twitter drabbles i.
exo drabbles (i.)
>> written for prompts from tlist
>> overall genre: romance
>> pairing(s): kaisoo
luck has nothing to do with it
PG-13 | non-au, fluff, slight!drama | ~1000w
You could say Jongin's lucky. [for mayu's prompt]
Jongin's life is a series of fateful events, starting from the day his parents placed him in ballet classes as a child and continuing on for years, from when he auditioned for SM to when he met his future bandmates.
He's always felt lucky to have gotten here, a place not many others have reached. Sure, he's talented, but so are hundreds, even thousands of others. Talent is only part of the equation; luck is the unaccounted factor people often forget.
Still, Jongin has always felt compelled to prove himself. He knows luck can only do so much, and he'll need much more than talent and luck to get far in the entertainment business. He works hard and long hours, enduring sweat drenched clothes and humid rooms to practice more and more.
But no matter how good he gets at dancing, when it comes to the recording room, everything falls apart and Jongin feels like nothing when the recording light turns off and the recorders remind them to practice before they part separate ways.
Jongin and Kyungsoo go to one of the practice rooms together after one practice in particular. Jongin just could not keep up with his lines, and he's never felt so frustrated before.
"It was just a practice recording," Kyungsoo reassures him with a frown as he fetches the water bottle from his bag. "I can help you practice."
"There's no use," Jongin mumbles, staring blankly at the wooden floor. "I don't even know what I'm doing here with all of you guys."
Kyungsoo pauses in his search for his water bottle. He's watching Jongin through the mirror, but Jongin's not meeting his gaze. "You're here because you're immensely talented, Jongin. What are you talking about?" he asks slowly.
"I'm only here because I'm lucky," Jongin laughs humorlessly, head dropping as he brings his knees up to his chest. He closes his eyes, trying to breathe calmly. He doesn't even notice Kyungsoo dropping his bag and storming over to Jongin until he can suddenly hear the other's rapid heartbeat, probably from practice earlier.
"Don't say that," Kyungsoo hisses, voice harsher than Jongin has ever heard before. He looks up, eyes wide in surprise when he sees Kyungsoo standing right in front of him, staring down at him with a hard, determined look in his eye, the same look Kyungsoo gets when he's working on a new song or routine. The proximity makes Jongin's breath hitch, but he tries not to think about that.
"You are here because you're a great dancer, one of the best I've ever seen. But you still work hard, harder than a lot of us, because you think you could always be better. You listen to others' advice, but you stand firm for what you believe in, especially when it comes to your dancing. You're here because you didn't give up, and you will not give up. Not if I can do something about it," Kyungsoo says, and this is the first time he's ever heard Kyungsoo sound so passionate about anything. Their eyes stay locked like that, Kyungsoo too upset over what Jongin said to move and Jongin too intimidated and nervous to even blink.
Finally, Kyungsoo seems to realize their position and makes a move to leave. He's moving to grab his bag again when Jongin reaches out and grabs his wrist.
"Hyung?" he asks quietly.
"Yes?" Kyungsoo replies, a litle impatient and miffed still. He's never been this mad at Jongin before, but he can't help it. He looks at the younger with so much pride and admiration, and to hear Jongin talk so lowly about himself, as if he can't see all the great things about himself that Kyungsoo sees, makes him unreasonably angry.
"Thank you," Jongin whispers.
Kyungsoo turns to look at him, and when he sees the tears in Jongin's eyes, his heart softens. "Any time, Jongin," he finally replies with a sigh. And he means it. He'll be there for Jongin, no matter what. He's known that since the first day they met, Jongin out of breath from practice but eyes still bright when he introduces himself to Kyungsoo. He knew Jongin would be special, because Jongin was the one who stayed and helped everyone else, even if he was the most tired.
Because he was the one with a bruising body but beaming smile.
-
Months later, and they're debuting as EXO. Jongin watches as Kyungsoo's face lights up when they go over the finished product just days before the first teaser is supposed to be uploaded with Jongin as the face of SM's new boy group.
"Can you believe we're actually debuting in just a couple of days?" Kyungsoo whispers when they're lying in bed one night, lights off but both of them wide awake.
Jongin smiles at the excitement in Kyungsoo's voice. Even though it's been a long and tiring journey to get to where they are now, he's glad to know Kyungsoo has never lost the life in his voice. If Kyungsoo ever did, Jongin wouldn't know what to do, but he does know one thing - he'd do anything to get it back.
