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His favorite cafe downtown is surprisingly vacant when Donghyuck arrives. It is usually brimming with customers, either hurriedly getting their nth shot of caffeine in their system or leisurely sipping a warm cup on their seats. Today though, Donghyuck only spots a handful of people around, and much to his delight, there is no line as he beelines straight to the counter.
“I’ll have a cup of cold brew and a cup of grapefruit honey black tea, please.”
The barista, whom he is already familiar with, nods as she keys in the orders. Donghyuck adds a slice of cheesecake and triple chocolate cake, just to be sure. He then sits by the nearest table and scrolls through his phone while he waits for his order. As he gets into a TikTok video, a message pops out from his notifications.
From: Cutie Baby
Help ☹️
Frowning, Donghyuck immediately abandons what he’s watching to open the messaging app and type a reply. Despite the text making him worried, he knows better than to call right away knowing his boyfriend prefers a text over a call.
To: Cutie Baby
Aw my sugar plum
I’ll be there soon
His order comes up soon after; Donghyuck thanks the server and promptly takes a taxi en route to Dream's dormitory. He would love to drive his own car or ride their van but his manager strictly told them not to use easily recognizable vehicles on their personal schedules for them to go by unnoticed (something like that). Taxi is the safest option since the drivers are normally elder men who have little to no idea about K-Pop idols.
Donghyuck is greeted with the sight of Jisung playing earnestly on his phone when he arrives at the dorm. The younger one seems to be unaware of his surroundings, focused on winning a game of KartRider based on the sound. Donghyuck could only shake his head in amusement; he won’t bother him because he knows how important games are. For most of them, at least.
Heading straight to his boyfriend’s room, he knocks thrice in a familiar beat that Renjun knows the best. He hears an audible grunt on the other side of the door as he enters.
“Baby, I’m here!”
The messy state of the room first welcomes him. The wardrobe doors are all wide open and in it are hangers in disarray while the clothes that should supposedly be inside it are now strewn everywhere, some are piled on the bed. What used to be a very neat and the most aesthetic part of the dormitory is now comparable to any other member’s room. And that is concerning.
Glancing on the floor, he finally meets eyes with Renjun who is currently sprawled there, one of his hands playing on the zipper of his suitcase. Which is clean and empty, contrary to the rest of his room.
“Oh baby.” The sight of Renjun tugs Donghyuck’s poor heart.
He looks so sullen and frantic but still devastatingly adorable with how his forehead is scrunched and his mouth is pouting. Curse Donghyuck for being too in love with his boyfriend but he genuinely finds everything Renjun does cute and endearing. Their friends have pointed out the obvious but he does not care. Renjun is the loveliest person on earth.
Walking closer, he crouches and sighs fondly. “Want me to help you pack?” he asks, already knowing what to do. His right hand reaches towards Renjun’s face, fingers softly easing the frown on his forehead before his hands settle on cupping his cheek.
Renjun melts into the touch in an instant and purses his lips before nodding. Donghyuck might have heard a mellow purr but he isn’t sure.
Pulling his boyfriend up after he raises his arms like a baby, Donghyuck instantly litters him with kisses all over his face. “God, babe, you’re so cute.”
“Stop it,” Renjun faintly pushes him away but his giggles fill the room. “Ah, seriously, that’s enough.”
Donghyuck obeys shortly but before leaving a longer, slightly hungry kiss on the mouth, and even biting Renjun’s lower lip for the briefest second. It surprises the latter who could only slap him (affectionately) on the arm, face turning into a tomato.
“Erm, anyways… help? I don’t know what outfits to choose.”
On any other day, Donghyuck would have poked fun at Renjun. Because it is kinda funny how a well-known idol who has been in the industry for many years is struggling to pack for a trip. Surely, it is not his first time.
Renjun has traveled the world through their concert tours for many times now, has filled suitcases upon suitcases full of necessities for various trips, be it a one-day getaway or a month-long work and travel abroad, but for some reason, he blanks out the night before his Jeju vacation.
Jeju is not even that far off; it’s an island south of the country and the travel time by air is just less than two hours. It is even faster to reach the island than to drive to Anyang City, which is just beside Seoul. Moreover, they already went to Jeju more than his hands could count. They visited there for a one-day getaway with Jisung and Donghyuck knows Renjun even stayed there for nearly a week just by himself before.
Jeju is one of Renjun’s favorite getaways. So why is he panicking right now?
“Hey, look at me.”
Renjun reluctantly locks eyes with him and Donghyuck gives him the most comforting smile. He reaches out to his boyfriend’s hands and intertwines their fingers.
“Let’s get those ugly thoughts out of your head, hm? Everything will be fine, baby. My family will love you.”
Renjun tightens their hands together and heaves a deep sigh. “I hope so.”
“I know so,” Donghyuck says back.
Renjun has always been prone to doubt himself so Donghyuck has taken it as his role to steer him clear of those ideas every time, every day, every chance he gets. But of course, he is also aware of his limits; he does not want to push Renjun too far. If Renjun decides to turn back, he will gladly take the nearest u-turn slot.
“But if you’re really not ready yet, we can postpone it and cancel the flight all together. I value your happiness more than anything. Let me know, okay?” he assures him while still emphasizing that it will happen eventually.
Donghyuck really wants to personally introduce Renjun as his boyfriend to his family. Ever since the thought came to him one day while they were cuddling, he could not stop imagining it. He wants his parents to know that this is the man who makes him happy and relieves all the exhaustion of being an idol. Likewise, he wants Renjun to know that he loves him and that he is sure of their relationship.
He shared the idea one night when Renjun came over to his dorm for a stay-at-home dinner date. There had been a long debate going inside his mind on when to open it up but his boyfriend had already provided him an entry before he could even decide. It was when they were both eating Donghyuck’s home-cooked kimchi fried rice.
“Did you hear? Manager hyung just told me we are free for a week before we get back to rehearsals.” Renjun took another bite and finished chewing his food before talking, which was something so little that Donghyuck found adorable. “That’s crazy.”
