Woman [1/1]

[flowerymisha]

Title: Woman [1/1]
Author: FloweryMisha
Pairing: DooSeob
Warning: BoyxBoy love. Enough said.
Summary: Doojoon pondered over the most beautiful creatures on earth, and wondered why he couldn’t fall in love with them.

Author's Note: Please, no translations allowed!

Woman was created from the rib of man.

She was not made from his head to top him, nor from his feet to be trampled on.

She was made from his side to be equal to him. From under his arm to be protected by him. From near his heart, to be loved by him.

Doojoon didn’t know whose quote was that.

All he knew that ever since he’s born, the quote had been hanged in few different places. It was just in a piece of paper nailed on the refrigerator at first, then to the living room, and now it’s in a pretty wood frame near their dining table.

The words were lovely.

He remembered staring and reading at the quote everyday, before he ate his cereal, before he went to school, even before he went to bed. Doojoon was amazed by the words, and he’s willing to be the kind of man in the quote. A man who protects woman and treats her right. Because it’s in the nature. Supposedly.

And if there’s a woman who he wanted to protect the most, it’s his mother.

Doojoon loved her a lot.

She had read him countless bedtime stories about princesses who always got rescued by their princes charming, and that all the princesses got really nice personalities-and happy endings. She was exactly like those princesses in the stories. Pretty, delicate, kind hearted. Doojoon loved her so much and his mother was everything to him.

They weren’t rich, but it was enough. She was working as a nurse in a hospital, and ever since Doojoon was three, his father died due to illness and she had raised him on her own. It was tough being a single parent and Doojoon understood this because he witnessed everything. That his mother worked really hard for him to be able to pursue his educations. But they were happy, and as far as he knows, his mother never protested or complaining about her condition.

And Doojoon was a grateful child.

He got into a famous university by scholarship and worked part time for his own allowance.  Now he had graduated, found a decent job and Mrs. Yoon was so proud of him. All the times he was too busy with work and school and his mother, that it never occured to him that he wanted-or needed a date. It was when he was sitting in the usual family restaurant that he realized his mother wanted him to.

She glanced around the restaurant and dreamily smiled at the couples who were also eating at the same place. She rested her head in her chin and grinned like a high school fangirl. Doojoon noticed her smile and shifted in his seat.

“Doojoonie...when are you gonna start dating someone?”

It was a natural question, but it never surfaced to daily conversations. Not until now.

Doojoon’s frown didn’t vanish. “Umma...why the sudden question?”

“Well, it’s natural for a mother to ask her son that, right? Look around you. You’re supposed to have dinner here with your lover instead of your mother. I mean, look at your age.”

“...I haven’t really thought about it.”

“But you’re willing to, right?”

“Umma...”

His mother smiled kindly at her son and put her hand above Doojoon’s. “One day, I’ll be gone, Doojoonie. I’m gonna leave this world but before that happens, I would really want you to be happy with someone. That way, I can leave in peace, knowing someone’s gonna take care of you.”

Doojoon sighed and put his chopsticks down. He was about to retort when a cheerful voice butted in.

“Refill?”

The voice immediately spread a smile on Doojoon’s face as he turned to the source.

Saved by Yoseob.

Mrs. Yoon’s pout soon turned into a bright smile as she saw the light brown haired male. “Hello, Yoseob-ah.”

“Hello, Mrs. Yoon. Hello, Hyung,” Yoseob replied politely.

“Hey,” Doojoon greeted. “You look happy tonight.”

Yoseob’s face brightened. “You guessed that right, Hyung! I am happy! I won this singing contest in campus and I never thought I’d make it the first, second place was okay for me but yeay I got the first place!”

“Wow,” Doojoon chuckled. “Congratulations, Yoseob-ah. You know what? I should hear you sing sometimes.”

“Of course!”, Yoseob nodded enthusiastically and turned to his father who dinged the bell for another order. “Well I gotta go. Talk to you later? And enjoy the free green tea,” he put the refill on their table before continued working.

Doojoon unconsciously waved his hand, even though the younger male didn’t see him anymore.

Every once in a week, they would spend their time together and eat at the restaurant that Yoseob’s family owned. It was routine, and both Doojoon and his mother were regulers there. They stopped by so much that Yoseob’s parents had recognized them and got even closer. They gave them discount too sometimes, and whenever Yoseob was around he’d gladly give the mother and son free refills.