"I can believe it," Jongin whispers, and he laughs as a pillow goes flying over and hits him in the gut. Kyungsoo continues talking, voicing his wonders of how the people will like them and if they'll be as big as DBSK and so on. Jongin listens, smile never leaving his face.
You could say Jongin's lucky. He's a member of one of the most popular Korean pop groups of the time, he has countless fans who are willing to support him through thick and thin, and he has group members who are always there to catch him when he falls.
But one thing Jongin would never let luck claim credit for is Kyungsoo. Kyungsoo is something entirely else, the hidden factor in Jongin's equation, more important than even luck.
Kyungsoo is hope, determination, and so many other things, most important of which being love.
a/n: that was so fluffy i'm gonna pass out please don't hurt me (i actually didn't see this coming out this way, because this was supposed to be an au fic, but i actually think i like how this turned out more than my original idea? ;;)
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the mysterious penguin case
PG | au, humor/crack, fluff | ~1700w
Jongin has the perfect plan to woo his crush. [for melissa's prompt]
"Breaking news, live from Seoul's Zoo downtown! All the penguins have been reported missing from their habitats. Officials believe this was the work of a thief that has been hitting several shops in Seoul the past few days, including a bakery, toy store, and movie rental shop, to name a few. No clues as to who committed these crimes were found at the scene, but passerbys did mention two suspicious character with bright red hair near the area at the time of the crime. If you know anything about these criminals and the crimes they committed, please contact the Seoul police department."
Jongin scowls as he turns off the TV. "Dammit, Sehun! I told you not to dye your hair such an obnoxious color! It makes you too noticeable."
Sehun shrugs from the couch, popping a chip into his mouth. "I'm a rebel without a cause," he replies dryly, to which Tao throws a pillow at his face.
"Thank you, Tao," Jongin sighs, and Tao just nods.
"Oh, don't blame him," Luhan says, red-haired criminal #2. "No one would've seen us in the first place if we had just chosen a more subtle location. I mean seriously, Kai, the zoo?"
"Go big or go home?" Jongin tries, only to receive the same pillow-in-face treatment Sehun got from Tao. He shoots Tao a glare, which the boy promptly ignores.
Luhan doesn't look amused either. "Are you going to tell us why we just stole a whole family of penguins from the zoo now?" he asks, arms crossed.
"Well, you're always telling me that we need to do something big to get noticed," Jongin replies with a frown while checking his watch again. It's almost six. Kyungsoo gets off work at six, and Jongin needs to show up exactly two minutes after Kyungsoo leaves his office so he can run into Kyungsoo on his way home 'by accident and totally unplanned.'
"Yeah, but I meant drug deals, arms sales, something more, I don't know, threatening? Or at least manly," Luhan says, exasperated. "What rep are we going to get from stealing from a zoo? And penguins of all animals! Not even a lion!"
"Kyungsoo doesn't like lions," Jongin says matter-of-factly. It becomes deadly quiet. If you listen closely enough, you can hear their glares slice through the air. Whoosh.
"What," Luhan deadpans. "You had me risk my life jumping over wires and dodging cameras to steal penguins for your little crush?"
"He's not a little crush," Jongin defends. He's a big crush, he thinks but doesn't say, unless he wants Luhan to throw a knife at his face.
"You better get a week full of sex for this," Luhan hisses as he drags Sehun and leaves Jongin and Tao.
"You don't think it was a dumb plan, do you?" Jongin asks Tao, who was looking through his collection of nunchucks.
"Let's just say that I would have walked out too if this weren't my apartment," Tao deadpans.
Jongin huffs and grabs his coat, leaving. Whatever, he doesn't need his member's approval to do something for Kyungsoo. Kyungsoo will probably love it and bake him cookies or something for the penguins. And maybe if he's really lucky, Luhan's wish will also come true.
-
During the walk back home, Jongin can barely pay attention to Kyungsoo rambling on about work, too busy thinking about how Kyungsoo's going to react to the penguins in his apartment. Maybe he'll jump up and down squealing, thanking Jongin before kissing him. Or maybe he'll faint into Jongin's arms, and when he wakes up he'll thank Jongin with a kiss. Or maybe he'll be speechless and he'll thank Jongin with a kiss.
As long as it ends with a kiss, Jongin will be very pleased with his work.
They're at the apartment now, and Kyungsoo is opening the door. Jongin closes his eyes and waits for the kiss, but it doesn't come. Nothing comes except for a choked sound, to which Jongin opens his eyes to see a horrified Kyungsoo.
