Chapter Text
---
The morning light crept through the sheer curtains of their shared apartment, casting a warm glow over the rumpled sheets. Do Eunho was already awake, actually he had been for the past twenty minutes, staring at the ceiling with the intensity of a man about to defuse a bomb. Which, in a way, he was. A romantic bomb, that is. Eunho came to a realization that the time had come to pop the question. However, one wrong move and .. Boom! Bamby would definitely catch on, and the surprise would be obliterated along with Eunho’s heart.
Beside him, Chae Bamby stirred. A soft grumble escaped his lips as he rolled over, pink hair a chaotic mess of tangled strands, magenta eyes still half-lidded with sleep. He looked like an angry, disgruntled kitten. A very pretty one, though. Eunho stiffened instantly.
"Mm... what time is it?" Bamby's voice was rough, groggy.
"Seven thirty, baby," Eunho said, keeping his tone light, casual. Casual. Do Eunho. You're just a normal boyfriend waking up normally. Nothing suspicious here.
"Tch. Too early." Bamby shoved his face into the pillow to sleep more. As if he had realized something, Bamby turned his face back to Eunho who had frozen in the same position. "Why are you even awake? You never wake up before noon on weekends."
Shit. "Couldn't sleep," Eunho lied, which was terrible because he was a terrible liar. His ears already felt warm. "Just... thinking."
Bamby lifted his head, eye squinting at him suspiciously. "Thinking? You? About what? How to annoy me today?"
"Babe, I don't need to think about that. It comes naturally." Eunho grinned.
"Wow, shameless." The pink haired sarcastically said. But there was no venom in it. That was the thing about Bamby, he's ready to call Eunho every name in the book, scolding him, fighting and arguing, but he will instinctively lean into Eunho’s side whenever he gets, subtly clinging to him when they walk, the way he’d give in to Eunho’s silly requests despite grumbling. That was Bamby’s love language. Silent. Subtle, but devastatingly sweet.
And Eunho loved him so much it made his chest ache. That's why he had to propose. Eunho had carefully devised a plan, a very messy plan, in his mind.
The first step is to measure the finger. The ring finger on Bamby's left hand. That dainty, slender finger that Eunho had held a thousand times, interlaced with his own. But he couldn't just grab it and whip out a measuring tape. Bamby would notice and would probably give him the look of impudence. The man had the intuition of a psychic and the temper of a hornet.
---
Eunho finally stood from the bed, looking like he’s about to enter war. "Breakfast?" Eunho offered, already padding into the kitchen. Bamby shuffled behind him, still in his oversized sleep shirt, which was actually one of Eunho's old band tees, faded and soft. He looked absurdly cute, rubbing his eyes with the back of his hand. "Fine. But if you burn the toast again, I'm throwing it at your head."
"That’s very romantic, honey." The silver haired said with a wink. A declaration of commencement of their nonsensical banter.
Bamby caught on, of course, grinning. "I'm a romantic guy. You know me."
Eunho chuckled, cracking eggs into a pan. He kept glancing at Bamby's hands as he settled onto a stool at the kitchen island, scrolling through his phone. Left hand resting on the counter. Fingers splayed. The ring finger, bare and innocent, unaware of the destiny Eunho had planned for it. Okay. Just... casually measure it. Pretend to check something. Maybe compare it? You can do this, Do Eunho,
"Hey, honey," Eunho said, trying to sound offhand. "How big do you think my hands are compared to yours?"
Bamby looked up, one eyebrow arched. "What?"
"Just curious." Eunho held out his hand, palm up. "Give me yours. Let's compare."
"Why?"
"Because I'm your boyfriend and I want to hold your hand. Is that a crime now?"
Bamby stared at him for a long moment, his eyes narrowed. Then, with a long-suffering sigh, he placed his hand in Eunho's. His fingers were slender, fitting perfectly between Eunho's larger ones. Eunho's heart did a stupid little flip. Years spent with Bamby and he still had this effect on him. Focus, Eunho. Focus! Now I need to measure without him knowing.
He turned their hands over, pretending to examine them with an unnatural high-pitched voice. "Wow, yours are so small. Like a doll's hands."
Bamby looked at him like he had offended him. "Excuse me? I have normal-sized hands."
