It was a perfect day, the kind of day where everything was going great. Kim Jae was having that kind of day. He just finished his live stream with the most views he's ever had, and his subscriber count was increasing by the thousands. But that's not what made this day seem so perfect, it was the fact his best friend of nearly ten years was moving back from America. When he heard Chun on the phone yesterday telling him about being transferred back to Korea he screamed with joy. Jae missed seeing the older male in person. Sure, they would occasionally FaceTime or text whenever they could, but it's not the same. He wanted to talk to Chun in person and hangout like they use to instead of talking through a device.
Jae grinned, since hearing the news from his friend he was practically vibrating with excitement. He was sure nothing could ruin his day. Not even the snarky hate comments under his videos could dampen his mood.
He stood up from the computer after turning off the ring light on his desk. Unlike his best friend Chun who worked for a company as a HR Manager. He was a part time model and YouTuber. He lived in a two floor apartment with his girlfriend of two years, who two months ago took over her family's business. But because his girlfriend Seoyoung isn't home at the moment, he wanted to take the time to talk to Chun.
Truthfully, even though Jae doesn't have an issue with talking to the male with his girlfriend around, he sometimes feels uncomfortable knowing she's hearing everything. Which he doesn't have an issue with, it's just sometimes he wants to have alone time and be personal. To just talk about things he couldn't talk about with anyone but his best friend. Which often resorted to him trying to wait to FaceTime when he knew she wasn't home.
Jae's smile widened once his phone displayed the one face he couldn't wait to finally see off screen. "Good afternoon! What are you having for lunch today? No, wait, is that… is it coffee and a cookie?"
Chun rolled his eyes, chuckling, "I really intended to get real food this time but the line at the cafe was too long." The older male took a bite out of his sugar free cookie with a guilty smile. "I've been really busy trying to get ready for me to move. There's so much to do and I still have to find an apartment." Chun sighed. "Is it bad that I have less than a week till I head on a plane for my permanent transfer and I don't have a place to stay yet?"
Jae hummed listening. He frowned when he first heard the older man mention him not eating properly. That was a bad habit the male had, forgetting to eat and overworking themselves. A bad habit he wished to break for the male. But that thought was soon overruled by the last thing Chun said. Them mentioning not having a place to stay. He knows first hand how difficult it can be to find a decent apartment, especially if you can't even check the property in person. He didn't want his friend ending up staying at a bug infested apartment or worse, getting scammed.
"Why don't you stay with me until you find a place of your own, I have a guest room you can use." Jae offered.
Chun shook his head, "I don't want to intrude…"
"How can you?" Jae said with a giggle. "You know Seoyoung stays busy; so it's mostly just me here whenever I'm not going to a photo shoot. Besides, I miss your presence. I can see how busy you are and I know there's a chance you would be too tired to meet up after work. I think this would be better."
Chun, who was still hesitant, said, "If you're sure… okay, I guess that would be better. Especially since I know I wouldn't be able to find an apartment right now."
✦ ✦ ✦
Later on that same day, Jae was getting ready for bed, Seoyoung was doing the last steps of her facial. That's when his agreement with his best friend came to mind. He got off the bed and walked over to the bathroom, seeing her putting on a face mask. He couldn't help smiling seeing the green product made her red hair stick out even more, giving her the likeness of a grinch.
"Babe," Jae started, seeing her eyes quickly find him. "You know how I told you about Chun moving back from the states right?" The female nodded, watching through the mirror. "Well, I offered for him to stay with us until he gets his own place. I'm sure it wouldn't be for long and-" The male quickly paused, hearing a sigh coming from Seoyoung. "Are you mad?"
"No, I just wish you would've talked to me first. What if my sister wanted to stay over, where is she supposed to sleep?"
The brunette frowned, "Sorry, I really couldn't let him end up in some dingy apartment because the pictures online were fake. You know I couldn't let that happen… also we haven't seen each other in so long and I sometimes get bored always being alone."
