Work Text:
Yeonjun doesn’t remember when his last connection with someone happened, but he does remember when his most important severed.
and while his memories were blurry, the ache could still be felt to this date.
Hurt and wounded, he leaned on the thing that comforted him the most.
his paintings.
At first he did it as a way to escape, to express everything words failed him to do, but then it turned into his only way to have contact with the world.
a way to put himself out there, even if he did not.
🌱
He didn’t pay much attention to his surroundings (those being his neighbours) but one day as he rested on his balcony he noticed that the house in the side that had been empty for a while, started to look inhabited.
The change started small, with curtains that weren’t there before, to a light that used to be off.
But then greens started to contrast with his overly minimalistic one, plants were here and there, all of different sizes and lengths; and usually, Yeonjun wasn’t curious about other people, but this time something gnawed at him.
He wondered if a family moved in or if it was just some old lady who loved the greenery.
But to his surprise, none of his guesses were right.
His mistake surprised him in the form of a doorbell.
Confused, he walked to his front door, and the sight that greeted him was very unexpected.
“hm hi—I hope I’m not bothering you, I’m Soobin, your new neighbor."
Yeonjun frowned, he gave the other a once over before his gaze dropped to the thing that was in between his hands and that’s when realization came to him—he was the plant lady, Yeonjun almost gasped.
“hm hello.”
The two stared awkwardly at each other for a brief moment before Soobin came to his senses.
“Right, so this is for you.” He stretched his arms and handed Yeonjun a healthy looking plant. “It’s a rubber plant! it doesn’t need much care and it gives good luck."
Yeonjun eyebrows raised. “thanks.”
Soobin smiled shyly. “No problem, It’s nice to meet you.”
Yeonjun bowed and without adding more, he closed his door.
Shielding from Soobin’s wide smile he stared at the plant curiously, his gaze moving to the rest of his home, noting that it stood out like a sore spot.
The only color among blacks and whites.
He put it in his living room and went out with his day.
🌱
When Yeonjun saw Soobin the next time, he was on his way to pick up some art supplies, he was walking in between aisles when he spotted the other.
Soobin was in an oversized blue sweater, the color immediately reminding Yeonjun of their first meeting, he was carrying a basket full with different materials and had a pensive expression on his face, but what brought Yeonjun’s attention were the stickers plastered all over his face.
he stared pointedly when Soobin probably felt his gaze because he turned his way, a small smile stretching his lips as he recognized him and Yeonjun cursed for getting lost in thought.
“hey!.” Soobin greeted, and Yeonjun only nodded. “You paint?.”
Yeonjun nodded again and before he realized he asked. “You do too?.”
Soobin chuckled a blush on the tip of his ears. “I try, those aren’t for me.” He lifted his basket as his gaze stayed on Yeonjun, and as if reading Yeonjun’s mind he added. “It’s for my students, I’m a kindergarten teacher.”
Yeonjun couldn’t hide his surprise.
Maybe he should have guessed from the stickers all over his face, or by the way he often saw him with dried pasta on his clothes; and so without being in control of his body he pointed to Soobin’s face intuitively.
the other frowned a tilt on his head, when color drained off his face, he lifted his hands and started touching his face, embarrassment washing all over his features, Yeonjun’s lips twitched.
“—I forgot to take those off.” He admitted bashedly as he started to peel the stickers off his face. “No wonder I got all those stares.” He muttered probably to himself but Yeonjun still heard.
he smiled, and when he became aware of his reaction he cleared his throat to mask it.
“I’ll have to go so—.”
Once again, Soobin smiled shyly, giving him a wave. “see you around.”
🌱
Yeonjun was hit with a major block, he stared at his empty canvas for the nth time that day, his hands running on his hair as if he could get any inspiration that way, frustrated he turned around and headed to his kitchen for a glass of water, and as he grabbed an empty glass, his eyes fixed on the only object filled with color, his rubber plant.
It stood as the first day, even though Yeonjun barely paid it any mind.
Soobin words echoing in his head “ it doesn’t need much care.”
