The Education of Zico 1/?
Pairing: ZiChan (Zico/Himchan)
Rated: PG13
Length: 5.5K
Sequel to The Miseducation of Junhong
(one) (two) (three) (four) (five) (six)
“I hate you.”
“I wish you were dead.”
“When you were born I tried to suffocate you with a pillow.”
“I jack off into your shampoo whenever you come home.”
Himchan gagged and covered his mouth in horror. “You do what?!” He screamed, lunging for his little brother in anger.
Sticking his tongue out at him, Junhong cowered behind his boyfriend. “Gukkie, don’t let him hurt me!”
The older boy rolled his eyes and casually pushed his best friend back. “He’s just trying to piss you off, Channie. He doesn’t really do that. Do you?”
Junhong shook his head. “Of course not.” He stifled a snort at the blatant lie and wrapped his arms around Yongguk’s stomach, nuzzling his face into his back. “Make him go away so we can be alone.”
“Look, I’m okay with you two dating.” Himchan grimaced. “It’s really disgusting and all since you’re my best friend and you’re my little brother. But I deal with it. Just don’t talk about being alone together, okay? I want to keep my food down.”
Smirking, Junhong licked a stripe up Yongguk’s neck, ending at his ear where he clasped it gently between his teeth, sucking it into his mouth.
Before he could stop himself, Yongguk closed his eyes and let out a breathy gasp at the feeling.
“Goddammit!” Himchan pushed them out of his way and stomped towards the door. “You’re both just fucking nasty!”
Yongguk sighed and gave the younger boy a condescending glare. “That was uncalled for, Junhonggie.”
He shrugged. “He just needs to get laid. It’s been a while for him.” His eyes lit up. “I’ve already planned the perfect way to get him out of our hair this summer!”
The boys were home on college for the next three months. Himchan’s parents really wanted him to stay in school and work on extra assignments, but Yongguk somehow convinced him to take the summer off and weaseled himself an invite to come and stay with his family.
The fact that he was dying to spend three months fucking the brains out of Junhong might have greatly influenced that decision.
“You’re not going to do anything stupid are you?” He asked worriedly, trying to ignore the friendly hands roaming up the front of his shirt. “Because I don’t want to deal with him all summer if he’s going to be a bigger bitch than he already is.”
Junhong scoffed. “No, I just meant I know a way to keep him busy. I have a friend that had to go to summer school or he wouldn’t pass. He already asked if I knew someone who would tutor him. And it would give hyung some extra money. So he’ll stay happy.”
Yongguk didn’t look convinced, but the lips on his neck and the hand that was slowly unbuttoning his pants was enough to make him agree to anything his boyfriend said. “This kid,” He murmured, leaning his head back as cool fingers rubbed gently over the front of his boxers, jeans sliding down to his feet. “He as annoying as you?”
Junhong squeezed his hand painfully hard over his bulge. “Yah! That’s nice words to say to the person who was about to suck your dick!” He turned him around and pushed him backwards onto the bed, his eyes narrowed. “And he’s even more annoying than me. So Himchan-hyung is in for a rough summer. Now no more talk about my brother. I’ve got things to do.”
---
Groaning, Himchan banged his head on the table. He wondered why he had even agreed to this job. Junhong had practically begged him, saying this boy was his best friend and that if he didn’t pass then he would be all alone next year. And if Junhong was alone, then it meant he would be visiting them at school more. Himchan shuddered. That was unacceptable.
But that was before he had actually met Woo Zico. Now he thought maybe having his little brother’s company might actually be better than three months stuck with this little jerk.
They had first met a few days earlier when Zico came over to see Junhong and after he left, his brother had casually mentioned that he was the boy Himchan was going to start tutoring that week.
The shabbily dressed kid hadn’t even thanked him for agreeing to help at their first session. He had just walked inside as if he owned the place, did some stupid multi-action handshake with Junhong and then turned to him and said that they needed to get started because he had to meet his friends in two hours.
Himchan had gritted his teeth at the blatant disrespect, but chose to ignore it.
When Zico had rapped his pencil on the table to a tune, lips mouthing some unknown song as Himchan tried to explain the math concepts he needed to know, he hadn’t said anything. He just waited patiently for him to realize what he was doing before starting again.
But the constant texting on his cell phone was the last straw. After the thirteenth beep in the last forty-five minutes (he had been keeping track, thank you), he finally lost it, grabbing the phone and ripping it out of the boy’s hand with a hiss.
“You’re not paying me to watch to chat up your friends, you little shit!” He said angrily. “I suggest you start paying attention!”
Zico had curled those full lips up at him and leaned forward onto his elbows. “You’re sassy.” He mused. “I like that.”
Himchan had opened his mouth and sputtered for a second. “D-Don’t be a dick.” He stuttered, much to his frustration. “I’ll give you your phone back when we’re done. Do questions one through twenty.”
He took the time to collect himself while Zico followed his orders without complaint. He wasn’t sure if it was his goal to fluster him, but it definitely worked. Himchan eyed him out of the corner of his eye, biting back a smile at the tongue poked out of the corner of his lips as he concentrated on the problems. It was something surprisingly childlike that was unexpected coming from the seventeen year old boy.
He wouldn’t be bad-looking if he was cleaned up a little, Himchan decided. If he burned those disgusting thug clothes, cut his messy black hair neatly and maybe washed his hands with some good soap, he would be pretty decent looking.
The small, sharp eyes suddenly met his and closed slightly in a smile. “What are you doing, hyung?”
“Nothing.” He said quickly. “Waiting for you to do your work.”
After he had finished the problems and gotten Himchan’s stamp of approval on them, he stretched his back and stood up.
“What are you doing?” Himchan demanded. “We’re not done yet.”
Zico turned to him. “I’m hungry. Junhong told me there were some chips in the cabinet for a snack.”
“You’re just going to get crumbs and grease all over our papers.” Himchan scolded. “You can eat when we’re done.”
Ignoring him, Zico ripped into a bag and stuffed a handful in his mouth as he leaned back comfortably in his seat. “Why are you so snappy?” He asked curiously, licking salt off the tip of his finger. “Junhong told me you were an asshole, but you’re like 90% teenage girl.”
Himchan jutted his jaw out and stared at him. “I think you just insulted me.”
“I did.” Zico licked his lips and held out a chip. “You want one? You’re too skinny.”
He rolled his eyes and grabbed it, just to have an excuse not to bite his head off. “So what’s so important that you can’t wait till our sessions over to text back about.”
“I’m meeting my friends up at a club downtown tonight. You could come with.” Zico said nonchalantly. “We’d have a good time together. You might actually work that stick up your ass loose.”
Himchan took a deep breath and reached across the table to Zico’s stack of schoolbooks. “Let’s do Science next.” He stuck his pencil in his mouth as he read through the course requirements, taking it out occasionally to make notes across the paper. “I think this will be your easiest test.” He mumbled around the pencil as he thumbed through the pages.
