{SHINee} If the Price is Right {songfic}
Kim Jonghyun was the CEO of a popular labeling company for upcoming musicians, as well as a retired musician himself. It was no surprise that he was wealthy. It was also no surprising ordeal that he’d want a break from all of the work and publicity. He drove to the less crowded end of the city to a quaint coffee shop where he was fairly certain he wouldn’t be recognized. It was cold outside, and the inside of the coffee shop was warm and cozy. Before entering, he adjusted his blonde, wind-tossed hair a bit and shuffled inside. There weren’t very many seats, but he found one next to a young man who was tucked in the corner, quietly reading and listening to music through only one earpiece. The other was dangling at his chest. He wore some narrow reading glasses as he skimmed through a book titled, “The Theory of Music” and scribbled notes in a cheap notebook.
Jonghyun cleared his throat a little. “Um,” he murmured softly, “would it be alright if I took a seat here?”
The young man looked up and smiled faintly. “Sure thing. You won’t bother me,” he responded before returning to his notes.
“Interesting book,” Jonghyun commented.
“I enjoy music,” he responded. “I’m kind of hoping I can score a career in it.”
“Oh? Doing what?”
“Producing would be nice. I like singing, but it seems like most of the artists in the industry have no class. They’re kind of… well, bitches.”
“You have no idea.”
The young man glanced up at Jonghyun. “You’d know, would you?”
“Mission successful.”
The man raised an eyebrow. “What?”
“Excuse me,” Jonghyun murmured with a chuckle. “I came here with the intentions of being relatively unrecognized and it was a success.”
“You look familiar.”
“I’m Kim Jonghyun,” he told the young man, reaching a hand a little ways over the table.
The young man shook his hand excitedly and smiled. “I know you now! You’re much more handsome in person. Those photographs do no justice,” he told the now-blushing Jonghyun. “Kim Kibum is my name.”
“Pleased to meet you, Kibum.”
“Oh, no. Pleasure is mine, Mr. Kim.”
“Bah, lose the formalities. It’s just Jonghyun.” Kibum just smiled a little and scribbled another note or two. “So when are you supposed to graduate?” Jonghyun asked, curiously.
“In a few months. May,” Kibum replied. “Why?”
“Just curious. After you graduate, though,” Jonghyun began, removing a business card from his pocket, “give me a call. We’ll see what we can do to get you started on your career.”
Jonghyun jotted down his personal cell phone number on the card, too. “I… uh… really, I can’t. It doesn’t seem fair,” Kibum responded, flustered by his kind gestures.
“It is though. Believe it or not, I personally scout for people sometimes. I could use a talented, dedicated young man like you.”
“You’ve not seen me do anything…”
“I have a good instinct.”
Jonghyun stood up and winked. “Call me anytime.”
Before Kibum could protest, Jonghyun simply turned and waved, heading out the door to leave Kibum in his shocked state.
+++++
Jonghyun opened his eyes and with no surprise found Kibum to be missing. He sat up, brushing some of his messy brown hair out of his face. Today was his day off-it would be no better than any other. He had showered and dressed when he heard noise at the door. It was Kibum in his designer shades and name-brand jacket. From head to toe, he was decked in nothing but high-class and expensive labels of some kind or another. “Honey, I’m home,” Kibum called prissily.
Jonghyun just sighed as he heard the shuffle of shopping bags in the living room from the kitchen. “How much did you spend this morning?” he grumbled.
Kibum laughed as though nothing were wrong and Jonghyun was kidding. “Just a couple hundred. Couldn’t find anything I really liked.”
Another sigh from Jonghyun. “Probably a good thing… he muttered quietly.
“What was that?” Kibum snapped.
“Nothing.” Jonghyun stared silently at the doorway for awhile.
Ever since he’d started showing his precious Kibum the sweet life, it’s all he’s wanted. It disappointed Jonghyun. He followed Kibum upstairs where he was only removing three tops from bags. “Two hundred dollars on three shirts?” Jonghyun mumbled.
“I know, it was pretty cheap. They were on sale even!” Kibum exclaimed.
“Kibum, I think I’m going to go to the gym for a bit. I’ll see you later.”
