Unlock - Chapter Nine
Title: Unlock
Chapter: 9/?
Fandom: SS501
Pairings: KyuSaeng
Rating: PG-16
Warning: Angst, AU, Fluff
Summary: Not everything is as it seems, and for those who are as far from normal as you can get, life is a bleak existence. The only ones who can truly understand what these individuals go through are those...just like them.
A/N: This is an ongoing roleplay between myself and Carey (renichifreak ). I play KyuJong and she plays YoungSaeng, and this is our logs jammed together xD (THIS UPDATE IS COMPLETELY COVERED IN FLUFF XDDDD )
KyuJong smiled when YoungSaeng squeezed his hand lightly, enjoying the warmth from the contact. There were few people around to see them, those they did pass seeing too occupied to notice their joined hands.
The weather was nice outside, though a tad chilly. Fall was arriving.
The two walked to the cafeteria, where YoungSaeng stopped before entering. He closed his eyes and gently probed to see if the evil spirit was in a bad mood, but things seemed relatively okay.
KyuJong stopped when YoungSaeng did, watching him. He always wondered how his boyfriend's Gift worked, if it was similar to his own. "Everything all right?" he asked softly.
"He's not too angry right now, so it should be okay," YoungSaeng explained. His eyes had darkened considerably, but it was a dark that could be explained away with lighting.
The other boy nodded slightly, squeezing YoungSaeng's hand reassuringly. KyuJong didn't comment on YoungSaeng's eyes, hoping no one else would notice. At least there would be less people in the cafeteria around this time. KyuJong started towards the door, opening it for YoungSaeng out of habit.
YoungSaeng smiled at the kind gesture before entering, waiting for KyuJong. It wasn't often that he was treated with great care, so he found himself liking it.
KyuJong followed YoungSaeng inside, the door closing behind them. The cafeteria was less than half full, the majority of the students there playing games rather than eating. He absently wondered where the spirits were, if the other students sensed their presence at all. He himself didn't.
YoungSaeng looked up to see KyuJong looking around. Laughing quietly, he motioned toward the back two corners of the room. "They're each in a corner," he explained, leading the other to get something to eat.
KyuJong looked at the corners, but as expected he couldn't see anything different about them. Neither could the group of students sitting near there, from how they chattered away. "Do they ever bother the students here?" he asked, following YoungSaeng to get their food. He picked up a plate of pasta this time, along with a piece of bread and a bottle of water.
"Spirits gain the ability of telekinesis," YoungSaeng explained quietly, picking up water and another salad. The last one had tasted amazing. "It's what most know as poltergeist activity."
Poltergeist...KyuJong definitely knew that word. At least Hollywood had something right. "I wonder if there's any rumors about the cafeteria being haunted then," he murmured, showing the cafeteria lady his student card. If there had been any poltergeist activity here, surely the word would have gotten out.
"I'm sure that at least someone has seen something. While she doesn't like attention, he seems to crave it," YoungSaeng stated, showing the woman his card as well.
KyuJong looked over at the students sitting in various areas of the cafeteria. Even though there weren't many, if there was any activity from the spirit someone would notice quickly. "Attention would be easy enough to catch here," he replied, heading towards the cafeteria door since they would be eating in their room.
"Yeah...it really is. I've seen people run screaming from places due to seeing things." YoungSaeng followed KyuJong out of the cafeteria and up to their room.
"It's a perfectly understandable reaction," KyuJong chuckled. "When you don't understand what's going on, it's easy to be scared." When they reached their dorm room, KyuJong balanced his food with one hand and unlocked the door with the other, nudging it open with his foot.
"True, but it's just as easy to be scared even if you do know what's going on," YoungSaeng pointed out, following him in before closing the door the same way that KyuJong opened it.
Walking over to his bed, he moved the pillows and sat against the wall, legs curled up beneath him.
KyuJong nodded, slipping off his shoes and padding over to his own bed, sitting on the edge. "It all depends on the person I guess." He moved the pasta on his plate around. "It would be interesting to ask around and see who's noticed there's a spirit in the cafeteria."
YoungSaeng paused. "Um, I can actually sense faint energies around people who've experienced it. I'm not very good at it, though."
KyuJong raised an eyebrow at that. "Really? How does that work?" He admittedly didn't know much about spirit lore, but was very interested in learning more about it.
"Spirits are energy given form, whether we can see it or not. All energy leaves a trail," YoungSaeng explained, taking a small bite. "It's like...you know on the Internet where people always leave behind a trail? It's the same with energy. A person who's been affected by the energy will pick up some."
