"I LOVE YOU, THIS
HAS GONE ON WAY
TOO LONG.."
word count: 3,837

JUN wasn't supposed to tell lies when it came to serious situations, he knew that. He really did, but when it came to his and Minghao's relationship he suddenly became a professional at deceiving people with his words and facial expressions. It has been going on too long, but he had to stay, he really did as fear consumed his body with just the thought of leaving. Minghao and Jun have been dating since sophomore year, they both were seniors now and they were the definition of polar opposites.

Jun was loud, he enjoyed rambling on about things he was interested in and making people smile. While Minghao on the other hand, was a more mellow boy, he enjoyed sitting in a quiet (or loud) space reading a new novel. But, when it came to their statuses within school that's what caught everyone off guard. With Jun's 'extroverted' personality, he actually was a quiet student who listened to anyone without any hesitation. He respected others with deep thought, he didn't have a high social ranking but he was okay with that. Minghao was popular, with him being well known in the performing arts community of their academy, it also followed with his successful social media account that was dedicated to his art.

Jun always loved Minghao's creative side, it somehow was the small spark to their relationship. With them sharing a dance class together in sophomore year, Jun built up the courage to ask Minghao to create a piece with him and even compose a correlating song to the choreography with the help of their friend Jihoon. It was a small project but, of course, they were an extra duo who went all out. As the days passed and with their relationship being exposed to all, Jun slowly rose up within popularity and he had more friends than ever.

You could say they were in love, Jun always defined it that way. He hoped Minghao had the same view as him knowing that the boy wasn't as expressive. Things were well, two years of dating was the best thing that has ever happened to Jun. He was happy, he really was.

But you see, that's how Jun felt about two months ago.

"Jun you're being dumb again," Minghao scoffs, not even building up the effort to make eye contact with his lover. They were at a local cafe, studying for their upcoming exams. "It's simple math, how can you not get it? It's embarrassing."

"S-Sorry.." Jun shortly apologizes although he shouldn't, there was nothing wrong with not understanding old concepts. Especially if having daily review wasn't in the picture, "I just..forgot how to start off the problem.."

"You learned this sophomore year, does it not ring a bell?"

"I mean, no...because I learned it sophomore year?" Jun shly responds, his body tenses as he fears that Minghao will get angry at him again. But, they were in public, Minghao was smarter than that and wouldn't dare to spit out ugly phrases to Jun if there were other people around.

Minghao lets out a chuckle, shutting his Ap Psychology textbook so he can set it on the table in front of him. He leans in slowly to get closer to Jun, his eyes on the verge of being lit as the older boy can see the small flame ready to burst. "Don't talk back Junnie," He whispers, "you know it's an ugly trait, might make me stop loving you."

Jun gulps, stop loving him? For something so simple...Jun didn't understand why Minghao treated him like this. He really had no clue why, but Jun chose to stay because leaving someone he's become attached to was too difficult. He was sure Minghao was aware of this, but why continue if he knew Jun would stay regardless? "I'm sorry.." Jun shouldn't apologize, he should have left, broken it off just like all the other times he had the chance to do so. But, he didn't, he sat in the chair and obeyed like a dog, Minghao's dog. You could compare Jun to a sweet four legged companion, because no matter what Minghao did to him, said to him, no matter how much his words hurt, Jun never left his side. Following right behind him although there was another direction he could be walking in. Jun was loyal and it was obvious, because of his devotion and love towards Minghao, he didn't have the strength to break off their bond with those simple words.

Minghao gives him a small pout, leaning closer to kiss the boy's cheek. Shortly, he sits back in his seat and watches how Jun rubs the spot he gave a small peck to, "I know you don't mean it. You're such a smart boy, I'm just worried about what's going on in your head right now." There he goes again, it happened every single time. The angelic guilt tripping that followed up after his hurtful words. Jun knew he only did this to conceal his abusive lies.

Jun was aware, he really was. But his head never seemed to listen, it was his heart doing all the work. Maneuvering his way around, and of course his heart's desires weren't doing him any justice. "Thank you Hao..."

"Of course sweet boy." He says with a wide smile, the expression made Jun's heart race but he still felt the heavy weight on his self-esteem. But, things were cleared up so he didn't have to worry anymore. Jun's brain was telling him that Hao didn't mean any of his words, which were obviously correct. But, his love for Minghao overruled his thoughts and he forced himself to believe that Minghao was being genuine. "You love me right Hao?"

He was about to pick up his Ap Psychology textbook. Jun catches a small smirk, "My love, would I be here if I didn't? Of course I do, are you second-guessing my feelings for you?"

