There's This Boy (Kyuhyun/Zhou Mi, PG13)
Title: There's This Boy
Author: theyaoiwildcard
Recipient: develei
Characters/Pairings: Super Junior / Qmi
Rating: PG-13
Genre(s): AU (High school)
Warnings: OOC-ness (I'm sorry) None
Author's Note: For develei. I hope this is at least close to what you were hoping for, I did a lot of research and my best for you dear! //sneaks off to a corner.
“I found you!” a familiar voice drawled - oh Lord what was Heechul doing here - and Zhou Mi felt a hand thread it's lengthy fingers in his hair and use the grip to pull Zhou Mi from the magazine he was hiding behind just to shake his head. Zhou Mi reflected on how much he never appreciated this as he was asked rather mockingly, “Sneaking around again?”
Zhou Mi groaned, gave Heechul an exasperated look and hissed, “Why are you being so loud? Do you want me to get caught?” and he pulled the elder into the vacant seat to his right, hiding his face behind the magazine once again. “We're in a library, keep being so loud and we'll get thrown out.” He kept peeking over the top of his magazine to look at a certain person and after a while he heard the other snort,
“Why don't you just ask him out? I'm sure he won't bite, the worst he may do is...” Heechul looked thoughtful for a moment before he apparently scratched his previous statement and continued, “Why don't you just ask him out?”
Zhou Mi gave the suggestion a blank look and chuckled, “I'm not like you, I can't just waltz up to someone, grab their hand, throw them a wink or two and then they're suddenly dating me.”
“You're not the great Kim Heechul, unlike myself,” and the other gestured to himself with a smirk, “so of course you don't have people falling all over you.” Zhou Mi rolled his eyes and resumed his activity of peeking over the magazine.
“But you could at least try to get close to him,” Heechul adds.
“I'm fine just looking at him like this,” Zhou Mi responds distractedly, noting the way the object of his affection absent-mindedly brushes dark locks away from his eyes and turns yet another page of his thick book. It's an English novel today, 'Lisey's Story' if Zhou Mi's restricted knowledge of the foreign language is correct. And the author is - was that a 'ph'? - Stephen King. Zhou Mi makes a mental note to research the type of novel it is when he returns to his dorm, it could never hurt to find out what kind of book has caught the adorable brunet's attention this time. Zhou Mi realizes that this has become somewhat of a habit, he checks out the books that the brunet reads, it's usually a new book each week and Zhou Mi briefly wonders if he may be a little mentally unstable for doing things like that. His thoughts are cut short by Heechul.
“Don't zone out on me!” the elder scolded and flicked Zhou Mi's shoulder. The taller man hissed and glanced angrily at Heechul as the man continued, “If you're not going to get yourself together with that bookworm over there then I will.” That caught Zhou Mi's attention.
“W-wait! Okay, I'll do something but not yet, alright? I have an exam I need to cram for!” Zhou Mi all but pleaded, gesturing to some - very unused - text books he had laid out on the desk. Heechul considered him for a moment and Zhou Mi added, “I will do something, okay? Just... please, please don't get involved.”
Heechul smirked and stood up, “Fine. But if nothing happens after this week, I will be getting involved.” Zhou Mi brushed him off, agreeing to whatever he said because Heechul was seriously starting to cut into his stare-at-my-adorable-crush time and Zhou Mi did not appreciate people cutting into that special time of the day. He heard Heechul chuckle and say something about libraries being too lame for him before he left. Zhou Mi was pretty much alone again and he didn't feel as awkward about staring at the bookworm two tables away from him as he did when Heechul was there with all his snarky comments on the tip of his tongue.
Zhou Mi found he did this a lot, but he couldn't help but admire the younger man, the way his dark hair fell in messy waves and framed his pale face perfectly, the way his deep brown eyes always seemed so focused, the way his pale lips would unconsciously curl into a smirk or an awkward smile as he continues his novel - maybe it was going the way he expected or maybe there was an interesting twist, Zhou Mi wouldn't know because he could never speak to the younger man. He could never work up the nerve to speak to the perfection that was Cho Kyuhyun.
He wished he had the nerve to though, he wished he was at least as close to Kyuhyun as the smaller man that is almost always with him. Zhou Mi knows him, a friendly, adorable man as Heechul put it by the name of Sungmin. Zhou Mi can't help the pang of jealousy that strikes his chest as he sees the other dark haired male settle down in a seat next to Kyuhyun and begin talking and laughing softly as he tried not to distract him and still elicit smiles from the man who usually ignores everything in favour of the printed text shredding all the white pages of his dear novels. Zhou Mi wouldn't mind being part of that friendship when he thinks about it, in fact he would like that very much, to be able to talk and laugh easily with them, with Kyuhyun. Zhou Mi glances at the clock as he mulls the possibility over and over in his head, he should get going. He gathers his unused books and shoves them absently into his bag as he glances at the conversing pair. Just as he turns to leave, sparing them one last look, he sees Sungmin's eyes flick knowingly to him for a second, a smirk that's barely there, before his almond eyes turn their attention back to Kyuhyun and Zhou Mi but feel as though Sungmin knows everything about him now as he scurries out of the library.
Lisey's Story is a romantic horror according to Zhou Mi's research. Zhou Mi finds it easy to believe that Kyuhyun would read a book like that. Well, Zhou Mi thinks as he buries himself beneath his covers, maybe the romance was a bit of a surprise.
-
Zhou Mi wakes up to Heechul sitting on his stomach and commanding - a more than likely unwilling and tired - Hangeng to come over to their room because he was 'feeling bored'. Zhou Mi couldn't help but feel sorry for the other Chinese man, what with him being so 'close' to Heechul, as the other insisted, that he was basically Heechul's slave. Given that they've all known each other since middle school, Heechul's bullying is something that they're definitely used to. When Heechul snapped his phone shut with a satisfied smirk in place Zhou Mi groaned, it was getting a little difficult to breathe. Heechul glanced at him and his smirk widened, bouncing on him a few times before jumping off him and snickering.