Nodding slowly, KyuJong picked up some of the pasta, eating gradually. "It makes sense...how long does the energy stay around the person who's experienced it?"
"Depends on how much interaction there was. If they were just around them and noticed, maybe about three to six hours. If there was actual activity, twelve to fifteen." YoungSaeng took a drink before continuing. "If there was complete contact, a week."
"Complete contact?" KyuJong thought about that for a moment. "Is there a way for spirits to communicate with everyday people?" He knew he was asking a lot of questions, and planned on stopping if YoungSaeng became uncomfortable with them.
YoungSaeng nodded. "If the spirit is strong enough, he or she can cross into the living plane. Also, if the spirit is close to whom he or she's trying to contact. My power actually allows me to cross planes."
The other boy looked surprised at that. "Cross planes? Do you mean make contact with spirits?" Or something else?
"Make contact," YoungSaeng clarified. "I can see, touch, and talk to the dead."
KyuJong thought about that, nodding finally. "I think that's all my questions for now," he chuckled, continuing to eat. "It's interesting to know what's real and what's just Hollywood."
"I hate how Hollywood glamorizes it," YoungSaeng muttered. "It's terrifying to hear voices that aren't there to anyone else or see things only you see."
"Unfortunately Hollywood doesn't always aim for accuracy," KyuJong sighed softly. "Anything that brings in a lot of money is good with them." He had quite a few arguments with his parents about how Hollywood represented time travel. They were convinced because the people in the movies had such amazing control over themselves, there was no excuse for him jumping all over the place.
"I know, but it still drives me crazy. I think the closest they got was that Sixth Sense American movie," YoungSaeng replied. "I remember hiding a lot from them, but they always managed to find me."
KyuJong nodded; he'd seen that movie. "Maybe you give off some sort of aura that draws them in?" he suggested, finishing his pasta. Standing up, he walked over to the small trashcan they had near the door, getting rid of the plastic plate before returning to his bed, grabbing the bottle of water.
"I know that I do, but I feel so exposed when they're around. I mean, doors don't keep them out, you know." Sighing, YoungSaeng took his final bite before getting up and throwing it away. Grabbing his water bottle, he walked over to KyuJong's bed and took the same position he'd been in on his own, only leaning against the headboard.
KyuJong climbed up onto the bed beside YoungSaeng, sitting beside him. "Would any come to see you here?" he asked softly. Maybe he could do some research online, among all the rumors there must be some way of keeping the spirits at bay.
"No clue. They haven't yet, which in and of itself is amazing. I was visited daily by them in the hospital."
"I'll search around a bit, and see if I can find anything about protection against spirits," KyuJong promised. "There's enough stories about it, at least one of the methods must be effective. Though it would probably take a bit of trial and error."
"Look for occult shops in the area. They usually have the best chance of being reputable in this case," YoungSaeng pointed out, leaning against KyuJong.
"Will do," KyuJong chuckled, wrapping one arm around YoungSaeng's waist in response. "Seoul's pretty big, there's bound to be a few nearby. We'll find something to make sure you aren't visited by spirits all the time."
"That'd be nice," YoungSaeng sighed, enjoying the closeness between he and KyuJong.
KyuJong smiled, glancing over at YoungSaeng beside him. He ducked his head slightly, lips brushing against the younger boy's temple lightly. Whether consciously or not he was always very gentle with YoungSaeng, never pushing if he thought the other boy was uncomfortable with something.
YoungSaeng, feeling the brush of lips against his temple, slowly turned his head, looking KyuJong in the eyes, his own having returned to normal.
KyuJong met YoungSaeng's gaze, finding it so easy to lose himself in those eyes. "I...I really do love you," he murmured. "If acting like this makes you uncomfortable...let me know, and I'll stop."
YoungSaeng slowly shook his head. "It's not that. I'm just not used to it. I don't know how I feel yet...I just know that I like you a lot, and you make me feel safe..."
KyuJong blushed faintly. "I want to keep you safe," he responded quietly. "You don't deserve any of what's happened to you." He hadn't known YoungSaeng very long, but he knew that in that short amount of time he'd fallen hard for the younger boy, and would do anything to keep him smiling and safe.
Smiling at the words, YoungSaeng hesitated before shifting, bringing his lips to KyuJong's. He'd never had someone so concerned about his well being before.
KyuJong’s eyes widened slightly in surprise when YoungSaeng kissed him. His boyfriend had never been the one to kiss him first, before now. Something about that tugged at his heart, and he closed his eyes, arms wrapping gently around the younger boy's waist. KyuJong kissed YoungSaeng back, trying to communicate just how much he cared for the other.
