If Not For Lee Jinki; Jonghyun/Key
Kim Jonghyun, a lyricist working in SM Entertainment, would never imagine that he would find his muse in the form of a person named Kim Kibum who studied abroad with the help of his best friend, Lee Jinki. And not only did he find his muse... he also found something else.
Author's Note: A one shot set in the alternate universe Jonghyun and Key see themselves in if they weren't in SHINee. Part of my 'The Alternate Universe' series.
Kim Jonghyun worked in SM Entertainment, one of the big four entertainment companies/talent agencies in South Korea (in case you didn’t know). Yes, he knew the members of Dong Bang Shin Ki, Super Junior, So Nyuh Shi Dae and even BoA personally but no, he wasn’t in any way doing the same type of “work” they did. He could sing (his vocals were amazing actually) and even dance but he wasn’t an idol on his rise to stardom. Whether or not SM would realize his potential as a Korean idol was perhaps one matter that may happen in the near future but for now, he was very much contented with being one of the many lyricists SM had under their company as they had taken a liking to his unique songwriting skills especially at his young age.
He was only 21 years old but SM has already given him many opportunities to write lyrics that were to be sung and made popular by the idols. Then again, this would only happen if the lyrics gained the likes of the higher management and normally, it was no easy task at all since SM obviously had very high standards set as they aimed to be the leaders of the Hallyu wave. So Jonghyun could count himself lucky considering that in the short amount of time he has been with SM, he had already successfully written three songs that eventually made it to the albums of the idols. If you were to compare that with the amount of songs he wrote that SM had eventually rejected, three was a lot. Perhaps because of the success of the three songs he produced, SM decided to invest in his potential and further improve his songwriting skills by sending him to Los Angeles to learn from the best in their music industry. That was what SM had told him but Jonghyun knew deep down inside that it was more because those three songs were only the best work he could only achieve so far. Improving his songwriting skills was only a nicer way to cover up the fact that Jonghyun was indeed currently at a low point in his career.
Certainly, SM recognized his potential but they knew he was unable to write better lyrics for the time being since he had only been through so little in his life. Perhaps sending Jonghyun overseas was a good opportunity for him to broaden his horizon and maybe gain more experiences where he could draw his inspiration from. Jonghyun wasn’t stupid or in denial, he knew he wasn’t producing anything worthy of attention for the company so he agreed to SM’s arrangements. What’s more, Lee Jinki, his closest friend who he had known since childhood, was supportive of the idea too and encouraged him to make full use of the opportunity of the all-expense paid trip by the company. Jinki even revealed that he knew a certain Kim Kibum who was studying there that could help Jonghyun if he needed anything during his one month stay in LA.
“Remember Jjong, if you need any help, find Kibum! He may possibly be the only person who can speak Korean and help you in LA.” Jinki had informed him the night before Jonghyun’s flight to LA and passed him said Kim Kibum’s contact details. Jonghyun was a little reluctant to take the note Jinki had especially written for him because he didn’t see the need for it considering the fact that he was old and independent enough to survive in a foreign land. Yet, he couldn’t bear to turn down his best friend’s act of kindness and so he kept the flimsy note in his wallet.
Little did he know that this flimsy note ended up as his lifesaver! And boy was he thankful that he had accepted Jinki’s note that had Kim Kibum’s contact details scribbled on it! It was only his first weekend in LA but Jonghyun was already suffering in this foreign land. He hated being in an environment where he could barely understand a single word people were saying, he hated how he was stared at by these people as if it wasn’t obvious enough that he was Korean, he hated having to socialize with all these foreigners who looked alien and spoke alien languages and he just had enough of western food! To summarise what he was dealing with in two words - culture shock was what Jonghyun was going through. Perhaps the only part that he could deal with and actually enjoy was attending his lyrics writing workshop (with a translator, mind you) since he was indeed learning new stuff but then again, the workshop wasn’t held every day! That explained why Kim Kibum was his only lifeline now. And so, Jonghyun had texted the boy and asked if he was free to meet up to which the boy replied that he couldn’t leave his apartment because of some 2000 word essay but Jonghyun was welcomed to crash. Obviously, Jonghyun took up the offer and this was why he was now standing at the door of Kim Kibum’s apartment.
