Work Text:
— START 🏷️
"HOY KUYA TULALA KA NA NAMAN,"
Renjun snapped out of reality when he heard someone calling him out, he quickly turned to where the voice came from.
"Ano na naman," Renjun glared sharply at his brother who was devilishly smiling in his direction.
“Sino ba iniisip mo ha? Kanina ka pa wala sa hulog, lalamig na pagkain mo,” Chenle pointed at his unfinished plate.
“Wala. Sino agad? Di ba pwedeng antok pa ako?” Renjun began picking up the contents of his plate, immediately transferring it into his mouth.
“Sus,” Chenle teased him, which Renjun chose to ignore.
"Alis tayo, may laro kami,"
"Pake ko?" Renjun rolled his eyes as he continued on eating his food.
"Bilis na lagot ako kay Kuya JM pagnalate ako,"
As soon as he heard a familiar name, Renjun quickly finished his food and went to his room to change.
"Wow, nabanggit ko lang si Kuya JM tayo agad,"
— 🏷️
"RJ, you came!!"
Renjun was caged into a hug initiated by the player. Renjun extremely hates physical touch, but when it comes to the latter, he just melts on the spot.
Renjun decided to visit the playground behind the court, only to see the person he's been wanting to see sitting on one of the swings na agad namang sinalubong siya ng mainit na yakap.
"May laro si Chenle," tipid na sagot ni Renjun. Renjun ignored the rapid thumping of his heart as the younger one hadn't let go of the hug.
"Ouch, akala ko pumunta ka dahil sa akin," Jaemin pulled away, admiring the boy in front of him. They are only inches apart, the urge to kiss Renjun is increasing, but Jaemin controlled himself as they were in public.
No one knows the score between them, even the two of them don't know what they are. Jaemin and Renjun knew about their feelings towards one another, but they haven't talked about labels, yet. Everyone knows that they are close and how Jaemin loves to tease the smaller one. Little did they know, there's something going on between the two.
Ngunit …
Walang kasiguraduhan. Walang assurance. Walang karapatan. Walang label.
Situationship is what people would describe it nowadays. More than friends but less than lovers.
"Yeah, right, balik na ko sa court," Renjun saw how the younger one stared at him deeply and fondly, so he decided to speak up.
"Cheer for me?" Jaemin asked before letting the older one leave.
"I will, just don't get hurt, 'kay?" Renjun nodded, giving Jaemin a warning to play safe.
"Nice. Mag iingat ang laloves mo kaya don't worry," Jaemin reached out his arm to ruffle Renjun's hair.
Renjun was just in awe, leaning onto Jaemin's touch. He just observed how the corners of Jaemin's lips moved upwards as the latter was ruffling his hair.
Napangiti na lang ng malaki si Renjun at the sight of the taller one. Nandoon lang silang dalawa sa playground, nakangiti. Masaya sa piling ng isa't isa.
*PRRRTTTT*
Renjun jumped in shock towards Jaemin's arms when the loud buzzer in the covered court resonated in the playground. Jaemin gladly accepted and caught Renjun's body, automatically wrapping his arms around the latter's slim waist.
"You good, love?" Jaemin asked as he caressed Renjun's side to comfort him.
"Nagulat lang," Renjun replied as he looked up at Jaemin who was looking down at him.
Renjun felt hot due to their close proximity, they weren't the type of couple to act lovey dovey in public lalo na walang nakakaalam kung ano sila.
Renjun didn't want to let his intrusive thoughts control him. However, his body acted on its own.
Renjun kissed his palm and placed the palm he just kissed on the taller one's cheek. Like an indirect kiss . Renjun watched how Jaemin's eyes widened by the sudden action and how the tips of Jaemin's ears reddened.
Napatawa na lang si Renjun sa reaksyon ng nakakabata.
"Good luck kiss for my love," Renjun cupped Jaemin's cheeks, stroking it gently as a smile formed on his lips.
Jaemin was too stunned to speak. He knew how Renjun wasn't fond of physical touch, especially outside, so he was astonished to even say anything.
"Thank you, lalove," Jaemin just replied with a simple thank you dahil kailangan niya din ng lakas sa laro. Jaemin closed his eyes as the older one was stroking his cheeks.
"You're enjoying this too much ah," Renjun scoffed as he saw how Jaemin closed his eyes.
