for the past couple of days, chenle had been avoiding his best friend when it comes to serious conversations.

everytime jisung had brought that up, asking him how he was truly doing and pointing out his strange behaviour, chenle refrained from answering honestly.

the topic being like a ball in dodgeball that the sophomore attempted to avert.

it was ridiculous, they both knew it. communication is the key, they were aware of it. however, chenle seemed to run away from it as good as possible which confused jisung even more.

the chinese was normally open-minded towards such topics and was quite a fan of having deep talk - so why had he been acting so weirdly lately? it only added up to the freshman's confusion.

jisung had known chenle since elementary school. they had been joined at the hip since ever and they knew and felt when their other half was acting off, they could easily recognise it.

the freshman was left with no choice but to come up with a plan and take action. he just hoped that it worked to lure him to have that damn conversation with him.

━━━ ☆★☆ ━━━

the sky was hued in orange and pink tints, adorned with soft clouds. the fresh air brushed against the skin of jisung who was sitting on a swing.

there was no trace of any human being at the playground. silence engulfed the air, accompanied with the gentle wind and the freshman's quiet humming.

the ash haired boy had his eyes on the picturesque sky above him, admiring the magnificent beauty of it.

however, quick, approaching footsteps broke the peaceful silence. jisung's gaze shifted to the direction where all the sounds came from.

"JI, OH MY GOD. WHAT'S THE EMERGENCY??", chenle asked loudly in worry while catching his breath.

it was his best friend, as hopefully anticipated. nonetheless, he showed up earlier than expected.

"lele, it's not that of an emergency!", jisung clarified calmly, surprised about his best friend's quick and worried arrival.

"sit down first, you seem exhausted... have you run all the way there?", the younger one questioned concernedly, tilting his head as he watched his best friend being out of breath.

the orange haired boy nodded weakly before sitting down on the swing next to jisung's, trying to calm his racing heart from sprinting.

the freshman felt bad for causing such a scene and worries and making his best friend run all the way to him.

"you didn't have to! i told you it wasn't that of an emergency", the younger one sulked slightly.

"but you said it's very important and you go only to the playground all by yourself when things get serious", the sophomore responded precisely, running his hand through his hair.

shit, does chenle know jisung that good.

"fair point", the ash haired boy mumbled in defeat, surely surprised how observant his best friend was and how well he knew him.

"thanks for doing all that, lele... i appreciate that", jisung added sincerely, giving him a sheepish smile.

a proud grin appeared on chenle's face at his words. "it's alright, ji! i'd drop everything for you and i would do it over and over again", he added kindly, making jisung's heart swell with warmth and guilt.

"okay so, what's the emergency?", the chinese asked gently, looking concernedly at him.

"well... about that", jisung began awkwardly, scratching the back of his head, "we need to talk."

his eyes remained on his best friend who tensed up at the mention. "it's urgent and please... don't run away from that."

chenle pursed his lips into a thin line, letting his words sink in for a moment.

the chinese didn't know it himself why he kept avoiding the conversation. perhaps running away seemed more appealing than confrontation. even though it shouldn't be like that.

maybe he was just too scared that he would screw up and that their friendship will be dissolved because of the conversation.

in all the years they had been befriended, there was no real conflict between them - which is why he was even more afraid of this confrontation.

"hey, no matter how the conversation turns out, i'll stay your best friend, okay?", jisung reassured him and gave him a warm smile, "the conversation won't break our friendship. don't worry, lele."

chenle's eyes widened in surprise, taken aback that his best friend was able to read his thoughts that easily and accurately.

shit, does jisung know chenle that good.

his eyes softened at the sight of his best friend. how could he say no to him?

"alright, fine... let's talk", chenle gave in, seeing relief and gratitude being written on jisung's face.

"okay, so... i've noticed that you've been acting differently lately", the ash haired boy started, feeling awkward as he didn't know how to open up serious conversations.

"everytime i've asked you what's up with you or how you feel, you seem to dodge my questions on purpose", jisung brought up and let out a frustrated sigh.

"your excuses are also kinda lame... no offense, of course! but let's be for real... since when do you care if mrs kang scolds you for being late? she's your archenemy!", the freshman added bewilderedly.

"you're right... i couldn't care less about her", the chinese confirmed, rubbing the back of his neck in embarrassment.

"lele, please tell me what's going on", jisung requested softly, "i'm your best friend and you know you can tell me anything. i won't be mad at you, i promise."

chenle hesitated for a moment, afraid of losing him if he shares his burdens. however, deep down, he knew jisung wouldn't let go of their friendship that easily.

