"Man, you're a lot worse than I thought!" Amber laughs as Jonghyun slips again.
"Shut up, I'm trying!" Jonghyun glares and stands up. Someone jumps on him from behind, causing him to squeal like a girl. "Aish, Onew! Why do you always appear out of nowhere?!"
"I'm a ninja like that," Onew says with a sly smile and a wink. Jonghyun rolls his eyes, "you're giving me the creeps, man. Anyways, you need something? You only creep around to annoy people, you never help out with anything. . ."
"What was that, Jonghyun?" Onew questions with wide eyes and Jonghyun just shrugs. "Based on my intel, I heard you're bringing the crew down with your suckish dancing," he continues and Jonghyun's mouth drops. "Excuse me?! What intel exactly?"
Amber and Onew glance at each other and Amber stands up. "Well, the entire group."
Jonghyun's cheeks flare up. "You mean to tell me the whole group's been talking about me behind my back? Why didn't anyone tell me I sucked before now!?"
'Do you not listen to anything I say?" Amber says but Jonghyun ignores her, his eyes glazed over with worry. They stare at him quietly as he turns quickly to his best friend. "You. . . Don't agree, right Min?"
Taemin realizes he's screwed and says he needs some water. Jonghyun reaches out and Amber pats him on the back reassuringly. "Look man, you should get a little bit of training, that's all. You just need a good, loving, supportive friend by your side to guide you down the path of success!"
"Amber," Jonghyun's eyes sparkle, "you're such a kind noona."
"Whoah now, let's put their horses back in their stables! I was talking about Onew hyung. Isn't that right, leader?" she smiles and Onew's face goes through about ten different expressions. "Isn't that right?" she asks, her voice raising a few pitches.
"Um well, Jonghyun the thing is. . . " Jonghyun's eyes sparkle with hope and Onew bites his lip.
"I have to help the whole group so it's difficult to focus on one pupil. . . You understand, right?"
Jonghyun frowns, "you don't help the group at all! All you do is plan practice, what's more important than helping a fellow member in need?!"
Onew shrugs. "Well now you've made me say it. I really don't feel like dedicating time and hard work to help you Jonghyun. Good luck Amber!"
"Oh hell nah," she glowers, "I am not gonna do your dirty work for you-"
Her eyes wander off and a sudden light blazes in them. Jonghyun and Onew look at each other in confusion and she whips around with a clap of her hands. "I have an even better idea! Instead of someone who will probably get frustrated with how bad you are- I mean, lose patience- we should have someone level headed enough to teach you! Right?"
Onew nods, "Such as. . ?"
Amber's smile becomes devilish, "Such as the almighty of course."
"Key?!" Onew and Jonghyun shout in unison. "Eh? You call him that?!" they shout at eachother and Amber furrows her brow.
"Anyways," she says, "I'm sure he wouldn't mind. He's a good guy and he's the only one who hasn't complained about Jonghyun. That counts for something."
Jonghyun feels a burst of happiness that suddenly disappears, "Hey! What's that supposed to mean?!"
"Yeah I guess you're right, Amber. But. . . I don't want to have to ask for such a big favor, I ask enough of them," Onew says. Jonghyun's smile falls in disappointment.
"I'll ask him then," the cool beauty says and walks across the rented studio. The room's beginning to empty and Kibum looks about ready to leave when Amber walks up to him. Jonghyun's stomach is on fire with hope and confusion and embarrassment as Amber comes back across the floor. He can feel his heart pounding in his ears when she tells him the answer.
"He said yes!"
Jonghyun tries to hide his smile and says it's cool with him. As they leave the studio, nobody notices the dejection within Onew's eyes.
:::
It's the third day of the trip and the forecast reports a snow storm. The lodge is booming with activity. The snow is starting to pick up outside and a misplaced sun begins to rise. Jonghyun notes to take a picture later when Taemin's cough cuts the air.
"Are you sure you'll be alright, Taemin?" the older boy asks in concern, hurrying to his bedside. Taemin nods slowly, his eyes drooping from the lack of sleep. Jonghyun pats his hand, "you better get plenty of rest! I'll be home in a few hours. I made you some soup, eat it before it gets cold."
He places the steaming bowl of Chicken noodles on the night stand and tucks Taemin in. He's about to say bye when he realizes Taemin's already fallen asleep. He didn't find it strange that Taemin caught a cold out of nowhere since it was below freezing there but it did worry him. What if it wasn't just a cold? Maybe it's linked to whatever Taemin's been going through that he hasn't come forth with yet. Jonghyun stares at his friends beautiful face and a tinge of guilt hits him. He's not doing anything for him, why is that? He sighs to himself and decides to finally ask Taemin about it later that night. He wants Taemin to tell him on his own accord but it's obvious that's not going to happen.
