Pure #8: Worth Pastels and Peaches
Title: Worth Pastels And Peaches
Rating: G
Word Count: 4,131
Warnings: Jongin dressing up??? If this should be a warning even.
Summary: Jongin wanted to impress Kyungsoo, so he tries to be what Kyungsoo would be interested in, fashion-wise.
Author's Note: aaaaa this went through a rollercoaster. I can't believe how hard it was to come up with an idea for this and I went through a few ups and downs before ending up with this. To the prompter, hope you are not disappointed. To the mods, thank you for giving me another chance, and to Morgan Freeman, you are my #1. To the readers!!! Happy reading, and I hope you like the story!! 💖
Hushed music played over the cafe. Jongin fiddled with his phone, blackforest cake on the wooden table in front of him. Hipster cafes weren't Jongin's favourite, but the cakes here were the best in the city. Plus, whenever Jongin came here, Kyungsoo would wave from behind the counter and give him an extra 20% off.
The discount was a great perk, but Kyungsoo's smile was an even better one. Jongin could feel himself melting; physically, emotionally. The way the older male smiled when Jongin's eyes met his… it was way better than the blackforest cake itself.
There was a jazz band right by the food counter, an old man on the drums lightly hitting those cymbals and the man on the saxaphone playing it with his eyes closed. Jongin watched him for a while before going back to the magazine he had been looking through; a sale on his favourite mascara and some promotion on new eyeliners. Jongin has had his eye on the rose gold one forever.
"You ready Jongin?" The male closed the magazine, placing it back on the rack and looping an arm around Kyungsoo's shoulders. The older was warm, and smelled distinctly of coffee. Bitter and toasty at the same time.
They walked through the streets, dodging other people who were busy on their phones or talking to each other. The day was bright, sun filtering through the skyscrapers and Jongin's skin bathed in delight. He had always liked the feeling of the sun on his skin (he also didn't have to worry because his foundation was packed with spf 50++). Like golden fairies, the rays dance on his tanned skin, radiating a warmth that made him feel somehow more beautiful, more calm. Even in the midst of this busy city.
"Wow, that's so pretty," and the only person Jongin would allow to ruin his little moment was Kyungsoo. He looked at his hyung curiously, following the other's eyes to the window display in front of them. The mannequin was wearing boyfriend jeans, ripped in the middle and flowers tucked into the pockets. A mustard toned sweater was on top. Jongin had to whisper lowly. The embroidery on the sweater was so detailed, colours vibrant as it formed a bouquet of flowers.
"Go inside and buy it then."
Kyungsoo bit his lower lip, then shook his head. "It's okay."
The rest of the walk, Kyungsoo seemed down. Jongin wondered why, looking at the other male curiously. He had never seemed the other so...upset.
"What are you so sad about?" Jongin finally asked when they reached the road to their neighbourhood. Kyungsoo sighed, pitching his shoulder bag higher.
"It's just… that outfit will never see the light of day. It'll forever be stuck there."
Jongin furrowed his eyebrows. "And?"
"Just a waste of it's beauty."
Kyungsoo walked ahead, leaving Jongin to ponder by himself.
He honestly had it so bad. It may not show always, since Jongin was naturally a very affectionate person, but he liked Kyungsoo a lot. More than a lot, maybe.
The older was always so patient and kind, and extremely gentle. And yet, he still had his funny side, that touch of sarcasm, and knew just when to kick Jongin's butt when he got ridiculous. Kyungsoo was also handsome, breathtakingly so. Some people may disagree but his short cropped hair, thick eyebrows and lips, stout yet toned figure totally made him even more manly than any man should be. It was something like the alpha vibes Baekhyun was always so obsessed with, saying only that could attract him to a man.
But Kyungsoo didn't immediately dominate attention, rather he brought peace and happiness, and strength in emotions. So maybe he was an omega instead.
(Jongin honestly doesn't know how his mind could wander off that far but that evening, he dashed back through the streets and made a purchase for a yellow sweater and some boyfriend jeans. Flowers sold separately.)
Silken smooth. The words that flowed from Kyungsoo's mouth was like a rich hot chocolate. Warmth. Flavours bursting in his mouth. Or rather, emotions erupting in his heart.
"You look really good Jongin." He had imagined it would sound good, but he didn't think it would feel this good as well. The makeup Jongin had on was light. School wasn't a place he wanted to wear lots of cosmetic anyway. A light shading on his eyebrows, a little bit of a golden glow and peachy lips. The flowers were tucked in his hair this time, instead of in the jean pockets.