His mother seemed to have forgotten the topic that was discussed before and Doojoon quickly asked for the bill, wishing that she wouldn’t remember at all.

***

Doojoon spent five minutes reading the quote on the wall everyday.

Everytime he read the quote, he would feel warm inside and it brought a smile to his face.

It’s not like he didn’t think about it.

When he was younger, he never thought of anything else beside studying and working for more money that he never remembered a special someone is needed. All these years, that special someone is his mother, but is it really the time to share his heart now? He’s old enough, he’s mature, he got a job...maybe he really needs someone.

But even if he did, he’s gonna be so picky about it.

Doojoon didn’t really care about physical appearance, well as long as she’s neat, she smells good and she’s gonna love his mother that it’s her mother too, then she’s the one. Probably. Preferably. Could be.

Lately he’s been staring at a lot of women in his surroundings. In the office. In the train. In the market. He would just stare at them, at their locks-probably spent half an hour blowing/curling it, their eyelashes-probably used mascara so that it curled beautifully, their skinny fingers-probably spent a lot of money to do manicure and pedicure to make the nails looked good. They’re adorable, their perfumes were tempting and it’s really amazing how women could wear so many clothes and colors and still looked pretty in them. While Doojoon? Plain and simple is his choice.

He sighed and pressed his head against the cold metal of the refrigerator. Truth be told, he could pick any girls. Doojoon have got a lot of love letters from the girls and a lot of confessions. Some of them boldly admitted it into his face and others were shy enough to put it into words. But Doojoon turned them all down. Back then, he couldn’t think of anything else beside graduating as fast as he could so that he wouldn’t be a burden to his mother anymore and love was...well, love wasn’t an option at that moment.

So when Doojoon asked for Gayoon’s help to find him a nice, decent girl to date, she shrieked in excitement, knowing that she’s gonna be a cupid and gladly offered Gina from accounting. He reluctantly agreed when Gayoon quickly set them up to a date-wasn’t it too fast, too rushing? But she explained that a date would be the perfect timing to talk and know each other. Doojoon hastily decided the place of where their first date is gonna held-Yoseob’s family restaurant. Gayoon frowned at his choice but shrugged anyway. Doojoon mentally defended himself that if he’s gonna pick her to be his girlfriend then she’s gonna have to like eating there.

The moment he and Gina got into the restaurant, Doojoon was really nervous but he didn’t really know why. There’s just this uncomfortable feeling in his heart and he thought it was just because he didn’t know the girl at all. Doojoon went to the bathroom after ordering and he washed his face to calm down, feeling the cold water trickled down his chin.

He couldn’t calm down.

“Doojoon-hyung?”

Doojoon turned to Yoseob who was standing by the doorway and the younger male threw him a smile. He blinked at the shirt that Yoseob was wearing, it was pink, bright pink, but somehow he looked gorgeous in it. Doojoon wouldn’t have enough courage to wear that kind of color, but it fitted the cute male perfectly. “Hey Yoseob-ah. No class tonight?”

“Nope,” Yoseob shook his head and leaned his head to a side. “Are you alright?”

“Yeah, I just...,” Doojoon dropped his eyes to the sink. “I just...”

“I didn’t see Mrs. Yoon. Are you alone?”

Doojoon stared. He should say yes-but then it would mean that he’s lying, and got even worse if Yoseob saw him with another girl he might think of him as a liar, then he’s probably gonna get hurt and then it would affect their random conversations and-wait, why would it matter?

“I’m...with a friend.”

“Ooh, a date?”, Yoseob grinned. “That’s wonderful! I will bring you free deserts, then.”

“N-no, that won’t be necessary, I mean, you have given me so much, please, don’t.”

“No worries, Hyung, it’s on the house. Appa will be glad too to see you and your date.”

“No, please, I-I’m not even sure of this date,” Doojoon facepalmed in frustration. Why did Yoseob seem happy with his date? “It’s just because my mother had been asking me a lot of questions and I...I don’t know, I’m just trying to make this work...” And he was trying hard to hide the fact that he’s annoyed Yoseob looked happy.

Yoseob played with the end of his apron and spoke. “Hyung. Do you have butterflies in your stomach?”

