[C65] JUST LIKE A FAIRYTALE (1/3)

[kaisooaufest]

Prompt Code: C65
Title: Just Like A Fairytale
Rating: Pg-13
Side Pairings (if any): Implied! Krisho (?)
Warnings: Kyungsoo-centric, (Excessive amount of word vomit, overkill of fluff and cheesiness? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ )
Word Count: 28k (what???)
Summary: Kyungsoo’s life consists of juggling school, work, and pleasing Yifan and his boys. His only form of escape is talking to his online crush. However, one night, when they had a chance to meet in person, everything changes.
AU: Based on the movie A Cinderella Story
AN: IS THIS WHAT SUCCESS AND ACCOMPLISHMENT FEELS LIKE??? A Cinderella Story! Au, which is basically Cinderella in a modern time. I like to shout out to my beta/buddy who helped me along the way and to the saints who are the Kaisoo mods who made this possible and didn’t give up on this fic. I LOVE YOU~ Also side note: This is my first story to be published… ever. So please be kind :) Thank you and enjoy!



“Once Upon A Time…”

That’s what his mother always said when he was a child, at night, tucked in his warm bed.

The blankets pulled up to his chin and his mother curled around him above the covers, propping the book against her thighs, her voice light and smooth as she reads the story. All Kyungsoo had to do was close his eyes and he was living the fairytale.

And that was what his childhood was: a fairytale. His kingdom wasn’t a grand castle but a small, old fashioned, sit-in diner and his royal servants were none other than his friends that worked there. They were kind and let the little boy follow them around “taking” customer's orders. Nobody didn’t mind it, in fact, they would get a good laugh and ruffle Kyungsoo’s hair, smiling fondly at him. He felt like a little prince there. Do’s Diner was owned by his family but was left to his mother’s care.

Growing up without a father, who passed away when Kyungsoo was just one year old, was difficult for him and his mother. But no matter what, his mother made sure to make him smile and his childhood filled with happy memories. Kyungsoo had everything he needed.

But as fate would decide, he was missing something: A fatherly-figure. And on his 9th birthday party at the diner, one appeared. A small accident occurred that involved a pitcher of water, the clumsy feet of Kyungsoo’s mother, and a poor victim of a tall, handsome man.

Endless apologies poured out of his mother’s mouth as she kept wiping away at the stranger’s drenched jacket. The man laughed lightly and tried to brush off her apologies but she would get more flustered, spurting out more sorry’s. It wasn’t until he gently grabbed her hands that she looked up and into his eyes.

There was a moment, a beautiful moment and Kyungsoo was there to witness it. He felt almost scared and sad because he knew that things would change from there on. But when he looks at the two adults, who were lost in their own world, the way his mother looked into the stranger’s eyes and the stranger looking into hers, it was going to be ok.

That tall stranger turned out to be Wu Yifan. He was a Chinese businessman that just moved to South Korea. He still struggled with his Korean and he, also, had two sons around Kyungsoo’s age; Luhan and Zitao. These two were a handful, Kyungsoo would admit; always bickering and always prying into Kyungsoo’s life.

Kyungsoo grew up to be an obedient child, who likes to cook and clean with his mother and always does his homework. Aside from school, he loves to read and help others whenever he can. Whereas Luhan and Tao has never seen a frying pan in their life and doesn’t know how a broom works. Kyungsoo realized this out of first hand experience. Instead, they spend their time gossiping over the latest toys and even fashion,which their dad provided for them.

Even when it took a lot of patience, patience Kyungsoo didn’t have some times, he dealt with it- for his mother. He saw the improvement in her mood right away. Before, she smiled but at times it felt forced and she struggled to stay positive; but now, it was effortless and she smiled more, actually smiled. She was nice and airy, if Kyungsoo had to describe her mood.

It showed too, when she helped Yifan improve on his Korean, the smiles were always heartfelt and her laughter flowed easily. It was always Kyungsoo’s favorite pastime, watching them interact. Yifan’s flustered face when he messed up and his mother correcting him but also encouraging him to keep going. He loved the way his mother looked at Yifan almost dreamily and the handsome Chinese man would look back at her in adoration. From that moment, he believed in love at first sight, that true love exist, and happy ever after really do exist.

Within the year, they were married. Kyungsoo couldn’t be any happier for his mother and the ceremony was as magical as Kyungsoo could ever imagine. Everyone that he knew was there and he felt like he was at a ball that only existed in fairytales. And that’s what it was- a fairytale.

“... And they lived happily ever after. The end.”

She slowly closed the book while a small smile played on her lips. She looked down at the small child, half-expecting him to be asleep by now. However, he was awake, his wide eyes staring up at her.

“Mommy, did you find your prince charming?” He asked, his voice light and filled with innocence. She smiled more fondly at him.

“I think I did, Sweetheart. Life has given me a second chance at love.” She looked back down at the closed book on her lap, feeling blessed with everything in her life.

