crybaby || noren.

𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭.

"How's the party, Jaem?"

"It's pretty good! But you really should've been there. He was expecting you," Jaemin grinned, glancing at Renjun, who sat quietly next to Jeno, absentmindedly playing with his fingers. Renjun was supposed to be at the library, but somehow ended up joining them at the cafeteria.

Renjun felt Jaemin's eyes on him but avoided meeting his gaze, choosing instead to nervously fiddle with his fingers.

"How's Haechan?" Jaemin suddenly asked, steering the conversation away from Renjun's discomfort.

"He's okay, I think?" Renjun replied softly, unsure of Haechan's mood after their recent argument.

"I saw him this morning, he seemed a bit moody," Jaemin added casually.

"Oh," Renjun acknowledged quietly, feeling a bit guilty about their disagreement.

Seeing Renjun's unease, Jeno gently reached for his hand, offering a silent gesture of support. Startled by the unexpected touch, Renjun quickly withdrew his hand.

"I-I need to go," Renjun muttered hurriedly, standing up and walking away from the table, leaving Jeno and Jaemin exchanging puzzled looks.

"What did you do?" Jaemin asked, raising an eyebrow at Jeno.

"I just... held his hand?" Jeno admitted, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. "He seemed uncomfortable, so I thought it might help."

"Is this how you show you're boyfriend material?" Jaemin teased with a knowing smile.

"Maybe," Jeno chuckled softly, though inwardly he wondered if Renjun felt the same way.

"I will be gone for two days, so I expect all of you to submit a report based on your chosen artist. Hand it in by next week and there are no excuses. If you fail to comply, marks will be deducted. Class dismissed."

Renjun let out a heavy sigh as he listened to the lecturer's instructions, announcing yet another assignment due next week. Between reports and exams, being a university student felt increasingly challenging.

Later, as Renjun approached his locker, he spotted Haechan standing there. He braced himself, hoping their recent argument wouldn't resurface.

"What do you want?" Renjun asked cautiously, keeping his tone neutral.

"About that day... I'm sorry," Haechan apologized sincerely, his gaze earnest.

Renjun hesitated, emotions swirling inside him. He didn't want their rift to linger.

"Look, Renjun, I know what I said was wrong. I should understand you better. It was childish of me... Forgive me," Haechan pleaded, his voice softening.

After a moment's silence, Renjun nodded slowly. "I forgive you, Haechan," he said gently, offering a tentative smile to convey his forgiveness.

Relief washed over Haechan's face as he pulled Renjun into a heartfelt hug, which Renjun reciprocated.

"So, want to hang out later?" Haechan suggested, trying to lighten the mood.

"Sure, but first, I need to work on a report. Would you mind helping me? You're pretty good at finding information online," Renjun replied with a chuckle, trying to ease back into their usual banter.

"On one condition," Haechan bargained playfully.

"Okay, what is it?" Renjun asked, amused by Haechan's antics.

"Let me crash in your room tonight," Haechan grinned mischievously.

"Pfft... fine," Renjun agreed with a fond shake of his head, enjoying the familiarity of their camaraderie.

As Haechan hurried off to his next class, Renjun chuckled softly to himself, grateful that their bond had weathered the storm. With only one more class scheduled for the evening, he decided to settle into the library for some focused research on Vincent Van Gogh, his chosen artist for the upcoming assignment. Renjun admired Starry Night deeply, finding solace in its swirling colors and emotive brushstrokes.

Time passed swiftly, and soon it was time for Renjun's English class. Opting for a seat at the back, he was surprised to find Jaemin sitting in front of him.

"Renjun!" Jaemin exclaimed excitedly, drawing a few curious glances from nearby students.

"Uh... Jaemin... hi," Renjun greeted awkwardly, feeling a flush rise in his cheeks.

"I had no idea we shared the same English class," Jaemin remarked, genuinely surprised by the coincidence.

"Me neither," Renjun admitted sheepishly, chuckling nervously at the unexpected turn of events.

"Oh, Jeno would love to hear about this," Jaemin grinned mischievously, already pulling out his phone to message his best friend.

It was all part of his playful scheme, testing the waters for whatever games fate might have in store.