𝐇𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐘 | 𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐌𝐈𝐍

𝐈𝐈𝐈

jaemin had just picked up renjun and they were driving to the venue. the car ride was quiet as renjun was panicking and overthinking about everything. was he dressed too casually? too fancy? would he have to speak in front of others? various questions roamed the older's mind. jaemin looked over at him before returning his gaze to the road.

"penny for your thoughts." renjun flinched slightly as he was startled by his deep voice.

"it's nothing. i'm just nervous..." renjun said, rubbing his hands together. jaemin noticed this, reaching over and taking one of his hands.

"that's perfectly normal. don't worry, you won't have to do much. trust me." he said softly. renjun was tense at first, considering his editor had just held his hand. but he relaxed at his words. he just hoped he was right.

when they entered the venue, it was grand and decorated beautifully. it wasn't too fancy nor too casual. neither were the other guest's outfits. renjun didn't know how tense he was until he fully relaxed, letting out a sigh as if he was holding his breath.

jaemin had greeted a few people on their way inside. and just like the latter promised, renjun didn't have to say much when jaemin introduced him.

in the main room, there were books out on display with articles of it's backstory beside it. renjun had assumed they were going to be walking around looking at other people's work but jaemin had other plans. he took him to a room that reminded him of his college life a year ago. a woman stood in the front while there were seats going upwards like a classroom.

"what's this?" renjun whispered, as the woman in the front continued talking to those who sat in front of her.

"they brought famous author's here to give upcoming authors tips on writing. i know you feel troubled when you write so i thought it would be nice if you heard it from professionals. someone with more knowledge than me." jaemin answered. renjun smiled brightly at that and listened to the woman's every word.

when the event was over, jaemin took renjun out to eat. of course, it was late and they haven't eaten all day, but renjun still felt as if he was being spoiled. they stopped at a korean barbecue and hung out there even after they ate.

"jaemin, i can't thank you enough. not only for today, but for being so kind to me since we've met the other day."

jaemin took a sip of water as he nodded. "i see potential in you, renjun. you're talented and serious about what you do," jaemin then locked eyes with other male before continuing, "i admire that about you."

renjun's heart was warmed by the compliment he received. not only because someone was finally noticing him, his writing, and supporting him. but he felt as though jaemin was looking at him a little differently than before.

"ah, you're being dramatic." renjun shook his head, hiding his red face.

"i'm serious," jaemin laughed, "you're hard working, you speak well, you're funny, you're bound to be successful." he continued.

renjun covered his face as jaemin laughed at the older's flustered state. he loved it. the two continued to laugh and joke around even on their way to renjun's apartment complex.

"your friends sound really crazy!"

"they really are." renjun wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes as he had just finished laughing. no one had made him laughed like that in a while. when the car jerked to a stop, renjun just didn't want the night to end.

"than—"

"nope, stop thanking me!" jaemin interrupted, making renjun laugh for the hundredth time that night, "now go inside and get some rest. tomorrow's monday, i'll pick you up tomorrow?" renjun nodded as he exited the car, waving goodbye as he entered his apartment.

—

renjun was even more determined then before. he made sure everything in his story was perfect. jaemin's words gave him more pride, not to mention the profesional author's who spoke yesterday had given great advice. jeno and haechan took notice of the older's happy aura and his effort in his work.

"i knew it was a date." haechan said to jeno.

"guys it wasn't a date." renjun said trying to focus.

"then why are you all giddy today? it's literally monday," renjun ignored haechan but he didn't stop there, "he kissed you, didn't he?"

renjun almost choked on air, his face heating up just at the sound of that. the idea of kissing jaemin?

"how dare you say that? shut up!" he threw a pen at the tanned male's head.

"he did, didn't he!" haechan stood up, laughing loudly. the whole floor probably knew what was going on by then.

"no we didn't! stop saying that before i get in trouble!" renjun fired back. the clicking sound of the door opening caused the two boys to sit down quickly.

"renjun, may i speak to you?" johnny said. renjun sighed as he went out into the hallway. he felt like he was in high school all over again.

"i heard you and mr.na went out last night. now i'm hearing that you did even more than that?"

"no, no! it's not like that at all— oh, please don't fire me or mr.na i— it was an authors event for work! we didn't do anything more! i'm so sorry, please forgive me! haechan is lying!" renjun dropped down onto his knees, wailing. johnny froze for a minute before bringing the smaller boy back to his feet.

"renjun, i'm not going to fire you. you're the best author we have in this building. i just wanted to clarify the rumors. now don't go thinking it's okay to get too close to someone who is in higher in rank. now get yourself together and i'll let you off early today." renjun nodded, thanking the older as he wiped his face.

"oh, and renjun?" the smaller turned back around, "i don't want you hanging around jaemin. for the sake of our image."