Stray Cardboard Boxes (3/?)
Title: Stray Cardboard Boxes (3/?)
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
3
He choked on the hot beverage, spitting it back out into the mug, hacking and coughing uncontrollably. Fortunately for him, Siwon's attention was directed on Kyuhyun, the younger male smirking back in return; the smug look on his face remained unchanged. Calming down for just a fraction, he took the chance to shake his head while doing the same with his hands.
Geng probably looked like a mad man, but he didn't care at the moment.
“No! No! He's wrong.” The Chinese male replied hastily as he waved his hands once more in dismissal.
“All wrong. He's delusional. He really is.” The response uttered a look of confusion from Siwon, the younger man tilting his head back, as if he really didn't understand.
“Wait, I'm not-”
“Yes, delusional. You see, he's my friend's brother's cousin's second nephew twice removed. And this..thing about him is that he got into this really bad accident. Really bad..That it gave him trauma..And now once in awhile he creates these fantasies in his head, thinking that it's reality. My friend asked me to take care of him, so he's staying over at my place at the moment.” He broke into a nervous chuckle, praying the gods that Siwon would buy his crap of a story.
“He got into this car accident, so he's kind of moody sometimes, like right now. Don't worry, he's not mad or anything..And I really don't have a boyfriend!”
Kyuhyun was shooting him a dirty look, the tan hand clamped tightly on his mouth, denying him speaking rights.
He watched a wide display of emotions cross Siwon's face. It was confusion, then shock, and then acknowledgment.
The younger man smiled and nodded.
“I see, that's okay. So, is he..well?” Siwon asked, casting a curious glance onto Kyuhyun.
The youngest of three growled softly at the buff man.
It wasn't even an hour at the cafe when Geng begged one of the waitresses for the bill.
_
“Boyfriend? What the hell were you doing? Fucking up my chance like that?!”
He slammed the door shut and kicked his shoes off, glaring over at the younger who was calmly taking off his own.
“ I mean, I don't know..What the hell!” He sighed, shoulders sagging as he leaned against the wall, a look of disbelief on his face.
“I was doing you a favor.” Kyuhyun replied softly and deliberately slowly, as if trying to convince Geng that. He was also subconsciously trying to convince himself.
Hearing no response from the older, he continued.
“You don't even know that guy. You barely know him and you're hoping for a chance with him? He could be a total jerk for all you know.”
“Hell, Kyuhyun...I don't know what kind of bullshit you just came up with..But I'll forgive you this once, but as your master, stay the hell out of my business.”
“Fine. If you're going to act like this, I might as well leave. I don't see what's the point. I saved you from your co-workers and I just helped you again and you don't even appreciate the effort. At least the effort and you're not even doing that.”
He threw on his shoes and got up, pushing past Geng. The older man whipped around, anger swelling over him like hot air. He narrowed his eyes and crossed his arms, scoffing.
“Fine! Just get out the hell out of here!”
“I think I will and you're fucking welcome!”
A slam was heard through the empty apartment. He punched the wall before dropping his knees to the carpet floor, head hung low as he breathed softly.
Tears sprung from the corner of his eyes, daring to fall.
That was the first fight he had with Kyuhyun and he wondered if he had made a rash decision.
_
He grunted softly as he collided with a man, ignoring the angry insults that were hurled at him. Hands shoved deep into his pockets, he made his way through the cold autumn streets, unsure of where he was going.
Kyuhyun figured that school was the best place he could go to. It wasn't like he had a home or anything anyways.
The campus was fairly large and students were presented as usual. It was one of the good schools yet mostly known for it's liberal ideas and traditions, hence why Kyuhyun didn't show up for class most of the time. It wasn't like he really needed it anyways. He was one of the best, if not the brightest, excelling in mathematics and science. He could have done well in both fields, but chose music as a major instead.
Music and singing was his passion and his parents didn't understand that, which was why he found himself living on campus for the last year until Geng came along.
“Kuixian!” The screeching yell broke him out of his thoughts as he looked up to see the tall, bubbly man running towards him, arms flapping in excitement. Before he could utter a word he was engulfed in long arms and a chest.
