Living not Existing
Title: Living not Existing
Pairing: Eeteuk/ Heechul (side KangMin) Sequel to After the Storm
Rating: G
A/N: I wrote this about 4-5 months ago, but I hadn't posted it because I wasn't sure of it or even really happy with it, I've edited it and re-edited it so I'm more satisfied so I'll finally open it to the public. Here's to hoping that it's enjoyed by someone out there :)
Living not Existing
Eeteuk looked over at KangIn and Sungmin, they were bickering like they always did over who would do what with the garden. A person who didn't know them would feel awkward but Eeteuk knew better, squabbling was the way they showed they cared.
At one point they had argued over what kind of puppy they would adopt, but since they hadn't been able to decide on anything fate came calling and a little samoyed had struggled in after a storm. It soon became the center of their lives and though they sent out ads on the newspaper and had even reported him to the police office no one came to reclaim him and so little Haengun* had stayed to enjoy the large garden areas the house had.
Eeteuk suddenly heard his name being called. "Hey! Jungsoo Hyung! What do you think, shouldn't I be allowed to decide what goes into the garden since I'm the one that takes care of it?" shouted Sungmin at Eeteuk. Right away Kangin also shouted at Eeteuk, " Teukie! don't side with him! He only wants to put really PINK flowers in! I told him we should go with a cactus garden, it's manlier!"
"What?! " screeched Sungmin. " Just because it's pink doesn't it make it any less manlier! Besides Camellias are the best for a traditional home, it'll go very well with the house design! why would cactus's grow in Korea? we're not a desert! it doesn't go with the house!" and they continued bickering completely forgetting the questions they'd aimed at Eeteuk just seconds ago.
He shook his head glad that HE wasn't directly involved in planning the house's garden design. He'd lived here for a little over a year now and though he was made to feel that he belonged, he really didn't- he'd intruded for long enough. He could now stand on his own two feet, both literally and metaphorically so he should start looking for a house. Before he'd lived with his boyfriend and the apartment belonged to him, but he wasn't that strong enough to go back to the place that haunted his nightmares still. He really should look into houses or properties near his best friend, it would be a good investment and it would be awesome to be able to walk up to his friends' house whenever he needed company. He would need to broach the subject with KangIn and Sungmin later, but first he would go to a real estate office to hire an agent to work with him.
Eeteuk stuck a note on the refrigerator that said" I'm going into the city! I'll be back later^^ Don't kill each other! ~Umma Teuk"
As he drove into the city he tried to recall where Heechul, a friend from uni had told him he'd opened a realty office... did he say Guro-gu**? no... that's a huge center of IT companies... that guy would never be in a place teeming with fashion-terrorist geeks, maybe Mapo-gu? no he wasn't so close to them ... aish... even if he hadn't been in the hospital, his memory would still have been as horrible.... Maybe Gangnam-gu? noo... that guy also hated the pretentiousness of the rich, ironic with his background but no, he'd never establish his business there, hmmm.. ah, he smiled he remembered that Heechul had mentioned that it was near Sejong University so it was definitely Gwangjin-gu.
Eeteuk shook his head, it'd be interesting to see Heechul again, back in his freshman year in college he'd harboured a crush on the demanding diva, who'd befriended him out of the blue. And not being naturally shy he'd told the diva straight out that he liked him. He'd been turned down because Heechul had started dating Hankyung around that time.
At first they tried to stay as friends but it had quickly grown awkward so by his senior year they'd only seen each other a handful of times and then communication had stopped until two years ago when he and Kangin had opened their law firm in Incheon and several friends had gotten together to throw a congratulatory party. Heechul had gone together with Hankyung and they'd finally been able to have a comfortable conversation. He'd hoped at the time that they could resume their friendship but then things started to go awry with Jae Hee and then he'd ended up in a hospital and many things were laid by the wayside. Hopefully Heechul hadn't heard much about his troubles, that would be awkward.
Once he got into the Sejong University neighborhood, Eeteuk parked his car and started walking around looking for a realty office called Purrfect Homes. he'd had a good laugh at that name but it was cute and it was probably picked out by Hankyung whom Heechul could never deny a thing to.
