^^