Step Lovers-JAEYONG

[24]

Taeyong excused Jaehyun for their campfire. Everyone was sad about it but maybe the man was tired from the activity a while ago. They ate dinner and bonded like they are used to. They were pretty close to each other initially so the team building will just make them closer. It will surely benefit the team. Although, Taeyong still has Jaehyun in his mind.

He immediately finished his dinner just so he could get something for the CEO. He basically grabbed and plated every food he could find on the table since he doesn't know what Jaehyun likes. He then excused himself from the campfire to give the food to Jaehyun. Hopefully, he'll open the door.

Taeyong walked into the cabin and nervously stood infront of the man's door. He hesitantly knocked, not wanting to disturb him from anything. He just gave a few soft knocks, waiting for Jaehyun to answer but to no avail. The boy got worried.

"J-Jaehyun? I brought food."

After a few seconds, he heard the door clicked and it opened to show Jaehyun. Taeyong smiled and showed the plate.

"I-I figured you're hungry from the game."

The man nodded, "Thank you, but I'm not hungry," he uttered softly.

"Atleast eat a few spoons. It'll be another day tomorrow and it's bad to sleep on an empty stomach," Taeyong said.

Jaehyun looked at the very full plate then back on Taeyong. The boy showed a small smile, trying to convince the man. In the end, the man grabbed the plate which made Taeyong to feel himself be giddy.

"I'll try."

The boy nodded happily, "Call me if you ever need anything. Please, don't hesitate to do so."

Jaehyun nodded back before he softly closed the door. Taeyong's heart beats in a constant pace from the subtle interaction they had. He was still curious about the sudden change of mood of the man.

The next day, all of them went for a morning hike. Taeyong did hope that Jaehyun would join them and he did. The boy wanted to ask him if there are any thoughts that's bothering him. He was still down, an upset one. He shouldn't be bothered but he couldn't help it.

It's just their third day and he's already in a bad mood. Taeyong was curious about the reason. While they were hiking, Jaehyun was just walking at the very end of the line. Taeyong purposely tagged along just so he could maybe ask him if he ever have the courage to.

They were busy hiking on a small mountain. It was their morning exercise and all of them are mindful walking through. All of them were having a peaceful time but Taeyong's mind was all over the place. He was just really eager to ask Jaehyun that it makes him sweat and so preoccupied.

"Hyung, are you alright?"

Taeyong looked up to see Jungwoo, asking. He nodded and smiled back at his friend, "Yes, of course."

"I have some water if you want. Just ask."

"Yep. Thanks, Woo."

Jaehyun's attention suddenly went to Taeyong when he heard Jungwoo asking him. They don't even know that both of them are worried for each other. Well, why would they bother assuming anyway?

Back in their camp, all of them didn't play an activity to get their breakfast. Thankfully. He can't imagine himself competing for food anymore. All of them were enjoying their food on a picnic table, talking and laughing before the chaos begins later in the afternoon. Taeyong was getting along, joking around his co-workers, slash friends, but he was secretly checking Jaehyun who's sitting quietly beside him.

Taeyong took some time before he repeatedly told himself to ask Jaehyun. Maybe he could ask it vaguely.

"Hey, can I ask you something?" the boy asked, looking at the man. Jaehyun looked back with dazed eyes, hummed as a response.

Why is he effortlessly attractive?

"A-Are you alright? I mean...Are you fine playing later?" Taeyong asked, "It's just that I...I noticed you're down. Maybe you're still tired from yesterday. So, I'm asking you," he said in a hesitant way.

Jaehyun nodded, "Yeah, I'll be alright..."

Well, that's it for him. He didn't want to ask more and it might just annoy him. The boy was still cautious. Although, he wasn't really convinced with his answer but all he could do is to worry for now. He doesn't know if it's the right time to show how worried he is. Jaehyun maybe doesn't like to make people bothered because of him.

What happened yesterday that made his mood change?

The day went by pretty fast. They played tug of war today and it was funny to say the least. It was fun too since Taeyong enjoyed it. They won it and the losing team did an ice water bath again. The boy played but he kept on getting distracted. Jaehyun just had to roll up his sleeves and show up his worked-up biceps.

At some point, Taeyong swore he drooled but snapped out and looked away from. I have a boyfriend, he reminded and chanted to himself.

Even though Jaehyun looked like he enjoyed and smiles some times, it still obvious that he's hiding something. The boy doesn't want to make it as his problem. It should never be. But his instincts just tells him to get involved. Maybe he could really ask him straight some day. Maybe tomorrow. Who knows?

Then it was the campfire time. Jaehyun sat on the log and joined it. He doesn't get things like this back in America so might as well experience it first time. They were just talking and jamming on some songs to make them as a joke or bring up a mood. The man just sat quietly, laughing and chuckling once in a while. He was too busy making smores.

Until he heard Taeyong singing along with others. His eyes immediately went towards the boy. He was playfully clapping softly, his eyes were smiling as his pretty face was lighted by the fire. It was ethereal if you asked Jaehyun.

"Alright, I'll be going ahead. You guys have fun," Yangyang uttered, standing up from his seat, "Sleep early!"

"Good night, Yang," Taeyong greeted with the others.

It was the man's cue to go as well.

"I'll probably should go too," Jaehyun announced, standing up, as he received a bunch of good night's from them. Taeyong just nodded with a small smile.

The boy's eyes followed him back into the cabin, mentally telling himself to join him, but he shouldn't make it obvious. Maybe later. He was planning on talking with him privately tonight but maybe it's too late.