He walked for several blocks without luck, when he began to feel thirsty he entered a small convenience store to buy water. As he drank a bottle of water he glanced around and his shoulder sank, he was beginning to feel discouraged. As he threw his bottle in the recycling bin, he received a small tap on his shoulder, "yes?" he asked as he turned to face the tapper.
"Jungsoo-ssi?" Eeteuk's face broke out into a relieved smile. "Hankyung-ssi! what a relief!"
Hankyung smiled warmly in return, " you look lost, can I help you?"
Eeteuk shook his head up and down, completely relieved, " Yes! I was actually looking for your guys' office, I want to buy a home and I thought one of you could help me with it"
"I'm sure Heechul would love to work with you, why don't you come with me? I'm just about to drop off some supplies; it's actually not too far from here, just a few blocks."
" Oh good. that's great, I'm actually feeling quite tired now." Eeteuk's legs felt like they were becoming Jell-O, as soon as possible he wanted to sit down and recharge.
Hankyung must have noticed something in his demeanor, because suddenly he was being led to a public bench. "here wait for me, I'll bring my bike." leaving the bags he was holding off he went running in the opposite direction.
Eeteuk was grateful for Hankyung's kindness and once again he realized just why Heechul had chosen Hankyung back then.
In what seemed like mere seconds Hankyung had returned with his bike and what a beauty it was. The YZF-R1 black edition***. Eeteuk felt his mouth drop open in admiration. Hankyung chuckled at his expression, but Eeteuk didn't care, "wow! I think I've fallen in love! wow! I wish I could ride this!"
A helmet fell on his lap, "Well you've got your wish, come on I'll take you. Just grab onto me, because this bike goes fast." And fast was an understatement, it was like riding a hurricane and Eeteuk had never felt such freedom and fear at the same time. Definitely an experience of a lifetime.
By the time they alighted from the bike Heechul was already at the door lifting an eyebrow at them and smirking at Eeteuk's obviously smitten face. When Hankyung had left to park the bike in the alley behind the office Heechul couldn't refrain from teasing and asked" Well Jungsoo-ah." Eeteuk was surprised about how easily they fell back into the banmal**** they'd used during their friendship, " have you fallen in love with the Rider or the Bike?" Eeteuk grinned in return, " The bike, of course, but I think it'll be a platonic love." Heechul started laughing and Eeteuk felt transported back those times when he'd loved hearing that sincere laugh.
When Heechul stopped laughing he invited Eeteuk in and had him sit on a comfortable couch he had for clients. They chatted for a bit and waited for Hankyung to return. Heechul kept looking at Eeteuk intently and Eeteuk knew what was coming and his hand went directly towards the light scar on his neck self-consciously.
"Jungsoo, what happened?" he asked seriously.
Eeteuk tried to pass it off lightly, and merely said "An unfortunate accident, it's over now thank god. How about you? How have you and Hankyung been these past two years, still as in love as ever?"
Heechul took the hint and let it slide. He picked up the Russian Blue that had come to stand by his feet and began to answer the questions directed at him. "aaah, no, you're kind of behind the times, Hankyung and I, we're just friends now. Actually we've been just best friends and business partners now for three years. "
Eeteuk was taken aback, "But two years ago you guys went to the party at our firm's opening together. You guys didn't say anything." Heechul shrugged, "It wasn't important and people might feel awkward with us, besides we still lived together at the time so it would start all kinds of gossip and questioning. so yeah, we kept it mum, but now Hannie's found himself a hot new lover"
"Who's got a hot new lover?" asked Hankyung as he walked in.
Heechul rolled his eyes at Hankyung's convenient timing " I'd love it to be me but unfortunately Siwon chose you"
"Fortunately for me he knows how to distinguish a good man from a bad man" said Hankyung cheerfully as he sat down on an armchair opposite Eeteuk.
Heechul sighed dramatically and looked over to smile at Eeteuk, " let's ignore Mr. Praise Myself. So how can we help you?"
Eeteuk smiled," well help me buy a house,obviously. Well, actually two"
Heechul raised an eyebrow, "two? are you like two-timing someone Jungsoo?"
