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"this is my friend, zhong chenle." jisung says with a smile, the kind that feels effortless but just a little too knowing, as he and chenle approach two people chenle doesn't recognize. chenle mirrors the smile, hand extended politely, though his fingers brush slightly against jisungs hand as he passes, and his stomach twists.
the two stand up, meeting his handshake with casual ease.
"i'm na jaemin," the one shaking chenles hand says, light brown hair falling into his eyes as his gaze drifts briefly to the other person at the table. "this is my boyfriend, lee jeno," he adds. chenle keeps his smile, muttering a quiet hi as jenos hand meets his, and he notices the faint twitch of jisungs lips, something like amusement.
friends. that's all chenle and jisung are. just friends. and yet, as he sits down, chenle can't help but notice the way jisungs knee brushes against his under the table, subtle but deliberate. the air between them hums with a tension chenle isn't supposed to name. it's funny, it's annoying, it's dizzying.
jaemin and jeno talk easily, laughter spilling between them, but chenles attention keeps flicking to jisung- the tilt of his head, the way his eyes catch the light, the almost imperceptible smirk when chenle fumbles a joke. chenle swallows and forces his own laugh, wondering if he's too obvious, wondering if jisung even notices.
it's just a table. just a conversation. just friends. and yet the small touches, the quiet moments, make chenles chest tighten. he can't look away, he can't stop imagining what it would be like if this wasn't just... friends.
but it is, it has to be. and chenle settles back, smiling, letting the feeling wash over him, awkward, tense, and impossibly thrilling. "chenle," jaemin says, shifting forward slightly, his gentle eyes settling on him.
chenle looks back, trying to match that calm, easy warmth, his face lighting up at the sound of his name. "jisung said you were coming to the cabin with us this weekend?" he asks, and chenle clears his throat, nodding quickly.
"uh, yes." he laughs softly, trying to keep his voice steady. "me and my cousin renjun," he adds, and the two new faces at the table nod with smiles.
"awesome," jaemin says, leaning back slightly. "the cabin's jenos familys, it's out on the lake." he speaks casually, probably just trying to make conversation, but chenle can't help noticing the way jisungs knee presses against his under the table, and the way jisungs eyes keep flicking to him, even when no one is looking.
chenle laughs and nods along with jaemin, contributing when necessary, but a part of him is glued to jisungs presence, to the small, intimate signals that shouldn't mean anything- because they're just friends. right?
they haven't been friends long. chenle remembers the first day of the semester, a few months ago, moving to korea, sitting down in that new classroom and finding himself next to jisung. it should have been ordinary, a random seating choice, but something in jisung made chenles chest tighten, made him wish for more than friendship before he even understood it.
he likes jisung. far too quickly, far too much. and jisung- jisungs smile, the easy way he introduces chenle to people, the way he leans into proximity without ever crossing the line, they're friends. that's what jisung says. that's how he frames it for everyone else.
and yet, as chenle sits there, laughing at jaemins jokes and stealing glances at jisung, the line feels thinner than it should. a brush of a knee, a fleeting look, a smirk too knowing, it's enough to make chenles heart stutter.
just friends, that's what they are. but it doesn't feel like it.
and then, after chenles dinner is quietly paid for by jisung, and as jisung and jeno walk further ahead, chenle finds himself walking beside jaemin. that feeling in his chest, the one that's been quietly coiling tighter all night, squeezes a little more.
"he's cute, isn't he?" jaemin says, eyes following jeno and jisung like he's observing a small scene play out across the sidewalk.
initially, chenle assumes he's talking about jeno. that would make sense, right? they were dating after all. "i guess?" chenle mumbles, momentarily confused. he's never really met someone who asks if you find their boyfriend cute. but, well... each to their own.
"i think he really likes you, you know." jaemin adds, and chenle blinks, caught entirely off guard. "wait, i'm sorry... what are we talking about?" chenle laughs awkwardly, a little too loudly, unsure where this conversation is going.
jaemin gives him a look, soft but firm, and gives his shoulder a gentle shove. "jisung, obviously. this was a double date, wasn't it?" the playful tilt of his smile makes chenles heart stutter.
chenle lets out a laugh that's half shock, half disbelief, shaking his head as if to push away the implication. "oh," he says, "no, uh, we're just friends..." his voice is quiet, cautious, and he swallows, stealing a glance back at jisung, who is still laughing with jeno.
"oh, come on," jaemin says with a laugh, nudging him again. "jisung doesn't take just friends out to dinner, nor does he pay for them." the words hit chenle like a tiny spark, one he can't quite control.
he doesn't know jisung well enough to say whether this is normal for him, or if tonight is... different. "oh," chenle says again, nodding, throat tight. "well, i- i don't really know."
jaemin just laughs, shaking his head, that knowing, gentle smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, as if he's letting chenle hang in this little bubble of confusion and possibility. chenle glances back instinctively, and jisung is still there, just a little ahead, eyes turned back to look at chenle, just long enough to make chenles pulse race.
he can't help it. the world feels narrower, charged, and impossibly intimate, even if jisung doesn't say a word.
"why do i have to come?" renjun asks from across the room, voice casual but curious, only a few days later. chenle finds himself hesitating, not wanting to tell the truth. there are two reasons, really.
"because i hardly know these people, i need you to be there." that's the one he says out loud, simple, practical, safe.
but the second reason, the one that tightens his chest and makes his stomach twist, is the fact that he likes jisung. too much, more than he should. and he's not sure he could do this weekend alone, not with the way jisungs presence lingers in his mind, not with the quiet pull that makes even a cabin on a lake feel charged.
"okay, that's actually fair enough." renjun accepts it without much of a fight, thank god, and chenle lets out a small, gentle sigh, relief washing through him like warm sunlight.
"are you nearly packed? jisung said he'll be here at 3:30." chenle hums, eyes flicking to the time on his bedside table. three twenty-five.
five minutes. five minutes until jisung comes, five minutes until he'll see him again. chenles fingers itch to check his bag again, rearrange his things, do anything to make the wait feel shorter.
he swallows, heart picking up pace, reminding himself it's just a weekend, just friends, just... nothing.
and yet, even in the quiet room, chenle can't help the way his chest tightens at the thought of seeing jisung, sitting beside him, maybe smiling at him like he knows. just five minutes.
a soft knock at the door snaps chenle upright, heart stuttering. "coming!" he calls, voice steadier than he feels.
jisung steps in, casual as ever, but even in that easy way of his, chenle notices. the way jisungs jacket slips just slightly off his shoulder, the little smirk tugging at his lips, the way his eyes flick to chenle for just a heartbeat longer than necessary before moving on.
chenle swallows, chest tight, because jisung hasn't even said anything yet and he's already caught, already hooked. "ready?" jisung asks, voice low, easy, and chenle nods, trying not to let the flush creep up his neck.
and just like that, the weekend feels bigger, closer, and impossibly charged, with jisung there, five minutes late and already making chenles heart skip.
chenle, for some reason, got the passenger seat of the van. jisung was driving, and chenle had assumed that since he and renjun were new to this friend group, it'd make more sense for them to sit in the back together.
but instead, he's up here. beside jisung.
renjun seems perfectly happy, laughing along with jaemin, jeno, and two other boys chenle has learned are called mark and donghyuck. still, chenle can't help but wish he were back there too; less pressure, less awkwardness, less... whatever this is.
jisungs eyes stay on the road, steady, calm, and chenle fights to focus on the scenery outside instead of the strange, fluttering feeling in his chest. "you okay?" jisung asks after a while, voice low, eyes flicking toward chenle for just a second before returning to the road.
"yeah, sorry," chenle says with an awkward laugh, "i've never been on a trip like this before." he adds, unsure why, maybe it's an excuse to keep talking to jisung, maybe he just wants to hear his voice.
"really? we go on trips quite often, usually to jenos cabin." jisung replies, that gentle smile tugging at the corners of his lips, warm but not overbearing.