As Kibum proceeded to chew him for leaving and never staying home, he grabbed his car keys and simply left. He almost couldn’t stand who Kibum had turned into. Quite frankly, he didn’t like Kibum at all anymore. He drove downtown to the gym where he found Minho, his best friend. As they were in the midst of a break after a tedious workout, Jonghyun mentioned Kibum’s behavior. “It’s getting worse the more it continues. Anymore, I hate going home, because if he isn’t there bitching already, it never takes him long to be.”
Minho chuckled. “If you’re unhappy, leave. Kibum won’t know what to do when you’re gone. After all, you’re his lifeline.”
“No, my wallet is.”
“That’s the point, Jonghyun. If you leave, so does the money. Your wallet, I hope, would come with you.”
It clicked with Jonghyun. “I get it now. We’ll see.”
After the gym, Minho and Jonghyun grabbed some drinks at a local bar-but not enough to get Jonghyun wasted. Kibum was asleep already when Jonghyun returned home. He made sure he didn’t come home early enough. Jonghyun really didn’t want to hear it from him about going to the bar after the gym. Jonghyun quietly slipped into bed and off to dream land.
+++++
Jonghyun smoothed out his blonde hair and leaned back as he sipped a bit of wine. He was at home that night, first night in awhile. Most evenings he spent hanging out with Kibum. Kibum had told him he needed to focus on his school work a bit more though, and Jonghyun agreed. He breathed a comfortable sigh and closed his eyes when his phone rang. “Kim Jonghyun speaking,” he murmured into the phone.
“Jonghyun! It’s Kibum,” the caller replied.
“Kibum! How’s school?” Jonghyun asked.
“Good. Speaking of school, I was wondering if you could help me. I remember you mentioning once that you’d gone to school for music and such, plus I’m sure you have experience with this stuff. I have some homework questions dealing with sound mixers. You know a bit about them, right?”
“Know about them? I own one! How about you come over for a bit? I’ll help you with the questions and let you mess with one yourself.”
“I…I…” Kibum began, already flustered as always.
“Don’t worry so much, Kibum. Just let me help. You’ll need the experience anyway.”
“O-Okay… but I don’t know where you live.”
Jonghyun offered him the directions and Kibum made his way over. Jonghyun was wearing a half-unbuttoned shirt and a loose pair of casual slacks still when Kibum made it. “Come in,” Jonghyun told him, standing aside to let him enter.
“Kibum’s eyes wandered about the luxurious home that Jonghyun owned. “Nice place,” Kibum said in awe.
“Thanks. I personally think I should’ve settled for something smaller. But, I have a lot of equipment I’m not willing to get rid of. I like music a bit too much sometimes.”
Kibum smiled. “Where is this epic sound mixer of yours?” he asked.
Jonghyun smirked. “In the basement. Follow me.”
They marched down a set of stairs into the basement which consisted of nothing but sound equipment and a personal vocal booth which was soundproof. “You have your own recording studio practically,” Kibum commented.
“That’s exactly what it is,” Jonghyun replied taking a seat at the mixer, motioning for Kibum to sit as well. “I used to sing a lot before I became CEO. I do a bit in my spare time. Nothing of mine is ever spectacular enough to release though.”
Kibum pulled up the second seat next to him. “Way to have a positive outlook,” he said sarcastically with a snicker. Jonghyun just grinned. “Anyway, let’s get started. First, we’ve got to turn it on. The switch is by your knee.”
“This one?” Kibum asked, pointing at one of the three switches close to his knee.
“No, this one right here,” Jonghyun told him, leaning over. His hand brushed Kibum’s leg, making him blush ever so slightly. “Sorry.”
Kibum shook his head a little. “About?”
“It obviously uh… bothered you a little there.”
“No, not really,” Kibum told him with a faint smirk.
Jonghyun then was a bit bothered-but certainly in a good way. He shook it off a bit and chuckled. “Let me see your hand,” he told Kibum.
Kibum held out his hand and Jonghyun took it, moving toward one of the sliders. “This one controls pitch,” he murmured guiding his fingers along the various sliders on the mixer, “while this one controls volume level. And this one over here,” Jonghyun continued, moving his hand again, “controls base while the one next to it is treble.”
