here's to us [2/2]
sehun/jongin | 10k | video gamer!au | written originally for maknaerulez part one here
-
“...So, it was a date.”
“It was not a date, Kyungsoo.” Jongin insists, clawing his nails over his face. "It was definitely not a date," he echoes again for good measure.
“...But you wanted it to be, didn't you?” Kyungsoo's tone is knowing, and Jongin feels his cheeks flush under his fingertips. "I knew it," he snickers when Jongin doesn't answer. "You have a crush!"
Jongin groans and writhes on his mattress in frustration. "Maybe I do, maybe I don't. It's not my fault he was being all intimate and pretty," he mutters between his fingers.
"You should suck his dick," Kyungsoo prompts a moment later, ignoring his friend's sputtering at the suggestion. "Give him head so good, he'll have to date you."
"I'm hanging up the phone now," Jongin announces when he can form a coherent sentence, cheeks an embarrassing ruby red before he clicks the phone off pointedly.
-
Sehun snatches up Jongin's fresh quiz, eyes grazing the red A that taints the paper. "Another A?" He grins. "Good thing I'm craving bubble tea, huh?" He teases, sliding the paper back to Jongin.
Jongin laughs and tucks the paper into his binder. "Even better that I'm paying," he mocks back, already fishing out his wallet.
The younger boy laughs a little, too, rocking on his heels idly as he watches Jongin pack. "The best, actually. I'm pretty lucky," he chuckles, and Jongin casts him another smile from under his lashes.
"Well," he begins, getting to his feet. "What can I say, Oh Sehun. You have me wrapped around your little finger."
Sehun breaks into a fit of laughter at his words, and Jongin wonders if he knows just how true the words are.
-
When Jongin steps out of school and onto the concrete steps, the last thing he expects to see is Sehun, slumped against the metal railing with heavy lashes that cast notable shadows with the afternoon sun. He looks serene, peaceful, and Jongin can't help but pause to admire the rise and fall of his chest, and the shadow of a smile pulling at his lips.
Jongin's not sure how much time passes, too enraptured in the sound of the younger boy breathing to count the seconds, but eventually he sighs. He drops his backpack by his feet, stooping on the step beside the sleepy boy with a grin crawling on his mouth.
"Sehun," he whispers, voice hushed as he pokes the younger's cheek. "Get up, Sehun."
Sehun whines, sniffing petulantly as his eyes flutter open and he rubs his lashes with his fingers childishly. Jongin thinks it's adorable. "What time is it?" He croaks out, and Jongin glances at his watch.
"Pretty late. Why were you sleeping out here?"
Sehun shifts again and rubs his eyes a little harder. "I was waiting for my mom to come get me," he says, voice hoarse. "I guess she forgot," he adds, frowning softly.
Jongin wrinkles his nose at the words, mouth twitching into a frown of his own. "You can come home with me, if you want," he offers, and Sehun glances up at him with a raised brow.
"Seriously?" He sounds uncertain, and Jongin nods, a little too quickly. "Okay," Sehun says slowly, giving him a smile that only grows wider as Jongin tugs him up to his feet. "Thank you, Jongin."
Jongin just shakes his head, still holding his hand loosely and suppressing a cheeky smile at the feel of his fingers between his. "No need for thanks," he chirps in reply, voice cheery as he drags him down to the bus stop outside the school gates. "It's the least I can do."
Sehun chuckles softly, rubbing his neck habitually. "Still," he murmurs, and Jongin can't stop himself from squeezing his fingers reassuringly.
It's an easy, comforting gesture, but Jongin can't help the red scaling up his neck and cheeks when Sehun squeezes back.
-
"What is the formula for the linear parent function?" Sehun asks quizzically, resting against the metal lockers before class. He’s rolling a green apple between his hands, flicking his thumbs over the stem.
"Easy," Jongin snorts highly from the locker across from him. "Y=X is the linear parent function." His tone is matter of fact, totally confident and Sehun smiles at the sound of it it.
Sehun grins even wider at him and tips his head back in thought. "And the linear parent function is in direct correlation with what kind of formula?" He prods further.
The older boy snorts, taking a thoughtful sip from his juice box with a lazy grin. "Slope-Intercept. Honestly, Sehun. Your questions insult me."
This is a routine, now; sitting together between classes and quizzing before quizzes and tests. Jongin likes it, likes the look of approval and pride that slides on Sehun’s handsome face everytime he gets something right, and likes the self-satisfaction he gets, too. It feels good. Being with Sehun feels good.
Sehun laughs softly at the remark and flips through his test review. “Okay, okay. I guess you know the basics. But you’re gonna have to do all the solving on your own,” he warns, wiggling his fingers sternly at Jongin, who rolls his eyes with a little grin.
"I'm pretty sure I can handle that," he snickers, pushing himself to his feet as students file into the hallways. "C'mon, let's study in the class," he offers a hand to a still-seated Sehun, wiggling his fingers invitingly.
Sehun snorts, locking his fingers around Jongin's wrist and lets himself be pulled up beside him. "So I was thinking," he begins, pulling his fingers off Jongin. "We should do something that you're good at. Because let's face it; the only reason you can bowl or do algebra at a mediocre level is thanks to me." He sounds teasing, but Jongin pouts at him regardless.
