jaeyong ✧ skindeep

Thirty-seven

The ballpoint pen held in Taeyong's grasp repeatedly tapped against either his chin or desk in thought. The thing that brought him such an extensive amount of thought? Tomorrow was Jaehyun's birthday, also Valentine's Day.

Taeyong, who had been with Jaehyun for over eight months now, hadn't known when Jaehyun's birthday was until yesterday. And as Taeyong's empty notebook page had proved, he had utterly no idea what to do or give the brunette. He figured Jaehyun would receive an overly abundant amount of chocolates tomorrow at school, practically turning his birthday into a competition.

Taeyong picked up his phone from beside the unwritten notebook, clicking to his messages and texting someone.

jaehyun's birthday is
tomorrow what do i do

i don't know what to give him

The three dots illuminated in the gray bubble as Taeyong awaited a reply.

Ten: i don't think it'll be hard
for you to please jaehyun

Ten: especially since you're you

Ten: but if you insist on giving
him something

yeah?

Ten: giving him yourself
always works 🤤

what do you mean

Ten: i mean you gotta
let him hit that 😏

Taeyong left Ten on read and quickly closed out of the conversation and app. The thought of even attempting to do that with Jaehyun was turning Taeyong's face a warm red.

His face softened as his phone screen darkened and his vauge reflection shown in the blank screen. Taeyong's eyes traveled to the cheval glass that hung across from him on the painted wall. He pushed himself off the seat he comfortably sat on, standing in front of his reflection. He gripped the bottom of his t-shirt, lifting it up to his chest, his eyes landing on the bruises splattered that still hadn't completely healed and his skin that tightly rested on his bone. The familiar thoughts flooded him: How could Jaehyun love a body like mine?

Footsteps unknowingly approached the door frame, Jaehyun revealing himself from the door way, making Taeyong thrust his shirt down.

Taeyong questioned in an unstable tone,"What is it?"

Jaehyun leaned against the door frame,"What? I just wanted to see you." He approached forward, holding Taeyong's head between his palms and placing a kiss on his forehead.

Taeyong's body softened into the comforting action. In an unrelated thought, it only made him feel more obligated to give something to Jaehyun.

~~~~

Tomorrow became today perhaps too fast for Taeyong. He stayed up till midnight thinking of anything that Jaehyun might enjoy but, could only come up with nothing or something that seemed too mediocre.

The car ride to school wasn't abnormal. In fact, it may have been too quiet as Taeyong spent the whole time looking down at his phone for anything.

Yet, once they exited the car and entered the school, Jaehyun, being the heartthrob he is, was crowded with a couple girls trying to give him chocolate. Taeyong bit the inside of his cheek, trying to ignore the oncoming uncomfortable feeling that he couldn't recognize.

The routine of Jaehyun being bombarded continued throughout the day. And all the extra attention Jaehyun was receiving left a sour taste in Taeyong's mouth.

"Here's another one," Jaehyun threw one of the heart shaped boxes at Johnny, who caught it with ease.

The tall male opened the plastic cover and grabbed the first chocolate his eyes laid on, popping it in his mouth,"Jaehyun, if I get diabetes, I'm blaming you."

Taeyong remained silent as he grabbed himself a water bottle from the fridge.

Johnny removed himself from the kitchen island, the heart shaped box at his side,"I better go now 'cause of Ten."

Shortly after, Johnny left the house, leaving Jaehyun and Taeyong alone as usual. Taeyong moved across the island, sitting away from where Jaehyun was standing. His eyes meekly met the brunette's as his fingers fidgeted with his jeans,"Um. Happy birthday, Jaehyun."

Jaehyu's lips curved into a soft smile while his hand traveled to grasp Taeyong's,"Thank you."

He began to speak quite fast as he voice became brittle,"I'm sorry, I didn't get you anything. I feel terrible after everything you've given-"

Jaehyun cut him off with a soft tone,"Hey, it's fine, okay? You being here with me is worth more than anything that could be gifted."

Taeyong's crystal eyes streamed down colorless tears as Jaehyun's delicate ones pierced through his. Jaehyun moved around the island, his hand never releasing the grasp on Taeyong's. He moved his hands up then down to snake the raven-haired's torso, a heavy breath escaping his lips when Taeyong's arms tightened over his neck.

Jaehyun pulled back from Taeyong, his finger traveling to his lips in a close to mischievous manner. He dragged his words as he spoke,"But... There is one thing I want."

Taeyong wiped away the dried tears on his cheeks with his hands,"What is it?"

"I want you to look me straight in my eyes. Without hesitation or looking away, tell me you love me then kiss me."

Taeyong's face flushed and his words became choppy,"But-"

In a child like way, Jaehyun crossed his arms with a pout on his face,"You have to, it's my birthday."

Taeyong nodded in defeat. Both of them sat facing the same way on the chairs. Taeyong pressed his sweaty palms against his jeans, his gaze being defeated just by a millisecond of looking at Jaehyun. He ogled Jaehyun's pursed lips that seemed to be awaiting touch.

Taeyong sharply inhaled before his mouth opened preparing to speak,"Jaehyun," he hesitated at the brunette's espy,"I love you."

A soft grin formed Jaehyun's lips as Taeyong leaned forward, his hands tightly gripping the edge of the chair. Their lips touched and remained that way for a few seconds, only until Jaehyun broke into a cheeky smile. One that made Taeyong feel embarrassed and his ears tint in bashfulness.

Jaehyun leaned and pushed his lips forward, repeatedly placing a less than a second peck on Taeyong's thin lips.

~~~~