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If there was one thing Jeno could be proud of, it was the fact that he had every existing piece of merchandise of his favorite anime character. It might be embarrassing to some extent, but he couldn’t help himself. Besides, it wasn’t that much anyways. It didn’t clog his flat, not even his room. It was a little shelf, at most.
His favorite anime character was by far not the most popular one - she was a side character, one that didn’t appear that much either, at that. All the fans knew was her name and her age - everything else was made up by the fandom, or very few characteristics shown in the anime. In fact, her gender wasn’t even disclosed, it was just taken as canon one day.
All in all, Jeno had this never-ending love for his favorite (yet unpopular) anime and the very cute side character Haechan. And as much merch of Haechan as humanly possible. And a bunch of friends who judged him a little, but not that much. They also had some more or less questionable passions, it really wasn’t that bad.
His friends, of course, knew about Haechan. So, from time to time Renjun would give Jeno a little sketch or maybe a full-blown fanart as a gift. Jeno, too, would give Renjun something, but that always depended on what Renjun was interested in at that time. His friends' interests were a lot broader than his, as his pretty much started and ended with Haechan.
It really wasn’t that bad. He wasn’t obsessed, or anything of that sort, really. He was just very passionate. That was what he believed, and he was right, for sure.
That was, until one morning, he woke up in his flat - as usual. Usually, there was silence in his flat, at most there was his cat on his chest, or Nini was somewhere playing. That was all to it in his mornings, maybe he left a light on because he was studying for college.
But this morning, Jeno thought he’d lost it. Nini was sleeping on the end of his bed, but next to him was a head of red hair. The hair was slightly long, maybe a very outgrown normal haircut at most. But he didn’t have a roommate, nor did he know anyone with red hair. Renjun and Jaemin had a key to his flat, but both of them would rather sleep on the floor than share Jeno’s bed with him (cons of being disgustingly in love, it wasn’t as bad as they made it out to be).
Therefore, Jeno did the only logical thing. Sit up in horror and stare at the head of hair next to him. Did he leave his door open, did someone break in? But why would they lay down next to Jeno? It made no sense. Even worse, Nini didn’t seem bothered in the slightest. She woke up like usual, stretching with a very quiet (and very cute) meow before going up to Jeno. She didn’t seem bothered in the slightest, and Jeno was beyond nervous.
“Nini, can’t you be a guard cat, or something?”
Jeno whispered frantically - sighing when he noticed it would do absolutely nothing, as Nini simply snuggled up to him and demanded cuddles. And food. Jeno got up slowly and carefully - debating whether he should investigate the stranger first, or give Nini her long awaited meal.
After a few seconds of thinking he goes around the bed - noticing that the strangers face was hidden from his point of view. Jeno carefully and quietly kneeled down - Nini jumping off the bed to snake around his legs. Jeno carefully stretches his hand out - brushing the strangers red curtain bangs out of their face - freezing upon seeing it.
The stranger looked awfully familiar. Jeno didn’t even notice he held his breath until his eyes fell onto the not-so-stranger's cheek, noticing three very familiar moles. This stranger looked an awful lot like the realistic fanart of Haechan he had seen on Twitter before. Even worse, this Haechan lookalike was even more beautiful.
Jeno stumbled back when the stranger (Haechan?) opened their eyes - smiling at the sight of Jeno. What the hell was going on? Is he delusional? Or worse, has he gone insane? Is it time to enter a psych ward? The stranger stretched as if it was the most normal occurrence ever, all while Jeno stared at them in absolute shock. Until Nini let out the most heartful meow, reminding him of her long forgotten breakfast.
“Oh, Nono! You can’t let Nini starve just because I’m so pretty! Go, give her food right now, shoo shoo!”
Jeno stood up even more confused - Nono? Was that a new nickname, given by this stranger who seemingly knew not only his name, but also his cat's name? And why did this Haechan lookalike sound exactly like Haechan? He was really going insane, wasn’t he?
Nini let out another of her heartfelt meows while the Haechan lookalike started making a shooing motion - and Jeno simply left his room. He prepared Nini’s food like every morning, giving it to her like usual. The stranger would simply be away when he enters the room again, right?
So Jeno entered his room again after splashing his face with cold water - and the stranger was still there. They smiled at him like before - this time out of the bed, standing in front of the closet. Jeno awkwardly smiled back - considering what to do before he cleared his throat. The question was burning through his mind.
“Who are you?”
The stranger's smile dropped - switching to an awkward laughter. After Jeno didn’t start laughing, it died down completely. The stranger still sounded like Haechan, and even more so resembled Haechan now that Jeno had a full view on them. The stranger’s expression shifted into a worried one.
“I’m Haechan, your boyfriend. Don’t you remember? You must’ve hit your head.”
Jeno froze upon hearing the words. Haechan, as in his favorite anime character's name? Not only did this stranger look and sound like Haechan, but was also named like the character? This was odd. And boyfriend? Jeno doesn’t recall having a boyfriend and - oh no - did the fandom misgender Haechan all this time?
“Jeno, you’re worrying me. You have so much merch of my anime character, can’t you recognize me anymore?”
