baby, don't cry [2/4]
FIVE - We Go Back to the Present
Kyungsoo was distracted from his composing by the guy infront of him. Jongin seems so quiet. In the span of a few minutes, Kyungsoo watched as different expressions chased across his face. One time he was frowning, then smiling, then scowling and then smirking.
Good thing he was wearing his cap which partially hid his face from Jongin. He doesn't want the other to know that he has been stealing glances at him for the past half hour. Knowing he'll never finish his song today, Kyungsoo removed his cap and unable to take the Jongin's silence anymore said, "You're creeping me out."
"You always say that." Jongin answered.
"Yeah, but this time more than usual. What's got you so quiet?"
"Well, I was just thinking about.. sweet and fluffy things."
"Like what?" Kyungsoo asked with a raised brow.
"Like you."
"I'm not sweet. And I'm never fluffy." Kyungsoo said with a scowl.
"Come on. You can't deny it. The way you talked to Sehun earlier, giving him advise on how to deal with Luhan. Your sweet." Jongin walked towards him and sat beside him on the piano seat and patted Kyungsoo's head. "And fluffy."
Kyungsoo can feel a blush coming on. "Stop saying that! I just wanted to help him out with Luhan. That doesn't make me sweet, that makes me his friend."
"Just saying..." Jongin said with a shrug. "So how's the song going?"
Kyungsoo was still a little bit flustered. He was not used to Jongin being this way. "It was going along fine. Was. But Sehun took my cap earlier right? Crazy kid."
Jongin reached for Kyungsoo's cap. He turned it this way and that and even looked underneath it. "This Thinking Cap of yours, will I be able to write a song too if I wear it?"
"You can wear a hundred caps but you won't be able to." Kyungsoo said with a smug smile.
Jongin just laughed and wore the cap sideways and cupped his chin with his right thumb and index finger. "Dark blue does suit me though, right?"
Kyungsoo couldn't look away. His heart was beating so fast. What is this? Why isn't Jongin answering back? Why is he smiling this way?
"I only said I look good in blue, I didn't say I'm an axe murderer. Why do you look so horrified?" Jongin teased.
Kyungsoo shook his head and mumbled. "Isn't that the same thing?"
"You're finished here right? Let's go home." Jongin stood up.
"No. I still have things to do. Go first. I won't be able to cook dinner, so just get something to eat on your way. And yeah, I already did the laundry last night and I saw your socks on my things, disgusting really, but they're clean now so just go get them from the pile on top of my bed. Don't mess anything up, you hear? Your shoes, there's a reason why the cabinet is near the door. Got it?"
"Yes, eomma." Jongin said with a grin.
Kyungsoo just rolled his eyes at the other's impertinence.
"Just hurry up here and go home, ok? I'll wait for you so we can eat together." Jongin took off the cap and replaced it askew on top of Kyungsoo's head. To his surprise, Jongin tenderly patted his right cheek before walking towards the door.
"Alright, who are you? What did you do to Jongin?"
The other just chuckled and waved without turning back. Kyungsoo watched as he left. He touched the spot that Jongin's hand patted.
Kyungsoo forced himself to stand up and fix his things. He can't spend the next hour analyzing Jongin to death. For the past five years that Kyungsoo attempted to, he's nowhere near understanding what's going on in that head of his. Maybe what happened today was just a new tactic for Jongin to get Kyungsoo riled. He's not exactly riled but he sure as hell is confused which makes him annoyed.
He fixed the cap on his head, his mother's gift to him. She had a matching one, too. They used to wear it together when they are writing songs. When he's wearing it he feels as if he is connected with his eomma. It's been five years but the pain is still as fresh as it was when his mom passed away and was taken from the hospital bed.
It was so lonely living alone but it was better than living with his aunt the first few weeks. They were always checking up on him, he didn't have any room to breathe. He decided to return to their house. It hurts to be reminded what he lost everyday, especially when he wakes up and he can no longer hear his mom busy in the kitchen preparing his breakfast. He has to do everything on his own from then on.
But then he was given the gift of friends in the form of Chanyeol and, yes, Jongin. He will never in a million years admit it but Jongin helped him a lot. For a few moments everyday, he'll be so busy bickering with him that he forgets that he's alone.
It was great when Sehun and Luhan joined their group. He had an additional kid to scold (Sehun is just that, a kid) and an older friend who can relate with him. That's why he wanted everything to work out for Luhan and Sehun. In this crazy world, they really deserve each other.
Just then, Kyungsoo's cellphone vibrated:
I'll be waiting for you at the gates.
Kyungsoo finished with arranging the piano. He can't be late for this meeting. For the first time Joonmyeon-hyung was free to mentor him today. He needed help for his end of the year requirement and in Composition, his senior was undoubtedly the best.
He really has got lots to do so he shouldn't be distracted by inconsequential things like light pats on the cheek and mischievous smiles no matter how sweet or cute they were.
He was floating on a freaking bubble and he may look like the worst sort of idiot but Jongin doesn't care. He was happy and he really felt like dancing in the street but he realized he was doing that already so he just grinned some more.