"okay", the orange haired boy agreed quietly, "... but it's kinda complicated and might take long, ji."

"that's alright. i'll wait for you and listen to you no matter how long it takes or how complicated it may be", the younger boy responded supportively, causing the chinese to crack a little smile for a moment.

chenle averted his gaze, glancing at the ground as he was unable to look him straight in the eyes while sharing his burdens.

"i'm just so scared", he admitted quietly, not daring to face his best friend, "i'm just afraid of losing you..."

jisung's eyes softened at his words, feeling his heart being torn apart.

"i don't and can't lose you... you're one of the most important people in my life! you're my best friend, my second family...", chenle continued softly, heaving a deep sigh at the end of his sentence.

"i'm scared that you'll forget about me and replace me with your new friends", the orange haired boy commented sadly, however, his head quickly perked up with his eyes being widened in shock.

"wait! this came off wrong! i don't mean it that you shouldn't be friends with anyone or shouldn't spend time with other people! no, that's not what i mean... i'm actually so happy for you that you're stepping out of your comfort zone and meet new people. believe me, i truly am proud and happy for you and-", chenle explained hurriedly, panic rushing through his veins as he didn't want his best friend to misunderstand him.

"lele, i know what you mean. no need to give me an essay", jisung interrupted him, giving him an amused grin.

embarrassment spread across chenle's face, however, his panic vanished at the reassuring words of his best friend. he was so grateful that jisung was understanding and patient.

"you know, i'm glad that you're making new friends and hang out with them... i'm just worried that i won't have you as my best friend anymore", the orange haired boy confessed, looking away once again.

"i haven't told you about it yet but... i've been through that and this shit hurts as hell...", chenle added, recalling memories of his past.

a moment of silence engulfed the air as the latter had to pause, feeling overwhelmed when thinking back of his dark times.

sorrow and sympathy were displayed in jisung's eyes as his heart ached painfully at his words.

"lele, i'm so sorry that you had to go through that", the younger one commented gently, hesitating about his next words. "wanna... talk about it?", he suggested cautiously, not knowing if that was the appropriate response.

chenle turned his head to his best friend, meeting his pure gaze which turned into a panicked one. jisung started clarifying things in a quick speed, making wild hand gestures as he spoke.

"well, of course if you want to! i don't want to push you or force you to tell me about it! it's totally alright if you don't want to talk about it! you have the absolut right to refuse to tell me that. do what makes you comfortable, you know! just because i'm your best friend doesn't mean you have to share it. don't feel pressured and-", it was jisung's turn to ramble something in hurry before he got cut off by his best friend.

"ji, i know what you mean. no need to give me an essay", chenle quoted him and chuckled amusedly, making the freshman smile sheepishly.

they were so much alike.

"i wanna talk about it", the orange haired boy gave his answer to his question, nodding confirming.

"okay, i'll listen", jisung gave him a thumbs-up, revealing his smile at the same time. chenle's heart warmed up at his acts as he cherished to have him as a friend.

"well... you know, people view me as a wealthy person. i mean, that's true but they only see that. they just see me as a rich guy, not as a person", the chinese started, letting out a tired sigh.

"it has always been like that. elementary school was the worst as every kid wanted to befriend me just for the money and assets. they didn't care about my personality, my feelings, whatsoever... they only cared about my wealth and status", chenle commented calmly, the corner of his lips turning downwards while his gaze moved up to the sky.

"but you know, i was just a naive boy in elementary school who wanted to be loved by his peers... i just wanted to have some friends and have fun. that's why i befriended lots of people and i loved being around them! but...", a pause followed as chenle stared into the void. a weak, sad smile was plastered on his face.

"i had never expected how cruel, selfish and fake those 'friends' of mine could be", the orange haired boy finished his sentence as his light smile faltered. he felt extremely sorry for his innocent younger self who had been hurt by others.

it was devastating for jisung as he listened to the struggles and troubles chenle had to deal with. his heart scattered into endless pieces as he imagined the older boy having to go through that all by himself.

"i didn't realise that they used me and belittled me. they just viewed me as a kid who came from a wealthy family...", his voice grew quieter with each word leaving his lips as his gaze shifted back to the ground. a shaky breath escaped his mouth as another break followed.

jisung seized the opportunity to reach out for chenle's hand, taking it gently and intertwining it with his. the ash haired boy gave his hand a soft squeeze, indicating that he was there for him and that it was okay not to be okay.

