The Neighbor - Kris x Tao - 05/05
Title: The Neighbor
Chapters: 05/05
Author: paranoiascreams
Genre: smut, angst
Warning: unbeta'd
Rating: PG-13
Pairings/Characters: Kris x Tao
Synopsis: Tao is a dedicated employee of an advertising company living a routinary life until his sexy new neighbor moves next door and turns his life upside down.
Disclaimer: Own no one but the story. I would like Yifan to own me.
[01] [02] [03] [04]
There is no Yifan to barge into Tao and Luhan's room the next day and no Yifan in sight in the dining hall.
"Where is he?" Tao asks Jongdae who's sitting alone in a table. The younger sits across the other and the assistant sighs, "He's kind of out of it. But I know Yifan, he can do his job perfectly even if the model he is working with murdered his dog or something."
"Isn't he eating?"
"He already ate. He ordered room service and he said he'd step out of the room when the actual shoot starts already."
Tao thinks it's unusual for Yifan to behave like this because the person Tao has gotten to know is outgoing, loud, obnoxious, not the sullen and I'll-stay-in-my-room-until-I-need-to-go-out kind of guy that he's being right now. Tao sighs and starts eating his breakfast in silence with Jongdae. It must have been less than a minute of silently eating with Jongdae when Kyungsoo and Kai walks inside the dining hall hand in hand, Tao leans in closer to Jongdae and asks, "That really is Yifan's ex, right?"
"Yes. Why?"
"He's so tiny. And I don't know... I think he's too good for Yifan." Tao chuckles and Jongdae grins, "Your complete opposite?"
"Yeah... N-no!!! What are you saying?!"
Jongdae laughs and Tao pouts, "Yifan... he doesn't have an exact type of person. He was dating a socialite... a female socialite before Kyungsoo, he dated an actress briefly, too. Kyungsoo's the longest relationship he's had. I guess he was ready to settle with him."
Tao nods, "And then they broke up. So much for settling so now he's playing around..."
"I wouldn't put it that way. I mean, he isn't seeing anybody special. Aside from you."
"W... We're just friends. He's free to date."
Jongdae grins at Tao again, "Free to get back with Kyungsoo, right?"
"R... right." Tao stammers and stands, "Excuse me, I need to get ready for the shoot."
"Bye!"
Tao grunts and walks his way back to his room. He ignores Luhan who's just about to grab his breakfast and continues on. He stops on his tracks when he finds Yifan smoking at the smoking area by the end of the hallway, he takes a deep breath and tries his hardest to muster the best smile he can, "Not up for breakfast?"
"Guess not." Yifan blows out a cloud of smoke, "At least, not in the dining hall."
"I... I'm gonna go for a shower. Shoot starts in a bit."
"Hey, sunshine."
"Hmn?"
"We're friends, right?"
"Yes. We could say that we are."
"I need a hug."
Tao sighs and walks over to Yifan, "Oh. Okay." The younger opens his arms and Yifan hugs him tight. Tao feels Yifan burying his face on the crook of his neck and Tao instinctively runs his hand soothingly on the photographer's back. "Y... You really loved him, huh?"
"I guess so..."
Tao feels his heart break because there is no competition here. Yifan is still hung up with his previous relationship and Tao will always be the one night stand, the friend, the neighbor. He thinks it's unfair, it's unfair that he was the first to fall when he clearly told himself he will never like someone like Yifan.
"You smell so good, sunshine."
"Okay, perv. Enough."
Yifan chuckles and releases himself from Tao, "Let's shower together."
"Unless you want me to murder you, not gonna happen."
"Sunshine!!!"
"No!"
"Jongin, stop!"
Tao and Yifan looks at the direction of Kyungsoo's voice and finds the couple giggling at each other. "But babe, nobody's here but us!"
Tao clears his throat and Jongin looks at them, "Except your ex and his current flame, I guess."
Yifan rolls his eyes and smirks at Jongin, "If you don't want me to be an asshole to you until Friday, I'd suggest you keep your mouth shut."
"I can say the same to you, Kris."
"Stop it, both of you." Kyungsoo cuts the two and grabs on Jongin's arm, "Be professional about this, Yifan." The shorter Korean glares at Yifan and drags Jongin back into their bedroom. Yifan sighs, "That midget. Still got me wrapped around his little finger."
Tao smiles bitterly and pats Yifan's arm, "See you in an hour?"
Yifan turns to Tao and musters his best puppy eyes, "What about our shower?"
"You can use your own."
"I hate you."
"Stop sulking, you baby." Tao smiles and walks inside his room. He leans against the door and breathes heavily, he wonders how he is able to survive that conversation when he is currently having an ordeal with his feelings.
An hour and a half later, the team is setting up by the shore, Yifan surveying the area while Sunny and Kai are being made up. Tao is currently checking his mails when Kyungsoo interrupts him, "Are you dating Yifan?"
"Excuse me?"
Kyungsoo smiles at him innocently, "I asked if you're dating Yifan."
"We're just friends."
"That's a surprise. Yifan rarely makes any friends without screwing up."
"That's a little harsh, don't you think?"
"Sweetie, I've known Yifan for years. We lived together and he never really made friends because he can be a total asshole."
"Yet you stayed with him."
"He's great in bed."
Tao stares at Kyungsoo dumbfoundedly for a second before speaking again, "Three years and that was your reason for staying?"
"You could say so."
"He loves you."
Kyungsoo chuckles and smiles meaningfully at Tao, "I know."
"For someone who looks really innocent, you sure are mean."
"And you're obviously in love with him. It seeps out of your skin, even I can smell it. I'm sure Yifan knows, too."
Tao clears his throat and firmly tells Kyungsoo that he is not in love with Yifan and Kyungsoo laughs, "But everyone falls for Yifan, one way or another. Tell me, did you sleep with him yet?"
"Are you really this rude?"
Kyungsoo shrugs his shoulders and looks at Yifan who's fixing his camera by the shore, "Tell me you haven't dreamt of sleeping with him."
"I don't. Please, Kyungsoo, if you have nothing nice to say, don't bother me."
"You know... I kind of miss Yifan. I mean, we broke up barely 3 months and I think we can still get back together, you think?"
"You're dating Kai. What is wrong with you? Are you afraid you're gonna run out of dicks or something?"
Kyungsoo laughs hysterically and pats Tao's arm, "You're so cute. I just get what I want and Jongin, well, I'm sure he'll understand, like he always does."
"Sunshine!!!"
Tao and Kyungsoo looks at Yifan who's waving his arm in the air, Kyungsoo glares at Tao, "Sunshine?"
"Yeah. I'm his sunshine." Tao walks away but cringes at the thought that he actually admitted that to Kyungsoo though it feels a little liberating to have something to one-up the shorter Korean. "Hey." He greets Yifan with a smile and the photographer casually puts an arm around him, "You okay?"
Tao looks up at Yifan and asks, "Why won't I be?"
"I can see you frowning from miles away." Yifan smiles at Tao and pinches his cheeks lightly, "Did Kyungsoo say something?"
"He didn't. We were just having a bit of misunderstanding with Kai's schedule."
"He can be such a firecracker, that one." Yifan sighs and retracts his arm from Tao's shoulder, "He'd talk to models or other photographers and messes with their heads when he's getting jealous. It was quite endearing, somewhat."
"Eden would have punched the daylights out of you if he and I were still dating. He hates it when other people touch me."
"Aren't I glad he isn't here?"
Tao laughs and Yifan does, too. The younger thinks it really feels natural being with Yifan even if there's a bit of tension happening around them - even if there is a possibility that he may lose him to Kyungsoo.
The both of them are interrupted when Kibum, their photoshoot director, tells them that the models are ready.
Tao observes Yifan and true to Jongdae's words, despite the tension between Yifan and Kai, the photographer is very professional about it. Tao only watches the shoot for about two hours before leaving everything to Luhan and retreating back to his room. He's still got other pending clients and he decides on working with them quietly away from the hustle and bustle of the ad campaign.
He doesn't notice the time until Luhan walks inside their shared room, "Have you eaten?"
"Lunch?"
"Lunch? It's 9 in the evening."
"Is it?" Tao checks his watch and just awes. Luhan unbuttons his shirt and messes his hair, "You've been cooped up in here since 10 in the morning. You haven't eaten?"
"I guess not."
"There's room service, Huang Zitao."
"Slipped my mind. I was talking back and forth with our new client."
"Well, the day is done and you should probably eat."
"Yeah. Okay, I'm stepping out."
Tao bids Luhan goodbye and leaves the room. Yifan is about to get inside his when he sees Tao, "Haven't seen you all day, where to?"
"Very, very late lunch and a little late dinner."
"You haven't eaten all day?"
"I had breakfast."
"That was when? 8 AM?" Yifan extends a hand, "Take my hand and we'll go to the restaurant."
"You don't have to come with me. You're tired and I can manage." Tao tells Yifan but he stumbles and the photographer catches him, "Yeah, you're okay. Come on." Yifan pulls Tao up and drags him inside his room. From afar, Kyungsoo watches them.
"Hey Jongdae, can you order room service for Tao? I think he's fainted from hunger."
"I'm conscious..." Tao mumbles as Jongdae orders food and Yifan tucks him on his bed, "Don't kill yourself. You overwork, sunshine."
"Yifan, I think there's something wrong with the connection. I'm gonna head out and buy something for him." Jongdae tells Yifan and immediately leaves the room. Yifan lies next to Tao and asks, "What were you thinking? You're probably in front of your laptop the whole time and didn't eat."
"Exactly..."
"You idiot."
"I'm your idiot."
"You are."
"Hmn..." Tao curls into the blanket and Yifan finds him asleep - exhaustion and hunger catching up to the younger Chinese. Yifan turns Tao carefully so that the younger can lie on his chest and the photographer wraps his arms around him.
"God, Tao... you taught me how to have self-control... I would have ravished you already..."
Yifan's phone rings and he carefully removes his arm from Tao and reaches for his device, "This is a surprise. You never called." Yifan sits up and leans against the headboard while Tao silently sleeps next to him.
'Is it a bad time? Jongin's asleep and I think we deserve to talk.'
"Two months and a half and you want to talk?"
'I missed you.'
"Let's talk tomorrow night. I don't wanna mess things up if things get ugly."
'Can't it be tonight?'
Yifan looks at Tao and sighs, "Can't. I'm looking after somebody."
'This shouldn't surprise me. You've always had other priorities before me.'
"Things are getting ugly already. Goodbye, Kyungsoo. Tomorrow night, we'll talk."
Kyungsoo grunts and ends the conversation.
"Hey, Yifan. Got some soup and pasta for your big ball of star."
"Shhhh... I'll make him eat when he wakes up."
"I think I'm gonna sleep in their room. I'm not sure what you're gonna do alone."
Yifan chuckles and shoos Jongdae away. His assistant leaves the room and Yifan tucks Tao closer to him again.
Tao wakes up to his grumbling stomach a few hours later caged between Yifan's arm and chest. He moves slightly and it jolts Yifan awake, "Hungry, sunshine?"
