Journey of Kismet
Title: journey of kismet
Author: argh (@ oneuldo)
Rating: PG-13
Length: 4,626
Pairing: Taemin/Kibum (ninja!Onew/Minho)
Summary: This is a story about coincidences and misunderstandings and how things just have a way of working themselves out
Warnings: unbeta-ed!
Notes: originally written for the Secret Santa pinch hitting fics but slightly modified.
Dedication: For the one person I never want to ever stop being friends with. For the one person who made 2010 awesome and amazing. ^^; Yes this is for sacryde whom I love and adore. :D ♥
ΞΘΞ
Taemin tried to hold back his tears when Kibum’s mum stuck a band-aid on his knee, but the graze hurt so much he just wanted to cry. Taemin sniffed, trying so hard to be the big boy his dad told him to be. He could see the other boy who had pushed him, laughing and running around like normal. His knee throbbed painfully as he watched the other boy running around still having fun and playing. The sky seemed so dark and cloudy, it was just holding back the rain.
“Taeminnie,” Taemin turned to see Kibum chewing on his lip, before he reached forward and grabbed Taemin’s hand and squeezed it tightly, “Don’t cry.” He murmured softly, nodding his head and smiling faintly, as his mother stood up. Kibum’s hands were hot against Taemin’s skin, soothing somehow, he wanted to cling to the older boy.
“Taeminnie, do you want me to call your mum to come and pick you up?” Kibum’s mother asked, leaning down to ruffle Taemin’s hair affectionately.
“No mum,” Kibum replied instead, “he’ll be fine, I’ll protect him.” Kibum puffed his chest up proudly, still holding Taemin’s hand in his, “Right, Taeminnie?” He asked turning to look at the younger boy, and Taemin shyly nodded his head quickly. Taemin felt so happy thanks to Kibum, and the way he squeezed his hand reassuringly. He breathed in deeply, his knee no longer hurt when Kibum was sitting with him.
“Taeminnie, we’ll be best friends forever, okay?” Kibum whispered, leaning across to hug his friend tightly, “Always best friends.” He grinned when he pulled back, “come play with me on the swings?” He pleaded, begging Taemin with his eyes. Taemin smiled and let the older boy pull him up, running off to play with his friend, his skinned knee forgotten with the promise of playing with his friend.
ΞΘΞ
Taemin stood by the door, rainclouds hovering above his head, with thunder and lightning lashing down in violent streaks. Kibum reached out and touched his arm lightly, pouting slightly as he adjusted the straps of the too large backpack. Taemin knew he was overreacting, but he hated this, he hated that fact that everyone always left him behind. Taemin tried so hard not to pout, but at the same time he wanted to be selfish. He wanted Kibum to hug him and tell him he wouldn’t leave him behind.
“Taeminnie, it won’t be for long.” He promised, nodding his head, “You’ll join me soon,” Kibum bit on his lip, his eyes watering slightly, although Taemin didn’t even notice that. He felt sad and lonely and Kibum hadn’t even left yet. “Taeminnie, can I have a hug?” Kibum whispered, and Taemin noticed how nervous his friend looked, quickly he scooted away from the door frame and hugged him tightly. Kibum’s warm enveloped him, and Taemin felt slightly better, as he clung to him.
“I will,” Taemin shut his eyes as he hugged Kibum tightly, “hyung, I will!” He vowed, determined to somehow catch up to Kibum despite the gap in their age. He bit his lip, and sighed softly, when Kibum pulled away from him, he hated the fact that they would now be at different schools, it didn’t seem fair. His older brother had changed so much when he changed schools, Taemin was scared the same thing would happen with Kibum.
“Taemin, you know you’ll always be my best friend.” Kibum reassured Taemin, “Come on we better go.” He murmured, biting his lip nervously as they headed down the hallway. Taemin felt scared when they parted on the street, Kibum heading left and he was heading right, to go to their different schools. He breathed in softly, and felt sad as he saw his friend head off in the other direction.
ΞΘΞ
Kibum rolled onto his side, wriggling awfully close to Taemin, he swung his arms around Taemin’s skinny frame, hugging him loosely. Taemin grinned, glancing away before looking back at the screen of his video game, he didn’t want to lose. Taemin stuck the edge of his tongue out as he concentrated, until Kibum shoved him lightly, causing the game controller to fall from his hand.
“Hyung!” Taemin whined, “Why did you do that?” He frowned, glaring at his friend as he watched his video game character die, and the words “game over” flash across the screen. “I was almost going to beat that damn level!”
“I’m bored,” Kibum raised one eyebrow, “Do you have to play that now?” He bit his lip softly, “I mean, can’t we do stuff together?” He hugged Taemin loosely, not wanting to remind the other boy that he was staying the night. “Taeminnie, can’t we watch a movie or go to the park? We hardly see each other anymore, and I wanted to do something with you, not watch you play a game.”
“It’s too cold,” Taemin shivered, “to go to the park, let’s watch a movie?” He grinned as he wrapped his arms around Kibum’s body, “Sorry hyung, I was being selfish.” He pouted, “But you forgive me right?” He stuck his tongue out at Kibum, grinning when the other boy laughed and immediately nodded his head.
“Of course, we’re best friends after all,” Kibum grinned, tugging on Taemin’s shirt, “Hey, you’ll be coming to my school soon too. It’ll be so much better once you start there.” Kibum sighed in relief, “school is always so boring without you,” He scrunched his nose up, “can’t wait for you to finish this year and come to my school!” He playfully punched Taemin’s arm, “So don’t fail, okay? Hurry up and pass and come to my school.”
“Eh as if I’d fail.” Taemin rolled his eyes shaking his head at Kibum, “that would be you, since you’re too lazy to do any work.” Taemin smirked, ignoring the mock indignant expression Kibum shot him. “You know, I’ll pass with flying colours,” Taemin boasted, “I always do well.” Kibum snorted and playfully punched his arm again, rolling his eyes as if to say “whatever”.