"No!" As Jun waves his hand around like a maniac, it was a simple question and he hoped that Minghao didn't take it differently, "I just..want to hear you say that you love me more often...cause, it's usually me saying it."

His book is now in his lap, still closed as he listens to Jun's request. He was right, it's been a while since he's said those three words. "Well, Wen Junhui. I love you, I want you to know that."

The words felt sincere, they seemed sincere and Jun's thoughts flooded with joy. He finally felt reassured after so long, it was as if he could finally breathe. He nods his head, giving his boyfriend a smile, "I love you too Hao!"

"No need to announce it dork," Minghao mutters, suddenly becoming shy by his boyfriend's beaming words. "Get back to work, figure out that math problem."

"Yes Hao!"

A male their age watches from behind the counter, clear with the fact that what they had wasn't love.

♡

"Jun, you're doing that dumb thing again where you copy people. The little habit of yours is getting annoying." Minghao scolds, watching as his boyfriend imitated a small child that was currently running around the cafe. Another day, the duo were studying for their stressful exams.

"O—Oh..sorry."

"Stop saying sorry and just change," The younger rolls his eyes, setting his attention back to his math worksheet. "you never listen. You say you're sorry but you're just the same.."

"I—I will change though! It'll just take time Hao.." He didn't need to change, he was sure his close friends would tell him that if he explained the situation he was in. But, he never had to courage to admit their bond's true colors to anyone. He was afraid they'd get too involved to where Minghao would become angry, to where Minghao would hurt him or himself because of his silly actions.

"Time is precious, don't waste mine."

"I won't! I promise!"

Minghao doesn't look at him, Jun waits for the boy's eyes to connect with his but they never do. It makes his heart sink and there he was, left with that unwanted feeling agin. "Hao.."

"Do your work Jun," Minghao sternly instructs, Jun doesn't hesitate to get his pencil working again and focuses on the tasks in front of him. But, it wasn't enough for Minghao, "you know what. I'm gonna go home, I'll see you tomorrow Jun."

"W—Wait! I'll walk—"

"No." The younger denies his offer although he hasn't even finished his sentence, he quickly packs his bag and sets off. Jun looks at him with pleading eyes as he walks away, but, Minghao doesn't dare to look back. He doesn't need to.

It's happened before, but not in public. There were times where Minghao would visit Jun's place for a bit but would leave after ten minutes as something irritated the boy. Jun didn't know what he needed to do to please his boyfriend, he was never like this before. What made him change now..

Jun sits at the table for two and sulks, ruffling his hair as a way to relieve his stress. He pushes away his study guides and places his pencil on top of everything. "Hao.." He mumbles, hoping that saying his name would summon the boy back to the shop. But of course, that was a childish thought and Minghao wouldn't like it.

"You alright?" A gentle voice questions, Jun slightly jumps as he was unaware that there was a figure near him. He was too lost in his thoughts again, another thing Minghao didn't like. "I don't like being nosy, but, I was working here yesterday. I noticed your..boyfriend? I assume weren't having the best time, are you okay?"

Jun scratches behind his ear, the male was a mere stranger. All Jun knew was that he was a worker in the café, why should he trust him with his personal information? He hasn't even told Soonyoung and the others about his problems. "I know, you're thinking I'm odd for suddenly asking. But, you seemed quite hurt. From what I caught, your face says it all."

Oh, he noticed. He was surprised to hear him say those words, mostly because Minghao never saw the pain in his face. Jun's eyes trail down to the boy's apron, on the right side he catches his name, Wonwoo. It was simple, but pretty. "I..well.."

Wonwoo takes the seat that Minghao once occupied, "I'm on break, so I have time to chat. I don't want to pry you open, but are you doing okay in your relationship?"

Jun was a sensitive boy, he felt his throat becoming dry as he tried to hold back the tears that were ready to fall. He bites his tongue as if his life depends on him, reminding himself to be the strong boy he is because Hao likes that. Wonwoo notices his lips trembling, afraid that he's hit too many buttons in one go. "I'm sorry..I shouldn't have asked. But, you seem like you need to talk to someone...I hear the way he talks to you. You shouldn't be treated like that.."

Jun builds up the courage to speak, "Y—You don't know Hao though! He only says those things because he knows what's best for me." Lies. Jun was only protecting the boy from Minghao, afraid that his boyfriend would set off in rage if he figured out he's said too much. "H—He says it because he loves me..."

"Jun...right?" The brunette nods as a response, "That's not love.."