Kibum nodded, his eyes wandering from the sliders to Jonghyun every now and then. Jonghyun leaned a bit closer to him. “Those over there are supposed to control the levels of each microphone.”
Kibum faced him a bit as he spoke and the two of them froze there, staring at each other for a moment. But it wasn’t that silent, awkward kind of stare. It was silent, but in either of their minds, it was that stereotypical, gorgeous romantic moment that would change them. Jonghyun leaned forward toward Kibum. Kibum did not retract. Instead he leaned forward the rest of the way and placed his lips on Jonghyun’s. Jonghyun’s fingers left Kibum and he held his cheek with one while the other was rested on the chair. Kibum slightly brushed his fingers along Jonghyun’s neck, feeling him shiver beneath his touch. Kibum’s tongue brushed Jonghyun’s lips momentarily before he pulled back a little. “I-I’m… I’m sorry, I don’t know what… I really… Homework. I have homework.”
Jonghyun found himself laughing at the poor young man a little. “I understand, I’m sorry. I let myself, uh… get a bit carried away there.”
“I can’t say less for myself,” Kibum stuttered. “I… that’s never happened.”
Jonghyun laughed again. “Must be fate or something then.”
Kibum smiled awkwardly before laughing himself. “Fate?”
“Kibum, what do you say… we…” Jonghyun hesitated. He’d never been this awkward or embarrassed around anyone. His cheeks were rosy as he looked down a bit. “What would you say if I were to ask you on a date next week? I’ve got a dinner party and it’d be awesome if I could go with a date. I just… I wouldn’t want it to be anyone else, really.”
Kibum’s eyes widened a bit. “I mean… are you sure? I don’t… I’ve never…” Kibum was so adorably awkward.
Jonghyun smirked faintly. “If you don’t want to, you don’t have to. I was just… just asking.”
“It’s not that I don’t want to, I really do, but are you sure?”
“If I weren’t, I wouldn’t have asked,” Jonghyun told him, his eyes locked on Kibum’s.
Kibum smiled a little shyly and nodded faintly before replying,” I’d… I’d like that.”
“I’ll get you a tux ready then.”
“W-What? I can take care of that myself…” Kibum responded, knowing he really couldn’t. Not on his nonexistent income.
“Don’t worry about it. Come over this weekend. We’ll get you a tux ready.”
Kibum wasn’t used to this hospitality. “I’ll pay you back one day, Jonghyun. You wait,” Kibum kidded with a grin.
“Nope. Even if I let you, I’d just spend it on you again.”
Kibum knew Jonghyun was nothing short of a good person. And Jonghyun could not have found anyone more perfect.
+++++
Jonghyun couldn’t stand anymore of hearing Kibum talk about clothes more than their relationship. All it was about was shoes, clothing, how he needed to get his hair done, if Jonghyun had such and such amount in cash, if he could borrow the credit card for a few hours… He could not stand anymore.
But he couldn’t just leave Kibum. Kibum was the love of his life-keyword, was-and he was the first one to really take Jonghyun’s heart. Despite things being rough between them now, there had been good parts… had been. It was getting difficult for Jonghyun to separate his feelings from the situation.
Jonghyun couldn’t deny that Minho was right, though. Kibum was still asleep, and so Jonghyun grabbed a suitcase and quietly started cramming things inside of it-shoes, slacks, t-shirts, boxers. He wasn’t sure where he’d go just yet, but he’d find something. He had a friend, Onew, he was sure he could stay with for awhile. Onew lived outside of the city, close to the coast so it’d be a good vacation. He just needed away from Kibum. He needed to show him that there was more to this relationship than money.
Jonghyun made a quick, quiet phone call to Onew who offered to lend him a room for as long as he needed. Just as his hand hit the door knob, he heard Kibum behind him. “Where are you going…?”
“This won’t work, Kibum,” Jonghyun told him.
“What won’t work?” Kibum asked sleepily.
“Us. I’m leaving.”
