Remember Me!?! Chapter 29: Tarot Cards (The Lovers) PART ONE: Never
Remember Me!?!
PART ONE: Never
Chapter 29: Tarot Cards: The Lovers
Couple: JongKey/MinKey
Genre: Romance, Drama, Triangle, Angst,
Rated: PG13
Summary: The Fool comes to a cross-road, filled with energy, confidence and purpose, knowing exactly where he wants to go and what he wants to do. But he comes to a dead stop. A flowering tree marks the path he wants to take, the one he's been planning on taking. But standing before a fruit tree marking the other path is another lover.
Jonghyun woke slowly in the bright morning sun to the sound of stifled giggles, and quick movements shaking his bed, the feeling of someone wiggling around next to him under his sheets, and the sound of something licking something excitedly.
Jonghyun cracked open his eyes slowly (only to squint them again at the bright morning sun), before slowly turning and glancing to his side, where he found Kibum on his back, trying to pry Roo off of his face as he wriggled around on the bed, laughing happily when he had a chance to escape from the excessive licking that the puppy would not give him a break from. His eyes were closed tightly as he attempted to keep the excited puppy from licking them, moving his head from side to side as Roo continued trying to kiss his mouth. Roo’s tail was wagging a thousand times a second, and she kept pushing against the hands that were failing at keeping her away from the familiar face.
Jonghyun had no other choice than to allow for a soft smile to slip onto his face as he looked at the happy scene next to him, and (despite how he was covered in Roo’s slobber) how beautiful Kibum looked, laying his head against his pillow and laughing happily in the morning sunshine that was leaking in from the windows. He sighed lightly to himself and let himself keep his head down on the pillow for a long minute, soaking in Kibum’s beautiful smile and happy laugh, allowing for himself to lay next to the boy for just one more minute, before forcing himself to wake up from the dream of allowing himself to live like this forever, and sat up on the bed slowly.
“She seems to still recognize you. We both know that she doesn’t take well to strangers.” Jonghyun muttered, as he sat up on the bed, not looking at Kibum or the old puppy, just staring towards the wall on the far end of the bedroom.
Kibum smiled as he noticed that Jonghyun was awake, before struggling again to escape another slobbery kiss from the excited puppy. “Sh-she has as much energy as she ever had…” He stuttered out, trying hard to get the words out from between licks. “I can hardly believe that she’s already almost fifteen years old…she seems just like the moment you first brought me to met her.” He added, as he still struggled to keep her off of his face.
Jonghyun glanced back towards Kibum and found him with his eyes closed, laughing again, as he sprawled over his bed and pillows, bangs messily falling into his face as he laughed. Jonghyun sighed heavily to himself as he forced himself to glance back over his shoulder again, and glanced down at his lap. “It’s hard to believe that you’re already nineteen…I remember the first time I ever saw you.” He thought slowly, before shaking his head and making himself stand up, and walk towards the bedroom door.
“It’s morning already. You should leave now. There shouldn’t be any drunkards out.” Jonghyun forced himself to say coldly, as he nudged Kibum’s shoes next to his bed with his foot, still not looking Kibum in the eyes.
Kibum sighed slightly before sitting up a little, Roo still licking his hands, as he watched Jonghyun’s back as he made his way into the kitchen, and immediately began going through his stuff, getting stuff for coffee out. He hadn’t forgotten what he had heard Jonghyun saying last night, before he had fallen asleep, and to be truthful it had been playing on his mind since he woke early that morning and watched the shadows playing on the older boy’s features, thinking over and over about the same words.
“..If only I could tell you the truth. If I could actually tell you the whole reason why I can’t take you back, then you’d understand. If you knew the promise I made to her….”
Jonghyun’s words were still clear in his head, and he knew that he had heard him correctly, but it still confused him so much. Her? Who was Jonghyun talking about? Was he talking about Tiffany? Surely he must have been. Who else would he have to make a promise to that would stop him from taking him back? Who else could have power over the rebellious Jonghyun enough to make him refuse even considering taking him back? Kibum sighed heavily as he thought about it, but made himself give Roo one final gentle pet on the head before standing up and walking towards the kitchen, where Jonghyun was still busily fluttering through all of his coffee stuff.
“Where’s Ori?” Kibum said finally, breaking the silence, as he noticed that Jonghyun knew he was still there, but chose to ignore his presence.
“He went yesterday afternoon to go visit his mother again up in Gwangmyeong. He won’t be back until this evening, but he said he had something drastically important to show me. Something about a chicken delivering angel-I don’t really remember too clearly, he was in a hurry.” Jonghyun muttered, as he got out his coffee filters, and cups.
Kibum half smiled to himself as he noticed that Jonghyun had gotten out two coffee cups, and began preparing them both, but couldn’t help himself from glancing up at the clock in the corner of Jonghyun’s kitchen, and allowing for a light frown to sketch across his lips as he noticed the time. It was already almost ten in the morning, and he knew that Minho was to be leaving for his late-morning class within the hour. He let out a quiet breath before walking over to Jonghyun and hugging him lightly from behind, causing for Jonghyun to freeze completely and tense in his arms.
“Thank you, Jonggie. F-for everything. For being there and protecting me last night. And for letting me stay here with you last night, while Minho-yah wasn’t home.” Kibum muttered softly, as he rested his cheek against the crease of Jonghyun’s shoulders. “I know that our situation isn’t easy, but you still let me stay here and took good care of me. You’re still a good person, Jonghyun. Reminds me of why I came back here for you in the first place. But I should go now.” He added, quietly.
Jonghyun glanced down at the counter quickly, as he heard Kibum’s words. He wasn’t really expecting that. He figured that this morning would be just the same as it had been all the other times he had woken up with Kibum in his dorm-chasing and pretend fighting and struggling and laughing until he finally managed to chase the younger out. To be honest, the last thing he expected at the moment was for Kibum to leave him of his own accord.
“Minho-yah has his afternoon class today, and I have to buy or make him lunch in order to make up for last night. I had promised him I’d make him curry, and it’s been playing on my conscience all night when I realized I didn’t live up to that promise. Besides, I want to have a chance to talk to him after his practice yesterday. The soccer team already took him in as one of their MVPs, even though he’s only here on exchange. I wanted to see how practice went yesterday evening. He got home late.” Kibum said, as he slowly released his arms from around Jonghyun, and moved from his side again.
Jonghyun remained in place as Kibum let go of him again, and continued to stare down at the two coffee cups he had been preparing. “Minho-yah, huh?” He asked quietly, voice nothing above a whisper, and actually too quiet to be heard by Kibum, as the younger leaned down to tie his bootlace.
“Bye-bye, Yeobo. I’ll see you again soon, okay? Take care of yourself, and don’t forget to eat some actual breakfast in addition to that coffee, okay?” Kibum asked, smiling beautifully, as he stood up from retying his bootlace, and patted Jonghyun’s shoulder one more time, before walking back to the door, and stepping out of Jonghyun’s dorm.
Jonghyun’s eyes followed Kibum slowly until he had stepped out of the dorm, and as the door came to a soft swinging close from behind him, Jonghyun felt himself struggle to swallow as he glanced down at the two coffee cups in his hands, as he realized that he only now needed one. Why was the fact that Kibum was leaving him to go to Minho’s side having such an effect on him? He would never allow himself to admit it was jealousy.
