♡

It’s not often you have a bad acne breakout. And right now, as you get ready for a date with the man you’ve been seeing for a few weeks, you’re in full panic mode. Dotting all over your face are red, painful spots that just won’t go away.

For the past week, you’ve tried everything. Pimple patches, special face wash, different face masks, creams…you’re almost convinced you somehow made it worse. To top it all off, concealer and foundation doesn’t even seem to hide it, either. Truthfully, in the long run, those would probably just make it even worse anyway. If that’s even possible.

But you can’t show up to your date like this. You like Chan…like, a lot. If you show up like this, what if he thinks you don’t properly take care of your skin? Or he thinks it’s gross? You haven’t quite crossed the threshold of bare-faced dates, yet. And you definitely didn’t want to start tonight.

Pulling your phone out of your pocket, you’re quick to dial his number. It rings twice before he’s answering.

“Hey, pretty!” He exclaims. “Everything okay?”

“No.” You groan, burying your face in your free hand. “I think I need to reschedule.”

“Oh no.” Chan says, sounding sincerely disappointed. “Is everything ok?”

Chewing on your bottom lip, you consider telling him the truth. But really, the truth feels quite ridiculous. For crying out loud, who cancels over acne? You quickly suck in a deep breath.

“Ah, I just don’t feel very good.” You lie. Which, in hindsight, it’s not a total lie. Thinking about this date while you look like this is making your stomach turn over itself. “I just…really want to stay in tonight.”

Chan hums. “What if I come over there?” He suggests. “I can bring comfort food and we can just chill? Watch some movies?”

Panic washes over you. “No, no,” You quickly stand. “I’d feel really bad making you do all that—“

“You shouldn’t.” He gently interjects. “I’m offering. You’re not making me do anything. Unless there’s another reason you don’t want me over?”

Pressing your eyes closed, you suppress the groan that bubbles inside of you. Now you just feel bad. He’s being so kind, and you can’t exactly push him off without him thinking he’s done something wrong. He hasn’t done anything wrong—he’s perfect. You really don’t want to mess this up, especially over some acne.

Besides, surely there’s a way to hide it from him. Right?

“No, I’d love to see you.” You finally sigh. “Thank you, Chan.”

“Anything for you.” He coos. “Give me an hour, ok? I’ll see you soon.”

When Chan knocks on the door, you feel your heart trip over itself. And probably fall down two flights of stairs, as well.

Your hand hesitates on the handle before you open the door. He looks cozy, wearing his sweats and hoodie that you’d gotten for him a few weeks prior. In his hands, he holds a few bags with snacks inside of them. Chan’s grinning, but it immediately falters when he sees what you’re wearing.

“A mask?” He frowns as he steps inside. He sets his plethora of grocery bags on the table as you close the door again. “Why is your hood pulled up?”

“I just,” you pause, “don’t want you to see my face.”

The corners of his mouth twitch, like he’s fighting a smile. Pressing his lips together, he folds his arms across his chest. As he steps towards you, your breath catches in your throat. When he raises his hand towards your hood, you try to step to the side. He stops you, though.

“What’s going on?” He asks softly.

“Chan, I have acne.” You whine. “Bad. It’s everywhere. I look awful.”

A laugh bubbles out from him. “Is that why you wanted to cancel?”

You feel the blood rush to your cheeks. “Yes,” you mutter. “We haven’t been seeing each other for very long. I just didn’t want you to think—“

“You’re still beautiful to me.” He interrupts. “Acne or no acne. It’s part of being human, pretty. Now, can I please see you?”

You roll your eyes. Tentatively, you pull your hood down, and peel the mask off your ears. Before you can try to turn away anymore, Chan cups your face in his hands. His thumbs brush across your cheeks as he grins.

“Beautiful.” He promises.

Then, he kisses your forehead. He presses another small kiss to your temple, your cheeks, and then you realize…

“Are you kissing my pimples?” You can’t help but laugh as you try to squirm out of his hold. He doesn’t let you budge, though, as he wraps his arms around your waist.

“Mhm.” He kisses your nose. “Just reminding you that every part of you is beautiful. Besides, kisses make everything better. Right?”

You scoff. “You’re so corny.”

“If you hated it that much, you would’ve stopped seeing me after date one.” He winks. “Now, should we start our movie night?”

Sighing dramatically, you grab hold of the strings on his hoodie. “You forgot a spot though.” You pout, then pucker your lips out.

“Ohhh,” he nods. “My god, how could I?”

You giggle as he presses a soft, lingering kiss to your lips. He pulls away just barely, his eyes flicking up to yours.

“Better?” He whispers.

“Much.” You reply.