"Hmm, I love this side of you so much, RJ," Jaemin stated that made Renjun chuckle.
However, they had to halt their lambingan session as they heard Renjun's brother, Chenle call out Jaemin's name.
"Go, I'll see you out there, JM," Jaemin pouted, but he knew na he had to go.
"I'll dedicate this game to you, baby," Jaemin quickly pulled Renjun by the waist, gently giving a peck on Renjun's forehead before heading in the court, leaving Renjun outside with a tomato coloured face.
— 🏷️
"San ka ba galing? Magsisimula na," Renjun's best friend, Haechan asked.
"Just outside," Renjun replied as he sat on the vacant seat beside Haechan.
The event happening is just a palaro among the villages, pero ang kalaban ng village nina Renjun ay long time rival nila kaya maraming nanonood.
Renjun glanced at the team just 5 seats away from him. Chenle was the one who reserved a seat for him and Haechan kaya medyo malapit. Renjun just observed how his brother was talking to Jaemin about plays na hindi naman malaman ni Renjun.
"LET'S GO, JAEMIN NA!!!"
Renjun flinched at the shrieks of the girls in front of them.
Being in a situationship with Jaemin also means withstanding the many people who admire him.
Jaemin is the infamous captain ng basketball team ng village nila kaya kilala ng lahat. Gwapo, mabait, matulungin sa village, magalang at marunong makisama. Ayan ang madalas na dinedescribe nila kay Jaemin kaya maraming nagkakagusto.
Minsan naiisip ni Renjun bakit sa kanya nagkagusto ang nakababata eh kapatid lang naman siya ng ka-teammate niya.
Now, Renjun is sitting on his assigned seat, trying his best to not roll his eyes sa mga babae sa harap niya. Nakakulay blue (yoon ang dress code sa village nila) pa ang mga ito na nakaayos pa ang buhok at may posters na punong puno ng glitter at sulat tulad ng "LABYU JAEMIN," "THAT'S MY MVP #13," at "JOWA KO PO SI #13."
Renjun observed Jaemin's reaction when the girls cheered for him at grabe ang ngiti nito.
"Aba, ngiting ngiti ka diyan gago," Renjun mentally rolled his eyes as he crossed his arms. Bad mood na agad hindi pa nagsisimula ang laro.
The girls screamed again when Jaemin drank from his bottled water. Renjun couldn't help but frown when he saw how the girls were quick to take a picture.
"Pati ba naman pag inom pipicturan???" Renjun wasn't impressed at all, nakakunot na ang noo nito.
"Uy, grabe salubong ng kilay mo ah," Haechan snickered beside him.
Si Haechan lang ang nakakaalam kung ano meron kina Jaemin at Renjun dahil sa kanya nagkukwento si Renjun. He knows everything about Renjun's situation at alam niya din kung bakit inis na inis na ang bestfriend niya ngayon.
"Lagyan mo na kasi ng label para maangkin mo na," Haechan whispered.
"ARAY," Haechan shouted when he felt Renjun pinch his side.
"Manahimik ka, wala ako sa mood,"
"Kanina ka pa tinitignan ni lover boy oh," Haechan pointed at the player #13.
Renjun's eyes found Jaemin's kaya nawala ang pagka kunot ng noo nito. Nawala ang inis niya ng ngitian siya ni Jaemin pero hindi din ito nagtagal ng…
"Uy, ningitian ako ni Jaemin!!!" The girl in front of Renjun playfully punched the other girl beside her.
Nabalik na naman ang inis ni Renjun. He has the same expression tulad kanina.
"Gago, HAHAHAHA," Haechan laughed at his best friend's reaction.
"Ipagdasal na lang kita na masurvive mo yung buong game," Haechan commented.
"Tangina mo,"
"I believe label is the answer, what are you so afraid of ba? Curious lang, no pressure," Haechan asked.
"Baka hindi pa siya ready sa commitment," Renjun answered as he looked down on his lap.
"Ginagago mo ba ako? Ikaw ata ang takot eh,"
"I was, but as time passed by, I realized na ayaw ko na ng mixed signals. I want everything between us to be certain, hindi yun lagi kong qinequestion kung ano kami. I want to be his lover, Haech," Renjun answered truthfully as he was gazing at the athlete who was intently listening to their coach giving instructions.
