Of Lab Experiments and Musicals
Title: Of Lab Experiments and Musicals
Prompt: #63
For: anonymous
Pairing: Ontae
Author: Anonymous
Word Count: 4322
Rating: PG
Warnings: None
Summary: Lab geek Jinki falls for his new roommate unexpectedly.
>><<
Jinki checked the time, sighing as his fingers came to a stop on his laptop. He quickly shut it, packing everything in his messenger bag.
“Where are you going?” Kibum muttered, not looking away from his screen.
“The new roommate is moving in today. I need to meet him with the key.” Jinki pulled the strap over his head settling the bag on his hip. “I’ll be back later.”
Kibum kept his focus in front of him, waving his hand flippantly as the other made his way out of the mostly empty library.
Jinki pulled up behind the small moving trailer on his scooter. He checked his watch, he was only about 10 minutes past the time they had planned to meet. He had hoped the new guy hadn’t been waiting long, you know first impressions and all that.
He noticed someone getting out of the car as he pulled off his helmet, setting it on the seat of the bike. “Taemin?” Jinki went up to the tall dark haired guy, with his hand extended. “I’m sorry I’m a little late, I lost track of time at the library.”
The other smiled, taking his hand giving it firm squeeze. “No worries. But I’m not Taemin. I’m his brother Minho.”
Jinki’s eyes widened a little behind his wire rimmed glasses. “Oh...” He smiled shyly. “...sorry.”
“I’m Taemin.” Jinki hadn’t noticed the passenger before but watched as a blonde head poked it’s way out from the other side of the car. He looked younger than he had pictured over the phone, too young to even be a first year student.
Taemin jogged over to where they were standing. “Hi.” He smiled brightly at Jinki extending his hand.
Jinki took it and immediately noticed the different in the brothers. Minho’s hand was a bit rough, warm, grip slightly uncomfortable, Taemin’s was smaller, softer and his grip was gentle. Taemin held his hand and eye contact a little longer than Jinki was comfortable with. He could feel his ears start to get hot when he muttered an apology again, this time to the right person.
Jinki stayed and helped the freshman get settled. He found Taemin in his room shortly after he had seen Minho off, the older brother having a long drive back home, unpacking the couple of boxes he had packed full of clothes.
“Did you need anything?”
Taemin shook his head, neatly stacking some clothes in a drawer. “No. I think I can manage from here.” He offered Jinki another smile.
“Okay. I’m going to head back to the library to study.”
“On a Saturday?” Taemin laughed. “And the semester hasn’t even started yet.”
Jinki chuckled rubbing the back of his head. “I’m just trying to get a head start on a few things before my lab starts next week.”
“Biology right? That’s what you said on the phone when we talked.”
Jinki nodded. “Chemical biology.”
“Right. The mad scientist.” Taemin said cutely, his brown eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief behind them.
Jinki knew his cheeks were probably tinted pink. “Yeah...just message me if you need something or...”
“I’m fine Jinki.” The blonde went back to the clothes he was unpacking. “After this I’m going to grab some food. We can catch up later.”
It was well after dark when Jinki finally got back to his apartment. He came in quietly not wanting to disturb Taemin, he wasn’t that late but it would take a little while to get used to each other’s schedule and habits. The foyer was dark and the rest of the apartment was quiet. He made his way to the kitchen following the blueish glow of the fluorescent light.
He noticed a little yellow post it note on the fridge.
Jinki~
There’s pizza in the fridge.
Help yourself.
Taemin :)
Jinki was a little surprised at the thoughtfulness of the younger. Taemin seemed nice enough over the phone when they had talked but they were practically strangers, it always took Jinki a while to warm up to people, something that seemed to come very natural to his new roommate.
Jinki plucked a napkin from the counter and stacked two pieces of pizza and grabbed a bottle of water, tucking it under his arm as he made his way to his room. No sound came from the closed door of his roommate and he assumed Taemin had already fallen asleep, probably tired from moving.
~
The next morning Jinki woke up, eyes squinting against the light coming in through his window. He yawned, stretching as he reached for his glasses. He barely heard some noise in the kitchen and some mumbling, thinking maybe Taemin was on the phone. He shuffled to the bathroom still waking up.
After washing up and feeling a little bit more awake he made his way to the kitchen. He stopped in the doorway, the sight he was met with taking him back a little. Taemin had his back to him and was swishing his hips back and forth, only a pair of black sweatpants sitting dangerously low on his narrow hips, humming a tune softly to himself. Jinki felt his pulse in his ears for a second before the blond turned around shrieking when he saw Jinki standing there, dropping the bowl of strawberries he had been washing at the sink.
He sank against the counter pulling the headphones off his hears letting them rest around his neck. “Shit.” He panted, a smile creeping on his face as he started to chuckle. “You scared me.”
Jinki had a hard time not staring at the other’s bare torso, noting how his flat stomach gently rose as the blonde tried to calm his breathing. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to.” He knelt down picking up the bowl, only a couple of the berries had tumbled out onto the floor. “What were you listening to?”
“West Side Story.” Taemin picked up a strawberry putting it in his mouth, his face scrunching up at the tartness.
“Eh?” Jinki sat down at the small two seater table in the corner of the small room.