"must be nice to have a big friend group." chenle says, glancing at jisung in a way that feels far less casual than just friends. jisung hums softly, eyes flicking to the rearview mirror, catching a glimpse of his friends laughing in the back.
"we've been friends since grade school," jisung says, then glances at chenle for a brief second, "sometimes i feel like i can't get away from them."
chenle laughs quietly, shaking his head. he's never had a group like this, never felt so much like an intruder quietly observing. "sorry to crash the party, then," chenle jokes, smiling faintly at the road ahead.
jisung laughs, soft and easy, and then chenle feels it, a gentle press of a hand on his thigh, deliberate enough to make his stomach twist in a way a friend shouldn't.
chenle stiffens for a fraction of a second, startled, then shifts slightly, trying to act casual. his heart is hammering, a little too loud, and he can't help the flush creeping up his neck.
jisung doesn't say a word, just keeps driving, thumb brushing over chenles thigh in a slow, subtle squeeze, and chenle feels caught, like jisung noticed, like jisung knows, and isn't pulling away.
"don't be," jisung murmurs quietly, voice low and intimate, "i want you here." and just like that, the van feels smaller, warmer, impossibly close, even with the rest of the group laughing behind them. chenle swallows hard, trying to focus on the road outside, but he can't.
his chest is too tight, his pulse too fast. and he knows, this is just a seat next to jisung.
and yet, it isn't.
"shit," jaemin says, eyes scanning the piece of paper in front of him. "i completely forgot, there's not enough rooms." he adds, and the group falls quiet, standing awkwardly, unsure how to progress. chenle looks down at the keys in his hand. five rooms for seven people.
"uh, me and jeno will obviously sleep together, so that's one room..." jaemin says, handing a key to jeno. then he looks around, and chenle feels that familiar, nervous urge to speak up.
"me and renjun can share a room," he starts, but before he can continue, someone clears their throat and steps forward. "or," jisung says, voice calm but deliberate, "we could just share a room, chenle."
chenles stomach drops like a stone.
friends. friends sharing a room. friends sharing a room when he could've just slept in the same room as his cousin. "i mean-" chenle starts, rubbing the back of his neck, heat creeping up his ears. he should say no, friends would say no.
jisungs eyes flick to him, patient, quiet, but there's a hint of expectation there. and for some reason, chenle can't find the words to refuse.
"yeah, that's fine with me." chenle says finally, voice uneven, and to that, jaemin nods, handing a key to jisung. then he passes keys to the other three boys who get their own rooms, leaving chenle and jisung alone with this... arrangement.
chenle swallows hard, heart hammering, stomach twisting. friends. just friends. and yet, as jisung steps forward, key in hand, casually brushing against chenles arm on the way, chenle can't help but think- this is going to be a very long weekend.
chenle follows jisung into the room, heart thumping like it's trying to escape his chest. the door shuts softly behind them, the lock clicking, and suddenly the space feels smaller, warmer, impossibly close.
jisung sets his bag down, eyes flicking to chenle, calm and steady, but that calm only makes chenle more aware of the tight coil of nerves in his stomach. "so... this is it," jisung says, voice low, casual, but there's a subtle weight to it, like he's testing chenle, watching for a reaction.
"yeah..." chenle replies, voice just a little too quiet. he shifts, unsure where to put his hands, his eyes darting to the double bed, then the floor, then back to jisung. friends. just friends.
jisung moves closer to unpack his things, and chenle feels the brush of his arm against his side. a spark jumps straight to chenles chest, and he swallows, trying to act casual.
"you okay?" jisung asks again after a beat, glancing at him with that soft, knowing look, as if he can see right through chenles attempt at composure. "yeah, i'm fine," chenle mumbles, laughing awkwardly, heart hammering. he wants to look away but can't. jisungs presence is magnetic, impossible to ignore.
a quiet moment stretches, just them in the room, and chenle can feel every tiny movement, jisung shifting his bag, the brush of his fingers against the sheets, the soft inhale when jisung notices chenle watching him.
"you can unpack, you know," jisung says, voice even, teasing, calm, but chenle catches the faint smile tugging at his lips. a smile that feels like it's meant for him, just him. chenle swallows, stomach twisting, because he knows- this is just a room. just a shared room. just friends.
the tension is electric, a quiet hum between them, and chenle realizes he's never been more aware of every inch of space between him and jisung, every heartbeat, every glance, every tiny brush of contact.
"uh, i'm going to make sure renjun is comfortable..." chenle says after a brief, torturous minute, the air between him and jisung thick in a way it shouldn't be for two people who are just friends.
jisung nods, a gentle, almost knowing smile on his lips. chenle nods back, awkward, and turns toward the door, every step feeling heavier than it should.
he bursts into renjuns room, shuts the door behind him, and slides down against it, burying his face in his hands. his chest is tight, stomach twisting.
"woah, you okay?" renjun asks, still unpacking, glancing up at him with concern. chenle lifts his head slightly, and that's when he notices: the room has two beds. two single beds. everyone would've known. jaemin would've known, jisung would've known. jisung said they come here often, after all.
"uh-" chenle starts, swallowing hard, words sticking in his throat. friends. right. just friends.
"yeah, i just-" he tries again, voice barely above a whisper, but the words catch in his chest and die there. he can't articulate how his heart feels like it's in overdrive, how every memory of the ride in the van, every brush of jisungs hand, every look has led him to this small, quiet room.
renjun tilts his head, waiting, patient, sensing something he doesn't understand, and chenle exhales sharply, mind racing, heart hammering. he's speechless.
"chenle?" renjun tries again, and when chenle looks at him, he can't help but laugh nervously, a little high-pitched and frantic. "oh my god... this weekend is going to be torture," he says finally, eyes wide, voice nearly cracking.
renjun stares at him like he's lost his mind. "...what?" he asks, one hand on his hip, like a mother trying to make sense of a disaster in the kitchen. "no, just-" chenle gestures helplessly with his hands, like that will somehow explain everything.
"this room has two beds, but jisung still asked if i wanted to share a room. and that other room only has one bed," chenle blurts out, voice uneven, trying to make sense of the contradiction, of the tension coiling in his chest.
renjun blinks at him, expression unreadable for a second, before letting out a small, amused laugh. "i mean... you and jisung are, like, seeing each other? aren't you?" he asks gently, as if that explains everything.
"what?" chenle says, shaking his head so hard it feels like it might fall off. "wait- why does everyone think that?"
renjun frowns, like he hadn't expected that answer, like chenle just pulled the rug out from under the world. "oh," he says slowly, raising his eyebrows in surprise, "sorry, i guess i just assumed."
chenle groans, burying his face in his hands for a second, wishing the floor would just swallow him whole. he was right; this weekend was going to be absolute, unrelenting torture.
chenle and renjun help with dinner, chinese instincts, as chenle calls it. somehow, they always end up behind a stove, hands busy but minds... wandering.
but no matter how carefully chenle fries the vegetables, his eyes keep slipping to the sliding glass door, watching the other four boys outside, absorbed in a chaotic game of foot volleyball.
he can't help the smile that creeps onto his face as jisung makes another miserable attempt to save the ball, tripping slightly and laughing every time, voice carrying across the yard. chenles chest tightens a little, like it always does when jisung laughs, and he finds himself laughing softly under his breath too.
"chenle," jaemins voice calls, amused, pulling chenle back from his daydream. he snaps his head toward jaemin, who's leaning casually against the counter, the faint smirk tugging at his lips, eyes sparkling without ever really looking at chenle.
"you're supposed to be cooking, not watching jisung," jaemin adds, tone teasing but not unkind. chenle feels his face heat instantly, the flush creeping up his neck. "sorry," he mutters, voice barely above a whisper, and forces his eyes back to the frying pan, stirring with a little more focus than before.
but even as he stirs, he can't help glancing out of the corner of his eye again, watching jisung laugh, watching the way his hair falls into his eyes when he lunges for the ball. and chenle swears, quietly, to himself, that he'll never admit just how happy he is watching jisung be... jisung.
