thirtyseven
Yes, I'm HeroIndex:
(BH) – Baekhyun speaking
(YJ) – Young Jae speaking
(DH) – Daehyun speaking
(BY) – Yongguk speaking
(V) – Taehyung speaking
(JU) – Jongup speaking
(K) – Jongin speaking
(Z) – Zelo speaking
(JI) – Jin speaking
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“So what’s it like? Come on! Don’t leave any details.” (JI)
“Uh...” (JU) What was he supposed to say? It was just like how it had been back when they first went to Young Jae’s house for the party. The only difference this time was that he’s able to practically go all the way around the house and have a look around. Plus, this time, he lives there now. So, okay, it was a bit different between the two experiences, but it wasn’t that much different.
“I don’t think it’s that big a deal.” (K)
“Not that big a deal?! But it has to be! Think of all the fancy stuff there is! We didn’t even get to see half of what was there. Man… I bet you get to eat fancy food all the time!” (JI) Jin let out a sigh as he rubbed the back of his head. Jongin shook his head a bit, but he did have to agree that there probably was a lot more than what they were able to see before.
“Hey! What are you guys doing?” (BH) The trio turned to see Baekhyun and someone else coming up to them. Jongup was certain that he had seen him back at the party, but he hadn’t had the chance to ask what his name was. It didn’t really cross his mind since he didn’t talk to him whatsoever at the time, but at least they would have the chance to talk this time. Not that it mattered all that much, but it didn’t hurt to meet new people.
“Nothing really. Who’s your friend?” (JI)
“Huh? Oh! Right. This is Taehyung. He’s my cousin. Taehyung, this is Jin, Jongup, and Jongin.” (BH) As Baekhyun spoke, he gestured his hand to whomever he was pointing out. Of course, Taehyung already knew who they were… minus Jongin, but he pretended to act as if this was his first time seeing them. With as friendly a smile as he could muster, Taehyung bowed his head a bit.
“It’s nice to meet you all. My cousin talks a lot about you guys.” (V)
“Eh? Do I?” (BH) Taehyung quickly nudged Baekhyun, whom had a bit of a confused look on his face. Baekhyun didn’t necessarily understand what Taehyung was attempting to do, but he decided to keep quiet about it for the time being. “I guess I do…” (BH)
“You talk about us? Does this mean you have a crush on us?” (JI) Jin had a playful grin as he teasingly poked at Baekhyun. A few slaps here and there had Jin held at bay, though Baekhyun wasn’t going to let Jin off the hook. Sooner or later, he would exact his revenge by also poking fun at him. Until then, he could just remain quiet about the whole thing.
“So, uh… let’s do something to get better acquainted!” (V) Jongup nodded a bit, though Jin found it a little weird that Taehyung seemed so intent on becoming closer with them. Still, Jin couldn’t let this opportunity pass. After all, when was the last time that he had the chance to hang out with his buddies?
“Alright. Let’s go to the amusement park.” (JI)
“It’s four in the afternoon. We wouldn’t be able to stay long.” (K)
“Oh, come on! We have year-long passes. Does it matter?” (JI) Jongin mumbled a bit as he rubbed the back of his head, but Jin did have a point. Besides Taehyung, all four of them had year-long passes to the amusement park. What did that mean? That meant that they could practically go whenever they wanted and they wouldn’t have to pay until their passes expired. Plus, since it was off-season, the amusement park most likely wouldn’t be all that crowded.
“Taehyung doesn’t have one though.” (BH)
“It’s alright! I can just buy one too.” (V) According to Kyungsoo, Taehyung had to try as hard as possible to get them to become his friend. That meant that he had access to Kyungsoo’s money, which meant that he could pay for the pass without any problems. Of course, he always had access to Kyungsoo’s money since he also had to make purchases for Kyungsoo here and there, but this time, he had permission to use it for personal stuff.
“Really? Great! Then let’s get going! Uh… Who’s driving?” (JI) Everyone looked at one another before looking away. Sadly, they either didn’t have a license or they didn’t have a car to use. It’s not like they were rich or anything. Though, Taehyung cleared his throat a bit as he raised his hand slightly.