Eeteuk smiled, " no, not even one-timing anybody"
"okaaay, So why do you need two then?"
" Well I need one to live in most of the week, and I want it on the outskirts of Seoul, going past Songpa-gu, near Kangin's house where I'm living now, and then I need one IN Mapo-gu, somewhat near the office, but not in the vicinity of Hongdae-dong*****, there's too much nightlife for me, and I'll need my sleep for when I'm too tired to drive after work since I'll just crash for the night there. OH and I want a house that has a large yard and enough room for a puppy or two. "
Heechul frowned, and muttered under his breath "oh, you're a dog type of man"
Eeteuk quirked his eyeborw, he hadn't understood a word Heechul had muttered, "Sorry, what did you say?"
Heechul plastered smile on his face and merely said, "Ok we'll start viewing houses tomorrow, give me Kangin's address and I'll search for houses nearby, I'll drive to Kangin's house to meet you, and Hankyung here will help you with the house in Mapo since he's actually living in Hongdae with Siwon"
Hankyung smiled at Eeteuk, "we'll definitely find the right houses for you!"
They chatted for a while longer, Eeteuk skilfully avoiding the "Jae Hee" sized question mark, until it was time to leave before it became dark and made it hard to drive the road back home.
As they said their goodbyes, Hankyung patted him on the back and said, " are you ready for another ride on my baby? I'll take you to your car." Eeteuk smiled widely, "thanks!"
Once Hankyung was gone to pick up his bike, Heechul snorted at Eeteuk's enthusiasm, " I thought you said it would be a platonic love affair with the bike. Doesn't seem very platonic to me... Don't push it or you might end up with a broken neck, those things are dangerous." Eeteuk frowned a bit at the kind of mean tone that the comment had started with but relaxed when he realized it was the safety issue that bothered Heechul. Before he could acknowledge the worry, Heechul had pecked him quickly on the cheek and pushed him out the door with, "I'll see you tomorrow Jungsoo-ah!"
Jungsoo turned away slowly and waited for Hankyung to pick him up. The kiss on the cheek disconcerted him so much that the whole ride to his car and the goodbye from Hankyung and his subsequent drive and arrival home went by like a blur without registering a thing. Heechul had never done that before, not even when they'd been friends and Eeteuk found himself not disliking this new change. But first things first he'd need to talk to Kangin about his decision to move out.
When he finally made his way into the house he found both Sungmin and Kangin sleeping on the sofa together with little Haengun on the floor mimicking them. It made such a cute and endearing picture that Eeteuk almost didn't want to wake them, but he knew that he should since they'd probably hadn't eaten dinner without him.
Eeteuk chose to wake up Sungmin first because he didn't want to die while trying to wake up Kangin on his own. Kangin was a monster when he was sleepy and Eeteuk had learned that the hard way growing up friends with him. At one point Kangin had been fond of giving Eeteuk Thai massages as retribution for his daring to wake him up before he was ready to wake up, and boy were those painful.
"Sungmin, I'm home." Sungmin blearily opened his eyes and looked around until he could focus on the sound of leeteuk's voice. " Ah hyung, you're home? Good, let me heat up the food and then we'll wake up Youngwoon."
Sungmin got up from where he sat and pulled Eeteuk with him into the kitchen, he started questioning Eeteuk on his day while he started the oven, " So hyung, where did you go this morning? Were you successful with whatever you needed?"
Eeteuk began washing the plates they'd need, " Yeah, I guess. I think I did."
Sungmin quirked an eyebrow at the uncertainty, " oh?"
Eeteuk shook his head, " ah a friend of mine has become a bit confusing."
Sungmin's teasing smile suddenly made an appearance, "oh, really? he's confusing? What's confusing about him? Did he suddenly kiss you?"
Eeteuk almost dropped a plate and his face became as bright and red as a cherry. Sungmin looked about ready to crow in satisfaction of having guessed the issue. " So he did kiss you!" Eeteuk shook his head vehemently. "No, he didn't kiss me on the mouth or anything, just on the cheek."
Sungmin didn't give up, " It's still a kiss, and maybe he was too shy to actually kiss you straight on the mouth."