"What the hell?!" Kyungsoo yells, falling backwards into Jongin (much to the younger's pleasure) after he steps into the apartment. Minseok is sitting at the counter, eating cereal and watching YouTube on his phone, acting as if there weren't baby penguins playing at his feet right at that very moment. He looks up at Kyungsoo's entrance. "What is this, MInseok?!"
"Don't ask me," Minseok defends. "I woke up from my afternoon nap to find penguins all over our living room. I figured, with your penguin obsession, you put them here."
"What? How would I even-?"
"I don't know," Minseok interrupts, holding his hand up to stop Kyungsoo.
"But you didn't even call me to ask?" Kyungsoo asks with a frown.
"I don't want to mess with your penguin love, man," Minseok says, standing up and grabbing his cereal bowl. "Now if you don't mind, I'm going to go finish my cereal and Running Man marathon in my room." Minseok starts making his way back to his room, closing the door before popping his head out again. "So are we keeping these things by the way?"
Kyungsoo's eyes just bulge in response.
"Because if we are, I call dibs on the one lying on the couch. He seems chill," Minseok says before disappearing back into the room.
Kyungsoo wonders if he could have possibly met a more apathetic roommate, then he remembers when he roomed with Jongdae his freshman year of university. That man slept halfway through a dorm fire, only waking up to use the restroom. He probably would have gone back to bed if Kyungsoo didn't drag him out of the building, screaming hysterically in his ear.
"How is this even possible?" Kyungsoo cries, staring at all the penguins in his living room, waddling around. He doesn't want to admit it, but he's secretly cooing on the inside. Penguins are his favorite animal after all, and they're just so cute. He'd probably be taking pictures of them if he weren't so baffled and borderline terrified. "Penguins don't live in Seoul. I should call animal control."
Kyungsoo is taking out his cell phone and Jongin finally stop dazing at Kyungsoo to do something. "Wait, no!" he yells just before Kyungsoo can press the call button.
"What?" Kyungsoo asks, frowning. He really just wants to get these penguins out of his house (maybe after taking a few pictures though) and eat dinner and go take a long, hot shower because this day has been way too long.
"Don't you like them?" Jongin asks with a pout, and Kyungsoo turns to see if he's joking, but Jongin just keeps pouting. Kyungsoo's eyes narrow in suspicion.
"Do you have something to do with this?" he asks, glaring at Jongin, who stuffs his hands into his pockets and averts his gaze, trying to act nonchalant.
"Maybe," Jongin mumbles, looking down as he balances on his heels.
Kyungsoo throws his head back and groans in frustration. "What did you do this time, Jongin?"
"What do you mean?" Jongin asks, frowning. "They're penguins!" he exclaims, rushing over to attempt to pick one up, only to be startled when the penguin starts charging towards Jongin instead. Jongin falls trying to run back, and Kyungsoo has to stifle a laugh because there's no time for joking around. There's a family of penguins in his living room in the middle of the summer, his AC is running on high and is probably racking up a giant bill that Kyungsoo has no money or time for, and Jongin is probably behind this all.
Jongin has a knack for screwing up Kyungsoo's life.
"Jongin," Kyungsoo says through clenched teeth, trying to act as cool - pun unintended - as possible. "Why are there penguins in my living room, and how did you get them here in the first place?!" His face is flushed with anger and frustration, and Jongin is torn between being scared and turned on. Kyungsoo looks hot when he's, well, hot.
"I have connections?" Jongin tries weakly, only to be met with an icy glare - pun intended this time - from Kyungsoo. His shoulders deflate and he hangs his head. "Fine, I'll return them," he mumbles, reluctantly pulling out his phone and dialling Luhan. He steps outside to make the rest of his phone call, leaving Kyungsoo alone to calm down.
After five minutes of Luhan screaming in his ear, and another ten of Sehun in the background, moaning about how much harder it's going to be to return the penguins, Jongin hangs up and drags himself back into the living room, only to see one of the most adorable sights Jongin has ever seen.
Kyungsoo is sitting on the couch, the penguins surrounding him. He has food in his hands - Jongin subconsciously wonders if it's safe to feed penguins cheese puffs - and the penguins are all tumbling over each other to eat.
But that's not the best part - it's the smile on Kyungsoo's face, brighter than Jongin has seen in a long time, that sends Jongin's heart racing.
He quickly snaps a photo of the scene before Kyungsoo notices he's returned.
"Oh, hey," Kyungsoo says, looking up when he hears the click as Jongin closes the door.
"Enjoying yourself?" Jongin teases, and Kyungsoo rolls his eyes.
Still, he admits, "I do like penguins."