“I can drive?” (V)
“Even better! Let’s go to your car!” (JI) Jin wrapped an arm around Taehyung’s shoulders before they began making their way towards the parking lot. The other three followed, a bit surprised how things turned out. They each had their own plans, but it seemed like that was going to have to be placed on hold for the time being.
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“You drive smoothly! You a pro driver or something?” (JI)
“Uh… not really. Just being extra careful.” (V) So far, Taehyung was not liking Jin. He spoke too much and his constant questioning was getting a bit annoying. Why couldn’t he be like Jongin? So far, Jongin has been relatively quiet. He only seemed to speak when he was being spoken to or whenever it was necessary and Taehyung quite liked that. However, he was going to have to put up with it and try not to lose his temper. After all, if he was going to get to Jongup, then he was going to have to win over his other friends first. “We’re here.” (V)
“Oh? That was quick!” (JI) Jin leaned forward and massaged Taehyung’s shoulders, whom did not appreciate the surprise massage, before stepping out of the car. While Taehyung was trying to shake off the feeling on Jin’s hands on him, everyone else was filing out of the car. “Wooow… Why don’t we come here more often? It’s more fun if we go often.” (JI)
“It becomes repetitive then, right?” (BH) Jin merely shrugged as he stood there with his hands on his hips and a grin on his face. He was determined to milk out as much fun as possible. After all, with Daehyun no longer working at the store and schoolwork only seeming to pile up, Jin could use a nice break. Plus, again, they had the yearlong passes! Why let it go to waste?
Of course, instead of waiting around like Jin was, Jongin began to walk forward. Jin was a bit surprised and had to do a double take, but when Jongup began following Jongin as well, Jin quickly followed suit. It didn’t take long before the whole group was moving as a whole.
“So, what should we ride first when we get in?” (JI)
“The drop tower?” (JU)
“What’s that?” (V) Jin quickly turned around and began walking backwards as he looked at Taehyung with a surprised face. How could anyone NOT know what the dropper was?! After all, it was probably the most talked about ride when it came out a few years ago! By now, he thought everyone knew about it, but it seems like that wasn’t the case.
“Eh? You don’t know what it is?” (JI) When Taehyung shook his head cautiously, Jin let out a sigh before slowing down just enough to walk evenly with Taehyung. Turning to face forward, Jin wrapped an arm around Taehyung’s shoulders before he began speaking. “It’s only one of the greatest rides ever! When you’re on, you go up reeeally high, so high that you feel like you can eat the clouds, before you just drop!” (JI)
As he spoke, Jin used his free hand to demonstrate what he was talking about. As his hand rose towards the sky, Taehyung’s gaze was following after. However, as soon as Jin’s hand swiftly swiped downwards, Taehyung couldn’t help but attempt to swallow the lump in his throat. He wasn’t exactly the kind of guy who has been to an amusement park before and from what Jin’s description of the ride was, he could see why he avoided such a place. “Okay! It’s settled then. We’re going to that ride first. Any objections?” (JI)
When everyone, except Taehyung, voiced that they had no objections, Jin grinned with satisfaction as they all got into line. As they spoke with one another, Taehyung pulled his phone out before he began taking brief notes here and there. He made certain not to make himself seem obvious, only speaking whenever they decided to talk to him. Although he didn’t necessarily agree with what Kyungsoo and Sungjong were planning, he still had a job to do.
After getting past the gates with everything in order, the five men looked around a bit before they began making their way towards the tall tower. Taehyung’s eyes widened as he stared at it, watching as the people rose to the very top and stopped there for a moment, before dropping just as Jin said they would. A lump had begun to form in his throat and had it not been for someone talking to their group, he probably would have found himself walking into someone or something. “Oh! Jongup! What are you doing here?” (Z)
“Zelo! Oh, uh… Jin wanted to come to the amusement park so that we can get to know Taehyung.” (JU) Zelo’s eyes instantly honed in on Taehyung before narrowing. He was about to say something, but Taehyung quickly put a finger up to his mouth. Zelo knew what Taehyung’s line of work was and he didn’t necessarily trust Taehyung at all. However, if he wasn’t going to cause any trouble, then maybe it would be alright. Of course… he would have to tag along with the group to keep an eye on Taehyung. Wouldn’t want him hurting Jongup in any sort of way!
