Would You Like to Know a Secret?

Part 11

Jeno, Jaemin, and Donghyuck sat on the bench near the pond. Jaemin molded a ripped piece of bread and threw it on the ground for one of the ducks.

"This sounds really lame when put into words, but it's really cute now that we're here together," Donghyuck said.

Jeno nodded and rested his head on the younger's shoulder. "You're welcome."

"Ducks are so cute. Look at them waddling to the pieces of bread," Jaemin said as he continued to feed them.

"You're way more cute."

"Lie. Ducks are way more cute."

"You're the liar."

"Donghyuck, no."

"This is supposed to be a date. It's not a battle on who or what's more cute. It's Jaemin, though," Jeno said.

"Okay, well, now it's unfair. I don't have anyone else to back me up," he sighed.

Jeno scrunched his face. The younger boy's cuteness seemed to be overwhelming nowadays. All he wanted to do was squish him in a bone-crushing hug. The boy was so focused on the ducks he was feeding near the pond they were at. It was adorable.

Then there was Donghyuck, who was happily kicking his legs while watching the ducks that chilled in the pond with a huge smile on his face. It looked like he was shining. He was beautiful.

The three spent the time at the pond talking about interest and complimenting each other like they were in a relationship (even though they weren't yet, to their disappointment). They walked to a nearby fast food restaurant because they were still high school kids, and their taste hadn't expanded quite yet (not that they had the money for it anyway).

"Once, Jeno and I were at my house, and he accidentally tripped and broke a plate. My mom checked up on him and asked if he was okay while he was apologizing profusely. I was so surprised. If that was me, she would've hit me so hard and scolded me about being clumsy. I swear she loves him more than me."

Jaemin chuckled at the story, also at Donghyuck's very expressive gestures as he shared the story. "Who doesn't love him? He's adorable."

"Right? I honestly don't blame my mom. I'm glad she takes a liking to him. Even if it's over her own son, I guess," Donghyuck pouted with crossed arms.

"I'm sure she still loves you a lot, though. You're a sweet boy."

"He really is. Until you try to take his favorite snacks," Jeno said, walking back from the counter where he ordered their food.

"But that's fair because it's my food. Food is always off boundaries."

"Unless you're chill with the person. And we've been friends for a while."

"Yeah, that needs to change," Donghyuck scoffed. Jeno raised an eyebrow at the boy who was being a bit fussy.

"Well, not right now. I'm not planning on asking you guys out at a fast-food chain."

"I wouldn't mind. Your handsome face sets the mood. You can ask me out in an alley way, and I'd say yes," Donghyuck said in a way where he tried to seem like he didn't care, but he really did.

"I felt that," Jaemin thought.

"I want it to be a decent place for you two to remember. Come on now. I care."

"You're so sweet," Jaemin said.

"I try."

"He tastes sweet, too."

"Hyuck... "

"Yes?"

"Not right now."

Donghyuck playfully scoffed. "Yes, sir," he said under his breath.

"Number 127! Order for number 127!" a worker called. Jeno looked at his reciept and flashed a quick smile at the two before getting their order.

"Risky talk in public, huh?"

"It's my specialty," Donghyuck said, batting his eyelashes.

"Didn't expect it from a fellow clarinetist."

"What does anyone expect of any bandkid? Satisfied parents and depression. That's all."

"Which means you're special. I think you are."

"What makes you say that?"

"I've never met anyone quite like you," Jaemin admitted. The older of the two smiled as if Jaemin was ridiculous. Special? Nope. He didn't believe that. "I'm being honest, Donghyuck," he tried to prove himself.

"Okay, then," he chuckled. Jeno came with their orders and quickly came back to not miss any conversation. He put the tray in front of them, and the two younger boys immediately started eating their meals.

"We only have one more performance and the end of the year," Jeno said, watching the two eagerly eat their food. The beautifully tanned boy grumbled at the mention of another performance. He didn't want to perform again. Although, this did present a chance for the three of them to be alone together. Wonderful news for a hopeful Donghyuck.

"We'll have to work hard then as well," Jaemin quickly said, getting right back to the delicious fries he had on his plate soon after.

"You're right. We will work hard together." After the small nods from his younger bandmates, he decided it was time to eat. His stomach was acting up.

After they finished their meals and conversated a bit longer, they all went their separate ways. The next date would be the only thing on their minds. They hoped it would be sooner than later.