Second Confession [1/2]
Title: Second Confession [1/2]
Author: FloweryMisha
Pairing: KiWoon
Warning: BoyxBoy love. Enough said.
Summary: They met under an unfortunate circumstance. The love, however, grew.
Author’s Note: I finally post this just because Nyt wants me to............ I didn't need to warn you that this is awful and pointless right? /cries at the corner. It's somewhat inspired from an old manga I read when I was a kid and my whatsapp convo with my dearest AshXIII <3 what would I be without him sobs. I hope you like this one, I mean look at the lame title <3 AND PLEASE, NO TRANSLATIONS ALLOWED!
In life, there was probably a time when people got obsessed with something.
It didn’t have to be over books or cartoon characters or a color. It could be over anything else-even someone-like a model, a singer or an actress.
Sohyun never agreed to the term ‘obsessed’ because it sounded unhealthy. She preferred to be categorized into simply a fangirl and a collector. The girl was obsessed (Kikwang insisted on the term) with Barbie ever since she was five and she had purchased a lot of (limited edition) packages. Barbie with a nurse costume? Bought. Blonde Barbie with office girl costume? Snatched. Dark haired Barbie with eyeliner with a leather costume and what seemed to be a microphone-which was supposed to be a rocker Barbie but somehow looked kinky-she had it, said she got in e-Bay. But yeah, she wasn’t obsessed.
Yoseob liked action figures such as Gundam when he was younger, but he didn’t collect them that much. He liked them of course, but not to the extent like Sohyun, who had to have all of the limited edition series. If Yoseob wasn’t able to purchase it, then it was alright-it wasn’t like he had a lot of space in his room anyway. As he grew older, he was starting to like a singer whose namestage was IU. It still wasn’t an obsession because Yoseob simply just liked her appearance and her voice and probably collected one or two live dvd concerts, but still in a much rational way. The male just followed her twitter account and never even spazzed that much about her. So yeah, he wasn’t obsessed.
But maybe what they had was nothing compared to Kikwang.
Lee Kikwang had officially declared himself to be a devoted (hardcore) fanboy of Son Dongwoon.
Yoseob wasn’t sure if it was obsession anymore. If Dongwoon could be described as a new religion, Kikwang would definitely be the first to join to worship it.
Dongwoon wasn’t even a professional actor when Kikwang spotted him in a drama. The former was still young and skinny, and the only part he did was posing coolly with both of his hands fished into the pockets-the scene was about a boy confronting a girl with his friends behind him. He didn’t even said a word, simply because he didn’t have any lines. His appearance lasted for a few seconds and Kikwang only needed that few seconds to fall in love. He knew that the boy in the drama would be a hit if he was given another chance.
And as if he was destined to shine, he did.
Dongwoon then appeared at a few commercials and became the main model in one of the girl groups’ music video.
Ever since then, Dongwoon became really famous and Kikwang never failed to make a timeline-Yoseob called it stalking-of his beloved artist’s schedules (how he found out, Yoseob didn’t even want to know). Some time later, the handsome male was featured in a few dramas-which Kikwang never failed to buy the original dvds for the sake of Son Dongwoon’s pocket, oh the thing fanboys did for their love-but his career skyrocketed when he became one of the main characters in Beautiful Night, a breakthrough movie with Hong Seongsung as the director.
Unlike his previous films, Dongwoon-who recently just turned twenty two-looked more mature and handsome in the latest one. It was also obvious that he had been working and Kikwang had to try very hard to prevent himself from nosebleeding (“His abs,” he whimpered weakly).
Kikwang had watched the movie thrice in cinema-one with Sohyun and Yoseob, one by himself, and the other one...he reasoned that he just needed to watch it again when all Kikwang really wanted to see was that one scene where Dongwoon went shirtless and he went asdhjagdjaksjhasdkh. When the movie was finally out in dvd, he dragged Yoseob to buy it right away.
Yoseob’s frown deepened as he cradled the Beautiful Night case in his hand, observing it thoroughly. “Oh my God-the price.”
“I didn’t shop for two weeks straight for this stuff,” Kikwang faked a sob as he snatched the dvd from Yoseob’s hand. “But it’s bluray and it has ‘behind the scene’ parts and movie trailer and it’s worth it. Dongwoon’s acting is really improving-well, he didn’t suck in Bad Girl, but come on, it was a drama and he didn’t even get to have a line. This one? This one is totally worth it.”
“I think you said that sentence everytime you purchased something Dongwoon related.”
“What can I say, I’m a Swooner.”
Yoseob rolled his eyes as he followed Kikwang who was walking toward the cashier to pay. “You’re really obsessed, Kikwang-ah. I mean, I do found that Doojoon guy pretty charming in the movie, but...” Yoseob sighed. “When are you going to be able to date someone if you keep on being like this? And two weeks of not shopping? If only that consistency can be used for your study...”
Kikwang laughed awkwardly as they queued. He muttered something along the lines of ‘whatever you say, I have my Dongwoon' and looked away to the newspaper rack by the cashier. His eyes caught the cover of a gossip magazine and his heart grinded to a stop at the models who were posing. It was Dongwoon with someone named Lee Minhyuk-the co-star in Beautiful Night. Kikwang beamed at his idol before unconsciously extending a hand to grab it.
“This male,” Yoseob pointed at Minhyuk. “Isn’t he the one in the movie?”
“Y-yeah.”
“They look...good together.”
Kikwang ignored Yoseob’s statement and absently flipped the pages. He got to where the review was and literally paralyzed at the title ‘Dongwoon and Minhyuk kissed as a celebration’. He turned ashen at the picture where Dongwoon did seem to kiss Minhyuk but it wasn’t so clear because the place was dark-whoever took the picture, it must have been taken secretly. “Don’t buy it,” Yoseob patted his shoulder soothingly. “Besides, it’s just gossip.”
“Hm.”
Kikwang put the magazine back onto the rack and handed his dvd to the cashier. He should have known better that he was just a fanboy, but still, seeing a picture like it hurt a lot and he pouted in disappointment.
Minhyuk was a bit different than the one in the movie, but maybe it was because of the character he played. When he saw the real Minhyuk in a magazine with a wide smile and standing so close to Dongwoon...
Lee Minhyuk was extremely pretty.
***
Yoseob wondered if it was healthy for Kikwang to be overly obsessed with the man that didn’t even know he existed.
It had been a few days since Kikwang stumbled upon the entertainment news where it was rumored that Dongwoon had kissed Minhyuk, and it also had been a few days since Kikwang’s mood worsened. Yoseob exhaled deeply. His friend was really sensitive when it came to Dongwoon-even though it had nothing to do with him at all. Kikwang had been unconsciously sulking and again, Yoseob sighed because he acted like Dongwoon had been caught cheating on him. While once again, it had nothing to do with him at all. Nothing at all.
Kikwang had been in another bad mood since morning simply because he watched the television and it was full with the current news and snapshots of (a silhouette who seemed similar to) Dongwoon leaning closer to press his lips against (another silhouette who looked awfully like) Minhyuk. It might have been photoshopped, but of course, Kikwang, who claimed to be a hardcore Swooner, knew the exact curve of the love of his life. It was definitely him.
Yoseob never commented about Kikwang’s obsession, but this time, it was probably too much.
“Kikwang-ah, come on. Stop being like this. And if they are really dating, there’s nothing you can do about it,” Yoseob stated in exasperation as they waited for their coffee. “You have to admit that they make a cute couple. Dongwoon is handsome. Minhyuk is pretty.”
“But-“ Kikwang whined beseechingly. “But Minhyuk-he said a few weeks ago in an interview that he’s not interested in dating a co-star! And said that he has someone he likes that doesn’t come from the film industry.”
“Well,” Yoseob tapped his index finger on his chin. “It’s been...several months since they worked together. They’re, uh...not co-star anymore?”
Kikwang shot a hurtful look at Yoseob. “You’re supposed to be supportive about this.”
“I’m sorry, Kikwang-ah, it’s just that-“ Yoseob scratched his head almost desperately. “Look at you. You...you wrote that you wanted to be Son Dongwoon’s spouse when you were fifteen. And now a few years have passed, you’re twenty three years old, close to graduation and you still hold on to that thought. I mean, when you were just a kid, I wouldn’t mind, I mean, I laughed when Sohyun wanted to be Barbie. But now, we’re grown ups, Kikwang-ah, we’re adults. And you-you’ve been rejecting all of those guys who confessed to you for one person that is-I hate to say this-never gonna be yours.”
Kikwang stared blankly at Yoseob.
“I am your friend, Kikwang-ah. I have to say that I cannot support you the way I used to. It pains me, but I have to remind you about the reality that we live in.”
Yoseob quietly thanked the barista who threw a very meaningful glance at Kikwang’s direction but the latter was too distracted to even notice the gaze. If only you realize how pretty you are... Kikwang probably would never realize it because his time was spent for browsing and worshiping Dongwoon. Yoseob snatched his takeaway drink and made a move to exit the coffee shop. His words were mean, but it was the truth. Kikwang followed closely behind him and said nothing in reply. Yoseob didn’t need to look back to know that he was sulking.
“Look,” Yoseob slowered his steps to match Kikwang’s. “I’m sorry. All I’m saying is that it’s fine to like someone, but we have to be rational about it. Unless-unless you’re planning to camp in front of Dongwoon’s apartment and confess to him that he’s the person who cannot make you sleep all these years-which I’m sure at least ten thousand other girls and boys told him the same thing-then I suggest you to stop.”
They came across an intersection and the green light was blinking rapidly, as a sign that it would be red soon.
Yoseob quickened his steps because it was quite late and he didn’t want to miss the last train. The male failed to realize that Kikwang was still left behind. When he reached the other side of the street, he looked over his shoulder to see his friend was still in the middle of the road and the light turned red. Yoseob turned pale because Kikwang seemed to be spacing out and a car was speeding from the opposite site, now that it was green.
“Kikwang-ah, watch out!!!”
