Addicted Too Your Love [Jongkey, 2min] [1/4]
Title: Addicted Too Your Love
Pairing: Jongkey, 2min
Genre: AU, Romance, Drama
Rating: PG-13 (Consumption of alcohol, Slight sexual content, Language)
Word count: 3,810
Disclaimer(s): I own nothing.
Summary: Some addictions just can't be quit.
I, Kim Kibum, am lying in bed, covered by rolling hills of my own used tissues. Filthy, gross, and blatantly in the pits because my amazingly perfect boyfriend decided to dump me to pursue his life long dream of singing.
People come in and out of my life like they're stuck in one of those revolving doors used to enter large department stores. My father began the cycle when he appeared for my birth, only to be swept away by the grand doors of his big business life before I even got a chance to know him. Then came the multitude of nannies and the dozens of classmates I tried to befriend. All of them came and went whether it was due to my bratty behavior, which I like to blame on the lack of attention even my own mother showed me, because no matter how much clothing a parent buys for her child it doesn't equal love, or because of the scandal's involving foreign mistresses my father became involved in that made parent's forehead's wrinkle in disapproval. The latter was the worst, to have children, my own age, avoid me for something a man who I hadn't even spoken to had done?
After years of this kind of life, it would only be normal for a child like myself, who get's bored very easily, to look elsewhere for company. That's when the big 'Kim Family Ordeal' came about, because my mother discovered I was associating with homosexuals, and was quite possibly bi-curious myself. I was forced to see a therapist and talk about my 'daddy issues,' because of course that was why I was 'acting out.' Insert eye roll here.
Maybe the shrink would have had a valid point if it weren't for the fact I couldn't possibly bother myself to care about a man who spent money on my mother and myself as if we were another one of his affairs. As far as I was, and am, concerned, my father was just a weekly allowance. A rather large, gracious weekly allowance that allowed me to pursue whatever caught my interest. And that would be many things. But after the whole ordeal, and after I told the old man to "Piss off, who cares if I want to bang guys" which almost caused the man to have a heart attack much to my amusement, my father cut me off.
Which leads me to my current situation, living in South Korea's capitol in a crowded apartment building, working two jobs to stay afloat. Fortunately, one of those many interests that caught my fancy paid off.
I'm employed as a dance instructor at a studio in Seoul, a God send that landed in my lap by means of my mother's connections. It's a small school, but it's also highly accredited and many of the students go on to become professionals. It's a pretty sweet deal, to be earning money doing something I love with a passion, but another, unexpected, perk is the intricate web of people I come in contact with because of it.
One of these people is Kim Jonghyun. My number one love, the only person who could actually get me on my hands and knees begging - begging for him not to leave, not to abandon me in this great big city that I still get lost in if I don't pay close attention to the street names and train stops. I had thought Jonghyun would be one of those people who would stay rooted in my life, for once. One who wouldn't be swept away by the giant doors of opportunity.
I hurry to grab a hand full of tissues before the tears can start running again. I want to yell out, curse Jonghyun's very name for leaving me like this, but before I can manage to get anything out it's strangled by more sobs. This creates a vicious cycle of self loathing because I can't seem to keep myself together, which than leads me to pass the blame off on my wonderful boyfriend, which than leads me to the realization that he is now my wonderful ex boyfriend, and that's when the tears start all over again.
Glaring at the black curtains I keep handy just for these situations when I needed to block out the sun, I absently grab a handful of M&M's and shove them into my mouth. The calorie count I must be racking up, usually that would have been my main focus, but right now all I can think of is that bastard, that gorgeous, lovely bastard. Deep down inside I know I'm being a fat ass, but I can't be bothered because I'm too determined to be depressed.
Knock. Knock.
"Who is it?" I manage to get out without sounding too horribly pathetic, just in case it's someone important at the door.
A moment's hesitation. "It's Jinki," a soft voice carries into the apartment.
Lee Jinki, twenty six years old and happily married to the love of his life, now Lee Sunny. They were a match made in heaven, the couple that walked into a room and made all the occupants stop and "Aw!" at just how purely adorable they were. I met Jinki back when I first came to Seoul, he was a dancing instructor also but for the younger students and specialized in break dancing. That was also back when he was single.
