𝗌𝗈𝖿𝗍 𝗅𝗈𝗏𝖾 ♡︎ | dotae au

old memories resurfacing..

only three days has passed since taeyong and doyoung's outing, the weird and unbelievable encounter, and the constant reminder that he can't ever run away from his past. one day, he'll have to face it head on if he wishes to heal and move on from it.

here he sat during his lunch period, eyes gazing at the one table he hadn't looked at in forever.

watching those same lips he once felt against his curl up in that charming smile, eyes squinting with laughter.

a wailing of his heart colliding with the strict sense of his brain. reminding him of that image that made it's place in his memory.

"hey, you! stop looking over there before you bum yourself out," jungwoo's concerned voice almost sounding distant to him.

the other had been occupied in begging yuta to come to the winter dance with him that was coming up in only another month. something taeyong himself had no interest in.

absentmindedly moving his gaze around to search for a certain someone. one he had only caught a glimpse of before they were dragged off by some girl.

this no new occurence to the other, a new guy or girl was always wrapping themselves around doyoung's arm. the male knew of no commitment. only seeking a little fun. his words, he wasn't gonna be 'young forever'.

doyoung's charm and well spoken words could have anyone wound tight around his finger. his hyper and friendly personality, carefree and just.. willing to live in the moment.

even if it filled taeyong's fragile heart with a tinge of jealousy, he'd never see his best friend in a terrible light.

taeyong hadn't realized he'd been staring in the direction of mark again until he saw someone approaching their small group of friends. sensing jungwoo tensing up beside him, gently patting his friend's arm.

"hey there, yongie," the familiar voice sing-songed once in earshot. a sour look contorting taeyong's once calm expression.

before he could even get a word out, jungwoo was already requesting that mark return to his party of friends. the red haired male simply ignoring his words as he plopped himself down onto the seat beside taeyong.

"don't look like thaaat, i know you've missed me," mark leaned closer and taeyong immediately flinched towards jungwoo.

"please just.. just leave me alone," while stumbling over words and taking a still full tray of food. gathering his things before quickly leaving the cafeteria. hearing the echo of jungwoo calling after him.

taeyong had found a quiet classroom that wasn't in use, occupying one of the seats and picking around at the food on his tray.

hand pressing against his abdomen gently, shaking his head and pushing the food away.

"you still do that huh..?" the voice caused taeyong to almost jolt out of his skin, turning his head quickly to see jungwoo standing in the doorway. concern written all over his face.

as the lanky male made his way over, taeyong could feel the tears building up behind the dam.

completely coming undone when he was in that comforting embrace. no words exchanged, no pushes to make taeyong do anything.

just the soft sound of the male sobbing into jungwoo's sweatshirt, hands carefully caressing his shaking figure.

why me.. what terrible crime did i commit in a past life to bring me here.. thought taeyong. the tears not letting up as his grip tightened helplessly on the soft fabric.

they stayed like this for a few minutes, or at least until taeyong relaxed himself, drawing away from each other.

jungwoo gazed down at taeyong's now puffy eyed and pouted lip face. cooing softly at his friend while stroking his hair.

"you're such a pure.. strongwilled person taeyong, i don't know how you could have so much fight in you. and i admire you for that," jungwoo gently murmured.

yet, taeyong knew why he stood so strong. the simple thought of those that do care for him and his little brothers.

the ones he worked and studied so hard to make sure he could bring them home.

a home they'd feel safe in. one they didn't fear of being a kid in. a home where they live happily with each other.. and it all felt so out of reach for him.

a distant dream that wants to slip completely out of his fingers.

jungwoo's sweater covered hand lightly dabbed away the rest of the tears on taeyong's face. ushering him to head to his next class as the bell rang.

soft, and almost a mumble, a 'thank you' tumbled pass taeyong's lips. weakly smiling and making his way out of the room as kids began filling the halls again.

jungwoo stayed behind, an arm folded over his chest and a hand covering his mouth slightly.

biting back his own tears as he cleared up the tray of food, returning it to the cafeteria where a worried yuta waited with their things.

"baby, are you okay? is taeyong okay?" his anxious filled voice wasted no time in asking. stopping jungwoo by grabbing his biceps. staring the male intently in the eye.

jungwoo could only stare back, gathering his own thoughts as he remembered the gaze down at his red eyed friend.

"i just wish i knew how to help him.." jungwoo breathed, a single tear rolling down his cheek.

yuta frowned deeply, his eyebrows creasing and gentle coarse hands cupped his boyfriend's face. "you being there is enough.. and i'm sure he's grateful just for that. don't doubt yourself, taeyong needs the own willpower to push forward and bring that happiness for himself," careful in his words and pressing a light kiss onto the other's lips.

nodding with the teary eyed jungwoo, wiping them away softly and walking with him to their next class. hands intertwined and squeezing comfortingly.