"Very much."
"Don't move. I'll microwave your food."
Yifan stands and Tao watches the other's bare back. He turns away after he realizes his eyes have lingered longer than they should. "You sure are a light sleeper..."
"I'm just perfectly aware of your presence."
"You make it sound like I'm a murderer or something."
"Yeah. You're something."
Tao scoffs and checks his watch, "It's 3 in the morning. We have to be at the shoot by 7. What can we do in the next 4 hours?"
"I'm naked already."
Tao laughs and flips him the middle finger, "Stop doing that."
"I'm kidding, sunshine." Yifan is smiling as he brings the tray of food to the bed. The younger starts with the soup and the other watches him eat, "Eat with me."
"I'd gladly eat you up."
Tao grunts and glares at Yifan, "There's hot soup between me and your bare chest. Be reminded of that."
"You're so kinky!"
"WU YIFAN!"
Yifan laughs and ruffles Tao's hair, "You are so adorable." The older opens his mouth and Tao feeds him the soup, "Never ever skip meals, okay?"
Tao nods and they share Tao's food in silence. They're lying on the bed together trying to keep awake until 7 when Tao asks, "Tell me about Kyungsoo. And your relationship."
"Why so curious?"
"We're friends. And I told you a bit about Eden."
Yifan sighs and changes the channel, "He... he's domesticated and possessive. I'm carefree and wild. It was a challenge for me to be tamed but Kyungsoo, he's able to do that."
"You were loyal to him?"
Yifan laughs and shakes his head, "Not quite. I slept with other people but only for favors. Like... like we did."
"Yeah. Of course, I was a favor."
"You were one hot favor."
Tao laughs and hits Yifan's arm, "Tell me more!"
"Hey, do me a favor!"
Tao raises an eyebrow, "At this time? What is it?"
Yifan laughs hysterically, "Do me a favor! Get it?"
"You're such a douche. I'm gonna go back to bed. I can always skip the shoot anyways." Tao covers himself with the blanket and ignores Yifan's giggles from next to him.
There's a few seconds of silence and Tao is almost falling back to sleep when Yifan speaks, "When Kyungsoo left, I just realized that I really do love him. That there were so much regrets and I realized that in those three years we were together, we were barely seeing each other. I was always out of the country, out of the city. Kyungsoo can be very jealous and bit of a spitfire. I liked that about him. I love it when he's jealous. I'm narcissistic that way. When he's jealous, I feel loved."
Tao bites his lower lip hoping to all the gods that should he end up crying, he wont be heard. He tries to equal his breathing and speaks, "If there is a chance, would you get back together with him?"
"I don't know. He seems happy with Jongin."
"Forget... forget about Jongin. Would you?"
"I can be an asshole and steal him back if he's interested and hurt more people." Yifan sighs, "I don't want to be an asshole anymore."
Tao sniffs and he carefully wipes his tear away so Yifan wont notice he's crying. "I... I think he's interested. I told you, Jongin could be a rebound."
"How would you know?"
"I just know."
Yifan turns quiet and watches the blanket - covered figure of Tao. He isn't that stupid to ignore the fact that the younger is shaking, he wipes his face with his hand and just stays silent, when there's no further movement from Tao, he speaks again, "I need to think, Zitao. That's all I can do."
-----
Tao wakes up inches away from Yifan's face. He takes a deep breath and pokes him in the chest, "Wake up, Yifan. Time to work."
Yifan opens his eyes and stares at Tao before whispering, "Are my eyes are puffy as yours...?"
Tao's eyes widen and he immediately jumps off the bed, "I'll see you outside in a bit!" Yifan sighs as he watches Tao run out of the door.
Tao has just closed the door behind him when Kyungsoo steps out of his own room. Kyungsoo glares at him before walking off to the direction of the dining hall. Tao ignores him and he finds Luhan blow drying his hair and Jongdae not around, "How late are we?"
"It's 6:30. You have half an hour. Jongdae wanted to wake the both of you but he said you two looked adorable sleeping together he couldn't find it in his heart to disturb you."
Tao rolls his eyes and just heads straight to the shower. He emerges less than 20 minutes later and finds Luhan waiting for him, "Yifan dropped by and told me you are not allowed to do any desk jobs today."
"Oh please."
Luhan sighs and Tao asks him what the sigh is for. His assistant smiles at him, "You have puffy eyes. More puffier than usual, did you cry last night?"
"No. I just slept late. Come on! If we finish everything today, we'll have another free day tomorrow!"
"We can fly to Seoul?"
"Yeah so you can be lovey dovey with your Sehun."
"Yes!'
Tao and Luhan runs to the dining area and scoffs down their breakfast the fastest that they can. By 7:20 they're already running to the location and Yifan is laughing at their current state.
"You're so mean, Yifan!"
"But at least you aren't skipping food. Stay within the area or I will attack you."
"Hey, Yifan."
Luhan, Yifan and Tao turns to Kyungsoo and the shorter continues, "Tonight, okay?"
"Yeah."
Kyungsoo smiles and squeezes Yifan's arm flirtatiously before walking away.
"Your ex is not a subtle flirt, isn't he?" Luhan asks and Tao chuckles, "Yifan likes it like that. Some weird kink, maybe."
"It's not a weird kink!" Yifan grunts and walks away.
"Hey, Tao..."
"Hmn?"
"I saw you and Kyungsoo, well, I heard both of you yesterday... You think Kyungsoo's playing with Yifan's feelings?"
"No idea. I think he wants to get back together with Yifan..."
"Are you gonna give him up?"
"There isn't anything to fight for, Luhan..."
"You already gave him your pride and your heart got dragged along with it... Don't give him up without a fight, not to somebody who's playing with him and even his current boyfriend."
Tao sighs as he watches Yifan talking to the models and Kyungsoo watching Kai and Yifan together. The young Chinese bites his lower lip and looks at Luhan, "I'm his friend, and whatever decision he makes, I will still be his friend..."
"But for how long? After this project, you wont have to tolerate him, you wont have to deal with him. Tao, when this week is over, you no longer have to pretend you aren't in love with him because there aren't millions of money involved anymore..."
"I can still be his friend, I assure you that."
"Can Yifan assure you that he will be yours?"
"What do you mean?"
"If he gets back with Kyungsoo, he might go back to Guangzhou or leave China altogether and fly to Seoul with him. He has no reason to stay in Shanghai because he's only there to forget Kyungsoo." Luhan puts his hands on both Tao's shoulders and shakes him, "Be the reason for him to stay, Huang Zitao. You might lose him if you don't!"
"I can't do that, Luhan! I can't make him choose!"
"If Eden never gave you the choice nor a fight, this time you have it. He likes you, I am sure he likes you."
Tao looks longingly at Yifan who's started taking pictures while Kyungsoo watches a few feet away from the photographer, "I have learned to suffer, Luhan. If I was loud and uncontrollable with Eden, this time I will suffer in silence."
"You're one stubborn kid." Luhan sighs and hugs Tao, "I just wanted you to fight just so you'll know if sleeping with him is worth it or not. Give yourself a little credit, Tao. He would never have taken care of you so many times if he doesn't feel attracted to you. He fucked you already, what more can he get from taking care of you? Think about that."
Luhan gives Tao another shake before stalking off. Tao just stares at his assistant walking away.
-----
It's late in the afternoon and Tao is sitting under a coconut tree watching the shoot while Luhan is back in their room attending to the desk jobs Yifan has prevented him from doing. He's almost dozing off when he feels someone sit next to him.
"You're Tao, right?"
"And you're Kai. Anything you need?"
Jongin is silent for a moment as he watches Kyungsoo talking to Yifan after a short break, "I never really could have Kyungsoo's whole heart. We've been seeing each other for almost a year but sometimes he'll still talk about Yifan and now I'm sure he's trying to win him back after leaving him."
"Wait. Almost a year? Didn't you two start dating like a month ago?"
"Is that what Yifan still knows? Kyungsoo and I started seeing each other behind his back a few weeks after he first took my pictures. I was interested in Kyungsoo and we started as friends. Yifan can be a prick and would leave Kyungsoo in their Guangzhou apartment for weeks so I'll fly there to keep him company until eventually I got called by a Chinese modelling agency and got signed there too. When Yifan is my photographer, Kyungsoo and I would fuck behind him when he's busy. It was casual and it was a release for Kyungsoo until almost 3 months ago. I was moving back to Seoul and I asked him to be with me, come home to his country and be closer back to his family. He'll be my manager and he won't have to keep up with Yifan."
"He left Yifan for you?! He was cheating on Yifan?!"
"Yes."
Tao looks at Yifan from a distance who finally sees him with Jongin. He turns away from the photographer and back to the model, "Why did you tell me this?"
"I don't wanna lose Kyungsoo. It's only a front when I'm being rude with Yifan but I'm still scared that Kyungsoo will return to him. Help me with this, Tao."
"How can you stay with a person like him? He's awful..."
"People in love are stupid."
Tao doesn't respond as he's been stupid once, too. He remembers calling Eden's phone every hour of every day. He remembers not eating for days or even washing. He was a literal mess up to the point that he flew to Puerto Rico - nevermind his fear of flying, only to find Eden living with a woman and he denied even knowing him. He remembers stalking his ex in Puerto Rico for a week before Joonmyun is called by Eden so he can get him to stop or else he's gonna be deported from a beautiful country.
"I don't know how I can help." Tao tells Kai immediately since Yifan is only a few feet away and is marching fast towards them both.
"You know, Tao. You just found out how."
"Hey, sunshine. I asked for a short break. Let's grab something to eat?"
"Aww, afraid he might fall for my charms, Kris?"
Tao glares at Kai and Yifan just raises an eyebrow at the model before whisking the younger Chinese away, "What were you two talking about?"
Tao shakes his head and shrugs, "Some... things. Hey, after the shoot is done, can we talk tonight?"
"Hmn. I'll knock on your door when we can? Kyungsoo and I are gonna have the long-awaited conversation tonight."
"Oh."
Yifan pinches Tao's nose and chuckles, "You sound rather disappointed. What's wrong? You said it's high time for us to talk."
Tao swats Yifan's away and sighs, "Yeah. I guess. So, I think I want something sweet."
"Ok." Yifan drags Tao away to the café and the younger immediately orders ice cream cake. Yifan raises an eyebrow as the other devours the dessert like a hungry monster. Yifan clears his throat and Tao looks up, "Something wrong, sunshine?"
Tao shrugs, "I eat sweets to get distracted. Nevermind me."
Yifan sips his iced coffee and leans against the chair comfortably, "Looks like the shoot will be done before 7. Jia said Kai and Sunny only needs to change into 2 more sets of clothes."
"Wow. So we, well, you can go back to China earlier?"
"Aren't you coming with us?"
"We'll move our flight to another day. Luhan wants to fly to Incheon and meet with his boyfriend."
"You'll be the third wheel?"
Tao laughs and nods his head, "They won't be together if not for me. They won't mind."
"You hate flying."
Tao's smile fades and he just digs into his ice cream cake, "I can pretend we're on a road or something. I'll just close my eyes and try to block it all off."