~~~~~~~
Minho sighed as he used his towel to dry his hair one more time, trying to get it as dry as possible before he would slip his shirt on, in hopes not to get it wet-it was already cold enough that day without a wet shirt. He had tried so hard in the shower to wash his face the best he could to try to get rid of the black bags under his eyes and even considered using Kibum’s foundation to see if he could cover up the dark circles that hung around his normally sharp eyes. He hadn’t slept a wink last night, simply laying in bed, staring at the empty pillows and blankets where Kibum would and should have been, and where he could have been if he had just never let him go, as he wanted to. Knowing that next door, Kibum was snuggled close in another’s bed, in another’s arms-not even another’s but the only one he loved. In Jonghyun’s arms. How could have slept last night? Knowing that the aching in his heart shouldn’t even exist, but as well knowing that it was anything but fake. Knowing the sharp pain that still remained in his chest was as real as a knife.
Suddenly, however, Minho swore he jumped so high that he hit the ceiling (not that it was too far above the tall boy’s head), and his entire body froze completely, as he suddenly felt the feeling of two arms wrapping themselves around his exposed chest, and the feeling of someone light all-but-jumping onto his back.
“Minho-yah!!” Kibum sang happily, as he buried his face in Minho’s back for a moment, before glancing back up at the taller boy. “I’m back! Did you miss me? Look, I’m really sorry about last night. I didn’t expect for him to take me to his place, and I was really tried, and you weren’t home so…I promise to make you the curry tonight, okay? Don’t be up-mngh! M-Minho-yah?” Kibum stuttered suddenly, as the next thing he knew, he had been turned around and brought closely against Minho’s chest, both of the taller boy’s arms wrapped tightly around him, until there was barely any space to breathe.
“Min…Minho-yah…are…you okay? Wh-what’s the matter?” Kibum found his voice just enough to stutter, as he was pulled even closer against Minho’s strong chest, his arms holding him so tightly that it made Kibum feel as if he was going to sink through the floor if Minho let go of him.
Minho closed his eyes tightly, as he placed his hand on the back of Kibum’s head and pulled him completely against his chest, until he could feel the other boy’s heartbeat beating against his own, and sighed heavily at Kibum’s question, causing for Kibum’s hair to blow and dance under his heavy breaths in the process. “I…” He started slowly, struggling with himself as his thoughts tempted him to make his embrace more possessive. “…I love you, Key. I don’t want to ever have to hand you over to him, no matter how much he claims he now loves you. No one could ever love you as much as I love you, and I never want to give you up. I want to be greedy and never let him take you home again…I want to tell you so badly…” He thought slowly, as he continued holding Kibum close, but only let out another breath as his quiet voice only nervously whispered three quiet words-just not the words he wanted more than anything to actually say. “I missed you.” Was all he was able to stutter out.
Kibum let out his held breath with relief as he heard Minho’s words, and allowed himself to smile against Minho’s chest, and wrap his arms around the taller boy as well. “I missed you too, Minho-yah. I’m sorry I didn’t call you last night. I should have.” He said easily, but suddenly stopped talking as he noticed the warmth of Minho’s exposed chest under his hands, the warmth and moisture still sticking to his body from the shower, and the way his muscles creased as he hugged him tightly.
Minho stopped as well, as he noticed Kibum stopping, and glanced down slowly, eyes meeting with the soft pink blush that had suddenly fallen over Kibum’s cheeks, as the older of the two boys just continued to stare at Minho’s bare arms. Minho felt his stomach becoming tight with nervousness and he glanced away quickly, face turning red as he thought of his situation. He was so wound up with his feelings about Kibum being gone for a night, that he had completely forgotten about the fact he was still shirtless. It wasn’t like he was really ashamed of his body or anything-he had developed a pretty decent six-pack from all his practicing in soccer-but as he suddenly realized how Kibum was so close against him, feeling the smaller boy’s warm breaths against his bare skin made a hot blush crawl over his face faster than ever before.
Kibum continued to be still in Minho’s arms, and gnawed on his bottom lip harshly as he tried his best to sort out his thoughts. Or, could they even be counted as thoughts? Were they feelings? Whatever they were, he had never felt them like this for Minho before. He had been with Minho almost every day for the last four years, and he thought he felt more comfortable with Minho and Minho’s body than he did with his own-why was this blush suddenly running over his cheeks as he felt himself being hugged close against Minho’s soft, warm skin? Why did his heart suddenly start beating so quickly as his nose fell perfectly into the crease of Minho’s collarbones, and he smelt his familiar scent (a fresh and clean smelling scent, but nothing drastic and over the top like Jonghyun’s cologne, a warmer scent, like a hint of cinnamon over the mint of his toothpaste)? Why did his body suddenly feel so fit together with the sturdy body in front of him? Why did his own arms fall more snuggly around Minho’s waist, and why did his eyes softly fall closed? Kibum slowly began to wonder when it was that he had started craving the feeling of Minho’s body against his own, so badly.
Minho struggled with all he was to try to swallow the lump that had risen in his throat, as his heart threw a tantrum in his chest, and the butterflies all but attacked his stomach harshly, due to the way Kibum’s arms and hands slipped over the exposed skin of the small of his back, and he swore he would self-combust if he stayed a single moment more in the position he currently was in. Minho struggled to catch his breath as he fought himself, and finally managed to force himself to push out of Kibum’s arms, blushing furiously and reaching for his shirt as quickly as he could.
Kibum half laughed quietly as he looked at the furious blush playing over Minho’s otherwise-manly face, as the younger quickly grabbed his shirt and slipped it over his head in record speeds, spilling out a trail of apologies as he did so. “Don’t be so embarrassed, Minho-yah.” Kibum muttered, as he rubbed his now-empty arms, wondering why the warmth of the other still lingered on his skin. “You have a nice body, it’s not like you have anything to be embarrassed of. It’s me.” He made himself laugh, still trying to ignore the smell of the other still hanging on his own clothes.
Those words were almost enough to cause for Minho to die on the spot, and he quickly turned until his back was to Kibum, gnawing on his knuckle to try to make himself be calm again.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jonghyun sighed heavily as he continued to sit at the small kitchen table, only moving far enough to sit down since Kibum had left him. Staring at the extra coffee cup, one-his, totally empty, and Kibum’s, completely full. Jonghyun groaned and rubbed his temples. That was way too metaphoric for his liking, and it wasn’t even a metaphor he could stand the meaning of. Why was the fact that Kibum left his dorm to go see Minho on his own will getting him so bothered? It wasn’t like Kibum had left him without another back-hug, it wasn’t like he hadn’t felt Kibum’s hands linger as they slipped down from his shoulders as he excused himself, it wasn’t like he hadn’t smiled at him or told him he loved him before he went, so why was he so upset about this? Why did his stomach churn tightly as if he was dreading something? Kibum was just going back to his own dorm to take a shower or fix his hair or something-what did Minho have to do with Kibum taking a shower?
