Beauty & The Geek [jongkey, onkey, 2min] [4/?]
Title: Beauty & The Geek
Pairing: Jongkey, Onkey, 2min
Genre: AU, Humor, Romance, Drama, Angst
Rating: PG-15 [Language, Sexual Situations, Drug Abuse]
Word Count: 2,473
Disclaimer(s): I own nothing.
Summary: Office romances never come without drama.
A/N: Beta'd by the lovely & amazing siaht ! Warning for slut!Key.
Prologue | Chapter One | Chapter Two | Chapter Three
Beauty & The Geek : Chapter Four
Heartless | Heartbreak Warfare | I Don't Feel It Anymore | Club Love
The snow drifting from the sky to make a slow connection with the earth is the only reminder he has of the season, of the month. When was the last time he's even taken notice to the date? He's been too busy, working to the point of exhaustion, in this office. This office that represents everything that is going downhill in his life, instead of soaring high like it's expected. It doesn't matter that he's young, that he doesn't even need a full night's rest to be in tip-top condition, he lacks motivation and it's ruining his career. There's only so much his father's connections can do for him.
Jonghyun steals a glance at his closed door, before reaching under his piles of paperwork and withdrawing a small, white pill bottle from one of his drawers. Prescribed for insomnia to a Kwon Yoonjin. Just what he needs, because even though his body is lethargic, his mind is running circles and driving him insane.
Just as he dry swallows two of the capsules, a knock sounds and fills the normally silent space of his office. He blinks past the bitter taste of the medicine and clears his throat. “Come in,” he calls once he's sure he sounds like Jonghyun and not the walking corpse the old Jonghyun has become.
Kikwang enters with a smile and knowing sadness in his stare. “Your father is here,” he informs shortly, stepping aside to allow the man to enter.
Kim Daeho is not a sociable man, in fact, it's widely accepted throughout the company that the only time the CEO speaks is to verbally abuse his employees. All of his ingenious running of the company is done through writing or via grand hand gestures and grunts which have to be translated by the other higher ups. No one complains, the man has led the company to wealth and success never seen in its previous years, but even Jonghyun knows that a visit from his father only breeds for a negative conversation.
“Son,” his father addresses him stiffly and with a slightly pained edge to his voice, “We need to have a serious discussion.”
Jonghyun couldn't have foreseen such perfect timing, the pills are dissolving into his system at this very moment and relaxing his overworked body completely. “Go ahead,” he says while motioning for his father to take a seat.
“There has been talk of demoting you,” the man states bluntly, bushy eyebrows set in a straight line just as his chalky lips are.
“Why? I've dedicated three years to this company,” Jonghyun leans forward in his chair, hands holding on tight to the edge of his desk to keep steady, “I've put nothing but sweat and blood into my work.”
His facial expression doesn't shift and he maintains an eery business like tone, as if he isn't speaking to his own blood. “No matter, everything you've put through as of late has been completely worthless. It's taking my men days just to sort through your jumbled wording, let alone try and salvage anything useful from it all. Your department is falling behind.”
Jonghyun shakes his head in stubborn disbelief. “I don't understand this. It's absolutely untrue.”
“Jonghyun, you must be delusional. I took a look at your papers myself and I have to say, I'm ashamed to call you my son. Any other employee I would have fired on the spot for the amount of pure sloppiness I saw, but as I saw this to be special circumstances, I've come down here to warn you. Either get it together and make a real impact in your work, or you will be out of this job and moved down to a more … suitable position.”
There was no room for Jonghyun to speak, let alone defend himself. In all actuality, Jonghyun realized his recent work was a complete disaster, but he didn't expect it to be this significant of an issue. He watches his father stand and leave, brushing past Kikwang and his coffee as if there was nothing even there. Jonghyun would have felt humiliated any other time, but right now he couldn't even bring himself to feel contempt for the man. Instead, he settled back into his chair and accepted the steaming mug offered to him.
“Is … Is there anything I can do?” Kikwang asks and there's real concern in his eyes.
Jonghyun stares up at the young man and wonders just what in the world he did to gain his respect, his love. “No, you can go away now.” It's not like he had asked for it.
The blaring white snow outside slowly dulls and the speed of the falling flakes slows along with the rhythmic 'thuds' of Jonghyun's heart. Eventually, he can't even feel himself breathing in and out anymore - just the way he prefers it.
