Archive of Our Own ^beta

'Hey, it's tomorrow, don't forget. Be here by 3 pm sharp! It takes around 6 hours and 45 minutes to finish all of season 2, so be here on time or else I'll cancel our monthly ramen hangout next week. Understood?'

Jeongwoo chuckled upon reading his best friend, Haruto's, rambling text. He immediately typed in an 'I promise I'll be there on time' and bid his friend a good night before placing his phone on the nightstand to prepare for his slumber.

He really is that excited, huh?

Haruto had practically been pestering Jeongwoo for weeks on end to watch the first season of 'Stranger Things' so they could watch the second one together. Jeongwoo, being Jeongwoo, had been pushing off the request by saying he was busy or whatever quick excuse he could come up with every time the elder insisted he watches the show. He really wasn't the type to watch long series and TV shows, particularly those with numerous seasons. He thinks it's a waste of time to be invested in long and unrealistic shows.

But it's Haruto we're talking about. Jeongwoo's best friend and most cherished friend. He's weak and soft for the guy. He couldn't handle seeing another frown form on the latter's face every time his request had been brushed off. And so, after the constant begging, and bugging, he finally gave in to his best friend's request and finished the first season.

The younger had to be honest, he actually enjoyed the series more than he expected and is currently mentally scolding himself because why did he never watch it sooner? Now, he's more than excited to be able to watch his new favorite series with his best friend.

One hour before their agreed meeting time, stoked would be an understatement for Haruto. He was running around his apartment, making sure everything was perfect for their planned marathon.

After all, he was going to watch his favorite series with his best friend, Park Jeongwoo. The best friend whom he'd been hiding his feelings from. The infatuation turned into a happy crush, then a little crush, and finally into a liking. Fast forward to two years later, and well, Haruto never made a move so they're still pretty much the best of friends.

Haruto held off starting the second season because he really, really, really wanted to watch it with Jeongwoo. Everything had to be perfect. Everything.

While Haruto was preparing some popcorn in the kitchen, he heard the doorbell ring, informing him of a guest.

"Ruto, I'm here, open up!" the older man heard his friend impatiently yell.

Haruto rushed to the door to welcome his friend. As soon as he opened the door, his eyes widened. He was tongue-tied. Jeongwoo was standing at his doorstep, looking dashing as ever in his messy hair, wearing a plain white shirt and black pants. His outfit was simple, yet still perfectly accentuated his handsome and manly features.

He sees Jeongwoo often but the younger's beauty never ceases to amaze him. The younger just becomes more and more attractive every time Haruto sees him.

How does he manage to dress this simple but still take my breath away all the time?

"Hey, you okay?" Jeongwoo snapped his fingers in front of Haruto's face, grabbing his friend's attention. "Is there a ghost behind me or something?" The tan-skinned man's light chuckle brought Haruto back from his reverie.

"Nothing. I just didn't expect you to come this early," the taller man led Jeongwoo inside, palms on his cheeks trying to hide his blush. "I mean, you never usually come on time, let alone earlier than the agreed time." 

Jeongwoo sat on the couch while laughing, "Oh, come on. I'm not that bad at being on time," he paused to look at  Haruto, "wait, am I?" The elder's not–so–subtle eye roll brought the two into fits of laughter.

"You're unbelievable, Woo," the taller friend shook his head. "Just set up the TV and prepare some blankets and pillows in the living room while I plate the popcorn," Haruto walked to the kitchen leaving Jeongwoo in the living room.

Only the heavens know how hard Haruto's heart is pounding inside his chest right now. If only his heart could jump and run out of his chest, it'll be miles away from him at the moment. 

They're on the last episode of the season and eighth— no, ninth accidental brush of fingers from grabbing popcorn out of the bowl together. Not to mention, they're both under the same blanket, sharing a couch that's barely even enough to fit both of their enormous builds, and Jeongwoo's head is currently leaning on his shoulders.

Calm down, Ruto. It's just Woo, your best friend leaning on your shoulder. Just Woo, yeah, your best friend and crush of two years. Uh-huh, I am totally calm.

Haruto's thoughts are probably of no help because anyone can tell he is NOT calm. His heart is fluttering and he's totally not focusing on the screen at all.

