It Doesn't Have to Rain
They first meet in kindergarten.
It is the start of a new school year and Han Geng already feels like crying, though for other reasons than his many wailing classmates. He is used to being away from his Mommy and Daddy (when they drop him off for his dance classes), and he knows that it isn’t the end of the world his yellow crayon breaks (he can still use the broken pieces). However, he is not in China anymore, and Korea is just so different.
Han Geng struggles to pronounce the foreign words, but his unaccustomed tongue twists over the unfamiliar syllables, and what generally comes out is a garbled version of what he actually means. The teachers are nice enough, patiently waiting as he fumbles over his own name, but they eventually leave him in favor of kids that are bawling their eyes out.
That’s how the troublemakers of the class are able to corner Han Geng at the arts and crafts table. He greets them haltingly and politely, he scoots to the far end of the table to make room for them, and he offers to share his drawing tools. They respond with sneers and jeers in return. They ridicule his stuttering, they rip up the picture he was intending to give to his mom, and they poke fun at his appearance.
He doesn’t understand what they’re saying, but he doesn’t have to. The mocking tones and pointed fingers speak for themselves. The frustrating thing is that Han Geng wants to defend himself, he really does, but he can’t because he doesn’t know the words to do so. And that’s why he can only sit there, biting his trembling lips to remind himself that it would be wrong to abuse his martial arts skills to attack his defenseless classmates no matter how cruel they are.
Not one minute after the teasing starts, Heechul swoops in to save the day, though it is more of a barreling in at full speed than swooping in. He does a flying leap, emits a Tarzan-esque screech that goes unnoticed in the cacophony, and starts whaling on Han Geng’s aggressors with his umbrella.
It only takes a couple of vicious whacks across the back for the bullies to quail under the wrath of Kim Heechul on a rampage. They run away crying, and Heechul triumphantly brandishes his makeshift weapon, yelling after them, Stay away from my friend, and, Go pick on someone your own size.
When he’s satisfied that he has mentally scarred those meanies for life, Heechul whips around to face Han Geng and plants his hands on his hips. I didn’t do this to help you, Heechul informs the speechless boy haughtily, it’s only because they said that my umbrella was girly. This isn’t even my umbrella! My sister got a new one, so my mommy and daddy made me use her old one. I don’t like the purple unicorns, but they said they would get me one that has cats if I use this, so…
The rapid-fire Korean goes in one ear and out the other, but Han Geng is busy staring at his petite savior in awe. He takes in the pink coat, purple unicorn umbrella, and the pretty, pretty face (so pretty), and blurts out the first thing that comes to mind: Nǐ shì wǒ de gōngzhǔ.
This stops Heechul mid-rant, and he crosses thin arms over his chest. I know you speak funny, he says matter-of-factly without malice, but that sounded really weird even for you. He waits expectantly for his new friend to repeat himself.
Han Geng quickly realizes his mistake. He also realizes that he doesn’t know how to translate the sentence. Luckily, he comes up with a back-up plan when he remembers where he’s sitting.
Tapping his foot, Heechul sulks when Han Geng ignores him to scribble on a fresh piece of white paper. He peeks over Han Geng’s shoulder and gets absently pushed aside for his efforts. Heechul normally would start yelling- I didn’t say that you could touch me!- but decides to let it slide just this once.
A few minutes later, Han Geng finishes coloring in the last section and waves his masterpiece in Heechul’s face. You, he announces proudly.
Heechul goes cross-eyed trying to see the image and gives up when his head starts to hurt. He nudges Han Geng’s hand away to take a better look at the crayon drawing.
Stick figure. Pink triangular dress. Purple umbrella. Short black hair. Golden crown. PINK DRESS. Heechul connects the dots. Han Geng beams. You, the Chinese boy repeats earnestly, flourishing his rendition of Princess Heechul.
For that, Heechul hits Han Geng with the umbrella, but not too hard.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
It is one year later.
Han Geng has learned that Heechul is, in fact, a boy. Everyone has learned to at least act civilized around Han Geng because if you mess with Han Geng, you mess with Heechul, and NOBODY messes with Heechul.
It’s a good thing that Heechul’s barbed tongue and sharp outbursts scare everyone off since, as Han Geng finds out, Heechul’s idea of fighting involves flailing his limbs and screaming his head off while rushing at the enemy. Han Geng teaches Heechul a few defensive techniques, but after the first catastrophic round of practice, they decide that if there ever was a fight, it would be better for Heechul to stand in the sidelines and distract the opponent with insults while Han Geng does the actual pummeling.
They happily never have to implement this ingenious battle strategy, but it doesn’t really matter at the moment. Their parents are late in picking them up, and so they sit on the bench in front of their classroom going over some vocabulary.
Under Heechul’s Spartan tutelage, Han Geng no longer butchers the Korean language and can speak rather fluently, albeit with an accent. He doesn’t think that he’ll ever use phrases like “Makes me want to puke” in a regular conversation, but he learns them anyway just for fun.
Halfway through practicing “You’re low”- You have to get the tone right. Say it like you mean it! - the gray skies open up and dump buckets of rain onto the earth. Attempts to continue the impromptu lesson are abandoned to watch the droplets, which quickly converge to form puddles that ripple with each additional raindrop, pitter-patter against the walkway.
They huddle together to share body heat, kicking their feet and exhaling noisily to see who can make the bigger breath cloud. The contest ends when they’re too dizzy to continue, clinging to each other as they giggle with every intake of oxygen.
That is when Heechul comes up with the brilliant idea of playing in the rain. He snatches up Han Geng’s favorite umbrella (the black one with silver dragons), opens it, and sets it upside down in the open. I bought it for your birthday, so it’s also mine, he reasons when Han Geng squawks indignantly, and that means that I can do whatever I want with it.
Heechul waits until the umbrella is completely filled with rain before making his move. He backs up against the classroom door, takes a running start, and jumps into the umbrella with both feet, causing a miniature wave to spill over onto the pavement.