Sighing into the kiss, YoungSaeng moved into KyuJong's lap, making things more comfortable for them both. He'd never kissed anyone before, but he found himself loving it when it involved KyuJong.
A soft gasp left KyuJong when YoungSaeng climbed into his lap, flushing deeply at the contact. He adjusted his arms around the younger boy's waist to compensate, one hand resting lightly on his hip and the other against the small of his back. This was new for him as well, YoungSaeng being his first kiss. How much opportunity for dating could one have when he'd been practically on house arrest since he was twelve?
Hesitating a little, he gave a gentle nip to YoungSaeng's soft lower lip, asking for permission to deepen the kiss.
YoungSaeng shivered at the feel of the hands resting on his hip and back. There was something about the feel of KyuJong's hands that just relaxed him and made him feel...wanted.
At the gentle nip, YoungSaeng slowly parted his lips, allowing the older to deepen the kiss.
KyuJong was careful not to go too fast, fully aware this was not something YoungSaeng was used to. He didn't want to make his boyfriend nervous or afraid, paying attention for signs that he might be pushing his limit.
Lifting one hand from YoungSaeng's back, his fingers gently ran through the soft hair framing the other boy's face.
YoungSaeng allowed himself to be led, not knowing what to do. While it hadn't been his first kiss-that had gone to the crazy guy who liked to ambush him on Christmas with the mistletoe-it was the first that he had desperately wanted.
YoungSaeng tasted much better than he'd even thought possible, KyuJong deepening the kiss a little more after a moment.
Finally though they had to breathe, and he broke the kiss. Breathing unevenly, he opened his eyes again, gently brushing locks of hair out of YoungSaeng's face.
Once the kiss was broken, YoungSaeng released a shuddered breath. 'I must look a sight,' he thought. His eyes were half lidded, and a deep flush adorned his normally pale features. He sighed, allowing his eyes to close again as KyuJong brushed his mussed hair out of his face.
His eyes took in the younger boy's appearance, KyuJong brushing a thumb lightly over his boyfriend's cheek. Did YoungSaeng even know how beautiful he was? Leaning in, he placed a soft kiss on the other boy's lips that were red from the kiss. "Is this okay?" he whispered, framing YoungSaeng's face lightly with one hand.
Swallowing, YoungSaeng opened his eyes to meet KyuJong's stunning orbs. There was so much emotion seen there that it made him breathless. His breath hitched as he felt the young man's thumb against his cheek.
Not knowing what to say, he simply nodded his head, smiling a small but real smile.
KyuJong's lips curved upwards in return, enjoying the genuine smile he received. He kissed YoungSaeng again, then just held him close, arms wrapping securely around his boyfriend's waist.
Boyfriend...he still couldn't believe it. YoungSaeng was his boyfriend. So much could change in such a short amount of time.
YoungSaeng relaxed completely into the embrace as he wrapped his arms around KyuJong's neck and just rested his head against his shoulder.
He still couldn't understand how he'd gone from being afraid of his own shadow to entrusting himself to the man holding him, but he couldn't find it in him to argue-not that he would.
It felt perfect, with YoungSaeng's arms around his neck and KyuJong’s own around the younger boy's waist. He wanted to freeze time so he could stay like this longer, as long as possible. KyuJong rested his head lightly against YoungSaeng's, eyes closing as he listened to the other's soft breathing, feeling it ghost over the exposed skin at the collar of his shirt. There was no real need to say anything.
If he could stay like this forever, YoungSaeng wouldn't mind in the least. He was so secure and comfortable and safe here. Feeling KyuJong's heartbeat was soothing, to say the least.
KyuJong honestly couldn't say how long they stayed like this. Time just didn't seem to be a factor anymore; it was as though they were in their own world where nothing else mattered. Realizing this some time later, his eyes opened again in surprise.
He didn't know what time it was. Why hadn't he jumped then? He would have felt it if he had...
Tilting his head slightly, he looked down at YoungSaeng, gaze becoming tender. KyuJong gently brushed his lips against the other boy's forehead, thoughtful.
Blinking slightly, YoungSaeng sighed at the lips against his forehead and looked up. "What's up, Kyu-yah?" he asked quietly, head tilted cutely. "You look like you're thinking pretty hard."
KyuJong met YoungSaeng's eyes when the younger boy looked up at him, smiling. "Just puzzling some things out," he murmured. Maybe YoungSaeng kept him grounded somehow...he just felt so solid in his arms, so there. "You're amazing, you know that?"