"I'll have my flight moved."
"Stop. No." Tao sets his spoon down rather forcefully and stares at Yifan, "Kyungsoo and you will talk tonight. You might... you might reconcile and having you with me in Seoul just in case you get back together is bad."
"Or we can just have closure."
"There's a might. There's an if. You said you don't want to be an asshole... and you know..."
"Zitao."
Tao is taken aback because Yifan rarely calls him by his full name, "What is it?"
"If... if you have something to tell me, something to confess, please tell me now."
Tao thinks for a moment if he should confess, if he should follow Luhan's words, if he should tell Yifan what Jongin had told him. He balls his fists because confessing now is eating his pride and risking everything. He can be rejected - for all he knows, Yifan's been playing with him all along.
"Tao?"
"Hey! Yifan!"
Tao and Yifan turns to Jongdae running towards them, "You fucking asked for a cigarette break not a coffee break. I'm so sorry, Tao. He does this all the time. Thank god we're not in the city or he might have driven back home."
"Thank you, Jongdae." Tao stands and immediately walks ahead of Yifan. Jongdae watches Tao walk away and he smacks the taller's head, "Did you upset him again?"
"I don't know." Yifan sighs and starts walking, "He says Kyungsoo's thinking of getting back together with me and my ex even called me last night... I'm affecting Tao somehow. I'm pretty sure he cried next to me."
"I told you. You have no idea how to be someone's friend."
"I did my best to be his friend."
"You're too sweet, too caring, and too available. You charmed your way into his life and you even question why he might have cried last night?"
"I'm already asking him if he has something to confess to me. Jongdae, I want to know his real feelings for me so I could sort things out."
Jongdae shakes his head and laughs bitterly at Yifan, "I do not spend 24/7 with Tao and yet I know he would not confess whatever he feels for you like that, in a beach café during your cigarette break. Luhan and I talked about Tao and Eden last night and from a breakup like that, Tao can be too guarded."
Yifan takes a deep breath and just shrugs his shoulders. He looks at Tao talking on the phone from a distance, turning his back on Yifan and the rest of the shoot. Kyungsoo tugs on Yifan's arm and Jongdae sighs before moving to talk to Amber and Jia.
"Looks like there's dinner after the shoot. We can talk after, right?" Kyungsoo asks and Yifan half-heartedly nods. "Hey, Kyungsoo."
"Yes?"
"Try not to openly flirt with me. If it's not occuring to you yet, your current boyfriend is here."
"And you were my boyfriend, too."
"Right. And also, you left, remember? Just let me do my job with Jongin and we'll have that talk." Yifan walks to the set and he is almost knocked over by Luhan running past him and immediately hugging Tao when he reaches the younger.
-----
"Are you okay?" Luhan asks and Tao just nods against his neck, "I just needed something comforting."
"Come on. Fuck what Yifan wanted. Let's go back to our room." Luhan drags Tao away from the shoot and walks towards their hotel room.
Tao lies on the bed and Luhan lets him sleep for a bit. The younger tells Luhan to wake him up for dinner. It's important that he wakes up in time for dinner. His assistant assures him that he will be indeed awaken but for now he must concentrate on falling asleep.
"Forget everyrthing for now."
Tao sleeps a dreamless sleep. He doesn't even remember when he closed them and completely blocked off the world around him. When he's shaken by Luhan to rouse, it's already 7 in the evening, "I just got back from the shoot. It's time for dinner."
Tao is still groggy but sits up nonetheless, "The shoot? What do you mean?"
"I went to the location after you fell asleep and told everyone you aren't feeling well and I came in your stead. Anyway, you said you can't miss dinner, so let's go?"
"Let me wash up."
Luhan waits for Tao to finish and the both of them quietly makes their way to the dining hall. Jia is having a speech when the two of them walks in and she stops when she notices them entering the room. "Ah, here's my hardworking little ball of miracle!" Jia starts and pulls Tao in the middle of the room with her, "You see, this campaign would have gone very wrong if not for the hardwork of this young man. As I was saying earlier, Mr. Wu, Alexandria is very grateful that we got you on-board and we should be very thankful to this young man."
Tao smiles awkwardly. His half-awake state is making him unfocused and it even baffles him when Jia suddenly passes him the mic, "I... I'm not really good with speeches."
"Oh, don't be shy!" Jia prods on and Tao shakes his head and takes a deep breath, "So, uh, to Alexandria, thanks for trusting Re:Birth with your Summer campaign. To Yi... Kris, thank you for working with us. You can finally settle in and rest until everything is okay." Tao smiles at Jia and returns the mic to her before he joins Luhan in the table next to Yifan and Jongdae's.
"I am not really sure if you want to sit with Yifan so..." Luhan whispers and Tao cuts him off midsentence, "This is quite okay."
The dinner and semi after party goes rather uneventfully for Tao and he watches as Kyungsoo drags Yifan away from the dining hall while Kai is being distracted by Jia and Amber along with the other model, Sunny. Tao picks on his dessert and it takes him by surprise when Jongdae sits next to him, "Tao, please, stop torturing yourself. As much as I adored Kyungsoo for being able to handle Yifan before, I am sure you can handle him better."
"What?"
"I'm sure Yifan never told you. Kyungsoo worked with Yifan before as production assistant. Kyungsoo can be charming and Yifan found it endearing until eventually, for some reason, Kyungsoo becomes his muse."
"His muse?"
"His inspiration. The infatuation grew when Kyungsoo started showing affection, too." Jongdae sighs and laughs a little, "That's the thing about Yifan, he's socially incapable sometimes. Makes him a bit of an altruist, too. If he likes you, he likes you and if you tell him you like him back, he'll welcome you with open arms."
"I don't really understand."
"That guy can be complicated. His social skills are drastic. He's either a total asshole or a total cassanova. Kyungsoo confessed first because Yifan can be too prideful when it comes to his emotions. I've been by his side for so long and this is the first time he's really tried hard try to keep a bit of middle ground with his personality. Only to you, Tao."
"Not even Kyungsoo?"
"Kyungsoo was sweet, kind, domesticated. For the first two years they've been together, he's been very devoted to Yifan even if he's barely around. And yeah, we loved them together but even if they were together for 3 years, Yifan lacked commitment."
"He's still hung up on the relationship, though."
"STOP BEING STUBBORN AND GO AFTER HIM ALREADY! AND YOU! GET TO THE FUCKING POINT!" Luhan yells and almost everyone in the room jumps in surprise, "The both of them are talking now and if we have to listen to you like we're reading the friggin' bible, they'll be done talking by now!"
"Fine. All I'm really saying is, just confess to him already. He likes you, and if you have to get in the middle of a possible reconciliation, do it."
"I can't..."
"DO IT!" Jongdae and Luhan yells together and Tao's assistant drags him off his seat and pushes him out of the dining hall. Tao takes a deep breath and heads to the gardens. True enough he finds Yifan and Kyungsoo talking a few feet away.
"... Come on, Yifan. I told you, I missed you and I'm still missing you. I know I left you and I'm wrong. I am now apologizing."
"You have a boyfriend, Kyungsoo."
"Please. We've been dating for a month or so? I can leave him and we can move somewhere else. Away from China, away from South Korea. Let's go to Paris, to the U.S."
"You want me to go with you? Kyungsoo, I never took you for a cheater."
"Just leave with me, Yifan. We'll start anew."
"Don't leave, Yifan..."
Yifan and Kyungsoo turns to Tao who shows himself from where he's hiding behind a palm tree, "I... I may not be reason enough for you to stay in Shanghai because I can be annoying, and I will fight you when you are, but please, don't leave.... don't leave me for someone like him."
Kyungsoo rolls his eyes and loops an arm on Yifan's, "Are you that desperate? You butt in in our private conversation and you beg my Yifan to stay with you? You said so yourself, you aren't even dating."
"We're not. But I love him enough to not cheat on him with Jongin for almost a year now."
"Excuse me?" Kyungsoo yells, and Tao sighs, "There, Yifan. I love you, and I really am an idiot. Your fucking idiot." The younger cries and runs away from the scene. Kyungsoo tugs tighter on Yifan's arm when the taller male starts to release himself from his grip, "Where are you going? We're still talking!"
"We are done, Kyungsoo. Let go."
"Are you gonna believe him? You barely know him! We were getting back together!"
Yifan pulls his arm and stares at Kyungsoo, "We weren't. Knowing you've cheated on me or not, I would not get back together with you. I just realized this today, but I am in love, for a while now and not with you." The photographer pats Kyungsoo's shoulder, "May you be happy with your life choices."
-----
"Found you."
Tao looks up to find Yifan walking to him. The younger wipes his face with his hand and he hears the photographer chuckle, "You're so cute."
"Fuck you. Stop taking pleasure with my misery! Just so you know, there wont be a famous Yifan incident!"
Yifan sits next to Tao by the shore and leans against his elbows, "Is it true? What you said?"
"Yes. Jongin told me that Kyungsoo and him had been fucking behind your back weeks after they first met or something. He also told me that Kyungsoo left you for him, and not because you aren't around a lot."
"Not that. The other thing."
Tao punches Yifan's arm then yells, "Yes. I am a fucking idiot. Go back to Kyungsoo and leave me alone!"
"Not that. The OTHER thing."
"I don't know what you're talking about." Tao turns away from Yifan and the photographer laughs uncontrollably next to him, "Why are you so adorable?!"
"Leave me alone. Good god."
Yifan lies on the sand and watches the stars above him, "What makes you think you won't be reason enough for me to stay?"
Tao doesn't respond and Yifan continues, "You'll be the only reason for me to stay. I would never leave if you won't."
Tao turns to Yifan and asks, "What do you mean?"
Yifan turns his head slightly with a smirk, "I love you, too. Stupid idiot."
Tao covers his face and cries openly. Yifan sits up and hugs Tao tight, "What's going on?! Hush, sunshine! You'd think I murdered your cat or something!"
"I hate you! I hate you!!!" Tao screams and hits Yifan's chest even between the confined space.
Yifan just hugs Tao tighter until the younger calms. Tao wraps his arms around Yifan and buries himself further into the older's chest. The older sighs and smiles, "Did you fall asleep, sunshine?"
Yifan pushes Tao so that the younger is looking at him, the shorter male leans up and kisses Yifan full on the lips. The older pulls him closer by the neck while Tao threads his fingers on Yifan's hair. Yifan pushes Tao backwards without breaking the kiss until the younger is lying on the sand while Yifan is hovering on top of him, the older cuts the kiss and smirks at Tao, "So are we getting this deal done here or..."
"Take me somewhere. Now."
Yifan jumps off of Tao and drags him across the beach and back to the hotel. They chance upon Jongdae about to enter the room and Yifan pushes him rather harshly away, "Sleep somewhere else!"
"Fuck off!" Jongdae curses him but smiles at Tao, "Good job." He puts a thumbs up and Tao only giggles at him. "STOP FLIRTING WITH MY BOYFRIEND, JONGDAE, OR I WILL FIRE YOU!" Yifan yells and enters the room with Tao in tow.