"I'll think of something," Jongin replies reassuringly, pushing the classroom door open and falling into his seat. "And I'm going to make you eat your words."
"I'm holding you to that," Sehun says.
Hold me anyway you want, Jongin thinks immediately, and has to shake his head to clear the thoughts. He refuses to acknowledge the rather obvious blush on his cheeks.
He's shaken out of his thoughts when the door slides open, and he sees Mr. Seo walk in. The teacher beams when he sees both boys, who tip their heads forward respectfully. "Good morning, Mr. Kim, Mr. Oh," he says, sitting on his desk. "Just the boys I've wanted to see."
Jongin raises a brow and sits up curiously, giving his teacher a polite smile. "Yes, sir?" He asks, and sees Sehun do the same.
Mr. Seo holds up a vaguely familiar paper, and Jongin sees his name scribbled across the top, beside a large A+ in a blaring red. "Your grades have risen impressively," he remarks, and Jongin starts to smile when he continues. "Pretty soon, you won't need Sehun anymore."
Mr. Seo is grinning, but Jongin feels his heart drop at the idea. Because Sehun is a tutor; and when Jongin passes, Sehun's job is done and he'll have no reason to stay around.
Jongin can't bring himself to look at Sehun.
-
"You have got to be kidding me," Jongin groans, nails scratching against his cheek with an evident frown. He's logged into E.X.O, again, for what feels like the first time in ages. His fingers itch to play, crave the thrill that come with victory and the distraction from Mr. Seo's words.
He thinks that maybe he shouldn't be as surprised as he is that his arch nemesis is logged on, too, but he doubts the anticipation would do much to subdue the dread he feels.
He is on later in the night than he usually is, and sleep makes his eyes horribly heavy. Kyungsoo isn't online, either, and the silence that fills his ears is eerie and unsatisfying. Jongin reaches his fingers up, twisting at his headset to adjust the settings, and lets his voice tap into the game.
STRAWBERRYHAIR is his sole remaining opponent, and Jongin doesn't know what comes over him when he blurts, "what's your deal?"
For the longest time, all there is a silence that stretches between Jongin and the avatar before him before a short laugh is barked, and Jongin jumps at the sudden sound.
"What do you mean, 'what's my deal?'" STRAWBERRYHAIR asks mockingly, and Jongin frowns at the almost familiar sound of his voice. "I'm here to play, just like you."
Jongin furrows his brow and hovers his fingers over the keyboard. "I know, but this is my game, it's the only thing I'm good at," he says simply, and clears his throat. "And you're always beating me whenever you're online." When the words are in open, Jongin winces at how petulant he sounds.
STRAWBERRYHAIR hears it, too, judging by the laughter that cracks into Jongin's headset. "Seems like Daddy is a sore loser." His voice is teasing, and Jongin sputters a little.
"I am not," he spits back hastily, clearing his throat. "I'm not a sore loser. I just don't like being stripped of my title." STRAWBERRYHAIR just chuckles at that, too.
"Sounds like Daddy has a superiority complex on top of it."
Jongin's cheeks are embarrassingly flushed at this point. "I do not!" He almost whines it out. "And stop calling me daddy. It's weird." Weirdly arousing. Wait, I didn't mean that.
"I'm not the one who made it my username," STRAWBERRYHAIR sing songs.
Jongin grinds his teeth together irritably. "I knew I hated you for a reason," he remarks snidely, and quickly adds, "and what the hell kinda name is Strawberryhair?"
He hears the other boy click his tongue, and Jongin looks back to his computer screen. They're still the only two players, but neither of them move. Jongin thinks it'd be easy to flick his wrist and win, while the other is distracted. His fingers tense over the keyboard, and he hears STRAWBERRYHAIR say, "it has sentimental value."
And so he does, pressing the button combination satisfyingly quick, and watches as his adversary is obliterated successfully. It's a little underhanded and childish, but the gasp he hears in his headset is enough to make him feel proud of his decision.
"Who's your daddy!" he whoops eagerly. "Game over, asshole," he leans back in his computer chair to admire the little pixelated crown that bounces over his persona. "Thanks for playing. We should do it again sometime," he chuckles condescendingly, listening to the sputtering sounds on the other end before he clicks off E.X.O with a grin.
Victory has never tasted quite so sweet.
-
"Hey, Sehun," Jongin says one day while they're at dinner, nudging Sehun's legs under the table in a friendly gesture.
The blond boy looks up, lashes blinking rapidly as he focuses on Jongin's smile. "Hm?" He hums questioningly, eyes falling back to the vibrantly colored diner table.
"I just wanted to tell you I have a couple extra dollars, in case you want to get something more than usual to go," Jongin explains, fishing his wallet out of his back pocket.
He hopes the offer will elicit a smile from him, but instead Sehun shakes his head, and takes his bottom lip between his teeth. "Nah, it's okay. I was thinking that maybe I could pay today," he replies, and Jongin laughs incredulously.
"Really? What, is this like a date or something?" The words come out before Jongin can really process them, but he's thankful for the teasing undertone that laces them.
Sehun seems to stiffen at the word 'date' and his cheeks look paler than before (if possible). The apples of his cheeks turn a pale pink, and he scratches them with a cough. "I-if you want it to be," he says, voice hardly a step above a whisper.