A chuckle reached his ears and he looked up at the other boy in confusion.
“You need to take the pencil out to talk, hyung.” He said softly. “I can’t understand you.”
Himchan felt his ears turn red and he yanked the slobbered on pencil out of his mouth, wiping it on his pants. “Open your book to chapter seven.” He muttered, wishing the kid would stop being a brat one second and acting sweet the next.
He was really enjoying hating him.
Zico crossed his arms and leaned back in his seat. “I’m kinda tired of studying.” He told him. “I think I’m gonna head out.”
“But we haven’t even sta-“
“I’ll see you on Monday, hyung.” Zico interrupted, pulling on his shoes. “Don’t worry, I’ll still pay you for the full two hours.” He gave him a cocky wink as he headed out the door. “Oh, and the offer is still open if you wanted to come. The name of the club is Block B.”
Himchan huffed and watched him go. He turned his glare towards the ceiling. “Junhong!”
---
“Did you hear something?” Junhong asked between kisses, most of his body and mind concentrating on the man sprawled between his legs.
Yongguk shook his head, his fingers tracing patterns into the pale skin below him. “Nope. Don’t change the subject.” He ordered, lips nipping at the boy’s swollen lips. “I asked you a question. Have you decided yet?”
“Mm.” Junhong hooked his ankles around his boyfriend’s back and yanked him closer, hoping it would distract him. “I want you to bend me over the bed.” He told him. “Wrap your hand across my mouth and keep me quiet, hyung. I wanna be loud.”
Forcing back a groan, Yongguk pushed himself off and rubbed his eyes, trying to will his erection away. “I’m trying to be serious.” He said quietly. “What have you decided about college?”
Junhong kicked his feet stubbornly on the bed. “Dammit hyung! I’m trying to have sex with you and all you want to talk about is school?”
“You’re going to be a junior this year, Junhong.” He told him seriously. “You’ve got to prepare for the SAT’s, start applying to colleges, get organized for the rest of your life. I want you to get into my school and stay with me, you know that. But if you like another school better, we need to work on getting you in it.”
“What makes you think I want to live with you?” Junhong crossed his arms and turned his head away. “Maybe I won’t want you anymore when I graduate.”
Yongguk bit his lips, hiding his smile. “Because even though we’ve been dating for six months, you still make me text you goodnight every single day. And for my birthday you bought me a shirt with your picture on it to wear to the gym.”
“I don’t want other people to hit on you.” Junhong pouted. “Mine.”
Nuzzling his face into his neck, Yongguk wrapped his arms around Junhong’s body, so close that he could feel his heart racing. “But I hope you still want to live with me in two years because I know I’ll still be loving you then.” He whispered into Junhong’s ear.
Even though his cheeks were red, Junhong still tried to look tough. “You’re a sap.” He told him, loosening up in his hold. “But you’re my sap. Of course I want to be with you.” He stroked his fingers up Yongguk’s bare side. “I just don’t know if college is for me. Some people aren’t cut out for it.”
“Then I’ll help you.” Yongguk promised. “We’ll do your homework together and I’ll help you plan your schedule each semester so it’s easy for you.”
Junhong smiled against his skin. “I love you, hyung. Even if you’re cheesy.”
Their lips met in the middle, Junhong letting Yongguk take the lead as he kissed his stresses away. They had been arguing about school for weeks now, but Junhong knew that at the end of the day, he would do anything his hyung asked of him. He loved Yongguk too much to lose him.
“I love you, Junhonggie.”
---
“Do I have to?” Himchan whined, stomping his foot. “He’s such an idiot. And he didn’t even stay the whole two hours on our first class!”
Junhong rolled his eyes. “He paid you for it, though. Why are you complaining for getting free money?” He knew Zico wouldn’t stick around for the full time every session, but he thought he would at least make it for half.
“Why do I have to meet him at his house though?” The thought of seeing where the lower-classed boy lived made him shudder.
Yongguk finally spoke up, all patience with the two brothers long gone. “Because your parents are going to visit your grandmother and I would really like to spend the next two hours with my tongue on your little brother’s dick, so unless you want to hear just how high he can sc-“
“Oh god, just shut up!” Himchan covered his ears and gagged. “Fine! Give me his address but please, please don’t start until I leave the house!”
Junhong smiled innocently and handed over a piece of paper. “Here you go, hyung! Already have it ready for you.”
“I hate you both.” He growled, snatching it from his hands and stomping towards the door. “I’ll text on my way home. At least have clothes on by the time I get back!”
He grumbled the whole way to the bus station, mad that he didn’t get to spend his summer in peace, annoyed that his only friend liked spending time with his little brother more than him, but mostly pissed off at the hoodrat he had to meet twice a week.
The address was all the way across town. In the slum, Himchan noticed, curling his lip at it. He knew the boy was poor but he didn’t think he lived in this ran down area.
When the bus dropped him off, he gulped, pulling his bag tight against his body. For all he knew there were rapists and thieves surrounding him on all sides. Maybe he shouldn’t have worn such nice clothes, he mentally slapped himself.
The house he stopped in front of was shabby with the paint peeling off the wall, but someone had planted flowers all down the sidewalk trying to make it look nicer than it actually was.
“Himchan?” Zico looked confused when he opened the door to see him standing there. “What are you doing here? How did you know where I lived?”
Deciding to let the lack of honorifics go, Himchan gave the younger boy’s appearance a glance over. Low slung pajama pants and a faded blue t-shirt were paired with his puffy eyes and messy hair.
“Were you asleep?” Himchan asked incredulously. “It’s eleven in the morning! You knew we had a tutoring session today!”
Zico yawned and scratched his stomach. “I called Junhong yesterday to tell him I couldn’t make it. I had to work until three this morning and just got up.” He turned and motioned into the house. “Come in. I just need to get the kid fed.”
“Kid?” Himchan followed him into the house, slipping his shoes off by the door. He was surprised to find the inside of the house was actually really clean. The furniture was sparse, but well-kept and the walls were decorated with paintings covering almost every spare surface. “Aren’t you a little young to be a dad?’
“It’s my sister.” Zico chuckled, stirring a pan of eggs on the stove. “She’s going to her dad’s in a little bit and I know she won’t get fed so I’ve got to fill her up here.”
A tiny girl, no taller than Himchan’s waist came tearing around the corner and screeching as she ran into her brother’s arms.
“Oppa! I can’t find my bear!” Her lips crumpled and she buried her face into his chest.
“Where did you leave it?” He asked, moving her to his hip so he could continue fixing her lunch.
Himchan watched in confusion as the asshole he had met the week before somehow morphed into a caring older brother.
She frowned. “I had it when I went to bed last night. But I haven’t seen him all day.”
Zico smiled and sat her back on the floor. “Why don’t you go see if he’s still in your bed then. Let Oppa finish your food, okay?”