“Morning sunshine.” Heechul snickered, Zhou Mi wondered what the time really was as Heechul began nudging him with his foot, “Get up and go write your crappy algebra exam.”
“Don' wanna...” Zhou Mi mumbled as he rolled over and buried his face into his pillow, was it always so soft and comfy? He heard Heechul growl and grumble before it was quiet again.
After a while the grumbling was back, apparently Heechul had left or something, but it turned into something of a shout, “If you don't get your lazy ass up I'm going to pour this cup of iced water on you!”
Zhou Mi shot up, so that's why Heechul left. He stared at the elder and the cold glass in shock for a moment before he scrambled out of bed, grabbed some clothes and ducked into the bathroom. He was sure he would be safe from Heechul for a while in the shower. He heard Heechul knock on the door before the elder yelled, “When you've finished your exam get your butt back here, okay! There's something we should probably... discuss.”
Zhou Mi sticks his tongue out, revelling in the fact that Heechul couldn't see him do it lest he lose his tongue, he probably couldn't say no anyway. He doubted Heechul would let him. He shouts over the running water in response, “Whatever you say!”
Heechul hums in response and leaves. Zhou Mi just stares at the tiled wall and sighs. He can only hope he passes his test, he didn't study much yesterday, he had been distracted by thoughts of Kyuhyun again. He considers seriously asking Heechul to help him win Kyuhyun's affection, or at least his attention, before he shakes his head vigorously and is tempted to slap himself. Heechul would make him beg first, he was sure, Zhou Mi would probably have better luck asking Sungmin to help him out. Zhou Mi felt something click in his sleepy brain, asking Sungmin may not be such a bad idea. Zhou Mi thinks of how he'll ask the for the other's help as he finishes washing up, he decides it's probably one of the better ideas he's had in his life as he passes a groggy Hangeng on his way out.
Probably.
-
“Who needs algebra anyways...” Henry sniffled into Zhou Mi's shoulder as the elder sighed. He was tempted to cry as well but Henry beat him to it, dragging him out of their classroom as soon as the exam was over to one of the many benches occupied by similarly distraught students in the middle of campus and then the younger proceeded to bawl his eyes out. Zhou Mi patted his head as Henry continued, “Algebra is stupid... not me... I know stuff...”
“Yes you do Henry, algebra's the stupid one,” Zhou Mi said and Henry nodded into his shoulder. A few sniffles later, Henry seemed to be feeling better. He totally forgot about the exam and decided to pester Zhou Mi.
“So,how's your little crush going?” Henry nudged Zhou Mi in his side with a grin, “You two dating yet or what?”
Zhou Mi sputtered and jumped off the bench. “Wha, wha, what!? N-no! I just remembered I have somewhere to be!” Zhou Mi turned on his heel and ran off towards his dorm, he just remembered he was supposed to meet Heechul there and Zhou Mi would rather not find out what Heechul would decide to do with Zhou Mi's uneventful life if he was late.
“Hey, running from me won't change anything! I'll find out ether way!” Henry exclaimed as Zhou Mi made a break for it. Life was starting to change a little.
Zhou Mi wasn't sure if he would like it.
-
Zhou Mi opened the door to the room he shared with Heechul, an apology already falling from his parted lips when he saw the aforementioned man straddling Hangeng on the couch and attempting to... actually Zhou Mi didn't want to try to guess. “Oh God I'm so sorry!” he exclaimed as he backed out of the room.
Heechul called out to him as the door was nearly shut and Zhou Mi peeked through the slight opening, waiting for the man to continue. “Where're you going? We haven't talked yet, you can't just leave.
Zhou Mi opened the door a bit to show his grin and he drawled, “But, it looks as though I interrupted something-”
“Like hell!” Heechul got off of the unconscious Hangeng and dusted himself off, “I was just teaching him a lesson, y'know, for being late, kind of like you almost were.” Heechul grinned and Zhou Mi rubbed his head and laughed nervously.
“What did you do?” Zhou Mi asked but he could already see Heechul strangling Hangeng or something equally... painful.
“I taught him a lesson, like I just said,” Heechul responded a matter-of-factly.
“I mean,” Zhou Mi tried again, “what did you do?”
“H-he... he tried... to kill me..!” came the strangled answer from Hangeng who apparently was not so unconscious after all. Zhou Mi took a shocked step back and looked between Hangeng and Heechul, he found it very easy to believe Heechul would attempt murder. Zhou Mi didn't like how easy it was to believe Heechul would attempt murder.
“Oh please, you're being dramatic,” Heechul scoffed but the smile he was wearing grew wider and Zhou Mi would have liked nothing more than to leave. “Any way, hurry up Zhou Mi, I don't have all day to waste on you just so you know.”
Zhou Mi rolled his eyes and walked back into the room, taking a seat next to Hangeng who was holding his head and he looked like he had been hit by a truck. Poor guy, Zhou Mi didn't want to know what Heechul did to him.
Heechul stood in front them and taking a sudden interest in his nails, he stated, “Don't worry, I plan to make this short and sweet so you can go back to whatever you were going to do.” Zhou Mi appreciated that. “Quite frankly, I'm going to be interfering with your love life now, okay?”
Zhou Mi was torn between being relieved, he knew he wouldn't do much on his own, and being horrified, everyone would know about his crush by the time Heechul's through. “What are you going to do?”
“Not what I usually do, don't worry, you'll barely realizing I'm working my magic.” Heechul then sauntered over to the door and held it open, “Now get out, I have things I need to discuss with Hangeng in private.”
Hangeng grabbed Zhou Mi's arm and gave him a pleading look but no matter how much Zhou Mi wanted to help the other, there's only so much he would be able to do before Heechul got them both. “Be strong Geng!” Zhou Mi whispered in Mandarin as he made a fist before he scurried out of the room.
“Bye!” Heechul sang and closed the door. Zhou Mi sighed and walked off, hearing Heechul's cackling and a few pleas for mercy from Hangeng before he descended the stairs, as such were the norm and Zhou Mi wondered if he would be able to find Kyuhyun at the library and be able to strike up a conversation that lasted more than the usual two minutes. Zhou Mi figured it would be worth the shot.
