double exposure | yuta/taeyong; nct

Chapter 3

The last couple of weeks have passed in a blur. Things have been pretty busy, so Taeyong's only been able to meet up with Yuta a couple of times. It's been back to back to back shows and interviews and magazine shoots, so Taeyong barely has time to sleep, let alone do anything else.

Still, they've been texting, and the little time they have been able to spend together has been, well, fruitful, Taeyong supposes. They're still learning their exact roles around each other, but they're comfortable now. They're learning their dance, filling the steps with jokes and kisses. And their moments together are sweet, however brief.

But Taeyong's activities are winding down now; soon, he'll be flying back to Korea for a brief hiatus. He requested to have a couple of free days at the end of his trip, originally planning to spend the time vacationing and exploring the city. His plans have changed a little now, but he's grateful for the free days all the same.

Yuta swings by his place a couple days before he's set to depart. Their managers thought it would be wise to let them have one last public appearance together so people didn't start wondering what was up with them, start making up stories about their relationship. Yuta takes him to the Meiji Shrine, and they stroll around together as Yuta gives Taeyong a short history lesson about the emperor and empress to whom the shrine is dedicated. They turn some heads, but Yuta's security detail follows closely, so they're not disturbed. Still, when Taeyong grows tired of the scrutiny, Yuta suggests they call it a day.

"Come back to mine?" Taeyong asks. "I can cook for us. I have groceries that still need using before I leave."

Yuta's eyes flash mischievously as he grins. "Sure," he replies. "I'd love that."

Taeyong had sort of planned for this, so his place is neat and tidy when they arrive. Still, he's faintly embarrassed—there's something about a living space that's so intimate and so revealing, even one as temporary as Taeyong's little rental. Yuta pokes around his kitchen, bold but still polite, admiring his decorations, giggling over the pictures on his cabinet.

"This is Ruby, right?" Yuta asks, pointing at one. "I was so sorry to hear about her passing."

Taeyong's vaguely surprised that he knew, and a little touched. "Yes," he says softly as he brings down pots and pans. "That's her."

"And these—your famous idol friends," Yuta says. "Wait, I can name them. Johnny. Doyoung. Who's the third?"

Taeyong smiles. "Kun. Not an idol, a composer and producer." He opens his cupboard. "You like spicy food, right?"

"Yes," Yuta says. His voice sounds closer now; when Taeyong turns, he finds him only a few paces away, leaning back against his countertop. "Does Kun compose for you?"

"Sometimes," Taeyong says. "I try to help with production though." He shrugs, setting a pot of water to boil and opening his fridge to find the nice beef he'd been saving. "He composed my last title track, actually."

"Ah." Yuta nods approvingly. "Good composer." He watches Taeyong for a moment. "Can I help?"

Taeyong shakes his head. "No, it's alright." He looks up at Yuta through his eyelashes. "Just talk to me."

Yuta grins. "Sure." He crosses his arms. "Today, the shrine, it was on your list of places you wanted to go, right?"

"Mm-hm," Taeyong says as he heats up a pan.

"Did you get everything on your list?"

"Oh, god no." Taeyong makes a sad face at him. "Too busy!"

"Oh, dear," Yuta says sympathetically. "Well, I guess you'll just have to come back and visit some other time. I'd be happy to reprise my role as tour guide, if you'll have me."