“West Side Story.” He muttered with his mouth full, he swallowed before continuing. “It’s a musical. I plan on auditioning in a couple weeks. So...just trying to get a head start I guess.” He laughed to himself. “Like you are with your labs.”
Jinki smiled. “I forgot you said you were a performing arts major.”
Taemin sat down across from him, scooting the bowl closer to him offering him some of the fruit. Jinki plucked one from the bowl.
“The school I transferred from wasn’t very well known for it’s theater department, so I don’t know how I will measure up to the other students here. I mean, I did well but I’m just a little nervous. I don’t expect to get a big role or anything. I just want to try my best, make a good first impression. It’s hard coming in to a program like this late, theater can be a little cliquey.”
Jinki didn’t know what to say, he didn’t know the first thing about theater or musicals. He didn’t know much about Taemin or if the guy really was any good at acting, or singing or dancing but he didn’t want to seem unsupportive.
“I’m sure you’ll do fine.” He cringed a little inside at the generic comment but Taemin gave him the same bright smile he did yesterday.
“Thank you.”
~
A few weeks went by and the semester began, Jinki hovered over Kibum as the younger student peered into the microscope. Labs had technically been canceled that day but they found themselves here anyway, retesting an experiment they had worked on the week before. “You’re not dating anyone are you Kibum?” Jinki broke a long silence. Kibum lifted his head and looked at the other suspiciously. “Why Jinx? You want to ask me out?”
Jinki’s mouth fell open and he stuttered around his words for a second before Kibum spoke again. “Calm down Casanova, I was joking.” He peered back into the microscope. “You’re not my type anyway. And no, I’m not exactly dating someone at the moment. I have a prospect I’m working on though.” He adjusted one of the knobs on the microscope.
“Prospect?” Jinki wiped his palms on his khakis.
“Why do you ask?” Kibum sat up and looked at the screen on his laptop, quickly typing a few things.
“I was just...well...I was just curious is all. I’ve never really dated before and...”
“Sounds like I’m not the only one with a prospect.”
“I don’t have a prospect.” Jinki muttered under his breath but couldn’t help smiling to himself.
~
Jinki got home later that day and found Taemin flitting around the apartment, humming, as he did often.
“Jinki!” Taemin perked up when he noticed him. “I’m glad your here!”
Jinki looked up, pushing the thin wire framed glassed higher on his nose as he kicked his shoes off.
“I got a part in the musical!”
The excitement on his face was contagious and Jinki instantly felt happy for him. “That’s great! Was it the one you auditioned for?”
Taemin shook his head the smile growing even bigger on his face.
Jinki was confused for a moment before Taemin bubbled over in his excitement running up to him giving him a huge hug. “I got the lead! I only went in and auditioned for one the of the gang members but they had me stand in and read with one of the girls auditioning and well...I guess they liked it....”
Jinki froze for a moment before he finally returned the embrace. “Wow~” Jinki heard his voice crack, he tried to clear his throat and focus. “I’m so happy for you Taem.”
Taemin pulled back and smiled. “I’m so nervous now. I had lead roles back home but nothing on this production level.”
“They wouldn’t have picked you if they didn’t think you could do it. You’ll be great.”
Taemin took a deep breath and nodded. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to attack you as soon as you got in.”
Jinki shook his head trying to ignore the pulse resounding in his ears. “No! Don’t be. You deserve to be excited about this!”
~
Later that evening Taemin poked his head inside the Jinki’s door. The blonde watched him for a couple minutes, the soft light from the computer screen glowing on his face, reflecting in the brunette’s glasses. “Studying?” He finally whispered softly.
Jinki nodded. “Just going over some things I was working in the lab with Kibum.” He stretched his arms, ruffling his hair a little before looking up at his roommate.
“Mind if I look?” Taemin walked in through the doorway to Jinki’s bed.
Jinki was a little surprised at the sudden interest in his studies, nobody ever seemed to care about what he was doing outside of the lab. “Uh...yeah sure.” He scooted over a little to give Taemin a spot to sit next to him.
Taemin leaned over a little looking at the computer screen. A couple shots of some neon squiggly lines and a bunch of formulas looked back at him.
He chuckled. “I have no idea what I’m seeing.”
Jinki hummed a little to himself thinking of a good way to explain it. “These are different proteins I built.” He pointed to the squiggly lines. “And...right now I am testing how they react to different stimuli.”
Jinki looked at him for a second, seeing the blank expression on his face. He couldn’t help but smile, and be thankful he was at least trying to show interest. “When they react to the stimuli they turn these bright colors. They get excited sort of...” He smiled, please with his analogy.
He watched the corner of Taemin’s lips turn up, “So you’re experimenting on these little guys in a lab seeing what excites them the most?” He turned to look at Jinki, an eyebrow quirked in question.
Jinki blushed at the way Taemin was looking at him. “Mad scientist indeed.” The blondes tone was playful and flirty.
~
Soon it was fall break, Jinki was on the sofa absently flipping through the channels on the TV. Taking a rare afternoon off. Kibum went home for the break and even though most of their work was done on an individual level he decided to take a day to relax.