"Woah, what the hell was that!" Jeongwoo exclaimed after seeing the last scene of the episode. The younger one fixed his position and Haruto was now brought back to reality after feeling the now empty weight on his shoulder.

"I guess we'll know in season three?" Haruto flashed a smile at Jeongwoo, trying to contain his beating heart.

"When are we watching the third season?" The tan-skinned friend asked with a cheeky smile plastered on his face. 

"Huh?" Haruto's face drew a question mark. "We're watching the third season together too?"

Jeongwoo chuckled at his question, "Of course, we are! You're my Stranger Things watch buddy now, silly!"

Scratch the butterflies, Haruto's feeling a whole zoo in his stomach now. The lively zoo easily died down, though, after he heard Jeongwoo's next statement.

"Also isn't Max that pretty girl in Taylor Swift's All Too Well 10-minute version?"

Oh yeah, her. The beautiful girl you wouldn't shut up about after seeing the music video.

Haruto mentally laughed at himself. He can't believe himself right now. Up until now, he never knew he could get jealous because of his best friend's little interest in an actress.

"Yeah, that was Sadie Sink. What about her?"

"I love her acting!" Jeongwoo said with awe. "What other shows does she have? We should watch it together sometime!"

"Well, I'll be busy so I don't think we'll be able to watch together," Haruto lied. 

He knows petty, but hey, at least he doesn't have to sit next to his crush ogling over someone else. 

"Does that mean we won't be watching Stranger Things Season 3 together anytime soon?" Jeongwoo frowned. An immediate regret showered over Haruto.

Oh no. I didn't mean it that way. I still want to watch it with you. Uh, what do I do?

"Fine, we can watch it next week, maybe? After our ramen hangout. You know?" Haruto assured his friend.

"I can't wait! Oh, it's 10 PM already. I have to go."

"It's already late. How about you stay for the night? You can use the bedroom, I'll just use the couch."

"Sure! But you own the apartment, you should use the bed. I'm fine with the couch." Jeongwoo playfully argued, not willing to back down.

"You're a guest, Woo! It's only right for you to use the bed."

"Okay, how about we share the bed? I think that's the only fair option, don't you think?"

Haruto thought he probably saved the nation in his past life because it still feels surreal for him to be sharing a bed with his crush. He's not even sure if he could still sleep peacefully in this situation.

Luckily for him though, or shall we say unluckily, he was able to sleep the best sleep in his life only to wake up next to an empty spot in the bed and a note by the nightstand.

'Sorry for not waking you up before I left. You were sleeping so peacefully. I cooked breakfast for you. Good morning and eat well!'

It's been one week since the two close friends binged the whole season 2 of Stranger Things. And presently, they are now driving to Haruto's apartment after their ramen hangout to watch the third season together.

Jeongwoo is driving his car with Haruto in the passenger's seat, praying to the Gods for his friend to just shut up. Now, he loves to listen to Jeongwoo talk, just not about his little admiration for a gorgeous actress that he'll probably never meet in real life— Haruto's words.

"You know, yesterday, I watched Eli and Fear Street."

"Aren't those horror movies?" The taller friend's eyebrows furrowed at his friend's words. "You don't watch horror movies, though? Why'd you watch it?"

"It's because Sadie Sink is there!"

Her again? Come on, she's the only one he keeps talking to me about for the past week.

Haruto could only roll his eyes and continue staring at the moving buildings outside until they arrived at his apartment.

After finishing the third season, the two decided to spend the night together again since they figured it was more convenient for Jeongwoo than traveling at night just to go back to his apartment.

They had the same setup as the previous week, however, the atmosphere is the complete opposite. Haruto should have been happy to be watching his favorite series with Jeongwoo. He should be excited that he's spending the night with his crush. But instead of a giddy feeling, all Haruto could feel was a huge surge of irritation.

He was annoyed that all Jeongwoo kept talking about was his new favorite actress. He was annoyed at himself for being annoyed at his best friend. Even now that they’re both in bed, Jeongwoo still wouldn't shut up about how amazing Sadie Sink was.

Jeongwoo was quick to notice his friend's change of attitude. He thought Haruto was just having his bad days and he also knew that his friend usually feels better after a day or so but it's been a week. It has been a week since his best friend has been giving him an attitude, brushing him off every time he talks about his favorite actress. And currently, Haruto wasn’t even responding to him. The usual Haruto usually loves to listen to him talk and tries to engage in the conversation.

