Shy Boy (5/?)
“This is literally the worst idea you’ve ever come up with.”
A stack of unopened presents addressed to Kris sat on the couch between Jongin and Junmyeon, both who were in the process of wrapping their gifts to the giant. It was his birthday celebration that night, and Junmyeon wanted everything to be perfect.
“Going to dinner with Kris? Jongin, that’s what we do every year,” Junmyeon frowned as a piece of the wrapping on his package ripped. He stuck his tongue out in concentration while leaning over the huge mass of gifts, trying to keep them from falling while also trying to get a large enough piece of tape to fix his mistake.
A noise of irritation issued from the back of Jongin’s throat and after successfully taping the last bit of paper on his present, he let himself fall back amongst the cushions, making a few presents tumble to the floor in the process.
“I’m talking about you randomly stealing my phone and inviting Kyungsoo along! He doesn’t even know you, and not even Kris for that matter! Its Kris’ birthday, isn’t it? Shouldn’t he have some say!?”
“Jongin, I told you I already asked Kris if he minded. He doesn’t, and he even agrees that Kyungsoo will be good company for you since this night is mostly focused on Kris and I-”
“Please don’t start talking about your sex life again,” Jongin groaned, giving Junmyeon a disgusted glare.
Junmyeon huffed and turned back to his gift, his face going red at the mention of his sexual activities. Jongin just snorted as he ducked his head in order to retrieve the gifts that had fallen to the floor.
“You’re just upset that I invited your crush after you embarrassed yourself in front of him a few days ago,” Junmyeon said smartly after plopping his present on top of the remaining stack, flashing Jongin his most winning smile.
Jongin squeezed his eyes shut, pouting slightly as he tried to fight off the memory resurfacing.
Junmyeon voice tore through his thoughts with the soft tune of Billionaire and Jongin felt like smacking him in the face. And he did just that. Gently of course, he didn’t want Kris to hurt him for damaging his boyfriend.
“Hyung it’s not funny!” Jongin whined, stomping his feet in frustration. “I told you that someone came to meet Kyungsoo the same day, so my fail was even worse than it should have been! He probably looked between the two of us and realized the other guy was way better. They even hugged Junmyeon, they fucking hugged. How am I supposed to compete with this guy?”
Junmyeon raised an eyebrow and fixed Jongin with his most judgmental stare.
“Jongin, for goodness sake! They probably were friends, you can’t just automatically jump to conclusions you idiot. He seemed really excited when I called him anyways. I think he likes you, I mean, how couldn’t he? You’re adorable.”
“You think?”
“I know. Now go get your dinner clothes on, Kris and Kyungsoo could be arriving any minute.”
Jongin reluctantly obliged, heading to his room to put on the same outfit he had worn for every formal event for the past two years, and he felt himself cringe just thinking about it. He, Kim Jongin, had no one for the past two years to tell him to get a new outfit.
Jongin watched his own face fall in the mirror as he wove gel into his hair. Wow, that is really depressing.
He heard the sound of the front door opening and he quickly checked his reflection in the mirror one last time, hoping to impress Kyungsoo.
God Kyungsoo, what are you doing to me?
Jongin opened his bedroom door and stepped out into the living room. He could hear voices drifting in from the kitchen, but they mostly sounded like Junmyeon and Kris.
Feeling slightly confident, he headed towards the voices, and as soon as he stepped into the kitchen the conversation that had been going on faltered and everyone focused on him.
Everyone being Junmyeon, Kris, and Kyungsoo.
Jongin’s eyes locked with Kyungsoo’s and the shorter smiled brightly at him, the skin around his eyes crinkling into half-moons. Oh god, why are you so perfect?
“Hi Jongin.”
It took a moment for Jongin to register what he had said because for the first few seconds after walking in, all he could do was ogle the older.
First and foremost, Kyungsoo was wearing almost all black, and as much as he didn’t want to admit it, Kyungsoo looked absolutely wonderful in black. His dress shirt was nicely tucked into his pants, and the one bit of color was the red bow tie just under his chin. His face looked brighter than normal, probably having to do with his attire and how his dark hair was styled upward so it didn’t cover his gaze. Jongin could see a smudge of charcoal eyeliner around his oval eyes, and he could literally feel himself melting when he saw the heart shaped smile.
“K-Kyungsoo,” Jongin finally stammered, cursing himself when he saw Kyungsoo stifle a giggle at his awkwardness.
“We were just telling Kyungsoo about how handsome you look when dressed up, and then you showed up almost as if on cue!”
He could see Junmyeon smiling out of the corner of his eye, but he only had eyes for Kyungsoo, who was shyly returning his gaze, his bottom lip sucked in between his teeth as he blinked those puppy eyes up at Jongin.
“We should probably go,” Kris pointed out, the only one who had been keeping track of the time. He put his arm around Junmyeon’s waist and led him to the door.
Kyungsoo looked at Jongin expectantly, and the younger quickly extended an arm towards him. This time Kyungsoo did let out a giggle, but he took Jongin’s arm nevertheless, his hand tightly gripping on to the younger’s firm forearm.
