Those Fluffy Cheeks
Title: Those Fluffy Cheeks
Author: unblurthefuture
Pairing: Himchan/Youngjae
Rating: PG
Length: oneshot; 3,700 words
Summary: First, Himchan is in denial. Second, he knows how to be sarcastic. And third, he’s kissing the back of his hand.
A/N: Also posted @ AFF
It had been almost a week since Himchan noticed Youngjae's cheeks were becoming fluffier than ever. He was unsure if those cheeks were naturally like that, or he was just thinking too much. If other people would look at it, everything wasn't a big deal. A person's physical appearance changes as he grows up. Himchan knew that. But what bothered him was everyone, every person he knew,were able to touch or pinch those cheeks of Youngjae and he wasn't. The reason was not because anyone told not to do so, but because he had no guts.
Himchan watched Jong Up help Youngjae prepare sushi for lunch. He thought skinship was just for fan service on stage. But as of that moment, it was happening in their kitchen.
"Hyung, you have crushed nori on your cheeks," Jong Up said.
"What? Where?" Youngjae asked, brushing his left cheek with the back of his hand.
"No, I mean, on your right.” Jong Up pointed at Youngjae’s right cheek. “Right cheek." Jong Up reached for a tissue and wiped away the nori from Youngjae’s face.
"Thanks,” Youngjae spoke.
Jong Up replied a smile.
Himchan looked at the sweet bromance moment as he silently drank a glass of water, as if he wasn't there.
"Youngjae hyung, I think...' Jong Up gulped. ”I think your face is becoming chubbier-"
"W-what?" Youngjae’s eyes went wide while Himchan choked, controlling himself for laughing at what Jong Up said.
“No, wait. I mean, in a good way," Jong Up explained." I mean, in a healthy way. You know, we're always busy these past few days and it's much better to stay healthy than to look malnourished and exhausted and all,” he noted in a low tone, scratching the back of his neck.
Youngjae barely nodded with a confused look.
"Hyung is healthy of course," Jong Up pinched the older one’s cheeks. "Hyung's cheeks look healthy."
Instead of getting mad for being teased, Youngjae continued to make sushi while the main dancer praised his adorable cheeks.
Himchan stood near the fridge waiting for food. He darted his eyes at the two younger boys. He whispered to himself that he only stayed there to wait for the delicious food and not waiting for Jong Up to get away from Youngjae and stop squeezing those lovable cheeks he always wanted to touch. Everything he saw was okay with him. Though there was something that ached deep inside, Himchan still forced himself that it was okay with him.
He still felt definitely okay after getting scolded by Yongguk for sharpening their chopsticks while glaring at Jong Up as they eat lunch.
Six bunnies sat in the dance studio, feeling all tired after hours of practicing new dance steps choreographed by Zelo.
Daehyun fiercely sat and reached for a bottle of water before moving beside Youngjae. He poked Youngjae's cheek as he drunk water until its half empty.
Youngjae grabbed the bottle from Daehyun and drunk everything up to the last drop.
"What the hell?" Daehyun hissed. "Get your own water."
“What the hell? Get your own water. This bottle’s mine,” Youngjae replied, waving the bottle in front of Daehyun’s face.
“Oh,” Daehyun raised a brow. “Sorry chubby fatty.”
“What?” Youngjae made a face.
“I said crabby patty,” Daehyun grinned.
“That’s not what you said.”
“I’m hungry. I want crabby-” Daehyun pinched both of Youngjae’s cheeks. ”-patty.” He devilishly looked towards Himchan.
Himchan watched the BFF’s scenario in the corner of the dance studio while silently punching the wall, glaring back at Daehyun. He had no idea why Daehyun had to play Youngjae’s cheeks when he could touch (or do something more with) Jong Up’s pelvic bones.
Himchan concluded that the word “jealous” would never be relevant to his life and what he saw was a typical indirect kiss. So he ends up wrapping his arms around Jong Up and tickling the main dancer’s pelvic part while exchanging death glances with Daehyun inside the dorm
“Man, nice hairstyle,” JB complimented Youngjae as both clapped for that week’s music show’s winner.
“Thanks,” Youngjae answered with a wide smile. They both talked about their whereabouts after each other’s debuts.