Like me, too, Jongin wants to say, but instead opts for walking over beside Kyungsoo and grabbing a handful of cheese puffs out of the bag. He ignores Kyungsoo watching him the entire time - a much harder feat than it sounds like, especially for Jongin - and starts to feed the penguins too.
Jongin wonders if it's healthy for his heart to beat this fast when Kyungsoo smiles softly at him. They continue feeding the penguins in silence, both of them sneaking peeks at the other the entire time.
(Minseok steps out of his room to grab more food in the middle of this. Neither notice him, but Minseok notices his half-empty cheese puff chip bag. He's about to give them a piece of his mind when he sees the way Kyungsoo glances at Jongin, a soft look in his eyes, and he decides against it. He hasn't seen Kyungsoo like this in a long time, and if it takes a weird extra roommate and his cheese puffs to make Kyungsoo happy, then so be it.)
a/n: this is actually set in the milk misadventure's au, since i thought it fit well. this is during the time when jongin was staying with kyungsoo, but before he told kyungsoo he was a gang leader lol. and for those who never read that fic... well, that made no sense but oh well. you don't have to read that fic for this to make sense still ^^ melissa this prompt was so weird but so cute omfg /cries on your shoulder
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breathless
PG | au, fluff | ~2000w
Kyungsoo's not sure if his breathing problems are due to his asthma or that new boy who always stares a little too long and stands a little too close. At this rate, he's really hoping it's just the asthma. [for orange's prompt]
Kyungsoo never really minded having asthma. Sure, carrying around an inhaler at all times wasn't convenient, but he always reasoned it was better than his friend Baekhyun's case, who had to carry around an EpiPen due to his allergies. He'd take an inhaler over a needle any day.
His friends never teased him for his asthma either. Granted Kyungsoo's case wasn't that bad to begin with, his friends were always quick to help and slow down things if he ever felt like he was out of breath.
So Kyungsoo never really minded having asthma - that was, until Jongin moved to his school. At first, Jongin seemed harmless, just a nice kid who looked a little out of place sitting alone in the back of the lunch room. Kyungsoo's not entirely sure why, but Jongin never failed to catch his eye wherever they were. There could be tons of kids in the room, loud and obnoxious, but everything quieted in Kyungsoo's mind when his eyes fell on Jongin.
After sharing his thoughts on Jongin with his two best friends, Baekhyun and Chanyeol decided to do something about this - without asking Kyungsoo. Which is how Kyungsoo ended up eating his first lunch with Jongin in the corner of the lunch room, stabbing shyly into his container of leftover kimchi fried rice and trying not to make eye contact with the younger.
"So your friends told me you've been watching me," Jongin starts, barely able to hide his grin behind a bite of his sandwich.
Kyungsoo almost chokes on his milk. "W-What? I don't- that's not-" Kyungsoo lets out a sigh, running a hand through his hair in frustration. Leave it to his best friends to make him feel uncomfortable the moment he actually meets Jongin. Deciding there was no right answer to this, Kyungsoo just keeps quiet, trying to calm down instead.
"If it means anything, I've been watching you, too," Jongin admits softly, peeking up at him through his eyelashes as Jongin looks down bashfully, suddenly shy too.
The first time Kyungsoo had an asthma attack was in the fifth grade. He was running the mile with his friends, who were all kid athletes compared to Kyungsoo, which his short, stubby legs and squishy stomach. The teacher rushed to him immediately, and the class helped carry him to the nurse's office as soon as possible. Kyungsoo remembers that attack the clearest - the way his chest felt compressed, as if he was a fish out of water, gasping for life.
But the feeling Jongin gives him is even worse.
His mind blanks and he's not even thinking about breathing, much less living. All he can think of is the way Jongin is looking at him, the way he looks good, even in the terrible, fluorescent cafeteria lights, the way Jongin's lips tilt upwards but there's still unsureness there in his eyes.
And suddenly Kyungsoo is stumbling out of his chair, almost dropping his food. Jongin stands up immediately, expression completely washed with concern now as he watches Kyungsoo put a hand over his chest, eyes wide.
"I-I need to breathe," he whispers, barely choking out the words before he staggers over to his friends, who see him immediately and grab him, leading him out of the cafeteria.
"Do you need your inhaler?" Baekhyun asks, alarmed. Baekhyun and Chanyeol exchange worried looks as Kyungsoo shakes his head furiously.
"I just need to get outside," he insists, and Baekhyun and Chanyeol can't do anything but help him, all three unaware of the shaken boy they've left inside.
