Donghyuck was trying to avoid going home with Mark as much as physically possible, so when Lucas asked him if he wanted to go to a movie, he quickly agreed.

He usually didn't go out like this, especially with someone like Lucas. Not that he had anything against Lucas, but the guy was quite popular in school and had a lot of friends to choose from. Donghyuck usually didn't like people like that.

Lucas wasn't too bad though, just a little hyperactive and dumb. And loud. Donghyuck could deal, he was used to those. Chenle was like a miniature Lucas most of the time.

The main difference between Lucas and the other assholes though, was that he had a good heart. He was an absolute airhead, god yes, but he loved others more than he loved himself. Well, almost.

Mark wouldn't get upset or anything. He wholeheartedly supported Donghyuck getting out of the house more and hanging out with friends. Donghyuck liked that about him.
That and many other things. Like how good of a kisser he was. But that was not the point. The loveable jerk was literally made to kiss after all.

Besides, it wasn't like a date or anything. Donghyuck was going with Lucas and one of his friends. From the way Lucas talked, it sounded like Donghyuck would be more of a third wheel than anything.

They were on their way to the theater when they bumped into the three stooges, as Donghyuck so kindly liked to call them.

"Where we going?" Renjun asked with a raise of his brow.

"We are not going anywhere." Donghyuck grumbled, flicking his friend's forehead.

"It's a figure of speech, asshole." Renjun barked.

"This wouldn't happen to be a date, would it?" Jaemin asked while wiggling his eyebrows.

Jeno elbowed him in the side.

Donghyuck was about to politely say absolutely not when Lucas laughed loud enough to drown him out.

"Yeah, totally," Lucas winked and threw an arm around Donghyuck's shoulders.

Jaemin's eyes widened comically, "Wait, actually? But what about Mar-"

He was cut off by a hand over his mouth. It was Renjun's.

"Mark?" Lucas asked with a confused expression.

Donghyuck sent Jaemin a death glare.

"It's a long story," Renjun waved it off.

"Are you and Mark a thing?" Lucas peered down at Donghyuck, who flushed in return. He especially didn't like this sudden attention.

"Well, not- not exactly-" Donghyuck stuttered. He wanted to off himself.

"As a matter of fact," Jaemin interrupted Donghyuck's rambling, "They are, and I don't know how Mark would feel about you being all over his man."

Lucas instantly took his arm off of Donghyuck and took a whole step back. Why in the world would he be afraid of Mark? He could probably throw him across a football field.

"I'm sorry man. Don't tell your boyfriend, please. You know I wasn't hitting on you, right? I like to mess around a lot, but you're really cool and I'd never do that to you."

Aw, Donghyuck almost found it cute.

"He's joking," Jeno stated, trying to clear the mess his boyfriend had created, as always. "They aren't official, but Mark totally has the hots for him so I'd be careful."

Lucas nodded a little too enthusiastically and Donghyuck thought his head might pop off. Then, a huge disgusting grin grew on the giant's face.

"I can totally help with that! If my buddy has the hots for someone, I'll totally help him."

"You do realize the person you're talking about helping him get is standing right here, right?" Donghyuck deadpanned while pointing at himself.

Renjun rolled his eyes, "Listen, I gotta get these two shitheads home, so we won't bother you anymore. But Hyuck, are you sure Mark is okay with this?"

Donghyuck almost looked puzzled. "Of course he is, he always supports me going out with my friends. Besides, Mark seemed all set on studying for a big exam tomorrow so he'll be all boring at home anyway."

Renjun bit his lip, "I get that, and Mark is super chill, but I think he has a thing about you and Lucas." Renjun whispered the last part, his eyes flicking to Lucas quickly.

"What do you mean?" Donghyuck frowned.

Jeno joined in as well. "I have to agree with Junnie. I think Mark is a little jealous of Lucas."

"Why would he be jealous? He doesn't have anything to be upset about anyway. It's not like he controls who I hang out with. He shouldn't even care."

Renjun took a deep breath, looking up towards the sky before narrowing his gaze back on Donghyuck. He took a step towards him, raising his hand back, and striking Donghyuck across the face.

Everyone stood there, shocked.