“So you’re living happily ever after?” He concluded. She laughed warmly but didn’t deny it. After a while of silence, Kyungsoo’s tiny and pure voice spoke again, “Mommy, will I find my prince charming?”

She couldn’t help but snap her head up at her son out of shock. Of course, she didn’t mean to and she didn’t mean to look at her son with her eyes wide and her mouth slack. After the initial shock, she relaxes her face to her soft smile again.

“Of course you will, my little Soo. But finding your prince isn’t going to get you your happy ending. What will, is following your dreams. Be brave to go after them, no matter how far away they seem. You are capable of doing anything, Sweetheart. Your heart is big enough to love and strong enough to forgive. This book holds more knowledge that you won’t understand until you’re much older. Just remember, to be kind and to have courage. And no matter what, I will always love you with all my heart.”

After her little speech, Kyungsoo’s small lips were pulled into a wide, heart-shape smile making his cheeks lift and his eyes half crescent moons. His mother’s heart swelled out of adoration and a light laugh left her.

“And most importantly, never forget to smile that adorable smile of yours,” She added, showering her little boy’s face with kisses. In response, Kyungsoo squealed and laughed while wiggling away from her.

Just outside the room, watching through the small crack of the open door, Yifan watched their interaction with a small jealousy growing in the pit of his heart. Ever since he met Kyungsoo’s mother, he fell in love with her. But he felt like she loved her son more and hearing her speech to her ‘little Soo’, he realized he was correct. He tried to accept their relationship but after his first wife left him quicker than she appeared-falling completely out of love with him and running away with another man-he couldn’t help it. To put an end to his wife and her son’s playfulness, he pushed the door wide open and leaned in, clearing his throat.

“Honey, it’s time to go or else you’ll be late,” he announced. With her back facing towards him, she lifted her head and twisted her upper body towards him.

“Yes, dear. I’ll be right there.” The last of her laugh dying in her words. She faced her son, who was no longer laughing nor wiggling away. Instead, a pout is in place, begging his mother not to go.

“Do you have to go?” His voice almost cracking with sadness. His mother sighed and smiled, sad and small but it’s still a smile as she slip out of the bed.

“Yes, Sweetheart, I do. But don’t worry I’ll be back tomorrow night. Just sleep now.” She said while tucking him back in and smoothing out the creases and wrinkles in the blanket. She pushed his raven black hair back, to press a long, final kiss on his forehead.

“Goodnight, my little Soo.” She whispered to him, combing his hair back to how it was before. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” She straightened up and walked over to where Yifan was, who was still hovering by the door. She smiled up to her newly wedded husband and back at her son before whispering, “Sweet dreams.” And with that, she walked out the room, Yifan followed behind. He glanced at Kyungsoo. He gave a small smile before it slipped down into a frown as he turn off the lights and closed the door.

Instead of turning over and falling into dreamland, Kyungsoo did the exact opposite. He waited for a few moments before he climbed out of bed and scurried to his door. As quietly as he could, he turned the knob and opened it just enough let his left eye see through the crack. From his view, he can see his mom and step-dad at the bottom of the stairs. His mother’s bags are set beside the door, ready for when she leaves. Her arms are wrapped around Yifan’s waist as his long arms are draped around her shoulders, her head pressed against his chest.

“You have everything?” His voice is low but loud enough for Kyungsoo to hear.

“Yes, just about.”

“Please be careful on the way back. There’s supposed to be a big storm.” Her chuckle was carried up to Kyungsoo’s small ears.

“You and Kyungsoo are alike, always worrying. I’ll. Be. Fine.” She emphasises the last three words, holding him tighter than before.

“When you have a lot to lose, you can’t be too safe. Just promise me, you’ll come back to me.” She pulled back a little just to look up in his eyes.

“I will.” She lifted her heels to reach up to pull Yifan into a loving kiss. When they pulled away, they pressed their foreheads together. “Please watch over Kyungsoo.”

“I will.” And with that, they pulled apart completely. She grabbed her suitcase while her husband opened the door for her. “I love you.”

She looked back at him, she reached up to caress his face. “I love you too.”

And with one final kiss, they parted. Yifan gently closed the door, resting his forehead on the door. His shoulder sagging as he completely leans his whole weight on the wood. Kyungsoo gently closed his own door, satisfied that he witnessed his mother’s ‘happy ever after’ again as he crawled back to his bed.

Little did Kyungsoo know, and to Yifan’s worst fear, that his mother’s ‘happy ever after’ will soon come to an end.

❇❇❇❇

The following week was a normal day at the diner-despite the awful weather-until the light dinging of the bell above the door, signaling someone has arrived. Junmyeon looked up to greet the new customers, but saw two drenched, somber looking police officers. Junmyeon politely bowed to the officers, who bowed in return.

“Good evening, officers. Welcome to Do’s Diner. Please, sit wherever you like, eat, rest, and dry up from the awful weather we’re having.” The officers looked at one another before one of them replied.