The words hang between them, and Jongin's eyes widen when realization of what he's said sinks in entirely. "Date," Jongin repeats, tasting the word cautiously. "You want this to be a date."
Sehun blushes even darker, and stands up abruptly. The chair rumbles loudly as he gets to his feet, purposely avoiding Jongin's eyes. "I'm gonna go now," he says, burying his face into his sleeve. He quickly tosses a few bills on the table, and jogs out of the diner. The bell on the door chimes with him.
The sound of the bell is what has Jongin slipping back into reality, and he gathers himself to run after Sehun.
"Sehun!" He shouts as he jogs down the street. If anything, he thinks he sees Sehun move even faster down the sidewalk. "Sehun, please wait!" Jongin has to stumble around several strangers before he finally manages to catch hold of Sehun's wrist. He digs his heels into the concrete pavement, and manages to still him. "Sehun, please," he stresses again.
Sehun is staring at the sidewalk pointedly, but Jongin can see the flush that rims his cheek and ears, and dips under the collar of his shirt. "What, Jongin?" He demands, voice trembling noticeably as he ducks his head down.
He seems so much different now, vulnerable and unnerved as Jongin does his best to catch his eye. Jongin inches his fingers down his arm to lace their fingers together carefully. "Please look at me," he pleads, thumbing his knuckles affectionately.
Sehun stiffens a little, before he tentatively peeks up at him from under his fringe. "What do you want, Jongin?" He whispers. He sounds more stable this time, but Jongin can feel his fingers trembling in his.
Jongin pulls Sehun back enough to look at him, and gives him a small, gentle smile as they stand toe to toe. “I want it to be,” he says simply, and sees the way Sehun’s eyes widen and can feel the way his fingers tighten against his own.
Sehun looks down again, but a smile is fighting on his lips and it’s entirely on impulse when Jongin pulls him a little closer and presses his mouth to his in a gentle kiss.
-
"I can't believe you're dating. That's so fucking cliche," Kyungsoo snorts obnoxiously.
Jongin is too giddy to really care.
-
“So now that we’re dating, will you do my homework for me?” Jongin asks playfully, wiggling his brows invitingly at Sehun. They’re sitting outside the campus steps after school, waiting for Jongin's mom to pull up. Sehun's nose is buried in a book with a title too long for Jongin to care, and Jongin's head rests in Sehun's lap comfortably.
Sehun glances down at Jongin from the edge of his pages, lips pulled into a blank expression and eyes disapproving. "No," he says shortly, before focusing back on his book and ignoring the way Jongin pouts at him.
"You'd let your boyfriend fail? How cruel."
Sehun snorts and bounces his knee, jostling Jongin's head with it. "It's not cruel. I spent all semester tutoring you, I'm not going to let you slack off," he says, and pinches the tip of Jongin's ear.
Jongin's lips pull into a purse, and he hums for a moment before he says, "even if I blow you after class?"
"I'm going to break up with you and it's been less than a week."
-
"I didn't think you would be into video games," Jongin says in surprise, dropping his backpack at the foot of the couch while Sehun fiddles with his Wii console.
"Even nerds take breaks from studying," Sehun mutters with an idle smile, before he leans back on his knees and gestures Jongin over. "Ever played Legend of Zelda?" He asks, grinning as he wiggles the Wii remote.
A grin forms on Jongin's lips as he comes to stand beside him. "Of course I have," he chuckles, and takes the remote from Sehun's hand. "What part are you at?" He hums curiously.
"Final boss. I can't seem to get past him," Sehun says with a cute little frown. "How about you?" He asks, watching as Link jogs around on screen to the final room.
"Please. I can do this with my eyes closed," Jongin says highly and Sehun laughs a little.
"My hero," he snorts and rests his head on Jongin's shoulder as he plays flawlessly.
They sit in a relative silence as they play, the sound of defeated enemies falling and Jongin laughing victoriously under his breath as his digitalpersona treks forward into the last room of the whole game. When they reach the final boss, Jongin seems to tense up and there's an eager glint to his eyes.
Defeating the main adversary of the game comes easily to Jongin- he's played these games more times than he can count, and every movement is like a reflex as the older boy progresses further.
"You really are good at this game," Sehun says, tone obviously impressed as Jongin enters the final phase, and Sehun leans back on his palms.
"Well, let's just say that video games are kind of my specialty," is Jongin's reply, voice a little distant as he fights on screen, teeth hooked into his bottom lip as he makes his way closer and closer to victory.
When Jongin strikes down his opponent with a sharp move and ends the game, Sehun is startled to see him throw his hands up and let out something akin to a battle cry of, "Who’s your daddy?"
Jongin is still laughing as he slumps back down, and flashes a wide-eyed Sehun a white grin. "You're welcome for beating the game," he says with a playful wink, but Sehun is just blinking at him, eyes distant and thoughtful. "You could give me a congratulatory kiss, you know," he adds when there still isn't a reply, gripping Sehun's uniform tie with a grin.
Sehun blinks his lashes once more, before a sly smile curves on his lips as Jongin pulls him closer to him. "You're right, come here," he teases, eyes sparkling mischievously as he presses a kiss firmly on his boyfriend's mouth.