It’s true. Given the amount of upcoming schedules that they have, it’s quite crazy to believe their management allowed them to breathe for an entire week beforehand. Donghyuck made a mental note to thank his manager for giving him this opportunity.
“Do you want to go to Jeju then?”
Renjun looked at him with sparkles in his eyes as if he already answered the question without saying it through words. That was how expressive his eyes were, and Donghyuck loved that thing about him so much.
“We can stay there for a few days or the entire week, if you want, I can arrange it.” Donghyuck unconsciously played with the fried pork, nerves getting into him. “Maybe we can meet my family too.”
The sound of metal chopsticks clanging on the ceramic bowl was loud. Donghyuck looked up at his boyfriend whose eyes were now trembling.
“Yeah… yeah, I mean, yeah we can visit your house too. Of course, it’s been so long since you—”
Donghyuck held one of his hands and gave it a light squeeze. “I want to officially introduce you to them, baby.”
There was silence for a few moments, a few minutes, Donghyuck was not sure. Renjun visibly swallowed hard as he sipped on his glass of water, then squeezed Donghyuck’s hand back. A smile slowly etched on his lips, his cheeks turning into crimson.
“Yes, I would love that.”
A kiss on his cheek diverts Donghyuck back to the present. Renjun searches his eyes as if he is looking for something in the pits of it. And once he’s done, his eyes twinkle again, alive and mesmerizing.
“I’m okay,” Renjun assures, "I’m good with it,” he reassures Donghyuck, “I would love to meet your family, baby. Just… help me clean this up?”
Donghyuck chuckles at the sight of his boyfriend roaming his eyes around his room. Engulfing him in a tight embrace, he kisses the top of his head.
“Now, if cleaning was a superpower, you just called for the best superhero in town!”
They finally finish packing and tidying up four hours before the flight. By now, both of them are beat, Renjun just has too many clothes for his own good. What used to be a bed full of clothes is now full of warmth. They are cuddling on the bed; Renjun has his arm wrapped around Donghyuck’s waist, his leg on his thighs, and his head on his chest. On the other hand, Donghyuck gently rubs his back, snuggling closer to his boyfriend.
Someone knocks on the door. “I ordered chicken,” Jeno says from the outside.
“We should eat first.” Donghyuck urges both of them to get up and come out of the room, which Renjun reluctantly does.
Jisung is already on the table munching a piece of chicken, no longer busy playing games. Jeno comes back from the kitchen with cans of beer and places it on the table
“To the avid fan,” he says with a knowing look, earning a satisfied smile from Renjun who needs to eat chicken and beer together. Always.
“Thank you!”
They eat dinner, courtesy of Jeno, quite peacefully. Donghyuck fills up the silence with his chatter, asking random things such as Jisung and Jeno’s rank on games the three of them play and some patch updates, strategies and whatnot. When Renjun complains he’s being left out, he switches the topic to current idol gossip. Having this line of work makes every one of them privy to the grapevine; it’s inevitable because staff on their schedules like to gossip, they overhear their stylists and makeup artists talk about it, and their managers rant about things.
Dinner ends pretty soon and they leave Jisung in-charge of cleaning up, not because he is the youngest (well partly it is), but it is mostly due to the fact that he lost their favorite game of rock, paper, scissors.
“What about your things?” Renjun asks as soon as they go back to his room.
Donghyuck ponders about it for a bit before pulling his phone to check the time. It is already a few minutes past eleven in the evening and their flight is at four. Technically, he can go back to his dorm and take a light sleep or maybe play some games before he meets up with Renjun at the airport cafe before boarding; just like what they originally planned. However, he immediately thinks of another plan and presents it to his boyfriend.
“I’m going back there to fetch my stuff,” he says as he scrolls through his contacts. Before Renjun even replies, he already answers him. Soulmate telepathy, a thing he proudly believes in. “Yep, I’m telling our manager now about the change of plans.”
Renjun nods and plops down on his bed. Once Donghyuck is done with his call informing both of their managers about their new plan and his manager reminding him to be careful since they are famous idols and all, he goes to Renjun to leave a soft kiss on his lips.
“I’ll be back, baby. Don’t miss me too much.” He winks playfully, earning a light slap and a chuckle from Renjun.
“Yeah, sure. You can sleep on the couch once you’re back, I guess.” There is an obvious hint of blush on Renjun’s cheeks and Donghyuck tries his best not to coo at him, instead he gasps as dramatically as he can.
“Is that how you treat me? Your boyfriend? The love of your life?”
“Maybe? If you don’t come back here in an hour.” Renjun does something on his phone and turns it to him. On his screen is a running 60 minute timer. Donghyuck laughs out loud and goes for his jacket and mask.
“Alright, I’ll go now! I deserve a reward when I get back!”
He ends up paying the taxi driver a bit more because he requested the poor man to speed up as much as possible, without getting caught of course. Thankfully, their dorms are just nearby and he forgoes the elevator to head for the stairs. Johnny looks at him worriedly when he enters the dorm, panting and rushing, but does not say anything apart from a “have a safe trip!” implying something else by the look on his face. Donghyuck only winks at him and assures him he is very much prepared. Safety first, as always.
Pulling his suitcase towards the door, he gets stopped by Taeyong who has just exited the bathroom.
“Why are you in a rush? I thought your flight was still in a few hours.”
Donghyuck chuckles. “Renjun.” With just one word, his leader already understands and snickers as well.
“Okay then, have fun there.” Taeyong places a hand on Donghyuck’s shoulders and gives it a light squeeze. “Tell me about your trip once you’re back.”
It takes Donghyuck 53 minutes. According to Renjun’s timer, which he pauses once his boyfriend barged in with his suitcase and backpack, sweaty and panting.
Renjun tries to suppress a smile. “Very good, I’m impressed.”
“Anything for you, love.” Donghyuck settles his belongings beside Renjun’s and pouts his lips, waiting. “So… can I get my reward now?”
Renjun scrunches his nose and shakes his head. “I think you have to shower first.”
“Join me?”