“Thank you for your hospitality but we’re not here to eat. We’re here, looking for someone.” Junmyeon was taken aback and before he could respond, they were scanning the small diner until one of their eyes landed on Kyungsoo. They cautiously approached the small child, both of them knelt down to his eye level.

“Excuse us, are you Do Kyungsoo?” Kyungsoo’s eyes widen, too shocked to speak, he slowly nods his head. The officers exchange another somber look.

Stepping out behind the counter, Yifan walked behind Kyungsoo and put a hand on Kyungsoo’s shoulder.

“Hello officers, I’m Kyungsoo’s step father. What’s this about?” It was the officers’ turn to look surprised. They looked at each other while one of them muttered, “I forgot she got remarried.”

It was then Junmyeon decided to step in, taking a spot behind Kyungsoo and beside Yifan. “Is this about the owner of the diner? She’s away for a business meeting, she’ll be back tomorrow.”

Both officers stood up while taking off their hats and bowed their heads. An unspoken message was heard as Junmyeon’s eyes widen, tears already building in his eyes, his hand went up to cover his mouth. Yifan’s whole body stiffen, he accidently tightens his grip on Kyungsoo’s shoulder. The boy winced in pain before he rolled his shoulders out of his step-father’s grip. Yifans big hands fall to his side, balled up into a fist. The ten year old boy was the only one who didn’t understand why the air became tense and everyone’s mood shifted. It scared him.

“What’s going on? Why are you acting like this?” He turns his head to look up at Junmyeon. Junmyeon looks more devastated as he looked down at the boy, Yifan slowly closed his eyes.

“Kyungsoo… I, oh god.” Lost for words, the waiter turned his body away from the boy, tears already rolling down his cheeks.

“I’m sorry, Do Kyungsoo. But your mother… was in car accident. The slippery roads caused a great collision… We tried to get there as fast as we can… but it was too late.” Kyungsoo’s face paled, barely grasping what the officers were telling him. Out of conscious, he slowly shook his head numbly, he looked up to the two males behind him.

Junmyeon still wasn’t facing him, his body shook, silently sobbing, while Yifan moved to the booth where his two sons were, sitting at the edge of one of the seats. He posture slumped forward and the palm of his hand digging into his eyes; His sons draped around their father in an odd comforting way, both of them, for once, quiet.

It can’t be real… Kyungsoo could just imagine his mother walking in, drenched from the heavy storm but still smiling big and bright as she usually does. But the more he looked at the glass door; nobody was coming in and the dark reality started to set in. She’s not coming in. She will never come back.

A tiny ‘no’ escape his lips, it was broken and pleading. But no matter what the police officers did, or anyone for that matter, his mother was gone. He was left alone. He was an orphan now. His chest moving up and down rapidly, he started to hyperventilate. He shook his head more quickly, almost violently, he couldn’t accept it. He wants his mom back. His legs starts to move on their own. He moves around the officers, making the dash towards the door.

He didn’t know where he was going, but he didn’t stop when the heavy raindrops beat down on him. He didn’t make it far though. He made it to the middle of the parking lot before a large hand wrapped around his tiny arm. The hand pulled him back and before Kyungsoo knew it, his face was buried in a familiar, large chest.

He couldn’t help himself when he balled his small hands into fists and started punching wherever he can reach, trying to get away. His sight was blurred with his tears that was mixing with the rain. He couldn’t tell who it was but he did know that his punches weren’t affecting the man. Infact, his arms tighten around him, keeping him in place.

After awhile, he gave up fighting and he leaned his head on a shoulder. He sobbed and shouted, his throat started to get scratchy but he didn’t care. He would cough it off and continued to wail. He wasn’t aware that he kept yelling for his mom, until his voice finally gave out, his energy completely drained. The big hands never stopped soothing him, rubbing small circles on his back. The figure felt the little boy has exhausted himself and was falling asleep. Kyungsoo felt weightless as he was being lifted. That’s the last thing he remembered before he slipped into sleep.

❇❇❇❇

When the storm passed, the funeral was held. For Kyungsoo, it passed by in a blur. It was still difficult to cope with everything but Junmyeon was by his side the whole time. Ever since he woke up after passing out in the rain, he was in his own bed and Junmyeon was sitting at the end of his bed, waiting for him to wake up, from then to now, holding his hand as he watched the casket lowered down into the ground.

Yifan and his sons were oddly distant from Kyungsoo. Of course, they weren’t really close to begin with but he barely saw them before the funeral. Junmyeon assured him that Yifan was just dealing with the preparation and didn’t want his sons out of his sight.

After the service, a lawyer visited them to settle the will; however, there was an issue. They couldn’t find her will. With nothing they could reference to, the lawyer had no choice but to give everything to Yifan: Her finances, the house, the diner, and Kyungsoo.