ΞΘΞ
Kibum squeezed Taemin tightly, letting out a faint sigh before he released his skinny friend. Taemin frowned, trying to ignore the sad expression Kibum gave him. He didn’t want to face it, he wanted to pretend nothing would change even if it had already. Taemin swallowed a lump in his throat, Kibum said they would be best friends forever, but he had already moved away from the apartment building.
“Taeminnie, we won’t lose contact,” Kibum bit his lip softly, reaching for Taemin’s wrist, letting his fingers slip around it. “I promise, Taeminnie, you’re my best friend.” Kibum pouted, “Always and forever, no matter where we are.” He nodded his head as he smiled warmly across at the younger boy, he wouldn’t let them lose contact.
“Hyung, it’s just,” Taemin bit his lip, “hard to know you’re moving so far away.” Taemin hung his head, feeling ashamed for how upset he felt, the fact that Kibum was moving out of the city. “It just feels like everyone leaves me,” He chewed on his lip, “sorry hyung, I know it’s not your fault.” The air felt heavy, and oppressive, and Taemin felt as if he was struggling to breathe, it hurt so much.
“I’m not abandoning you, we’ll still talk all the time even if we can’t see each other often.” Kibum promised with a serious expression. Taemin believed him completely, shutting his eyes when Kibum hugged him again tightly. “You’re always my best friend Taemin, so no matter what we’ll stay in contact, I promise.”
ΞΘΞ
Taemin sighed heavily as his teacher continued to drone on about some ancient Chinese folklore, he failed to see why they had to learn about this. It really didn’t help that this was the class he used to have with Kibum, but he had been gone for months now, but it always reminded him of Kibum. Taemin tapped his fingers impatiently against the top of the desk, fidgeting as he wondered why something like this was even relevant in this day and age. A soft tap to his elbow made him turn to look at his friend, Jonghyun, who raised one eyebrow questioningly at him.
“Too deep for you, Taeminnie,” Jonghyun smirked as he whispered to his friend, mouth hidden behind his hand, “Or perhaps you’re fretting because you haven’t found your soul mate yet?” He grinned, and Taemin’s eyes widened, he couldn’t help but lean across and whack Jonghyun in the ribs, how dare he even think something like that. How dare he imply that Taemin even cared about ‘soul mates’, he shook his head quickly, scowling across at his friend, as if ‘soul mates’ even existed.
“Hyung,” Taemin hissed loudly, “soul mates don’t even exist! Love doesn’t even exist!” He grinned, seeing how Jonghyun’s eyes widened in shock. Taemin laughed softly until he realised that the rest of the class had gone silent, wincing he turned to the front to see the teacher standing with her hands on her hips glaring down at Taemin. He gulped and shrank back, wishing he could hide but it was too late.
“Taemin, that’s it, get out of my class!” She snapped, and Taemin guiltily slunk out of the class, biting his lip as he realised that for the millionth time he had been caught interrupting. He glared at Jonghyun who just shrugged at him, feeling angry because he always got in trouble, even if it was Jonghyun who started the discussion nine times out of ten.
He sat outside the principal’s office stewing over what the teacher had been saying, even if it sounded like a load of shit to him, he wondered if there were threads for friends too. Taemin tapped his ankle softly, glancing at carefully to see if he could see a faint red thread wrapped around it, but there was nothing. He shrugged and wondered if you had to believe in that kind of rubbish to see it. He shut his eyes and swallowed, wishing for the millionth time that Kibum was still there, he missed him so much. Now that he only had Jonghyun he kept getting in trouble, but when Kibum had been there, he had just had so much fun, it felt as if everything had changed.
Taemin studied his other ankle, wondering if there were other threads in other colours for friends and best friends, he smiled fondly and wondered if he could ask the teacher about that. Surely there would be a thread for best friends, even if Kibum still hadn’t contacted him, he said he would, so Taemin believed he would. He breathed out heavily, as he glanced around the area he was sitting, it was dead quiet, but the door opened, and Taemin frowned as he saw Jonghyun grinning in at him.
“I uh, got detention too!” Jonghyun smirked as he came to sit down next to Taemin, making the younger boy suddenly have this sick feeling if that he was attached to any friend with a thread - it would be Jonghyun. They had been friends since children on and off, and no matter what he always seemed to run into the older boy. He had been friends with Kibum since childhood too but it was Jonghyun he had known since he was a baby.
“Soul mates do exist, it doesn’t just mean someone who loves you,” Jonghyun nudged Taemin after they went silent, “It means someone who loves you,” Taemin opened his mouth to speak, but Jonghyun shook his head, “but it’s also someone who understands you, like a best friend.” Jonghyun nodded his head, “So it’s not just someone to love, but so many things rolled into one.”
“Oh,” Taemin mulled it over in his head, rolling his eyes after a few minutes, “Whatever, I still don’t believe in it, I think it’s a load of shit. I’m only interested in best friends and friends.” Taemin saw no point in saying anything after that, he left as soon as he could, aware of Jonghyun walking a metre or so away. Taemin couldn’t help but think of Kibum, and just wonder what had happened to him, he hoped that he would contact Taemin soon, he longed to know what his best friend was up to.
ΞΘΞ
Taemin rolled his eyes as Jonghyun continued to tease him about his lack of a girlfriend, laughing and giggling at the younger boy for showing no interested in the opposite sex. Taemin just ignored the jibes, he had always said he wasn’t interested in love, he didn’t see any point in it, and so he hadn’t even tried to date. He shoved Jonghyun to the side, wondering why he had even agreed to go shopping with him.
“Hyung, do you want me to help you or not?” Taemin threatened, “I could just go home and leave you to shop by yourself.” He turned as if to leave, but Jonghyun gripped his arm firmly, whirling him around so he suddenly faced him. It was in that precise moment that Taemin saw something, saw some movement that confused him, and he scanned the busy malls wondering why some little movement had piqued his interest.