Did he realize Yeonjun was a mess?
he shook his head, and as if transfixed he stared at the plant, his gaze lost in thought, he stared at it for a couple of minutes when something came to mind, he rushed to his studio, water long forgotten as he started looking for brushes, his hands moving fast as he mixed colors and with a last breathe he started brushing on his canvas.
He didn’t realize how much time he had been stuck in his studio until the sound of his doorbell brought him back to the present. Frowning, he left his brushes on his table and walked to the door. On his way there he noticed that it was already dark, the passing of time unfamiliar to him every time he painted, so when he opened the door and saw no other than his neighbor he felt as if he was back to the day he met him.
“Hey! sorry about the time.”
“It’s fine.”
Soobin smiled shyly, his gaze unsure.
“do you perhaps got a package today?.”
Yeonjun looked taken aback, why would Soobin care about his mail? but then he recalled picking up a package this morning.
“I actually did, why?.”
Soobin's face flushed as he looked down. “I—I think they got the house wrong.”
Yeonjun looked back to his living room where the box stood and upon telling Soobin he could come in he went to check the name, and to his amazement the name displayed wasn’t his but Soobin.
“oh.” he turned around with box in hand and Soobin looked relieved. “sorry, I just picked it up from my doorstep and didn’t check the name.”
“It’s ok, it happens.”
There was a moment of silence but just before any of the two could speak, Yeonjun’s stomach rumbled.
he flushed and Soobin giggled.
“haven’t eaten yet?.”
Yeonjun shook his head, the tip of his ears still rosy. “I haven’t had the time”
Soobin hummed a shy smile on his lips. “I was about to order something—wanna join me?.”
Yeonjun’s eyes widened as his pulse started to accelerate, how can Soobin make him so fidgety? An unfamiliar ache starting to resurface. He looked at Soobin, his eyes shone with hope and Yeonjun felt that strange tingle again, but he held back.
“maybe another time.”
A flash of disappointment colored Soobin’s face but he replaced it with a smile. “I’ll see you around then.”
and just like that he turned around and went out the door, leaving Yeonjun with a feeling of uneasiness that was starting to give space for something more.
🌱
After the spark of inspiration coming from the sole sight of Soobin’s rubber plant, Yeonjun started to care for it, looking on the internet on how many times a week it should be watered, if it needed any source of light or If it needed any additional care, and he found himself enjoying the little responsibility, it helped his mind get out of bad places.
But today, no matter what he did, memories came flooding, as if what he stored deep inside his mind had broken, reminding him of his flaws.
He tried to canalize all his sadness and anger into a painting but staring at the white canvas made him mad, he tried to sleep it off but behind closed lids the memories played even more vividly; he was in the middle of a breakdown when he heard a noise in the background, confused he tried to focus on the sound and it was then that he realized that it wasn’t a melody but his doorbell.
Trying to ignore it he hid under his covers but the noise didn’t stop, annoyed, he stood up and headed to his door and as he opened it, the previous annoyance started to diminish when he took in the figure of Soobin, drenched from head to toe as a down pour was wetting the streets; Yeonjun didn’t realize it had been raining.
“Hi—I’m so sorry for being so insistent.” Soobin hesitated before he spoke again. “I’m so embarrassed to ask you this but could you let me in and let me dry myself? I forgot my keys at work—it won’t take long, just until it passes a little so I can go to my friend’s place.”
There was a small pause that was cut by Soobin sneezing and it was then that Yeonjun came back to his senses.
“sorry, yeah—come in.”
Soobin walked inside If only a bit shy as he waited by the door, not wanting to wet Yeonjun’s floors, but as soon as the door closed Yeonjun walked to his side.
“I think you should take a shower or else you are gonna catch a cold.”
“w—what? oh no! I don’t wanna bother, I’ll do that when I get to my friend’s.”
Yeonjun frowned. “It doesn’t seem like the rain is gonna stop soon, and If you stay with your clothes drenched you are really gonna get sick, besides it’s not a problem really.”
Soobin bit his lips but gave a little nod, and to his surprise Yeonjun gave him a small smile.