Jongin visibly gulped, and he quickly led Kyungsoo out of the apartment after Kris and Junmyeon, his senses tingling every time Kyungsoo would accidently press his body against his.
It was a good thing the restaurant Junmyeon had picked for Kris’s birthday was in walking distance, because Jongin might have had a heart attack if he had been forced to sit next to Kyungsoo in a confined space for a long amount of time.
They arrived at the restaurant literally two minutes later, and they were directed to their reserved seats as soon as they stepped inside. This whole time Kyungsoo hadn’t said anything, he had been content to just hold onto Jongin the whole time without a single sound leaving his mouth. If he had known how nervous Jongin was he might have spoken up in order to ease the younger’s mind, but since he was unaware he decided to keep his beautiful lips sealed shut.
It was finally when they were sitting next to each other with menus out that Kyungsoo said something.
He poked one of his fingers in Jongin’s side, making the younger flinch and look down at him in surprise.
“What are you getting?” Kyungsoo inquired, pointing one of his fingers at the menu in his hand.
Jongin glanced up at the couple across from them, and decided that telling each other their orders wouldn’t result in teasing later.
“I was thinking of getting Doenjang jjigae….” Jongin trailed off, glancing at Kyungsoo’s face and then back at the menu. There was an awkward silence so he quickly added, “What are you getting?”
Kyungsoo tutted, and flipped through the pages in the menu before landing on what he wanted, “I’m thinking about getting Jjajangmyeon.”
“Ah, yummy,” Jongin nodded in approval, almost instantly looking away again as he closed his menu and set it to the side. God, why do I have to be so awkward?
“What do you normally eat?”
Jongin looked up again, and he felt slightly guilty for not trying to engage the poor soul in an interesting conversation as Kyungsoo watches him with eagerness.
“Do you mean what I normally eat here, or just in general…?”
“In general.”
“Oh. I-uh….”
Kyungsoo cocked his head to the side in confusion and Jongin quickly clarified.
“It’s kind of embarrassing but… I really like-” he glanced at Junmyeon and Kris for good measure before lowering his voice, “chicken. Fried chicken.”
A huge smile broke out across Kyungsoo’s face, and he let out an unsuppressed chuckle which caught the attention of the two love birds across the table who were still deciding on a meal.
“What are you two laughing about over there?” Junmyeon inquired, all the while grinning that stupid grin of his, and Jongin wished he could reach over and wipe it off his dumb face.
“Jongin was just telling me how he really enjoyed fried chicken,” Kyungsoo smiled, obviously not realizing how later he was going to be dragged through mental hell because of that detail.
“Well that’s the understatement of the century,” Kris smirked, meeting Jongin’s glare across the table as he wiggled his eyebrows teasingly.
Junmyeon laughed and joined in on the fun, “Has he told you his least favorite food yet? He is the only person I know who doesn’t like it.”
“Pizza,” Kyungsoo grinned, looking absolutely delighted when Junmyeon appeared taken aback with the Kyungsoo’s knowledge of the younger.
“It took me months to figure out what he liked and didn’t like. You probably know his whole life story by this point,” Junmyeon said, shaking his head as if he felt betrayed.
Kyungsoo’s laughter tinkled around the table, and he quickly shook his head, “I barely know anything about him! I wish I did, but he’s so quiet I don’t know if I ever will.”
“You hear that Jongin? Stop being so quiet!” Junmyeon scolded playfully, making the younger’s face flush with embarrassment while Kyungsoo just grinned cutely at the two of them.
Another voice reached their ears, and they all looked up in surprise, “Is it even possible for him to stop being quiet?”
“Minseok!” Junmyeon exclaimed, as if it was a surprise to see their friend (and waiter) at the restaurant.
He gave Junmyeon a small wave before flashing them all with his toothy grin. “Kris’s birthday dinner, right? And Jongin actually has a date for once?”
Everyone-even Jongin-turned to look at Kyungsoo as if asking him to deny or affirm what was just said.
Kyungsoo’s cheeks tinged pink at the sudden attention but nodded nevertheless as he answered, “I’m Kyungsoo…Jongin’s date.”
“Aw,” Minseok cooed, looking between the cute couple. “He’s adorable Jongin where’d you find him? I’m Minseok by the way, I’ve been friends with these freaks for years and Jongin’s never brought someone to dinner.”
He reached over the table to shake Kyungsoo’s hand, and the younger took it, glancing at Jongin shyly as he did so.
Jongin’s face flushed, and he kept his gaze fixated on the tabletop as the rest continued to converse.
“Well it’s very nice to meet you Kyungsoo, and it's definitely good to see you all again, but sadly I’m not paid to socialize. So I’ll do the one thing I'm required to do, what can I get you gentlemen?”
They ordered quickly, making a few more jokes with their friendly waiter before being told their food would be ready as soon as possible. Minseok left and the two couples were left alone.
“So Kris,” Kyungsoo started, trying to brighten the atmosphere. “How old are you today?”
