Ikigai (生き甲斐) || Norenmin

열여섯

All day at school, Renjun ignored Jeno and Jaemin. He didn't care that he was in a group project with Jaemin. He wouldn't answer any questions he was asked, he wouldn't participate in any conversations they were in, and he certainly didn't look them in the eyes. Jeno and Jaemin of course noticed and knew why he was avoiding them. Jeno knew Renjun was beating himself up over it. He knew Renjun would be staying at Taeyong's if he wasn't at his own house. He knew that Renjun would lose a ton of sleep over it. And he didn't want that. He couldn't STAND the thought of his Renjun hurting and not having him there to help. So Jeno came up with a plan. A rather cliché one, but a plan none the less.

Jeno grabbed Chenle as the younger was making his way to the next class. "Chenle, I need your help."

****

From: lele To: moomin

lele: hey are you free after school

moomin: i think so?

lele: do you want to hang out after school? I can drive

moomin: who's going to be there

lele: just you and i 

moomin: sure, sounds nice

lele: meet me by the gate

moomin: sure

Renjun sighed to himself. Chenle would definitely want to know the 'tea'. But Renjun wasn't sure he wanted him to know. Chenle could keep a secret, but he's so sweet that Renjun knew he would want to help. And Renjun wasn't ready to face Jeno or Jaemin yet. Certainly not Jeno, who could read him like a book. Renjun shook his head. Better to not think about these things. He was going to spend quality time with Chenle. And he would feel better once he did.

Renjun started his walk to the front gate after classes were done.

"Ready to go?" Chenle asked as he twirled his keys in his hand.

Renjun gave a nod and Chenle ushered him to the car. Chenle got in the driver's side as Renjun walked around to the passenger side. Chenle started the car as Renjun buckled his seatbelt. ((safety, kids)) Chenle took a few turns and Renjun suddenly recognized the route Chenle was taking as the route to Jeno's house.

"Chenle..." He warned.

"It's for your own good, Renjun."

They pulled up to the house and Chenle dragged Renjun from the car to the front door, dodging his flying arms. Jeno opened the door and Renjun froze. He looked stunning. 

"Thanks, Chenle."

"Hey, let me go!" 

"Nope." Chenle said, popping the 'p' at the end.

Jeno smiled. "I got it from here." He put one of his arms under Renjun's legs and the other behind his back, ignoring the screams of protest from the Chinese male. Jeno picked him up and carried him bridal style to his bedroom. ((no dirty thoughts, kids)) 

"Jeno, put me down!"

Jeno just smiled and continued walking. He kicked the door open with his foot and plopped Renjun down on the bed. Jaemin was there too. Great. Renjun waited for one of them to speak.

"Injunnie, we're not mad."

Renjun sighed, but didn't sit up. "Look, I get it, it's okay, I can leave."

Jeno sat next to him and pulled the older up into a sitting position. 

"Baby, that's not at all what we're trying to say."

Jaemin sat on the other side of Renjun, wrapping his arm around his waist, while Jeno held on to Renjun's hand.

"Do you remember the night you told me you were polyamorous?"

Renjun nodded hesitantly.

"Well uh... I am too."

"Me too."

Renjun's eyes widened. "Really?"

Jaemin laughed at the oldest's cuteness. "Really, baby."

Renjun gave a small smile. Jaemin looked at Jeno for approval and Jeno nodded.

"Injunnie, Jeno and I were wondering if you, uh, wanted to go on a date with us?"

Renjun stayed silent for a minute. "This isn't funny." he said sadly and stood up to leave.

"Junnie, it's not supposed to be funny." Jeno said, his voice cracking due to being scared of rejection.

"Baby, we're serious. We both really like you. Your laugh, your voice, your hair, your cute little nose, the face you make when you think something is disgusting, the way you laugh at the stupidest things, your personality, everything. This isn't a joke, baby." 

Renjun smiled and faced them. "Oh my gosh, you guys look so scared. What? Did you seriously think I'd say no? Idiots. Of course I'll go on a date with you." He sat back down in between them.

Jeno and Jaemin heaved a sigh of relief. Jeno squeezed Renjun's hand and Jaemin laid his head on his shoulder.

"I'm happy." Renjun said after a couple minutes of silence.

"Me too." said Jaemin.

Jeno agreed. "Me three."