got7 ; 2jae | rewind ↺

chapter 20 | back

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people eyed the two boys who continued to shop around with their hands intertwined. jaebum pushed a thin trolley that was overfilled with ramen packages and youngjae clutched onto the list as he dictated their next batch of food products.

"everyone's staring," the younger boy murmured through his flustered cheeks.

"let them stare and take notes," jaebum shrugged, grabbing three boxes of flavoured mochi treats.

he looked at youngjae with a small grin that killed the other boy, sending a wave of shivers that he couldn't get used to. it was always that, whenever he was around jaebum — there was an unsettling feeling in his chest and in his throat and everywhere possible. his lips would smile without acknowledgement and cheeks would blush pink with every contact.

they shuffled down the aisles, picking at things and exhanging quick glances.

"you know, when jyp-nim came into the dance studio the other day — i thought it was really over for me," youngjae admitted in a whiper as they passed the dairy section.

jaebum's hold around his hand tightened, "i thought so too. but it turned out to be a complete different matter so there's nothing to worry about now," the older boy pondered put loud, "relating to this workshop next week, i think jyp-nim is giving us a test of some sort, since it's such a jyp thing to do. but other than that, he wants to see us not only as musicians and performing artists, but as polite and punctual people too. i remember he said that those qualities are really important in the industry when i only started out."

youngjae nodded his head in awe. in reality, he was scared of this company outing; what if he forgets the choreography again? or messes up a high note? or simply faints?—

"hey yah," jaebum stopped him, pulling him back, "i can see your eyes running around. don't be scared and just enjoy the moment."

the younger boy smiled softly, "yugyeom said the same words to me before my live audition," he laughed in memory, "remembering it now seems like almost nothing — yet at the same time it was the most important thing that ever happened to me."

beside him, jaebum grabbed a patch of kimchi sauce. "we all know that feeling," he assured the boy, "that was the day when jyp-nim also called me in and told me about you joining our group. honestly i was a bit baffled by the news, i thought it'd be most difficult for you to train for such a little time and debut within mere months. but once hearing you sing i knew i was wrong in doubting your skill—" jaebum's eyes smiled in recollection.

youngjae was overwhelmed by the compliment however jaebum spoke up again.

"—but then i saw you dance and i lost all hope."

the younger boy's jaw fell agape, "you're so mean!" he hit jaebum with the paper list in his hand as the other chuckled from such a child-like reaction.

they continued their play fight in front of the ice-cream fridges as people continued to give them odd looks.

that stopped jaebum and ripped away his happy mood as it got replaced with a feeling of anger instead. "when we debut, i swear i will show them all that boys can be just as close with each other as anyone else and that it's absolutely okay."

youngjae didn't say much after that as they completed their last round of groceries and proceeded to pay out.

jaebum's bagpack was stuffed full with everything they bought, making it almost impossible to zip it up. but with both their efforts, they managed it well enough and soon found themselves strolling back to the dorm.

it was nearing towards half-eight in the late day, and the winds seemingly sped their ways, almost pushing youngjae to jaebum's side as they both looked at each other and couldn't tear apart.

moments and days like these — they wandered if that's how it was meant to be.

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chilli tortilla chips are gooood

written: august 12, 2017
published: september 4, 2017 (happy birthday mark + kill me so i wouldn't have to go to school)

니카 ✿