“I’m 29 today.”
“He’s old….” Jongin snickered, not quite meeting Kris’s eyes as he did. Kyungsoo bit back a laugh even though he didn’t’ entirely agree, Kris may be older than him but he still looked good for his age.
Junmyeon frowned and reached across the table to smack his annoying friend, “You’re such a brat, Kris isn’t old. He’s perfect.”
“Or you’re just blind….” He muttered, flashing a quick glance at Kyungsoo as the older covered his mouth to stop the giggles threatening to slip.
“You be careful you little twerp or next time we’re alone I’ll kick your ass,” Kris warned, raising one of his thick brows while pointing a threatening finger at Jongin.
Kyungsoo glanced between the two and with a quick comparison he determined that Kris could in fact kick Jongin’s ass if he wanted. However he was shocked when Jongin didn’t look at all phased; he was ashamed to admit he had originally taken Jongin to be a scaredy cat.
As if Jongin knew what his date was thinking, he grinned and turned to Kyungsoo, a blush growing on his cheeks as he spoke, “Kris loves me too much to hurt me, he’s all talk.”
“I only love you because your social life is pathetic.”
Jongin’s jaw dropped and Kris started snickering.
“Kris hyung,” Jongin whined, kicking the older under the table. “That was really mean. Junmyeon tell him that was mean!”
“It’s his birthday I can’t scold him,” Junmyeon shrugged, not caring one bit about Jongin’s predicament.
Jongin opened his mouth to complain again but was interrupted when Minseok arrived with their food. He huffed in annoyance but let himself be distracted by the sweet smelling aroma, and soon he and the rest of his company were stuffing their faces.
“The food here is delicious,” Kyungsoo commented a few minutes later, only about a quarter of his plate clean while Jongin and Kris had finished over half of their own.
His huge eyes widened when he noticed this, and Junmyeon even had to assure him that it was completely normal for the pair of them to eat so quickly. Kyungsoo doubted it was healthy, and he found it amazing that someone as small as Jongin could have such an appetite, but he didn’t say anything on the matter. He instead ate his own meal, watching Jongin inhale his own out of the corner of his eye.
They ended up staying to get dessert, and while the older couple shared a piece of birthday cake, the blushing Jongin and the doe-eyed Kyungsoo shared a fudge brownie drizzled with warm chocolate sauce.
Kyungsoo learned a lot in that one night, for one Jongin ate like a pig, but despite that minor flaw Jongin couldn’t be any more of an angel.
The younger did everything in his power to make sure Kyungsoo was satisfied, and while he usual was, Jongin was insistent on asking every few seconds. Kyungsoo loved the way the younger would suddenly turn to look at him, his gaze dropping almost as soon as their eyes met, before licking his lips and asking Kyungsoo if he was having a good time. And every time he would say he was, because just being there with Jongin, Junmyeon and Kris was enough to make him happy.
And when Junmyeon insisted Jongin walk Kyungsoo home after their night out, his heart swelled, because while watching Jongin interact with his friends was entertaining, Kyungsoo wanted to know more about Jongin.
But how does a person open up to someone they barely know?
“What’s your favorite color?” Kyungsoo asked, kicking the leaves on the sidewalk as they walked side by side.
Jongin puffed out his cheeks, uncertain of how to phrase his answer. “I like red.”
“Red? That’s a nice color-”
“But I also like sky blue.”
“Oh that’s pretty too-”
“But black is also really nice.”
Kyungsoo snorted and he turned to look at the younger. “Dear god you freak, how many favorite colors do you have?”
Jongin tried to pout, but Kyungsoo’s raised eyebrows and judgmental gaze made him burst out into an uncontrollable fit of giggles. Kyungsoo’s eyes widened in shock as the boy beside him doubled over and burst out into full blown laughter, his hands hitting his knees for extra effect.
“Like I said before…you’re a complete freak….” Kyungsoo awkwardly chuckled as he gently patted the younger on the back as Jongin tried to recollect himself.
It took a minute of Kyungsoo half supporting Jongin for the boy to finally calm down enough to form proper words. “Sorry it’s just-the face you made was so funny.”
Kyungsoo scowled and he let the hand supporting Jongin fall away. “My face is funny to you?”
Jongin froze in the process of fixing his ruffled hair, and he quickly jumped to alter what he had said, “No, no, no! That’s not what I meant! The way you were looking at me was just funny because you looked like you were seriously judging me and I couldn’t help but laugh.”
“I was judging you,” Kyungsoo affirmed, his eyes twinkling as Jongin breathed a sigh of relief.
“See? That’s why I was laughing!”
Kyungsoo simply hummed in response, his gaze trained on the building in the distance as their feet continued to carry them down the walkway.
“Where do you live anyways?”
Kyungsoo pointed to the apartment complex in the distance and Jongin let out a sound of understanding.
A pleasant silence settled over the two, their shoulders bumping every once in a while to remind them that the other was still there.
It was when they were within a minute of reaching the complex that Kyungsoo spoke up again.