“She’s cute.” Himchan said quietly. “You take care of her a lot?”
He shrugged, not turning away from the stove. “Our mom works two jobs so I’ve been watching her since she was born. Her dad skipped out when she was only a few months old. He gets her one weekend a month but half the time he rarely even shows up. That’s why he’s coming today. Apparently he was ‘sick’ over the weekend.”
His attitude turned back to the one Himchan was more familiar with when he finished cooking and turned his attention back to him.
“So, couldn’t stay away from me, hyung? Coming over even though I cancelled?” He smirked, cocking his head to the side. “And here I thought you hated me.”
Himchan rolled his eyes, pulling his bag off and taking Zico’s books out. “My idiot brother conveniently forgot you had called. Oh and you forgot your school books at my house. You need to keep them to study in your free time.”
“Rinnie!” He called up the hallway, ignoring the stack of books on the table. “Come eat before your dad gets here! And you starve for the next twenty-four hours.” He mumbled under his breath.
When he had his sister seated comfortably at the table with her plate of food, he motioned for Himchan to follow him. They entered his bedroom and Zico plopped himself down on the bed, raising an eyebrow as Himchan stood uncomfortably in the doorway.
“You can sit down.” He said, patting the spot beside him.
Himchan grimaced but sat down anyway, looking over the bed first to make sure it was clean. “What do you want to study first?” He opened his notebook and popped the pen between his teeth.
Zico groaned and looked at his clock. “I want to study naptime. Can we do that first?” He held his arms out. “I’m a cuddler if that helps?”
“Do you ever stop?” Himchan snapped, pushing him backwards. “Why are you acting so childish?”
“Why are you acting so stuck up?” The other boy retorted. “God, when your brother asked me to help loosen you up I didn’t think it would be near this difficult.”
That was a mistake to say, he realized, as Himchan’s eyes grew twice their size at his words. “My brother did what?” He hissed.
Zico held his hands up. “Hey now, I’m just the innocent party here. I needed help with summer school and Junhong said he had a bitch of a brother that needed to be tamed. Not my fault everyone dislikes you.”
“W-What do you mean?” Himchan swallowed, feeling hurt that his brother told Zico he disliked him. He knew they fought a lot but that didn’t mean he didn’t care about him. “Everyone dislikes me?”
The panic-stricken look on Zico’s face would have been hilarious at any other time. “Well, I like you.” He offered, scratching the back of his neck. “I mean, yeah you’re a sarcastic asshole, but it amuses me. Junhong just doesn’t like being cockblocked by you all the time.” He gave him a small grin. “What about pushing tutoring back for a while? Once Rinnie leaves we’ll go do something fun, okay?”
Himchan was still wounded, biting his lip as he shook his head. “You said you were tired. I can go and come back later.” He turned to leave, halting when Zico jumped out in front of him.
“I’m used to not getting much sleep.” Zico assured him. “A few hours a night is all I need to get by. Rinnie’s dad will be here any minute and then it’s just you and me.”
The wink he shot him had Himchan recoiling. If this little punk thought he was going to be smooth-talking Kim Himchan all night then he had another thing coming.
“Oppa!” A shrill voice rang through the house. “Door!”
He sighed and left Himchan alone in his bedroom as he went to open the door. Himchan awkwardly followed him out and rested against the kitchen table.
“Have her home by suppertime tomorrow.” Zico ordered the overweight man at the door. “And don’t forget to feed her this time.” He turned to his sister and planted a kiss to her forehead, shooting her a smile that made Himchan’s breath catch in his throat. That was an expression that he had yet to see from the younger boy. A real, honest smile. It made his eyes disappear and his whole face light up.
Himchan averted his eyes, not wanting to think about the bubbly feeling that was filling up his stomach.
“Oppa put some snacks in your bag, okay? Make sure you brush your teeth before bed. And you remember our phone number, right?”
She nodded, dark pigtails bouncing against her head. “Bye bye!” She ran to her father and swung their hands together as they headed towards the sidewalk. Zico watched them go with a frown on his face.
“You don’t like her leaving with him.” Himchan observed.
Zico shook his head. “He’s a mutt.” He grumbled. “Only cares about himself. If his apartment caught on fire he probably wouldn’t even think about her.”
Himchan didn’t know what to say to him. He didn’t know if there was anyone in his life he wouldn’t do the same for. His brother obviously hated him. And his parents only cared about his grades and having the perfect son. They never tried to get to know him on a personal level.
“You care to wait a minute so I can jump into the shower?” Zico pointed to the couch. “We only get local channels but there’s usually some movies playing around this time of day. I won’t be long.”
Himchan was absorbed in the movie by the time Zico emerged from the shower, hair dripping over his t-shirt as he jumped into the living room pulling his socks on. “Whatcha watching?” He asked, dropping onto the couch beside him.
“I have no idea but I think this woman just gave birth to a crocodile.” Himchan told him, not taking his eyes off the TV. “Look, now her crocodile baby is eating her husband!”
“That’s really fucking weird, dude.” Zico pulled on his arm. “Let’s go.”
“Where are we going?” Himchan laced his tennis shoes back on and looked warily at him.
Zico shrugged. “Who knows? Do you have to have a plan for everything?” When Himchan opened his mouth to reply, he covered it with his hand. “That was a rhetorical question.”
“I didn’t even know you knew what rhetorical even was.” Himchan teased.
Another of those damn winks met him as Zico led them out the door. “There’s a lot you don’t know about me, hyung. Maybe you should try and find out.”
---
“An amusement park?” Himchan licked his lips and wiped his forehead. “I don’t- I don’t really like amusement parks.”
Zico didn’t look like he cared, buying them each a ticket to enter and yanking Himchan along behind him through the gates. “Well I just spent your days tutoring money on our tickets, so you’re going to enjoy it.”
They stopped at the entrance to the roller coaster and both stared up at it in silence.
“You wanna build our way up to it?” Zico asked, concerned when a quiet whimper sounded beside him.
Himchan nodded, not trusting himself to speak. Heights have always worried him, but he was too embarrassed to admit it.
They started out at the food court, Himchan buying them both lunch without complaint. He missed the twitch of the other boy’s lips when he pulled his wallet out immediately after ordering.
“So what do you want to do first?” Zico asked through a mouthful of french fries.
“Chew your food you slob.” Himchan grimaced.
Zico just grinned, not bothering to shut his mouth as he chewed. “We can go on the rides or we can hit up the arcade.”
The rides might be fun, minus the roller coaster, but he wasn’t brave enough to risk them so soon after eating. “Arcade.” Himchan finally chose, swatting the other boy’s hand away from dipping into his tray. “Don’t touch my food. I’ll bite.”
“Yeah?” Zico bit back a smile, but retracted his fingers. “I’ll keep that in mind.” He wiped the grease off on his jeans and slurped down the rest of his soda. “You almost done there Princess? Is your food even hot anymore?”