"They're cute. Small. Like you." Eunho had said, slightly lowering his voice as he smiled brightly.
Bamby's cheeks flushed pink instantly. But his jaw tightened. "Are you calling me short again? I swear to god, Eunho—"
"No, no! I'm not!” Eunho felt a shiver running down his spine. “I'm just appreciating your hands, babe. They're very... ring-able."
Ring-able? Eunho wanted to slap himself.
Bamby's eyes narrowed further. "Ring-able? What does that even mean? Is that even a word?"
"It means—uh—they look good with rings? You know, like, if you wore rings. Which you don't. But y-you could. If you wanted. Hypothetically..." Eunho was sweating. Actual sweat started to bead on his forehead. This was a disaster. Do Eunho, you idiot! “.. I guess haha?”
Bamby pulled his hand back, suspicion thick in his gaze. "You're being weird. Weirder than usual."
"I'm not being weird."
"You just compared my hands to dolls and said they're 'ring-able.' That's weird."
"I-I'm just... appreciating you, okay? Can't a guy appreciate his boyfriend's hands without being interrogated? Sheesh.." Eunho started to stutter, he can never hide something from his lover.
Bamby snorted, turning back to his phone, mumbling. "You can appreciate them by making me breakfast instead.”
Eunho sighed, turning back to the stove, defeated. Mission failed. Attempt one: disastrous. But I still have time. I'll find another way. He just had to be smarter. More subtle and sneaky.
At this point. Eunho reconsidered holding Bamby’s beloved plants as hostages.
---
After breakfast and a bit of tidying up, they settled on the couch to watch a movie which was Bamby's choice, some animated movie with a lot of longing stares and tragic music. Eunho barely paid attention. His mind was racing, calculating, planning.
Okay.. plan revision. What if I just measure his finger while he’s sleeping? (He can’t even tell if Bamby’s asleep or not) Err, maybe buy him new fluffy gloves for winter? (Dear, it’s Spring). Eunho internally explodes, giving Bamby’s beloved succulents by the window another nasty look. His eyes drifted to Bamby's hands again. They were resting on his lap, relaxed. What if I….
Eunho casually draped his arm over the back of the couch behind Bamby, his other hand sliding to aim and brush against Bamby's hand. "Hey, baby, your hands are cold. Let me warm them up."
Bamby didn’t even give him a look, deadpans. "It's March, Eunho."
"Our home is air-conditioned.” Eunho insisted.
"It's literally 28 degrees outside." Bamby shot back.
"Your hands are still cold." Eunho grabbed them anyway, enveloping Bamby's smaller fingers on his own. Bamby huffed, pouted but didn't pull away. He even leaned slightly close then resting his head on Eunho's shoulder. Eunho almost bangs his head against the coffee table because of cuteness aggression towards his boyfriend. Now, if only Eunho could figure out how to covertly measure a finger while pretending to hold hands.
He tried to wrap his thumb and index finger around Bamby's ring finger, like he was estimating a size. But Bamby immediately tensed, noticing. "What are you doing?"
Eunho stiffened, voice cracking. "Nothing. Just holding.."
"You're squeezing my finger."
"No, I'm not. I'm gently cradling it."
"You're measuring it."
Eunho's heart stopped. "What? No! W-W-Why would I measure your finger?"
Bamby pulled his hand back, sitting up, arms crossing and staring at Eunho with those sharp magenta eyes. "You've been acting strange all morning. You keep looking at my hands. You made that weird comment about rings. Now you're measuring my finger." His expression shifted from suspicion to something else, a dawning realization that made Eunho's blood run cold. "Are you... trying to buy me a ring?"
"No!" At that point, Eunho almost pissed himself.
"Then why—"
"It's, um I, err" Eunho's brain short-circuited. "I was just—I saw this, this thing! I wanted to check if your finger size is—" He was flailing. Drowning. Eyes darting side to side. "It's for a... a... a fidget ring! Yeah! I saw a cool fidget ring online, and I wanted to get you one, but I needed to know your size."
Bamby blinked. "A fidget ring?"
"Y-Yeah. You know, for when you're anxious. I notice.. you fidget with things sometimes." Eunho wanted to cry, he just hopes Bamby would buy his lie.
"I do not.” The pink haired bit back but it was lacking strength. Softening.