Despite reacting like he has been scandalized, Renjun entertains the invitation and goes inside the bathroom with his boyfriend. He eventually ends up on his knees, giving Donghyuck his well-deserved gift while the latter tries his best to be quiet. The others may be busy playing games in their own rooms but they are still in the same space and their dormitory does not have the best soundproof walls.
“Fuck, keep going,” Donghyuck hisses at a particular suck. He looks down on his boyfriend and finds him already staring at him, eyes welling up with tears, droplets all over his face from the shower.
One of Renjun’s hands goes to fondle with his balls while the other remains pumping his cock nice and steady. The sensation makes him squirm and he accidentally bucks his hips towards Renjun, making the latter choke in surprise.
“Sorry, does it hurt?”
“No,” Renjun replies firmly and goes back to blowing his dick. His voice is noticeably groggy and Donghyuck feels proud about it.
Donghyuck finishes a few moments after with a hushed cry and his boyfriend makes sure he swallows every single ounce, rutting on his own feet while doing so. He lets Renjun chase his release which comes very soon after Donghyuck pulls his hair a bit tighter.
They shower together for real this time and end up cuddling on Renjun’s queen-sized bed once they’re both dressed in sleepwear. At the end, Donghyuck did get his kisses, just like what his boyfriend had promised.
Gimpo Airport is unusually empty. Donghyuck feels off as he walks toward the security check. There are only a handful of people around, some airport personnel and a few passengers like them. The airport is quiet, save for the boarding calls and white noise. There are no cameras flashing in front of his face, fans calling for his name and a crowd making him unable to breathe. It’s just eerily peaceful and it's entirely new to him.
Donghyuck has traveled on unofficial schedules and personal trips before but this one is surprising to him. Maybe it's because of the time of their flight. There might have been a couple of times they have flown at similar times but since those were official schedules, fans flock both on their departure and arrival. On personal flights, he books them during daytime so the airport is very much alive (and there were times he got spotted accidentally by fans traveling like him).
From the flight to their accommodation, he has personally arranged everything as soon as his boyfriend agreed to his proposal; he booked the most convenient and safest flight and called his friend in Jeju to rent an AirBnB. The airport feels weird but it's a good kind of weird. He does not want to attract any attention from them after all; their one-day trip with Jisung was a lesson learned.
“Calling all passengers of Korean Air 323 bound to Jeju, please board gate 6.”
Not even a second after their flight has been mentioned, Renjun immediately stands up from sitting on the pre-departure area and reaches for Donghyuck to do the same. The latter grins, though hidden by a face mask, and intertwines his hands with Renjun before swinging his bag on his shoulders.
The ground crew scans their passport and ticket, bowing politely to them once they have been verified. “Have a nice trip!”
The tickets Donghyuck booked are of course business class, as per usual. He has actually wanted to try economy after so long, the last time he did was back in his rookie days, but he decided against it. Even if the flight is in the wee hours of the day, there are still other passengers besides them; he would not like to risk their safety just to try being normal people in a plane for two hours.
Renjun gets the window seat and Donghyuck lets him. It’s the little things that he indulges Renjun with that he likes the most. To see him happy is his mission and it makes him want to cry whenever his boyfriend does the most adorable reactions to express his joy.
Like right now, Renjun does a few light hops as he lands himself on the plush chair. His eyes dart to the window and he mutters a soft wow, even if all he can see outside is probably rows of planes next to each other and a couple of runway lights.
Donghyuck chuckles and settles himself on the seat beside. “If I didn’t know, I would guess you’re a first time flier.”
Renjun turns to him and pouts. The mask hides it but he is certain of how his boyfriend would react to what he said.
“But I know how you feel. I’m excited too," Donghyuck reassures and holds Renjun’s hand again with both of his own. “This is probably the most memorable Jeju trip I’ll have."
The pre-flight goes as expected while the plane slowly lines up on the runway. When they feel the plane speed up and slowly ascend, Renjun has his eyes on the window again. There is wonder in it; Donghyuck can see his eyes shimmer as if it has reflected the twinkling stars out the window since they have already flown up into the sky.
“It’s so amazing how a massive thing like this can fly so high.” Renjun notes, eyes already left the window when it has stabilized its flying height. “Baby, do you think the birds wonder if airplanes are birds too? You know… because they can fly as high as them or maybe even more.”
The question is unexpected but is very typical of Renjun. He has always been curious about how the world works and loves to seek answers, either by finding it himself through research or coming up with his own theories and assumptions. Sometimes it makes Donghyuck question every little thing too, especially once his boyfriend brings it up.
Like now, he ponders about it for a while before shrugging. “Maybe they don’t? I think birds have their own language too. Or, maybe they communicate with their mind because it’s kind of hard to speak if you are thousands of feet above. So that means, they know a plane is not a bird because they can’t talk to it.”
“Oh!” Renjun jumps on his seat and nods approvingly. “You make a very decent point. That can explain why some planes experience bird strike. Maybe it’s the birds failing to avoid the plane in front of them because they did not receive a response, something like that.”
They continue to talk about aviation wonders because apparently, Renjun has been a recent avid viewer of plane videos on YouTube. The way he also delivers little tidbits and fun facts about planes make Donghyuck even more inclined to listen. After a while, though, Renjun gets interrupted by his own yawn while he’s intently talking about the pros and cons of First Class and Business Class seats.
Donghyuck notices it and chuckles. His boyfriend is just naturally cute and it’s bad for his heart. With his hand patting Renjun’s head, he tells him to take a nap and Renjun does so without saying anything more. He will continue with discussing the pros and cons some other time. Both of them have gotten only about two hours of sleep before they had to head for the airport, which is nothing new as losing sleep is quite common in their field of work. Sometimes there are days where they have to be awake for more than 24 hours. But if they have the luxury of time, they mostly use it to sleep.
The rest of their flight goes smoothly. Donghyuck ends up falling asleep too, only to be woken up by the pilot's announcement coming from the speakers.