"No, that guy, he's not a shy type of person at all, which is why it's confusing. He's normally--"
"What... who's not a shy type? What are you guys talking about?" a voice asked from the kitchen doorway. Kangin had woken up due to the smell of food being heated.
" Ah well Teukie hyung just got kissed today."
"What? Really? Hyung who is it? Do you want me to give him a lesson?" Kangin's protective nature seemed to get the better of him.
"NO, he didn't do anything to get a lesson for. Besides... you both know him."
Sungmin perked up, "Who?" he asked as he tried to think through the options, "Hyuk Jae? nooo he's got his Fish. Maybe Boom hyung?" Eeteuk shuddered at that one, " definitely not! Boom's straight anyways... thank god. I love him to pieces as a hyung but no..."
"Ok so not him, hmm, Kyuhyun? He's not shy at all and he would do that just to confuse you, he's evil that way." Eeteuk looked confused just thinking about it, "Kyuhyun? why would he? he's a good dongsaeng but we've never liked each other that way." Sungmin smiled " You didn't know but he had the largest crush on you back in the day. Probably because you were really nice to him, a new transfer in high school, and one that skipped years at that."
Eeteuk was surprised to learn about Kyuhyun's crush, " really? But he wouldn't now he has that on/off thing with Zhou Mi, they're quite good looking together."
Sungmin nodded, "true he is faithful to Mi even if they aren't always getting along. So then who was it? It can't have been Heechul hyung, he's got Han-" his mouth dropped open at the telltale blush blooming on Eeteuk's face once again. " But isn't he with Hankyung?"
Eeteuk shook his head, " No, they actually aren't and haven't been for years now. They lived together is all."
Kangin sat down on the chair at the kitchen table, " really? all these years?"
Eeteuk nodded.
Kangin hmpphed, " well I still won't guarantee that if I see him, I won't punch him, he shouldn't treat you lightly, he knows that you liked him in the past so he isn't oblivious to how this can affect you.."
Eeteuk scratched his head, " Well he's coming here on Sunday,- tomorrow."
now both Sungmin and Kangin swivelled their heads at him. "WHAT?! You've got a date wih-"
"NO! it's not a date! it's purely on a professional level. Actually it's the reason why I went out to see him today. I'm buying a house."
"WHAT?! WHY?!" it was amusing, sort of, to see how in tune both Kangin and Sungmin were with each other that they sounded like one LOUD voice in their surprise.
"Hyung, why are you leaving? Aren't we fine like this? We live fine like this... don't we?" Sungmin was almost in tears, feeling that perhaps it was his fault that Eeteuk wanted to live alone.
"Eeteuk, you're my brother for pete's sake. It's been great to live like family, at least it has been for us."
Eeteuk shook his head, "that's not it, it's just that I feel that I've let myself get coddled by you guys this past year and though I don't want to leave, I think I need to head out by myself and find courage to live by myself again. Besides, I won't be going far away. I want to buy a house near here."
They proceeded to eat their dinner in silence without their usual banter, he could almost feel the disappointment emanating from his friends, making Eeteuk almost want to take back what he'd said, but it ws impossible he needed to move on. Ever since he'd recovered and was able to stand on his feet he'd only gone from Kangin's house to the office and back. He needed to get out more and stop being afraid of every man he encountered. He knew in his head that not every one was as messed up as Jae Hee that not everyone would treat him like their personal punching bag and then decide that if he was to leave them he would only leave in pieces almost to impossible to repair. He'd known all that but for the past year he'd refused to face the world outside work and home.
Kangin got up from the table and as he passed by Eeteuk while he took the plate to the sink he gave Eeteuk's shoulder a soft reassuring pat. Eeteuk felt his breath escape in relief and his eyes teared up at the true gentleness that Kangin had for him. Sungmin followed suit in Kangin's reassuring gesture but he also hugged Eeteuk warmly. It made him feel very loved and very thankful to both his friends and he barely held in the tears that welled up at their kindness.
.