Good thing that it was just a short walk from the university to their dorms or he would've met all sorts of accidents along the way seeing as he couldn't be bothered to focus on where he was going.
It's been eight months since he began college and started dorming with Kyungsoo. Up until this day he is still surprised that the short guy agreed to share quarters with him. Well it may have been because he convinced Chanyeol and Sehun to help him haul his things in Kyungsoo's dorm without permission from the owner himself but after the initial shrieking and stomping and more shrieking, Kyungsoo agreed.
When it came to choosing who to live with, Chanyeol or Kyungsoo, it was really no choice at all. He really didn't look closely at what the reasons were that time but he was happy he made it. Cause who knew right? Who knew he'd ever feel this way?
He remembered the conversation he had with Luhan the other day, the one that made him completely undone. His real intent on finding the older guy was to maybe talk some sense into him because he was really tired of Sehun bemoaning his tragic love story everyday during practice and there's only so much a friend could take. He never knew he'd be shaken as well.
Jongin found Luhan in the park swings wearing the same expression as Sehun: lovesick. He sat on the swing beside Luhan's and casually started the conversation.
"I knew I'd find you here. Fine day, huh?" He said.
Luhan smiled at him. "Yeah. I didn't expect to see you. Don't you have practice?"
"Well, I was supposed to have one but my dancing partner can't lift his butt off the practice room. Something about wallowing and being sorry for himself. That sorta stuff." Jongin teased Luhan. He wanted to see how the older guy would react.
"Is he... Is Sehunnie okay?" Luhan looked ready to cry.
"Well, he's not eating well lately so he kinda lost weight. He's always staring off to god knows where and keeps on blabbering about heartache and sorrow. Pretty intense." Jongin said with a snort.
"I see." Luhan said looking a little insecure.
Jongin decided to take the soul-searching to another notch. Yeah, call him the love guru. "But enough about that puppy. I actually came here to ask for advice." Jongin started. "You see, I'm having a problem with a certain person. I need you to answer me honestly."
"Do I know the person?"
The younger guy actually wanted to describe Luhan and Sehun's relationship in a third person's point of view just so Luhan can look at their relationship objectively, but when Jongin started to speak it was someone else's story he told. Because it was someone else's face on his mind.
"Uh.. Let's not be too honest then." Jongin said with a little laugh. "There's this guy I know. .. He's temperamental but he's also sweet in his own way. He takes care of me even as he scolds me for injuring myself. Most of the time he thinks I'm an idiot but he still puts up with me."
"From what you told me it's obvious that he cares about you." Luhan answered.
Yeah, his little friend does care doesn't he? "Actually, I know he cares. But what I want to know is if I love him or if I just care for him. I'm so new at this. Are there certain guidelines? Are there rules?" Jongin asked seriously, voicing out for the first time the questions that have been plaguing him for so quite some time now.
"There are no rules, I guess you just have to trust what you feel." Luhan shrugged.
"I'm still young. And this person thinks I'm immature. Can I really just trust my feelings?" It was Jongin's turn to feel insecure. "Is it really love when all you could think about is spending time with that person? Is it love when a smile from him makes everything fade away? Is it.. love when you look in each other's eyes and there's a sudden urge to look away because if you won't you'll probably drown in happiness?" Jongin eyes rounded. He probably looked like Kyungsoo now but he couldn't help it. I love him? I. Love. Him?
"I think you just realized the answer." Luhan said with a sympathetic smile.
"Shoot... I didn't expect that." Jongin shook his head. "But do you believe it? Do you really think so? Even if I'm young, I'm stupid and I'm... me?"
"If he loves you, I think it won't matter to him anyway." Luhan answered.
"But it mattered to you, right? Was that why you didn't accept Sehunnie?" Jongin wanted to make sure and because finally he remembered this was more about Sehun and Luhan than him.
"I.. "
"He really loves you, you know. Even if he's young, and stupid and he's... him." Jongin said with a smile. Jongin felt he said all he could for his two friends. He stood up to leave. It's time he sorts out his own feelings, cause honestly he was still reeling from it all.
Jongin took a few steps away when he heard Luhan call out. "Actually, it mattered to me because I... I love him for it."
"That's what I wanted to hear." Jongin left. It's what I'll want to hear from Kyungsoo, too.
When Jongin first met Kyungsoo he was sure all he wanted was to not see those tears fall from those doe eyes of his. He never wanted to see him sad like that ever again. So he kept on pestering the shorter boy - teasing him, aggravating him- cause if he's too busy exchanging insults with Jongin, he'll have no time to be sad, right?
He didn't know when it all changed. Jongin didn't know when he started to want Kyungsoo's eyes to look at him. He was so baffled when he realized that the highlight of his day was when he was sparring with his non-friend. So what was a stupid boy to do but continue.
Now the problem is he's at a loss of what to do next. How can he possibly let Kyungsoo know about these... feelings? Look what happened when he tried to be sweet on him earlier. He looked ready to bolt so Jongin let it rest.
