Day 6: Love Still Goes On
Title: Love Still Goes On
Author: intendedsarcasm
Pairing: Jongkyung & friendship!jongkey
Prompt: 6 geese a laying
Disclaimer: I wish I owned everything but alas, life is not that great.
Summary: Kibum and Jonghyun talk about sensual flavors, scream at eachother, and dress in matching grey things with the others. It'll be a good Christmas.
A/N: My first fic and I'm kind of disappointed so it'd be nice to have lots of feedback. It's pretty much all filler with dialogue to hide the fact that there really isn't a plot and everyone is ooc. Major thanks to killie_latte for betaing and folkin_up_again for listening to me complain so much :3
Kibum sighs indignantly as he flips open his phone to the text message received precisely 30 minutes ago.
to the almighty key:
meet @ my place (aka our house)
come asap!! might have a surprise?
- bling bling
31 minutes at the moment - he has been waiting at Shinee’s dorm for 21. Kibum makes a face when he re-reads the text. Grammatical issues aside, he was more than peeved to find the apartment strung up in ostentatious LED lights and various shiny ornaments but not a ghost of a person in sight.
Kibum has had 21 minutes to reminisce through years of nostalgia. Trinkets here, there, from years past, from years present. An award for Juliette (“I call dibs on keeping it!” Jonghyun manages to choke out after his hysterical crying fit) sits neatly in its place on a shelf. The shelf itself isn’t terribly tall which gives Kibum the opportunity to chuckle a ‘Jong-is-short’ joke to himself, though not as humorous with said person being absent.
There are pictures scattered around various parts of the living room, almost eliciting a sense of adventure in Kibum. He decides to embark on a grand journey of epic proportions to pass the time, regardless of the fact that he sees the pictures everyday. Little recollections are brought forth from his memories, bringing a smile to his face as his fingertips brush past dainty frames.
It doesn’t take long for him to discover a photo he had forgotten existed, lying on Jonghyun’s keyboard with a post-it note. There’s only a smiley face on the post-it, which is definitely the opposite of what Kibum feels when he sees the picture. It’s tough to resist the urge to smash the picture in its frame when he sees a younger Jonghyun and himself taking a selca in a washroom.
They were young, reckless, naïve - definitely vulnerable to all the humiliating things in teenage life. Like taking a selca in the washroom with a male best friend and wearing bad outfits in that selca and looking like complete douches in that selca. They were going through a phase caused by puberty, Kibum determines as the explanation.
Kibum isn’t sure what makes him cringe the most but he knows that looking at the picture any more will have dire consequences for Jonghyun, considering he was the one that had dragged Kibum’s ass to the washroom in the first place.
“Kibum! Come on! It’s our last day living in the dorm together. Think about it! We might not see each other again,” Jonghyun makes an expression of mock horror as he clutches at his heart with one hand, the other tugging at Kibum’s wrist.
“Stop being so melodramatic, Jong. We see each other every day. Besides, we only lived together for a week,” Kibum takes bigger steps to keep up with Jonghyun’s pace, hoping to break free from the raptor-man-child’s grasp soon.
“Oh please, this is a perfectly normal psychological reaction to the shock I’m experiencing in having to part with my best friend. Do the memories of that one week mean nothing to you?” Jonghyun feigns hurt with a hint of puppy-dog eyes that gives even more reason for Kibum to roll his eyes.
“Ta-da! We have arrived at our destination. Thanks for choosing to travel with the devilishly handsome Jonghyun,” Jonghyun grins widely as he lets go of Kibum’s wrist, taking a low bow instead.
“The SM building’s least used washroom. I applaud your impeccable taste in location.”
“Stop being so sarcastic, Kibum. Now come in here,” Jonghyun says, moving to grab Kibum’s wrist again before he has the chance to pull away.
“I should just scream bloody murder right now. I could, you know. At this very instant,” Kibum protests but doesn’t struggle when Jonghyun leads him into the washroom.
“Say kimchi!” Jonghyun takes the picture before Kibum can manage a measly smile.
“That is the worst picture I’ve seen in my life. If you’re going to make me take a selca with you, you could you least let me take a good one,” Kibum huffs in exasperation when he sees the result of following Jonghyun to a smelly ‘who-knows-what-goes-on-in-there’ washroom.
“You can’t just re-take it! The first picture captures our feelings the moment it was taken. And hey, kimchi sounds really good right now. Let’s go eat somewhere yummy on our last day, my treat!” Jonghyun skips out without bothering to hear Kibum reply.
Kibum is tempted to say that they must be feeling like arrogant assholes according to the photo but his growling stomach says otherwise.
“I’m back! Anyone die from loneliness while I was gone?” Jonghyun pushes the door open with his hip, his hands occupied with grocery bags. The interruption blurs his flashback before Kibum fully regains consciousness in reality.
“Thanks for telling me ASAP meant I’d be waiting alone for half an hour. I really appreciate the early warning,” Kibum leans against a wall, hoping the gesture screams ‘I-refuse-to-help-you-asshole,’ as much as possible.
“I didn’t leave you shivering in the cold, did I? You do have the key, Kibum. I mean you have the key, Key, because that is punny. Oh Jonghyun, you are so terribly witty,” Jonghyun laughs at his own joke as he starts to unpack items out of the bags.
“Emphasis on the terribly part,” Kibum says, finally moving to peek at Jonghyun’s choice of groceries.
“Go sit down and leave the rest to me,” Jonghyun shoos him away from the kitchen, plopping him onto the couch forcefully. “There should be re-runs of Music Bank. Be productive and learn some girly dances.”
Kibum bites back the witticism dangling from the tip of his tongue, choosing instead to listen to Jonghyun hum the melody of some Christmas carol about 12 days and bizarre gifts.
Kibum realizes that Christmas is drawing near with the sudden influx of ornamented trees, red-nosed reindeer and presents. The most important part he thought, was presents.
He stretches his legs from their uncomfortable pretzel position, in desperate need of a distraction. The TV hadn’t been turned on, the remote hidden under piles of scribbled papers. Kibum wasn’t sure what the purpose of him being there was until he notices a picture depicting a familiar couple on the coffee table.