"I don't know what the fuck you think is going on, but that boy back at your house right now is madly in love with you, and if you try to tell me for a damn second that there is nothing between you, you're full of shit. I'm you're bestfriend, I know you. I also know Mark, he's my friend too. He loves you so much and would do anything for you and you dare say he doesn't have the right to be jealous when you're with someone that he feels insecure about you being alone with. I'd say he has damn good reason to care about who you're with when you two are sleeping in the same bed and kissing like you're married. It doesn't matter if you put a label on it, you two are something, and you became something the second you kissed him. I love you Donghyuck, but you're really pissing me off. You're leading him on! If he's something to you, tell him. If he's not, tell him. He deserves to know and right now you're just stringing him along in the dark. We have been with you this entire time and we don't even fucking know what you two are. So yeah, maybe you aren't officially dating, but don't you dare say he doesn't have a right to feel something when you're alone with someone. Whatever you're feeling, you need to tell him. Now."

When Renjun's rant was over everyone was left frozen. Renjun was panting from anger and from spitting out a bunch of words without taking a breath.

Jeno stepped forward and lightly put a hand on Renjun's shoulder, a frown on his face.

Donghyuck stood there, hand on his face, eyes and mouth still wide with shock as if he was a buffering video. He sniffled, grabbed Lucas's hand and started pulling.

"Let's go, Lucas."

Renjun looked up with wide eyes, reaching a hand out for Donghyuck. "Hyuckie, wait, I didn't mean to hit you but I-"

Donghyuck shoved past him without saying anything, pulling a permanently confused Lucas behind him. Renjun stood there even a few moments after Donghyuck had passed. He turned around with tears in his eyes in time to see Donghyuck walking in the distance before turning a corner and disappearing.

Jaemin and Jeno both held onto Renjun's shoulders, hugging him tightly. Renjun gently pushed them both off, wiping his eyes and turning around.

"Sorry guys," He said in a hoarse voice, "You can walk each other home. I have somewhere to go."

Jeno moved to go after him, but Jaemin held his hand tightly, shaking his head.

Donghyuck was almost to the movie theater already, speed walking several blocks with smoke at his heels. Lucas was huffing behind him.

"We're here, slow down." Lucas called once they were in the parking lot.

Lucas was an athlete, so him being completely out of breath said something. It almost scared him that Donghyuck did not even seem fazed.

Lucas finally caught up to him, turning him around by the shoulders. "Donghyuck, stop."

Donghyuck looked up at him with angry hot tears running down his cheeks, jaw clenched. Lucas softened, wiping them away.

"Hey, it's okay little buddy. I don't know what's going on, but it's gonna work out."

Donghyuck chuckled softly and punched him. "Don't call me little buddy, walking light pole headass."

Lucas frowned, "Upset Hyuckie is mean. And scary."

"When is your friend coming? Donghyuck asked as they walked into the theater.

"I don't know. I was so busy getting jerked around by you I haven't checked my phone."

Donghyuck smiled sheepishly as Lucas went through his messages. He really hoped Lucas's friend got here soon. He just wanted to watch a movie and get his mind off of everything.

"Ah, he hasn't text back, that's weird. He's usually super quick to respond and early. I hope everything's okay." Lucas frowned.

"I'm sure your boyfriend's fine. We can just wait here for a while." Donghyuck shrugged and headed over to the arcade, ignoring the way Lucas flushed.

After an hour of playing games and Lucas getting his ass kicked, they finally decided to go ahead and see the movie. If Lucas's friend showed up they'd brief him.

It was thirty minutes into the movie and Donghyuck glanced over at Lucas. He didn't seem worried at all. Maybe he was jus really engrossed into the movie. He seemed like that type of guy.

"Hey, any news from your friend?" Donghyuck whispered.

"What?" Lucas asked confusedly before shaking his head, "Oh! No, but I'm sure everything's fine. He probably just forgot is all."

Lucas smiled and Donghyuck smiled back. That helped him a little, but Donghyuck still felt a little uneasy.

"Stop worrying." Lucas whispered, squeezing Donghyuck's hand, "Just relax and enjoy the movie. I'm sure he'll show later but stop thinking about it."

After that Donghyuck tried really hard not to worry anymore. After a while it seemed to work, he too was getting into the movie. It was a bit cheesy and romantic but it had some nice action sprinkled in. It seemed like Lucas's type of movie.

Lucas had gotten them popcorn and they were now sharing a drink, Donghyuck insisting that it would save money and he didn't mind since Lucas was his friend. Any other day he might have considered what could have possibly been in Lucas's mouth, but he decided for now to just enjoy himself and not think about it.

Lucas's phone buzzed and Donghyuck was about to punch him for not silencing it but it seemed to be his friend.