“You opened up a lot today Jongin.”
The grin that had previously been decorating Jongin’s round face faltered as the words began to process. “What do you mean?”
“I mean,” Kyungsoo began, a shy smile creeping its way on to his face, “after you got comfortable with my presence you opened up. You tried to talk to me more, but you mostly just talked a lot to the other two. Which is completely fine. You’re cute when you talk a lot, and it was fun to watch you interact with them.”
Jongin’s face flushed at the words. “O-Oh….”
“And now you’re being the adorable Jongin who can’t form proper sentences,” Kyungsoo teased, coming to a stop in front of apartments.
Jongin ducked his head in embarrassment and didn’t look up until he heard Kyungsoo let out a long yawn.
“I’m exhausted,” Kyungsoo said, stretching his short arms above his head. “You wore me out, Jongin.”
“Technically Junmyeon asked you to come, so it’s not my fault you’re exhausted.”
“But you were my date. The blame falls on you.”
Jongin’s heart sped up rapidly at the mention of date again, and Jongin felt himself flushing again for what seemed to be the thousandth time that night.
“Well I’m sorry that I wore you out so muc-” His voice faltered when Kyungsoo’s soft plump lips connected with his cheek.
The delicate, plush, and slightly damp lips lingered on his cheek a moment longer before Kyungsoo pulled away, his eyes sparkling up at Jongin as he took a step back.
Jongin gaped down at the older, not quite registering what had happened as Kyungsoo shyly bit his lip and took another step back.
“I’ll see you at the shop tomorrow, okay?”
Jongin nodded dumbly, not entirely sure what he should say to the boy retreating into his apartment building. Should he say goodbye? Should he pull him back and lay a kiss to those taunting lips?
Swallowing awkwardly, Jongin cleared his throat, capturing the older's attention once more.
“I had a lot of fun tonight, Kyungsoo.”
The shorter stopped in his tracks and just barely glanced back at Jongin. From the streetlights it was obvious to tell that the older was grinning.
“I had a lot of fun too. See you tomorrow.”
Jongin watched Kyungsoo enter the building before letting out a relieved breath. With Kyungsoo safely home Jongin could now return to his own apartment with ease, Kyungsoo was not going to be abducted by walking from the lobby to his apartment, it just wasn't going happen. Or was it?
Jongin bit his lip and looked back at the building. His neighbors weren't serial killers...right? God damn it Jongin, the chances of him being abducted on his way to his apartment are so slim, you shouldn't be worried.
Groaning he pulled out his phone, dialing Kyungsoo's number (not that he had memorized it or anything).
The phone rang three times (not that Jongin counted) before Kyungsoo picked up, amusement obvious in his voice, “Missed me already?”
Jongin coughed in embarrassment and shyly looked around the dark street to make sure no one would hear his next words.
“I wanted to make sure you got up to your apartment alright....”
There was a shuffling on the other side of the line and for a split moment Jongin thought Kyungsoo was in fact being abducted, but the other's laugh dashed those thoughts instantly.
“Look up.”
Jongin frowned, obviously confused, “Huh?”
“I said look up, stupid. Tilt your head up and open your eyes.”
Jongin pouted but did as he was told, and much to his surprise he could see a light up on the third floor and he could see Kyungsoo waving down at him.
“I can see you pouting from here Jongin,” Kyungsoo teased, his eyes crinkling up as he smiled (the same smile Jongin had complimented earlier) and he felt his heart flutter.
Jongin only pouted more and stomped his foot to add effect. “You called me stupid.”
“You're such a drama queen, Jonginnie.”
Jongin blushed and he looked away from the window. “I was just worried...and then you made fun of me.”
Kyungsoo grinned, “I’m flattered you were worried about me, but I also think it’s adorable. It’s not like I’m going to be kidnapped on the way up to my apartment.”
Jongin groaned and looked back towards the window. He could see Kyungsoo's small silhouette outlined in the window and Jongin wanted nothing more than to be up there with him. He didn't care if there was no chance Kyungsoo would be put in danger, he wanted to be there to protect him no matter what. God you barely know the guy and you already are acting like his controlling boyfriend.
“I know...I just wanted to make sure....”
Kyungsoo giggled and Jongin felt like shooting himself.
“I guess next time I won’t make sure then....”
Kyungsoo immediately jumped to stop the younger, finding the overprotectiveness to be extremely adorable, “No, no, no! If it makes you feel better you can always call to make sure I don’t get kidnapped...or next time you could just walk me to the door.”
Jongin falls silent for a moment before answering with a quiet, “Yeah I probably should have just done that...”
“So do that next time, you silly thing!”
Jongin mumbles a embarrassed okay and Kyungsoo takes that as the sign it's time to hang up.
“I'm going to go now, okay Jongin? I think we both need to get some sleep before work tomorrow.”
“O-Oh--yeah I totally forgot about that. I’ll see you tomorrow then?”
Kyungsoo hummed in agreement and Jongin cut the line. He looked up one last time to see Kyungsoo give him a fluttery finger wave and Jongin smiled.