However, before the lawyer had left, he told them that while they were retrieving her possessions from the accident, they came across something. A present, in perfect condition with Kyungsoo’s name neatly on the top left corner of the box. Kyungsoo, painstakingly, opened up the last gift he will ever receive from his mother with Yifan and his two, very jealous, sons watching from over his shoulder. Underneath the thick amount of tissue paper, was a snow globe.

Within the glass globe was a castle, little flecks were already swirling around the castle when Kyungsoo took it out from the box. The base was sculpted onto a rocky mountain, but a small strip was smoothed out for the template. In neat cursive, it read ‘Happy Ever After’.

From there, something small but bright started to blossom in Kyungsoo’s big heart: Hope.

❇❇❇❇

Hope was the only thing Kyungsoo hold onto after his mother’s passing. He hold tightly onto it, all the way up to his last year of high school, keeping it close to him for fear that if he ever let go of it, it will get lost with everything else around him. With the tight schedule Kyungsoo had found himself in, school was the least of his worries, even though he spent many hours at night staying up to work or finish his assignments. He lost count of the times when he fell asleep on his desk than his actual bed. He did all he had to do to maintain his high grades in his advanced classes.

Aside from school, was his job at the diner. Once Kyungsoo had turned sixteen, Yifan insisted that he work at the diner as an actual waiter. Although, Junmyeon had always thought Kyungsoo as a part of the staff at Do’s Diner, he thought he was too young to take on the responsibilities of a waiter and would rather have him focus more on school. But as the owner of the Diner, Yifan had won the argument. Kyungsoo didn’t mind though, it was a lot of hours but he loved working there.

However, school and work only made up a small portion of his time. What takes up all of his time was practically taking care of Yifan and his sons. What was once a gentle favor had turned into dozens of demands from each man. Yifan always gave him the simple chores, such as buying groceries, doing laundry, cooking, and cleaning the house. It was Luhan and Tao that would make him go out of his way to satisfy them-from going all across town, sometimes even out of town, just to get a certain brand or one item, to doing their laundry a certain way, and to cooking around their long lists of what they don’t like.

Sometimes, it felt easier with his two friends, Baekhyun and Jongdae, who stuck with him throughout his whole childhood.

But by the end of the day, Kyungsoo would find himself physically exhausted from all the running around and the tasks he had accomplished from that day, collapsed on his bed or passed out on his desk, only to just start over the next day.

And that’s exactly what happens everyday.

❇❇❇❇

It was peacefully quiet in the small bedroom. The morning light streaming through the window, illuminating the made bed and tidy room. All except the adjacent wall where the light doesn’t fully reach. A desk was set there, clutters of paper scattered across the desk and even on the floor, a laptop open but the screen blacked out, a pair of glasses set on top of it. Sitting away from this mess, almost at the corner, is a snow globe. A figure slumped on the desk, his short yet built body moving slowly as he breathes deeply and slowly as he sleeps.

Kyungsoo uses both his of arms as pillows, snuggling the side of his face into the crooks. It was nice and peaceful…

Until the door knob slowly turns. Two heads popped in between the small opening space. They scan the room until their eyes land on the sleeping boy.

“Soo,” One said in a light singing voice. His face had soft, boyish features and chocolate brown hair that curl around his head, his bright eyes watched Kyungsoo as he stirs in his sleep. “Soo.”

He repeated again, still in his sing song voice. The other one, completely opposite from his brother-with sharp jawline, and thin almond eyes, his blonde hair styled messy in a fashionable way-getting tired of waiting, he rolled his eyes and sighed.

Zitao kicked the door open, with a little more force than intended. The door swung and slammed against the wall. Luhan slightly flinched from the loud bang that resonated through the room but still kept his sweet smile.

“Kyungsoo,” Tao’s voice was stern and cut through the light air. Kyungsoo jolted out of his sleep, his knees accidently kicking his desk. Disturbing the snow globe as it rocked almost violently and tipping over the edge of the desk.

Kyungsoo shrieks before lunging at the falling snow globe, catching it just as it falls over. He took a few moments to recollect himself and calm down from the close-call. Whatever sleepiness he had left, it’s gone now.

“Zitao, please be more careful next time,” Tao shrugged while Luhan waltz right in and jumped on Kyungsoo’s bed.

“Soo, we’re hungry. Make us breakfast.” Luhan sang but with a more whining tone. “I want some baozi and rice.” Luhan perked up while Tao rolled his eyes.

“Luhan, you already had that yesterday. I want an American breakfast. Eggs, toast, and pancakes- no, waffles.” Tao demanded. Kyungsoo sighed as he rubbed his eyes. Putting on his dark framed glasses.

“Ok, I’ll have them ready and you’ll have time to eat before you leave,” Kyungsoo turned to his desk, starting to stack papers in a pile. Luhan smiled wider as he jumped off the bed, leaving it twisted and wrinkled. As they were leaving, Luhan sang out a ‘Thank You’ but Tao stopped and turned back to Kyungsoo.