"He said he's on his way." Lucas said, sipping the drink casually.

"Now? He movie's almost over!" Donghyuck exclaimed but then quickly put his hands over his mouth. Whoops.

"It's okay, I'll just tell him not to come. We can always go see a movie another time. Hey, wanna come with us?"

"Don't you want to see a movie alone with your friend?"

Lucas cocked his head and smiled. "No, I enjoy you being here."

Something in Donghyuck suddenly clicked.

It wasn't a good click.

Lucas now had his arm going across the back of the chair, and when a funny part happened Lucas chuckled softly and rested his head atop Donghyuck's.

Something was wrong. Something wasn't right. Something was going on.

"Lucas, are you trying to-" Donghyuck started only to be interrupted by a soft voice and some panting.

"Sorry, I'm so sorry!" Donghyuck turned around to see a boy with light blonde hair resting his hands on his knees in exasperation.

"Jungwoo!" Lucas called happily, yet it was somewhat soft, Donghyuck noticed.

"Ah, you must be Donghyuck! Lucas told me you'd be coming along. Sorry for not showing." The boy, Jungwoo, spoke softly once he caught his breath.

"You missed the whole movie, Woo." Lucas sighed while glancing at the last five minutes of film rolling.

"I'm really sorry." Jungwoo cried and Lucas jumped up.

"No! I'm not blaming you! I'm just sad you didn't get to enjoy the movie and-"

Lucas was shushed by other viewers, sitting back down sheepishly.

Jungwoo went to sit beside Donghyuck, but Lucas leaned over to whisper in his ear.

"Do you mind if Woo sits in the middle?" Lucas asked softly and Donghyuck chuckled.

"Here, sit by Lucas, Jungwoo." Donghyuck bowed dramatically and Lucas tried to kick him in the shins.

"Oh, okay." Jungwoo said timidly before sitting down, resting his slightly damp coat on his lap.

Was it raining? Did he run here in the rain?

"Why were you so late?" Lucas asked once everyone was situated.

"Doyoung needed help with a project last minute and I felt really bad because his partner is sick so he had to do most of it by himself. I tried to make it quick but there was so much to do and then Doyoung offered me a ride but since his house isn't far I told him I'd just walk but then it started raining." Jungwoo frowned.

Donghyuck snickered quietly. This guy was precious.

"I'm sorry, Woo." Lucas frowned, slipping off his coat and putting it around the blonde.

Donghyuck cooed internally at them. Disgusting.

For a quick second he thought Lucas had lied about a friend and was trying to hit on him, but now he realized Lucas really was just being nice and trying to include Donghyuck and make him feel better.

He was an idiot, a loud idiot, but an idiot with a heart of gold. And apparently that heart only beated romantically for one person. Donghyuck was happy for him. He deserved someone just as good as him.

Lucas was only pretending not to be worried so he didn't worry Hyuck. He noticed Lucas biting his nails.

"What now?" Jungwoo sighed when the credits began rolling.

Lucas was crying and Donghyuck was tearing up when the couple kissed at the end, but Jungwoo, not having any context, sat there emotionless as the two balled.

"Wanna go to my house?" Lucas asked, and Donghyuck couldn't really tell, but he could have sworn he saw Jungwoo flush in the darkness of the cinema and yeah he did not want to go. He'd let the two finally have their alone time.

Lucas being the gentleman that he is of course dropped Donghyuck off at his front doorstep. Jungwoo waved politely from the car. Donghyuck really hoped they end up together, Jungwoo was so sweet.

Lucas walked him up to the door, stopping him before he went inside. "Are you going to be okay?"

"Yeah," Donghyuck smiled, "I'll be fine."

"I don't know what's going on with you and Mark, but stay safe, okay?"

"I know."

"And Hyuck,"

"Yeah?"

"I think Mark really does love you. Even I noticed it." Lucas ruffled Donghyuck's hair playfully before hurrying back inside his truck with Jungwoo.

Donghyuck walked inside slowly, dreading going upstairs where he knew Mark would be. The memories of what Renjun said came hitting him in the face, almost as hard as Renjun did.

He wasn't mad anymore, but he'd have to give his bestfriend a good one for slapping him so hard. Now he just had to face the reality of it all.

Renjun was right.

Jaehyun was lying on his bed, laptop in hand and boyfriend at his side. His head was laying on Taeyong's stomach, Taeyong running his hands softly through his hair.

