Stray Cardboard Boxes (2/?)
Title: Stray Cardboard Boxes (2/?)
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Romance/Comedy
Pairing(s): KyuHan. ShiHan.
Warnings: None.
Summary: Based on the manga, “Tramps Like Us.” It was one night of clumsiness that cost Geng a scuffed shoe and an accidental meeting with a runaway Kyuhyun. Generous and rather stupid, he takes the unconscious male in to tend to his wounds, and somewhere along the lines makes him his pet as well. It wasn't his fault that the younger reminded him of his own dog back at China.
Stray Cardboard Boxes
2
A soapy peaches and cream scent filled the small interiors of the bathroom. Pale arms draped lazily off the sides of the bathtub, as the owner sunk deeper into the water with a soft, relaxed sigh.
“Don't go in too deep! I can't clean your hair properly if you do!”
Upon hearing the words that slipped from the older man's mouth, he scrunched his face up in annoyance and scoffed.
“I heard you the first time.” The younger male replied softy as he sat a bit straighter this time, his eyes closed as he enjoyed the soft hands that were massaging his scalp.
Geng shook his head, knowing that he would have to remind Kyuhyun again. He was currently seated on a stool that was placed behind the bathtub for easy access; access to the male's hair that was. It was a silent process that consisted of Geng lathering shampoo onto the soft curls of hair and then slowly massaging said shampoo into hair. Overall, it was a relaxing activity that brought him comfort.
Of course, washing Kyuhyun's hair did remind him of washing his dog back in China.
“Ah, a little to the right. I have an itch.” The cheeky male said softly, eyes closed as he leaned back into Geng's touch. The older man smiled at this as he gave into his pet's request, scratching that spot ever so gently.
It was the third time this week that he had washed Kyuhyun's hair. It became a nightly ritual whenever he came home feeling depressed and overworked. Geng would beckon the boy into the bathtub or sometimes Kyuhyun would demand Geng to wash his hair, and the older would comply.
Sometimes when Geng would be washing Kyuhyun's hair, he would talk about his day at work, which Kyuhyun would listen with great interest.
“A few days ago, I met this guy in the elevator..” Kyuhyun could feel his ears perking up as he heard the older spoke.
“Kyuhyun-Ah, he was tall and really handsome. Kind looking too. I think he works at the company.”
He felt his shoulders stiffened at the words, the feeling of jealousy sweeping over him like the plague, and Kyuhyun didn't know why it was happening.
“Forget about him. You have me, don't you? A pet brings a lot of responsibility.” He tilted his head back, shooting Geng a look.
The man frowned and stood up. “It's not like you'll be staying here forever. I'm done with your hair. You can finish the rest by yourself. Don't stay in too long or you'll catch a cold.”
Watching the retreating back, he sunk deeper into the tub, eyes narrowing gently.
_
“Ah, Geng! Could you please give this to Mr. Choi on the thirty-first floor?” A sweet, smiling Donghae stood in his cubicle, holding a manila envelope. Geng blinked, staring at the envelope before glancing back to the smiling man.
“Ah, sure. Thirty-first floor, was it?” Donghae confirmed that a nod and a pat to his lower back, watching the older man get up and leave.
He stuck his tongue out at the glare that Sungmin was shooting him. “You just wanted to see his ass walk out the door.” Snorted the man as he crossed his arms.
Lips curving into a grin, Donghae glanced back to the other.
“I think it got a bit fat, don't you think?”
_
The thirty-first floor made Geng nervous. It wasn't the number, but the meaning behind the floor. Anything above the thirtieth floor were the big shots of the company, the people who received a six figure salary, the ones that decided what was in and what was out.
So, it was quite a shocker for him when he stepped into the office of one Mr.Choi, a.k.a Choi Siwon, as in the guy with the cute ass back at the elevator.