"You don't know what love is!" Jun shouts, the volume of his tone leads to some individuals in the cafe looking their way. "Y—You can't tell me what is and what isn't love! You don't know Hao and that's final!" But, he was right. Their relationship was pure and sweet before, but now Jun was in shambles, becoming broken each day as Minghao brought him down.

Wonwoo hesitates at first, but he sits up from his seat and walks towards Jun. Standing in front of the boy awkwardly, he grabs one of the boy's hand and holds it firmly. Jun flinched, but the tension in his body decreased as he focused on Wonwoo. "You shouldn't feel so ashamed of yourself, nor should you be in pain so much.."

Jun's lips are trembling once again, there they go. His tears trickling down his face as he's held them in for so long. His cries were only heard in his boxed room, the days and nights were terrible. Only having himself to hold because Minghao would never come to comfort him, especially since he was the reason why Jun cried so much. Wonwoo doesn't hesitate to pull Jun into a hug, he knows that Jun thinks they're strangers but in fact they are peers at their school. They're spoken a couple times, but Wonwoo came to the conclusion that Jun had forgotten about those moments as he was too wrapped up in more important situations.

"Jun..you need to let him go.." Wonwoo rubs the boy's back, hearing his sobs become louder. He knew that line was easier said than done, especially since he and Minghao have been together for about two years now. "He's becoming toxic, he may have been different before but he's someone else now.."

"I—I can't leave him. I love him...b—but I'm scared of what he'll say to me.."

"Is it only say, or what he'll do?" Wonwoo questions quietly into his ear, hoping that no one was eavesdropping on their conversation. "Jun..if he hurts you, you need to say something.."

"I'm scared...I—I know I should leave him but he's all I have..."

"Well..you have me now?" Wonwoo tries to reassure, Jun only lets out a small laugh. It seemed his words did a good work, "you can always visit the café, I work here often."

"T—Thank you...you're the first one I've opened up to about this."

"Maybe it's cause I'm the first one to notice."

As they release from their embrace, Jun wipes away his tears and thanks Wonwoo once again. It made his heart warm to experience a random act of kindness since his life has been so full of negativity recently. "I'll get you a slice of cake, it's on the house.."

Jun gives him a soft smile, "Thank you.."

"You're welcome." Wonwoo returns the expression and hurries to the back of the counter to get a slice for Jun.

Things were going well, Jun felt better as he finally was able to expose his feelings to someone. He should do that more often, maybe he should build the courage to tell Soonyoung as a start. Within the moment, everything seemed fine. But, it was only temporary.

Minghao watched from across the street, with the exterior of the café being made of glass. You can clearly see what was going on inside the small building. The ravenette stopped once he caught the sight of a young male approaching Jun, they seemed to be having a normal conversation. That was until the boy walked over in front of Jun, holding his hand to where seconds later he finds them in an embrace. It infuriated Minghao, watching someone getting all touchy with his lover. But, he didn't want to waste his time going back inside to scold Jun. He would rather let them spend their time together and he'd call the boy over so they can have a small talk.

About twenty minutes later, Jun had finished his slice of free cake and got to know a bit about Wonwoo. He finally realized that the ravenette attended his school and apologized multiple times after hearing that they've met before. He felt so silly, all he wanted to do was crawl into a hole and stay there. It seemed safe anyways. "How long is your shift?"

"Until six." Wonwoo answers, both their heads turn towards the nearby clock and look at the time. It hit three thirty-four, so the male still had some time to go. "It's okay, the café isn't too bad."

"I like it here, maybe I should visit often."

"I wouldn't mind that."

Jun gives him another smile, Wonwoo was happy to see the boy expressing himself in a more positive way. It made him feel accomplished, as if he's made a severe impact on an individual. But, the moment was ruined as Jun received a phone call. Fumbling his phone out of his pocket, Jun reads the contact name and doesn't hesitate to answer. "Hao!" He greets with an energetic voice, "you want me to come over? Y—You miss me? Oh okay, I'll be right there!" Once the call has finished, Jun begins to pack up his items hastily and Wonwoo watches with a confused expression. "Hao wants me to come over, he says he misses me! Kinda new? Maybe he's come to his senses."

Jun had so much faith in his boyfriend it hurt for Wonwoo to watch. With just simple words and little differences, Jun was quickly able to jump to the conclusion that Minghao suddenly was different. Even though he was crying about how he was afraid of his lover only minutes ago, he still put those things aside and viewed the brighter side. Wonwoo was lost in his thoughts, but Jun's backpack zipper brought his attention back to reality. "I have to go, but thank you so much for today! I really appreciate it."