Jongin takes advantage of the opportunity to curl his hand around the back of Sehun's neck and hold him close. He grins against Sehun's soft lips as he kisses him slowly and affectionately, pulling him closer until the younger boy is nearly in his lap.
Sehun kisses slow and carefully, every movement of his lips calculated and precise against Jongin's, just like everything else he does. Sehun laughs into their open mouths, sliding his fingers up to twine into Jongin's soft locks and twisting them around his fingertips. Jongin gasps a little at the subtle tugs, and pulls his lower lip between his teeth until it's slick and swollen as Sehun's little sounds egg him forward.
Jongin is learning to love everything about Sehun, but right now, the kisses are his favorite.
-
"You know you cheated last time, right?" Is this first thing Jongin hears when he logs into E.X.O. The voice is familiar, but Jongin realizes that STRAWBERRYHAIR is online too. His voice is calmer than what Jongin had anticipated and, if anything, he sounds more amused than upset.
It’s unsettling.
Jongin doesn't say this, of course. Instead, he says, "all's fair in love and war."
At this, his opponent hums. "Love huh? You got a boyfriend or something, Daddy?" STRAWBERRYHAIR teases, and Jongin blinks his eyes in surprise at his words.
"I do, actually." Jongin sounds undeniably proud at this, and can't hem the smile curving on his lips at the mention of Sehun. "He's the best." And he means it, too.
STRAWBERRYHAIR doesn't speak for a moment, before he hums just loud enough to filter in through the speaker. "How did you two meet?" His tone is genuinely curious, but Jongin can hear his teasing undertones that sound so painfully familiar. Jongin could swear he's heard them before.
Jongin pressed the pads of his fingers against the buttons of his keyboard with a subtle smile. "Let's just say algebra isn't my strong suit, but it's definitely his," he replies, and he hears the other boy cough out a laugh on the other line.
"Shocker there. I figured you were an idiot."
-
"I can't believe we graduated," Jongin sighs again as he toys with the tassels of his cap, winding them around his fingers tightly until they leave prints on his skin.
They're at a restaurant, now, surrounded by their fellow graduates and classmates, all sporting similar grins and bright eyes. Pride is evident, glowing on their cheeks as they show off their high school diplomas.
Beside him, Sehun slings an arm around his shoulder and smiles widely. "You could say thank you, you know," he mocks, poking his boyfriend's cheek and snickering when Jongin nips at his finger. "Without me, you'd still be back in Algebra."
Jongin snorts, lifting the uniform cap off his head to rest comfortably on Sehun's shoulder. "Thank you, Sehun," he teases, voice formal, and the younger boy snorts teasingly at his tone. "But really. I'm still in shock. Just a few hours ago, we were high school students," he sighs into his shoulder, and the sound gets muffled in the fabric of Sehun's jacket.
Sehun smiles a little, and reaches a hand down to lace their fingers together in Jongin's lap. "Just a few hours ago," he echoes, brushing a thumb over Jongin's knuckles. "We're nearly there."
Jongin takes the opportunity to squeeze Sehun's hand under the table, and smiles up at him. "I'd like to propose a toast," he says, suddenly, straightening his back and lifting a glass of sparkly champagne.
His boyfriend arches a brow, smile curious as he makes a gesture to continue. "Here's to a good year, a great future, and to my amazing boyfriend," he says, sloshing around the alcohol in his cup.
Sehun laughs a little, and shakes his head as he raises his glass to tap against Jongin's with a musical little clink. "No, Jongin," he chides, brandishing a charming smile. "Here's to us."
Jongin blinks, and chuckles softly. "Right. Here's to us," he corrects, and flushes subtly at the wink Sehun tosses him as he tips the glass and takes the first sip.
When both their glasses have been emptied, Sehun flashes Jongin a smug little smile. "By the way," he begins slyly, dragging his nails up and down the skin of Jongin's forearm idly. He grins when he sees goosebumps before he continues. "I know your secret."
Jongin furrows his brow in confusion, and leans a little closer to Sehun with a curious laugh. "Which secret?" He pries, tipping his head to the side as Sehun wraps a hand around the back of his neck.
He tugs Jongin's face closer to his, close enough so their breath mingles just a bit. Jongin thinks Sehun is going to press a kiss to his lips, but then he presses his mouth to Jongin's ear and breathes, "you know which one I'm talking about, Daddy."
The words make Jongin flinch back, eyes wide and jaw dropped just a little as he tries to say something, but Sehun beats him too it, laughing as he rubs a lock of his hair between his fingers idly. "Did you know my hair used to be pink? A strawberry color, you might say. I wasn't entirely sure it was you at first, but now I definitely know I was right."
Jongin still hasn't said anything, but Sehun is still smiling when he asks, "are you mad at me?"
Jongin shakes his head after a minute, and chokes out a little laugh as he scratches his head curiously. "You know, now that I think about it, I should've known it was you," he remarks, and this time Sehun looks confused.
"What do you mean by that?"
Jongin rubs his thumb around the rim of his empty champagne glass and grins. "You can kick my ass at everything else. Go figure you'd be better at video games, too."
Sehun barks out a laugh, and this time he does press a warm kiss squarely on Jongin's mouth. "God, Jongin you're such a nerd," he laughs into the kiss. "I'm probably better at giving head, too, you know."
don't ask me why i had to crosspost this i just had this urge
-
“...So, it was a date.”