"you're doing great. take your time, okay? i'll stick by your side all the time", the freshman reassured, caressing the back of his hand.

chenle nodded, squeezing back his hand. his gaze switched to their hands, feeling a sense of contentment and comfort in his chest.

"when i realised what their true intentions were, i reduced giving them what they wanted until i completely stopped. that's when some of them decided to stop hanging out with me... they began to avoid me, replace me and neglect me", the orange haired boy shared as his pain was visible on his face.

"hell, they even started to gossip about me behind my back, saying that i was a spoiled brat who was selfish and arrogant!", chenle ranted in rage, letting out a sarcastic laugh.

"but due to my status, they didn't dare to tell me that straight into my face. they were afraid of me as well. they were either distancing themselves from me because i was 'useless' and 'scary with all the power i have' or they tried to get close to me, pretending to be my friend and be all nice to me, in hopes i'll give them what they want and be an 'useful tool', even though they were two-faced asses...", the chinese cursed and gritted his teeth, shaking his head in disappointment.

"isn't that fucking ironic?", chenle asked angrily, making a wild, upset gesture with his non-occupied hand. the ash haired boy fully agreed with him, adding the comment that these people were just ridiculous and unbelievable.

"and i still meet people who are like that, even in high school", he sighed, sensing the surprise on his best friend's face.

"do you remember the two guys who wanted to argue with you until i stepped in? they were suddenly afraid and tried to be all chill and kind, remember?", chenle inquired as jisung nodded in reply.

"it's because they know my family is wealthy and influential. i know that they want to be on my good side", the chinese explained as a frustrated sigh escaped his lips once again.

"oooh, makes sense!", the younger boy connected the dots, finally understanding it before gasping in offense, "they are such snakes!"

"elementary school was a hard time for me... until i met you", chenle confessed, grinning lightly as he recalled the memory of the first time meeting his best friend.

"really?", jisung asked in surprise, mouth opened agap. the chinese nodded eagerly as his grin grew wider.

"yeah! you were so nice and kind! a bit awkward and shy but that made you even more lovely", the orange haired boy stated giggling, "i wanted to be friends with you so badly. you seemed like a good and sweet person."

jisung smiled brightly as warmth and contentment filled his heart. he remembered that his younger self was judged for being shy, awkward and silent and that everyone distanced themselves from him. he felt like a misfit and he thought that it was impossible to be friends with the zhong chenle back then.

"my younger me wouldn't ever believe me if i told him that!", jisung exclaimed in shock, "i remember always looking up to you and admiring you for being so cool. i've wished to be friends with you but thought that it will never come true."

a shy smile adorned his face, "elementary school was a hard time for me as well... until you approached me first and started hanging out with me."

"awww, ji", chenle flashed him a bright smile, feeling touched by his words.

"jisung, you were the first person who saw me as chenle and not as some rich boy", the orange haired boy confessed softly, seeing his best friend beam at his words, "thank you, ji."

"hey, i need to thank you too", the freshman responded giggling, "you were the first person who saw me as jisung and not as some weird loner."

a surge of warmth and affection spread across chenle's chest as his eyes lit up in joy.

it was clear that they were both grateful and fond of having found each other. their friendship was so genuine and precious.

"is there something else you wanna talk about?", the ash haired boy asked, tilting his head.

chenle pondered for a moment before nodding. "i have a request", he began, clearing his throat before continuing, "uhm... i'd appreciate it if you let me know when you can't show up or have other plans when we were supposed to meet. i was kinda feeling sad and confused when you hadn't shown up in lunch breaks."

"oh my god! i'm so sorry that i let you hanging, lele", jisung apologized genuinely, realising his mistakes and feeling disappointed about himself.

"it's okay, you didn't know about it. just keep that in mind for the future, alright?", the chinese reassured him, giving his hand a soft squeeze.

"i promise to tell you beforehand when i can't make it. it won't happen again!", the freshman gave his word, resulting in his best friend smile in gratitude.

"oh god, i still feel so guilty and sorry for the pizza you've once bought for me", jisung sulked, pouting and mourning about the beloved food.

"actually, twice", chenle corrected him, making the younger whine dramatically.

"that's worse! poor you and poor pizza slices!", the ash haired boy cried and let out his best friend's hand to grab and pull at his hair, acting as he had just experienced his fifth divorce and lost custody. (he had never had a partner before. he never held hands with someone in a romantic way. he also thinks he's too young to marry someone and to have children.)