“I’ll show you where the bathroom is.”
As they got deeper into the house, Soobin couldn’t help but stare at the paintings hanging in the corridors, and before he realized he found himself asking.
“Did you paint those?.”
“yeah.”
“woah—you are really talented.”
Yeonjun didn’t say anything but when he looked back at Soobin his cheeks were sparkling crimson, Soobin smiled to himself.
He waited by the door as Yeonjun disappeared in his room, and when he was back he had a clean towel and clothes.
“The sweats are probably gonna be a bit short on you.”
“I don’t mind, thank you really.”
With Soobin finally out of sight Yeonjun let himself relax; he didn’t understand why but Soobin made him shy, so with his heart thumping and skin warm he headed to his kitchen, and after checking the weather app, he put hands into work.
He usually didn’t cook for himself, only on rare occasions but since he still had some leftovers he thought that maybe Soobin could need something warm, not that he really cared, he had to use those ingredients soon anyway.
By the time he heard the soft footsteps in his corridor the stew was already boiling, but when he lifted his face to stare at Soobin, he thought that maybe he was the one on the stove.
Soobin skin was flushed from the hot water, and his still damp hair was all over his forehead, but what made his guts twist was seeing him in HIS clothes, those despite being oversize fit Soobin in a very attractive way, they weren’t by any means tight on him but somehow they looked as If they have been made for him, he was embarrassingly staring mouth almost agape until Soobin stopped on the other side of his counter.
“I was wondering if you have any plastic bags so I can put my wet clothes there.”
Yeonjun nodded, turning away to hide his blushing face hoping Soobin wouldn’t notice and when he gave him the bags he was grateful he didn’t comment on any of it.
He was so distracted putting on the table that he didn’t realize Soobin was back until he heard his voice.
“Thank you so much for letting me use your bathroom and for lending me your clothes, I should probably get going, I didn’t know you were expecting someone—.”
Yeonjun furrowed his brows. “I’m not expecting anyone.”
“but the table—.”
realization hit Yeonjun and suddenly he became really aware of what he did, his face not leaving the crimson's shade. “oh—I just, I thought it would be good If you ate something warm you know? so you won’t get sick.” his voice came softer than intended and he felt his heart doing that one flip again.
There was a brief pause in which he avoided Soobin’s face but when he dared to look, he thought they were matching.
blushing cheeks spread all the way to his neck and ears; and Yeonjun allowed himself to admit that he looked really beautiful like this.
“y—you didn’t have to, you have already done enough.”
“It’s ok—I wanted to.”
Yeonjun felt surprised by his own admission, but apparently that was all it took for Soobin to comply, so with a shy smile he asked which seat to take.
At first they ate in silence until eventually Soobin started shyly asking him questions, and somehow he found himself answering without restrain, even daring to ask some questions of his own, and it felt comfortable, warm even.
By the time they finished eating the rain was pouring just the same, and Soobin had a thoughtful look as he stared at the window as both finished cleaning the dishes together.
“I can’t believe I forgot all my keys today of all days.”
Yeonjun hummed as they dried their hands. “Did you leave in a rush or—?.”
Soobin turned to face him fully, a spark of pink dusting his cheeks. “kinda? One of the parents said that he was gonna be really late today, so I had to stay. So by the time they picked Jinu I left in a rush.”I only took my phone and forgot about everything else, I just wanted to get home, and it was then that I realized I didn’t have my keys.”
Yeonjun did his best to suppress a smile but Soobin caught him in the middle of trying to cover it with his hand.
“You think I’m pathetic huh?.”
“what? NO! maybe just a little clumsy.”
both chuckled, the atmosphere melting into something softer, and Yeonjun let himself be lost in it, they took a seat on the couch watching as the rain kept on falling, the only noise the raindrops hitting the window until Soobin’s sigh joined the mix.
“I think it’s time for me to head out, I still have a long way to go and I don’t wanna miss the last bus.”
Soobin stood up and Yeonjun blinked a bit taken aback. “Your friend lives that far?.”
