Chapter Text
“Cheol, hurry up!” Jeonghan calls out from outside the gate as he heard his bestfriend scrambling for his shoes. “We’re going to be late!”
“We won’t! I’ll be out in a minute!” Seungcheol curses as his toe bumps on a corner, making him yelp in silence. Then he comes out of their house, shouting a loud goodbye to his parents. They ran immediately, with Jeonghan whining about how he would be all sweaty by the time they get to campus. “I told you to sleep early last night!”
“I tried!” Seungcheol scowls at him. “But I couldn’t. I think I stared at the ceiling for a good few hours. I only felt sleepy around 5 am.”
“Gosh you’re too excited.” Jeonghan rolls his eyes as he stomps his feet while looking out for the bus.
“And you’re not?”
Jeonghan grinned. “Of course I am, silly. I didn’t sleep at all that’s why I came to your house early.” Seungcheol mirrored the incredibly huge grin on his bestfriend’s lips. “This is it, Hannie. This is our dreams coming true.”
Jeonghan smiled that smile that makes his nose scrunch and it has always been Seungcheol’s favorite. “This is it, Cheol.” and just in time, the bus arrives and they hop on together with excitement rushing through their veins.
When the familiar campus came to view, the two of them tried so hard to not make noises, but Seungcheol couldn’t help it and ended up screaming incoherence as his fist shot through the air. Jeonghan had to drag him out, apologizing to the commuters because of his friend’s antics but as soon as they got off the public vehicle, he joined Seungcheol in celebrating.
Korean National Police University and Institution
This has been their dream since they were young. One of their biggest motivations why they did so well in school. They’ve always imagined themselves as students from this grand university. And then later on as alumni working their dream jobs in their respective fields.
As they walked in the campus, they couldn’t help but feel giddy. Today is the first day of their two-week orientation before they officially begin their classes as freshmen of KNPUI. And although the campus is huge, they’re thankful they memorized each and every building (or more like, Jeonghan did) and they came into the grand hall where all freshmen are gathered for the orientation.
Jeonghan had hoped to come earlier so they can sit on the front section, but thanks to Seungcheol waking up late, they had to settle on the furthest section of the room. Thankfully, Jeonghan didn’t have time to make a fuss about it because the university director have stepped on stage to give his welcoming speech.
“Nothing is as fulfilling as being able to protect the citizens of your country and here in KNPUI, that is the mindset we hope all our students will have during your stay here and all the more after you’ve graduated and joined the working society. This freshman orientation, for the whole two weeks of its duration, will prepare you on how you will tackle your future classes, discuss to you about the basic organizations and hierarchies and everything you have to know for you to be able to settle in well. By the end of this 10 days orientation, you will be given your badges, a symbol that you are now fully admitted to this institution.” and the the director chuckled, “Now let me catch my breath.” and that made all the students laugh. “That was already long enough, wasn’t it? So I’m stopping right here because for the next two weeks you will spend your time mostly listening to your instructors and as difficult as that may be, I suggest for you to savor it. Because once you’re on field duties, I’m telling you all…” and then he looked at all the students. “You will miss sitting down on your comfortable classroom chairs.” and with that, the director gave the floor to the lead instructor.
“Cheollie I think I’m going to cry.” Jeonghan leans in to whisper to his friend. “We’re really here. We’re really doing this.” and as much as Seungcheol wanted to grab Jeonghan’s hand and squeeze it or maybe even pull him in for a tight hug, he had to restrain himself because people might get the wrong impression.
It wasn’t a big deal before when they were in highschool because everybody knew they grew up together, but in this new environment, he knew they had to protect themselves because it’s so easy to be judged and labeled by strangers.
But amid the restraint he placed on himself, he knew their eyes speak for both of them. He knew he didn’t have to hold Jeonghan for the other to know that he’s just as excited and elated. He knew Jeonghan knows how he feels. After all, they’ve spent almost half of their entire lives planning and anticipating this exact moment.
--
The first two weeks of their freshmen lives went by in a blur. It was just lecture after lecture with some group activities and a lot of memorizing. For Jeonghan, it was heaven. He liked listening in class-- likes interacting with people, getting to know them, knowing why they move the way they do and the logic behind their characters. He liked reading and absorbing each and every detail. It is his forte.
As for Seungcheol, it was hell. He hates being glued to his chair (even though Jeonghan would always tease him about how it must be so comfortable sitting because he’s got a nice cushion aka his well rounded behind) and absolutely loathes listening to people talk. He’s a doer. He needs to be doing something-- anything, just not listening and sitting and staring at people as they talk away. He likes to be physical, he learns by doing and experiencing things.
So in a way, both of them were excited to have come to the end of the orientation but for two very different reasons.