“Ladies and gentlemen, Korean Air welcomes you to Jeju. The local time is 5:28. For your safety and the safety of those around you…”
Jeju feels different but still looks the same as the island Donghyuck grew up on. As soon as they hit the road on the way to their accommodation, the sea breeze welcomes him like a comforting hug. The sun has not risen yet so it was the stars littering on the skies that lead them to a humble abode far from the city, where it's bustling with crowds, and near to nature where they can peacefully hear the waves wash the shore.
Whenever he visits Jeju, Donghyuck certainly stays with his family; they are the reason why he flew to the island after all. He has initially planned to do the same on this getaway but Renjun did not want to impose and Donghyuck did not want to make his boyfriend uncomfortable (even though he’s sure that his family will love him as much), hence they have rented a small house with the help of a childhood friend.
“Come here,” Renjun calls for him, arms wide open. Donghyuck does not miss the opportunity to tackle him in a warm hug, pushing him towards the bed where they fall on the soft sheets.
Renjun’s giggles fill the room as Donghyuck pampers him with kisses all over his face. “Stop… baby, that tickles!”
“Mmh, you smell so good,” Donghyuck inhales the scent wafting from his boyfriend’s neck and leaves a playful kiss.
Cuddling eventually has made them sleepy and the sun rises with them entangled in each other’s embrace. After a while, Renjun wakes Donghyuck up by returning the favor and kissing him all over like what the latter did earlier. They end up having sex as Donghyuck opened his eyes to Renjun sucking his cock and it is always the best way to start off the day.
It is already past noon when they get their bearings and get up from the bed, Renjun apparently has a mini list of things he wants to do with his boyfriend despite the both of them frequently going to Jeju. Oh how Donghyuck adores him.
“But first, let’s eat? I’m starving.”
Renjun nods and swings his Chanel bag over his shoulder. “Me too. Your favorite then?”
With his rented car, Donghyuck drives them to his favorite barbecue place. He has already taken Renjun here with Jisung before; that one day his boyfriend craved samgyeopsal instead of hotpot, he already knew he had to take him here. Well even if it has cost a bunch of fans and media crowding them at the airport and getting an earful from their managers, it was worth it. To see Renjun happily eating makes Donghyuck happy too.
“Oh, Donghyuck is that you?” The owner recognizes them and quickly ushers them to a secluded area reserved for instances like this. The restaurant is simple with a comfortable, and not so fancy, ambience with loyal patrons coming in every time for their famous meat cuts and sides. It’s nowhere near famous but since Donghyuck loves it and given his status, the owner is kind enough to provide a discreet area so they cannot be bothered by people who might recognize them. Donghyuck used to shrug it off but with the height of their group’s popularity right now, every bit of privacy is treasured.
Donghyuck thinks Renjun ordered too much, knowing his boyfriend has eyes bigger than his stomach. “Can you finish all of that?”
“Maybe? I’m dead hungry right now,” Renjun notes, eyes focused on the meat on the grill. Donghyuck has taken it as his role by default to grill the samgyeopsal during their dates. “If I can’t, you’ll help me right?”
Asking that with his bright and sparkling eyes feels illegal, but Renjun is right. Their relationship works well because Donghyuck loves to eat and gladly finishes whatever Renjun has ordered too much of.
“Auntie! Two bottles of soju, please.”
How can he almost forget Renjun’s habit of drinking whenever they eat. It amuses Donghyuck every single time because as someone who enjoys it as well, Renjun is just on another level. Be it at dinner with the members or lunch dates with just the two of them, there should always be a bottle of beer or soju on the table. The alcohol even depends on the food, just like how Renjun believes chicken should be eaten with beer, samgyeopsal should be eaten with soju and the list goes on.
Renjun does end up leaving the rest of the fried rice up to Donghyuck. “I love seeing you eat, you’re so cute.” Donghyuck almost chokes on the compliment from his boyfriend but washes it off with a glass of water.
“Where do you want to go?” Donghyuck asks while waiting for the server to process their payment. Renjun hums and retrieves his phone from his bag to check his list.
“We can skip the common spots, we’re not tourists,” he says, pouting as he does. Donghyuck wants to kiss him. "I wanna try fishing though, can we do that?”
Whatever Renjun wants to do, Donghyuck wants it too. “Fishing it is, then.” He receives a wide grin from Renjun so he messes with his hair.
Donghyuck drives them to a port in Chagwido where they can enjoy deep sea boat fishing. After asking the counter, they get a brief orientation on basic sea safety. Then, they make them wear life jackets before riding the boat. Thankfully, it is not full—just them, a family of three with a cute little kid, and a couple. The captain arrives once they have all settled and does his own introduction.
“The waves are calm but I hope you don’t get seasick.” He’s fairly old, maybe past his 50s, and has a strong Jeju accent that makes it hard for Renjun to understand. Donghyuck translates it for him and answers for both of them.
“We’re good, sir.”
Well that seems to be too positive of an answer since not even five minutes after they have gone on board, Renjun already sports a frown and quietly sits on the bench. Donghyuck holds his hand and gives it a light squeeze. “How are you feeling?”
“Dizzy,” Renjun admits. “But it’s fine, I’ll be okay. I don’t want to spoil the fun.”
“Just say you don’t want the captain to scold you,” Donghyuck jokes and earns a pointed glare from his boyfriend.
“I’m not! You know what, prepare your ass because I’m beating you in fishing.”
“Oh you’re on.”
The captain stops the boat in the middle of the sea and brings the fishing rods with him. He also gives a brief lesson on fishing using a rod and hands them a bucket of bait. Donghyuck and Renjun follow well and prepare their own hooks, casting them hard into the deep sea.
“Is the waiting normally this long?” Renjun mumbles, getting a bit impatient after seeing the couple behind them already successful in pulling a fish.
“Patience is key to fishing, baby."
A few minutes pass and Donghyuck feels a tug on his line. “Oh!” He cannot help but mutter as he pulls the rod and winds the line earnestly, as what the captain taught them. “Caught one!” On his hook is a flailing red seabream, their captain mentions from behind. Donghyuck giddily puts it on their shared bucket and does not forget to wink at his boyfriend. “That’s one to zero, you better catch up.”