“Do you want to go shopping?”
By now, Jinki is used to this; this casual, irrelevant post-sex chatter. After the first time, it seemed as if the whole ordeal had lost its ethereal quality. Now it seemed as if they were just doing it out of pure carnal lust, like it wouldn't make a difference who Jinki was on top of. Honestly, Jinki can't stand it, the insincerity of it all, but Kibum was more comfortable this way, he noticed, so he didn't push for more. It didn't help that Kikwang's words from weeks earlier still prodded at his mind and heart.
Gathering up his discarded clothing, Jinki bobs his head in agreement. “I need your help picking out my tux for the ball.”
Kibum reaches over his side of the bed to retrieve Jinki's Calvin Klein's, tossing them at his back while speaking, “That's what I figured.”
When they're both decent, if decent even covered Kibum's ever flawless appearance, they take the subway to the mall. Kibum insists on the farther off one, since it has a much more vast selection of men's formal attire. Jinki goes along with whatever he suggests, anything that will get him out of the freezing winds of the streets and into a well heated store.
Two hours later and Jinki's feet are dragging. He never imagined shopping to be this torturous with someone like Kibum. Someone like his sister, yes, but not Kibum.
“We'll need to get you measured so this can be properly fitted,” Kibum is explaining while pulling and tugging at the material Jinki is currently modeling. “It really is a suitable match.”
Jinki can't stifle the chuckle that bubbles to his lips and garners a confused scowl from Kibum. “S-sorry, but you said 'suitable.'” When Kibum just continues to stare at him, Jinki launches into a full explanation of the pun. He doesn't realize until he's done and wiping tears from the corner of his eyes that Kibum's face never once cracks into a smile, or anything akin to amusement. “I … I guess it wasn't that funny,” Jinki excuses himself lamely, mentally berating himself.
Kibum blinks. “I guess not.”
Fleeing to the fitting room, Jinki takes more time than necessary to change back into his dark wash jeans, t-shirt, gray hoodie, and finally his bright yellow vest for fighting off the bite of the wind outside. When he finally joins Kibum amidst the clothing racks again, he spots two familiar figures. They must have spotted them at the same time, because the shorter of the two grabs the older around the arm and tugs him in their direction.
“Jinki, Kibum!” Taemin greets brightly, arm remaining wrapped around Minho's even when they come to stand in front of the awkward couple.
Barely sparing a look at the two, Kibum nods in their direction before returning his attention the designer labels in front of him. Jinki smiles apologetically.
“Imagine running in to you two here,” he tries to sound cheery, but it comes off too forced.
Taemin doesn't seem to pay it any mind as he smiles widely at Jinki. “Minho was just taking me out when I remembered that we still need our tux's for the ball!”
Jinki can't help but return the contagious smile. “Great minds must think alike. That's what we're doing, too.”
Taemin babbles on about this particular store and how amazing the choice is. Minho's deep gaze grabs Jinki's attention, pulling him away from the enthusiastic man.
“Are we still meeting tonight?”
Jinki nods. “If you aren't too busy?”
A rare smile graces Minho's lips as he responds, “Of course not. I'll see you at eight.” He somehow manages to guide Taemin along, away from Jinki and Kibum, waving at the two and parting.
Jinki's put at ease just from speaking to the tall developer and faces Kibum with renewed energy. “Is there anything else you want to do after this?”
Black rimmed eyes flick up to meet Jinki's. “I don't know,” Kibum says with a small frown, “What else is there to do?”
Scratching at the back of his head in thought, Jinki wracks his mind for something, anything Kibum would find remotely entertaining. “We could take a walk downtown? It's not as nice during the day without all of the Christmas lights turned on, but all of the snow is still pretty. And I know of a really good coffee house in the area.”
Kibum drops the sales tag in his hand and lifts his wrist up to check the time. “I … suppose that would be fine.”
A stupid grin settles over Jinki's face as he commends himself for finding something of interest to Kibum. After they purchase Jinki's tux, they head outside to face the low temperatures of Seoul in the winter season. Fortunately, the wind has died down from earlier, so Jinki doesn't have to worry about his teeth chattering endlessly.
“Wait,” Kibum commands once they're out on the street in front of the store.