"You do. You play with my hair when you're watching dramas.Your hands finding some things to hold onto when you’re stressed. That's fidgeting.”
"That's…sigh, you really.” Bamby averted his gaze back at the TV, arms still crossed like a petulant child. He tilted his head, then looked back at his boyfriend, studying Eunho's face. ".. You wanted to buy me a fidget ring?"
"Yeah." Eunho nodded, maybe too eagerly. "I thought it might help you relax. Because you're always so tense, honey."
Bamby's lips twitched. A small, almost-smile. "I'm tense because you're always annoying me."
The younger leaned back. "That's love, baby."
"Pft.” Bamby looked away, but his ears were red. He was touched, a bit of curve forming on his lips. Eunho, on the other hand, wanted to slap himself. The lie had saved him but it didn’t solve his problem.
Then Bamby spoke, quieter, almost shy. "You could have just asked, you know. For my ring size."
Eunho's heart leaped. "Really?"
"Yeah. If you wanted to get me something... I'd tell you." He mumbled the last part, gaze fixed on the TV screen, but the blush spreading across his cheeks was unmistakable.
At this point, Eunho almost forgot his objective. Oh god. He's too cute. I'm going to die. Let me pass on.
"Okay," Eunho said, voice rough. "Then... "What's your ring size?"
Bamby shrugged. "I don't know. I've never worn rings. Figure it out." he smirked, a rare, teasing glint in his eyes. "You're the one with the plan, right?”
And just like that, the ball was back in Eunho's court. He happily hopped to find the measuring tape like an excited overgrown puppy. Bamby let out an affectionate scoff as he shook his head.
---
The tape measure was still wrapped around Bamby's ring finger, and Eunho was staring at the number like it was the winning lottery ticket. His crimson eyes were wide, sparkling with a joy so pure and ridiculous that Bamby couldn’t help but find him both adorable and silly. "Got it," Eunho breathed, voice reverent. "I actually got it."
Bamby muttered, trying to pull his hand back. "Jeez, it's not that deep."
But Eunho held on, bringing Bamby's hand to his lips and pressing a soft, warm kiss to the knuckle. Then another. Then another, trailing up his finger. Bamby's breath hitched.
"Eunho—"
"You're so perfect," Eunho murmured against his skin, kissing the inside of his wrist. "So pretty. I love you. I love your hands. I love your fingers. I love this finger specifically."
"That's weird," Bamby said, but his voice came out breathy, giggly, and his blush was spreading down his neck. Eunho looked up at him, that silly, lovesick grin plastered across his handsome face. His ear piercings glinted in the afternoon light. He looked like an overgrown puppy who had just learned a new trick. And Bamby, despite his best efforts to look annoyed, found himself leaning into the attention.
"Eunho-ssi, if you’re done, let go of my hand now.” Bamby asked, trying to sound indifferent.
"Not yet." Eunho leaned in, pressing a kiss to Bamby's cheek. Then the other cheek. Then his forehead. Then the tip of his nose.
"Okay, okay, that's enough, big guy." The smaller pretended to push Eunho away but he’s not really putting in an effort.
"Nope." Eunho's lips brushed against his jaw, light and teasing. "I could kiss you forever, hyung."
"Then do it properly." Bamby mumbled, almost inaudibly.
Eunho paused, head tiling "Hm?"
Bamby's face went from pink to crimson. He turned his head away, glaring at the wall. "Nothing. Forget it."
But Eunho had heard. A flicker of mischief lit up his eyes. He pulled back, dropping the tape measure, and watched Bamby's frustrated expression with pure delight. "Did you want me to kiss you somewhere else, baby?"
"No."
"On the lips, maybe?"
Bamby rolled his eyes back, annoyed. "Gosh shut up."
"Because if you want me to kiss you on the lips, all you have to do is ask—"
He didn't finish because Bamby surged forward, closing the distance and completely shutting Eunho up. It started soft, almost chaste, Bamby's hands fisted in his shirt and pulled him closer, and the kiss deepened. Eunho's tongue licked Bamby's lower lip, asking permission, and Bamby granted it with a small, needy sound that made Eunho's heart race. He tasted like the coffee they'd had earlier, warm and slightly bitter, and Bamby's mouth was hot and eager against his.