"Us. Shower. Now." Yifan commands and Tao laughs, "Sure."
Yifan's eyes widen and looks dumbfoundedly at Tao, "You aren't gonna fight me?"
Tao shakes his head and starts removing his shirt, "I am your boyfriend, right?"
"My god. You really are a fucking hot tease." Yifan kisses Tao and drags him into the bathroom without cutting the kiss all the while undressing the younger while Tao removes the clothes of the other male.
Yifan and Tao goes under the shower and the older male turns on the water immediately, making Tao scream and cut off the kiss, "Fuck! That was cold!"
"I'm sorry, sunshine." Yifan fixes the temperature while Tao peppers kisses on the other's skin. The younger brushes his teeth teasingly against Yifan's nipple and the older lets out a moan.
Tao chuckles against Yifan's skin as the water cascade down their skins, "You're sensitive, Yifan..."
"God, Tao." Yifan groans and pulls Tao up for a kiss. He yanks him carefully and pushes him against the wall as he explores the insides of Tao's mouth. Yifan grinds his erected cock against Tao's and both of them moan as they keep kissing each other breathless under the shower. Yifan moves from Tao's mouth to Tao's neck, sucking on the soft skin just under the younger's ear, "You're mine now, right?"
Tao chuckles and moans a soft 'yes'. The shorter male snakes his hand between them and grabs Yifan's cock and gives it a soft thug. The older male moans and bites on Tao's neck as the immediate pleasure of Tao pumping his cock sensually and oh-so-fucking slowly creeps into his skin. Yifan licks the bruised skin and kisses Tao's ear, licking and biting his earrings, moaning against it and making Tao's legs weak as Yifan calls out his name.
Tao removes his hand from Yifan's cock and quickly turns off the shower, "Love me. On the bed."
"Of course." Yifan smiles at him and drags him outside. The older grabs a hand lotion by the sink while Tao laughs behind him. "You're so funny, Yifan."
Yifan lies Tao on the bed and the older crawls on top of him, "This could be the most fun foreplay I have ever done with someone."
Tao pouts and Yifan kisses his nose, "I love it. I love you."
Tao smiles and wraps his legs around Yifan's waist, "Then show me."
Yifan kisses Tao and uncaps the hand lotion. He lubes his fingers and slowly enters a digit inside Tao's entrance. The younger bites on Yifan's lip as the intrusion still surprises him but he keeps kissing Yifan as the older adds another finger and pushing in and out of him.
"Tell me if it hurts..."
"I'm not a virgin. You should know that." Tao chuckles and leans up to kiss Yifan's neck and sucks on the skin, "You're mine, too..."
Yifan inserts another digit and Tao moans against Yifan's ear, "Yifan... Yifan..."
Yifan pulls Tao up by the jaw with his free hand and kisses him on the lips. The younger takes a sharp intake of air when Yifan removes his fingers inside of him. Yifan sits up without cutting the kiss and drags Tao up along with him. The older lifts his boyfriend and sits him on his lap, Tao bites Yifan's lip when the other's cock presses against his ass.
Tao chuckles against the kiss as he lifts himself up further so that Yifan can enter him fully from behind. The younger cuts the kiss and bites his lower lip as he slowly takes Yifan's cock inside him. "Tao, damn it. I'm gonna cum just watching you..."
"Don't you want to?"
"Not without you." Yifan attacks Tao's lips as one of his hands play with Tao's nipple while the other holds the younger steady as he slowly rocks his hips and pushes his cock inside the younger male.
"Oh, god... Yifan...!" Tao moans as Yifan thrusts harder and deeper inside him. The older male pulls him closer, letting Tao's neglected cock rub between their stomachs."Tao... fuck. You have no idea... fuck..."
Tao chuckles and kisses Yifan's lips before attaching his mouth to his ear, "But I think... I have..."
Yifan thrusts harder and Tao yelps, "You're a tease, sunshine..."
"Harder, Yifan..."
Yifan pulls his cock out and lays Tao on the bed. He places Tao's legs over his shoulders and thrusts back inside his boyfriend. Tao lets out ellicit moans, louder and louder, calling out Yifan's name everytime the older male hits his prostate perfectly.
"Y... Yifan... cumming... I... I'm gonna..." Tao breathes out, and Yifan kisses him, cutting him off mid-sentence. The photographer takes Tao's cock and pumps him in time of his speeding thrusts insids Tao's ass.
"Cum... Zitao..." Yifan tells him against his lips and Tao pulls Yifan closer, he arches his back and calls out Yifan's name when he cums in Yifan's hand and between their stomachs. Tao pulls Yifan into a kiss while the latter thrusts harder inside him, within seconds, Yifan presses his lips harder against his lover's as he reaches his own bliss.
They pull apart from the kiss and hugs each other tight, burying their faces on each other's necks. They stay silent for a few seconds before Yifan pushes himself up to stare at Tao.
"Hi." Yifan greets him with a smile and Tao smiles back, "Hi to you, too."
Yifan closes his eyes and nuzzles his nose against Tao's and whispers, "Hi... I love you."
Tao leans up and kisses Yifan's eyelids, then his nose and then his lips, "Hi. I love you, too."
Yifan smiles against the kiss before he pushes himself up completely and gently pulls out his limp cock out of Tao's. The younger sits up and just looks at Yifan, "Bath?"
Yifan nods and pulls Tao back inside the bathroom. The older fills the tub with water while the other sits on the toilet to wait. As the water runs, Yifan sits in front of Tao and just kisses him, taking Tao by a split-second surprise before he is responding lovingly to the kiss.
"I don't think I'll ever get tired kissing you, sunshine."
"You shouldn't. I love kissing you, too."
Yifan kisses Tao's cheek in response before the both of them goes inside the tub. They sit face to face and cleans each other off silently but lovingly at the same time. Yifan takes Tao's palm and places it over his cheek, "I feel really happy tonight."
Tao caresses Yifan's cheek with his thumb and responds, "I feel the same way..."
"Are you tired?" Yifan asks and Tao nods, "Quite."
"Let's go."
They both stand and dries themselves with the towels. They each take a robe from the cabinet and makes their way back outside. Tao is about to lie on the bed they recently soiled when Yifan drags him to the other bed, "This is my bed."
"You mean...? W-we...?!" Yifan nods as he lays on his bed and Tao hits him with the spare pillow, "I can't believe we used Jongdae's bed!!!"
"You didn't even notice." Yifan laughs and pulls Tao on the bed with him - all slight awkwardness of the post-coital reality between them finally disappearing into thin air.
Tao cuddles with Yifan and lays his head on the other's chest, "You went after me... I was sure you're reconciling with Kyungsoo and the both of you will laugh at me..."
Yifan runs his fingers through Tao's damp hair, he sighs and speaks, "I did reconsider especially when we were in Shanghai. But the moment I saw him again and you in the same place? I just knew I want more of you..." Yifan stops moving his fingers and lifts Tao's head gently to kiss him lovingly on the lips, "I told you I don't want to be an asshole anymore. I'm not talking about Kai or anybody else. I don't want to hurt you, most especially."
"Why didn't you tell me immediately...?"
"I wanted to talk to Kyungsoo first so the both of us can have closure."
"You knew he wanted to get back together with you..."
"I do. But it doesn't mean I have to go along with him. I've been a bad boyfriend to him, he cheated on me, it's the best example of a destructive relationship already. I'd rather be with someone I can start anew."
Tao smiles and kisses Yifan's chest, "Will you do 'favors' in the future?"
Yifan laughs and hugs Tao tight, "Idiot. You're the best and last favor." The photographer sighs and kisses the top of Tao's head, "Hopefully you're my last lover, too."
"I can be." Tao leans up and kisses Yifan's cheek, "I will be, if you will be mine."
"Then it's settled." Yifan turns his body sideways and faces Tao, "Let's go to sleep, I can't believe you have this kind of stamina even after making love."
Tao chuckles and kisses Yifan's nose, "Eden and I used to have sex marathon once a month."
Yifan immediately covers Tao's mouth with his hand, "You are not allowed to talk about Eden, okay? Or Henry. Or just about any other guy you had a relationship with or a huge crush in the past."
Tao nods and kisses Yifan's palm before the older removes his hand from Tao's mouth, "No more of them, promise." Tao smiles and pushes himself on Yifan, he wraps an arm over the older and kisses his neck, "I love you. Good night, Yifan."
-----
It's been a month after they started having their relationship and Yixing is currently pestering Tao at the moment, "Did you move in with him, yet?"
"No. I don't see why we should move in together immediately. We've only started dating for a month."
"I don't see the point of not moving together. You have one wall dividing your apartments."
"You're more persistent than my boyfriend. Yes, he keeps insisting that we move in together but we're both attached to each our places and we can't decide who's moving to whose apartment."
Yixing sighs and checks the clock, "Hey. It's 6. Is Yifan picking you up?"
Tao shakes his head and starts gathering his stuff, "He texted me earlier that he's doing something in his place. Renovation or something."
"Alright. See you, tomorrow!"
Tao waves him goodbye and makes his way home. He drops by the grocery to buy their dinner before continuing back to the apartment. He notices bags and bags of trash outside Yifan's apartment but he ignores it and continues to his own place. He'll call Yifan out later once he's changed his clothes or something.
He opens his apartment and he is surprised to see large specks of dust outside his bedroom door. He takes a deep breath and sets the groceries down before making his way to his bedroom.
"WU YIFAN!!!"
"Hi."
There, on the other side of what used to be Tao's bedroom wall, Yifan stands proudly of his handiwork, with a huge hammer still in his hand. Tao sees the mess this leaves his room, his bed is covered in dirt and the entire wall dividing his bedroom and Yifan's is gone, "What did you do?!"
"You won't move in here with me and I don't wanna move in there with you. This is the only solution I could think of."
"You destroyed my wall!"
"It's my wall, too!"
Tao sighs and then laughs. He walks around the mess and makes his way across the room to reach Yifan, "What will the landlord say?"
Yifan shrugs and puts the hammer down on his bed, "Nothing. I bought both our apartments. He just needs you to go to the office to sign the contracts. Both places are under our names."
Tao blows through his nose and turns to look at the busted wall, "Couldn't you have asked for a professional to do this, though?"
Yifan hugs Tao and chuckles on the crook of the younger's neck, "I'll have someone come over tomorrow."
Tao turns his head and kisses Yifan on the lips, "Clean this mess and clean my room. Dinner in 30 minutes."
"Yes, sunshine."
Tao smiles and kisses Yifan again before removing himself from the hug and crosses the broken down wall to cook dinner on his side of the apartment.
Tao turns to look at Yifan briefly as the photographer starts vacuuming the dust and dirt. Yifan sends him a playful wink and Tao sticks his tongue out at him. Tao shakes his head and giggles his way out of his bedroom.
He couldn't have asked for a better neighbor than Wu Yifan.
------------------------
Author's Notes: One down, a hundred thousand fics to go. Ahaha! Kidding! An early Christmas gift for everyone! I hope you enjoyed this fic because I did! Thanks to the readers!