"Jae?" Taeyong whispered quietly.

"Yeah?"

"Sorry, I was just seeing if you were awake."

"Of course I am," Jaehyun turned his head to look at his boyfriend, "I'm sorry we can't be doing something more interesting like watching a movie. You can sleep if you want."

"No no no," Taeyong cleared up quickly, "I enjoy just lying with you. Besides, Mark is more important than a silly date."

Jaehyun reached up to put his hand on one of Taeyong's that was previously running through his hair. "Still, I feel bad. I never take you on dates or anything. I wish I could do more for you."

"Stop that," Taeyong scolded, "You know I love you more than anything, and I know you love me too. You don't have to treat me to an extravagant date or give me gifts to show me that."

"Don't you wish we could do more though? Even if you say it's okay, don't you want to do those things sometimes? Don't you long for more than just holding each other as we work. I want to treat you like a proper boyfriend. You deserve that, and no matter what you say, I know you want it."

Taeyong stayed quiet a while before sighing, "Of course I want those things, everyone does, but being with you is enough for me. So we can't do what most other couples do, that doesn't make us any less a couple than anyone else.

Jaehyun brought Taeyong's hand to his lips, "I love you."

"I love you too." Taeyong replied softly with a smile, feeling his heart melt.

"Sorry, didn't mean to turn all serious and sappy suddenly." He chuckled.

"You know I love it. I love it when you're a big softie with me. I wish you'd do it more."

Jaehyun turned his body uncomfortably until he was lying with his chest on Taeyong's stomach. He ran a hand across Taeyong's cheek gently, his boyfriend pressing into the feeling.

"You're so beautiful."

"Okay, I know I told you to be sappy but now you're making me flustered."

"Perfect." Jaehyun smiled, his dimples deepening as he gazed over his boyfriend's face.

Suddenly Jaehyun was pressing his arms on each side of Taeyong's hips, pulling himself upward towards the boy. There was a moment where Taeyong almost regretted buying Jaehyun that sleeveless muscle shirt, almost.

Taeyong instantly put his hands on Jaehyun's shoulders as the younger lifted himself towards him. Jaehyun held himself still in front of Taeyong's face, and while Taeyong half expected the boy's arms to start shaking from holding himself up in such an uncomfortable position, said boy remained scarily calm.

Taeyong held his breath and waited, but nothing happened. He opened his eyes and his boyfriend wasn't moving, leaving him only slightly irritated. He wasn't above asking for it damn it.

"Kiss me," Taeyong demanded, but it quickly turned into a question with a soft, "please?"

Jaehyun smiled again, internally cooing at his boyfriend and his own mind was screaming at him that he was whipped and disgusting. Jaehyun always strayed from relationships to keep himself from getting hurt and unnecessary time wasted, but Taeyong made things special. He was all Jaehyun could ever want and more, and Jaehyun was only mildly guilty.

He finally leaned in to press his lips to his boyfriend's, Taeyong's hand slowly drifting up Jaehyun's shoulders to his face.

Taeyong giggled into the kiss when his boyfriend nipped at him softly.

"Okay, now get back to work silly. We need to figure out this thing with Mark-"

"Fuck work." Jaehyun whispered before kissing Taeyong again, placing a hand on the top of the headboard just above Taeyong's head.

He moved his body upward, getting more aligned with the smaller male who inhaled sharply in return.

"You're an idiot." Taeyong huffed against his mouth.

"Your idiot." Jaehyun replied with a smile.

Taeyong couldn't resist that.

The work could be forgotten for a few hours, they had been working hard for days now. They needed the break.

***

Writing during school is heart attack inducing. Anxiety peaks my guy.

Damn I know I'm sorry. Gave them relationship development and then hit you with that angst. I didn't even mEAN TO. IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE WHOLESOME BUT THEN-

BUT LUWOO AND JAEYONG, AMIRITE?

This is long overdue. I once again apologize. Life is an ass, you know?
It's getting close to a year since I started this book and I'm T-T why do I kind of feel old? I'm a lot more busy than I was when I first started this book and it was a big transition going from doing school at home to public. Anywho this book has come so far! And we're over 38k reads! 🎉 That's insane. Whenever I go back and reread chapters I cringe so much so thank you for enjoying it? It's awful but it's also my best work so yehet.

Have a good day/night guys, gals and nonbinary pals.

Oh! And question: what should we do for the 1 year anniversary? I mean it really isn't a big deal and it's still not till May but-