Kikwang was so occupied with his thoughts that he didn’t see the blinding light from the car. By the time he realized it, Kikwang only managed to suck in deep breath and shut his eyes closed as he let the stereofoam cup he was holding fell onto the ground. Everything went into deep silence after a screeching sound.
I want to meet Dongwoon.
It was the last thing he remembered before feeling a shocking pain all over his body.
***
Kikwang was woken by the sound of a bird chirping.
Heaven?
It was too bright to his liking as he moved slightly.
No, alarm sound.
Kikwang hummed softly to himself and weakly tried to open his eyes. He didn’t remember since when his alarm tone had changed. Kikwang stayed still for a while on his bed. The room was a bit cold but it smelled nice-a mixture of lime and lemon. He must have forgotten to reduce the room temperature as he shivered slightly under the blanket. Kikwang winced the moment he tried to move and groaned in pain. His body hurt like hell and his head throbbed badly like he had just downed a huge amount of alcohol last night.
Last night.
I’m alive?
Kikwang brought a hand to his face and sighed.
That’s right...
He closed his eyes back for a moment before cracking them open again. He was probably in a hospital-but the smell was too nice to be true. It was supposed to be alcohol and antiseptic smell everywhere instead of lemon scented. Was a hospital ever smell this good? Kikwang forced himself to sit and got off of the bed. It didn’t seem like he was hurt from the accident-just the headache, though. He went to the bathroom and turned the water on before washing his face. Kikwang let the cold water ran on his skin for a while before turning it off and grabbing a towel. He absently dabbed it on his face and sighed as he mirrored himself.
Kikwang blinked.
His eyes must have been wrong.
Kikwang rubbed his eyes and chuckled strangely to himself because he had never looked this pretty. His eyes must be playing some kind of tricks. He closed and opened his eyes again and when the reflection didn’t change, it was when he started to panic.
Lee Minhyuk was in the mirror.
He was Lee Minhyuk.
He was inside of Lee Minhyuk’s body.
“Holy shit,” he whispered nervously to himself as he pinched his own cheeks. It hurt. “Ouch. This is a dream. This is a dream.”
Kikwang hastily got out of the bathroom and realized that he was in an apartment instead of in a hospital. A very exclusive apartment to be exact. His eyes darted around the room. There was a Beautiful Night poster hanging on the wall and a few pictures of laughing Minhyuk on the tables. The apartment looked very expensive and with all of the decorations adorning the place, Kikwang felt very inadequate and he needed to snap out of this strange yet incredible dream. The male thought of a few possibilities such as banging his head against the wall or to purposely trip over something. Kikwang tried to calm himself down as he walked back into his-no, Minhyuk’s bedroom. He spotted a planner and a phone and an empty medicine bottle that seemed to be sleeping pills.
His brows formed a questioning frown, did Minhyuk suffer from insomnia? But then his eyes widened at the fact that there was a phone.
Kikwang’s hands were trembling as he dialed Yoseob’s number. He couldn’t concentrate a few times but finally dialed the correct number. He waited. He waited, but Yoseob didn’t pick up. Kikwang groaned in frustration as he tried again and again. What is so important that he cannot pick up the phone?? Kikwang didn’t give up until Yoseob finally picked up at the umpteenth attempt. Either he was still sleeping-it was Saturday, afterall-or he was just too lazy to pick up from a number he didn’t save.
“Hello?”
“Yoseob-ah!” Kikwang wanted to snap but he cried in relief instead. “Yoseob-ah, it’s me! Help!”
“...who is this?”
“Kikwang! Look, I woke up in the middle of nowhere and I have no idea where the hell I am. Can you pick me up? And oh, I swear you’re not gonna believe this-“
“Kikwang?”
“Yes! Yoseob-ah, I-“
“It’s not even close to funny, you asshole.”
Kikwang was stunned at the inappropriate words his friend had said because Yoseob had never cursed before. Nonetheless, he cleared his throat, trying to speak again, because he knew he himself wasn’t sure with what happened. “Yoseob-ah, it’s really me, Kikwang-“
“If you dare to say Kikwang’s name once again, I will find you and hunt you down, Mister, you got that? Because Kikwang is dying right now. He was hit by a car last night and had been in a comatose condition since then. So it’s not fucking funny to hear you admit that you are my best friend!!”
Yoseob disconnected the call soon after that and Kikwang gasped in horror.
I’m dying?
Wait...yes, I got hit by a car last night.
I...I’m...dying?
Everything was too much to process that Kikwang couldn’t even do anything when he heard the sound of a door closing and footsteps were approaching. Kikwang lost all of his strength and dropped on his knees. His hand was still trembling badly.
“Minhyuk?”
Kikwang weakly lifted up his face to see a quite handsome man appearing by the doorway. He had a brown hair and an accent-Busan, perhaps...? Kikwang shook his head in response to tell him that no, he wasn’t Minhyuk, but wasn’t able to say anything.
“Hey, are you alright?”
Kikwang’s eyes went to the planner by the nightstand and realized that it was flipped open. It was opened exactly at today’s date-the page was scribbled neatly on the 15th of April. 10:30. Eunkwang à interview at the TV station. Kikwang glanced at the clock. It was only 9:00.
“E-Eunkwang...?”
The male stared at him for a moment before shaking his head. “Eunkwang-hyung got a few things to take care of. I thought he told you that he asked me to cover for a week?” Kikwang said nothing at that and the male went further into the bedroom. “Go take a shower. We’re leaving in an hour for the interview at the station.”
“Interview...?”
“Minhyuk,” the male said sternly and Kikwang slowly looked up at him. “I thought everything was perfect between you and Eunkwang. Did you guys fight?”
Kikwang wasn’t sure who this Eunkwang person was.
Lover...?
“Fight...?”
“Yeah, it’s rare for Eunkwang to leave his artist like this. He’s the most responsible manager I’ve known.”
Manager.
“That being said, he’s also a human. Might get bored of you. But don’t worry, that wasn’t the reason why I left.”
“Left...?”
The male finally was in front of Kikwang and he gave him a serious look. “Okay, now you’re acting really strange. Do you feel unwell? Have you eaten? Shall I fix you something? What do you want to eat?”
“If...if you’re not Eunkwang, you’re...”
“...I can’t believe it, Minhyuk. What’s next? You forgot my birthday too?”
Kikwang watched him unblinkingly and the male groaned.
“Fine. Daehyun. Your former manager, fyi.”
“Daehyun,” Kikwang whispered as he reached his arm. Daehyun flinched slightly at the sudden gesture but didn’t pull away. “I’m...I’m very confused. I’m about to tell you something and this may sound ridiculous, but...please believe me.”
Daehyun looked concerned. “...what is it?”
Kikwang took a deep breath.
“I am not Minhyuk.”
Daehyun blinked nonchalantly at Kikwang before slapping the latter’s cheek too casually.
“Go take a shower.”
***
Kikwang couldn’t stop crying.
Daehyun didn’t seem to care-he did apologized and tried to calm him down, but as it extended to another thirty minutes, he decided to not give a damn anymore because the clock was ticking. Kikwang’s sniffling wasn’t exactly quiet but Daehyun ignored it by talking the whole time such as was he being a pain so that Eunkwang left? (Because apparently this Eunkwang person was famous for his patience and his calming smile).
Kikwang kept on sobbing that he wasn’t Minhyuk but Daehyun didn’t seem affected by it.
It was when Daehyun finally managed to drag Kikwang inside of a building that he was willing to shut up. If it was the right term because he wasn’t exactly keeping his mouth shut. Kikwang’s sadness and confusion soon turned into excitement when he realized where they were.
“Daehyun!! Oh my God!! It’s Lee Jongsuk! It’s Kim Woobin-oh my God! They’re really holding hands! Are they really dating or-“
Daehyun rolled his eyes and softly smacked Kikwang’s shoulder. “Aren’t you friends with them? You hang out a few weeks ago.”
“I hang out with-holy shit, of course Lee Minhyuk did!”
Daehyun gave him a look but decided not to comment anything. He motioned Kikwang to follow him closely behind him as he started walking.
Kikwang grabbed the manager’s shoulder without warning and beamed happily. “D-Daehyun, look! It’s Lee Joon! And holy shit is that Yoon Doojoon?? Dammit I need to call Yoseob and tell him that he’s-“ He immediately fell silent at the name. Yoseob. It reminded him that his friend was probably crying at the moment while he was...
“Who’s Yoseob...?”
Kikwang was quiet for a moment before smiling sadly. “He’s...an old friend.”
“A fan of Doojoon?”
“Y-yeah...something like that...”
It almost broke Kikwang’s heart to think about Yoseob because the last thing they did was arguing and he regretted it. If only he listened to what his friend had said instead of sulking around...
They finally stopped in front of a dressing room and Daehyun opened the door for him. Kikwang was shoved inside and Daehyun waved a hand dismissively at him. “Noona, I leave everything to you. Minhyuk-ah, be good and see you in a few minutes.”
Kikwang yelped as he was grabbed by a girl and she motioned him to sit on the chair. Kikwang unsurely did as told. It seemed like the girl was going to put some powder on him-judging from the way she opened her make up kit. Make up? Great. Kikwang sighed and blinked at his own reflection. He stared at himself for a long moment.
Dammit, he was really Minhyuk. But how was that even possible?
“Okay, you’re perfect.”
Kikwang realized he wasn’t alone in the room-except for him and the make up noona. He glanced to his left and saw another make up girl and a male but they seemed to be done because the male stood up. He dusted his khaki pants and leaned closer to the mirror to take a good look at himself before turning to Kikwang.
And Kikwang literally died.
“S-Son D-Dongwoon?”
Dongwoon smiled warmly at him. “Hi, hyung.”
HOLY SHIT HE SAID HI HE SAID HI KIKWANG KIKWANG THINK YOU RETARD THINK OF A REPLY.
“Do-do we know each other?” Kikwang squeaked not so manly.
Dongwoon casually brushed his hair. “Uh...we were in the same movie?”
Kikwang wanted to strangle himself or jumped over the cliff in embarrassment. “B-Beautiful Night. Of-of course.”