“It was not a date, Kyungsoo.” Jongin insists, clawing his nails over his face. "It was definitely not a date," he echoes again for good measure.
“...But you wanted it to be, didn't you?” Kyungsoo's tone is knowing, and Jongin feels his cheeks flush under his fingertips. "I knew it," he snickers when Jongin doesn't answer. "You have a crush!"
Jongin groans and writhes on his mattress in frustration. "Maybe I do, maybe I don't. It's not my fault he was being all intimate and pretty," he mutters between his fingers.
"You should suck his dick," Kyungsoo prompts a moment later, ignoring his friend's sputtering at the suggestion. "Give him head so good, he'll have to date you."
"I'm hanging up the phone now," Jongin announces when he can form a coherent sentence, cheeks an embarrassing ruby red before he clicks the phone off pointedly.
-
Sehun snatches up Jongin's fresh quiz, eyes grazing the red A that taints the paper. "Another A?" He grins. "Good thing I'm craving bubble tea, huh?" He teases, sliding the paper back to Jongin.
Jongin laughs and tucks the paper into his binder. "Even better that I'm paying," he mocks back, already fishing out his wallet.
The younger boy laughs a little, too, rocking on his heels idly as he watches Jongin pack. "The best, actually. I'm pretty lucky," he chuckles, and Jongin casts him another smile from under his lashes.
"Well," he begins, getting to his feet. "What can I say, Oh Sehun. You have me wrapped around your little finger."
Sehun breaks into a fit of laughter at his words, and Jongin wonders if he knows just how true the words are.
-
When Jongin steps out of school and onto the concrete steps, the last thing he expects to see is Sehun, slumped against the metal railing with heavy lashes that cast notable shadows with the afternoon sun. He looks serene, peaceful, and Jongin can't help but pause to admire the rise and fall of his chest, and the shadow of a smile pulling at his lips.
Jongin's not sure how much time passes, too enraptured in the sound of the younger boy breathing to count the seconds, but eventually he sighs. He drops his backpack by his feet, stooping on the step beside the sleepy boy with a grin crawling on his mouth.
"Sehun," he whispers, voice hushed as he pokes the younger's cheek. "Get up, Sehun."
Sehun whines, sniffing petulantly as his eyes flutter open and he rubs his lashes with his fingers childishly. Jongin thinks it's adorable. "What time is it?" He croaks out, and Jongin glances at his watch.
"Pretty late. Why were you sleeping out here?"
Sehun shifts again and rubs his eyes a little harder. "I was waiting for my mom to come get me," he says, voice hoarse. "I guess she forgot," he adds, frowning softly.
Jongin wrinkles his nose at the words, mouth twitching into a frown of his own. "You can come home with me, if you want," he offers, and Sehun glances up at him with a raised brow.
"Seriously?" He sounds uncertain, and Jongin nods, a little too quickly. "Okay," Sehun says slowly, giving him a smile that only grows wider as Jongin tugs him up to his feet. "Thank you, Jongin."
Jongin just shakes his head, still holding his hand loosely and suppressing a cheeky smile at the feel of his fingers between his. "No need for thanks," he chirps in reply, voice cheery as he drags him down to the bus stop outside the school gates. "It's the least I can do."
Sehun chuckles softly, rubbing his neck habitually. "Still," he murmurs, and Jongin can't stop himself from squeezing his fingers reassuringly.
It's an easy, comforting gesture, but Jongin can't help the red scaling up his neck and cheeks when Sehun squeezes back.
-
"What is the formula for the linear parent function?" Sehun asks quizzically, resting against the metal lockers before class. He’s rolling a green apple between his hands, flicking his thumbs over the stem.
"Easy," Jongin snorts highly from the locker across from him. "Y=X is the linear parent function." His tone is matter of fact, totally confident and Sehun smiles at the sound of it it.
Sehun grins even wider at him and tips his head back in thought. "And the linear parent function is in direct correlation with what kind of formula?" He prods further.
The older boy snorts, taking a thoughtful sip from his juice box with a lazy grin. "Slope-Intercept. Honestly, Sehun. Your questions insult me."
This is a routine, now; sitting together between classes and quizzing before quizzes and tests. Jongin likes it, likes the look of approval and pride that slides on Sehun’s handsome face everytime he gets something right, and likes the self-satisfaction he gets, too. It feels good. Being with Sehun feels good.
Sehun laughs softly at the remark and flips through his test review. “Okay, okay. I guess you know the basics. But you’re gonna have to do all the solving on your own,” he warns, wiggling his fingers sternly at Jongin, who rolls his eyes with a little grin.
"I'm pretty sure I can handle that," he snickers, pushing himself to his feet as students file into the hallways. "C'mon, let's study in the class," he offers a hand to a still-seated Sehun, wiggling his fingers invitingly.
Sehun snorts, locking his fingers around Jongin's wrist and lets himself be pulled up beside him. "So I was thinking," he begins, pulling his fingers off Jongin. "We should do something that you're good at. Because let's face it; the only reason you can bowl or do algebra at a mediocre level is thanks to me." He sounds teasing, but Jongin pouts at him regardless.