-
It isn't until after school, when Kyungsoo is walking home with Baekhyun, that Kyungsoo remembers Jongin. Not that he ever forgets about him these days - how can he, when the simple thought of Jongin leaves Kyungsoo feeling light-headed? - but Kyungsoo, too busy trying to catch his breath, forgot just what made him lose it.
"So what happened with Jongin?" Baekhyun asks, elbowing him with a crooked grin.
Kyungsoo frowns. "I don't know," he admits, biting his lower lip in thought.
"What do you mean you don't know?" Baekhyun asks, not liking the sound of that. He was so sure of his plan too. "I thought you wanted to get to know him."
Kyungsoo sighs. "Well, yeah, but by myself, naturally. Not because you and Chanyeol are dumbasses who don't know how to keep a secret."
"Hey, not true!" Baekhyun defends. "We keep tons of secrets. We still haven't told anyone about your Pororo DVD collection."
"Yes, you have," Kyungsoo replies, rolling his eyes. "Remember? You accidentally texted it to Jongdae instead of Junmyeon, and Jongdae decided to text it to everyone on his contacts list."
"Oh, yah," Baekhyun says. "Huh, Jongdae sure does know a lot of people."
Kyungsoo refrains from punching his friend in the arm. Hard. "Seriously, you guys made it so awkward. I couldn't even look at him."
It's Baekhyun's turn to roll his eyes now. "Right, because that's why you can't look at him."
Kyungsoo heads snaps to look at Baekhyun with narrowed eyes. "What do you mean?"
"You can't be this dumb, Kyungsoo," Baekhyun replies, deadpan. "Seriously, I get that you haven't had a crush since, like, middle school-"
"Not true!" Kyungsoo interrupts, eyebrows creased. "Freshman year, I liked that one exchange student."
"You liked him because he listened to you talk about your cooking recipes and didn't complain," Baekhyun snorts, rolling his eyes. "And the only reason he listened was because he couldn't understand and he didn't want to be rude. Besides, you didn't like him - you didn't even bat an eyelash when he got a boyfriend."
Kyungsoo frowns. "All because I respect his decision-"
"Bullshit," Baekhyun snaps. "You didn't care because you weren't attracted to him."
"He was good-looking..." Kyungsoo mumbles.
"Yeah, but that doesn't mean you're attracted to him," Baekhyun replies, annoyed at how dense his friend can be at times. "And if he was good-looking, then Jongin must be damn gorgeous to you."
Kyungsoo flushes at the thought of Jongin's face lit up by a shy smile. "I- he's cute," Kyungsoo mumbles, no longer meeting Baekhyun's stare.
"Oh, Kyungsoo. You're cute, but if you keep up this stupid act, I'm going to do something about this," Baekhyun says, and although it's said nonchalantly, Kyungsoo can hear the underlying threat crystal clear.
"I can't do anything about it anyway," Kyungsoo mutters, kicking a rock. "Whenever I'm around him, it feels like I'm having an asthma attack but worse. I shouldn't talk to him anymore; it's probably not healthy for me."
Baekhyun laughs, loud, and the sound makes Kyungsoo cringe. "Seriously? That's how everyone feels when they're next to someone they like!" Baekhyun exclaims, throwing a punch at Kyungsoo's arm. Kyungsoo lets out a yelp of pain before glaring at Baekhyun and attacking him with his book bag. Baekhyun breaks out in a sprint to get away from Kyungsoo's wrath when they run into a familiar face.
Actually, make that two familiar faces.
"Chanyeol, save me from Kyungsoo's evilness!" Baekhyun cries out as he runs behind Chanyeol. Chanyeol laughs and shakes his head, knowing Baekhyun probably deserves it, but he stands there anyway, even protectively putting his arms out.
"I'm not evil!" Kyungsoo barks, hoping his glares are enough to stab into his best friend. "You're just a brat!"
"Am not!"
"Are too!"
"Am not!
"Are t- why am I even doing this with you," Kyungsoo groans.
"Because you love me," Baekhyun sings. "But not as much as you love J-"
"JONGIN!" Chanyeol interrupts loudly, and Baekhyun is about to say, 'Yes, Jongin, obviously,' when Chanyeol's eyes grow wide and Baekhyun and Kyungsoo finally realize that they have a fourth guest. "Have you met Baekhyun?" Chanyeol asks, trying to make things as not awkward as possible, but it's kind of hard when Kyungsoo looks just about ready to die and bring Baekhyun down with him, and Baekhyun looks ready to bolt it out of there when that happens.