“Oh and our dad wants to see you.” Kyungsoo froze. “Now.” He audibly gulps as he looked over his shoulder, only to find both boys gone. He let his shoulders go slack and sigh. It’s going to be a long day.

He stood up, quickly leaving his room to head downstairs but once he turned to go down the hallway, he froze. No matter how much Kyungsoo told himself that he has moved on, he couldn’t help but feel right back where he was when he was ten. That haunting feeling of his mother turning the corner and the emptiness once he realized that she’s gone and the loneliness sets. Timidly, he walks down to the end of the hallway, where Yifan’s office is.

Kyungsoo took a deep breath before knocking on the door, quiet but firm. A deep voice grumbled a permission for him to come in. The raven haired boy slowly turned the knob before slipping in. The room is setup like an actual office, with a big mahogany deck with two single, modern leather chairs facing the desk, a matching lay out couch against the wall. A deep velvet carpet covered the whole room, complementing the dark wood surrounding.

The tall Chinese man was sitting behind the desk, not looking up from the packet from his hand, his chin was resting on his other hand while his fingers curled around his cheek. Kyungsoo would admit that Yifan looked ten years older for his age, but still managing to age with grace. The wrinkles around his eyes and forehead were elegant and made him more charming. His dark brown hair was slowly losing its color but only looked like a nice highlight when combed back. He looked like he could be on a cover of a company magazine. Despite the handsome features, he still had an intimidating presence; something he picked up after her death.

“Good morning, Yifan.” Kyungsoo said politely, keeping an optimistic smile despite the cold air. Yifan looked up from his paper and regretted it right away. For a brief moment, he saw her and his heart ached, even after all these years and how many times he would see Kyungsoo, he would see her in him. From the short, curvy figure, raven black hair, his round eyes, and his smooth complexion. Yifan swiveled his chair around so the back was facing the boy that was still lingering by the door.

“Kyungsoo, do you have any plans tomorrow night?” Accidently forgetting to greet Kyungsoo back. The said boy was taken aback from the question that came off sharp, taking a second to recover.

Tomorrow is Saturday.

He remembers he has a double shift at the diner, and something about Baekhyun and Jongdae coming over and helping them with their costume- The Halloween dance. The dance was that night. Kyungsoo was on the fence about going. He would love to relax a bit and have fun but being in a room filled with everyone in high school wearing a sweaty costume wasn’t his idea of having fun. Even though he was debating on going, he shouldn’t pass up whatever Yifan had planned for him. He cleared his throat.

“Nothing, sir,” he replied, keeping his hands clasped behind his back. Yifan hummed in acknowledgment.

“Junmyeon called me and said that Kibum had a family emergency and had to leave right away. Can you to cover his third shift?” Kyungsoo’s smiled faltered. He thought he was called in here to pick up dry cleaning or add something to the grocery list, but he didn’t expect Yifan to ask him to take another shift. But he felt obligated to do whatever Yifan asked him, it was always like that.

“Yes, sir. I’ll do it.” The Chinese man turned back around to Kyungsoo.

“You can?” He asked, voice getting slightly light at the end. He was surprised Kyungsoo would agree quickly. Kyungsoo has never worked a night shift. Junmyeon never allowed it but Yifan was desperate and he couldn’t waste time calling the other servers who aren’t working that night and making sure not to call the ones who requested it off. As the owner of the restaurant, he has stacks of paper to go through and deal with the financial aspect. “Kyungsoo, if have something-”

“It’s okay, you have my word.” Kyungsoo said, smiling again. With that, the conversation ended. Kyungsoo cleared his throat. “I’m making breakfast for Tao and Luhan, would you like some?”

Before Yifan could answer, two oddly harmonized voices shouted, traveling throughout the entire house. “KYUNGSOO!!!”

Yifan chuckles lowly, shaking his head. His boys are a handful at times, he of all people should know that. “You should probably get going. I’m fine.”

Kyungsoo, who groaned inwardly at the familiar shrill, nodded and bowed before he left the office. Once he closed the door, he leaned against it, taking a deep breath. Not even a moment of rest before Tao and Luhan screamed his name again but more impatiently.

Getting right to work, he quickly whipped each requested breakfast for his step brothers. Just as he expected, he didn’t have time to make something for himself. Shrugging it off, he went upstairs to organize his room a little more before gathering his things for the day, saying a quick goodbye to his step family before they could get him to do something else.

❇❇❇❇

Driving his usual route in his beat up car, Kyungsoo goes to his first stop: Baekhyun’s house. He honks the horn once and one was all he need before a teenager the same age as Kyungsoo comes out;slightly taller but slimmer, with fluffy, light brown hair that flopped as he jogged across his lawn to get into Kyungsoo’s car.

“Hey, Soo,” his face lit up as he smiled, buckling in his seat belt. “One more day of school before the dance. I’m so excited. I finally got all the pieces to my costume around!”

“All the pieces? Baek, you’re going to be a vampire. How much do you need?” Baekhyun rolled his eyes.