“Eh? Siwon? I mean-Mr.Choi!” He smiled nervously once more as he walked into the room, forgetting that he had to be allowed in first. At this moment, Geng forgot about the cute ass and remembered that this Choi Siwon was technically one of his many bosses.
“I was sent up here to give you something.”
The man at the desk smiled and beckoned Geng to come closer. Siwon flashed him a grateful smile as he took the envelope and placed it on his desk. “Thank you.”
He smiled in return before bowing, getting ready to leave before the man called him out. Geng stopped in his tracks and turned around, offering a confused look towards Siwon.
“I was just wondering, if you're free this weekend..Would you like to go have a cup of coffee with me?”
Geng could feel himself break into a smile as he nodded. “Sure, that sounds nice.”
_
“Sure, that sounds nice. What the hell was I thinking? A 'that would be great!' sounded much better.” He slammed the door shut, wriggling out of his shoes before stepping into the living room.
A soft thud was heard from the room as Kyuhyun jumped off the ladder, hands in his pockets as he looked to Geng.
“What's with you? By the way, one of your plants died, so I chucked it at one of those parked cars below. The alarm wouldn't shut up.”
Not hearing any of it, the Chinese man didn't spare a glance at the younger as he marched to his bedroom, leaving a silent Kyuhyun behind.
Eyebrow arched skeptically, the younger followed his 'master' into the bedroom. He plopped down on the king sized bed, watching Geng tear his closet in half.
“What are you doing?” The boy asked as he laid down on the bed, rolling over to his sides to watch the male. He yawned softly and scratched his stomach, foot dangling off the bed.
“Trying to find a decent attire for this weekend and get out, you're not allowed in here.”
Kyuhyun remained unmoved as he calmly observed his master, eyes following the man back and forth.
“Why the fuss? What's so big about this weekend that got you tearing up your closet? I'm hungry by the way, make me food.”
Crouching down, he picked up a polished black shoe and examined it, before tossing it back into the closet.
“There's leftover from last night, just heat it up. It's for this weekend. He asked me out for coffee.”
Kyuhyun rolled his eyes as he flopped onto his back.
“I don't eat leftovers and-Wait, you're worked up because of that?”
“It's not just that. I don't expect you to understand since you roll around in boxers with holes in them and stained tee shirts, but this is important. Appearances are important and I want to come off as a well put together type of guy.”
He rolled his eyes once more and sat up, shaking his head. “Just wear a tee shirt and jeans or something. You don't have to look that nice, you're going to a coffee shop. You'll probably get a stain anyways.” Grumbling softly, Kyuhyun left the room without another word.
_
The workload that day was thankfully not that much, it being a Friday so he guessed that the employers were being generous. Geng walked out of his cubicle, deciding that a little break was needed. He had been on the computer for about three hours straight and it was starting to tire him out. Despite all that, he was looking forward for that cup of coffee with Siwon this weekend.
“Hey Geng.”
He turned and waved awkwardly to Sungmin. The man smiled sweetly as he walked over.
“The others and I were wondering if you wanted to go out for a few drinks tomorrow night. Just us co-workers. You should go, it'll be fun and we all would love to get to know you.” His expression stayed hopeful and sweet as he planted a hand on the taller's shoulder, squeezing it gently.
Geng blinked, repeating the question in his mind. It wasn't going to interfere with his coffee time since it was at night and it wasn't like he had anything better to do on Saturday nights.
He nodded and smiled at Sungmin. “Sure, that sounds fun.”
The younger man smiled, taking his hand off with a smile that was larger than the first. “Perfect. “We'll meet by the park. It's nearby. Eight, okay?” Sungmin offered one more smile before returning to his cubicle, smirking coyly as Donghae passed him, a displeased look on his features.
Ryeowook sulked silently in his cubicle.
Sungmin: 1
Donghae: 1
Ryeowook: 0
That would even the score for this week, poor Ryeowook would have to pay for Saturday night's drinks.