Haechan went up to Jeno and cupped his cheeks. He looked even more worried, and Jeno started to feel bad. Jeno laughed nervously - carefully grabbing his wrists. Haechan was real, he’s fine - he’s totally not insane. This happens daily, right?
“I’m fine, don’t worry. I really must’ve hit my head. I’m sorry, let me wash up real quick.”
Jeno nervously smiled at Haechan - relaxing when Haechan smiled again - kissing his cheek. Who was he kidding? He totally is not fine, and this totally isn’t a normal occurrence that happens daily. Jeno nodded and escaped into the bathroom - not forgetting to take his phone with him.
Calling Renjun was his only option. Jaemin was most likely asleep, and the others wouldn’t even spare to hear him out the second he mutters the name Haechan after probably waking them up. Renjun and Jaemin were used to it, and told him they don’t mind. Renjun will hear him out, he has to. So, he called Renjun, suffering through the seemingly endless beeps.
Until Renjun finally picked up his phone.
“Jeno? It’s 7AM on a Saturday, what the hell do you want from me?”
“Haechan is in my house.”
There was silence on the line. Jeno grew more nervous - biting his lips. Would Renjun hang up, send him into a psych ward maybe? He needed confirmation that Haechan wasn’t a figment of his imagination. He heard something shuffle in the bed, then Renjun sighing. He never has been this nervous. Not even for the super rare Haechan figurine going on sale.
“... Yeah, I know. She’s your favorite character, you have lots of merch of her in your flat. You have a little shelf dedicated to her, I know that too.”
“I know that you know, but I mean, Haechan’s real. He is alive and breathing, I woke up in my bed next to him. He claims he’s my boyfriend, please tell me I’m not going insane.”
At least Renjun didn’t seem to know of Haechan. Was this good or bad? Was Nini really that bad at guarding his flat? Or was she just flattered easily with treats? The line was silent again, except for the bed rustling once again. This time he heard footsteps, so he could only guess that Renjun got up.
“He? You know what, let’s get breakfast together. I have to see this Haechan, if - and only if - he’s real. If I don’t see Haechan next to you, alive and breathing, Jaemin will drive you to the psych ward. Promise?”
“Promise.”
Renjun hung up rather quickly - probably to try getting Jaemin up without the most complications, considering the time. Just as Jeno was about to question where Renjun even wanted to meet up, he sent an address. Jeno looked at it for a split second before fully getting ready - leaving his bathroom to see Haechan in the living room, looking at his phone.
“A few more minutes and I would’ve banged at the door. Did you call someone? I heard you talk to someone.”
Haechan curiously looked at Jeno - mindlessly petting Nini when she jumped onto the couch. At least she seemed to like him, or else this would’ve made things a lot harder. Jeno contemplated his answer for a few seconds before nodding - sitting down next to Haechan.
“Yeah, Renjun called. Jaemin and him wanted to meet us for breakfast.”
“Oh, I finally get to meet them? That’s amazing, I’ll get ready immediately! Wear something pretty, alright Nono?”
Jeno hummed quietly as he watched Haechan leave for the bathroom - staring at Nini. This whole thing was weird. Haechan knew about Jaemin and Renjun as well, but not personally. And Renjun didn’t know anything about Haechan. He sighed and got up - petting Nini for a little bit.
“This is weird, right Nini?”
It didn’t take long for Haechan to get ready - Jeno had changed into something that seemed to satisfy Haechan - causing him to smile widely while going up to Jeno. He noticed a light layer of make-up on Haechan’s face, as well as a few clothes Jeno hadn't seen before. He really must’ve gotten his own things in Jeno’s flat, somehow.
The worst thing about it all was the fact that Haechan was insanely pretty. So pretty, Jeno could feel his heart tug a little when he looked at Haechan’s pretty smile, and the way his red hair fell perfectly into his face. It would be really cruel if Haechan turned out to not be real, that’s for sure.
“Do you know which café we’re going to meet at?”
“Yes, of course. I’ll lead the way.”
Jeno hesitantly took Haechan’s hand, smiling slightly when Haechan smiled even wider than before. Oh, he wanted to give Haechan the world so badly. Jeno squeezed Haechan’s hand slightly before starting to walk, Haechan following him behind. Only now he noticed a little strawberry purse hanging off Haechan’s shoulder, and Jeno really wanted to scream. Why was he so adorable?
Somewhere on the way Jeno accidentally tightened his grip - too deep into his thoughts of what to do if Haechan wasn’t real to notice. Until Haechan whined - and Jeno released his grip. There was a hint of worry on Haechan’s face again, and Jeno felt more than bad. It wasn’t fair for Haechan to worry so much.
Jeno was relieved when they arrived at the café and he was able to spot Renjun and Jaemin - walking up to them, Haechan’s hand still in his. Jaemin’s head was on the table in front of him - he probably still was half asleep when Renjun shooed him out of their bed, and he couldn’t blame them.
Renjun on the other hand gasped at the sight of Haechan - his chin threatening to fall off and hit the ground, considering how wide open his mouth was. Haechan nervously adjusted his purse, squeezing Jeno’s hand lightly before Renjun gathered himself. Jaemin didn’t seem to notice anything around him happening.