Dongwoon sent him a slight frown from the reflection in the mirror. “Are you...alright, hyung?”
“I’m-“ Kikwang gulped. “I’m...alright. And you-you’re here because...”
“...because it’s an interview about Beautiful Night?”
Kikwang gasped and suddenly stood up. The make up girl was about to apply some foundation at him and she took a step backward at his sudden movement. “I-Okay. Interview-Beautiful Night, your acting is awesome, you kick ass by the way-interview with my beloved Son Dongwoon-asdjajsdhmk-I uh, I don’t think that...will...happen.”
Dongwoon blinked. “But...it’s not our first time. We’ve been doing this for a few times-hey, are you sure you’re alright, hyung? You’re really pale.”
“I,” Kikwang paused and took a deep breath. “It’s...a fanboy sign. I just-I can’t believe it’s happening to me.”
Dongwoon frowned and leaned forward after he told the girl to immediately find Daehyun. She fled the room within seconds. “Minhyuk-hyung, listen to me. Take a deep breath.” He grabbed Kikwang’s arm and the latter held his breath in disbelief.
Holy shit Son Dongwoon just freaking touched me. HE JUST FREAKING TOUCHED MEADUIWRGBSSDKJSDKJSJK-
“I-I think I’m going to throw up.”
“Then you’re just going to hold it and I will help you rush to the bathroom.”
“I-I’m hyperventilating.”
“I can see that. You’re panicking.”
“I-I-“
Kikwang passed out.
***
Kikwang had a very nice dream.
He dreamed that he had met Son Dongwoon and the male touched his arm and they were communicating like old pals... Kikwang smiled to himself and giggled because damn, that was one beautiful dream. He sighed in content and slowly opened his eyes. Perhaps he needed more rest because his body felt very stiff.
“Hi,” Dongwoon said in amusement.
Kikwang blinked his eyes rapidly and looked down at himself. He was still wearing the very same clothes he had before fainting. He was still in the very same room before fainting. That could only mean-
“You were giggling to yourself. Nice dream?”
“It’s-it’s not a dream,” Kikwang whispered in disbelief he pinched himself not too lightly. He winced in response because dammit it hurt. “Oh dear God, it’s not a dream.” He sniffled quietly before turning to Dongwoon. Kikwang gasped. “That means you’re not a dream-HOLY SHIT YOU ARE NOT A DREAM-“
Dongwoon scratched his head. “Uh...yeah, I am not a dream. I think. Just-just out of curiosity, hyung, why do you keep gasping everytime you see me?”
“B-b-because-“
“Because...?”
“B-b-because...”
Because you’re the man of my dream. That’s because...
Kikwang bit his lower lip. “I...”
Dongwoon smiled thoughtfully at him. “Aren’t you a bit different today? You’ve never this...lively before. I mean, you only talked to me on set and that was because you were required to. You know, scripts and stuffs.”
“I-I did?”
“...did Junhong send you those funny texts too this morning?”
“Who’s Junhong-“ Kikwang cried in frustration and buried his face in his hands. He needed to calm down. Son Dongwoon was talking to him casually like an old friend and if the handsome male didn’t stop, he would get his second heart attack. “Wait, please just wait, I need a moment...”
Kikwang rose to his feet, still with a hand on his forehead and walked toward the mirror. All of a sudden, he realized it. He didn’t see his face in the mirror. He saw Lee Minhyuk.
Of course.
There was no way the famous Son Dongwoon would talk to mere human like him. But to the pretty Lee Minhyuk, he definitely would because they were both actors. That, and the fact that they had been together in a movie and they had kissed-wait, that was right. They were rumored dating-wait, that wasn’t it, they were just rumored kissing! Kikwang mentally kicked himself and whimpered dramatically.
“Are you alright?” Dongwoon frowned. “I’m starting to think that you have seizures.”
Have anyone told you that you have the most beautiful voice?
“I...”, Kikwang slowly revealed his face to Dongwoon. His heart beat so fast at the sight before him and he craved to touch him and hug him and tie him to bed-okay, maybe not that last thought, but still, it was tempting. But then he remembered that he wasn’t Minhyuk and yet, Minhyuk was all everything Dongwoon saw. “I’m not...Minhyuk.”
Kikwang closed his eyes and prepared himself for another slap-just like what Daehyun had done to him, but nothing came. He stuttered his eyes open groggily, only to find that the handsome male only gave him an amused grin.
“April Fool’s like...weeks ago.”
Kikwang opened his mouth to counter but Dongwoon broke out laughing first before he was able to do so.
“You’re not Minhyuk-that one is really good,” Dongwoon laughed whole heartedly and Kikwang had to prevent himself to not weep like a truly fanboy because damn Son Dongwoon’s laugh was so beautiful. Dammit, he really was a male god. “And I’m not married.”
“Y-you’re not?”
Dongwoon continued to laugh and shook his head. “Now that the interview is done and your dear manager went off somewhere to kill himself, let us take this opportunity to have dinner and go home.”
“Th-the interview is done?”
“Yeap. Have you noticed that you ask a lot of questions?”
“I-I do? H-how?”
“You couldn’t possibly answer questions when you’re unconscious, right? I went to face the whole interview all by myself. Daehyun told the crews that you didn’t feel so well. He also said that you have been acting really strange since this morning.”
“Oh my God,” Kikwang whispered. “I’m sorry-I mean, that was very...unprofessional of me to...” He bit his lip and wished he didn’t do anything that would ruin Minhyuk’s image.
“Don’t worry about it. Now let’s go, I’m starving.”
Kikwang’s eyes widened when Dongwoon pulled his arm and started leading him to the car.
***
It was like a dream came true.
Kikwang couldn’t stop trembling most of the times because he was really happy (and if he was in anime, his eyes would form heart shapes). It turned out that Dongwoon really did take him to dinner. Kikwang had never been to the restaurant before because even with just a glance, it was obvious that they had irrational price for Kikwang’s pockets. The latter gulped nervously when the waiter shoved him the menu and his eyes had gotten rounder at how many digits just for a desert.
Inwardly, he wondered if he was going to be able to pay, but Lee Minhyuk was a high class actor-and he took a peek inside the wallet before they came here and the pretty male definitely got a lot of credit cards and a few (fat) bills. Should be useful. Kikwang blinked at the surrounding and nodded at everything Dongwoon chose him-he didn’t care if the male ordered him something inedible, as long as the waiter got away because he wasn’t comfortable with his gaze. Besides, he would definitely eat whatever served (it was Dongwoon’s choice afterall).
Kikwang sagged in his seat when he noticed more than a pair of eyes were staring at the general direction of their table. It couldn’t be helped, the actor who sat across him was definitely charming. Breathtaking. Gorgeous. Kikwang stared dreamily at the tall male. He was sitting together-having dinner together...what did he do to deserve this...?
“Hey.”
Dongwoon snapped his fingers right before his face and Kikwang flinched.
“Are you alright? You seem...off.”
“I’m-I’m alright,” Kikwang cleared his throat and nervously brought a hand to the first button on his shirt, squeezing it lightly. “I’m just feeling a bit...unwell.” Dongwoon slowly nodded at his statement with his eyes fixed on the the other male’s his hand. Kikwang avoided Dongwoon’s gaze by glancing around the room, but it was probably a mistake because now he knew, everyone was definitely staring. He sank deeper in his chair if it was even possible. “Th-they’re staring at you.”
“Me?” Dongwoon frowned and followed his line of sight. He seemed amused. “Us, you mean?”
“U-us?”
“I’m not the only...,” Dongwoon trailed off and rested his chin casually on the heel of his palm. “You know, they’re probably curious about us. That picture of us the other day, it was everywhere, but yet we didn’t make any statement.” Dongwoon shrugged before leaning forward with a grin. “Should we prove it to them that it is real?”
Kikwang blushed at his bold statement and shook his head vigorously. “St-stop it!”
Dongwoon chuckled as he pressed his back against the soft cushion of his chair. “You’re so cute, hyung.”
Kikwang wasn’t able to say anything else after that because his face was red like a boiled crab, even though he was dying from the curiosity. What did Dongwoon mean by proving that it was real?
Was it...not real?
When their food were finally delivered, both of them dug in right away. Dongwoon was definitely starving and Kikwang, well, he just ate to distract his mind off of the magnificent creature before him. Kikwang felt slightly amazed that Dongwoon ordered him something edible-and it was awfully delicious, too. He munched his food and smiled sadly to himself. If it was a dream, it was definitely a very good dream. A very, very, very good dream. It would be hard to wake up and lose Dongwoon...but what could he do about it? He was just Lee Kikwang and definitely not Lee Minhyuk.
Surprisingly, Dongwoon insisted on paying and Kikwang felt bad because it wasn’t exactly cheap. But in the end, he gave up and let Dongwoon paid for everything. A gentleman at the first date. Hmm. It brought a smile to Kikwang’s lips because at least when he woke up later (from this beautiful dream), he would have something to brag about.
Dongwoon drove him home-to Minhyuk’s apartment, of course. Kikwang looked blankly at the enormous building in front of him and wondered if he even had the key, but as he fumbled into his pockets, he did have it.
“I’ll see you soon,” Dongwoon said.
Kikwang peered over his shoulder with a mixed feeling. He wasn’t sure what to reply because it wasn’t his life. Hopefully, in a few hours, Kikwang would be asleep and this trance would soon be over. Whatever it was, he had more than enough to be blessed with an opportunity to be with Dongwoon. Even for a day-and in the form of someone else’s, too.
He should leave with a smile.
Kikwang broke into a shy smile before leaning to hug Dongwoon. The latter deadpanned by his gesture but did nothing to break free. Kikwang sighed gratefully as he inhaled Dongwoon’s scent. He was using his favorite brand, the one that he once mentioned in a magazine (which made Kikwang intended to save and buy the same perfume).
Would there even be soon when he was the almighty Son Dongwoon and he was just a university student, Lee Kikwang?
Of course not.