He and Jonghyun were here together because best friends were forever, and forever was a long way to go. He can’t deny that they haven’t had trouble communicating lately, however.
No, Kibum wasn’t jealous of doe eyes, flushed cheeks, supple lips, pretty face, glossy hair, s-line curves. She was Jonghyun’s other forever - the beginning to the new chapters of his life story.
Kibum had been the first to introduce the two, had been the first to guess, had been the first to know, had been the first to be happy for them. Kibum had been and still was ecstatic, overjoyed and delighted by the news. Jonghyun was happy and dating someone he truly loved. The best an idol could wish for, the best a friend could wish for.
Then the media finds out, becoming a catalyst for the story to spark like a blazing wildfire. Taemin, Minho, fans, media, everyone wonders if Kibum is okay. Jonghyun skips that part and assumes he isn’t. The only one that knows is Jinki - sweet, caring, soft, squishy Jinki with the smile too big for his face. Kibum wonders what the leader is up to now.
What are you and the kids up to?
hi Kibum :D taemin, minho, sekyung and i are watching some horror movies at her house~ taemin’s choice of course -___-’’
I bet Minho is more scared than Sekyung right now >:)
he wishes you were here so someone would be less scared than him kekeke. i know he’s only told you this once (we all don’t tell each other this often enough... i should make a rule for it!) but he thinks you’re a really good friend and is glad you’re our fellow shinee member. we all are <3
It was mostly awkward but the meaning was still there which was considerate of him to put in so much effort. Wait… how did you know?
i’m the leader 8D i know everything~ like how you’re waiting for jong in the living room. hahaha.
That is creepy. I think I should stop texting you. I should probably stop talking to you. I was going to break off all contact with you anyways. I finally have an excuse now :D
that’s so mean kibum ;___; jong actually texted me while he waited for the cookies to bake and we purposely left so you two could be alone D: don’t ignore me or i’m enforcing strict laws on the shinee household that only a leader with my authority can impose.
Dubu Leader, why would the Almighty Key ever think of defying you? Ah, I think Jong is coming back. I’ll talk to you later. Have fun :)
i think the others are getting mad that i’m not paying attention to the movie. they probably just want me to hold them~ i’ll see you later. you two have fun too! oh… kibum? talk to him, okay? fighting :)
Kibum twists his neck slightly to see Jonghyun balancing a tray on his palm. It wobbles precariously for a second before Jonghyun hastily places it on the table beside Kibum’s feet - beside the picture.
There are two cups with matching Christmas tree prints that contain a mysterious foamy drink and a plate of sugar cookies in the shape of assorted Christmas symbols. Jonghyun passes the cup with a voluminous amount of the foamy liquid to Kibum before taking the lesser amount for himself. Key doesn’t consider it anything but good hospitality before he takes a sip.
“What the hell are you making me drink? Is this some elaborate plan to poison me so you can take my lines in our next album?” Kibum shouts, yet somehow managing to swallow the concoction without choking to his untimely demise.
“It’s eggnog, thank you very much. There’s alcohol in it. I could have bought some but then there would be a scandal about how Jonghyun of Shinee is an alcoholic, drowning in his sorrows or something. Instead, I asked Boa for some but she told me to ask Kyuhyun. He only had rice wine left so I used that. There are two different alcohols in the recipe so I used some left over beer in the fridge,” Jonghyun retells dramatically, his gestures almost knocking over his own cup.
Kibum nods before bringing the cup to his nose and sniffing it suspiciously, in case Jonghyun failed to mention the rat poison. He takes a bite from one of the cookies to wash out the taste of the eggnog - the hand-drawn icing on it reminding him of Yoogeun’s paintings.
Kibum catches a glimpse of Jonghyun walking back into the kitchen from his peripheral view.
“If I wanted more lines, I could have poisoned Onew. He has more lines and he seems a lot more gullible too,” The last of the sentence becomes muffled as Jonghyun sticks his head into the fridge, bringing out Starbucks frappuccinos.
He gives one to Kibum, “Vanilla bean for me, double chocolaty chip for you. Vanilla tastes so much better. Honestly, how do you drink that chocolate stuff? Double chocolaty gross.”
Kibum gulps down as much of the drink as he can before replying, “You just have no taste. Vanilla is such a basic flavor especially when compared to chocolate. You know what makes people feel good? Chocolate, that’s what.”
Jonghyun retorts, “You know what makes people feel better? Vanilla, because it’s an aphrodisiac. That’s what,” He chooses to sip obnoxiously on his frappuccino as if it proves his point further.
“Vanilla is an aphrodisiac but not in Starbucks frappuccino form. Before you say that vanilla is so good that it’s pleasurable in any form, I’m going to say the same for mine because chocolate is an aphrodisiac too. Oh, and mine is double chocolaty for double the effect. That’s what,” Kibum says, proud of his ability to make an even more irritating straw-sucking sound than Jonghyun.
“Well, you have bad taste in drinks, that’s what,” Jonghyun glares at Kibum, looking like a mirror image of himself 5 years ago.
They put their empty cups down at the same time. Neither of them say anything, the quiet slowly crawling into awkward silence, staying that way if neither speaks. Kibum knows what he says next could potentially make it worse but it’s now or never and Kibum was never one to regret his choices.
“Jonghyun. What are we doing? We barely speak to each other, and I mean properly because talking about sensual flavors does not count. I know why I’m here. So enough with the bullshit and let’s actually talk about her,” Kibum says, staring straight at Jonghyun to gauge his reaction. Kibum is glad for their friendship. Glances, words, and touches are tacit and clear between them.
It’s not as if it was needed for Jonghyun to realize whom Kibum was referring to.
“I… I’m sorry Kibum. I really am. I’m sorry that this is happening. I’m sorry that it’s causing a tiff in our friendship. I’m sorry it’s bothering you. I’m sorry we have to talk about this at all,” Jonghyun says, not pausing to think about what he says, just knowing he has to say it.