"stop being so dramatic, ji", chenle teased and laughed wholeheartedly, clearly amused by the antics of his best friend.

"i'll repay you for that, okay? let's hit pizza 127. it's on me!", jisung insisted, ignoring his comment.

"come on, you don't have to do this. it's totally fine", the chinese refused modestly.

"i'll do it! come on, let me repay you!"

"nope."

"lele, please! let me make that up to you!"

"it's not going to happen, ji."

spoiler alert!

they ended up eating pizza in pizza 127. legends say they still fight who will pay for the food.

━━━ ☆★☆ ━━━

[ DETECTIVE BOYS 🧐🔎 ]
group chat with jeno, mark and hyuck

MARK
detectives, assemble!

JENO
sup

HYUCK
HELLOOOO

HYUCK
wtf jen i hate you

JENO
??????

JENO
I JUST BREATHED??

HYUCK
DON'T ACT ALL INNOCENT

HYUCK
YOU EXACTLY KNOW WHAT YOU DID

MARK
dude what did you do...

JENO
I DON'T KNOW

JENO
i'm as clueless as you are

MARK
no clue by nct 127

JENO
uh... whatever

HYUCK
YOU DIDN'T SAY ANYTHING AGAINST MARK'S FIRST MESSAGE (nothing's wrong with that markie btw, i love it) BUT YOU BULLIED ME WHEN I SAID THAT

HYUCK
THE DISCRIMINATION????

JENO
LMAOOO TOTALLY FORGOT ABOUT THAT

JENO
yk when mark says it, it got more the cool vibes

JENO
you can't pull this off like mark can

MARK
uhh... thank you i suppose?

HYUCK
hyuckphobic wtf

HYUCK
worst friend ever ugh 🙄

HYUCK

HYUCK
oh to have this watch like conan where i can aim at other people (*cough* jeno *cough*) to make them shut up and fall asleep

JENO
EXCUSE ME????

JENO
should i poison you with the intention of killing you like the black organization did to conan?

MARK
WOAHHH BRO

MARK
THAT'S SOME WILD SHIT

HYUCK
but you 🫵 will fail like they did, making me shrink into a kid and i will kick your ass because i'm hella smart and skilled?
TRY BETTER BITCH

HYUCK

JENO
i'll make a better poison watch me

JENO
besides, you ain't that smart like conan bro

HYUCK
WHO HAD A BETTER GRADE ON THE LAST MATHS TEST

HYUCK
HELL YEAH THAT WAS ME ‼️‼️

JENO
LET ME LIVE BITCH

HYUCK
YOU WISH

HYUCK

JENO
wtf how many pictures of detective conan do you have in your cameraroll?

HYUCK
well i've recently started to rewatch it again and i kinda landed on the detective conan page on pinterest lol

HYUCK
AND DAMNNN DETECTIVE CONAN IS SO GOOD

MARK
EXACTLY MAN

JENO
so true, it's always investing

MARK
exactly dude

MARK
conan is such a cool kid 🤞

MARK
love how he solves the most difficult and impossible cases

MARK
but guys, as much as i'd LOVE to talk about detective conan, i've some news regarding our mission

HYUCK
OMG SPILL

MARK
as once mentioned, i've my connections (my friends from the newspaper club, i used to be there last year)

HYUCK
YOU WERE????

JENO
YOOOO THE LORE

MARK
oops forgot to tell you about that part

MARK
anyways back to the topic

MARK
thanks to them, i have acquired a list of the former jaemin's fanclub members

MARK
and they are some good journalists

JENO
YOOOOO

HYUCK
LET'S GOOO

MARK
here are all the names of the fanclub members
[ attached document ]

JENO
wow mark, you're such a goat

MARK
thanks my dude 👊🔥

JENO
🔥👊

HYUCK
okay let's split up the list and ask the former members

HYUCK
but don't forget to ask around at the same time

HYUCK
we might be closer to the culprit than we thought

HYUCK
or their accomplices

JENO
alright

MARK
got it 🫡

MARK
let's do this guys

━━━ ☆★☆ ━━━

[ author's note ]
omg almost forgot to update because i've been so busy lately, sorry y'all 😭🙏

we've finally got some chenle backstory lore and chenji moments <3
i love chenji's friendship, they are so cute :(
i also love the detective boys, they are so silly