“Taeminnie, you have to help me!” Jonghyun whined, making Taemin breathe out slowly, trying not to get anymore annoyed than he was already. He nodded his head and let Jonghyun drag him from store to store until he felt so bored and breathless and sick to death of hearing Jonghyun whimper and whine about the amazing qualities of his girlfriend.
“Hyung, I’m going to the bathroom.” Taemin announced rushing off before Jonghyun could latch on to his arm and focus his puppy like eyes on him and weaken his resolve to get a break from Jonghyun. Taemin ran out of the store without looking and he collided into another person. “Oh, I’m so sorry!” Taemin apologised reaching out to help the other boy up, gaping when he saw the boy’s hair, and something just felt familiar but he had no idea what, but then it just hit him, when he looked into his eyes, he would know them anywhere.
“Kibum, is that you?” He whispered feeling his heart starting to race, it was ridiculous it had been two years since he had seen him. Before he could say another word, Kibum pulled Taemin into his arms and he hugged him tightly, “Where have you been? Why didn’t you contact me?” Taemin complained against the other boy’s chest, his fist hitting it lightly.
“I’m so sorry, my parents kept moving me around,” Kibum stepped back, and Taemin stared at tall his friend and how different he looked. Gone were the scruffy clothes he used to wear, instead his clothes were all fashionable, making Taemin feel out of place with his faded and loose jeans and shirt. It was obvious that his friend had changed so much, Taemin swallowed and figured he probably hadn’t wanted to stay in contact with some stupid childhood friend. “I missed you, I wanted to contact you but I lost your address,” Kibum explained, “and then we kept moving and it just got harder and harder.”
“I get it,” Taemin pursed his lips together, he had been wanting to see his friend for a long time, but now he realised it was only one sided. He eyed Kibum’s clothes and the way he looked, it was so obvious that they had nothing in common anymore. “It’s okay, I have to go now, it was nice to see you again, bye Kibum.” Taemin ignored the way Kibum’s eyes widened in horror and he just ran away, feeling hurt and sick on the inside because he realised they had changed and would never be the same again. He ignored the way Kibum called out at him, asking him not to run, but Taemin ran. He ran from the past and the future, because it scared him to acknowledge how much Kibum had changed.
The second time they met, it was even harder to run, but Taemin still ran. He was older and slightly more mature, but he saw no meaning in the way he would bump into Kibum by chance. He had tried to forget his old best friend, after that first accidental meeting a year earlier, it wasn’t forgotten but Taemin still found it easier to run or to pretend he didn’t recognise him. It hurt but he figured it would hurt a lot more if he let Kibum tell him to his face that they had never been real friends. It was hard to see someone he had once been close to and know that they had no connection whatsoever now. That they had both changed beyond belief and there was nothing for them to even talk about.
Taemin told himself over and over that it meant nothing when he bumped into Kibum, it was just a coincidence nothing more. Even if it made him feel funny for several days, even if it felt as if he was pulled towards Kibum, like he could not escape him. Jonghyun always knew something was up after he met Kibum, because Taemin acted strange, he found it hard to concentrate and focus.
Taemin finally told Jonghyun, after his friend kept asking him what was wrong. Taemin had come back from visiting relatives in a sleepy seaside town, but he came back looking more drawn and tired than when he left, which confused Jonghyun. Taemin felt so frustrated, and he couldn’t work out why he kept bumping into Kibum at the most random times, every time he almost got over him, every time he almost forgot him, Kibum would appear again. All the memories they had shared growing up would come back up, making Taemin long for that best friend, for Kibum once again. Even if in his mind every vestige of that friendship was long gone, leaving Taemin only with bittersweet memories of growing up with Kibum.
ΞΘΞ
Jonghyun rubbed his hands together gleefully, “Taemin, you’ll enjoy this party, I promise!” He nodded his head firmly, “you’ll get to meet all my friends at college, they’ll adore you trust me!” He nodded his head again before rushing around to prepare a few last minute things. “You know, you never introduced me to that best friend, that Kibum guy, you should one day.”
“Hyung,” Taemin walked across the room to where Jonghyun was fixing the mistletoe, he was careful to stay well back, “I told you, we were only best friends when we were kids. And it’s not like I have anything to do with him anymore.” He added, ignoring the pointed look Jonghyun shot him, he wanted to hate Jonghyun for reminding him of Kibum again, but then Taemin figured it meant he wouldn’t bump into him any time soon.
“Oh, right so bumping into him every six months or couple of years, is having no contact? Don’t you think it’s weird how often you bump into him,” Jonghyun crossed his arms in front of his chest, “And I know you never forgot him, you still mention him to me.” He shrugged opening his mouth to say more but the door bell rang.
Taemin breathed in deeply, feeling nervous as the door opened and two guys walked in. Taemin rubbed his hands together nervously as he watched them take off their coats and scarves, the taller one was quite handsome, Taemin wondered if he was single, especially he could feel his heart pounding like a drum, it must be him he figured making his heart beat like that.
“Hyung, do you think you could ah,” Taemin whispered to Jonghyun in the kitchen, “help me get to know Minho-hyung better?” He asked, eyeing his friend hopefully, he thought Minho had seemed interested in him when they were introduced earlier. And he was sick of being single now, he thought he might as well try dating especially since his friends had less time to hang out now, he hated being a third wheel at the movies, it was starting to get embarrassing. The worst thing about it was how that old folklore about the red string of fate kept cropping up in his mind, making him wonder if he really did have a soul mate.