Kibum tilts his head, wonders if he heard it right, “I’m sorry it’s bothering you? Jonghyun, I need you to know, that this -” He tips his head towards the picture, “Has never bothered me. What bothers me is that you automatically assumed when you, of all people, should have known that I’d be happy. You two are going to be happy and married and -”
“I am not telepathic, Kibum. I don’t know everything about you. You don’t know everything about me. Fuck you, for being such a hypocrite. You think I’m assuming? Okay, then why are you acting as if Sekyung is my wife? She’s my girlfriend.”
Kibum doesn’t know how to respond to the abruptness of the situation, uneasy because of the sudden turn of tables (he swears someone will flip a table soon). He doesn’t have to when Jonghyun continues his outburst.
“Remember that time you told the interviewer that you didn’t think of us as family? You’ve said some harsh things before but that, that fucking hurt. Minho had to reassure Jinki and Taemin that they weren’t responsible for you being a dick.”
“You know why I was mad, Jonghyun. Don’t even try putting all this guilt on me when you know,” Kibum wants to shout as loud as he can but he doesn’t, doesn’t want to evoke tears anymore than he has to. His tears or Jonghyun’s, he doesn’t know.
Jonghyun pauses trying to think of all the things he possibly could have done, there’s only one thing Kibum could be referring to, “Is this about me going on a date with Sekyung instead of hanging out with you guys?”
“No. This is about you knowing how Jinki barely has any time to sleep but he still made plans for us to have dinner like a family. This is about you knowing how much we were looking forward to this and how it was more than just ‘hanging out.’ Then you went ahead and told us an hour before that you were going to dinner with your new girlfriend instead,” Kibum shouts this time because how could Jonghyun not know.
He wants to shout until his vocal cords pull and snap in his throat, he wants to flip the table without worrying about the mess of foam and sugar, he wants to curse until Minho comes home and hugs his tears away like he always has.
“We can always have dinner with each other. I don’t think it’s fair that you’re blaming me for this,” Jonghyun replies as calmly as he can, knowing what he says could provoke Kibum.
“I don’t think it’s fair that you went on the only day we’re all free for weeks. We planned it for a while and you could have gone with her the day after. Was that really so hard?” Kibum’s voice drips with disappointment - he hopes Jonghyun hears it.
“I asked her to be my girlfriend and she said yes. I was excited and wanted to be with her, wanted to go out with her, wanted to hold her hand, wanted to kiss her good night. I’m sorry for that, Kibum. I wanted to see a girl that I like, that I barely get to see and because of that, I ditched you guys. I need to set my priorities, I know that,” Jonghyun apologizes; it takes Kibum by surprise, how regretful he looks.
“Our priority is our careers. That’s the truth in this industry and we all knew it the moment we signed those contracts,” Kibum takes a deep breath, fixes the fabric scrunched up at his shoulders, then breathes again.
“If that’s the reason why you hate me so much, then okay, your reason is fully justified. I know, Kibum. Of course, I do. I promise that I won’t fuck this up. Shinee is going to be together even when we’re balding and Jinki is too slow to trip down stairs,” Jonghyun smiles hesitantly, not letting it reach his eyes until he knew that status quo had been restored.
“I guess I really was jealous of her. It was suddenly okay for you to be gone all the time because you were with her but it wasn’t okay with me. I was worried all those rumours of me being jealous would ruin us. That shouldn‘t be reason for me to make douche comments for the world to see though. I’m sorry for that and for yelling at you without letting you explain,” Kibum returns an apology, not surprised at all by Jonghyun’s apparent shock in Kibum not being stubborn.
They sit for a bit, taking in everything that’s been said, letting it sink in fully. Kibum doesn’t know why they don’t yell more, or why they’re not yelling now. Weeks of tension have washed away just like that. It astonishes Kibum, the fact that the situation has been cleansed with just a little bit of catharsis.
“I’m sorry,” Kibum and Jonghyun say in unison, the echo of their voices leave an almost musical resonance that dances in the air. The two would have commented on it if something different had been said.
“And I didn’t hate you, Jong. I could never hate you. It‘s difficult to hate someone that adores me this much,” Kibum grins, nudging Jonghyun’s side with his elbow.
“Ugh, why are our fights always like this? So annoying,” Jong groans, proceeding to start a tickle fight with Kibum when he returns his poke. They stop instantly when they hear a knock on the door.
“You’re expecting guests?” Kibum questions, eyebrows raised at the interruption of his winning battle.
“It’s here. Finally!” Jonghyun says before running similarly to a velociraptor to the door.
Kibum is concerned to an extent by the glint in Jonghyun‘s eyes when he returns to the couch with a huge wrapped package in his arms. He figures it would be best to ask before being subjected to whatever stupid, painful, embarrassing, all of the above thing Jonghyun would make him do.
“I called the others to come over. I have a surprise for everyone,” Jonghyun says before Kibum can ask, happiness evident though his expression quickly changes when Kibum grabs the package.
Kibum tears away at the package, the actual item being more imperative than keeping the wrapping neat and tidy. He is amazed by his self control when he stops himself from throwing everything across the room when it‘s opened.
“What the fuck? Are these penguin costumes? What the hell, Jong. You got us hideous bird costumes. What is wrong with you, child?” Kibum picks up the garments with his forefinger and thumb, making sure the monstrosity doesn’t touch his own clothes.
“They’re geese pyjamas and they were on sale at this Christmas store I passed by last week. Six of them for the six of us! You people don’t ever appreciate anything I do. Selfish, greedy assholes,” Jonghyun mumbles, shaking his head at Kibum’s lack of enthusiasm.
“As long as you don’t make us take pictures in them or something as equally degrading,” Kibum glares, making sure to send one to both the grey things and Jonghyun.
“I’m not telepathic but you must be. That’s exactly what we’re going to do,” Jonghyun scoots away from Kibum as fast as he can, prepared to make a run for it. He’s given an excuse to move away when the doorbell rings again.
“WHAT!?” Kibum shrieks, standing up to make himself look more menacing and to accentuate his ‘taller-than-Jonghyun’ height.
“Wow, there’s a lot of echo in your house,” Sekyung says, walking in with the other four.
They all say their greetings before sitting down to cups of eggnog. Kibum smirks when they all swallow a mouthful, oblivious to what they’re getting themselves into.