Seoyoung turned to him after setting a timer for her face mask. "Then where is my sister supposed to sleep now when she comes over? On the couch?"
Jae shook his head, "No, I wouldn't ever suggest that-"
"Then where? We have only one guest room Jae. I hope you have a plan for when she comes over."
"I will, I do. I just thought of a way to fix this now." he smiled at his girlfriend reassuringly. "Chun and I could rent a hotel for the time she's here, then you two would have the whole house to yourselves. Or you two could rent a hotel if you would prefer that."
Seohyun sighed, "Fine, but next time talk to me first." The male gave an apologetic look, pecking the female's pink lips.
✦ ✦ ✦
It was Friday morning, the sun was high in the sky, shining brightly through the bedroom window. Jae and Taylor, who was also his Cameraman, were helping him set up the guest room.
"I think all of this is unnecessary, he is only going to stay with you for a short time." Taylor criticized.
The brunette who's face still gleamed responded, "I know it is, but I still want him to be comfortable while he is here. After all, he's only going to be here for a short time, and I will be devastated if him being here ends up being inconvenient for him. Plus, I haven't seen Chun in such a long time and I want it to be special. I think it would be great seeing him in the morning and making breakfast like I used to when we used to live together."
Taylor's eyes squinted at the short male shaking his head with a humorless laugh. "If this was any other friend, they would be lucky to get a dollar for a hotel, hell, much less a hotel suggestion." Jae head snapped to Taylor, eyes showcasing embarrassment. "It's okay, I get why you're doing this."
The brunette fixed the covers on the king sized mattress. Even going as far as to straighten every corner until it was picture perfect. "Is it that obvious?"
"Only to me, though I think it's nice you're going to meet him after so long. What do you plan to do once he's here? Well… other than cook for him." Taylor asked moving the night stand to sweep behind it.
Jae hummed in thought, "I was thinking we would go shopping a bit so we could talk about him looking for an apartment. Jae said with a faint frown. "I know Chun is going to try to move out as soon as possible, so I really want to spend as much time with him as I can. I highly doubt we will be able to see each other as much once he's moved out."
"Why do you think so?" Taylor asked in confusion. He didn't see why the brunette thought that they would suddenly go back to barely talking. "I'm sure Chun will still try to hangout with you even if he gets a place of his own."
Jae shook his head, "Trust me, we won't talk as much. Especially if he's as busy as he is now. I'll be lucky to get a text back." Jae sighed at the realization. "That's why I want to make sure his time here is as close to perfect as possible."
"You…" Taylor began but then with a glance over at the brunette, he decided to say something else. "I guess I should help you make the apartment perfect, huh?"
Jae nodded, "Yes you should, I would really like the help."
✦ ✦ ✦
It was finally the day the brunette was waiting so anxiously for Chun's arrival. He had a white sign with the taller male's name in huge black letters. Jae got to the airport half an hour before the plane's scheduled landing. Just to be sure he wasn't late. He sat for a while, until he saw a herd of people entering and walking over to the conveyor belt that started bringing out luggage. The short male sped walked over to the ton of people, standing and looking for his friend. At first he thought it would be easy since he's normally among the tallest in the crowd. But for some reason he couldn't spot him. Jae's face fell as thought's of the worst possible scenario erupted into his mind. What if he got the time wrong and was late? But he shook the thought away, knowing if that were the case the other would have called him.
"Boo!" A deep voice shouted behind him.
Jae jumped with a shriek. He quickly turned around with wide eyes and fear decorating his face. He instantly relaxed seeing it was Chun, then anger arose at the childish actions of the older. "What the hell! I was genuinely scared, you jerk!" He hit the male's chest, hand stinging from how hard their muscles were.