“I… see. Can I go with you guys?” (Z)
“Sure! Okay! Right guys?” (JU) Jongup quickly looked at the others, a hopeful glint in his eyes as he waited for approval from everyone. Everyone seemed to be okay with it and thus, Zelo soon joined the group of men on their escapade to have fun at the amusement park.
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“Hey… Can you do me a favor?” (YJ) Daehyun looked up from his book before looking at Young Jae. What favor might have that been? Lowering his book, Daehyun leaned forward a bit before smiling and nodding. Young Jae instantly grinned as he leaned forward as well, resting his arms against the edge of the table in the process. “Can you tell me your measurements?” (YJ)
“My what? Why?” (DH) Daehyun assumed it was a joke and thus, had chuckled a bit as he leaned back in his seat. Young Jae, however, was definitely not joking when he asked for Daehyun’s measurements. After all, it had been a few days since he had snooped through Daehyun and Jongup’s rooms and with a bit of preparation, he was now ready to get them their clothes. Daehyun just… happened to be the one that’s home right now.
“Because, I… need to know for uniform purposes.” (YJ) Had he mentioned a uniform before? Daehyun had assumed that he wouldn’t need one, but if a uniform was necessary, then why hadn’t Young Jae mentioned it before? Well, it was probably better late than never. Though… he was starting to enjoy not having to wear a uniform everyday.
“I don’t really know my measurements.” (DH)
“That’s alright! We’ll get you measured and fitted. Come on. Let’s go.” (YJ) Young Jae quickly got to his feet before he began walking. Daehyun stared for a moment, uncertain as to how to react to the situation. They had been sitting here for about half an hour and suddenly, Young Jae decides to spring this up out of nowhere? Young Jae hadn’t even given him any sort of warning, but there wasn’t anything he could do about it now. With a sigh, Daehyun put his bookmark in the book and closed it up before he followed after Young Jae.
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“Why are we here? This doesn’t look like-” (DH)
“Measurements! Measurements! This is where I go for such things, so, uh… just don’t worry abo- Hello. I would ask for this gentleman here to be serviced.” (YJ) The second the employee turned around, he instantly recognized Young Jae as he gave a quick bow.
“Certainly, sir. I will see to it right away. Please, this way.” Once the employee began walking, the three began following after him. Since they didn’t make people strip down to their underwear to get their measurements, then there was no problem with Young Jae sitting around while watching. Plus, within that room, there were also changing stalls, so there wasn’t any problem at all if Young Jae just sat around and waited.
“I’ll stand outside and keep watch.” (BY)
“Hm? Oh, okay.” (YJ) Young Jae had nearly forgotten that Yongguk was right behind them the entire time. When Young Jae and Daehyun entered the room, Yongguk stood outside by the archway, his hands folded in front of him and his feet evenly spaced out as he kept a stern eye out.
While Daehyun stood over by the mirror, where the measurements were to be held, Young Jae looked around for a bit. He had been here quite a number of times, so this place wasn’t all that interesting to him anymore, but it was still at least a nice looking place. Though, how was he going to get Daehyun choose clothes without him knowing that he was going to be buying it for him? Well, he did have an idea, but he wasn’t necessarily certain if Daehyun was going to fall for it or not. Either way, it was worth a shot. At least he would have Daehyun’s measurements.
Maybe it would be better to just tell Daehyun the truth. After all, he kept far too many secrets from Daehyun already. What if he continued to lose Daehyun’s trust by holding so many secrets? It didn’t help that he was also lying to Daehyun about the uniform as well. Still… he didn’t want to take no as an answer. Young Jae was determined to help Daehyun out and taking no for an answer was just not an option for the time being.
“Hey. Uh… he’s asking me to pick out clothes.” (DH) Young Jae pulled himself from his thoughts before focusing on Daehyun. What was he supposed to say? Should he just up and tell him the truth? At least this way, Daehyun would understand what was going on and he may end up agreeing to go with Young Jae’s plans.