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Chan Taglist: @noniesgummysmile

the most respected couple of the high-school year.

you and jun were practically inseperable. it was a soft love, unlike all the relationships around you two. that’s what made your love so special. everyone admired the way the two of you were never having arguments. the way that you two always cared, even if times may be a bit dull.

you wanted life to stay like this forever, didn’t you? but you also wanted to pursue your future, career and ambitions. you were stuck in limbo. it was a red pill and blue pill situation. either you chose to leave your true love and go abroad, or you stay in your country.

your mother was against the idea of staying, constantly nagging you. “my daughter, i know how much you love that boy, but you need to focus on yourself. if you don’t get a job, you won’t live in the outside world,” were her words. she was correct, the real world was a hard life to live in. without proper preparation, nothing would go well.

you decided to choose the red pill.

after your absence from school for about a week, jun started to worry. he wondered where you had gone for so long, until you came back during the last week of high-school. jun was with his friends and rushed over to you.

“love! where’ve you been? i’ve been so worried,” his tone was laced with concern that it hurt your heart for what you had to told him. you broke the news to everyone there, you were accepted into a school abroad and would be leaving in a few days. 

jun couldn’t believe your words, well, he didn’t want to. separation was something he had feared for years, and the fact that it was actually going to happen—was like a knife in his heart. yet, he remained caring. he hugged you tightly, whispering, “it’s okay my love, i’ll always love you even if we’re far apart…”

you bursted into tears that exact moment. it was heartfelt, and depressing. most of the students around you two watched, while some actually went up to comfort the both of you. it was like leaving a part of your life behind.

days were spent preparing for the trip, and even a farewell party was held at your school. all of your friends, and jun of course, came along to say one final goodbye. near the end of the party, your best friend asked you to make a small speech.

“everyone here has played a huge role in my life, and it does truly pain me to leave, but i want all of you to at least remember me, even if we may never get in contact anymore…”

that night, you couldn’t fall asleep. your mind replayed all of the memories as if you were slowly approaching death, even though you were alive and well. physically, you felt okay, but mentally, it was a turmoil. 

the day you had been dreading and wishing for finally arrived, you stood at the airport, holding your luggage alongside your mother. you were about to go to the gate with only a few minutes left until footsteps started approaching.

it was jun, rushing over to you while his mom watched from behind. he hugged you tightly, much more than the initial revelation days ago. he started to sob, and you patted his shoulder, telling him to stop crying or that you would to.

he kissed your forehead as a goodbye, knowing that if it was a full-blown kiss, maybe the two of you would’ve been killed on the spot. that thought made you want to laugh. “take care my love, and please, do your best,” jun muttered into your ear before letting go.

you waved at him one last time before turning your back and heading to the gate. something felt odd this time, was it guilt or was it more? maybe you’ll figure that out sooner or later.

it’s been 4 years since you left china. now you resided in korea, pursuing a degree in law and you were a highly respected college student. no one would even expect that you were chinese due to how good your korean was.

your high-school lover still spun around in your mind like a little fly. obviously, you had expected to never see him again, or at least see him with someone else.

what surprised you more was when you stared at the billboard in front you, gazing at the model on there wide-eyed. it was jun, as a fashion model, in korea, and you never knew until now because your brain had tricked your mind.

and there was one more thing you had to achieve now.

reunite with the person you once held in your whole heart.

the most respected couple of the high-school year.

you and jun were practically inseperable. it was a soft love, unlike all the relationships around you two. that’s what made your love so special. everyone admired the way the two of you were never having arguments. the way that you two always cared, even if times may be a bit dull.

you wanted life to stay like this forever, didn’t you? but you also wanted to pursue your future, career and ambitions. you were stuck in limbo. it was a red pill and blue pill situation. either you chose to leave your true love and go abroad, or you stay in your country.

your mother was against the idea of staying, constantly nagging you. “my daughter, i know how much you love that boy, but you need to focus on yourself. if you don’t get a job, you won’t live in the outside world,” were her words. she was correct, the real world was a hard life to live in. without proper preparation, nothing would go well.

you decided to choose the red pill.

after your absence from school for about a week, jun started to worry. he wondered where you had gone for so long, until you came back during the last week of high-school. jun was with his friends and rushed over to you.

“love! where’ve you been? i’ve been so worried,” his tone was laced with concern that it hurt your heart for what you had to told him. you broke the news to everyone there, you were accepted into a school abroad and would be leaving in a few days. 

jun couldn’t believe your words, well, he didn’t want to. separation was something he had feared for years, and the fact that it was actually going to happen—was like a knife in his heart. yet, he remained caring. he hugged you tightly, whispering, “it’s okay my love, i’ll always love you even if we’re far apart…”

you bursted into tears that exact moment. it was heartfelt, and depressing. most of the students around you two watched, while some actually went up to comfort the both of you. it was like leaving a part of your life behind.

days were spent preparing for the trip, and even a farewell party was held at your school. all of your friends, and jun of course, came along to say one final goodbye. near the end of the party, your best friend asked you to make a small speech.