So Kikwang said what needed to be said.
“The next time we meet,” Kikwang whispered softly into the smooth fabric. “I’ll treat you...burgers.”
“Burgers?”
“Yeah,” Kikwang pulled away and made a face as he continued. “They’re extremely cheap but they taste ugh, heaven.”
Dongwoon was quiet for a few seconds before burst out laughing. The male was laughing so hard that his shoulders were shaking.
Kikwang turned several shades of red and wondered if he said something wrong. “Wh-what?”
“Nothing,” Dongwoon shook his head but he still couldn’t stop laughing. “Burgers-why didn’t you just say that you didn’t want to eat at that restaurant? We could’ve eaten somewhere else!”
“I-“
“But what’s done is done,” Dongwoon’s laughter finally ebbed after a while and he placed a hand on Kikwang’s head. “We’ll have that burgers next time.”
Next time.
“Okay,” Kikwang forced himself to smile.
Dongwoon smiled back.
And then Kikwang went into his-Minhyuk’s apartment after waving goodbye to Dongwoon. He took a warm shower, he put on a pair of decent pajamas before slipping underneath the blanket. Kikwang felt extremely tired after the long day. He took a deep breath and brought a hand to his lips.
All of this, he thought sleepily. Will be over in the morning.
He couldn’t wait to wake up and see Yoseob and tell him that he had a very nice dream.
A very nice dream that he wished he wouldn’t have to wake up from it.
Kikwang sighed deeply once again before giving himself up into the darkness.
***
“Wake up, sleepyhead.”
A playful hit landed on his head and Kikwang moaned in distaste.
“Yoseob-ah, why are you so mean-“
“Yoseob?”
Kikwang cracked his eyes open and bolted upright. He wished for a grumpy Yoseob or a worried Sohyun but it was Daehyun instead who came into sight.
He screamed dramatically.
“What? What??” Daehyun jumped backward with a hand on his chest. “Is there a spider? You hate spiders!”
“I-“ Kikwang gasped hysterically. “I...”
“What? Are you still sick?” Daehyun’s expression was genuine concern before it morphed into grim. “...don’t tell me you’re going to act sick again to skip interviews. I know you hate interviews, but fainting right before it began? Puh-lease. You cannot run away again today.”
“T-today?”
“An interview at the radio, surely you can, right? Because they will only record your voice so no excuses this time.”
Kikwang went horror at the fact and opened his mouth to say something, but Daehyun beat him off to it.
“Are you going to say that you’re not Minhyuk again? Because my hand will automatically aim for your cheek.”
Kikwang swallowed.
***
Fortunately, Minhyuk’s phone was one of the latest and it had the fastest connection Kikwang had ever known.
He managed to stumble upon Lee Minhyuk’s ultimate fansite and memorized facts about him-Minhyuk. He went into a panic mode for a minute knowing that he would be all alone for the interview and he hoped everything was going to be alright (and would reason that if he sounded a bit off it was because he was sick).
It turned out that Kikwang wasn’t alone.
But it was even worse knowing that it was Son Dongwoon that he was paired with.
Kikwang was about to enter the studio when he noticed the presence of the younger male and was about to sprint away when Daehyun roughly grabbed his collar-and choked badly in response. Dongwoon lifted his head up at his presence and Kikwang felt his heart stopped beating. He always thought that Dongwoon would be the death of him but not this way.
“Hey,” Dongwoon whispered slightly as he passed him by and brushed a hand on Kikwang’s shoulder.
“H-hey,” Kikwang tried to sound casual and almost failed miserably.
“Relax, it’s not like it’s your first time,” Dongwoon chuckled as he put on the headphones.
If it was anyone else, Kikwang would have definitely thrown something but because it was Dongwoon, he was forgiven. Kikwang nervously sent the DJs a smile-Chunji and Byunghyun from TeenTop, he thought? He knew a few things about them because Sohyun liked their group. And if he wasn’t mistaken, Sohyun had spazzed a thing or two about them and how they seemed to be in love and how obvious that they were in a relationship. Kikwang probably should take a picture of them later, send it to Sohyun with a caption YES YOU ARE RIGHT SOHYUNNIE.
“We’re going live in five, four,” the one who Kikwang believed named Chunji counted with his fingers and he closed his eyes to calm down.
Both of the radio DJs greeted warmly and started talking about their special guests today. Kikwang didn’t really listen to the whole conversation, but when Dongwoon introduced himself and both Chunji and Byunghyun were looking at his way, he took it as a cue that he should say his name.
“Lee Kik-Lee Minhyuk.”
Kikwang noticed Daehyun rolling his eyes outside the studio and he stuck a tongue out at him in reply. Daehyun looked blank at his childish attitude and Kikwang grinned impishly.
“So Dongwoon-shii, tell us what it felt like to work together with Lee Minhyuk?”
Dongwoon had no difficulty answering any kind of questions addressed to him. It got Kikwang to wonder if the male had been practicing the sentences. Something about him being professional and a wonderful actor and-Kikwang spaced out and snapped out of his reverie when he realized Chunji was asking him the same question. What it felt like to work together with Dongwoon-hmm, that one shouldn’t be too hard...?
“Minhyuk-shii, what do you think of Dongwoon?”
Crap.
“Eh? What do I think of...him?” Kikwang was a bit taken aback and noticed that everyone had their eyes on him, clearly waiting for his answer. He gulped and brought a hand to the first button on his shirt, squeezing it lightly. “Uh...great?”
“Just great?” Dongwoon replied in a feigned hurt tone. “I praised you and all I received in return is ‘great’?”
Everyone in the studio laughed, including Kikwang. He planned to make up a few words, preferably from Minhyuk’s point of view, but decided not to. Kikwang cleared his throat before starting again.
“He...,” Kikwang said slowly. “The first time I saw him in Bad Girl, I knew that he would make a great actor.” Byunghyun hummed in response at that, encouraging him to go on. “He appeared a few times here and there in tv commercials, but it wasn’t that long before anyone spotted his talent. When he was chosen as the male model in 4 Minute’s music video, I was...ecstatic. And ever since then, I think Dongwoon had a nice flow of career. He really climbed up. I...”
It was then that he realized that Dongwoon was watching him intently and he stared back.
“I think... I really look up to him.”
“And now you guys were working together in a movie, that must have been a really precious experience,” Byunghyun nodded to himself before turning to Chunji. “Both Minhyuk-shii and Dongwoon-shii adore each other, just like Chunji and I.” Chunji laughed at his lame statement. “Okay, what do you say that we start taking the calls? You can reach us here at this number if you have something you want to ask these gorgeous guys. Don’t be shy, ask away!”
Kikwang felt like he had just said something so terrible and yet good at the same time. He ran a hand through his hair and saw Daehyun flashing a thumb at him from outside the studio. Kikwang slightly smiled back in return and caught Dongwoon was still staring at him. Which had been quite some time. Kikwang gulped thickly.
Dongwoon bloomed into a kind smile and Kikwang swore his heart almost leapt out of his chest.
***
Daehyun left early due to a phone call-something about Youngjae, the real artist that he had been managing for quite some time after Kikwang.
An hour later, their radio interview was done, and Dongwoon offered to drive him home-after getting burgers.
“You remember,” Kikwang giggled as he got into the car. “And it’s my treat this time!”
Dongwoon seemed to be intrigued when Kikwang told him ‘it’s super duper delicious and you have to try it!’ and drove to the place he recommended. When they arrived at the restaurant, Kikwang (apparently forgetting that he was in Minhyuk’s form) was about to get off of the car and but was stopped halfway. The place was a bit crowded and if they decided to eat there, they probably wouldn’t be able to eat in peace. Kikwang frowned at his ridiculous statement but then he realized that the other male might be right. They decided to just eat in the car after ordering takeouts from drive through.
“This is really good,” Dongwoon said after the first bite. “You came here a lot?”
“It’s good, right,” Kikwang grinned happily. “With my friends, yeah.”
“You have a friend?”
“Hey, what’s that supposed to mean?”
Dongwoon laughed and earned a playful hit in the arm. “I guess all of those rumors aren’t true?”
“What...rumors?”
Dongwoon’s eyes softened as he swallowed a small piece of meat. He wasn’t looking at Kikwang when he spoke. “Never mind. But you talked a lot lately.”
Kikwang stopped munching because he suddenly remembered that it was also mentioned in one of the fansites. Lee Minhyuk doesn’t talk much. “I-I guess...?”
Dongwoon turned to him with a smile. “If only you were like this a few months ago, when we were still working together for Beautiful Night.”
If Minhyuk were like this...what would happen?
Kikwang’s heart sank. He opened his mouth to retort but nothing came out. Instead, he closed it back and pressed his lips into a thin line. Did Dongwoon...like Minhyuk? Or was it just his imagination? Kikwang grimaced.
Dongwoon swallowed his bite before continuing. “Anyway, it was our last interview for this week. Not recalling there would be any of Beautiful Night interview again soon. For the two of us to have it together, I mean.”
Kikwang mouthed an ‘oh’ and stayed silent. Somewhere, a small part of his heart felt relieved because it was...good? It was good. Perhaps. Because he wasn’t sure what would happen if he kept on seeing Dongwoon.
He could fall.
Deeply.
Too deep that he couldn’t climb back.
“Can I...see you even without work related?”
Kikwang’s heart missed a beat. Or two. Or ten.
“D-Dongwoon-ah,” he tried to speak but it only came as a whisper.
“Yes?”
“I...”
Dongwoon waited patiently and took another bite.
“I’m not...”
Dongwoon immediately swallowed the food down his throat and leaned closer to him. “What’s wrong?”
I’m not Minhyuk.
Should I say it...?
Should I not...?
“Hey, Minhyuk-ah.”
Kikwang’s lips were trembling slightly when he parted them to answer.
“O-okay.”
“You’re okay...?”
“No, I mean...it’s okay to...meet.”
Dongwoon’s eyes were gleaming at that. The taller male seemed very glad at his answer and broke into a grin.
“Deal.”