Come on! This is fun! Heechul turns and beckons for Han Geng to join him, his grin turning into a pout when latter doesn’t obey immediately. He trips out of the umbrella and wades over to the seated boy, who is looking more apprehensive by the second.
Han Geng eyes the sopping Heechul standing impatiently in front of him. Play with me, insists the shorter boy petulantly.
But we’ll get wet, Han Geng protests even as Heechul’s hand, slippery from the rain, grabs his and drags him away from the bench.
That’s the point! Heechul and a reluctant Han Geng hop into the water filled umbrella, nearly tipping over when their combined momentum almost upsets the umbrella.
Han Geng blinks as the rain seeps through his shoes and climbs up the hem of his pants. Hey, he exclaims in surprise, scrubbing at the droplets falling onto his face, this is kinda fun.
Told you so, says Heechul cheerfully. He clambers back out, tugging Han Geng with him. Let’s do it again!
They do it again and again and again, shrieking with glee and splashing one another. Their parents arrive some time later to pick up their drenched sons. When asked what happened, Han Geng and Heechul hide the dripping umbrella behind their backs, share secret smiles, and claim that they stepped into a very large puddle.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Three words: class field trip.
It is one heck of a headache for the teachers to arrange, what with the collecting forms, requesting buses, planning schedules and all, but for the students, it is one of the best days of the school year. Who doesn’t enjoy what’s essentially a holiday from school to hang out with your friends?
Han Geng and Heechul are no exception. They have worked their butts off all year, so of course they want a little break, even if said break takes place at none other than Seoul’s illustrious National Museum of Korea. Not exactly a 13-year-old’s idea of an exciting trip, but they will take what they can get.
The guide leads them through one spacious room after another, halting here and there to explain the significance of some piece to a specific time period or how so-and-so person contributed greatly to one aspect of the country’s history. Needless to say, many a young mind of Korea’s future upstanding citizens are wandering.
Throughout the entire tour, Heechul sticks resolutely to Jay’s side, hanging onto the older boy’s every word and snickering with him over the scantily-clad and nude sculptures. Heechul’s not ignoring Han Geng, but it is clear who holds Heechul’s full attention.
Han Geng doesn’t mind flanking Heechul’s other side too much; he’s used to it. Jay’s job, per say, is to entertain Heechul while Han Geng’s job is to ensure that those two don’t walk into the exhibits, fall into a pool, run over an old lady, or all of the above.
The class stops for lunch. Because the teachers are generous and the economy is fairly well off this year, they get to eat at a quaint little café that opened some weeks prior. Heechul rushes in first and manages to snag the three of them a coveted window seat.
After they place their orders and the waitress is looking the other way, Jay casually reaches into the bucket of flowers hanging just outside the window and plucks off a delicate rosy pink bloom. For my beautiful girlfriend, Jay jokingly declares, getting down on one knee before Heechul and gallantly presenting the flower.
The customers nearby coo and applaud as Heechul, smiling ever so sweetly, accepts the offering and places it in his shirt pocket. He gives Jay a light shove when the latter is seated again and half-pretends to cover his face in embarrassment.
Han Geng watches it all in stride and calmly sips his smoothie.
Their food arrives, and all pretenses are cast aside as the boys attack their food with gusto, realizing just how hungry they are. Jay and Han Geng nod discretely at each other and start a new game of Let’s-see-how-much-of-Heechul’s-food-we-can-steal-before-we-get-caught.
Today’s match is much more successful than usual; the two of them manage to sneak half a spoonful of kimchi fried rice out of Heechul’s plate before he notices and flings wadded-up napkins at them in retaliation, relenting the assault only when they hug him and pronounce their affections for him through their laughter.
The downside to sitting by a window is that one never knows when the wind will pick up. A mischievous breeze flits through the open café, rustling clothes and knocking aside eating utensils as it travels, even daring to steal the flower from Heechul’s shirt despite the boy’s ventures to retrieve it (i.e. virtually diving headfirst out the window).
Heechul apologizes profusely for the loss. Jay only tugs affectionately on a lock of Heechul’s hair (a gesture that would mean instant death for anyone else) and promises to give bouquets of flowers that the wind can’t easily take away next time.
Han Geng tranquilly slurps up the last of his drink.
When Jay leaves to wash his hands, Han Geng fishes out the tiny umbrella that decorates his glass and holds it out to Heechul. Besides my mom, he says sincerely, you are the prettiest person in the whole world, prettier than any flower and much prettier than this.
A moment of blissful speechlessness passes before Heechul opens his mouth to gripe. He complains that he is only second after Han Geng’s mom, he complains that turquoise clashes with his skin, he complains that the toothpick is probably stained with juice, but he quietly allows Han Geng to clumsily tuck the paper umbrella above his ear, not even minding when long fingers accidentally brush against silky strands.
Heechul voices a soft, Thank you, when Han Geng is done, to which the Chinese boy replies with an equally faint, You’re welcome. Jay doesn’t say anything when he returns from the restroom, but he does flash Han Geng a double thumbs up behind Heechul’s back.
The umbrella stays in Heechul’s hair for the remainder of the trip, and when he gets home, he carefully sets it in his box of treasured possessions, right next to a slightly crinkled crayon drawing of a princess.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Fast forward to second grade in high school.
They may have gotten older physically, but things are basically the same- Heechul still occasionally acts crazy, Han Geng still finds it amusing, and they both still get into their fair share of trouble despite their excellent grades, to the eternal befuddlement of their teachers.
Over the summer break, Han Geng and his family vacationed in China, visiting relatives and old friends. That’s what his parents did anyway. Han Geng was preoccupied with running around the neighborhood searching for a particular item he had in mind.
Remember to bring me something, yah?
Okay. I’ll buy you one of those plastic keychains at the airport that say “Made in China” on the back. How’s that?
Aish, you don’t treat me well at all.