“No,” Taemin glared across at Jonghyun, the older boy didn’t even look up as he put the finishing touches on the drinks, “No sorry Taeminnie,” Jonghyun lifted his head looking seriously at his friend as he picked up the fancy cocktails, “I’m pretty sure he’s taken,” Jonghyun carried the drinks out of the kitchen, and Taemin looked across to where Jonghyun was staring, his eyes widening as he saw Jinki stand on tiptoes kissing Minho under the mistletoe. Taemin was still standing there staring, feeling depressed when the doorbell rang again, he didn’t feel in the party mood anymore even if his heart was still pounding in his chest like a drum. He wished he could work out why the soul mate thing bugged him so much, it was just some stupid story, there was no red thread tied to anyone’s ankle.
A draft made him shiver and he turned to see Jonghyun taking someone’s scarf, and when he moved, Taemin pouted as he saw Kibum standing there. He couldn’t take his eyes away as he saw his rainbow coloured fringe and how fashionably dressed he was. Taemin could see that he hadn’t changed much since the last time, well his hair had but that was normal. He sighed and disappeared into the kitchen, he should’ve realised that Jonghyun had mentioned Kibum for a reason, but he couldn’t puzzle out how Jonghyun knew who Kibum was, he had never introduced them before.
“Taemin, I can’t believe you’re here.”
“Oh,” Taemin sighed and turned around slowly, deciding to just be polite and then run away quickly, it was starting to annoy him how often they met like this. “Kibum-hyung, fancy seeing you here, I only came for a little while but I need to go now.” He started to leave but the older boy just grabbed his wrist stopping him from leaving the kitchen. Somehow when Kibum’s fingers inched around his wrist, Taemin felt the will to run leave, and he just let the older boy lead him over to the window seat. It made no sense, Taemin wanted to leave, but at the same time he missed Kibum so much.
“You always run,” Kibum tut-ted softly, “you never stay and talk to me for long.” Taemin swallowed as he looked across and saw how sad Kibum’s eyes were, “I missed you so much, I was so happy when we ran into each other but you always disappeared before I could talk to you properly.” Taemin looked at his wrist and the way Kibum clung to him, as if he was scared Taemin would just disappear in front of his eyes.
“I’m sorry, I thought you moved on, and it just felt awkward how I would still meet you. How I’d just make peace with myself that I’d never see you again, and then you’d be right there.” Taemin bit his lip softly, “why are you even here?” Taemin wanted to ask if it was because of him, if he had come knowing Taemin would be there.
“Jonghyun invited me, he said he was having a Christmas party with a few friends,” Kibum shrugged, “I wasn’t going to come but at the last minute I decided to come.” He smiled, “He’s your friend, Jonghyun? I had no idea, but it makes sense you’d be here, I missed you so much.” Kibum nodded his head, “Every time I wondered what you were up to, I’d see you soon after, like it's fate or something.”
“Do you remember that photo, the one of you as a baby?” Kibum leaned in close to Taemin, eyes wide, “And how you said you never knew who it was lying next to you? You know that photo where a toddler was squeezing your hand?” Kibum spoke so fast, Taemin struggled to keep up but he knew that photo, it was the one that haunted him because he never knew who it was and his mum refused to tell him, he just nodded his head remembering the photo clearly.
“It was us, you and me.” Kibum whispered, “Our mum’s used to be friends, and then they had a falling out. I found that photo buried in my house, and she finally told me.” Hearing Kibum say that, Taemin’s eyes widened and he just felt something click inside him, something finally made sense. He could hear Jonghyun’s words repeating in his head, how weird it was how they kept meeting. He remembered how no matter what he did or where he went, somehow Kibum would be there.
It was insane, Taemin could still remember that time a fight had broken out, he had almost got involved but Kibum had walked down the street, appearing from nowhere and dragging Taemin away. He could still remember the way they had run, breath coming out ragged as they ducked down little alleys, and Taemin had tried to split away from him but he couldn’t. They had collapsed on the ground, laughing, and it had felt so right but Taemin was too scared to admit it. So he just left, glancing softly at Kibum, before he walked away from him again.
“Taemin, are you okay?”
Taemin was shaken from his thoughts as Kibum tugged on his arm lightly, he blinked and just nodded his head, feeling all these words and thoughts welling up inside his chest making it grow so tight as if he might explode. The way Kibum looked across at him, he wondered how he could believe that he had moved on, it was so obvious he never had, that he needed Taemin as much as Taemin needed Kibum.
“Yeah, I’m fine. Hyung, I get it, I get it!” Taemin exclaimed happily, “we’re soul mates!” As soon as the words left his mouth, he felt ridiculous as he felt the party go silent around him, everyone turning to look at him. Taemin felt his cheeks heating up, everyone was staring at him. Once again he was too loud, he winced feeling mortified, he started to get up as if to run away but Kibum’s hand held him firmly. Before Taemin could slip away, Kibum’s lips pressed softly to his, kissing him softly at first and then more deeply.
“Ah Taemin,” Kibum hugged Taemin warmly when they stopped kissing, “you’re so cute, and maybe you’re right, maybe we are soul mates. Attached to each other by a red thread of fate,” Kibum kissed Taemin again softly, suddenly Taemin didn’t feel so mortified anymore or embarrassed. He thought Kibum (and everyone else) might laugh at his sudden revelation, but instead he felt warmth filling his chest, and a sense of rightness filling him.
He laughed realising that he had never believed the story his teacher told him of the red thread of fate that tied soul mates together or how it would never break. He remembered in the folklore that the boy had not believed in it either, until he married the woman he had been shown as a child. He smiled, realising that some things were just meant to be, that it was not a matter of belief but rather fate and destiny. Taemin smiled and hugged Kibum tightly, knowing that it didn’t matter how many continents or oceans separated them they’d still have some kind of connection, after all the past ten years had illustrated that to him. Even if he couldn’t see the red thread winding from his ankle to Kibum’s he knew it was there.
ΞΘΞ
♥
ONLY POSTING THIS BECAUSE KURI WANTED ME TO!!