Although those reasons didn’t really matter, because what’s always been important is that they’re in this together.
--
As expected, Jeonghan was quick to fit in. They shared almost every class since it wouldn’t be until their sophomore year that they would need to choose their specialties. Jeonghan became every instructor’s favorite and nobody even dared question that because he’s just really that good.
Meanwhile, Seungcheol struggles to keep up. He wasn’t expecting police school to have long boring classes. He thought they’d be in the field right away-- training and being molded to do their duties. So lectures and papers and written exams weren’t exactly what he thought he’d be doing. Thankfully, Jeonghan is always there to help him out.
It was also a good thing that he somehow found an outlet by joining the Judo team. Every student has to pick out an extra curricular organization to join into and of course Seungcheol would join one that would help him release some pent up stress accumulated by the intense use of his brain.
Jeonghan, on the other hand, signed up to the Crime Investigation Committee. It was a no-brainer for him since he’s always known what field he wanted to be in. Since he’s really good with people, he thought of becoming a crime psychologist. “You could just become a regular psychologist, why would you even want to know what goes in a criminal’s mind?” his mother’s question ring in his ears every now and then, and if Jeonghan were to be completely honest, he too, does not know the answer. Even his highschool adviser was shocked and actually persuaded him to just take a desk job instead. Like a court stenographer or even a prosecutor. But the thing about Jeonghan is, when he decides he’ll do something, he’ll do it. He can never be swayed. So from the moment he decided that’s what he wanted to do, he studied it thoroughly. He plans to be very good at it.
And so far, everything is going as planned.
As part of their routine, Jeonghan would always wait for Seungcheol to finish training. Seungcheol’s parents had agreed to get him an apartment near school so he wouldn’t have to travel home everyday. He was against it because then it would mean Jeonghan had to go home alone, but the latter actually pushed for him to accept his parents’ offer because then that would mean Jeonghan has a place to crash to whenever he couldn’t (and didn’t) want to go home. And it really proved convenient because Jeonghan often sleeps over.
“God you stink.” Jeonghan scrunches his nose and pushes Seungcheol in as soon as the latter unlocked the door. “So sticky too.”
“And yet you can’t stop clinging onto me.”
“I do not cling.” Jeonghan defends himself.
“Yeah, whatever makes you sleep at night.” and then Seungcheol proceeds to remove his judogi. He spins around when Jeonghan whistled. “What was that for?”
“You buffed up.” and then as if to prove his point, he walked to where Seungcheol is and squeezed his arm. “Yeah, definitely buffed up.” his grabby hand went further up to Seungcheol’s shoulder and then on his chest. “Wow Cheol, you’ve grown boobs.” he gushed as he pressed on the firm chest. “And your stomach isn’t tubby anymore.”
“It was never tubby.” Seungcheol huffed as he tried to ignore the feeling of Jeonghan’s hand roaming his naked torso.
“It was! But now look!” Jeonghan pressed both of his palms to Seungcheol’s firm stomach. “Wow, you’ve only been training for a few months but it’s like this already? I sense abs coming.” and when Jeonghan’s fingers accidentally brushed lower, Seungcheol pulled away from the touch. “I’m going to take a bath.” he rushed to the bathroom and with heavy breaths he closed the door behind him.
And then he looked down and saw an evidence of something forbidden.
Fuck.
Why did he get hard?
It was barely a touch. It didn’t even graze there.
So why was he hard?
Seungcheol could only curse, not even able to look at it as he took off his pants. He immediately stepped into the cold shower and winced when it came in contact with his feverish skin.
Damn it.
This wasn’t supposed to happen.
When he stepped out, he could barely look Jeonghan in the eyes. He also made sure to sleep on the furthest side of the bed. Unfortunately for him, Jeonghan has a habit of entangling their legs when he’s sleeping, so it’s safe to say Seungcheol barely slept a blink that night.
He was too busy counting sheep.
He promised himself that the next time Jeonghan sleeps over, he will sleep on the couch.
But of course that never happened because Jeonghan would whine (cutely, he must emphasize this) his way into getting Seungcheol back to their bed.
Seungcheol had to count sheep every time. But later on gave up and accepted his fate. However, he still couldn’t quite tell why his bestfriend suddenly had a different effect on him.
--
When their sophomore year rolled in, it was Seungcheol’s time to step into the limelight.
Not that Jeonghan strayed far from it, but it was more like, Seungcheol finally found his footing as well.
There were less classroom lessons and they’re finally introduced to field assignments. Seungcheol took up shooting and driving classes and he thrived on them. He’s finally doing what he wanted to do. The only downside is, it took him outside campus so it was difficult to spend time with Jeonghan. His friend was also busy with his classes because he enrolled for more units.