Himchan shot him a glare and continued to calmly eat his lunch. “I don’t want to inhale it and get sick. My stomach is sensitive.”
“Oh you have got to be kidding me.” Zico rolled his eyes, throwing himself back in his chair. “I’m going to die at this table, aren’t I? You’re going to continue eating until I have gray hair!” He shut up when a handful of fries was shoved in his open mouth.
“Jesus! No wonder you and my brother are such good friends.” Himchan peered around in embarrassment, hoping no one was watching them. “You both are idiots!”
Zico hummed a response, happily finishing off the rest of the food. “Aw you know you’ve grown fond of me.” He teased, sneaking his hand under the table and tickling the other boy on his side. At Himchan’s surprisingly girlish giggle, he dug his fingers in harder until he had him gasping and begging for him to stop.
“You brat!” Himchan wheezed, trying to catch his breath. “How could anyone like someone like you?”
He regretted his words when he found himself pushed backwards on the bench, Zico hovering overtop of him, fingers curling every which way over his chest.
“What was that?” Zico asked, laughing loudly at the muffled snorts Himchan was trying to hide. “Someone like me?”
“S-Stop! I’m sorry!” The apology came easily from his lips, words he rarely ever said in life. Himchan never apologized for anything, much less to a seventeen year old punk who he was being forced to spend time with. “I’m sorry, Zico!”
Zico wanted more than that, not letting up until he told him what he wanted to hear. “Do you like me then?” He ordered, not letting up. “Tell me you’re fond of me!”
“I-I like you!” The older boy gasped out. “I’m fond of you, now stop!”
Sitting back, Zico smiled happily. “Well geez hyung, that’s a little forward. I’m not that type of boy!”
Instead of getting annoyed, Himchan just laughed and playfully punched his shoulder. “Are you gonna let me win at the games?” He asked as they headed towards the arcade area. “Since you just tortured me I think I deserve to win a few.”
“Of course, Princess.” Before he could tell him that nickname was not going to fly, Zico gave him a smile, another real one, and he didn’t have the heart to admonish him. “What do I get for letting you win? I don’t do shit outta the goodness of my heart, you know.”
Himchan frowned. “What do you want? And don’t make it creepy.”
Zico’s eyes softened as he laced their fingers together. “Come out with me and my friend’s tonight. We’re going to a club. You’ll have fun, I promise.”
He didn’t really think clubbing was his thing. Being surrounded by sweaty, possibly drunk teenagers was not his idea of a good time. “Okay.” He told him, surprising himself.
“Okay. Good.” Zico squeezed his hand and pulled him towards the door to the arcade. “But only a few. I’m not just going to roll over and die in here.”
---
“You want to try out some of the rides?” Zico waved his hand around with a grimace after three hours of continuous playing. “I’m getting a cramp from kicking your ass this whole time.” He laughed at the sour expression on Himchan’s face. It was obvious that he was horrible at playing video games. Zico had to really dumb down his playing just to let Himchan win occasionally.
“I’m not a big gamer.” The other boy mumbled, suddenly feeling embarrassed for never having friends over all night to play like Junhong always did.
“It’s okay.” Zico braided their hands back together. “I’ll teach you.”
They stood in line for a ride, waiting in comfortable silence. Himchan wondered if this was how all friends spent time together. Sure he had Yongguk, but before he started dating his brother all they did was homework and the occasional pizza and beer. He had never gone and done something fun with anyone, spent all day together laughing and playing around. And did friends hold hands this long?
“You look distracted.” Zico murmured as they moved forward a little. “We don’t have to go on this ride if you don’t want to.”
Himchan shook his head. “No that’s not it. I was just…” He felt his cheeks heat up and he hated feeling embarrassed. “Are you and I… Are we friends now?”
Instead of laughing at his awkward question like he thought he would, Zico just shrugged. “We are if you want to be.” He told him. “You’re pretty cool when you’re not being Ice Princess.”
He elbowed his side, not releasing his hand. If friends held hands then that was okay with him. He kind of liked the way the other boy’s skin felt pressed against his, their arms rubbing together as they stood side by side. And he smelled really good, something that surprised him. For some reason he expected the younger boy to be dirty, a side effect of living in the ghetto of their town.
But Himchan could smell the faint scent of soap from his shower and even some kind of cologne. It was probably something cheap that he picked up somewhere local, not nearly as expensive as Himchan’s own name brand stuff that his mother bought him from department stores. But he liked it. It was Zico.
They had to release each other’s hands to get on the ride and Himchan couldn’t help the small pang of something in his chest at the sudden emptiness against him.
“Have you ever ridden one of these before?” Zico asked, pulling the lap bar over their stomachs.
Himchan looked ashamed. “I’ve never actually been to an amusement park.” He admitted.
The ride started before Zico could pick his jaw up. “What?” He screeched. “Never? Never ever?”
The boat started moving side to side faster and Himchan gripped the bar tightly. “No.” He said through clenched teeth. “They never interested me.”
Zico could see how frightened Himchan was and he regretted bringing him there. “C’mere.” He told him, lifting his arm up as the ride was now swinging at top speeds. Himchan didn’t need a second command, fisting his hands against Zico’s t-shirt and burying his face against his chest. “I’m sorry, hyung. I didn’t know you were scared of rides. I’m sorry.”
A whimper hit his ears as Himchan’s hot breath panted against him. “I’m not scared of rides.” He said brokenly. “Just heights.”
Zico pressed his cheek against Himchan’s head, trying to distract him by murmuring soothingly. By the time the ride was over he had Himchan calmed down enough to step shakily off the boat.
The older boy wouldn’t look at him as they walked away from the ride, his cheeks bright red. He only stopped when Zico’s hand caught him around the wrist. “Hyung, we don’t have to go on anymore rides, okay? Do you want to go back to my place?”
Himchan shook his head, glad for the feeling of Zico’s skin against his again. It made him feel comforted. “I’m a killjoy, aren’t I? No wonder my own brother and best friend wanted to be rid of me.”
Chuckling, Zico let go of his hand and snuck his arm around Himchan’s slim waist. “Don’t be like that.” He said quietly against his ear, Himchan’s eyes fluttering at the sensation. “They just wanted to spend some time alone. They love each other. You know how that is.” At Himchan’s blank expression he pulled back in shock. “You’ve never been in love with someone?”
“N-No.” He answered nervously. “I’m only nineteen. You’re just a kid, what do you know about it?”
Zico pulled him closer, his thumb somehow slipping under the thin t-shirt and rubbing against Himchan’s soft skin. “I’m seventeen.” He told him. “And I’ve been in love with someone since I was fifteen.”
“Oh really?” Himchan looked amused. “Someone actually liked you enough to fall in love with you?”
He regretted the joke when the younger boy’s eyes flashed with hurt, his arm retracting back to his own body. “I never said they loved me back.”