Jinki halts his steps, but doesn't expect the following show of kindness. In probably the most affectionate display of feelings Jinki has yet to see, Kibum takes a cap out of the pocket of his jacket and tugs it firmly onto Jinki's head. He ensures Jinki's ears are covered before removing his hands.
“It's too cold to go without a hat,” Kibum explains himself quickly as Jinki watches him with curiosity.
Unconsciously lifting a hand to touch the warm knit beanie, Jinki doesn't feel the need to say anything. Instead, he slips an arm around Kibum waist and pulls him flush against his side. When Kibum tries to protest, Jinki only tightens his grip and says with a chuckle, “It's too cold to walk any other way.”
Once they leave the toasty coffee house to brave the cold once again, Kibum doesn't even comment on Jinki's protective grip around his waist.
“Want to go back to my place?” Jinki questions, breath spiraling in the air.
Kibum is hesitant to answer. Does he really feel up to another round today? “I'm tired from walking around all day,” Kibum says, hoping that's enough to deter the softhearted man.
Jinki looks hurt by his words. “That's not what I meant.”
“Oh.” Kibum stares at the ground passing below his feet. “Then... what?”
“I thought we could just relax, maybe talk,” Jinki says, words holding a bitter edge Kibum isn't accustomed to, “I understand if you don't want to. I'll just take you back to your apartment and be on my way.”
Kibum is surprised when he finds himself pulling Jinki's free hand into his own. When has he ever felt guilty for offending someone? “No, no, that sounds nice,” Kibum corrects himself.
Jinki looks at him with uncertainty. “Are you sure? I get it, if you don't want to - “
“I want to,” Kibum snaps, successfully shutting Jinki up, “Just … Um, make me dinner?”
Head falling back, Jinki laughs into the afternoon air. His eyes are squeezed shut as his laughter vibrates off of Kibum, and he can't help but think it might be one of the prettiest things he's ever witnessed.
When they get to Jinki's flat, Kibum is struck speechless. The place is simple, but so much more than his luxurious apartment can ever be. Kibum can imagine walking into a place like this and being able to call it home without leaving a bad after taste in his mouth. He sheds his outer layer and makes himself comfortable on the sofa without Jinki's direction.
“So,” Kibum starts once Jinki is seated next to him, body turned in his direction, “What do you want to talk about?”
“I think we're finally connecting,” Jinki exhales, perkier than he had been the last time Minho saw him.
Smiling at him from beside him at the bar, Minho claps him on the back. “Good job.” The words are simple, but whenever Minho speaks it always holds a deeper meaning.
Jinki's eyes twinkle. “Anyway, enough about me. How are you and Taemin? He looks happy as ever.”
Minho frowns into his beer. He had been meeting with Jinki every other week ever since the first company outing they went to and the both of them had stood awkwardly off to the side. They made a connection through their social awkwardness and a friendship had grown from it. Did their friendship give Minho the right to dump his problems on Jinki?
“What's wrong?” Jinki asks, brow crinkling while taking a swig of his drink.
Minho releases a sigh. “I might have been too lenient with Taemin.”
“How so?”
“I'm in a little bit of credit card debt.”
“What young Korean isn't? How bad is it?”
“It's pretty bad. It's at around … 15,000,000 won? Not counting university loans I still have ... ”
Jinki splutters and nearly spits out his beer. Minho winces at the reaction.
“How - When - What did you buy?” Jinki manages to get out.
“Just, Taemin has expensive taste and I got him that stereo system as a birthday present,” Minho says while rubbing the back of his neck, “I was too irrational with my spending.”
Jinki reaches out to pat Minho on the back. “That's rough, buddy. How are you going to pay that off?”
“It shouldn't be too hard if I start saving now. The problem is, I don't want to tell Taemin,” Minho vents, pride aching just at the thought.
“I see,” Jinki shakes his head, “You really spoil him too much.”
Minho just chuckles and buys Jinki another beer.
Previous | Next
A/N:
I love this chapter, I have to say. But don't worry, the next chapter will be right back to hot and heavy - well, I'll just say, don't lose hope yet, Jongkey readers. ;)
Oh, and just a little FYI, if I make one more mistake on shinee_replay I'll be banned. Would anyone follow a seperate fic account if I made one?