Youngjae was a JYP trainee. Himchan thought, there was no doubt, those two knew each other. He waved at the BABYs that were watching and screaming. At the same time he glanced at Youngjae beside JB and Jr. every single time.
“Youngjae, there’s a confetti on your hair,” JB brushed his finger in Youngjae’s face. The confetti fell on Younjae’s cheeks. JB got the confetti with a light pinch and threw it on the floor.
Himchan saw Youngjae giggle with the ticklish touch.
JB pinched him.
He pinched him.
It wasn’t a big deal. That was what Himchan kept bawling into his head.
When all artists went off stage, Himchan kicked and kicked all confetti scattered on his way. Since there was no confetti outside the building, he showed his anger by hitting small rocks with his foot in the parking lot before riding on B.A.P.’s vehicle.
Himchan didn’t felt ashamed of whatever he did, but totally felt regretful after seeing their manager taking a selca in front of a Matoki rock formation he unexpectedly made by kicking rocks.
The SECRET seniors got back from their promotions in Japan. The first person who greeted B.A.P. was Hyosung. She patted everyone’s heads (except Yongguk’s) and squeezed Youngjae’s cheeks greeting, “How are you guys?”
Himchan shrugged. “It’s okay; I just saw pictures from the internet where B2ST’s visual was kissing a fan’s cheek.”
Hyosung jaw dropped. She walked away, holding her phone, scolding someone.
Himchan made a mission accomplished grin, then greet the other SECRET members.
“Why did you say that?” Himchan heard Youngjae ask. “Kikwang hyung wasn’t flirting with anyone.”
“I didn’t say he was flirting.”
“But you lied.”
“It was just a joke.” Himchan rolled his eyes.”I didn’t really think she’d take it seriously.” He lied.
“But you still lied,” pouting, Youngjae frowned.
He pouted.
He P-O-U-T-E-D.
Himchan wasn’t able to speak anymore. He stared at Youngjae’s lips for few seconds and he realized those lips were his second favorite part of Youngjae’s body, next to his cheeks. And when did he realize that he had a list called My Favorite Parts of Yoo Youngjae’s Body? Just at that moment.
Himchan kept silent the whole day. He continued listing parts of Youngjae’s body in his mind that might possibly make it on the list. But he didn’t finish listing. It was to stop him from imagining what Youngjae would look like without clothes. He wasn’t a pervert. Of course, he wasn’t.
That night he searched instructions on How to Kiss a guy while Roaming Hands on his Cheeks and read it under the blanket before sleeping and practiced open-mouthed kissing using the back of his hand.
Yongguk had a nightmare after hearing sloppy kisses sounds under the cover of his insane roommate.
“That was great,” Yongguk complimented Youngjae after the lead singer finished recording his lines on a new track the leader composed. “You’re really good.” His gums showing through his wide smile.
Youngjae handled the lyrics back to Yongguk. ”Thanks.”
Yongguk patted his shoulder. “Okay. Himchan, you’re next.”
Himchan stood and walked towards them. Right after he snatched the paper from Yongguks’ hands, the latter was already squishing Youngjae’s cheeks.
“Youngjae, I think you should diet,” Yongguk said.
Before Youngjae could protest from the eldest’s words, Himchan spoke, “I wonder if you could say that to Junhong once you squish his cheeks again behind the manager’s back. And I’m not going to say it’s his lower cheeks I’m talking about, if you know what I’m trying to say here.”
Youngjae gave an oh-my-gosh-what face, then Yongguk threw a shut-the-fuck-up-before-I-shoot-you face while blushing. “Kim Himchan, fuck you.”
“No. Fuck you.”
Fuck you Bang Yongguk. Himchan hated it when someone’s being blunt, telling Youngjae about his baby fats. He knew Youngjae might get hurt or frustrated about that and as a hyung, or as their hyungs, it was their duty to take care of their dongsaeng.
He would never forget when he once heard Youngjae silently cry in the middle of the night in their living room, alone in the darkness, after the picture of his tummy spread on the net.
What hurt Himchan the most was he just listened to Youngjae’s cries from the corner and he couldn’t do anything. He had no nerves to at least show Youngjae that he was there for him, to hold him, to rub his back, or to hug him tightly.