Jonghyun’s eyes widened to the size of small apples as he thought about it. “Ohmigad! What if that pervert watches him showering!?! What if he sneaks into the bathroom, wha-what-oh no! I can just see it-that pervert standing there all greasy and greasy like, watching him with his huge alien eyes and uncommonly small face, bloody-nosed, laughing evilly, a-a-and-” Jonghyun quickly moved his hand up and slapped himself harshly as he suddenly realized what exactly what he was thinking.
“Okay, woah, calm down and slow down, Jonghyun! Get a hold of yourself! It’s Minho. Minho. That tall alien was even too much of a prude to change in the locker-rooms in high school-he changed in the bathroom stalls. You’re worrying yourself too much for no reason. You’re ruining your reputation, worrying like this! It’s Kibum-he won’t take perverts looking at him, and even if he can’t physically overpower him, he’ll verbally abuse him until he bursts, right? He’s a big boy, he can do it. A-a-and why are we even thinking about this anymore-there’s no way that Choi Minho will ever see my Kibum showering. Ever.” He told himself, sternly.
~~
Kibum smiled contently as he ran his fingers through his wet hair, and brushed the lingering water off of his shoulders as he turned off the shower. A nice hot shower was exactly what he needed at that moment. It cleared his mind again and he was able to relax again. He let out a contented breath before poking his head out of the curtain slowly, only to notice that he had forgotten his towel on top of his dresser after doing the laundry yesterday.
“Minho-yah~Minho-yah? Are you still out there?” Kibum called loudly after a moment, cracking the bathroom door open just a crack in order to stick his head out, keeping himself hidden by the door.
Minho, still standing where he was left, trying his best trying to get over the whole “You have a nice body” ordeal, glanced up slowly from where he was, and glanced over his shoulder towards the bathroom door, where he was met with only the head of a soaking wet Kibum, and a half smile playing over his lips as their eyes met.
“I forgot my towel on my bed again.” Kibum explained, as Minho’s eyes widened as he suddenly realized Kibum’s current state, and he glanced down quickly, blush coming back onto his cheeks.
Minho nodded slowly as he stared at the floor, but walked over to Kibum’s bed and picked up the fluffy pink bath-towel that the older boy insisted on using, and took it in his hands before walking towards the bathroom slowly, eyes never leaving the carpet under him as he walked.
Kibum chuckled dotingly as Minho held out the towel in front of him, eyes still glued on the floor, eyelids half closed and a pink blush over his nose as he did so. “Hehe, you’re so cute blushing like that, Minho-yah.” Kibum muttered, as he pulled the towel from Minho’s hands. “And don’t be so nervous and awkward about it, I’m only literally steaming, soaking wet and completely naked.” He added, before shutting the door behind him.
Minho felt his heart attack him. Kibum had a blunt and kind of sick sense of humor and a way of stretching out and over-explaining reality that sometimes proved as too much for Minho-this instance being the prime example, as Minho suddenly did a face-plant, face burning red.
Kibum raised an eyebrow as he opened the bathroom door a few moments later, and found Minho face-first on the ground, outside of the door. “Minho-yah? Is there a reason you have your face in the carpet?” He asked bluntly, after a moment.
Minho quickly pulled himself together before quickly sitting up, rubbing his left eye quickly. “I dropped my contact-lens.” He explained calmly, earning a slight eyebrow raise from Kibum and a slow nod. Minho sighed slightly as he stood up, and rubbed the back of his neck. He mentally kicked himself from lying to Kibum-God knows Jonghyun had done enough of that in his life-but how was he supposed to tell the truth in that instance? At least it wasn’t anything too serious, but after right now, he promised never to lie to Kibum again. Suddenly, Kibum’s voice cut him short of his thoughts.
“A-ah! Minho-yah! It’s already eleven! You’re late for your class! Aigo! It’s my fault, isn’t it!? You didn’t stay here because I wanted to take a shower, did you? Ah! I’m sorry, Minho-yah! You should have reminded me! I didn’t need to take a shower that badly!” Kibum began to freak out, having his typical Kibum worry-breakdown as normally happens when he thinks he had caused something wrong, fluttering around the room anxiously, pulling on his hair, then realizing he pulled and messed up his beautiful hair, and stressing over that, and then realizing the situation and freaking out all over again, but this time even more because he was so self-absorbed that he worried about his hair more than the situation he had caused for other people.
Minho chuckled as he walked over to the flustered Kibum, and put his hands gently on his shoulders, causing for the frantic boy to come to a sudden stop. “Key…Key, calm down. It’s okay. My class was canceled this afternoon anyway. Mr. Kwon’s wife is having a baby today.” He answered calmly, still smiling dotingly at Kibum’s cute, flustered face.
“No it’s not okay! Don’t tell me to calm down, it’s not okay! It’s all my fault, it’s all my fault! It’s-” Minho’s words finally made an impact on Kibum’s flustered brain, and he stopped mid-scream. “It was canceled!?” He asked quickly.
Minho chuckled again lightly before nodding. “Mnhm. Mr. Kwon’s wife has been expecting her baby for the last week, and he hasn’t come until a little earlier this morning, when he called me and said that because he couldn’t find a sub so quickly, class has been canceled. Sorry, I didn’t know it would scare you if I didn’t tell you right away. You don’t have to worry about anything, Key.” He answered, smiling still as he held Kibum’s shoulder’s lightly.
Kibum’s eyes went wide and the breath he had been holding in his cheeks deflated quickly, and he was only left staring at Minho with big and emotionless eyes for a few moments, before his face suddenly twisted, and he suddenly grabbed his cheeks and hair. “YAHH! Minho-yah!! Do you have any idea how many grey hairs and wrinkles you just gave me!?! Ahh! I’m going to get so many wrinkles from stressing so much about that! Oh!!! You’re going to make me such an ugly old person! All the stress you just gave me is totally going to give me grey hairs when I’m older!” He squealed quickly, rubbing his cheeks desperately, as if trying to smooth them again.
Minho laughed again dotingly, as he held onto Kibum’s shoulders again, trying to hold the squirmy boy still. “What are you talking about? An ugly old person? Key, I don’t think you could ever be ugly.” He said, still laughing as Kibum began massaging his skin desperately.
Kibum completely ignored Minho’s compliment and only began stressing out even more. “You’re going to be the one to blame!! When I’m old, grey, and wrinkly, I’m going to blame you! I’ll make you pay for my Botox when I’m old, and you can’t deny me!” He growled furiously.
Minho’s gaze and grasp on Kibum’s shoulders lightened completely, as his smile fell a little bit from his face, and he only stared at Kibum’s beautiful and young face in front of him. “Will you really? Will you still let me be by your side when you’re old and grey, Kim Kibum?” He whispered quietly, truly just meaning to think it, and yet accidently saying it aloud.
Kibum stopped completely, his breath nearly knocked out of him as he heard the doubt in Minho’s voice, before looking at Minho with big and confused eyes, his eyebrows arching downwards and knitting the middle as he stared up at Minho closely. “Wh-what are you talking about, Minho-yah? Wh-why would you ask that? Of course you’re going to still be with me when I’m old. You’re…not planning on leaving me, are…are you?” He asked quietly, his heart pressing against his chest in absolute dread. Was Minho planning on actually leaving him if he got back together with Jonghyun? Was he really just going to go away one day, and he wouldn’t be able to spend every day with him anymore? Was…he going to abandon him too? All the years he had spent with Minho, he had never once worried about him leaving his side…he couldn’t be thinking about leaving him. He wouldn’t be able to handle it. As he thought about being abandoned again, he felt his chest suddenly become cold and his body felt weak, as his eyes prickled with tears, just the thought enough to scare him to death.