Kyungsoo was looking at him up and down, bright-eyed, lips widening. He reached out to touch the sweater and Jongin could feel the pink dusting his cheeks, stronger than any blush could be. God, he had always dreamt for Kyungsoo to look at him in awe, and it was actually happening now.
Someone, please pinch him. This wasn't a dream, was it?
"You seriously look so good Jongin."
"You really think so?"
Kyungsoo nodded, grinning from ear to ear. "It suits you so well. Who knew?"
Jongin smiled shyly. He had always been more of an accessory and makeup guy. Clothes weren't his main priority. Hearing Kyungsoo say this was about to change his mind though.
"Maybe I should wear like this more often."
Kyungsoo's eyes flashed a stark emotion. Discomfort? Jongin couldn't be sure. It was gone as soon as it appeared.
"Maybe you should."
The cafe had a great lack of people again when Baekhyun joined him by his favourite seat, dragging a chair from another table. There was a reason the spot was his favourite. The table faced the brick walls, and only one chair was set with the table. Which meant he could be alone.
"Alone, hyung, without a certain Byun Baekhyun disturbing me."
The other smiled, staring at Jongin's beige sweater and skinny jeans. "I see you're back to your normal fashion choices."
Jongin stiffened, sniffling lightly and turning his body away from the Baekhyun. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Why did you change your style so suddenly? I was surprised. Thought you were more of a makeup guy."
"I am." Jongin replied, not elaborating even when Baekhyun quirked an eyebrow and shoved his face into Jongin's arms.
"What are you doing Byun?" Jongin stiffened, turning around to see Kyungsoo. The shorter male looked so cute in his apron and white t-shirt. His jeans were folded to his ankle, and the white socks beneath peeked out.
So, so adorable.
"Did you realise Jongin had a random fashion static yesterday?" Baekhyun asked instead of answering Kyungsoo's question. For the second time that day, Jongin straightened in his seat, glaring at Baekhyun, trying to shut him up, but the other didn't look at him at all.
Kyungsoo did, though, and he nodded towards Baekhyun. "Yeah, we saw the outfit at the display window of a shop while walking home yesterday. I said I liked the outfit. Jongin must have agreed."
Jongin despised the look of understanding that immediately dawned on Baekhyun's face. His smile instantly morphed from being curious to mischievous. Mischievous Baekhyun was devil itself reincarnated. Jongin wasn't about to let him do anything, so he kicked Baekhyun's leg as he opened his mouth, smirking at the yelp the other gave.
Kyungsoo seemed confused, a little flustered at Baekhyun's condition, but after reassurance from Jongin, he left, leaving Jongin's favourite cake and drink on the table.
Baekhyun apparently didn't learn his lesson, looking up and grinning evilly. "But it's not the clothes I like, hyuuuunnnggg,"
The tone was mocking, and Jongin resisted punching the older. "Shut the fuck up."
Baekhyun laughed, taking a sip of Jongin's drink. "You're pathetic."
The younger pouted. No matter how much he wanted to deny it, he knew what Baekhyun said was true.
The next time Kyungsoo pointed out an outfit, it was a pastel blue top that Jongin was pretty sure were made for the female body (if the off shouldered design and small waist weren't any indication), plus audrey pants that flare down right at his calf, in pure white. Jongin totally said no in his head, but when he thought of Kyungsoo's smile, he just had to.
This time around, Kyungsoo only gaped, mouth wide, eyes glazed. Jongin had never felt more nervous but somehow also more confident in his life. The pink mascara helped complement the pink stripes on the blue top and his pink choker laid still on his neck, plain and velvety.
"It's unfair how good you look right now."
To Jongin, that was a huge compliment, one that made his toes curl in his mary-janes. One that had his ears burning, his cheeks pinching and eyes shining as the grin formed, words of gratitude at the tip of his lips.
But to Kyungsoo, it was simply the truth. It was unfair how good Jongin looked, even in something made for a body way curvier and smaller than his was. Kyungsoo meekly sat on his hands, ignoring the burn in his chest, instead focusing on how glad he was to be able to make Jongin smile.
Yeah. Jongin's smile was enough.
They had a school project to do together. Jongin couldn't help but smile when Kyungsoo came to him and asked to partner with him. Of course, he had to agree. He'd be dumb not to, not when Kyungsoo's smile was wide, eager and hope clear in those eyes.