“Wait, where-“
Jonghyun disregarded his words as he exited the household and headed down the steps. Kibum was close behind, anxiously chirping about how he was sorry for whatever he did and that he should just turned around and come back to bed for awhile. Jonghyun never said a word, until Kibum grabbed his coat sleeve. Jonghyun jerked away from him and turned around. “This won’t work, Kibum. All you’re after at this point is my wallet. I’m done.”
Kibum collapsed on the steps and sobbed as Jonghyun tossed his suitcase in the backseat and drove away. “Fine! I don’t need you anyway!” Kibum screeched after the car as he saw the fading remnants of the vehicle disappearing down the driveway.
+++++
Kibum heaved a sigh and Jonghyun poked him a bit. “You’re supposed to be excited about graduating in a few hours. What’s up?” he asked.
“Just thinking,” Kibum replied softly.
“About?”
“What I’m going to do. My parents have stated already that after graduation I need to get out of their house.”
“Live with me,” Jonghyun told him. “No harm in it at all.”
“What? I really couldn’t. I understand your kindness, but that’s just over the top.”
“No it’s not. It’s impolite to refuse my offer,” Jonghyun told him coyly.
“You…” Kibum sighed again. “I guess. But only for a little while. Just while I try to get my own place.”
“Okay then.”
“When do you want me to … get my stuff?”
“Tonight. After graduation.”
“Wait, what? So soon?”
“Too soon?”
“Well… no, I was just… thinking maybe you wanted to think it over and-“
“I’ve already made my decision. You can and are. You decide when then.”
Kibum thought it over. “Tonight then. We’ll get my stuff after graduation.”
Jonghyun just smirked and Kibum could not help but grin. Jonghyun was definitely something different.
+++++
Kibum sighed heavily and leaned his head in his hand, sitting at the large dining room table by himself. He’d already gone through half a box of tissues and gotten tear stains all over his silken pajama top. It was day three of Jonghyun being gone, and Kibum was a wreck. “What in the hell was his problem?”
Kibum started thinking of the day that they met. It didn’t take him long to realize that he had been different then-very modest and low-budget. Sure, his wardrobe and spending changed but he was not different in attitude… was he?
Kibum marched upstairs, bringing the tissues with him, and sat in their bed. His eyes trailed to the half-empty closet. “I never had all of this. Have I truly gotten carried away?”
More tears slipped from his cheeks. “All of this time… I’ve been selfish, Jonghyun.”
Kibum laid back, rolling on his side, tears slipped over the bridge of his nose, leaving a small stain on the bed sheets. “All of this time I thought I was still firmly holding your hand… the only thing I was holding was your wallet.”
Kibum cried softly into the sheets, his sobbing lessening as he cried himself into a small nap.
+++++
“Jonghyun, return safely from your business trip, okay?” Kibum said as he hovered around the front door, watching Jonghyun head down the steps toward the cab.
Jonghyun paused, set down his suitcase and returned up the steps to lean close to Kibum. “I always am. Trust me, I keep it in mind that there’s someone at home who’s waiting for me. I make sure that I’m careful, for you.”
Kibum chuckled and shook his head. “So silly, Jonghyun.”
Jonghyun leaned even closer and took Kibum’s cheeks, kissing him softly on the lips. Kibum leaned away and brushed his nose against Jonghyun’s. “You’re going to be late for your flight. Love you.”
“I love you, too, Kibum. See you in three days, I promise.”
+++++
“Come back in three days, Jonghyun. You promised…” a half-sleeping Kibum murmured, opening his eyes softly.
It was then that Kibum heard the door open. He figured it was just the maid, or maybe it was Minho checking on him. He wiped away the dried-and now fresh-tears on his face and left the bedroom, peeking downstairs to find Jonghyun. He was home, suitcases and everything. Jonghyun hesitated, looking at Kibum on the staircase.
Kibum couldn’t maintain his composure. He stumbled down the staircase, to the bottom where he hesitated again. Tears were slipping down his cheeks. “How could I have done this to you, Jonghyun?” he cried.
Jonghyun could sense the honesty in his eyes, in his voice. He dropped his suitcases and grabbed Kibum, pulling him close. “Damnit, Kibum, I love you. I want to make this last forever, but I want us to last forever, not the money involved.”
