the placebo effect ✘ jaywon

9: BOYFRIEND

As the fake couple drove out, Mrs. Park waves them goodbye. She doesn't forget to tell Jungwon to come back again soon, though, and as Jay drives the car away from their house, Jungwon looks at the food Mrs. Park packed for him, along with a little note and a flower picked from their garden. Jungwon smiles slightly, though it remains unnoticed by himself. He reads the note silently:

Our dear Jungwon,

We hope for you to come back soon! I hope you eat this meal and think of me a lot. Jayjay can never compete with my cooking! Jay's dad has also grown so fond of you. Here's a little secret: he was talking so much about how happy he is with what you and Jay have! I am so grateful as well.

We know Jay isn't perfect— no one is— but I'm glad you're there for him, just like how he is with you. I hope you never forget that.

Dear, you're welcome to our home anytime. Don't hesitate to call us, too! We will always welcome you with warm, open arms.

Love,
Mrs. Park

Jungwon folds the note once again. He glances at Jay who's sharp eyes stare at the road. "Your mom's a total sweetheart."

"She is," Jay mutters back, stealing a glimpse of him.

"I wonder what happened to you," Jungwon's lips crack into a smirk as he crosses his arms, and Jay rolls his eyes in feign offence.

"Oh, me? Nothing. I just became a super hot and perfect person," he grins, glancing at Jungwon with his signature smug look, and Jungwon scoffs in response.

"Oh yeah? Sure. I beg to differ."

"Really now?" Jay coos, chuckling softly.

Jungwon's staring at his side figure as he huffs, still crossing his arms. "Mhhm, yes. I think you're an ass."

He looks at Jay, and the latter only smiles. His voice laced with confidence as Jay turned his head to meet eyes with Jungwon for a second. "And yet you're dating me."

Jay looks at Jungwon once again just to catch his reaction, and the smile on his face widens when he looks back at the road, softly laughing while shaking his head. When Jungwon heard his reply, his jaw dropped in bafflement, looking at Jay in disbelief. "I'm not dating you. And I never will, Park Jongseong! You're so annoying!"

The older one laughs a little louder, but doesn't say anything else as Jungwon exclaims once again. "You really do love to mess with me, don't you?"

"As if you don't mess with me too?" Jay smiles, glancing at him and then focusing back on the road. "I do that because you're pretty amusing, Yang. You think you're all scary but..." He trails off with a chuckle.

"But? But what?" Jungwon frowns.

"But you..." He hesitates, before glancing at him with a little smile. "You don't look scary," Jay giggles lightly. "Not really, no."

Jungwon huffs. "Whatever."

"You're doing it again."

"Oh shut up!" Jungwon groans, sinking on his seat, making Jay laugh.

There's a silence that follows after that. Jay plays songs from his playlist while Jungwon rests his head on the window, looking out at the road. He doesn't bother talking, and the air has grown quite quiet, the sound of their usual banter faltering.

"Uhm," Jay starts, opening his mouth to talk.

"You don't have to talk to me," Jungwon glances at him. "Wake me up when we get there.... please. I'm gonna nap. I'm tired."