Jae's brow arched, he knew the male worked out whenever they were off work. But he didn't expect for the taller to be so toned. Taking a step back he let his eyes rake the man in front of him who was too busy laughing at his reaction to notice. He took in the jet black hair and the way their shirt strained to contain the sculpted figure underneath. They had on simple jeans and converse, appearing cozy and casual. Jae smiled up at the man and jumped for a hug. His arms wrapped around the other's neck which he wasted no time nuzzling into, taking in the familiar scent of damask rose and sandalwood.
He missed this so much.
He missed being able to feel the other and smell the comforting scent that never failed to make him smile. Jae's lip trembled as a soft sob escaped his thin lips. He was beginning to think they would never get to meet, that he would only get to see his friend through a screen.
"Pup, don't cry. I'm sorry it's been so long, but I'm here now." Chun's voice softened.
The brunette grinned hearing that pet name that only the male called him against his ear, making it flush red. He hummed in satisfaction at the strong arms being wrapped around his tiny waist.
"It's been so long… I missed you." Jae's voice cracked as it dripped with sadness.
He pulled away a little, leaning against the arms that held him in place. Their faces were barely an inch away as he smiled with stray tears. "Y-You're a little different in person."
"You look different too, your face is a little redder." Chun commented, wiping the younger's wet face.
Jae giggled, placing an innocent kiss to the man's cheek. "How was the flight?"
"It was long and boring," The raven haired male replied. "Are you sure it's okay for me to stay with you? You did ask your girlfriend, right?"
The brunette rolled their eyes, "A little too late to be asking all of this now. You don't have to worry so much. I'm really excited to go home so I can show you around."
Chun pecked his forehead and nodded, loosening his grip on the small male's waist, "Okay, well lead the way."
The two males separated from each other, the older rolling his luggage behind him as the brunette walked slightly ahead. Jae began going on about the plans he made for tomorrow, how they would spend the entire day together after so many years. The short male jogged once they were close to his car, he rushed to open the door for the other. Giving the man a playful bow as they sat down. He then put their bags in the trunk, mentally thanking himself for working out last year. It would've been embarrassing having to then ask the other for help right after saying he could do it.
Going to the driver's side he sat down and headed for his apartment. "I forgot to tell you on the phone yesterday but Seoyoung is working late. She might come home around eight or so." The man hummed looking out the window. "After you get settled in… what do you want to do?"
"I might take a nap, I'm a bit tired from the flight."
Jae nodded, he expected as much. Which is why he's really glad he went through the trouble to change the covers to something extra fluffy. "Okay, I can wake you for dinner later…" He glanced over to see the man giving a curt nod.
Chun eyes traveled over the buildings they passed with nostalgia. It's been so long since he was in his home country. He knew it was thanks to the person next to him that he didn't slowly forget his native language. He actually has a lot of things to thank Jae for now that he thinks of it. The younger male has always been there for him for as long as he can remember. Jae would always go above and beyond to help him, no matter what it is, he would be there for him. Chun glanced over to the male that was driving and noticed the bags under their eyes.
Is he getting enough sleep?
Chun then started to recall how the male was talking about them taking on more projects. He didn't notice how those projects could affect him in such a way. It's different hearing how busy Jae is then seeing how tired the male looks in person. Chun frowned, not liking how he is just now seeing the male isn't getting enough sleep. How the brunette still made Time to pick him up from the airport even though he probably had a lot of things to do.
Jae smiled as he pulled into his apartment's parking spot. He turned off the car and looked at the taller male. Chun gave him a small smile, face seeming to sag with concern. Jae brows furrowed in confusion at the other's expression.
"What's wrong?" Jae asked.
Chun shook his head, "It's nothing… thank you for letting me stay with you."
Jae laughed, "Of course I would let you stay. You're my best friend!" Opening the car door he gestured to the elevator at the end of the parking garage with his head. "Let's go, I know you're just about to pass out from exhaustion, right?"
Chun hummed as he got out, closing the car door. As they both made their way to the elevator he heard the car doors locking behind them. They entered the elevator and took it to the tenth floor. Jae led the way, casually singing a popular song under his breath. The pair stopped at the door numbered 1003. The hallway was fairly long with only a window line one side and the other were three doors. Jae rifled through his pocket for his keys, sighing in relief once he pulled them out.