Chapters: 05/05
Author: paranoiascreams
Genre: smut, angst
Warning: unbeta'd
Rating: PG-13
Pairings/Characters: Kris x Tao
Synopsis: Tao is a dedicated employee of an advertising company living a routinary life until his sexy new neighbor moves next door and turns his life upside down.
Disclaimer: Own no one but the story. I would like Yifan to own me.
[01] [02] [03] [04]
There is no Yifan to barge into Tao and Luhan's room the next day and no Yifan in sight in the dining hall.
"Where is he?" Tao asks Jongdae who's sitting alone in a table. The younger sits across the other and the assistant sighs, "He's kind of out of it. But I know Yifan, he can do his job perfectly even if the model he is working with murdered his dog or something."
"Isn't he eating?"
"He already ate. He ordered room service and he said he'd step out of the room when the actual shoot starts already."
Tao thinks it's unusual for Yifan to behave like this because the person Tao has gotten to know is outgoing, loud, obnoxious, not the sullen and I'll-stay-in-my-room-until-I-need-to-go-out kind of guy that he's being right now. Tao sighs and starts eating his breakfast in silence with Jongdae. It must have been less than a minute of silently eating with Jongdae when Kyungsoo and Kai walks inside the dining hall hand in hand, Tao leans in closer to Jongdae and asks, "That really is Yifan's ex, right?"
"Yes. Why?"
"He's so tiny. And I don't know... I think he's too good for Yifan." Tao chuckles and Jongdae grins, "Your complete opposite?"
"Yeah... N-no!!! What are you saying?!"
Jongdae laughs and Tao pouts, "Yifan... he doesn't have an exact type of person. He was dating a socialite... a female socialite before Kyungsoo, he dated an actress briefly, too. Kyungsoo's the longest relationship he's had. I guess he was ready to settle with him."
Tao nods, "And then they broke up. So much for settling so now he's playing around..."
"I wouldn't put it that way. I mean, he isn't seeing anybody special. Aside from you."
"W... We're just friends. He's free to date."
Jongdae grins at Tao again, "Free to get back with Kyungsoo, right?"
"R... right." Tao stammers and stands, "Excuse me, I need to get ready for the shoot."
"Bye!"
Tao grunts and walks his way back to his room. He ignores Luhan who's just about to grab his breakfast and continues on. He stops on his tracks when he finds Yifan smoking at the smoking area by the end of the hallway, he takes a deep breath and tries his hardest to muster the best smile he can, "Not up for breakfast?"
"Guess not." Yifan blows out a cloud of smoke, "At least, not in the dining hall."
"I... I'm gonna go for a shower. Shoot starts in a bit."
"Hey, sunshine."
"Hmn?"
"We're friends, right?"
"Yes. We could say that we are."
"I need a hug."
Tao sighs and walks over to Yifan, "Oh. Okay." The younger opens his arms and Yifan hugs him tight. Tao feels Yifan burying his face on the crook of his neck and Tao instinctively runs his hand soothingly on the photographer's back. "Y... You really loved him, huh?"
"I guess so..."
Tao feels his heart break because there is no competition here. Yifan is still hung up with his previous relationship and Tao will always be the one night stand, the friend, the neighbor. He thinks it's unfair, it's unfair that he was the first to fall when he clearly told himself he will never like someone like Yifan.
"You smell so good, sunshine."
"Okay, perv. Enough."
Yifan chuckles and releases himself from Tao, "Let's shower together."
"Unless you want me to murder you, not gonna happen."
"Sunshine!!!"
"No!"
"Jongin, stop!"
Tao and Yifan looks at the direction of Kyungsoo's voice and finds the couple giggling at each other. "But babe, nobody's here but us!"
Tao clears his throat and Jongin looks at them, "Except your ex and his current flame, I guess."
Yifan rolls his eyes and smirks at Jongin, "If you don't want me to be an asshole to you until Friday, I'd suggest you keep your mouth shut."
"I can say the same to you, Kris."
"Stop it, both of you." Kyungsoo cuts the two and grabs on Jongin's arm, "Be professional about this, Yifan." The shorter Korean glares at Yifan and drags Jongin back into their bedroom. Yifan sighs, "That midget. Still got me wrapped around his little finger."
Tao smiles bitterly and pats Yifan's arm, "See you in an hour?"
Yifan turns to Tao and musters his best puppy eyes, "What about our shower?"
"You can use your own."
"I hate you."
"Stop sulking, you baby." Tao smiles and walks inside his room. He leans against the door and breathes heavily, he wonders how he is able to survive that conversation when he is currently having an ordeal with his feelings.
An hour and a half later, the team is setting up by the shore, Yifan surveying the area while Sunny and Kai are being made up. Tao is currently checking his mails when Kyungsoo interrupts him, "Are you dating Yifan?"
"Excuse me?"
Kyungsoo smiles at him innocently, "I asked if you're dating Yifan."
"We're just friends."
"That's a surprise. Yifan rarely makes any friends without screwing up."
"That's a little harsh, don't you think?"
"Sweetie, I've known Yifan for years. We lived together and he never really made friends because he can be a total asshole."
"Yet you stayed with him."
"He's great in bed."
Tao stares at Kyungsoo dumbfoundedly for a second before speaking again, "Three years and that was your reason for staying?"
"You could say so."
"He loves you."
Kyungsoo chuckles and smiles meaningfully at Tao, "I know."
"For someone who looks really innocent, you sure are mean."
"And you're obviously in love with him. It seeps out of your skin, even I can smell it. I'm sure Yifan knows, too."
Tao clears his throat and firmly tells Kyungsoo that he is not in love with Yifan and Kyungsoo laughs, "But everyone falls for Yifan, one way or another. Tell me, did you sleep with him yet?"
"Are you really this rude?"
Kyungsoo shrugs his shoulders and looks at Yifan who's fixing his camera by the shore, "Tell me you haven't dreamt of sleeping with him."
"I don't. Please, Kyungsoo, if you have nothing nice to say, don't bother me."
"You know... I kind of miss Yifan. I mean, we broke up barely 3 months and I think we can still get back together, you think?"
"You're dating Kai. What is wrong with you? Are you afraid you're gonna run out of dicks or something?"
Kyungsoo laughs hysterically and pats Tao's arm, "You're so cute. I just get what I want and Jongin, well, I'm sure he'll understand, like he always does."
"Sunshine!!!"
Tao and Kyungsoo looks at Yifan who's waving his arm in the air, Kyungsoo glares at Tao, "Sunshine?"
"Yeah. I'm his sunshine." Tao walks away but cringes at the thought that he actually admitted that to Kyungsoo though it feels a little liberating to have something to one-up the shorter Korean. "Hey." He greets Yifan with a smile and the photographer casually puts an arm around him, "You okay?"
Tao looks up at Yifan and asks, "Why won't I be?"
"I can see you frowning from miles away." Yifan smiles at Tao and pinches his cheeks lightly, "Did Kyungsoo say something?"
"He didn't. We were just having a bit of misunderstanding with Kai's schedule."
"He can be such a firecracker, that one." Yifan sighs and retracts his arm from Tao's shoulder, "He'd talk to models or other photographers and messes with their heads when he's getting jealous. It was quite endearing, somewhat."
"Eden would have punched the daylights out of you if he and I were still dating. He hates it when other people touch me."
"Aren't I glad he isn't here?"
Tao laughs and Yifan does, too. The younger thinks it really feels natural being with Yifan even if there's a bit of tension happening around them - even if there is a possibility that he may lose him to Kyungsoo.
The both of them are interrupted when Kibum, their photoshoot director, tells them that the models are ready.
Tao observes Yifan and true to Jongdae's words, despite the tension between Yifan and Kai, the photographer is very professional about it. Tao only watches the shoot for about two hours before leaving everything to Luhan and retreating back to his room. He's still got other pending clients and he decides on working with them quietly away from the hustle and bustle of the ad campaign.
He doesn't notice the time until Luhan walks inside their shared room, "Have you eaten?"
"Lunch?"
"Lunch? It's 9 in the evening."
"Is it?" Tao checks his watch and just awes. Luhan unbuttons his shirt and messes his hair, "You've been cooped up in here since 10 in the morning. You haven't eaten?"
"I guess not."
"There's room service, Huang Zitao."
"Slipped my mind. I was talking back and forth with our new client."
"Well, the day is done and you should probably eat."
"Yeah. Okay, I'm stepping out."
Tao bids Luhan goodbye and leaves the room. Yifan is about to get inside his when he sees Tao, "Haven't seen you all day, where to?"
"Very, very late lunch and a little late dinner."
"You haven't eaten all day?"
"I had breakfast."
"That was when? 8 AM?" Yifan extends a hand, "Take my hand and we'll go to the restaurant."
"You don't have to come with me. You're tired and I can manage." Tao tells Yifan but he stumbles and the photographer catches him, "Yeah, you're okay. Come on." Yifan pulls Tao up and drags him inside his room. From afar, Kyungsoo watches them.
"Hey Jongdae, can you order room service for Tao? I think he's fainted from hunger."
"I'm conscious..." Tao mumbles as Jongdae orders food and Yifan tucks him on his bed, "Don't kill yourself. You overwork, sunshine."
"Yifan, I think there's something wrong with the connection. I'm gonna head out and buy something for him." Jongdae tells Yifan and immediately leaves the room. Yifan lies next to Tao and asks, "What were you thinking? You're probably in front of your laptop the whole time and didn't eat."
"Exactly..."
"You idiot."
"I'm your idiot."
"You are."
"Hmn..." Tao curls into the blanket and Yifan finds him asleep - exhaustion and hunger catching up to the younger Chinese. Yifan turns Tao carefully so that the younger can lie on his chest and the photographer wraps his arms around him.
"God, Tao... you taught me how to have self-control... I would have ravished you already..."
Yifan's phone rings and he carefully removes his arm from Tao and reaches for his device, "This is a surprise. You never called." Yifan sits up and leans against the headboard while Tao silently sleeps next to him.
'Is it a bad time? Jongin's asleep and I think we deserve to talk.'
"Two months and a half and you want to talk?"
'I missed you.'
"Let's talk tomorrow night. I don't wanna mess things up if things get ugly."
'Can't it be tonight?'
Yifan looks at Tao and sighs, "Can't. I'm looking after somebody."
'This shouldn't surprise me. You've always had other priorities before me.'
"Things are getting ugly already. Goodbye, Kyungsoo. Tomorrow night, we'll talk."
Kyungsoo grunts and ends the conversation.
"Hey, Yifan. Got some soup and pasta for your big ball of star."
"Shhhh... I'll make him eat when he wakes up."
"I think I'm gonna sleep in their room. I'm not sure what you're gonna do alone."
Yifan chuckles and shoos Jongdae away. His assistant leaves the room and Yifan tucks Tao closer to him again.
Tao wakes up to his grumbling stomach a few hours later caged between Yifan's arm and chest. He moves slightly and it jolts Yifan awake, "Hungry, sunshine?"
"Very much."