Things were progressing nicely.
Previous
A stack of unopened presents addressed to Kris sat on the couch between Jongin and Junmyeon, both who were in the process of wrapping their gifts to the giant. It was his birthday celebration that night, and Junmyeon wanted everything to be perfect.
“Going to dinner with Kris? Jongin, that’s what we do every year,” Junmyeon frowned as a piece of the wrapping on his package ripped. He stuck his tongue out in concentration while leaning over the huge mass of gifts, trying to keep them from falling while also trying to get a large enough piece of tape to fix his mistake.
A noise of irritation issued from the back of Jongin’s throat and after successfully taping the last bit of paper on his present, he let himself fall back amongst the cushions, making a few presents tumble to the floor in the process.
“I’m talking about you randomly stealing my phone and inviting Kyungsoo along! He doesn’t even know you, and not even Kris for that matter! Its Kris’ birthday, isn’t it? Shouldn’t he have some say!?”
“Jongin, I told you I already asked Kris if he minded. He doesn’t, and he even agrees that Kyungsoo will be good company for you since this night is mostly focused on Kris and I-”
“Please don’t start talking about your sex life again,” Jongin groaned, giving Junmyeon a disgusted glare.
Junmyeon huffed and turned back to his gift, his face going red at the mention of his sexual activities. Jongin just snorted as he ducked his head in order to retrieve the gifts that had fallen to the floor.
“You’re just upset that I invited your crush after you embarrassed yourself in front of him a few days ago,” Junmyeon said smartly after plopping his present on top of the remaining stack, flashing Jongin his most winning smile.
Jongin squeezed his eyes shut, pouting slightly as he tried to fight off the memory resurfacing.
Junmyeon voice tore through his thoughts with the soft tune of Billionaire and Jongin felt like smacking him in the face. And he did just that. Gently of course, he didn’t want Kris to hurt him for damaging his boyfriend.
“Hyung it’s not funny!” Jongin whined, stomping his feet in frustration. “I told you that someone came to meet Kyungsoo the same day, so my fail was even worse than it should have been! He probably looked between the two of us and realized the other guy was way better. They even hugged Junmyeon, they fucking hugged. How am I supposed to compete with this guy?”
Junmyeon raised an eyebrow and fixed Jongin with his most judgmental stare.
“Jongin, for goodness sake! They probably were friends, you can’t just automatically jump to conclusions you idiot. He seemed really excited when I called him anyways. I think he likes you, I mean, how couldn’t he? You’re adorable.”
“You think?”
“I know. Now go get your dinner clothes on, Kris and Kyungsoo could be arriving any minute.”
Jongin reluctantly obliged, heading to his room to put on the same outfit he had worn for every formal event for the past two years, and he felt himself cringe just thinking about it. He, Kim Jongin, had no one for the past two years to tell him to get a new outfit.
Jongin watched his own face fall in the mirror as he wove gel into his hair. Wow, that is really depressing.
He heard the sound of the front door opening and he quickly checked his reflection in the mirror one last time, hoping to impress Kyungsoo.
God Kyungsoo, what are you doing to me?
Jongin opened his bedroom door and stepped out into the living room. He could hear voices drifting in from the kitchen, but they mostly sounded like Junmyeon and Kris.
Feeling slightly confident, he headed towards the voices, and as soon as he stepped into the kitchen the conversation that had been going on faltered and everyone focused on him.
Everyone being Junmyeon, Kris, and Kyungsoo.
Jongin’s eyes locked with Kyungsoo’s and the shorter smiled brightly at him, the skin around his eyes crinkling into half-moons. Oh god, why are you so perfect?
“Hi Jongin.”
It took a moment for Jongin to register what he had said because for the first few seconds after walking in, all he could do was ogle the older.
First and foremost, Kyungsoo was wearing almost all black, and as much as he didn’t want to admit it, Kyungsoo looked absolutely wonderful in black. His dress shirt was nicely tucked into his pants, and the one bit of color was the red bow tie just under his chin. His face looked brighter than normal, probably having to do with his attire and how his dark hair was styled upward so it didn’t cover his gaze. Jongin could see a smudge of charcoal eyeliner around his oval eyes, and he could literally feel himself melting when he saw the heart shaped smile.
“K-Kyungsoo,” Jongin finally stammered, cursing himself when he saw Kyungsoo stifle a giggle at his awkwardness.
“We were just telling Kyungsoo about how handsome you look when dressed up, and then you showed up almost as if on cue!”
He could see Junmyeon smiling out of the corner of his eye, but he only had eyes for Kyungsoo, who was shyly returning his gaze, his bottom lip sucked in between his teeth as he blinked those puppy eyes up at Jongin.
“We should probably go,” Kris pointed out, the only one who had been keeping track of the time. He put his arm around Junmyeon’s waist and led him to the door.
Kyungsoo looked at Jongin expectantly, and the younger quickly extended an arm towards him. This time Kyungsoo did let out a giggle, but he took Jongin’s arm nevertheless, his hand tightly gripping on to the younger’s firm forearm.