True to his word, Han Geng returns to Korea bearing gifts, though not necessarily of the plastic-keychains-at-the-airport-that-say-“Made in China”-on-the-back variety.
Heechul is absolutely delighted with the authentic red parasol he receives, just like Han Geng knew he would be. What Han Geng doesn’t expect is for Heechul to immediately open it and shade himself. This earns Heechul several odd looks from their classmates owing to the fact that they are currently indoors with nary a drop of golden sun to be found.
Most of the teachers firmly request that the umbrella be put away as it distracts his fellow students (they are actually more distracted by the teachers telling Heechul that his distraction of a souvenir is distracting). They would add that Heechul looks silly, but he doesn’t and he knows it. Heechul complies only because Han Geng sits behind him and wouldn’t be able to see the board otherwise.
The umbrella is banned from the classrooms, but there is nothing preventing Heechul from using it on the rest of the school grounds, and parade it he does, casually strolling down the halls and twirling it like an expert.
Han Geng fails to dissuade Heechul from showing off the parasol:
It’s not that bright outside.
Your point being?
You could put away the umbrella since you don’t really need it.
No can do. I’m allergic to the sun, you see.
You’re…allergic to the sun…
Yeah. Deathly, deathly allergic. The sun can’t get enough of this milky white skin.
Is that so? Should I leave you alone then?
Huh? Why the heck would you do that?
Well, I’m wearing yellow pants, so that would make me the sun.
Fair enough. Fine, I’m not allergic to the sun. I’m carrying this because it’s a present from you. Happy?
Yes. Thank you, your highness.
Good. Now would the sun be so kind as to carry the princess’ bag?
The sun is disinclined to acquiesce to the princess’ request unless the princess wants her bag to end up in the trash can.
Touché.
So will you put away the umbrella?
Nope.
During lunchtime, Heechul sneaks down to the theater and persuades Kibum from the drama department to lend him a wig, the shoulder-length auburn one with bangs. The younger boy amiably hands over the item, no questions asked, chalking it up to one of his hyung’s many quirks. Heechul pats Kibum on the head and thanks him for doing a bang up job of guarding the props.
The first thing Han Geng comments on when he sees Heechul is that the wig could use some pigtails, so they ninja over to the art room and pilfer a couple of pink ribbons to fix Heechul’s “hair.” Han Geng suggests lipstick as a joke. They head back to Kibum to borrow some cosmetics when they realize that it isn’t such a bad idea.
The overall effect is astounding, the resulting chaos even more so. Several students are sent to the nurses due to mild concussions and a few bloody noses from running into walls and doors upon recognizing the red parasol and coincidentally matching red skinny jeans. Heechul breezes past his flabbergasted classmates with his head held high and a smirk on his face.
Maybe we should’ve skipped the makeup, Heechul says to Han Geng when the principal spills an entire mug of coffee on himself in shock. The teachers seem like they want to expel me.
Han Geng believes that everyone is just jealous that they will never be able to pull a stunt like this off as well as Heechul can, and he tells Heechul so. Besides, I think you look cute, he adds truthfully.
Heechul casts him a contemplative sidelong glance, one corner of his lips subconsciously tugging upward at the compliment. So, what, he eventually demands, am I your type of girl or something?
Han Geng playfully kicks Heechul in the butt and merely smiles.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
They are nineteen years old.
The baby fat of childhood and gangly limbs of adolescence are gradually transforming into the lean muscles and gorgeous features of adulthood. Heechul examines himself in the mirror and marvels that he can pass off as much younger. Han Geng agrees wholeheartedly and states that with Heechul’s immaturity, no one would be able to tell the difference. This earns Han Geng a slap on the arm which he ignores.
College is no longer as intimidating as it initially seemed with the completely new environment and overwhelming number of strangers. Han Geng can proudly claim that he has yet to get lost on the expansive campus for he’d memorized the map before school started. On the other hand, Heechul had forgone the map and therefore still loses his way sometimes, but it’s alright since he manages to make new friends and charms them into giving him party invitations while he’s at it.
The two of them don’t see each other as much as they would like because of their pursuit into varying interests. Fortunately, they room together, share the occasional lecture, and study with one another, so it’s not too bad.
Having grimly accepted that “Nice weather” alone will not be enough to pass their English class, Han Geng and Heechul find themselves cooped up in the library one fine weekend. The entire day flies by without their notice, and when they finally step outside to leave, they discover that it is pouring like there’s no tomorrow.
To their dismay, neither of them is carrying an umbrella and both are clad in only a white t-shirt and jeans, as the sun was shining brightly when they left in the morning. They agree that it would be wiser to wait in hopes that the sky will clear up rather than brave the weather and risk catching a cold. They lower themselves onto the top step to kill time.
Sitting quietly has never been their strong point- Han Geng starts bouncing his leg, Heechul starts squirming, and they soon give in to the siren call of restlessness. It is thankfully near closing time, so no one sees the two making fools of themselves on the stairs leading to the library’s entrance.
Han Geng tap dances a complicated number on the steps, lightly skipping up and down and up and down, expression carefree and relaxed in contrast to his concentration. He throws in a few hip hop moves at the end, spinning around smoothly and tipping an imaginary fedora towards Heechul, wordlessly telling him to take it away.
Heechul immediately springs onto the thick stone banister and belts out lyrics in between random sessions of gyrating. He grabs onto a nearby lamppost and twirls around it with his arms wide open, steadily singing at the top of his lungs. Han Geng adds his own voice and joins in on the finale of hip thrusts.
Not bad for a Computer Data Analysis Major, Han Geng joshes, giving himself and Heechul a round of applause.
Not bad for a Dance Major, Heechul mimics, whistling and clapping his hands as well.
Ten minutes and two spontaneous performances later, Han Geng belatedly recalls that there was an umbrella in the Lost and Found box.
You couldn’t have remembered this earlier?
It’s not like you remembered.