*행운 - Haeng un- Good Luck
**구- Gu - District
***Here's the bike that Eeteuk was drooling over (really I'm the one drooling!)
****반말- Banmal - Informal Language
****동- Dong- Neighborhood
Pairing: Eeteuk/ Heechul (side KangMin) Sequel to After the Storm
Rating: G
A/N: I wrote this about 4-5 months ago, but I hadn't posted it because I wasn't sure of it or even really happy with it, I've edited it and re-edited it so I'm more satisfied so I'll finally open it to the public. Here's to hoping that it's enjoyed by someone out there :)
Living not Existing
Eeteuk looked over at KangIn and Sungmin, they were bickering like they always did over who would do what with the garden. A person who didn't know them would feel awkward but Eeteuk knew better, squabbling was the way they showed they cared.
At one point they had argued over what kind of puppy they would adopt, but since they hadn't been able to decide on anything fate came calling and a little samoyed had struggled in after a storm. It soon became the center of their lives and though they sent out ads on the newspaper and had even reported him to the police office no one came to reclaim him and so little Haengun* had stayed to enjoy the large garden areas the house had.
Eeteuk suddenly heard his name being called. "Hey! Jungsoo Hyung! What do you think, shouldn't I be allowed to decide what goes into the garden since I'm the one that takes care of it?" shouted Sungmin at Eeteuk. Right away Kangin also shouted at Eeteuk, " Teukie! don't side with him! He only wants to put really PINK flowers in! I told him we should go with a cactus garden, it's manlier!"
"What?! " screeched Sungmin. " Just because it's pink doesn't it make it any less manlier! Besides Camellias are the best for a traditional home, it'll go very well with the house design! why would cactus's grow in Korea? we're not a desert! it doesn't go with the house!" and they continued bickering completely forgetting the questions they'd aimed at Eeteuk just seconds ago.
He shook his head glad that HE wasn't directly involved in planning the house's garden design. He'd lived here for a little over a year now and though he was made to feel that he belonged, he really didn't- he'd intruded for long enough. He could now stand on his own two feet, both literally and metaphorically so he should start looking for a house. Before he'd lived with his boyfriend and the apartment belonged to him, but he wasn't that strong enough to go back to the place that haunted his nightmares still. He really should look into houses or properties near his best friend, it would be a good investment and it would be awesome to be able to walk up to his friends' house whenever he needed company. He would need to broach the subject with KangIn and Sungmin later, but first he would go to a real estate office to hire an agent to work with him.
Eeteuk stuck a note on the refrigerator that said" I'm going into the city! I'll be back later^^ Don't kill each other! ~Umma Teuk"
As he drove into the city he tried to recall where Heechul, a friend from uni had told him he'd opened a realty office... did he say Guro-gu**? no... that's a huge center of IT companies... that guy would never be in a place teeming with fashion-terrorist geeks, maybe Mapo-gu? no he wasn't so close to them ... aish... even if he hadn't been in the hospital, his memory would still have been as horrible.... Maybe Gangnam-gu? noo... that guy also hated the pretentiousness of the rich, ironic with his background but no, he'd never establish his business there, hmmm.. ah, he smiled he remembered that Heechul had mentioned that it was near Sejong University so it was definitely Gwangjin-gu.
Eeteuk shook his head, it'd be interesting to see Heechul again, back in his freshman year in college he'd harboured a crush on the demanding diva, who'd befriended him out of the blue. And not being naturally shy he'd told the diva straight out that he liked him. He'd been turned down because Heechul had started dating Hankyung around that time.
At first they tried to stay as friends but it had quickly grown awkward so by his senior year they'd only seen each other a handful of times and then communication had stopped until two years ago when he and Kangin had opened their law firm in Incheon and several friends had gotten together to throw a congratulatory party. Heechul had gone together with Hankyung and they'd finally been able to have a comfortable conversation. He'd hoped at the time that they could resume their friendship but then things started to go awry with Jae Hee and then he'd ended up in a hospital and many things were laid by the wayside. Hopefully Heechul hadn't heard much about his troubles, that would be awkward.
Once he got into the Sejong University neighborhood, Eeteuk parked his car and started walking around looking for a realty office called Purrfect Homes. he'd had a good laugh at that name but it was cute and it was probably picked out by Hankyung whom Heechul could never deny a thing to.