"Edi tanungin mo, communicate. Kilala mo naman siya, pakikinggan ka niya. Hindi ba pumasok sa isip mo na probably he's thinking the same thing? Tangina hulog na hulog na yan sa'yo, try to ask him kung ano kayo," Haechan advised, encouraging Renjun.
"I'll try," Renjun just gave Haechan a short smile.
"Just try to survive today. Mukhang magseselos ka ata buong araw—,"
"Puta, nakakailan ka na ha?!" Haechan groaned in pain when he felt his back being slapped by Renjun.
"Ako selos? Hindi—,"
" Hello po ,"
Renjun and Haechan turned to the person who called them. It was Jisung, also known as Jaemin's cousin.
"Uy, Jisung," Haechan greeted the younger one, and Jisung just gave him a simple nod.
"Ano ginagawa mo dito? You should be down there ah," Renjun asked, but Jisung just took a seat beside him.
"Injured po ako, Kuya eh," Jisung replied.
"Wag ka na magpo, nakakatanda naman," Haechan stated.
"Sige p— sorry," Jisung's apology just made Haechan and Renjun laugh.
"No need to be sorry and be tense around us. Mabait kami," Renjun noticed how nervous the younger one was.
"Ah, pinapabigay pala sa inyo," Jisung pulled out something from his bag.
Renjun watched Jisung take out something from his bag.
Dalawang turon, isang C2 yellow at isang mysterious paper bag.
"Para sa inyo daw yung turon, tapos tubig ka na lang daw Kuya Haechan,"
"Naknam, gusto ata ako mabulunan ampota," Haechan complained, but Jisung pulled a water bottle for Haechan from his bag.
"Oh, salamat," Haechan said, gladly accepting the bottle.
"Ano yung nasa paper bag?" Renjun asked as he opened his C2 yellow.
"Ah, para sayo daw yan eh, bigay ni Kuya JM," Jisung whispered dahil ayaw niyang marinig ito ng mga nasa harap nila.
Renjun just took the paper bag from Jisung and opened it.
A cap?
Renjun scanned the cap he was holding. It was yellow, medyo contrast sa blue niyang t shirt. However, there's more.
The yellow cap has the number 13 embroidered in front of it. Sa likod, nakasulat " JMN's 23, " in a clean, average sized font na pwedeng makita mula sa kalayuan.
Renjun felt his heart fluttered once again due to the cap to the point na nakangiti na ito na para bang nanalo sa lotto. He was just admiring what Jaemin just gave him, and he really loves how Jaemin shows his love for him in different forms.
Renjun quickly roamed his eyes around the court, looking for his love. However, Jaemin has his eyes on him already, mukhang pinanood siya ni Jaemin buksan ang bigay niya.
Renjun gave Jaemin a sweet smile and shyly waved the cap the latter just gave him. Jaemin smiles widely at him, and he winked secretly, too.
Renjun responded by putting the cap on his head backwards clearly displaying
" JMN's 23"
It was his turn to flirt at Jaemin who was shyly smiling now. Halatang kinikilig nang makita kung paano sinuot ni Renjun ang cap. Gusto na sagarin ni Renjun, but he looked around him first and it looked like everyone was busy doing their own stuff.
Renjun pouted his lips and acted like he was giving a flying kiss towards Jaemin's direction. After doing that, Renjun's eyes turned into crescents as he saw Jaemin's flustered expression.
"Tama na uy. Grabe kayo for someone who's not in a relationship ah," Haechan whispered directly to Renjun's ear, but Renjun just ignored it as he heard his phone ping.
From: lalove ko (ata)
"Thanks for the kiss, babe. Babawi ako later ;) Bagay yung cap mo sa'yo parang tayo lang :)"
To: lalove ko (ata)
"Thanks for the food and cap. I love it so much <3 galingan mo today, lovelove >_<"
“Ano ba tayo, Jaemin Na?”
— 🏷️
Throughout the first half of the game, the crowd roars whenever someone from their favoured team scores, but it wasn't the case for Renjun. Kung ang mga katabi niyang si Haechan at Jisung enjoy na enjoy sa panonood, hindi naman siya mapakali sa mga tao sa harap niya.