Sometimes, it get's tiring though. It's tiring to hurl insults and bicker with him when all he wants is to hold Kyungsoo close. What he told Luhan was true. He really has to look away from Kyungsoo's large eyes sometimes cause he'll probably giggle like a five-year-old girl and then where will he be? Kyungsoo thinks he's crazy enough as it is.
He reached their dorm a few moments more. Jongin knew that he'll find the place as immaculate as always. He really was spoiled. There was always Kyungsoo who cooks for him and cleans after him and... Jongin stopped in midthought. Maybe it's time he does the same.
SIX - It Gets Confusing
"Sehun-ah, I'm kinda busy right now." Kyungsoo said on his cellphone.
"But Luhan... he spoke to me at the park. I didn't know what to do so I ran."
Kyungsoo sighed, he really wanted to help Sehun but he's studying with Joonmyeon-hyung in a cafe and it's already getting late. "Calm down. I'll talk to you in a little while, Ok? I'll call you later. I promise."
Kyungsoo ended the call. Poor Sehun.
"Is everything alright?" Joonmyeon asked.
"Uh, yes. It's my friend. He just needs help on something."
"We can just continue this tomorrow if you want. I'll have nothing to do anyway now that the recital has ended."
"Oh, hyung, I wouldn't want to impose on you. I'm really grateful that you gave me your free time today."
"It's ok. As I said I'm mostly free until the end of the semester." Joonmyeon smiled at him.
"You don't know how much this means to me, hyung. Everybody knows you're on top of your class. I really need the help."
Kyungsoo was really thankful that his senior agreed to help him. He was really popular in the university for being talented and good looking as well. What Kyungsoo didn't expect was that Joonmyeon was also very kind.
"Nonsense. You really are talented, you know. I'm not really sure why you need my help." Joonmyeon laughed. "I think I just shed a few tears after hearing your work."
Kyungsoo blushed a little at the compliment.
"By the way, " Joonmyeon continued, "You were the one singing in your demos, right?"
"Uh, yes." Kyungsoo said.
"Your voice is really great. The pitch is amazing. Why didn't you go into Voice?"
Because I've got no one to sing to. Kyungsoo found it hard to answer. "It's the audience. I can never sing in public."
"Oh. A pity. But I'm keeping you with this pointless interview. Let's just meet each other again here tomorrow and continue."
"Thanks a lot, hyung. Really." Kyungsoo said gratefully.
After saying their goodbyes, Kyungsoo paused outside the cafe to call Sehun back. The boy was distressed but after a few calming words from Kyungsoo, he felt better. Kyungsoo thought he was being a little tough on Luhan, advising Sehun to resist for the meantime and all, but he thinks it will be worth it.
"But you know what the best part of today is?" Sehun asked.
"What?"
"When I was taking a selca, I managed to get a picture of Luhan, too!"
"Sehun-ah. Can you like grow up a little?" Kyungsoo asked exasperated.
"But I'm already tall." Sehun sounded confused.
"Please don't hang out with Chanyeol too much."
"But why?"
"You're starting to NOT THINK like him."
"You are mean." Sehun said with a small laugh.
"And don't hang out too much with Jongin, either."
"Because?"
"I can only handle one Jongin in my life. I don't need another one."
"Huh. Of course there's only one Jongin for you."
That wasn't quite what Kyungsoo meant but Sehun already said goodbye and ended the call even before Kyungsoo can protest.
His watch said that it was already nearing half past nine so Kyungsoo quickly walked to the bus stop to catch his ride. The ride home was uneventful and he was really looking forward to getting to the dorm soon to rest his tired muscles. His neck was paining him again, spending so much time hunched over the piano and his music sheets.
Kyungsoo let himself in to the darkened house. He didn't need to turn on the lights to navigate through it as it was small. He reached the kitchen where to his dismay, he found the sink full of dirty dishes. The trash bin was full to overflowing. Some cabinets were open. He can feel the nerves on his temples throb. He was going to mutilate that little devil into pieces so tiny he'll make fine sand look big.
He stomped towards Jongin's room ready to thrash the younger boy but he stopped when he saw the room was empty. Puzzled he looked at his watch again. It was10:35pm. Jongin never stays out this late.
Kyungsoo left the room and went to the small living area. He wasn't prepared for what he saw when he turned on the lights. Jongin was sleeping on his side, his upper half slumped on the sofa while he the other is on the floor. Kyungsoo winced. It was not the most comfortable of positions. But then he noticed the coffee table in the middle of the room. In it was two dishes, two glasses- a simple meal set for two.
The spare arrangement can't begin to bring justice to the wreck in the kitchen and Kyungsoo couldn't help but laugh. Because this was Jongin and eveything he is is a disaster.
Kyungsoo knelt beside his non-friend and lifted the lid of the pot on the table. He should've known. In it was instant noodles. He smothered another laugh with his hand. But the laugh suddenly turned into a small sob. He shifted to look at Jongin.
Because no one will know, Kyungsoo laid his hand on Jongin's temple and pushed a few strands of hair away from his face. He traced the sleeping boy's thick eyebrow with his thumb.