"Don't move. I'll microwave your food."
Yifan stands and Tao watches the other's bare back. He turns away after he realizes his eyes have lingered longer than they should. "You sure are a light sleeper..."
"I'm just perfectly aware of your presence."
"You make it sound like I'm a murderer or something."
"Yeah. You're something."
Tao scoffs and checks his watch, "It's 3 in the morning. We have to be at the shoot by 7. What can we do in the next 4 hours?"
"I'm naked already."
Tao laughs and flips him the middle finger, "Stop doing that."
"I'm kidding, sunshine." Yifan is smiling as he brings the tray of food to the bed. The younger starts with the soup and the other watches him eat, "Eat with me."
"I'd gladly eat you up."
Tao grunts and glares at Yifan, "There's hot soup between me and your bare chest. Be reminded of that."
"You're so kinky!"
"WU YIFAN!"
Yifan laughs and ruffles Tao's hair, "You are so adorable." The older opens his mouth and Tao feeds him the soup, "Never ever skip meals, okay?"
Tao nods and they share Tao's food in silence. They're lying on the bed together trying to keep awake until 7 when Tao asks, "Tell me about Kyungsoo. And your relationship."
"Why so curious?"
"We're friends. And I told you a bit about Eden."
Yifan sighs and changes the channel, "He... he's domesticated and possessive. I'm carefree and wild. It was a challenge for me to be tamed but Kyungsoo, he's able to do that."
"You were loyal to him?"
Yifan laughs and shakes his head, "Not quite. I slept with other people but only for favors. Like... like we did."
"Yeah. Of course, I was a favor."
"You were one hot favor."
Tao laughs and hits Yifan's arm, "Tell me more!"
"Hey, do me a favor!"
Tao raises an eyebrow, "At this time? What is it?"
Yifan laughs hysterically, "Do me a favor! Get it?"
"You're such a douche. I'm gonna go back to bed. I can always skip the shoot anyways." Tao covers himself with the blanket and ignores Yifan's giggles from next to him.
There's a few seconds of silence and Tao is almost falling back to sleep when Yifan speaks, "When Kyungsoo left, I just realized that I really do love him. That there were so much regrets and I realized that in those three years we were together, we were barely seeing each other. I was always out of the country, out of the city. Kyungsoo can be very jealous and bit of a spitfire. I liked that about him. I love it when he's jealous. I'm narcissistic that way. When he's jealous, I feel loved."
Tao bites his lower lip hoping to all the gods that should he end up crying, he wont be heard. He tries to equal his breathing and speaks, "If there is a chance, would you get back together with him?"
"I don't know. He seems happy with Jongin."
"Forget... forget about Jongin. Would you?"
"I can be an asshole and steal him back if he's interested and hurt more people." Yifan sighs, "I don't want to be an asshole anymore."
Tao sniffs and he carefully wipes his tear away so Yifan wont notice he's crying. "I... I think he's interested. I told you, Jongin could be a rebound."
"How would you know?"
"I just know."
Yifan turns quiet and watches the blanket - covered figure of Tao. He isn't that stupid to ignore the fact that the younger is shaking, he wipes his face with his hand and just stays silent, when there's no further movement from Tao, he speaks again, "I need to think, Zitao. That's all I can do."
-----
Tao wakes up inches away from Yifan's face. He takes a deep breath and pokes him in the chest, "Wake up, Yifan. Time to work."
Yifan opens his eyes and stares at Tao before whispering, "Are my eyes are puffy as yours...?"
Tao's eyes widen and he immediately jumps off the bed, "I'll see you outside in a bit!" Yifan sighs as he watches Tao run out of the door.
Tao has just closed the door behind him when Kyungsoo steps out of his own room. Kyungsoo glares at him before walking off to the direction of the dining hall. Tao ignores him and he finds Luhan blow drying his hair and Jongdae not around, "How late are we?"
"It's 6:30. You have half an hour. Jongdae wanted to wake the both of you but he said you two looked adorable sleeping together he couldn't find it in his heart to disturb you."
Tao rolls his eyes and just heads straight to the shower. He emerges less than 20 minutes later and finds Luhan waiting for him, "Yifan dropped by and told me you are not allowed to do any desk jobs today."
"Oh please."
Luhan sighs and Tao asks him what the sigh is for. His assistant smiles at him, "You have puffy eyes. More puffier than usual, did you cry last night?"
"No. I just slept late. Come on! If we finish everything today, we'll have another free day tomorrow!"
"We can fly to Seoul?"
"Yeah so you can be lovey dovey with your Sehun."
"Yes!'
Tao and Luhan runs to the dining area and scoffs down their breakfast the fastest that they can. By 7:20 they're already running to the location and Yifan is laughing at their current state.
"You're so mean, Yifan!"
"But at least you aren't skipping food. Stay within the area or I will attack you."
"Hey, Yifan."
Luhan, Yifan and Tao turns to Kyungsoo and the shorter continues, "Tonight, okay?"
"Yeah."
Kyungsoo smiles and squeezes Yifan's arm flirtatiously before walking away.
"Your ex is not a subtle flirt, isn't he?" Luhan asks and Tao chuckles, "Yifan likes it like that. Some weird kink, maybe."
"It's not a weird kink!" Yifan grunts and walks away.
"Hey, Tao..."
"Hmn?"
"I saw you and Kyungsoo, well, I heard both of you yesterday... You think Kyungsoo's playing with Yifan's feelings?"
"No idea. I think he wants to get back together with Yifan..."
"Are you gonna give him up?"
"There isn't anything to fight for, Luhan..."
"You already gave him your pride and your heart got dragged along with it... Don't give him up without a fight, not to somebody who's playing with him and even his current boyfriend."
Tao sighs as he watches Yifan talking to the models and Kyungsoo watching Kai and Yifan together. The young Chinese bites his lower lip and looks at Luhan, "I'm his friend, and whatever decision he makes, I will still be his friend..."
"But for how long? After this project, you wont have to tolerate him, you wont have to deal with him. Tao, when this week is over, you no longer have to pretend you aren't in love with him because there aren't millions of money involved anymore..."
"I can still be his friend, I assure you that."
"Can Yifan assure you that he will be yours?"
"What do you mean?"
"If he gets back with Kyungsoo, he might go back to Guangzhou or leave China altogether and fly to Seoul with him. He has no reason to stay in Shanghai because he's only there to forget Kyungsoo." Luhan puts his hands on both Tao's shoulders and shakes him, "Be the reason for him to stay, Huang Zitao. You might lose him if you don't!"
"I can't do that, Luhan! I can't make him choose!"
"If Eden never gave you the choice nor a fight, this time you have it. He likes you, I am sure he likes you."
Tao looks longingly at Yifan who's started taking pictures while Kyungsoo watches a few feet away from the photographer, "I have learned to suffer, Luhan. If I was loud and uncontrollable with Eden, this time I will suffer in silence."
"You're one stubborn kid." Luhan sighs and hugs Tao, "I just wanted you to fight just so you'll know if sleeping with him is worth it or not. Give yourself a little credit, Tao. He would never have taken care of you so many times if he doesn't feel attracted to you. He fucked you already, what more can he get from taking care of you? Think about that."
Luhan gives Tao another shake before stalking off. Tao just stares at his assistant walking away.
-----
It's late in the afternoon and Tao is sitting under a coconut tree watching the shoot while Luhan is back in their room attending to the desk jobs Yifan has prevented him from doing. He's almost dozing off when he feels someone sit next to him.
"You're Tao, right?"
"And you're Kai. Anything you need?"
Jongin is silent for a moment as he watches Kyungsoo talking to Yifan after a short break, "I never really could have Kyungsoo's whole heart. We've been seeing each other for almost a year but sometimes he'll still talk about Yifan and now I'm sure he's trying to win him back after leaving him."
"Wait. Almost a year? Didn't you two start dating like a month ago?"
"Is that what Yifan still knows? Kyungsoo and I started seeing each other behind his back a few weeks after he first took my pictures. I was interested in Kyungsoo and we started as friends. Yifan can be a prick and would leave Kyungsoo in their Guangzhou apartment for weeks so I'll fly there to keep him company until eventually I got called by a Chinese modelling agency and got signed there too. When Yifan is my photographer, Kyungsoo and I would fuck behind him when he's busy. It was casual and it was a release for Kyungsoo until almost 3 months ago. I was moving back to Seoul and I asked him to be with me, come home to his country and be closer back to his family. He'll be my manager and he won't have to keep up with Yifan."
"He left Yifan for you?! He was cheating on Yifan?!"
"Yes."
Tao looks at Yifan from a distance who finally sees him with Jongin. He turns away from the photographer and back to the model, "Why did you tell me this?"
"I don't wanna lose Kyungsoo. It's only a front when I'm being rude with Yifan but I'm still scared that Kyungsoo will return to him. Help me with this, Tao."
"How can you stay with a person like him? He's awful..."
"People in love are stupid."
Tao doesn't respond as he's been stupid once, too. He remembers calling Eden's phone every hour of every day. He remembers not eating for days or even washing. He was a literal mess up to the point that he flew to Puerto Rico - nevermind his fear of flying, only to find Eden living with a woman and he denied even knowing him. He remembers stalking his ex in Puerto Rico for a week before Joonmyun is called by Eden so he can get him to stop or else he's gonna be deported from a beautiful country.
"I don't know how I can help." Tao tells Kai immediately since Yifan is only a few feet away and is marching fast towards them both.
"You know, Tao. You just found out how."
"Hey, sunshine. I asked for a short break. Let's grab something to eat?"
"Aww, afraid he might fall for my charms, Kris?"
Tao glares at Kai and Yifan just raises an eyebrow at the model before whisking the younger Chinese away, "What were you two talking about?"
Tao shakes his head and shrugs, "Some... things. Hey, after the shoot is done, can we talk tonight?"
"Hmn. I'll knock on your door when we can? Kyungsoo and I are gonna have the long-awaited conversation tonight."
"Oh."
Yifan pinches Tao's nose and chuckles, "You sound rather disappointed. What's wrong? You said it's high time for us to talk."
Tao swats Yifan's away and sighs, "Yeah. I guess. So, I think I want something sweet."
"Ok." Yifan drags Tao away to the café and the younger immediately orders ice cream cake. Yifan raises an eyebrow as the other devours the dessert like a hungry monster. Yifan clears his throat and Tao looks up, "Something wrong, sunshine?"
Tao shrugs, "I eat sweets to get distracted. Nevermind me."
Yifan sips his iced coffee and leans against the chair comfortably, "Looks like the shoot will be done before 7. Jia said Kai and Sunny only needs to change into 2 more sets of clothes."
"Wow. So we, well, you can go back to China earlier?"
"Aren't you coming with us?"
"We'll move our flight to another day. Luhan wants to fly to Incheon and meet with his boyfriend."
"You'll be the third wheel?"
Tao laughs and nods his head, "They won't be together if not for me. They won't mind."
"You hate flying."
Tao's smile fades and he just digs into his ice cream cake, "I can pretend we're on a road or something. I'll just close my eyes and try to block it all off."