Thank you for reading.
Pic not mine.
Pairing: Jongkey, Onkey, 2min
Genre: AU, Humor, Romance, Drama, Angst
Rating: PG-15 [Language, Sexual Situations, Drug Abuse]
Word Count: 2,473
Disclaimer(s): I own nothing.
Summary: Office romances never come without drama.
A/N: Beta'd by the lovely & amazing siaht ! Warning for slut!Key.
Prologue | Chapter One | Chapter Two | Chapter Three
Beauty & The Geek : Chapter Four
Heartless | Heartbreak Warfare | I Don't Feel It Anymore | Club Love
The snow drifting from the sky to make a slow connection with the earth is the only reminder he has of the season, of the month. When was the last time he's even taken notice to the date? He's been too busy, working to the point of exhaustion, in this office. This office that represents everything that is going downhill in his life, instead of soaring high like it's expected. It doesn't matter that he's young, that he doesn't even need a full night's rest to be in tip-top condition, he lacks motivation and it's ruining his career. There's only so much his father's connections can do for him.
Jonghyun steals a glance at his closed door, before reaching under his piles of paperwork and withdrawing a small, white pill bottle from one of his drawers. Prescribed for insomnia to a Kwon Yoonjin. Just what he needs, because even though his body is lethargic, his mind is running circles and driving him insane.
Just as he dry swallows two of the capsules, a knock sounds and fills the normally silent space of his office. He blinks past the bitter taste of the medicine and clears his throat. “Come in,” he calls once he's sure he sounds like Jonghyun and not the walking corpse the old Jonghyun has become.
Kikwang enters with a smile and knowing sadness in his stare. “Your father is here,” he informs shortly, stepping aside to allow the man to enter.
Kim Daeho is not a sociable man, in fact, it's widely accepted throughout the company that the only time the CEO speaks is to verbally abuse his employees. All of his ingenious running of the company is done through writing or via grand hand gestures and grunts which have to be translated by the other higher ups. No one complains, the man has led the company to wealth and success never seen in its previous years, but even Jonghyun knows that a visit from his father only breeds for a negative conversation.
“Son,” his father addresses him stiffly and with a slightly pained edge to his voice, “We need to have a serious discussion.”
Jonghyun couldn't have foreseen such perfect timing, the pills are dissolving into his system at this very moment and relaxing his overworked body completely. “Go ahead,” he says while motioning for his father to take a seat.
“There has been talk of demoting you,” the man states bluntly, bushy eyebrows set in a straight line just as his chalky lips are.
“Why? I've dedicated three years to this company,” Jonghyun leans forward in his chair, hands holding on tight to the edge of his desk to keep steady, “I've put nothing but sweat and blood into my work.”
His facial expression doesn't shift and he maintains an eery business like tone, as if he isn't speaking to his own blood. “No matter, everything you've put through as of late has been completely worthless. It's taking my men days just to sort through your jumbled wording, let alone try and salvage anything useful from it all. Your department is falling behind.”
Jonghyun shakes his head in stubborn disbelief. “I don't understand this. It's absolutely untrue.”
“Jonghyun, you must be delusional. I took a look at your papers myself and I have to say, I'm ashamed to call you my son. Any other employee I would have fired on the spot for the amount of pure sloppiness I saw, but as I saw this to be special circumstances, I've come down here to warn you. Either get it together and make a real impact in your work, or you will be out of this job and moved down to a more … suitable position.”
There was no room for Jonghyun to speak, let alone defend himself. In all actuality, Jonghyun realized his recent work was a complete disaster, but he didn't expect it to be this significant of an issue. He watches his father stand and leave, brushing past Kikwang and his coffee as if there was nothing even there. Jonghyun would have felt humiliated any other time, but right now he couldn't even bring himself to feel contempt for the man. Instead, he settled back into his chair and accepted the steaming mug offered to him.
“Is … Is there anything I can do?” Kikwang asks and there's real concern in his eyes.
Jonghyun stares up at the young man and wonders just what in the world he did to gain his respect, his love. “No, you can go away now.” It's not like he had asked for it.
The blaring white snow outside slowly dulls and the speed of the falling flakes slows along with the rhythmic 'thuds' of Jonghyun's heart. Eventually, he can't even feel himself breathing in and out anymore - just the way he prefers it.