That’s ‘cause I didn’t know there was a Lost and Found box!
Whatever. I’ll go, so wait here.
I’m not going anywhere, idiot. Just hurry up and come back to me.
All in good time, my Cinderella.
Han Geng catches the librarian just as she is about to lock up, slipping through the door and retrieving the abandoned item while he apologizes for the inconvenience. She bobs her head tiredly and waves him off.
Heechul grabs the blue checkered umbrella when Han Geng returns and is adamant on taking control of it even though he’s shorter and consequently holds it lower. Han Geng lets the matter go because he is unable to wrench the umbrella from Heechul’s stubbornly iron grip.
They stroll side by side in a comfortable silence, shivering from time to time when the merciless wind rushes past harshly. Their shoulders bump one too many times, but it is warm, so they don’t bother to step away lest they get wet. The path to their apartment seems to grow longer with each mini detour they take to gingerly avoid stepping in the puddles.
As they walk, Heechul discovers that, oddly enough, his gaze is constantly diverting to the left, meaning that his eyes keep on being drawn to Han Geng. He doesn’t think much of this development until they pause at the corner of an intersection and he no longer has a reason to look straight ahead.
Without even realizing it, Heechul drifts slowly towards Han Geng until his lips are centimeters away from brushing against the taller boy’s cheekbone. Heechul wonders vaguely what Han Geng’s skin feels like. Will it be hot in spite of the surrounding temperature? Is it as soft as it looks? He unconsciously draws nearer, eyes half-lidded.
Han Geng is intent on watching the stoplight, so the sensation of something heated ghosting his cheek surprises him. He flinches and turns suddenly towards the source, coming face to face with a startled Heechul as a result.
They stay frozen for a heavy few seconds, noses skimming and breaths mingling, separated by mere millimeters and close enough to count the other’s individual eyelashes. Han Geng tries to say something witty to lighten the atmosphere, but the words are sort of stuck in his throat, so he and Heechul just gaze into each other’s eyes. It’s kind of like a scene from a romance movie.
The light turns green, and they abruptly break apart to rush across the street, chuckling at the ridiculousness of the position. They maintain the same distance between one another despite the mild awkwardness of the situation and try to calm down their pounding hearts, inhaling and exhaling deeply.
The resolve to act normal lasts for all of one block. Han Geng and Heechul both decide, What the heck, and simultaneously attempt to capture the other’s lips, attempt being the key word. Their first kiss is far from perfect, and to say that it is sloppy would still be a quite a stretch; disastrous is a more fitting term.
If their almost kiss moments earlier was reminiscent of a romance film, then this is akin to a comedy in which the characters collide with each other and fall down on a regular basis. Han Geng reaches for Heechul’s cheek, but instead knocks the umbrella to the ground, instantly exposing them to the elements. Because Han Geng lurches off balance, Heechul’s hand, which was likewise aiming for the side of Han Geng’s face, ends up grabbing Han Geng’s shoulder. They lean forward a bit too eagerly and pull a bit too hard, and what was supposed to be a peck on the lips results in them reeling backward in pain from banging their heads and crashing their mouths together.
Han Geng and Heechul blink at each other stupidly. The former rubs his throbbing forehead where a purplish bruise is forming and the latter has a hand clapped over his aching teeth. One second. Two seconds. Three seconds. The rain pours down.
Eventually, Han Geng’s shoulders tremble, Heechul lets out a snort, and they both double over due to the bouts of helpless laughter that wrack their bodies and leave them clutching their stomachs and gasping for air. When the laughter finally subsides though, they naturally gravitate towards each other and try the kiss again.
They get it right this time. Heechul glides his fingers into Han Geng’s hair, cradling the back of his head. Han Geng, in turn, automatically wraps both arms tenderly around Heechul’s slim waist to hold him tighter. They move in unison, sighing contently and eyelids fluttering closed. Pliant lips slide easily, lightly probing and yielding all at the same time, parting now and then to allow for tongues to languidly stroke and explore new territory.
The rain pounds on their unprotected shoulders and back, but they pay the weather no heed. They continue on even as water completely soaks their t-shirts, plasters their hair to their foreheads, and drips down any bare skin. Bodies press closer and rock back and forth slightly as they gently deepen the kiss.
Han Geng and Heechul draw away, minds spinning and lips tingling delightfully, only when the need for oxygen becomes too great to overlook. The checkered umbrella lies forgotten by the side of the road when the two opt to slosh back to their apartment hand in hand, seeing as they are already soaked to the bone. The rest of the way home is spent exchanging shy grins and thinking, Wow, we should’ve done this sooner.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Their conversation the next day goes something like this:
Id’s all your fauld that I’m sig. I HADE gedding sig.
Achoo! How’s it my fault? I’m *cough* sick too.
I dunno, bud id’s still your fauld. Where’d you learn to kiss like thad, anyway?
No- Achoo!- idea. But if it makes you feel- Achoo!- better, you still look sexy even when you’re sick.
No, I dun. But I would feel bedder if you go meg me some Beijig fried rice.
You’re not supposed to have *cough cough* fried stuff when you sick.
Aish.
Want to lie in bed with me?
Fide, move over. You bedder not sneeze on me.
I’ll *cough* try not to.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
They first meet in kindergarten. It takes them over a decade to fall in love, but it is worth the wait in the end.
~ ~ ~ END ~ ~ ~
A/N: It wasn't intentional, but the characters ended up being Hanjayheebum, who deserves an award for being the most laidback cat ever. As for that one Chinese phrase in the first part... Three years of high school Mandarin frankly didn't teach me anything (aside from 'I don't have any money'), but I'm pretty sure this means 'You are my princess.'