Author: argh (@ oneuldo)
Rating: PG-13
Length: 4,626
Pairing: Taemin/Kibum (ninja!Onew/Minho)
Summary: This is a story about coincidences and misunderstandings and how things just have a way of working themselves out
Warnings: unbeta-ed!
Notes: originally written for the Secret Santa pinch hitting fics but slightly modified.
Dedication: For the one person I never want to ever stop being friends with. For the one person who made 2010 awesome and amazing. ^^; Yes this is for sacryde whom I love and adore. :D ♥
ΞΘΞ
Taemin tried to hold back his tears when Kibum’s mum stuck a band-aid on his knee, but the graze hurt so much he just wanted to cry. Taemin sniffed, trying so hard to be the big boy his dad told him to be. He could see the other boy who had pushed him, laughing and running around like normal. His knee throbbed painfully as he watched the other boy running around still having fun and playing. The sky seemed so dark and cloudy, it was just holding back the rain.
“Taeminnie,” Taemin turned to see Kibum chewing on his lip, before he reached forward and grabbed Taemin’s hand and squeezed it tightly, “Don’t cry.” He murmured softly, nodding his head and smiling faintly, as his mother stood up. Kibum’s hands were hot against Taemin’s skin, soothing somehow, he wanted to cling to the older boy.
“Taeminnie, do you want me to call your mum to come and pick you up?” Kibum’s mother asked, leaning down to ruffle Taemin’s hair affectionately.
“No mum,” Kibum replied instead, “he’ll be fine, I’ll protect him.” Kibum puffed his chest up proudly, still holding Taemin’s hand in his, “Right, Taeminnie?” He asked turning to look at the younger boy, and Taemin shyly nodded his head quickly. Taemin felt so happy thanks to Kibum, and the way he squeezed his hand reassuringly. He breathed in deeply, his knee no longer hurt when Kibum was sitting with him.
“Taeminnie, we’ll be best friends forever, okay?” Kibum whispered, leaning across to hug his friend tightly, “Always best friends.” He grinned when he pulled back, “come play with me on the swings?” He pleaded, begging Taemin with his eyes. Taemin smiled and let the older boy pull him up, running off to play with his friend, his skinned knee forgotten with the promise of playing with his friend.
ΞΘΞ
Taemin stood by the door, rainclouds hovering above his head, with thunder and lightning lashing down in violent streaks. Kibum reached out and touched his arm lightly, pouting slightly as he adjusted the straps of the too large backpack. Taemin knew he was overreacting, but he hated this, he hated that fact that everyone always left him behind. Taemin tried so hard not to pout, but at the same time he wanted to be selfish. He wanted Kibum to hug him and tell him he wouldn’t leave him behind.
“Taeminnie, it won’t be for long.” He promised, nodding his head, “You’ll join me soon,” Kibum bit on his lip, his eyes watering slightly, although Taemin didn’t even notice that. He felt sad and lonely and Kibum hadn’t even left yet. “Taeminnie, can I have a hug?” Kibum whispered, and Taemin noticed how nervous his friend looked, quickly he scooted away from the door frame and hugged him tightly. Kibum’s warm enveloped him, and Taemin felt slightly better, as he clung to him.
“I will,” Taemin shut his eyes as he hugged Kibum tightly, “hyung, I will!” He vowed, determined to somehow catch up to Kibum despite the gap in their age. He bit his lip, and sighed softly, when Kibum pulled away from him, he hated the fact that they would now be at different schools, it didn’t seem fair. His older brother had changed so much when he changed schools, Taemin was scared the same thing would happen with Kibum.
“Taemin, you know you’ll always be my best friend.” Kibum reassured Taemin, “Come on we better go.” He murmured, biting his lip nervously as they headed down the hallway. Taemin felt scared when they parted on the street, Kibum heading left and he was heading right, to go to their different schools. He breathed in softly, and felt sad as he saw his friend head off in the other direction.
ΞΘΞ
Kibum rolled onto his side, wriggling awfully close to Taemin, he swung his arms around Taemin’s skinny frame, hugging him loosely. Taemin grinned, glancing away before looking back at the screen of his video game, he didn’t want to lose. Taemin stuck the edge of his tongue out as he concentrated, until Kibum shoved him lightly, causing the game controller to fall from his hand.
“Hyung!” Taemin whined, “Why did you do that?” He frowned, glaring at his friend as he watched his video game character die, and the words “game over” flash across the screen. “I was almost going to beat that damn level!”
“I’m bored,” Kibum raised one eyebrow, “Do you have to play that now?” He bit his lip softly, “I mean, can’t we do stuff together?” He hugged Taemin loosely, not wanting to remind the other boy that he was staying the night. “Taeminnie, can’t we watch a movie or go to the park? We hardly see each other anymore, and I wanted to do something with you, not watch you play a game.”
“It’s too cold,” Taemin shivered, “to go to the park, let’s watch a movie?” He grinned as he wrapped his arms around Kibum’s body, “Sorry hyung, I was being selfish.” He pouted, “But you forgive me right?” He stuck his tongue out at Kibum, grinning when the other boy laughed and immediately nodded his head.
“Of course, we’re best friends after all,” Kibum grinned, tugging on Taemin’s shirt, “Hey, you’ll be coming to my school soon too. It’ll be so much better once you start there.” Kibum sighed in relief, “school is always so boring without you,” He scrunched his nose up, “can’t wait for you to finish this year and come to my school!” He playfully punched Taemin’s arm, “So don’t fail, okay? Hurry up and pass and come to my school.”
“Eh as if I’d fail.” Taemin rolled his eyes shaking his head at Kibum, “that would be you, since you’re too lazy to do any work.” Taemin smirked, ignoring the mock indignant expression Kibum shot him. “You know, I’ll pass with flying colours,” Taemin boasted, “I always do well.” Kibum snorted and playfully punched his arm again, rolling his eyes as if to say “whatever”.
