"Why are you leaving? Did I say something offensive?" "No, you're fine. I just have something to do." He kept walking, hoping Chanhee would say something, anything to keep him from going. "What about our project...?" Hyunjoon stopped as he remembered about the project. "Oh. I forgot about that." "Well, it's not going to finish its self."

Hyunjoon was finally getting used to being close to Chanhee, but his feelings would still skyrocket whenever Chanhee smiled, which happened regularly, or touched him. "No, have you to glue it like this or else it'll fall apart." Hyunjoon followed Chanhee's lead then accidentally squeezed too hard. "Oh, I didn't mean to do that. I'll go get a wet towel." "It's okay. It's easier to get off when dry." "Unlike another certain substance." Chanhee gave him a confused look which told Hyunjoon all he needed to know. "It's an inside joke. Between Chang and I."

Chanhee nodded then moved on to another part of the demonstration. "He's so holy and pure. I should've expected this." he thought as he glued the piece he had down. "Hopefully we can have an inside joke one day." Hyunjoon smiled as he nodded. After a few hours of hard work, they marveled at their creation. "I'm sure we'll get an A+ with this." Chanhee gasped then pouted. "I know we'll get an A+ with this."

"Well, I should get going. I can type up my part at home and send it to you." Hyunjoon grabbed his phone and keys then headed towards the front door. "Don't go..." Hyunjoon wasn't sure if he was hearing things or if Chanhee just asked him to stay. "Huh?" "Don't go. I don't want to be here alone." Hyunjoon turned around while he tried to keep himself from smirking. "Doesn't Prince count?" Chanhee crossed his arms with a huff. "You know what I mean." "Then why me, someone you've only known for over a month and not Sangyeon, who you've known for more than a year?" He noticed Chanhee was quiet, as if he didn't know the answer himself. "I don't know. You're just really fun to be around. I find it funny when you make preventable mistakes, stutter and mess up with your words." Hyunjoon sat back down next to Chanhee then turned to face him. "Joon, can I ask you something?" "Sure." He noticed Chanhee looked a bit worried as he looked at him. "Why don't you want me to know about your life at home?"

Hyunjoon's mouth went dry as he wanted to avoid this question. "Please Joon. I want to know. Maybe telling someone would make it feel less unbearable." "Well..." He looked into Chanhee's pleading eyes and gave in. He really couldn't resist Chanhee's pretty face. "As you know, my mom died. Car accident. It's been a few years since then and my dad is now dating this new woman. She's pure evil. I don't know what she wants from my dad, but I'm positive she has bad intentions. My dad wasn't one to consume alcoholic drinks, but ever since she arrived, he seems to be drinking a whole lot more. It's like hell when your dad's girl hates you and your dad doesn't seem to care about you anymore." Chanhee pulled him into a brief hug before giving him a reassuring smile. "Well, consider our home your home. Whenever you need to get away, our home will always welcome you." "Thank you." He felt his heart rate increase as Chanhee gave him another smile.

Chanhee placed a bunch of food onto the table then a bowl of rice in front of himself and Hyunjoon. "Wow, it looks so good. Did your mom teach you?" "My dad did. My mom only taught me how to make rice." Hyunjoon nodded then dug into the food. "If you don't mind me asking, where is your dad?" He noticed Chanhee had briefly tensed up then immediately relaxed. "Business trip." Hyunjoon thought there was more, but Chanhee kept eating. "Chanhee, aren't you eating a bit too much at once...?" Hyunjoon took Chanhee's bowl away from him as Chanhee wasn't paying him any mind.

"You need to stop. You're going to over stuff yourself." He watched Chanhee finish what was in his mouth then put on his usual cheerful face. "I'm sorry, did I scare you? That happens sometimes when I'm lost in thought." "His nose crinkled." he thought. Hyunjoon didn't want to question it, so he slowly slid his bowl back to him. "Why don't you stay over tonight? I'm sure my mom wouldn't mind." "Sure, why not." He quietly eyed Chanhee as he started eating normally this time.

Chanhee opened the cage and Prince slowly hopped out. "He's so cute, just like you." "Oh, thank you...?" Prince hopped over to Hyunjoon then started sniffing him. Prince hopped onto his lap which made him smile. "I guess he likes you. Usually he steers clear of other people." "He's so soft..." Chanhee slid over to Hyunjoon then fed Prince a small piece of lettuce. "Sometimes I wish Eden was still here. She always knew when I was feeling down and cheered me up." "Oh. Were you really close to her?" Chanhee nodded then stood up. He picked up a picture frame from a shelf then handed it to Hyunjoon. "This was taken the day we got Prince and Eden."

Hyunjoon noticed there was an older male in the photo. "I'm guessing this guy is your dad." Chanhee nodded then squatted down. "Come here, Prince." Prince hopped out of Hyunjoon's lap and into Chanhee's arms. "It's getting late. You can use my room. I'll just sleep in the guest room." "I couldn't." "I insist. My room and bed are much bigger." Chanhee put Prince back in his cage then left. "They're really too nice to me. Imagine if they found out I was gay..." He shuddered at the thought, thinking back to what Chanhee said.
________

4️⃣ Pals

Chanhee:
Hey.

Kevin:
Hey, you've been quiet all day.

Changmin:
How's Joon doing?

San🧡:
Hey. You feelin' better?

Kevin:
Chanhee is sick too?

San🧡:
No, but he seemed to have a lot on his mind.

Changmin:

Chanhee:
We're both okay.

Chanhee:
I learned about his life at home.

Changmin:
Oh.

Kevin:
Did you now...

San🧡:
I feel left out of the loop.

Changmin:
I'm sure he didn't tell you everything.

Kevin:
Chang, hush!

Chanhee:
What?

Chanhee:
Did he leave things out on purpose?

Kevin:
Don't you dare say anything, Changmin or so heaven help you.

Changmin has left the chat

Chanhee:
Why did he leave?

Kevin has left the chat

San🧡:
Something's up.

San🧡:
Why don't you ask Hyunjoon?
Read: 12:12am
________

Hyunjoon heard a knock on the door then saw Chanhee come in. "Did you cha-" "Did you leave out things when you told me about your life at home?" Hyunjoon shook his head then stood up. "Why are you curious? Did someone ask you to ask me?" Chanhee scoffed then glared at Hyunjoon. "So you're saying I can't be curious out of my own free will?" "No. I'm asking because you seemed content before, but suddenly wanted to know more. That's a bit suspicious." Chanhee looked upset and Hyunjoon didn't like seeing this side of him. "Is it so bad to want to know what's going on with my friend's life?! Who knows, you could be in danger!" "Well, I never wanted you to know in the first place! I was stupid for thinking you wouldn't be so god damn nosy like everyone else and that you'd just leave it as is!" He could see the hurt in Chanhee's eyes, but he was too furious to care at this point. He shoved Chanhee aside, gathered his things from downstairs and went home.

a/n: don't forget to vote, share and comment! well look at that, their first argument. they say the more you fight, the closer you are, but is it really true?