YoungSaeng blushed. "I'm not," he murmured, looking away in embarrassment.
KyuJong's smile widened slightly. He knew that would distract YoungSaeng; he wasn't sure if he was ready to tell the other boy about himself yet. "Yes you are," he replied, kissing YoungSaeng's cheek lightly when his boyfriend looked away.
"How? I don't get it," YoungSaeng asked. He was curious as to KyuJong's opinions on him.
KyuJong rested his head lightly against YoungSaeng's, adjusting his grip around the other boy's waist. "You're strong," he murmured after a moment. "Listen...everything you've been through, few people would be able to come out of. But despite all that, or maybe because of it, you're here right now, and you're getting better. When I first met you, you would barely speak and always kept your distance. Look at now. Even if it's gradual, even if it's with very few people, you're recovering. So many people would just...never make it this far." He smiled a little. "Even if you wouldn't call it 'strength', it's something I admire about you."
YoungSaeng smiled, snuggling against his boyfriend, hugging him tightly. "Thank you," he whispered, tears filling his eyes from the touching words.
Returning the hug, KyuJong pressed his lips against YoungSaeng's forehead. "It's the truth," he murmured, cupping the younger boy's face gently and looking into his eyes, noticing the watery quality to them.
"No one's ever said something like that. All I hear is crazy, weak, things like that. Even from my own family."
"They don't know you that well then, if I can see your strength and I've known you for what...a couple weeks? Not even?" He gently traced the dip under YoungSaeng's eye with his thumb. "That's a lack of judgment on their part, not yours."
YoungSaeng offered an unsteady smile before leaning in and brushing his lips gently against KyuJong's. He knew that while he may not be sure if he did love him, he was fully convinced that he could.
KyuJong returned the kiss lightly, hand slipping into YoungSaeng's hair again. He was happy to be with the younger boy and be the one YoungSaeng was able to talk to. "Love you," he murmured into the kiss, wanting his boyfriend to hear those words often, as often as he needed to.
YoungSaeng felt his lips curl into the kiss at hearing the words. He truly couldn't remember the last time he's heard them with real meaning behind them.
"Kyu-yah...I don't know if I love you right now, but I know that I can. Is that enough for right now?" he asked against the other's lips.
Listening to YoungSaeng, KyuJong felt saddened, but nodded all the same. "That's more than enough," he murmured. "Take things at your own pace, alright?"
He couldn't force YoungSaeng to love him, and he wouldn't even if he could. He could wait.
"I'm sorry...I feel. I feel so strongly that it's almost painful, but not in a bad way. I just don't know if it's love. I don't have enough experience in it."
"There's nothing to be sorry about," KyuJong replied softly, pulling back just enough to look YoungSaeng in the eyes. There was a faint sadness in his own, but also acceptance and understanding.
"I'll wait for you to figure out whatever it is you feel for me. As long as I can keep holding you like this, I'm happy," he smiled.
"I don't want you to let go. I feel safe with you...secure." 'and SO much more...'
"If you don't want me to, then I won't," KyuJong replied, kissing him again lightly. "Above all...I want you to be happy."
"I think I am for the first time in a long time," YoungSaeng murmured affectionately.
"That's good," KyuJong said with a gentle smile, resting his forehead against YoungSaeng's. "Are you still tired from before?" he asked quietly. "Maybe we should sleep soon." Time was passing quickly.
"I sleep a lot when I'm with you, have you noticed?" YoungSaeng laughed quietly, easing out of his lap and laying down, curling up against KyuJong's side. "You're too comfy."
"I noticed," KyuJong chuckled, adjusting his position slightly so he could half-lay down beside YoungSaeng, propped up on one elbow. "And not really, but I'll take it as a compliment?"
"You should. People in general make me nervous, but I can fall asleep against you with no problem," YoungSaeng pointed out.
"Point taken," KyuJong replied, shifting slightly so he could give YoungSaeng a light kiss. He could also do much more around YoungSaeng than other people could.
"I'm just going to take a shower, okay?" He kissed him again then climbed off the bed and stood, absently brushing his bangs out of his eyes before going to hunt down a pair of pajamas.
YoungSaeng nodded. "I should probably change, too..." However, he didn't move.
KyuJong chuckled softly. "Eventually, right?" Gathering up his clothes, he padded into the bathroom and closed the door.
After a quick shower, KyuJong appeared again in a pair of light blue low-collared pajamas, towel over his head as he tugged down the sleeve covering his watch.
