congratulations || jeongchan

- 33 - Smile -

Your smile goes up to your ears

It had been a week since Jeongin was released from hospital when a reminder on his phone had him calling Chan immediately. There was a sense of normality returning between the two, unfortunately it hadn't yet spread to their friends. The awkward glances at feet and dullness of the group chat spoke volumes. Nothing was quite normal yet. The ringing of the phone seemed to last forever; Jeongin being entirely afraid that Chan wouldn't pick up and that he would have to walk to his appointment alone.

There was something terrifying about the change about to occur.

"Hyung," he almost yelled into the phone, when it was finally picked up, "Thank goodness! Will you come to the orthodontist with me?" He knew that he was being loud, but he didn't particularly care.

Chan laughed slightly, the sound coming out slightly hazily through the speaker, "Sure, baby, when's your appointment?"

"Two hours," he paused momentarily before mumbling, "I'm getting them off."

"Really?" there was a vague splutter from the other end of the line, "You don't sound too happy about that, I thought you wanted them off as soon as you could?"

The younger boy stayed silent for a few minutes, waiting until the seconds hand on the clock ticked over the number seven before he finally spoke up. Chan let him brood. Jeongin was thankful, "I've had them for so long that they kind of feel like a part of me. As if people won't know who I am without them. And I can't wait to not have a vaguely sore mouth all the time or religiously pick caramel out the gaps and to be able to say things without fear of a lisp. Don't get me wrong, I hate so much about them. It's just... They're kind of a comforting normality."

"It'll be okay though, you'll still be Jeongin even if you don't have braces," there was a slight lilt to his tone that brought a smile to Jeongin's face. "I'll meet you by the bus stop and we can walk down together, okay?"

"Yeah." Jeongin flopped backwards onto his bed and let his tongue rake over the metal brackets on his teeth, he tugged at the elastic bands slightly before beginning to psych himself up enough to leave the flat and face the freezing air.

"Well, baby, let me see," Chan giggled softly at the boy in front of him, mask tugged up to just beneath his nose - Jeongin blushed slightly, tapping his fingers against his thigh as he waited for the receptionist to give him the instructions for his retainer. The pet name caused the blush to deepen.

"Not yet," he mumbled, "I need to prepare myself." He didn't miss the fond look that the elder boy gave him during the rest of the transaction. Jeongin felt comforted by Chan's presence, something that seemed foreign and yet also perfect.

The two bundled themselves back up against the cold weather. Scarves and coats piled up until they were little but highly padded, indistinguishable blobs. The snow was beginning to fall in slightly heavier clumps, ice patchworking the ground as puddles froze over. They walked on for a few minutes before the blizzard became too much.

Chan tugged on the younger's hand; almost pulling Jeongin's glove off in the process. The older boy ducked into the warmth of the library, dragging the smaller with him. He shut the door as quickly as he could, determined not to disturb anyone with the chilly blast. 

Jeongin smiled at Chan, despite the fact that the older boy wouldn't be able to tell and then both began removing the dripping layers of wool and goretex from their bodies. It no longer stung when Jeongin smiled, that in itself was a revelation. Getting his braces out had kind of hurt, the snapping off of the brackets pushing back on his teeth and almost making the boy cry. 

He glanced nervously up at Chan as he unhooked his mask from his ears. His teeth were perfectly straight and seemed to sit better in his mouth. Nothing was rubbing against his gums or lips. He smiled and it was beautiful.

And in the warmth of the library foyer, two boys shared the softest, most joyous kiss that has ever been shared.

A/N - Inspired by Jeongin getting his braces off ! And me also getting my braces off ! (retainers hurt like hell though)