Tuwing nakakashoot si Jaemin, sisigaw ang mga ito na para bang sila ang jowa ni Jaemin. Tuwing papalya naman ang shoot, sasabihan na " Okay lang yan, love."
During one of the timeouts, Renjun headed out to buy a gatorade para kay Jaemin. Hindi niya nga lang alam paano ito ibibigay ng hindi siya nahahalata.
Pagbalik niya, he saw how one of the girls handed Jaemin the same flavour of gatorade nakakabili niya lang. Mukhang naghehesitate pa si Jaemin tanggapin ito pero sa dulo, kinuha niya iyon na may ngiti sa labi at itinabi sa yellow aquaflask niya.
Renjun couldn't help but roll his eyes as he went back to his seat, hawak hawak pa din ang blue na gatorade. He didn't like what he was witnessing at gusto niyang siya lang ang pwede magbigay ng mga bagay bagay kay Jaemin pero ano nga ba ang karapatan niya?
"Uy, gatorade?" Jisung asked, but Renjun stayed quiet which made Jisung shut his mouth.
"Ayos ka lang?" Haechan asked his best friend, but Renjun nodded, trying to conceal what he was feeling.
"Sa iyo na lang, Ji," Renjun handed Jisung the gatorade, and the latter accepted in doubt.
"Hindi ba para kay Kuya JM ito?" Jisung asked, referring to the drink.
"Hindi na, mukhang may nakuha na naman siya," Renjun answered as he pointed at the blue gatorade beside Jaemin's yellow aquaflask.
Renjun didn't know what to feel if he was going to be honest. Wala siyang magawa, hindi niya kaya limitahan si Jaemin sa mga ganyan dahil wala namang sila in the first place.
Ano nga ba sila? They are just friends who like each other romantically.
Renjun felt that he was being shallow for wanting attention and a label he's been longing for. Sino ba naman siya diba?
“Selos ka, Kuya?” Renjun escaped his thoughts when the person beside him asked.
“Bakit naman ako magseselos?” Renjun asked back, pretending to not know what the younger was talking about.
“Sus, I know what’s going on between you two na. No need to deny it, Kuys,”
“H-How?”
“The snacks, the cap and nahuli ko siyang katext ka one time kasi grabe ba naman ang ngiti niya. Kala ko nga may saltik na yun, ikaw lang pala ang dahilan,” Jisung said as he opened the gatorade Renjun gave him and took a sip out of it.
“Ah,” Renjun couldn’t mutter a proper response.
“If you’re thinking na ang babaw mo naman para magselos, huwag. Valid ang nararamdaman mo with or without label. Nagmamahal ka lang kuys kaya wag mo isipin na mali ang nararamdaman mo,” Jisung stated as he felt the older one was a bit uptight throughout the half portion of the game.
“Mas mabilis ka magbigay ng assurance kesa sa pinsan mo ah,” Haechan heard everything and was the one who spoke for Renjun who just stayed quiet throughout Jisung’s speech.
"Thank you," yan lang ang nasabi ni Renjun dahil magsisimula na ang second half ng laro.
"Pero magseselos pa din yan," bulong ni Haechan, pero hindi na lang ito pinansin ni Renjun
"Maybe Jisung's right. Nagmamahal lang ako, may label man o wala,"
— 🏷️
"Mga kababayan, we are down to the last quarter of the game in favour of the Dream Ville,” the commentator's voice radiated around the covered court as the coach from the other team called a time out.
"Kanino bola?" Renjun asked, nalilito pa din sa rules ng game. Ang alam niya lang ay lamang ang village nila.
"Sa kabila. Travelling daw isa sa manok natin," Jisung explained.
"Wala akong maintindihan pero sige," Renjun responded when his eyes landed on the kapitan of the basketball team they were cheering for.
Renjun can see how Jaemin is tired and sweaty dahil hindi ito masyado nilabas ng coach nila, ginamit nila si Jaemin ng sobra.
Renjun wanted to go down there to wipe the younger one's sweat and give him words of encouragement, but he couldn't for some reason.
"Jaemin Na!!! Fighting, kapitan #13!!!"
"Mahal ka namin, ibalik niyo ang korona sa Dream Ville!!"
"Ang pogi mo po!!!"
"Hindi pa ba tapos mag cheer tong mga toh," Renjun thought as he glared at the girls in front of him, almost boring holes onto their backs. Renjun observed Jaemin's reaction, the latter just awkwardly smiled and waved at the ones cheering for him.