“Well, here goes nothing…” Jonghyun thought out loud as he rang the buzzer to the apartment. He didn’t have to wait long before the door flew open to reveal a slightly taller blonde haired boy dressed in a simple grey oversized tee and black skinnies with black rimmed glasses resting on his nose. Jonghyun noticed that at the same time he was checking said boy out, the boy was giving him a quick onceover as well. And let’s just say Jonghyun had a good first impression of the attractive looking boy…
“Kim Jonghyun?” The boy asked in what Jonghyun would consider a surprised tone.
“Were you expecting someone else?” Jonghyun questioned back. “You are Kim Kibum right?”
“Yes, I am the Kim Kibum but I was expecting someone who looked more like the type that Jinki hyung hangs out with.” Kibum smirked.
“I can say the same to you too” Jonghyun simply replied, returning a similar smirk to Kibum.
“Wow.” Kibum said in an impressed tone. “I like you already. Come on in!”
Jonghyun showed off his white teeth in a wide smile and followed Kibum into his apartment.
“Sorry about the mess, I haven’t had the time to clean up with my essay due in two days and all, but feel free to make yourself at home.” Kibum explained as he made his way back towards his open-concept kitchen and pulled out two glasses placing them on the countertop. “Juice alright with you?”
Jonghyun nodded as he stood awkwardly in the kitchen. “Thanks. And I’m sorry for coming at a time like this but-”
“No worries, i’m taking a break anyway so it’s not a problem at all.” Kibum shot him an understanding look as if knowing exactly what Jonghyun was going through. Then, he smiled reassuringly and passed a glass of juice to Jonghyun as he made himself comfortable on one of his chairs in the kitchen. “I heard a lot about you from Jinki hyung and it’s nice having an image to fit all those words now.”
“Really? Jinki hyung never talked about you to me before… weird.” Jonghyun took a gulp of the juice and settled into the chair opposite Kibum. “How exactly do you know Jinki hyung in the first place?”
Kibum threw his head back and laughed. “You didn’t know? We… had a thing going on.”
As Kibum’s words travelled into his ear, Jonghyun choked on his juice and instantly got into a major coughing fit. He even had to take a couple of deep breaths before he could recover from his shock. “Wh- what?!”
“Is it so unbelievable?” Kibum asked, swirling the juice in his glass and then eyeing Jonghyun carefully. “You’re not homophobic are you?”
Jonghyun immediately shook his head continuously and even waved his hands anxiously in hope that Kibum wouldn’t misunderstand. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m not homophobic… it’s just that… you and Jinki hyung… I just can’t imagine you and him together.“
Kibum pursed his lips and nodded in agreement. “Yeah, me neither.”
Jonghyun paused for a moment as he soaked in Kibum’s words. The smug impression on the blonde’s face made him realise he was being tricked!
“You were playing me!” Jonghyun exclaimed.
“Woah, not bad. You’re not as daft as Jinki hyung says you are…” Kibum sniggered.
“What-“
“So! You hungry? Up for some kimchi bokkeumbap for dinner?” Kibum interrupted and changed the subject because he knew better than to let their conversation go there, especially when he and Jonghyun were at the starting stages of getting to know each other.
Jonghyun’s eyes lit up with anticipation. “We’re gonna eat kimchi bokkeumbap?”
“Yeah, I’m cooking.” Kibum answered like it was no big deal.
“Wait, what, you cook?” To Jonghyun, it was.
“Yeah, i've been studying abroad for almost 2 years now. I can’t go without some Korean home cooked food so I picked up cooking.”
For someone who was experiencing major culture shock, Jonghyun completely understood where Kibum was coming from. Finding out that Kibum could cook was a big deal because he didn't expect the blonde to be any more perfect than he seemed like he already was. And this was saying a lot considering how short a time Jonghyun had spent with Kibum…
“Alright, entertain yourself while I prepare dinner… it won’t take longer than 30 minutes.” With a polite smile, Kibum stood up and began busying himself with the ingredients to kimchi bokkeumbap.