Once the door opened the brunette stepped to the side, letting the raven-haired male inside. Jae couldn't help the proud grin that found itself on his face. Even though Seoyoung and he both owned the apartment he was the one who decorated it. His girlfriend thought it made more sense for him to pick out the furniture since he would be recording most of it in his video.
"Very homey and modern," Chun commented. "You must've picked out most of it."
Jae nodded, closing the front door. "Yeah, I tried not to go too far into my own personal style, Seoyoung would've had a fit if I did."
The short male led the older male to the guest room. Chun walked up to the dresser and placed his luggage next to it. Jae took one last look at his best friend before leaving the man alone.
"Finally, you're back…" Jae said to himself.
✦ ✦ ✦
It was early Friday morning, Jae was anxiously pacing around the kitchen. He was mentally debating what he should cook. In the past when the pair lived together in college, he would always make breakfast and dinner. With them meeting again after so many years, Jae wanted to do something special. He didn't want to make something basic like pancakes with eggs. The meal had to be amazing, something memorable.
Jae shook his head, "Am I being ridiculous?"
Walking over to the pantry to see what was currently there, he mentally cursed himself for not going grocery shopping. After some time he settled on making kimchi toast and eggs. Jae got started on cooking while he promised to himself to make something better the next day. Once the food was ready he got out two plates and set them on the dining table. The brunette put equal portions of the food on each plate as he set the table as fancy as he could. Jae proudly looked over everything, smiling as he put the finishing touches on the meal.
"Wow, you went all out," Chun's voice could be heard from the doorway.
Jae head snapped to seeing his best friend sitting down where he hoped he would. He walked to the chair that was next to the male and was across to where his girlfriend normally sat. Jae's face was beginning to hurt from smiling so much, he couldn't stop the joy that seemed to leak out of him. His best friend was really here after so many years. He couldn't help but to want to go all out. To make this the best breakfast he could ever hope to make. Jae sat down and couldn't help but to look up in anticipation when Chun took his first bite. He sighed in relief seeing how the male hummed in delight. Jae after seeing that ate as well, eyes widening in shock at how good the food he made was. He truly outdone himself this time.
Chun's face showed his amazement, "Only you could make something I've had before taste this new and delicious. This is very good, have you thought of becoming a chef, I really believe you'll be excellent."
Jae giggled, "You say that every time you eat my cooking."
"I mean it, you should consider it, maybe as a thing for retirement or something." Chun continued.
Jae shook his head, "I'll consider it," It was nice to hear the same thing the older male often told him before he left again. It was great to just do something as simple as eating together again. "So anything new with you. I know there are some things you haven't told me yet."
Chun laughed with a fond smile, "I knew that you would ask eventually." Yeah, there are a few things."
"Like…"
The tall male took a bite of his food, dragging on the prolonged silence for no reason other than to make his currently impatient friend wait even longer. Chun even had some of his drink as the younger male's eyes met his own with curiosity evident in them.
"Teddy, come on, tell me!" Jae whined, noticing how his friend was blatantly stalling.
Chun's smile brightened hearing the nickname only Jae called him. He would be lying if he said it didn't make him jolt a little. It's different hearing the same thing but in person, it made the simplest things that they did or said while over the phone more intense.
"Okay okay, I'll tell you so stop with the puppy eyes." Chun said, setting his fork down on his plate. "I've been debating how I wanted to tell you this for awhile, but I have a girlfriend, we've been going out for sometime now."
Jae instantly tuned out after that was said. He knew from the way the male's eyes soften talking about how they met, he really liked this person. Jae of course expected it to happen at some point. After all, he was in a relationship as well. It would be unfair to expect the older male to stay single and not get serious with anyone. He shouldn't be feeling so dejected right now, or disappointed. The brunette knew he should be happy for the male, he should be giving him tips and congratulating him on finally settling for someone.