“Oh my god, please sit down. I never thought Jeno would actually bring you along.”
Haechan’s expression slipped from one of curiosity into one of confusion, then into a slightly offended one by the time he had sat down. Jeno nervously sat down next to him, praying that Jaemin would finally lift his head - which didn’t seem to be in his intentions. He didn’t want Haechan to be upset with Renjun.
“Oh, I don’t mean this in a bad way for any of you! Well, maybe Jeno, when he told me about you I thought it couldn’t be real that he really got with you! It’s just so surprising to actually meet you, please don’t be upset.”
Renjun is a whole lot better at acting in unexpected situations than he was. Renjun should’ve told Jeno beforehand, it was almost a miracle Haechan didn’t notice anything yet. Jeno looked over at Haechan - who started to smile again. Renjun seemed to have kicked Jaemin’s leg in the meantime, as he yelped and was about to curse, yet stared at Jeno and Haechan in silence before he could get anything out.
“Haechan! I’m Jaemin.”
Jaemin smiled at Haechan - stretching out his hand, which Haechan took relatively quickly. Both of them were better at acting than he was. Should he consider taking acting classes? Jaemin reluctantly shoved the menu in Haechan’s direction - which Haechan immediately took to look into it, finally letting Jeno’s hand go.
“So, no psych ward trip for me?”
Jeno whispered, careful to not let Haechan suspect anything. Jaemin and Renjun nodded in unison - then looked at each other. Haechan suddenly tapped Jeno’s shoulder - something Jeno didn’t expect and therefore almost caused him to jump out of his seat. Jeno then leaned towards Haechan, looking at the thing Haechan pointed at.
“Should we get this?”
Haechan then reluctantly looked at Jeno, smiling slightly when Jeno nodded. Jeno didn’t know Haechan liked to share breakfasts. But Jeno barely knew anything about Haechan - curse the writer for not talking about Haechan as much as he deserves to be talked about.
All of them ordered when a waiter came over - Jeno taking his phone out not much later after the waiter left. Jaemin had texted him - so Jeno opened the message. ‘Seems like you got yourself your dream boyfriend.’ - Jeno looked up upon reading the message - sighing when Jaemin smirked slightly.
Jaemin wasn’t exactly wrong. This was all Jeno could’ve dreamed about, maybe even more than that. Falling in love with Haechan definitely was easy, and Haechan wasn’t any different than expected. He was surprisingly easy to be around. Jeno just hoped Haechan would disappear the same way he suddenly came into Jeno’s life.
The breakfast went by smoothly - Jeno paid for Haechan’s and his food, while Jaemin paid for Renjun’s and his, under the condition that they’d go straight to bed when they arrived. Renjun agreed - leaving them rather fast after the bill was settled. So, Jeno and Haechan were outside the café now.
“Can we go to the lake? I’d love to go and watch the ducks with you.”
“Sure.”
To be fair, Jeno hasn’t been to the lake in ages. He never had a reason to - everything except for the college was at his place, and when he wasn’t drowning in schoolwork he was busy playing games, working out or anything related to Haechan. So, in a way it was kind of new to him to walk to the lake - with none other than Haechan by his side.
But he didn’t see it as a bad thing - he liked the way Haechan was telling him all kinds of stories on the way to the lake, the way his laugh sounded. He liked looking at Haechan and his stupidly pretty hair, liked looking at the way the sun shone on his face. For the first time in Jeno’s life he didn’t feel fully like an outcast - but rather like he finally found something that’s been a missing puzzle piece all along.
And when both of them sat down at a bench in front of the lake, he couldn’t bring himself to look at the ducks Haechan adored so much. He kept staring at Haechan, barely able to believe that he was now real, breathing next to him, chuckling at some ducks. He felt content, and his heart felt warm.
Haechan somewhen noticed that Jeno had been staring at him nonstop - a slight blush creeping up his cheeks. Cute. Jeno couldn’t help but put his right hand on Haechans cheek - sparing a glance at the perfectly placed moles. Haechan smiled slightly and Jeno’s heart started melting.
Jeno couldn’t help but carefully lean in - pressing his lips against Haechan’s plump and soft ones. The sun was hitting Jeno’s eye in an annoying way, but Jeno couldn’t bring himself to care - not when Haechan kissed him back and cupped his cheeks gently. When they parted a quiet giggle escaped Haechan’s lips - and Jeno couldn’t help but smile wider at the sight.
“You seem very whipped.”
“Do I?”
Haechan nodded slightly before leaning in again - making Jeno melt at the feeling of his lips. Jeno could go on like this for forever - and he wanted to, really, but then his phone started blowing up. Renjun had sent pictures of all of them in the groupchat, and the others seemed to have their mind blown away by the pictures - just like Jeno not too long away. Jeno chuckled slightly before silencing his phone - pushing it back into his pocket, kissing Haechan again.
The next morning Jeno carefully checked the bed - sighing quietly when he saw Haechan’s red hair in front of him again, pulling him closer. He had worried that Haechan would be gone by the time he woke up, but it seemed like the universe was kind to him for once. Even more so when Haechan snuggled up to him, chuckling happily.