"I'll have my flight moved."
"Stop. No." Tao sets his spoon down rather forcefully and stares at Yifan, "Kyungsoo and you will talk tonight. You might... you might reconcile and having you with me in Seoul just in case you get back together is bad."
"Or we can just have closure."
"There's a might. There's an if. You said you don't want to be an asshole... and you know..."
"Zitao."
Tao is taken aback because Yifan rarely calls him by his full name, "What is it?"
"If... if you have something to tell me, something to confess, please tell me now."
Tao thinks for a moment if he should confess, if he should follow Luhan's words, if he should tell Yifan what Jongin had told him. He balls his fists because confessing now is eating his pride and risking everything. He can be rejected - for all he knows, Yifan's been playing with him all along.
"Tao?"
"Hey! Yifan!"
Tao and Yifan turns to Jongdae running towards them, "You fucking asked for a cigarette break not a coffee break. I'm so sorry, Tao. He does this all the time. Thank god we're not in the city or he might have driven back home."
"Thank you, Jongdae." Tao stands and immediately walks ahead of Yifan. Jongdae watches Tao walk away and he smacks the taller's head, "Did you upset him again?"
"I don't know." Yifan sighs and starts walking, "He says Kyungsoo's thinking of getting back together with me and my ex even called me last night... I'm affecting Tao somehow. I'm pretty sure he cried next to me."
"I told you. You have no idea how to be someone's friend."
"I did my best to be his friend."
"You're too sweet, too caring, and too available. You charmed your way into his life and you even question why he might have cried last night?"
"I'm already asking him if he has something to confess to me. Jongdae, I want to know his real feelings for me so I could sort things out."
Jongdae shakes his head and laughs bitterly at Yifan, "I do not spend 24/7 with Tao and yet I know he would not confess whatever he feels for you like that, in a beach café during your cigarette break. Luhan and I talked about Tao and Eden last night and from a breakup like that, Tao can be too guarded."
Yifan takes a deep breath and just shrugs his shoulders. He looks at Tao talking on the phone from a distance, turning his back on Yifan and the rest of the shoot. Kyungsoo tugs on Yifan's arm and Jongdae sighs before moving to talk to Amber and Jia.
"Looks like there's dinner after the shoot. We can talk after, right?" Kyungsoo asks and Yifan half-heartedly nods. "Hey, Kyungsoo."
"Yes?"
"Try not to openly flirt with me. If it's not occuring to you yet, your current boyfriend is here."
"And you were my boyfriend, too."
"Right. And also, you left, remember? Just let me do my job with Jongin and we'll have that talk." Yifan walks to the set and he is almost knocked over by Luhan running past him and immediately hugging Tao when he reaches the younger.
-----
"Are you okay?" Luhan asks and Tao just nods against his neck, "I just needed something comforting."
"Come on. Fuck what Yifan wanted. Let's go back to our room." Luhan drags Tao away from the shoot and walks towards their hotel room.
Tao lies on the bed and Luhan lets him sleep for a bit. The younger tells Luhan to wake him up for dinner. It's important that he wakes up in time for dinner. His assistant assures him that he will be indeed awaken but for now he must concentrate on falling asleep.
"Forget everyrthing for now."
Tao sleeps a dreamless sleep. He doesn't even remember when he closed them and completely blocked off the world around him. When he's shaken by Luhan to rouse, it's already 7 in the evening, "I just got back from the shoot. It's time for dinner."
Tao is still groggy but sits up nonetheless, "The shoot? What do you mean?"
"I went to the location after you fell asleep and told everyone you aren't feeling well and I came in your stead. Anyway, you said you can't miss dinner, so let's go?"
"Let me wash up."
Luhan waits for Tao to finish and the both of them quietly makes their way to the dining hall. Jia is having a speech when the two of them walks in and she stops when she notices them entering the room. "Ah, here's my hardworking little ball of miracle!" Jia starts and pulls Tao in the middle of the room with her, "You see, this campaign would have gone very wrong if not for the hardwork of this young man. As I was saying earlier, Mr. Wu, Alexandria is very grateful that we got you on-board and we should be very thankful to this young man."
Tao smiles awkwardly. His half-awake state is making him unfocused and it even baffles him when Jia suddenly passes him the mic, "I... I'm not really good with speeches."
"Oh, don't be shy!" Jia prods on and Tao shakes his head and takes a deep breath, "So, uh, to Alexandria, thanks for trusting Re:Birth with your Summer campaign. To Yi... Kris, thank you for working with us. You can finally settle in and rest until everything is okay." Tao smiles at Jia and returns the mic to her before he joins Luhan in the table next to Yifan and Jongdae's.
"I am not really sure if you want to sit with Yifan so..." Luhan whispers and Tao cuts him off midsentence, "This is quite okay."
The dinner and semi after party goes rather uneventfully for Tao and he watches as Kyungsoo drags Yifan away from the dining hall while Kai is being distracted by Jia and Amber along with the other model, Sunny. Tao picks on his dessert and it takes him by surprise when Jongdae sits next to him, "Tao, please, stop torturing yourself. As much as I adored Kyungsoo for being able to handle Yifan before, I am sure you can handle him better."
"What?"
"I'm sure Yifan never told you. Kyungsoo worked with Yifan before as production assistant. Kyungsoo can be charming and Yifan found it endearing until eventually, for some reason, Kyungsoo becomes his muse."
"His muse?"
"His inspiration. The infatuation grew when Kyungsoo started showing affection, too." Jongdae sighs and laughs a little, "That's the thing about Yifan, he's socially incapable sometimes. Makes him a bit of an altruist, too. If he likes you, he likes you and if you tell him you like him back, he'll welcome you with open arms."
"I don't really understand."
"That guy can be complicated. His social skills are drastic. He's either a total asshole or a total cassanova. Kyungsoo confessed first because Yifan can be too prideful when it comes to his emotions. I've been by his side for so long and this is the first time he's really tried hard try to keep a bit of middle ground with his personality. Only to you, Tao."
"Not even Kyungsoo?"
"Kyungsoo was sweet, kind, domesticated. For the first two years they've been together, he's been very devoted to Yifan even if he's barely around. And yeah, we loved them together but even if they were together for 3 years, Yifan lacked commitment."
"He's still hung up on the relationship, though."
"STOP BEING STUBBORN AND GO AFTER HIM ALREADY! AND YOU! GET TO THE FUCKING POINT!" Luhan yells and almost everyone in the room jumps in surprise, "The both of them are talking now and if we have to listen to you like we're reading the friggin' bible, they'll be done talking by now!"
"Fine. All I'm really saying is, just confess to him already. He likes you, and if you have to get in the middle of a possible reconciliation, do it."
"I can't..."
"DO IT!" Jongdae and Luhan yells together and Tao's assistant drags him off his seat and pushes him out of the dining hall. Tao takes a deep breath and heads to the gardens. True enough he finds Yifan and Kyungsoo talking a few feet away.
"... Come on, Yifan. I told you, I missed you and I'm still missing you. I know I left you and I'm wrong. I am now apologizing."
"You have a boyfriend, Kyungsoo."
"Please. We've been dating for a month or so? I can leave him and we can move somewhere else. Away from China, away from South Korea. Let's go to Paris, to the U.S."
"You want me to go with you? Kyungsoo, I never took you for a cheater."
"Just leave with me, Yifan. We'll start anew."
"Don't leave, Yifan..."
Yifan and Kyungsoo turns to Tao who shows himself from where he's hiding behind a palm tree, "I... I may not be reason enough for you to stay in Shanghai because I can be annoying, and I will fight you when you are, but please, don't leave.... don't leave me for someone like him."
Kyungsoo rolls his eyes and loops an arm on Yifan's, "Are you that desperate? You butt in in our private conversation and you beg my Yifan to stay with you? You said so yourself, you aren't even dating."
"We're not. But I love him enough to not cheat on him with Jongin for almost a year now."
"Excuse me?" Kyungsoo yells, and Tao sighs, "There, Yifan. I love you, and I really am an idiot. Your fucking idiot." The younger cries and runs away from the scene. Kyungsoo tugs tighter on Yifan's arm when the taller male starts to release himself from his grip, "Where are you going? We're still talking!"
"We are done, Kyungsoo. Let go."
"Are you gonna believe him? You barely know him! We were getting back together!"
Yifan pulls his arm and stares at Kyungsoo, "We weren't. Knowing you've cheated on me or not, I would not get back together with you. I just realized this today, but I am in love, for a while now and not with you." The photographer pats Kyungsoo's shoulder, "May you be happy with your life choices."
-----
"Found you."
Tao looks up to find Yifan walking to him. The younger wipes his face with his hand and he hears the photographer chuckle, "You're so cute."
"Fuck you. Stop taking pleasure with my misery! Just so you know, there wont be a famous Yifan incident!"
Yifan sits next to Tao by the shore and leans against his elbows, "Is it true? What you said?"
"Yes. Jongin told me that Kyungsoo and him had been fucking behind your back weeks after they first met or something. He also told me that Kyungsoo left you for him, and not because you aren't around a lot."
"Not that. The other thing."
Tao punches Yifan's arm then yells, "Yes. I am a fucking idiot. Go back to Kyungsoo and leave me alone!"
"Not that. The OTHER thing."
"I don't know what you're talking about." Tao turns away from Yifan and the photographer laughs uncontrollably next to him, "Why are you so adorable?!"
"Leave me alone. Good god."
Yifan lies on the sand and watches the stars above him, "What makes you think you won't be reason enough for me to stay?"
Tao doesn't respond and Yifan continues, "You'll be the only reason for me to stay. I would never leave if you won't."
Tao turns to Yifan and asks, "What do you mean?"
Yifan turns his head slightly with a smirk, "I love you, too. Stupid idiot."
Tao covers his face and cries openly. Yifan sits up and hugs Tao tight, "What's going on?! Hush, sunshine! You'd think I murdered your cat or something!"
"I hate you! I hate you!!!" Tao screams and hits Yifan's chest even between the confined space.
Yifan just hugs Tao tighter until the younger calms. Tao wraps his arms around Yifan and buries himself further into the older's chest. The older sighs and smiles, "Did you fall asleep, sunshine?"
Yifan pushes Tao so that the younger is looking at him, the shorter male leans up and kisses Yifan full on the lips. The older pulls him closer by the neck while Tao threads his fingers on Yifan's hair. Yifan pushes Tao backwards without breaking the kiss until the younger is lying on the sand while Yifan is hovering on top of him, the older cuts the kiss and smirks at Tao, "So are we getting this deal done here or..."
"Take me somewhere. Now."
Yifan jumps off of Tao and drags him across the beach and back to the hotel. They chance upon Jongdae about to enter the room and Yifan pushes him rather harshly away, "Sleep somewhere else!"
"Fuck off!" Jongdae curses him but smiles at Tao, "Good job." He puts a thumbs up and Tao only giggles at him. "STOP FLIRTING WITH MY BOYFRIEND, JONGDAE, OR I WILL FIRE YOU!" Yifan yells and enters the room with Tao in tow.
