photographs
pairing : law major! jeon wonwoo x art major! kim mingyu
rating : college au, pure fluff, this is a cute one y’all
trigger warning : none
the light from wonwoo’s laptop reflected back into his eyes. he glanced over to the empty bed behind him looking at the tidied duvet tucked into the mattress in a way his weird roommate likes it.
kim mingyu is weird. that’s the only way jeon wonwoo can describe him. they shared multiple conversations on the daily but it always ended with an awkward silence and the both returning to their activities as if the conversation never happened. he likes it though, the roommate really make him use his brain other than for his law needs. kim mingyu is also neat, he’s meticulous and studious, in a similar fashion of him.wonwoo could say kim mingyu is the definition of a poster boy of the perfect student. and, he’s damn good to look at too. jeon wonwoo couldn’t deny the slight crush he has on his roommate, though, he’s a man with pride too.
the sound of the door alerted wonwoo. he saw the figure of mingyu emerged behind the entrance, brightened by the motion sensor lights. mingyu noticed his roommate sitting in the dark with the blue lit screen, possibly damaging his retinas even more than they already are. since wonwoo is a good roommate, he turned the light on so the younger can actually see.
“don’t your eyes hurt?” mingyu asked, taking his shoes off and putting it back into the shoes rack the two shared.
“i already have really bad eyesight.” wonwoo simply replied.
mingyu chuckled. he took his coat off and made sure it was hung back neatly into the coat closet. wonwoo’s eyes followed him every move, it’s amazing how routinely his roommate is. as he entered the living area of their already cramped dorm, he reached to grab his towel that was hanging on the drying rack before making his way into their shared bathroom and disappearing from wonwoo’s point of view. another part of his routine that wonwoo observes every single day for two years. mingyu will return from class holding the big file with paint strokes decorating it, then he’ll drop his things on his bed, take a shower, leave the shower, tidied up his things and start studying until two to three in the morning.
minutes later, mingyu appeared again. wonwoo immediately shifted his glance as he saw him staring back at him. mingyu, who was clothed in his pyjamas, consisted of a black, tight fitting t-shirt that emphasises his very uncharacteristically broad chest and a pair of flannel pyjama pants.
“wonwoo hyung.” mingyu called. wonwoo raised his head again to address the younger roommate. mingyu is now wearing his black horn rimmed glasses that makes him look softer compared to his daily look. wonwoo almost felt like he is lucky to be able to witness mingyu at this state.
“do you want to come to the exhibition tomorrow?” mingyu continued.
“exhibition?” wonwoo questioned. mingyu nodded.
“faculty of arts are holding a charity exhibition tomorrow.” mingyu explained. “the photography department are taking part and i got chosen to exhibit my photographs.”
wonwoo can’t help but feel impressed at the roommate’s words. wonwoo and mingyu being roommates for two years means getting through sleepless nights together as he combed through his law lectures and notes and the latter editing his photos, slaving away to their studies in silence and harmony.
“oh nice.” wonwoo trailed off before the room fell into silence for a couple of seconds. “congratulations.”
“so…” mingyu continued. “you coming?”
“i’ll make time for you.”
“i’ll appreciate that hyung.”
the next day, wonwoo got out of his last lecture of the day. he fixed the glasses that was resting on his nose as he excited the cold lecture hall. having criminal law as the last class of the day truly got the best of him. he slung the backpack on his shoulders, looking down at his watch.
7:15. the exhibition starts at 8. he can make it.
wonwoo returned to their shared dorm to change into a more appropriate outfit, one suited for a grand exhibition. he ditched the sky blue hoodie and grey sweats for a crisp white tailored button up and a pair of black slacks. he combed his hair to the back and fixed the glasses back onto his face. he turned to see mingyu’s bed, of course it was made and tucked nicely. his desk in the middle of their twin size beds was neat and clean too. wonwoo pondered on how did he managed to have the time to tidy up with a deadline like that?
wonwoo left the room with a surprising confidence blooming in him. the fit really does help. jeon wonwoo is indeed an attractive man but he definitely wouldn’t admit it himself.