Grabbing an empty box of Kleenex to my right, I chuck it at the door with as much force as my slim body can muster. "I wish I had never gotten you and Sunny together! You - You - You two gorgeous love birds!" The last thing I wanted was Jinki coming in, all smiles and lovey-dovey eyes talking about his beautiful, perfect wife. It was like pouring salt into an open wound and I am not dealing with that.
Using the spare key, that I now completely regret giving him, Jinki let's himself in. "Stop being so dramatic," he chides, but than stops mid stride to gape at what has become my cave of depression. "This place looks like hell!" He manages to get out between the weird fish face he is making.
I dab at my eyes with the sleeve of my drab, loose sweater, soaking up all evidence of my tears. "Thank you, Jinki," I say, not bothering to keep my voice from cracking with emotion to add emphasis to my words," You are so incredibly helpful in my time of need. In fact, as soon as I'm done bawling my eyes out I'll make sure to get down to that little shop down the street and have a plaque made for you. It'll read 'Best Friend of the Year Award, To Lee Jinki - the bastard who pointed out what a shit hole my house has turned into because I was too busy to clean while mourning - ' "
"Okay, okay, I get it!" Jinki stops my rambling, stepping around a pile of take-out food boxes to make his way up the small set of stairs that lead to my elevated 'bedroom'," It's just, when the guys at the studio said you were really down, I didn't know they meant this down."
As one of my closest friends speaks and takes a seat beside me on my great, big, fluffy bed, I think of just how true his words are. What the hell was I doing with my life? I had called in sick yesterday from work just to sit at home, watching the same old, shitty movie me and Jonghyun always used to watch, eating the same old, shitty food me and Jonghyun always used to eat. I'm turning into one of those love sick losers who can't get over a simple break up! This wouldn't be a problem if Jonghyun would have just taken me along with him as he became a famous singer!
I dive for a new tissue box as tears begin to seep out of my already tired eyes, cascading down onto my disgusting, not made up face. "I'm such a loser, Jinki!" I cry out as I begin to bawl into my friend's chest," This is why he left me! Who would want to stick around with a sappy, hideous - "
"You're doing it again," Jinki said while he pushes me away so that I'm forced to look into his comforting brown eyes," Now you listen - and don't interrupt me." My mouth snaps shut at Jinki's rare commanding tone of voice. "Jonghyun might have left you and that's a horrible thing, but just because of that you can't throw away the rest of your life. Everyone at the studio and everyone at the restaurant is here for you, but if you stay shut in like an old hermit, how can we help you? As much as you and I hate to admit it, Jonghyun is gone and he isn't coming back, so whether you like it or not you need to get it together and move on with life."
Caught totally off guard by a sudden very serious Jinki, I just sit staring at him with my mouth slightly agape. What had gotten into my normally kind friend? My bottom lip begins to tremble as the harshness of his words hit me and just how bluntly honest and true they are.
"Do you want me to add shitty motivational speaker to that plaque, too?" I ask, my eyes beginning to water once again.
Jinki let's out an exasperated sigh and then quickly moves so that he has me off my bed and walking towards my bathroom. "You are hopeless," he states with a sad shake of the head," Take a shower, you are coming to my house for dinner and that's final."
"But - "
"No."
As if Jonghyun being out of my life has stripped away my backbone and ability to think on my own, I follow Jinki's orders and enter the bathroom. I go through the motions of showering and getting dressed, doing my hair on auto pilot.
But an hour later and I'm actually feeling slightly better than the hour earlier. Of course, just because I smell fresh and look somewhat decent it doesn't stop me from being reminded of my boyfriend, ex boyfriend, and all that's been left behind without him, like the empty feeling deep inside me. I feel a sadness swell in my heart that almost causes me to collapse at it's immensity, but pull it together because I'm determined to prove to Jinki that I'm feeling better if only to put him at ease.
"Okay, take me away," I say with a sigh as I loop my arm through Jinki's," At least if I'm away from here I won't constantly see him."
And for the first time since he entered my apartment that day, I see Jinki's strong outward appearance crumble. His gaze softens and he pulls me into a tight embrace.
"I promise we'll help you get through this," he says reassuringly, sending me a sideways smile and a wink as he pulls away.
"Are you sure you can't be gay?" I ask in all seriousness as I open the door to the hall," You would make a perfect boyfriend."
Jinki let's out a barrage of musical laughter. "You might want to talk to Sunny about that," he says, the way his eyes brighten telling me that he's happy I'm not acting all mopey anymore.