On a random note, does Heechul have abs lately? I was squinting at a fancam of the Twins performance during SS3 in Bangkok on Jan. 16, and I couldn't really tell. Either way, his lack of a tank top was very distracting :3
Anyways, thank you for reading! ^.^ Comments will be very much appreciated :D
It is the start of a new school year and Han Geng already feels like crying, though for other reasons than his many wailing classmates. He is used to being away from his Mommy and Daddy (when they drop him off for his dance classes), and he knows that it isn’t the end of the world his yellow crayon breaks (he can still use the broken pieces). However, he is not in China anymore, and Korea is just so different.
Han Geng struggles to pronounce the foreign words, but his unaccustomed tongue twists over the unfamiliar syllables, and what generally comes out is a garbled version of what he actually means. The teachers are nice enough, patiently waiting as he fumbles over his own name, but they eventually leave him in favor of kids that are bawling their eyes out.
That’s how the troublemakers of the class are able to corner Han Geng at the arts and crafts table. He greets them haltingly and politely, he scoots to the far end of the table to make room for them, and he offers to share his drawing tools. They respond with sneers and jeers in return. They ridicule his stuttering, they rip up the picture he was intending to give to his mom, and they poke fun at his appearance.
He doesn’t understand what they’re saying, but he doesn’t have to. The mocking tones and pointed fingers speak for themselves. The frustrating thing is that Han Geng wants to defend himself, he really does, but he can’t because he doesn’t know the words to do so. And that’s why he can only sit there, biting his trembling lips to remind himself that it would be wrong to abuse his martial arts skills to attack his defenseless classmates no matter how cruel they are.
Not one minute after the teasing starts, Heechul swoops in to save the day, though it is more of a barreling in at full speed than swooping in. He does a flying leap, emits a Tarzan-esque screech that goes unnoticed in the cacophony, and starts whaling on Han Geng’s aggressors with his umbrella.
It only takes a couple of vicious whacks across the back for the bullies to quail under the wrath of Kim Heechul on a rampage. They run away crying, and Heechul triumphantly brandishes his makeshift weapon, yelling after them, Stay away from my friend, and, Go pick on someone your own size.
When he’s satisfied that he has mentally scarred those meanies for life, Heechul whips around to face Han Geng and plants his hands on his hips. I didn’t do this to help you, Heechul informs the speechless boy haughtily, it’s only because they said that my umbrella was girly. This isn’t even my umbrella! My sister got a new one, so my mommy and daddy made me use her old one. I don’t like the purple unicorns, but they said they would get me one that has cats if I use this, so…
The rapid-fire Korean goes in one ear and out the other, but Han Geng is busy staring at his petite savior in awe. He takes in the pink coat, purple unicorn umbrella, and the pretty, pretty face (so pretty), and blurts out the first thing that comes to mind: Nǐ shì wǒ de gōngzhǔ.
This stops Heechul mid-rant, and he crosses thin arms over his chest. I know you speak funny, he says matter-of-factly without malice, but that sounded really weird even for you. He waits expectantly for his new friend to repeat himself.
Han Geng quickly realizes his mistake. He also realizes that he doesn’t know how to translate the sentence. Luckily, he comes up with a back-up plan when he remembers where he’s sitting.
Tapping his foot, Heechul sulks when Han Geng ignores him to scribble on a fresh piece of white paper. He peeks over Han Geng’s shoulder and gets absently pushed aside for his efforts. Heechul normally would start yelling- I didn’t say that you could touch me!- but decides to let it slide just this once.
A few minutes later, Han Geng finishes coloring in the last section and waves his masterpiece in Heechul’s face. You, he announces proudly.
Heechul goes cross-eyed trying to see the image and gives up when his head starts to hurt. He nudges Han Geng’s hand away to take a better look at the crayon drawing.
Stick figure. Pink triangular dress. Purple umbrella. Short black hair. Golden crown. PINK DRESS. Heechul connects the dots. Han Geng beams. You, the Chinese boy repeats earnestly, flourishing his rendition of Princess Heechul.
For that, Heechul hits Han Geng with the umbrella, but not too hard.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
It is one year later.
Han Geng has learned that Heechul is, in fact, a boy. Everyone has learned to at least act civilized around Han Geng because if you mess with Han Geng, you mess with Heechul, and NOBODY messes with Heechul.
It’s a good thing that Heechul’s barbed tongue and sharp outbursts scare everyone off since, as Han Geng finds out, Heechul’s idea of fighting involves flailing his limbs and screaming his head off while rushing at the enemy. Han Geng teaches Heechul a few defensive techniques, but after the first catastrophic round of practice, they decide that if there ever was a fight, it would be better for Heechul to stand in the sidelines and distract the opponent with insults while Han Geng does the actual pummeling.
They happily never have to implement this ingenious battle strategy, but it doesn’t really matter at the moment. Their parents are late in picking them up, and so they sit on the bench in front of their classroom going over some vocabulary.
Under Heechul’s Spartan tutelage, Han Geng no longer butchers the Korean language and can speak rather fluently, albeit with an accent. He doesn’t think that he’ll ever use phrases like “Makes me want to puke” in a regular conversation, but he learns them anyway just for fun.
Halfway through practicing “You’re low”- You have to get the tone right. Say it like you mean it! - the gray skies open up and dump buckets of rain onto the earth. Attempts to continue the impromptu lesson are abandoned to watch the droplets, which quickly converge to form puddles that ripple with each additional raindrop, pitter-patter against the walkway.
They huddle together to share body heat, kicking their feet and exhaling noisily to see who can make the bigger breath cloud. The contest ends when they’re too dizzy to continue, clinging to each other as they giggle with every intake of oxygen.
That is when Heechul comes up with the brilliant idea of playing in the rain. He snatches up Han Geng’s favorite umbrella (the black one with silver dragons), opens it, and sets it upside down in the open. I bought it for your birthday, so it’s also mine, he reasons when Han Geng squawks indignantly, and that means that I can do whatever I want with it.
Heechul waits until the umbrella is completely filled with rain before making his move. He backs up against the classroom door, takes a running start, and jumps into the umbrella with both feet, causing a miniature wave to spill over onto the pavement.