Taemin hadn’t gone home either and was busy practicing his lines and dance steps while the rest of the theatre troupe was gone.
He came out of his room. “Jinki?”
“Hm?” He peeled his eyes away from the screen to look behind the couch at the blonde.
“Would you mind running over my lines with me?” Jinki noticed the script in his hand, already bent and worn from use. “You know, if you aren’t going to the lab or whatever this afternoon.”
Jinki shook his head. “Nope. I planned on staying in.”
Taemin smiled and sat next to him on the sofa. “No cute and innocent protein molecules to turn on today?”
Jinki started laughing, he had gotten used to Taemin’s cute comments and slightly more than friendly behavior. He tried not to read too much into it, there was no way the blonde was interested in him like that. Taemin was just nice, and flirty by nature. There was nothing special about him. Although he had really grown to like it when the younger called him a mad scientist, the nickname stuck with him and he liked it.
He took the script from Taemin and opened it. “I’m pretty good on the first couple of acts. So if you could go to act 3 and just start from there. I’m Tony and you’ll be reading as Maria.”
Jinki started reading from the script pausing when it was time for Taemin’s line. The younger not simply reciting the lines but doing his best to put his emotions behind the words.
Jinki hadn’t heard of the musical until Taemin and by the time they neared the end he found himself getting into the story line.
Taemin gave his line and Jinki paused. “Wait...you die?” He looked up at the blonde, his the expression on his face slightly distressed. “Tony dies?”
Jinki’s eyes scanned down farther on the script and looked back at Taemin. The blonde bit his lip trying not laugh. “This is so sad!” Jinki pointed at the script. “Why didn’t warn me?”
Taemin finally cracked bubbling over with laughter at the distraught look on Jinki’s face.
~
The two grew closer as friends as the semester went on, some how getting along despite their differences.
Taemin was like a magnet drawing Jinki in. He couldn’t help but be captivated by him sometimes. Taemin’s personality was something anyone could fall for. He was warm and caring but playful, fun to be around but that didn’t stop him from working hard. He dedicated himself to the production and the other classes he had to take on top of that. Jinki admired the way he balanced his life, jealous of how he managed to do so well in his studies as well as socially.
Even though Jinki was reluctant to spend much time outside of the lab Taemin managed to get him out a little bit here and there. He tried to teach him how to play pool. Or they would go for a drink down at the pub off of campus the occasional Friday night. Taemin didn’t mind sitting at the apartment with Jinki casually working on something for school or watching TV. He was amazed at how clever he was, never failing to make him laugh. The younger thought it really was a shame more people didn’t see that relaxed side to him.
The production for West Side Story had finally come to a close and it was time for opening night. Taemin was a bundle of nerves that morning, muttering scenes and songs as his feet flitted around the apartment.
“You’ll do fine.” Jinki tried to offer some encouragement. This time coming from a more genuine place, unlike when they first met. He saw Taemin’s talent first hand over the past few months and knew the younger was going to be fantastic tonight.
Taemin did his best to smile at Jinki but he could still see some of the fear behind the blondes eyes. “You’re coming tonight right?”
“Of course I am.” Jinki was almost offended that Taemin would even think he’d miss opening night. “I’ll be in the front row.”
The show went on for four weeks, and Jinki tried to make it to as many shows as he could. With the semester coming to an end even with all of his preparations he had a lot to work on to finish his thesis before winter break. The last show was two days after his lab was over. He sat in the front just as he did every night he went and as the lights went down on the final scene he felt his throat tighten and his eyes threaten to water. He wasn’t a very emotional person but Taemin’s performance was powerful, even more so tonight with it being the final show, and he also felt very proud of him.
The lights came up and the cast took their final bow.
Jinki met Taemin backstage, he nervously waited for the blonde to come out, the cast filtering out in pairs or small groups, some were laughing, some were crying as they came out. Taemin was one of the last ones and his face lit up even more when he saw Jinki standing off to the side. He muttered something to one of the other actors and came over to him.
Jinki felt his heart speed up a little and pulled the bouquet from behind his back. “Erm...here.” He smiled. “It’s cheesy, but you’re supposed to get this sort of thing right?”
Taemin’s smile fell for a second, a little shocked at the gesture.
Jinki took the expression wrong at first and started to back peddle. “It’s embarrassing. I’m sorry....I just...”
Taemin cut him off with a hug. “Thank you.” His voice was softer than usual. Jinki thought it almost sounded like he was fighting back tears, but resolved that it was just because he was tired from singing so much that evening.
“You did great Taem.” Jinki hugged him, gently patting his back, disappointed when the hug ended so quickly.
Taemin’s face was a little pink and his eyes looked wet but he was smiling. He swallowed before giving a shaky laugh. “We’re getting together tonight at the practice auditorium. You know celebrate the last show and everything before winter break. Do you want to come?”
Jinki looked at his face. Flushed from the show and whatever exchange just happened. He looked at his hands gently holding the flowers. He felt the butterflies stir in his stomach and wasn’t quite sure what everything meant at that moment. He knew they had grown close but he wasn’t quite sure when his feelings towards his extroverted roommate turned into something outside of friendship. Something romantic. He swallowed roughly. “I erm...I should uh...” Labs were over, he couldn’t use studying as an excuse, Kibum had gone home yesterday and it’s not like he had much of a social life outside of that.