As I shut and lock the door to my apartment I silently hope I will be able to absorb some of Jinki's sunshine rays of positivity and pull myself out of this muddled funk I'm stuck in.
-----
Dinner was amazing, of course. Sunny was damn skilled in he kitchen and despite his tendency to totally fail Jinki wasn't half bad either. Together they made a hell of a good team, so all throughout the meal I was making rather explicit happy noises, because truthfully I haven't consumed real food ever since that day. Being the exceptional hosts they are, Jinki and Sunny simply laughed it off, but then again they're already accustomed to my sometimes eccentric ways.
"Kibum," Jinki spoke sweetly after he finished helping his wife clear off the table," Me and Sunny have a really important client of her's we need to impress, so we were going to buy him some gifts and visit with him tonight. We were wondering if ... " his voice trails off.
I glance up, expecting him to go on, but right away notice the nervous smile planted on his awkwardly strained face and it clicks in my mind just what he's trying to get at. "Oh hell no! You did not invite me over for dinner just to - " I throw down the home design magazine Sunny had given to me to read, because I'm just gettign warmed up for the bitch fit to come.
Jinki motions with his hands for me to calm down and when I relent and fall silent he's in front of me, on his knees with his hands folded together. "Please, Kibum! It's really important and I swear it's not why we invited you over! It's just, this is the only night that works out for him, and Sulli already had plans. If you could do just this one favor for me?"
I place a hand on my hip while flippantly whisking my bangs out of my eyes. "Ugh, if it's so important than I guess I could," I answer, because this break up has truly turned me into a gooey mush of selflessness. "But this is the only favor I'm doing for you."
Bouncing up with the flexibility of the dancer he is, Jinki grabs me in a bone crushing hug. "Thank you so, so much! You don't know how much this means to me!" He blubbers and I seriously think he is going to start crying.
I break away from his hold and shake my head at the sad sight of my close friend. "Wow, she's really got you, huh?" I ask, cupping my hand in front my lower regions suggestively with a corked eyebrow.
And without meaning to, I hit a sore spot. Jinki's eyes dart towards the hallway that leads back to their room where Sunny is currently getting ready to leave before returning back to look at me with a pained expression.
"Is it that obvious?" He asks as he drops into a chair. "A couple nights ago, she told me I needed to grow up," Jinki cradles his chin with his hands while speaking a lowered voice," She said I don't take my job as a husband seriously enough and how she feels like I don't support her at all."
I can't blame Sunny. As much as I love him, sometimes Jinki can be so dense. Dropping hints doesn't work with him, Jinki needs a good kick in the pants to get his attention.
"She even threatened to kick me out."
It's my turn to kneel down in front of Jinki, where I place my hands comfortingly on his knees. "Don't worry, I'm sure she wouldn't really kick you out," I say, the corner of my lips curling up into a smile," Besides, even if she did, my door is always open to you." Whether I like it or not, but I decide now isn't the best time to give my friend more grief.
Jinki returns my smile just as Sunny enters the room.
"Well?' She asks, looking from her husband to me.
His face brightens instantly. "He said yes!"
Sunny grins in return and then begins pushing Jinki to the bedroom frantically. "Hurry and get changed! You're outfit is laying out on the bed already!"
They really are a good match, I note with a twinge of pain. We could've been like that ... I sigh and slap my cheeks. I'm not going to slip into those thoughts again! At least not until I'm in the safe confines of my own home.
-----
Did I mention that the Lee's have yet another reason that makes them all warm feelings and sugary sweets when spotted on the street? Their gorgeous daughter, Hana. Almost a year old, it's already evident she has inherited many of her parent's traits; from her heart wrenching smile that Sunny used herself to win over Jinki to the way her eyes seemed to disappear when she was happy just like her father's.
"Hana, pretty girl," I coo while gently bouncing her on my knees," Just wait until you get older, your Uncle Kibum will teach you the wonders of shopping!"
I begin lecturing her on the importance of accessorizing, but after a while I run out of steam. Gaze shifting towards the clock glowing underneath the television, I try to stifle a yawn. 9:45, how late are they planning to stay out? And why hasn't this child fallen asleep yet? Hana let's out a string of garbled noises as if she wants to reassure me.
