Sometimes Sweetly, Sometimes Achingly

Chapter 8: Heal

“Hangeng-hyung’s already moved back to China,” Taeyong shook his head.

“How about Sooyoung-noona’s wedding?” Yuta suggested.

“Already tried,” Ten mumbled dejectedly. “He’s unavailable.”

Jongdae tapped his chin. “You know, Tennie…” he mused thoughtfully. “Maybe you don’t need an official photographer.”

Ten shot him a scandalized look. “What do you mean?”

“Hear me out,” Jongdae leaned forward with an eager smile. “This was Sunyoung's original idea for our wedding, but then she felt bad and asked her sister to take pictures. You probably don’t have any guests with the right equipment or technique as a pro, so don’t bother. Buy a ton of polaroid cameras and set one at each table, then just let the guests take care of the wedding photos. It’s cheaper than hiring a photographer, and you’ll get more pictures.”

The table went silent as they digested the plan. Jungwoo glanced at Doyoung, who turned to Yuta, who looked at Taeyong, who stared at Ten as they waited for an answer.

Finally, Ten’s face broke out into a smile. “I like it.”

Everyone cheered. In the midst of the celebrations, Taeyong’s phone vibrated.

Jung Jaehyun <3: I’m outside waiting.

“Where are you going?” Jungwoo asked when he saw Taeyong putting on his jacket.

“Jaehyunnie’s picking me up early,” Taeyong explained. He grinned and added, “Anniversary.”

February 2022

Taeyong yawned into Jaehyun’s shoulder. “Did you have a good birthday?” He murmured sleepily.

“Oh it was great,” Jaehyun said, busy tracing his fingers up the length of Taeyong’s bare spine. “Although it was kind of weird to see my brother and sister during work hours.”

“I can’t believe Yunho-hyung got your boss to come in for Couple’s Day,” Taeyong smiled in amusement. “Actually, Ten said Jaejoong-hyung looks like me, but I don’t think so,” he remarked.

Jaehyun shuddered. “Please don’t say that. I don’t want to imagine my boss and my boyfriend as similar in any way.”

“Clearly the Jung brothers have a type,” Taeyong shot back sassily.

“Please no. I’d rather not love the same type of person as hyung does.”

Taeyong stiffened.

Love.

“Hyung?” Jaehyun paused in his ministrations and peered down at his boyfriend in concern. “Is something wrong?”

Quickly regaining his senses, Taeyong just blinked innocently. “Nothing. I’m just tired,” he lied.

It may have just been a slip of the tongue, but he had no doubt in his mind that Jaehyun hadn’t meant it. Taeyong cuddled up next to him and fell asleep with a small, content smile.

July 2022

“I’m getting married!” Ten whooped right before he downed another shot.

“Easy there, Tennie,’ Taeyong laughed. When Ten motioned for another round, Taeyong secretly shook his head at the bartender. “You’ve had enough to drink for all of us.”

“I’m just so happy,” Ten slurred as his eyes became watery. “I’m getting married to the love of my life next month and I’m here with all my favorite friends for my bachelor party! Except for Dons. I don’t know why he’s here.”