“Taemin are you coming?” The student that played Maria called out for him, a bunch of the others standing around waiting, Taemin was the last one out.
Jinki felt foolish all of sudden, certain all of a sudden that his feelings were one sided. There was no way someone like Taemin would be interested in Jinki other than just as a casual friend.
“I’m actually pretty tired. And honestly...I think I’d feel a little out of place.” Jinki missed the shift in Taemin’s face. The blonde trying desperately to hide his disappointment. “You have fun though. You guys deserve it, you’ve all worked so hard. Taemin smiled wider to hide the hurt threatening to show in his eyes.
“Thanks for coming tonight.” He hesitated for just a moment before going to catch up with the other students.
Jinki watched him fall in with the others and regretted immediately not having anything to work on at the lab. Any relief he had felt with the semester being over was gone, he would have given anything to have the pressure of school and studying on his back. Something to drown out the thudding of his heard and the help relieve the tightening in his chest.
He went home and flopped on the couch, thankful as he started to doze off in front of the TV. He was more tired than he had thought. The stress of his recent discovered feelings for Taemin weighing on him more than any academic headline. He had fallen so deeply asleep he didn’t hear Taemin come in.
Taemin set the roses down on the table in front of the couch as he watched Jinki sleep, the glow from the TV the only thing illuminating the room. Taemin considered letting him sleep there, not wanting to wake him up but the way the older had fallen asleep looked very uncomfortable, his neck pinned between his shoulder and the arm of the couch and his glasses slightly askew on his face.
“Jinki.” He whispered, trying not to startle him. “Jinki.” He tried a little louder. He was really out cold. He placed a hand lightly on Jinki’s shoulder, gently shaking it. “Jinki.” He felt the body on the couch tense and his eyes opened, blinking a few times against the harsh light of the TV.
“Taem?”
“Sorry to wake you but you’ll hurt your neck and back if you stay like that.” He helped Jinki sit up seeing his face twist a little as he tried to work the kinks out of his body.
He smiled, fixing his glasses. “Thanks.”
“You really must have been tired.” Taemin felt a little guilty for being hurt when Jinki didn’t join him at the after party, he had been selfish.
Jinki nodded, smiling sadly. “I um..I guess I’ll head to bed then...” He looked down as he went to stand up but Taemin stopped him.
He felt his heart pound in his chest, any grogginess suddenly leaving him as he looked at Taemin seated on the coffee table in front of him.
The blonde moved his hand from Jinki’s arm, hesitating on slightly as it rested on his shoulder close to his neck. The touch far more intimate that Jinki was expecting causing goosebumps to prickle on his skin. He watched Taemin bite his lip in anticipation for a moment before he leaned in gently pressing his lips to Jinki’s.
Jinki froze in place. Hyper aware of everything going on around him suddenly. The volume on the tv even though it was almost muted rang in his ears, his heart threatened to beat from his chest, and Taemin...the warmth of his hand as it found its way to his hair, the softness of his lips as they tentatively moved against his own, and the clean smell of the other’s skin as he inhaled through his nose.
Taemin pulled back after a moment, his body slumping as it moved away, his gaze falling to his feet. He frowned. Jinki’s reaction was not one he had hoped. He had gone out on a limb without thinking of being rejected. What it would do, the rift it would cause between them, the awkwardness that it would cause, he would more than likely have to move out, he felt his eyes start to sting as tears started to swell in them. He had felt his attraction growing for Jinki over these past few months but hadn’t realized how deeply it had gotten.
“I’m sorry.” He muttered as he stood up.
Jinki started to panic, still unable to react to what just happened. He reached up and touched his lips, tingling from the kiss. He heard Taemin’s footsteps slowly make their way to his room.
“Wait!” The screaming in his head finally found its way out and willed his body to move as he stood up, stumbling over the coffee table in the dark, stumping his big toe on the wooden leg. With a hiss and curse he limped quickly to his roommate who had paused his back still to him afraid to turn around. “Taemin, wait.” He grabbed his shoulder making the other face him.
He chewed on his bottom lip. He didn’t know what to do or what to say. He looked at Taemin. The blondes face was tired, he looked exhausted but behind all of that he looked so hurt. At that moment he would have given anything to be able to turn back time 5 minutes and react to that kiss. To kiss him back, to wrap his arms around him and hold him closer. “Taem, I’m sorry, I...was just so surprised. I never thought you’d see me that way.” Taemin’s face didn’t change.
“I just thought...you’re so outgoing and gorgeous and talented and popular and...well I’m just a lab geek that studies all the time and...” Taemin’s eyes narrowed and closed the gap between them kissing Jinki again, this time a little rougher.
Jinki closed his eyes and didn’t waste a second this time, wrapping his arms around Taemin holding him close moving his lips against the others. After a few moments Taemin pulled back leaving Jinki breathless. “You’re not a lab geek, you’re a mad scientist.” Jinki smiled resting his forehead against Taemin’s. “My mad scientist.” The both chuckled.
“Why don’t you try running a few tests on me to see what excites me the most?” Taemin quipped an eyebrow as he gently tugged Jinki down the hall to his bedroom.