Suddenly, however, Kibum felt himself suddenly slammed closely against Minho’s chest, and his warm arms wrapping themselves tightly around him again, Minho’s nose nuzzling gently and comfortingly under his ear, his hot breaths tickling against the skin on his neck.
“Never.” Minho whispered securely, his voice more stern and solid that Kibum had never heard his deep and serious voice sound so sincere and sure. “Never. I will never leave you, Key. As long as you allow me-I’m going to be right here. I’m going to stay right here and hold you in my arms for as long as I possibly can. For as long as you ever even faintly want me near you, I’ll stay right here by your side. I’ll never leave you, I promise. I promise you, Key. If you want me to, I’ll stay right here in this spot until the last breath I take.” He whispered securely, holding Kibum so tightly against him that there wasn’t even space for air between their two chests.
Kibum swallowed heavily, but buried his face in Minho’s chest and held onto his shirt as tightly as he could, not allowing for him to ever let go of him again, not allowing for anything to make him leave his side at the moment. “Y-you…” He started quietly, voice trembling as he stared at Minho’s shirt, knotted tightly in his fists. “…y-you have to promise me, Minho-yah. You have to stay with me forever. Y-you have to promise that you’ll be with me until we’re both old and wrinkly, a-and that no matter what happens you’re going to be where I can find you. You’re my best friend, Minho-yah-ah, no, you’re more than that. You have to promise me that you’ll never leave me…” He whispered quietly, body still shaking weakly in Minho’s strong arms.
Minho put his hand softly on the back of Kibum’s head before staring over his shoulder, trying to make his heartbeat regulate, as he knew that Kibum was listening to it. “Wh-what…” He started, after a moment. “What can I do to make you believe me? What can I do to make you believe me when I promise you that I’ll be here for you for the rest of my life?” He asked, quietly.
Kibum only allowed for himself to half smile as he glanced up and found Minho’s nervous but sincere eyes, and dropped his ear against his chest. “J-just hold me in your arms like this for another minute…” He whispered, as he closed his eyes, but suddenly noticed how quickly Minho’s heartbeat was pounding against his ribcage, and noticed the way it thudded even harder as he spoke. “…a-and, let me take you out to lunch and get you some salmon.” He added, after a long moment.
Minho was already on cloud nine, but couldn’t help but glance back at the boy in his arms with a little bit of confusion. “S-salmon? Is that what you’re craving?” He asked quietly, not being able to hide the confusion on his face as he heard the older boy’s request.
Kibum chuckled softly as Minho questioned him, before shaking his head and gently tapping against Minho’s chest in the same pace of his heartbeat. “It’s proven as an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids that protect your heart by reducing both inflammation and the risk of blood clots. Heh, you’re heart is beating so quickly, I worry.” He explained, still smiling lightly at Minho.
Minho struggled to keep the blush on his cheeks in check as Kibum commented on the rate of his heartbeat. Thank god he was such a health-freak (when he wanted to be, which was normally when it involved beauty), and only thought more of the health-risks of the heart beating so rapidly, and not of the fact that it was because of him that Minho’s heart was beating fast enough to win a marathon.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jonghyun let out a miserable breath as he plopped down heavily on a small bench on the edge of the soccer field, upon finding it almost completely empty, and absolutely alien-less. He had no idea how he had gotten over there, nor did he know what he was doing there-okay, fine, he knew what he was doing there, and yes he did stalk over there from behind the shadows of the trees and buildings, hoping that he would catch a glimpse of Kibum, just to make sure he was doing okay and no perverts were bothering him. However, as he finally made his way to the soccer field at a time he just happened to know the soccer team normally met, he felt himself frown and plop down unhappily as he found no trace of the younger boy, or his creepy alien. Okay, to tell the truth, he hadn’t been able to focus a minute on his class-work all day, because he was too busy trying to figure out what Kibum could possibly be doing with Minho every morning, and yes, it had been bothering him.
“Shit, where IS he?” Jonghyun thought agitatedly, as he scratched the back of his head and scanned the entire field from his spot on his bench. “He wasn’t in his fashion classroom either. N-not that I missed him or anything…” He thought stubbornly, still not giving up on finding the younger and making sure he was safe from alien forces.
However, as five minutes passed, and Jonghyun found himself still sitting on the bench, looking everywhere there was to be looked, he sighed heavily and glanced down. “Damn it. What am I doing? I’m all but stalking him, and even if I do find him, I’m probably only going to end up hurting us both more. I would be better if I never found him anyway…so why am I still looking?” He sighed again before messing up his bangs and closing his eyes for a minute. He seriously needed to work something out, before acting on impulse anymore. If he continued like this, he was only going to confuse Kibum as much as he already confused himself. He had to figure out what he was truly doing, and stick with it. No more of these impulsive acts that only dug him in deeper.
Suddenly, however, Jonghyun’s thoughts were cut off due to the sound of a happy voice making his way towards him. It wasn’t a voice that he would recognize, and yet, what it was saying was something that seemed very familiar.
“Really? Jaejoong-ah, you’re coming to Daegu? You found time off of your job? Well, yeah, of course I’m happy to hear so!” Some guy’s voice said happily, obviously talking on the phone as he began walking up the hill that the field was set on, not paying attention to anyone or anything around him, too busy on the phone, and Jonghyun noticed he was wearing a soccer jersey with the name “Yunho” on it.
Jonghyun half laughed to himself as he heard the name. “Jaejoong, huh? Is that name getting more popular these days? It reminds me of Kim Jaejoong, who used to go to school with us back in Seoul. He was Kibum’s friend for the little time he was at the same school as us, before he graduated. I wonder if they stayed in contact after Kibummie graduated. I know they still called each other every now and again before I left…heh, it seems like such a long time ago.” He thought to himself. “Ah, but I’m sure it’s not the same Jaejoong. It’d be weird if he was suddenly coming to Daegu to see someone at this school. Too much of a coincidence.” He corrected himself, but something suddenly caught his ear, as the boy who was talking on the phone started talking again.
“Noon tomorrow!? Really? Alright! No, I promise I’ll pick you up. I will. No I will not forget. Alright. Bye, Jaejoong. I love you too.” The boy laughed, as he glanced at his phone fondly, as he parted ways over the phone with his long-distance lover.
Jonghyun kept staring at the boy in front of him, as he began to wonder again. “Gay Jaejoong. Okay, that’s a big coincidence. I bet Kibum would freak out if he saw Jaejoong again. He was like his role-model when I was a freshman and he would visit me at high school. They even made friends despite the fact Kibum was in middle school still.” He thought, not helping the fact that a soft smile came to his lips as he thought about Kibum when he was in middle school. He was so happy and innocent, and so simple. He wished he could see Kibum like that again. Instead of how he was now. Always looking like there was some cloud of troublesome feelings hanging over his head. If by chance that was the same Jaejoong, he wished he would meet with Kibum again. He would have liked to see Kibum revert to his old careless self so much.