“a bit yeah—.”
“You can stay If you would like—I have a spare room and that way you won’t have to travel more.”
the words came out before he could realize what he was saying and he felt himself blush. It felt as if he was a different person in front of Soobin, who matched his flush.
“I don’t wanna impose more.” he replied shyly.
“you aren’t and it’s really late so—.”
Soobin looked down and then out of the window, he had a thoughtful expression but when he looked back at Yeonjun his eyes softened and a pair of dimples popped on his cheeks.
“t—thank you hyung, I’ll take your offer.”
Yeonjun blushed more at the honorific and this time Soobin must have noticed cause he added.
“Is it fine If I call you that?.”
he could only nod as a smile started to stretch on his lips, but before Soobin could see it he turned away already asking him to follow to show him where he could stay.
They bid their good nights and when Yeonjun was shielded in his own room, heart beating hard and loudly on his ribcage he saw the fragments of how he felt just minutes prior to Soobin arrival and was shocked to acknowledge that his sole presence made Yeonjun’s thought wash away.
when Yeonjun woke up, he was alone in his home, but as he walked to brew himself some coffee he was surprised to find one of his sticky notes on top of his counter, “ thank you for opening the doors of your home, letting me stay and even lending me your clothes, as a way to thank you would you like to have dinner with me one of those days at my place? I’ll be patiently waiting for your answer—Soobin.” His number scribbled on the bottom. and as he finished reading he couldn't help but smile to himself, the drumming of his heart starting to concern him as he couldn’t take his eyes away from the name.
He was in serious trouble.
🌱
The dinner happened a couple of days later, he was pacing outside Soobin’s home when the opening of the door made him flinch, reminding him of his decision.
After texting Soobin telling him he didn’t have to repay him for anything, the two started texting.
Not much, but more than usual.
at least for Yeonjun.
and so, with a bit of pressure from Soobin along with his own longing, he accepted to have dinner with him, which led to this moment.
“hyung! come on in.”
Yeonjun nodded as he made his way inside, and the sight that greeted him was somehow expected.
Soobin’s home opposite Yeonjun's was full of color, he had plants and flowers scattered everywhere, there were shelves with figurines, books, and a wall with some instant pictures that made him smile, it screamed Soobin somehow.
His eyes were scanning some of the pictures when Soobin’s voice came from behind.
“the food is almost ready, you can put something on the tv if you want.”
Yeonjun turned to face him. “It's fine, want me to help you with something?.”
Soobin shook his head but Yeonjun insisted, so he showed him were he kept the plates, and as he took those he noticed a recipient with some burnt food and he must have stared for a while cause Soobin’s voice snapped him out of his head.
“I—It’s the first time I tried this dish without my mom's help so I had some—challenges, but I promise you this one tastes good! I already tried it.”
Soobin’s face was aflame as he explained himself and Yeonjun couldn’t hide the chuckle that left his lips.
“don’t worry, I’m sure it's gonna be.”
Both took a seat and Yeonjun felt Soobin eyes on him, he looked nervous as his brows furrowed slightly as Yeonjun took the first bite but to the surprise of both, the food was delicious, and so he told him, making Soobin’s shoulder drop as he relaxed.
They ate mostly in silence, just some casual chatter here and there, until their plates were almost empty.
“so, are you full yet? cause I have ice-cream and some pastries to accompany with tea, or If you want I can go buy some coffee?.”
Soobin's gaze was so soft that Yeonjun felt his skin shiver as a smile broke on his lips, because Soobin was so cute and he made Yeonjun feel so giddy it started to make him so aware of how easy Soobin made its way into Yeonjun’s heart. Albeit slowly but surely.
“I’ll have whatever you have.”
Soobin pursed his lips and Yeonjun wanted to kiss him.
the realization coming suddenly but welcomed, he felt his cheeks flush.
“let me show you what I have and maybe you’ll fall in love.”
At the end both shared one of the pastries plus a spoonful of ice-cream each, and while Soobin made himself some tea, Yeonjun went to his home to take some of his coffee.