Rated: PG13
Length: 5.5K
Sequel to The Miseducation of Junhong
(one) (two) (three) (four) (five) (six)
“I hate you.”
“I wish you were dead.”
“When you were born I tried to suffocate you with a pillow.”
“I jack off into your shampoo whenever you come home.”
Himchan gagged and covered his mouth in horror. “You do what?!” He screamed, lunging for his little brother in anger.
Sticking his tongue out at him, Junhong cowered behind his boyfriend. “Gukkie, don’t let him hurt me!”
The older boy rolled his eyes and casually pushed his best friend back. “He’s just trying to piss you off, Channie. He doesn’t really do that. Do you?”
Junhong shook his head. “Of course not.” He stifled a snort at the blatant lie and wrapped his arms around Yongguk’s stomach, nuzzling his face into his back. “Make him go away so we can be alone.”
“Look, I’m okay with you two dating.” Himchan grimaced. “It’s really disgusting and all since you’re my best friend and you’re my little brother. But I deal with it. Just don’t talk about being alone together, okay? I want to keep my food down.”
Smirking, Junhong licked a stripe up Yongguk’s neck, ending at his ear where he clasped it gently between his teeth, sucking it into his mouth.
Before he could stop himself, Yongguk closed his eyes and let out a breathy gasp at the feeling.
“Goddammit!” Himchan pushed them out of his way and stomped towards the door. “You’re both just fucking nasty!”
Yongguk sighed and gave the younger boy a condescending glare. “That was uncalled for, Junhonggie.”
He shrugged. “He just needs to get laid. It’s been a while for him.” His eyes lit up. “I’ve already planned the perfect way to get him out of our hair this summer!”
The boys were home on college for the next three months. Himchan’s parents really wanted him to stay in school and work on extra assignments, but Yongguk somehow convinced him to take the summer off and weaseled himself an invite to come and stay with his family.
The fact that he was dying to spend three months fucking the brains out of Junhong might have greatly influenced that decision.
“You’re not going to do anything stupid are you?” He asked worriedly, trying to ignore the friendly hands roaming up the front of his shirt. “Because I don’t want to deal with him all summer if he’s going to be a bigger bitch than he already is.”
Junhong scoffed. “No, I just meant I know a way to keep him busy. I have a friend that had to go to summer school or he wouldn’t pass. He already asked if I knew someone who would tutor him. And it would give hyung some extra money. So he’ll stay happy.”
Yongguk didn’t look convinced, but the lips on his neck and the hand that was slowly unbuttoning his pants was enough to make him agree to anything his boyfriend said. “This kid,” He murmured, leaning his head back as cool fingers rubbed gently over the front of his boxers, jeans sliding down to his feet. “He as annoying as you?”
Junhong squeezed his hand painfully hard over his bulge. “Yah! That’s nice words to say to the person who was about to suck your dick!” He turned him around and pushed him backwards onto the bed, his eyes narrowed. “And he’s even more annoying than me. So Himchan-hyung is in for a rough summer. Now no more talk about my brother. I’ve got things to do.”
---
Groaning, Himchan banged his head on the table. He wondered why he had even agreed to this job. Junhong had practically begged him, saying this boy was his best friend and that if he didn’t pass then he would be all alone next year. And if Junhong was alone, then it meant he would be visiting them at school more. Himchan shuddered. That was unacceptable.
But that was before he had actually met Woo Zico. Now he thought maybe having his little brother’s company might actually be better than three months stuck with this little jerk.
They had first met a few days earlier when Zico came over to see Junhong and after he left, his brother had casually mentioned that he was the boy Himchan was going to start tutoring that week.
The shabbily dressed kid hadn’t even thanked him for agreeing to help at their first session. He had just walked inside as if he owned the place, did some stupid multi-action handshake with Junhong and then turned to him and said that they needed to get started because he had to meet his friends in two hours.
Himchan had gritted his teeth at the blatant disrespect, but chose to ignore it.
When Zico had rapped his pencil on the table to a tune, lips mouthing some unknown song as Himchan tried to explain the math concepts he needed to know, he hadn’t said anything. He just waited patiently for him to realize what he was doing before starting again.
But the constant texting on his cell phone was the last straw. After the thirteenth beep in the last forty-five minutes (he had been keeping track, thank you), he finally lost it, grabbing the phone and ripping it out of the boy’s hand with a hiss.
“You’re not paying me to watch to chat up your friends, you little shit!” He said angrily. “I suggest you start paying attention!”
Zico had curled those full lips up at him and leaned forward onto his elbows. “You’re sassy.” He mused. “I like that.”
Himchan had opened his mouth and sputtered for a second. “D-Don’t be a dick.” He stuttered, much to his frustration. “I’ll give you your phone back when we’re done. Do questions one through twenty.”
He took the time to collect himself while Zico followed his orders without complaint. He wasn’t sure if it was his goal to fluster him, but it definitely worked. Himchan eyed him out of the corner of his eye, biting back a smile at the tongue poked out of the corner of his lips as he concentrated on the problems. It was something surprisingly childlike that was unexpected coming from the seventeen year old boy.
He wouldn’t be bad-looking if he was cleaned up a little, Himchan decided. If he burned those disgusting thug clothes, cut his messy black hair neatly and maybe washed his hands with some good soap, he would be pretty decent looking.
The small, sharp eyes suddenly met his and closed slightly in a smile. “What are you doing, hyung?”
“Nothing.” He said quickly. “Waiting for you to do your work.”
After he had finished the problems and gotten Himchan’s stamp of approval on them, he stretched his back and stood up.
“What are you doing?” Himchan demanded. “We’re not done yet.”
Zico turned to him. “I’m hungry. Junhong told me there were some chips in the cabinet for a snack.”
“You’re just going to get crumbs and grease all over our papers.” Himchan scolded. “You can eat when we’re done.”
Ignoring him, Zico ripped into a bag and stuffed a handful in his mouth as he leaned back comfortably in his seat. “Why are you so snappy?” He asked curiously, licking salt off the tip of his finger. “Junhong told me you were an asshole, but you’re like 90% teenage girl.”
Himchan jutted his jaw out and stared at him. “I think you just insulted me.”
“I did.” Zico licked his lips and held out a chip. “You want one? You’re too skinny.”
He rolled his eyes and grabbed it, just to have an excuse not to bite his head off. “So what’s so important that you can’t wait till our sessions over to text back about.”
“I’m meeting my friends up at a club downtown tonight. You could come with.” Zico said nonchalantly. “We’d have a good time together. You might actually work that stick up your ass loose.”
Himchan took a deep breath and reached across the table to Zico’s stack of schoolbooks. “Let’s do Science next.” He stuck his pencil in his mouth as he read through the course requirements, taking it out occasionally to make notes across the paper. “I think this will be your easiest test.” He mumbled around the pencil as he thumbed through the pages.
