Dream (Norenmin)

1

Freshly showered and dressed for the day Jeno steps out of the shared bathroom with his roommate and BFF Jaemin only to be greeted by a note stuck to the fridge.
'I had to run, early chem class. Breakfast is on the stove. 💚'
Jaemin always signs everything with a heart and Jeno thinks it's cute. He sits and eats happily, thankful that he at least got to eat even though he didn't get to greet Jaemin again today. He's been leaving early more and more and it's getting really annoying. He cleans up after himself and grabs his things for class.

Most of his classes are basic, he does have one with Jaemin which is right before lunch break and most of the time they will get to eat together.
"You want to go to the coffee place today for food?" Jaemin looks thoughtful at his friend.
"Jeno, you hate coffee why do you always suggest that place?" Jeno is caught off guard by the question.
"Because you Love coffee, of course." He looks at Jaemin like the answer is obvious even though it isn't to him. He puts his arm over Jaemin's shoulder and starts walking.
"They have other drinks too, but you really like their coffee and I can get soda anywhere so it makes sense." Jaemin hummed, not sure if he was looking for a different answer, something not so obvious or simple. He will take what he can get though.
They have a great time as usual at lunch. They go over some like assignments together and talk about their annoying professors and classmates.
"I can't wait for today to be done." Jaemin says with a pout.
"Why? Did something happen?" Jeno reaches across the table to touch Jaemin's hand but stops himself. He knows it's not appropriate.
"I'm just really tired and need some time to rest." Jeno nods, a hint of sadness in his eyes.
"Don't worry about supper, I'll bring home our favorite Chinese. So go straight home, take a long hot bath, snuggle in your softest pajamas and when you're ready I'll heat up dinner for us." Jaemin can't help the glitter in his eyes as he looks at his best friend who cares so much. He knows he's one of the luckiest people alive and he can't ruin this ever.
"Thank you, you're the best." Jeno nods, smiling sweetly at the other.
After a little awkward silence which they don't usually experience together they go their separate ways to finish out their day.

It was almost 4:30 when Jeno's culinary arts professor paired them up strategically to work on a project. He doesn't know many people in this college because he really only ever wants to hang out with his best friend when he actually has free time so he's glad they were picked for him. When he hears his name called he pays attention, but he missed the others name. He looks around the room and sees another boy staring at him with a cute pout on his face. He waved at him receiving a smile which was angelic as far as he's concerned. He watched as the  boy made a pouty face to another boy, presumably his friend and again, Jeno doesn't think he can handle the cuteness.

When class is finally dismissed he goes up to him and holds out his hand.
"I'm sorry, I missed your name." The other smiles shyly and looks down.
"I'm Renjun, nice to meet you." Jeno is fascinated by his soft angelic voice.
"Um would you want to go out for um food or drinks or something so we can discuss our project?" Renjun's cheeks heat up as he stands under the intense gaze of this beautiful person.
"Yes, I would like that. I am a bit hungry." Jeno quickly nods and suggests a few places before Renjun picks a sandwich shop just off campus.
They eat together and talk for a few hours about anything and everything and even did a little planning. When it was time to leave both were reluctant. This was refreshing and nice for both of them.
"Can I walk you home?" Jeno asks not wanting to leave just yet. Renjun giggles and agrees, it's not too far from where they are. He stays with four other people in a house they rent together.
"Thank you." Renjun says in a small voice looking up to the handsome face in front of him.
"Sure, um can you give me your number so we can do this again? I mean Um you know for the project." Renjun smiles softly and hands over his phone. When Jeno checks his phone to see if Renjun's text came through he was horrified. First of all it's already 8pm and he doesn't know how time slipped away so quickly and secondly he had three consecutive messages from Jaemin and his heart broke.
"Shit, Renjun it's late I, I have to go it was so nice tonight. I mean I had fun with you so I'll see you." Renjun nods and laughs at his awkwardness as the other walks backwards until he can't anymore.

The whole walk to the Chinese restaurant is hard for Jeno. His feet feel like bricks. He can't get there fast enough. The guilt is weighing him down. How dare he have fun with someone else when he made a promise to Jaemin? How dare he enjoy someone else's company that much when he has Jaemin. He knows he doesn't really have him but he still in some weird way feels like he cheated on him.

When he finally got back to their apartment it was dark. Jaemin was in bed. He left a note on the table signed with a heart again. He quietly put the food in the fridge and wrote a note of his own.
He quietly knocked and opened Jaemin's door to see only his back as he was curled in a ball. He backed out and went to bed that night feeling the weight of his carelessness. It may not be much to others but these two never broke plans or promises with each other. Jeno would never admit that he cried himself to sleep that night. He's conflicted, confused and hurting.
Jeno too will not know that when he opened the door to Jaemin's room he stilled so Jeno didn't see or hear him cry. Jaemin always knew there would come a day where he would be replaced. Where he would be forgotten and fuck, it hurts more than he ever thought possible.