The Lodger; Noren NCT

✿*｡ Twenty-Four ｡*✿

Jaemin carries the broken bike for Renjun even though he had argued and said he could carry it himself. If the tyres hadn't stiffened up they could have just wheeled it. But Renjun lacked muscle and Jaemin insisted he would carry it.

They walk for about ten minutes before coming to a shop with bikes hung in the window and cycling gear on display. Renjun pushes the door open for Jaemin and the two were finally inside.

The shop was small and rather crowded but Jaemin had told Renjun that this was the best bike store in the area. At first Renjun had believed him but now seeing the way Jaemin interacted with the man behind the counter made him think otherwise.

"Hyung! Are you busy?" Jaemin asks the guy behind the counter. He had faded red hair and large eyes. If Renjun was being completely honest he looked a little intimidating.
But to Renjun's surprise the man smiles and shakes his head which only causes Jaemin to rush Renjun along. "This is Renjun, he's lodging at Jeno's place" the pink haired boy explains and the man nods in understanding.

"Nice to meet you Renjun, I'm Taeyong. Mark's older brother". He seems to see the realisation cross over Renjun's features.

"Nice to meet you too" he replies politely and Taeyong turns back to Jaemin, eyeing the bike by his side. It probably would have been easier if Renjun had just bought a new bike, this one was pretty damaged.

"Would you be able to fix this?" Jaemin asks and Taeyong comes around the counter, crouching down and taking a closer look at the bike. His brow furrows and he looks up and the two boys.

"I can fix it, it might take me an hour or so" he says and just as Renjun was about to say he'll buy a new one, Jaemin speaks up.

"It's okay, we can wait" the pink haired boy smiles brightly and turns to Renjun. "Come on, Jeno told me you like tea" and with that he grabs Renjun's arm and drags him out of the store.

They walk across the street and enter and small coffee shop. Jaemin practically pushes Renjun into a chair before wandering off towards the counter.
The blonde sighs and pulls his phone out of his pocket, he had just a small amount of hope that Jeno had text him or even just sent a snobby message saying he was going out and to remember to lock the doors. But there was nothing. The only message he had was some random meme Chenle had sent him.

"Here you go" a voice says and Renjun jumps a little, putting his phone face down onto the table as Jaemin places the two mugs down.
Being a little curious, Renjun takes a peak at what Jaemin had gotten himself and he mentally cringes.

"What is that? The souls of the dead?" He reises a brow but smiles a little when the younger slumps in his chair, a pout on his lips.

"Damn you can tell you've been spending too much time with Jeno" he mutters, picking up his mug and taking a sip of the black liquid. That must have been hella strong coffee.

The mention of Jeno's name causes Renjun to look down at his hands in his lap. Jeno was the last thing he wanted to talk about right now.
"I could have just bought a new bike you know" he says, trying to change the subject as best he can. He picks up his own mug and smiles at the sent. jasmine tea. How did Jaemin even know he liked that?

Jaemin shrugs, his gaze moving down to his phone as he scrolls through it. "I'm just doing what Jeno told me to. He said to get your bike fixed but if you want a new one then ask him" he nods and Renjun mentally screamed.

Jeno! Again seriously?!!

"I don't even know why he's being so nice to me" maybe Jaemin would know. Jeno seems like he could be the secretive type but he also seemed very close to Jaemin so he must know something.

Finally Jaemin puts his phone down and focuses on Renjun again. "You're fucking him right?"

Renjun nearly chokes on his tea, his eyes widening "w-well I mean...kinda?" It sounded more like a question since Renjun wasn't really sure how he was supposed to respond.

"Well there's your answer" Jaemin laughs but he sees the elders confused expression. "Look, Jeno is my best friend and I love him, but I also know that if he wants something then he'll take it. He usually does this, he gives the other person whatever they want, he keeps them happy and makes them think he cares just so he can have what he wants" Jaemin explains "I heard you had an argument, he probably got mad since his plan obviously isn't working on you. You're too smart for him injunnie"

Jaemin smiles brightly and downs the rest of his drink, focusing on his phone once again. Renjun didn't want to question it anymore. Instead he drinks his tea quietly, listening to Jaemin pipe up every so often to bitch about Donghyuck. Renjun had to admit it was very amusing.

They spend about an hour in the coffee shop before getting up and collecting Renjun's now completely fixed bike. Jaemin pays (with Jeno's money) and the two leave.

"Do you want me to walk you home? It's getting pretty late" Jaemin says, looking up at the sky that was beautiful shades of pink and orange.

"I'll be fine" Renjun smiles "thanks for taking me" he says only to be waved off by the younger.

"No problem" with that he moves forward and hugs Renjun tightly, knocking the air out of the smaller males lungs. "Bye injunnie! If you need me just give me a call, oh and don't let Jeno get you down"

Renjun couldn't help but laugh a little. There was something about Jaemin's bright personality that brought a smile to anyone's face. "Thanks"

And with that the two parted ways. Renjun didn't ride his bike, but instead pushed it along side him.

Once he got home he noticed Jeno's car was missing. It didn't surprise Renjun since Jeno goes out a lot. He also wasn't surprised to see a note stuck to the door addressed to him.

Renjun,
Jeno has gone out and I'm working a night shift. Please make sure all the doors are locked before going to bed.
Thanks- Mrs Lee

He takes the note down before unlocking the door and entering the house.