"hey, jaemin," renjun whispers, and jaemin turns, eyebrows raised in curiosity. chenle doesn't notice their little exchange from across the kitchen, too busy flipping vegetables. "did you know chenle doesn't even realize there's something going on with him and jisung?" renjun adds, voice low, conspiratorial.
jaemin stifles a laugh, eyes flicking toward chenle, who is trying and failing miserably not to glance at jisung, who's laughing outside with the others. chenle tries to focus on the food, but it's impossible.
"tell me about it," jaemin says, shaking his head, voice dropping even lower like they're sharing some scandalous secret. "i'm pretty sure this whole trip was an excuse of jisung to hang out with chenle... and also, jisung took him on a double date the other day, right?" renjun starts, eyes still tracking chenles movements.
"and introduces him as his friend! and then when i asked chenle if he thought jisung was cute, he's all like, 'oh no, we're just friends.' it's actually kind of sad." renjun giggles lightly, shaking his head at the absurdity. "he's completely oblivious, isn't he?"
renjun rolls his eyes, still watching chenle carefully. "he's never dated anyone before," he says quietly. jaemin blinks, surprised. "wait... really?" he asks, leaning in, voice low. "i don't even think he'd believe someone actually likes him- even if he wanted to."
they exchange a small, knowing glance, both silently agreeing that chenles obliviousness is equal parts frustrating and... endearing. meanwhile, chenle continues to stir the vegetables, completely unaware of the conversation, or the way jisungs presence seems to pull him into orbit without him even noticing.
the campfire burns bright and warm in front of chenle, flames dancing and casting golden shadows across the clearing. he smiles gently as he watches his new friends enjoying the food he made, all chattering softly, laughing, as gentle music drifts from someones portable speaker.
"you having fun?" jisungs voice pulls chenle out of his pleasant thoughts, and chenle looks up to see him sitting down on the small blanket next to him. he can feel the quiet warmth of jisung just inches away.
"yeah," chenle says softly, tugging his knees closer to his chest, smile tugging at his lips. "good," jisung replies, nodding slightly, eyes flicking toward where donghyuck is carefully putting renjuns hair up in little pigtails.
"it's nice to see everyone getting along, huh?" he asks, voice gentle, easy. chenle glances at renjun, who's frowning and muttering under his breath but clearly laughing on the inside, and chenle chuckles lightly.
"yeah," he admits, tilting his head as he watches. "i was kind of worried it wouldn't... you know, all go smoothly." jisung hums, brushing a small stray leaf off chenles sleeve with his fingers. "i get that," he says quietly. "but everyone seems happy... so do you."
chenle laughs softly, shaking his head, looking down at his hands. "i am. it's just... nice. to be here, you know? with everyone." jisungs gaze lingers on him for a moment, calm and easy, and chenle feels a quiet heat in his chest. "i'm glad you're here," jisung says simply, and chenle smiles, warm and a little shy.
they sit like that for a few minutes, the crackle of the fire and distant laughter filling the comfortable silence. chenles eyes drift back to the group, then to jisung, feeling a little lighter, a little happier than he has in a long time.
"so... next time we do a trip like this," jisung starts after a beat, voice teasing just enough, "you're making all the food again, right?" chenle laughs, nodding. "of course," he says softly. "someone's gotta keep you all fed."
jisung smirks gently, nudging chenles shoulder with his own. "good," he says, and chenle can't help but grin back, heart quietly thumping. "let's play a campfire game!" jaemin calls after a while, standing up with a clap that echoes softly through the night air.
jisung leans over, voice low, teasing, "his campfire games are never a good idea." his eyes stay fixed on jaemin, but for some reason, chenle feels his chest warm, and he lets out a quiet laugh, soft enough for only jisung to hear.
"truth or dare!" donghyuck suggests, grinning, and chenle can't help a small scoff, quiet and fond. it's basic, obvious, but that's exactly what makes it perfect for a campfire: easy, light, a way to get everyone comfortable.
"alright, truth or dare, hyuckie?" jaemin asks, leaning forward, playful. donghyuck sits up straighter, puffing out his chest like he's ready for anything, and declares proudly, "dare!"
jaemin pretends to think, tapping a finger against his chin, then snaps his fingers. "i dare you to run inside and get me another sprite."
donghyuck groans loudly, flopping back slightly, and chenle can't hold back a giggle, muffled behind his hand. eventually, donghyuck agrees, but not without a dramatic sigh and exaggerated complaints. he dashes off toward the cabin, disappearing out of earshot.
jaemin exhales, settling back down on the blanket, mock-serious. "alright, now he's gone... let's think of a better game."
chenle watches him, amused, feeling a quiet happiness as jisung nudges his shoulder gently with his own, smirking just enough to make chenles stomach flip. the fire crackles, laughter drifts from the group, and for a moment, everything feels light, warm, and impossibly close.
"let's play charades," jeno suggests, and jaemin nods eagerly, clearly preferring that over truth or dare. "okay, okay," jaemin says, already slipping into full camp-leader mode.
"the pairs are... me and jeno, chenle and jisung, and mark, renjun, and donghyuck." chenle feels his cheeks heat instantly. jisung, sitting beside him on the blanket, leans just slightly closer and smirks. "you better be good at charades," he teases softly.
chenle swallows and laughs nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. "i'm not," he admits quietly. oh god, he's going to make a fool of himself. but then again... it doesn't matter if he does, right? they're just friends. he doesn't need to impress jisung.
jisungs smirk deepens, and chenle feels his stomach twist in a way that's not entirely rational. he looks away for a moment, focusing on the firelight dancing across the blanket, trying to calm himself.
when donghyuck returns, complaining loudly about being used as a soda-fetcher, the game officially begins. chenle watches with a small smile as jaemin throws himself into acting out "marriage," hands flailing and making exaggerated kissing gestures. jeno stares at him, utterly dumbfounded.
"uh, kissing?" jeno guesses, and jaemin groans, hands flailing more wildly. "you already guessed kissing!" he complains, and mark shouts from the back, "hey, no talking!" which only makes jaemin groan louder.
jaemin proceeds to pretend he's holding a bouquet of flowers, walking down an imaginary aisle, but somehow jeno looks even more confused. eyebrows furrowed, he mutters, "what is that? singing? what? jaemin, i have no idea-"
he's cut off by renjuns phone timer buzzing, and the boys voice calling, "time!" the group bursts into laughter, jaemin collapsing back onto the blanket with a huff. "it was marriage, idiot," he says, gently nudging jenos arm, and jeno gasps, "ohhhh," like it wasn't obvious the whole time.
and then... it's chenle and jisungs turn. jisung nudges chenle lightly, eyes glinting with mischief. "ready?" he whispers, voice low. chenle swallows, nodding, feeling heat rush to his cheeks again. he glances at jisung, whose calm smile somehow makes him simultaneously nervous and... strangely safe.
jisung picks the first word from the stack, passes it it chenle without looking, and grins. "okay... you'll do the acting," he says gently. chenles eyes widen. "wait- me?!" chenle whispers, panic rising. "you'll be fine," jisung murmurs, leaning so close chenle can feel the heat of his arm brushing his.
chenle exhales shakily, nodding, and as he begins to act, jisungs quiet chuckles from beside him make it impossible not to smile nervously back, forgetting for a moment about everything else.
chenle takes a shaky breath, then moves his hands slowly, as if holding something delicate. he lifts his imaginary object, tilts it back, pretends to pour something.
jisung stares, brow furrowed, trying to figure it out. "uh... are you... watering a plant?" he guesses quietly, voice low and teasing. chenle groans, glaring at him playfully. "no!" he whispers back, spinning again, tossing imaginary flour with exaggerated care.
jisung hums, squinting at him, eyes sparkling. "baking? cooking? no, wait-" he pauses, leaning closer, "are you... juggling?" chenle tries not to laugh, hands flailing in all directions as he pretends to stir, toss, and lift the imaginary bowl.
jisung leans back, pretending to think, but there's a grin tugging at his lips. "baking a... cake?" he finally guesses, voice filled with that soft, teasing certainty. chenle throws his hands up, almost laughing out loud. "yes! finally!" he whispers, flopping back onto the blanket beside jisung, chest still racing.
jisung chuckles softly beside him, nudging chenles shoulder with his own. "you're cute," he says gently, so not friends, but chenle pushes down the way his heart flips. chenle shakes his head, face still warm, laughing quietly.