True to Kibum’s instructions, Jonghyun did entertain himself all right. What was his source of entertainment you may ask? Well, it was no other than the great Kim Kibum himself. Jonghyun couldn’t take his eyes off Kibum at all. He actually enjoyed seeing Kibum move around the kitchen and work like a dutiful housewife. And the fact that Kibum was preparing dinner for him made it so much more enjoyable till the point that Jonghyun had a smile plastered on his face. Jonghyun knew he was smiling like a fool but he couldn’t and didn’t want to wipe the smile off his face. It had been way too long since someone and even the littlest thing they did had caught his attention. Don’t forget, he was constantly being surrounded by the likes of popular Korean idols so it was no easy task for someone normal to catch his attention. In the back of his mind, Jonghyun could foresee this situation happening in the future - Kibum with an apron busying himself with household chores while Jonghyun sat comfortably on the sofa like a boss at the receiving end of Kibum’s “service”. As that thought struck him, Jonghyun gulped. Was this really happening? Him imagining a future with Kibum who he knew little about? Now, this was scary. Jonghyun began spacing out as he desperately searched for answers in his mind…
Kibum might have been focused on cooking his specialty kimchi bokkeumbap but he wasn’t oblivious to his surroundings. Heck, even the blind could tell that Jonghyun was observing his every move since his eyes were practically burning at the back of Kibum’s head. Normally, Kibum would have shot a lethal glare at the observer but the funny thing was, this time round, the blonde actually enjoyed the attention he was getting from Jonghyun. All he could say was, Jonghyun was different. He liked how the look in Jonghyun’s eyes told him that he was like his savior, a knight in shining armour and/or even an angel to be treasured. It was not every day that someone found Kibum dependable. And Kibum liked this feeling of having someone under his wing. In a way, it sort of reminded him of the feeling of being loved. Kibum paused at that thought and discreetly peeked at Jonghyun at the corner of his eye. Did he just link love and Jonghyun together? Now this was seriously getting way out of hand.
Love couldn’t come this easy… or could it?
*
Silence filled Kibum’s apartment. Yet, the atmosphere couldn't be more comfortable with the smell of home cooked Korean food in the air and the only sounds of metal chopsticks and spoons clinking against bowls and plates. And being in this atmosphere wasn't something new to both Jonghyun and Kibum. In fact, they could enjoy being in the company of each eating in silence almost every other day in the 3 weeks they knew each other to the extent that it now made them uneasy if they didn’t meet each other at all.
Kibum placed a mouthful of kimchi into his mouth and as he munched on his homemade seasoned vegetables (sent by his mum all the way from Korea), he sighed to himself. It had been three weeks since the question of whether love could come easy started bothering him and he had finally come to a conclusion. Love... indeed couldn't and didn't come easy. Yet, if you were to meet a guy by the name of Kim Jonghyun and you so happened to be a certain almighty (or maybe not so) Kim Kibum, then love could shockingly come easy. And that was not all; love would hit you hard too, like an arrow shot straight through your heart.
Unknowingly placing his hand over his heart, Kibum let out an audible sigh this time round as his eyes darted towards the object of his affection. Said object of affection practically had his face buried in the large serving of Tteokbokki and was busy gobbling down the freshly served spicy rice cakes that Kibum had cooked for dinner as if it was the most delicious food on earth (actually, to Jonghyun, it was). It was only when he heard Kibum's sigh that he finally but reluctantly paused eating to look at the blonde with a concerned expression on his face.
"Kibummie? Is something wrong?"
That exactly was what's wrong! In a matter of barely 3 weeks, Jonghyun was already calling him Kibummie. And mind you, even Kibum's parents didn't call him that. In fact, nobody calls him that! Well, except for now, ever since Jonghyun entered his life. The worse thing was the fact that it worked both ways. Not only was Jonghyun calling him Kibummie (and sometimes even shortening it to just Ki or Bummie), but Kibum found himself calling Jonghyun Jjong (or Jjongie when he was trying to get his way)! All of this happened so naturally because Jonghyun was practically spending every minute of his free time in LA with Kibum. And bearing in mind that the only other thing Jonghyun did in LA was attend his lyrics writing workshop, his free time was indeed a considerable amount of time. Not that Kibum was complaining… because he enjoyed every minute of getting to know Jonghyun better, every minute of having someone to rely on (and vice versa), and basically just every minute of falling in love with Jonghyun.