_
Waking up before eleven on a Saturday wasn't on Geng's to do list, but it couldn't be helped. The Chinese male groaned softly at the added pressure on his body. “Mm..Go away..”
“No way. You're going to take me out for a walk today. Get up and make me breakfast too.” Kyuhyun replied from top as he straddled the male. He leaned in, both hands by the sides of Geng's head as he stared at the male intently.
The older man groaned once more, feeling the snarky man's intense stare. He opened his eyes and frowned, wrinkling his nose in his disgust. “You didn't even bother to brush your teeth.” He was met with a smirk.
“Ugh..Fine, you win. I'm up, I'm up. Now get off, would you?”
The younger man happily climbed off, the smirk still in place.
“I would like just eggs and toast for breakfast and buy me ice cream when we're out!”
Kyuhyun skillfully dodged the pillow that was thrown at him.
He moaned softly as he flopped back down. He needed a leash and a muzzle.
_
“Okay, breakfast is served. Get your butt over here.” Grumbled the male as he downed his second cup of coffee that moment. He nearly spat the murky contents out as he saw Kyuhyun.
“No. Go back and change.”
“No, it's hot outside.” The curly haired man shook his head as he sat down, picking up the fork.
“You're not wearing that, I'm wearing that.”
They had both worn beige bermuda shorts and white v-neck shirts out the door and Geng was not pleased to find that his shorts were slightly shorter than Kyuhyun's, and damn did that boy have hairy legs.
He stared down at his own hairless legs and sighed softly.
_
Kyuhyun frowned as he watched Geng get ready for his outing. “What time will you be back?” He asked as he laid back onto the plush sofa seats.
“I don't know, late probably. Just don't wait up for me.” The younger snorted in return, keeping his watchful gaze on the man. Geng had decked himself in tight blue fitting jeans with a few rips here and there, courtesy of that one drunken night with Heechul. A black long sleeved button shirt was carefully smoothed down with his hands as he looked back at the mirror.
“What do you think?” The older man asked as he turned around so his pet could get a good look.
“Like you're getting ready to strip that off. You're not going to a strip club, are you? Because if you are, I'm going.”
Geng laughed softly, shaking his head.
“No, I'm not and even if I were, I wouldn't take you. You'd scare all of them away.”
Picking up his cell phone, he stuffed it into his pockets, making sure that his wallet was there too before leaving.
“Well, I'm going. Money's on the counter just in case if you need anything. Call if anything happens, don't burn anything. I want this place as it was when I get back.”
Kyuhyun nodded off, waving his hand in dismissal.
“Yeah, yeah. Just go.”
Hearing the door slam shut, he yawned and stretched lazily before sitting back up.
“Thought he'd never leave.”
_
The place wasn't half bad in Geng's opinion as he followed his three co-workers in. It was a nice, quiet, sophisticated restaurant that had a small lounge and sports bar solely for drinks and snacks.
Sitting down by the bar, they had gotten a variety of alcoholic drinks, other than Soju. Geng had decided to keep it light considering he didn't want to show up with a hangover the next morning. Tomorrow was his little coffee date with Siwon after all. The thought was pushed aside by an image of Kyuhyun. Geng wondered what the male was doing at the moment, probably raiding his drawers by now. The Chinese man cracked a grin at that, staring into his half empty glass.
“What's with the smile? Thinking about something perverted?” Sungmin asked cheerfully between gulps of alcohol, sharing a soft chuckle with Donghae. Ryeowook blushed, remaining silent.
He laughed along and shook his head.
“Ah, no. Nothing. Just thinking about my dog.”
“I didn't know you like dogs. What's your dog like?” Ryeowook piped in as he gathered some courage to engage in a conversation with Geng.
The Chinese man smiled wryly before chuckling.
“I don't know how to describe it. He's snarky for one. Always demanding attention and to be fed. He's always yapping about this and that, but I guess he can be endearing..Like sometimes when I come home, he's waiting to have his hair washed. That or he just demands it.” Geng laughed softly, lost in thought. It really did seem like he had a dog.