-
Zhou Mi eventually figured Kyuhyun may not be coming to the library today, he hadn't seen him anywhere near the area yet. He sighed, how was he going to start a... a relationship with him if he couldn't even find him? Zhou Mi scribbled absently as he stared at Kyuhyun's usual seat. He didn't really know where else the younger would be, guess that means that he wasn't a stalker and he did not just think that. When Zhou Mi thought about it, he had no idea what he would have done or said to get Kyuhyun to fall for him, maybe he should try to come up with a plan? He should write it down too.
Hm... something following steps, like: step one: become friends with him and step two: get him to consider us going out... Yeah, sounds good!
Zhou Mi started scribbling his little list in messy Mandarin - maybe he should try to perfect his Hangul? It would probably look the same any way - crossing out what seemed wrong here and there and replacing it with things that seem more 'Kyuhyun-wooing' as he termed the ideas.
“Waiting for someone?”
Zhou Mi was so caught up in finally figuring out some way to win Kyuhyun over that when the voice reached his ears he jumped - and maybe squeaked a little. He looked around and found Sungmin smiling and waving from the other side of the table before he walked around and took a seat next to the Chinese man.
“Kyuhyun went out to buy more books,” Sungmin stated. Zhou Mi's mouth hung open a little bit more - oh crap when did his mouth fall open exactly? - and Sungmin chuckled, “I see you peeping at him, I've seen you doing it for the longest while. Kyuhyun hasn't realized because he's always so caught up in his books, but I'm surprised you haven't asked him out yet.”
“Oh, well...” Zhou Mi looked around nervously.
“Aha, I'm sorry,” Sungmin extended his hand with a laugh, “I know we already know each other, but I just realized I never actually introduced myself. Lee Sungmin, your hyung by a few months but that doesn't count right? Just call me Sungmin,” and the smaller man shook Zhou Mi's hand with more force than Zhou Mi expected.
Zhou Mi shook the other's hand and laughed, “Nice to 'officially' meet you, I'm Zhou Mi.” He was relieved Sungmin was so friendly - he should have guessed it but you really never know - he felt at ease with the other already.
After a short, comfortable silence, Sungmin spoke. “He talks about you, you know.” Zhou Mi looked at Sungmin confusedly as he waited for the elder to continue, “Kyuhyun. He likes you but he thinks he scares you off.”
“What? No, he doesn't scare me off!” Sungmin looked a little shocked at Zhou Mi's outburst but only chuckled.
“He'll be happy to hear that.”
Before Zhou Mi could blink Sungmin had suddenly swiped his book and was holding it up to his face as if he were inspecting confidential blueprints. Zhou Mi didn't think his guide to winning Kyuhyun's heart was a blueprint but he considered it confidential, in it's own way.
“Huh... in love, are we?” Sungmin asked with a grin. Zhou Mi blushed and grabbed his notebook, self-consciously glancing at his scribbles and shooting Sungmin suspicious glances.
“How did you..?” Zhou Mi gestured to his notebook.
“I know enough Mandarin to be able to guess,” Sungmin replied with a smile. “Now, how about I help you out with this? I can tell you what Kyuhyun would like, if you want?”
Of course, Zhou Mi took up that offer and Sungmin began listing out Kyuhyun's interests and preferences to Zhou Mi who wrote them down as though his life were on the line and Zhou Mi was grateful really, how lucky could he have gotten?
“Oh, by the way,” Zhou Mi stopped his frantic scribbling and looked up at Sungmin who continued with a small smile, “Today's book is 'The Old Capital' by Yasunari Kawabata. It's a short Japanese novel about a girl who becomes bewildered as she finds out more about her past.” Zhou Mi wondered if Sungmin was in his mind and the almond-eyed man just winked at Zhou Mi, “I noticed a couple of your habits so I thought I'd help keep you informed. You can thank me by getting together with Kyuhyun soon, 'kay?”
Zhou Mi nodded with his usual grin and Sungmin continued his list of facts about Kyuhyun. When he was finished and Zhou Mi was thanking him as much as he was breathing, Sungmin happily added,
“If you're going to thank me that much I wouldn't mind if you bought me some candy too.”
-
When Zhou Mi returned to his shared room happier than he thought he had ever been he was met with a rather crowded room that he was sure was courtesy of Kim Heechul.
Actually, it must have been over crowded, just how many people were in here?
They were all from Heechul and Zhou Mi's classes the Chinese man mused as he realized he knew all of them and when he put it like that it didn't seem like that many people after all. There were Hyukjae and Donghae undoubtedly plotting something, Zhou Mi could tell from that way they were giggling and whispering, Jongwoon and Ryeowook were practising some song on the couch next to Henry who was just sort of staring at them in awe. Donghee was preparing ramyun like the happiest man alive while Sungmin flitted around and nagged him to make extra. Zhou Mi was pleasantly surprised at Sungmin's presence and thought to go thank him some more when Jungsu, Youngwoon and Hangeng were running and screaming from an annoyed looking Heechul who was being held back by the ever patient Siwon, Zhou Mi really admired that man. Zhou Mi was about to leave to go somewhere a bit quieter so he could make sense of his plan to woo Kyuhyun when he sees Kibum sitting in a chair looking bored and talking about something with a very familiar and handsome person. Holy crap Kyuhyun was here.
Zhou Mi was about to bolt because he wasn't ready to confront the younger male yet when Sungmin called out to him and bounced over, his eyes sparkling as he caught what was on the other end of Zhou Mi's gaze.
“Yo, Zhou Mi!” he sang, grabbing the taller male's wrist and pulling him towards Kibum and Kyuhyun and Zhou Mi get a hold of yourself, come on, come on, stop acting like a little school girl and-
“Hey Kibum, can I borrow you for a second?” Kibum looked over to them and as soon as his eyes settled on Zhou Mi he seemed to understand something and he got up wordlessly with a smirk before walking off towards Siwon who was calming Heechul down.