"you're annoying," he murmurs, eyes meeting jisungs. jisung smirks, brushing a strand of hair from chenles forehead. chenle swears the firelight is warmer now, the quiet closeness making him feel... entirely too happy.
the group claps, moving on to the next round, but chenle can't stop stealing glances at jisung, heart still racing, laughter still lingering in his chest.
charades is over, and chenle assumes everyone is probably going to head to bed. the campfire is dying down, the night air getting colder. he's very mistaken. "who wants to go for a swim?!" jeno shouts, way too excited, and chenles eyes widen.
"oh god," renjun mutters, eyes meeting chenles. everyone else seems way too keen on this idea, like it's something they always do- which, probably, it is. to the two chinese boys, a swim in a cold lake sounds like the worst idea imaginable.
still, jisung is standing up beside him, a stupidly wild grin on his face, hands extended down toward chenle. "come on, chenle," he says, tilting his head, smile teasing. chenle almost gives in.
"it's going to be cold!" he complains, but jisung just laughs, shaking his head in a way that makes his hair fall into his eyes. "you only live once!" he says, like that's justification enough, and chenle frowns.
with a sigh, chenle takes jisungs hands, letting himself be pulled up. they break into a run, chenle tripping over his own feet as he stumbles after the group. they reach a small wharf, where everyone is already stripping out of shirts and pants.
"oh," chenle mutters under his breath, eyes flicking to jisung. the curve of his sides, the faint indent of abs, and chenle has to swallow hard, forcing himself to look away.
"don't tell me you're wearing your pink polka dot underwear," jisung teases, and chenle glances up, eyebrow raised, before his vision drops just in time to see jisung pulling off his pants.
chenle inhales sharply. "what?" jisung laughs, taking a few steps backwards, grin wide, only in his boxers. "i'm kidding," he says, shrugging. everyone else is in the same, normal situation.
chenle exhales slowly, telling himself it's nothing- they're friends. it's fine. it's normal. male friends swim together in only their boxers all the time... right?
"jesus," chenle sighs, running a hand through his hair. he notices renjun sitting at the edge of the wharf, still fully dressed like him, legs dangling over the water with a calm smile. "you not swimming?" he asks.
"not really in the mood to get hypothermia," renjun jokes, and chenle snorts, imagining the icy water. "what about you?" renjun adds, and chenle hesitates. the other four boys are already splashing and laughing in the lake.
jisung stands at the wharfs edge now, smiling back at chenle like he's waiting, perfectly relaxed, and chenles chest tightens. "i feel... awkward," chenle admits with a laugh, eyes drifting briefly over jisungs body- too far away and too dark for jisung to notice.
"why?" renjun asks, smirking like he knows more than he should. "you said nothing's going on between you and jisung." he adds. "and that remains true," chenle replies, running a hand through his hair.
"so?" renjun teases, eyebrow raised. chenle sighs, deciding to just do it. he pulls off his shirt, chest brushing cool air, eyes flicking to jisung. the grin on jisungs face grows, excitement barely contained. chenle turns away, pulls off his pants, and runs toward jisung.
he doesn't slow down, doesn't greet jisung properly, he just jumps. the cold hits instantly, shocking him, and he screams as he resurfaces. jisung cannonballs in right next to him, splashing him thoroughly.
chenle can't help laughing, coughing, sputtering, water dripping off him. jisungs laugh rings out, carefree and wild, and chenles chest warms in spite of the cold, heart racing not from the lake, but from the boy beside him.
chenle shakes water from his hair, laughing, and jisung grins, sneaking up behind him to splash him again. "hey!" chenle yelps, sputtering as cold water drips down his face.
jisung laughs, brushing some wet strands from chenles forehead. "what? you looked like you needed it," he teases softly, eyes sparkling in the firelights reflection on the lake.
chenle splashes back, just enough to get jisung soaked, and jisung splashes him again, both of them laughing, breath visible in the cold night air. the rest of the boys are still splashing around, but chenle and jisung end up drifting slightly apart, just enough to catch each other floating side by side.
"you're ridiculous," chenle says quietly, shaking his head, though his grin is wide. "you're ridiculouser," jisung fires back, and chenle scoffs gently, a small smile tugging at his lips. "that's not even a word," he teases, but jisung just shrugs, kicking lazily as he floats backward in the water.
"it's cold," chenle huffs, feeling goosebumps rise on his arms. his eyes flick over when he hears a scream, seeing mark and jaemin dramatically failing to drag renjun into the lake while donghyuck laughs so hard he nearly sinks.
"of course it's cold," jisung says matter-of-factly, and chenle turns back to him with a frown. the bluntness shouldn't make his stomach flip, but somehow it does. maybe everything jisung says does.
"do you guys seriously swim in here every time?" chenle asks, his teeth clattering just enough to betray how cold he really is. jisung nods, unbothered.
"usually naked, so maybe you should strip." jisung adds, lips curling into a smirk. chenle splutters, laughing as he splashes water at him. "shut up," he says through a grin, and jisung chuckles quietly, low and warm.
there's a small pause before jisung speaks again, casual as anything. "do you like kayaking?" chenle blinks at him, caught off guard by the sudden change in topic. "dunno, never done it," he admits, shrugging as best as he can in the water.
jisung hums softly, thoughtful, then tilts his head. "wanna go kayaking with me tomorrow?" it's said so simply, so easily, and chenles heart stutters. but he nods anyway, smiling faintly. "sure," he says, because yeah, friends hang out like that.
jisung smiles back, shifting to sit up straighter in the water, and for a second, chenle swears he sees something in his eyes. something unspoken. "hey, lovebirds!" someone suddenly yells from across the lake, voices echoing in laughter.
chenle freezes, heat flooding his cheeks despite the icy water, and whirls around to see the rest of the boys waving them over, grinning like they've just caught onto something.
before chenle can even process the tease, jisung grins at him, mischievous and bright. "race you," he says, and then he's gone, swimming off fast, leaving chenle splashing in his wake, flustered and laughing all the same.
"do you like chenle?" jaemin asks after the group come inside and finish their showers, steam still clinging faintly to the air. he's curled up on the couch with a blanket over his lap, a mug of hot chocolate warming his hands, eyes sharp even as his tone stays casual.
"what?" jisung laughs awkwardly, shifting in his seat. his eyes flick instinctively down the hallway where he knows chenle is still showering, and that alone makes jaemin's smirk grow.
"don't 'what' me," jaemin says, voice soft but firm. "i've known you long enough, ji." jisung swallows, a faint blush dusting his cheeks. "we're just friends..." he mutters, repeating the same line they've both been hiding behind.
"friends. right." jaemin scoffs, leaning back. "i don't know what kind of friends i bring on dates and flirt with, but each to their own." jisung rolls his eyes, running a hand through his freshly washed hair. "give me some examples then, genius."
jaemin doesn't hesitate. "when me and jeno met him, you paid for his dinner. this whole trip? making sure he's in the front seat, rooming with him, flirting with him by the fire, in the lake..." he trails off, sipping his drink with a knowing look.
jisung scoffs again, stubborn as ever. "i'm just trying to make sure he's comfortable." that makes jaemin laugh, quiet but cutting. "yeah, sure. that's why you look at him like that, huh?" jisung freezes, eyes darting away. his mouth opens, but nothing comes out.
"i don't know why you both keep trying to deny it," jaemin sighs, shaking his head. that finally cracks jisung, because he leans forward slightly, eyes wide. "has chenle said something?" he asks, voice low, almost desperate.
jaemin raises an eyebrow at him over the rim of his mug, lips twitching into the faintest smile. "what? now you care?" jisung frowns immediately, sinking back into the couch like a sulky kid caught red-handed.