“Well, you see… um…” (YJ)
“We’re not here for a uniform… are we…” (DH) A sigh escaped from Young Jae before he shook his head a bit. Daehyun sighed as well, but he smiled slightly before putting his hand on Young Jae’s shoulder. “I appreciate what you’re trying to do, but it really isn’t necessary.” (DH)
“But… I owe you so much…” (YJ)
“You’ve already helped me much more than I’ve helped you! It’s alright.” (DH) Young Jae looked down a bit, not all that happy with this answer. He wanted to be more than just that damsel in distress he had been labeled as back then. In fact, just as Daehyun had been his ‘prince charming’, Young Jae wanted to be the same. Okay, sure, they weren’t going to be able to date or get married or anything like that, but it was the little things that mattered to him regardless of their current situation. “Hey, cheer up. Come on. I’ll make us something to eat.” (DH)
“No, I… actually, can you go on ahead? I have to get my suits tailored and I go here to do it.” (YJ) Daehyun rubbed the back of his head, a little skeptical of Young Jae’s words. He wasn’t sure if he could trust that that was all that Young Jae was going to do if he were to leave, but he decided to give him the benefit of the doubt.
“Well… alright. I’ll go look up a few more recipes until you get back then, okay?” (DH) Once Young Jae gave a nod, Daehyun gave a small smile before he left. Leaning a bit, Young Jae looked through the archway to make certain that Daehyun wasn’t still around before making his way up to the employee. He didn’t want to go behind Daehyun’s back like this, but he was determined.
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Many screams erupted from the ride’s participants as the seats came rushing upwards. However, those sitting next to a certain male could almost swear that the loudest scream came from him. With the way he was kicking his legs and constantly squirming in his seat mixed with his screaming would make it seem like he was being tortured or something. Of course, this could potentially be a form of torture for certain people.
Because of his freaking out, a few people were laughing a bit. Jin and Baekhyun couldn’t help but laugh at Taehyung’s reaction. Jongin was indifferent towards it and Zelo had taken Jongup as far away from Taehyung as possible, so they didn’t know what exactly was going on. Though… Zelo would have probably loved to see Taehyung’s reaction at the moment.
Minutes ticked by before finally, the ride seemed to finally come to an end. By this time, Taehyung finally had his mouth shut, his hands clinging tightly on the safety gear, and his legs crossed and as close to himself as possible. The second the lift came to a complete stop, the sounds of airlocks releasing instantly had Taehyung trying his best to take the safety gear off. Once he was free, Taehyung ran over to the exit and fled down the lane until he was safely on one of the benches nearby. The others were making their way over to him with a rather lively Jin. He was explaining and demonstrating the entire situation, to which Baekhyun was happily adding here and there as well. Taehyung could practically hear Jin from where he was and as much as he wanted to hit Jin, he knew that it would be best not to.
“You okay?” (JU) Taehyung looked up to see everyone looking down at him. The only one who seemed genuinely concerned was Jongup, but otherwise, Jin, Zelo, and even his own cousin seemed amused. Jongin didn’t even seem to really care, but then again, from what he had gathered, Jongin kept his thoughts to himself. When he gave a small nod, Jin and Baekhyun instantly took that as a sign to start the teasing.
“Wow! I never knew someone could freak out so much!” (JI)
“Taehyung. You’re like a little kid! Why didn’t you say you didn’t want to go on?” (BH) Taehyung instantly turned his head away, though Baekhyun did have a good point. He should have said something instead of trying to show off and make it seem like this kind of ride wouldn’t affect him. Then again, he’s never been on a ride before. How was he supposed to know that something like this would occur?
“Hey! You guys hungry? Let’s get something to eat.” (JI)
“You gonna pay?” (K) Jin opened his mouth to say something, but he just remembered that Jongin was paying for half of his own tuition and both Baekhyun and Jongup didn’t have jobs. Plus, since they had decided to come to the amusement park on a whim, they hadn’t exactly had the chance to save up any money for the food that was served here.
“Well…” (JI)
“I can pay.” (V) Everyone turned to Taehyung, whom had managed to get onto his feet. Despite the fact that he wanted to get back at Jin and Baekhyun, Taehyung still had a job to do. He may not show it, but he does have a high patience level. It was necessary with the kind of job he currently had, was it not?
“Really? You don’t have to.” (JI) Taehyung stared at Jin, a little… dumbfounded by his words. He thought that Jin, of all people, would jump on the chance to take advantage of his offer. Taehyung could also see that Jin had a look of uncertainty on his face, which continued to confuse Taehyung. How was he supposed to react after seeing this kind of side on Jin?