"Don't do this, Jongin." Kyungsoo whispered sadly.
Jongin woke up with stiff muscles everywhere. Now he knew the reason why nobody should ever sleep in the sofa. He groaned as he stood up to head for the bathroom. He can hear Kyungsoo move inside his room and what he did last night came back to him.
He turned to look at the coffee table but no sign of food or anything was on it. He went to the kitchen to find it clean as always. Breakfast was already set on the dining table. He tiptoed his way across Kyungsoo's door careful not to be heard so he can take a shower and dress before the short guy unleashes his wrath on him.
He didn't mean to fall asleep without cleaning everything up but cooking was tiring, man. Nevermind that it was just instant noodles. All that waiting for the water to heat and the confusing three-step-direction at the back of the packet, whew, it required all the muscles he can spare.
He finished dressing and preparing for school but Jongin was still nervous to go outside knowing the princess will ask for his head. But hey, he should be indignant, too. He cooked all that food and Kyungsoo didn't even go home early so they can eat together. It was probably a good thing for Kyungsoo's part cause he would've been in the hospital by now if he so much as touch the food last night. But still, why did he come home so late?
Jongin was still mustering all the courage he can get when he heard Kyungsoo call out from the living room. "You know you can't hide forever so might as well come out!
Sighing, Jongin pasted a confident smile on his face and went out of his room to face the princess or more like the dragon guarding the castle.
"Okay, okay. No need to be angry here. It's a beautiful day. Let's start the day right, ok?" Jongin said barely realizing that both his hands were held up as if he was afraid. Which actually, he is.
"I'm not angry. Who's angry? Are you angry?" Kyungsoo asked with a raised brow. Jongin began to sweat.
"So were... okay?"
"Of course. But before you go, can you read this first please?" Kyungsoo handed Jongin a piece of paper.
"What is this? Is this a bill?" Jongin asked, shocked. "￦250,000 for services rendered?!"
"Yes. I demand to get the payment as soon as possible."
"Are you kidding?!"
"No. But in light with all the cleaning I did last night. I think that's fair." Kyungsoo said smugly.
"This is, as you know, ridiculous." Jongin frowned. He turned and disappeared for a while but when he returned he was holding a piece of paper which he thrust infront of Kyungsoo's face. The older guy snatched it up and read.
"What? You're charging me ￦200,000 for the food? That wasn't even food. It tasted so awful. How can somebody kill food that way? And instant noodles isn't even a living thing to begin with..." Kyungsoo sputtered.
"Wait. You ate it?" Jongin asked, amazed.
"It was there wasn't it? I thought you cooked it for us. I never knew you wanted to murder me with it. No wonder you didn't touch your bowl." Kyungsoo crossed his arms across his chest.
But Jongin let all the insults pass by him. Kyungsoo actually ate the food he cooked. He felt himself smile dopily.
"What are you smiling about?" Kyungsoo said looking disgruntled.
"Nothing. So since you charged me ￦250,000 and I charged you ￦200,000, we can just balance it off. I owe you ￦50,000."
Kyungsoo held out his hand. "So out with it."
"But I'll be shouldering the medical bill when you're stomach gets upset after what you ate last night, so I should just keep it first." Jongin smiled widely.
"I ask myself yet again why I bother to talk to you." Kyungsoo directed his gaze heavenwards.
"And yet again I answer, because thy princess can not resist thy prince's charms." Jongin said with a bow.
Kyungsoo sighed. " But what happens when I miraculously don't get hospitalized?"
"Then your highness, we'll put it to good use. Trust me."
"I was afraid you'd say that."
Seven - Princess and the Frog
He's been staring at the ￦50,000 note in front him for almost an hour now. Jongin leaned, dropped his chin on the table and stared at it some more, thinking that a closer view will help. He was in the library because he heard that if you wanted to think this is where you should be. The place was unfamiliar, never having had the chance to enter one, and quiet. It was perfect if you really want to drive yourself crazy thinking.
"What to do with you?" Jongin asked the note. He wanted to do something special with Kyungsoo without being too obvious so he has to limit the budget to ￦50,000. He thought of asking the short guy out but with just this much they wouldn't get anywhere. They'll probably end up in sidewalk eateries and where's the class in that? He wanted to impress. And now he needed help.
Jongin whipped out his cellphone and called Luhan.
"Jongin? What's up?" said his friend on the other line.
"I just want to ask for advice. Umm, so you know this person, right? The one I talked to you about?"
"Oh, Kyung... yeah, that person."
"Well, I want to do something special for him. I mean I wanna ask him out or something but I don't know what."
"Jongin-ah, I'm not actually the best person to ask right now," Luhan laughed. "I've been trying to get Sehun back but it's currently not working."
"Well, that may have to do with that person..." Jongin mumbled. "Can you think of anything at all?"
"Ummm, I was actually planning on waiting for Sehunnie today. After class, I want to ask him out to the bubble tea place. Get some time together."
"But don't you always go there before?"