“Do you want to go shopping?”
By now, Jinki is used to this; this casual, irrelevant post-sex chatter. After the first time, it seemed as if the whole ordeal had lost its ethereal quality. Now it seemed as if they were just doing it out of pure carnal lust, like it wouldn't make a difference who Jinki was on top of. Honestly, Jinki can't stand it, the insincerity of it all, but Kibum was more comfortable this way, he noticed, so he didn't push for more. It didn't help that Kikwang's words from weeks earlier still prodded at his mind and heart.
Gathering up his discarded clothing, Jinki bobs his head in agreement. “I need your help picking out my tux for the ball.”
Kibum reaches over his side of the bed to retrieve Jinki's Calvin Klein's, tossing them at his back while speaking, “That's what I figured.”
When they're both decent, if decent even covered Kibum's ever flawless appearance, they take the subway to the mall. Kibum insists on the farther off one, since it has a much more vast selection of men's formal attire. Jinki goes along with whatever he suggests, anything that will get him out of the freezing winds of the streets and into a well heated store.
Two hours later and Jinki's feet are dragging. He never imagined shopping to be this torturous with someone like Kibum. Someone like his sister, yes, but not Kibum.
“We'll need to get you measured so this can be properly fitted,” Kibum is explaining while pulling and tugging at the material Jinki is currently modeling. “It really is a suitable match.”
Jinki can't stifle the chuckle that bubbles to his lips and garners a confused scowl from Kibum. “S-sorry, but you said 'suitable.'” When Kibum just continues to stare at him, Jinki launches into a full explanation of the pun. He doesn't realize until he's done and wiping tears from the corner of his eyes that Kibum's face never once cracks into a smile, or anything akin to amusement. “I … I guess it wasn't that funny,” Jinki excuses himself lamely, mentally berating himself.
Kibum blinks. “I guess not.”
Fleeing to the fitting room, Jinki takes more time than necessary to change back into his dark wash jeans, t-shirt, gray hoodie, and finally his bright yellow vest for fighting off the bite of the wind outside. When he finally joins Kibum amidst the clothing racks again, he spots two familiar figures. They must have spotted them at the same time, because the shorter of the two grabs the older around the arm and tugs him in their direction.
“Jinki, Kibum!” Taemin greets brightly, arm remaining wrapped around Minho's even when they come to stand in front of the awkward couple.
Barely sparing a look at the two, Kibum nods in their direction before returning his attention the designer labels in front of him. Jinki smiles apologetically.
“Imagine running in to you two here,” he tries to sound cheery, but it comes off too forced.
Taemin doesn't seem to pay it any mind as he smiles widely at Jinki. “Minho was just taking me out when I remembered that we still need our tux's for the ball!”
Jinki can't help but return the contagious smile. “Great minds must think alike. That's what we're doing, too.”
Taemin babbles on about this particular store and how amazing the choice is. Minho's deep gaze grabs Jinki's attention, pulling him away from the enthusiastic man.
“Are we still meeting tonight?”
Jinki nods. “If you aren't too busy?”
A rare smile graces Minho's lips as he responds, “Of course not. I'll see you at eight.” He somehow manages to guide Taemin along, away from Jinki and Kibum, waving at the two and parting.
Jinki's put at ease just from speaking to the tall developer and faces Kibum with renewed energy. “Is there anything else you want to do after this?”
Black rimmed eyes flick up to meet Jinki's. “I don't know,” Kibum says with a small frown, “What else is there to do?”
Scratching at the back of his head in thought, Jinki wracks his mind for something, anything Kibum would find remotely entertaining. “We could take a walk downtown? It's not as nice during the day without all of the Christmas lights turned on, but all of the snow is still pretty. And I know of a really good coffee house in the area.”
Kibum drops the sales tag in his hand and lifts his wrist up to check the time. “I … suppose that would be fine.”
A stupid grin settles over Jinki's face as he commends himself for finding something of interest to Kibum. After they purchase Jinki's tux, they head outside to face the low temperatures of Seoul in the winter season. Fortunately, the wind has died down from earlier, so Jinki doesn't have to worry about his teeth chattering endlessly.
“Wait,” Kibum commands once they're out on the street in front of the store.