Sungmin grinned at him before leaving Zhou Mi with a wordless good luck and a confused Kyuhyun. Said man looked at Zhou Mi and smiled his, adorable, cute, perfect, awkward smile as he asked, “Are you going to stand forever or are you going to sit down and chat with me?”
“Uh, I'll sit down thanks,” and Zhou Mi almost threw himself into the empty chair to Kyuhyun's right because his brain wasn't helping him right now that was for sure. Zhou Mi glanced at Kyuhyun repeatedly and when Kyuhyun caught his gaze and smiled again Zhou Mi forgot what he was frightened of and he grinned back.
“So you're Zhou Mi, right?” Kyuhyun started, “Hangeng told me to come here.” Zhou Mi was sure that was Heechul's doing. Kyuhyun asked, “You have any idea what's going on right now?”
“Nope, but I'm sure everyone's in on it.”
“That makes two of us.”
“I like it though,” Zhou Mi honestly said, “It's almost like a ...special, oversized family.” Zhou Mi grinned.
“I like the way you think, Zhou Mi.” Kyuhyun grinned back. “Say, do you like video games? Or books?”
“I'm interested in them to tell the truth.”
“Have you ever heard about a book called 'Norwegian Wood' by Haruki Murakami?” Zhou Mi shook his head and Kyuhyun chuckled, “That's okay, it's a Japanese novel so I didn't expect you to know... I like your honesty.” Kyuhyun smiled again and Zhou Mi's eyes flicked to the book in Kyuhyun's lap, it was the same book Sungmin had told him about.
“I've heard of that one though, from friend,” Zhou Mi pointed to the book in Kyuhyun's lap.
Kyuhyun grinned like an excited little child, “This is an interesting one!” and he proceeded to talk about his book and Zhou Mi listened intently to every word that silken voice uttered. Zhou Mi had never thought he and Kyuhyun would be able to get closer to each other as easily as that but it felt as though they just clicked.
Life was looking a bit more interesting.
-
It was Christmas eve now and Zhou Mi thought Seoul looked brighter than usual with all the bright lights and festive decorations littering the busy city. Even the snow looked like a lovely decoration with the way it just fit. Zhou Mi shifted on the bench near a coffee shop as he waited for Kyuhyun to arrive. This was going to be their fourth date and when Zhou Mi thought about it he realized his heart was beating so fast he could feel it pumping the blood through his veins.
Earlier that evening Heechul and Sungmin were parading around and yelling what great cupids they were - Zhou Mi should have known Heechul and Sungmin were behind everyone working to get Zhou Mi and Kyuhyun together - as Hangeng chuckled to himself and Jungsu patted their backs and congratulated them, inflating their egos even more. Before Heechul could demand some sort of payment from Zhou Mi, because Zhou Mi knew it was coming as only Sungmin could be satisfied with candy, the leggy Chinese man dashed out of the room, lying that he was going to be late. Zhou Mi was grateful to Heechul though, he would buy him a gift to show his thanks.
“You look excited,” Zhou Mi looked up and found Jungsu smiling down at him and saw Youngwoon entering the cafe, apparently conversing with Heechul on the phone, Zhou Mi knew because he could hear Heechul shouting over the line, demanding Youngwoon to buy something for him.
“Yeah, I can hardly sit still,” Zhou Mi confessed looking around.
“I noticed,” Jungsu chuckled, “Oh look, there's your Kyuhyun!” Jungsu held an arm laden with gift bags up and pointed to Zhou Mi's left and, surely, there was Kyuhyun dressed in comfy looking winter attire and a large scarf wrapped around his neck - and half of his face. Zhou Mi shot up and waved at Kyuhyun who waved back and hurried over.
“Hello!” Kyuhyun sang and added sarcastically, “I didn't make you wait too long, right?” he chuckled and patted Zhou Mi's back.
“Oh let me give these to you guys now!” Jungsu held up two gift bags, a blue and a red, and handed them to Zhou Mi and Kyuhyun. Kyuhyun swiped his bag with a thanks and Zhou Mi took his gratefully, though he felt a little bad. Jungsu just smiled at him and hugged them, “Merry Christmas you two!”
“Teukie we have to go, Heechul is going to kick our asses,” Youngwoon groaned as he walked out of the small store, holding even more bags, Zhou Mi felt a bit sorry for him though he knew Youngwoon would manage.
“Ah, okay okay.” Jungsu walked off but suddenly turned around and yelled, “You two kids have fun on your date!” before he ran off to catch up with Youngwoon. Zhou Mi felt as though his face caught fire as Kyuhyun grabbed his hand and smiled at him.
“You know what book this feeling is similar to?” Kyuhyun asked as he pulled Zhou Mi towards the cafe, intent on getting something sweet to munch on because 'sweet food was completely manly' as Kyuhyun had insisted.
Zhou Mi grinned, “I have no idea! Tell me?”
Kyuhyun stopped walking and turned to face Zhou Mi, “Well, when everything works out perfectly and everyone's happy,” Kyuhyun stepped closer to Zhou Mi and wrapped his arms around the taller male's neck and Zhou Mi felt his cheeks heat up yet again as a smile spread his lips, “most people call that a fairytale.”
Zhou Mi chuckled as Kyuhyun kissed him lightly before pulling him into the cafe. “Fairytales have happy endings, right?” Zhou Mi asked with his usual large grin.
“That's right and for this fairytale to have a happy ending you have to buy me this delicious looking slice of cake here,” Kyuhyun said with a smirk as he pointed to an expensive and cavity inducing chocolate cake.
“Only if you share your sugary death with me,” Zhou Mi laughed as he fished around in his pockets for his wallet.
“Deal.” Kyuhyun grinned and patted Zhou Mi's shoulder, “Have fun buying my cake then!” and he walked off to find a comfy seat.
Zhou Mi chuckled, honestly, Kyuhyun would drain all their money on buying books and food but Zhou Mi didn't mind, he'd always have Kyuhyun. Of that he was sure.
Life was a bit too good for Zhou Mi to believe right now.