A chuckle reached his ears and he looked up at the other boy in confusion.
“You need to take the pencil out to talk, hyung.” He said softly. “I can’t understand you.”
Himchan felt his ears turn red and he yanked the slobbered on pencil out of his mouth, wiping it on his pants. “Open your book to chapter seven.” He muttered, wishing the kid would stop being a brat one second and acting sweet the next.
He was really enjoying hating him.
Zico crossed his arms and leaned back in his seat. “I’m kinda tired of studying.” He told him. “I think I’m gonna head out.”
“But we haven’t even sta-“
“I’ll see you on Monday, hyung.” Zico interrupted, pulling on his shoes. “Don’t worry, I’ll still pay you for the full two hours.” He gave him a cocky wink as he headed out the door. “Oh, and the offer is still open if you wanted to come. The name of the club is Block B.”
Himchan huffed and watched him go. He turned his glare towards the ceiling. “Junhong!”
---
“Did you hear something?” Junhong asked between kisses, most of his body and mind concentrating on the man sprawled between his legs.
Yongguk shook his head, his fingers tracing patterns into the pale skin below him. “Nope. Don’t change the subject.” He ordered, lips nipping at the boy’s swollen lips. “I asked you a question. Have you decided yet?”
“Mm.” Junhong hooked his ankles around his boyfriend’s back and yanked him closer, hoping it would distract him. “I want you to bend me over the bed.” He told him. “Wrap your hand across my mouth and keep me quiet, hyung. I wanna be loud.”
Forcing back a groan, Yongguk pushed himself off and rubbed his eyes, trying to will his erection away. “I’m trying to be serious.” He said quietly. “What have you decided about college?”
Junhong kicked his feet stubbornly on the bed. “Dammit hyung! I’m trying to have sex with you and all you want to talk about is school?”
“You’re going to be a junior this year, Junhong.” He told him seriously. “You’ve got to prepare for the SAT’s, start applying to colleges, get organized for the rest of your life. I want you to get into my school and stay with me, you know that. But if you like another school better, we need to work on getting you in it.”
“What makes you think I want to live with you?” Junhong crossed his arms and turned his head away. “Maybe I won’t want you anymore when I graduate.”
Yongguk bit his lips, hiding his smile. “Because even though we’ve been dating for six months, you still make me text you goodnight every single day. And for my birthday you bought me a shirt with your picture on it to wear to the gym.”
“I don’t want other people to hit on you.” Junhong pouted. “Mine.”
Nuzzling his face into his neck, Yongguk wrapped his arms around Junhong’s body, so close that he could feel his heart racing. “But I hope you still want to live with me in two years because I know I’ll still be loving you then.” He whispered into Junhong’s ear.
Even though his cheeks were red, Junhong still tried to look tough. “You’re a sap.” He told him, loosening up in his hold. “But you’re my sap. Of course I want to be with you.” He stroked his fingers up Yongguk’s bare side. “I just don’t know if college is for me. Some people aren’t cut out for it.”
“Then I’ll help you.” Yongguk promised. “We’ll do your homework together and I’ll help you plan your schedule each semester so it’s easy for you.”
Junhong smiled against his skin. “I love you, hyung. Even if you’re cheesy.”
Their lips met in the middle, Junhong letting Yongguk take the lead as he kissed his stresses away. They had been arguing about school for weeks now, but Junhong knew that at the end of the day, he would do anything his hyung asked of him. He loved Yongguk too much to lose him.
“I love you, Junhonggie.”
---
“Do I have to?” Himchan whined, stomping his foot. “He’s such an idiot. And he didn’t even stay the whole two hours on our first class!”
Junhong rolled his eyes. “He paid you for it, though. Why are you complaining for getting free money?” He knew Zico wouldn’t stick around for the full time every session, but he thought he would at least make it for half.
“Why do I have to meet him at his house though?” The thought of seeing where the lower-classed boy lived made him shudder.
Yongguk finally spoke up, all patience with the two brothers long gone. “Because your parents are going to visit your grandmother and I would really like to spend the next two hours with my tongue on your little brother’s dick, so unless you want to hear just how high he can sc-“
“Oh god, just shut up!” Himchan covered his ears and gagged. “Fine! Give me his address but please, please don’t start until I leave the house!”
Junhong smiled innocently and handed over a piece of paper. “Here you go, hyung! Already have it ready for you.”
“I hate you both.” He growled, snatching it from his hands and stomping towards the door. “I’ll text on my way home. At least have clothes on by the time I get back!”
He grumbled the whole way to the bus station, mad that he didn’t get to spend his summer in peace, annoyed that his only friend liked spending time with his little brother more than him, but mostly pissed off at the hoodrat he had to meet twice a week.
The address was all the way across town. In the slum, Himchan noticed, curling his lip at it. He knew the boy was poor but he didn’t think he lived in this ran down area.
When the bus dropped him off, he gulped, pulling his bag tight against his body. For all he knew there were rapists and thieves surrounding him on all sides. Maybe he shouldn’t have worn such nice clothes, he mentally slapped himself.
The house he stopped in front of was shabby with the paint peeling off the wall, but someone had planted flowers all down the sidewalk trying to make it look nicer than it actually was.
“Himchan?” Zico looked confused when he opened the door to see him standing there. “What are you doing here? How did you know where I lived?”
Deciding to let the lack of honorifics go, Himchan gave the younger boy’s appearance a glance over. Low slung pajama pants and a faded blue t-shirt were paired with his puffy eyes and messy hair.
“Were you asleep?” Himchan asked incredulously. “It’s eleven in the morning! You knew we had a tutoring session today!”
Zico yawned and scratched his stomach. “I called Junhong yesterday to tell him I couldn’t make it. I had to work until three this morning and just got up.” He turned and motioned into the house. “Come in. I just need to get the kid fed.”
“Kid?” Himchan followed him into the house, slipping his shoes off by the door. He was surprised to find the inside of the house was actually really clean. The furniture was sparse, but well-kept and the walls were decorated with paintings covering almost every spare surface. “Aren’t you a little young to be a dad?’
“It’s my sister.” Zico chuckled, stirring a pan of eggs on the stove. “She’s going to her dad’s in a little bit and I know she won’t get fed so I’ve got to fill her up here.”
A tiny girl, no taller than Himchan’s waist came tearing around the corner and screeching as she ran into her brother’s arms.
“Oppa! I can’t find my bear!” Her lips crumpled and she buried her face into his chest.
“Where did you leave it?” He asked, moving her to his hip so he could continue fixing her lunch.
Himchan watched in confusion as the asshole he had met the week before somehow morphed into a caring older brother.
She frowned. “I had it when I went to bed last night. But I haven’t seen him all day.”
Zico smiled and sat her back on the floor. “Why don’t you go see if he’s still in your bed then. Let Oppa finish your food, okay?”