"I'll think of something," Jongin replies reassuringly, pushing the classroom door open and falling into his seat. "And I'm going to make you eat your words."
"I'm holding you to that," Sehun says.
Hold me anyway you want, Jongin thinks immediately, and has to shake his head to clear the thoughts. He refuses to acknowledge the rather obvious blush on his cheeks.
He's shaken out of his thoughts when the door slides open, and he sees Mr. Seo walk in. The teacher beams when he sees both boys, who tip their heads forward respectfully. "Good morning, Mr. Kim, Mr. Oh," he says, sitting on his desk. "Just the boys I've wanted to see."
Jongin raises a brow and sits up curiously, giving his teacher a polite smile. "Yes, sir?" He asks, and sees Sehun do the same.
Mr. Seo holds up a vaguely familiar paper, and Jongin sees his name scribbled across the top, beside a large A+ in a blaring red. "Your grades have risen impressively," he remarks, and Jongin starts to smile when he continues. "Pretty soon, you won't need Sehun anymore."
Mr. Seo is grinning, but Jongin feels his heart drop at the idea. Because Sehun is a tutor; and when Jongin passes, Sehun's job is done and he'll have no reason to stay around.
Jongin can't bring himself to look at Sehun.
-
"You have got to be kidding me," Jongin groans, nails scratching against his cheek with an evident frown. He's logged into E.X.O, again, for what feels like the first time in ages. His fingers itch to play, crave the thrill that come with victory and the distraction from Mr. Seo's words.
He thinks that maybe he shouldn't be as surprised as he is that his arch nemesis is logged on, too, but he doubts the anticipation would do much to subdue the dread he feels.
He is on later in the night than he usually is, and sleep makes his eyes horribly heavy. Kyungsoo isn't online, either, and the silence that fills his ears is eerie and unsatisfying. Jongin reaches his fingers up, twisting at his headset to adjust the settings, and lets his voice tap into the game.
STRAWBERRYHAIR is his sole remaining opponent, and Jongin doesn't know what comes over him when he blurts, "what's your deal?"
For the longest time, all there is a silence that stretches between Jongin and the avatar before him before a short laugh is barked, and Jongin jumps at the sudden sound.
"What do you mean, 'what's my deal?'" STRAWBERRYHAIR asks mockingly, and Jongin frowns at the almost familiar sound of his voice. "I'm here to play, just like you."
Jongin furrows his brow and hovers his fingers over the keyboard. "I know, but this is my game, it's the only thing I'm good at," he says simply, and clears his throat. "And you're always beating me whenever you're online." When the words are in open, Jongin winces at how petulant he sounds.
STRAWBERRYHAIR hears it, too, judging by the laughter that cracks into Jongin's headset. "Seems like Daddy is a sore loser." His voice is teasing, and Jongin sputters a little.
"I am not," he spits back hastily, clearing his throat. "I'm not a sore loser. I just don't like being stripped of my title." STRAWBERRYHAIR just chuckles at that, too.
"Sounds like Daddy has a superiority complex on top of it."
Jongin's cheeks are embarrassingly flushed at this point. "I do not!" He almost whines it out. "And stop calling me daddy. It's weird." Weirdly arousing. Wait, I didn't mean that.
"I'm not the one who made it my username," STRAWBERRYHAIR sing songs.
Jongin grinds his teeth together irritably. "I knew I hated you for a reason," he remarks snidely, and quickly adds, "and what the hell kinda name is Strawberryhair?"
He hears the other boy click his tongue, and Jongin looks back to his computer screen. They're still the only two players, but neither of them move. Jongin thinks it'd be easy to flick his wrist and win, while the other is distracted. His fingers tense over the keyboard, and he hears STRAWBERRYHAIR say, "it has sentimental value."
And so he does, pressing the button combination satisfyingly quick, and watches as his adversary is obliterated successfully. It's a little underhanded and childish, but the gasp he hears in his headset is enough to make him feel proud of his decision.
"Who's your daddy!" he whoops eagerly. "Game over, asshole," he leans back in his computer chair to admire the little pixelated crown that bounces over his persona. "Thanks for playing. We should do it again sometime," he chuckles condescendingly, listening to the sputtering sounds on the other end before he clicks off E.X.O with a grin.
Victory has never tasted quite so sweet.
-
"Hey, Sehun," Jongin says one day while they're at dinner, nudging Sehun's legs under the table in a friendly gesture.
The blond boy looks up, lashes blinking rapidly as he focuses on Jongin's smile. "Hm?" He hums questioningly, eyes falling back to the vibrantly colored diner table.
"I just wanted to tell you I have a couple extra dollars, in case you want to get something more than usual to go," Jongin explains, fishing his wallet out of his back pocket.
He hopes the offer will elicit a smile from him, but instead Sehun shakes his head, and takes his bottom lip between his teeth. "Nah, it's okay. I was thinking that maybe I could pay today," he replies, and Jongin laughs incredulously.
"Really? What, is this like a date or something?" The words come out before Jongin can really process them, but he's thankful for the teasing undertone that laces them.
Sehun seems to stiffen at the word 'date' and his cheeks look paler than before (if possible). The apples of his cheeks turn a pale pink, and he scratches them with a cough. "I-if you want it to be," he says, voice hardly a step above a whisper.