Come on! This is fun! Heechul turns and beckons for Han Geng to join him, his grin turning into a pout when latter doesn’t obey immediately. He trips out of the umbrella and wades over to the seated boy, who is looking more apprehensive by the second.
Han Geng eyes the sopping Heechul standing impatiently in front of him. Play with me, insists the shorter boy petulantly.
But we’ll get wet, Han Geng protests even as Heechul’s hand, slippery from the rain, grabs his and drags him away from the bench.
That’s the point! Heechul and a reluctant Han Geng hop into the water filled umbrella, nearly tipping over when their combined momentum almost upsets the umbrella.
Han Geng blinks as the rain seeps through his shoes and climbs up the hem of his pants. Hey, he exclaims in surprise, scrubbing at the droplets falling onto his face, this is kinda fun.
Told you so, says Heechul cheerfully. He clambers back out, tugging Han Geng with him. Let’s do it again!
They do it again and again and again, shrieking with glee and splashing one another. Their parents arrive some time later to pick up their drenched sons. When asked what happened, Han Geng and Heechul hide the dripping umbrella behind their backs, share secret smiles, and claim that they stepped into a very large puddle.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Three words: class field trip.
It is one heck of a headache for the teachers to arrange, what with the collecting forms, requesting buses, planning schedules and all, but for the students, it is one of the best days of the school year. Who doesn’t enjoy what’s essentially a holiday from school to hang out with your friends?
Han Geng and Heechul are no exception. They have worked their butts off all year, so of course they want a little break, even if said break takes place at none other than Seoul’s illustrious National Museum of Korea. Not exactly a 13-year-old’s idea of an exciting trip, but they will take what they can get.
The guide leads them through one spacious room after another, halting here and there to explain the significance of some piece to a specific time period or how so-and-so person contributed greatly to one aspect of the country’s history. Needless to say, many a young mind of Korea’s future upstanding citizens are wandering.
Throughout the entire tour, Heechul sticks resolutely to Jay’s side, hanging onto the older boy’s every word and snickering with him over the scantily-clad and nude sculptures. Heechul’s not ignoring Han Geng, but it is clear who holds Heechul’s full attention.
Han Geng doesn’t mind flanking Heechul’s other side too much; he’s used to it. Jay’s job, per say, is to entertain Heechul while Han Geng’s job is to ensure that those two don’t walk into the exhibits, fall into a pool, run over an old lady, or all of the above.
The class stops for lunch. Because the teachers are generous and the economy is fairly well off this year, they get to eat at a quaint little café that opened some weeks prior. Heechul rushes in first and manages to snag the three of them a coveted window seat.
After they place their orders and the waitress is looking the other way, Jay casually reaches into the bucket of flowers hanging just outside the window and plucks off a delicate rosy pink bloom. For my beautiful girlfriend, Jay jokingly declares, getting down on one knee before Heechul and gallantly presenting the flower.
The customers nearby coo and applaud as Heechul, smiling ever so sweetly, accepts the offering and places it in his shirt pocket. He gives Jay a light shove when the latter is seated again and half-pretends to cover his face in embarrassment.
Han Geng watches it all in stride and calmly sips his smoothie.
Their food arrives, and all pretenses are cast aside as the boys attack their food with gusto, realizing just how hungry they are. Jay and Han Geng nod discretely at each other and start a new game of Let’s-see-how-much-of-Heechul’s-food-we-can-steal-before-we-get-caught.
Today’s match is much more successful than usual; the two of them manage to sneak half a spoonful of kimchi fried rice out of Heechul’s plate before he notices and flings wadded-up napkins at them in retaliation, relenting the assault only when they hug him and pronounce their affections for him through their laughter.
The downside to sitting by a window is that one never knows when the wind will pick up. A mischievous breeze flits through the open café, rustling clothes and knocking aside eating utensils as it travels, even daring to steal the flower from Heechul’s shirt despite the boy’s ventures to retrieve it (i.e. virtually diving headfirst out the window).
Heechul apologizes profusely for the loss. Jay only tugs affectionately on a lock of Heechul’s hair (a gesture that would mean instant death for anyone else) and promises to give bouquets of flowers that the wind can’t easily take away next time.
Han Geng tranquilly slurps up the last of his drink.
When Jay leaves to wash his hands, Han Geng fishes out the tiny umbrella that decorates his glass and holds it out to Heechul. Besides my mom, he says sincerely, you are the prettiest person in the whole world, prettier than any flower and much prettier than this.
A moment of blissful speechlessness passes before Heechul opens his mouth to gripe. He complains that he is only second after Han Geng’s mom, he complains that turquoise clashes with his skin, he complains that the toothpick is probably stained with juice, but he quietly allows Han Geng to clumsily tuck the paper umbrella above his ear, not even minding when long fingers accidentally brush against silky strands.
Heechul voices a soft, Thank you, when Han Geng is done, to which the Chinese boy replies with an equally faint, You’re welcome. Jay doesn’t say anything when he returns from the restroom, but he does flash Han Geng a double thumbs up behind Heechul’s back.
The umbrella stays in Heechul’s hair for the remainder of the trip, and when he gets home, he carefully sets it in his box of treasured possessions, right next to a slightly crinkled crayon drawing of a princess.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Fast forward to second grade in high school.
They may have gotten older physically, but things are basically the same- Heechul still occasionally acts crazy, Han Geng still finds it amusing, and they both still get into their fair share of trouble despite their excellent grades, to the eternal befuddlement of their teachers.
Over the summer break, Han Geng and his family vacationed in China, visiting relatives and old friends. That’s what his parents did anyway. Han Geng was preoccupied with running around the neighborhood searching for a particular item he had in mind.
Remember to bring me something, yah?
Okay. I’ll buy you one of those plastic keychains at the airport that say “Made in China” on the back. How’s that?
Aish, you don’t treat me well at all.