“you should totally arrive early cause some of those ran out really fast.”
Yeonjun nodded a genuine smile on his face. “I’ll take that into consideration.”
“or—I can pick some for you If you want, I go very often.”
after they finished eating, Soobin asked If he wanted to watch something, and Yeonjun agreed mostly cause Soobin looked so excited as he rambled about the plot of the movie, and he got pleasantly surprised when he actually enjoyed it, even when he missed a few parts as he stared at Soobin’s face instead, eyes reflecting the lights of the tv, dimples fixed, and cheeks flushed.
He was really really pretty.
They were on the way to Yeonjun’s home (which was next door but Soobin insisted on taking him) when Yeonjun broke the silence.
“Thank you for inviting me today, I had a really great time.”
Soobin flushed but a big grin took over his lips. “I’m glad to hear that, to be honest I was a bit nervous.”
They stopped at Yeonjun’s door. “nervous?.”
“yeah, well, you cooked for me the other day and I’m not very good at it but I wanted to make something for you too—also, you are really cool and I didn’t know If you would have fun and—.”
“Soobin.” Soobin stopped his ramble, his teeth biting on his lip. “I did, It has been a while since I enjoyed something so much.”
“really?.”
“really.”
Soobin’s eyes widened as his flush started to spread to his neck and ears, eyes avoiding Yeonjun as he pondered something in his head, but as they found each other again he asked barely above a whisper.
“then—would you like to go out with me someday? as a d—date?.”
Yeonjun’s own skin burned and he hoped his smile didn’t give away the fact that he felt like screaming right now. He blinked slowly, and when he spoke he was surprised by how collected he sounded.
“It depends, would that count as the second one? cause I thought tonight was the first.”
this gained him a gasp from Soobin whose face couldn’t get any redder, he spluttered and Yeonjun found himself smiling wider.
“I—I mean it could be the second one If that’s what you want, I—would like that too.”
“then it settled. I would love to go on a second date with you Soobin-ah.”
and by the way Soobin smiled, he almost thought day caught on to them.
🌱
Yeonjun spent most of his time home since he worked from there, only going out when he was in the mood to search for more supplies or when he wanted to get his mind cleared; but now Soobin got added into his routine, they would go buy snacks or things they needed at home, and sometimes Yeonjun would pick him up at work.
and it felt natural.
like everything Soobin.
After getting asked on a date, Yeonjun thought it was his turn to plan things, but Soobin refused, telling him that he already had a place in mind for their date, and so he let him.
turns out Soobin took him to a pottery class, where they made a mug for each, and Yeonjun really enjoyed it. His mug for Soobin turned out to be very chic, with black and white stripes, some being molded to give it texture while he added some stars of blue that reminded him of Soobin, the piece being complimented as something that could be sold while Soobin piece was—unique, he tried to make some vines and leafs, and he even added a flower that reminded him of Yeonjun, and even when it wasn’t as polished as his he loved it just the same, not only cause it was made by Soobin but because it had his charms on it.
With both mugs staying to rest so they could dry they headed to a restaurant Soobin booked.
this one was very secluded and If not by a small sign it could be easily overlooked; and to say Yeonjun loved it would cut it short, it was an italian type of restaurant, everything was very rustic but with a very artistic charm to it, there were paintings exhibited on the walls, and the ambience was that of a charming calm, not to mention that the food was really tasty, both ordered a different pasta dish, and agreed to share a pizza & salad, and while Yeonjun asked for a wine cup, Soobin opted for a fizzy lemonade.
They ate happily, stealing some bites here and there from their dishes while they conversed about small things, work, and stories to get to know each other more.
It was lovely and Yeonjun thought that maybe he was a bit in love.
Back at Yeonjun’s place they tasted a slice of cheesecake Soobin ogled in one of the bakeries near the station, and since both loved something sweet, Yeonjun bought one so they could share back at his place.
“you know? It would be really cool if you could come to the school some day and teach the kids how to paint like, for real.”
“Aren't they like six?.”
“and? maybe there’s a hidden Yeonjun in one of them.”