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A/N: Foreshadow foreshadow foreshadow...... HERE'S PART TWO! It was too long to post as one. ^^
PART ONE: Never
Chapter 29: Tarot Cards: The Lovers
Couple: JongKey/MinKey
Genre: Romance, Drama, Triangle, Angst,
Rated: PG13
Summary: The Fool comes to a cross-road, filled with energy, confidence and purpose, knowing exactly where he wants to go and what he wants to do. But he comes to a dead stop. A flowering tree marks the path he wants to take, the one he's been planning on taking. But standing before a fruit tree marking the other path is another lover.
Jonghyun woke slowly in the bright morning sun to the sound of stifled giggles, and quick movements shaking his bed, the feeling of someone wiggling around next to him under his sheets, and the sound of something licking something excitedly.
Jonghyun cracked open his eyes slowly (only to squint them again at the bright morning sun), before slowly turning and glancing to his side, where he found Kibum on his back, trying to pry Roo off of his face as he wriggled around on the bed, laughing happily when he had a chance to escape from the excessive licking that the puppy would not give him a break from. His eyes were closed tightly as he attempted to keep the excited puppy from licking them, moving his head from side to side as Roo continued trying to kiss his mouth. Roo’s tail was wagging a thousand times a second, and she kept pushing against the hands that were failing at keeping her away from the familiar face.
Jonghyun had no other choice than to allow for a soft smile to slip onto his face as he looked at the happy scene next to him, and (despite how he was covered in Roo’s slobber) how beautiful Kibum looked, laying his head against his pillow and laughing happily in the morning sunshine that was leaking in from the windows. He sighed lightly to himself and let himself keep his head down on the pillow for a long minute, soaking in Kibum’s beautiful smile and happy laugh, allowing for himself to lay next to the boy for just one more minute, before forcing himself to wake up from the dream of allowing himself to live like this forever, and sat up on the bed slowly.
“She seems to still recognize you. We both know that she doesn’t take well to strangers.” Jonghyun muttered, as he sat up on the bed, not looking at Kibum or the old puppy, just staring towards the wall on the far end of the bedroom.
Kibum smiled as he noticed that Jonghyun was awake, before struggling again to escape another slobbery kiss from the excited puppy. “Sh-she has as much energy as she ever had…” He stuttered out, trying hard to get the words out from between licks. “I can hardly believe that she’s already almost fifteen years old…she seems just like the moment you first brought me to met her.” He added, as he still struggled to keep her off of his face.
Jonghyun glanced back towards Kibum and found him with his eyes closed, laughing again, as he sprawled over his bed and pillows, bangs messily falling into his face as he laughed. Jonghyun sighed heavily to himself as he forced himself to glance back over his shoulder again, and glanced down at his lap. “It’s hard to believe that you’re already nineteen…I remember the first time I ever saw you.” He thought slowly, before shaking his head and making himself stand up, and walk towards the bedroom door.
“It’s morning already. You should leave now. There shouldn’t be any drunkards out.” Jonghyun forced himself to say coldly, as he nudged Kibum’s shoes next to his bed with his foot, still not looking Kibum in the eyes.
Kibum sighed slightly before sitting up a little, Roo still licking his hands, as he watched Jonghyun’s back as he made his way into the kitchen, and immediately began going through his stuff, getting stuff for coffee out. He hadn’t forgotten what he had heard Jonghyun saying last night, before he had fallen asleep, and to be truthful it had been playing on his mind since he woke early that morning and watched the shadows playing on the older boy’s features, thinking over and over about the same words.
“..If only I could tell you the truth. If I could actually tell you the whole reason why I can’t take you back, then you’d understand. If you knew the promise I made to her….”
Jonghyun’s words were still clear in his head, and he knew that he had heard him correctly, but it still confused him so much. Her? Who was Jonghyun talking about? Was he talking about Tiffany? Surely he must have been. Who else would he have to make a promise to that would stop him from taking him back? Who else could have power over the rebellious Jonghyun enough to make him refuse even considering taking him back? Kibum sighed heavily as he thought about it, but made himself give Roo one final gentle pet on the head before standing up and walking towards the kitchen, where Jonghyun was still busily fluttering through all of his coffee stuff.
“Where’s Ori?” Kibum said finally, breaking the silence, as he noticed that Jonghyun knew he was still there, but chose to ignore his presence.
“He went yesterday afternoon to go visit his mother again up in Gwangmyeong. He won’t be back until this evening, but he said he had something drastically important to show me. Something about a chicken delivering angel-I don’t really remember too clearly, he was in a hurry.” Jonghyun muttered, as he got out his coffee filters, and cups.
Kibum half smiled to himself as he noticed that Jonghyun had gotten out two coffee cups, and began preparing them both, but couldn’t help himself from glancing up at the clock in the corner of Jonghyun’s kitchen, and allowing for a light frown to sketch across his lips as he noticed the time. It was already almost ten in the morning, and he knew that Minho was to be leaving for his late-morning class within the hour. He let out a quiet breath before walking over to Jonghyun and hugging him lightly from behind, causing for Jonghyun to freeze completely and tense in his arms.
“Thank you, Jonggie. F-for everything. For being there and protecting me last night. And for letting me stay here with you last night, while Minho-yah wasn’t home.” Kibum muttered softly, as he rested his cheek against the crease of Jonghyun’s shoulders. “I know that our situation isn’t easy, but you still let me stay here and took good care of me. You’re still a good person, Jonghyun. Reminds me of why I came back here for you in the first place. But I should go now.” He added, quietly.
Jonghyun glanced down at the counter quickly, as he heard Kibum’s words. He wasn’t really expecting that. He figured that this morning would be just the same as it had been all the other times he had woken up with Kibum in his dorm-chasing and pretend fighting and struggling and laughing until he finally managed to chase the younger out. To be honest, the last thing he expected at the moment was for Kibum to leave him of his own accord.
“Minho-yah has his afternoon class today, and I have to buy or make him lunch in order to make up for last night. I had promised him I’d make him curry, and it’s been playing on my conscience all night when I realized I didn’t live up to that promise. Besides, I want to have a chance to talk to him after his practice yesterday. The soccer team already took him in as one of their MVPs, even though he’s only here on exchange. I wanted to see how practice went yesterday evening. He got home late.” Kibum said, as he slowly released his arms from around Jonghyun, and moved from his side again.
Jonghyun remained in place as Kibum let go of him again, and continued to stare down at the two coffee cups he had been preparing. “Minho-yah, huh?” He asked quietly, voice nothing above a whisper, and actually too quiet to be heard by Kibum, as the younger leaned down to tie his bootlace.
“Bye-bye, Yeobo. I’ll see you again soon, okay? Take care of yourself, and don’t forget to eat some actual breakfast in addition to that coffee, okay?” Kibum asked, smiling beautifully, as he stood up from retying his bootlace, and patted Jonghyun’s shoulder one more time, before walking back to the door, and stepping out of Jonghyun’s dorm.
Jonghyun’s eyes followed Kibum slowly until he had stepped out of the dorm, and as the door came to a soft swinging close from behind him, Jonghyun felt himself struggle to swallow as he glanced down at the two coffee cups in his hands, as he realized that he only now needed one. Why was the fact that Kibum was leaving him to go to Minho’s side having such an effect on him? He would never allow himself to admit it was jealousy.