ΞΘΞ
Kibum squeezed Taemin tightly, letting out a faint sigh before he released his skinny friend. Taemin frowned, trying to ignore the sad expression Kibum gave him. He didn’t want to face it, he wanted to pretend nothing would change even if it had already. Taemin swallowed a lump in his throat, Kibum said they would be best friends forever, but he had already moved away from the apartment building.
“Taeminnie, we won’t lose contact,” Kibum bit his lip softly, reaching for Taemin’s wrist, letting his fingers slip around it. “I promise, Taeminnie, you’re my best friend.” Kibum pouted, “Always and forever, no matter where we are.” He nodded his head as he smiled warmly across at the younger boy, he wouldn’t let them lose contact.
“Hyung, it’s just,” Taemin bit his lip, “hard to know you’re moving so far away.” Taemin hung his head, feeling ashamed for how upset he felt, the fact that Kibum was moving out of the city. “It just feels like everyone leaves me,” He chewed on his lip, “sorry hyung, I know it’s not your fault.” The air felt heavy, and oppressive, and Taemin felt as if he was struggling to breathe, it hurt so much.
“I’m not abandoning you, we’ll still talk all the time even if we can’t see each other often.” Kibum promised with a serious expression. Taemin believed him completely, shutting his eyes when Kibum hugged him again tightly. “You’re always my best friend Taemin, so no matter what we’ll stay in contact, I promise.”
ΞΘΞ
Taemin sighed heavily as his teacher continued to drone on about some ancient Chinese folklore, he failed to see why they had to learn about this. It really didn’t help that this was the class he used to have with Kibum, but he had been gone for months now, but it always reminded him of Kibum. Taemin tapped his fingers impatiently against the top of the desk, fidgeting as he wondered why something like this was even relevant in this day and age. A soft tap to his elbow made him turn to look at his friend, Jonghyun, who raised one eyebrow questioningly at him.
“Too deep for you, Taeminnie,” Jonghyun smirked as he whispered to his friend, mouth hidden behind his hand, “Or perhaps you’re fretting because you haven’t found your soul mate yet?” He grinned, and Taemin’s eyes widened, he couldn’t help but lean across and whack Jonghyun in the ribs, how dare he even think something like that. How dare he imply that Taemin even cared about ‘soul mates’, he shook his head quickly, scowling across at his friend, as if ‘soul mates’ even existed.
“Hyung,” Taemin hissed loudly, “soul mates don’t even exist! Love doesn’t even exist!” He grinned, seeing how Jonghyun’s eyes widened in shock. Taemin laughed softly until he realised that the rest of the class had gone silent, wincing he turned to the front to see the teacher standing with her hands on her hips glaring down at Taemin. He gulped and shrank back, wishing he could hide but it was too late.
“Taemin, that’s it, get out of my class!” She snapped, and Taemin guiltily slunk out of the class, biting his lip as he realised that for the millionth time he had been caught interrupting. He glared at Jonghyun who just shrugged at him, feeling angry because he always got in trouble, even if it was Jonghyun who started the discussion nine times out of ten.
He sat outside the principal’s office stewing over what the teacher had been saying, even if it sounded like a load of shit to him, he wondered if there were threads for friends too. Taemin tapped his ankle softly, glancing at carefully to see if he could see a faint red thread wrapped around it, but there was nothing. He shrugged and wondered if you had to believe in that kind of rubbish to see it. He shut his eyes and swallowed, wishing for the millionth time that Kibum was still there, he missed him so much. Now that he only had Jonghyun he kept getting in trouble, but when Kibum had been there, he had just had so much fun, it felt as if everything had changed.
Taemin studied his other ankle, wondering if there were other threads in other colours for friends and best friends, he smiled fondly and wondered if he could ask the teacher about that. Surely there would be a thread for best friends, even if Kibum still hadn’t contacted him, he said he would, so Taemin believed he would. He breathed out heavily, as he glanced around the area he was sitting, it was dead quiet, but the door opened, and Taemin frowned as he saw Jonghyun grinning in at him.
“I uh, got detention too!” Jonghyun smirked as he came to sit down next to Taemin, making the younger boy suddenly have this sick feeling if that he was attached to any friend with a thread - it would be Jonghyun. They had been friends since children on and off, and no matter what he always seemed to run into the older boy. He had been friends with Kibum since childhood too but it was Jonghyun he had known since he was a baby.
“Soul mates do exist, it doesn’t just mean someone who loves you,” Jonghyun nudged Taemin after they went silent, “It means someone who loves you,” Taemin opened his mouth to speak, but Jonghyun shook his head, “but it’s also someone who understands you, like a best friend.” Jonghyun nodded his head, “So it’s not just someone to love, but so many things rolled into one.”
“Oh,” Taemin mulled it over in his head, rolling his eyes after a few minutes, “Whatever, I still don’t believe in it, I think it’s a load of shit. I’m only interested in best friends and friends.” Taemin saw no point in saying anything after that, he left as soon as he could, aware of Jonghyun walking a metre or so away. Taemin couldn’t help but think of Kibum, and just wonder what had happened to him, he hoped that he would contact Taemin soon, he longed to know what his best friend was up to.
ΞΘΞ
Taemin rolled his eyes as Jonghyun continued to tease him about his lack of a girlfriend, laughing and giggling at the younger boy for showing no interested in the opposite sex. Taemin just ignored the jibes, he had always said he wasn’t interested in love, he didn’t see any point in it, and so he hadn’t even tried to date. He shoved Jonghyun to the side, wondering why he had even agreed to go shopping with him.
“Hyung, do you want me to help you or not?” Taemin threatened, “I could just go home and leave you to shop by yourself.” He turned as if to leave, but Jonghyun gripped his arm firmly, whirling him around so he suddenly faced him. It was in that precise moment that Taemin saw something, saw some movement that confused him, and he scanned the busy malls wondering why some little movement had piqued his interest.