Jinki is the first to say something, “Uhm, Jonghyun. What is this? It tastes like -”
“Shit. It tastes like shit,” Minho says from the kitchen, which seems to startle Sekyung but the others have gotten used to him being everywhere without notice. He pours the drink down the drain, getting himself water before sitting down.
“I think it‘s delicious. You guys have odd taste buds,” Taemin says before drinking some more. Jonghyun knew he liked the kid for a reason.
“You eat your noodles with honey, milk and hot sauce. That’s not normal,”
“Well, you look like a frog-bug hybrid. That’s not normal,” Taemin sticks his tongue out at Minho.
“Guys, guys. Jonghyun was nice enough to make us something so we should be thankful for that. No need to fight,” Jinki sulks when they ignore him, Minho too busy ruffling Taemin’s hair as the latter tried to get away.
Kibum talks to Sekyung about fashion, movies, and rumours about fashion and movies. He’s glad that their awkwardness has dissipated now that he and Jonghyun have gotten over their differences.
The room falls into silence when Jonghyun sets down a pyjama on each lap in the room.
“Penguins? I love penguins,” Jinki beams at the outfit as everyone stares in disbelief.
“It’s the ugliest thing I’ve ever seen,” Minho says monotonously.
Taemin bobs his head in agreement before hating on the geese attire some more, “I agree. Looks like something a fan would make us wear to fulfil her weird fetish. You usually have good fashion sense so I’m not sure what’s happening.”
“Babe, stop now. You know I wish the best for you so listen to me when I say wearing these matching grey things in public will not be good for any of us,” Sekyung attempts to give her own ‘grey thing’ back to Jonghyun but he turns his head and pretends she isn‘t there.
“You guys are such haters. Of course, we aren’t wearing these out in public. I’m not an idiot, shut up Minho and Kibum. I know what you guys are going to say. Anyways, we are going to wear these geese pyjamas and we’re going to take a damn selca no matter what any of you say!” Jonghyun scowls at everyone especially Minho and Key who stare at the ceiling like something interesting has sprouted out of it in the last ten seconds.
“Change. Now,” Jonghyun crosses his arms and legs, watching like a hawk until every single body in the house had went to their respective rooms to change. They all slowly shuffle back one by one into the living room in their matching clothes.
“Okay, I’m going to go change now. No one move or I’m leaving the group,” Jonghyun threatens before rotating around to go change.
“Good, now we get more lines. You’ll be able to sing, Minho!” Kibum mock-whispers to the members, all of them contemplating the idea.
Jonghyun is glad to find the group chatting and munching on sugar cookies when he returns.
“Okay, men. Oh, and woman,” Jonghyun adds when Sekyung coughs.
“This will be a mission. I have dubbed it Mission Impossible. Some of us might not make it out alive but we can do this. Our destination is the SM building and we must not get caught,” Jonghyun tries his best to sound like a drill sergeant, failing when the others burst into a fit of giggles.
“No way in hell am I leaving the building wearing this,” Kibum laughs at the prospect of Jonghyun actually being serious.
“Second that,” Minho says.
“Third that,” Taemin says.
“Fourth that,” Jinki says.
“Fifth that,” Sekyung says.
“Okay! I get it! You are all horrible, horrible people! Fine, we’ll just take the picture in our washroom. Jeez, I had the whole thing planned out too.” Jonghyun says dejectedly by the five to one odds.
Jonghyun forcibly shoves every person into the washroom with all his might but it takes a while with him being physically shorter than everyone but Sekyung. They all sigh before dragging themselves to the small washroom the five shared.
“It’s kind of hot in here. I’m pressed up against someone. Is that you, Sekyung? Oh god, I am so sorry Jonghyun,” Jinki says in panic, surely tripping if there had been room for them to sit, much less lay down.
“No, that’s me. I don‘t think Jonghyun cares if you‘re touching me, he‘s not even in the room,” Taemin says without a single ounce of amusement in his voice which causes everyone sans himself and Jinki to laugh.
Kibum notices cups of water in the sink. He comes up with a brilliant plan which he quickly whispers to Sekyung on his left, “Pass it down to the others.”
She laughs and obliges. The sound coming out of her tiny frame genuine and true. Kibum could tell, that was one of the reasons Jonghyun liked her.
They all stifle their giggles when Jonghyun finally arrives with a camera, “Okay guys, this picture will show our feelings the moment it was taken so don’t mess it up like Kibum did.”
Kibum rolls his eyes and waits for the moment, “Now!”
They all toss water at Jonghyun, laughing uncontrollably at his expression that will inevitably be captured on film.
“You could have gotten the camera wet!” Jonghyun yells, snatching a towel to dry his hair.
“But we didn‘t,” Kibum laughs, high-fiving the others for their success.
“You could have at least let me take a good selca before throwing the water at me. Let’s take another one,” Jonghyun whines. He shakes his head, producing water droplets that fly about like little round rockets.
“I recall you saying that we’re not allowed to take another one because the first one is supposed to display our feelings the moment it was taken or whatever you said so unfortunately, we can’t,” Kibum smirks.
Everyone else is clutching at their stomachs; too busy laughing at the picture to notice the two glaring at each other.
They have been sitting on the floor of Minho and Jonghyun’s room for 10 minutes, laughing and taking more pictures to restart the cycle all over again.
Kibum wouldn’t trade this for anything else in the world. Six geese I love, he thought as he sprawled out his limbs on the floor. He was going to tell the idiots that he loved them before his stomach started growling.
“I agree. Let’s get something to eat. My treat because I‘m a faultless person as unappreciated as I am,” Jonghyun grabs his wallet and walks out of the room.
“Should we tell him to get changed?” Jinki asks.
“No,” Minho says, before picking up his clothes.
“I’m not objecting. I have to get changed,” Sekyung smiles and winks at everyone before going to the washroom to get her clothes.
“We’re all kind of evil. It’s awesome,” Taemin grins before raiding Minho’s closet.
“He’ll figure it out sooner or later,” Kibum shrugs.
“It’s not a good idea to walk in the apartment in these pyjamas apparently. Thanks for telling me! You’re all assholes! I‘m leaving the group!”
“Go ahead!” Five voices reply.
Jonghyun promises to get uglier clothes next Christmas.