That's right, falling in love. During these 3 weeks (and counting) of knowing each other, Kibum and Jonghyun did everything possible that friends could do together. They explored food places together whether for breakfast, lunch or dinner, accompanied each other to shopping centers (alright, more like Jonghyun accompanied Kibum), caught the latest movies with each other (Jonghyun especially enjoyed the horror ones for reasons that didn't need much explanation), toured the attractions of LA and hanged out at Kibum’s apartment simply just talking or even just doing their own stuff (Jonghyun writing his songs, Kibum rushing his school assignments). You name it, they did it. They were like best friends… they felt like best friends. Even though, they were completely two different persons, it was amazing how they clicked so well with each other. The chemistry they had with each other was apparent and they both knew, at the back of their minds, that maybe, just maybe… they shared and could be something more.
“Kibum? Do you want to talk it out? You know… whatever is bothering you?” Jonghyun asked again since he didn’t get a reply from Kibum the first time. This time round, he had even placed his chopsticks down, pushed his food aside and gave all his attention to the blonde.
Kibum shook his head and decided to change the topic. “How’s your song writing coming along?”
“It’s been great! I’ve never felt so inspired!” Jonghyun couldn’t hold back his happiness and smiled. “And honestly Kibum, it’s because of you.”
“Me?” Kibum gulped. Why was his heart suddenly beating so fast? Kibum had to control all sorts of sappy love stories scenarios from playing in his mind as he watched Jonghyun take his hand and hold it tight in his.
“Yes you! Who else do I know in LA other than you? If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t have been able to see the city, take in the sights and surroundings and get inspired by all these interesting people living here!” Jonghyun explained animatedly.
As Jonghyun went on about how certain sights and sounds of LA had sparked his inspiration, Kibum couldn’t help but feel a sense of disappointment. Now that he knew he was in love with Jonghyun, Kibum wanted and even expected to hear the lyricist say his inspiration was him. Full stop. End of story. It was as simple as that. He had to admit, he was never a fan of romantic love stories but now, he wished so badly that Jonghyun could just say something that sounded like a line from a movie. Like perhaps “You are the music in me” (oh my word, did he just quote High School Musical?) or “You're every line, every word, every song I sing” or just some cheesy line that would make any girl (or in this case, boy) squeal in delight.
"You're all I ever want to write about!"
Yes, or that! Kibum snapped his fingers in delight. Now that was what he wanted to hear! Wait a second. All of a sudden, Kibum jerked out of his thoughts and regained his focus on Jonghyun and his lips that were shaping the words that he thought he just heard.
Just when the blonde was doubting if what he heard was real or something he conjured in his mind, he felt a tight squeeze on his hand.
“Kibum?”
“Wh- what?” Kibum stuttered.
“Bummie, did you hear what I said?” Jonghyun asked with a tinge of worry and uneasiness in his voice.
“Did you just...” Kibum gulped. “…say I'm your inspiration?”
Jonghyun scratched the back of his neck and smiled sheepishly. “Not exactly that but yeah, I guess that's basically what I wanted to say.”
A lovesick smile crawled onto Kibum's face. “That's seriously so cheesy Jjong.”
“I don't think I can say that without sounding cheesy... but you get my point right?” Jonghyun asked eagerly.
“I do.” Kibum nodded earnestly. “So... what are you going to do without me once you head back to Korea? Since you know, I'm your inspiration and all.” Kibum chose not to hold back a laugh that almost sounded like it was coming from a spoilt child who got what he wanted. Because seriously, he couldn't ask for more right now, knowing that he was of a certain importance to the guy he has fallen in love with.