"Actually, that's the point. You don't have to go anywhere fancy or anywhere new. I want to go somewhere familiar. I want him to remember how happy we were before all this happened. I took for granted the times we were together drinking bubble tea and talking. I want to have it back because I realized that anything I did and will ever do will be special if it's with him." Luhan said feelingly.
"Now, Luhan don't go crying on me." Jongin teased but he thought Luhan was unto something here. Somewhere familiar, huh?
"I'm sorry." Jongin heard Luhan sniff.
"Since you told me of your plan, I'm gonna make things easier for you later." Jongin said.
"What do you mean?"
"You might have noticed that Kyungsoo is on Mother Alert over Sehun right now."
"Oh. Yes, I did notice."
"So just leave it to me. I'll free the boy from his eomma's clutches after class so you can get him all to yourself."
After a beat, Jongin heard Luhan smother a little laugh. "Thanks for your entirely selfless sacrifice, Jongin."
"Yeah, that's me. Selfless."
"Cause this has definitely nothing to do with that person, right? I mean you're not doing this because if Sehun's out of the way then you can have that person all to yourself."
"Luhan, I can still change my mind." Jongin threatened.
"I'm sorry. Okay. I'll leave it to you." Luhan said but Jongin still can hear the older guy laugh.
"Good luck later." Jongin said.
"Yeah, you, too."
Kyungsoo was busy rummaging through his bag for his cellphone when he almost bumped into Sehun. The three of them - Himself, Sehun and the Devil Incarnate - were walking towards the exit when he saw why Sehun gave him a troubled look. Luhan was there waiting by the doors. Kyungsoo just answered Sehun's look with a shrug. He was also curious of what Luhan has to say so they continued walking.
A few steps more and he felt Jongin pull him to a stop with his arm across his shoulders. He felt himself shiver a little as Jongin leaned close and whispered in his ear.
"I think we should be somewhere else."
Kyungsoo raised an eyebrow at Jongin but didn't argue. Sehun, noticing that his companions stopped walking, turned back to look at Jongin and Kyungsoo.
"Go on without us," Jongin said. "We need to do something." Then he pulled Kyungsoo away, leaving Sehun alone to talk to Luhan.
Kyungsoo can do nothing but go with the boy since he latched his arm on his shoulders and did not let go until they were outside.
"Where do you think you're taking me?" He asked the younger boy.
Jongin took out the ￦50,000 note from his jacket pocket and waved it in front of Kyungsoo's nose. "I decided it's time we used this."
"You decided?" Kyungsoo asked. "Since when do you decide for me?"
"Aw, honey, since I started holding the purse strings." Jongin teased.
"Huh. But isn't that," pointing at the note, "technically my money? So wouldn't it be better if you hand it over and you leave me alone?"
"Now, Princess, thou shall not be too uptight. Live a little."
"And I should listen to you because?"
"I'm a handsome prince ready to save the princess from eternal boredom."
"With ￦50,000?" Kyungsoo asked skeptically.
"Yes, your highness." Jongin gave a confident smile.
"I should have known." Kyungsoo said when they stopped in front of a grocery store.
"You should have known what?"
"You'll find a way to use my money, have me do all the work and convince me that I'm doing it for fun."
"Is it working?" Jongin asked.
"No."
"Come on, we're here anyway. And it's been so long since we went here together." Jongin cajoled Kyungsoo as they entered the building.
"It's because the last time we went together, you single handedly destroyed the fruit section. They probably have your picture in their Banned-for-all-eternity list." Kyungsoo smirked.
"Yeah, summer of 2010. Happy times." Jongin said with sideways smile.
Kyungsoo just rolled his eyes. He wasn't sure if it’s a good idea to shop with Jongin especially with just fifty thousand won. He would just have to stir him away from the Sweets section. "What are we buying anyway?"
"Kimchi spaghetti!"
"We just had that the other day."
"Oh, yeah? How about Kimchi spaghetti?"
"You're hopeless."
Jongin just answered him with a mischievous grin. Kyungsoo felt his chest tighten. He should probably have it checked, it’s been happening too many times lately.
"You look like you're having a heart attack." Jongin said pointing at Kyungsoo's chest. Kyungsoo looked down to see that his hand was clutching his shirt over his heart. Kyungsoo loosened his hold. "I'm just nervous, hanging out with a felon and all."
Jongin laughed. "As you should be."
They spent the next half hour playing, or shall he say, Jongin spent the next hour playing his game of Oh, Look!
"Oh, look a can opener with side mirrors!"
"Oh, look milk from a three-legged cow!"
"Oh, look a puppy!"
Kyungsoo sighed. Atleast one of them is having fun. He was kept busy as he had to remove the items as Jongin drops them into the cart. It's like shopping with a three year old. It's a miracle though that Kyungsoo was able to get all the necessary ingredients despite the devil's zooming in and out of the aisles, pointing here and there.
"Last thing we need are onions and we're done." He told Jongin who seemed preoccupied as he stood with his back to Kyungsoo.
"Oh, look," the younger boy said as he turned, “it’s your royal carriage!"