Donghae grinned as he wrapped an arm around the older male. “I want to see your dog! Does it like being pet?”
“Not by you. You'd get bitten.”
Sungmin teased, smirking as Donghae pouted.
Geng smiled as he watched the interaction between the two. He didn't think Kyuhyun liked to be petted, then again he didn't know because he never tried.
The dimmed lights brought their attention towards the stage as a few people clapped politely.
“There's a show tonight?” He asked as he looked to Ryeowook. The petite man nodded in return, hands on his lap as he kept his eyes on stage.
“They have a small performance every Saturday night and I heard the performances weren't half bad either. They're usually singers or musicians who haven't made it big yet.” Sungmin piped in as he leaned towards the Chinese male.
Geng nodded, keeping his gaze on the stage. The lights were dimmed down as music soon began playing. The tall figure sauntering up to the stage where the microphone was at.
He blinked and stared at the person on the stage. Clad in a simple black tee shirt with matching black jeans and shoes was none other then Kyuhyun.
Confused yet in wonder, Geng kept his gaze away and leaned back into the plush seats. He wanted to see Kyuhyun sing. The male had never mentioned anything about singing or part time jobs, for him, this was a chance to gather some information.
He waited patiently as the music played, waiting for the right moment to sing.
“We met for seven years. No one knew we would say goodbye this easily.”
It was smooth as velvet and rich as chocolate, Geng thought to himself, memorized by Kyuhyun's singing ability.
He wasn't the only one who thought so too. The Chinese man looked around, noticing everyone in the room was silent, seemingly frozen as they focused their attentions on the man. Glancing towards his co-workers, he noticed they were captivated by the voice as well.
Geng cracked a large grin, barely able to contain the overwhelming pride swelling inside him.
That was his pet up there.
It seemed like it was hours before Kyuhyun finished, when in fact it was just half an hour. The younger had sang a few more songs ranging from Korean to English. After Kyuhyun was some other singer that had a hard time keeping up with the lyrics.
Feeling relaxed, he sighed contently, not minding the arm that was draped around his shoulder. Donghae and Sungmin were practically all over him while poor Ryeowook remained composed at the corner.
“Drink up, Hyung. You still got Sunday to sleep.” Donghae said cheekily as he poured more alcohol into the Chinese man's glass. Geng laughed softly, complying as he was getting in the mood to have fun. It was his first time in a long time that he was out with people. He was too preoccupied that he didn't notice the approaching figure of his pet.
“Sorry to cut in, but I'm taking him home.” He frowned, displeased at the hint of alcohol lingering around them. Marching forward, he took hold of Geng's hand and pulled him up.
“Kyuhyun-Ah, what are you doing here?” The confused man asked as he furrowed his eyebrows, wobbling a little in his step.
The younger male frowned, pulling Geng towards him. He then turned and shot the trio a look. “What were you planning to do? Get him drunk and then take him home so you can “take care” of him?” Holding the tipsy man protectively, Kyuhyun shot them a glare before leaving.
Donghae pouted softly, crossing his arms.
“We weren't going to do that! We're good people.”
Sungmin tutted as he sipped his drink. “Maybe you, but I was planning to do something.”
Ryeowook merely stayed silent, keeping track of all the drinks that he had to pay for that night.
_
“I can't believe you. You were like an innocent lamb surrounded by a pack of wolves!” Kyuhyun scolded as he walked the male to his bed. Laying him down, he paused . Geng was already fast asleep, the older man sprawled on his bed in a drunken manner.
“You're completely vulnerable, you know that?”
He sighed softly as he sat down next to the sleeping man. “But I guess this is what a pet is for. And before I forget.”
He smirked softly as he gave the man's ass a firm squeeze before leaving the dark room.
_
Waking up that morning, Geng had to thank Kyuhyun for butting in on his fun. The Chinese male yawned and stretched his body before rolling over to his side. He blinked, staring at the pair of feet that was too close for comfort. That morning, Kyuhyun the Dog had woken up on the carpet floor.