"What's that, dear? Uncle Kibum should go home and sleep?" I giggle at my one sided conversation. "You're a mature young girl, you can take care of yourself, right? No, I suppose not, your parents would kill me if they came home and you were all alone - "
I stop talking to myself because my phone starts vibrating. I pull the device out of my pocket and glance at the screen. A call was coming in from "Work, Don't Answer! D:". What could they possibly be calling me for?
Frowning, I flip open my phone and speak. "Hello?"
"Hey, Kibum?" A voice calls above a roar of noise from the other line," We are packed tonight and Junho called in sick, we desperately need you!"
"Sorry, babe, but I'm babysitting," I say while also studying my nail beds, which are in need for some serious TLC.
Manager of the restaurant I work at part time and also a close friend, Jokwon let's out an adamant huff of frustration. "Can't you ditch the kid?" He whines into the phone.
I scratch the back of my head. "No, not really, I don't know anyone who could - Wait a second," I pull the mobile away from my ear so I can scroll through my contact list to make sure his number is there before continuing," Let me give you a call back."
"Hurry - "
I cut the line off and quickly dial the number. I wait as cheerful music streams from the other line until someone slightly out of breath picks up.
"Hello?"
"Taeminnie!" I gush.
A muffled voice sounds from the background but is quickly hushed. "Hyung? Hey, can I call you back, I'm kind of in the middle of something," Taemin speaks, his voice cracking ever so slightly.
A wicked smile spreads across my lips. "Why, that voice I heard wouldn't happen to be our dear Minho, would it?" The silence I'm met with is all I need to know I guessed correctly. "What bad boy you've become! I hope you two still have your clothes on!"
"Hyung!" Taemin squeaks, all flustered now," Of course we do!"
I grin in satisfaction but then get to business. "Well, sorry to interrupt whatever it is you two are doing, but would you please come over to Jinki's?" I speak while playing with the tufts of hair Hana is starting to grow," Bring lover boy if you want, but I'm 'desperately needed at work' so someone needs to watch Hana."
Taemin groans. "Great timing Kibum," he says, but I can tell he's going to say yes," Give me a few minutes and I'll be right over."
Score for my amazing skills in the art of persuasion! "Thank you ~ !" I sing into the phone.
I can hear Taemin grumbling as he hangs up the phone, but fifteen minutes later and he's standing outside the front door. Beside him, arms encircling Taemin's waist to protect him from the evening chill, is his boyfriend, Choi Minho. Once again, a perfect, happy couple I help to make happen.
"Come in, come in," I command while pulling on both their arms. I had called Jokwon after disconnecting with Taemin and he demanded I get to the restaurant A.S.A.P. "Hana is settling down, so if you just make sure she gets to sleep fine than you'll be all set."
Taemin nods along with my words, but his stare looks slightly glazed over. I'm quick to reach out and smack him on the back of the head.
"I'm not one of your instructors, Taemin, don't block me out," I scold as I rush out the door," Minho, you heard me, make sure everything is taken care of!" And with a final wave I'm off in an attempt to get to work in record time.
-----
Jokwon wasn't exaggerating, for once, when he said the place was busy. I made it to the restaurant in time for a new crowd of people, so I had to squeeze into the back to get changed. The restaurant was some what traditional styled, I say some what because Jokwon was good at influencing the owner in picking more modern variations so all of the staff wore flashy hanboks and even a bar was added. That's where I'm currently working in an oversized, bright pink hanbok I had found lying around in the back since I hadn't had time enough to go back home and get my own. The bar isn't nearly as crowded as the sectioned off dining areas, but I have enough patrons to keep me busy.
"What would you like to drink tonight, sir?" I ask offhandedly to a man who just seated himself at one of the bar stools.
As the man begins to describe his exact drink, I let my eyes wander to the front of the restaurant. The doors have just opened to let in a group of businessmen talking to a man with blond tipped hair, who has his arm wrapped around a petite woman. Funny, they could have been mistaken for idols because of their flashy clothing.
Khun, a darling of a man who made a point to flash his bright grin my way every time I came in for work and who I was covinced was gay also, begins seating them. All of them take their seats in one of the open rooms almost right across from the bar. Now only half listening to the man, who is still going on about just how much vodka he wants mixed in, I scan the faces to see if they really are anyone famous.
I'm caught off guard when a familiar set of large brown eyes meet mine.
The man with the blonde tipped hair, the one with the beautiful girl - it's him.
