Healing

XXIV - slip

The weather keeps improving as spring approaches; the days are getting longer and warmer, and flowers have started to bloom. Walks along the riverside or to different parks are how Jinyoung and Jaebeom spend most their days. The younger man has to admit he wasn't very fond of parks before; too many people, too much chaos. But now the experience is completely different and he can honestly acknowledge he is truly enjoying their strolls—even with Jaebeom and his endless supply of snacks. Sometimes they just sit on a blanket and enjoy the weather, just chatting reading; others they walk around as the other man takes pictures. Sometimes, Jinyoung doesn't realise Jaebeom is taking pictures of him, and he gets all shy about it, but the older man is always delighted with the shots, no matter what he has to say about them.

In all honesty, Jinyoung has to admit he at least looks more alive in the pictures now. He's gained quite a lot of his weight back, and as he's sleeping better, the dark bags under his eyes have almost disappeared. Even his psychiatrist keeps commenting on how much better he looks. The young man hasn't told anyone he's dating, although he is sure the main reason he's doing so well compared with before is because of Jaebeom.

It's Jaebeom constantly looking after him, making sure he eats and sleeps well, but also consuming his mind and keeping the monsters at bay. The older man has that ability to get in Jinyoung's space and make him forget there are somewhere crowded. Like that time when Jinyoung kept teasing him about being the cheesiest man alive. Jaebeom got tired and ended up chasing him while Jinyoung ran away, laughing heartily and screaming for his life. But ultimately, Jaebeom caught him, tackling him to the grass and pinning him against it, his body hovering above. Jinyoung's heart immediately started hammering for something other than the exertion of running. In that moment, Jinyoung forgot they were in the park and could only focus on Jaebeom as he grinned at him, making the world melt around them, until they got hit by a ball from some kids that were playing around. They ended up laughing so hard while lying on the grass.

And just like that, Jinyoung constantly forgets where they are when he gets lost in Jaebeom's piercing eyes. Like taken from a cheesy drama, it's truly unbecoming.

And as they keep getting more into spring, festival season also arrives in Seoul, and currently Jaebeom and Jinyoung are walking out of Hongik Station to meet Mark and Jackson to go to the university festival. Jackson constantly asks Jaebeom for double dates, so the older man couldn't refuse him any longer.

They meet at the entrance of the university at the busy crossroad. The flow of people is even more intense than usual, so Jaebeom keeps Jinyoung tightly by his side, keeping an arm around his shoulder as they wait for the other couple. The younger man can't complain, he likes being held by his boyfriend way too much.

"Jinyoung! Hyung!" Someone calls them at some point, and when Jinyoung turns to look to his right, he sees Jackson waving energetically at them as he rushes to their side, Mark smiling brightly behind as he strides to keep up.

To Jinyoung'a surprise, Jackson actually hugs him when he makes it by their side, taking him from under Jaebeom's arm to squeeze him.

"So good to see you again! I'm glad hyung agreed to the double date," Jackson comments happily as he releases Jinyoung. "I can't wait to see Epik High, they are a classic! Let's go, let's go."

Jaebeom chuckles as he pulls Jinyoung by his side once again, greeting Mark in a more measured manner.

Jinyoung has visited Hongik University a few times, but not in a long time. It's so crowded it feels a bit suffocating, so he tries to focus on Jackson's conversation, who keeps telling him about the whole lineup for the festival instead of the many, many people around going to the same festival.

They make it to an open area where a big stage has been set up, but they stay reasonably behind, just to avoid being squeezed among the attendees. They sit on the grass, and Mark goes to buy them drinks, grabbing them some cans of beer.