“Right-right now?”

The younger male snorted. “No, next year. Of course right now. Are you nervous and you want to see her so badly?”

“Huh?”, Doojoon frowned for a moment. “Not...not really.”

“Hm,” it got Yoseob to frown too. “Well... That’s not good. I mean, if you like her so much usually you’re gonna feel all nervous and scared about making a mistake-especially if it’s your first date.”

Doojoon is nervous and scared about making a mistake-but it’s not about her.

“But maybe it’s just at first? Maybe when you get to know her better, you will feel it, Hyung?”

“Hey! What is this? I’m being taught by an university student,” Doojoon tried to laugh it off because the longer they got alone, the more nervous he got. Something jolted in his stomach badly. “How many times did you date, Yoseob-ah?”

Yoseob grinned and made a peace sign with his fingers. “Just once.”

Doojoon rolled his eyes and ruffled the younger male’s hair. “Well...I should probably get back. She’s waiting.”

Yoseob nodded. “Okay, good luck, Hyung.”

Doojoon let Yoseob walked out of the bathroom first before slowly walking back to the table. Gina looked up from the menu and she smiled, enchanting that the restaurant was an excellent choice and how come she never knew it existed. Doojoon smiled back and they chatted some more, and the nervousness wouldn’t disappear, because there was this sensation all over his stomach, and he wasn’t sure if it was because of Gina-

-or because Yoseob was watching.

***

Gina was really nice but Doojoon didn’t feel the spark.

As time flies by, they were best friends already.

They got closer and spent a lot of time together but they realized that they didn’t have feelings for each other. So when Gina introduced Doojoon happily to her boyfriend, he congratulated them sincerely and even though they wouldn’t spend that much time together anymore, at least he knew that she’s still his best friend.

And Doojoon had been staring a lot at women again lately, back to his old habit.

In the office. At the train station. On the television.

He stared and stared and sometimes he gaped at how beautiful those creatures can be. Their beautiful smiles. Their attitudes. Their hand gestures, which showed that they’re soft human beings and just like the quote hanging by the wall, men should protect them with all their might because they’re just so precious.

Doojoon respected women because he knew without them, he won’t be born. Nine months carrying him around, feeling the pain of life and death while giving birth...and even though his father wasn’t there to see him growing up, but she was there, and through happiness and sorrow, she was willing to do anything because he’s her son. He’s her flesh and blood.

He respected women because of his mother. He got the feeling that if he’s going to be mean to a girl, then he’s also being mean to his mother. Alas, shouldn’t it be natural for him wanting to be protective of women because he was protective of his mother too, and it’s the same?

So why...couldn’t Doojoon love them like he loved his mother? It didn’t have to be all of them, just one woman, but why couldn’t he feel anything?

Nothing surfaced, not even a bit.

Gayoon had set him up three times and she gave up on the fourth. If Doojoon hadn’t feel clicked with one of them then she wouldn’t know who to set up with anymore. And it’s not like she randomly chose those girls. She chose them carefully, the beautiful ones with brains, because Doojoon was perfect and deserved someone almost as perfect as him.

Doojoon was walking home that night after another meet with another girl, and the moment he saw her, he immediately apologized and asked for a raincheck. She looked confused but agreed anyway. Speaking of confusion, Doojoon’s was deeper because he didn’t really feel like meeting her in another time. It’s like he wanted to stop looking already. He wanted to stop.

He passed by Yoseob’s restaurant and it was closed. Glancing at his watch, it was already late and tomorrow is Saturday, so there’s no need for him to rush home.

Doojoon stopped walking and tilted his head.

He kinda wanted to meet Yoseob...

Seeing the younger male’s bright smile might cheer him up...

Doojoon took his phone out of his pocket and searched for Yoseob’s number. He frowned when he realized that he didn’t have his number. Of course, they were always talking in the restaurant and not by phone... He sighed in disappointment and tucked it back to his pocket. He’s just gonna drop by at the restaurant tomorrow...

Just as he started to walk, Doojoon suddenly heard the sound of a door being slammed and two voices were arguing something. He looked at the front door, but it didn’t seem that the noise came from there. He took a few steps back and peeked into the alley beside the restaurant, and he saw Yoseob with someone at the back door. Doojoon held his breath and he almost ran to him, but he managed to prevent himself and observed the situation for a minute.