The shorter boy looked at the large sized pumpkin Jongin was holding.
"Oh, look a pumpkin that will end up squashed in your head if you don't put it down this instant so we can finish here." Kyungsoo said, exasperated.
"Oh, look a princess with PMS."
"Oh, look an idiot. Period. "
"Oh, now that was just plain mean." Jongin looked offended.
"Stop fooling around now. Let's go." Kyungsoo turned and pushed the cart towards the counters. Jongin fell into step beside him and promptly put his arms around the older boy's shoulder.
"We look like a married couple already."
Kyungsoo stopped in his tracks and shot a look at Jongin.
"Obviously, I'm the man of the house and you're..."
"If you know what's good for you, shut up."
Jongin laughed but didn't take his arm away. Kyungsoo was once again confused. It's nearing two weeks since Jongin became this way and he's not sure how to react. Yes, they've still been fighting and hurling insults but it feels different. Jongin's different. He threw the boy another glance again as he began to charm the attendant on the counter. He let out another sigh. Jongin's still the same.
Jongin watched as Kyungsoo washed and prepared the vegetables in their kitchen sink. He's having fun watching him walk to and fro the kitchen table. He really was a great cook. His stomach growled in anticipation. Kyungsoo stopped midstep, looked at his stomach and raised an eyebrow at him. His stomach growled again. The older boy smirked and continued working on his recipe.
Jongin felt flushed. He wanted to kiss that smirk off from Kyungsoo's face. He wanted to touch his cheeks and see his eyes round even larger as he leans down to join their lips. Jongin stood up from his seat at the table. You know what? He'll do just that.
That was the point of their going to the grocers and having this dinner together anyway. Progress. He took Luhan's advice to heart. The place he came up with where they seldom bicker was the kitchen. It's like their standoff place because most of the time Jongin's mouth was filled with food so he doesn't have the time to answer Kyungsoo while the older guy gives him lectures on everything. It was a pretty solid arrangement. As long as his stomach was filled, he had no problems with it. There's still the rest of the dorm to fight in anyway.
"You know, this will be a lot faster if you get off your butt and actually help me for once." Kyungsoo said while his back was turned from Jongin.
The younger guy walked towards the sink. He doesn't know but he was somehow mesmerized by the view of the back of Kyungsoo's neck. He was pretty sure he's seen it a thousand of times before but it became imperative that he touch it right now. He walked as if he was in a daze.
"I don't really know why I put up with you. You could help with the chores once in a while you know. It's not as if-" Kyungsoo stopped when he felt Jongin's hand touch his neck. "What do you think you're doing?"
Jongin thought Kyungsoo sounded a little breathless. He was feeling a little breathless, too. He held on to the shorter guy's neck with one hand and turned Kyungsoo to face him with the other. He was right. His eyes were almost falling out of its sockets. A small laugh escaped Jongin's lips.
"Ya, Kim Jongin. I said what are you doing?" Kyungsoo looked nervous.
Jongin didn't remove the hand that was on Kyungsoo's neck but instead used it to touch his jaw. He didn't think it possible but Kyungsoo's eyes seemed to grow bigger.
"Jongin-ah..." Kyungsoo tried to pull away but Jongin's other hand kept him on his place between him and the sink.
"I'm scared." Jongin whispered as he leaned closer. "Cause what if I turn into a frog?"
Jongin tipped Kyungsoo's chin up and saw understanding dawn on his eyes. He wasn't leaning on to Jongin but Kyungsoo wasn't pulling away either. Just a few inches more, Jongin thought...
Lalalalalala.. Lalalalalala...
They both jumped as they heard Kara's Mister filled the room. It was Kyungsoo's cellphone and he reserves that ringtone for only one person. The older boy scrambled to get out of Jongin's grasp to reach for his phone tucked in his bag.
"Hello? Sehunnie?" Kyungsoo looked at Jongin one last time before he went out of the kitchen.
Jongin raked his hand through his hair. He didn't know who to kill first: Sehun for interrupting with his phonecall or Luhan for not keeping Sehun occupied. His growl ended in a frustrated laugh. I'll just get them both.
EIGHT - Cause baby tonight...
"You seem preoccupied."
Kyungsoo looked up to see Joonmyeon beside him, curiously peering at him over a stack of music sheets he was holding. They were in the music room this time so they can use the piano.
"Ah, no. It's nothing." Kyungsoo felt guilty because he was preoccupied. His mind was not on the song they were working on but on what happened in the kitchen two nights ago. Up until now even he wasn't sure what happened.
One moment he was busily chopping onions and the next he was trapped between a very intent looking Jongin and the kitchen sink. His heart felt ready to jump from his chest as he watched Jongin lean closer, he wanted to but he couldn't look away.
He still felt mortified cause at some point he wanted Jongin to move faster and get on with kissi- whatever he wanted to do. So he didn't know what to feel when they were interrupted by Sehun's phone call. Oh Sehun, the master of great timing.