"Uh, yeah," Jongin says with a frown. "I think Baekhyun's the one who told me about-"
"WELL LOOK AT THE TIME," Baekhyun exclaims, seeing the way Kyungsoo's face is getting redder and redder with every passing second, both from anger and embarrassment. "Come on, Chanyeol, I've got a lot of homework to do and you've got nothing else to do but walk me back home, right?"
"Well I have homework, too-"
"Thanks, Yeol!" Baekhyun interrupts, grabbing Chanyeol's arm and tugging the protesting boy away, leaving Kyungsoo planning their deaths behind with a very confused Jongin.
"Um. That was interesting," Jongin comments.
Kyungsoo snaps back to reality at Jongin's voice. "O-Oh, sorry about them," Kyungsoo stammers. "They're just... really dumb," Kyungsoo sighs.
"It's okay," Jongin says softly, and it's the way he speaks that makes Kyungsoo's breath hitch. Or maybe it's the way Jongin's walking closer. Either way, there's something about Jongin that has always made him feel breathless, and he hates it. He hates having asthma, hates that he actually really wants to be with Jongin, but how can he be with Jongin when Jongin makes him feel so like every breath he's taking could be his last.
Kyungsoo closes his eyes, hoping it'll make his chest feel better. But he can hear Jongin stop walking, and he wonders, heart clenched, if Jongin left.
But what Jongin says next really does knock the breath out of Kyungsoo. "If you don't like me, you could just say so."
Kyungsoo's eyes flash open, and the first thing he sees is Jongin, just a step away from him, arms by his side and fists clenched, trying not to look as hurt as he feels. Kyungsoo takes it all back; asthma feels much better than this, than seeing Jongin look so torn down in front of him.
"I like you," Kyungsoo whispers. He never meant for Jongin to misunderstand his actions, but it's just that he can't seem to help how his body reacts whenever Jongin's around.
Jongin frowns. "But you ran out on me at lunch."
"Because I needed air," Kyungsoo tries to explain. "I wasn't rejecting you, I just-" he pauses. He hasn't told anyone about his asthma for a while - it's not exactly a conversation topic - and he doesn't want to make it seem like he's making excuses, but at this point, Kyungsoo just wants to try anything to make Jongin understand. "I have asthma," he finally sighs. "And it usually doesn't act up, but when I'm with you..."
Kyungsoo stops, looking down, face warm. He can't believe he's saying this out loud, and to Jongin of all people. But it's now or never. With a shaky breath, Kyungsoo whispers, "But when I'm with you, I feel out of breath."
There's a pregnant pause, and Kyungsoo wonders if he said too much. He chews on his lower lip nervously, waiting for anything to happen at this point, when suddenly Jongin is chuckling. Kyungsoo looks up, frowning at first because Jongin apparently finds his feelings a joke, but the smile on Jongin's face is even more beautiful under the sunlight and Kyungsoo wonders if this type of breathlessness is worth it after all, if it means he can see Jongin smile like that more.
"Is that a good or bad thing?" Jongin asks, lips quirking as he stares at Kyungsoo. Kyungsoo wants to avert his gaze, but he can't seem to look away.
"I don't know," Kyungsoo admits, eyes widening as Jongin takes that last step between them. Now they're just a couple of centimeters away from each other, and it's enough that Kyungsoo can hear Jongin breathing.
Kyungsoo knows that's probably not the answer Jongin wanted to hear, but that smile on Jongin's lips never leave. Instead, he leans over and whispers, "That's okay," and before Kyungsoo can register what Jongin's doing, he feels lips brush over his forehead. He can feel Jongin's warm breath on his cheeks.
"We can make it a good thing," Jongin murmurs, and Kyungsoo can't help but smile as Jongin presses their foreheads together, noses touching.
Kyungsoo breathes in Jongin and breathes out his worries. Looking up at Jongin, Kyungsoo decides that this kind of breathlessness he likes.
a/n: at first i was really lost when you gave me your prompt, orange, but then it just hit me like a truck (the way kaisoo hits everyone tbh) and i just-- feels before the fic even came tbh orange your prompts are always the best ;; also, i hope this fic doesn't, um, try to make asthma seem like no big deal because, well, asthma is serious and asthma attacks are really scary ;A; so please keep in mind this is a fic \o/ don't go actually making people with asthma breathless if you love them please u_u
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loving a pet lover
PG | pet shop!au, humor/crack? | ~1500w
Kyungsoo loves working at the pet shop, but not for the conventional reasons. [for minnie's prompt]
Kyungsoo likes animals as much as the next person, but he must admit that's not why he applied for the job at the pet shop downtown. No, his reason has less fur and doesn't eat food out of a can (well, maybe that's arguable) and goes by the name of Kim Jongin.