Prompt: #63
For: anonymous
Pairing: Ontae
Author: Anonymous
Word Count: 4322
Rating: PG
Warnings: None
Summary: Lab geek Jinki falls for his new roommate unexpectedly.
>><<
Jinki checked the time, sighing as his fingers came to a stop on his laptop. He quickly shut it, packing everything in his messenger bag.
“Where are you going?” Kibum muttered, not looking away from his screen.
“The new roommate is moving in today. I need to meet him with the key.” Jinki pulled the strap over his head settling the bag on his hip. “I’ll be back later.”
Kibum kept his focus in front of him, waving his hand flippantly as the other made his way out of the mostly empty library.
Jinki pulled up behind the small moving trailer on his scooter. He checked his watch, he was only about 10 minutes past the time they had planned to meet. He had hoped the new guy hadn’t been waiting long, you know first impressions and all that.
He noticed someone getting out of the car as he pulled off his helmet, setting it on the seat of the bike. “Taemin?” Jinki went up to the tall dark haired guy, with his hand extended. “I’m sorry I’m a little late, I lost track of time at the library.”
The other smiled, taking his hand giving it firm squeeze. “No worries. But I’m not Taemin. I’m his brother Minho.”
Jinki’s eyes widened a little behind his wire rimmed glasses. “Oh...” He smiled shyly. “...sorry.”
“I’m Taemin.” Jinki hadn’t noticed the passenger before but watched as a blonde head poked it’s way out from the other side of the car. He looked younger than he had pictured over the phone, too young to even be a first year student.
Taemin jogged over to where they were standing. “Hi.” He smiled brightly at Jinki extending his hand.
Jinki took it and immediately noticed the different in the brothers. Minho’s hand was a bit rough, warm, grip slightly uncomfortable, Taemin’s was smaller, softer and his grip was gentle. Taemin held his hand and eye contact a little longer than Jinki was comfortable with. He could feel his ears start to get hot when he muttered an apology again, this time to the right person.
Jinki stayed and helped the freshman get settled. He found Taemin in his room shortly after he had seen Minho off, the older brother having a long drive back home, unpacking the couple of boxes he had packed full of clothes.
“Did you need anything?”
Taemin shook his head, neatly stacking some clothes in a drawer. “No. I think I can manage from here.” He offered Jinki another smile.
“Okay. I’m going to head back to the library to study.”
“On a Saturday?” Taemin laughed. “And the semester hasn’t even started yet.”
Jinki chuckled rubbing the back of his head. “I’m just trying to get a head start on a few things before my lab starts next week.”
“Biology right? That’s what you said on the phone when we talked.”
Jinki nodded. “Chemical biology.”
“Right. The mad scientist.” Taemin said cutely, his brown eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief behind them.
Jinki knew his cheeks were probably tinted pink. “Yeah...just message me if you need something or...”
“I’m fine Jinki.” The blonde went back to the clothes he was unpacking. “After this I’m going to grab some food. We can catch up later.”
It was well after dark when Jinki finally got back to his apartment. He came in quietly not wanting to disturb Taemin, he wasn’t that late but it would take a little while to get used to each other’s schedule and habits. The foyer was dark and the rest of the apartment was quiet. He made his way to the kitchen following the blueish glow of the fluorescent light.
He noticed a little yellow post it note on the fridge.
Jinki~
There’s pizza in the fridge.
Help yourself.
Taemin :)
Jinki was a little surprised at the thoughtfulness of the younger. Taemin seemed nice enough over the phone when they had talked but they were practically strangers, it always took Jinki a while to warm up to people, something that seemed to come very natural to his new roommate.
Jinki plucked a napkin from the counter and stacked two pieces of pizza and grabbed a bottle of water, tucking it under his arm as he made his way to his room. No sound came from the closed door of his roommate and he assumed Taemin had already fallen asleep, probably tired from moving.
~
The next morning Jinki woke up, eyes squinting against the light coming in through his window. He yawned, stretching as he reached for his glasses. He barely heard some noise in the kitchen and some mumbling, thinking maybe Taemin was on the phone. He shuffled to the bathroom still waking up.
After washing up and feeling a little bit more awake he made his way to the kitchen. He stopped in the doorway, the sight he was met with taking him back a little. Taemin had his back to him and was swishing his hips back and forth, only a pair of black sweatpants sitting dangerously low on his narrow hips, humming a tune softly to himself. Jinki felt his pulse in his ears for a second before the blond turned around shrieking when he saw Jinki standing there, dropping the bowl of strawberries he had been washing at the sink.
He sank against the counter pulling the headphones off his hears letting them rest around his neck. “Shit.” He panted, a smile creeping on his face as he started to chuckle. “You scared me.”
Jinki had a hard time not staring at the other’s bare torso, noting how his flat stomach gently rose as the blonde tried to calm his breathing. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to.” He knelt down picking up the bowl, only a couple of the berries had tumbled out onto the floor. “What were you listening to?”
“West Side Story.” Taemin picked up a strawberry putting it in his mouth, his face scrunching up at the tartness.
“Eh?” Jinki sat down at the small two seater table in the corner of the small room.