Donghyuck manages to reel in two more fishes before Renjun whines in exasperation. “Captain, is there something wrong with my rod? I haven’t caught anything yet.” The said man checks his rod and it is in fact not working properly, making Renjun roll his eyes at his boyfriend.
“We should reset the score, it’s not fair!”
“Hmm… not my fault you got a faulty rod.” Donghyuck sticks his tongue out and whistles teasingly as he waits for any bite.
Renjun huffs and focuses much more on fishing this time. Finally, there is a tug on his line and he celebrates immediately. “I got one! I got one!” He pulls the rod and winds the crank as fast as he can but it’s difficult; it seems like the fish is having a physical battle with him.
“B-Babe, help! It’s too strong—”
Surprised by the sudden yell, Donghyuck goes behind his boyfriend and helps him pull the rod while Renjun spins intensely. Their catch goes up eventually and it is huge, which explains the fierce fight. The captain goes to them, impressed, and claps at their achievement.
Renjun pouts. “Since I caught a big one, does that make us even?”
“Of course… not! That’s still one fish.” Donghyuck loves teasing Renjun so much, he basks in the reaction he gets from him because Renjun gets easily affected and becomes even more adorable.
“At least give me two points!”
In the end, Donghyuck wins the bet much to Renjun’s annoyance. “The one who starts the bets always ends up losing, baby. That is how the world works.”
They return to land shortly after and the captain points them to the restaurant nearby which accepts their freshly caught fishes and cooks them however they want. By the sea and under the blanket of stars, the two have their dinner. The food somehow tastes better since they have worked hard for it.
“You know why I love Jeju?”
Donghyuck looks up to face Renjun who is looking to his left, where the calm waves wash the shore. “Why?”
Renjun smiles. “It’s peaceful here, like an escape from the busy city of Seoul, from the limelight. I feel like I can breathe better here.”
Donghyuck agrees. Even though he loves the idol life, he sometimes wants to run away from it and his hometown is just the perfect place to hide, even just for a short while.
“I also love how it’s full of life. I feel calm just seeing the lush trees, smelling the crisp fresh air, hearing the soothing waves…” he then looks up, making Donghyuck copy him. “The stars shine brighter here than in Seoul too.” When Renjun turns to gaze at him, still smiling, Donghyuck is already looking at him. “Above all, I love Jeju because it shows me the place you grew up in. It gives me some idea on how you lived as a little naughty kid.”
Heat fills Donghyuck’s cheeks and he returns the smile, albeit quite shyly. Unlike him, Renjun does not express his affection through words as much as he does with other love languages, and that’s why whenever he does, it never fails to make Donghyuck a blushing mess.
“I don’t think I can do it.”
Renjun stops walking at the front porch of their rented AirBnB, having just locked the door after looking at his reflection in the mirror for the umpteenth time. Donghyuck, who is a few steps ahead, turns back and walks towards him.
“What’s wrong?” Concerned, Donghyuck holds both of his boyfriend’s hands and gives them a tender massage.
Renjun shakes his head and bites his lips. “Maybe you can go ahead and visit your family without me. I think I can spend the day at a cafe or go around town then you can just call me once your done so—”
“Hey, baby, look at me.” Donghyuck lets go of holding one of Renjun’s hand to caress his cheek. The latter clings to the touch and obeys his order, looking up to meet Donghyuck’s brown eyes. “Believe me when I tell you that they will love you. I am more than a hundred percent sure of this, okay? Just come as you are and they will see why I’m head over heels for you.”
The two bask in each other's stares for a few moments under the brightly shining sun. It is not that hot for a summer day, perhaps because of the cool sea breeze bringing comfort to them as they relax with every touch of the wind on their skin. After a while, Renjun heaves a deep sigh and nods.
“Alright, okay, fine. Let’s go.”
The Lee residence is simple and elegant. There are greeneries decorating the front, vines coiling the pillars and flowers painting color on the otherwise white and gray house. It has a modern feel to it and Donghyuck recalls the time his mom and dad argued on the colors only for them to follow the architect’s suggestion in the end.
They park the car inside the garage and as soon as Donghyuck has gotten out of it, his father engulfs him in a warm embrace. “Long time no see, bud. How’s work?”
Donghyuck grins. “Same old, same old, dad. Still busy but it’s manageable.” His eyes shift to Renjun who remains rooted on the other side of the car, where he alighted from the passenger seat. With a smile, he beckons him to come close.
“You already know Renjun, right?” Donghyuck’s family is always present at every concert and his parents even paid a visit in their dormitory when they just debuted, bringing with them a bunch of food because according to his mom, they were all still growing kids who needed proper meals in their system. Sometimes, he also lets the members come on camera during his video calls with his family.
“Of course! We all know your co-members,” his father brags and turns to greet Renjun who is now beside his boyfriend. “It’s nice to meet you again, Renjun.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you again, sir. Your house is very beautiful.”
“My, thank you.” Mr. Lee chuckles loud and endeared. “But, no, don’t be too formal. Uncle is fine.”
Renjun sheepishly nods and tries the word on his tongue. “Okay, uncle.” he blushes as Donghyuck softly pats his back, encouraging him.
“That’s more like it. Now, I bet you guys have not eaten yet. Come inside, your mother cooked a feast enough to feed the entire street.”
The couple follows the older man inside the house. It seems like they changed a bit of its interior, Donghyuck does not recall seeing those paintings on the corridor walls before, but apart from that it feels welcoming, nostalgic even.
He is finally home.
“Donghyuck! My child!” A blaring squeal comes from the kitchen and his mother appears still with her apron on. It seems as though she did not age, still as beautiful as Donghyuck remembers, smile still as bright and voice still as loud.
Yeah, he really takes after his parents.
"Oh my, you look thinner! Are you eating well, my son? Is your manager neglecting your meals and pushing you to ridiculously many schedules? That’s not good. I’ll call—”
“Mom,” Donghyuck stops her from blabbering and even following through by calling his manager (who is doing the best he can to be fair). “I am fine. I am eating well and everything is alright with work.”
His mother does not sound convinced from the frown yet to ease on her forehead, but lets it go to welcome their guest. “Renjun, my kid, it’s been a while! You look pretty as always.”