This entry was originally posted at http://sujuexchange.dreamwidth.org/11854.html?mode=reply. Please comment there using OpenID (i.e., your LJ account's URL).
Author: theyaoiwildcard
Recipient: develei
Characters/Pairings: Super Junior / Qmi
Rating: PG-13
Genre(s): AU (High school)
Warnings: OOC-ness (I'm sorry) None
Author's Note: For develei. I hope this is at least close to what you were hoping for, I did a lot of research and my best for you dear! //sneaks off to a corner.
“I found you!” a familiar voice drawled - oh Lord what was Heechul doing here - and Zhou Mi felt a hand thread it's lengthy fingers in his hair and use the grip to pull Zhou Mi from the magazine he was hiding behind just to shake his head. Zhou Mi reflected on how much he never appreciated this as he was asked rather mockingly, “Sneaking around again?”
Zhou Mi groaned, gave Heechul an exasperated look and hissed, “Why are you being so loud? Do you want me to get caught?” and he pulled the elder into the vacant seat to his right, hiding his face behind the magazine once again. “We're in a library, keep being so loud and we'll get thrown out.” He kept peeking over the top of his magazine to look at a certain person and after a while he heard the other snort,
“Why don't you just ask him out? I'm sure he won't bite, the worst he may do is...” Heechul looked thoughtful for a moment before he apparently scratched his previous statement and continued, “Why don't you just ask him out?”
Zhou Mi gave the suggestion a blank look and chuckled, “I'm not like you, I can't just waltz up to someone, grab their hand, throw them a wink or two and then they're suddenly dating me.”
“You're not the great Kim Heechul, unlike myself,” and the other gestured to himself with a smirk, “so of course you don't have people falling all over you.” Zhou Mi rolled his eyes and resumed his activity of peeking over the magazine.
“But you could at least try to get close to him,” Heechul adds.
“I'm fine just looking at him like this,” Zhou Mi responds distractedly, noting the way the object of his affection absent-mindedly brushes dark locks away from his eyes and turns yet another page of his thick book. It's an English novel today, 'Lisey's Story' if Zhou Mi's restricted knowledge of the foreign language is correct. And the author is - was that a 'ph'? - Stephen King. Zhou Mi makes a mental note to research the type of novel it is when he returns to his dorm, it could never hurt to find out what kind of book has caught the adorable brunet's attention this time. Zhou Mi realizes that this has become somewhat of a habit, he checks out the books that the brunet reads, it's usually a new book each week and Zhou Mi briefly wonders if he may be a little mentally unstable for doing things like that. His thoughts are cut short by Heechul.
“Don't zone out on me!” the elder scolded and flicked Zhou Mi's shoulder. The taller man hissed and glanced angrily at Heechul as the man continued, “If you're not going to get yourself together with that bookworm over there then I will.” That caught Zhou Mi's attention.
“W-wait! Okay, I'll do something but not yet, alright? I have an exam I need to cram for!” Zhou Mi all but pleaded, gesturing to some - very unused - text books he had laid out on the desk. Heechul considered him for a moment and Zhou Mi added, “I will do something, okay? Just... please, please don't get involved.”
Heechul smirked and stood up, “Fine. But if nothing happens after this week, I will be getting involved.” Zhou Mi brushed him off, agreeing to whatever he said because Heechul was seriously starting to cut into his stare-at-my-adorable-crush time and Zhou Mi did not appreciate people cutting into that special time of the day. He heard Heechul chuckle and say something about libraries being too lame for him before he left. Zhou Mi was pretty much alone again and he didn't feel as awkward about staring at the bookworm two tables away from him as he did when Heechul was there with all his snarky comments on the tip of his tongue.
Zhou Mi found he did this a lot, but he couldn't help but admire the younger man, the way his dark hair fell in messy waves and framed his pale face perfectly, the way his deep brown eyes always seemed so focused, the way his pale lips would unconsciously curl into a smirk or an awkward smile as he continues his novel - maybe it was going the way he expected or maybe there was an interesting twist, Zhou Mi wouldn't know because he could never speak to the younger man. He could never work up the nerve to speak to the perfection that was Cho Kyuhyun.
He wished he had the nerve to though, he wished he was at least as close to Kyuhyun as the smaller man that is almost always with him. Zhou Mi knows him, a friendly, adorable man as Heechul put it by the name of Sungmin. Zhou Mi can't help the pang of jealousy that strikes his chest as he sees the other dark haired male settle down in a seat next to Kyuhyun and begin talking and laughing softly as he tried not to distract him and still elicit smiles from the man who usually ignores everything in favour of the printed text shredding all the white pages of his dear novels. Zhou Mi wouldn't mind being part of that friendship when he thinks about it, in fact he would like that very much, to be able to talk and laugh easily with them, with Kyuhyun. Zhou Mi glances at the clock as he mulls the possibility over and over in his head, he should get going. He gathers his unused books and shoves them absently into his bag as he glances at the conversing pair. Just as he turns to leave, sparing them one last look, he sees Sungmin's eyes flick knowingly to him for a second, a smirk that's barely there, before his almond eyes turn their attention back to Kyuhyun and Zhou Mi but feel as though Sungmin knows everything about him now as he scurries out of the library.
Lisey's Story is a romantic horror according to Zhou Mi's research. Zhou Mi finds it easy to believe that Kyuhyun would read a book like that. Well, Zhou Mi thinks as he buries himself beneath his covers, maybe the romance was a bit of a surprise.
-
Zhou Mi wakes up to Heechul sitting on his stomach and commanding - a more than likely unwilling and tired - Hangeng to come over to their room because he was 'feeling bored'. Zhou Mi couldn't help but feel sorry for the other Chinese man, what with him being so 'close' to Heechul, as the other insisted, that he was basically Heechul's slave. Given that they've all known each other since middle school, Heechul's bullying is something that they're definitely used to. When Heechul snapped his phone shut with a satisfied smirk in place Zhou Mi groaned, it was getting a little difficult to breathe. Heechul glanced at him and his smirk widened, bouncing on him a few times before jumping off him and snickering.