Yes, Kim Jongin, the kid who sits in the back of Kyungsoo's history class and sleeps all period. Kyungsoo can't blame him, either; spending your first hour awake learning about the world 1000 years ago doesn't sound appealing to anyone. It's the only class they have together though, so Kyungsoo cherishes watching Jongin's eyelashes flutter as he struggles to stay awake during lecture.
(It sounds less creepy in Kyungsoo's head.)
If it weren't for his insider, Sehun, one of Jongin's closest friend, Kyungsoo would have never even known Jongin had a pet dog, Monggu, who he loves dearly. Don't ask how Kyungsoo attained his information; let's just say Kyungsoo bakes cupcakes in his free time, and a certain Chinese boy loves sweets, and a certain Korean boy loves said Chinese boy.
And that is how, after a lot of milking and bribery (although Kyungsoo prefers not to call it that, because it sounds too threatening), Kyungsoo discovers the name of the pet shop Jongin regulars at. Within a week, Kyungsoo lands a job at said shop - a man on a mission is capable of many amazing feats - cleaning the cages.
It's not the best job, but at least Kyungsoo is always able to spot Jongin as he comes in for his bi-weekly pet purchases, which usually include pet food and treats, and maybe a ball or toy here and there. Kyungsoo, despite all his behind-the-scenes hard work, has yet to make himself even known to the other boy.
Well, there was that one time Kyungsoo asked Jongin for an answer on their history packet, and Jongin sheepishly admitted he didn't finish that page. Kyungsoo just smiled and said it was okay - he actually had his friend text him the answer earlier - and the two returned to their mutual silence. Baekhyun called it pathetic, but Kyungsoo called it progress.
Because Kyungsoo can never do a job half-done, he quickly gets promoted for his hard work cleaning out the cages and keeping them spotless. He goes from cleaning, to shelving, and finally to working the front register.
Even if Kyungsoo didn't get this job for money, he must admit he's proud of his work and pay raise. Working the register, after all, is much less tiring than cleaning out dog poop and kitty litter boxes in the back. All he has to do now is deal with people and money.
Well, come to think of it, maybe both are just as tiring.
It finally happens on a Thursday. Kyungsoo is wiping the counter, because the last customer's pet turtle peed all over (unfortunately, that customer is also a regular visitor), when the bells above the door jingle and Kyungsoo looks up to greet the new customer when the words die in his throat.
He watches wordlessly as Jongin enters, Monggu following on its leash. Kyungsoo must admit Jongin's dog is quite cute, but still nowhere near as cute as Jongin himself. Jongin heads straight for the dog aisle and grabs his usual dog foods and an extra toy this time, smiling down at Monggu as he shows him the options. Monggu waves his tail excitedly and barks, and Kyungsoo watches with a sigh. He'd be that excited too if Jongin were with him.
When Jongin approaches the counter, Kyungsoo does his best to act as calm and collected on the outside as possible because, on the inside, he's thinking of a million things, most of which having to do with how good Jongin looks in a muscle tee.
"Did you find everything you needed today?" Kyungsoo asks politely as he scans the items. Jongin finally looks at him, previously busy looking through his wallet, and nods with a smile. Kyungsoo chokes; that's the first time Jongin's ever smiled at him, and he likes it. He likes it a lot.
Kyungsoo tells him the total, and Jongin's taking out the money when he drops a coin. Monggu hurries to pick it up and holds it in his mouth, and Jongin laughs at he reaches down and grabs it, petting Monggu affectionately as he does.
"So cute," Kyungsoo thinks with a sigh, unconsciously whispering his thoughts out loud.
"I'm sorry?" Jongin asks, looking up at him in surprise.
"Crap. Did I say that out loud?"
The look on Jongin's face probably means yes. That, or Jongin's suddenly had an epiphany as to why Trix is not for silly rabbits after all.
Kyungoso sighs deeply. He knows he has a bad habit of being an open book, but honestly, blurting out his supposedly private thoughts is a new one. Usually it's just his expressions that he can't help.
He's about to apologize for freaking Jongin out when Jongin chuckles, albeit it sounds awkward and forced, and says, "Thanks?" although it sounds more like a question than anything else.
Kyungsoo doesn't say anything after that, too afraid he'll continue thinking out loud. He mindlessly rings Jongin's items up and mechanically tells him the price. Jongin pays, confused look never leaving his expression, and leaves with Monggu in his arms. He throws Kyungsoo a small wave, and although it confuses Kyungsoo, he still waves back halfheartedly.