"Hey, is something bothering you? Did I do something wrong?" Jeongwoo asked with concern and wonder.

"Nothing. I'm just tired." Haruto said and faced his back against Jeongwoo, clearly not wanting to continue the topic.

"Hey, come on. You can tell me," The younger one faced his taller friend's back and poked him. Even so, Haruto still ignored him. Jeongwoo placed his hand across Haruto's waist, half hugging the now internally panicking Haruto— Jeongwoo is clueless about that though.

"I told you nothing's wrong, Jeongwoo."

"Jeongwoo? What happened to 'Woo'? You only call me Jeongwoo when you're mad."

Haruto heaved a sigh.

"See you're even sighing. And Ruto, you know you can't lie to me. Come on, you can tell me. I'll listen and even hug you, like what I usually do when you're sad." Jeongwoo sat up and opened his arms for his best friend.

That's what made Haruto fall for Jeongwoo. The way he was always there for Haruto, comforting him when he was down. He never judged Haruto every time the latter ranted to him about his complaints in life.

Haruto sat up and faced his friend. He looked at Jeongwoo then to his arms which were waiting to embrace him in a hug and then back to Jeongwoo's face. The older friend pushed the tan-skinned arms down which only puzzled Jeongwoo.

"You don't want a hug?"

"I do. It's just that—" Haruto groaned, contemplating whether he should tell Jeongwoo what he was feeling.

"Just what?"

"I'm jealous, okay? All you keep talking about is Sadie Sink. I know I was the one who begged you to watch my favorite series with me but I didn't know you'd fall head over heels for that actress. I get it she's pretty, talented, and all but do you really have to talk about her all the time? I know I sound dumb being jealous over an actress but you know, it's not easy to listen to the person you like talking about someone else all the time—"

"You like me?" 

Haruto quickly covered his mouth after he realized what he had just said to Jeongwoo.

"Uh, I didn't say that. You must be hearing things," he awkwardly laughed.

"No, I'm pretty sure I heard it clearly. Ruto, do you like me?"

Haruto knew he has no escape anymore. He has no other choice but to confess, "Would you stay away from me if I told you I like you?"

"For how long? How did it start?"

"It just did, I guess? One moment, I just realized I liked you. I've been hiding it for 2 years, Woo. I'm sorry, I had to tell you this way. You don't have to feel the same way, don't worry. I also understand if you want to stay away if you feel uncomfortable with me." Haruto reassured Jeongwoo with a sad smile.

“So it was mutual all along?” Jeongwoo whispered to himself.

“Huh? Did you say something?”

“Silly, I like you too! Why would I stay away from my crush after knowing he actually liked me too?” Jeongwoo blurted joyfully.

“Wha— What do you mean?”

“You're the one that I like so you don’t have to get jealous, Ruto. She’s just an actress I see on screen. You’re real and you’re here. Having you is enough for me. God, you have no idea how much I’ve been wanting to tell you I like you. I liked you from the moment we became friends. I just didn’t want to tell you because I was afraid you didn’t feel the same way and I’d lose you as a friend too.”

"All along, we've just been hiding our feelings from each other?" Haruto face-palmed himself.

"I guess? Since we became best friends, I've always looked forward to our friendly ramen hangouts, which I like to call dates, by the way," Jeongwoo laughed. "You probably even have no idea how nervous I was the first time we shared your bed last week, how nervous I am right now as of this moment, and how scared I was thinking I did something wrong because of how much you kept brushing me off today."

As Jeongwoo continued explaining how much he felt like hell when his friend was giving him an attitude, Haruto only stared at him, still in awe as to how the guy he liked for two years liked him too, even way longer than he has.

“Woo, so if I like you and you like me. What are we now?”

“Best friends? Unless you wanna be my boyfriend,” Jeongwoo smiled and held Haruto’s hand. “Do you wanna be my boyfriend, Ruto?”

Haruto intertwined their fingers and looked at Jeongwoo with the brightest smile he could have, “Boyfriends, it is. I love you, Woo.”

“I love you too, my favorite watch buddy!”