Blue {DoTae} | complete

Twenty-six: Two different worlds

The next time they're on the bus together, it's to head to a particular part of the city Taeyong loves, tucked away in the outskirts and packed with cosy cafés and shops. Doyoung was sceptical at first; he hates the thought of getting spotted in public with such a famous figure, but Taeyong was adamant. So, Doyoung pointed to their destination on a map for his mother and washed his face and hands an extra three times in the hour before leaving, wandering aimlessly around the house as he waited for eleven o'clock to swing round. He was out the house in a flash.

Now, he clings onto Taeyong's hand - no, his boyfriend's hand - and his mind wanders. He hopes this is a date. He's not sure how the whole relationship thing works. Is it a date every time he goes anywhere with Taeyong? Or is it only a date if Taeyong says so? And should he tell his parents about their relationship? The idol didn't explicitly mention the word, but he did shyly peck Doyoung's cheek when the younger arrived on his doorstep and didn't hesitate to hold his hand while waiting for the bus. Doyoung wants to ask him, but the words stick to his tongue, too scared to be uttered in case of rejection. They could be celebrating their ten year anniversary and that fear would still be nesting somewhere in his mind.

"Is there anything in particular that you'd like to do?" Taeyong asks with a generous smile that doesn't fade as he waits for Doyoung to collect his thoughts.

"Me?" Doyoung speaks, then immediately blushes when the stupidity of his question hits. "I... er... well, there's nothing in particular. I haven't really thought about it?"

"That's okay." Taeyong smiles even wider and Doyoung relaxes in the seat, the lull of the bus's engine a soothing background noise. "I've booked a table at my favourite café anyway, if you're interested. I also let the owner know that we'd be coming in so he'll make sure we get the booth in the corner. It's more out of the way."

"Thank you." Doyoung blushes again at the thought of Taeyong planning something for him, even something as simple as a café date. But of course he's organised; it's Taeyong, Doyoung reminds himself in a mantra.

The Lee Taeyong. The most handsome, sweet, loving and loveable man on the planet. Doyoung wonders what he did in his past life to deserve such fate.

They get off the bus a few minutes later and Doyoung reaches for the elder's hand, avoiding his gaze when their fingers intertwine, still not quite used to the privilege. Taeyong hums, content, and begins to swing their hands together as he gushes about how amazing this café is.

"They do the absolute best chocolate cake. It's incredible. I don't know how Kun does it. Even Sanghee chased after him to get the recipe." Taeyong shakes his head in amazement.

He continues to talk, and Doyoung pays attention to every single word. It's only after a short while that his attention focusses on the slight waver in his tone, his shifting eyes, his trembling fingers, and that radiant smile he can't quite seem to bite back. Taeyong's just as nervous as he is, Doyoung can conclude. He's not entirely sure what to make of that, but he has to do his best to retain his own grin from the pride he feels at the revelation. It lifts his spirits, as well as his chin as they weave through the scattering of pedestrians on their mid-morning shopping spree. They're mostly older people who are unlikely to recognise Taeyong anyway, although they do get an occasional scrunched nose at their linked fingers.

Doyoung clings on tighter to Taeyong. The warmth of his hand grounds him and he'd hate for his mind to float off in such a crucial moment. Knowing that Taeyong is just as excited and nervous as he is settles some of his fears, at least.

"We could go straight to the café, if you like. Are you hungry? We could always have drinks and then stay for lunch. I've camped out in there for an entire day before and Kun didn't mind." Taeyong suggests. Doyoung's ears perk up, forever fine-tuned to the idol's voice, then he nods.