“If I want to be win the costume contest and be KING OF THE DANCE than I need all the preparation I can get.” Baekhyun declared, being extra loud for drama.

Kyungsoo chuckled lightly. A few minutes pass and they arrived at another house. Before he could honk the horn politely, Baekhyun already reached over and pressed it, holding it for far too long, letting the obnoxious blare erupt the rather quiet neighborhood.

Kyungsoo smacked Baekhyun’s hand away from the steering wheel, as he scolded him, a teenager bolted out of the house.

“YA!” His powerful voice was heard from across the street where Kyungsoo parked the car. The boy was around the same height as Kyungsoo and Baekhyun but was more muscular though still slim, with wavy black hair fall over the side of his face and his lips pulled into a smile, the corner of them were curved more. “Do you always have to wake up the neighborhood? I have a cranky elderly couple next door, remember.”

“Not my problem,” the boy in the passenger seat shrugged. Once the new passenger settled in the middle of the backseat, he leaned over to punch the other boy on the shoulder lightly but still painfully.

“Anyways, are we going over to Kyungsoo’s house to get ready tomorrow?” Kyungsoo flinched.

“With evil step father and tweedle dee and tweedle dum? I don’t think so. We can go over to my house. Besides, my dad is allowing me to borrow the new car!” Baekhyun announced. Jongdae cheered, his voice bounced off the small compact space of the car, making Kyungsoo’s ears ring while the boy in the backseat clamped down on Baekhyun’s shoulder, shaking it.

“Yes! Now, we don’t have to worry about the car stalling in the middle of nowhere and getting murdered!... No offense, Kyungsoo.” Jongdae added a little sheepishly. The said boy scoffed and rolled his eyes.

“None taken,” he deadpanned but realize this would be the perfect moment to tell them the news. “Besides, it doesn’t matter to me… Since I’m not going.”

“WHAT?” The other two boys shouted. Out of instinct Kyungsoo slammed on the breaks. Luckily, he was at a red light.

“And why not?” Baekhyun demanded, glaring a hole on the side of Kyungsoo’s head.

“I work third shift.” Kyungsoo said nonchalantly, shrugging while concentrating on the road.

“But Soo, don’t you work the morning shift as well? That’s more than twelve hours of work IN JUST ONE DAY!” Jongdae’s voice dip with disappointment and sadness. Baekhyun’s eyes widen in realization.

“You DO work the morning shift. Oh my god, this is Yifan’s doing, isn’t it?”

“I’m sure he didn’t-”

“I KNEW IT! Oh god, why are you still living with him, Soo? All he and his spoiled sons ever do is use you. You need to move in with Junmyeon and get away from them.” Baekhyun cuts him off, his blood boiling in anger and annoyance. Kyungsoo sighed heavily, this topic keeps getting brought up more frequently.

“Baek... It’s not that simple. There’s more that you don’t know....” Baekhyun sighed, shoulders slumped.

“Soo, I know… I know that your mom had something with the guy but you don’t.” Baekhyun carefully looked Kyungsoo over, making sure he’s not crossing any lines. “They’re not family.”

The rest of the car ride to school was silent, the air laid thick around them. Baekhyun’s words echo around Kyungsoo’s thoughts, coming back around every time he tried to distract himself.

Once they reach their high school, the parking lot was bustling with students. Jongdae groaned irritatedly.

“Why does everyone like to hangout in the parking lot? Do they have a death wish or something?” Baekhyun shifted side to side and even strained his neck, looking over the parking lot.

“Try going down that lane. I think I see a parking spot.” following his direction, Kyungsoo stirred the car down the lane Baekhyun was looking at.

Just as he expected, there was a open parking space. It was perfect. It was just a couple of rows away from the school. But just as Kyungsoo was about to pull in, an expensive red sedan zipped around the corner and pulled into the spot, narrowly missing Kyungsoo. The raven haired boy slammed on the breaks as he shot his arm out to secure Baekhyun. The boys let out a gasp as their hearts stopped beating momentarily.

While recovering from their near death experience, they watched four girls get off the car, not bothering to look in their direction.

“Seriously, not even one glance?” Chen watched incredulously.

“I know. I mean how can anyone not notice us when you’re this loud.” Baekhyun said deadpanned. Kyungsoo rolled his eyes.

“Guys, enough. Are you two okay?” After two mumbles of yeah, Jongdae leaned forward and pointed straight ahead.

“Look, there’s another spot.” After carefully maneuvering his car away from the other vehicle, he drove a few rows down to the open parking space. That is until another car, a jeep, turned down the lane and sharply turned into the open parking spot. Causing Kyungsoo, yet again, to slam on his breaks, this time, luckily, it was more at a safer distance.

“Are you KIDDING ME?” Baekhyun shouted, frustrated. Kyungsoo sighed, irritated, but didn’t say anything. Instead, he hung his head forward. “OF COURSE it’s the football players.”