After listening to Sehun's problem with Luhan, Kyungsoo was not sure what to expect when he returned to the kitchen. He couldn't not comeback, there was the spaghetti to cook. He nervously entered and saw a very normal Jongin sitting by the table looking bored. Looking as if nothing happened. Looking as if he didn't just tip Kyungsoo's chin towards him for a kiss.
"I'm starved. Can the princess please hurry along with the cooking?" Jongin said.
That wasn't what he expected the devil to say but he went straight to the counter to finish cooking.
"You might have noticed, I did say please." Jongin said with a smirk.
"Yeah, that was so unexpected I'm having a heart attack right now." Kyungsoo said, falling easily into their usual bantering. This is familiar. This, he knows.
Jongin was still spouting nonsense up until the meal was served in which case he was too busy filling his mouth with food to talk. Kyungsoo discreetly glanced at him from time to time across the table wondering if he just imagined what happened earlier. But that was dispelled when he stood up to carry the dirty dishes to sink to wash them. He felt Jongin stand beside him.
"In light with the great food, I volunteer to wash the dishes tonight, princess."
"Don't bother. Last time you did it only 2 bowls were left without cracks."
"That wasn't my fault. Why did they invent those dishwashing liquids to be slippery?"
"Nope, I'm not gonna answer that."
Jongin chuckled but turned quiet shortly. "About earlier? I was just funning you. Don't sweat it, your highness." He patted Kyungsoo's head and walked away.
He should've known really. He should have known when Jongin touched him that it was just a joke. They've been non-friends for five years, anything more is impossible. Besides, Kyungsoo will never fall in love. It will never happen.
"I lost you again." Joonmyeon said with a laugh.
"I'm sorry. Maybe I'm just a little tired. This song is killing me, hyung." Kyungsoo joked.
"Well, that's why I'm here to help. The song's good enough but I just think we have to work on the bridge part."
"I know. It doesn't have a climax."
"In any case, you still have two weeks so I think we have time."
"Thanks a lot for your help, hyung. I really don't know what I would do without you."
"Stop it. You're making an old man like me blush." Joonmyeon playfully patted Kyungsoo's head.
It's not the same, Kyungsoo unconsciously thought. It's different when Jongin pats his head. Kyungsoo mentally shook himself from those unbidden thoughts. But it’s as if his mind called on Jongin cause suddenly there he was by the doorway wearing that devil may care smile of his.
Jongin wanted to tear that Joonmyeon guy from limb to limb as he saw him pat his Kyungsoo's head. But he was young and didn't want to spend his life in jail so he settled for a cool smile and a nod in greeting as he sauntered inside the music room with his friend Yixing.
Originally, he was out to find Sehun and torture the hell out of him but he was nowhere to be seen. What he found was Yixing looking bored in the midst of gaggling fangirls and boys and decided to rescue his mate from the lot of them. He had to submit himself to the fawning of the said fans but anything for a friend, right?
They decided to hangout downtown. He was going to call Kyungsoo and tell him that he'll not be eating dinner at home but the music room's just near and really he wanted to see the short guy. So he dragged Yixing along to talk to Kyungsoo first before going. He knows that he was with that Joonmyeon-ahjussi, they've been together too many times lately, but he didn't expect to walk in on them while they're spending some lovey-dovey time together.
He already berated himself too many times after chickening out two days ago. Seeing how nervous Kyungsoo was after the averted kiss, he decided to make progress some other time and passed everything off as a joke. He saw how relieved the older boy was and he believed he made the right decision to wait but he was having second thoughts after seeing him with another guy.
He is waiting for the right time but that doesn't mean Kyungsoo can go around being sweet to other boys especially that perfect Joonmyeon, he thought indignantly.
"Jongin-ah, what brings you here?" Kyungsoo asked.
Jongin just noticed how close Kyungsoo and Joonmyeon were sitting at the piano seat so he squeezed himself in what little space was in between them before answering.
"Ah, yes. I'm going downtown with Yixing. Remember him?" Jongin said while pointing at his friend.
"Hi." Yixing waved and smiled at the sight of Kyungsoo, Jongin and Joonmyeon squished together at the short piano seat.
Joonmyeon probably understood that smile because he stood up to give Jongin some space. Jongin thought he looked a little uncomfortable but he had important things to take care of so he decided to forget about Joonmyeon's presence.
"Yeah, he was the other main performer at the showcase right? You were really great there. I was actually surprised that they had you perform with Jongin and Sehun. You're way way better than them." Kyungsoo said with a smile.
Jongin looked with some surprise as Yixing's cheeks turned a slight shade of pink and he fidgeted with his bonnet which made it slide lower on his forehead.
"Stop flirting, princess."
"Shut up. Yixing-ssi, this is Joonmyeon-hyung. He's my senior in Composition." Kyungsoo said introducing his friend. "He's great at composing as you are great in dancing."
"Yeah, I know of him. Nice to meet you." Yixing turned to Joonmyeon.
"It's nice to meet you, too. I also saw you at the showcase. It was a great performance." Joonmyeon said with an admiring smile.
Jongin paid no more mind to the two as he put his attention to the guy beside him.
"I won't be home till late so don't wait up for me."