“Morning sunshine.” Heechul snickered, Zhou Mi wondered what the time really was as Heechul began nudging him with his foot, “Get up and go write your crappy algebra exam.”
“Don' wanna...” Zhou Mi mumbled as he rolled over and buried his face into his pillow, was it always so soft and comfy? He heard Heechul growl and grumble before it was quiet again.
After a while the grumbling was back, apparently Heechul had left or something, but it turned into something of a shout, “If you don't get your lazy ass up I'm going to pour this cup of iced water on you!”
Zhou Mi shot up, so that's why Heechul left. He stared at the elder and the cold glass in shock for a moment before he scrambled out of bed, grabbed some clothes and ducked into the bathroom. He was sure he would be safe from Heechul for a while in the shower. He heard Heechul knock on the door before the elder yelled, “When you've finished your exam get your butt back here, okay! There's something we should probably... discuss.”
Zhou Mi sticks his tongue out, revelling in the fact that Heechul couldn't see him do it lest he lose his tongue, he probably couldn't say no anyway. He doubted Heechul would let him. He shouts over the running water in response, “Whatever you say!”
Heechul hums in response and leaves. Zhou Mi just stares at the tiled wall and sighs. He can only hope he passes his test, he didn't study much yesterday, he had been distracted by thoughts of Kyuhyun again. He considers seriously asking Heechul to help him win Kyuhyun's affection, or at least his attention, before he shakes his head vigorously and is tempted to slap himself. Heechul would make him beg first, he was sure, Zhou Mi would probably have better luck asking Sungmin to help him out. Zhou Mi felt something click in his sleepy brain, asking Sungmin may not be such a bad idea. Zhou Mi thinks of how he'll ask the for the other's help as he finishes washing up, he decides it's probably one of the better ideas he's had in his life as he passes a groggy Hangeng on his way out.
Probably.
-
“Who needs algebra anyways...” Henry sniffled into Zhou Mi's shoulder as the elder sighed. He was tempted to cry as well but Henry beat him to it, dragging him out of their classroom as soon as the exam was over to one of the many benches occupied by similarly distraught students in the middle of campus and then the younger proceeded to bawl his eyes out. Zhou Mi patted his head as Henry continued, “Algebra is stupid... not me... I know stuff...”
“Yes you do Henry, algebra's the stupid one,” Zhou Mi said and Henry nodded into his shoulder. A few sniffles later, Henry seemed to be feeling better. He totally forgot about the exam and decided to pester Zhou Mi.
“So,how's your little crush going?” Henry nudged Zhou Mi in his side with a grin, “You two dating yet or what?”
Zhou Mi sputtered and jumped off the bench. “Wha, wha, what!? N-no! I just remembered I have somewhere to be!” Zhou Mi turned on his heel and ran off towards his dorm, he just remembered he was supposed to meet Heechul there and Zhou Mi would rather not find out what Heechul would decide to do with Zhou Mi's uneventful life if he was late.
“Hey, running from me won't change anything! I'll find out ether way!” Henry exclaimed as Zhou Mi made a break for it. Life was starting to change a little.
Zhou Mi wasn't sure if he would like it.
-
Zhou Mi opened the door to the room he shared with Heechul, an apology already falling from his parted lips when he saw the aforementioned man straddling Hangeng on the couch and attempting to... actually Zhou Mi didn't want to try to guess. “Oh God I'm so sorry!” he exclaimed as he backed out of the room.
Heechul called out to him as the door was nearly shut and Zhou Mi peeked through the slight opening, waiting for the man to continue. “Where're you going? We haven't talked yet, you can't just leave.
Zhou Mi opened the door a bit to show his grin and he drawled, “But, it looks as though I interrupted something-”
“Like hell!” Heechul got off of the unconscious Hangeng and dusted himself off, “I was just teaching him a lesson, y'know, for being late, kind of like you almost were.” Heechul grinned and Zhou Mi rubbed his head and laughed nervously.
“What did you do?” Zhou Mi asked but he could already see Heechul strangling Hangeng or something equally... painful.
“I taught him a lesson, like I just said,” Heechul responded a matter-of-factly.
“I mean,” Zhou Mi tried again, “what did you do?”
“H-he... he tried... to kill me..!” came the strangled answer from Hangeng who apparently was not so unconscious after all. Zhou Mi took a shocked step back and looked between Hangeng and Heechul, he found it very easy to believe Heechul would attempt murder. Zhou Mi didn't like how easy it was to believe Heechul would attempt murder.
“Oh please, you're being dramatic,” Heechul scoffed but the smile he was wearing grew wider and Zhou Mi would have liked nothing more than to leave. “Any way, hurry up Zhou Mi, I don't have all day to waste on you just so you know.”
Zhou Mi rolled his eyes and walked back into the room, taking a seat next to Hangeng who was holding his head and he looked like he had been hit by a truck. Poor guy, Zhou Mi didn't want to know what Heechul did to him.
Heechul stood in front them and taking a sudden interest in his nails, he stated, “Don't worry, I plan to make this short and sweet so you can go back to whatever you were going to do.” Zhou Mi appreciated that. “Quite frankly, I'm going to be interfering with your love life now, okay?”
Zhou Mi was torn between being relieved, he knew he wouldn't do much on his own, and being horrified, everyone would know about his crush by the time Heechul's through. “What are you going to do?”
“Not what I usually do, don't worry, you'll barely realizing I'm working my magic.” Heechul then sauntered over to the door and held it open, “Now get out, I have things I need to discuss with Hangeng in private.”
Hangeng grabbed Zhou Mi's arm and gave him a pleading look but no matter how much Zhou Mi wanted to help the other, there's only so much he would be able to do before Heechul got them both. “Be strong Geng!” Zhou Mi whispered in Mandarin as he made a fist before he scurried out of the room.
“Bye!” Heechul sang and closed the door. Zhou Mi sighed and walked off, hearing Heechul's cackling and a few pleas for mercy from Hangeng before he descended the stairs, as such were the norm and Zhou Mi wondered if he would be able to find Kyuhyun at the library and be able to strike up a conversation that lasted more than the usual two minutes. Zhou Mi figured it would be worth the shot.