Kyungsoo’s head snapped up to see the boys that were filing out of the jeep. He instantly recognized Minseok, Taemin, and Sehun.

If it’s them, that means he’s with them...Oh no...

Unlike the girls, they turn their attention to the three boys, who seem very unlucky today. Once their gaze landed on Kyungsoo, an evil smirk pulled on their faces and Kyungsoo’s stomach dropped to the floor.

“Hey, diner boy. Did you bring my breakfast burrito?” One of them snickered. Baekhyun was fuming, flailing his arms around to he unbuckles his seatbelt while simultaneously rolling down his window. His practically threw his upper body out the window.

“Hey, Oh. I got your breakfast burrito right here. Come over and let me shove it-” He couldn’t finish due to Kyungsoo and Jongdae stretching their bodies and arms as they try to pull the loudmouth back into the car before he says something he will regret. However, this only caused the boys standing in parking lot to burst out laughing, folding in on themselves from laughing too hard.

When they calmed down a bit, they began to head towards the high school, passing Kyungsoo’s car. Taemin walked by Kyungsoo’s side, his blonde hair underneath his light blue baseball cap was barely covering his eye. He teasingly leaned towards the window as he passed, Kyungsoo shied away from him, nervously pushing his glasses up his nose. While Sehun passed Baekhyun’s side, he muttered ‘cute’ to him. Baekhyun raised his arm as if to hit him but Jongdae grabbed his arm before he can.

Kyungsoo felt slightly disappointed that it was only them. He could’ve sworn that he would be with him. Before he could dwell on it too long, he appeared. It felt like it all happened in slow motion.

Stepping out from behind the jeep was him, running his fingers through his freshly dyed pink hair. Tall build, broad shoulders, and beautiful tan skin- he looked stunning more than ever. Kyungsoo’s breath got caught in his throat as he watched Jongin approach them.

However it was short lived when a bunch of girls, ironically, the ones that almost hit Kyungsoo, shouted and screeched ‘JONGIN OPPA’ and his friends came back and pulled him to that direction, away from the car. Kyungsoo let out a dejected sigh.

If only.

“Come on, we’re going to be late for school.” Jongdae reasoned. He was right. Finding a parking spot that was a long walking distant from the school was apparently the only option for them. As they walked up to the school, they passed the group of girls and jocks that took Kyungsoo’s parking spot, gathered around by other people that look just as important as them. The shy teen could see Jongin by his pink hair in his peripheral vision, too scared to turn and look at him for fear of getting noticed. The chilled atmosphere that surrounded the group of teens was ruined when two figures force their way into the circle.

“Hey, guys!” Luhan practically shouted, smiling wide as he approached everyone. Tao stayed more off to the side, awkwardly smiling as he watched his brother try to hug everyone, who were exchanging weird looks and secretly grimacing when Luhan hugged them.

“What were guys talking about?” Tao asked. Kyungsoo heard a girl say in a fake sweet tone ‘oh nothing’ but snickered with her friends and rolled her eyes. The raven haired boy truly felt sorry for his step brothers. Sure, they were irritating at times, and demanding, but it was painfully awkward to witness them being extra friendly to the popular crowd only for the group to pretend to be nice but laugh at them when they’re gone.

“One day, we’ll show those snobs that you can’t just push the little guy over whenever they feel like it.” Baekhyun declare once they made it in the building, Jongdae nodded determinedly.

“Don’t worry guys, it’ll get better.” Kyungsoo comforted them. Just then, his phone chimed, indicating a message from a certain app, from a certain person. A wide smile spread across his face as he fished out his phone.

“Correction: It will get better for you.” Jongdae corrected, pointing his finger at him for emphasis.

“See you guys later.” Kyungsoo said absentmindedly as walked away from the duo.

“Of course, leave us behind for your mystery online lover.” Baekhyun shouted after him but Kyungsoo was too far away to hear. Quickly making his way to his first class and sitting down at his desk in the back next to the window, he unlocks his phone to read the new message.

MJJ94.1.14: Good morning~

Kyungsoo’s smile widens, typing in his response.

EspérerYCourage93: Good morning :) Did you make it to school alright?

The anxious teen only had to wait for a couple of seconds before he got another reply.

MJJ94.1.14: I did… Now, unfortunately, I’m surrounded by people who don’t see me, just looking at me…
MJJ94.1.14: How about you?
EspérerYCourage93: I made it ok… Almost died in the process but I’m still alive and kicking!
MJJ94.1.14: Good to hear, I don’t know what I would without you.

Kyungsoo scoffed and rolled his eyes playfully. He looked around to see anyone else on their phone. Everyone. Everyone was on their phone but nobody was smiling or looking at him.

EspérerYCourage93: Oh please, you’ll be just fine.
MJJ94.1.14: Oh no! I wouldn’t be able to eat or drink or even sleep! My dogs wouldn’t even be able to cheer me up!