Jongin visibly gulped, and he quickly led Kyungsoo out of the apartment after Kris and Junmyeon, his senses tingling every time Kyungsoo would accidently press his body against his.
It was a good thing the restaurant Junmyeon had picked for Kris’s birthday was in walking distance, because Jongin might have had a heart attack if he had been forced to sit next to Kyungsoo in a confined space for a long amount of time.
They arrived at the restaurant literally two minutes later, and they were directed to their reserved seats as soon as they stepped inside. This whole time Kyungsoo hadn’t said anything, he had been content to just hold onto Jongin the whole time without a single sound leaving his mouth. If he had known how nervous Jongin was he might have spoken up in order to ease the younger’s mind, but since he was unaware he decided to keep his beautiful lips sealed shut.
It was finally when they were sitting next to each other with menus out that Kyungsoo said something.
He poked one of his fingers in Jongin’s side, making the younger flinch and look down at him in surprise.
“What are you getting?” Kyungsoo inquired, pointing one of his fingers at the menu in his hand.
Jongin glanced up at the couple across from them, and decided that telling each other their orders wouldn’t result in teasing later.
“I was thinking of getting Doenjang jjigae….” Jongin trailed off, glancing at Kyungsoo’s face and then back at the menu. There was an awkward silence so he quickly added, “What are you getting?”
Kyungsoo tutted, and flipped through the pages in the menu before landing on what he wanted, “I’m thinking about getting Jjajangmyeon.”
“Ah, yummy,” Jongin nodded in approval, almost instantly looking away again as he closed his menu and set it to the side. God, why do I have to be so awkward?
“What do you normally eat?”
Jongin looked up again, and he felt slightly guilty for not trying to engage the poor soul in an interesting conversation as Kyungsoo watches him with eagerness.
“Do you mean what I normally eat here, or just in general…?”
“In general.”
“Oh. I-uh….”
Kyungsoo cocked his head to the side in confusion and Jongin quickly clarified.
“It’s kind of embarrassing but… I really like-” he glanced at Junmyeon and Kris for good measure before lowering his voice, “chicken. Fried chicken.”
A huge smile broke out across Kyungsoo’s face, and he let out an unsuppressed chuckle which caught the attention of the two love birds across the table who were still deciding on a meal.
“What are you two laughing about over there?” Junmyeon inquired, all the while grinning that stupid grin of his, and Jongin wished he could reach over and wipe it off his dumb face.
“Jongin was just telling me how he really enjoyed fried chicken,” Kyungsoo smiled, obviously not realizing how later he was going to be dragged through mental hell because of that detail.
“Well that’s the understatement of the century,” Kris smirked, meeting Jongin’s glare across the table as he wiggled his eyebrows teasingly.
Junmyeon laughed and joined in on the fun, “Has he told you his least favorite food yet? He is the only person I know who doesn’t like it.”
“Pizza,” Kyungsoo grinned, looking absolutely delighted when Junmyeon appeared taken aback with the Kyungsoo’s knowledge of the younger.
“It took me months to figure out what he liked and didn’t like. You probably know his whole life story by this point,” Junmyeon said, shaking his head as if he felt betrayed.
Kyungsoo’s laughter tinkled around the table, and he quickly shook his head, “I barely know anything about him! I wish I did, but he’s so quiet I don’t know if I ever will.”
“You hear that Jongin? Stop being so quiet!” Junmyeon scolded playfully, making the younger’s face flush with embarrassment while Kyungsoo just grinned cutely at the two of them.
Another voice reached their ears, and they all looked up in surprise, “Is it even possible for him to stop being quiet?”
“Minseok!” Junmyeon exclaimed, as if it was a surprise to see their friend (and waiter) at the restaurant.
He gave Junmyeon a small wave before flashing them all with his toothy grin. “Kris’s birthday dinner, right? And Jongin actually has a date for once?”
Everyone-even Jongin-turned to look at Kyungsoo as if asking him to deny or affirm what was just said.
Kyungsoo’s cheeks tinged pink at the sudden attention but nodded nevertheless as he answered, “I’m Kyungsoo…Jongin’s date.”
“Aw,” Minseok cooed, looking between the cute couple. “He’s adorable Jongin where’d you find him? I’m Minseok by the way, I’ve been friends with these freaks for years and Jongin’s never brought someone to dinner.”
He reached over the table to shake Kyungsoo’s hand, and the younger took it, glancing at Jongin shyly as he did so.
Jongin’s face flushed, and he kept his gaze fixated on the tabletop as the rest continued to converse.
“Well it’s very nice to meet you Kyungsoo, and it's definitely good to see you all again, but sadly I’m not paid to socialize. So I’ll do the one thing I'm required to do, what can I get you gentlemen?”
They ordered quickly, making a few more jokes with their friendly waiter before being told their food would be ready as soon as possible. Minseok left and the two couples were left alone.
“So Kris,” Kyungsoo started, trying to brighten the atmosphere. “How old are you today?”
“I’m 29 today.”