The words hang between them, and Jongin's eyes widen when realization of what he's said sinks in entirely. "Date," Jongin repeats, tasting the word cautiously. "You want this to be a date."
Sehun blushes even darker, and stands up abruptly. The chair rumbles loudly as he gets to his feet, purposely avoiding Jongin's eyes. "I'm gonna go now," he says, burying his face into his sleeve. He quickly tosses a few bills on the table, and jogs out of the diner. The bell on the door chimes with him.
The sound of the bell is what has Jongin slipping back into reality, and he gathers himself to run after Sehun.
"Sehun!" He shouts as he jogs down the street. If anything, he thinks he sees Sehun move even faster down the sidewalk. "Sehun, please wait!" Jongin has to stumble around several strangers before he finally manages to catch hold of Sehun's wrist. He digs his heels into the concrete pavement, and manages to still him. "Sehun, please," he stresses again.
Sehun is staring at the sidewalk pointedly, but Jongin can see the flush that rims his cheek and ears, and dips under the collar of his shirt. "What, Jongin?" He demands, voice trembling noticeably as he ducks his head down.
He seems so much different now, vulnerable and unnerved as Jongin does his best to catch his eye. Jongin inches his fingers down his arm to lace their fingers together carefully. "Please look at me," he pleads, thumbing his knuckles affectionately.
Sehun stiffens a little, before he tentatively peeks up at him from under his fringe. "What do you want, Jongin?" He whispers. He sounds more stable this time, but Jongin can feel his fingers trembling in his.
Jongin pulls Sehun back enough to look at him, and gives him a small, gentle smile as they stand toe to toe. “I want it to be,” he says simply, and sees the way Sehun’s eyes widen and can feel the way his fingers tighten against his own.
Sehun looks down again, but a smile is fighting on his lips and it’s entirely on impulse when Jongin pulls him a little closer and presses his mouth to his in a gentle kiss.
-
"I can't believe you're dating. That's so fucking cliche," Kyungsoo snorts obnoxiously.
Jongin is too giddy to really care.
-
“So now that we’re dating, will you do my homework for me?” Jongin asks playfully, wiggling his brows invitingly at Sehun. They’re sitting outside the campus steps after school, waiting for Jongin's mom to pull up. Sehun's nose is buried in a book with a title too long for Jongin to care, and Jongin's head rests in Sehun's lap comfortably.
Sehun glances down at Jongin from the edge of his pages, lips pulled into a blank expression and eyes disapproving. "No," he says shortly, before focusing back on his book and ignoring the way Jongin pouts at him.
"You'd let your boyfriend fail? How cruel."
Sehun snorts and bounces his knee, jostling Jongin's head with it. "It's not cruel. I spent all semester tutoring you, I'm not going to let you slack off," he says, and pinches the tip of Jongin's ear.
Jongin's lips pull into a purse, and he hums for a moment before he says, "even if I blow you after class?"
"I'm going to break up with you and it's been less than a week."
-
"I didn't think you would be into video games," Jongin says in surprise, dropping his backpack at the foot of the couch while Sehun fiddles with his Wii console.
"Even nerds take breaks from studying," Sehun mutters with an idle smile, before he leans back on his knees and gestures Jongin over. "Ever played Legend of Zelda?" He asks, grinning as he wiggles the Wii remote.
A grin forms on Jongin's lips as he comes to stand beside him. "Of course I have," he chuckles, and takes the remote from Sehun's hand. "What part are you at?" He hums curiously.
"Final boss. I can't seem to get past him," Sehun says with a cute little frown. "How about you?" He asks, watching as Link jogs around on screen to the final room.
"Please. I can do this with my eyes closed," Jongin says highly and Sehun laughs a little.
"My hero," he snorts and rests his head on Jongin's shoulder as he plays flawlessly.
They sit in a relative silence as they play, the sound of defeated enemies falling and Jongin laughing victoriously under his breath as his digitalpersona treks forward into the last room of the whole game. When they reach the final boss, Jongin seems to tense up and there's an eager glint to his eyes.
Defeating the main adversary of the game comes easily to Jongin- he's played these games more times than he can count, and every movement is like a reflex as the older boy progresses further.
"You really are good at this game," Sehun says, tone obviously impressed as Jongin enters the final phase, and Sehun leans back on his palms.
"Well, let's just say that video games are kind of my specialty," is Jongin's reply, voice a little distant as he fights on screen, teeth hooked into his bottom lip as he makes his way closer and closer to victory.
When Jongin strikes down his opponent with a sharp move and ends the game, Sehun is startled to see him throw his hands up and let out something akin to a battle cry of, "Who’s your daddy?"
Jongin is still laughing as he slumps back down, and flashes a wide-eyed Sehun a white grin. "You're welcome for beating the game," he says with a playful wink, but Sehun is just blinking at him, eyes distant and thoughtful. "You could give me a congratulatory kiss, you know," he adds when there still isn't a reply, gripping Sehun's uniform tie with a grin.
Sehun blinks his lashes once more, before a sly smile curves on his lips as Jongin pulls him closer to him. "You're right, come here," he teases, eyes sparkling mischievously as he presses a kiss firmly on his boyfriend's mouth.