“West Side Story.” He muttered with his mouth full, he swallowed before continuing. “It’s a musical. I plan on auditioning in a couple weeks. So...just trying to get a head start I guess.” He laughed to himself. “Like you are with your labs.”
Jinki smiled. “I forgot you said you were a performing arts major.”
Taemin sat down across from him, scooting the bowl closer to him offering him some of the fruit. Jinki plucked one from the bowl.
“The school I transferred from wasn’t very well known for it’s theater department, so I don’t know how I will measure up to the other students here. I mean, I did well but I’m just a little nervous. I don’t expect to get a big role or anything. I just want to try my best, make a good first impression. It’s hard coming in to a program like this late, theater can be a little cliquey.”
Jinki didn’t know what to say, he didn’t know the first thing about theater or musicals. He didn’t know much about Taemin or if the guy really was any good at acting, or singing or dancing but he didn’t want to seem unsupportive.
“I’m sure you’ll do fine.” He cringed a little inside at the generic comment but Taemin gave him the same bright smile he did yesterday.
“Thank you.”
~
A few weeks went by and the semester began, Jinki hovered over Kibum as the younger student peered into the microscope. Labs had technically been canceled that day but they found themselves here anyway, retesting an experiment they had worked on the week before. “You’re not dating anyone are you Kibum?” Jinki broke a long silence. Kibum lifted his head and looked at the other suspiciously. “Why Jinx? You want to ask me out?”
Jinki’s mouth fell open and he stuttered around his words for a second before Kibum spoke again. “Calm down Casanova, I was joking.” He peered back into the microscope. “You’re not my type anyway. And no, I’m not exactly dating someone at the moment. I have a prospect I’m working on though.” He adjusted one of the knobs on the microscope.
“Prospect?” Jinki wiped his palms on his khakis.
“Why do you ask?” Kibum sat up and looked at the screen on his laptop, quickly typing a few things.
“I was just...well...I was just curious is all. I’ve never really dated before and...”
“Sounds like I’m not the only one with a prospect.”
“I don’t have a prospect.” Jinki muttered under his breath but couldn’t help smiling to himself.
~
Jinki got home later that day and found Taemin flitting around the apartment, humming, as he did often.
“Jinki!” Taemin perked up when he noticed him. “I’m glad your here!”
Jinki looked up, pushing the thin wire framed glassed higher on his nose as he kicked his shoes off.
“I got a part in the musical!”
The excitement on his face was contagious and Jinki instantly felt happy for him. “That’s great! Was it the one you auditioned for?”
Taemin shook his head the smile growing even bigger on his face.
Jinki was confused for a moment before Taemin bubbled over in his excitement running up to him giving him a huge hug. “I got the lead! I only went in and auditioned for one the of the gang members but they had me stand in and read with one of the girls auditioning and well...I guess they liked it....”
Jinki froze for a moment before he finally returned the embrace. “Wow~” Jinki heard his voice crack, he tried to clear his throat and focus. “I’m so happy for you Taem.”
Taemin pulled back and smiled. “I’m so nervous now. I had lead roles back home but nothing on this production level.”
“They wouldn’t have picked you if they didn’t think you could do it. You’ll be great.”
Taemin took a deep breath and nodded. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to attack you as soon as you got in.”
Jinki shook his head trying to ignore the pulse resounding in his ears. “No! Don’t be. You deserve to be excited about this!”
~
Later that evening Taemin poked his head inside the Jinki’s door. The blonde watched him for a couple minutes, the soft light from the computer screen glowing on his face, reflecting in the brunette’s glasses. “Studying?” He finally whispered softly.
Jinki nodded. “Just going over some things I was working in the lab with Kibum.” He stretched his arms, ruffling his hair a little before looking up at his roommate.
“Mind if I look?” Taemin walked in through the doorway to Jinki’s bed.
Jinki was a little surprised at the sudden interest in his studies, nobody ever seemed to care about what he was doing outside of the lab. “Uh...yeah sure.” He scooted over a little to give Taemin a spot to sit next to him.
Taemin leaned over a little looking at the computer screen. A couple shots of some neon squiggly lines and a bunch of formulas looked back at him.
He chuckled. “I have no idea what I’m seeing.”
Jinki hummed a little to himself thinking of a good way to explain it. “These are different proteins I built.” He pointed to the squiggly lines. “And...right now I am testing how they react to different stimuli.”
Jinki looked at him for a second, seeing the blank expression on his face. He couldn’t help but smile, and be thankful he was at least trying to show interest. “When they react to the stimuli they turn these bright colors. They get excited sort of...” He smiled, please with his analogy.
He watched the corner of Taemin’s lips turn up, “So you’re experimenting on these little guys in a lab seeing what excites them the most?” He turned to look at Jinki, an eyebrow quirked in question.
Jinki blushed at the way Taemin was looking at him. “Mad scientist indeed.” The blondes tone was playful and flirty.
~
Soon it was fall break, Jinki was on the sofa absently flipping through the channels on the TV. Taking a rare afternoon off. Kibum went home for the break and even though most of their work was done on an individual level he decided to take a day to relax.
Taemin hadn’t gone home either and was busy practicing his lines and dance steps while the rest of the theatre troupe was gone.