"...i was just asking," he mutters, pouting as he pulls at a loose thread on his sleeve. before jaemin can tease him again, footsteps echo softly down the hall. chenle appears, towel slung around his neck, hair damp and curling at the ends. he looks freshly scrubbed, warm, a little pink from the steam.
"what are you two whispering about?" chenle asks, eyes flicking between them. his tone is casual, but there's curiosity there, like he can feel the tension thick in the air. "nothing," jisung blurts too quickly, sitting upright as if he's been caught doing something wrong.
jaemin just sips his hot chocolate, hiding a smirk behind the rim. "yeah. nothing at all." chenle narrows his eyes, suspicious but not pushing.
he pads over to the armchair opposite them, curling into it with his own blanket, and when he smiles, small, tired, easy, it makes jisungs chest feel too tight. jaemin watches the whole thing unfold, smug as ever.
chenle yawns lightly, blinking slow, his eyes lingering on jisung even as he tries to hide it behind the back of his hand. the firelight from the hearth casts a warm glow across his face, and there's a faint, drowsy smile tugging at his lips as he half listens to jaemin and jisung talk.
jisung glances over at the sound, catching chenle mid-yawn, and his own smile softens in a way he doesn't even try to mask. "you tired?" he asks, voice gentle, though he can feel jaemins sharp gaze flick toward him from the side.
chenle nods lightly, throat working as he swallows. the thought crosses his mind that it would probably be easier, less awkward, to slip away now, before jisung comes to bed. avoid the silence of lying down next to him, the way the tension presses closer when the lights go out.
but then again, they're just friends. nothing awkward about sleeping next to each other.
"wanna go to bed?" jisung asks after a beat, still watching him carefully. chenle nods again, his voice quiet, barely above a whisper. "yeah..." the word seems to hang between them, soft and heavy, and for a second, jaemin almost says something, but he just smirks into his mug instead, letting them figure it out themselves.
the hallway is dim and quiet when they slip away, the muffled laughter of the others fading behind them. chenle feels the weight of jisungs presence at his side with every step, his arms crossed loosely over his chest like that'll keep him steady.
when they push into their room, it feels suddenly too small. the double bed sits across from them, neatly made. chenle swallows, forcing himself to move first, setting his phone on the little nightstand and shrugging off his slippers.
"long day, huh?" jisung says lightly, as if it fills the silence. he tosses his hoodie over the back of a chair, stretching casually, though his eyes flick toward chenle for just a second too long.
"yeah," chenle murmurs, sitting down on the edge of the bed. his fingers twist the hem of his shirt, nerves bubbling beneath his calm face. they're just friends, he reminds himself, again and again, but it doesn't explain why his heart is thudding this way.
jisung moves around the room like it's familiar, like he belongs there, because he does. chenle watches from the corner of his eye as jisung pulls back the covers, the small smile still resting on his lips.
"you can turn the light off if you want," jisung says gently, glancing over. chenle nods, slipping under the blanket. "okay." he reaches over to flick the switch, plunging the room into soft shadows.
for a moment, it's quiet. too quiet. then jisungs voice, low in the dark: "night, chenle." chenle rolls onto his side, facing the wall, though his chest feels tight. "...night, jisung." and jisung is right there, close enough that chenle can't fall asleep without hearing his heartbeat in his head.
chenle isn't sure how long it's been; minutes, hours, he can't tell. all he knows is he can't sleep. he's facing jisung, which was already a mistake, but worse is that jisung is facing him too. eyes closed, breathing steady, chest rising and falling like he's drifted off.
but chenle can't. not with jisung right there, not with the faint warmth of him seeping across the small space between them. not with the dip in the mattress, not with jisungs leg brushing against his under the covers, just enough to feel it, just enough to notice.
his gaze lingers in the dark, tracing jisungs features, the soft lashes resting against his cheeks, the curve of his nose, the faint shape of his mouth. stupidly, in a friend way, obviously, chenle thinks jisung might be the most beautiful person he's ever seen. the thought makes his chest ache, makes his breath hitch.
and then, suddenly, jisungs eyes open.
chenle freezes, breath caught, caught staring. jisung doesn't say a word about it. not about how close their faces are, not about how chenle was obviously watching him. instead, jisung just shifts closer, slow, deliberate, his gaze flicking from chenles eyes to his lips and back again, silent, careful, asking without asking.
chenle should turn away, he should laugh it off. but he doesn't, he can't.
and then jisung kisses him. just barely- a soft, fleeting press of lips that's over almost before it starts. chenle exhales shakily, eyes wide, but he doesn't move, doesn't push him away. jisung takes that as an answer.
the second kiss lingers. a little more pressure, a little more intent, his lips moving against chenles like he's testing if he'll respond this time. and when chenle doesn't run, doesn't pull back, jisung shifts closer, deepening it- slow, gentle, real.
chenles heart thunders in his chest. jisung is kissing him. his friend. friends totally kiss friends, right? ...right?
the second kiss lingers. slow, unhurried, their mouths fitting together like they'd been waiting for this. chenles heart races, but his body stays still, too stunned to do anything but let it happen.
jisungs hand almost lifts, like he's about to touch him, but then he stops himself, settling for being closer, their breaths mingling, lips brushing softly again and again. and then, just as carefully as it started, jisung pulls back.
the space between them feels different now- thick, fragile. chenles pulse is still hammering, lips tingling, but jisung just lies there like nothing happened, eyelids drooping shut again as if he's going back to sleep.
chenle turns onto his back, staring up at the ceiling, forcing his breathing to slow. his lips are still warm, his chest still tight. but neither of them says a word. like it didn't happen, like it was nothing.
friends, after all.
chenle wakes up with the sunlight bleeding faintly through the curtains, his body stiff from lying so carefully still all night. for a second, he doesn't remember- why his chest feels tight, why his lips still feel warm, why his brain jolts the second he notices jisungs sleeping face inches away from his own.
oh. right.
he swallows, rolling onto his back slowly, quietly, trying not to wake him. the kiss, the kisses, flood back, his heart lurching all over again. it wasn't a dream, he can still feel it.
he lies there until jisung shifts, groaning quietly as he stretches, one arm brushing against chenles. "morning," jisung says, voice rough with sleep, casual like nothing's changed. "morning," chenle mutters back, throat dry, eyes fixed on the ceiling.
for a beat, the air hangs heavy, and chenles sure jisung is thinking about it too. but jisung just yawns, rubbing a hand through his messy hair. "you sleep okay?" he asks, tone easy. "yeah," chenle lies, forcing a small laugh, "took me a while, but... yeah."
jisung hums like it's nothing, swinging his legs off the bed and standing up. chenle can't stop his gaze from flicking toward him, from catching the curve of his shoulder as he stretches. jisung glances back at him, lips twitching like he's about to smile, then thinks better of it.
"come on," jisung says instead, reaching for his hoodie on the chair. "let's get breakfast before the others eat everything." he adds. "right," chenle says, finally pushing himself upright. his body feels heavy, awkward, like every move is too loud, too obvious.
they walk out together, side by side, their shoulders brushing once in the hallway. neither of them comments on it.
in the kitchen, jaemin greets them with a grin, and chenle feels his face heat instantly. he avoids jisungs gaze, sitting down at the table, pretending to be fascinated by the toast renjun is buttering.
jisung sits across from him, eyes lingering on chenle a second too long before he finally looks away. nothing happened, they both know that's the story. and yet, every glance, every brush of air between them feels like it's saying otherwise.
"how'd you sleep?" renjun asks after breakfast, both boys tucked away in renjuns room while the rest of the group yells over a chaotic game of uno in the lounge. "awful," chenle mutters, shifting on the spare bed, his arms wrapping around himself.
his eyelids are heavy, his body wants nothing more than to sink into the mattress, but his brain won't shut up. "why awful?" renjun asks, glancing up from his phone with a raised brow, already sounding amused.
chenle drags his hands down his face, groaning. "if i tell you, can you promise not to tell anyone?" renjun scoffs, snorting a little. "chenle, i hardly know anyone here."