Choking for air, he shoved the male off of him, glaring.
“If you had breast I would consider the hug a little longer, but since it's you, shove off.” He sighed softly as he helped the fallen man up.
“Why so happy, Zhou Mi? Don't you have a test coming up?” Kyuhyun asked, fixing his friend a look.
The one dubbed as Zhou Mi pouted and waggled his finger at the younger. “That doesn't matter, what matters is your presence here. You don't show up for school more than twice a week and this is the third time this week! Did something happen Kuixian? Did that owner of yours kick you out? Did you get into a fight!?”
Kyuhyun groaned, feeling the oncoming headache as Zhou Mi assaulted him with questions.
“Shut up for a second.” He frowned, shooting the tall man an irritated look.
Shrugging, he nodded. “We got into a fight. It's stupid and I don't want to talk about it.”
He crossed his arms and shot Zhou Mi a glare. The male in returned smiled softly. “It's okay Kuixian. You're welcome to stay over my place a few days.”
Sighing softly, he nodded.
“Thanks.”
_
It wasn't that he hated his job, he just didn't find it that appealing. The nagging thought wormed its way over his head the fifth time that day as he mulled over the dull tasks that needed to be completed by the end of the day.
Geng was more troubled by the fight yesterday than he thought he would be. It was effecting his work really.
He cursed out loud, getting coffee on his pants.
_
Donghae cowered slightly as he heard the Chinese man cuss for the third time that day. He whimpered softly, leaning over to Ryeowook for support.
“Maybe he needs to get laid?” Sungmin suggested, rubbing his chin in thought.
“Is that really it?” The fish loving man asked, eyes wide as he looked to the man for an answer. “Geng is scaring me. I never seen him like this.
Ryeowook nodded, patting his hyung on the back. “Maybe things aren't going well at home?”
Raising an eyebrow, he paused and thought about it. “That could be true. Why don't you ask him what's wrong? Easy points for you.” Sungmin suggested sweetly, pushing the petite man out of the cubicle.
He turned and ignored the look of betrayal Donghae was shooting him. Shrugging, he blinked innocently.
“What? Ryeowook's been the one paying the whole time. I feel bad for him. Plus, it's not like he's going to do something drastic to score major points.” Sungmin grinned evilly, watching the surprised expression forming.
_
Ryeowook bit his lip, making his slow pitiful way up the row of cubicles. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes before stepping into the cubicle. “Ah Geng, is everything okay?” The petite man asked, hands behind his back as he gazed in concern at the older man.
Geng turned around and shook his head. “I'm not so sure, Ryeowook-Ah. Things aren't going well at home. My dog ran away.” He sighed softly and brought a hand up to his temples, rubbing them slowly.
The younger of the two frowned and nodded, taking a step closer. “It's okay. I'm sure your dog will find it's way back. All dogs do. They don't get lost, so you don't have to worry. You should leave food out and I'm sure it'll be back.”
“Yeah, I hope so.” Geng muttered softly with a small smile.
Feeling at ease, Ryeowook walked over and patted the man on the shoulder. “Things will work out in the end.” He smiled softly.
Not catching that he was leaning a little too close for proper balance, he fell forward, gasping softly. Hands quickly grabbed the man's collar, yanking it a little too hard.
Ryeowook winced at the loud ripping sound the fabric made. He blinked and held the stranded pieces of cloth. Darting his gaze over to the torn shirt Geng was wearing, he stared in horror.
“Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry Geng! It was an accident-”
“Ryeowook! What's taking you so long?!” Sungmin stopped at the entrance, arms crossed as he turned to look at the two. He froze and opened his mouth, gaping like a fish at the sight.
Ryeowook was on Geng's lap while the older man sported a torn shirt, revealing his smooth, tan shoulders. The older man had a look of horror on his face, matching Ryeowook's own look of shock and shame.
“Ryeowook! You cheater! We agreed on no slutty behavior!”
He hung his head in defeat, ignoring the confusion on Geng's face.
Another night of drinking, another night that he would be paying.