Yeonjun chuckled, loud and contagious. “I’ll think about it.”
“please do! and who knows? maybe you would like it too.”
🌱
and because he couldn’t say no to Soobin, he went a week later, after Soobin asked for permission.
The kids being so young were all over the place, paying attention with those big round eyes when Soobin spoke, but being a bit hesitant with Yeonjun. But overall it was a really fun experience because not only did he get to see Soobin around kids who were all over him at all times, but him teaching made something spark inside. So when he was back in his own home, Soobin by his side he couldn’t help but tell him this.
“It’s no surprise really, you are really good at it, have you ever thought of doing workshops?.”
Yeonjun shook his head. “Not really, I always thought that I worked better on my own, it kinda surprised me how light and good I felt.”
Soobin's smile widened. “I think you should give it a try, start with a few people and see how you feel and maybe go from there, I’m sure you can be a great teacher."
and there it was again, another thing about Soobin.
he was so supportive of Yeonjun, but he never pushed, instead he listened to everything he had to say, before adding of his own, always respecting Yeonjun’s feelings and making sure he was comfortable with it; so as he stared at his face full of wonder and support he couldn’t help but feel the need to kiss him; because even when the two have been to more dates they always missed the opportunity, but now as their knees brushed and their eyes were glued to the other he felt like it was finally time.
“Soobin-ah.”
“mh?.”
“I’m gonna kiss you.”
Soobin's eyes widened and his mouth parted slightly, just a peek of teeths, but as Yeonjun’s face inched closer, he heard as he took a deep breath but before crossing the gap, he whispered against his lips.
“can I?.”
Soobin tensed but he nodded his head, a soft yes colliding into Yeonjun’s mouth and that was all he needed to move.
Yeonjun pushed forward, and the moment their lips sealed both exhaled in contentment, Soobin brought his hands to Yeonjun’s waist while he secured his own on Soobin’s scalp, and as if on synch, both pulled closer.
they gasped into each other’s mouth as their tongues brushed for entry, and the moment they clashed, both tightened their hold.
They moved as if they had all the time in the world, soft breathes and chest heaving, their bodies molding together making Yeonjun climb onto Soobin’s lap, arms seeking support on Soobin shoulder as he pulled him closer, but as their heat started to suffocate them, they pulled apart in order to re-fill their lungs with some air, and as Yeonjun’s eyes fluttered open he was surprised to see that Soobin was already watching him, face flushed with color but a big grin on his face.
They stayed like that for a moment, just their eyes locked, until Soobin lifted his hand to take some strands of Yeonjun’s hair to push them behind his ear.
“You are really pretty hyung, you know that?.” Yeonjun’s eyes rounded as the tint embedded on his skin glowed with more color. “to tell you the truth, when I started moving I saw you on your balcony, you were sketching something on a book, and you were so focused, you didn’t even notice me glancing, and I don’t know If you would believe it but I think I fell for you right there, that’s why I wanted to get to know you and why I gave you the plant, I wanted an excuse to talk to you—-and I’m really glad I did.”
Soobin's face was matching Yeonjun’s knit by the time he finished, and Yeonjun knew he was no better by the way he felt so warm all over, so he inched closer, pressing their foreheads together as his hand caressed Soobin’s neck.
“—for me,I really don’t know when it started, It’s been a while since I let anybody in and somehow you made it seem so easy, I may not be the best at expressing how I feel but—.” he pulled away his hands cradling Soobin’s face gently, their eyes making contact. “I’m really grateful that you came to me Soobin, and—I like you so much.”
Soobin smiled, his dimples greeting Yeonjun back. “I like you a lot hyung—more than you think.”
rather than giving him an answer, Yeonjun pulled him back in, their lips meeting in a sweet kiss.
and just like with his paintings Yeonjun traced Soobin skin, each touch leaving embers on its wake, while Soobin did a sketch of his own, with trailing kisses and splashes of purple and red, both presented with a blank canvas for them to fill.
they made-out until most lights went out, and when they pulled away, hair tangled and torsos bared, they smiled at their work, their hands staying intertwined as they headed to bed together, new feelings starting to blossom.