--
day five
Author: intendedsarcasm
Pairing: Jongkyung & friendship!jongkey
Prompt: 6 geese a laying
Disclaimer: I wish I owned everything but alas, life is not that great.
Summary: Kibum and Jonghyun talk about sensual flavors, scream at eachother, and dress in matching grey things with the others. It'll be a good Christmas.
A/N: My first fic and I'm kind of disappointed so it'd be nice to have lots of feedback. It's pretty much all filler with dialogue to hide the fact that there really isn't a plot and everyone is ooc. Major thanks to killie_latte for betaing and folkin_up_again for listening to me complain so much :3
Kibum sighs indignantly as he flips open his phone to the text message received precisely 30 minutes ago.
to the almighty key:
meet @ my place (aka our house)
come asap!! might have a surprise?
- bling bling
31 minutes at the moment - he has been waiting at Shinee’s dorm for 21. Kibum makes a face when he re-reads the text. Grammatical issues aside, he was more than peeved to find the apartment strung up in ostentatious LED lights and various shiny ornaments but not a ghost of a person in sight.
Kibum has had 21 minutes to reminisce through years of nostalgia. Trinkets here, there, from years past, from years present. An award for Juliette (“I call dibs on keeping it!” Jonghyun manages to choke out after his hysterical crying fit) sits neatly in its place on a shelf. The shelf itself isn’t terribly tall which gives Kibum the opportunity to chuckle a ‘Jong-is-short’ joke to himself, though not as humorous with said person being absent.
There are pictures scattered around various parts of the living room, almost eliciting a sense of adventure in Kibum. He decides to embark on a grand journey of epic proportions to pass the time, regardless of the fact that he sees the pictures everyday. Little recollections are brought forth from his memories, bringing a smile to his face as his fingertips brush past dainty frames.
It doesn’t take long for him to discover a photo he had forgotten existed, lying on Jonghyun’s keyboard with a post-it note. There’s only a smiley face on the post-it, which is definitely the opposite of what Kibum feels when he sees the picture. It’s tough to resist the urge to smash the picture in its frame when he sees a younger Jonghyun and himself taking a selca in a washroom.
They were young, reckless, naïve - definitely vulnerable to all the humiliating things in teenage life. Like taking a selca in the washroom with a male best friend and wearing bad outfits in that selca and looking like complete douches in that selca. They were going through a phase caused by puberty, Kibum determines as the explanation.
Kibum isn’t sure what makes him cringe the most but he knows that looking at the picture any more will have dire consequences for Jonghyun, considering he was the one that had dragged Kibum’s ass to the washroom in the first place.
“Kibum! Come on! It’s our last day living in the dorm together. Think about it! We might not see each other again,” Jonghyun makes an expression of mock horror as he clutches at his heart with one hand, the other tugging at Kibum’s wrist.
“Stop being so melodramatic, Jong. We see each other every day. Besides, we only lived together for a week,” Kibum takes bigger steps to keep up with Jonghyun’s pace, hoping to break free from the raptor-man-child’s grasp soon.
“Oh please, this is a perfectly normal psychological reaction to the shock I’m experiencing in having to part with my best friend. Do the memories of that one week mean nothing to you?” Jonghyun feigns hurt with a hint of puppy-dog eyes that gives even more reason for Kibum to roll his eyes.
“Ta-da! We have arrived at our destination. Thanks for choosing to travel with the devilishly handsome Jonghyun,” Jonghyun grins widely as he lets go of Kibum’s wrist, taking a low bow instead.
“The SM building’s least used washroom. I applaud your impeccable taste in location.”
“Stop being so sarcastic, Kibum. Now come in here,” Jonghyun says, moving to grab Kibum’s wrist again before he has the chance to pull away.
“I should just scream bloody murder right now. I could, you know. At this very instant,” Kibum protests but doesn’t struggle when Jonghyun leads him into the washroom.
“Say kimchi!” Jonghyun takes the picture before Kibum can manage a measly smile.
“That is the worst picture I’ve seen in my life. If you’re going to make me take a selca with you, you could you least let me take a good one,” Kibum huffs in exasperation when he sees the result of following Jonghyun to a smelly ‘who-knows-what-goes-on-in-there’ washroom.
“You can’t just re-take it! The first picture captures our feelings the moment it was taken. And hey, kimchi sounds really good right now. Let’s go eat somewhere yummy on our last day, my treat!” Jonghyun skips out without bothering to hear Kibum reply.
Kibum is tempted to say that they must be feeling like arrogant assholes according to the photo but his growling stomach says otherwise.
“I’m back! Anyone die from loneliness while I was gone?” Jonghyun pushes the door open with his hip, his hands occupied with grocery bags. The interruption blurs his flashback before Kibum fully regains consciousness in reality.
“Thanks for telling me ASAP meant I’d be waiting alone for half an hour. I really appreciate the early warning,” Kibum leans against a wall, hoping the gesture screams ‘I-refuse-to-help-you-asshole,’ as much as possible.
“I didn’t leave you shivering in the cold, did I? You do have the key, Kibum. I mean you have the key, Key, because that is punny. Oh Jonghyun, you are so terribly witty,” Jonghyun laughs at his own joke as he starts to unpack items out of the bags.
“Emphasis on the terribly part,” Kibum says, finally moving to peek at Jonghyun’s choice of groceries.
“Go sit down and leave the rest to me,” Jonghyun shoos him away from the kitchen, plopping him onto the couch forcefully. “There should be re-runs of Music Bank. Be productive and learn some girly dances.”
Kibum bites back the witticism dangling from the tip of his tongue, choosing instead to listen to Jonghyun hum the melody of some Christmas carol about 12 days and bizarre gifts.
Kibum realizes that Christmas is drawing near with the sudden influx of ornamented trees, red-nosed reindeer and presents. The most important part he thought, was presents.
He stretches his legs from their uncomfortable pretzel position, in desperate need of a distraction. The TV hadn’t been turned on, the remote hidden under piles of scribbled papers. Kibum wasn’t sure what the purpose of him being there was until he notices a picture depicting a familiar couple on the coffee table.