“Taeminnie, you have to help me!” Jonghyun whined, making Taemin breathe out slowly, trying not to get anymore annoyed than he was already. He nodded his head and let Jonghyun drag him from store to store until he felt so bored and breathless and sick to death of hearing Jonghyun whimper and whine about the amazing qualities of his girlfriend.
“Hyung, I’m going to the bathroom.” Taemin announced rushing off before Jonghyun could latch on to his arm and focus his puppy like eyes on him and weaken his resolve to get a break from Jonghyun. Taemin ran out of the store without looking and he collided into another person. “Oh, I’m so sorry!” Taemin apologised reaching out to help the other boy up, gaping when he saw the boy’s hair, and something just felt familiar but he had no idea what, but then it just hit him, when he looked into his eyes, he would know them anywhere.
“Kibum, is that you?” He whispered feeling his heart starting to race, it was ridiculous it had been two years since he had seen him. Before he could say another word, Kibum pulled Taemin into his arms and he hugged him tightly, “Where have you been? Why didn’t you contact me?” Taemin complained against the other boy’s chest, his fist hitting it lightly.
“I’m so sorry, my parents kept moving me around,” Kibum stepped back, and Taemin stared at tall his friend and how different he looked. Gone were the scruffy clothes he used to wear, instead his clothes were all fashionable, making Taemin feel out of place with his faded and loose jeans and shirt. It was obvious that his friend had changed so much, Taemin swallowed and figured he probably hadn’t wanted to stay in contact with some stupid childhood friend. “I missed you, I wanted to contact you but I lost your address,” Kibum explained, “and then we kept moving and it just got harder and harder.”
“I get it,” Taemin pursed his lips together, he had been wanting to see his friend for a long time, but now he realised it was only one sided. He eyed Kibum’s clothes and the way he looked, it was so obvious that they had nothing in common anymore. “It’s okay, I have to go now, it was nice to see you again, bye Kibum.” Taemin ignored the way Kibum’s eyes widened in horror and he just ran away, feeling hurt and sick on the inside because he realised they had changed and would never be the same again. He ignored the way Kibum called out at him, asking him not to run, but Taemin ran. He ran from the past and the future, because it scared him to acknowledge how much Kibum had changed.
The second time they met, it was even harder to run, but Taemin still ran. He was older and slightly more mature, but he saw no meaning in the way he would bump into Kibum by chance. He had tried to forget his old best friend, after that first accidental meeting a year earlier, it wasn’t forgotten but Taemin still found it easier to run or to pretend he didn’t recognise him. It hurt but he figured it would hurt a lot more if he let Kibum tell him to his face that they had never been real friends. It was hard to see someone he had once been close to and know that they had no connection whatsoever now. That they had both changed beyond belief and there was nothing for them to even talk about.
Taemin told himself over and over that it meant nothing when he bumped into Kibum, it was just a coincidence nothing more. Even if it made him feel funny for several days, even if it felt as if he was pulled towards Kibum, like he could not escape him. Jonghyun always knew something was up after he met Kibum, because Taemin acted strange, he found it hard to concentrate and focus.
Taemin finally told Jonghyun, after his friend kept asking him what was wrong. Taemin had come back from visiting relatives in a sleepy seaside town, but he came back looking more drawn and tired than when he left, which confused Jonghyun. Taemin felt so frustrated, and he couldn’t work out why he kept bumping into Kibum at the most random times, every time he almost got over him, every time he almost forgot him, Kibum would appear again. All the memories they had shared growing up would come back up, making Taemin long for that best friend, for Kibum once again. Even if in his mind every vestige of that friendship was long gone, leaving Taemin only with bittersweet memories of growing up with Kibum.
ΞΘΞ
Jonghyun rubbed his hands together gleefully, “Taemin, you’ll enjoy this party, I promise!” He nodded his head firmly, “you’ll get to meet all my friends at college, they’ll adore you trust me!” He nodded his head again before rushing around to prepare a few last minute things. “You know, you never introduced me to that best friend, that Kibum guy, you should one day.”
“Hyung,” Taemin walked across the room to where Jonghyun was fixing the mistletoe, he was careful to stay well back, “I told you, we were only best friends when we were kids. And it’s not like I have anything to do with him anymore.” He added, ignoring the pointed look Jonghyun shot him, he wanted to hate Jonghyun for reminding him of Kibum again, but then Taemin figured it meant he wouldn’t bump into him any time soon.
“Oh, right so bumping into him every six months or couple of years, is having no contact? Don’t you think it’s weird how often you bump into him,” Jonghyun crossed his arms in front of his chest, “And I know you never forgot him, you still mention him to me.” He shrugged opening his mouth to say more but the door bell rang.
Taemin breathed in deeply, feeling nervous as the door opened and two guys walked in. Taemin rubbed his hands together nervously as he watched them take off their coats and scarves, the taller one was quite handsome, Taemin wondered if he was single, especially he could feel his heart pounding like a drum, it must be him he figured making his heart beat like that.
“Hyung, do you think you could ah,” Taemin whispered to Jonghyun in the kitchen, “help me get to know Minho-hyung better?” He asked, eyeing his friend hopefully, he thought Minho had seemed interested in him when they were introduced earlier. And he was sick of being single now, he thought he might as well try dating especially since his friends had less time to hang out now, he hated being a third wheel at the movies, it was starting to get embarrassing. The worst thing about it was how that old folklore about the red string of fate kept cropping up in his mind, making him wonder if he really did have a soul mate.