Jeonghan is currently taking foreign language and liberal arts subjects needed for university graduates. Plus, he’s become an officer for the investigation committee. He rarely has a chance to come over to Seungcheol’s apartment too. Their schedules never meet.
Jeonghannie: I miss you. :(
Jeonghannie: You don’t miss me. :(
Seungcheol: Of course I do, silly.
Jeonghannie: When are you free? I want to watch a movie.
Seungcheol: Tomorrow? I don’t have evening classes.
Jeonghannie: Okay then! 5pm?
Seungcheol: Same place?
Jeonghannie: Same place <3 See you Cheollie!
Seungcheol couldn’t help but to smile as he locked his phone and put it on top of his chest. He hopes tomorrow comes quick.
--
“Shit.” Seungcheol curses as he glances at the clock. He’s running late. Jeonghan hates late. So he ran as fast as he could to where Jeonghan had asked him to meet. “Ha--” he was about to call his bestfriend, until he realized that Jeonghan is talking to someone.
Hiding behind one of the parked cars, he could tell that they’re having a serious conversation. Jeonghan was holding something, a box and it seemed the girl had given it to him. Not being able to hear what they’re talking about, Seungcheol could only rely on their actions. Jeonghan said something and the girl smiled.
Wait…
Is she… asking him out?
Suddenly Seungcheol feels something in his chest constrict, for the reason even he doesn’t know.
When the conversation ended, he did not approach Jeonghan immediately. Instead, he watched as his bestfriend see what’s inside the box. And he definitely felt something when Jeonghan smiled while looking at it.
Not being able to hold back anymore, he finally walked to where Jeonghan is. “What’s that?” was his immediate question.
Jeonghan looked up at him incredulously, “Well hello to you too. Late much?”
“Sorry. Class ran a bit longer.” not taking his eyes away from the box, he asked again. “So what’s that?”
“Oh, it’s a gift.” Jeonghan smiles again while looking at the box in his hand.
“Who’s it from?”
“Must you be so nosy?”
“So?” Seungcheol looked like he’s going to snatch away the box anytime soon so Jeonghan just shrugged and said, “It’s just some chocolates.”
“Chocolates? Why would she be giving you chocolates?”
Jeonghan looked at him again, but this time with a frown, “:How did you know it’s a she?” and when Seungcheol couldn’t say anything back, Jeonghan realized why. “So you saw her, huh?” Seungcheol immediately looked away and then mumbled, “I forgot I need to go now. I just came here to tell you that I can’t come with you because I have a lot of things to do. Bye.” and with that, he leaves a confused Jeonghan behind.
Jeonghan was stunned. Why is Seungcheol suddenly acting like this? Just because of a gift?
And then he smiled. He just thought of an idea.
--
Seungcheol lied about the reason why he had to leave. He was also confused by his sudden behavior because he’s never felt something like that before.
Why was he even irked about a girl giving Jeonghan a gift? It’s natural. Jeonghan is popular and he’s handsome so it’s just normal for him to be receiving attention like that.
So what exactly put him off?
Because it looked like a love confession?
But.. even if it was, why was he so bothered about it?
Or was it because of Jeonghan’s smile while he looks fondly inside the box? What was so interesting about chocolates that had got him smiling like that anyway?
Seungcheol muffled a scream on his pillow.
God, he’s so worked up over something he clearly doesn’t understand.
It makes him wonder if Jeonghan ever felt the same throughout the years of their friendship because when they were in highschool, he used to receive a lot of love confessions. But he had turned them all down. It’s not like he’s uninterested tin dating, but he really can’t imagine himself spending time with people other than Jeonghan.
Just then, he heard his door being unlocked.
He sat up and Jeonghan emerged from the door. “Now that doesn’t look like you have a lot of things to do.” Seungcheol didn’t have an excuse. At times like this, he wishes he had Jeonghan’s fast thinking. The other man can always outwit him. “Get up, Cheol. We’re drinking.”
“I told you…” Seungcheol groaned. “I have a lot of things to do.” Depsite being caught red handed, he still pushed for his ‘busy’ agenda because there’s just no way Jeonghan’s going to win this time. Plus, he doesn’t really feel like drinking when he’s this upset--- over what, he still doesn’t know.
“Get up or I’m climbing up the bed to tackle you down.” Seungcheol was surprised by Jeonghan’s choice of words. “What? I learned it from class. And mind you, I’m pretty good at it… well, the instructor said I was.”
“Jeonghan go away.” and then Seungcheol lies down again, hoping his friend would just listen and leave him alone for once. But he was caught off guard when Jeonghan suddenly pounced on him, hovering above him and pinning both his wrists on the top of his head. “Ya! What are you doing!”
“I told you. Besides, I’m not tolerating this cold shoulder. I didn’t do anything wrong.”