🌱
with a bit of Soobin’s help Yeonjun started searching what he needed so he could do a work-shop of his own, he searched for places that suited his taste, and he even watched videos of some past events, and the whole process albeit a bit tedious brought some sort of accomplishment for him because he was going out of his comfort zone, but luckily for him, he had Soobin by his side, always reassuring and showering him with so much love.
so a couple of weeks later, as they were back from distributing some flyers to announce the work-shop, Yeonjun was a bit flabbergasted that the mail they made for the event was filled with request to join, and perhaps he cut himself short when it came to his work, because yawnzzn was a high acclaimed artist, only he didn’t pay much mind to this.
“At this rate two dates won’t be enough, both days are already filled and more requests keep coming.”
Soobin was currently on his couch, glasses perched on his nose and laptop on his lap as he kept reviewing applications, and Yeonjun felt a bit bad that rather than focusing on what he was saying he was focused on how good Soobin looked with glasses.
“hyung—did you hear anything I said? or are the glasses THAT distracting?.”
“sorry, but you do look very hot with them.”
“I can keep them on later—If you want.”
Yeonjun flushed but nodded eagerly, making Soobin chuckle. “now focus, please.”
As Soobin told him the response was so overwhelming that they had to make a post on the ig acc saying how all the spots were filled and that all the pending requests would be kept on a waiting list for a future workshop, thanking all for their enthusiasm and interest.
with those sorted, Yeonjun made a list for all the supplies that he had yet to buy and that both would go pick up on the week so they would have it on time for the first day of the workshop, he gave it a last read and turned back to Soobin who was currently drinking hot chocolate from his mug (the one Yeonjun made for him) and he felt his heart stutter with love at the sight.
“I’m done here.”
Soobin smiled as he stood up to pour on Yeonjun’s mug the coffee he put to brew just a few minutes earlier and after he gave it to him, he smirked mischievous.
“drink up cause we have something else to do.”
safe to say that both left their drinks half empty as they rushed to their bedroom.
🌱
the first day of the workshop make Yeonjun feel lots of things, people approached him shyly to praise his work and skills, to talk about art (something all of them were passionate about) and it made him reminiscence of the early days were he read and studied of other painters he admired, how he experimented with techniques and materials until he found the ones he felt more comfortable with, and it made him so full, not only of pride but also of genuine raw happiness, because even when at some point his works came from hurt and pain it made him stood were he was, and now he could talk about how you could always canalize emotions into something positive.
he talked with so much ease that he was a bit surprised with himself, and he knew that part of it was thanks to having Soobin in the same room, because as his biggest fan (Soobin words) he had to take part of the workshop as well, Yeonjun giggled a bit when he saw Soobin’s email as the first one to commemorate the account, so of course he kissed him silly before they left to put out the flyers weeks ago.
as people left the space, each briefly stopping to thank Yeonjun and telling him how much they loved the workshop, Soobin couldn’t help but smile from the side, eyes shining with so much admiration and love, because Yeonjun deserved each of the words people said to him today because he knew that deep down Yeonjun was still hesitant about today, but hearing all those praises not only from Soobin, but from people who truly respected him and his talent would mean a lot to him, so when they were left alone he finally reached his side, their hands finding each others..
“so—how do you feel?.”
“I think I feel—proud, and happy. I didn’t expect so many people to know me and love what I make." The tip of his ears dusted pink and the way his smile curved upwards made Soobin’s heart soar. “and maybe it’s just the heat of the moment, but I think I would love to do more workshops and go to different places to teach what I know.”
Soobin's smile widened. “well, you should feel proud, because everything they told you is true, you are really amazing hyung!.”
Yeonjun flushed more. “thank you Soobin-ah.”
Soobin's eyes softened. “there’s nothing to thank me for, everything is on you.” he gave him a kiss, both smiling into it. “now what do you say if we go celebrate?.”
“I would love that.”