“He’s old….” Jongin snickered, not quite meeting Kris’s eyes as he did. Kyungsoo bit back a laugh even though he didn’t’ entirely agree, Kris may be older than him but he still looked good for his age.
Junmyeon frowned and reached across the table to smack his annoying friend, “You’re such a brat, Kris isn’t old. He’s perfect.”
“Or you’re just blind….” He muttered, flashing a quick glance at Kyungsoo as the older covered his mouth to stop the giggles threatening to slip.
“You be careful you little twerp or next time we’re alone I’ll kick your ass,” Kris warned, raising one of his thick brows while pointing a threatening finger at Jongin.
Kyungsoo glanced between the two and with a quick comparison he determined that Kris could in fact kick Jongin’s ass if he wanted. However he was shocked when Jongin didn’t look at all phased; he was ashamed to admit he had originally taken Jongin to be a scaredy cat.
As if Jongin knew what his date was thinking, he grinned and turned to Kyungsoo, a blush growing on his cheeks as he spoke, “Kris loves me too much to hurt me, he’s all talk.”
“I only love you because your social life is pathetic.”
Jongin’s jaw dropped and Kris started snickering.
“Kris hyung,” Jongin whined, kicking the older under the table. “That was really mean. Junmyeon tell him that was mean!”
“It’s his birthday I can’t scold him,” Junmyeon shrugged, not caring one bit about Jongin’s predicament.
Jongin opened his mouth to complain again but was interrupted when Minseok arrived with their food. He huffed in annoyance but let himself be distracted by the sweet smelling aroma, and soon he and the rest of his company were stuffing their faces.
“The food here is delicious,” Kyungsoo commented a few minutes later, only about a quarter of his plate clean while Jongin and Kris had finished over half of their own.
His huge eyes widened when he noticed this, and Junmyeon even had to assure him that it was completely normal for the pair of them to eat so quickly. Kyungsoo doubted it was healthy, and he found it amazing that someone as small as Jongin could have such an appetite, but he didn’t say anything on the matter. He instead ate his own meal, watching Jongin inhale his own out of the corner of his eye.
They ended up staying to get dessert, and while the older couple shared a piece of birthday cake, the blushing Jongin and the doe-eyed Kyungsoo shared a fudge brownie drizzled with warm chocolate sauce.
Kyungsoo learned a lot in that one night, for one Jongin ate like a pig, but despite that minor flaw Jongin couldn’t be any more of an angel.
The younger did everything in his power to make sure Kyungsoo was satisfied, and while he usual was, Jongin was insistent on asking every few seconds. Kyungsoo loved the way the younger would suddenly turn to look at him, his gaze dropping almost as soon as their eyes met, before licking his lips and asking Kyungsoo if he was having a good time. And every time he would say he was, because just being there with Jongin, Junmyeon and Kris was enough to make him happy.
And when Junmyeon insisted Jongin walk Kyungsoo home after their night out, his heart swelled, because while watching Jongin interact with his friends was entertaining, Kyungsoo wanted to know more about Jongin.
But how does a person open up to someone they barely know?
“What’s your favorite color?” Kyungsoo asked, kicking the leaves on the sidewalk as they walked side by side.
Jongin puffed out his cheeks, uncertain of how to phrase his answer. “I like red.”
“Red? That’s a nice color-”
“But I also like sky blue.”
“Oh that’s pretty too-”
“But black is also really nice.”
Kyungsoo snorted and he turned to look at the younger. “Dear god you freak, how many favorite colors do you have?”
Jongin tried to pout, but Kyungsoo’s raised eyebrows and judgmental gaze made him burst out into an uncontrollable fit of giggles. Kyungsoo’s eyes widened in shock as the boy beside him doubled over and burst out into full blown laughter, his hands hitting his knees for extra effect.
“Like I said before…you’re a complete freak….” Kyungsoo awkwardly chuckled as he gently patted the younger on the back as Jongin tried to recollect himself.
It took a minute of Kyungsoo half supporting Jongin for the boy to finally calm down enough to form proper words. “Sorry it’s just-the face you made was so funny.”
Kyungsoo scowled and he let the hand supporting Jongin fall away. “My face is funny to you?”
Jongin froze in the process of fixing his ruffled hair, and he quickly jumped to alter what he had said, “No, no, no! That’s not what I meant! The way you were looking at me was just funny because you looked like you were seriously judging me and I couldn’t help but laugh.”
“I was judging you,” Kyungsoo affirmed, his eyes twinkling as Jongin breathed a sigh of relief.
“See? That’s why I was laughing!”
Kyungsoo simply hummed in response, his gaze trained on the building in the distance as their feet continued to carry them down the walkway.
“Where do you live anyways?”
Kyungsoo pointed to the apartment complex in the distance and Jongin let out a sound of understanding.
A pleasant silence settled over the two, their shoulders bumping every once in a while to remind them that the other was still there.
It was when they were within a minute of reaching the complex that Kyungsoo spoke up again.
“You opened up a lot today Jongin.”