"true," chenle mumbles, staring at the ceiling for a beat before rolling onto his side to face renjun. his stomach twists. "i-" he swallows, pressing his lips together. "jisung kissed me last night." renjuns head jerks up, eyes wide. "he what?"
"yep," chenle says, frowning, his brows knitted together tight. "...and why is that awful?" renjun asks slowly, voice softer now, cautious. "because," chenle says immediately, his voice pitching higher, "we're just friends." renjun opens his mouth, ready to protest, but chenle cuts him off with a rush of words.
"and also- we haven't talked about it. at all. not when it happened, not when we woke up, not even while we were sitting at breakfast! it just happened, and then silence. nothing. like it didn't even happen." his hands flail in front of him, exasperated, before he drops them to the bed with a huff.
renjun blinks at him, then scoffs, shaking his head with a laugh. "okay, first of all, friends don't kiss friends, le." chenles nose scrunches immediately. "not true! i've literally seen you peck your friends at parties!" he shoots back, stubborn.
"yeah, when we're drunk. and usually because some idiot dares us to." renjun rolls his eyes, grinning despite himself. "you're seriously comparing that to this?" chenles mouth opens, then shuts. he pouts, grumbling under his breath. "...yes."
"no. absolutely not," renjun says firmly, tossing a pillow at his cousin. "there's no dare, no alcohol, no audience. just you and jisung. in the middle of the night." chenle buries his face in the pillow, groaning loudly.
renjun smirks, shaking his head. "it wasn't a friendly kiss, le. you know that as well as i do." and chenle hates it, hates how his chest tightens, because renjun's right. those kisses weren't casual. they weren't nothing.
they were careful, quiet. like they meant something.
chenle sits in the front of the kayak, jisung behind him, paddling steadily while the quiet tension from the weekend lingers. neither of them has spoken about last night, and chenle isn't sure they ever will- but somehow, it doesn't feel uncomfortable.
"-and then donghyuck accused me of cheating!" jisung rants, voice animated, and chenle can't help but smile at the familiar way jisung flails his arms, even while holding the paddle.
"i can so see you cheating in uno," chenle laughs, letting jisung do all the work of paddling. "that's not even fair," jisung groans, resting the paddle across his lap. "how do you cheat in uno anyway?"
chenle shrugs with a grin, shaking his head as he looks around the lake. the water glints like glass, the trees reflecting in perfect symmetry. "it's so pretty out here."
jisung hums in agreement, voice soft now. "yeah. i'm only friends with jeno for his lake," he jokes, following chenles gaze toward a few ducks paddling lazily near the reeds. chenle giggles quietly, cheeks heating. jisung can't see it from behind him, but chenle feels a little like he's glowing anyway.
a beat of silence passes, the only sound the gentle slap of water against the kayak. jisung shifts slightly, close enough that chenle can feel his warmth through the thin life jacket. "you okay?" jisung asks quietly, voice low.
"yeah," chenle murmurs, smiling without turning around. "just... happy." jisung hums again, and chenle swears he can hear it in his chest, feel it in the small brush of air when jisung paddles again.
they glide across the lake like that for a while, neither needing to say much, both just... content. they float for a while, paddles resting lightly in the water as the sun warms their shoulders.
chenle glances behind him, feeling jisungs presence like a quiet gravity. jisung leans a little closer, chin just barely brushing chenles shoulder. chenle freezes, heat rushing to his cheeks, but says nothing.
"you're really quiet up there," jisung murmurs softly, voice low enough that only chenle can hear it. "are you thinking?" he adds. "maybe," chenle admits, trying to keep his tone casual, though his heart is hammering.
jisung hums, tilting his head just slightly, enough that chenle can feel the warmth radiating off him. "good thoughts?" chenle swallows, glancing forward at the calm lake. "yeah. good thoughts," he says, though the blush in his cheeks gives him away.
jisung doesn't push, doesn't tease, he just stays close, a quiet presence against chenles back, letting the gentle rhythm of the water fill the space between words. chenles hand drifts near the side of the kayak, close enough that their arms brush occasionally, and each tiny contact sends little sparks through him.
"we should do this more often," jisung finally says, voice casual, like it's just an idea, not a confession. "yeah," chenle whispers, smiling softly, leaning just a fraction into jisung, enjoying the closeness. "we should."
for a long moment, they just float there, the world narrowing down to the lake, the kayak, and the warmth of each others presence- two friends pretending nothing has changed, while secretly feeling that maybe... everything has.
"what's the plan for the rest of the day?" chenle asks after a moment, the calm of the lake stretching around them, feeling the silence starting to press in. "i think some of the boys are going to go shopping for snacks soon," jisung replies casually, paddling lazily. "something about a movie night."
chenle nods, thinking, watching the ripples spread from the kayak. "are you going with them?" he asks next, voice quieter than it needs to be, almost swallowed by the gentle lap of the water. "maybe," jisung says, voice casual, eyes still on the horizon.
chenle swallows, shifts slightly forward, then clears his throat. "can i come?" jisung glances at him, a soft laugh escaping. "'course you can," he says, voice warm, the corners of his eyes crinkling. he leans back just a fraction, letting chenle settle comfortably between him and the paddles.
"thanks," chenle murmurs, a quiet smile tugging at his lips. the simple acceptance, the closeness, makes his chest feel a little lighter, a little warmer, like maybe he doesn't have to overthink everything, at least not right now.
jisung hums, eyes returning to the water, letting chenle sit in comfortable silence. the world is still, the lake calm, and for a moment, chenle allows himself to just... be here, with jisung, without worrying about what comes next.
chenle lingers behind the other three boys who decided to come shopping, eyes drifting softly as jisung pushes the shopping cart with jaemin perched inside. "chenle, do you like pepero?" jaemin calls from the cart, leaning over the side to look at the options.
chenle shrugs, face warming more than it should. "sure," he replies, kicking his feet slightly against the floor. jaemin grins, tossing a few random flavours into the cart, barely fitting inside the mound of snacks.
"you okay?" mark asks suddenly, and chenle startles slightly, realizing he hadn't noticed mark walking next to him.
"oh," chenle says, giving a small, awkward smile. he's never really talked to mark before. "yeah, sorry. i can be a bit quiet sometimes." his eyes flick back toward jisung, who's laughing as he pushes jaemin a bit too fast down the aisle.
mark chuckles gently. "yeah, i get that," he says, following chenles gaze. "jisung's a bit like that too, despite how much he's pretending not to be this weekend." chenle frowns, confused. "what do you mean?"
"he's trying to impress you," mark says casually, and chenle feels his neck heat up instantly. "why would he do that?" chenle laughs awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck. mark shrugs.
"you guys haven't been dating for long, have you? i don't really know much, jisung doesn't like talking about these things." chenle looks away, embarrassed, cheeks hot. apparently, this whole world assumes he and jisung are more than friends.
"we aren't dating..." he murmurs quietly. usually, he'd say 'we're just friends' but right now? he doesn't really feel like justifying it with the excuse of them being just friends. it doesn't matter how many times he says it, it'll never feel true.
"oh, shit- sorry. i just assumed," mark says quickly, scratching the back of his neck and laughing awkwardly. "it's fine," chenle replies, pressing his lips together, still flustered.
"i-" he starts, then stops, realizing there's nothing more to add. he exhales softly, letting the tension drift away, though the warmth in his cheeks lingers. his gaze drifts back to jisung, laughing and pushing jaemin around the store, and chenle can't help but smile quietly, even if it makes him feel a little ridiculous.
while the other two are distracted by snacks and aisle debates, chenle finds himself lingering behind jisung, careful not to bump into him. jisung glances back, catching chenles eyes, and smirks, a quiet, knowing smile that makes chenles chest tighten.
"want me to grab the chocolate?" jisung asks softly, tilting his head toward the top shelf. "uh... i can- i mean, yes," chenle stammers, stepping closer. jisung moves just slightly, reaching for the bar without really noticing how close they are.