He walked for several blocks without luck, when he began to feel thirsty he entered a small convenience store to buy water. As he drank a bottle of water he glanced around and his shoulder sank, he was beginning to feel discouraged. As he threw his bottle in the recycling bin, he received a small tap on his shoulder, "yes?" he asked as he turned to face the tapper.
"Jungsoo-ssi?" Eeteuk's face broke out into a relieved smile. "Hankyung-ssi! what a relief!"
Hankyung smiled warmly in return, " you look lost, can I help you?"
Eeteuk shook his head up and down, completely relieved, " Yes! I was actually looking for your guys' office, I want to buy a home and I thought one of you could help me with it"
"I'm sure Heechul would love to work with you, why don't you come with me? I'm just about to drop off some supplies; it's actually not too far from here, just a few blocks."
" Oh good. that's great, I'm actually feeling quite tired now." Eeteuk's legs felt like they were becoming Jell-O, as soon as possible he wanted to sit down and recharge.
Hankyung must have noticed something in his demeanor, because suddenly he was being led to a public bench. "here wait for me, I'll bring my bike." leaving the bags he was holding off he went running in the opposite direction.
Eeteuk was grateful for Hankyung's kindness and once again he realized just why Heechul had chosen Hankyung back then.
In what seemed like mere seconds Hankyung had returned with his bike and what a beauty it was. The YZF-R1 black edition***. Eeteuk felt his mouth drop open in admiration. Hankyung chuckled at his expression, but Eeteuk didn't care, "wow! I think I've fallen in love! wow! I wish I could ride this!"
A helmet fell on his lap, "Well you've got your wish, come on I'll take you. Just grab onto me, because this bike goes fast." And fast was an understatement, it was like riding a hurricane and Eeteuk had never felt such freedom and fear at the same time. Definitely an experience of a lifetime.
By the time they alighted from the bike Heechul was already at the door lifting an eyebrow at them and smirking at Eeteuk's obviously smitten face. When Hankyung had left to park the bike in the alley behind the office Heechul couldn't refrain from teasing and asked" Well Jungsoo-ah." Eeteuk was surprised about how easily they fell back into the banmal**** they'd used during their friendship, " have you fallen in love with the Rider or the Bike?" Eeteuk grinned in return, " The bike, of course, but I think it'll be a platonic love." Heechul started laughing and Eeteuk felt transported back those times when he'd loved hearing that sincere laugh.
When Heechul stopped laughing he invited Eeteuk in and had him sit on a comfortable couch he had for clients. They chatted for a bit and waited for Hankyung to return. Heechul kept looking at Eeteuk intently and Eeteuk knew what was coming and his hand went directly towards the light scar on his neck self-consciously.
"Jungsoo, what happened?" he asked seriously.
Eeteuk tried to pass it off lightly, and merely said "An unfortunate accident, it's over now thank god. How about you? How have you and Hankyung been these past two years, still as in love as ever?"
Heechul took the hint and let it slide. He picked up the Russian Blue that had come to stand by his feet and began to answer the questions directed at him. "aaah, no, you're kind of behind the times, Hankyung and I, we're just friends now. Actually we've been just best friends and business partners now for three years. "
Eeteuk was taken aback, "But two years ago you guys went to the party at our firm's opening together. You guys didn't say anything." Heechul shrugged, "It wasn't important and people might feel awkward with us, besides we still lived together at the time so it would start all kinds of gossip and questioning. so yeah, we kept it mum, but now Hannie's found himself a hot new lover"
"Who's got a hot new lover?" asked Hankyung as he walked in.
Heechul rolled his eyes at Hankyung's convenient timing " I'd love it to be me but unfortunately Siwon chose you"
"Fortunately for me he knows how to distinguish a good man from a bad man" said Hankyung cheerfully as he sat down on an armchair opposite Eeteuk.
Heechul sighed dramatically and looked over to smile at Eeteuk, " let's ignore Mr. Praise Myself. So how can we help you?"
Eeteuk smiled," well help me buy a house,obviously. Well, actually two"
Heechul raised an eyebrow, "two? are you like two-timing someone Jungsoo?"