Kikwang had definitely fallen.
[2]
Author: FloweryMisha
Pairing: KiWoon
Warning: BoyxBoy love. Enough said.
Summary: They met under an unfortunate circumstance. The love, however, grew.
Author’s Note: I finally post this just because Nyt wants me to............ I didn't need to warn you that this is awful and pointless right? /cries at the corner. It's somewhat inspired from an old manga I read when I was a kid and my whatsapp convo with my dearest AshXIII <3 what would I be without him sobs. I hope you like this one, I mean look at the lame title <3 AND PLEASE, NO TRANSLATIONS ALLOWED!
In life, there was probably a time when people got obsessed with something.
It didn’t have to be over books or cartoon characters or a color. It could be over anything else-even someone-like a model, a singer or an actress.
Sohyun never agreed to the term ‘obsessed’ because it sounded unhealthy. She preferred to be categorized into simply a fangirl and a collector. The girl was obsessed (Kikwang insisted on the term) with Barbie ever since she was five and she had purchased a lot of (limited edition) packages. Barbie with a nurse costume? Bought. Blonde Barbie with office girl costume? Snatched. Dark haired Barbie with eyeliner with a leather costume and what seemed to be a microphone-which was supposed to be a rocker Barbie but somehow looked kinky-she had it, said she got in e-Bay. But yeah, she wasn’t obsessed.
Yoseob liked action figures such as Gundam when he was younger, but he didn’t collect them that much. He liked them of course, but not to the extent like Sohyun, who had to have all of the limited edition series. If Yoseob wasn’t able to purchase it, then it was alright-it wasn’t like he had a lot of space in his room anyway. As he grew older, he was starting to like a singer whose namestage was IU. It still wasn’t an obsession because Yoseob simply just liked her appearance and her voice and probably collected one or two live dvd concerts, but still in a much rational way. The male just followed her twitter account and never even spazzed that much about her. So yeah, he wasn’t obsessed.
But maybe what they had was nothing compared to Kikwang.
Lee Kikwang had officially declared himself to be a devoted (hardcore) fanboy of Son Dongwoon.
Yoseob wasn’t sure if it was obsession anymore. If Dongwoon could be described as a new religion, Kikwang would definitely be the first to join to worship it.
Dongwoon wasn’t even a professional actor when Kikwang spotted him in a drama. The former was still young and skinny, and the only part he did was posing coolly with both of his hands fished into the pockets-the scene was about a boy confronting a girl with his friends behind him. He didn’t even said a word, simply because he didn’t have any lines. His appearance lasted for a few seconds and Kikwang only needed that few seconds to fall in love. He knew that the boy in the drama would be a hit if he was given another chance.
And as if he was destined to shine, he did.
Dongwoon then appeared at a few commercials and became the main model in one of the girl groups’ music video.
Ever since then, Dongwoon became really famous and Kikwang never failed to make a timeline-Yoseob called it stalking-of his beloved artist’s schedules (how he found out, Yoseob didn’t even want to know). Some time later, the handsome male was featured in a few dramas-which Kikwang never failed to buy the original dvds for the sake of Son Dongwoon’s pocket, oh the thing fanboys did for their love-but his career skyrocketed when he became one of the main characters in Beautiful Night, a breakthrough movie with Hong Seongsung as the director.
Unlike his previous films, Dongwoon-who recently just turned twenty two-looked more mature and handsome in the latest one. It was also obvious that he had been working and Kikwang had to try very hard to prevent himself from nosebleeding (“His abs,” he whimpered weakly).
Kikwang had watched the movie thrice in cinema-one with Sohyun and Yoseob, one by himself, and the other one...he reasoned that he just needed to watch it again when all Kikwang really wanted to see was that one scene where Dongwoon went shirtless and he went asdhjagdjaksjhasdkh. When the movie was finally out in dvd, he dragged Yoseob to buy it right away.
Yoseob’s frown deepened as he cradled the Beautiful Night case in his hand, observing it thoroughly. “Oh my God-the price.”
“I didn’t shop for two weeks straight for this stuff,” Kikwang faked a sob as he snatched the dvd from Yoseob’s hand. “But it’s bluray and it has ‘behind the scene’ parts and movie trailer and it’s worth it. Dongwoon’s acting is really improving-well, he didn’t suck in Bad Girl, but come on, it was a drama and he didn’t even get to have a line. This one? This one is totally worth it.”
“I think you said that sentence everytime you purchased something Dongwoon related.”
“What can I say, I’m a Swooner.”
Yoseob rolled his eyes as he followed Kikwang who was walking toward the cashier to pay. “You’re really obsessed, Kikwang-ah. I mean, I do found that Doojoon guy pretty charming in the movie, but...” Yoseob sighed. “When are you going to be able to date someone if you keep on being like this? And two weeks of not shopping? If only that consistency can be used for your study...”
Kikwang laughed awkwardly as they queued. He muttered something along the lines of ‘whatever you say, I have my Dongwoon' and looked away to the newspaper rack by the cashier. His eyes caught the cover of a gossip magazine and his heart grinded to a stop at the models who were posing. It was Dongwoon with someone named Lee Minhyuk-the co-star in Beautiful Night. Kikwang beamed at his idol before unconsciously extending a hand to grab it.
“This male,” Yoseob pointed at Minhyuk. “Isn’t he the one in the movie?”
“Y-yeah.”
“They look...good together.”
Kikwang ignored Yoseob’s statement and absently flipped the pages. He got to where the review was and literally paralyzed at the title ‘Dongwoon and Minhyuk kissed as a celebration’. He turned ashen at the picture where Dongwoon did seem to kiss Minhyuk but it wasn’t so clear because the place was dark-whoever took the picture, it must have been taken secretly. “Don’t buy it,” Yoseob patted his shoulder soothingly. “Besides, it’s just gossip.”
“Hm.”
Kikwang put the magazine back onto the rack and handed his dvd to the cashier. He should have known better that he was just a fanboy, but still, seeing a picture like it hurt a lot and he pouted in disappointment.
Minhyuk was a bit different than the one in the movie, but maybe it was because of the character he played. When he saw the real Minhyuk in a magazine with a wide smile and standing so close to Dongwoon...
Lee Minhyuk was extremely pretty.
***
Yoseob wondered if it was healthy for Kikwang to be overly obsessed with the man that didn’t even know he existed.
It had been a few days since Kikwang stumbled upon the entertainment news where it was rumored that Dongwoon had kissed Minhyuk, and it also had been a few days since Kikwang’s mood worsened. Yoseob exhaled deeply. His friend was really sensitive when it came to Dongwoon-even though it had nothing to do with him at all. Kikwang had been unconsciously sulking and again, Yoseob sighed because he acted like Dongwoon had been caught cheating on him. While once again, it had nothing to do with him at all. Nothing at all.
Kikwang had been in another bad mood since morning simply because he watched the television and it was full with the current news and snapshots of (a silhouette who seemed similar to) Dongwoon leaning closer to press his lips against (another silhouette who looked awfully like) Minhyuk. It might have been photoshopped, but of course, Kikwang, who claimed to be a hardcore Swooner, knew the exact curve of the love of his life. It was definitely him.
Yoseob never commented about Kikwang’s obsession, but this time, it was probably too much.
“Kikwang-ah, come on. Stop being like this. And if they are really dating, there’s nothing you can do about it,” Yoseob stated in exasperation as they waited for their coffee. “You have to admit that they make a cute couple. Dongwoon is handsome. Minhyuk is pretty.”
“But-“ Kikwang whined beseechingly. “But Minhyuk-he said a few weeks ago in an interview that he’s not interested in dating a co-star! And said that he has someone he likes that doesn’t come from the film industry.”
“Well,” Yoseob tapped his index finger on his chin. “It’s been...several months since they worked together. They’re, uh...not co-star anymore?”
Kikwang shot a hurtful look at Yoseob. “You’re supposed to be supportive about this.”
“I’m sorry, Kikwang-ah, it’s just that-“ Yoseob scratched his head almost desperately. “Look at you. You...you wrote that you wanted to be Son Dongwoon’s spouse when you were fifteen. And now a few years have passed, you’re twenty three years old, close to graduation and you still hold on to that thought. I mean, when you were just a kid, I wouldn’t mind, I mean, I laughed when Sohyun wanted to be Barbie. But now, we’re grown ups, Kikwang-ah, we’re adults. And you-you’ve been rejecting all of those guys who confessed to you for one person that is-I hate to say this-never gonna be yours.”
Kikwang stared blankly at Yoseob.
“I am your friend, Kikwang-ah. I have to say that I cannot support you the way I used to. It pains me, but I have to remind you about the reality that we live in.”
Yoseob quietly thanked the barista who threw a very meaningful glance at Kikwang’s direction but the latter was too distracted to even notice the gaze. If only you realize how pretty you are... Kikwang probably would never realize it because his time was spent for browsing and worshiping Dongwoon. Yoseob snatched his takeaway drink and made a move to exit the coffee shop. His words were mean, but it was the truth. Kikwang followed closely behind him and said nothing in reply. Yoseob didn’t need to look back to know that he was sulking.
“Look,” Yoseob slowered his steps to match Kikwang’s. “I’m sorry. All I’m saying is that it’s fine to like someone, but we have to be rational about it. Unless-unless you’re planning to camp in front of Dongwoon’s apartment and confess to him that he’s the person who cannot make you sleep all these years-which I’m sure at least ten thousand other girls and boys told him the same thing-then I suggest you to stop.”
They came across an intersection and the green light was blinking rapidly, as a sign that it would be red soon.
Yoseob quickened his steps because it was quite late and he didn’t want to miss the last train. The male failed to realize that Kikwang was still left behind. When he reached the other side of the street, he looked over his shoulder to see his friend was still in the middle of the road and the light turned red. Yoseob turned pale because Kikwang seemed to be spacing out and a car was speeding from the opposite site, now that it was green.
“Kikwang-ah, watch out!!!”