"thanks," chenle murmurs, heart hammering. the contact is fleeting, just their hands brushing briefly, but chenle feels the spark of it like electricity. jisungs fingers linger a little longer than necessary, then pull back with a small laugh.
"you're too tense," jisung teases quietly, voice low enough that only chenle hears. "relax a little." chenle swallows, cheeks heating further. "i'm... trying," he mutters, eyes flicking to jisungs.
the way jisungs grin softens makes chenles stomach flutter in a way that's entirely unfair for just friends. jisung nudges him lightly with his shoulder as he moves down the aisle. "come on, chenle," he says, voice gentle, "don't get lost staring at me."
"i'm not," chenle lies, though his grin gives him away. he follows closely, letting jisung guide the cart, heart a little lighter just from the quiet closeness, the teasing, the way jisung seems to know exactly how to make him feel... seen.
and for a few moments, in the middle of the busy store, chenle thinks maybe this, just being here, next to jisung, is exactly where he wants to be.
"seriously, baby, you didn't have to get every single flavour," jeno sighs when they're back at the cabin, pulling out box after box of pepero. jaemin giggles from the counter, legs swinging idly. "chenle said he likes them!" jaemin defends, leaning back a little and wiggling his eyebrows.
"i said sure when you asked," chenle bites back, placing down another bag of snacks, though he can't hide the small smile tugging at his lips. jaemin just sticks his tongue out at him, clearly thrilled about the pepero, not chenle.
"plus, they might come in handy later tonight," jaemin teases, giving jeno a playful kick. "gross!" donghyuck shouts from across the room, and chenle laughs, shaking his head as he sets down yet another bag of chips.
"what movie are we watching?" renjun calls out, skipping into the room with a grin. "jaemin said he wanted to watch friday the 13th," chenle supplies, smirking at the dramatic groan renjun throws his way.
"nope, no way. we're not watching friday the 13th while at a cabin on the lake. that's like... asking for it!" renjun argues, shaking his head like the world depends on it. "oh come on, scaredy cat," jaemin teases, nudging renjuns shoulder lightly. "this is the perfect place to watch it!"
chenle glances at jisung, who's sitting on the couch, a lazy smile on his face. jisung just shrugs, eyes flicking to chenle with a quiet, knowing amusement. chenle feels his cheeks warm, and he shrugs lightly back, just enough to make jisung chuckle.
much to renjuns dismay, they're all cozied up on the couches, snacks in hand, with friday the 13th playing on the projector. chenle's seen this movie too many times, and usually it wouldn't scare him... but renjun's actually right.
a cabin on the lake is not the best place to be watching a movie about a murderer in a cabin on a lake. every creak of the floor, every shadow cast by the flickering projector makes chenles stomach twist a little tighter.
jisung's sitting next to him, like the irony of the movie doesn't even bother him, legs brushing against chenles occasionally. chenle feels that familiar warmth seep into his chest, heart fluttering a little more than it should. it's a totally friendly way, of course, but chenle can't help noticing just how natural it feels to be this close.
every time jisung chuckles quietly at something on screen, chenle glances at him, catching the way his lips curve and his eyes light up. chenle forces himself to focus on the movie, but he keeps inching a little closer, letting the comfort of the closeness wash over him.
"stop moving, chenle, you're gonna give me a heart attack," renjun mutters from across the couch, but chenle only giggles, and jisung laughs softly beside him, nudging him just enough to make chenles stomach twist.
the movie reaches a particularly tense scene, the shadows and music building, and chenle can't help but flinch. his elbow bumps against jisungs, and before he can apologize, jisungs hand slides lightly over chenles, steadying him.
"it's just a movie," jisung murmurs, voice low and gentle, and chenle swallows, heart hammering. he nods, forcing himself to focus on the screen, but he can feel the warmth of jisungs hand lingering, brushing against his own.
a scream on the screen makes chenle yelp, and he instinctively grabs jisungs arm, squeezing it a little too tightly. jisung laughs quietly, the sound warm and teasing in chenles ear. "you're ridiculous," he whispers, nudging chenle with his shoulder.
"i'm not," chenle mumbles, cheeks heating as he releases his grip, but he doesn't move away. instead, he shifts slightly, letting jisungs closeness be a comfort as he tries to regain his composure.
a jump scare hits, and chenle jumps again, this time letting his hand brush against jisungs thigh. jisung freezes just a fraction of a second, eyes flicking to chenles, before smirking and giving his leg a small, teasing squeeze back.
chenle laughs nervously, looking down, but the warmth in his chest doesn't fade. the two of them settle into an easy rhythm of subtle touches and quiet laughter, both pretending it's nothing, both knowing it's... more than just friendly.
"do you wanna go stargaze?" jisung whispers quietly after the movie ends, the others chattering around them and cleaning up snacks. chenle shivers at just the thought- of course he wants to, but... "not with jason voorhees out there just waiting for us," he says instead, trying to laugh it off.
jisung chuckles, a warm, endearing smile curving his lips that makes chenles ears burn. "i'll fight him off, don't worry," jisung says, voice soft but steady, eyes meeting chenles in a way that makes him forget about the looming threat of a masked killer entirely.
"that's kind of impossible, jisung," chenle huffs, arms wrapping around himself as if the thought alone could protect him. "you're impossible, come on," jisung teases, standing and extending a hand to him. chenle hesitates, staring at the hand for a moment, before a small smile breaks through his nerves.
he exhales, letting himself take jisungs hand, feeling the warmth and steadiness of it as jisung gently pulls him up. every step outside makes chenles heart flutter, the crisp night air, the quiet hum of the lake, and jisung right there beside him.
"see? nothing to worry about," jisung murmurs, letting go of chenles hand to point at the clear sky above. the stars are scattered like silver dust, and chenle can't help but smile, the tension from the movie and the cabin dissolving with the gentle night.
jisung slides closer, his shoulder brushing chenles just enough to make him shiver, and chenle glances at him, lips twitching into a small, nervous grin.
jisung spreads a blanket out on the grass near the edge of the lake, the water reflecting the stars above. chenle sits beside him, careful to give space, but their legs end up brushing lightly, and neither of them moves away.
"so... that's orion," jisung murmurs, pointing to a cluster of stars overhead. chenle follows his finger, eyes tracing the constellation, and he can feel the warmth of jisung just beside him.
"it's pretty," chenle says softly, voice almost lost in the quiet night. jisung hums in agreement, nudging chenle gently with his shoulder. "not as pretty as the view next to me," he teases quietly, voice low enough that chenle feels it more than hears it.
chenle swallows, cheeks heating, and instead of answering, he just nudges jisung back lightly, pretending it's a casual gesture. jisung smiles at him, and chenle feels that flutter in his chest again, small and nervous and exciting all at once.
they lie back, staring up at the sky, the occasional quiet comment about stars or the reflection in the water breaking the comfortable silence. chenle notices how jisungs hand inches closer to his own on the blanket, and when their fingers brush, chenle doesn't pull away. jisung doesn't either.
"you know," chenle says softly, "it's... nice. being out here." he adds. "yeah," jisung replies, voice gentle, and he shifts just slightly so that chenles shoulder is touching his. "better with you here."
chenle swallows, heart hammering, and leans just a little closer, just enough to feel the warmth radiating from jisung. the night stretches on around them, quiet and calm, but somehow electric, just two friends lying under the stars, feeling like maybe it's more than that.
the stars stretch endlessly above them, and chenle finds himself inching just a little closer, shoulder brushing against jisungs again. "you ever wonder how big the universe is?" jisung murmurs quietly, eyes tracing the constellations. chenle nods, watching the sky, but secretly, he's more focused on the warmth at his side.
"yeah, it's... a lot," chenle admits softly, and jisung laughs quietly, the sound making chenles chest flutter. "you're kinda staring at me," jisung teases gently, not moving away, letting chenle feel caught without pressure. chenle blushes, glancing at jisung, then quickly back at the stars.