“I understand this now, Jonghyun,” Kibum cried into his shoulder. “I’m so sorry… so sorry for being blind.”
“I… forgive you, Kibum.”
“Is it just your… your nature to return after three days?”
Jonghyun smiled and leaned away a little. “I didn’t know if you’d catch that or not.”
“I dreamt of it. I always dream of us.”
Jonghyun kissed Kibum. “I love you.”
“And I love you. Never again will I let something petty ruin that.”
Jonghyun cleared his throat a little. “Um,” he murmured softly, “would it be alright if I took a seat here?”
The young man looked up and smiled faintly. “Sure thing. You won’t bother me,” he responded before returning to his notes.
“Interesting book,” Jonghyun commented.
“I enjoy music,” he responded. “I’m kind of hoping I can score a career in it.”
“Oh? Doing what?”
“Producing would be nice. I like singing, but it seems like most of the artists in the industry have no class. They’re kind of… well, bitches.”
“You have no idea.”
The young man glanced up at Jonghyun. “You’d know, would you?”
“Mission successful.”
The man raised an eyebrow. “What?”
“Excuse me,” Jonghyun murmured with a chuckle. “I came here with the intentions of being relatively unrecognized and it was a success.”
“You look familiar.”
“I’m Kim Jonghyun,” he told the young man, reaching a hand a little ways over the table.
The young man shook his hand excitedly and smiled. “I know you now! You’re much more handsome in person. Those photographs do no justice,” he told the now-blushing Jonghyun. “Kim Kibum is my name.”
“Pleased to meet you, Kibum.”
“Oh, no. Pleasure is mine, Mr. Kim.”
“Bah, lose the formalities. It’s just Jonghyun.” Kibum just smiled a little and scribbled another note or two. “So when are you supposed to graduate?” Jonghyun asked, curiously.
“In a few months. May,” Kibum replied. “Why?”
“Just curious. After you graduate, though,” Jonghyun began, removing a business card from his pocket, “give me a call. We’ll see what we can do to get you started on your career.”
Jonghyun jotted down his personal cell phone number on the card, too. “I… uh… really, I can’t. It doesn’t seem fair,” Kibum responded, flustered by his kind gestures.
“It is though. Believe it or not, I personally scout for people sometimes. I could use a talented, dedicated young man like you.”
“You’ve not seen me do anything…”
“I have a good instinct.”
Jonghyun stood up and winked. “Call me anytime.”
Before Kibum could protest, Jonghyun simply turned and waved, heading out the door to leave Kibum in his shocked state.
+++++
Jonghyun opened his eyes and with no surprise found Kibum to be missing. He sat up, brushing some of his messy brown hair out of his face. Today was his day off-it would be no better than any other. He had showered and dressed when he heard noise at the door. It was Kibum in his designer shades and name-brand jacket. From head to toe, he was decked in nothing but high-class and expensive labels of some kind or another. “Honey, I’m home,” Kibum called prissily.
Jonghyun just sighed as he heard the shuffle of shopping bags in the living room from the kitchen. “How much did you spend this morning?” he grumbled.
Kibum laughed as though nothing were wrong and Jonghyun was kidding. “Just a couple hundred. Couldn’t find anything I really liked.”
Another sigh from Jonghyun. “Probably a good thing… he muttered quietly.
“What was that?” Kibum snapped.
“Nothing.” Jonghyun stared silently at the doorway for awhile.
Ever since he’d started showing his precious Kibum the sweet life, it’s all he’s wanted. It disappointed Jonghyun. He followed Kibum upstairs where he was only removing three tops from bags. “Two hundred dollars on three shirts?” Jonghyun mumbled.
“I know, it was pretty cheap. They were on sale even!” Kibum exclaimed.
“Kibum, I think I’m going to go to the gym for a bit. I’ll see you later.”
As Kibum proceeded to chew him for leaving and never staying home, he grabbed his car keys and simply left. He almost couldn’t stand who Kibum had turned into. Quite frankly, he didn’t like Kibum at all anymore. He drove downtown to the gym where he found Minho, his best friend. As they were in the midst of a break after a tedious workout, Jonghyun mentioned Kibum’s behavior. “It’s getting worse the more it continues. Anymore, I hate going home, because if he isn’t there bitching already, it never takes him long to be.”