He came out of his room. “Jinki?”
“Hm?” He peeled his eyes away from the screen to look behind the couch at the blonde.
“Would you mind running over my lines with me?” Jinki noticed the script in his hand, already bent and worn from use. “You know, if you aren’t going to the lab or whatever this afternoon.”
Jinki shook his head. “Nope. I planned on staying in.”
Taemin smiled and sat next to him on the sofa. “No cute and innocent protein molecules to turn on today?”
Jinki started laughing, he had gotten used to Taemin’s cute comments and slightly more than friendly behavior. He tried not to read too much into it, there was no way the blonde was interested in him like that. Taemin was just nice, and flirty by nature. There was nothing special about him. Although he had really grown to like it when the younger called him a mad scientist, the nickname stuck with him and he liked it.
He took the script from Taemin and opened it. “I’m pretty good on the first couple of acts. So if you could go to act 3 and just start from there. I’m Tony and you’ll be reading as Maria.”
Jinki started reading from the script pausing when it was time for Taemin’s line. The younger not simply reciting the lines but doing his best to put his emotions behind the words.
Jinki hadn’t heard of the musical until Taemin and by the time they neared the end he found himself getting into the story line.
Taemin gave his line and Jinki paused. “Wait...you die?” He looked up at the blonde, his the expression on his face slightly distressed. “Tony dies?”
Jinki’s eyes scanned down farther on the script and looked back at Taemin. The blonde bit his lip trying not laugh. “This is so sad!” Jinki pointed at the script. “Why didn’t warn me?”
Taemin finally cracked bubbling over with laughter at the distraught look on Jinki’s face.
~
The two grew closer as friends as the semester went on, some how getting along despite their differences.
Taemin was like a magnet drawing Jinki in. He couldn’t help but be captivated by him sometimes. Taemin’s personality was something anyone could fall for. He was warm and caring but playful, fun to be around but that didn’t stop him from working hard. He dedicated himself to the production and the other classes he had to take on top of that. Jinki admired the way he balanced his life, jealous of how he managed to do so well in his studies as well as socially.
Even though Jinki was reluctant to spend much time outside of the lab Taemin managed to get him out a little bit here and there. He tried to teach him how to play pool. Or they would go for a drink down at the pub off of campus the occasional Friday night. Taemin didn’t mind sitting at the apartment with Jinki casually working on something for school or watching TV. He was amazed at how clever he was, never failing to make him laugh. The younger thought it really was a shame more people didn’t see that relaxed side to him.
The production for West Side Story had finally come to a close and it was time for opening night. Taemin was a bundle of nerves that morning, muttering scenes and songs as his feet flitted around the apartment.
“You’ll do fine.” Jinki tried to offer some encouragement. This time coming from a more genuine place, unlike when they first met. He saw Taemin’s talent first hand over the past few months and knew the younger was going to be fantastic tonight.
Taemin did his best to smile at Jinki but he could still see some of the fear behind the blondes eyes. “You’re coming tonight right?”
“Of course I am.” Jinki was almost offended that Taemin would even think he’d miss opening night. “I’ll be in the front row.”
The show went on for four weeks, and Jinki tried to make it to as many shows as he could. With the semester coming to an end even with all of his preparations he had a lot to work on to finish his thesis before winter break. The last show was two days after his lab was over. He sat in the front just as he did every night he went and as the lights went down on the final scene he felt his throat tighten and his eyes threaten to water. He wasn’t a very emotional person but Taemin’s performance was powerful, even more so tonight with it being the final show, and he also felt very proud of him.
The lights came up and the cast took their final bow.
Jinki met Taemin backstage, he nervously waited for the blonde to come out, the cast filtering out in pairs or small groups, some were laughing, some were crying as they came out. Taemin was one of the last ones and his face lit up even more when he saw Jinki standing off to the side. He muttered something to one of the other actors and came over to him.
Jinki felt his heart speed up a little and pulled the bouquet from behind his back. “Erm...here.” He smiled. “It’s cheesy, but you’re supposed to get this sort of thing right?”
Taemin’s smile fell for a second, a little shocked at the gesture.
Jinki took the expression wrong at first and started to back peddle. “It’s embarrassing. I’m sorry....I just...”
Taemin cut him off with a hug. “Thank you.” His voice was softer than usual. Jinki thought it almost sounded like he was fighting back tears, but resolved that it was just because he was tired from singing so much that evening.
“You did great Taem.” Jinki hugged him, gently patting his back, disappointed when the hug ended so quickly.
Taemin’s face was a little pink and his eyes looked wet but he was smiling. He swallowed before giving a shaky laugh. “We’re getting together tonight at the practice auditorium. You know celebrate the last show and everything before winter break. Do you want to come?”
Jinki looked at his face. Flushed from the show and whatever exchange just happened. He looked at his hands gently holding the flowers. He felt the butterflies stir in his stomach and wasn’t quite sure what everything meant at that moment. He knew they had grown close but he wasn’t quite sure when his feelings towards his extroverted roommate turned into something outside of friendship. Something romantic. He swallowed roughly. “I erm...I should uh...” Labs were over, he couldn’t use studying as an excuse, Kibum had gone home yesterday and it’s not like he had much of a social life outside of that.
