Chapter Text
Jaehyun and Taeyong have always lived next door to each other. Their friendship never had its official label until they reached the age of six, three days before Taeyong’s birthday. On that special day, Jaehyun pushed him off of a tree. Taeyong was fine, except for maybe a few bruises to the knee (and the ego), but in Jaehyun’s defense, he sincerely thought it was for Taeyong’s own good. He stood up only a couple of seconds after hitting the ground and that was ultimately the everlasting start to their friendship.
Taeyong has always been shy. Six year old, outgoing and talkative Jaehyun was aware of this because whenever all the kids in their subdivision went to play during church service on Sundays, Taeyong never left his mother's side. All of the children knew each other by name and each one's unique favorite color but Taeyong never did, he never bothered joining them unless he was forced to.
The only reason Jaehyun even knew his name was because his parents dropped him off at the Lee’s whenever no one else was home to watch over him, so naturally, Jaehyun was forced to greet Taeyong and sit beside him during dinner and sometimes lunch if it was the weekend.
"You don't like playing with me very much, do you?" young Jaehyun once asked, slumped over the living room coffee table with a large blue crayon in hand, his favorite color. Taeyong didn't want to go outside, Jaehyun was forced to draw.
Taeyong only glanced at him, his eyes all big and innocent, a natural pout on his lips, one that would always make Jaehyun feel a little bad for wanting to ditch him all of the time. Taeyong sat in front of him with his own crayon in his hand~ looking equal parts apologetic, nervous, and embarrassed as he said, "It's not that I don't want to play with you… I just don't like playing, that's all."
Jaehyun knew that was a lie because he’d seen him playing with his little sister outside countless of times, but he didn’t question him any further, he continued to color in the Pokemon coloring book Taeyong had offered him earlier.
Maybe Jaehyun found it ridiculous and maybe it made him a little angry, but maybe he just had to accept the fact that he would never understand Taeyong, werent kids supposed to like playing outside? Jaehyun hated feeling clueless, and the fact that he couldn’t completely wrap his head around Taeyong made him feel the most clueless. They were children, every child plays. They weren't old enough to develop self-doubt and insecurities, so it really didn’t add up, but Jaehyun decided to come to the conclusion that Taeyong was just really shy.
Jaehyun extended his (considerably short) patience, just for him, because Taeyong was a short kid with big, round eyes, asthma attacks and skinny arms and Jaehyun hated seeing him uncomfortable around kids their age during Sunday services and birthday parties. But, during Taeyong’s birthday party, that's where Jaehyun’s patience was thrown out of the window, he had to draw the line somewhere.
Taeyong was meant to play with kids and have all the fun that he could on his birthday, but instead he was in his backyard, sat on a tree with a half-eaten chicken leg in his hand, his feet dangling off of a tree branch.
Jaehyun was probably his only friend in their neighborhood-if he could even be considered his friend-and he felt a sense of responsibility to make sure Taeyong enjoyed his birthday celebration. That's why he marched up to the bottom of the tree trunk and called out to him, his small hands resting on his waist, determination set in the tone of his voice.
"Taeyong," He sighed heavily, "Your party is inside your house, not on top of that dumb tree."
Taeyong blinked at him with his wide glossy eyes. "But I have this chicken. I'm happy sitting here."
"No you're not, " He decided for him, shaking his head, "You should go inside.
"Why?" He said in his naturally high-pitched voice, "I'm okay here."
"You'll feel even better inside," He tried again, but he was rejected. Jaehyun felt exasperated because he didn't expect Taeyong to be this difficult when he purposefully walked outside to help him, that’s why he had to think of a solution, and he had to think fast. "Fine, if you don’t come down from that tree, I’ll push you off." It was an empty threat.
Initially.
But Taeyong didn't budge. He took another bite from the fried chicken leg and looked him square in the eyes and said, "No you can't." Oh was he getting on Jaehyun’s last nerve, that's when Jaehyun found himself climbing up the prickly tree stump, sitting himself right next to where Taeyong was.
It wasn't a difficult climb. Jaehyun was an excellent climber and Taeyong wasn't at a far distance from the ground anyway; if he reached his hand out from where he sat on the grass previously, he could've reached for Taeyong’s ankle.
Once he climbed up and positioned himself with his hands raised in front of his chest, he was ready and in pushing position, a menacing look in his eyes, "Go inside or I'll push you off."
Taeyong ignored him and took another bite off the stupid chicken leg in his hand, that was the last straw for Jaehyun, so with one quick push, Jaehyun shoved him off the tree. The piece of chicken was discarded somewhere in the backyard when Taeyong flailed his arms but he caught himself before he fell. His knees took most of the blow and he groaned when he stood up, brushing himself off with a heavy glare set on Jaehyun, "What did you do that for!"
"Hey, I warned you," He defended with a huff, crossing his arms over his chest, Taeyong was about to say something when Jaehyun’s mom marched out from the back door (the same way Jaehyun did moments ago) and called out to him. She probably saw the entire commotion from the window and Jaehyun was just thankful it wasn't Taeyong’s mom who was watching.