"Nginitian niya ako beh!!"
"Para sa akin yun, beh wag kang assuming,"
"Gwapo gwapo amoy johnson's baby powder!!"
"Tangina naman talaga," Renjun thought as he removed his cap and messed with his hair, a bit frustrated about the situation.
Renjun was frustrated, not only at the girls cheering for Jaemin but mostly because of their situation. Wala man lang masabi si Renjun o magawa.
He wanted to cheer for Jaemin loud and proud but he was scared. Scared of how Jaemin would react if he suddenly rose up from his seat and cheered for him. Scared of how the people would react if they find out that their kapitan is associated with him.
*PING*
Renjun escaped in his trance of his thoughts when he heard his phone notification bell.
From: lalove ko (ata)
"Love, you good? Hindi mo ako ichecheer?"
Renjun immediately locked eyes with Jaemin when he finished reading the taller one's text. Jaemin is already looking at him with concern and signaled a thumbs up or thumbs down. However, Renjun turned to his phone to reply.
To: lalove ko (ata)
"Just a lot of thoughts in my head right now. I'm cheering for you silently tho,"
Renjun saw the frown that formed on Jaemin's face when he read his messages.
From: lalove ko (ata)
"Well, I hope you share those thoughts with me soon, love. I would love to hear it, and I appreciate you cheering for me silently,"
From: laloves ko (ata)
"Your cheers may be silent, but I prefer that rather than the loud ones,"
To: laloves ko (ata)
"Sus, you were enjoying the loud ones too much earlier ano? Bolero,"
From: laloves ko (ata)
"I really didn't. They were nice and I appreciate them cheering for me, but the cheers were not from you. I don't know but seeing you simply watching the game, wearing the cap just gives me strength to the point na the other cheers are pointless to me,"
Renjun looked again at Jaemin who was just widely smiling at him na para bang sila lang dalawa ang nasa covered court.
"Hay, I'm down bad for this man na," Renjun thought when he decided to break their eye contact dahil nagring na ang buzzer, signaling that the timeout just ended.
The last quarter of the game continued with the rival team's possession, but Renjun's phone pinged again. The only difference is mama niya naman ang nagchat asking him what time siya uuwi.
Nasa kalaban naman ang bola kaya Renjun decided to focus on replying to his mom first.
Renjun was typing away on his phone when he heard the girls shout again. A frown crease on Renjun's forehead as he wonders what Jaemin did that made his fans' hearts flutter.
"Who are you texting, love?"
Renjun stopped typing on his phone when he heard a familiar deep voice beside him. Renjun immediately turned to where Jisung was supposedly seated but the younger one was nowhere to be found. Instead, the kapitan, who has a towel wrapped around his neck and has his hair drenched and a bit disheveled, was sitting beside him, staring at his soul.
"Ayos ka lang ba, love? You looked bothered kanina pa so I–,"
"What are you doing here? You're supposed to be playing down there," Renjun whispered, trying to hide the fact that he is uncomfortable with the stares from the girls in front of him.
Agad naman ito napansin ni Jaemin kaya he took the matter in his own hands.
"Uhm I really appreciate you all cheering for me pero pwede panoorin niyo yung game. Medyo uncomfortable kasi ang lalove ko eh. Thank you,” Jaemin said softly to the girls in front of them.
"Hala sorry may jowa ka po pala,"
"Sorry, Kuya. Hindi namin alam taken na pala si Kapitan,"
"Cute niyo po, nood na po kami, galing niyo po kanina,"
"Uhm, don't apologize po, it's fine. Thank you for supporting, JM," Renjun said amidst the chaos, and the girls proceeded to watch the game again.
"Were you uncomfortable, love?" Jaemin asked as he tried to observe the smaller one's reaction.
"I…" Renjun hesitated, but the hesitation and doubt disappeared when Jaemin interlaced his long fingers with Renjun's small ones.
"I was uncomfortable, but it's okay na," Renjun responded, but Jaemin wasn't satisfied.
"You know you can tell me anything diba? I was watching you kapag nilalabas ako kahit saglit lang and you looked really troubled. I can't help but worry, RJ," Jaemin commented as he dropped a kiss on the back of Renjun's hand.