“Let go!”
“No. Not until you justify why you’re being an ass.”
“I’m not being an ass.” Seungcheol wriggled to get out of Jeonghan’s hold (which he thought would be easy considering he’s bigger in built) but Jeonghan had him pinned good. “I just-- I don’t feel like it today, okay?”
“Tell me why.” Jeonghan slowly putting his face close to his made him want to hold his breath. “Don’t tell me…” Jeonghan looked at him with curiosity. “Are you jealous?”
“What are you saying--” Seungcheol wriggled harder this time, making Jeonghan tumble to his side and then it was him who hovered above the other man. “I’m not. Why would I be?”
“Because…” Jeonghan grinned and then touched his chin. “You just want me for yourself.” Seungcheol was speechless. Because he knew Jeonghan only meant in the sense of their friendship, but something inside him stirred. And he doesn’t know if this is the first time for him to feel that way, or maybe he’s been feeling it but choosing to ignore it because… what even can it be?
He immediately climbed out of bed, not wanting to dwell on that thought any longer. “As if.” he scoffed at his friend, earning a giggle. When they were little and they would get a little too rough and end up entangled with other it didn’t matter. Boys are boys.
When they were in highschool, he simply passed it off as them just being comfortable in their skin and with each other so he didn’t think too much about it.
But Jeonghan is just so beautiful. So handsome. There’s no word to describe him. So sometimes he finds himself staring a little longer, to the point that he gets lost in his eyes, his laughter and everything else he does.
And he doesn’t know why.
He then proceeds to sit on the couch, grabbing a can of beer from the table and then chugging in as much as he could. “Ya slow down.” Jeonghan scolds him. “You said you’re not in the mood to drink.”
“But you’re already here so…”
Jeonghan grumpily gets out of bed. “Why are you so snappy? What did I do?” he sat beside Seungcheol on the opposite end of the couch. “Why are you so worked up over a bunch of chocolates?”
Seungcheol refused to look at him.
“She gave it to me because I helped with her paper, that’s all.”
Now, Seungcheol looks at him. “That’s it?”
“Yeah. That’s it.” Jeonghan nods as he sips on his beer. “Why? Did you think she was asking me out?”
“No!” Seungcheol was quick to defend himself, but that was what made it obvious. “Okay.” Jeonghan hides his smile. If he were to apply the things he’s been learning in class, he can easily tell that his friend is lying.
But he doesn’t even have to use his knowledge because Seungcheol is an open book to him.
“For the record, I tried to refuse. But she was so adamant that I take it so I did. Besides, I didn’t want to make her feel bad.”
“I said it’s not because of that.”
“Fine fine… let’s not talk about it anymore. Let’s just drink.” and then silence befell them. And it was of two reasons: 1) Seungcheol is dying of embarrassment because of how he acted, 2) Jeonghan knows his friend is going through it.
But it was Seungcheol who broke the silence. “I haven’t seen you in days.”
“Yeah, and now that you have, you don’t want to spend time with me.”
“It’s not like that. I’m just---ughh” Seungcheol groaned exaggeratedly. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. It’s cute.” Jeonghan couldn’t help but tease him. “You’ve always been the jealous type so I’m used to it.”
“I was never-- I’m not jealous!” Seungcheol is all red. “Stop assuming things.”
“It’s okay Cheollie. It’s normal. And it’s okay to want me for yourself. That’s how I feel towards you too.” and it was at times like this that Seungcheol wished Jeonghan isn’t as straightforward as he is. Because that statement hit him so differently. “I used to feel that all the time whenever girls and boys from our school and other schools would come to you just to say they like you. In a way I think it’s because it’s always been us, that if suddenly, someone is added into the equation, then our natural flow would be disrupted. But I also understand that the time will come when you will want to date. And it’s okay. Because when that time comes, then I’ll be cheering you on. That’s what bestfriends do right?” Jeonghan smiles at him.
Seungcheol mirrors it, or tries, at least. Because like he said, he can never really imagine himself with other people aside from Jeonghan. In fact, he thinks he’s never stared long at someone else the way he stares at Jeonghan.
And the most important question is, if Jeonghan starts dating, would he be okay with it? Would he be cheering him on too?
He should…. right?
After drinking, Jeonghan decided he’s too drunk to travel back home so he decided he’s going to sleep over. Climbing up to the bed, he pulls at Seungcheol’s arm and settles there. “I missed my fluffy pillow.” he slurs. “Don’t let anyone else sleep with you like this, okay?” Jeonghan looks up at Seungcheol. “This is the Yoon Jeonghan privilege.” and while usually, Seungcheol would push his friend away when he starts acting like this, this time, he didn’t.
Because he also liked the feeling of having Jeonghan in his arms like this.
Just him.
No one else.