So why is it that he was struggling to even speak?
Jae had a weak smile on his face that he hoped reached his eyes. He didn't want the other to know that he wasn't happy for him. The younger male just hummed and nodded to everything the other had said. The mood for now has plummeted since hearing what the male said.
"Hey, what's wrong? You're not talking?"
Jae sighed and shook his head, "Nothing, I'm really happy for you. Now all of our friends can hangout with their partners and not think about how you're still single." Jae said, trying to joke. But it ultimately failed with how his expression was still unreadable. "Is she going to move to Korea with you? Or are you going back to the states in a few months?" Jae after seeing how his joke made the silence almost deafening, opted to change the subject. He knew by the older male's disapproving look that him trying to change the topic wasn't unnoticed.
Chun even though knew something was up let the question he wanted to ask die for now. "Rachel is going to move here in a few months after she gets things settled with her job. By then I should have found a place to stay."
Jae didn't like that, the male was going to move out so soon. He frowned, it felt like he was slowly losing the other more and more. He began to wonder if the taller male choosing to stay in the states as long as he did, and getting a job there was because of this female.
Was she that important to him? Even more than me?
Jae shook his head, he shouldn't be thinking this way. He already knew he never stood a chance. He should just be grateful that they're still friends, that the male didn't stop contacting him while he was away. Jae already knew that them being friends to start with was a miracle in itself. After all, the way they met was less than ideal.
It was the middle of the day, the bell just rang signaling the beginning of lunch. Jae, unlike the other teens his age, was hiding behind a row of lockers. He was trying to escape the group of boys that often tormented him on their way to lunch. He balled himself up in the corner, making himself as small as possible once he heard people walking pass.
Jae's lithe body trembled with fright. He shut his eyes tightly, hoping that his hiding spot wouldn't be discovered by them. But of course something like that wouldn't happen for him. To the small male's horror, he was dragged up with a yank of his forearm and a hurd of chuckles.
"I told you he was hiding!"
"You're just begging to be our punching bag."
Jae yelped in pain at his hair being yanked back, "His face is just so punchable," One the boys stated. "Chun, you have to try, you'll see what I mean."
But not only his and the others' shock Chun replied, "Is this what you meant when you said the school has workout equipment?" The male said with clear distaste, their face twist was disgust. "You all are so childish, grow the hell up."
With that Chun forced the boys around Jae off and walked the two of them to the cafeteria. Jae was shocked, he didn't expect for the male to help him at all. He never thought anyone would be brave enough to stand up to them.
"T-Thank you, I'm Jae Hyun."
That's a nice name, I'm Chun as you already heard."
"Just Chun?" Jae questioned
The other nodded,"Yep, my Mom told me it was because she couldn't think of anything else."
Since that moment, they have become inseparable. Jae missed when they would hang out everyday. It continued into college, with them sharing an apartment and going to university together in Chun's car. But for some reason the older suddenly wanted to finish his studies in the states, more specifically in California. Far away from South Korea. Jae still remembered staying up for days just crying in devastation. It took him a long time to get over it. But this was different. The male was in front of him but felt so distant, the same way he felt when they were stuck talking through a screen.
"Chun," Jae began, he figured he should just accept the inevidentable. They were bound to grow apart, with the raven haired male moving with their girlfriend. Just worried he wouldn't be able to at least spend the little time he hoped to with the older male. "Tomorrow, do you want to go looking at apartments?" Jae said without much expression in his voice. The brunette then jerked when his friend's frown deepened. It was then he noticed his slip up. He let how he felt show. He didn't want to sour the mood so soon. Jae wanted things to be perfect while the taller male was here. "S-Sorry that didn't come out right. I just thought since you will be starting work soon that you want to start looking. I know it will be annoying to end up moving and setting up your apartment while working full time."