Kikwang was so occupied with his thoughts that he didn’t see the blinding light from the car. By the time he realized it, Kikwang only managed to suck in deep breath and shut his eyes closed as he let the stereofoam cup he was holding fell onto the ground. Everything went into deep silence after a screeching sound.
I want to meet Dongwoon.
It was the last thing he remembered before feeling a shocking pain all over his body.
***
Kikwang was woken by the sound of a bird chirping.
Heaven?
It was too bright to his liking as he moved slightly.
No, alarm sound.
Kikwang hummed softly to himself and weakly tried to open his eyes. He didn’t remember since when his alarm tone had changed. Kikwang stayed still for a while on his bed. The room was a bit cold but it smelled nice-a mixture of lime and lemon. He must have forgotten to reduce the room temperature as he shivered slightly under the blanket. Kikwang winced the moment he tried to move and groaned in pain. His body hurt like hell and his head throbbed badly like he had just downed a huge amount of alcohol last night.
Last night.
I’m alive?
Kikwang brought a hand to his face and sighed.
That’s right...
He closed his eyes back for a moment before cracking them open again. He was probably in a hospital-but the smell was too nice to be true. It was supposed to be alcohol and antiseptic smell everywhere instead of lemon scented. Was a hospital ever smell this good? Kikwang forced himself to sit and got off of the bed. It didn’t seem like he was hurt from the accident-just the headache, though. He went to the bathroom and turned the water on before washing his face. Kikwang let the cold water ran on his skin for a while before turning it off and grabbing a towel. He absently dabbed it on his face and sighed as he mirrored himself.
Kikwang blinked.
His eyes must have been wrong.
Kikwang rubbed his eyes and chuckled strangely to himself because he had never looked this pretty. His eyes must be playing some kind of tricks. He closed and opened his eyes again and when the reflection didn’t change, it was when he started to panic.
Lee Minhyuk was in the mirror.
He was Lee Minhyuk.
He was inside of Lee Minhyuk’s body.
“Holy shit,” he whispered nervously to himself as he pinched his own cheeks. It hurt. “Ouch. This is a dream. This is a dream.”
Kikwang hastily got out of the bathroom and realized that he was in an apartment instead of in a hospital. A very exclusive apartment to be exact. His eyes darted around the room. There was a Beautiful Night poster hanging on the wall and a few pictures of laughing Minhyuk on the tables. The apartment looked very expensive and with all of the decorations adorning the place, Kikwang felt very inadequate and he needed to snap out of this strange yet incredible dream. The male thought of a few possibilities such as banging his head against the wall or to purposely trip over something. Kikwang tried to calm himself down as he walked back into his-no, Minhyuk’s bedroom. He spotted a planner and a phone and an empty medicine bottle that seemed to be sleeping pills.
His brows formed a questioning frown, did Minhyuk suffer from insomnia? But then his eyes widened at the fact that there was a phone.
Kikwang’s hands were trembling as he dialed Yoseob’s number. He couldn’t concentrate a few times but finally dialed the correct number. He waited. He waited, but Yoseob didn’t pick up. Kikwang groaned in frustration as he tried again and again. What is so important that he cannot pick up the phone?? Kikwang didn’t give up until Yoseob finally picked up at the umpteenth attempt. Either he was still sleeping-it was Saturday, afterall-or he was just too lazy to pick up from a number he didn’t save.
“Hello?”
“Yoseob-ah!” Kikwang wanted to snap but he cried in relief instead. “Yoseob-ah, it’s me! Help!”
“...who is this?”
“Kikwang! Look, I woke up in the middle of nowhere and I have no idea where the hell I am. Can you pick me up? And oh, I swear you’re not gonna believe this-“
“Kikwang?”
“Yes! Yoseob-ah, I-“
“It’s not even close to funny, you asshole.”
Kikwang was stunned at the inappropriate words his friend had said because Yoseob had never cursed before. Nonetheless, he cleared his throat, trying to speak again, because he knew he himself wasn’t sure with what happened. “Yoseob-ah, it’s really me, Kikwang-“
“If you dare to say Kikwang’s name once again, I will find you and hunt you down, Mister, you got that? Because Kikwang is dying right now. He was hit by a car last night and had been in a comatose condition since then. So it’s not fucking funny to hear you admit that you are my best friend!!”
Yoseob disconnected the call soon after that and Kikwang gasped in horror.
I’m dying?
Wait...yes, I got hit by a car last night.
I...I’m...dying?
Everything was too much to process that Kikwang couldn’t even do anything when he heard the sound of a door closing and footsteps were approaching. Kikwang lost all of his strength and dropped on his knees. His hand was still trembling badly.
“Minhyuk?”
Kikwang weakly lifted up his face to see a quite handsome man appearing by the doorway. He had a brown hair and an accent-Busan, perhaps...? Kikwang shook his head in response to tell him that no, he wasn’t Minhyuk, but wasn’t able to say anything.
“Hey, are you alright?”
Kikwang’s eyes went to the planner by the nightstand and realized that it was flipped open. It was opened exactly at today’s date-the page was scribbled neatly on the 15th of April. 10:30. Eunkwang à interview at the TV station. Kikwang glanced at the clock. It was only 9:00.
“E-Eunkwang...?”
The male stared at him for a moment before shaking his head. “Eunkwang-hyung got a few things to take care of. I thought he told you that he asked me to cover for a week?” Kikwang said nothing at that and the male went further into the bedroom. “Go take a shower. We’re leaving in an hour for the interview at the station.”
“Interview...?”
“Minhyuk,” the male said sternly and Kikwang slowly looked up at him. “I thought everything was perfect between you and Eunkwang. Did you guys fight?”
Kikwang wasn’t sure who this Eunkwang person was.
Lover...?
“Fight...?”
“Yeah, it’s rare for Eunkwang to leave his artist like this. He’s the most responsible manager I’ve known.”
Manager.
“That being said, he’s also a human. Might get bored of you. But don’t worry, that wasn’t the reason why I left.”
“Left...?”
The male finally was in front of Kikwang and he gave him a serious look. “Okay, now you’re acting really strange. Do you feel unwell? Have you eaten? Shall I fix you something? What do you want to eat?”
“If...if you’re not Eunkwang, you’re...”
“...I can’t believe it, Minhyuk. What’s next? You forgot my birthday too?”
Kikwang watched him unblinkingly and the male groaned.
“Fine. Daehyun. Your former manager, fyi.”
“Daehyun,” Kikwang whispered as he reached his arm. Daehyun flinched slightly at the sudden gesture but didn’t pull away. “I’m...I’m very confused. I’m about to tell you something and this may sound ridiculous, but...please believe me.”
Daehyun looked concerned. “...what is it?”
Kikwang took a deep breath.
“I am not Minhyuk.”
Daehyun blinked nonchalantly at Kikwang before slapping the latter’s cheek too casually.
“Go take a shower.”
***
Kikwang couldn’t stop crying.
Daehyun didn’t seem to care-he did apologized and tried to calm him down, but as it extended to another thirty minutes, he decided to not give a damn anymore because the clock was ticking. Kikwang’s sniffling wasn’t exactly quiet but Daehyun ignored it by talking the whole time such as was he being a pain so that Eunkwang left? (Because apparently this Eunkwang person was famous for his patience and his calming smile).
Kikwang kept on sobbing that he wasn’t Minhyuk but Daehyun didn’t seem affected by it.
It was when Daehyun finally managed to drag Kikwang inside of a building that he was willing to shut up. If it was the right term because he wasn’t exactly keeping his mouth shut. Kikwang’s sadness and confusion soon turned into excitement when he realized where they were.
“Daehyun!! Oh my God!! It’s Lee Jongsuk! It’s Kim Woobin-oh my God! They’re really holding hands! Are they really dating or-“
Daehyun rolled his eyes and softly smacked Kikwang’s shoulder. “Aren’t you friends with them? You hang out a few weeks ago.”
“I hang out with-holy shit, of course Lee Minhyuk did!”
Daehyun gave him a look but decided not to comment anything. He motioned Kikwang to follow him closely behind him as he started walking.
Kikwang grabbed the manager’s shoulder without warning and beamed happily. “D-Daehyun, look! It’s Lee Joon! And holy shit is that Yoon Doojoon?? Dammit I need to call Yoseob and tell him that he’s-“ He immediately fell silent at the name. Yoseob. It reminded him that his friend was probably crying at the moment while he was...
“Who’s Yoseob...?”
Kikwang was quiet for a moment before smiling sadly. “He’s...an old friend.”
“A fan of Doojoon?”
“Y-yeah...something like that...”
It almost broke Kikwang’s heart to think about Yoseob because the last thing they did was arguing and he regretted it. If only he listened to what his friend had said instead of sulking around...
They finally stopped in front of a dressing room and Daehyun opened the door for him. Kikwang was shoved inside and Daehyun waved a hand dismissively at him. “Noona, I leave everything to you. Minhyuk-ah, be good and see you in a few minutes.”
Kikwang yelped as he was grabbed by a girl and she motioned him to sit on the chair. Kikwang unsurely did as told. It seemed like the girl was going to put some powder on him-judging from the way she opened her make up kit. Make up? Great. Kikwang sighed and blinked at his own reflection. He stared at himself for a long moment.
Dammit, he was really Minhyuk. But how was that even possible?
“Okay, you’re perfect.”
Kikwang realized he wasn’t alone in the room-except for him and the make up noona. He glanced to his left and saw another make up girl and a male but they seemed to be done because the male stood up. He dusted his khaki pants and leaned closer to the mirror to take a good look at himself before turning to Kikwang.
And Kikwang literally died.
“S-Son D-Dongwoon?”
Dongwoon smiled warmly at him. “Hi, hyung.”
HOLY SHIT HE SAID HI HE SAID HI KIKWANG KIKWANG THINK YOU RETARD THINK OF A REPLY.
“Do-do we know each other?” Kikwang squeaked not so manly.
Dongwoon casually brushed his hair. “Uh...we were in the same movie?”
Kikwang wanted to strangle himself or jumped over the cliff in embarrassment. “B-Beautiful Night. Of-of course.”