"You know, I really love you Taemin," Jonghyun smiles and caresses Taemin's tiny hand. He didn't mean it in a romantic way it's just. . . He really did love Taemin. He was the little brother he never had. Now that he has so close to him, he can't believe how flawless his best friend is. No matter what his classmates think, Taemin didn't look like a girl to Jonghyun. He was far prettier than one but he was still a guy. Jonghyun smiles at his hyung and then leaves.
As soon as the door closes, Taemin's eyes open and he eats his soup. When he finishes it takes almost an hour for him to fall asleep. All he can think about is how feather light his heart is feeling. Instead of thinking about Minho, which ends up in a heavy heart, all he can think about is how he's going to face Jonghyun when he comes back. Why didn't he see it before? Why has he been wasting so much time on loving someone as cold hearted as Minho when the kindest person on Earth was always at his side?
Not only that but. . . Jonghyun was in love with him. He did just confess to him after all and it hurt to know that he hasn't been returning his love properly. It was hard to have feelings for someone who doesn't return them. Taemin squeezes his eyes shut, I would know.
:::
The dance studio is a good distance from the rest of the lodge, meaning it's nice and quiet and since Onew didn't make anyone practice today it was just Jonghyun and Kibum. As Jonghyun sweeps through the heavy doors, he can't help but feel nervous. He's going to be completely alone with Kibum. Even though he's been dreaming of this moment for weeks, now that it's coming true he wants to back out. What if he messes up again?
I bet Key's just doing this because Onew wants him too. . . Those two are always together! Why doesn't Kibum ever talk to me first? I always start the conversations. . . Jonghyun sits down, waiting for Kibum to come and it dawns on him that he's being a teenage girl. You're supposed to be Jonghyun! You're supposed to be cool and not scared of some guy, when have you ever been nervous around a girl before? Never! So what are you so afraid of, huh?!
His mind starts fighting with itself when Kibum comes in. The boy's as silent as a mouse so it's not surprising that he doesn't yell 'hi' or anything. Jonghyun couldn't help but notice how hot Kibum was looking today. His hair wasn't combed out perfectly but messy in a way that screamed sexy. He shrugged off his jacket and took fifteen paces to get to Jonghyun. Jonghyun couldn't keep his eyes off of Kibum's kissable lips and smokey eyes while the boy spoke to him.
"Do you mind showing me a little bit of what you can do? I should see what it is that makes your dancing. . . Different."
It seems a little bit awkward to Jonghyun that Kibum didn't greet him or anything but jumped right in to the lesson.
"Okay, I guess. It's kinda uncomfortable though."
"Oh. It's alright, I won't laugh or anything. . ."
"No that's not it. It's just weird dancing for someone."
"For someone?" Jonghyun nods, trying to keep his cool but damn this kid for making it so hard. Kibum stares at him for a moment and then slowly reaches out to Jonghyun but stops. The shorter one isn't sure how to react so Kibum tries again. An awkward silence falls when Kibum stops and turns away.
"Um, are you ok?"
He expects Kibum to just turn back around with that dull expression and act like it didn't happen but he doesn't.
"I was going to hug you but I didn't because even though you said it was 'ok' I think it's too weird," his words are clear but you can tell it took a lot for him to say that. At first, Jonghyun thought he hallucinated whatever just happened but Kibum turns around. He stares at him, again with little emotion, and it hurts Jonghyun. He hates that he's the only one going through this stupid crush, having these stupid feelings for some stupid boy that barely knows anything about him. He wants Kibum to blush or smile or even look surprised. Just. . . Something.
"There, I embarrassed myself. Your turn."
Jonghyun sighs. Of course that's all it was. You want fairness, right? For a second I really thought you wanted to hug me. . . He isn't sure what to dance to so he starts making something up. Thank god there wasn't a soul in sight minus Kibum watching this poor boy. Kibum remains indifferent but there's no telling what's happening in that head. Jonghyun finishes and the air is heavier than concrete.
"How. . . Was it?" he asks and Kibum doesn't respond. I must have been so horrible he's shocked for life! Oh no, I broke his spirit! He must be thinking I'm the biggest loser. Or even worse, what if he's thinking I'm joking around and not taking him seriously?! Dammit! Why does his opinion matter so much to me?! Who cares if he doesn't like me?
"You have a lot of passion but your footwork is sketchy. Your style is really astounding but you have weak posture. You don't need as much help as you think, people just don't see the strengths in what someone because they're too busy focusing on flaws. I'll show you," he murmurs. Jonghyun's eyes widen at his answer and they widen even more when Kibum asks for permission to invade his bubble.
"Loosen your arms," he commands kindly and moves Jonghyun's arm until it's more limp. Jonghyun almost chokes at the contact and it gets worse. Kibum leans down and straightens his knee. "You need to take the stiffness out of your arms and apply a little bit of pressure to your legs. Don't make your legs too tight but you need more control in that area. Without it, you have sloppy footwork. Oh and," he glances up and meets Jonghyun's perplexed eyes. "Don't move your head so much it looks like you don't know what you're doing."