Chun set his fork down and got up walking over to the small male. "Pup, tell me what is wrong? You've been acting weird ever since I brought up Rachel. Does it make you uncomfort-"
"N-No, That's not it…" Jae trailed off stuttering. "I'm just worried that we're drifting apart. I've been thinking lately, and I think I'm being too much or maybe- it's nothing." The brunette's face turned away from the male that was now sitting next to him.
Chun, not accepting the way his friend was acting, grabbed the younger male's face and made them look at him. Jae's eyes widened at the action, breath instantly getting caught in his throat. He didn't mean to upset the older male. It wasn't his intention to even have this kind of serious conversation that could lead to him admitting to being jealous of the male's current girlfriend. Chun's eyes were a blaze with pure dominance, his black bangs fell over his dark piercing eyes casting a shadow over them that made his harsh expression that much more intense.
"Look at me when we talk," Chun ordered, which Jae gave a tiny nod obeying. "Now tell me what you want to say."
Jae bit his bottom lip as he squirmed in his chair, playing around with the cold food on his plate. He let out a deep breath as he dared to meet his friend's gaze again and relaxed seeing how it softened. "In the past, whenever you dated you would ignore me and we would stop talking. You even moved to the states and stayed for years because of her, right? I just don't want you dating to come in between us like it usually does."
Chun couldn't stop the smile that grew on his face. He didn't know that his friend worried about their friendship so much, "You are so cute," The older male cooed giving the small male a hug that made Jae blush. "You have nothing to worry about, I will not start ignoring you. So you don't have to worry so much about us drifting apart anymore."
Jae turned and hugged the older male back grinning, "What do you want us to do today?" The taller male then gave some thought to what the younger asked. Jae's hands balled on the muscular chest, he pouted up at the other's face.
"You said you would give me a tour, how about we start with that?" Chun replied.
Jae nodded, smiling brightly, "Okay, I'll give you a tour."
✦✦✦
The two males were walking side by side as Jae explained and introduced each room to Chun. As time ticked by, Jae became more aware of the time and stopped in front of the work out room, the second to last room he hadn't shown Chun yet.
"This is the most recently put together area." Jae said flustered by the plastic that was still on a lot of the workout equipment. "I have been too busy to really work out much lately. But you can use the machines here all you want, at least someone is putting them to some use." Jae said, trying to dust off the treadmill. He mentally cursed himself for not cleaning this room, he really hoped that Chun wouldn't judge him for the lack of use of the work out equipment.
"Okay, I'll put the equipment here to good use." Chun said surly.
Jae nodded, keeping thoughts of his friend's body dripping with sweat and nude chest out of his head. The brunette bit his bottom lip as he looked back up to the older male and took in his loose shirt and jeans, Jae sighed at the sigh in disappointment before walking towards the last room.
"This is where I film and edit my videos… well most of my videos. I actually vlog a lot more than I do planned videos here. I normally just stream and edit." Jae stated. He walked over to his desk that had a camera still on a stand and his lights set up beside it. "I'm going to be recording a vlog sometime today," Jae began while debating if his best friend would actually agree. "I was wondering if you would like to be in it or be in the room at least?"
Chun smiled going up behind the smaller male, "I would love to, this is something that you are passionate about and I always watch your videos on my down time at work."
"Wait, you do?" Jae asked in surprise.
"I told you I watched your videos," Chun said looking at his best friend defensively. "Did you not believe me when I told you I did?"
Jae shook his head, "Of course I did, it's just that I'm shocked as often."
The brunette smile was bright and eyes twinkled under the white light of the room. He wrapped his arms around the tall male, bringing his face closer. "Thank you so much for supporting me." Chun kissed his forehead and laced his strong arms around his tiny waist.
"You're more than welcome."
Jae kissed the corner of the male's lips, slowly pulling away. But the other's arms remained around him. Chun leaned in and pecked his friend's cheek then next to their lips as well before letting the younger male go. "When do you plan on filming the video?"
"Taylor is going to come over later today to help record."
Chun nodded in understanding