~~~~~~~
Minho sighed as he used his towel to dry his hair one more time, trying to get it as dry as possible before he would slip his shirt on, in hopes not to get it wet-it was already cold enough that day without a wet shirt. He had tried so hard in the shower to wash his face the best he could to try to get rid of the black bags under his eyes and even considered using Kibum’s foundation to see if he could cover up the dark circles that hung around his normally sharp eyes. He hadn’t slept a wink last night, simply laying in bed, staring at the empty pillows and blankets where Kibum would and should have been, and where he could have been if he had just never let him go, as he wanted to. Knowing that next door, Kibum was snuggled close in another’s bed, in another’s arms-not even another’s but the only one he loved. In Jonghyun’s arms. How could have slept last night? Knowing that the aching in his heart shouldn’t even exist, but as well knowing that it was anything but fake. Knowing the sharp pain that still remained in his chest was as real as a knife.
Suddenly, however, Minho swore he jumped so high that he hit the ceiling (not that it was too far above the tall boy’s head), and his entire body froze completely, as he suddenly felt the feeling of two arms wrapping themselves around his exposed chest, and the feeling of someone light all-but-jumping onto his back.
“Minho-yah!!” Kibum sang happily, as he buried his face in Minho’s back for a moment, before glancing back up at the taller boy. “I’m back! Did you miss me? Look, I’m really sorry about last night. I didn’t expect for him to take me to his place, and I was really tried, and you weren’t home so…I promise to make you the curry tonight, okay? Don’t be up-mngh! M-Minho-yah?” Kibum stuttered suddenly, as the next thing he knew, he had been turned around and brought closely against Minho’s chest, both of the taller boy’s arms wrapped tightly around him, until there was barely any space to breathe.
“Min…Minho-yah…are…you okay? Wh-what’s the matter?” Kibum found his voice just enough to stutter, as he was pulled even closer against Minho’s strong chest, his arms holding him so tightly that it made Kibum feel as if he was going to sink through the floor if Minho let go of him.
Minho closed his eyes tightly, as he placed his hand on the back of Kibum’s head and pulled him completely against his chest, until he could feel the other boy’s heartbeat beating against his own, and sighed heavily at Kibum’s question, causing for Kibum’s hair to blow and dance under his heavy breaths in the process. “I…” He started slowly, struggling with himself as his thoughts tempted him to make his embrace more possessive. “…I love you, Key. I don’t want to ever have to hand you over to him, no matter how much he claims he now loves you. No one could ever love you as much as I love you, and I never want to give you up. I want to be greedy and never let him take you home again…I want to tell you so badly…” He thought slowly, as he continued holding Kibum close, but only let out another breath as his quiet voice only nervously whispered three quiet words-just not the words he wanted more than anything to actually say. “I missed you.” Was all he was able to stutter out.
Kibum let out his held breath with relief as he heard Minho’s words, and allowed himself to smile against Minho’s chest, and wrap his arms around the taller boy as well. “I missed you too, Minho-yah. I’m sorry I didn’t call you last night. I should have.” He said easily, but suddenly stopped talking as he noticed the warmth of Minho’s exposed chest under his hands, the warmth and moisture still sticking to his body from the shower, and the way his muscles creased as he hugged him tightly.
Minho stopped as well, as he noticed Kibum stopping, and glanced down slowly, eyes meeting with the soft pink blush that had suddenly fallen over Kibum’s cheeks, as the older of the two boys just continued to stare at Minho’s bare arms. Minho felt his stomach becoming tight with nervousness and he glanced away quickly, face turning red as he thought of his situation. He was so wound up with his feelings about Kibum being gone for a night, that he had completely forgotten about the fact he was still shirtless. It wasn’t like he was really ashamed of his body or anything-he had developed a pretty decent six-pack from all his practicing in soccer-but as he suddenly realized how Kibum was so close against him, feeling the smaller boy’s warm breaths against his bare skin made a hot blush crawl over his face faster than ever before.
Kibum continued to be still in Minho’s arms, and gnawed on his bottom lip harshly as he tried his best to sort out his thoughts. Or, could they even be counted as thoughts? Were they feelings? Whatever they were, he had never felt them like this for Minho before. He had been with Minho almost every day for the last four years, and he thought he felt more comfortable with Minho and Minho’s body than he did with his own-why was this blush suddenly running over his cheeks as he felt himself being hugged close against Minho’s soft, warm skin? Why did his heart suddenly start beating so quickly as his nose fell perfectly into the crease of Minho’s collarbones, and he smelt his familiar scent (a fresh and clean smelling scent, but nothing drastic and over the top like Jonghyun’s cologne, a warmer scent, like a hint of cinnamon over the mint of his toothpaste)? Why did his body suddenly feel so fit together with the sturdy body in front of him? Why did his own arms fall more snuggly around Minho’s waist, and why did his eyes softly fall closed? Kibum slowly began to wonder when it was that he had started craving the feeling of Minho’s body against his own, so badly.
Minho struggled with all he was to try to swallow the lump that had risen in his throat, as his heart threw a tantrum in his chest, and the butterflies all but attacked his stomach harshly, due to the way Kibum’s arms and hands slipped over the exposed skin of the small of his back, and he swore he would self-combust if he stayed a single moment more in the position he currently was in. Minho struggled to catch his breath as he fought himself, and finally managed to force himself to push out of Kibum’s arms, blushing furiously and reaching for his shirt as quickly as he could.
Kibum half laughed quietly as he looked at the furious blush playing over Minho’s otherwise-manly face, as the younger quickly grabbed his shirt and slipped it over his head in record speeds, spilling out a trail of apologies as he did so. “Don’t be so embarrassed, Minho-yah.” Kibum muttered, as he rubbed his now-empty arms, wondering why the warmth of the other still lingered on his skin. “You have a nice body, it’s not like you have anything to be embarrassed of. It’s me.” He made himself laugh, still trying to ignore the smell of the other still hanging on his own clothes.
Those words were almost enough to cause for Minho to die on the spot, and he quickly turned until his back was to Kibum, gnawing on his knuckle to try to make himself be calm again.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jonghyun sighed heavily as he continued to sit at the small kitchen table, only moving far enough to sit down since Kibum had left him. Staring at the extra coffee cup, one-his, totally empty, and Kibum’s, completely full. Jonghyun groaned and rubbed his temples. That was way too metaphoric for his liking, and it wasn’t even a metaphor he could stand the meaning of. Why was the fact that Kibum left his dorm to go see Minho on his own will getting him so bothered? It wasn’t like Kibum had left him without another back-hug, it wasn’t like he hadn’t felt Kibum’s hands linger as they slipped down from his shoulders as he excused himself, it wasn’t like he hadn’t smiled at him or told him he loved him before he went, so why was he so upset about this? Why did his stomach churn tightly as if he was dreading something? Kibum was just going back to his own dorm to take a shower or fix his hair or something-what did Minho have to do with Kibum taking a shower?
Jonghyun’s eyes widened to the size of small apples as he thought about it. “Ohmigad! What if that pervert watches him showering!?! What if he sneaks into the bathroom, wha-what-oh no! I can just see it-that pervert standing there all greasy and greasy like, watching him with his huge alien eyes and uncommonly small face, bloody-nosed, laughing evilly, a-a-and-” Jonghyun quickly moved his hand up and slapped himself harshly as he suddenly realized what exactly what he was thinking.