They walked home together. The weather was rainy, and they huddled underneath an umbrella, careful to avoid puddles. The bustle of the streets weren't as suffocating that day, but Kyungsoo still gripped Jongin's arm that was holding the umbrella up tightly. Jongin smiled slightly. Kyungsoo looked so small, his steps careful. Lightning struck in the sky and Kyungsoo jumped, tightening his grip even more.
Was it sadistic that Jongin found it incredibly endearing? His Kyungsoo was afraid of lightning. That was too cute.
(Jongin blushed later, when he realised he thought of Kyungsoo as his. It definitely wasn't a bad thought.)
Kyungsoo stopped for a while at the shop from that time, staring into the windows and gazing at the maroon knitted cardigan and plain black pants that ended just above the ankle. A silk scarf patterned in black and gold was wrapped around the mannequin's neck and that, plus the shoes were what had Kyungsoo stopping. The black shoes were embroidered with red roses, pink peonies and orange orchids.
"Pretty," he whispered, and Jongin glanced at the shoes, smiling as he made a list in his mind again.
The ended up at Kyungsoo's house, and he grinned at the familiar interior. He and Kyungsoo had been friends for so long. It was impossible to think of a time when they hadn't been friends.
Kyungsoo's fridge had some magnets from Malaysia, Singapore, Australia and even Indonesia. All courtesy of Jongin's trips to those countries with his family. The one to Penang, Malaysia had been when he was seven. That was a long time ago. He felt a little sentimental, thinking about how long they've been friends.
Sometime in those years, Jongin started to realise that he liked making Kyungsoo smile. That his happiness was more important than his own. Sometime in those years, Kyungsoo's joy made his own heart flutter, made his fingers buzz, and that was enough to make him happy too.
He didn't understand it, feared it even, but now it was so clear to see. It was silly to have even doubted his own feelings in the first place.
Kyungsoo was exactly everything Jongin loved about romance. Kind and gentle, sometimes suave, always handsome. The older smiled at him, setting his things on the table in the living room. He thought it was weird that they weren't doing the project in Kyungsoo's room, but didn't comment on it.
They immediately began on their research, neither saying anything as they looked past pages and pages of articles. Jongin's mind was loud though, buzzing with every glance of those thick lips, small nose and bushy eyebrows.
They sent a message to his heart, an electrifying one. I think I'm in love with you.
He went to school with the outfit Kyungsoo had seen two days after. The silk scarf was less stifling than Jongin had thought, and he smiled when Kyungsoo gaped again at him, lips parted. Jongin held his breath when the other's fingers trailed the skin right above the scarf, gulping when the older realised what he had been doing and taking a step back.
"Hyung," his voice was raspy, eyes watching Kyungsoo carefully. The older stared at his eyes, probably adjusting to the green contacts he had on, his smokey brown eyeshadow job, his burgundy lips--
"Pretty." It was a breath of a word, one Jongin would probably not have caught, if he hadn't been as intent in listening as he had been watching. His heart thudded, faster and faster. He couldn't clench onto even one beat, everything was going too fast.
Kyungsoo smiled, and for the first time, it didn't make Jongin as happy as he thought it would. There was something wrong with the smile. Strained. "Hyung...is everything okay?"
"Everything's fine, Jongin." he replied quietly, but later Jongin could see Kyungsoo shoving something deep into his bag. He wondered what it was.
Was Kyungsoo keeping something from him?
(If it were drugs, how dare Kyungsoo not share it with him.)
It went on for weeks. Jongdae began questioning Jongin's fashion game lately, and Sehun even praised him. Oh Sehun, that student who also happened to be a model and would randomly appear in magazines and such.
Jongin felt pretty overwhelmed. All he wanted was Kyungsoo's attention. He didn't actually ask for the others'.
He was in a baby pink crop top this time, peach denim jeans as his bottom. The rips in his jeans showed the white fishnets he had underneath, and usually Jongin would cower away from anything too revealing. Kyungsoo had liked the outfit though, hence here he was.
Kyungsoo stopped eating when he entered the cafeteria. In fact, lots of people did. Even Park Chanyeol, the supposed nerd-with-no-sex-drive. Jongin should feel flattered, but he was only looking for that from Kyungsoo.
And Kyungsoo did give it to him. Flattery in the form of small pats and long stares. Jongin wished the fishnets were more comfortable on his crotch, because he was really starting to feel something down there from the stares Kyungsoo were giving.
"You look the best today." Kyungsoo whispered later, when they both had finished their lunch. Jongin's batted his curled lashes, hoping that up close, Kyungsoo couldn't see the slight cracks that were forming on his purple matte liquid lipstick.