The grin that had previously been decorating Jongin’s round face faltered as the words began to process. “What do you mean?”
“I mean,” Kyungsoo began, a shy smile creeping its way on to his face, “after you got comfortable with my presence you opened up. You tried to talk to me more, but you mostly just talked a lot to the other two. Which is completely fine. You’re cute when you talk a lot, and it was fun to watch you interact with them.”
Jongin’s face flushed at the words. “O-Oh….”
“And now you’re being the adorable Jongin who can’t form proper sentences,” Kyungsoo teased, coming to a stop in front of apartments.
Jongin ducked his head in embarrassment and didn’t look up until he heard Kyungsoo let out a long yawn.
“I’m exhausted,” Kyungsoo said, stretching his short arms above his head. “You wore me out, Jongin.”
“Technically Junmyeon asked you to come, so it’s not my fault you’re exhausted.”
“But you were my date. The blame falls on you.”
Jongin’s heart sped up rapidly at the mention of date again, and Jongin felt himself flushing again for what seemed to be the thousandth time that night.
“Well I’m sorry that I wore you out so muc-” His voice faltered when Kyungsoo’s soft plump lips connected with his cheek.
The delicate, plush, and slightly damp lips lingered on his cheek a moment longer before Kyungsoo pulled away, his eyes sparkling up at Jongin as he took a step back.
Jongin gaped down at the older, not quite registering what had happened as Kyungsoo shyly bit his lip and took another step back.
“I’ll see you at the shop tomorrow, okay?”
Jongin nodded dumbly, not entirely sure what he should say to the boy retreating into his apartment building. Should he say goodbye? Should he pull him back and lay a kiss to those taunting lips?
Swallowing awkwardly, Jongin cleared his throat, capturing the older's attention once more.
“I had a lot of fun tonight, Kyungsoo.”
The shorter stopped in his tracks and just barely glanced back at Jongin. From the streetlights it was obvious to tell that the older was grinning.
“I had a lot of fun too. See you tomorrow.”
Jongin watched Kyungsoo enter the building before letting out a relieved breath. With Kyungsoo safely home Jongin could now return to his own apartment with ease, Kyungsoo was not going to be abducted by walking from the lobby to his apartment, it just wasn't going happen. Or was it?
Jongin bit his lip and looked back at the building. His neighbors weren't serial killers...right? God damn it Jongin, the chances of him being abducted on his way to his apartment are so slim, you shouldn't be worried.
Groaning he pulled out his phone, dialing Kyungsoo's number (not that he had memorized it or anything).
The phone rang three times (not that Jongin counted) before Kyungsoo picked up, amusement obvious in his voice, “Missed me already?”
Jongin coughed in embarrassment and shyly looked around the dark street to make sure no one would hear his next words.
“I wanted to make sure you got up to your apartment alright....”
There was a shuffling on the other side of the line and for a split moment Jongin thought Kyungsoo was in fact being abducted, but the other's laugh dashed those thoughts instantly.
“Look up.”
Jongin frowned, obviously confused, “Huh?”
“I said look up, stupid. Tilt your head up and open your eyes.”
Jongin pouted but did as he was told, and much to his surprise he could see a light up on the third floor and he could see Kyungsoo waving down at him.
“I can see you pouting from here Jongin,” Kyungsoo teased, his eyes crinkling up as he smiled (the same smile Jongin had complimented earlier) and he felt his heart flutter.
Jongin only pouted more and stomped his foot to add effect. “You called me stupid.”
“You're such a drama queen, Jonginnie.”
Jongin blushed and he looked away from the window. “I was just worried...and then you made fun of me.”
Kyungsoo grinned, “I’m flattered you were worried about me, but I also think it’s adorable. It’s not like I’m going to be kidnapped on the way up to my apartment.”
Jongin groaned and looked back towards the window. He could see Kyungsoo's small silhouette outlined in the window and Jongin wanted nothing more than to be up there with him. He didn't care if there was no chance Kyungsoo would be put in danger, he wanted to be there to protect him no matter what. God you barely know the guy and you already are acting like his controlling boyfriend.
“I know...I just wanted to make sure....”
Kyungsoo giggled and Jongin felt like shooting himself.
“I guess next time I won’t make sure then....”
Kyungsoo immediately jumped to stop the younger, finding the overprotectiveness to be extremely adorable, “No, no, no! If it makes you feel better you can always call to make sure I don’t get kidnapped...or next time you could just walk me to the door.”
Jongin falls silent for a moment before answering with a quiet, “Yeah I probably should have just done that...”
“So do that next time, you silly thing!”
Jongin mumbles a embarrassed okay and Kyungsoo takes that as the sign it's time to hang up.
“I'm going to go now, okay Jongin? I think we both need to get some sleep before work tomorrow.”
“O-Oh--yeah I totally forgot about that. I’ll see you tomorrow then?”
Kyungsoo hummed in agreement and Jongin cut the line. He looked up one last time to see Kyungsoo give him a fluttery finger wave and Jongin smiled.
Things were progressing nicely.
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