𝙸𝚗𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚕𝚢 [NoMin]

𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛 32

"Guys, I think this is a bad idea," Jeno sulks as he sinks himself further into the water. Never has he felt more nervous and on edge than right now. He'll be sleeping on the same bed with his crush! And said crush might even have a boyfriend. Also, he might not look too happy about the arrangement. From where he stands he can see Jaemin arguing with Renjun.

"What do you mean? I think it's a wonderful idea. You'll get all cozy with your crush," Hyuck sighs as though he wishes he could be the one in Jeno's position. He guesses the original plan was to have Mark sleep with Donghyuck.

"Relax. Whatever crazy thing you're thinking it's gonna happen, it won't. That only happens in fanfictions or whatever," Mark shrugs off.

"You read fanfictions?" Jeno looks scandalized when Mark shrugs again. "And how come you're okay with this? You know Jaemin might be dating Renjun. In that case, the single bedroom should go to them!"

"Actually, the one that suggested the room arrangements was Renjun," Mark takes a sip of an orange juice he had brought. "I feel like that confirms their status as not in a relationship," he concludes. But Jeno can't help the insecurity tugging at his gut. Those two spend a lot of time together, and even now they are working on a sand castle laughing off and talking in secretive. And even if they weren't dating, would Jaemin be okay with them sleeping together? Yes, they've gotten closer these past few weeks. But was that enough?

The questions and doubts continue to plague his mind throughout the rest of the day. Though he momentarily forgets when one of the boys brings out a volleyball and they all gather for a match.

"Let's make some teams," Chenle suggests dividing them into teams of three and Renjun decides to referee. From the start it gets competitive. The two youngest and Donghyuck in one team is a recipe for disaster.

"Eat dirt, losers!" Hyuck sticks his tongue out.

"Real mature," comes Jaemin's voice behind Jeno. "We were only getting started, right guys?" And the aura that builds around him it's crazy attractive. The way his brows scrunch in concentration and a fiery glint crosses his eyes. Sweat makes his skin glisten naturally and suddenly the heat from outside is too much for Jeno. Grabbing the edge of his shirt, he pulls it off and throws it to the side.

"It's on," he grins. All the boys whistle appreciatively at his naked torso. Which is hard and toned thanks to his weekly exercise rutines.

"Why didn't that come off earlier?" Hyuck winks. Chenle and Jisung fake gag. "If Jaemin wasn't concentrating earlier, he definitely won't be concentrating now," and Jaemin coughs.

"Pft. It's just some abs. I'm not like all of you thirsty teens," but the blush creeping on his neck is proving otherwise. Knowing how much this is affecting Jaemin makes Jeno's insides ignite. And somehow his new regained confidence helps them win the match.

☆

"Hey, Jaemin. Can we talk?"

"Yeah, sure. What's up?" Jaemin adjusts himself on their shared bed brushing his wet hair from his face. Suddenly Jeno becomes hyper-aware of how attractive the blunette is. Eyes start to trail the edge of his jaw down to his neck. There, a single water droplet slips inside Jaemin's loose t-shirt. Jeno gulps. The edge of his shorts had ridden up, revealing soft milky skin. His thighs looking plush and inviting. And Jeno curses once he realized he can't lay on them forever.

He clears his throat.

"About the room arrangements," he scratches the back of his neck. "I kinda been avoiding asking, but I can't keep delaying it. Are you okay with sleeping, you know," he hesitates. "Together?" Jaemins lips part as his breath hitches, gaze slowly falling down. Jeno holds his breath.

"I'm not going to lie. I do feel a bit weird, but I don't mind," the response comes in a low whisper. Not very convincing if you ask Jeno.

"Are you sure? If it's too uncomfortable, I don't mind sleeping on the floor. I could grab a pillow and a blanket and be good to go," he insists, but Jaemin shakes his head. Jeno knows the boy is too nice for his own good. Deep down he knows Jaemin is hiding how he truly feels. He might be agreeing out of concern for Jeno's impending back pain from sleeping on the ground. But Jeno's willing to go through that before making the other uneasy. "I-"

"Really," he finally looks up. His gaze holds Jeno. "It's okay. I don't mind. None of us deserve to sleep on the ground. Besides, what better bonding experience than sharing a bed, am I right?" He chuckles. Jeno nods slowly, still unconvinced. But if Jaemin insists, then there's nothing he can do. "You haven't taken a shower yet, right? You should go."

"R-right," he quickly moves towards his suitcase to grab his nightwear and essentials. After double checking, he shoots a kind smile before moving towards the door. He pauses there and turns around. "I really want us to be okay. You're important to me," he then leaves before he could get a response.

After the shock of hearing his words, Jaemin releases a breath he didn't know he was holding. "Why is this so nerve wracking?" he mumbles moving to grab his phone. Not knowing who else to talk about his situation, he opens the chat of one person he knows he can count on.

Not a second passes after sending his message. Ding.

Silence.

Jaemin turns his head to find Jeno's phone sitting on the bedside table. The screen glows for a second and then it goes black. The temperature of the room drops. It's just a coincidence, isn't it?

The memory of Renjun mentioning Jeno being the only one without an Instagram pops in his mind. It can't be, right? So he sends another message.

Ding.

His heart accelerates. So many things run through his head. The secrets he's spilled, the compliments they've shared, the secrecy, the long stares, the wishful eyes, the crush. Oh my gosh, the crush. The faceless boy who had stolen a piece of his heart, and the one that has been driving him out of control. He has to know. So he cautiously moves towards the source of his answers. The silence of the room becomes deafening. All he hears is the thumps on his chest until he reaches the cellphone and presses the home button.

nana.likes.u has sent you a message.