"Us. Shower. Now." Yifan commands and Tao laughs, "Sure."
Yifan's eyes widen and looks dumbfoundedly at Tao, "You aren't gonna fight me?"
Tao shakes his head and starts removing his shirt, "I am your boyfriend, right?"
"My god. You really are a fucking hot tease." Yifan kisses Tao and drags him into the bathroom without cutting the kiss all the while undressing the younger while Tao removes the clothes of the other male.
Yifan and Tao goes under the shower and the older male turns on the water immediately, making Tao scream and cut off the kiss, "Fuck! That was cold!"
"I'm sorry, sunshine." Yifan fixes the temperature while Tao peppers kisses on the other's skin. The younger brushes his teeth teasingly against Yifan's nipple and the older lets out a moan.
Tao chuckles against Yifan's skin as the water cascade down their skins, "You're sensitive, Yifan..."
"God, Tao." Yifan groans and pulls Tao up for a kiss. He yanks him carefully and pushes him against the wall as he explores the insides of Tao's mouth. Yifan grinds his erected cock against Tao's and both of them moan as they keep kissing each other breathless under the shower. Yifan moves from Tao's mouth to Tao's neck, sucking on the soft skin just under the younger's ear, "You're mine now, right?"
Tao chuckles and moans a soft 'yes'. The shorter male snakes his hand between them and grabs Yifan's cock and gives it a soft thug. The older male moans and bites on Tao's neck as the immediate pleasure of Tao pumping his cock sensually and oh-so-fucking slowly creeps into his skin. Yifan licks the bruised skin and kisses Tao's ear, licking and biting his earrings, moaning against it and making Tao's legs weak as Yifan calls out his name.
Tao removes his hand from Yifan's cock and quickly turns off the shower, "Love me. On the bed."
"Of course." Yifan smiles at him and drags him outside. The older grabs a hand lotion by the sink while Tao laughs behind him. "You're so funny, Yifan."
Yifan lies Tao on the bed and the older crawls on top of him, "This could be the most fun foreplay I have ever done with someone."
Tao pouts and Yifan kisses his nose, "I love it. I love you."
Tao smiles and wraps his legs around Yifan's waist, "Then show me."
Yifan kisses Tao and uncaps the hand lotion. He lubes his fingers and slowly enters a digit inside Tao's entrance. The younger bites on Yifan's lip as the intrusion still surprises him but he keeps kissing Yifan as the older adds another finger and pushing in and out of him.
"Tell me if it hurts..."
"I'm not a virgin. You should know that." Tao chuckles and leans up to kiss Yifan's neck and sucks on the skin, "You're mine, too..."
Yifan inserts another digit and Tao moans against Yifan's ear, "Yifan... Yifan..."
Yifan pulls Tao up by the jaw with his free hand and kisses him on the lips. The younger takes a sharp intake of air when Yifan removes his fingers inside of him. Yifan sits up without cutting the kiss and drags Tao up along with him. The older lifts his boyfriend and sits him on his lap, Tao bites Yifan's lip when the other's cock presses against his ass.
Tao chuckles against the kiss as he lifts himself up further so that Yifan can enter him fully from behind. The younger cuts the kiss and bites his lower lip as he slowly takes Yifan's cock inside him. "Tao, damn it. I'm gonna cum just watching you..."
"Don't you want to?"
"Not without you." Yifan attacks Tao's lips as one of his hands play with Tao's nipple while the other holds the younger steady as he slowly rocks his hips and pushes his cock inside the younger male.
"Oh, god... Yifan...!" Tao moans as Yifan thrusts harder and deeper inside him. The older male pulls him closer, letting Tao's neglected cock rub between their stomachs."Tao... fuck. You have no idea... fuck..."
Tao chuckles and kisses Yifan's lips before attaching his mouth to his ear, "But I think... I have..."
Yifan thrusts harder and Tao yelps, "You're a tease, sunshine..."
"Harder, Yifan..."
Yifan pulls his cock out and lays Tao on the bed. He places Tao's legs over his shoulders and thrusts back inside his boyfriend. Tao lets out ellicit moans, louder and louder, calling out Yifan's name everytime the older male hits his prostate perfectly.
"Y... Yifan... cumming... I... I'm gonna..." Tao breathes out, and Yifan kisses him, cutting him off mid-sentence. The photographer takes Tao's cock and pumps him in time of his speeding thrusts insids Tao's ass.
"Cum... Zitao..." Yifan tells him against his lips and Tao pulls Yifan closer, he arches his back and calls out Yifan's name when he cums in Yifan's hand and between their stomachs. Tao pulls Yifan into a kiss while the latter thrusts harder inside him, within seconds, Yifan presses his lips harder against his lover's as he reaches his own bliss.
They pull apart from the kiss and hugs each other tight, burying their faces on each other's necks. They stay silent for a few seconds before Yifan pushes himself up to stare at Tao.
"Hi." Yifan greets him with a smile and Tao smiles back, "Hi to you, too."
Yifan closes his eyes and nuzzles his nose against Tao's and whispers, "Hi... I love you."
Tao leans up and kisses Yifan's eyelids, then his nose and then his lips, "Hi. I love you, too."
Yifan smiles against the kiss before he pushes himself up completely and gently pulls out his limp cock out of Tao's. The younger sits up and just looks at Yifan, "Bath?"
Yifan nods and pulls Tao back inside the bathroom. The older fills the tub with water while the other sits on the toilet to wait. As the water runs, Yifan sits in front of Tao and just kisses him, taking Tao by a split-second surprise before he is responding lovingly to the kiss.
"I don't think I'll ever get tired kissing you, sunshine."
"You shouldn't. I love kissing you, too."
Yifan kisses Tao's cheek in response before the both of them goes inside the tub. They sit face to face and cleans each other off silently but lovingly at the same time. Yifan takes Tao's palm and places it over his cheek, "I feel really happy tonight."
Tao caresses Yifan's cheek with his thumb and responds, "I feel the same way..."
"Are you tired?" Yifan asks and Tao nods, "Quite."
"Let's go."
They both stand and dries themselves with the towels. They each take a robe from the cabinet and makes their way back outside. Tao is about to lie on the bed they recently soiled when Yifan drags him to the other bed, "This is my bed."
"You mean...? W-we...?!" Yifan nods as he lays on his bed and Tao hits him with the spare pillow, "I can't believe we used Jongdae's bed!!!"
"You didn't even notice." Yifan laughs and pulls Tao on the bed with him - all slight awkwardness of the post-coital reality between them finally disappearing into thin air.
Tao cuddles with Yifan and lays his head on the other's chest, "You went after me... I was sure you're reconciling with Kyungsoo and the both of you will laugh at me..."
Yifan runs his fingers through Tao's damp hair, he sighs and speaks, "I did reconsider especially when we were in Shanghai. But the moment I saw him again and you in the same place? I just knew I want more of you..." Yifan stops moving his fingers and lifts Tao's head gently to kiss him lovingly on the lips, "I told you I don't want to be an asshole anymore. I'm not talking about Kai or anybody else. I don't want to hurt you, most especially."
"Why didn't you tell me immediately...?"
"I wanted to talk to Kyungsoo first so the both of us can have closure."
"You knew he wanted to get back together with you..."
"I do. But it doesn't mean I have to go along with him. I've been a bad boyfriend to him, he cheated on me, it's the best example of a destructive relationship already. I'd rather be with someone I can start anew."
Tao smiles and kisses Yifan's chest, "Will you do 'favors' in the future?"
Yifan laughs and hugs Tao tight, "Idiot. You're the best and last favor." The photographer sighs and kisses the top of Tao's head, "Hopefully you're my last lover, too."
"I can be." Tao leans up and kisses Yifan's cheek, "I will be, if you will be mine."
"Then it's settled." Yifan turns his body sideways and faces Tao, "Let's go to sleep, I can't believe you have this kind of stamina even after making love."
Tao chuckles and kisses Yifan's nose, "Eden and I used to have sex marathon once a month."
Yifan immediately covers Tao's mouth with his hand, "You are not allowed to talk about Eden, okay? Or Henry. Or just about any other guy you had a relationship with or a huge crush in the past."
Tao nods and kisses Yifan's palm before the older removes his hand from Tao's mouth, "No more of them, promise." Tao smiles and pushes himself on Yifan, he wraps an arm over the older and kisses his neck, "I love you. Good night, Yifan."
-----
It's been a month after they started having their relationship and Yixing is currently pestering Tao at the moment, "Did you move in with him, yet?"
"No. I don't see why we should move in together immediately. We've only started dating for a month."
"I don't see the point of not moving together. You have one wall dividing your apartments."
"You're more persistent than my boyfriend. Yes, he keeps insisting that we move in together but we're both attached to each our places and we can't decide who's moving to whose apartment."
Yixing sighs and checks the clock, "Hey. It's 6. Is Yifan picking you up?"
Tao shakes his head and starts gathering his stuff, "He texted me earlier that he's doing something in his place. Renovation or something."
"Alright. See you, tomorrow!"
Tao waves him goodbye and makes his way home. He drops by the grocery to buy their dinner before continuing back to the apartment. He notices bags and bags of trash outside Yifan's apartment but he ignores it and continues to his own place. He'll call Yifan out later once he's changed his clothes or something.
He opens his apartment and he is surprised to see large specks of dust outside his bedroom door. He takes a deep breath and sets the groceries down before making his way to his bedroom.
"WU YIFAN!!!"
"Hi."
There, on the other side of what used to be Tao's bedroom wall, Yifan stands proudly of his handiwork, with a huge hammer still in his hand. Tao sees the mess this leaves his room, his bed is covered in dirt and the entire wall dividing his bedroom and Yifan's is gone, "What did you do?!"
"You won't move in here with me and I don't wanna move in there with you. This is the only solution I could think of."
"You destroyed my wall!"
"It's my wall, too!"
Tao sighs and then laughs. He walks around the mess and makes his way across the room to reach Yifan, "What will the landlord say?"
Yifan shrugs and puts the hammer down on his bed, "Nothing. I bought both our apartments. He just needs you to go to the office to sign the contracts. Both places are under our names."
Tao blows through his nose and turns to look at the busted wall, "Couldn't you have asked for a professional to do this, though?"
Yifan hugs Tao and chuckles on the crook of the younger's neck, "I'll have someone come over tomorrow."
Tao turns his head and kisses Yifan on the lips, "Clean this mess and clean my room. Dinner in 30 minutes."
"Yes, sunshine."
Tao smiles and kisses Yifan again before removing himself from the hug and crosses the broken down wall to cook dinner on his side of the apartment.
Tao turns to look at Yifan briefly as the photographer starts vacuuming the dust and dirt. Yifan sends him a playful wink and Tao sticks his tongue out at him. Tao shakes his head and giggles his way out of his bedroom.
He couldn't have asked for a better neighbor than Wu Yifan.
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Author's Notes: One down, a hundred thousand fics to go. Ahaha! Kidding! An early Christmas gift for everyone! I hope you enjoyed this fic because I did! Thanks to the readers!