“everyone here has played a huge role in my life, and it does truly pain me to leave, but i want all of you to at least remember me, even if we may never get in contact anymore…”

that night, you couldn’t fall asleep. your mind replayed all of the memories as if you were slowly approaching death, even though you were alive and well. physically, you felt okay, but mentally, it was a turmoil. 

the day you had been dreading and wishing for finally arrived, you stood at the airport, holding your luggage alongside your mother. you were about to go to the gate with only a few minutes left until footsteps started approaching.

it was jun, rushing over to you while his mom watched from behind. he hugged you tightly, much more than the initial revelation days ago. he started to sob, and you patted his shoulder, telling him to stop crying or that you would to.

he kissed your forehead as a goodbye, knowing that if it was a full-blown kiss, maybe the two of you would’ve been killed on the spot. that thought made you want to laugh. “take care my love, and please, do your best,” jun muttered into your ear before letting go.

you waved at him one last time before turning your back and heading to the gate. something felt odd this time, was it guilt or was it more? maybe you’ll figure that out sooner or later.

it’s been 4 years since you left china. now you resided in korea, pursuing a degree in law and you were a highly respected college student. no one would even expect that you were chinese due to how good your korean was.

your high-school lover still spun around in your mind like a little fly. obviously, you had expected to never see him again, or at least see him with someone else.

what surprised you more was when you stared at the billboard in front you, gazing at the model on there wide-eyed. it was jun, as a fashion model, in korea, and you never knew until now because your brain had tricked your mind.

and there was one more thing you had to achieve now.

reunite with the person you once held in your whole heart.

“i just wanted you to be okay.”

jun quietly murmured as he stared out the car window. minghao was driving, and speeding at that. he was going at 80 miles per hour, way over the speed limit of 50 miles an hour. they were lucky the roads were isolated.

the ride was getting awkward as time passed by. minghao had just came back from an argument with one of his close friends, resulting in a nearly broken out fight. just to avoid any mishaps, jun and another friend of his had to hold them back.

jun stared blankly out the window, rain pouring and hitting the glass. the atmosphere and weather of the world was perfectly aligned with the emotional turmoils occurring inside both of them. he pondered for a while before finally mustering up the courage to speak.

“minghao, don’t you think trying to fight him was a bit too… much?” he asked cautiously, aware of the fact minghao might burst out in anger at him. to both his surprise and concern, minghao simply muttered a “yes,” and didn’t elaborate.

jun couldn’t help but stare at the rearview mirror, giving him a partially blocked view of minghao. as the ride dragged on, he began to feel guilt at not being able to comfort him at the moment.

his mind wandered, imagining two scenarios. the first, a confrontation in the car ride ending up in another argument because of miscommunication... nope, not it. the second, a confrontation at the cat café, after minghao feels better seeing the cats...? much more suitable, yet still unsure.

as scenes and possible futures began to pop up in his head, his brain began to mentally shut down. jun's eyes began to flutter shut, slowly but surely causing him to doze off.

after what felt like forever, the duo arrived at the café. jun suddenly jolted awake hearing the car screech against the cold concrete. the duo exited the car and admired the sight in front of them.

the café was everything cat lovers, pastry aficionados and design experts would praise. it was isolated, bright and pastel in different shades of blue and pink, a stark contrast to the dark yet bustling surroundings. additionally, the smell of beverages and fresh bread wafted around the entire shop, luring any passerbys inside.

they entered the café and were immediately greeted by a cute, persian cat. minghao petted the cat and it began to follow him. jun muttered a "thank god" as minghao began to soften up and feel lighter.

whilst ordering their pastries, jun mustered up the courage to confront and comfort minghao. "... minghao-ya, i know it's hard to deal with all of that, but if they keep on treating you like this, it won't get better," he spoke with a sweet tone.

"... i see what you mean, but they really meant so much to me. i'm too far gone and too attached," minghao admitted, sipping his tea while petting the persian. jun nodded in agreement, attachment is a generally difficult mindset.

"i totally get it, hao. but please, i want you to at least try, you don't have to pressure yourself!" he added as minghao gave him a slight squint of the eyes. he chuckled and smiled at jun.

"i guess so, maybe i'll try to get rid of this habit," he responded. jun smiled brightly, seeing his best friend happy made him feel joyous too. the day went on well, with the texture of cats and bread.

after paying, minghao was coming up with other places they could go to. however, noticing that jun was close to falling asleep, he ended up just taking him back to their apartment, hoping that life will get better for the both of them, and to stay together forever.