"i- no, i mean... i was just looking at the sky," chenle stammers, voice barely above a whisper. jisung hums, not bothering to call him out further, and slowly, almost imperceptibly, his fingers brush against chenles hand on the blanket.
chenle freezes for a heartbeat, heart hammering, then relaxes slightly when jisung doesn't pull away. the brush becomes intentional, fingers intertwining almost naturally, and chenle can't help the small, nervous laugh that escapes him.
chenles heart is racing, but he leans just a little closer, letting himself soak in the warmth, the closeness, and the quiet magic of the night. no words are needed, just the brush of hands, soft laughter, and the stars watching silently above them.
"so... what do you usually do out here?" chenle murmurs, voice quiet, almost swallowed by the gentle rustle of leaves and the lakes soft lapping. "nothing much," jisung replies, eyes still fixed on the sky.
"sometimes just... think. or watch the stars." he glances at chenle, a small, teasing smile tugging at his lips. "better with company, though." chenle swallows, heart hammering, and turns his head just slightly to glance at jisung.
the sight makes him smile softly, cheeks warming, and without thinking, he shifts a little closer, letting his head lightly rest near jisungs shoulder. jisung doesn't move away. instead, he leans just enough so that their arms brush, and chenle can feel the steady warmth radiating from him.
their fingers squeeze together lightly, and a quiet, shared laugh escapes chenle when jisung nudges him gently with his shoulder. "hey, chenle?" jisung says after a moment, and chenle hums, letting his eyes drift from the stars to jisungs profile, so close that he can see the faint curve of his lips in the moonlight.
"what would you say if..." jisung starts, then swallows, voice quieter now, almost swallowed by the night air. "if i told you that i liked you?" chenle freezes, a quiet gasp escaping him, heart hammering in his chest. he swallows again, cheeks warming.
"what-" he stammers, voice barely above a whisper. jisung shrugs, still looking up at the sky. "just... i'm only asking. how would you react?" he murmurs, calm and steady, but chenle can feel the pulse in his chest just from the nearness.
chenle clears his throat, eyes returning to the stars, breathing unevenly. "oh," he says softly, words barely there. "i guess, uh... it'd be fine, i guess..." chenle answers, voice quiet, almost awkward, but he can't stop the small, nervous smile that tugs at his lips.
jisung shifts slightly beside him, squeezing chenles hand gently, making him shiver subtly. jisung hums, a little nod of acceptance. "okay," he breathes out, then exhales, relaxed now. "cool."
chenle swallows again, heart still racing, and nods. "yeah," he agrees softly. the silence that follows is comfortable, intimate, two friends lying under the stars, fingers brushing, hearts thumping, pretending it's all just... normal.
friends asking how they'd react if they liked each other? yeah... totally fine.
"chenle," jisung says again, and chenle freezes, heart hammering, his breath catching in his throat. he turns slowly to meet jisungs gaze, and finds him already looking at him, eyes darkened with something chenle can't quite name.
jisung is silent for a moment, like a million thoughts are running through his head at once, none of them forming words, and chenle swallows hard, pulse thundering in his ears.
"just-" jisung starts, then shifts closer, hand lifting to cup chenles cheek. the warmth of his palm sends an electric shiver down chenles spine, and before he can think, jisungs lips are on his again.
it's gentle at first, testing, almost tentative, but chenle feels a rush of everything- his heart, his thoughts, his muscles all tightening at the contact. he melts into the kiss almost immediately, letting himself feel the softness of jisungs lips, the warmth of his hand, the slow, steady rhythm of his breathing pressed against his own.
every nerve in chenles body seems to wake up. he can feel how jisung is just... here, entirely, yet careful, as if aware of every flicker of reaction in chenle. his chest is tight, his stomach twisting, his mind spinning with every gentle press of their lips together.
and yet, somehow, it's not overwhelming. it's calm, and warm, and familiar in the strangest, most terrifyingly exhilarating way. chenle thinks, fleetingly, that this is what being wanted feels like. just for him. jisung wants him.
he leans in a little, letting the kiss deepen, though still gentle. chenle swallows another breath, heart pounding so loudly he's sure jisung can hear it, but jisung doesn't pull away. he just holds him closer, shifting slightly so their foreheads brush for a moment, letting chenle take it all in.
then, chenle can't take it anymore. he pushes up properly, letting a leg swing over jisungs lap, hands moving around jisungs neck to pull him in closer. jisung lets out a surprised little noise, but he doesn't pull away. instead, he relaxes against chenle, hands circling around his waist as if claiming him gently.
chenle kisses him harder, mouth parting slightly, letting all the pent-up desperation of the weekend, the stolen glances, the small touches, the quiet longing, pour into this one kiss. jisung responds, parting his lips, tongue brushing against chenles, and chenle freezes.
friends. they're friends. friends don't french kiss.
panic surges through him, and chenle pulls back abruptly, eyes wide, chest hammering. jisungs frown is instant, confusion flickering across his face. "i'm sorry-" chenle breathes, pushing himself away and scrambling to stand.
"chenle?" jisung calls softly behind him, but chenle can't. he can't handle the softness in jisungs voice, the concern in his eyes, not when every nerve in his body is screaming that he wants more than this.
he doesn't think, doesn't pause, as he storms away, the weight of everything pressing down on him. the tears start unbidden, rolling down his cheeks, unchecked. he ignores the calls of jisungs friends, of renjun, their concern brushing past him like wind.
he finds himself in the bathroom, heart hammering in his chest, and stares at his reflection. hands pressed to the cool glass, chin trembling, as the truth hits him fully, unrelenting: he likes jisung.
that's final. he isn't jisungs friend anymore. friends don't do this. friends don't share beds, don't brush fingertips in ways that make hearts race, don't treat each other with the intensity and care jisung does.
friends don't kiss each other, not like that, not in a way that leaves their body buzzing and their chest aching.
jisung doesn't move right away. he just sits there for a moment, eyes trailing after chenle as he disappears into the bathroom. chest tight, stomach twisting, he swallows and finally stands, quietly padding over to the door. he knocks gently, voice low, almost a whisper.
"chenle... can we talk?"
chenle stiffens behind the door, hands clutching the edge of the sink. he wants to disappear entirely, wants to hide in the mirrors reflection and pretend he doesn't exist. but jisungs voice, soft, worried, patient, reaches him anyway, and it's impossible to ignore.
"i'm... i'm sorry," chenle chokes out, voice breaking. "i can't... i-" he adds. "hey," jisung interrupts gently, leaning against the doorframe. "look at me, chenle."
chenle hesitates, then forces himself to lift his eyes. jisungs gaze is steady, warm, unwavering, and somehow even more frightening than before. he takes a cautious step forward, hands slightly raised, as if to show he's not going to rush or force anything.
"jisung," chenle sighs, voice low and tinged with defeat. "what is this?" he asks, shaking his head with a frown. "i mean- we're friends, right?" jisung opens his mouth to speak, but chenle cuts him off, words spilling out in a rush.
"friends- friends shouldn't sleep in the same bed. friends shouldn't kiss me like you do. friends don't flirt, or look at the stars together, or-" his hands shake slightly, and his voice cracks at the last, ragged syllable.
jisung steps closer, his expression soft but resolute, and finally cuts him off. "i don't want to be your friend, chenle." chenle blinks, stunned, eyes wide. "i- i thought that was obvious..." jisung adds quietly, shrugging with a small, gentle smile.
"even when we first met in class, i didn't want to only be friends." chenle laughs, a short, breathless sound, disbelief threading through it. his hand moves to wipe at the stray tears on his cheek. "idiot... you should've just said something," he mutters, voice still trembling.
"i-" jisung hesitates, then shrugs again, eyes holding chenles. "i didn't think you liked me." chenle exhales sharply, rolling his eyes, letting out a scoff that's part frustration, part relief. "of course i like you," he says, frowning, but a small smile tugs at the corners of his lips anyway.
jisung grins softly, the tension in his shoulders easing, and chenle can't help the way his chest warms, the quiet thrum of happiness running through him. maybe... maybe they don't have to pretend anymore.