And the fishnets were really too tight on his thighs, it almost seemed like it would burst out. His stomach has seen better days (with abs, nonetheless), and the outfit overall was revealing all his flaws all at once, but here Kyungsoo was, telling him he looks good.
Jongin was about to smile, quirk ready, but Kyungsoo was already looking back at his tray, shoulders slumping. "I'm kinda jealous."
And Jongin stopped, eyes widening and eyebrow twitching in confusion. What did that even mean?
"Kyungsoo-"
"Forget what I said," Kyungsoo quickly cut in, smiling at the other. "You look beautiful Jongin, truly."
The bell rang. Those words were everything Jongin had wanted to hear, but somehow, it didn't feel as good as it should.
They spent time in Kyungsoo's house again today, Jongin lying down on Kyungsoo's sofa in the study room and reading a book: Enid Blyton. It was the first birthday present Jongin bought for Kyungsoo. The older male never read much, but he made sure to read everything Jongin gave him.
(It was his secret to make Kyungsoo look more attractive to him. Men reading books were always handsome.)
Kyungsoo was right beside him, sitting on the floor and reading over his forearm. Jongin really should be reading on how the pig developed green spots but instead his eyes strayed to how Kyungsoo's skin complemented his and the dark blue fabric of the sofa so much. Plus, Kyungsoo's side profile was being equally as distracting, soft slopes along a strong jaw. Kyungsoo really grew up well.
"Jongin?" The male blinked, not even realising that he had been caught staring. A blush was forming, and surprisingly Kyungsoo's face was pinking too. This was new. Jongin's index finger brushed the pink skin. The other looked up, eyes on Jongin's, then dropping to the holographic choker with the ring connecting the two ends in the middle. Kyungsoo had been the one who pointed it out in a shop while shopping. Naturally, Jongin had bought it.
The ring was directly on Jongin's Adam's apple, and when he swallowed, it bobbed. Kyungsoo's mouth gaped slightly, breath hitching. He didn't realise how close their lips were, not until it brushed against each other slightly in their staring match.
Kyungsoo jolted, jumping on his feet immediately. Both their faces were red by now, and Jongin quickly packed his bags, bowing at Kyungsoo without saying anything and leaving.
A lot of thoughts were running in his mind, but what stood out the most was how Kyungsoo didn't seem totally against kissing Jongin. His heart beat, faster and faster again. The smile stretched on his lips, and he couldn't even stop it this time, so he let it be, replaying how that one second of Kyungsoo's lips had felt.
It had been almost perfect.
Fluster. Flounder. Jongin had found two words that described him best that week. Kyungsoo and he had skirted around each other, barely touching, yet always talking. It was so obvious, and something in Jongin whined, wanting those strong calloused hands on his, curled in his grip. He wanted those arms around his waist, making him feel small, even if he was bigger than Kyungsoo.
Jongin was wearing an outfit that Kyungsoo had said was pretty, again. This time, it was a simple royal navy kimono cardigan and tan pleated audrey pants. A maroon beret sat on his head, and faux freckles smattered his cheeks.
This time though, instead of smiling, Kyungsoo frowned. There was conflict clear in his eyes. Jongin quirked an eyebrow, wondering if he had done something wrong. "Kyungsoo?"
The other closed his eyes, breathing deeply. Jongin wanted to reach out, ask what was wrong, but the other recoiled away before Jongin could touch him.
Maybe the other saw his hurt expression because he was immediately regretful, biting his lower lip. "Can you come home with me today?"
Jongin blinked, fidgeting slightly. "Sure. Is something the matter?"
Kyungsoo just smiled, but again, it was strained. And Jongin was pretty sure he had fucked up somewhere.
The walk to Kyungsoo's was tense, to say the least. Jongin didn't think he had ever felt afraid of the other man, but here he was, heart thudding for a totally different reason. Sweat had collected above his brows, and Jongin prayed Kyungsoo doesn't notice how scared he was.
He did, and a consoling hand landed on his back. Jongin smiled, slightly relieved that Kyungsoo wasn't that angry with him after all.
They reached Kyungsoo's house in no time, and once there, the older led Jongin into his room. It had been a long time, but Jongin didn't realise how long until he saw the amount of changes. The room was a mess of clothes, some on the floor, on the chair, in the basket and even the trashcan. Papers were crumpled and thrown around. Jongin picked a stray one up, unraveling it to see a drawing of an outfit plus notes of accessories, etcetera.