Dongwoon sent him a slight frown from the reflection in the mirror. “Are you...alright, hyung?”
“I’m-“ Kikwang gulped. “I’m...alright. And you-you’re here because...”
“...because it’s an interview about Beautiful Night?”
Kikwang gasped and suddenly stood up. The make up girl was about to apply some foundation at him and she took a step backward at his sudden movement. “I-Okay. Interview-Beautiful Night, your acting is awesome, you kick ass by the way-interview with my beloved Son Dongwoon-asdjajsdhmk-I uh, I don’t think that...will...happen.”
Dongwoon blinked. “But...it’s not our first time. We’ve been doing this for a few times-hey, are you sure you’re alright, hyung? You’re really pale.”
“I,” Kikwang paused and took a deep breath. “It’s...a fanboy sign. I just-I can’t believe it’s happening to me.”
Dongwoon frowned and leaned forward after he told the girl to immediately find Daehyun. She fled the room within seconds. “Minhyuk-hyung, listen to me. Take a deep breath.” He grabbed Kikwang’s arm and the latter held his breath in disbelief.
Holy shit Son Dongwoon just freaking touched me. HE JUST FREAKING TOUCHED MEADUIWRGBSSDKJSDKJSJK-
“I-I think I’m going to throw up.”
“Then you’re just going to hold it and I will help you rush to the bathroom.”
“I-I’m hyperventilating.”
“I can see that. You’re panicking.”
“I-I-“
Kikwang passed out.
***
Kikwang had a very nice dream.
He dreamed that he had met Son Dongwoon and the male touched his arm and they were communicating like old pals... Kikwang smiled to himself and giggled because damn, that was one beautiful dream. He sighed in content and slowly opened his eyes. Perhaps he needed more rest because his body felt very stiff.
“Hi,” Dongwoon said in amusement.
Kikwang blinked his eyes rapidly and looked down at himself. He was still wearing the very same clothes he had before fainting. He was still in the very same room before fainting. That could only mean-
“You were giggling to yourself. Nice dream?”
“It’s-it’s not a dream,” Kikwang whispered in disbelief he pinched himself not too lightly. He winced in response because dammit it hurt. “Oh dear God, it’s not a dream.” He sniffled quietly before turning to Dongwoon. Kikwang gasped. “That means you’re not a dream-HOLY SHIT YOU ARE NOT A DREAM-“
Dongwoon scratched his head. “Uh...yeah, I am not a dream. I think. Just-just out of curiosity, hyung, why do you keep gasping everytime you see me?”
“B-b-because-“
“Because...?”
“B-b-because...”
Because you’re the man of my dream. That’s because...
Kikwang bit his lower lip. “I...”
Dongwoon smiled thoughtfully at him. “Aren’t you a bit different today? You’ve never this...lively before. I mean, you only talked to me on set and that was because you were required to. You know, scripts and stuffs.”
“I-I did?”
“...did Junhong send you those funny texts too this morning?”
“Who’s Junhong-“ Kikwang cried in frustration and buried his face in his hands. He needed to calm down. Son Dongwoon was talking to him casually like an old friend and if the handsome male didn’t stop, he would get his second heart attack. “Wait, please just wait, I need a moment...”
Kikwang rose to his feet, still with a hand on his forehead and walked toward the mirror. All of a sudden, he realized it. He didn’t see his face in the mirror. He saw Lee Minhyuk.
Of course.
There was no way the famous Son Dongwoon would talk to mere human like him. But to the pretty Lee Minhyuk, he definitely would because they were both actors. That, and the fact that they had been together in a movie and they had kissed-wait, that was right. They were rumored dating-wait, that wasn’t it, they were just rumored kissing! Kikwang mentally kicked himself and whimpered dramatically.
“Are you alright?” Dongwoon frowned. “I’m starting to think that you have seizures.”
Have anyone told you that you have the most beautiful voice?
“I...”, Kikwang slowly revealed his face to Dongwoon. His heart beat so fast at the sight before him and he craved to touch him and hug him and tie him to bed-okay, maybe not that last thought, but still, it was tempting. But then he remembered that he wasn’t Minhyuk and yet, Minhyuk was all everything Dongwoon saw. “I’m not...Minhyuk.”
Kikwang closed his eyes and prepared himself for another slap-just like what Daehyun had done to him, but nothing came. He stuttered his eyes open groggily, only to find that the handsome male only gave him an amused grin.
“April Fool’s like...weeks ago.”
Kikwang opened his mouth to counter but Dongwoon broke out laughing first before he was able to do so.
“You’re not Minhyuk-that one is really good,” Dongwoon laughed whole heartedly and Kikwang had to prevent himself to not weep like a truly fanboy because damn Son Dongwoon’s laugh was so beautiful. Dammit, he really was a male god. “And I’m not married.”
“Y-you’re not?”
Dongwoon continued to laugh and shook his head. “Now that the interview is done and your dear manager went off somewhere to kill himself, let us take this opportunity to have dinner and go home.”
“Th-the interview is done?”
“Yeap. Have you noticed that you ask a lot of questions?”
“I-I do? H-how?”
“You couldn’t possibly answer questions when you’re unconscious, right? I went to face the whole interview all by myself. Daehyun told the crews that you didn’t feel so well. He also said that you have been acting really strange since this morning.”
“Oh my God,” Kikwang whispered. “I’m sorry-I mean, that was very...unprofessional of me to...” He bit his lip and wished he didn’t do anything that would ruin Minhyuk’s image.
“Don’t worry about it. Now let’s go, I’m starving.”
Kikwang’s eyes widened when Dongwoon pulled his arm and started leading him to the car.
***
It was like a dream came true.
Kikwang couldn’t stop trembling most of the times because he was really happy (and if he was in anime, his eyes would form heart shapes). It turned out that Dongwoon really did take him to dinner. Kikwang had never been to the restaurant before because even with just a glance, it was obvious that they had irrational price for Kikwang’s pockets. The latter gulped nervously when the waiter shoved him the menu and his eyes had gotten rounder at how many digits just for a desert.
Inwardly, he wondered if he was going to be able to pay, but Lee Minhyuk was a high class actor-and he took a peek inside the wallet before they came here and the pretty male definitely got a lot of credit cards and a few (fat) bills. Should be useful. Kikwang blinked at the surrounding and nodded at everything Dongwoon chose him-he didn’t care if the male ordered him something inedible, as long as the waiter got away because he wasn’t comfortable with his gaze. Besides, he would definitely eat whatever served (it was Dongwoon’s choice afterall).
Kikwang sagged in his seat when he noticed more than a pair of eyes were staring at the general direction of their table. It couldn’t be helped, the actor who sat across him was definitely charming. Breathtaking. Gorgeous. Kikwang stared dreamily at the tall male. He was sitting together-having dinner together...what did he do to deserve this...?
“Hey.”
Dongwoon snapped his fingers right before his face and Kikwang flinched.
“Are you alright? You seem...off.”
“I’m-I’m alright,” Kikwang cleared his throat and nervously brought a hand to the first button on his shirt, squeezing it lightly. “I’m just feeling a bit...unwell.” Dongwoon slowly nodded at his statement with his eyes fixed on the the other male’s his hand. Kikwang avoided Dongwoon’s gaze by glancing around the room, but it was probably a mistake because now he knew, everyone was definitely staring. He sank deeper in his chair if it was even possible. “Th-they’re staring at you.”
“Me?” Dongwoon frowned and followed his line of sight. He seemed amused. “Us, you mean?”
“U-us?”
“I’m not the only...,” Dongwoon trailed off and rested his chin casually on the heel of his palm. “You know, they’re probably curious about us. That picture of us the other day, it was everywhere, but yet we didn’t make any statement.” Dongwoon shrugged before leaning forward with a grin. “Should we prove it to them that it is real?”
Kikwang blushed at his bold statement and shook his head vigorously. “St-stop it!”
Dongwoon chuckled as he pressed his back against the soft cushion of his chair. “You’re so cute, hyung.”
Kikwang wasn’t able to say anything else after that because his face was red like a boiled crab, even though he was dying from the curiosity. What did Dongwoon mean by proving that it was real?
Was it...not real?
When their food were finally delivered, both of them dug in right away. Dongwoon was definitely starving and Kikwang, well, he just ate to distract his mind off of the magnificent creature before him. Kikwang felt slightly amazed that Dongwoon ordered him something edible-and it was awfully delicious, too. He munched his food and smiled sadly to himself. If it was a dream, it was definitely a very good dream. A very, very, very good dream. It would be hard to wake up and lose Dongwoon...but what could he do about it? He was just Lee Kikwang and definitely not Lee Minhyuk.
Surprisingly, Dongwoon insisted on paying and Kikwang felt bad because it wasn’t exactly cheap. But in the end, he gave up and let Dongwoon paid for everything. A gentleman at the first date. Hmm. It brought a smile to Kikwang’s lips because at least when he woke up later (from this beautiful dream), he would have something to brag about.
Dongwoon drove him home-to Minhyuk’s apartment, of course. Kikwang looked blankly at the enormous building in front of him and wondered if he even had the key, but as he fumbled into his pockets, he did have it.
“I’ll see you soon,” Dongwoon said.
Kikwang peered over his shoulder with a mixed feeling. He wasn’t sure what to reply because it wasn’t his life. Hopefully, in a few hours, Kikwang would be asleep and this trance would soon be over. Whatever it was, he had more than enough to be blessed with an opportunity to be with Dongwoon. Even for a day-and in the form of someone else’s, too.
He should leave with a smile.
Kikwang broke into a shy smile before leaning to hug Dongwoon. The latter deadpanned by his gesture but did nothing to break free. Kikwang sighed gratefully as he inhaled Dongwoon’s scent. He was using his favorite brand, the one that he once mentioned in a magazine (which made Kikwang intended to save and buy the same perfume).
Would there even be soon when he was the almighty Son Dongwoon and he was just a university student, Lee Kikwang?
Of course not.
So Kikwang said what needed to be said.