After that, Kyungsoo's no longer as excited to go to work anymore. He tries persuading Ryeowook, the manager, to let him clean the cages again, but Ryeowook has seemed to take a liking to him and refuses to let him get dirty anymore. He knows Ryeowook probably thinks he's being nice, but Kyungsoo can't help but think Ryeowook is actually enjoying Kyungsoo's pain (he sees the creepy grin Ryeowook sends Kyungsoo whenever Jongin enters the shop).
Another week passes before Jongin returns. Kyungsoo is torn between being relieved and horrified, because at least Jongin is back which means Kyungsoo didn't freak him out that much, but Jongin's back which means it's Kyungsoo's turn to freak out.
But when Kyungsoo notices the lack of a leash or dog in Jongin's hand, he can't help but wonder. He doesn't let himself get carried away with his thoughts, though, not after what happened last time.
"Hi," Jongin says, after heading straight to the register. "I knew you looked familiar."
Kyungsoo stares. He was not expecting that.
"You're in my first period history class, Cho's."
Oh. Yeah. Kyungsoo almost forgot about that. Well, not really, but he's been trying to with all his willpower. He's even stopped staring at Jongin, and he's learned a lot more about history since then. He should've tried it a long time ago (although he regrets nothing).
"You're so quiet in class, I really didn't think you'd be... well, like that," Jongin chuckles, recounting their first encounter. "I mean, not that that was bad or anything, but, uh, it sure was interesting," Jongin hurries to add, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly.
Kyungsoo groans internally. Way to ruin things just like that, Kyungsoo. "Yeah, sorry about that. We got off on a... weird foot," Kyungsoo sighs, shaking his head. Out of all the ways to meet Jongin, he really didn't think it'd be like this. He's imagined their first meeting so many times, so many different ways, but none like this, none so embarrassing.
He expects Jongin to apologize and say he's going to find a new pet shop from now on, but instead, he's surprised when Jongin smiles softly and asks, "Want to start over?" Kyungsoo can barely keep the surprise and hope out of his eyes, but he tries to play it cool (as if he hasn't already made a fool out of himself).
Kyungsoo can't help but return the gesture. "Yeah. That sounds nice."
Jongin nods. "Well, nice to meet you then. I'm Jongin, and I spend my nights listening to music and watching anime, which is why I end up sleeping in class. Oh, and I have a dog named Monggu who's actually a pig and eats too much, which is why I always find myself here way too often, spending way too much money."
"And I'm Kyungsoo. I stay up late finishing homework I should have done earlier but didn't because I was too busy watching funny YouTube videos. I don't have any pets, but if I did, I think I'd like a collie if I ever got the chance."
"Really? I pegged you for a maltese type of guy," Jongin comments, and Kyungsoo wonders what that's supposed to mean, but decides to be flattered anyway. "Well, Kyungsoo, I would love to spend some time with you outside of this pet shop. Have you visited that pet park down the street before?" Jongin asks with a grin.
"No," he lies. He has gone there before; he went once when Sehun told him Jongin likes to jog there with Monggu. Not that he's going to tell Jongin that, or anything else about his borderline-stalking past regarding Jongin.
"Would you like to?"
Kyungsoo nods, smiling. "I'd love to."
This smells like the start of something new.
Or maybe that's just the dog crap Kyungsoo still has to clean up. Oh well, that can clean that up later. Jongin is always priority number one in Kyungsoo's book.
a/n: that was a rlly lame title i know u_u sobs sorry minnie i was really stuck on how to write this one because there were so many ways to go about this plot ;A; i hope this was okay OTL
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ii. to be posted
♦ overall a/n:
- I asked for prompts on twitter a little while back (I don't even remember when anymore o.o), and these are the results. Much love to my ever-so-friendly-and-helpful tlist for helping with prompts!
- These are all unbetaed/unedited, so if you catch any mistakes, please throw them my way! ^^
- There's a second (and third?) part coming, because I couldn't write all of the drabbles in time ;; And because there are a lot and I didn't want to hit the word/character limit on lj o.o I split it, so five today and seven some other time when I get around to it OTL Sorry for a shitty schedule. I'm battling school, stress, and the ever-so-terrifying writer's block.
- The next drabble sets will consist of KaiSoo, TaoHun, SeHo, and JunDae! Yes,
actual variety in pairings, what an exciting plot twist. The second set has more drabbles, so I'm not sure if I'll split the second one up again actually? I don't want to though, but we'll see. It depends on the lengths of the drabbles.
- Thanks for reading, and I hope you chuckled a bit. Just a little? A smidgen? Okay u_u