"Soo, what the hell happened to your room?"
Kyungsoo cleared his throat, picking up an outfit from the floor. It was the knitted maroon cardigan and the black and gold silk scarf. Jongin raised his eyebrows. "The thing is Jongin, I am incredibly interested in fashion, and I bought the same clothes you did."
Jongin opened his mouth to say something, but Kyungsoo held up a hand, immediately requesting silence. "It takes a lot for me to gain confidence to wear these, and just when I thought I could, you came to school wearing them, looking ten times better than I could ever look in them.
"It was stupid of me to be jealous to be honest." Kyungsoo muttered. "It was confusing too. On one hand, you looked absolutely beautiful in them and I wanted them on you forever, but on the other hand, I wanted them to look as good on me as they were on you."
Jongin didn't say anything. Somewhere in his mind, he's rejoicing over the fact that Kyungsoo thought he was quote-unquote absolutely beautiful, but he had more important matters at hand. "I'm sure they look good on you."
"And how could you be sure?"
"Kyungsoo, if you love an outfit, it will look good on you. That's probably not the best advice you've ever heard, but if you want, I can help you."
The older blinked, staring at Jongin curiously.
"Trust me."
And that was how Kyungsoo found himself in those black pants that ended just above the ankle, mustard toned sweater, the silk scarf, and a red beret on his head. He blushed slightly when Jongin blatantly stared, but who could blame Jongin? Kyungsoo looked so fucking adorable.
The younger let Kyungsoo sit down before pulling out his makeup bag. Jongin sat on the floor, his knees meeting half the carpet and half the clothes that were still left strewn around. They were quite close, as Jongin put on some blush, requesting Kyungsoo to close his eyes as he put on some peachy-toned eyeshadow. His fingers were soft as it patted on Kyungsoo's eyelids. Their breaths were both harsh, and Jongin had never felt an air more stifling than then. Kyungsoo was beautiful, skin marked with a few acne scars and even some pimples, yet it was still breathtaking to Jongin. The bumps on his cheeks only seemed to add to his beauty. Jongin felt a strong urge to kiss the red spot. His brows didn't need much work and Jongin felt a flutter of attraction run through him again.
Brown mascara was next, and some red lipstick but only in the middle of his lips. The surrounding was left au natural. Jongin tucked a flower in Kyungsoo's ear, then met his eyes.
"Is that why you always seemed conflicted when you told me how good I looked?"
Kyungsoo bit his lower lip, nodding. Jongin groaned internally, because the red lipstick looked so good on Kyungsoo. "I'm sorry Jongin, you really did look good, but I was a mess."
"You wanna know why I dressed up though?"
Kyungsoo tilted his head, curious. Jongin almost wanted to laugh at how oblivious the other was. "It's because I wanted to impress you." And this time he was blushing too, looking down at Kyungsoo's lap.
"Why would you want to impress me though?"
Jongin sighed. It was now or never after all. A gulp, then their eyes met again. "It's because I like you."
The way Kyungsoo's eyes widened told him it wasn't obvious after all. Or maybe Kyungsoo was just really dense. Yup, probably that.
"You didn't have to impress me like that Jongin." Kyungsoo whispered, leaning in before Jongin could even decipher what was happening. And then their lips were suddenly touching, this time even longer than that accident in the study room.
His heart was beating faster now, even faster than any time before. He didn't think it was possible, but Kyungsoo just made it happen. A hand curled around his neck, and Jongin shifted on his knees, leaning away after a while.
"We'd make really cute boyfriends," Jongin said randomly when he thought about how Kyungsoo would be his fashionable boyfriend, and Jongin, his beauty-obsessed lover.
Kyungsoo giggled. Giggled, and it was the most adorable sound ever. "I agree Jongin. You'd make the cutest boyfriend."
"That's not what I said-!" Jongin protested, but Kyungsoo only interrupted with another kiss. A thought floated in his mind. Something about school, but he pushed it away as quickly as it appeared, hands on each side of Kyungsoo's face as he deepened the kiss.
And yes, they did go to school later, both getting detention for being late, but the compliments Kyungsoo got on his outfit- which made him smile brighter than ever- was worth it. And to have Kyungsoo hold his hand, squeezing it sometimes when someone came up to praise him, was worth it too.
Kyungsoo's kiss of gratitude was definitely worth it as well.
And of course, their new title as boyfriends, made it all the more worthwhile.
(And Jongin just had to say it for the last time, but Kyungsoo really was the cutest, most adorable human being on Earth.)