“She’s cute.” Himchan said quietly. “You take care of her a lot?”
He shrugged, not turning away from the stove. “Our mom works two jobs so I’ve been watching her since she was born. Her dad skipped out when she was only a few months old. He gets her one weekend a month but half the time he rarely even shows up. That’s why he’s coming today. Apparently he was ‘sick’ over the weekend.”
His attitude turned back to the one Himchan was more familiar with when he finished cooking and turned his attention back to him.
“So, couldn’t stay away from me, hyung? Coming over even though I cancelled?” He smirked, cocking his head to the side. “And here I thought you hated me.”
Himchan rolled his eyes, pulling his bag off and taking Zico’s books out. “My idiot brother conveniently forgot you had called. Oh and you forgot your school books at my house. You need to keep them to study in your free time.”
“Rinnie!” He called up the hallway, ignoring the stack of books on the table. “Come eat before your dad gets here! And you starve for the next twenty-four hours.” He mumbled under his breath.
When he had his sister seated comfortably at the table with her plate of food, he motioned for Himchan to follow him. They entered his bedroom and Zico plopped himself down on the bed, raising an eyebrow as Himchan stood uncomfortably in the doorway.
“You can sit down.” He said, patting the spot beside him.
Himchan grimaced but sat down anyway, looking over the bed first to make sure it was clean. “What do you want to study first?” He opened his notebook and popped the pen between his teeth.
Zico groaned and looked at his clock. “I want to study naptime. Can we do that first?” He held his arms out. “I’m a cuddler if that helps?”
“Do you ever stop?” Himchan snapped, pushing him backwards. “Why are you acting so childish?”
“Why are you acting so stuck up?” The other boy retorted. “God, when your brother asked me to help loosen you up I didn’t think it would be near this difficult.”
That was a mistake to say, he realized, as Himchan’s eyes grew twice their size at his words. “My brother did what?” He hissed.
Zico held his hands up. “Hey now, I’m just the innocent party here. I needed help with summer school and Junhong said he had a bitch of a brother that needed to be tamed. Not my fault everyone dislikes you.”
“W-What do you mean?” Himchan swallowed, feeling hurt that his brother told Zico he disliked him. He knew they fought a lot but that didn’t mean he didn’t care about him. “Everyone dislikes me?”
The panic-stricken look on Zico’s face would have been hilarious at any other time. “Well, I like you.” He offered, scratching the back of his neck. “I mean, yeah you’re a sarcastic asshole, but it amuses me. Junhong just doesn’t like being cockblocked by you all the time.” He gave him a small grin. “What about pushing tutoring back for a while? Once Rinnie leaves we’ll go do something fun, okay?”
Himchan was still wounded, biting his lip as he shook his head. “You said you were tired. I can go and come back later.” He turned to leave, halting when Zico jumped out in front of him.
“I’m used to not getting much sleep.” Zico assured him. “A few hours a night is all I need to get by. Rinnie’s dad will be here any minute and then it’s just you and me.”
The wink he shot him had Himchan recoiling. If this little punk thought he was going to be smooth-talking Kim Himchan all night then he had another thing coming.
“Oppa!” A shrill voice rang through the house. “Door!”
He sighed and left Himchan alone in his bedroom as he went to open the door. Himchan awkwardly followed him out and rested against the kitchen table.
“Have her home by suppertime tomorrow.” Zico ordered the overweight man at the door. “And don’t forget to feed her this time.” He turned to his sister and planted a kiss to her forehead, shooting her a smile that made Himchan’s breath catch in his throat. That was an expression that he had yet to see from the younger boy. A real, honest smile. It made his eyes disappear and his whole face light up.
Himchan averted his eyes, not wanting to think about the bubbly feeling that was filling up his stomach.
“Oppa put some snacks in your bag, okay? Make sure you brush your teeth before bed. And you remember our phone number, right?”
She nodded, dark pigtails bouncing against her head. “Bye bye!” She ran to her father and swung their hands together as they headed towards the sidewalk. Zico watched them go with a frown on his face.
“You don’t like her leaving with him.” Himchan observed.
Zico shook his head. “He’s a mutt.” He grumbled. “Only cares about himself. If his apartment caught on fire he probably wouldn’t even think about her.”
Himchan didn’t know what to say to him. He didn’t know if there was anyone in his life he wouldn’t do the same for. His brother obviously hated him. And his parents only cared about his grades and having the perfect son. They never tried to get to know him on a personal level.
“You care to wait a minute so I can jump into the shower?” Zico pointed to the couch. “We only get local channels but there’s usually some movies playing around this time of day. I won’t be long.”
Himchan was absorbed in the movie by the time Zico emerged from the shower, hair dripping over his t-shirt as he jumped into the living room pulling his socks on. “Whatcha watching?” He asked, dropping onto the couch beside him.
“I have no idea but I think this woman just gave birth to a crocodile.” Himchan told him, not taking his eyes off the TV. “Look, now her crocodile baby is eating her husband!”
“That’s really fucking weird, dude.” Zico pulled on his arm. “Let’s go.”
“Where are we going?” Himchan laced his tennis shoes back on and looked warily at him.
Zico shrugged. “Who knows? Do you have to have a plan for everything?” When Himchan opened his mouth to reply, he covered it with his hand. “That was a rhetorical question.”
“I didn’t even know you knew what rhetorical even was.” Himchan teased.
Another of those damn winks met him as Zico led them out the door. “There’s a lot you don’t know about me, hyung. Maybe you should try and find out.”
---
“An amusement park?” Himchan licked his lips and wiped his forehead. “I don’t- I don’t really like amusement parks.”
Zico didn’t look like he cared, buying them each a ticket to enter and yanking Himchan along behind him through the gates. “Well I just spent your days tutoring money on our tickets, so you’re going to enjoy it.”
They stopped at the entrance to the roller coaster and both stared up at it in silence.
“You wanna build our way up to it?” Zico asked, concerned when a quiet whimper sounded beside him.
Himchan nodded, not trusting himself to speak. Heights have always worried him, but he was too embarrassed to admit it.
They started out at the food court, Himchan buying them both lunch without complaint. He missed the twitch of the other boy’s lips when he pulled his wallet out immediately after ordering.
“So what do you want to do first?” Zico asked through a mouthful of french fries.
“Chew your food you slob.” Himchan grimaced.
Zico just grinned, not bothering to shut his mouth as he chewed. “We can go on the rides or we can hit up the arcade.”
The rides might be fun, minus the roller coaster, but he wasn’t brave enough to risk them so soon after eating. “Arcade.” Himchan finally chose, swatting the other boy’s hand away from dipping into his tray. “Don’t touch my food. I’ll bite.”
“Yeah?” Zico bit back a smile, but retracted his fingers. “I’ll keep that in mind.” He wiped the grease off on his jeans and slurped down the rest of his soda. “You almost done there Princess? Is your food even hot anymore?”