A/N: Never again will I write in first person present tense, but aside from that I hope this was an enjoyable read! More to come soon. :)
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Pairing: Jongkey, 2min
Genre: AU, Romance, Drama
Rating: PG-13 (Consumption of alcohol, Slight sexual content, Language)
Word count: 3,810
Disclaimer(s): I own nothing.
Summary: Some addictions just can't be quit.
I, Kim Kibum, am lying in bed, covered by rolling hills of my own used tissues. Filthy, gross, and blatantly in the pits because my amazingly perfect boyfriend decided to dump me to pursue his life long dream of singing.
People come in and out of my life like they're stuck in one of those revolving doors used to enter large department stores. My father began the cycle when he appeared for my birth, only to be swept away by the grand doors of his big business life before I even got a chance to know him. Then came the multitude of nannies and the dozens of classmates I tried to befriend. All of them came and went whether it was due to my bratty behavior, which I like to blame on the lack of attention even my own mother showed me, because no matter how much clothing a parent buys for her child it doesn't equal love, or because of the scandal's involving foreign mistresses my father became involved in that made parent's forehead's wrinkle in disapproval. The latter was the worst, to have children, my own age, avoid me for something a man who I hadn't even spoken to had done?
After years of this kind of life, it would only be normal for a child like myself, who get's bored very easily, to look elsewhere for company. That's when the big 'Kim Family Ordeal' came about, because my mother discovered I was associating with homosexuals, and was quite possibly bi-curious myself. I was forced to see a therapist and talk about my 'daddy issues,' because of course that was why I was 'acting out.' Insert eye roll here.
Maybe the shrink would have had a valid point if it weren't for the fact I couldn't possibly bother myself to care about a man who spent money on my mother and myself as if we were another one of his affairs. As far as I was, and am, concerned, my father was just a weekly allowance. A rather large, gracious weekly allowance that allowed me to pursue whatever caught my interest. And that would be many things. But after the whole ordeal, and after I told the old man to "Piss off, who cares if I want to bang guys" which almost caused the man to have a heart attack much to my amusement, my father cut me off.
Which leads me to my current situation, living in South Korea's capitol in a crowded apartment building, working two jobs to stay afloat. Fortunately, one of those many interests that caught my fancy paid off.
I'm employed as a dance instructor at a studio in Seoul, a God send that landed in my lap by means of my mother's connections. It's a small school, but it's also highly accredited and many of the students go on to become professionals. It's a pretty sweet deal, to be earning money doing something I love with a passion, but another, unexpected, perk is the intricate web of people I come in contact with because of it.
One of these people is Kim Jonghyun. My number one love, the only person who could actually get me on my hands and knees begging - begging for him not to leave, not to abandon me in this great big city that I still get lost in if I don't pay close attention to the street names and train stops. I had thought Jonghyun would be one of those people who would stay rooted in my life, for once. One who wouldn't be swept away by the giant doors of opportunity.
I hurry to grab a hand full of tissues before the tears can start running again. I want to yell out, curse Jonghyun's very name for leaving me like this, but before I can manage to get anything out it's strangled by more sobs. This creates a vicious cycle of self loathing because I can't seem to keep myself together, which than leads me to pass the blame off on my wonderful boyfriend, which than leads me to the realization that he is now my wonderful ex boyfriend, and that's when the tears start all over again.
Glaring at the black curtains I keep handy just for these situations when I needed to block out the sun, I absently grab a handful of M&M's and shove them into my mouth. The calorie count I must be racking up, usually that would have been my main focus, but right now all I can think of is that bastard, that gorgeous, lovely bastard. Deep down inside I know I'm being a fat ass, but I can't be bothered because I'm too determined to be depressed.
Knock. Knock.
"Who is it?" I manage to get out without sounding too horribly pathetic, just in case it's someone important at the door.
A moment's hesitation. "It's Jinki," a soft voice carries into the apartment.
Lee Jinki, twenty six years old and happily married to the love of his life, now Lee Sunny. They were a match made in heaven, the couple that walked into a room and made all the occupants stop and "Aw!" at just how purely adorable they were. I met Jinki back when I first came to Seoul, he was a dancing instructor also but for the younger students and specialized in break dancing. That was also back when he was single.
Grabbing an empty box of Kleenex to my right, I chuck it at the door with as much force as my slim body can muster. "I wish I had never gotten you and Sunny together! You - You - You two gorgeous love birds!" The last thing I wanted was Jinki coming in, all smiles and lovey-dovey eyes talking about his beautiful, perfect wife. It was like pouring salt into an open wound and I am not dealing with that.
