FALLING FOR YOU | Renhyuck

6

Chapter 6:

Renjun sat in his room, staring at the strip of photos Haechan had tucked into his pocket. He traced his fingers over the images, feeling a mix of confusion, frustration, and something he didn't want to admit-excitement. Haechan's words still echoed in his mind: "You're more than you think, Renjun." No one had ever said something like that to him before, not even his closest friends.

Lost in thought, Renjun barely noticed the knock on his door until it swung open. Chenle, his younger cousin, barged in without waiting for permission, a mischievous grin plastered on his face. "Hey, Jun! Guess who's here to brighten your day?"

Renjun's lips curved into a small smile. Chenle had always been a burst of energy, the kind of person who could make any room feel warmer just by being in it. Despite their limited time together, given Renjun's uncle's restrictions, Chenle was the one person who could always lift his spirits.

"Hey, Chenle," Renjun greeted, pushing the photo strip into his drawer. "What are you doing here?"

"Mom and Dad had to come by for some business thing with your uncle, so I thought I'd come bother you," Chenle said, plopping onto Renjun's bed without a care in the world. "And, boy, do I have some gossip for you!"

Renjun chuckled, knowing Chenle's love for drama. "What's the latest?"

Chenle leaned in, eyes sparkling with excitement. "There's a rumor going around school that Haechan's been hanging around you a lot lately. People are saying you two are... close."

Renjun's heart skipped a beat, but he quickly masked his reaction with a dismissive wave. "That's ridiculous. Haechan's just... annoying. He likes to mess with me because it pisses Jeno off."

Chenle raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. "Are you sure that's all it is? Because from what I hear, Haechan doesn't exactly go out of his way for just anyone."

Renjun hesitated, remembering the way Haechan had looked at him at the art exhibit, the unexpected kindness hidden beneath the teasing. But admitting that Haechan's attention made him feel anything other than irritation was too much for Renjun to handle. "He's just playing around," Renjun said, more to convince himself than Chenle.

Chenle studied him for a moment, then smirked. "Well, if you say so. But if you ever need backup, I'm always here. I'm your favorite cousin, after all."

"You're my only cousin," Renjun shot back, grateful for the change in topic.

Chenle shrugged, looking smug. "Doesn't make it any less true." He flopped onto his back, staring up at the ceiling. "You know, Renjun, you don't have to let people push you around. Not Jeno, not Haechan, not anyone."

Renjun felt a pang of guilt. Chenle knew more about Renjun's past than anyone else. He was the only one who'd seen how much Renjun struggled after losing his parents and being forced to live with his uncle and aunt, who treated him like a burden rather than family. Chenle had always been there, sneaking in snacks, cracking jokes, and pulling Renjun out of his darkest moments, even if only for a little while.

"Yeah, I know," Renjun replied softly. "It's just... complicated."

Chenle's expression softened. "I get it. But you're not alone, okay? I'm here. And so is Jisung. We miss you, you know?"

Renjun nodded, feeling a swell of affection for his cousin. "I miss you guys too."

Chenle grinned, but his eyes were serious. "Then come hang out with us more. You don't have to keep everything bottled up."

Renjun opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, his phone buzzed on the nightstand. It was a message from Haechan.

______

Haechan:
Hope you're not sulking at home.
Meet me at the arcade tomorrow?

______

Renjun stared at the screen, torn between annoyance and curiosity. Haechan's sudden invitation was unexpected, and Renjun couldn't help but wonder what the other boy was up to. Haechan never did anything without a reason, and Renjun had no idea why he wanted to spend time together outside of school.

Chenle peered over his shoulder, reading the message with an exaggerated gasp. "Whoa, looks like someone's got a date!" he teased, nudging Renjun playfully.

Renjun scoffed, quickly shoving his phone into his pocket. "It's not a date. And I'm not going."

Chenle laughed, clearly amused by Renjun's flustered reaction. "You're so obvious, Jun. Just go and have fun. You deserve it."

Renjun wanted to protest, but the truth was, a small part of him did want to go. He was tired of feeling stuck, of letting fear and uncertainty rule his life. Maybe spending time with Haechan outside of their usual school dynamics would be different-better, even.

With a reluctant sigh, Renjun finally said, "Fine. But if it turns out to be some prank, I'm blaming you."

Chenle clapped his hands in delight. "That's the spirit! Just... be yourself, okay? And if he tries anything funny, you know where to find me."

Renjun smiled, grateful for Chenle's unwavering support. "Thanks, Chenle. I mean it."

"Anytime, cousin." Chenle gave him a quick hug before bouncing up from the bed. "Now, I've gotta go pretend to care about my parents' boring meeting. But remember, you're awesome, and you've got this."

Renjun watched Chenle leave, feeling a renewed sense of determination. Whatever Haechan's motives were, Renjun was done hiding. He wasn't going to let fear keep him from living his life-even if it meant risking a little more time in Haechan's orbit.

The next day, Renjun found himself standing outside the arcade, nervously fidgeting with his phone. He wasn't sure why he was so anxious, but the thought of facing Haechan outside of their usual school banter felt different. More real.

Haechan spotted him immediately, waving with a broad smile that made Renjun's heart do a strange little flip. "I knew you'd show up," Haechan said, his tone both teasing and sincere.

Renjun crossed his arms, trying to mask his nerves. "Only because I didn't have anything better to do."

"Sure," Haechan replied, clearly not buying it. "But hey, I'm glad you're here. Let's make it worth your while."

They spent the next few hours playing games, with Haechan showing off his skills in every one of them. Renjun found himself laughing more than he had in a long time, caught up in the carefree atmosphere Haechan seemed to create effortlessly.

At one point, Haechan won a plushie from a claw machine and handed it to Renjun with a cheeky grin. "A souvenir. Something to remember today by."

Renjun took the plushie, his cheeks warming at the gesture. "Thanks, I guess."

Haechan watched him, his smile softening. "You're welcome. You know, Renjun, you should smile more often. It looks good on you."

Renjun didn't know how to respond, his mind going blank in the way it always did when Haechan got too close. But for once, he didn't push Haechan away. Instead, he held onto the plushie a little tighter, letting himself enjoy the moment.

Because for now, this was enough. And maybe, just maybe, that was all he needed.

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