The said man smiles and bows, handing out the paper bag that he has been holding. “Indeed, it’s been a while and you did not age at all, Mrs. Lee. I hope you are well. It’s not much, but please accept this gift.” Renjun brought with him a box of premium red ginseng, a must-gift item for the elderly according to the dramas he’s watched.
“Goodness, this is so thoughtful of you. You didn’t have to.” Donghyuck’s mother accepts the paper bag graciously but still tuts his tongue. “And please, my dear, just call me auntie.”
“I also told him the same thing!” comes a comment from his father who is already setting up the table.
Renjun laughs, abashed. Donghyuck chuckles along with him, loving how this day is going so far. He peeks on both sides, wondering why it is oddly silent for a weekend.
“Where are the kids?”
His mother, who is now helping his father put the dishes on the table, looks back at them. “Ah, your siblings are not here. Seungha and Donggyu are still in Seoul, didn’t they tell you? Something to do with university, if I remember correctly. Our baby Minsu too is at school right now for summer classes.” she removes the mittens of her hands and sighs proudly. “The three take after you, our oldest son is so hardworking.”
They settle on the dining table for lunch, which is more of a feast courtesy of his mother who went over the top. His mother likes cooking and feeding people, and it is something Donghyuck has gotten from her. When he was a child, he recalls entering the kitchen just before lunchtime to watch her mother work with the ingredients and utensils like it was her playground. As he grew older, he started helping out in the kitchen and learning knowhow and recipes from her mother.
“Mmm.. it’s delicious, auntie,” Renjun says, having eaten a spoonful of kimchi stew which is Donghyuck’s favorite dish and arguably her mother’s specialty.
Liking the compliment, her mother beams and continuously offers food on Renjun’s plate. “That’s good to know! Here, have some of this too…”
His father begins to ask them about their work, both curious and concerned given that they are away most of the time and only hear from their son whenever he sends a message or calls them. Updates from their managers only come if they asked and the media could only cover enough; they don’t want to see their son in the tabloids, after all.
Donghyuck assures them that he is doing well. “Work is honestly difficult but it’s bearable, especially whenever we meet our fans and hear their cheers.” he glances at Renjun and his boyfriend is already looking at him, nodding and understanding what he wants to say through his eyes.
This is it.
“More importantly, I love working because I’m with someone I love with all my heart.”
His mother pauses from taking a bite and leans closer trying to figure out if she heard it correctly. On the other hand, his father is looking at him, confused. Donghyuck bites his lip.
“I’m here to introduce you to someone who makes me happy.” His hand travels to find Renjun’s on the table and intertwines their fingers. He looks at his parents then turns to Renjun.
“Mom, dad... meet Renjun, my boyfriend.”
Donghyuck has long wanted to introduce Renjun and make things official to his family as soon as they got together. Hell, he even badly wanted to confide in his mother back then when he just realized his feelings, when he was still painfully pining over his bandmate and even during the moments where he felt hopeless because Renjun was just difficult to read.
However, he honestly did not expect anything from his parents. Surely, he dreamed of a picture perfect scenario wherein they will meet Renjun as his boyfriend and knowing them, he might have an idea on how they will react. But nothing could have prepared him from the actual real life reaction of his mom and dad.
Both of his mother’s eyes and mouth remain wide open, not even moving for a millisecond. It took his father coughing and sipping loudly on his drink to ease it before his mother came back to her senses. “Oh my god!” she claps widely and looks at both of them then to their interlocked hands. “That’s wonderful news! My son is not single anymore after 24 long years, thank god!”
Renjun bursts out laughing at that, his shy demeanor no longer there, as if his mother’s remark is the moment that breaks the ice.
“Mom, stop…” he tries to stop the impending embarrassment but his mother is relentless. He should have known…
She guffaws, loud and unabashed. “Sorry, I’m just… I honestly didn’t expect this at all!” she casts a brief menacing glance at her son. “You should have told me sooner. Had I known that you would bring your lovely boyfriend with you on your visit and not just your friend then I would have loved to know what his favorite dishes are so I can cook them.”
“Oh, auntie, it’s fine. Everything you have cooked here is already enough and very delicious.” Renjun chirps in, even nodding earnestly.
“Nonsense! What’s your favorite? So next time I know better.” The implication of a next meeting warms Donghyuck’s insides.
Donghyuck answers for his boyfriend. “Renjun loves hotpot. Do you even know how to make that?” he teases, although knowing full well that his mother is one of the most talented cooks he has ever met; even the chefs at the five-star restaurants he has dined before pale in comparison.
“Bring it on! Renjun, my dear, tell me when you’re visiting again so I can feed you the most delicious hotpot. In Korea, at least.”
Renjun does not get to reply because Donghyuck’s father chimes in, finally, after watching the three of them chatter amicably.
“So… my son, I think you owe me and your mother some story on how you guys ended up together.”
Donghyuck grins and nods. Truthfully, he has never shared anything about his love life to his family, his parents to be exact. He may have shared something to Seungha when he drunkenly called her and ranted about how beautiful his crush was that day. So he retells the story from when he started realizing his feelings, which was after his America tour with 127. He has never been that apart from the dreamies so he definitely missed hanging out and promoting with them. By the time he came back, he just did not know if it was the longing or Renjun seemed more glowing than before. From then on, he just couldn’t stop looking at him and thinking about him.
“That’s funny, because he began teasing me so much more and of course, it annoyed me to no end,” Renjun playfully adds and Donghyuck agrees.
He just did not know how to get Renjun’s attention and the best thing he could do was to do what he has always done, but ten times more intensely.
“Sounds like my son does not have a game. That’s not a Lee.” His father huffs and pokes fun, sharing how it was his mom who was head over heels for him.
“Stop spreading fake news, dear. In fact, Donghyuck is pretty much like you now that you mentioned it.” His mother grins and makes them continue the story. “I want to know how you got together. Who confessed first? I bet it’s you, Renjun, no?”