mingyu frantically jogged across the gallery, trying to get everything in order. being the coordinator and main exhibitioner really did take a toll on him but the excitement overrides the stress. and the best part, wonwoo hyung is finally going to see the pieces that he has worked so hard on. mingyu has always noticed the way the older roommate gazed at him while he was working on his art. and as time went on, mingyu’s desire for his roommate began to grow too. mingyu adored the way wonwoo puts his priority on his studies, his persevering nature in getting a good grade and the clear passion he had in reading up on precedents; agreeing and disagreeing on the rulings made from prior cases he’s studying on. they have had a couple debates about the weirdest things and mingyu is confident in wonwoo’s ability as a law student despite how little he knows about the constitution. for some reason, mingyu knows that he can trust and confide in wonwoo no matter what.
he let his mind roam free as he stared into the different pieces of art, photographs or other unconventional pieces with meanings that only the artist can fully understand. he took time to stop at his own pieces and pondered at them, making sure they’re perfect.
though, one of his pieces was taken without permission. it was a candid picture of his roommate’s desk. his table was littered with index cards with different legal terms, splayed in a messy but articulated way. wonwoo’s black leather journal was opened, revealing his scrawly but consistent writing with a ring of tea stain on one of the written pages. his leather office chair had wonwoo’s favourite hoodie slung over it. mingyu could almost smell the sweet and woody notes of wonwoo’s cologne wafting off from it
mingyu intentionally did not plan for the photograph to be displayed since it was taken without consent but his lecturer mentioned that it was just too good of a picture to not be exhibited. mingyu conceded, hoping that wonwoo wouldn't rain hell on him.
the clock struck 8pm. the exhibition is starting and attendees are pouring in. the night begins from now.
wonwoo had his airpods in as he walked to the faculty of arts which was on the east side of the big university campus. he didn’t mind though, those are the only times he can take a walk without the impending thought of being a law student running through his mind. the time on his phone flash 8:02pm. the exhibition is probably starting.
wonwoo arrived at the faculty of arts’ gallery. the gallery, as you guessed it; was the direct by-product of elitism. built from the donation by alumnus and politicians who wanted a good recognition from the public. just some classic college elitist agenda. the light pierced through the glass doors. displays of sculptures and clay works could be seen by the entrance that was guarded by two burly looking bodyguards. it made wonwoo slightly nervous to see the swarm of people in the gallery but he had to brush it off. tonight is about mingyu, not him.
he was offered a glass of champagne and began to look around at the art pieces that he surprisingly managed to understand thanks to mingyu’s constant need to elucidate the workings of artistry. not that he hate it, mingyu is an excellent tutor. a couple of professors from his law faculty found him and complimented him on his looks. he just smiled and bowed as they went on and on about how he should dress professional more often. he’s a law major and is confirmed to be a bigshot lawyer at prestigious firm; him in professional attires should be second nature to him but comfort is more his style. he told them that he’ll make sure to adapt once he became an actual officer of law. he definitely didn’t notice the whispers and looks people throw his way because his intentions are to see and support his roommate.
one piece that caught his eye was the last one he ever saw for the exhibition located at the secluded area near the spiral staircase. it was an odd photograph that seemed very familiar to him. wonwoo inched closer to the photograph, analysing it to the details. the desk was clearly his, the writings on the index cards were his and he could spot the black leather journal anywhere especially with the accidental ring of tea stain. his favourite hoodie slung over his chair that he would wear when he would study deep into the night and the dorm would get too cold because mingyu keeps the air conditioning at seventeen degrees even though he’s still going to be waking up shirtless. the photograph feels familiar to him because the subject belongs to him. mingyu captured a moment of wonwoo that feels dear to him.
“sometimes you don’t even have to capture the person you love if it means the things they adore are in the frame.”
those words of mingyu lingered in his head. they had a conversation about preserving the memories you loved in a photograph and the topic about picturing someone you love came up.
“because when you love someone, you love every part of them.”
did mingyu mean what he says? the thoughts in wonwoo’s head began to blare. did mingyu love him? or was he a last resort? no fucking way.