“No,” Taemin glared across at Jonghyun, the older boy didn’t even look up as he put the finishing touches on the drinks, “No sorry Taeminnie,” Jonghyun lifted his head looking seriously at his friend as he picked up the fancy cocktails, “I’m pretty sure he’s taken,” Jonghyun carried the drinks out of the kitchen, and Taemin looked across to where Jonghyun was staring, his eyes widening as he saw Jinki stand on tiptoes kissing Minho under the mistletoe. Taemin was still standing there staring, feeling depressed when the doorbell rang again, he didn’t feel in the party mood anymore even if his heart was still pounding in his chest like a drum. He wished he could work out why the soul mate thing bugged him so much, it was just some stupid story, there was no red thread tied to anyone’s ankle.
A draft made him shiver and he turned to see Jonghyun taking someone’s scarf, and when he moved, Taemin pouted as he saw Kibum standing there. He couldn’t take his eyes away as he saw his rainbow coloured fringe and how fashionably dressed he was. Taemin could see that he hadn’t changed much since the last time, well his hair had but that was normal. He sighed and disappeared into the kitchen, he should’ve realised that Jonghyun had mentioned Kibum for a reason, but he couldn’t puzzle out how Jonghyun knew who Kibum was, he had never introduced them before.
“Taemin, I can’t believe you’re here.”
“Oh,” Taemin sighed and turned around slowly, deciding to just be polite and then run away quickly, it was starting to annoy him how often they met like this. “Kibum-hyung, fancy seeing you here, I only came for a little while but I need to go now.” He started to leave but the older boy just grabbed his wrist stopping him from leaving the kitchen. Somehow when Kibum’s fingers inched around his wrist, Taemin felt the will to run leave, and he just let the older boy lead him over to the window seat. It made no sense, Taemin wanted to leave, but at the same time he missed Kibum so much.
“You always run,” Kibum tut-ted softly, “you never stay and talk to me for long.” Taemin swallowed as he looked across and saw how sad Kibum’s eyes were, “I missed you so much, I was so happy when we ran into each other but you always disappeared before I could talk to you properly.” Taemin looked at his wrist and the way Kibum clung to him, as if he was scared Taemin would just disappear in front of his eyes.
“I’m sorry, I thought you moved on, and it just felt awkward how I would still meet you. How I’d just make peace with myself that I’d never see you again, and then you’d be right there.” Taemin bit his lip softly, “why are you even here?” Taemin wanted to ask if it was because of him, if he had come knowing Taemin would be there.
“Jonghyun invited me, he said he was having a Christmas party with a few friends,” Kibum shrugged, “I wasn’t going to come but at the last minute I decided to come.” He smiled, “He’s your friend, Jonghyun? I had no idea, but it makes sense you’d be here, I missed you so much.” Kibum nodded his head, “Every time I wondered what you were up to, I’d see you soon after, like it's fate or something.”
“Do you remember that photo, the one of you as a baby?” Kibum leaned in close to Taemin, eyes wide, “And how you said you never knew who it was lying next to you? You know that photo where a toddler was squeezing your hand?” Kibum spoke so fast, Taemin struggled to keep up but he knew that photo, it was the one that haunted him because he never knew who it was and his mum refused to tell him, he just nodded his head remembering the photo clearly.
“It was us, you and me.” Kibum whispered, “Our mum’s used to be friends, and then they had a falling out. I found that photo buried in my house, and she finally told me.” Hearing Kibum say that, Taemin’s eyes widened and he just felt something click inside him, something finally made sense. He could hear Jonghyun’s words repeating in his head, how weird it was how they kept meeting. He remembered how no matter what he did or where he went, somehow Kibum would be there.
It was insane, Taemin could still remember that time a fight had broken out, he had almost got involved but Kibum had walked down the street, appearing from nowhere and dragging Taemin away. He could still remember the way they had run, breath coming out ragged as they ducked down little alleys, and Taemin had tried to split away from him but he couldn’t. They had collapsed on the ground, laughing, and it had felt so right but Taemin was too scared to admit it. So he just left, glancing softly at Kibum, before he walked away from him again.
“Taemin, are you okay?”
Taemin was shaken from his thoughts as Kibum tugged on his arm lightly, he blinked and just nodded his head, feeling all these words and thoughts welling up inside his chest making it grow so tight as if he might explode. The way Kibum looked across at him, he wondered how he could believe that he had moved on, it was so obvious he never had, that he needed Taemin as much as Taemin needed Kibum.
“Yeah, I’m fine. Hyung, I get it, I get it!” Taemin exclaimed happily, “we’re soul mates!” As soon as the words left his mouth, he felt ridiculous as he felt the party go silent around him, everyone turning to look at him. Taemin felt his cheeks heating up, everyone was staring at him. Once again he was too loud, he winced feeling mortified, he started to get up as if to run away but Kibum’s hand held him firmly. Before Taemin could slip away, Kibum’s lips pressed softly to his, kissing him softly at first and then more deeply.
“Ah Taemin,” Kibum hugged Taemin warmly when they stopped kissing, “you’re so cute, and maybe you’re right, maybe we are soul mates. Attached to each other by a red thread of fate,” Kibum kissed Taemin again softly, suddenly Taemin didn’t feel so mortified anymore or embarrassed. He thought Kibum (and everyone else) might laugh at his sudden revelation, but instead he felt warmth filling his chest, and a sense of rightness filling him.
He laughed realising that he had never believed the story his teacher told him of the red thread of fate that tied soul mates together or how it would never break. He remembered in the folklore that the boy had not believed in it either, until he married the woman he had been shown as a child. He smiled, realising that some things were just meant to be, that it was not a matter of belief but rather fate and destiny. Taemin smiled and hugged Kibum tightly, knowing that it didn’t matter how many continents or oceans separated them they’d still have some kind of connection, after all the past ten years had illustrated that to him. Even if he couldn’t see the red thread winding from his ankle to Kibum’s he knew it was there.
ΞΘΞ
♥
ONLY POSTING THIS BECAUSE KURI WANTED ME TO!!