"Sabihin ko ba? Ano naman sasabihin ko? Na nagseselos ako at kailangan ko ng label and assurance?"
"You are spacing out again," Jaemin pinched the bridge of Renjun's nose with his free hand.
"Hindi ka ba maglalaro?" Renjun asked the latter, dodging the topic, so Jaemin just decided to go with the flow.
"Ayoko na, kaya na nila yan. Dito na lang ako sa tabi mo," Jaemim was about to lean his head on Renjun's shoulder when Renjun decided to slightly move away which made Jaemin frown.
"Sorry, pawis ka kasi let me wipe your sweat muna then you can lean on me," Renjun removed Jaemin's hold and reached out for Jaemin's towel na nasa leeg nito.
"Hindi muna nagpunas bago pumunta dito," Renjun complained as he used the towel to wipe the taller one's face shifting from his forehead hanggang leeg nito.
Jaemin was just staring at the person in front of him. He was dreaming of experiencing this moment, the person you love wiping your sweat in public after your game. Little did Renjun know, Jaemin was fighting the desire to kiss him.
"I can feel your stares," Renjun was now using the towel to dry the latter's hair. He couldn't help but feel flustered as he felt a pair of eyes on him.
"Ganda mo kasi,"
"Seryoso kasi tigilan mo natutunaw ako,"
"Seryoso din ako, maganda ka. Kaya kita titigan buong araw, love," Jaemin smirked, making Renjun flustered.
“Bolero amputa,” Renjun scoffed as he folded the towel neatly placing it on his lap. Later on, he signaled the younger one to put his head on his shoulder which Jaemin obeyed immediately.
Renjun felt an arm wrapped around his petite waist and a pressure on his shoulder.
“Pagod ka?” Renjun asked as he gave Jaemin’s arm a few taps.
“Hmm, half? Nagrerecharge ako ngayon,” Jaemin snuggled closer towards Renjun. Renjun felt hot breath followed by light kisses on the crook of his neck. Hinayaan lang naman ito ni Renjun dahil sanay na din siya.
“Nasa public kayo, oy. Tangina niyo naman,” Haechan complained beside Renjun.
“Inggit ka lang, Haech,” Jaemin mumbled against the older one’s neck.
“Ulol,” Renjun just laughed at the two bickering.
After being silent for a long time, Renjun decided to speak his heart out.
“Love?” Renjun whispered as Jaemin sat straight, removing his head on Renjun’s shoulder and giving the older one full attention.
“Why, love?” Jaemin asked as he saw the older one, looking sullen and bothered.
“Can we talk? In private?” Renjun asked again, and Jaemin smiled at him.
“Let’s get out of here,” Jaemin invaded Renjun’s palm as he interlaced it with his.
They didn’t get to finish the game after all.
— 🏷️
“Something’s bothering me,”
Renjun opened up as he kicked some rocks under his shoes. They are back in the playground where they usually get together in private.
“Makikinig ako, RJ,” Jaemin responded as he wanted to give the older one a space to be comfortable.
"I feel like ang petty niya though," Renjun hung his head low out of embarrassment, unable to voice out his feelings.
There was silence at first, but soon, Renjun felt the person beside him scoot closer to him, arms wrapping around his shoulders. Renjun looked up and saw how Jaemin's eyebrows furrowed.
"Love," Jaemin started, looking at Renjun with a hint of concern.
"You are valid, if it concerns you so much then it's a big deal. Nandito ako para makinig, hindi manghusga," Jaemin removed his hold on Renjun's shoulders.
"I want you to express what you feel without anything holding you back, hmm? Nandito ako makikinig lang and hopefully, I can make you feel better, my love," Jaemin tucked some of Renjun's stray hair behind his ear, admiring the beauty of the smaller one under the moonlight, umabot na ng gabi ang laban.
"Thank you for making me feel comfortable, Jaem," Renjun sighed in relief as he began to speak up.
"Nagseselos ako, Jaem,"
Renjun saw how the taller one's eyes widened, surprising him right away, but instantly his shocked face turned into a worried one.
"May I know why?" Jaemin used his soft tone rather than his deep, firm one.
"Ang dami kong kaagaw sa'yo. God, Jaem, call me selfish or possessive, but seeing you just interacting with your fangirls made me want to keep you all to myself…"
"God, I sound so immature," Renjun whispered as he massaged his forehead.