“Okay, woah, calm down and slow down, Jonghyun! Get a hold of yourself! It’s Minho. Minho. That tall alien was even too much of a prude to change in the locker-rooms in high school-he changed in the bathroom stalls. You’re worrying yourself too much for no reason. You’re ruining your reputation, worrying like this! It’s Kibum-he won’t take perverts looking at him, and even if he can’t physically overpower him, he’ll verbally abuse him until he bursts, right? He’s a big boy, he can do it. A-a-and why are we even thinking about this anymore-there’s no way that Choi Minho will ever see my Kibum showering. Ever.” He told himself, sternly.
~~
Kibum smiled contently as he ran his fingers through his wet hair, and brushed the lingering water off of his shoulders as he turned off the shower. A nice hot shower was exactly what he needed at that moment. It cleared his mind again and he was able to relax again. He let out a contented breath before poking his head out of the curtain slowly, only to notice that he had forgotten his towel on top of his dresser after doing the laundry yesterday.
“Minho-yah~Minho-yah? Are you still out there?” Kibum called loudly after a moment, cracking the bathroom door open just a crack in order to stick his head out, keeping himself hidden by the door.
Minho, still standing where he was left, trying his best trying to get over the whole “You have a nice body” ordeal, glanced up slowly from where he was, and glanced over his shoulder towards the bathroom door, where he was met with only the head of a soaking wet Kibum, and a half smile playing over his lips as their eyes met.
“I forgot my towel on my bed again.” Kibum explained, as Minho’s eyes widened as he suddenly realized Kibum’s current state, and he glanced down quickly, blush coming back onto his cheeks.
Minho nodded slowly as he stared at the floor, but walked over to Kibum’s bed and picked up the fluffy pink bath-towel that the older boy insisted on using, and took it in his hands before walking towards the bathroom slowly, eyes never leaving the carpet under him as he walked.
Kibum chuckled dotingly as Minho held out the towel in front of him, eyes still glued on the floor, eyelids half closed and a pink blush over his nose as he did so. “Hehe, you’re so cute blushing like that, Minho-yah.” Kibum muttered, as he pulled the towel from Minho’s hands. “And don’t be so nervous and awkward about it, I’m only literally steaming, soaking wet and completely naked.” He added, before shutting the door behind him.
Minho felt his heart attack him. Kibum had a blunt and kind of sick sense of humor and a way of stretching out and over-explaining reality that sometimes proved as too much for Minho-this instance being the prime example, as Minho suddenly did a face-plant, face burning red.
Kibum raised an eyebrow as he opened the bathroom door a few moments later, and found Minho face-first on the ground, outside of the door. “Minho-yah? Is there a reason you have your face in the carpet?” He asked bluntly, after a moment.
Minho quickly pulled himself together before quickly sitting up, rubbing his left eye quickly. “I dropped my contact-lens.” He explained calmly, earning a slight eyebrow raise from Kibum and a slow nod. Minho sighed slightly as he stood up, and rubbed the back of his neck. He mentally kicked himself from lying to Kibum-God knows Jonghyun had done enough of that in his life-but how was he supposed to tell the truth in that instance? At least it wasn’t anything too serious, but after right now, he promised never to lie to Kibum again. Suddenly, Kibum’s voice cut him short of his thoughts.
“A-ah! Minho-yah! It’s already eleven! You’re late for your class! Aigo! It’s my fault, isn’t it!? You didn’t stay here because I wanted to take a shower, did you? Ah! I’m sorry, Minho-yah! You should have reminded me! I didn’t need to take a shower that badly!” Kibum began to freak out, having his typical Kibum worry-breakdown as normally happens when he thinks he had caused something wrong, fluttering around the room anxiously, pulling on his hair, then realizing he pulled and messed up his beautiful hair, and stressing over that, and then realizing the situation and freaking out all over again, but this time even more because he was so self-absorbed that he worried about his hair more than the situation he had caused for other people.
Minho chuckled as he walked over to the flustered Kibum, and put his hands gently on his shoulders, causing for the frantic boy to come to a sudden stop. “Key…Key, calm down. It’s okay. My class was canceled this afternoon anyway. Mr. Kwon’s wife is having a baby today.” He answered calmly, still smiling dotingly at Kibum’s cute, flustered face.
“No it’s not okay! Don’t tell me to calm down, it’s not okay! It’s all my fault, it’s all my fault! It’s-” Minho’s words finally made an impact on Kibum’s flustered brain, and he stopped mid-scream. “It was canceled!?” He asked quickly.
Minho chuckled again lightly before nodding. “Mnhm. Mr. Kwon’s wife has been expecting her baby for the last week, and he hasn’t come until a little earlier this morning, when he called me and said that because he couldn’t find a sub so quickly, class has been canceled. Sorry, I didn’t know it would scare you if I didn’t tell you right away. You don’t have to worry about anything, Key.” He answered, smiling still as he held Kibum’s shoulder’s lightly.
Kibum’s eyes went wide and the breath he had been holding in his cheeks deflated quickly, and he was only left staring at Minho with big and emotionless eyes for a few moments, before his face suddenly twisted, and he suddenly grabbed his cheeks and hair. “YAHH! Minho-yah!! Do you have any idea how many grey hairs and wrinkles you just gave me!?! Ahh! I’m going to get so many wrinkles from stressing so much about that! Oh!!! You’re going to make me such an ugly old person! All the stress you just gave me is totally going to give me grey hairs when I’m older!” He squealed quickly, rubbing his cheeks desperately, as if trying to smooth them again.
Minho laughed again dotingly, as he held onto Kibum’s shoulders again, trying to hold the squirmy boy still. “What are you talking about? An ugly old person? Key, I don’t think you could ever be ugly.” He said, still laughing as Kibum began massaging his skin desperately.
Kibum completely ignored Minho’s compliment and only began stressing out even more. “You’re going to be the one to blame!! When I’m old, grey, and wrinkly, I’m going to blame you! I’ll make you pay for my Botox when I’m old, and you can’t deny me!” He growled furiously.
Minho’s gaze and grasp on Kibum’s shoulders lightened completely, as his smile fell a little bit from his face, and he only stared at Kibum’s beautiful and young face in front of him. “Will you really? Will you still let me be by your side when you’re old and grey, Kim Kibum?” He whispered quietly, truly just meaning to think it, and yet accidently saying it aloud.
Kibum stopped completely, his breath nearly knocked out of him as he heard the doubt in Minho’s voice, before looking at Minho with big and confused eyes, his eyebrows arching downwards and knitting the middle as he stared up at Minho closely. “Wh-what are you talking about, Minho-yah? Wh-why would you ask that? Of course you’re going to still be with me when I’m old. You’re…not planning on leaving me, are…are you?” He asked quietly, his heart pressing against his chest in absolute dread. Was Minho planning on actually leaving him if he got back together with Jonghyun? Was he really just going to go away one day, and he wouldn’t be able to spend every day with him anymore? Was…he going to abandon him too? All the years he had spent with Minho, he had never once worried about him leaving his side…he couldn’t be thinking about leaving him. He wouldn’t be able to handle it. As he thought about being abandoned again, he felt his chest suddenly become cold and his body felt weak, as his eyes prickled with tears, just the thought enough to scare him to death.