Now, it wasn’t that he was imagining that it was his duty to take care and to protect his future boyfriend. It was just a wholesome brother-like relationship. Himchan nodded to himself, thinking he wasn’t a delusional person. It was just a huge hyung-dongsaeng relationship.
Himchan cross sat outside their dorm, watching Zelo teach Youngjae skateboarding.
“Himchan hyung, are you sure you don’t wanna try?” Zelo asked.
Himchan made an assurance smile as he shook his head.
“Okay, Youngjae hyung, just do everything I told you and ready, set,” he helped Youngjae find balance on the skateboard ”Go!” He let his hyung ride.
Youngjae’s right foot maintained its balance while his left foot kicked the road. He pushed himself empty off the concrete surface.
Just about when Zelo clapped proudly, Himchan stood up.
“Wait, is that a road hump?” Himchan pointed at towards where Youngjae was going.
“Oh no,” Zelo said, looking worried. “He might-“
“Be careful. Hey, Youngjae!,” Himchan shouted, but Youngjae didn’t seem to hear him.
“There’s a road hump! There’s a hu- shit. “
Before Himchan could finish his sentence, Youngjae stumbled on the road right after he tried to go to the hump.
“Hyung!” Zelo rushed towards Youngjae and help him ease up.
Himchan followed right away.
“Hyung, are you okay?” Zelo looked worried.
Youngjae unexpectedly replied a laugh. “Hey, that was fun.” He looked delighted.
“That was fun? You landed with your face first and you say that was fun? Wow, seriously,” Himchan pointed at Youngjae’s face. “You have a-“
“Oh gosh! Your cheek’s bleeding!” Zelo panicked.
“It’s not bleeding kid, it’s just a scratch. You’re over reacting.” Himchan muttered.
Youngjae was about to wipe his left cheek when Zelo grabbed his hand.
“I have plasters here.” The maknae pulled a bunch of plasters out of his pocket with different colors.
“Are those some kind of collection or what?” Himchan asked. “I don’t think it’s needed.”
Zelo ignored him and slowly put a yellow on Youngjae’s scratched cheek with a light press, “Sorry, I should’ve taught you to practice on straight flat roads first.”
“It’s not like I had some serious injury or something. Don’t worry,” Youngjae slightly waved his hand. “So, how do I look?” he asked Himchan, tilting his head to the side so the visual could see his yellow plaster.
Himchan stared at the plaster. He fixed his eyes on it, awed at how it curved in the same way Youngjae’s cheek curved. He nervously gulped. “You look so fucking cute. I want to put you in my pocket.”
And with that answer, Zelo and Youngjae gave him a weird look.
Youngjae opened his mouth to ask if he heard it right but the words never sink into his head.
Himchan took a step backwards. “No, I mean t-the plaster looks so cute and-“ He shifted his eyes away. “And you look so fucking bad with it.” He muttered without thinking.
“Oh.” Youngjae looked down and touched the plaster on his face. “Is that so.”
At that moment, Himchan felt the guilt stabbing straight like an arrow to his chest.
“Don’t believe him.” Zelo smirked and ran his finger delicately and gently on Youngjae’s other cheek. “He’s just jealous of the plaster.” He beamed looking straight at Himchan.
Zelo knew something. Himchan pursed his lips. He was speechless.
“What do you mean?” Youngjae, the brain, didn’t understand the connection between Himchan and the plaster.
“Nothing, forget about it,” Zelo picked the skateboard and dragged Youngjae inside the dorm, telling the yellow bunny that they should just play video games, leaving Himchan alone.
Himchan bragged to himself that Youngjae wasn’t really cute. Yet he couldn’t deny that he felt guilty. He face palmed while stomping on the hump as if it would become a flat cement if he kept stomping. It’s all your fault. You hump, it’s all your fault.
It had been three days and Youngjae’s scratch was gone. What was left was a barely visible scar on his right cheek.
He lay on his bed as he watched the rain pouring through his window. He weakly sneezed, shifting on a more comfortable position under the blanket.
Then, there was a knock on the door. It flew open and Himchan appeared with a tray of soup and medicine. “Feeling better?” He placed the tray on the side table, and sat at Youngjae’s bed.
Youngjae shook his head while sitting up.
Himchan helped him lean his back on the headboard.