"You're not, Renj. Take a breather, ilabas mo lahat," Jaemin assured him by rubbing circles against Renjun's back.
"Okay…" Renjun took a deep breath and proceeded to talk.
"When I saw you accept the blue gatorade, I felt an ache dito," Renjun pointed at his chest.
"Wala akong magawa, Jaem. Hindi ko nga alam kung ano tayo. Wala akong karapatan magselos, we just like each other pero no established label. Hindi kita pwedeng angkinin, Jaem lalo na wala namang tayo," Renjun sadly smiled at Jaemin who was just silent the whole time.
Renjun's mind was in a whirlpool, he didn't know how the latter would react. Maybe Jaemin doesn't want the same thing? Not on the same page as him.
"Didiretsuhin na kita, Jaem," Renjun moved a little bit farther away from Jaemin, and Jaemin just nodded.
"Gusto ko lagyan tayo ng label,"
"Ang hirap kasi Jaem, hindi ko alam kung ano ako sa buhay mo eh. We're not friends or lovers. We give kisses and hugs to one another. I feel like I'm one of your fans na may special treatment. Napapatanong na lang ako madalas sa sarili ko kung ano tayo. Ayoko rin ng mixed signals, gusto ko yung sigurado,"
"Sorry if I got jealous despite not having the right. I just want to know your take on this, whether you want a label or casual lang. Basta ang akin lang, mahal kita, JM sigurado ako doon,"
Renjun felt tears escape from his eyes as he stopped from talking. He couldn't maintain eye contact with Jaemin, afraid of what his response would be.
"Renj, sorry," Jaemin started, but with only two words, Renjun's supply of tears began falling down constantly until it became sobs.
Jaemin widened his eyes as he heard the older one's loud sobs, obviously shocked by Renjun's reaction.
"Fuck, I worded it incorrectly," Jaemin muttered to himself as he scooted closer to Renjun again.
"Wag ka na umiyak, love. I want it, too," Jaemin used his fingers to lift up Renjun's chin. His heart ached when he saw how red Renjun's eyes are and how the tears just kept on flowing out of the latter's pretty eyes.
"Did you hear me? I want it, too… The label," Jaemin kissed every tear coming out of the latter's orbs.
"Y-You do?" Renjun whispered, finally looking at Jaemin's eyes.
"God knows how much I want it, Renj. I want to call you mine, my boyfriend," Renjun stared at the taller one's doe glassy eyes, fondly gazing at him.
"Fuck, totoo ba?" Jaemin asked again, and Renjun smiled and slowly nodded.
"Ako dapat ang nauna magtanong, I'm such an idiot," Jaemin muttered which made Renjun chuckle in between his tears.
"I want to go on dates with you, hold your hand, hug and even kiss you in public. I just thought na you weren't ready for commitments, and I didn't want you to be uncomfortable. I didn't even notice na you've been wanting the same thing din. I'm showing my love to you through actions, and I didn't mean to give you mixed signals. Gusto–,"
"Mahal kita, RJ, higit pa sa inaakala mo. Kahit sino pa lumapit sa akin, ikaw lang talaga. You wearing the cap I gave you earlier was enough to drive me crazy. Ang lala ko sa'yo, Renj. I don't think makakaahon ako dito. You are not just a fan na may special treatment but you are beyond that,"
"I want to reassure you that we are on the same page. I want to be with you, at ikaw lang ang sinisigaw ng puso ko, RJ and I hope you'll always remember that,"
"Angkinin mo ako, love. I don't mind, tell the world I'm yours, and I'll tell them you're mine alone. You don't deserve to be hidden, you deserve a person's love na kaya kang ipagsigawan sa lahat, and I believe I am that person," Jaemin embraced the latter's smaller frame while Renjun was drowning with Jaemin's scent.
Jaemin began pulling away from the hug, facing Renjun. The taller one lifted up his hand onto the latter's cheeks, gently caressing it while Renjun leaned into Jaemin's touch. Renjun couldn't help but smile brightly, tears were nowhere to be found on his pretty face which made Jaemin sigh in relief.
Renjun linked his hands on Jaemin's nape, slightly massaging it to put the younger one at ease. Jaemin moved his hands from Renjun's cheeks to his waist, pulling the older one closer to him.