Minho chuckled. “If you’re unhappy, leave. Kibum won’t know what to do when you’re gone. After all, you’re his lifeline.”
“No, my wallet is.”
“That’s the point, Jonghyun. If you leave, so does the money. Your wallet, I hope, would come with you.”
It clicked with Jonghyun. “I get it now. We’ll see.”
After the gym, Minho and Jonghyun grabbed some drinks at a local bar-but not enough to get Jonghyun wasted. Kibum was asleep already when Jonghyun returned home. He made sure he didn’t come home early enough. Jonghyun really didn’t want to hear it from him about going to the bar after the gym. Jonghyun quietly slipped into bed and off to dream land.
+++++
Jonghyun smoothed out his blonde hair and leaned back as he sipped a bit of wine. He was at home that night, first night in awhile. Most evenings he spent hanging out with Kibum. Kibum had told him he needed to focus on his school work a bit more though, and Jonghyun agreed. He breathed a comfortable sigh and closed his eyes when his phone rang. “Kim Jonghyun speaking,” he murmured into the phone.
“Jonghyun! It’s Kibum,” the caller replied.
“Kibum! How’s school?” Jonghyun asked.
“Good. Speaking of school, I was wondering if you could help me. I remember you mentioning once that you’d gone to school for music and such, plus I’m sure you have experience with this stuff. I have some homework questions dealing with sound mixers. You know a bit about them, right?”
“Know about them? I own one! How about you come over for a bit? I’ll help you with the questions and let you mess with one yourself.”
“I…I…” Kibum began, already flustered as always.
“Don’t worry so much, Kibum. Just let me help. You’ll need the experience anyway.”
“O-Okay… but I don’t know where you live.”
Jonghyun offered him the directions and Kibum made his way over. Jonghyun was wearing a half-unbuttoned shirt and a loose pair of casual slacks still when Kibum made it. “Come in,” Jonghyun told him, standing aside to let him enter.
“Kibum’s eyes wandered about the luxurious home that Jonghyun owned. “Nice place,” Kibum said in awe.
“Thanks. I personally think I should’ve settled for something smaller. But, I have a lot of equipment I’m not willing to get rid of. I like music a bit too much sometimes.”
Kibum smiled. “Where is this epic sound mixer of yours?” he asked.
Jonghyun smirked. “In the basement. Follow me.”
They marched down a set of stairs into the basement which consisted of nothing but sound equipment and a personal vocal booth which was soundproof. “You have your own recording studio practically,” Kibum commented.
“That’s exactly what it is,” Jonghyun replied taking a seat at the mixer, motioning for Kibum to sit as well. “I used to sing a lot before I became CEO. I do a bit in my spare time. Nothing of mine is ever spectacular enough to release though.”
Kibum pulled up the second seat next to him. “Way to have a positive outlook,” he said sarcastically with a snicker. Jonghyun just grinned. “Anyway, let’s get started. First, we’ve got to turn it on. The switch is by your knee.”
“This one?” Kibum asked, pointing at one of the three switches close to his knee.
“No, this one right here,” Jonghyun told him, leaning over. His hand brushed Kibum’s leg, making him blush ever so slightly. “Sorry.”
Kibum shook his head a little. “About?”
“It obviously uh… bothered you a little there.”
“No, not really,” Kibum told him with a faint smirk.
Jonghyun then was a bit bothered-but certainly in a good way. He shook it off a bit and chuckled. “Let me see your hand,” he told Kibum.
Kibum held out his hand and Jonghyun took it, moving toward one of the sliders. “This one controls pitch,” he murmured guiding his fingers along the various sliders on the mixer, “while this one controls volume level. And this one over here,” Jonghyun continued, moving his hand again, “controls base while the one next to it is treble.”
Kibum nodded, his eyes wandering from the sliders to Jonghyun every now and then. Jonghyun leaned a bit closer to him. “Those over there are supposed to control the levels of each microphone.”