“Where are you going?” The younger asked between mouthful of rice, watching Geng zoom in and out of the bedroom to collect his things.
“Coffee.” The brunette replied shortly before leaving the apartment without a goodbye.
He chewed carefully before swallowing, hearing the door slam shut. Kyuhyun sighed softly as he leaned back onto his chair. He wondered if Geng noticed that his fly was undone.
_
“Sorry if I was a little late.” A flustered Geng bowed in apology before taking a seat. He looked to the handsome man and flushed.
“It's fine. The wait wasn't too long and I was getting myself acquainted with the menu. It looks like they serve some pretty good cake here.” Siwon said with ease as he flashed a generous smile at the older.
It was a little awkward considering Geng was older yet Siwon was his superior at work. The Chinese male didn't no how to act around the other. He smiled back and nodded. “Maybe. It does look good though.” He said with a soft laugh.
The atmosphere soon lightened as they were able to talk comfortably with another in a matter of minutes. He smiled and laughed once more as the younger said something funny. It was as if they had known each other since forever and these were just their many dates. Geng blushed at the thought, pushing it aside as Siwon changed the subject towards him.
_
He covered his mouth as he yawned, walking slowly on the crowded streets that morning. Dressed in a simple pair of jeans, a plain shirt, and a sweater, he looked like a normal college student. He adjusted the bright yellow scarf around his neck, stopping at a stoplight.
“Ah, what do we have here?”
Kyuhyun said to no one but himself as he spotted Geng in the coffee shop. He glanced over, noticing that the male wasn't alone as suspected. Hands clenched into fists as lips curved into an amusing smile, he made his way over the street.
_
“So what are your hobbies?”
Shrugging, he smiled and eased into his chair as he thought over it.
“Ah, you know..The usual. Sleeping, eating, exercising, cooking, reading, games and that.” Geng replied, looking over to Siwon.
The man chuckled softly and took a sip of his coffee, gazing out the window. “Cooking? You should cook for me sometime then. I can't cook a single thing. The toaster once caught on fire because of me.” He smiled sheepishly, averting his gaze towards Geng.
“I would really like to taste your cooking.”
Geng blushed once more, shaking his head with a nervous laugh.
“Haha. It's nothing really. I don't really know any Korean dishes..So I mostly cook Chinese and a bit of Western food.” He replied modestly, avoiding the man's intense gaze.
“Besides! I wouldn't mind working out with you! You got a great body-I mean, physique. You look..Like you have a great physique.”
Geng laughed nervously, offering an equally nervous smile at his apparent slip up. He had just practically blurted out that he had been checking Siwon out!
The hand on his own pulled him out of his thoughts and he snapped his attention over to the younger. Siwon was currently staring at him, a kind smile still in place.
“I'll take that as a compliment and I don't mind working out with you too. I bet those long legs can do so much more-”
“What do you know, fancy meeting you here.”
Kyuhyun smiled cheekily, ignoring the shock look Geng was throwing at him and the look of confusion on Siwon's features.
The handsome man coughed slightly and blushed, retreating his hand away ever so slowly.
Seeing the hand retreat, he broke into a grin and draped one arm around Geng.
“Who's he?” The curly male asked, leaning close to the Chinese male.
“Co-worker..From work.” Geng replied stiffly, shooting Kyuhyun a look. Siwon smiled at the two, taking a sip of his coffee.
“Hello. Pleasure to meet you, I'm Siwon, Geng's co-worker.” He smiled as he offered a hand towards the younger.
Smirking , Kyuhyun accepted the hand, squeezing it gently as he looked Siwon in the eye.
“Likewise. Cho Kyuhyun, Hangeng's boyfriend.”
To Be Continued?
A/N: Argh. I felt the pace of this chapter was a little too rushed. I'll try my best. :<