Yoseob was by the door, and a male was in front of him. His voice was high and Yoseob didn’t seem to like it.

Doojoon looked hesitant and he did nothing, he’s probably Yoseob’s friend and it’s just the usual argument you have with friends, but when the male pushed Yoseob roughly to the door, he just got pissed off and rushed to the younger male’s side. He’s gonna do anything to keep Yoseob from harm.

“Hey!”

The male looked shocked and this time, he was the one who got pushed away. Losing his balance, he fell to the ground and glared at Doojoon in disbelief. “What...?”

“Get your hands off him!”

“Hyung, it’s okay,” Yoseob was trembling as he reached out to Doojoon. “It’s okay. He’s just about to leave.”

“Yoseob-“, his friend tried to say something.

“Just go,” Yoseob said, this time a bit louder.

“You heard him,” Doojoon hissed and Yoseob’s friend threw a glance one last time before taking off. He stayed still in front of Yoseob, as if to shield him from anything bad and sighed in relief when Yoseob’s friend disappeared in the corner. “What the hell was he thinking, pushing you like that. Kids these days. Are you alright, Yoseob-ah?”

Doojoon turned around and cupped Yoseob’s chin carefully. The younger male looked shaken, and something was wet in Doojoon’s fingers...he was crying.

“Hey...are you alright? Stop crying...”

But Yoseob closed his eyes and his tears kept on falling. Soft sobs could be heard, and it felt like a slap on Doojoon’s cheek.

God, I don’t want to see you cry.

Doojoon stroke Yoseob’s cheeks caringly and wiped the tears away before dawning in realization that since when, he never knew, his heart was starting to beat faster. Yoseob was sobbing and his shoulders were trembling, but despite all that, from this close range, just a few inches apart, Doojoon could feel...he felt that Yoseob is...

...so fucking beautiful.

He couldn’t move. His hands wouldn’t budge, they stayed still in Yoseob’s face, and his heart clenched seeing him cry.

After a minute or so, Yoseob shook his head and looked up at Doojoon.

“I’m sorry,” he murmured shyly. “I bet you think I’m stupid for crying...”

“No,” Doojoon spoke in a hushed tone. “Not at all. Are you feeling better?”

“Yeah...thanks to you, Hyung,” Yoseob smiled and stepped back, and Doojoon immediately took his hands back to himself. “It’s getting late...what are you doing here, Hyung?”

“I worked late and I was just about to go home when I passed by...wh-what a coincidence, huh?”

“Oh...I’m glad you did though,” Yoseob whispered and bit his lip. “Well, I should probably get back inside...”

“Okay,” Doojoon said. “Have a good rest, Yoseob-ah. Don’t think about it anymore, okay?”

Yoseob went inside and gave him a small smile. “Good night, Hyung.”

“Good night.”

Doojoon waited until Yoseob closed the door, hearing the lock sound, making sure Yoseob was safe and stared at his hands. He stared and stared, the drip from Yoseob’s tears were still there, they hadn’t dried yet, and... When he was crying, Doojoon just wanted him to stop...

God.

Yoseob was not a woman.

But why there was a huge feeling that Doojoon wanted to protect him more than anything?

***

Doojoon shamefully bought several women magazines.

He stared at them with bulging eyes, page per page, from something normal to something else-that’s still pretty normal. He looked at their smiles-tempting, he looked at their legs-a bit tempting, he looked at their chests-not tempting.

And still felt nothing.

Giving up, Doojoon cried on his pillow, wishing for something to feel everytime he looked at those women. In fact, all those images were soon replaced by images of Yoseob. Yoseob smiling. Yoseob waving. Yoseob crying.

Yoseob. Yoseob. Yoseob.

Doojoon thought about it so much that he was unable to concentrate on his work. Childish, he assumed, but Yoseob was dominating his mind too fucking much that he couldn’t do anything about it. He wondered if he was still crying? If the male from the other night was still bothering him? Still making him cry?

And he was afraid. He was afraid to see him again, because just by thinking about it made his heart go wild and his stomach danced with a strange sensation unwillingly. When it was time where they would usually eat at Yoseob’s restaurant, Doojoon refused and took his mother to another restaurant, just because. She blinked at him like he’s not healthy because everytime she tried to take him somewhere else, Doojoon would decline in the hardest possible way.