Renjun giggles and licks his lips, looking at Donghyuck, taunting. “You see… your son took so long before he could even, at the slightest bit, admit his own feelings. You can ask our friends about it and they will complain for sure.”
Much to Donghyuck’s dismay (actually, he loves how Renjun is comfortable now), his boyfriend starts sharing the time when he confronted him because he eventually got sick of the push and pull showering of affection from the both of them, something they have been doing for almost a year without a label. The confrontation was not the night they defined the relationship; it took them actual months because of their busy schedules and both of them avoiding each other, before they sat down and discussed their relationship like grown adults.
Now, three years later, they are just growing stronger.
“You fools!” His mother sighs, exasperated. “At least, it’s resolved now. We're happy to know that you found each other.” She turns to look at his boyfriend, her gaze full of warmth and joy.
“Welcome to the family, Renjun.”
Renjun volunteers to help his boyfriend’s mother to clean up after the meal, despite the old lady’s protests. “Absolutely not, you are our guest. Go cuddle with Hyuck or have some rest. Leave these to me.”
“But auntie, this is a lot and I really want to help. Also…” he leans closer, glancing back at his boyfriend who raises his brows once he notices him. “I really want to hear stories about Hyuck from you.” Renjun cheekily smiles and looks at her earnestly. And with that combination? Nobody can refute him.
“Alright, here. Wear these so we can protect your soft hands.” She gives him a pair of gloves and points to the piles of dishes on the sink. “I’ll do the pots and pans.”
As Renjun happily scrubs the plates, he ponders about his question before asking. “Auntie… does Donghyuck have any embarrassing childhood stories?”
While Donghyuck is busily watching his mother and his boyfriend get along, his father calls for him and invites him to play a round of Go. It has been a long time since he played the board game so he is quite rusty, much to his father’s delight. As expected, he loses but given his competitiveness and since he finally recalls some strategies, he asks for another round.
“So… a boyfriend, huh?”
Donghyuck places his white stone on the upper-left section to serve as his base. “What do you think of him?” he inquires, genuinely wanting to know his father's thoughts. It makes him a bit nervous; he really wants his favorite person to get along with his parents.
His father ponders for a bit before copying his son’s move, but places his black stone on the lower-right section instead. “I like him,” he starts and there is already an audible sigh from Donghyuck, making the older man chuckle softly. “To be honest, I did not see it coming. I never thought you’d date a co-worker but I understand, Renjun is a lovely guy.”
Donghyuck looks up towards the kitchen where they can hear two people chattering and laughing, enjoying their own bubble. His father follows his line of sight. “I’m glad you are happy, son.”
“He makes me happy,” Donghyuck replies before placing a stone to surround the two black pieces, eventually capturing them and removing them from the board. “Aha, that’s one!”
He wins the round this time and claps for himself. While Donghyuck is busy separating the stones, his father pats his shoulder, making him look up to face him.
“I see it in your eyes, I look at your mother the same way. Take care of him and take care of yourself too.”
Once they are done washing the dishes, his mother drags Renjun out of the kitchen and beckons him to check their backyard where she takes care of a bountiful garden. It seems like Renjun has also shared his interest in nature and his mother excitedly tells him every little thing about her plants or better yet her ‘children’ as what she calls them.
“On the front are the pretty flowers, but here I grow my own vegetables. Do you like tangerines?” she asks, pointing to the tree standing on the corner. “I have it here, too. Unfortunately, it’s not in season right now, so we would have enjoyed it.”
They go on to discuss the various vegetation her mom grows in their backyard. Renjun is enthusiastically replying to her and even asks her things about plants, flowers, and gardening.
Pretty soon, his younger brother arrives from summer school and joins them in the backyard. Donghyuck also introduces Renjun as his boyfriend and his brother thankfully does not embarrass him unlike his mother, but takes the news lightly.
“If you ever change your mind about my brother, I understand. Let me know though; I have so many friends who are crushing on you.”
“Minsu! You rascal!” Donghyuck jokingly hits his brother and the two bicker while Renjun watches them, amused.
As the sun begins to set, his mother also starts preparing for dinner and tells the couple to come stay the night. Renjun is keen to the idea so Donghyuck agrees and leads his boyfriend upstairs to show his childhood bedroom. It is untouched, still looking the same as how he left it, save for a couple of bedsheets and pillows on the bed. His father might have grabbed fresh ones for them, already knowing that his wife will make them sleep over.
Renjun roams around the small room, eyes looking at every detail from the photos to the awards that are hung on the walls. Donghyuck smiles and goes behind him when he focuses on a frame on his desk. Young Donghyuck is posing in front of the school gate, eyes curved from smiling, teeth lacking one in front and hands posing peace signs.
“Fifth grade, just before I auditioned at SM,” he explains and wraps his arms around Renjun. “I was one of the famous kids in our class.”
Renjun scoffs, grabbing the photo frame to look at it closely. “I figured. Your mom told me lots about you.” he turns to look at him, circling his arms on Donghyuck’s shoulders. “Famous for being the naughtiest, hm?”
“Hey! That’s not true–”
“Whatever you say.” Renjun removes himself from his boyfriend’s hold and goes to the other side of the room where Donghyuck has hung photos of his band from when they just debuted. “We were so young back then,” he says, especially staring at their group picture wearing pajamas for the Chewing Gum music video shoot.
Donghyuck could not believe it either. Back then, they were just little kids with nothing but big dreams and now, who would have thought they would reach their dreams and there are people who love them. “We are still young now. Just a bit wiser.”
Since his mother has yet to finish cooking dinner, Donghyuck ends up showing his photo albums containing his childhood to Renjun who pleads. He really has to learn how to reject his boyfriend sometimes; he’s just too weak for him. The said man could not stop smiling as he goes through every page, every picture, on the albums, asking him for any back stories of all the photos and Donghyuck gladly shares each anecdote as if the memory was from yesterday.
“Ah! Wait,” Renjun halts as soon as he reaches the final page of the latest album. Digging through his bag, he eventually finds his wallet and pulls out a polaroid photo of them at the beach. Both of them buried under the sand, mouth wide open from laughing at how stupid they look at that moment, especially when they asked a kind stranger to take a photo of them.