At this, Jonghyun let out a sigh and messed up his hair in annoyance. “I don't know... I really don't know. And I only have a week left in LA... It's killing me, Bummie!”
“Then you better write as many songs as you can while you're still here.” Kibum simply answered with a smile as he picked up his chopsticks and resumed eating. Hearing Jonghyun admit that he was his source of inspiration was really enough to satisfy Kibum at this moment and gave him no reason to sigh anymore. Yet now that Kibum actually had the appetite to eat, it was Jonghyun's turn to lose all interest in savoring his dinner.
“Songs?” Jonghyun shook his head. “Kibum, that's not all I care about…”
Kibum swallowed his food and watched as Jonghyun took a deep breath and straightened up his body, suddenly looking so formal as if he was at a job interview. He cleared his throat nervously and gazed deep into Kibum’s eyes with all the seriousness he could muster.
“Kibum… would you… would you believe me if I told you I think I love you?”
He didn't care if his question came off as sudden because with only what seemed so little amount of time he had left in LA, he knew he had to say this right at that moment. It was now or never, do or die.
With his eyes fixed on a nervous Jonghyun, Kibum paused for a while, chopsticks between his lips, before he nodded. Obviously, there was nothing much to deliberate about. Hadn’t the answer been clear taking into account the three weeks they spent together?
“Yeah, I believe you.” The blonde said with ease. As compared to Jonghyun, Kibum was relaxed as can be, fiddling with his chopsticks and the leftover food in his bowl. (Actually, if Jonghyun had looked closer, he would have noticed a slight nervousness in Kibum's actions)
“Really? You do? Why?” Jonghyun was delightfully shocked because he didn’t have much confidence that an outstanding person (to him) like Kibum would understand his feelings. Yet, whatever Jonghyun believed about how Kibum thinks or feels was shattered when the younger smiled and said…
“Because I think I love you too.”
Like a magic spell that was cast upon him, Kibum’s words caused Jonghyun to look as if he was hypnotised. But his trance like state was broken as soon as Kibum leaned forward across the table, his upper body hovering over the dishes of food that neither of them couldn’t care less about because what had been brewing between them was finally about to be put into action. With Kibum closing the distance between them, Jonghyun instantly came back into reality and lifted himself off his chair to catch Kibum’s lips in a sweet gentle kiss. It was simply the best feeling in the world… especially when both of them could actually feel each other’s lips curl up into a smile that expressed nothing but bliss.
“Jjongie...” Kibum said in the sweetest tone that made Jonghyun smile like a fool.
Jonghyun couldn’t resist capturing Kibum’s slightly parted lips in another kiss before leaning his forehead against Kibum as he waited for the blonde to pick up from where he left off.
“Listen… do you think you can handle long distance relationships?” Kibum asked in a hushed tone as his lips ghosted over Jonghyun’s teasingly.
“If it's you, I know I can. Heck, even if I can't, I'll do whatever it takes to make sure we work out.” Without even hesitating, Jonghyun promised with so much sincerity and dedication in his voice.
“I knew I was right to fall in love with you.” Kibum let out a satisfied smile and nudged Jonghyun gently on his forehead. “Come on, let’s relocate to the couch...”
Jonghyun laughed and followed Kibum out of the kitchen, finding himself overly excited with Kibum’s suggestion and what was obviously going to happen next... it was even embarrassing to him that he felt like he was 16, innocent and young, trying something out for the very first time! Then again, Jonghyun would be happy to know he wasn't the only excited one...
Upon getting themselves into comfortable positions on the sofa, Kibum purposely chose the time just before their lips were about to meet to share a little piece of good news with his new boyfriend.
“And anyway Pabo, just so you know, i'm in my final year of studies here so I'll be returning to Korea before you even know it.” Kibum casually revealed as if he was talking about the weather. After which, he grinned and immediately took the initiative to begin what was going to be a heavy makeout session.
Wait, so does that mean there wasn’t going to be so much of a long distance relationship in the first place? Jonghyun asked himself. Yet, he didn’t have time to find an answer because he chose to devote his full concentration to keeping up with Kibum’s kisses. And boy oh boy could he never multitask with Kibum in his arms... or maybe not because he did manage to spare a minute to thank god and a certain Lee Jinki for introducing Kibum into his life.