Kyungsoo laughed and shook his head. He could just imagine a pout on the other male’s face. Other than that, he couldn’t picture anything else, only a cute pout.

EspérerYCourage93: Aww poor you~
MJJ94.1.14: You just mean that much to me.
EspérerYCourage93: But we haven’t even met

It was true, they’ve never met before. In fact, Kyungsoo doesn’t know the other’s name nor does the other male know him. All Kyungsoo knows is that they go to the same school, same grade, and he’s a guy. But that’s all from the mystery guy’s word.

MJJ94.1.14: Yet...

Kyungsoo’s fingers froze over his phone. He wants to meet him? Of course, Kyungsoo always wondered who was behind the other username but it was too much for him to process.

What if we meet and he doesn’t like me? What if he finds out that I’m diner boy and laughs? Or gets embarrassed. What if he’s not into me and just wants to be friends?

Having no experience in romantic relationships, he couldn’t tell if MJJ was flirting with him and hinting at wanting to be in a relationship with him or if they were just really close friends. However, he couldn’t ponder on it any longer when the school bell rings. So he quickly sends a reply and puts the phone on silence.

EspérerYCourage93: Talk to you after class~

With that, he slipped his phone in his pocket as the teacher walks in to start the day. It has been like this ever since May when Kyungsoo was looking at the college where his parents went to. It was far away from here but he didn’t care. It was the place where his parents found their dreams and so that’s where he is going to find his. On the website, they have an anonymous chat and that’s where he met MJJ94.1.14.

For months now, they got to know each other and yet they didn’t. They talked about the meaning behind their usernames, such as MJJ stand for his dogs’ names; Monggu,Jjanggu, and Jjangah following his birthday. In return, Kyungsoo told him that his was French for ‘Hope and Courage’, something to remind him of his mother. They didn’t give each any hints that would reveal who the other person was. It was actually quite comforting and exciting to not know who the other person was. Throughout the day, they texted each other back and forth, mentioning little things that happened during class just to make the other one laugh.

During lunch, he ignored Baekhyun’s and Jongdae’s prying stares and snarky remarks. Keeping an eye out for anyone who was laughing or smiling at their phone. Most of the time, he could tell that the other students were just watching videos or showing their friends something. Kyungsoo would also steal glances at Jongin’s table just to see the other boy’s animated laugh, slapping the person next to him, which was Sehun that time.

Kyungsoo would always miss Jongin picking up his phone, smirking before typing in something and sending the message, and Kyungsoo’s phone ring, indicating a new message.

They went back and forth all day until well into the night. Somewhere in between, Kyungsoo switched the chat to his laptop, online. It was easier to focus on his homework and other assignments. He felt bags under his eyes, making it difficult to keep his eyes open.

EspérerYCourage93: It’s getting late. We should go to bed.
MJJ94.1.14: But I want to talk to you some more ~

Despite being tired, Kyungsoo still laughed at his childish remark.

EspérerYCourage93: Pfffft. It’s not like we can’t talk tomorrow
MJJ94.1.14: But what if we did more than that..

Kyungsoo froze, stomach dropping. MJJ kept implying to meet him more today than out of the months they started to talk. Before he could reply, he saw three dots, indicating MJJ was typing.

MJJ94.1.14: You know…. Tomorrow is the Halloween dance and I can’t stop thinking about you. You’re all that I think about and I can’t take it anymore. I want to see you. Can we please meet? At the Dance tomorrow night in the middle of the dancefloor.

The boy stared at the new message, rereading it over and over. He wants to see me. His heart sped up. Pushing his glasses up, he let his fingers hover over the keyboard. He started to type out a reply before erasing it. He hesitantly typed out another, a question stuck at the back of his head.

EspérerYCourage93: What if… what if you see me and I’m not who you thought I am.

Kyungsoo stood up, his body wired with anticipation, pacing around his desk before he heard the familiar ping of a new message.

MJJ94.1.14: I’m taking the same risk as you are, right? ;)
MJJ94.1.14: And for me, I want to take that risk. If you’re anything like what you write, than you’re more than enough… What do you say?

Kyungsoo felt like blushing from his words. He couldn’t help but smile, heart fluttering. Maybe it was time for them to meet. He always wanted to know what he looks like and he can’t run off on imagination any longer. But tomorrow was too soon and at the Halloween dance? He doesn’t have a costume, he doesn’t- he has to work tomorrow night.

Reality crashed the adrenaline of meeting MJJ. Kyungsoo felt guilty for just saying no but he didn’t want to lead him on. He didn’t know what to do: he can’t tell Yifan that he can’t work right when he says he would. It’s too late to find anyone to work for him anyways. He kept thinking of ways to tell MJJ that he can’t go but before he could type his answer he got another message.

MJJ94.1.14: I know it’s kind of last minute, I couldn’t think of a way to ask you all day. I’ll let you sleep on it and I’ll know your answer tomorrow night if you show up. Good Night~

Part 2