The awkward air surrounded the room.
Youngjae had not talked to Himchan ever since that skateboard and plaster incident. He thought that he was such an ugly bunny, chubby cheeks and with a scar to talk to a Kim Himchan. Youngjae was thinking that he has no right to speak to such a handsome and good looking person.
“Just leave everything there. I can eat alone,” Youngjae lamented. “You may leave now.”
Himchan heavily sighed with the cold response of Youngjae. The angsty feeling had been bothering him for days. His heart couldn’t handle it.
“Uh, sorry.” Himchan moved closer to the other. “I’m sorry about last time.” He sincerely said. “Hey, talk to me.” He wanted Youngjae to speak but the boy stared blankly at the window.
He joined Youngjae watch the rain.”Have I told you? I’m neither a human nor an alien.” He caught a glimpse of Youngjae looking at him. “I’m a raindrop.” He turned his head to face the other. “And I’m falling for you.”
Youngjae ignored him.
Himchan scratched his head. ”Do you sleep on your lap?”
“What?” Youngjae gazed at him with a plain face. “No.”
Himchan smiled. “Can I?” He purposely fell on the bed with his head on Youngjae’s lap.
“Hey! What are you doing?” Youngjae said trying to push Himchan away.
“Just lying.”
“You’re heavy.”
“I’m not.” Himchan looked pleased, watching the raindrops from his comfortable position. “You know what? You look like my first wife.”
“First?” Youngjae let out a sarcastic laugh. “Why? How many have you had?”
“None.” He glanced, smiling at Youngjae who was raising an eyebrow.
“Do you remember me before-? Oh that’s right.” Himchan sighed. “I’ve only met you in my dreams.”
“What are you-“
“See my friend over there?” Himchan pointed at the fly on the window. “He wants to know if you think I’m cute.”
“Hyung, are you drunk?” Youngjae asked, hiding his smile.
“I’m not drunk. I’m just intoxicated by you.” Himchan chuckled.
“Stop it, hyu-“
“You took a Polaroid picture backstage before our last performance, right?” Himchan asked with his innocent eyes.
“Uh, yeah.”
“Can I have that picture so I can tell Santa what I want this Christmas?”
“What?” Youngjae finally smiled. “No.”
“Would you touch me?” Himchan stretched his hand, trying to touch Youngjae’s face. “Or should I touch you? So I can tell my friends I’ve been touched by an angel.”
Youngjae bit his lip and shoved Himchan’s hand away. “Stop that.”
Himchan felt both weakness and sudden energy with the sudden touch. He chuckled, seeing Youngjae’s face looked like it was going to break a laugh. “Do you sleep with a stranger?”
“S-sleep? Do you mean-” Youngjae’s cheeks reddened, “I’ve never- Of course not.” Youngjae replied.
“Then hi, my name is Kim Himchan,” Himchan seductively said his name.
“Shut up.” Youngjae covered his mouth, shyly shifting his eyes away.
“Aw,’ Himchan clapped. Seeing Youngjae's reaction. Himchan felt like he was on cloud nine. “Now, give it back.”
“Huh?” Youngjae asked, looking all confused.
“Give it back,” Himchan said in a serious tone.
“Give what?”
“I said give it back!” Himchan sat up looking mad. “Give it back! You stole it from me!”
“I-I don’t know what you’re talking about?” Youngjae looked scared.
“Liar! You stole it from me! Give it back.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Youngjae’s voice was shaking.
“Don’t deny it. Just give it back”
“G-give what?”
From dead the serious face, Himchan made a handsome smile and took Youngjae’s hand, pressing it to his chest. “My heart.”
The brain took few seconds to process what Himchan was saying, then everything successfully registered in his mind. He smiled slighty and punched Himchan. “You’re teasing me-” Youngjae suddenly sneezed.
Himchan took a tissue and covered Youngjae’s nose.
“Shhh…” The latter wiped his nose. “Do you know how to lose that sickness? The cold will be gone if you pass it to another person. Maybe you can pass it to me as revenge from what I said to you before," Himchan suggested.
“I’m not as evil as you to make any revenge.” Youngjae rubbed his nose.
“Hey. I’m being a good doctor here, my dear patient.”