But after drowning in his silly thoughts, it got Doojoon to think.

What the hell is he scared about?

He did nothing to Yoseob, it’s not like they kissed or something-oh hey, the thought seemed nice-but Doojoon quickly erased the stupid thought and tried to stay on the rational line. Yoseob was only crying because of his friend and Doojoon was, thankfully there-at the right moment, the right time-to help him, preventing something bad happened to him, and he tried to calm him down...that was all. Then why is he scared to see Yoseob?

He shouldn’t be.

He’s done nothing wrong, right?

He just wanted to check on him...

Holding on to that thought, Doojoon went to Yoseob’s restaurant and because it’s Friday and it’s late (again), Yoseob was already closing down the restaurant when Doojoon showed up. A smile spreaded on the younger male’s face and he gestured him to get inside. Several lights had been turned off and the room was dim but it was lighting enough for two. Doojoon sat silently on the chair and watched as Yoseob cleaned the tables with a rag. Yoseob’s father greeted him before disappearing into the second floor, to their home.

The green tea that Yoseob gave him was still hot and it tasted good.

“How was your date?”

Yoseob was the one who started the conversation and Doojoon blinked.

“Ah...it went okay.”

“So you’re seeing someone now?”

Doojoon looked at Yoseob to see his expression, but the latter talked while he was still cleaning the table so he couldn’t read him. “No...well it went okay, but I...I’m not seeing anyone right now.”

“Oh.”

Doojoon put the cup of tea on the table and cleared his throat. He just needed to know. It’s now or never.

“Yoseob-ah...?”

“Yeah?”

“Who was that the other night?”

Yoseob stopped working and looked at Doojoon with unreadable expressions. He stiffened before finally taking a deep breath and dropped his gaze. “He’s...my ex.”

Doojoon held his breath. He was Yoseob’s ex...?

“Your ex...friend?”

Still trying to make a rational out of Yoseob’s sentence.

“Ex boyfriend.”

Doojoon felt like someone had just blew a trumpet in his ears and he expected someone-anyone to turn the lights on and jumped while waving baloons and yelled, “Surprise!”

But nothing happened.

And suddenly it all just made sense to Doojoon.

“He cheated on me,” Yoseob stuck his tongue out playfully and found the rag so fascinating on the table. “Well, I may not be like those girls...but...” he’s about to say ‘I thought what we had was real’ or ‘I thought we were really in love’ but then he stopped talking. He didn't want to remember anymore, and he just didn’t want to freak Doojoon out...but maybe it was too late.

The taller male abruptly stood up and Yoseob looked terrified. They were silent for a moment before the latter broke it by whispering,

“Are you gonna hate me now?”

“Oh my God,” Doojoon breathed and with two steps, he managed to reach Yoseob.

Yoseob gasped as he could feel Doojoon pulled him closer and when he was trying to catch what’s happening, Doojoon was already pressing their lips together.

They kissed.

It’s as if the world had stopped moving.

Doojoon’s lips were warm. They covered his perfectly and they were soft. Like cotton candy. Yoseob closed his eyes and unconsciously his hand went up to Doojoon’s chest. To feel his heartbeat. And he could feel them. They were beating fast like Doojoon had been running from his office to the restaurant.

Doojoon, even though being the older male, had no experience whatsoever in kissing before, but he had a hunch on how to kiss someone-or in this case, Yoseob. Instead of feeling awkward for the first kiss he ever had, Doojoon felt right, that it was the sanest thing to do, that it was normal to want to kiss this beautiful Yang Yoseob and to protect him from harm. And the butterflies in his stomach wasn’t flying anymore-they were speeding.

When they finally broke the kiss, none of them seemed to want to be separated from another.

Doojoon pressed their foreheads together and he sighed as his hands entwined tightly with Yoseob’s.

“It took me a few stupid dates to make me realize that I’m in love with the person this close to me,” he whispered. “Yang Yoseob. I’m in love with you... I don’t want you to remember your past anymore... Start anew with me, Yoseob-ah...”

Yoseob didn’t answer because he was full with tears, and he couldn’t answer because the next thing he knew, Doojoon was claiming his lips. He was showering Yoseob with loving, calming kisses.

And at that moment, Doojoon just kind of realized.