“The next time we meet,” Kikwang whispered softly into the smooth fabric. “I’ll treat you...burgers.”
“Burgers?”
“Yeah,” Kikwang pulled away and made a face as he continued. “They’re extremely cheap but they taste ugh, heaven.”
Dongwoon was quiet for a few seconds before burst out laughing. The male was laughing so hard that his shoulders were shaking.
Kikwang turned several shades of red and wondered if he said something wrong. “Wh-what?”
“Nothing,” Dongwoon shook his head but he still couldn’t stop laughing. “Burgers-why didn’t you just say that you didn’t want to eat at that restaurant? We could’ve eaten somewhere else!”
“I-“
“But what’s done is done,” Dongwoon’s laughter finally ebbed after a while and he placed a hand on Kikwang’s head. “We’ll have that burgers next time.”
Next time.
“Okay,” Kikwang forced himself to smile.
Dongwoon smiled back.
And then Kikwang went into his-Minhyuk’s apartment after waving goodbye to Dongwoon. He took a warm shower, he put on a pair of decent pajamas before slipping underneath the blanket. Kikwang felt extremely tired after the long day. He took a deep breath and brought a hand to his lips.
All of this, he thought sleepily. Will be over in the morning.
He couldn’t wait to wake up and see Yoseob and tell him that he had a very nice dream.
A very nice dream that he wished he wouldn’t have to wake up from it.
Kikwang sighed deeply once again before giving himself up into the darkness.
***
“Wake up, sleepyhead.”
A playful hit landed on his head and Kikwang moaned in distaste.
“Yoseob-ah, why are you so mean-“
“Yoseob?”
Kikwang cracked his eyes open and bolted upright. He wished for a grumpy Yoseob or a worried Sohyun but it was Daehyun instead who came into sight.
He screamed dramatically.
“What? What??” Daehyun jumped backward with a hand on his chest. “Is there a spider? You hate spiders!”
“I-“ Kikwang gasped hysterically. “I...”
“What? Are you still sick?” Daehyun’s expression was genuine concern before it morphed into grim. “...don’t tell me you’re going to act sick again to skip interviews. I know you hate interviews, but fainting right before it began? Puh-lease. You cannot run away again today.”
“T-today?”
“An interview at the radio, surely you can, right? Because they will only record your voice so no excuses this time.”
Kikwang went horror at the fact and opened his mouth to say something, but Daehyun beat him off to it.
“Are you going to say that you’re not Minhyuk again? Because my hand will automatically aim for your cheek.”
Kikwang swallowed.
***
Fortunately, Minhyuk’s phone was one of the latest and it had the fastest connection Kikwang had ever known.
He managed to stumble upon Lee Minhyuk’s ultimate fansite and memorized facts about him-Minhyuk. He went into a panic mode for a minute knowing that he would be all alone for the interview and he hoped everything was going to be alright (and would reason that if he sounded a bit off it was because he was sick).
It turned out that Kikwang wasn’t alone.
But it was even worse knowing that it was Son Dongwoon that he was paired with.
Kikwang was about to enter the studio when he noticed the presence of the younger male and was about to sprint away when Daehyun roughly grabbed his collar-and choked badly in response. Dongwoon lifted his head up at his presence and Kikwang felt his heart stopped beating. He always thought that Dongwoon would be the death of him but not this way.
“Hey,” Dongwoon whispered slightly as he passed him by and brushed a hand on Kikwang’s shoulder.
“H-hey,” Kikwang tried to sound casual and almost failed miserably.
“Relax, it’s not like it’s your first time,” Dongwoon chuckled as he put on the headphones.
If it was anyone else, Kikwang would have definitely thrown something but because it was Dongwoon, he was forgiven. Kikwang nervously sent the DJs a smile-Chunji and Byunghyun from TeenTop, he thought? He knew a few things about them because Sohyun liked their group. And if he wasn’t mistaken, Sohyun had spazzed a thing or two about them and how they seemed to be in love and how obvious that they were in a relationship. Kikwang probably should take a picture of them later, send it to Sohyun with a caption YES YOU ARE RIGHT SOHYUNNIE.
“We’re going live in five, four,” the one who Kikwang believed named Chunji counted with his fingers and he closed his eyes to calm down.
Both of the radio DJs greeted warmly and started talking about their special guests today. Kikwang didn’t really listen to the whole conversation, but when Dongwoon introduced himself and both Chunji and Byunghyun were looking at his way, he took it as a cue that he should say his name.
“Lee Kik-Lee Minhyuk.”
Kikwang noticed Daehyun rolling his eyes outside the studio and he stuck a tongue out at him in reply. Daehyun looked blank at his childish attitude and Kikwang grinned impishly.
“So Dongwoon-shii, tell us what it felt like to work together with Lee Minhyuk?”
Dongwoon had no difficulty answering any kind of questions addressed to him. It got Kikwang to wonder if the male had been practicing the sentences. Something about him being professional and a wonderful actor and-Kikwang spaced out and snapped out of his reverie when he realized Chunji was asking him the same question. What it felt like to work together with Dongwoon-hmm, that one shouldn’t be too hard...?
“Minhyuk-shii, what do you think of Dongwoon?”
Crap.
“Eh? What do I think of...him?” Kikwang was a bit taken aback and noticed that everyone had their eyes on him, clearly waiting for his answer. He gulped and brought a hand to the first button on his shirt, squeezing it lightly. “Uh...great?”
“Just great?” Dongwoon replied in a feigned hurt tone. “I praised you and all I received in return is ‘great’?”
Everyone in the studio laughed, including Kikwang. He planned to make up a few words, preferably from Minhyuk’s point of view, but decided not to. Kikwang cleared his throat before starting again.
“He...,” Kikwang said slowly. “The first time I saw him in Bad Girl, I knew that he would make a great actor.” Byunghyun hummed in response at that, encouraging him to go on. “He appeared a few times here and there in tv commercials, but it wasn’t that long before anyone spotted his talent. When he was chosen as the male model in 4 Minute’s music video, I was...ecstatic. And ever since then, I think Dongwoon had a nice flow of career. He really climbed up. I...”
It was then that he realized that Dongwoon was watching him intently and he stared back.
“I think... I really look up to him.”
“And now you guys were working together in a movie, that must have been a really precious experience,” Byunghyun nodded to himself before turning to Chunji. “Both Minhyuk-shii and Dongwoon-shii adore each other, just like Chunji and I.” Chunji laughed at his lame statement. “Okay, what do you say that we start taking the calls? You can reach us here at this number if you have something you want to ask these gorgeous guys. Don’t be shy, ask away!”
Kikwang felt like he had just said something so terrible and yet good at the same time. He ran a hand through his hair and saw Daehyun flashing a thumb at him from outside the studio. Kikwang slightly smiled back in return and caught Dongwoon was still staring at him. Which had been quite some time. Kikwang gulped thickly.
Dongwoon bloomed into a kind smile and Kikwang swore his heart almost leapt out of his chest.
***
Daehyun left early due to a phone call-something about Youngjae, the real artist that he had been managing for quite some time after Kikwang.
An hour later, their radio interview was done, and Dongwoon offered to drive him home-after getting burgers.
“You remember,” Kikwang giggled as he got into the car. “And it’s my treat this time!”
Dongwoon seemed to be intrigued when Kikwang told him ‘it’s super duper delicious and you have to try it!’ and drove to the place he recommended. When they arrived at the restaurant, Kikwang (apparently forgetting that he was in Minhyuk’s form) was about to get off of the car and but was stopped halfway. The place was a bit crowded and if they decided to eat there, they probably wouldn’t be able to eat in peace. Kikwang frowned at his ridiculous statement but then he realized that the other male might be right. They decided to just eat in the car after ordering takeouts from drive through.
“This is really good,” Dongwoon said after the first bite. “You came here a lot?”
“It’s good, right,” Kikwang grinned happily. “With my friends, yeah.”
“You have a friend?”
“Hey, what’s that supposed to mean?”
Dongwoon laughed and earned a playful hit in the arm. “I guess all of those rumors aren’t true?”
“What...rumors?”
Dongwoon’s eyes softened as he swallowed a small piece of meat. He wasn’t looking at Kikwang when he spoke. “Never mind. But you talked a lot lately.”
Kikwang stopped munching because he suddenly remembered that it was also mentioned in one of the fansites. Lee Minhyuk doesn’t talk much. “I-I guess...?”
Dongwoon turned to him with a smile. “If only you were like this a few months ago, when we were still working together for Beautiful Night.”
If Minhyuk were like this...what would happen?
Kikwang’s heart sank. He opened his mouth to retort but nothing came out. Instead, he closed it back and pressed his lips into a thin line. Did Dongwoon...like Minhyuk? Or was it just his imagination? Kikwang grimaced.
Dongwoon swallowed his bite before continuing. “Anyway, it was our last interview for this week. Not recalling there would be any of Beautiful Night interview again soon. For the two of us to have it together, I mean.”
Kikwang mouthed an ‘oh’ and stayed silent. Somewhere, a small part of his heart felt relieved because it was...good? It was good. Perhaps. Because he wasn’t sure what would happen if he kept on seeing Dongwoon.
He could fall.
Deeply.
Too deep that he couldn’t climb back.
“Can I...see you even without work related?”
Kikwang’s heart missed a beat. Or two. Or ten.
“D-Dongwoon-ah,” he tried to speak but it only came as a whisper.
“Yes?”
“I...”
Dongwoon waited patiently and took another bite.
“I’m not...”
Dongwoon immediately swallowed the food down his throat and leaned closer to him. “What’s wrong?”
I’m not Minhyuk.
Should I say it...?
Should I not...?
“Hey, Minhyuk-ah.”
Kikwang’s lips were trembling slightly when he parted them to answer.
“O-okay.”
“You’re okay...?”
“No, I mean...it’s okay to...meet.”
Dongwoon’s eyes were gleaming at that. The taller male seemed very glad at his answer and broke into a grin.
“Deal.”
Kikwang had definitely fallen.
[2]