He and Jonghyun were here together because best friends were forever, and forever was a long way to go. He can’t deny that they haven’t had trouble communicating lately, however.
No, Kibum wasn’t jealous of doe eyes, flushed cheeks, supple lips, pretty face, glossy hair, s-line curves. She was Jonghyun’s other forever - the beginning to the new chapters of his life story.
Kibum had been the first to introduce the two, had been the first to guess, had been the first to know, had been the first to be happy for them. Kibum had been and still was ecstatic, overjoyed and delighted by the news. Jonghyun was happy and dating someone he truly loved. The best an idol could wish for, the best a friend could wish for.
Then the media finds out, becoming a catalyst for the story to spark like a blazing wildfire. Taemin, Minho, fans, media, everyone wonders if Kibum is okay. Jonghyun skips that part and assumes he isn’t. The only one that knows is Jinki - sweet, caring, soft, squishy Jinki with the smile too big for his face. Kibum wonders what the leader is up to now.
What are you and the kids up to?
hi Kibum :D taemin, minho, sekyung and i are watching some horror movies at her house~ taemin’s choice of course -___-’’
I bet Minho is more scared than Sekyung right now >:)
he wishes you were here so someone would be less scared than him kekeke. i know he’s only told you this once (we all don’t tell each other this often enough... i should make a rule for it!) but he thinks you’re a really good friend and is glad you’re our fellow shinee member. we all are <3
It was mostly awkward but the meaning was still there which was considerate of him to put in so much effort. Wait… how did you know?
i’m the leader 8D i know everything~ like how you’re waiting for jong in the living room. hahaha.
That is creepy. I think I should stop texting you. I should probably stop talking to you. I was going to break off all contact with you anyways. I finally have an excuse now :D
that’s so mean kibum ;___; jong actually texted me while he waited for the cookies to bake and we purposely left so you two could be alone D: don’t ignore me or i’m enforcing strict laws on the shinee household that only a leader with my authority can impose.
Dubu Leader, why would the Almighty Key ever think of defying you? Ah, I think Jong is coming back. I’ll talk to you later. Have fun :)
i think the others are getting mad that i’m not paying attention to the movie. they probably just want me to hold them~ i’ll see you later. you two have fun too! oh… kibum? talk to him, okay? fighting :)
Kibum twists his neck slightly to see Jonghyun balancing a tray on his palm. It wobbles precariously for a second before Jonghyun hastily places it on the table beside Kibum’s feet - beside the picture.
There are two cups with matching Christmas tree prints that contain a mysterious foamy drink and a plate of sugar cookies in the shape of assorted Christmas symbols. Jonghyun passes the cup with a voluminous amount of the foamy liquid to Kibum before taking the lesser amount for himself. Key doesn’t consider it anything but good hospitality before he takes a sip.
“What the hell are you making me drink? Is this some elaborate plan to poison me so you can take my lines in our next album?” Kibum shouts, yet somehow managing to swallow the concoction without choking to his untimely demise.
“It’s eggnog, thank you very much. There’s alcohol in it. I could have bought some but then there would be a scandal about how Jonghyun of Shinee is an alcoholic, drowning in his sorrows or something. Instead, I asked Boa for some but she told me to ask Kyuhyun. He only had rice wine left so I used that. There are two different alcohols in the recipe so I used some left over beer in the fridge,” Jonghyun retells dramatically, his gestures almost knocking over his own cup.
Kibum nods before bringing the cup to his nose and sniffing it suspiciously, in case Jonghyun failed to mention the rat poison. He takes a bite from one of the cookies to wash out the taste of the eggnog - the hand-drawn icing on it reminding him of Yoogeun’s paintings.
Kibum catches a glimpse of Jonghyun walking back into the kitchen from his peripheral view.
“If I wanted more lines, I could have poisoned Onew. He has more lines and he seems a lot more gullible too,” The last of the sentence becomes muffled as Jonghyun sticks his head into the fridge, bringing out Starbucks frappuccinos.
He gives one to Kibum, “Vanilla bean for me, double chocolaty chip for you. Vanilla tastes so much better. Honestly, how do you drink that chocolate stuff? Double chocolaty gross.”
Kibum gulps down as much of the drink as he can before replying, “You just have no taste. Vanilla is such a basic flavor especially when compared to chocolate. You know what makes people feel good? Chocolate, that’s what.”
Jonghyun retorts, “You know what makes people feel better? Vanilla, because it’s an aphrodisiac. That’s what,” He chooses to sip obnoxiously on his frappuccino as if it proves his point further.
“Vanilla is an aphrodisiac but not in Starbucks frappuccino form. Before you say that vanilla is so good that it’s pleasurable in any form, I’m going to say the same for mine because chocolate is an aphrodisiac too. Oh, and mine is double chocolaty for double the effect. That’s what,” Kibum says, proud of his ability to make an even more irritating straw-sucking sound than Jonghyun.
“Well, you have bad taste in drinks, that’s what,” Jonghyun glares at Kibum, looking like a mirror image of himself 5 years ago.
They put their empty cups down at the same time. Neither of them say anything, the quiet slowly crawling into awkward silence, staying that way if neither speaks. Kibum knows what he says next could potentially make it worse but it’s now or never and Kibum was never one to regret his choices.
“Jonghyun. What are we doing? We barely speak to each other, and I mean properly because talking about sensual flavors does not count. I know why I’m here. So enough with the bullshit and let’s actually talk about her,” Kibum says, staring straight at Jonghyun to gauge his reaction. Kibum is glad for their friendship. Glances, words, and touches are tacit and clear between them.
It’s not as if it was needed for Jonghyun to realize whom Kibum was referring to.
“I… I’m sorry Kibum. I really am. I’m sorry that this is happening. I’m sorry that it’s causing a tiff in our friendship. I’m sorry it’s bothering you. I’m sorry we have to talk about this at all,” Jonghyun says, not pausing to think about what he says, just knowing he has to say it.