True to his word, Han Geng returns to Korea bearing gifts, though not necessarily of the plastic-keychains-at-the-airport-that-say-“Made in China”-on-the-back variety.
Heechul is absolutely delighted with the authentic red parasol he receives, just like Han Geng knew he would be. What Han Geng doesn’t expect is for Heechul to immediately open it and shade himself. This earns Heechul several odd looks from their classmates owing to the fact that they are currently indoors with nary a drop of golden sun to be found.
Most of the teachers firmly request that the umbrella be put away as it distracts his fellow students (they are actually more distracted by the teachers telling Heechul that his distraction of a souvenir is distracting). They would add that Heechul looks silly, but he doesn’t and he knows it. Heechul complies only because Han Geng sits behind him and wouldn’t be able to see the board otherwise.
The umbrella is banned from the classrooms, but there is nothing preventing Heechul from using it on the rest of the school grounds, and parade it he does, casually strolling down the halls and twirling it like an expert.
Han Geng fails to dissuade Heechul from showing off the parasol:
It’s not that bright outside.
Your point being?
You could put away the umbrella since you don’t really need it.
No can do. I’m allergic to the sun, you see.
You’re…allergic to the sun…
Yeah. Deathly, deathly allergic. The sun can’t get enough of this milky white skin.
Is that so? Should I leave you alone then?
Huh? Why the heck would you do that?
Well, I’m wearing yellow pants, so that would make me the sun.
Fair enough. Fine, I’m not allergic to the sun. I’m carrying this because it’s a present from you. Happy?
Yes. Thank you, your highness.
Good. Now would the sun be so kind as to carry the princess’ bag?
The sun is disinclined to acquiesce to the princess’ request unless the princess wants her bag to end up in the trash can.
Touché.
So will you put away the umbrella?
Nope.
During lunchtime, Heechul sneaks down to the theater and persuades Kibum from the drama department to lend him a wig, the shoulder-length auburn one with bangs. The younger boy amiably hands over the item, no questions asked, chalking it up to one of his hyung’s many quirks. Heechul pats Kibum on the head and thanks him for doing a bang up job of guarding the props.
The first thing Han Geng comments on when he sees Heechul is that the wig could use some pigtails, so they ninja over to the art room and pilfer a couple of pink ribbons to fix Heechul’s “hair.” Han Geng suggests lipstick as a joke. They head back to Kibum to borrow some cosmetics when they realize that it isn’t such a bad idea.
The overall effect is astounding, the resulting chaos even more so. Several students are sent to the nurses due to mild concussions and a few bloody noses from running into walls and doors upon recognizing the red parasol and coincidentally matching red skinny jeans. Heechul breezes past his flabbergasted classmates with his head held high and a smirk on his face.
Maybe we should’ve skipped the makeup, Heechul says to Han Geng when the principal spills an entire mug of coffee on himself in shock. The teachers seem like they want to expel me.
Han Geng believes that everyone is just jealous that they will never be able to pull a stunt like this off as well as Heechul can, and he tells Heechul so. Besides, I think you look cute, he adds truthfully.
Heechul casts him a contemplative sidelong glance, one corner of his lips subconsciously tugging upward at the compliment. So, what, he eventually demands, am I your type of girl or something?
Han Geng playfully kicks Heechul in the butt and merely smiles.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
They are nineteen years old.
The baby fat of childhood and gangly limbs of adolescence are gradually transforming into the lean muscles and gorgeous features of adulthood. Heechul examines himself in the mirror and marvels that he can pass off as much younger. Han Geng agrees wholeheartedly and states that with Heechul’s immaturity, no one would be able to tell the difference. This earns Han Geng a slap on the arm which he ignores.
College is no longer as intimidating as it initially seemed with the completely new environment and overwhelming number of strangers. Han Geng can proudly claim that he has yet to get lost on the expansive campus for he’d memorized the map before school started. On the other hand, Heechul had forgone the map and therefore still loses his way sometimes, but it’s alright since he manages to make new friends and charms them into giving him party invitations while he’s at it.
The two of them don’t see each other as much as they would like because of their pursuit into varying interests. Fortunately, they room together, share the occasional lecture, and study with one another, so it’s not too bad.
Having grimly accepted that “Nice weather” alone will not be enough to pass their English class, Han Geng and Heechul find themselves cooped up in the library one fine weekend. The entire day flies by without their notice, and when they finally step outside to leave, they discover that it is pouring like there’s no tomorrow.
To their dismay, neither of them is carrying an umbrella and both are clad in only a white t-shirt and jeans, as the sun was shining brightly when they left in the morning. They agree that it would be wiser to wait in hopes that the sky will clear up rather than brave the weather and risk catching a cold. They lower themselves onto the top step to kill time.
Sitting quietly has never been their strong point- Han Geng starts bouncing his leg, Heechul starts squirming, and they soon give in to the siren call of restlessness. It is thankfully near closing time, so no one sees the two making fools of themselves on the stairs leading to the library’s entrance.
Han Geng tap dances a complicated number on the steps, lightly skipping up and down and up and down, expression carefree and relaxed in contrast to his concentration. He throws in a few hip hop moves at the end, spinning around smoothly and tipping an imaginary fedora towards Heechul, wordlessly telling him to take it away.
Heechul immediately springs onto the thick stone banister and belts out lyrics in between random sessions of gyrating. He grabs onto a nearby lamppost and twirls around it with his arms wide open, steadily singing at the top of his lungs. Han Geng adds his own voice and joins in on the finale of hip thrusts.
Not bad for a Computer Data Analysis Major, Han Geng joshes, giving himself and Heechul a round of applause.
Not bad for a Dance Major, Heechul mimics, whistling and clapping his hands as well.
Ten minutes and two spontaneous performances later, Han Geng belatedly recalls that there was an umbrella in the Lost and Found box.
You couldn’t have remembered this earlier?
It’s not like you remembered.