"So…"
"Will you do the honours and be my boyfriend, Renjun Na–,"
"Gago," binatukan agad ni Renjun ang nakakabata, but Jaemin just gave him a sly smile.
"Doon din naman tayo pupunta, love," Jaemin smirked, and no matter how much Renjun wanted to remove that smirk, he didn't want to ruin the mood and maybe, doon din naman talaga sila pupunta.
"Jowain mo na ako, tangina. Hiyang hiya na nga ako aminin na nagselos ako," Renjun pouted at napatawa na lamang ng malakas si Jaemin dahil sa pagrereklamo ni Renjun.
However, the pout on Renjun's lips disappeared when Jaemin slowly and passionately captured it in a kiss, which Renjun immediately replied. Once Renjun kissed the taller one back, the corner of Jaemin's lips turned upwards, unconsciously smiling in between the exchanged kisses.
* PRINGG*
The two immediately separated when they heard the buzzer coming from the court, signaling that the game was done.
When their eyes met, the shock painted on their face turned into giggles and laughter.
“Shota na kita ha?” Jaemin said as he locked his hand with Renjun’s, automatically making the latter blush in crimson red.
“Okay, love. Boyfriend na kita,” Renjun moved closer to Jaemin as he planted a short peck on the taller one’s cheek.
“Let’s go, pakilala kita sa kapatid ko as my lalove,” Renjun confidently dragged Jaemin papasok sa court ulit to meet Chenle.
— 🏷️
“So kayo na?” nakapamewang na tanong ni Chenle as he saw the couple’s intertwined hands.
“Oo pre, kami na ng Kuya mo,” Jaemin answered, but instead of a smile, he received a scoff from his lover’s younger brother.
“Buti naman at nalagyan na kayo ng label. Masasapak ko na kayong dalawa dyan eh, tangina,” Chenle rolled his eyes.
“You knew?” Renjun asked, which earned a nod from Chenle.
“Oh come on, tanga na lang ang hindi makakahalata. Besides, lagi kayong magka late night talks and our rooms are just beside each other. Hindi pa soundproof, my god respeto naman sa akin,”
“Ikaw naman. Kanina, may pabigay ka pa ng cap kulang na lang eh bigyan mo tong Kuya ko ng shirt na may mukha mo,” Chenle pointed at Jaemin who was turning red kasi they were obvious as heck.
“Sorry, Lele. I didn’t know na nabobother ka pala,” Renjun apologized, but the younger one laughed.
“Huy, joke lang. Masyado niyo naman ako sineryoso, lahat ng sinabi ko totoo pero hirap man aminin, bagay kayo. Alagaan niyo na lang ang isa’t isa, pero pag nag break kayo, wala akong kakampihan ha,” Chenle playfully threatens them.
“Noted, bossing,” Chenle just tapped Jaemin’s shoulder and gave them both a reassuring smile.
“Kahit mamaya mo na iuwi yan, ako na bahala kay Mama. Both of you deserve to date as bfs na in public, seloso pa naman yan si Kuya,” Chenle saw how Renjun side eyed him kaya natawa na lang ang dalawa.
“Yeah, I noticed. It’s my job to be mindful of my actions and give him assurance na siya lang ang mahal ko. So, I believe, we’re a pretty balanced pair,” Jaemin received a slap from Chenle at the back which made Renjun slap Chenle at the back, too.
“ARAY KUYA RENJ,”
“Bakit mo hinahampas jowa ko? Ako lang dapat gumawa nun,” Renjun glared at Chenle.
“Cheesy kasi ng lover boi mo, tumaas balahibo ko. Grabe talaga pagbabago ng isang tao pag naiinlove,” napa facepalm na lang si Chenle dahil sa dalawa.
“Siya, alam ko naman na hindi ka pupunta sa after party kaya una na ako. Ingatan mo yan,” Chenle proceeded on getting out of the court, leaving the couple behind.
“Date tayo,” Renjun was the one who spoke, this time.
“Naks, inaya ako magdate—,”
“Decide before magbago isip ko, Na,”
“Oo na shota ko, san mo gusto?”
“Mang Inasal?”
“G,”
Their evening turned out to be serene and full of smiles and love, both hearts contented with what they had.
No regrets, dalawang nagmamahal at nagmamahalan lamang.
— fin 🏷️