“oh hyung!” he heard the familiar voice called his name. his knuckles turned white at how hard he was gripping the stem of the champagne glass. wonwoo turned to see mingyu’s tall figure smiling and jogging towards him. all those blaring thoughts began to disappear as mingyu inched closer towards him. wonwoo smiled and downed the rest of the champagne before handing the empty glass to the waiter.
mingyu finally stood in front of him, face wide into a smile and wonwoo couldn't help but feel a rush seeing him so happy and proud. wonwoo opened his arms, inviting the tall boy into a hug he so much deserve. he’s never met someone as hardworking as mingyu and he’s a law major!
“you should be proud of yourself. this exhibition is spectacular even for a pleb like me.” wonwoo said as they pulled away from each other. wonwoo felt relief as mingyu’s warm body imposed on his cold ones that he almost didn’t want to pull away. the air conditioning in the gallery was almost unacceptable for him to be comfortable.
“thank you hyung.” mingyu bowed in front of him which prompted the older one to bow back. “are you cold?”
wonwoo fell silent. shit he noticed. “i’m good.” wonwoo replied casually.
mingyu chuckled. “hyung, you can wait for me outside.” he tapped wonwoo’s shoulder lightly. “i’ll dismiss myself and we can go get coffee. lets get the hell outta here.”
wonwoo smiled and nodded. mingyu put his two thumbs up and left the roommate with a wink. wonwoo shook his head, still keeping the smile on his face. he just really need to accept it.
he’s fallen for his roommate.
on such short notice too. he almost wanted to be pissed at himself but mingyu is too irresistible for him to not fall in love. he can only hope that it would wear off soon because unless it’s mutual, it’s going to be bad for both him and his roommate.
mingyu weaved through the thinning crowds as the night began progressing, not forgetting to say his thank yous’ to his professors and mentors. he finally met with his team and told them that he’s taking off for the night. his teammates assured him that they’ll take care of the closing. he is still going to check though; once the exhibit ends because he’s a perfectionist and a lowkey control freak. as he jogged back to meet his roommate at the entrance of the gallery, he slowed down for a moment in front of the photograph he took of wonwoo’s belongings. mingyu began to wonder if wonwoo saw it and or he noticed that the subject in the photograph is his. mingyu begged to himself that whatever is going to happen is going to be not awkward.
the figure of his roommate’s built figure could be seen from inside of the glass enclosure. wonwoo had his hands in his pockets to help his warm up since his hands were almost like ice. mingyu tapped wonwoo’s shoulder’s again. the older roommate smiled before the two began walking towards the campus’s convenience store to get their sustenance.
the pair of roommates decided to get coffee to go. they talked and yapped about the exhibition on their way to and back from the convenience store and their dorm room. mostly wonwoo teasing mingyu about the modern arts that he found weird and mingyu retaliating by defending the artistry and saying how the constitution still practices barbaric methods of punishing defendants. just standard banter that the two always engage in. all thoughts about the photograph out of their head. it’s just them vibing on the same wavelength.
they rode the elevator in silence, basking in the warmth and comfort of each other. when they finally arrived in their dorm room. mingyu shook off his shoes haphazardly and immediately fell hard on his bed in exhaustion. wonwoo shook his head and place their shoes on the designated shoe rack and entered the dorm. his eyes fell onto his desk. it was situated in the exact way depicted in the photograph, albeit the zip up hoodie was replaced by his sky blue hoodie that he was wearing earlier.
here we go. wonwoo have to ask, he needs closure.
“one of the photographs.” wonwoo started as he pulled the chair away from his desk and sitting on it. “it seems familiar.”
oh fucking hell. mingyu’s eyes snapped open. shit, he noticed.
“i forgot to ask you for permission.” mingyu replied, sitting up and staring into wonwoo, unintentionally using the infamous puppy dog eyes and pout combo that he was so famous for amongst his faculty members.
wonwoo wanted to look away. what the fuck kim mingyu why are you doing this to me? wonwoo frantically asked himself.