Using the spare key, that I now completely regret giving him, Jinki let's himself in. "Stop being so dramatic," he chides, but than stops mid stride to gape at what has become my cave of depression. "This place looks like hell!" He manages to get out between the weird fish face he is making.
I dab at my eyes with the sleeve of my drab, loose sweater, soaking up all evidence of my tears. "Thank you, Jinki," I say, not bothering to keep my voice from cracking with emotion to add emphasis to my words," You are so incredibly helpful in my time of need. In fact, as soon as I'm done bawling my eyes out I'll make sure to get down to that little shop down the street and have a plaque made for you. It'll read 'Best Friend of the Year Award, To Lee Jinki - the bastard who pointed out what a shit hole my house has turned into because I was too busy to clean while mourning - ' "
"Okay, okay, I get it!" Jinki stops my rambling, stepping around a pile of take-out food boxes to make his way up the small set of stairs that lead to my elevated 'bedroom'," It's just, when the guys at the studio said you were really down, I didn't know they meant this down."
As one of my closest friends speaks and takes a seat beside me on my great, big, fluffy bed, I think of just how true his words are. What the hell was I doing with my life? I had called in sick yesterday from work just to sit at home, watching the same old, shitty movie me and Jonghyun always used to watch, eating the same old, shitty food me and Jonghyun always used to eat. I'm turning into one of those love sick losers who can't get over a simple break up! This wouldn't be a problem if Jonghyun would have just taken me along with him as he became a famous singer!
I dive for a new tissue box as tears begin to seep out of my already tired eyes, cascading down onto my disgusting, not made up face. "I'm such a loser, Jinki!" I cry out as I begin to bawl into my friend's chest," This is why he left me! Who would want to stick around with a sappy, hideous - "
"You're doing it again," Jinki said while he pushes me away so that I'm forced to look into his comforting brown eyes," Now you listen - and don't interrupt me." My mouth snaps shut at Jinki's rare commanding tone of voice. "Jonghyun might have left you and that's a horrible thing, but just because of that you can't throw away the rest of your life. Everyone at the studio and everyone at the restaurant is here for you, but if you stay shut in like an old hermit, how can we help you? As much as you and I hate to admit it, Jonghyun is gone and he isn't coming back, so whether you like it or not you need to get it together and move on with life."
Caught totally off guard by a sudden very serious Jinki, I just sit staring at him with my mouth slightly agape. What had gotten into my normally kind friend? My bottom lip begins to tremble as the harshness of his words hit me and just how bluntly honest and true they are.
"Do you want me to add shitty motivational speaker to that plaque, too?" I ask, my eyes beginning to water once again.
Jinki let's out an exasperated sigh and then quickly moves so that he has me off my bed and walking towards my bathroom. "You are hopeless," he states with a sad shake of the head," Take a shower, you are coming to my house for dinner and that's final."
"But - "
"No."
As if Jonghyun being out of my life has stripped away my backbone and ability to think on my own, I follow Jinki's orders and enter the bathroom. I go through the motions of showering and getting dressed, doing my hair on auto pilot.
But an hour later and I'm actually feeling slightly better than the hour earlier. Of course, just because I smell fresh and look somewhat decent it doesn't stop me from being reminded of my boyfriend, ex boyfriend, and all that's been left behind without him, like the empty feeling deep inside me. I feel a sadness swell in my heart that almost causes me to collapse at it's immensity, but pull it together because I'm determined to prove to Jinki that I'm feeling better if only to put him at ease.
"Okay, take me away," I say with a sigh as I loop my arm through Jinki's," At least if I'm away from here I won't constantly see him."
And for the first time since he entered my apartment that day, I see Jinki's strong outward appearance crumble. His gaze softens and he pulls me into a tight embrace.
"I promise we'll help you get through this," he says reassuringly, sending me a sideways smile and a wink as he pulls away.
"Are you sure you can't be gay?" I ask in all seriousness as I open the door to the hall," You would make a perfect boyfriend."
Jinki let's out a barrage of musical laughter. "You might want to talk to Sunny about that," he says, the way his eyes brighten telling me that he's happy I'm not acting all mopey anymore.