"I never wait up for you." Kyungsoo said without looking at him.
"I don't want you to cry in your pillow missing me."
"I don't care if you ever come back." The older boy said, still not looking.
Jongin wanted Kyungsoo to look at him and not at the music sheets.
"But if you wait up for me maybe we can continue where we left off the other night..."
With a gasp Kyungsoo turned to Jongin and covered the other boy's mouth with his palm as his eyes darted to the other two people in the room who was luckily engrossed in their conversation. Jongin smiled against Kyungsoo's hand but the older boy quickly snatched his hand back.
"What? I can volunteer to wash the dishes again." Jongin said with a devilish gleam to his eyes. "Why the reaction? What were you thinking we'd continue?"
He stood up and didn't wait for Kyungsoo's answer. So you were thinking about that, Jongin thought happily to himself. It was gratifying to know that Kyungsoo wasn't able to completely erase the memory of the almost kiss as Jongin thought the short boy had.
"See you later, your highness." Jongin said with a backward wave as he walked to the door. But then he noticed that Yixing was still in conversation with the Joonmyeon-ahjussi. "Yixing, let's go."
"Yeah, so yeah. I need to go." Yixing told Joonmyeon as he pointed his thumb back at Jongin.
"Oh, ok. See you around then." Joonmyeon said, smiling.
Jongin watched as Yixing reluctantly went to his side so they can go. He rolled his eyes when his friend turned back again to wave goodbye at the other boy and receive a wave in return.
Outside, Jongin put his arm across his friend's shoulder as they walked and said, "Don't be too obvious man or he'll eat you alive."
Yixing gave him a snort. "Yeah, how you're not obvious yourself. That little boy's got you in the palm of his hand."
"You're wrong. It's the other way around." Jongin said confidently.
"Yeah, whatever makes you sleep at night."
Kyungsoo was in a snit. He had been fuming all afternoon after the way Jongin teased and left him without even giving him the chance to answer back. He was not thinking about that... that almost kiss!
Well, he wasn't atleast not until Jongin said something about continuing where they left off. What was he to think? He really should've known better. Jongin would never do something like that if he wasn't planning on using it to annoy him to hell.
It was tiring how Jongin seems to always have the last word when they spar. He was Do Kyungsoo for chrissakes, he isn't a loser and he is not a sissy. And he most certainly is not a princess. It was time he knocked down that spawn of the devil a peg or two and he thinks he knows just how to do it.
It was around 11:00pm when the door opened. All the lights were off and Kyungsoo heard Jongin fumbling with the light switch. He was sitting on the sofa waiting for when Jongin will see him. The lights filled the room and he saw Jongin stop on his tracks.
"Woah, your highness. You scared me. I thought you were already asleep." Jongin said as he saw Kyungsoo. He looked at his watch. "It's already late, what're you doing still up?"
Kyungsoo smiled seductively and stood up. You'll never know what hit you, Kyungsoo thought. He walked slowly towards Jongin and said, "You said that if I wait up for you we'll continue where we left off the other night."
"Uh..."
Kyungsoo reached Jongin and slowly walked around him in circles. Yeah, everything in slow motion. "I'm thinking I'll take you up on your offer."
"Uh..."
Stopping behind Jongin, he put his hands on Jongin's shoulders, raised himself on his toes so he can whisper into his ear. "What do you say?"
Kyungsoo felt Jongin shudder as he blew air on the taller guy's ear. He turned a dazed looking Jongin around so his back was to the sofa and he was facing him.
"Kyungsoo-ah... I mean, your highness..." Jongin looked shocked.
Kyungsoo was mentally laughing at the expression on the other boy's face. Just a little more.
He started stalking Jongin forward as the other retreated with every step. Yeah, run all you can but you can't escape.
"What's the matter? Did you change your mind?" Kyungsoo asked as he kept on forcing him to walk backwards until the back of his knees hit the sofa and Jongin fell sprawled on it.
Right where I want you, Kyungsoo couldn't help but smile in triumph. He walked in between Jongin's legs and leaned close, putting his hands against the back of the sofa, on either side of the younger boy's head.
"Uh..."
"Not too talkative tonight, are we?" Kyungsoo said as he leaned even closer, their noses almost touching.
"No." Jongin sounded hoarse.
"Then we might as well proceed." Kyungsoo whispered, sounding a little hoarse himself. Kyungsoo leaned even closer and saw Jongin's eyes close slowly. Gotcha!
He lifted his right hand and patted Jongin's head. The boy quickly opened his eyes, surprised.
"Don't worry I was just funning you." Kyungsoo said, straightening from his position. "Don't sweat it, Frog." He smirked.
Kyungsoo was already turning away when Jongin's hands shot from his sides and pulled him so that he was back to his former position over the younger boy. The difference was his hands are now resting against Jongin's chest. And one of Jongin's hands was cupping his neck.
"Not so fast, princess."
And before Kyungsoo could react Jongin pulled him closer and placed his lips on top of his for a kiss that was five years in the making.
Part I // Part II // Part III // FINAL