“Uh… um… yeah…? I’ll pay for the food.” (V) Jin smiled, though it wasn’t those usual grins that he seemed to wear. No, there was definitely something different about this smile and Taehyung couldn’t help but become a tad bit suspicious about this. Why was he acting this way? It was a little uncomfortable, but he forced a smile on his face as he nodded. “So, uh… go ahead and lead the way.” (V)
“Right.” (JI) As the group began walking, Taehyung couldn’t help but continuously stare at the back of Jin’s head. What was it about that smile that got Taehyung confused? He has seen a large variety of things while working for Kyungsoo and yet, Jin’s smile made him feel very… weird.
Now that he thought about it, Jin’s smile was similar to Kyungsoo’s mother’s smile. It was warm and had an inviting feeling to it. Jin’s smile also had an air of sincerity to it. Taehyung wasn’t really certain if that was a good thing or not when it came to Jin though. For all he knew, Jin could be plotting something or using this chance to take advantage of a free meal. Though… maybe Jin was truly happy that he was paying for everyone’s meal. From what he read through their profiles, everyone except Jin and Baekhyun were having a hard time with their funds.
Well… this’ll get him on their good side at least.
Zelo, however, narrowed his eyes as he eyed Taehyung suspiciously. He knew that Taehyung would do plenty of things to get whatever he needed, but he also knew nothing about Taehyung’s personal life. It was strange seeing Taehyung act not so professional, but maybe it would be alright for now. As long as Jongup was within his view and safe, then there wouldn’t be anything to worry about.
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“If you need help.. I’ll come from now on. I’ll be your hero!” (DH)
Young Jae continued to play that memory over and over in his head, thinking about how cool Daehyun was and still is. Why did he agree to that arranged marriage? Why had he believed that he would never see Daehyun ever again? If he could just figure out how to get out of this marriage without disappointing his parents, then he could possibly be with Daehyun. After all, ever since their supposed ‘accidental’ kiss, Young Jae just can’t stop thinking about Daehyun. That meant that he had strong feelings for him, right? Still, even if that was the case, how was he supposed to do that?
“What are you thinking about?” (BY)
“Hm?” (YJ) Young Jae looked up at the rearview mirror to see Yongguk glancing up at him every now and then. He leaned back in his seat, realizing that he had been in some sort of thinking position. Okay, so he had been a little obvious that something was on his mind, but at least Yongguk didn’t know what he had been thinking about. “I, uh… I’m not thinking about anything.” (YJ)
“I’ve known you for how many years? I know when something’s bothering you.” (BY) Young Jae sighed as he looked out the window. What was he supposed to say? Clearly, he couldn’t hide anything from Yongguk, but would it be safe to tell him? It should be, right? Yongguk has kept practically all of his secrets for the few years that he’s been working for him and he’s been a relatively loyal friend as well.
“Well… How do I get out of my marriage?” (YJ) Yongguk chuckled a little as he had the car turn at the next corner.
“A little blunt, but… I don’t know the answer to that. How about running away with him?” (BY) Yongguk chuckled a bit as the car slowed to a stop at a red light. Despite the fact that he was kidding though, Young Jae took the idea into consideration. Even though it would be disappointing his parents, he would at least be out of the marriage and he would be with Daehyun. But… he couldn’t do that. He would be letting far too many people down if he did that. “I was kidding, Young Jae.” (BY)
“I know, but…” (YJ)
“Don’t take it seriously. Do you realize how much trouble would rise if you ran away with Daehyun?” (BY)
“I know, I know.” (YJ) Young Jae let out a sigh as he took his seatbelt off before lying on the seat. Maybe he should have said something when he was being adopted, but how could he? He could never say anything to an adult and despite his worries; his mother now had a warm and inviting aura to her. Hanbi was the kind of mother he had been hoping for when he first saw it in his birth mother and he just couldn’t bring himself to rejecting something he wanted.
But then… how could he reject Daehyun?
A sort of annoyed groan escaped from Young Jae’s lips as he covered his eyes with his forearm. There was just too much to think about and one way or another, someone was going to get hurt. The main question would be… who was he going to have to hurt?
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[[ My Own Thoughts:
Not too much happening…
But at least Young Jae is trying to figure things out. X3
Though, what path will he take?
Hopefully things turn out well…
Comments are loved!
I hope everyone is enjoying the fanfic thus far. ]]
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