Himchan shot him a glare and continued to calmly eat his lunch. “I don’t want to inhale it and get sick. My stomach is sensitive.”
“Oh you have got to be kidding me.” Zico rolled his eyes, throwing himself back in his chair. “I’m going to die at this table, aren’t I? You’re going to continue eating until I have gray hair!” He shut up when a handful of fries was shoved in his open mouth.
“Jesus! No wonder you and my brother are such good friends.” Himchan peered around in embarrassment, hoping no one was watching them. “You both are idiots!”
Zico hummed a response, happily finishing off the rest of the food. “Aw you know you’ve grown fond of me.” He teased, sneaking his hand under the table and tickling the other boy on his side. At Himchan’s surprisingly girlish giggle, he dug his fingers in harder until he had him gasping and begging for him to stop.
“You brat!” Himchan wheezed, trying to catch his breath. “How could anyone like someone like you?”
He regretted his words when he found himself pushed backwards on the bench, Zico hovering overtop of him, fingers curling every which way over his chest.
“What was that?” Zico asked, laughing loudly at the muffled snorts Himchan was trying to hide. “Someone like me?”
“S-Stop! I’m sorry!” The apology came easily from his lips, words he rarely ever said in life. Himchan never apologized for anything, much less to a seventeen year old punk who he was being forced to spend time with. “I’m sorry, Zico!”
Zico wanted more than that, not letting up until he told him what he wanted to hear. “Do you like me then?” He ordered, not letting up. “Tell me you’re fond of me!”
“I-I like you!” The older boy gasped out. “I’m fond of you, now stop!”
Sitting back, Zico smiled happily. “Well geez hyung, that’s a little forward. I’m not that type of boy!”
Instead of getting annoyed, Himchan just laughed and playfully punched his shoulder. “Are you gonna let me win at the games?” He asked as they headed towards the arcade area. “Since you just tortured me I think I deserve to win a few.”
“Of course, Princess.” Before he could tell him that nickname was not going to fly, Zico gave him a smile, another real one, and he didn’t have the heart to admonish him. “What do I get for letting you win? I don’t do shit outta the goodness of my heart, you know.”
Himchan frowned. “What do you want? And don’t make it creepy.”
Zico’s eyes softened as he laced their fingers together. “Come out with me and my friend’s tonight. We’re going to a club. You’ll have fun, I promise.”
He didn’t really think clubbing was his thing. Being surrounded by sweaty, possibly drunk teenagers was not his idea of a good time. “Okay.” He told him, surprising himself.
“Okay. Good.” Zico squeezed his hand and pulled him towards the door to the arcade. “But only a few. I’m not just going to roll over and die in here.”
---
“You want to try out some of the rides?” Zico waved his hand around with a grimace after three hours of continuous playing. “I’m getting a cramp from kicking your ass this whole time.” He laughed at the sour expression on Himchan’s face. It was obvious that he was horrible at playing video games. Zico had to really dumb down his playing just to let Himchan win occasionally.
“I’m not a big gamer.” The other boy mumbled, suddenly feeling embarrassed for never having friends over all night to play like Junhong always did.
“It’s okay.” Zico braided their hands back together. “I’ll teach you.”
They stood in line for a ride, waiting in comfortable silence. Himchan wondered if this was how all friends spent time together. Sure he had Yongguk, but before he started dating his brother all they did was homework and the occasional pizza and beer. He had never gone and done something fun with anyone, spent all day together laughing and playing around. And did friends hold hands this long?
“You look distracted.” Zico murmured as they moved forward a little. “We don’t have to go on this ride if you don’t want to.”
Himchan shook his head. “No that’s not it. I was just…” He felt his cheeks heat up and he hated feeling embarrassed. “Are you and I… Are we friends now?”
Instead of laughing at his awkward question like he thought he would, Zico just shrugged. “We are if you want to be.” He told him. “You’re pretty cool when you’re not being Ice Princess.”
He elbowed his side, not releasing his hand. If friends held hands then that was okay with him. He kind of liked the way the other boy’s skin felt pressed against his, their arms rubbing together as they stood side by side. And he smelled really good, something that surprised him. For some reason he expected the younger boy to be dirty, a side effect of living in the ghetto of their town.
But Himchan could smell the faint scent of soap from his shower and even some kind of cologne. It was probably something cheap that he picked up somewhere local, not nearly as expensive as Himchan’s own name brand stuff that his mother bought him from department stores. But he liked it. It was Zico.
They had to release each other’s hands to get on the ride and Himchan couldn’t help the small pang of something in his chest at the sudden emptiness against him.
“Have you ever ridden one of these before?” Zico asked, pulling the lap bar over their stomachs.
Himchan looked ashamed. “I’ve never actually been to an amusement park.” He admitted.
The ride started before Zico could pick his jaw up. “What?” He screeched. “Never? Never ever?”
The boat started moving side to side faster and Himchan gripped the bar tightly. “No.” He said through clenched teeth. “They never interested me.”
Zico could see how frightened Himchan was and he regretted bringing him there. “C’mere.” He told him, lifting his arm up as the ride was now swinging at top speeds. Himchan didn’t need a second command, fisting his hands against Zico’s t-shirt and burying his face against his chest. “I’m sorry, hyung. I didn’t know you were scared of rides. I’m sorry.”
A whimper hit his ears as Himchan’s hot breath panted against him. “I’m not scared of rides.” He said brokenly. “Just heights.”
Zico pressed his cheek against Himchan’s head, trying to distract him by murmuring soothingly. By the time the ride was over he had Himchan calmed down enough to step shakily off the boat.
The older boy wouldn’t look at him as they walked away from the ride, his cheeks bright red. He only stopped when Zico’s hand caught him around the wrist. “Hyung, we don’t have to go on anymore rides, okay? Do you want to go back to my place?”
Himchan shook his head, glad for the feeling of Zico’s skin against his again. It made him feel comforted. “I’m a killjoy, aren’t I? No wonder my own brother and best friend wanted to be rid of me.”
Chuckling, Zico let go of his hand and snuck his arm around Himchan’s slim waist. “Don’t be like that.” He said quietly against his ear, Himchan’s eyes fluttering at the sensation. “They just wanted to spend some time alone. They love each other. You know how that is.” At Himchan’s blank expression he pulled back in shock. “You’ve never been in love with someone?”
“N-No.” He answered nervously. “I’m only nineteen. You’re just a kid, what do you know about it?”
Zico pulled him closer, his thumb somehow slipping under the thin t-shirt and rubbing against Himchan’s soft skin. “I’m seventeen.” He told him. “And I’ve been in love with someone since I was fifteen.”
“Oh really?” Himchan looked amused. “Someone actually liked you enough to fall in love with you?”
He regretted the joke when the younger boy’s eyes flashed with hurt, his arm retracting back to his own body. “I never said they loved me back.”