Suddenly, however, Kibum felt himself suddenly slammed closely against Minho’s chest, and his warm arms wrapping themselves tightly around him again, Minho’s nose nuzzling gently and comfortingly under his ear, his hot breaths tickling against the skin on his neck.
“Never.” Minho whispered securely, his voice more stern and solid that Kibum had never heard his deep and serious voice sound so sincere and sure. “Never. I will never leave you, Key. As long as you allow me-I’m going to be right here. I’m going to stay right here and hold you in my arms for as long as I possibly can. For as long as you ever even faintly want me near you, I’ll stay right here by your side. I’ll never leave you, I promise. I promise you, Key. If you want me to, I’ll stay right here in this spot until the last breath I take.” He whispered securely, holding Kibum so tightly against him that there wasn’t even space for air between their two chests.
Kibum swallowed heavily, but buried his face in Minho’s chest and held onto his shirt as tightly as he could, not allowing for him to ever let go of him again, not allowing for anything to make him leave his side at the moment. “Y-you…” He started quietly, voice trembling as he stared at Minho’s shirt, knotted tightly in his fists. “…y-you have to promise me, Minho-yah. You have to stay with me forever. Y-you have to promise that you’ll be with me until we’re both old and wrinkly, a-and that no matter what happens you’re going to be where I can find you. You’re my best friend, Minho-yah-ah, no, you’re more than that. You have to promise me that you’ll never leave me…” He whispered quietly, body still shaking weakly in Minho’s strong arms.
Minho put his hand softly on the back of Kibum’s head before staring over his shoulder, trying to make his heartbeat regulate, as he knew that Kibum was listening to it. “Wh-what…” He started, after a moment. “What can I do to make you believe me? What can I do to make you believe me when I promise you that I’ll be here for you for the rest of my life?” He asked, quietly.
Kibum only allowed for himself to half smile as he glanced up and found Minho’s nervous but sincere eyes, and dropped his ear against his chest. “J-just hold me in your arms like this for another minute…” He whispered, as he closed his eyes, but suddenly noticed how quickly Minho’s heartbeat was pounding against his ribcage, and noticed the way it thudded even harder as he spoke. “…a-and, let me take you out to lunch and get you some salmon.” He added, after a long moment.
Minho was already on cloud nine, but couldn’t help but glance back at the boy in his arms with a little bit of confusion. “S-salmon? Is that what you’re craving?” He asked quietly, not being able to hide the confusion on his face as he heard the older boy’s request.
Kibum chuckled softly as Minho questioned him, before shaking his head and gently tapping against Minho’s chest in the same pace of his heartbeat. “It’s proven as an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids that protect your heart by reducing both inflammation and the risk of blood clots. Heh, you’re heart is beating so quickly, I worry.” He explained, still smiling lightly at Minho.
Minho struggled to keep the blush on his cheeks in check as Kibum commented on the rate of his heartbeat. Thank god he was such a health-freak (when he wanted to be, which was normally when it involved beauty), and only thought more of the health-risks of the heart beating so rapidly, and not of the fact that it was because of him that Minho’s heart was beating fast enough to win a marathon.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jonghyun let out a miserable breath as he plopped down heavily on a small bench on the edge of the soccer field, upon finding it almost completely empty, and absolutely alien-less. He had no idea how he had gotten over there, nor did he know what he was doing there-okay, fine, he knew what he was doing there, and yes he did stalk over there from behind the shadows of the trees and buildings, hoping that he would catch a glimpse of Kibum, just to make sure he was doing okay and no perverts were bothering him. However, as he finally made his way to the soccer field at a time he just happened to know the soccer team normally met, he felt himself frown and plop down unhappily as he found no trace of the younger boy, or his creepy alien. Okay, to tell the truth, he hadn’t been able to focus a minute on his class-work all day, because he was too busy trying to figure out what Kibum could possibly be doing with Minho every morning, and yes, it had been bothering him.
“Shit, where IS he?” Jonghyun thought agitatedly, as he scratched the back of his head and scanned the entire field from his spot on his bench. “He wasn’t in his fashion classroom either. N-not that I missed him or anything…” He thought stubbornly, still not giving up on finding the younger and making sure he was safe from alien forces.
However, as five minutes passed, and Jonghyun found himself still sitting on the bench, looking everywhere there was to be looked, he sighed heavily and glanced down. “Damn it. What am I doing? I’m all but stalking him, and even if I do find him, I’m probably only going to end up hurting us both more. I would be better if I never found him anyway…so why am I still looking?” He sighed again before messing up his bangs and closing his eyes for a minute. He seriously needed to work something out, before acting on impulse anymore. If he continued like this, he was only going to confuse Kibum as much as he already confused himself. He had to figure out what he was truly doing, and stick with it. No more of these impulsive acts that only dug him in deeper.
Suddenly, however, Jonghyun’s thoughts were cut off due to the sound of a happy voice making his way towards him. It wasn’t a voice that he would recognize, and yet, what it was saying was something that seemed very familiar.
“Really? Jaejoong-ah, you’re coming to Daegu? You found time off of your job? Well, yeah, of course I’m happy to hear so!” Some guy’s voice said happily, obviously talking on the phone as he began walking up the hill that the field was set on, not paying attention to anyone or anything around him, too busy on the phone, and Jonghyun noticed he was wearing a soccer jersey with the name “Yunho” on it.
Jonghyun half laughed to himself as he heard the name. “Jaejoong, huh? Is that name getting more popular these days? It reminds me of Kim Jaejoong, who used to go to school with us back in Seoul. He was Kibum’s friend for the little time he was at the same school as us, before he graduated. I wonder if they stayed in contact after Kibummie graduated. I know they still called each other every now and again before I left…heh, it seems like such a long time ago.” He thought to himself. “Ah, but I’m sure it’s not the same Jaejoong. It’d be weird if he was suddenly coming to Daegu to see someone at this school. Too much of a coincidence.” He corrected himself, but something suddenly caught his ear, as the boy who was talking on the phone started talking again.
“Noon tomorrow!? Really? Alright! No, I promise I’ll pick you up. I will. No I will not forget. Alright. Bye, Jaejoong. I love you too.” The boy laughed, as he glanced at his phone fondly, as he parted ways over the phone with his long-distance lover.
Jonghyun kept staring at the boy in front of him, as he began to wonder again. “Gay Jaejoong. Okay, that’s a big coincidence. I bet Kibum would freak out if he saw Jaejoong again. He was like his role-model when I was a freshman and he would visit me at high school. They even made friends despite the fact Kibum was in middle school still.” He thought, not helping the fact that a soft smile came to his lips as he thought about Kibum when he was in middle school. He was so happy and innocent, and so simple. He wished he could see Kibum like that again. Instead of how he was now. Always looking like there was some cloud of troublesome feelings hanging over his head. If by chance that was the same Jaejoong, he wished he would meet with Kibum again. He would have liked to see Kibum revert to his old careless self so much.
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A/N: Foreshadow foreshadow foreshadow...... HERE'S PART TWO! It was too long to post as one. ^^