That Yoseob was the reason why Doojoon couldn’t feel a thing for any of the women.

***

Doojoon had never been happier.

Their relationship wasn’t hidden, but it wasn’t exposed either. They were completely content with what they have. It just started with going to the movie on Saturday, having coffees and cakes in a cafe, giving Yoseob private lecture about statistics when the male’s gonna have an exam in the upcoming week. They spent so much time together and it was like it’s never enough.

Doojoon held Yoseob’s hand tightly as if scared of letting him go everytime they were together. Or if sometimes it’s too obvious, he’d just wrapped his arm around him protectively, but still no sign of willing to let go. And Yoseob’s height, even though he’s not that tall...but it fitted.

They fit.

He’s been staring a lot at Yoseob lately, both conscious and unconsciously. He just noticed that Yoseob had long, skinny fingers and even without manicure and pedicure, his nails were well treated. He noticed that Yoseob’s eyelashes were long and pretty without any mascara. He noticed the way Yoseob wore his clothes, he dared to be different, to wear shocking bright colors and mix and matching it and he looked completely stylish.

Doojoon wondered if it was because of his age-that he’s brave enough to try something new-or because Yoseob got these fashion magazines at home.

And Yoseob smelled so damn good.

Doojoon loved the faint scent he inhaled whenever he’s with Yoseob. They talked near, they stood too close to each other and Doojoon loved his scent. Day by day, he discovered things about Yoseob that made him...amazed. Amazed because he’s exactly what Doojoon pictured in a girlfriend. And Yoseob had it all. Most of all, Yoseob surely loved Mrs. Yoon too since they already knew each other.

He’s everything to Doojoon.

Yoseob was not woman...

...but Doojoon was head over heels for him.

He still spent five minutes of reading the quote everyday, and he wondered if it was okay to love a man instead of a woman.

Yoseob wasn’t made from the rib of man, but Doojoon was sure they were equal. The older male cared about him so much that he’s scared of hurting Yoseob, and Yoseob never showed his ego to win over Doojoon. They were in perfect harmony. And Doojoon was over protective. He never knew he’d get that worried over someone when Yoseob told him he’s going somewhere with his friends, or when he scraped his knee because he didn’t pay enough attention to the street. His feeling for protection over Yoseob was huge.

And last...

...was that Doojoon loved Yoseob so much.

It was different.

The feeling was different than the love he felt towards his mother. It was more like...wanting to grow old with Yoseob. Wanting to be together and not get separated even for a moment. Wanting to be the one who take care of him both financially and mentally.

Wanting to...marry him.

It just surfaced. The feeling. Mostly everytime when their lips met. It was the sweetest, even sweeter than the chocolate pudding his mother used to make. Yang Yoseob was addictive, and he’s for Doojoon only.

“Doojoonie?”

Doojoon flinched a bit hearing his mother’s voice and he turned to her. “Yes, Umma?”

She stood beside him and looked at the quote. “You’ve been staring at this your whole life. I wonder if you’ve ever stared at someone else just like you stared at it.”

Doojoon grinned. He did, in fact. Only to Yoseob.

“It’s a good quote.”

“It is, right?”

“Yeah...”

“And you, my son, looked so happy lately. Are you seeing someone?”

Doojoon cleared his throat in surprise and bit his inner cheek. How did she know? Of course she’d know. She could read her son as easily as transparent glass.

“When are you going to introduce her to me, Doojoonie?”

Her.

“Um...that’s the problem, Umma...”

Her eyes softened as she patted Doojoon’s back. “Then, when are you going to introduce him to me, Doojoonie?”

Doojoon’s eyes widened and he almost bugged his eyes out. “H-how-“

His mother scoffed playfully and rolled her eyes. “Oh come on, Doojoonie. I’m your mother. I saw that crazy look whenever you saw Yoseob-ah in the restaurant. It was too obvious! Don’t you ever underestimate woman’s intuition.”

“C-crazy look?”, Doojoon was really embarassed and facepalmed. He sighed before uncovering his face and looked at his mother. Her gaze on him was soft, and she was waiting for him to talk. Doojoon felt like crying because she’ll probably get angry. “I’m... I’m really sorry, Umma. I know you’re disappointed...you wanted me to find someone to take care of me and-“

“Hey,” she cut and put her hand on Doojoon’s cheek. “I didn’t say it should be a girl, right?”