"Jaehyun!" She yelled, stomping her way over to where Taeyong stood, "What in Christ's name are you doing?”
"Helping him," He argued, pointing a finger to Taeyong, who was bent over his knee with a heavy-set frown on his face. Jaehyun’s mom bent down to check for any signs of bruises on the boy, there was one on his knee, and a tiny cut beneath his knee-cap but it was close to unnoticeable. She scowled at her son, "By pushing him off a tree?"
She checked Taeyong’s elbows and the back of his head and all around his body for any signs of pain despite Taeyong’s protests that he was fine.
"He wasn't enjoying his party." Jaehyun frowned, starting to feel a little bad.
"And giving him an accident is gonna make him?" His mother snapped and Jaehyun nearly flinched, the sudden guilt washing over him. "Come down from that tree right now, I’m gonna have a word with you.” She said.
"It's fine, Mrs. Jeong" Taeyong piped up, "I told him he couldn't push me off, but he just proved me wrong." He said with a shrug of his shoulders, basically defending Jaehyun.
Mrs. Jeong paused at that and gave both of them the most unimpressed expression she could muster. "Both of you are going to give me a heart attack," she shook her head, "Clean yourselves up and go inside."
"Okay," They said weakly, glancing at each other straight afterwards and Mrs. Jeong rolled her eyes at the two children, at least Jaehyun would know where he got both his stubbornness and attitude from when he was older.
"You sure you're alright, Taeyong?" She asked with a heavy sigh and Taeyong gave a quick, curt nod, "I'm still gonna talk to you later, Jaehyun. Clean up quick, we're gonna cut the cake soon.”
"Sure, mom," He mumbled but based on the sideways glance Taeyong gave him, his nerves might've been completely apparent.
Jaehyun’s mother turned around and walked back in to the house, closing the backdoor on her way in. Jaehyun jumped off from the tree (it really wasn't a great distance) and Taeyong held out anxious hands around him to make sure he landed upright.
With his gangly limbs and doe eyes, six year old Jaehyun couldn't help but remember Bambi the baby deer when he looked at Taeyong and he found him to be cute, just like the little animated animal.
"You okay?" Taeyong asked tentatively, arms still outstretched in front of him, and Jaehyun couldn't help the smile from showing on his face, dimple on full display.
"I should be asking you that, silly," Jaehyun laughed, "But you should really go inside now." Taeyong let out a heavy, burdened sigh and let his arm fall to his sides, "Do I really have too?”
"Of course you do!" He responded, sounding scandalized, "It's your birthday party, Taeyong. You're supposed to be in your own party and have fun with your friends."
"I don't know most of the other kids there," He whispered, mostly to himself, but Jaehyun’s ear caught it and his heart sank for the kid in front of him. Most of the kids there were invited because Taeyong’s mom was in a women’s bible study at church and insisted they all come.
"'II introduce you," He said with a proud, toothy smile, warm enough to comfort Taeyong, "I know all of them.”
'I'm fine here," He said, toeing at the grass with his worn in, oversized converse, "I like it better when it's quiet…”
"Not this again… you'll get lonely," He sighed, crossing his arms.
"Then you can play with me," Taeyong shrugged, swaying as he stood, "We can just climb trees or play frisbee."
"For the last time, you can't miss your own party, Taeyong," He said once more, ready to tug him by the wrist, "And momma said we're about to cut the cake soon."
"I guess I’m just nervous," He said with a heavy frown, "I'm not good with making friends.
"Yeah, you aren't," Jaehyun nodded, ignoring the offended look on Taeyong’s face, "But it's fine. I'll stay next to you and help you make friends."
Taeyong seemed to take this into consideration as he glanced at Jaehyun and then back to his house behind. He took a long glance at the dimpled-boy once more and let out another sigh.
"You promise?" He asked, fiddling with his fingers.
"I promise," He nodded surely, "I’ll be by your side the whole time," He answered confidently, placing what Jaehyun hoped was a sweet smile on his face.
"When someone talks to me and I don't know what to say, you're gonna help me, right?" He asked, his voice on the verge of breaking.
"Sure," He nodded with no hesitation, "But you promise you're gonna at least try to make friends, alright?”
"Alright," he sighed and held his right hand up, pinky finger raised.
Jaehyun fought the urge to scoff and just stared back at him, fixing him with the most disbelieving look on his face.
"You're kidding me, right?" He asked when he didn't falter and Taeyong furrowed his eyebrows.
"What?" He shrugged a shoulder.
"Seriously? A pinky promise?" He said, crossing his arms, "Dude! We're too old for this!" (Despite Taeyong being just two years older than him)
At six years old, Jaehyun didn't get the irony of his statement but he took one more look at the tiny, skinny child in front of him, looking a mix between vulnerable and hopeful. He swallowed down his childish pride and hesitantly curled his pinky finger around his in a promise, afterwards, leading him towards his house to enjoy his party.