“I’m not your patient and I don’t remember having a personal doctor-“
Himchan slowly touched Youngjae's scar, circling his fingers on it. Finally he’s got a chance to touch Youngjae. Youngjae couldn't see, but Himchan couldn’t actually contain his feelings.
“Stop that,” Youngjae giggled. “T-that tickles.”
“Aw, your cheeks are sensitive?” Now that he touched his favorite part of Youngjae, the next target was the no.2 of his favorite list. “Are you wearing lip balm? Mind if I taste it?” Himchan whispered.
Youngjae glared, trying not to look vulnerable. “If that’s a pick up line, it’s not going to work anymore-”
Himchan leaned closer, slowly gliding his hand at the back of Youngjae's neck, the other hand on Youngjae's side.
Youngjae didn't protest. He thought Himchan was only joking. Not until Himchan's face was almost at his.
Closing his eyes, Himchan moved their faced closer, tilting a little bit so their noses wouldn't bump. Then gradually, he pressed their lips together, making Youngjae gasp. He kissed the younger gently. Soft. He thought. He continued kissing Youngjae gently with simple lip-to-lip kissing. Tentatively, lightly, Himchan drew his tongue across Youngjae's lips. He felt Youngjae jolt, weakly tugging his shirt, trying to push him. When Youngjae tried to resist, Himchan took the opportunity to slip his tongue and explore the younger's tongue in a light licking motion. He explored the other areas of the mouth, especially the roof of Youngjae's mouth. With a light lick, he tickled the sensitive part, making Youngjae moan a little.
Himchan learned that Youngjae was a fast learner. Youngjae comprehend by breathing through his nose.
Himchan decided to run his hand on Youngjae's back, pulling him closer. The other brushing on Youngjae's face, Youngjae's cheek to be exact. He proudly swallowed the next noises.
The heat climbed up to Himchan’s head, undecided if it was because of the deepening kiss or Youngjae’s fever. But there was no doubt he was enjoying a lot.
After some moments, Himchan broke the kiss and amused to watch Youngjae’s hard breathing. He rested his forehead on Youngjae’s shoulder while trying to say his feelings. But sadly he didn’t know what to say.
"Why did you..." Youngjae's voice was shaking. "You said I'm ug-"
"Sorry. I was just carried away that time. I didn't really mean to say that." Himchan apologized. "Sorry."
There was a pause.
"You mean it?" Youngjae asked, shifting his eyes here and there.
"Of course." Himchan sat up, looking straight into Youngjae's eyes. "Honestly,if I were a gardener, I’d put your two lips and my two lips together." He smiled, showing all of his teeth. "And you light up my world like nobody else, the way you to flip your hair gets me overwhelmed. But when you smile at the ground it ain't hard to tell. You don’t know you’re beautiful."
"Shut up." Youngjae nagged. "So," Youngjae rubbed his cheek, trying to hide his blushing face. "You said you want me to pass the cold, right?"
"Yeah," Himchan nodded.
"Are you going to kiss me again or do I have to lie to my diary?"
Himchan chortled. He leaned again.
The next day, Himchan lay on his bed as he watched the pouring rain through his window. He faked sneezed, shifting to a more comfortable position under the blanket.
Then, there was a knock on the door. It flew open and Youngjae appeared with a tray of soup and medicine. “Hyung, feeling better?” He placed the tray on the side table, and then sat on Himchan’s bed.
Himchan grinned while sitting up.
Youngjae helped him lean his back on the headboard.
“Baby, you're so beautiful that you made me forgot my pick up line."
Youngjae shoved a spoon full of hot soup in Himchan’s mouth. “Shut it.”
“Tha-that’s hot,” Himchan hurriedly drank water.
“Let’s check your temperature,” Youngjae held a digital thermometer but Himchan snatched it from him.
“Can you get another glass of water? I think one glass is not enough for me. Please,” He asked with his puppy eyes.
‘Uh, okay.”
When Youngjae went back, he was shocked to see so high Himchan’s temperature was. He almost dropped the glass of water he was carrying.
Himchan wouldn't tell that he wasn’t really sick. Himchan would never say that the kiss wasn't effective at passing someone’s cold to another. And Himchan would never ever declare to anyone that he just dipped the thermometer in the soup just for the sake of having a personal nurse with fluffy cheeks.