Eeteuk smiled, " no, not even one-timing anybody"
"okaaay, So why do you need two then?"
" Well I need one to live in most of the week, and I want it on the outskirts of Seoul, going past Songpa-gu, near Kangin's house where I'm living now, and then I need one IN Mapo-gu, somewhat near the office, but not in the vicinity of Hongdae-dong*****, there's too much nightlife for me, and I'll need my sleep for when I'm too tired to drive after work since I'll just crash for the night there. OH and I want a house that has a large yard and enough room for a puppy or two. "
Heechul frowned, and muttered under his breath "oh, you're a dog type of man"
Eeteuk quirked his eyeborw, he hadn't understood a word Heechul had muttered, "Sorry, what did you say?"
Heechul plastered smile on his face and merely said, "Ok we'll start viewing houses tomorrow, give me Kangin's address and I'll search for houses nearby, I'll drive to Kangin's house to meet you, and Hankyung here will help you with the house in Mapo since he's actually living in Hongdae with Siwon"
Hankyung smiled at Eeteuk, "we'll definitely find the right houses for you!"
They chatted for a while longer, Eeteuk skilfully avoiding the "Jae Hee" sized question mark, until it was time to leave before it became dark and made it hard to drive the road back home.
As they said their goodbyes, Hankyung patted him on the back and said, " are you ready for another ride on my baby? I'll take you to your car." Eeteuk smiled widely, "thanks!"
Once Hankyung was gone to pick up his bike, Heechul snorted at Eeteuk's enthusiasm, " I thought you said it would be a platonic love affair with the bike. Doesn't seem very platonic to me... Don't push it or you might end up with a broken neck, those things are dangerous." Eeteuk frowned a bit at the kind of mean tone that the comment had started with but relaxed when he realized it was the safety issue that bothered Heechul. Before he could acknowledge the worry, Heechul had pecked him quickly on the cheek and pushed him out the door with, "I'll see you tomorrow Jungsoo-ah!"
Jungsoo turned away slowly and waited for Hankyung to pick him up. The kiss on the cheek disconcerted him so much that the whole ride to his car and the goodbye from Hankyung and his subsequent drive and arrival home went by like a blur without registering a thing. Heechul had never done that before, not even when they'd been friends and Eeteuk found himself not disliking this new change. But first things first he'd need to talk to Kangin about his decision to move out.
When he finally made his way into the house he found both Sungmin and Kangin sleeping on the sofa together with little Haengun on the floor mimicking them. It made such a cute and endearing picture that Eeteuk almost didn't want to wake them, but he knew that he should since they'd probably hadn't eaten dinner without him.
Eeteuk chose to wake up Sungmin first because he didn't want to die while trying to wake up Kangin on his own. Kangin was a monster when he was sleepy and Eeteuk had learned that the hard way growing up friends with him. At one point Kangin had been fond of giving Eeteuk Thai massages as retribution for his daring to wake him up before he was ready to wake up, and boy were those painful.
"Sungmin, I'm home." Sungmin blearily opened his eyes and looked around until he could focus on the sound of leeteuk's voice. " Ah hyung, you're home? Good, let me heat up the food and then we'll wake up Youngwoon."
Sungmin got up from where he sat and pulled Eeteuk with him into the kitchen, he started questioning Eeteuk on his day while he started the oven, " So hyung, where did you go this morning? Were you successful with whatever you needed?"
Eeteuk began washing the plates they'd need, " Yeah, I guess. I think I did."
Sungmin quirked an eyebrow at the uncertainty, " oh?"
Eeteuk shook his head, " ah a friend of mine has become a bit confusing."
Sungmin's teasing smile suddenly made an appearance, "oh, really? he's confusing? What's confusing about him? Did he suddenly kiss you?"
Eeteuk almost dropped a plate and his face became as bright and red as a cherry. Sungmin looked about ready to crow in satisfaction of having guessed the issue. " So he did kiss you!" Eeteuk shook his head vehemently. "No, he didn't kiss me on the mouth or anything, just on the cheek."
Sungmin didn't give up, " It's still a kiss, and maybe he was too shy to actually kiss you straight on the mouth."