Eunho's hands found their way to Bamby's waist, then lower, sliding down to cup his ass. Bamby was small and compact, but he had a plush, perfect curve that fit in Eunho's palms like it was made for them. He squeezed, and Bamby gasped into the kiss. "Eunho, it’s literally morning."
"I’m very well aware." Eunho's lips trailed down to his jaw, his neck, sucking lightly at the spot behind Bamby's ear that always made him shiver. "Let me love you, hyung."
"Ngh, stop..," Bamby breathed, but his head tilted back, giving Eunho more access. His fingers tangled in Eunho's hair, tugging gently. "You're, haah.. insufferable."
“You love it anyway.. You love me.” the younger male whispered as he continued leaving wet trails of kisses on Bamby’s skin. Bamby's response was to grind his hips against Eunho's, and Eunho's brain short-circuited for a solid three seconds, before regaining his bearing. The kiss turned sloppy, desperate, hands roaming under clothes. Bamby's shirt was pushed up, Eunho's deft fingers tracing the lines of his ribs, his stomach, up to his chest.
"Bedroom," Bamby gasped, panting as he broke the kiss. "Now. Or I'll bite you."
Eunho let out a boyish grin, like he had been victorious. "Yes, sir."
He stood up, Bamby's legs wrapping around his waist automatically, and carried him to the bedroom without breaking stride. Bamby's laugh was muffled against his shoulder, and Eunho smiled so wide it hurt his cheeks. The sound of door shutting tightly echoed throughout the apartment where the couple disappeared together.
---
The sun was already meeting the sea’s horizon and golden by the time Bamby was asleep, curled up in the center of the bed, pink hair splayed across the pillow. His breathing was slow and even, one hand tucked under his cheek, the other reaching out as if searching for Eunho even in sleep. Eunho lay beside him, propped on one elbow, watching. He was still naked, tangled in the sheets, but he couldn't bring himself to move. Bamby's skin was flushed, marked with faint bruises on his neck and collarbone, all are Eunho's handiwork. He looked thoroughly loved, spent yet beautiful.
I'm going to marry him, Eunho thought. If it’s the last thing I’d do.
He still has a lot of things to do. The second one is the ring’s design. Right, he needed to think about it thoroughly.
Carefully, Eunho slid out of bed, holding his breath. Bamby stirred, mumbled something unintelligible, then settled back into sleep. Eunho grabbed his phone and tiptoed to the living room, settling on the couch with his laptop already there. Eunho had started listing things Bamby likes and stuff. He took out his notepad and started sketching roughly.
Bamby wouldn't want something flashy or too grand. He'd take one look at a three-carat diamond and say, "Are you trying to compensate for something?" Or “Do you need my forgiveness?” and Eunho would never live it down. Too simple. Bamby would also hate something plain. He'd stare at a simple silver band and say, "You put zero effort into this, didn't you?" and Eunho would be sleeping on the couch for a month. (All of these are just Eunho’s melodramatic assumptions).
He needed a balance. Something elegant but not ostentatious. Something meaningful. Something that would make Bamby feel loved with just its presence alone.
He thought about Bamby's habits: the way he lit up when they passed a doggy park, his obsession with that one specific shop of pyonaeng namyeon, the way he'd trace patterns on Eunho's chest when they were lying in the dark, just enjoying each other’s warmth. Small details. Quiet preferences. Maybe a band with a subtle engraving inside? Eunho typed some notes. Maybe a small gemstone… his birthstone? Or a color that matches his eyes would be better?
He scrolled through more designs until his eyes grew heavy. The warmth of the afternoon, the exhaustion from their earlier activities, the soft hum of the air conditioner of their apartment, it all lulled him into a daze. His head bobbed, his fingers stilled on the keyboard. The last thing he saw before sleep claimed him was a picture of a delicate ring with a tiny pink sapphire, and he thought, Yeah. Maybe that’ll work. Then he was out.
---
He woke to a pillow hitting his back. "Yah! Do Eunho!"
Eunho jolted upright, disoriented. Bamby stood over him, already dressed in a loose sweater and jeans, his magenta eyes sharp and unimpressed. He was holding another pillow, ready to strike.
"Ugh.. Hyung, what time is it?" Eunho groggily asked.
"Evening. You fell asleep on the couch with your laptop open. Again." Bamby glanced at the screen, which had gone dark.Thankfully. "What were you even doing?"