And her smile was soothing.

Doojoon blinked for a few times and looked down, remembering.

She’s right, the night the conversation striked on the table...she never said it should be a girlfriend. His mother only said ‘lover’ and ‘someone to take care of him when she’s gone.’

Does it mean...his mother knew all along?

Doojoon closed his eyes and pulled his mother into a tight embrace. Without him realizing, his tears fell to his cheeks and he started to sob in his mother’s arms. He felt sorry. He always thought he’d be a disgrace once his mother found out, but she wasn’t like that at all. She understood the phase he’s going through and was willing to support him, to be by his side all along.

She’s an angel.

“I’m sorry...”

“Ssh, no need to be sorry. What matters now is that you find someone that you truly love, alright?”

“But this...”, Doojoon pulled away and pointed at the quote. “I-I’ve always thought that you wanted me to find a woman and treat her exactly like this...”

“I did,” she said. “But when I found out, I believed in you. You’re my son, and even though you’re not in love with a woman... You’re still gonna treat the person you love exactly like the quote.”

Doojoon smiled softly and nodded. “I will, Umma... I will not let you down.”

“Good,” she kissed Doojoon’s cheek and hugged him again.

They just stood there, embracing each other, and Mrs. Yoon glanced at the picture of her late husband. She’s sure he’d want the same too, for Doojoon to be happy. Because it’s all that matters.

After the long calming hugging moment, they finally separated and she put on a curious grin on her face. “So, who’s the lucky guy?”

Doojoon couldn’t stop smiling.

***

Yoseob was half running because he’s already ten minutes late from the appointment. Scratch that, he was actually dashing.

It wasn’t his fault, actually, his lecturer decided to extend the subject for fifteen minutes because they’re going to have another exam next week-and their last scores were pity enough. Usually Yoseob wouldn’t mind, but not today, because he already made plans. The fifteen minutes almost ruined everything, but now’s not the time to complain.

Doojoon took the day off and he wanted to spend their time together and Yoseob was happy. They would only usually meet on Saturdays, or at night when the restaurant’s closed. So when he asked him to meet at the mall, Yoseob quickly agreed. He only got one class for the day though.

Yoseob saw Doojoon and waved and called his name and when he was rushing to his boyfriend’s side, he tripped over his feet and almost fall to the ground-

-if Doojoon wasn’t there to catch him up.

Doojoon gasped and looked so worried as he checked for Yoseob’s condition. “Hey, why did you run? You almost got me a heart attack! Oh my God, what if you have tripped and I wasn’t there and you fell to the ground?”

Yoseob scratched his head apologetically. “I’m sorry, I just didn’t want to disappoint you, I was already late-“

“Oh God, Seobie, it’s alright, I could wait forever for you. And don’t you think that it was a big thing because God, I’d rather die than to have you rushing and what if-“

Doojoon didn’t seem like he’s going to stop any minute of his worried rambling. Despite the fact that there were people everywhere around, Yoseob was already on his feet and reached to kiss Doojoon. It got the taller male to shut up. He kissed his boyfriend’s lips shyly, and when he pulled away from his boyfriend, Yoseob bit his lip shyly and said,

“That’s for making you wait for me.”

Doojoon’s face was red and he couldn’t find any words to reply.

“Hello, Yoseob-ah.”

Yoseob was startled by the sudden voice and he widened in his eyes in horror. Mrs. Yoon was smiling kindly at him and he didn’t expect her to be there, she would probably be disgusted of him-or worse, did she see him kissing his son? Yoseob immediately took a step back, preparing to run away and apologize, but Doojoon put an arm on Yoseob’s back firmly, to prevent him to do so.

“I see you’ve found yourself a perfect lover, Doojoonie.”

“Mrs-Mrs. Yoon, I can explain-“, Yoseob started talking but stopped immediately when Doojoon gave him a look and a head shake. He obeyed and readied himself for a shout or anything, but as he looked up, the gaze Mrs. Yoon gave him was fond and she took Yoseob’s hand in hers.

“I’m glad that it’s Yoseob-ah, Doojoonie.”

Doojoon nodded happily.

“Umma, meet my boyfriend, Yang Yoseob.”

End.

“...but I’m sure you knew him already.”