Maybe just being a lyricist in SM was not so bad after all. Because look what it has gotten him… Jonghyun couldn’t ask for more.
{epilogue}
Sleeping in on a Saturday morning with the lazy autumn sun peeking through the curtains was a little slice of heaven. But sleeping in on a Saturday Morning with the special person you love in your arms together under the covers and the weather just being absolutely splendid was pure bliss. That is, until the very necessity you can never be without comes announcing its presence rather loudly and destroying the picture of serenity. Suddenly, you wish so badly that there was no such thing as technology. This very necessity is none other than your handphone or in this case your special someone’s handphone ringing incessantly at the bedside table.
Jonghyun, without even attempting to open his eyes, reached out the free hand that was not hugging Kibum to grab the stubborn ringing phone. His immediate thought when he finally managed to feel the phone with his fingers was to reject the call or even fling the damn phone away but his brain cells was surprisingly functioning well enough to warn him that this was Kibum’s phone he was about to answer. And so, he let out a groan and instinctively pressed the answer button.
“Hello? Kibum! Hey, listen, you know how I told you about Jonghyun being in LA, yeah, about that… could you spare some time to check on him? Cause I haven't heard from him in ages and the last I heard of him, he was severely home sick. I’m actually starting to get very worried.”
A barely awake Jonghyun smiled into the phone as he instantly recognised Jinki’s voice and listened to how much his hyung actually cared for him...
“Kibum, do you hear me? Jjong can be pretty stupid at times so-“
“What-“ Jonghyun stopped and coughed forcefully as his voice sounded too hoarse before continuing, “-did you say?!”
Both Jonghyun's smile and sleepiness had disappeared in an instant as he shot into an upright position as if he had an electric shock. This was an action he immediately regretted because he had released Kibum from his hold quite roughly in the fit of anger. Jonghyun instantly checked on his boyfriend and was thankful to see that he still looked like a baby sound asleep. Now, his attention was back to the phone call… but there was really nothing to pay attention to since a dead silence was heard at the other end of the line until Jinki cleared his throat and let out an awkward nervous laugh.
“Erm… Jjong? Is that you? What are you doing in Kibum's apartment?"
Jonghyun rolled his eyes as he clenched the phone tightly in his hand, all ready to hiss at his hyung without raising his voice too loud. “Thanks hyung, but just so you know, i'm safe and secure with Kibum thank you very much. Now if you excuse me, I would like to head back into bed with my boyfriend. See you in a week, hyung.”
With that, Jonghyun ended the call and placed Kibum’s phone back to where it belonged. After which, he wasted no time in snuggling back under covers with said boyfriend who wasn’t so sound asleep after all.
Kibum shifted his body to a more comfortable position, wrapping an arm around Jonghyun’s waist in attempt to steal his warmth and mumbled at the same time, “Who was that?”
After kissing Kibum’s messed up hair, Jonghyun simply replied. “Cupid.”
Kibum strained his eyes open, raised an eyebrow in question but the only reply he got was a smile from Jonghyun and a “let’s go back to sleep”. Since sleep was calling him, Kibum chose not to fight it and made a quick decision to question Jonghyun later. After all, they did have all the time in the world with each other and Jonghyun wasn’t going to be out of his life so soon…
*
Meanwhile in Korea, said cupid had his jaw dropped open,a look of incredulity on his face and his eyes fixed on his phone that was still clutched in his hand, unable to digest the fact that his best friend had just called his other best friend “boyfriend”.
All Jinki knew now was that he was definitely in for a treat when both Jonghyun and Kibum returned to Korea and boy was he looking forward to that moment! He wouldn’t call himself Lee Jinki if he didn’t manage to extort a feast of chicken from his two best friends as a reward for bringing them together. Contrary to popular belief, this cupid wasn’t stupid and knew he should be rightfully rewarded for introducing love to his two best friends whether intentionally or not.
Read Jinki's story here. ^^