across the universe. | chensung

back 2 u | chapter 1

Jisung woke up to a loud crash coming from outside his room. His head rung as he got up, ruffled his hair and opened the bedroom door. The light of the living room stung his eyes and made him cover his eyes with his hands. "Who is it?" He asked out loud, still rubbing his forehead in pain. When Jisung opened his eyes, he saw the purple-haired boy standing awkwardly next to the sofa with a suitcase in his hands. "Hi..." He laughed dryly at Jisung, who's still confused about the situation. "Why...what...how?"

The boy smiled, his eyes curving, and Jisung suddenly couldn't understand the flutter in his chest. "It's been three years, Jisung. I missed you."

Jisung felt warmth bloom across his cheekbones, and he moved out of the shadow of the doorway. Seeing Chenle brought the dam of emotions crashing down.

"Where have you BEEN for three years? Three years - no calls, no texts. You didn't even answer my Kakaotalk! I- "

He paused to calm his raging breathing and felt his face flush heatedly, but he had already started, and he couldn't stop.

"Every day, Chenle. Every day and every night I wondered where you were, why you weren't contacting anyone, what you could possibly be doing that cut you off from me. Did you even think of the people you left behind!? I thought you forgot your old friends; I thought you forgot about ME!"

"I - I couldn't. Jisung, you don't know what happened."

Jisung took an advancing step towards the other, who backed away slightly. His eyes shifted to Chenle's face that showed no remorse, no fear. It infuriated him. On closer inspection, he noticed the cheekbones that appeared to stand out on his face, and the shape of his jawline clearly visible. His chest throbbed at the thought of Chenle suffering. It also angered him how he could've prevented it all, if he could've known. He felt heat building up behind his eyelids and he squeezed his eyes shut.

Jisung didn't know he was crying until he felt a hand on his cheek. Slowly he opened one eye, then the other. Chenle was dangerously close, his thumb stroking the skin under his eye. "Ch-Chenle...?" The boy smiled, really smiled, pulled Jisung close, and wrapped his arms around him. "You idiot. I would never forget you."

Chenle felt the other tense at his words, so he drew back. Jisung stared at him with wide eyes. Cute. He couldn't resist smirking slightly, even more when Jisung furrowed his brows. "What's so funny?"

Chenle tilted his head. "You're still the same. Three years, and you're still the friend I knew." Tentatively, the younger brought his hand up and ghosted his fingers across the other's protruding cheekbones and jawline. Jisung's heart wrenched in his chest at how thin he had gotten - what exactly had happened to him?

Even with dark circles under his eyes and the weight loss, Chenle could still smile. Even when he was weak and exhausted, he smiled for Jisung. He couldn't stop the new tears that blurred his vision, and concern washed over Chenle's face.

"Jisung, don't cry. I'm here, which means I'm still fine, right? Don't worry."

Jisung didn't know. How could a person be comforting someone else when clearly they don't feel well too? That is what Jisung admires about Chenle. His ability to act like nothing's a big deal. His kindness and his cheerful mood even when he is broken down. Jisung buried his head in the crook of the other's neck and held him, just to tell him that it's okay, I'm here. You can tell me.

"Don't ever leave again."

Jisung felt the other's shoulders shake as he laughed quietly. "Did you miss me that much? Sorry. It's cute." Jisung looked up. "What's cute?"

"You."

It took a long moment for Jisung to comprehend what Chenle had just said. His face flushed bright red and he turned it away slightly to hide his blush, coughing, eyes wide with disbelief. "Are you okay? I didn't mean - that wasn't meant to come out weird, I-" They were both now hiding the crimson tint on their faces. Chenle stepped back abruptly; maybe too suddenly, because the other stumbled forward at the loss of support. Eyes widening, he rushed to catch him but failed, both of them falling on top of each other. Jisung stood up quickly and brushed off his clothes. "Um...you can stay in the spare room, so, you can unpack your stuff." Then he walked - almost ran - towards the doorway. He stopped suddenly, but didn't turn around.

"Thanks for coming back."

He said it so softly it might not have been heard, but he was sure that Chenle knew.

♡