That’s ‘cause I didn’t know there was a Lost and Found box!
Whatever. I’ll go, so wait here.
I’m not going anywhere, idiot. Just hurry up and come back to me.
All in good time, my Cinderella.
Han Geng catches the librarian just as she is about to lock up, slipping through the door and retrieving the abandoned item while he apologizes for the inconvenience. She bobs her head tiredly and waves him off.
Heechul grabs the blue checkered umbrella when Han Geng returns and is adamant on taking control of it even though he’s shorter and consequently holds it lower. Han Geng lets the matter go because he is unable to wrench the umbrella from Heechul’s stubbornly iron grip.
They stroll side by side in a comfortable silence, shivering from time to time when the merciless wind rushes past harshly. Their shoulders bump one too many times, but it is warm, so they don’t bother to step away lest they get wet. The path to their apartment seems to grow longer with each mini detour they take to gingerly avoid stepping in the puddles.
As they walk, Heechul discovers that, oddly enough, his gaze is constantly diverting to the left, meaning that his eyes keep on being drawn to Han Geng. He doesn’t think much of this development until they pause at the corner of an intersection and he no longer has a reason to look straight ahead.
Without even realizing it, Heechul drifts slowly towards Han Geng until his lips are centimeters away from brushing against the taller boy’s cheekbone. Heechul wonders vaguely what Han Geng’s skin feels like. Will it be hot in spite of the surrounding temperature? Is it as soft as it looks? He unconsciously draws nearer, eyes half-lidded.
Han Geng is intent on watching the stoplight, so the sensation of something heated ghosting his cheek surprises him. He flinches and turns suddenly towards the source, coming face to face with a startled Heechul as a result.
They stay frozen for a heavy few seconds, noses skimming and breaths mingling, separated by mere millimeters and close enough to count the other’s individual eyelashes. Han Geng tries to say something witty to lighten the atmosphere, but the words are sort of stuck in his throat, so he and Heechul just gaze into each other’s eyes. It’s kind of like a scene from a romance movie.
The light turns green, and they abruptly break apart to rush across the street, chuckling at the ridiculousness of the position. They maintain the same distance between one another despite the mild awkwardness of the situation and try to calm down their pounding hearts, inhaling and exhaling deeply.
The resolve to act normal lasts for all of one block. Han Geng and Heechul both decide, What the heck, and simultaneously attempt to capture the other’s lips, attempt being the key word. Their first kiss is far from perfect, and to say that it is sloppy would still be a quite a stretch; disastrous is a more fitting term.
If their almost kiss moments earlier was reminiscent of a romance film, then this is akin to a comedy in which the characters collide with each other and fall down on a regular basis. Han Geng reaches for Heechul’s cheek, but instead knocks the umbrella to the ground, instantly exposing them to the elements. Because Han Geng lurches off balance, Heechul’s hand, which was likewise aiming for the side of Han Geng’s face, ends up grabbing Han Geng’s shoulder. They lean forward a bit too eagerly and pull a bit too hard, and what was supposed to be a peck on the lips results in them reeling backward in pain from banging their heads and crashing their mouths together.
Han Geng and Heechul blink at each other stupidly. The former rubs his throbbing forehead where a purplish bruise is forming and the latter has a hand clapped over his aching teeth. One second. Two seconds. Three seconds. The rain pours down.
Eventually, Han Geng’s shoulders tremble, Heechul lets out a snort, and they both double over due to the bouts of helpless laughter that wrack their bodies and leave them clutching their stomachs and gasping for air. When the laughter finally subsides though, they naturally gravitate towards each other and try the kiss again.
They get it right this time. Heechul glides his fingers into Han Geng’s hair, cradling the back of his head. Han Geng, in turn, automatically wraps both arms tenderly around Heechul’s slim waist to hold him tighter. They move in unison, sighing contently and eyelids fluttering closed. Pliant lips slide easily, lightly probing and yielding all at the same time, parting now and then to allow for tongues to languidly stroke and explore new territory.
The rain pounds on their unprotected shoulders and back, but they pay the weather no heed. They continue on even as water completely soaks their t-shirts, plasters their hair to their foreheads, and drips down any bare skin. Bodies press closer and rock back and forth slightly as they gently deepen the kiss.
Han Geng and Heechul draw away, minds spinning and lips tingling delightfully, only when the need for oxygen becomes too great to overlook. The checkered umbrella lies forgotten by the side of the road when the two opt to slosh back to their apartment hand in hand, seeing as they are already soaked to the bone. The rest of the way home is spent exchanging shy grins and thinking, Wow, we should’ve done this sooner.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Their conversation the next day goes something like this:
Id’s all your fauld that I’m sig. I HADE gedding sig.
Achoo! How’s it my fault? I’m *cough* sick too.
I dunno, bud id’s still your fauld. Where’d you learn to kiss like thad, anyway?
No- Achoo!- idea. But if it makes you feel- Achoo!- better, you still look sexy even when you’re sick.
No, I dun. But I would feel bedder if you go meg me some Beijig fried rice.
You’re not supposed to have *cough cough* fried stuff when you sick.
Aish.
Want to lie in bed with me?
Fide, move over. You bedder not sneeze on me.
I’ll *cough* try not to.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
They first meet in kindergarten. It takes them over a decade to fall in love, but it is worth the wait in the end.
~ ~ ~ END ~ ~ ~
A/N: It wasn't intentional, but the characters ended up being Hanjayheebum, who deserves an award for being the most laidback cat ever. As for that one Chinese phrase in the first part... Three years of high school Mandarin frankly didn't teach me anything (aside from 'I don't have any money'), but I'm pretty sure this means 'You are my princess.'
On a random note, does Heechul have abs lately? I was squinting at a fancam of the Twins performance during SS3 in Bangkok on Jan. 16, and I couldn't really tell. Either way, his lack of a tank top was very distracting :3
Anyways, thank you for reading! ^.^ Comments will be very much appreciated :D