-
Zhou Mi eventually figured Kyuhyun may not be coming to the library today, he hadn't seen him anywhere near the area yet. He sighed, how was he going to start a... a relationship with him if he couldn't even find him? Zhou Mi scribbled absently as he stared at Kyuhyun's usual seat. He didn't really know where else the younger would be, guess that means that he wasn't a stalker and he did not just think that. When Zhou Mi thought about it, he had no idea what he would have done or said to get Kyuhyun to fall for him, maybe he should try to come up with a plan? He should write it down too.
Hm... something following steps, like: step one: become friends with him and step two: get him to consider us going out... Yeah, sounds good!
Zhou Mi started scribbling his little list in messy Mandarin - maybe he should try to perfect his Hangul? It would probably look the same any way - crossing out what seemed wrong here and there and replacing it with things that seem more 'Kyuhyun-wooing' as he termed the ideas.
“Waiting for someone?”
Zhou Mi was so caught up in finally figuring out some way to win Kyuhyun over that when the voice reached his ears he jumped - and maybe squeaked a little. He looked around and found Sungmin smiling and waving from the other side of the table before he walked around and took a seat next to the Chinese man.
“Kyuhyun went out to buy more books,” Sungmin stated. Zhou Mi's mouth hung open a little bit more - oh crap when did his mouth fall open exactly? - and Sungmin chuckled, “I see you peeping at him, I've seen you doing it for the longest while. Kyuhyun hasn't realized because he's always so caught up in his books, but I'm surprised you haven't asked him out yet.”
“Oh, well...” Zhou Mi looked around nervously.
“Aha, I'm sorry,” Sungmin extended his hand with a laugh, “I know we already know each other, but I just realized I never actually introduced myself. Lee Sungmin, your hyung by a few months but that doesn't count right? Just call me Sungmin,” and the smaller man shook Zhou Mi's hand with more force than Zhou Mi expected.
Zhou Mi shook the other's hand and laughed, “Nice to 'officially' meet you, I'm Zhou Mi.” He was relieved Sungmin was so friendly - he should have guessed it but you really never know - he felt at ease with the other already.
After a short, comfortable silence, Sungmin spoke. “He talks about you, you know.” Zhou Mi looked at Sungmin confusedly as he waited for the elder to continue, “Kyuhyun. He likes you but he thinks he scares you off.”
“What? No, he doesn't scare me off!” Sungmin looked a little shocked at Zhou Mi's outburst but only chuckled.
“He'll be happy to hear that.”
Before Zhou Mi could blink Sungmin had suddenly swiped his book and was holding it up to his face as if he were inspecting confidential blueprints. Zhou Mi didn't think his guide to winning Kyuhyun's heart was a blueprint but he considered it confidential, in it's own way.
“Huh... in love, are we?” Sungmin asked with a grin. Zhou Mi blushed and grabbed his notebook, self-consciously glancing at his scribbles and shooting Sungmin suspicious glances.
“How did you..?” Zhou Mi gestured to his notebook.
“I know enough Mandarin to be able to guess,” Sungmin replied with a smile. “Now, how about I help you out with this? I can tell you what Kyuhyun would like, if you want?”
Of course, Zhou Mi took up that offer and Sungmin began listing out Kyuhyun's interests and preferences to Zhou Mi who wrote them down as though his life were on the line and Zhou Mi was grateful really, how lucky could he have gotten?
“Oh, by the way,” Zhou Mi stopped his frantic scribbling and looked up at Sungmin who continued with a small smile, “Today's book is 'The Old Capital' by Yasunari Kawabata. It's a short Japanese novel about a girl who becomes bewildered as she finds out more about her past.” Zhou Mi wondered if Sungmin was in his mind and the almond-eyed man just winked at Zhou Mi, “I noticed a couple of your habits so I thought I'd help keep you informed. You can thank me by getting together with Kyuhyun soon, 'kay?”
Zhou Mi nodded with his usual grin and Sungmin continued his list of facts about Kyuhyun. When he was finished and Zhou Mi was thanking him as much as he was breathing, Sungmin happily added,
“If you're going to thank me that much I wouldn't mind if you bought me some candy too.”
-
When Zhou Mi returned to his shared room happier than he thought he had ever been he was met with a rather crowded room that he was sure was courtesy of Kim Heechul.
Actually, it must have been over crowded, just how many people were in here?
They were all from Heechul and Zhou Mi's classes the Chinese man mused as he realized he knew all of them and when he put it like that it didn't seem like that many people after all. There were Hyukjae and Donghae undoubtedly plotting something, Zhou Mi could tell from that way they were giggling and whispering, Jongwoon and Ryeowook were practising some song on the couch next to Henry who was just sort of staring at them in awe. Donghee was preparing ramyun like the happiest man alive while Sungmin flitted around and nagged him to make extra. Zhou Mi was pleasantly surprised at Sungmin's presence and thought to go thank him some more when Jungsu, Youngwoon and Hangeng were running and screaming from an annoyed looking Heechul who was being held back by the ever patient Siwon, Zhou Mi really admired that man. Zhou Mi was about to leave to go somewhere a bit quieter so he could make sense of his plan to woo Kyuhyun when he sees Kibum sitting in a chair looking bored and talking about something with a very familiar and handsome person. Holy crap Kyuhyun was here.
Zhou Mi was about to bolt because he wasn't ready to confront the younger male yet when Sungmin called out to him and bounced over, his eyes sparkling as he caught what was on the other end of Zhou Mi's gaze.
“Yo, Zhou Mi!” he sang, grabbing the taller male's wrist and pulling him towards Kibum and Kyuhyun and Zhou Mi get a hold of yourself, come on, come on, stop acting like a little school girl and-
“Hey Kibum, can I borrow you for a second?” Kibum looked over to them and as soon as his eyes settled on Zhou Mi he seemed to understand something and he got up wordlessly with a smirk before walking off towards Siwon who was calming Heechul down.