As I shut and lock the door to my apartment I silently hope I will be able to absorb some of Jinki's sunshine rays of positivity and pull myself out of this muddled funk I'm stuck in.
-----
Dinner was amazing, of course. Sunny was damn skilled in he kitchen and despite his tendency to totally fail Jinki wasn't half bad either. Together they made a hell of a good team, so all throughout the meal I was making rather explicit happy noises, because truthfully I haven't consumed real food ever since that day. Being the exceptional hosts they are, Jinki and Sunny simply laughed it off, but then again they're already accustomed to my sometimes eccentric ways.
"Kibum," Jinki spoke sweetly after he finished helping his wife clear off the table," Me and Sunny have a really important client of her's we need to impress, so we were going to buy him some gifts and visit with him tonight. We were wondering if ... " his voice trails off.
I glance up, expecting him to go on, but right away notice the nervous smile planted on his awkwardly strained face and it clicks in my mind just what he's trying to get at. "Oh hell no! You did not invite me over for dinner just to - " I throw down the home design magazine Sunny had given to me to read, because I'm just gettign warmed up for the bitch fit to come.
Jinki motions with his hands for me to calm down and when I relent and fall silent he's in front of me, on his knees with his hands folded together. "Please, Kibum! It's really important and I swear it's not why we invited you over! It's just, this is the only night that works out for him, and Sulli already had plans. If you could do just this one favor for me?"
I place a hand on my hip while flippantly whisking my bangs out of my eyes. "Ugh, if it's so important than I guess I could," I answer, because this break up has truly turned me into a gooey mush of selflessness. "But this is the only favor I'm doing for you."
Bouncing up with the flexibility of the dancer he is, Jinki grabs me in a bone crushing hug. "Thank you so, so much! You don't know how much this means to me!" He blubbers and I seriously think he is going to start crying.
I break away from his hold and shake my head at the sad sight of my close friend. "Wow, she's really got you, huh?" I ask, cupping my hand in front my lower regions suggestively with a corked eyebrow.
And without meaning to, I hit a sore spot. Jinki's eyes dart towards the hallway that leads back to their room where Sunny is currently getting ready to leave before returning back to look at me with a pained expression.
"Is it that obvious?" He asks as he drops into a chair. "A couple nights ago, she told me I needed to grow up," Jinki cradles his chin with his hands while speaking a lowered voice," She said I don't take my job as a husband seriously enough and how she feels like I don't support her at all."
I can't blame Sunny. As much as I love him, sometimes Jinki can be so dense. Dropping hints doesn't work with him, Jinki needs a good kick in the pants to get his attention.
"She even threatened to kick me out."
It's my turn to kneel down in front of Jinki, where I place my hands comfortingly on his knees. "Don't worry, I'm sure she wouldn't really kick you out," I say, the corner of my lips curling up into a smile," Besides, even if she did, my door is always open to you." Whether I like it or not, but I decide now isn't the best time to give my friend more grief.
Jinki returns my smile just as Sunny enters the room.
"Well?' She asks, looking from her husband to me.
His face brightens instantly. "He said yes!"
Sunny grins in return and then begins pushing Jinki to the bedroom frantically. "Hurry and get changed! You're outfit is laying out on the bed already!"
They really are a good match, I note with a twinge of pain. We could've been like that ... I sigh and slap my cheeks. I'm not going to slip into those thoughts again! At least not until I'm in the safe confines of my own home.
-----
Did I mention that the Lee's have yet another reason that makes them all warm feelings and sugary sweets when spotted on the street? Their gorgeous daughter, Hana. Almost a year old, it's already evident she has inherited many of her parent's traits; from her heart wrenching smile that Sunny used herself to win over Jinki to the way her eyes seemed to disappear when she was happy just like her father's.
"Hana, pretty girl," I coo while gently bouncing her on my knees," Just wait until you get older, your Uncle Kibum will teach you the wonders of shopping!"
I begin lecturing her on the importance of accessorizing, but after a while I run out of steam. Gaze shifting towards the clock glowing underneath the television, I try to stifle a yawn. 9:45, how late are they planning to stay out? And why hasn't this child fallen asleep yet? Hana let's out a string of garbled noises as if she wants to reassure me.