"Anytime...remember. Tell me or anyone if something is wrong okay?"

Jun gives him a thumbs up, "Of course!"

But, that was the last time Wonwoo ever heard from Jun.

♡

Excitedly making his way to Minghao's, the older got there in a flash as he was impatient when it came to seeing his boyfriend. Standing at his front door, he knocks. Minghao opened it and quickly pulled Jun inside. Shortly, he closed the entrance and locked it to secure the place. "Hao I'm—"

But, Jun was cut off with a kiss. It wasn't short, nor just a simple peck. It was sweet, passionate and long. Minghao didn't say a word to him, only greeting the older with smashing his lips on his. Jun wasn't complaining. His body reacted due to the lack of affection and touch
from the younger, this felt different. That's all that mattered within the moment. Before they could continue, Jun kicks off his shoes and allows his backpack to fall off his shoulders. Minghao grabs onto his wrist, pulling him towards the couch to shove the boy down. Gently placing himself on top of him, instead of attacking his lips, he aims for the boy's neck. His hands work on his button up, removing the top ones to expose a bit of his collarbone. Jun doesn't know what has gotten into his boyfriend, but he felt too drunk off his love to even think about reality.

"Junnie.." Minghao whined before sucking onto the boy's skin, Jun couldn't help but react vocally. A small moan escaped his mouth and Minghao could only laugh as he was the cause of it. "Junnie...you do know I love you right?...I'm sorry for being so mean..you don't need to change yourself for me because that's selfish..."

Jun felt Minghao's hand tap his, suddenly their fingers are intertwined and the brunette almost felt like bursting into tears. It's been so long, so long since Minghao has acted like this. "No.." Jun mutters, trying to contain himself so he can speak, "I can change..just for you. If you don't like whatever I'm doing..I won't do it."

"But Junnie.." Minghao removes his attention from his neck and locks eyes with him. Jun noticed how there was no flame, but a small sparkle. He wondered if during his time at the cafe, Minghao reflected on his actions and came to a conclusion with himself that he has been too harsh. But, he only says those things because he cares. Right?

Right.

Jun's heart has taken full control of his brain, he was going ballistic inside and he wanted to reassure with Minghao that everything was okay. If he didn't mean those things, he didn't. But, since they bothered him so much Jun was willing to tweak himself a bit to make Minghao a bit happier. Yeah, he'd be willing to do that for him, it wouldn't be so hard anyways. Lies.

"Junnie..you..you're so sweet...you'd do that for me?"

"I'd do anything for you."

Minghao gave him another kiss, Jun's bolts were secured once again and it felt right to hold Minghao in his arms. Jun and him exchanged an abundance of 'i love yous', Jun feeding himself with the fact that they were real. But, with Minghao, he could say he was proud with his work. When it came to dating Jun, things were perfect, Jun was perfect himself.

But, when it came to coming out to his family. Everyone seemed to pull out a simple flaw of Jun that turned Minghao's world upside down. He loved Jun, he really did. His small habits and weird personality. His loved ones didn't seem to get it, each day they would call out Minghao for loving such a boy like him. Their criteria was harsh, it really was. It got to the point to where Minghao was sick and tired of hearing their words, instead of them flowing into one ear and out the other. They began to stick and now he spat them out at Jun. Deep down, he felt horrible. But, it became a habit of his to where he didn't even know himself anymore. Things changed, he changed. And now, Jun has claimed that he himself was going to change in order to fit Minghao's liking.

It was terrible, Minghao's family got in his head and now he got into Jun's. He was terrible, nothing could defend his behavior and Minghao always felt disgusted by his new self. But, his words slipped, each time he had the chance to truly apologize..

Still, he never did.

After thirty minutes or so of kissing and hickeys, Jun fell asleep with Minghao in his arms. The younger male played with the sleeping boy's hair, staring at his loving features that his family seemed to hate. He shouldn't force Jun to change, but force himself to change back into the boy he was before.

Seemed like things were too late.

A strand of Jun's hair was in between Minghao's pointer finger and thumb. With his hand on his cheek, he should start apologizing. But, Jun wouldn't listen, he would simply just continue his journey on changing himself. "Jun I'm sorry..I don't deserve you. I really don't. I love you...this has gone on way too long."

Those words, he truly meant.

END

> i know another junhao
oneshot - i promise the next one
will be a different ship ! rn i'm
debating between luren and
or moonbae :3 also idk how to
feel about this oneshot like -
i like it, but...hm <