Kibum faced him a bit as he spoke and the two of them froze there, staring at each other for a moment. But it wasn’t that silent, awkward kind of stare. It was silent, but in either of their minds, it was that stereotypical, gorgeous romantic moment that would change them. Jonghyun leaned forward toward Kibum. Kibum did not retract. Instead he leaned forward the rest of the way and placed his lips on Jonghyun’s. Jonghyun’s fingers left Kibum and he held his cheek with one while the other was rested on the chair. Kibum slightly brushed his fingers along Jonghyun’s neck, feeling him shiver beneath his touch. Kibum’s tongue brushed Jonghyun’s lips momentarily before he pulled back a little. “I-I’m… I’m sorry, I don’t know what… I really… Homework. I have homework.”
Jonghyun found himself laughing at the poor young man a little. “I understand, I’m sorry. I let myself, uh… get a bit carried away there.”
“I can’t say less for myself,” Kibum stuttered. “I… that’s never happened.”
Jonghyun laughed again. “Must be fate or something then.”
Kibum smiled awkwardly before laughing himself. “Fate?”
“Kibum, what do you say… we…” Jonghyun hesitated. He’d never been this awkward or embarrassed around anyone. His cheeks were rosy as he looked down a bit. “What would you say if I were to ask you on a date next week? I’ve got a dinner party and it’d be awesome if I could go with a date. I just… I wouldn’t want it to be anyone else, really.”
Kibum’s eyes widened a bit. “I mean… are you sure? I don’t… I’ve never…” Kibum was so adorably awkward.
Jonghyun smirked faintly. “If you don’t want to, you don’t have to. I was just… just asking.”
“It’s not that I don’t want to, I really do, but are you sure?”
“If I weren’t, I wouldn’t have asked,” Jonghyun told him, his eyes locked on Kibum’s.
Kibum smiled a little shyly and nodded faintly before replying,” I’d… I’d like that.”
“I’ll get you a tux ready then.”
“W-What? I can take care of that myself…” Kibum responded, knowing he really couldn’t. Not on his nonexistent income.
“Don’t worry about it. Come over this weekend. We’ll get you a tux ready.”
Kibum wasn’t used to this hospitality. “I’ll pay you back one day, Jonghyun. You wait,” Kibum kidded with a grin.
“Nope. Even if I let you, I’d just spend it on you again.”
Kibum knew Jonghyun was nothing short of a good person. And Jonghyun could not have found anyone more perfect.
+++++
Jonghyun couldn’t stand anymore of hearing Kibum talk about clothes more than their relationship. All it was about was shoes, clothing, how he needed to get his hair done, if Jonghyun had such and such amount in cash, if he could borrow the credit card for a few hours… He could not stand anymore.
But he couldn’t just leave Kibum. Kibum was the love of his life-keyword, was-and he was the first one to really take Jonghyun’s heart. Despite things being rough between them now, there had been good parts… had been. It was getting difficult for Jonghyun to separate his feelings from the situation.
Jonghyun couldn’t deny that Minho was right, though. Kibum was still asleep, and so Jonghyun grabbed a suitcase and quietly started cramming things inside of it-shoes, slacks, t-shirts, boxers. He wasn’t sure where he’d go just yet, but he’d find something. He had a friend, Onew, he was sure he could stay with for awhile. Onew lived outside of the city, close to the coast so it’d be a good vacation. He just needed away from Kibum. He needed to show him that there was more to this relationship than money.
Jonghyun made a quick, quiet phone call to Onew who offered to lend him a room for as long as he needed. Just as his hand hit the door knob, he heard Kibum behind him. “Where are you going…?”
“This won’t work, Kibum,” Jonghyun told him.
“What won’t work?” Kibum asked sleepily.
“Us. I’m leaving.”
“Wait, where-“
Jonghyun disregarded his words as he exited the household and headed down the steps. Kibum was close behind, anxiously chirping about how he was sorry for whatever he did and that he should just turned around and come back to bed for awhile. Jonghyun never said a word, until Kibum grabbed his coat sleeve. Jonghyun jerked away from him and turned around. “This won’t work, Kibum. All you’re after at this point is my wallet. I’m done.”
Kibum collapsed on the steps and sobbed as Jonghyun tossed his suitcase in the backseat and drove away. “Fine! I don’t need you anyway!” Kibum screeched after the car as he saw the fading remnants of the vehicle disappearing down the driveway.
