Roommate Games

The dorm was unusually quiet for a Saturday afternoon. Doyoung was curled up on the couch with a book, enjoying the rare silence, when the front door burst open and Jaehyun stumbled in, arms full of grocery bags. “Doyoung! Help me, I’m dying,” he announced dramatically, letting a bag of apples roll onto the floor. Doyoung sighed, putting down his book. “You’re so loud. What is all this?” He got up and took a couple of bags from Jaehyun, peeking inside. “Ingredients? Are you cooking?” “Surprise! I’m making dinner tonight,” Jaehyun said, grinning. “Just for us. The others are out.” Doyoung raised an eyebrow. “You? Cooking? Should I call a hospital now or later?” “Ha ha, very funny. I’ve been practicing. It’s going to be amazing.” Jaehyun pushed past him into the kitchen, already pulling out pots and pans. Doyoung followed, leaning against the counter with a skeptical look. “What’s the occasion?” he asked. “Do I need to remind you of the time you tried to make ramen and almost set the fire alarm off?” “That was once,” Jaehyun protested, his ears turning pink. “And I was distracted by your singing. You were being too cute.” Doyoung felt his own cheeks warm. “Yah, don’t change the subject.” But a smile tugged at his lips. He watched as Jaehyun started chopping vegetables with surprising confidence. “Fine, I’ll help. But if you burn the rice again, you’re sleeping on the floor.” “Deal,” Jaehyun said, his eyes sparkling. They worked together in comfortable silence, occasionally bumping shoulders or exchanging teasing remarks. Doyoung couldn’t help but notice how Jaehyun’s hands moved deftly, how he hummed a soft tune under his breath. It was endearing. When the meal was ready—a simple but delicious-looking stir-fry—they sat across from each other at the small dining table. Jaehyun watched eagerly as Doyoung took his first bite. “Well?” “It’s… actually good,” Doyoung admitted. “I’m impressed.” Jaehyun beamed. “I told you! I’m a man of many talents.” “Don’t let it go to your head,” Doyoung said, but he was smiling. They ate and talked about everything and nothing—upcoming schedules, funny moments from practice, which member snored the loudest. The lighthearted banter felt natural, easy. After dinner, they cleaned up together. As Doyoung washed the dishes, Jaehyun dried them, standing so close that their shoulders brushed. “Hey, Doyoung,” Jaehyun said softly. “Thanks for spending the evening with me. I know you had plans to read, but…” “It’s fine. This was better,” Doyoung interrupted, not looking up from the sink. He felt Jaehyun’s gaze on him. “Better than a book?” Jaehyun teased. “Much better,” Doyoung whispered, finally meeting his eyes. The air between them grew warm. Jaehyun set down the towel and reached out, gently tucking a strand of hair behind Doyoung’s ear. His fingers lingered on Doyoung’s cheek. “Can I kiss you?” Jaehyun asked, his voice husky. Doyoung’s heart raced. He nodded, and Jaehyun leaned in, pressing a soft, tender kiss to his lips. It was sweet, like honey, and Doyoung melted into it. When they pulled apart, both were blushing. “Wow,” Doyoung breathed. “Yeah,” Jaehyun agreed, a goofy smile spreading across his face. “Wow.” They stood there, hands intertwined, not needing words. The night stretched on, filled with quiet laughter, stolen glances, and the promise of more. And when the other members came home, they found Doyoung and Jaehyun asleep on the couch, heads resting on each other’s shoulders, looking perfectly content. Taeyong snapped a picture for evidence, whispering, “Finally.”