Jongin takes advantage of the opportunity to curl his hand around the back of Sehun's neck and hold him close. He grins against Sehun's soft lips as he kisses him slowly and affectionately, pulling him closer until the younger boy is nearly in his lap.
Sehun kisses slow and carefully, every movement of his lips calculated and precise against Jongin's, just like everything else he does. Sehun laughs into their open mouths, sliding his fingers up to twine into Jongin's soft locks and twisting them around his fingertips. Jongin gasps a little at the subtle tugs, and pulls his lower lip between his teeth until it's slick and swollen as Sehun's little sounds egg him forward.
Jongin is learning to love everything about Sehun, but right now, the kisses are his favorite.
-
"You know you cheated last time, right?" Is this first thing Jongin hears when he logs into E.X.O. The voice is familiar, but Jongin realizes that STRAWBERRYHAIR is online too. His voice is calmer than what Jongin had anticipated and, if anything, he sounds more amused than upset.
It’s unsettling.
Jongin doesn't say this, of course. Instead, he says, "all's fair in love and war."
At this, his opponent hums. "Love huh? You got a boyfriend or something, Daddy?" STRAWBERRYHAIR teases, and Jongin blinks his eyes in surprise at his words.
"I do, actually." Jongin sounds undeniably proud at this, and can't hem the smile curving on his lips at the mention of Sehun. "He's the best." And he means it, too.
STRAWBERRYHAIR doesn't speak for a moment, before he hums just loud enough to filter in through the speaker. "How did you two meet?" His tone is genuinely curious, but Jongin can hear his teasing undertones that sound so painfully familiar. Jongin could swear he's heard them before.
Jongin pressed the pads of his fingers against the buttons of his keyboard with a subtle smile. "Let's just say algebra isn't my strong suit, but it's definitely his," he replies, and he hears the other boy cough out a laugh on the other line.
"Shocker there. I figured you were an idiot."
-
"I can't believe we graduated," Jongin sighs again as he toys with the tassels of his cap, winding them around his fingers tightly until they leave prints on his skin.
They're at a restaurant, now, surrounded by their fellow graduates and classmates, all sporting similar grins and bright eyes. Pride is evident, glowing on their cheeks as they show off their high school diplomas.
Beside him, Sehun slings an arm around his shoulder and smiles widely. "You could say thank you, you know," he mocks, poking his boyfriend's cheek and snickering when Jongin nips at his finger. "Without me, you'd still be back in Algebra."
Jongin snorts, lifting the uniform cap off his head to rest comfortably on Sehun's shoulder. "Thank you, Sehun," he teases, voice formal, and the younger boy snorts teasingly at his tone. "But really. I'm still in shock. Just a few hours ago, we were high school students," he sighs into his shoulder, and the sound gets muffled in the fabric of Sehun's jacket.
Sehun smiles a little, and reaches a hand down to lace their fingers together in Jongin's lap. "Just a few hours ago," he echoes, brushing a thumb over Jongin's knuckles. "We're nearly there."
Jongin takes the opportunity to squeeze Sehun's hand under the table, and smiles up at him. "I'd like to propose a toast," he says, suddenly, straightening his back and lifting a glass of sparkly champagne.
His boyfriend arches a brow, smile curious as he makes a gesture to continue. "Here's to a good year, a great future, and to my amazing boyfriend," he says, sloshing around the alcohol in his cup.
Sehun laughs a little, and shakes his head as he raises his glass to tap against Jongin's with a musical little clink. "No, Jongin," he chides, brandishing a charming smile. "Here's to us."
Jongin blinks, and chuckles softly. "Right. Here's to us," he corrects, and flushes subtly at the wink Sehun tosses him as he tips the glass and takes the first sip.
When both their glasses have been emptied, Sehun flashes Jongin a smug little smile. "By the way," he begins slyly, dragging his nails up and down the skin of Jongin's forearm idly. He grins when he sees goosebumps before he continues. "I know your secret."
Jongin furrows his brow in confusion, and leans a little closer to Sehun with a curious laugh. "Which secret?" He pries, tipping his head to the side as Sehun wraps a hand around the back of his neck.
He tugs Jongin's face closer to his, close enough so their breath mingles just a bit. Jongin thinks Sehun is going to press a kiss to his lips, but then he presses his mouth to Jongin's ear and breathes, "you know which one I'm talking about, Daddy."
The words make Jongin flinch back, eyes wide and jaw dropped just a little as he tries to say something, but Sehun beats him too it, laughing as he rubs a lock of his hair between his fingers idly. "Did you know my hair used to be pink? A strawberry color, you might say. I wasn't entirely sure it was you at first, but now I definitely know I was right."
Jongin still hasn't said anything, but Sehun is still smiling when he asks, "are you mad at me?"
Jongin shakes his head after a minute, and chokes out a little laugh as he scratches his head curiously. "You know, now that I think about it, I should've known it was you," he remarks, and this time Sehun looks confused.
"What do you mean by that?"
Jongin rubs his thumb around the rim of his empty champagne glass and grins. "You can kick my ass at everything else. Go figure you'd be better at video games, too."
Sehun barks out a laugh, and this time he does press a warm kiss squarely on Jongin's mouth. "God, Jongin you're such a nerd," he laughs into the kiss. "I'm probably better at giving head, too, you know."
don't ask me why i had to crosspost this i just had this urge