“look, i’m not mad.” wonwoo replied, smiling slightly so as to not alarm the boy. “did it have any meaning? my scoreboard would’ve been perfect if i understood that one.”
mingyu giggled and it rang in wonwoo’s ears. “i just think it’s the prettiest part about hyung.”
the room fell into silence. wonwoo took a good amount of time to compute the response in his head. three years of reading stacks of precedents on the daily couldn’t have prepared him for the ruling of this moment.
“you think i’m pretty?” wonwoo replied.
you could literally see mingyu’s soul wanting to tear away from his body. stupid little mouth. two years of hiding his feelings for his roommate was revealed by a motherfucking candid photograph? kim mingyu you are insane and an idiot. why would a law student whose dreams are bigger than his feelings fall for someone like him? the sentimental one who talks his head off every chance?
mingyu closed his mouth, refraining to not say anything to wonwoo until the two graduate and go their separate ways.
“i think you’re pretty too.” wonwoo’s voice finally break the silence.
mingyu blinked. did he heard that wrong? no he didn’t.
wonwoo froze in his seat after he realised what he had said to the younger roommate. did he just?
mingyu having heard what his roommate said, immediately stood from his bed and walked a couple steps to where wonwoo was sitting and kissed him square on the mouth without a warning. wonwoo gasped at the feeling of mingyu’s warm lips on his. instead of being in the uncomfortable position, wonwoo stood up, cupping mingyu’s face in his hands as their lips moved together, savouring the taste of each other; champagne, coffee and pure adrenaline.
the kiss felt familiar. it was comforting and warm. the two feelings wonwoo long for the most. the feeling of someone who accompanies him to study late into the night, the one who helped quiz him with the index cards of legal terms that was so easy for mingyu to understand. the one who makes him feel like he’s at home with someone he loves and wants to cherish forever. mingyu was comfort, mingyu became his home while he’s alone, away from his hometown to pursue his dreams. these past two years of knowing mingyu, wonwoo didn’t realise he was a huge part of his dream too.
their kiss started to become more forceful as if making up for lost times. wonwoo’s hands moved to roam mingyu’s clothed body, feeling his toned body freely without a single doubt and hesitancy. he could really get used to this. mingyu can feel wonwoo sucking on his tongue and the sensation went straight to his stomach. the grip he had on the older’s biceps tightened to gain control before he absolutely lost it. mingyu could tell the older was experienced when it comes to these things and despite feeling a brief shot of jealousy running through his body, he thinks how lucky he is to be able to make out with the jeon wonwoo, the grade topper of faculty of law and resident heartthrob no matter how much wonwoo denies it.
of course mingyu’s heart bloomed with flowers, as cheesy as that sounds. he has never experienced this moment before. just two people complete head over heels over each other and just only realising it. he felt giddy. wonwoo hyung was kissing him! wonwoo hyung likes him too! two years of straight up crushing bad on his roommate proved to be worth it. mingyu wouldn’t dare to ask him out in the span of two years because wonwoo has always been the one who’s main priority is his dreams and he didn’t want to hinder the journey. now mingyu knows a part of wonwoo’s dream is him, given that they’re making out at the moment. wonwoo is his now, they’re together and bonded.
the two finally pulled away. wonwoo was completely out of breath and mingyu’s cheeks turned beet red. the grip they had on each other could leave a mark, literally and figuratively. mingyu couldn’t look at the older one in his eyes out of shyness, all confidence and wit thrown out the window. crazy how wonwoo could do that to him so easily.
“you don’t know how long i’ve wanted to do that.” mingyu said, burying his head onto wonwoo’s broad shoulder.
mingyu’s warmth was something wonwoo will never get over. he ran his hand through the younger’s hair and kissed him on the temple so tenderly. “and i’m glad you did, my love.”
the room fell silent again. the two roommates stayed in each other’s embrace. sharing their warmth as they let their feelings take over. what happened was far from awkward. mingyu got his dream boy and wonwoo is completely head over heels for him
perhaps the art major student wasn’t going to check on the exhibition once it finishes and the law major student thinks his criminal law professor will let the absence of a case study review slide for once because it’s him.
written by b
edit by v @/lovetagon