Renjun places it on the final page and pats it softly. “There, an update on your photo album.”
Donghyuck tackles him in a hug and showers him with kisses.
Dinner comes and as expected, his mother yet again prepares so many side dishes for a simple barbecue. They eat outside because it’s summer and his father recommends that meat tastes better when it's cooked on their backyard grill. Conversations flow smoothly and Donghyuck sometimes finds himself staring at Renjun who is happily entertaining his family’s interrogations.
This is it. The thing that he has long dreamed of.
It’s so nice to see his beloved people get along; the picture just warms his heart.
His younger brother ends up losing the rock, paper, scissors on who gets to wash the dishes, which Renjun has excitingly suggested as it was their group’s staple decision making game. Donghyuck has never seen his father shout in glee when he threw paper versus his youngest son’s rock, with his mother and Renjun both cheering beside and hopping in elation.
The couple settles in Donghyuck’s room shortly after. Renjun then showers, pushing Donghyuck away from the door when he mischievously tries to sneak in and join him.
“We’re in your family’s house. Act accordingly!” he hisses but laughs as he closes the bathroom.
They end up sharing Donghyuck’s double bed that is obviously small for the two of them; it’s supposed to be for young Donghyuck after all, but both of them did not want to sleep on the floor where his father added a futon.
Donghyuck leans closer to his boyfriend whose back is facing him and pushes his nose on the crook of his neck where he can smell his parent’s go-to shampoo. He used to smell like this back then; its fragrance brings nostalgia and comfort. His arms automatically wrap around Renjun like on autopilot, showing how perfect Renjun is in his arms, where he is meant to be.
“How is today?”
Renjun hums, seeming to think about his answer before replying. “I love it. I love your family.” There is an obvious smile on his face, Donghyuck can tell even if he cannot see.
“I told you, they will love you. You make it so easy to love you, baby.” He leaves a light peck on his neck and snuggles him even tighter. Holding Renjun in his arms is probably the best thing in the world and Donghyuck is glad he can do it, any time, any where.
Both of Renjun’s hands find his own and give them a squeeze. Turning back to face him, he looks Donghyuck in the eye and the latter sees the joy dance in his eyes despite the absence of lighting in the room.
“Thank you for bringing me here… for introducing me to your family. And most of all, thank you for loving me.”
Donghyuck does not know who initiated it but the couple find themselves kissing earnestly. Their lips locking in full tenderness as if this was utterly the most precious kiss that they shared, full of care as if one of them might break. One of Renjun’s hands cup his jaw and when they move away to catch air, his thumb brushes his cheek adoringly as they stare at each other’s lips. The pause does not last long because this time, Donghyuck himself dives back in and they melt to the slow dance of their lips.
Kissing Renjun is addicting, more addicting than any drug and Donghyuck revels in the fact that he can kiss his lover. It leaves him breathless, as if Renjun’s mouth could absorb every oxygen in his body, making him lightheaded. He could do this forever.
Pretty soon, the soft kisses turn sensual and desperate. Hunger brews in Donghyuck’s core as his hips unconsciously rut from Renjun’s behind. His lover whines at the friction but immediately holds his hip to stop him from moving.
“Your… your parents,” Renjun mutters, panting.
Donghyuck bites his lobe and resumes grinding on him; his boyfriend’s hold loosens, obviously wanting it too and it makes Donghyuck even more aroused.
“We’ll be quiet. You can do that baby, hm?” He gives a forceful thrust in between his asscheeks and Renjun squeaks, nodding. A hushed yes comes from his lips.
When Donghyuck goes inside, his soul leaves him. He has always been right; Renjun, his whole body just fits him perfectly. It’s his, Renjun is his. With every single thrust, both of them try their utmost best not to be loud despite it being difficult. Renjun trashes on the sheets, hands finding relief on Donghyuck’s arms, his neck, his head, down to his back where his nails leave scratches.
Donghyuck’s eyes are fixated on Renjun as he moves at a languid pace. “You are so beautiful, baby.” He cannot help the compliment escaping his lips. His boyfriend is just ethereal, beauty incomparable to the rest. His sparkling eyes, his perfectly sculpted nose, his plump lips, his enchanting smile… he could go on and on.
Of course, Renjun looks best under him, where his sweat pools on his forehead, his lips red from being bitten, his voice emitting melodic cries. A scene that Donghyuck can only see.
As Renjun reaches his high, he moans Donghyuck’s name, suppressed, and it drives Donghyuck wild, catching his own release while kissing his boyfriend feverishly.
Renjun fixes Donghyuck’s hair and looks at him tenderly. “I love you.”
"I love you." he rubs their noses together then he places a kiss on his boyfriend's forehead. "Always." Then he stares lovingly into Renjun's eyes.
Renjun giggles at that. Just like Donghyuck, he too finds his boyfriend and the little things he does very adorable.
Donghyuck kisses him again. “I am yours forever.”
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. Their short vacation in Jeju is done and even if Donghyuck wants to stay a bit longer, just like what his mother complained to them as they send them off, the both of them have schedules to go back to.
“Don’t worry, auntie. I will take care of your son and please take good care of yourselves too. We will come visit as soon as we are able to,” Renjun promises and gets tackled by the older woman in a tight embrace, whispering something (a secret probably) that Donghyuck finds amusing. The two have indeed gotten close in less than a day.
“Come take this.” She then hands them huge plastic containers full of kimchi and other side dishes to share with their fellow members once they go back to their dormitories. “Let me know once you run out so I can send more, okay?
His father gives them both a brief hug while his younger brother sends them off with a wave.
“Have a safe flight!”
When they board the plane, Renjun intertwines their hands and brushes his nose against his, the mask they’re both wearing hampering Donghyuck’s desire to kiss him.
“Did you have fun?” Renjun nods and from the curve in his eyes, Donghyuck knows he is smiling widely. “That’s good, I had lots of fun too.”
Renjun leans to whisper something in his ears and it sparks warmth within him.
“Next time, I will also introduce you to my family in Jilin.”