He silently cursed Geng's flimsy shirt.
_
The apartment hall was empty as usual. It wasn't that he expected a huge group of people out in the hall, but it would be nice to know the residents in your own hallway. He unlocked the door and took a step in, saddened that Kyuhyun wasn't there to greet him.
He didn't know how much the male had affected his life. Geng was use to coming home to a snarky dog that was beyond bratty, but provided some sense of comfort and familiarity. Sighing softly, he took off his shoes and walked into the empty apartment.
The large apartment looked and felt really lonely to him. It wasn't that he missed Kyuhyun terribly, or maybe he did. He frowned, feeling an oncoming headache.
He figured he did. Kyuhyun was like no other. The younger man was a pet, a friend of sorts that allowed him to show his weaker, homey side that no one else saw. He was a foreigner at work, but at home he was just Geng, the one who fed Kyuhyun.
It was a much a simpler title that he cherished.
Heading into the kitchen, he thought about Ryeowook's advice. He had prepared a small ham and cheese sandwich and a small plate of pasta, with a glass of a juice. The man placed it outside of his door once he was done, silently praying that his dog would return.
_
Kyuhyun grunted softly, feeling the rolled up paper meet his head for the fourth time that day. He looked up, shooting Zhou Mi a look of irritation that went unnoticed by the older.
“You're suppose to be studying, not sleeping.” Chided the older male as he gave the younger a pointed look, to which Kyuhyun scoffed and shrugged.
“It's a math test. I'll pass.” He said, dismissing the subject immediately.
The older sighed and shook his head, looking back at the male. “Still upset? Why don't you just go back to this owner of yours? He seems like an understanding kind of guy. I mean, he did take you in after all. And he's not some pervert, is he?”
He shook his head. It was more like he was the pervert.
“Have you signed up for any auditions yet? I heard SM's audition were starting in less than four months.”
Kyuhyun shrugged and leaned back into his chair. “Don't know. Don't care about that.”
Zhou Mi rolled his eyes, a large grin on his face. “Well it's something to think about. You're practically a celebrity here with that singing of yours. I'm sure you'll make it in. It's been what you want all along, right? And you eventually have to tell your owner, don't you? I mean, you're not going to be living there for the rest of your life.”
He nodded numbly, zoning out Zhou Mi's voice.
It would be nice to live with Geng forever.
_
“Geng, are you busy?”
Hearing the familiar voice, he whirled around in his chair, catching sight of Siwon at the entrance of his cubicle. Feeling the anxious side of him disappear, he smiled.
“No, I'm done with my part anyways. Is there anything you want?” The older man asked as he got up from his seat, looking at the male hesitantly.
Siwon smiled back and shook his head. “Not really. I just wanted to check up on you, that's all. To see if you're doing fine or anything. I heard that you came here to Seoul not long ago.”
He blushed and lowered his gaze. “Ah, thank you. I'm grateful and I'm doing fine if you're wondering.”
The taller of the two nodded before widening his eyes, a smile on his lips. “Oh! I almost forgot.” Remembering what he had came here for, he dug into his pocket, taking out a small dog collar.
The collar was red with a heart shaped pendant dangling at the center, the letter 'Q' on it.
“I heard from one of your co-workers that you had a dog. Someone said his name was Q, was it?” A look of confusion crossed Siwon's face as he handed the collar to Geng. “I'm not really sure, but if it's wrong I can take it back and change it for you.”
Geng blinked, staring at the dog collar in fixed horror. “Yes..I have a dog...Q..That's..his name..Thank you for the collar.” He looked the male in the eye, smiling politely.
He didn't remember telling Ryeowook or anyone the name of his dog.
Pushing the sense of panic aside, he watched Siwon leave, waving to him awkwardly.
_
Sungmin frowned softly from behind the cubicle wall. He shared a look with Donghae before shaking his head. The fishy male looked worriedly at him before pouting.
Ryeowook bit his lip in worry, shoulders shaking gently.
The three co-workers remained silent in their hiding spot. It was Sungmin that broke the brief moment of mourning.
Eyes narrowed, the leader of the three leaned against the wall, crossing his arms.