Kibum moves away and tells Jonghyun to try what he told him. Jonghyun's mind races to comprehend the situation and then he gulps. "I'll give it a shot. . ."
With little effort, he moves his body. "Now it's all weak. You need to be passionate like before," Kibum advises.
Jonghyun nods and tries again but his legs just can't seem to move well now. Knowing Kibum's eyes are on him just causes his limbs to turn in to jelly. After about twenty minutes, Jonghyun feels even more down.
"It's okay, Key. I just suck at this. Let's leave it be and I'll quit the club. . . You're wasting your time on me."
He grabs his bag, his heart sinking in his chest. Kibum frowns and shakes his head. "Don't give up, a lot of people don't even attempt to dance because it's so hard. You can't be born in to it. You need to practice."
"I'm really trying but I can't do it!" Jonghyun says. "I'm just getting irritated with myself, can we just go?"
"No. You wanted me to help you so finish what you started, Jonghyun," Kibum says as seriously as he can.
"You're a good teacher but I hate wasting other people's time, it's rude."
"If I was wasting my time I wouldn't have agreed to help you. I like spending time with you so it's not a bother to me. Now try the last move one more time."
All of Jonghyun's annoyances blew over after that comment. I like spending time with you. I can't believe he just said something like that! That's so un-Kibum like. This sucks, I can't calm down. I need to stop getting so excited about him. One little thing like that shouldn't have such a big effect on me! It's not like he meant it in a 'I want to date you' kind of way. . .
"You're doing good," Key encourages. They've been practicing for over an hour and Jonghyun falls down in exhaustion. It's silent except his panting. Kibum finally decides to sit next to Jonghyun and they wait for his breathing to return to normal.
"Why are you so cool?" Jonghyun asks, his eyes on the wall. He knows Kibum won't say anything so he just laughs at his own question.
"Kibum?"
"Hm?"
"I didn't know other people called you Key."
Kibum thinks for a sec and and shrugs, "Just you and Onew."
He wanted to say 'that's still another person besides me'. "Aw, I thought I was special," he says jokingly and Kibum looks down. "Who said you weren't? My name is Kibum though. There aren't many other nick names to get out of it."
Did he just imply that I'm special to him?
"Bummie," Jonghyun mumbles.
"What?"
"Bummie. I think it's cute," he grins and Kibum shivers. "Maybe if I was a puppy."
"Yeah I guess." They both grow quiet again and then Kibum ponders.
"How about. . . Jjong?"
"How do you get that out of 'Kibum'?" Jonghyun asks in confusion.
"No, for you."
They look at each other and Kibum cocks his head, "Jjong?"
"Aaaah," Jonghyun's words get caught in his throat at the beauty of Kibum's eyes. Maybe Kibum was a puppy. "Yeah, sure. I mean. . . I like it."
They sit there together, this time the silence is comfortable. Jonghyun notices how warm and bright the room is, contrasting against the coldness of outside. He stands up and puts his hand out to Kibum, hoping he won't reject it. Kibum looks unsure but takes it anyways and stands up. They stare at each other and Jonnghyun pulls him closer until they're enveloped in each other's warmth. Kibum's breath is shallow against Jonghyun's neck and his arms are tense. As long as he doesn't shove me away in disgust. . . But he doesn't. Kibum slowly returns the hug but it's obvious that he wasn't used to embraces. When they part, Jonghyun has to do everything in his power to keep himself from running the hell out of there.
"Sorry, I just wanted to do that since earlier you were. . . Um yeah. . . Sorry again," he bows but Kibum doesn't look angry. "It's okay, it was nice."
Even if his face didn't show it, Jonghyun could tell Kibum was smiling behind his expressionless eyes. Hoping to avoid another awkward silence, Jonghyun decides to take the initiative again. "Do you like hot chocolate?"
Kibum nods.
"There's a really nice coffee shop near the lobby. I had some there the other day, it's really toasty and chocolaty. Want to get some with. . . Me?"
He feels his confidence start to diminish at the end, maybe he was going over Kibum's limits of their 'friendship'. All he knows is that he couldn't wait to find Amber when he got the chance and kiss her for telling him he sucked at dancing because Kibum nodded.
:::
SOOOORRYYY it's been FOOOORREEEEVVEEEERRR ♥
I miss you guys :D
I've been watching higurashi no naku koro ni to be honest with you and I'm re watching 'you're beautiful' and 'nobuta wo produce' with my bestie >O<
My brother just got black ops for the ps3 so there ya go XDDDDD
Anyways, I hope this wasn't a let down hehe ^~^
I'm gonna wait until tomorrow to post this on jongkey so if you're reading this then you get to read it first or w/e ^W^
comments please =) ♥
btw the line about the "put their horses back in their stables" I got from
taeminrape XD
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