Taeyong was nervous the entire time-palms sweaty and knees wobbly, but Jaehyun was determined to introduce him to everyone, and by the end of the day, Taeyong did make some friends. He participated in the indoor games hosted by his mother, particularly loving a game of Duck Duck Goose even though he was it the majority of the time, this left him with his face a deep shade of red and his stomach hurting from too much laughter.
During dinner, when Jaehyun and Taeyong were once again sat on seats next to each other, he asked him if he enjoyed his party. Taeyong gave him a bright, shy smile and he mumbled, "I did. Very much.." At that time, Jaehyuns heart soared with pride.
They didn't have a vocal agreement when they started becoming best friends, but that day sealed the deal. If anyone ever asked one of them how the everlasting devotion to being best friends started, it went a little like this: Taeyong told Jaehyun he couldn't push him off of a tree. He did. They’ve been best friends ever since. Jaehyun and Taeyong, and almost a few years later, when it’s Taeyong’s 17th birthday party, not much has really changed. Taeyong was obviously much taller now than when he was little, his voice much deeper, and he was finally a little more outgoing, bits of his shyness fading away as time went by. But despite all of that, he still chose to sit on a tree branch during his birthday party, this time no fried chicken to be flung into the sky.
"I can’t say that I’m surprised to find you out here," Jaehyun declared as he walked out of the backdoor and into the Lee’s backyard he knew all too well, "More then ten years later and, you're still a wimp." Jaehyun snorted.
It was nearly seven in the evening and the sky was dark, but Taeyong’s eyes shined bright as day.
"It's my birthday," He said dryly, "You aren't allowed to make fun of me on my birthday."
"It's your birthday party," He emphasized with a laugh, Taeyong’s birthday was two days before, "And hell I am, I'm your best friend. The only benefit in that is I get to make fun of you whenever I want, no matter the circumstances. This includes your birthday"
Jaehyun stood in front of Taeyong sat on the branch, grinning up at him with that same mischievous look that he had in his eyes all those years ago, "Cut me some slack, Jae." Taeyong says, playfully narrowing his eyes at his dimpled friend.
"No can do," He shook his head, deciding to climb up onto the branch next to Taeyong. It was easier now since both of their limbs were much longer compared to when they were six. Now, it took little to no effort to get onto that tree that still stood there to this day.
"You’re gonna have to go in eventually. The party's bout to start and Jungwoo’s bringing your favorite ice cream.”
"Do I have to?" Jaehyuns shy friend groaned to himself, completely ignoring the part about ice cream, Jaehyun thought that would’ve gotten him to go in. Jaehyun bumps his shoulder against his and begins to smile. "You just got back from a big soccer game, winning shot and all?," He says with a dazed smile, "The entire city is lining up to meet you, and it’s your birthday? You should be happy." He teases.
"I'd rather we just stay out here," He sighs, putting a lazy arm around Jaehyun’s shoulder and pulling him closer to his side, "Just sit on this tree and bitch about the rigged basketball game you played at last week. We could play frisbee again too, for all I care."
"As worked up as that game gets me, I’m not gonna let it happen, Tae," He says, his tone of voice softer than he intends it to be, he rest his head on Taeyong’s bony shoulder nonetheless, "Do you want me to push you off again?"
Taeyong let’s out an undignified snort as he swings his legs from underneath him, "The bottom of my shoes are touching the ground right now, you know that right?"
"Still gonna shove you off if I have to, you never listen to me." Jaehyun rolls his eyes, lifting his head from Taeyong’s shoulder, “Whatever to get you inside.”
Taeyong sighs from beside him, resting his delicate hands in his lap, “'I'm still not good with big groups of people, Jaehyun."
"I know." He mumbles back, blinking at the lights coming from the window, laughter and chatter heard from inside, "But I am and I'II be right next to you your entire party, like always."
"Can't get rid of you, can I?" Taeyong dramatically sighs, teasing his dimpled friend, Jaehyun shuffles closer to him, to “annoy” him further.
"No chance in hell."
Taeyong let’s out a soft laugh and says, "You're still gonna be by my side? Even if I do this next year?"
''Course, stupid," He rolls his eyes even though Taeyong can’t see his face, cheesy feelings getting the best of him, "I'll always be by your side."
"Good,"
Jaehyun raised his hand in front of his, holding out his little finger, teasing, "Pinky promise?”
Taeyong groans, "Never gonna live that down, are you?" He says with a fond, fake glare and Jaehyun sends him a grin, baring all his teeth, award winning smile.
"Never."
Taeyong links his pinky finger around Jaehyun’s and then finally goes inside, Jaehyun tugging him along just like always, just like old times. When they make their way inside, Jungwoo is indeed at the dining room table, shouting happy birthday with two bags of Taeyong’s favorite ice cream in his hand. Jaehyun watches as Taeyong flees from his side and over to Jungwoo where he gives him a big hug. That’s when Jaehyun realizes how grateful he is for Taeyong, he thinks their a good balance. Ying and Yang in the best ways possible.