Kibum tilts his head, wonders if he heard it right, “I’m sorry it’s bothering you? Jonghyun, I need you to know, that this -” He tips his head towards the picture, “Has never bothered me. What bothers me is that you automatically assumed when you, of all people, should have known that I’d be happy. You two are going to be happy and married and -”
“I am not telepathic, Kibum. I don’t know everything about you. You don’t know everything about me. Fuck you, for being such a hypocrite. You think I’m assuming? Okay, then why are you acting as if Sekyung is my wife? She’s my girlfriend.”
Kibum doesn’t know how to respond to the abruptness of the situation, uneasy because of the sudden turn of tables (he swears someone will flip a table soon). He doesn’t have to when Jonghyun continues his outburst.
“Remember that time you told the interviewer that you didn’t think of us as family? You’ve said some harsh things before but that, that fucking hurt. Minho had to reassure Jinki and Taemin that they weren’t responsible for you being a dick.”
“You know why I was mad, Jonghyun. Don’t even try putting all this guilt on me when you know,” Kibum wants to shout as loud as he can but he doesn’t, doesn’t want to evoke tears anymore than he has to. His tears or Jonghyun’s, he doesn’t know.
Jonghyun pauses trying to think of all the things he possibly could have done, there’s only one thing Kibum could be referring to, “Is this about me going on a date with Sekyung instead of hanging out with you guys?”
“No. This is about you knowing how Jinki barely has any time to sleep but he still made plans for us to have dinner like a family. This is about you knowing how much we were looking forward to this and how it was more than just ‘hanging out.’ Then you went ahead and told us an hour before that you were going to dinner with your new girlfriend instead,” Kibum shouts this time because how could Jonghyun not know.
He wants to shout until his vocal cords pull and snap in his throat, he wants to flip the table without worrying about the mess of foam and sugar, he wants to curse until Minho comes home and hugs his tears away like he always has.
“We can always have dinner with each other. I don’t think it’s fair that you’re blaming me for this,” Jonghyun replies as calmly as he can, knowing what he says could provoke Kibum.
“I don’t think it’s fair that you went on the only day we’re all free for weeks. We planned it for a while and you could have gone with her the day after. Was that really so hard?” Kibum’s voice drips with disappointment - he hopes Jonghyun hears it.
“I asked her to be my girlfriend and she said yes. I was excited and wanted to be with her, wanted to go out with her, wanted to hold her hand, wanted to kiss her good night. I’m sorry for that, Kibum. I wanted to see a girl that I like, that I barely get to see and because of that, I ditched you guys. I need to set my priorities, I know that,” Jonghyun apologizes; it takes Kibum by surprise, how regretful he looks.
“Our priority is our careers. That’s the truth in this industry and we all knew it the moment we signed those contracts,” Kibum takes a deep breath, fixes the fabric scrunched up at his shoulders, then breathes again.
“If that’s the reason why you hate me so much, then okay, your reason is fully justified. I know, Kibum. Of course, I do. I promise that I won’t fuck this up. Shinee is going to be together even when we’re balding and Jinki is too slow to trip down stairs,” Jonghyun smiles hesitantly, not letting it reach his eyes until he knew that status quo had been restored.
“I guess I really was jealous of her. It was suddenly okay for you to be gone all the time because you were with her but it wasn’t okay with me. I was worried all those rumours of me being jealous would ruin us. That shouldn‘t be reason for me to make douche comments for the world to see though. I’m sorry for that and for yelling at you without letting you explain,” Kibum returns an apology, not surprised at all by Jonghyun’s apparent shock in Kibum not being stubborn.
They sit for a bit, taking in everything that’s been said, letting it sink in fully. Kibum doesn’t know why they don’t yell more, or why they’re not yelling now. Weeks of tension have washed away just like that. It astonishes Kibum, the fact that the situation has been cleansed with just a little bit of catharsis.
“I’m sorry,” Kibum and Jonghyun say in unison, the echo of their voices leave an almost musical resonance that dances in the air. The two would have commented on it if something different had been said.
“And I didn’t hate you, Jong. I could never hate you. It‘s difficult to hate someone that adores me this much,” Kibum grins, nudging Jonghyun’s side with his elbow.
“Ugh, why are our fights always like this? So annoying,” Jong groans, proceeding to start a tickle fight with Kibum when he returns his poke. They stop instantly when they hear a knock on the door.
“You’re expecting guests?” Kibum questions, eyebrows raised at the interruption of his winning battle.
“It’s here. Finally!” Jonghyun says before running similarly to a velociraptor to the door.
Kibum is concerned to an extent by the glint in Jonghyun‘s eyes when he returns to the couch with a huge wrapped package in his arms. He figures it would be best to ask before being subjected to whatever stupid, painful, embarrassing, all of the above thing Jonghyun would make him do.
“I called the others to come over. I have a surprise for everyone,” Jonghyun says before Kibum can ask, happiness evident though his expression quickly changes when Kibum grabs the package.
Kibum tears away at the package, the actual item being more imperative than keeping the wrapping neat and tidy. He is amazed by his self control when he stops himself from throwing everything across the room when it‘s opened.
“What the fuck? Are these penguin costumes? What the hell, Jong. You got us hideous bird costumes. What is wrong with you, child?” Kibum picks up the garments with his forefinger and thumb, making sure the monstrosity doesn’t touch his own clothes.
“They’re geese pyjamas and they were on sale at this Christmas store I passed by last week. Six of them for the six of us! You people don’t ever appreciate anything I do. Selfish, greedy assholes,” Jonghyun mumbles, shaking his head at Kibum’s lack of enthusiasm.
“As long as you don’t make us take pictures in them or something as equally degrading,” Kibum glares, making sure to send one to both the grey things and Jonghyun.
“I’m not telepathic but you must be. That’s exactly what we’re going to do,” Jonghyun scoots away from Kibum as fast as he can, prepared to make a run for it. He’s given an excuse to move away when the doorbell rings again.
“WHAT!?” Kibum shrieks, standing up to make himself look more menacing and to accentuate his ‘taller-than-Jonghyun’ height.
“Wow, there’s a lot of echo in your house,” Sekyung says, walking in with the other four.
They all say their greetings before sitting down to cups of eggnog. Kibum smirks when they all swallow a mouthful, oblivious to what they’re getting themselves into.