"What's that, dear? Uncle Kibum should go home and sleep?" I giggle at my one sided conversation. "You're a mature young girl, you can take care of yourself, right? No, I suppose not, your parents would kill me if they came home and you were all alone - "
I stop talking to myself because my phone starts vibrating. I pull the device out of my pocket and glance at the screen. A call was coming in from "Work, Don't Answer! D:". What could they possibly be calling me for?
Frowning, I flip open my phone and speak. "Hello?"
"Hey, Kibum?" A voice calls above a roar of noise from the other line," We are packed tonight and Junho called in sick, we desperately need you!"
"Sorry, babe, but I'm babysitting," I say while also studying my nail beds, which are in need for some serious TLC.
Manager of the restaurant I work at part time and also a close friend, Jokwon let's out an adamant huff of frustration. "Can't you ditch the kid?" He whines into the phone.
I scratch the back of my head. "No, not really, I don't know anyone who could - Wait a second," I pull the mobile away from my ear so I can scroll through my contact list to make sure his number is there before continuing," Let me give you a call back."
"Hurry - "
I cut the line off and quickly dial the number. I wait as cheerful music streams from the other line until someone slightly out of breath picks up.
"Hello?"
"Taeminnie!" I gush.
A muffled voice sounds from the background but is quickly hushed. "Hyung? Hey, can I call you back, I'm kind of in the middle of something," Taemin speaks, his voice cracking ever so slightly.
A wicked smile spreads across my lips. "Why, that voice I heard wouldn't happen to be our dear Minho, would it?" The silence I'm met with is all I need to know I guessed correctly. "What bad boy you've become! I hope you two still have your clothes on!"
"Hyung!" Taemin squeaks, all flustered now," Of course we do!"
I grin in satisfaction but then get to business. "Well, sorry to interrupt whatever it is you two are doing, but would you please come over to Jinki's?" I speak while playing with the tufts of hair Hana is starting to grow," Bring lover boy if you want, but I'm 'desperately needed at work' so someone needs to watch Hana."
Taemin groans. "Great timing Kibum," he says, but I can tell he's going to say yes," Give me a few minutes and I'll be right over."
Score for my amazing skills in the art of persuasion! "Thank you ~ !" I sing into the phone.
I can hear Taemin grumbling as he hangs up the phone, but fifteen minutes later and he's standing outside the front door. Beside him, arms encircling Taemin's waist to protect him from the evening chill, is his boyfriend, Choi Minho. Once again, a perfect, happy couple I help to make happen.
"Come in, come in," I command while pulling on both their arms. I had called Jokwon after disconnecting with Taemin and he demanded I get to the restaurant A.S.A.P. "Hana is settling down, so if you just make sure she gets to sleep fine than you'll be all set."
Taemin nods along with my words, but his stare looks slightly glazed over. I'm quick to reach out and smack him on the back of the head.
"I'm not one of your instructors, Taemin, don't block me out," I scold as I rush out the door," Minho, you heard me, make sure everything is taken care of!" And with a final wave I'm off in an attempt to get to work in record time.
-----
Jokwon wasn't exaggerating, for once, when he said the place was busy. I made it to the restaurant in time for a new crowd of people, so I had to squeeze into the back to get changed. The restaurant was some what traditional styled, I say some what because Jokwon was good at influencing the owner in picking more modern variations so all of the staff wore flashy hanboks and even a bar was added. That's where I'm currently working in an oversized, bright pink hanbok I had found lying around in the back since I hadn't had time enough to go back home and get my own. The bar isn't nearly as crowded as the sectioned off dining areas, but I have enough patrons to keep me busy.
"What would you like to drink tonight, sir?" I ask offhandedly to a man who just seated himself at one of the bar stools.
As the man begins to describe his exact drink, I let my eyes wander to the front of the restaurant. The doors have just opened to let in a group of businessmen talking to a man with blond tipped hair, who has his arm wrapped around a petite woman. Funny, they could have been mistaken for idols because of their flashy clothing.
Khun, a darling of a man who made a point to flash his bright grin my way every time I came in for work and who I was covinced was gay also, begins seating them. All of them take their seats in one of the open rooms almost right across from the bar. Now only half listening to the man, who is still going on about just how much vodka he wants mixed in, I scan the faces to see if they really are anyone famous.
I'm caught off guard when a familiar set of large brown eyes meet mine.
The man with the blonde tipped hair, the one with the beautiful girl - it's him.
A/N: Never again will I write in first person present tense, but aside from that I hope this was an enjoyable read! More to come soon. :)
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