Jinki halts his steps, but doesn't expect the following show of kindness. In probably the most affectionate display of feelings Jinki has yet to see, Kibum takes a cap out of the pocket of his jacket and tugs it firmly onto Jinki's head. He ensures Jinki's ears are covered before removing his hands.
“It's too cold to go without a hat,” Kibum explains himself quickly as Jinki watches him with curiosity.
Unconsciously lifting a hand to touch the warm knit beanie, Jinki doesn't feel the need to say anything. Instead, he slips an arm around Kibum waist and pulls him flush against his side. When Kibum tries to protest, Jinki only tightens his grip and says with a chuckle, “It's too cold to walk any other way.”
Once they leave the toasty coffee house to brave the cold once again, Kibum doesn't even comment on Jinki's protective grip around his waist.
“Want to go back to my place?” Jinki questions, breath spiraling in the air.
Kibum is hesitant to answer. Does he really feel up to another round today? “I'm tired from walking around all day,” Kibum says, hoping that's enough to deter the softhearted man.
Jinki looks hurt by his words. “That's not what I meant.”
“Oh.” Kibum stares at the ground passing below his feet. “Then... what?”
“I thought we could just relax, maybe talk,” Jinki says, words holding a bitter edge Kibum isn't accustomed to, “I understand if you don't want to. I'll just take you back to your apartment and be on my way.”
Kibum is surprised when he finds himself pulling Jinki's free hand into his own. When has he ever felt guilty for offending someone? “No, no, that sounds nice,” Kibum corrects himself.
Jinki looks at him with uncertainty. “Are you sure? I get it, if you don't want to - “
“I want to,” Kibum snaps, successfully shutting Jinki up, “Just … Um, make me dinner?”
Head falling back, Jinki laughs into the afternoon air. His eyes are squeezed shut as his laughter vibrates off of Kibum, and he can't help but think it might be one of the prettiest things he's ever witnessed.
When they get to Jinki's flat, Kibum is struck speechless. The place is simple, but so much more than his luxurious apartment can ever be. Kibum can imagine walking into a place like this and being able to call it home without leaving a bad after taste in his mouth. He sheds his outer layer and makes himself comfortable on the sofa without Jinki's direction.
“So,” Kibum starts once Jinki is seated next to him, body turned in his direction, “What do you want to talk about?”
“I think we're finally connecting,” Jinki exhales, perkier than he had been the last time Minho saw him.
Smiling at him from beside him at the bar, Minho claps him on the back. “Good job.” The words are simple, but whenever Minho speaks it always holds a deeper meaning.
Jinki's eyes twinkle. “Anyway, enough about me. How are you and Taemin? He looks happy as ever.”
Minho frowns into his beer. He had been meeting with Jinki every other week ever since the first company outing they went to and the both of them had stood awkwardly off to the side. They made a connection through their social awkwardness and a friendship had grown from it. Did their friendship give Minho the right to dump his problems on Jinki?
“What's wrong?” Jinki asks, brow crinkling while taking a swig of his drink.
Minho releases a sigh. “I might have been too lenient with Taemin.”
“How so?”
“I'm in a little bit of credit card debt.”
“What young Korean isn't? How bad is it?”
“It's pretty bad. It's at around … 15,000,000 won? Not counting university loans I still have ... ”
Jinki splutters and nearly spits out his beer. Minho winces at the reaction.
“How - When - What did you buy?” Jinki manages to get out.
“Just, Taemin has expensive taste and I got him that stereo system as a birthday present,” Minho says while rubbing the back of his neck, “I was too irrational with my spending.”
Jinki reaches out to pat Minho on the back. “That's rough, buddy. How are you going to pay that off?”
“It shouldn't be too hard if I start saving now. The problem is, I don't want to tell Taemin,” Minho vents, pride aching just at the thought.
“I see,” Jinki shakes his head, “You really spoil him too much.”
Minho just chuckles and buys Jinki another beer.
Previous | Next
A/N:
I love this chapter, I have to say. But don't worry, the next chapter will be right back to hot and heavy - well, I'll just say, don't lose hope yet, Jongkey readers. ;)
Oh, and just a little FYI, if I make one more mistake on shinee_replay I'll be banned. Would anyone follow a seperate fic account if I made one?
Thank you for reading.
Pic not mine.