+++++
Kibum heaved a sigh and Jonghyun poked him a bit. “You’re supposed to be excited about graduating in a few hours. What’s up?” he asked.
“Just thinking,” Kibum replied softly.
“About?”
“What I’m going to do. My parents have stated already that after graduation I need to get out of their house.”
“Live with me,” Jonghyun told him. “No harm in it at all.”
“What? I really couldn’t. I understand your kindness, but that’s just over the top.”
“No it’s not. It’s impolite to refuse my offer,” Jonghyun told him coyly.
“You…” Kibum sighed again. “I guess. But only for a little while. Just while I try to get my own place.”
“Okay then.”
“When do you want me to … get my stuff?”
“Tonight. After graduation.”
“Wait, what? So soon?”
“Too soon?”
“Well… no, I was just… thinking maybe you wanted to think it over and-“
“I’ve already made my decision. You can and are. You decide when then.”
Kibum thought it over. “Tonight then. We’ll get my stuff after graduation.”
Jonghyun just smirked and Kibum could not help but grin. Jonghyun was definitely something different.
+++++
Kibum sighed heavily and leaned his head in his hand, sitting at the large dining room table by himself. He’d already gone through half a box of tissues and gotten tear stains all over his silken pajama top. It was day three of Jonghyun being gone, and Kibum was a wreck. “What in the hell was his problem?”
Kibum started thinking of the day that they met. It didn’t take him long to realize that he had been different then-very modest and low-budget. Sure, his wardrobe and spending changed but he was not different in attitude… was he?
Kibum marched upstairs, bringing the tissues with him, and sat in their bed. His eyes trailed to the half-empty closet. “I never had all of this. Have I truly gotten carried away?”
More tears slipped from his cheeks. “All of this time… I’ve been selfish, Jonghyun.”
Kibum laid back, rolling on his side, tears slipped over the bridge of his nose, leaving a small stain on the bed sheets. “All of this time I thought I was still firmly holding your hand… the only thing I was holding was your wallet.”
Kibum cried softly into the sheets, his sobbing lessening as he cried himself into a small nap.
+++++
“Jonghyun, return safely from your business trip, okay?” Kibum said as he hovered around the front door, watching Jonghyun head down the steps toward the cab.
Jonghyun paused, set down his suitcase and returned up the steps to lean close to Kibum. “I always am. Trust me, I keep it in mind that there’s someone at home who’s waiting for me. I make sure that I’m careful, for you.”
Kibum chuckled and shook his head. “So silly, Jonghyun.”
Jonghyun leaned even closer and took Kibum’s cheeks, kissing him softly on the lips. Kibum leaned away and brushed his nose against Jonghyun’s. “You’re going to be late for your flight. Love you.”
“I love you, too, Kibum. See you in three days, I promise.”
+++++
“Come back in three days, Jonghyun. You promised…” a half-sleeping Kibum murmured, opening his eyes softly.
It was then that Kibum heard the door open. He figured it was just the maid, or maybe it was Minho checking on him. He wiped away the dried-and now fresh-tears on his face and left the bedroom, peeking downstairs to find Jonghyun. He was home, suitcases and everything. Jonghyun hesitated, looking at Kibum on the staircase.
Kibum couldn’t maintain his composure. He stumbled down the staircase, to the bottom where he hesitated again. Tears were slipping down his cheeks. “How could I have done this to you, Jonghyun?” he cried.
Jonghyun could sense the honesty in his eyes, in his voice. He dropped his suitcases and grabbed Kibum, pulling him close. “Damnit, Kibum, I love you. I want to make this last forever, but I want us to last forever, not the money involved.”
“I understand this now, Jonghyun,” Kibum cried into his shoulder. “I’m so sorry… so sorry for being blind.”
“I… forgive you, Kibum.”
“Is it just your… your nature to return after three days?”
Jonghyun smiled and leaned away a little. “I didn’t know if you’d catch that or not.”
“I dreamt of it. I always dream of us.”
Jonghyun kissed Kibum. “I love you.”
“And I love you. Never again will I let something petty ruin that.”