"No, that guy, he's not a shy type of person at all, which is why it's confusing. He's normally--"
"What... who's not a shy type? What are you guys talking about?" a voice asked from the kitchen doorway. Kangin had woken up due to the smell of food being heated.
" Ah well Teukie hyung just got kissed today."
"What? Really? Hyung who is it? Do you want me to give him a lesson?" Kangin's protective nature seemed to get the better of him.
"NO, he didn't do anything to get a lesson for. Besides... you both know him."
Sungmin perked up, "Who?" he asked as he tried to think through the options, "Hyuk Jae? nooo he's got his Fish. Maybe Boom hyung?" Eeteuk shuddered at that one, " definitely not! Boom's straight anyways... thank god. I love him to pieces as a hyung but no..."
"Ok so not him, hmm, Kyuhyun? He's not shy at all and he would do that just to confuse you, he's evil that way." Eeteuk looked confused just thinking about it, "Kyuhyun? why would he? he's a good dongsaeng but we've never liked each other that way." Sungmin smiled " You didn't know but he had the largest crush on you back in the day. Probably because you were really nice to him, a new transfer in high school, and one that skipped years at that."
Eeteuk was surprised to learn about Kyuhyun's crush, " really? But he wouldn't now he has that on/off thing with Zhou Mi, they're quite good looking together."
Sungmin nodded, "true he is faithful to Mi even if they aren't always getting along. So then who was it? It can't have been Heechul hyung, he's got Han-" his mouth dropped open at the telltale blush blooming on Eeteuk's face once again. " But isn't he with Hankyung?"
Eeteuk shook his head, " No, they actually aren't and haven't been for years now. They lived together is all."
Kangin sat down on the chair at the kitchen table, " really? all these years?"
Eeteuk nodded.
Kangin hmpphed, " well I still won't guarantee that if I see him, I won't punch him, he shouldn't treat you lightly, he knows that you liked him in the past so he isn't oblivious to how this can affect you.."
Eeteuk scratched his head, " Well he's coming here on Sunday,- tomorrow."
now both Sungmin and Kangin swivelled their heads at him. "WHAT?! You've got a date wih-"
"NO! it's not a date! it's purely on a professional level. Actually it's the reason why I went out to see him today. I'm buying a house."
"WHAT?! WHY?!" it was amusing, sort of, to see how in tune both Kangin and Sungmin were with each other that they sounded like one LOUD voice in their surprise.
"Hyung, why are you leaving? Aren't we fine like this? We live fine like this... don't we?" Sungmin was almost in tears, feeling that perhaps it was his fault that Eeteuk wanted to live alone.
"Eeteuk, you're my brother for pete's sake. It's been great to live like family, at least it has been for us."
Eeteuk shook his head, "that's not it, it's just that I feel that I've let myself get coddled by you guys this past year and though I don't want to leave, I think I need to head out by myself and find courage to live by myself again. Besides, I won't be going far away. I want to buy a house near here."
They proceeded to eat their dinner in silence without their usual banter, he could almost feel the disappointment emanating from his friends, making Eeteuk almost want to take back what he'd said, but it ws impossible he needed to move on. Ever since he'd recovered and was able to stand on his feet he'd only gone from Kangin's house to the office and back. He needed to get out more and stop being afraid of every man he encountered. He knew in his head that not every one was as messed up as Jae Hee that not everyone would treat him like their personal punching bag and then decide that if he was to leave them he would only leave in pieces almost to impossible to repair. He'd known all that but for the past year he'd refused to face the world outside work and home.
Kangin got up from the table and as he passed by Eeteuk while he took the plate to the sink he gave Eeteuk's shoulder a soft reassuring pat. Eeteuk felt his breath escape in relief and his eyes teared up at the true gentleness that Kangin had for him. Sungmin followed suit in Kangin's reassuring gesture but he also hugged Eeteuk warmly. It made him feel very loved and very thankful to both his friends and he barely held in the tears that welled up at their kindness.
.
*행운 - Haeng un- Good Luck
**구- Gu - District
***Here's the bike that Eeteuk was drooling over (really I'm the one drooling!)
****반말- Banmal - Informal Language
****동- Dong- Neighborhood