“We got major competition. This obviously means war.”
_
“Heechul, I don't know what to do! We had a fight and he didn't come back yet!” Geng whined, phone clutched in his hand as he flopped down onto the couch with a soft groan.
He could hear the male sigh exasperatedly over the phone before speaking.
“What an idiot! Don't get worked up over a silly boy like him! Besides for all you know, dog boy could have already found a new owner!”
Coughing at the bold words, he sat up, panic starting to set in. “What!? You serious?!” Geng groaned, droning out Heechul's babble as he flopped back down onto the couch again.
It wasn't hard to believe. Kyuhyun could have found a new owner that was much better and probably hell lot of submissive than he was. The older man frowned, imagining someone like Ryeowook getting bossed around by the doggy Kyuhyun.
“Look, Hannie. You can't do much, but give the brat some time unless you're desperate enough to put those missing dog ads signs up, which I doubt you would do. So just give it some time! Come over to my place and we'll drink our sorrows away!”
The Chinese man laughed softly, smiling at his friend's crazy antics.
“Maybe next time Heechul. I'm feeling a bit tired and something came up at office today.” He smirked softly, imagining Heechul jump out of his seat.
“Yah! Was it that hot boss of yours!? He came over didn't he? Declared that you were his and fucked you right there in your cubicle?”
Ignoring the rising temperature on his cheeks, Geng rolled his eyes, leaning back comfortably. “Heechul! He did no such thing. He gave me a dog collar-”
“And wanted you to wear it while getting on all fours?”
“-No! He gave me the dog collar and said it was for my dog and he even knew the name! I don't remember telling anyone my dog's name.” Geng frowned, replaying the scene over in his head. It seemed too suspicious. Siwon didn't seem like he knew anything and he knew he didn't tell Ryeowook anything other than the fact that he had a dog and nothing more.
“Maybe you have a stalker? Someone spying on you perhaps.” Hearing that, he cursed.
“I think I'm just going crazy, Heechul. I'll give you a call if anything comes up.”
“Yah! You better! Give me a call right away if anything juicy happens and don't forget the details!”
He hanged up, rolling his eyes.
“Heechul, honestly.”
Putting the phone on the coffee table, he laid back down. Hands on his stomach as he stared at the ceiling in boredom. The only sound coming from the room was the small ticks from the clock on the wall.
Geng never realized how boring it was being alone.
He soon closed his eyes, getting ready for a small nap, despite it being eight already. He usually slept at twelve anyways so it didn't quite matter to him.
As he was about to drift into slumber, the door bell chimed.
“Who could it be?” Grumbled the tall slender man as he sluggishly got up from the couch, making his slow way to the door.
Not bothering to check the peephole, he unlocked the door and swung it open.
Arms wrapped around him as he felt a soft head buried into his chest. The oncoming force had knocked him down, landing on his butt as he took the younger male with him. Geng blinked, staring down at the younger that was snuggling close to his chest.
The curly haired male opened his eyes, gazing tiredly at his master.
“I couldn't stand the food. My friend can't cook and I miss yours.” He mumbled softly before burying his face into the older's chest once more, hands clutching at the hems of his loose shirt.
Geng could feel the smile forming on his lips as he gazed down at his pet that was currently hogging his lap. He broke into a soft laugh, happiness overwhelming his senses as he brought his arms up and embraced the male tightly.
“Well I missed you too and your snarky, annoying, bratty self.” He said with a hint of joy in his tone as he closed his eyes, chin resting on the soft brown curls of Kyuhyun's head.
He could feel the younger shift, pushing himself closer to the warm body.
Kyuhyun closed his eyes, hiding his face once more.
He smiled softly, eyes closed as he lost himself in the scent of his owner.
“Sorry.”
_
Kyuhyun glared at the red dog collar that was hovering in his field of vision. He crossed his arms and growled, slouching.
“I'm not wearing that!”
To Be Continued. . .
A/N: Ah! Shorter chapter, but I just needed to get this out! : ) A little more information on Kyuhyun's life! Haha. Hope it was enjoyable. <3