“Taemin are you coming?” The student that played Maria called out for him, a bunch of the others standing around waiting, Taemin was the last one out.
Jinki felt foolish all of sudden, certain all of a sudden that his feelings were one sided. There was no way someone like Taemin would be interested in Jinki other than just as a casual friend.
“I’m actually pretty tired. And honestly...I think I’d feel a little out of place.” Jinki missed the shift in Taemin’s face. The blonde trying desperately to hide his disappointment. “You have fun though. You guys deserve it, you’ve all worked so hard. Taemin smiled wider to hide the hurt threatening to show in his eyes.
“Thanks for coming tonight.” He hesitated for just a moment before going to catch up with the other students.
Jinki watched him fall in with the others and regretted immediately not having anything to work on at the lab. Any relief he had felt with the semester being over was gone, he would have given anything to have the pressure of school and studying on his back. Something to drown out the thudding of his heard and the help relieve the tightening in his chest.
He went home and flopped on the couch, thankful as he started to doze off in front of the TV. He was more tired than he had thought. The stress of his recent discovered feelings for Taemin weighing on him more than any academic headline. He had fallen so deeply asleep he didn’t hear Taemin come in.
Taemin set the roses down on the table in front of the couch as he watched Jinki sleep, the glow from the TV the only thing illuminating the room. Taemin considered letting him sleep there, not wanting to wake him up but the way the older had fallen asleep looked very uncomfortable, his neck pinned between his shoulder and the arm of the couch and his glasses slightly askew on his face.
“Jinki.” He whispered, trying not to startle him. “Jinki.” He tried a little louder. He was really out cold. He placed a hand lightly on Jinki’s shoulder, gently shaking it. “Jinki.” He felt the body on the couch tense and his eyes opened, blinking a few times against the harsh light of the TV.
“Taem?”
“Sorry to wake you but you’ll hurt your neck and back if you stay like that.” He helped Jinki sit up seeing his face twist a little as he tried to work the kinks out of his body.
He smiled, fixing his glasses. “Thanks.”
“You really must have been tired.” Taemin felt a little guilty for being hurt when Jinki didn’t join him at the after party, he had been selfish.
Jinki nodded, smiling sadly. “I um..I guess I’ll head to bed then...” He looked down as he went to stand up but Taemin stopped him.
He felt his heart pound in his chest, any grogginess suddenly leaving him as he looked at Taemin seated on the coffee table in front of him.
The blonde moved his hand from Jinki’s arm, hesitating on slightly as it rested on his shoulder close to his neck. The touch far more intimate that Jinki was expecting causing goosebumps to prickle on his skin. He watched Taemin bite his lip in anticipation for a moment before he leaned in gently pressing his lips to Jinki’s.
Jinki froze in place. Hyper aware of everything going on around him suddenly. The volume on the tv even though it was almost muted rang in his ears, his heart threatened to beat from his chest, and Taemin...the warmth of his hand as it found its way to his hair, the softness of his lips as they tentatively moved against his own, and the clean smell of the other’s skin as he inhaled through his nose.
Taemin pulled back after a moment, his body slumping as it moved away, his gaze falling to his feet. He frowned. Jinki’s reaction was not one he had hoped. He had gone out on a limb without thinking of being rejected. What it would do, the rift it would cause between them, the awkwardness that it would cause, he would more than likely have to move out, he felt his eyes start to sting as tears started to swell in them. He had felt his attraction growing for Jinki over these past few months but hadn’t realized how deeply it had gotten.
“I’m sorry.” He muttered as he stood up.
Jinki started to panic, still unable to react to what just happened. He reached up and touched his lips, tingling from the kiss. He heard Taemin’s footsteps slowly make their way to his room.
“Wait!” The screaming in his head finally found its way out and willed his body to move as he stood up, stumbling over the coffee table in the dark, stumping his big toe on the wooden leg. With a hiss and curse he limped quickly to his roommate who had paused his back still to him afraid to turn around. “Taemin, wait.” He grabbed his shoulder making the other face him.
He chewed on his bottom lip. He didn’t know what to do or what to say. He looked at Taemin. The blondes face was tired, he looked exhausted but behind all of that he looked so hurt. At that moment he would have given anything to be able to turn back time 5 minutes and react to that kiss. To kiss him back, to wrap his arms around him and hold him closer. “Taem, I’m sorry, I...was just so surprised. I never thought you’d see me that way.” Taemin’s face didn’t change.
“I just thought...you’re so outgoing and gorgeous and talented and popular and...well I’m just a lab geek that studies all the time and...” Taemin’s eyes narrowed and closed the gap between them kissing Jinki again, this time a little rougher.
Jinki closed his eyes and didn’t waste a second this time, wrapping his arms around Taemin holding him close moving his lips against the others. After a few moments Taemin pulled back leaving Jinki breathless. “You’re not a lab geek, you’re a mad scientist.” Jinki smiled resting his forehead against Taemin’s. “My mad scientist.” The both chuckled.
“Why don’t you try running a few tests on me to see what excites me the most?” Taemin quipped an eyebrow as he gently tugged Jinki down the hall to his bedroom.