"Nothing!" Eunho slammed the laptop shut, heart pounding as he tried to hide the notepad away from Bamby’s sight. "Just browsing.."
"Browsing what?"
"Uh... dog videos?"
Bamby's eyebrow arched. "Dog videos."
"Yeah. For relaxation. You know.” Eunho’s eyes began to grow restless once again, chuckling nervously.
The older male huffed, squinting his eyes once again before walking away. “I bet you're really relaxed. You were snoring.”
Eunho frowned, offended. "I was not snoring."
"You were. Loudly. I woke up because I thought there was a tractor in the apartment." Bamby deadpans. Eunho rubbed his face, trying to shake off the sleep. He glanced outside the window and felt his stomach complaining. He looked up at Bamby who spoke at the right time. “Hey, wanna eat outside tonight?”
"Sounds good" Eunho stood, stretching his aching back. "Anywhere specific?"
"I don’t know. Let’s just stroll and see what’s appetizing.” Bamby grabbed his jacket and headed for the door before looking back at the silver haired male with a smile. “Come on, Eunho-ya.”
Eunho chuckled under his breath as he strode towards Bamby, returning the smile. “Coming.”
---
The streets of their neighborhood were alive with the usual weekend bustle; families, couples, students, the occasional street performer. Bamby walked close to Eunho, their shoulders brushing every few steps. Once in a while, Bamby’s hands would reach for Eunho’s arm especially when there’s a crowd forming. Eunho, meanwhile, was trying to keep his eyes on Bamby and pretending not to look at the glittering display window of the jewelry store they'd just passed.
Eunho, act normal. He scolded himself. But his eyes betrayed him. He glanced back, catching a glimpse of rings arranged on velvet cushions. His mind started racing again, ideas surging in his mind. That one's nice, but maybe too plain; that one's too big; what about the pink sapphire? He was so lost in thought that he nearly walked into a lamppost.
"Yah!" Bamby grabbed his sleeve, yanking him back. "Are you trying to kill yourself?"
Eunho jolted. “Sorry, sorry.."
"You've been spacing out all day." Bamby's eyes narrowed. "What's going on? Are you sick?”
"I'm not, hyung.” He wrapped an arm around the shorter’s shoulders. “Sorry for spacing out.”
Bamby stared at him for a minute, then his face softened into worry. “Are you really okay? You’re not sick, right?”
Eunho’s hand automatically went to ruffle Bamby’s hair and smiled like a wolf. “What, what. Are you worried about me, honey?”
“Do Eunho.”
Eunho winced at Bamby’s change of tone. "Okay, maybe I'm a little tired."
"Tired? You slept for two hours on the couch. You even left me alone on the bed.” Bamby huffed in annoyance.
"Quality sleep, baby. It's different."
Bamby stopped walking, turning to face him fully. His magenta eyes searched Eunho's face, and Eunho felt like he was being x-rayed. "You're hiding something."
“Hyung,” Eunho sighed, stepping closer to Bamby, holding his hand. “What am I even gonna hide from you?”
“I don’t know. Are you hiding something from me?” The older male asked back.
“Of course, I’m not!” The taller one answered, defensive and very nervous.
"You are. I can tell. You get that dopey look when you're lying."
"I don't have a dopey look." Eunho frowned, offended once again.
Bamby tilted his head, amused. "You do. You look like a confused golden retriever."
"Wow. Thanks, honey."
“That’s not a compliment, idiot.” Bamby's lips twitched, fighting a smile. "..Just tell me what's going on."
"Nothing's going on. I promise." Eunho placed a hand over his heart. "I'm just a little distracted. Work stuff."
"Work stuff, huh?" Bamby raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah. You know. Projects." Eunho wiped his damp hands on his pants while laughing nervously.
Bamby studied him for a long moment, then sighed and began to walk. "Fine. But if you walk into another lamppost, I'm not pulling you away." He grumbled but he shyly locked his pink finger to Eunho’s index, dragging him. Eunho didn’t protest and bit back a smile. They continued walking, but Eunho made a mental note: Be more subtle, less obvious. Or Bamby will figure out the proposal before he even buys the ring.
Eunho sighed, maybe hostaging the plants will really work rather than this.
- Continued on Chapter Two -