Soobin took Yeonjun to his favorite restaurant, they ordered to their hearts content and throughout all the dinner Yeonjun rambled about everything people told him today, how some had him as someone they look up to, and how they never thought he would be so open to talk about his work, and during it all Soobin just listened, a bit grin on his face because he loved when Yeonjun got all excited and talked about things he enjoyed, it made him grateful of having met Yeonjun, of seeing him put himself out there and let more people get to know him, because for the past months not only did he planned his workshop mostly by himself but he also made some friends along the way.
one of them being solo artist Kang Taaehyun whom he seeked Yeonjun for one of his music videos since he loved Yeonjun’s artistry and paintings, and with Taehyun came Kai whom was another soloist under the same company, and Choi Beomgyu who they meet later, who was a producer on their company, and whom both Soobin and Yeonjun suspected was in the middle of a love triangle between the other two.
So by the time they were back at Yeonjun’s place Soobin was fueled to the brim with so much affection and pride that he had to let it out before bursting.
“hyung—I have something for you.” Yeonjun glanced his way, a curious look on his face. Soobin stood from where they were and took something from one of the drawers near the kitchen and when he turned around he smiled widely. “since today was a big day, I thought you deserved a gift.”
He gave the box to Yeonjun and waited nervously as he opened it, and the moment he saw what was inside he gasped, a hand covering his mouth.
a layer of tears starting to fracture on the surface of his eyes.
Inside was a silver necklace with a red flower hanging in the middle, Yeonjun blinked tears away as he looked back at Soobin.
“it’s a red carnation, it expresses love and affection but also admiration, and I choose the red because it can also symbolize passion, and healing—what I want to say is, I admire you so much and I feel so proud by being part of your life, thank you for letting me in Yeonjun, I love you.”
Soobin lit up and Yeonjun broke, tears leaving his eyes as he threw himself onto Soobin’s arms, his words coming wet and hushed.
“Help me put it on me?.”
Soobin nodded and took the necklace from the box, Yeonjun straightened his back, tears still leaving his eyes but his smile was bright, flushed cheeks matching with the flower.
“I love you too Soobin-ah, thank you for knocking on my door.”
and without saying anything more, they sealed their love with a kiss.
gentle at first until every word and affection translated into movement, they traced and pushed, bodies flushed impossibly closer,after there was no space left between them, they kissed with hunger with an urge to feel more; so reluctantly they pulled away to move to the bedroom and once they crossed the door both started to peel off their clothes, leaving each other bare, their lips finding the other as If magnetized, and as soon as their bodies hit the mattress they let the heat take over, skin melting onto each other as their hands and lips painted and danced around, no skin left untouched. They panted and gasped, whispers of love and promises filling the room, their names chanted as a spell, and when both reached their peak, sweaty bodies and blowsy skin, they embraced each other as they came down, breathing evening out.
sticky and warm, they glanced at each other, a big smile stretching their lips, and upon sharing a quick peck, they went to wash themselves.
tucked away in clean sheets and clothes, Yeonjun touched his gift, and even though he loved his necklace nothing could compare to having Soobin in his life, nor to being his, so he pressed himself closer to the other, and after sharing one last lazy kiss they both went to sleep.
🌱
Just like Soobin planted himself on Yeonjun’s heart he also did in his home, paintings in colors contrasted with those that lacked any as he found himself paining more joyful things since they started dating, some flowers bloomed with the rays of the sun, just like Yeonjun did when he spotted the other, and his own studio who was mostly filled with his works, now greeted him with the view of Soobin, big smile, bushing cheeks, and flowers and vines all around him.
A gift he had been preparing for a while.
Just like Soobin gave him his necklace, he wanted to give him something just as meaningful, and he thought that a painting showing him how he saw him would be the perfect gift; just as he expected, when Soobin saw it, he burst into tears, that night both basking in each other's bodies, as they expressed what words failed them to do.
and Yeonjun didn’t know but just as Soobin grew vines inside his heart, Yeonjun imprinted himself into Soobin’s, deep and unfading.
Both their love and affections continue to grow with no sign of stopping anytime soon.