snap.

chenle switched positions with each photo, standing by the curtains of the fourth floor's special dining hall for occasions like christmas and easter when everyone got to eat together with fancy tables and proper cutlery. nobody used it off-season, and the door were locked. but there was a window in the corridor outside it, and it had gorgeous white curtains to play with.

jisung needed to practice texture and creases in fabrics and materials. ms. jo had said getting the model grip sheets and drawing the outward motions of ruffles would've been a great way to feel for shadows and everything...but the young artist wanted to try something different.

chenle giggled as he twisted the curtain around himself and tilted his head back, unaware of how stunning he looked with the moon illuminating his face. it was so late now, and it had to be this way to avoid getting detected.

jisung took another picture of it, bringing the camera down and shuffling through the photos he'd gathered. they were all amazing, and even though he probably had more than enough for studies...he didn't want to finish the night off yet.

"y'know, you're really good at this," the taller boy commented and took another snap of the other's natural expression. "have you modelled before?

"hmmm, no. i'm too shy, to be honest. i like to sing in musicals and dance and all that, but that's because it's liberating and freeing. plus, other actors are just as nervous and excited as i am. solo photo shoots sound like a nightmare..."

"but you don't mind this?"

"it's you, jisung," he chuckled and swished the white sheet a little, "i don't feel uncomfortable at all."

stop it, the pinkette thought, holding his breath and lowering the device down once more. i don't know how to take that. "w-well, i think we're done for the night," he weakly smiled and packed up the camera safely. his loose pants and massive t-shirt brought the whole 'freelance photographer' look together, chenle felt. and he was disappointed that this was all over.

"oh, nice. were the pictures any good?" he walked away from the curtains and pulled them open fully like they'd been when they arrived. the key to these fun hangouts was to remember how the setting looked before they tampered with it.

"they're perfect. i'm sure i'll get loads of work done and studies figured out with these. thanks."

sometimes it was odd seeing each other in normal clothes, and not the princely uniforms. even something as simple as a hoodie and jeans on the ivory student was interesting, and the look actually inspired jisung to do some extra testers to see how a casual painting of chenle would turn out.

"we've tried a few new rooms already for lighting and setting changes," the older of the two hummed as he walked a little ahead of the artist and counted on his fingers how many places they'd explored. "but you need around five different spaces, right? was that what the outline said?"

"i think so. we've done three now."

"mhm...any other ideas? i'm all ears."

the taller's cheeks heated up as he thought about asking him a question that had been on his mind for a few days now. ever since they'd half discussed the nude painting topic. his sweater paws made by his shirt sleeves tightened around the camera's case and he slowed his walk down subconsciously. "u-um, actually, i was thinking we could hit two birds with one stone..."

"yeah?" the older glanced over his shoulder and noticed the boy had fallen behind. he stopped, halting their movements altogether. "what's the plan?"

"so, like...have you thought much about the naked painting yet? are you going to skip it?"

"no," he muttered without hesitation, almost taking jisung aback. "no, i'm not being that selfish. unless of course...you don't want to?"

"no! no, no, i do. i mean, that sounded enthusiastic," he laughed awkwardly and scratched his neck, "it's not like i'm excited about it. oh, not that i...i don't know how to phrase this. anyway—"

chenle giggled and covered his mouth to muffle the noise, heading back in jisung's direction and stopping not far from him. "i get it. so...where will we do this painting?"

"okay, well renjun is the—"

"nope!" the shorter made a massive 'x' symbol with his arms. "nah ah, not going there."

"what? i didn't even say anything..."

"you want me to go into the ebony dorms? are you planning to assassinate me?"

"chenle—"

"jaemin said whenever he has to patrol your dorms, some of the students like to mess with him. i'm sure renjun's no safer, in fairness, but i can't handle that torment. freaky shadows, pushing into walls, getting locked in a room. i don't know how jaemin does it."

"yeah, but he's alone. you have me, and i'll hide you, obviously." he sighed, ruffling his one hair and trying to show that he didn't think this was as bad an idea as he really did. both knew it was crazy. hell, it was terrifying just distracting jaemin when renjun ran off to hyuck's room to get revenge. that night stayed in his mind forever.

"i just don't know about it, ji. i want to help, i really do...but if we get caught, i'll be in more shit than you. i'll have been in the wrong place."

"do you trust me?"

"what?"

"just answer it. even if it's a 'no', i want to hear it. because i trust you. you've been keeping this project a secret and running off to god knows where with me."

"of course i do. i'd be crazy to follow you if i didn't," the ravenette murmured and groaned lengthily. "you're twisting my arm."

"then come with me."

"when?"

"whenever suits you. as you're the one risking the most heat, we'll play by your rules. here's the field," he started and used his hands to describe all the factors influencing the night. "renjun is on the disciplinary committee as we know. he leaves at around eight each night and comes back at around four or five. he's allowed to rest and whatnot if he's too tired, so that's the risk we take if he decides to come back. but he doesn't usually — he's too diligent."

"i'm already hating this..."

"i was thinking of painting you in our room since it's private and nobody will see you. my art supplies are up there as well, rather than complicating this and going to your room with some random dorm mate and dragging my kit with me. see what i mean?"

"jisung, i'm seriously nervous about this. i just made new friends, things aren't as awkward as they were before, and i don't want to mess it all up."

the younger nodded in understanding, starting to walk along the hall again and hoping he'd follow. "that's okay, le. we can figure something else out. i just...don't know where i could paint you that wouldn't be public."

"i don't know either. i'm sorry."

"don't be, you have every right to feel this is too much."

but i don't want to let you down...