Sungmin grinned at him before leaving Zhou Mi with a wordless good luck and a confused Kyuhyun. Said man looked at Zhou Mi and smiled his, adorable, cute, perfect, awkward smile as he asked, “Are you going to stand forever or are you going to sit down and chat with me?”
“Uh, I'll sit down thanks,” and Zhou Mi almost threw himself into the empty chair to Kyuhyun's right because his brain wasn't helping him right now that was for sure. Zhou Mi glanced at Kyuhyun repeatedly and when Kyuhyun caught his gaze and smiled again Zhou Mi forgot what he was frightened of and he grinned back.
“So you're Zhou Mi, right?” Kyuhyun started, “Hangeng told me to come here.” Zhou Mi was sure that was Heechul's doing. Kyuhyun asked, “You have any idea what's going on right now?”
“Nope, but I'm sure everyone's in on it.”
“That makes two of us.”
“I like it though,” Zhou Mi honestly said, “It's almost like a ...special, oversized family.” Zhou Mi grinned.
“I like the way you think, Zhou Mi.” Kyuhyun grinned back. “Say, do you like video games? Or books?”
“I'm interested in them to tell the truth.”
“Have you ever heard about a book called 'Norwegian Wood' by Haruki Murakami?” Zhou Mi shook his head and Kyuhyun chuckled, “That's okay, it's a Japanese novel so I didn't expect you to know... I like your honesty.” Kyuhyun smiled again and Zhou Mi's eyes flicked to the book in Kyuhyun's lap, it was the same book Sungmin had told him about.
“I've heard of that one though, from friend,” Zhou Mi pointed to the book in Kyuhyun's lap.
Kyuhyun grinned like an excited little child, “This is an interesting one!” and he proceeded to talk about his book and Zhou Mi listened intently to every word that silken voice uttered. Zhou Mi had never thought he and Kyuhyun would be able to get closer to each other as easily as that but it felt as though they just clicked.
Life was looking a bit more interesting.
-
It was Christmas eve now and Zhou Mi thought Seoul looked brighter than usual with all the bright lights and festive decorations littering the busy city. Even the snow looked like a lovely decoration with the way it just fit. Zhou Mi shifted on the bench near a coffee shop as he waited for Kyuhyun to arrive. This was going to be their fourth date and when Zhou Mi thought about it he realized his heart was beating so fast he could feel it pumping the blood through his veins.
Earlier that evening Heechul and Sungmin were parading around and yelling what great cupids they were - Zhou Mi should have known Heechul and Sungmin were behind everyone working to get Zhou Mi and Kyuhyun together - as Hangeng chuckled to himself and Jungsu patted their backs and congratulated them, inflating their egos even more. Before Heechul could demand some sort of payment from Zhou Mi, because Zhou Mi knew it was coming as only Sungmin could be satisfied with candy, the leggy Chinese man dashed out of the room, lying that he was going to be late. Zhou Mi was grateful to Heechul though, he would buy him a gift to show his thanks.
“You look excited,” Zhou Mi looked up and found Jungsu smiling down at him and saw Youngwoon entering the cafe, apparently conversing with Heechul on the phone, Zhou Mi knew because he could hear Heechul shouting over the line, demanding Youngwoon to buy something for him.
“Yeah, I can hardly sit still,” Zhou Mi confessed looking around.
“I noticed,” Jungsu chuckled, “Oh look, there's your Kyuhyun!” Jungsu held an arm laden with gift bags up and pointed to Zhou Mi's left and, surely, there was Kyuhyun dressed in comfy looking winter attire and a large scarf wrapped around his neck - and half of his face. Zhou Mi shot up and waved at Kyuhyun who waved back and hurried over.
“Hello!” Kyuhyun sang and added sarcastically, “I didn't make you wait too long, right?” he chuckled and patted Zhou Mi's back.
“Oh let me give these to you guys now!” Jungsu held up two gift bags, a blue and a red, and handed them to Zhou Mi and Kyuhyun. Kyuhyun swiped his bag with a thanks and Zhou Mi took his gratefully, though he felt a little bad. Jungsu just smiled at him and hugged them, “Merry Christmas you two!”
“Teukie we have to go, Heechul is going to kick our asses,” Youngwoon groaned as he walked out of the small store, holding even more bags, Zhou Mi felt a bit sorry for him though he knew Youngwoon would manage.
“Ah, okay okay.” Jungsu walked off but suddenly turned around and yelled, “You two kids have fun on your date!” before he ran off to catch up with Youngwoon. Zhou Mi felt as though his face caught fire as Kyuhyun grabbed his hand and smiled at him.
“You know what book this feeling is similar to?” Kyuhyun asked as he pulled Zhou Mi towards the cafe, intent on getting something sweet to munch on because 'sweet food was completely manly' as Kyuhyun had insisted.
Zhou Mi grinned, “I have no idea! Tell me?”
Kyuhyun stopped walking and turned to face Zhou Mi, “Well, when everything works out perfectly and everyone's happy,” Kyuhyun stepped closer to Zhou Mi and wrapped his arms around the taller male's neck and Zhou Mi felt his cheeks heat up yet again as a smile spread his lips, “most people call that a fairytale.”
Zhou Mi chuckled as Kyuhyun kissed him lightly before pulling him into the cafe. “Fairytales have happy endings, right?” Zhou Mi asked with his usual large grin.
“That's right and for this fairytale to have a happy ending you have to buy me this delicious looking slice of cake here,” Kyuhyun said with a smirk as he pointed to an expensive and cavity inducing chocolate cake.
“Only if you share your sugary death with me,” Zhou Mi laughed as he fished around in his pockets for his wallet.
“Deal.” Kyuhyun grinned and patted Zhou Mi's shoulder, “Have fun buying my cake then!” and he walked off to find a comfy seat.
Zhou Mi chuckled, honestly, Kyuhyun would drain all their money on buying books and food but Zhou Mi didn't mind, he'd always have Kyuhyun. Of that he was sure.
Life was a bit too good for Zhou Mi to believe right now.
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