Jinki is the first to say something, “Uhm, Jonghyun. What is this? It tastes like -”
“Shit. It tastes like shit,” Minho says from the kitchen, which seems to startle Sekyung but the others have gotten used to him being everywhere without notice. He pours the drink down the drain, getting himself water before sitting down.
“I think it‘s delicious. You guys have odd taste buds,” Taemin says before drinking some more. Jonghyun knew he liked the kid for a reason.
“You eat your noodles with honey, milk and hot sauce. That’s not normal,”
“Well, you look like a frog-bug hybrid. That’s not normal,” Taemin sticks his tongue out at Minho.
“Guys, guys. Jonghyun was nice enough to make us something so we should be thankful for that. No need to fight,” Jinki sulks when they ignore him, Minho too busy ruffling Taemin’s hair as the latter tried to get away.
Kibum talks to Sekyung about fashion, movies, and rumours about fashion and movies. He’s glad that their awkwardness has dissipated now that he and Jonghyun have gotten over their differences.
The room falls into silence when Jonghyun sets down a pyjama on each lap in the room.
“Penguins? I love penguins,” Jinki beams at the outfit as everyone stares in disbelief.
“It’s the ugliest thing I’ve ever seen,” Minho says monotonously.
Taemin bobs his head in agreement before hating on the geese attire some more, “I agree. Looks like something a fan would make us wear to fulfil her weird fetish. You usually have good fashion sense so I’m not sure what’s happening.”
“Babe, stop now. You know I wish the best for you so listen to me when I say wearing these matching grey things in public will not be good for any of us,” Sekyung attempts to give her own ‘grey thing’ back to Jonghyun but he turns his head and pretends she isn‘t there.
“You guys are such haters. Of course, we aren’t wearing these out in public. I’m not an idiot, shut up Minho and Kibum. I know what you guys are going to say. Anyways, we are going to wear these geese pyjamas and we’re going to take a damn selca no matter what any of you say!” Jonghyun scowls at everyone especially Minho and Key who stare at the ceiling like something interesting has sprouted out of it in the last ten seconds.
“Change. Now,” Jonghyun crosses his arms and legs, watching like a hawk until every single body in the house had went to their respective rooms to change. They all slowly shuffle back one by one into the living room in their matching clothes.
“Okay, I’m going to go change now. No one move or I’m leaving the group,” Jonghyun threatens before rotating around to go change.
“Good, now we get more lines. You’ll be able to sing, Minho!” Kibum mock-whispers to the members, all of them contemplating the idea.
Jonghyun is glad to find the group chatting and munching on sugar cookies when he returns.
“Okay, men. Oh, and woman,” Jonghyun adds when Sekyung coughs.
“This will be a mission. I have dubbed it Mission Impossible. Some of us might not make it out alive but we can do this. Our destination is the SM building and we must not get caught,” Jonghyun tries his best to sound like a drill sergeant, failing when the others burst into a fit of giggles.
“No way in hell am I leaving the building wearing this,” Kibum laughs at the prospect of Jonghyun actually being serious.
“Second that,” Minho says.
“Third that,” Taemin says.
“Fourth that,” Jinki says.
“Fifth that,” Sekyung says.
“Okay! I get it! You are all horrible, horrible people! Fine, we’ll just take the picture in our washroom. Jeez, I had the whole thing planned out too.” Jonghyun says dejectedly by the five to one odds.
Jonghyun forcibly shoves every person into the washroom with all his might but it takes a while with him being physically shorter than everyone but Sekyung. They all sigh before dragging themselves to the small washroom the five shared.
“It’s kind of hot in here. I’m pressed up against someone. Is that you, Sekyung? Oh god, I am so sorry Jonghyun,” Jinki says in panic, surely tripping if there had been room for them to sit, much less lay down.
“No, that’s me. I don‘t think Jonghyun cares if you‘re touching me, he‘s not even in the room,” Taemin says without a single ounce of amusement in his voice which causes everyone sans himself and Jinki to laugh.
Kibum notices cups of water in the sink. He comes up with a brilliant plan which he quickly whispers to Sekyung on his left, “Pass it down to the others.”
She laughs and obliges. The sound coming out of her tiny frame genuine and true. Kibum could tell, that was one of the reasons Jonghyun liked her.
They all stifle their giggles when Jonghyun finally arrives with a camera, “Okay guys, this picture will show our feelings the moment it was taken so don’t mess it up like Kibum did.”
Kibum rolls his eyes and waits for the moment, “Now!”
They all toss water at Jonghyun, laughing uncontrollably at his expression that will inevitably be captured on film.
“You could have gotten the camera wet!” Jonghyun yells, snatching a towel to dry his hair.
“But we didn‘t,” Kibum laughs, high-fiving the others for their success.
“You could have at least let me take a good selca before throwing the water at me. Let’s take another one,” Jonghyun whines. He shakes his head, producing water droplets that fly about like little round rockets.
“I recall you saying that we’re not allowed to take another one because the first one is supposed to display our feelings the moment it was taken or whatever you said so unfortunately, we can’t,” Kibum smirks.
Everyone else is clutching at their stomachs; too busy laughing at the picture to notice the two glaring at each other.
They have been sitting on the floor of Minho and Jonghyun’s room for 10 minutes, laughing and taking more pictures to restart the cycle all over again.
Kibum wouldn’t trade this for anything else in the world. Six geese I love, he thought as he sprawled out his limbs on the floor. He was going to tell the idiots that he loved them before his stomach started growling.
“I agree. Let’s get something to eat. My treat because I‘m a faultless person as unappreciated as I am,” Jonghyun grabs his wallet and walks out of the room.
“Should we tell him to get changed?” Jinki asks.
“No,” Minho says, before picking up his clothes.
“I’m not objecting. I have to get changed,” Sekyung smiles and winks at everyone before going to the washroom to get her clothes.
“We’re all kind of evil. It’s awesome,” Taemin grins before raiding Minho’s closet.
“He’ll figure it out sooner or later,” Kibum shrugs.
“It’s not a good idea to walk in the apartment in these pyjamas apparently. Thanks for telling me! You’re all assholes! I‘m leaving the group!”
“Go ahead!” Five voices reply.
Jonghyun promises to get uglier clothes next Christmas.
--
day five