While KyuJong was in the shower, YoungSaeng finally got up and began changing. Slipping out of his outfit, he put on a pair of loose lounge pants. The door opened as he was in the process of putting on a gray fitted shirt. Tugging it over his head, he padded back over to the bed and plopped down.
Looking up from his watch, KyuJong went red when he saw YoungSaeng pulling a shirt over his head, skin visible for a moment before the shirt covered the other boy's body.
Skin aside...how could someone be so small? He was sure he saw the outline of ribs for a moment...
Using drying his hair as an excuse to hide his blush, he wandered over to the window, looking outside. It was dark, he could barely see the campus grounds.
Watching KyuJong stand by the window, YoungSaeng tilted his head and crawled to the foot of the bed before sitting back onto his legs. "What're you looking at?" he asked.
"Nothing really, it's too dark to see much," KyuJong commented, looking up at the sky overhead for a moment before turned away. He dried his hair a bit more then went to leave the towel in the bathroom. When he returned, KyuJong sat down on the bed next to YoungSaeng, the blush nearly gone again. "You're really thin," he said hesitantly, unsure how to ask without insulting YoungSaeng. "Too thin to be healthy."
Biting his lip, YoungSaeng slowly nodded. "I never ate much when I was in that place. I hated taking the meds, so they used to slip them into my food," he explained. "I know that it wasn't healthy, and that I need to gain weight, though..."
KyuJong listened to the explanation, nodding in understanding. "And having a pair of spirits in the cafeteria now probably isn't helping," he murmured. "We can always bring food up here more often, if it helps you eat."
"No, I can't say that it does help much," YoungSaeng chuckled before nodding at the suggestion.
KyuJong smiled and fell onto his back on the bed, hands behind his head and looking up at the ceiling. The bottom of his pajama shirt rode up slightly at the movement. "I didn't even know we're allowed to bring food out of the cafeteria, but then again it makes sense, with the cafeteria always full," he murmured absently.
YoungSaeng turned red as he saw the sliver of skin from where KyuJong's shirt slipped up. "I guess it pays to be my roommate. There are a few things that I can do...since they know my 'situation', I can eat in here, and I'm usually only called on in class if it involves a written answer...except music and Japanese, of course."
"I was wondering about that," KyuJong responded, eyes going to YoungSaeng. "I just thought you were really good at avoiding the teacher's attention." In contrast the teachers asked him questions a lot. "Does all the staff in the school know?"
"They know where I was, yes," YoungSaeng replied, laying down beside KyuJong, looking up as well.
When YoungSaeng laid down beside him, KyuJong closed his eyes, feeling his body starting to slow down. So much had happened today. "Isn't that an infringement on your privacy? Having so many people know?"
"Tell that to my parents," YoungSaeng muttered, annoyed. "They 'took care of everything' while I was still inside."
KyuJong gave a soft noise of understanding. "They should have at least talked to you about it before making all the decisions for you." He knew he was an idealist though, and things never went the way that was best for everyone. His own parents only told him they were pulling him out of school and into a homeschooling program long after the fact (and once he'd reappeared a week after his fifth jump).
"That would be nice, wouldn't it?" YoungSaeng sighed. "But like I said, they don't believe me and think I'm delusional or something on top of being schizo."
KyuJong sighed softly, turning onto his side slightly so he could wrap one arm around YoungSaeng's waist, pulling him close. "They'll come around," he murmured, wishing there was something he could do to help show YoungSaeng's parents he wasn't crazy.
Maybe if he showed them his own Gift, they'd be more inclined to believe their son...?
It was something to think over.
"I think what happened earlier might have been the last straw," YoungSaeng murmured, curling into the embrace. "I think I lost what little respect I had left for them."
KyuJong ran one hand gently along YoungSaeng's back, watching his boyfriend's expression. "Even your mother?" he asked softly. "You said she wasn't as bad as your father..."
"I don't know..." YoungSaeng said. He loved his mother dearly, but her indecision was weighing too much on his already fragile spirit.
KyuJong leaned forward and kissed his forehead gently. "Don't give up on them just yet," he murmured. "There might still be chances to change their mind."
"Kyu-yah, I don't think I feel safe around my father anymore, but I guess there's still hope with my mother," YoungSaeng replied, eyes fluttering closed as he felt those familiar lips against his forehead.
The other boy nodded slightly to show he understood. "I'll see about switching my free block so I can come with you for your meetings," he whispered against YoungSaeng’s skin. "That way, in case he comes to drive you, you won't be alone."
"I'd like that a lot, Kyu-yah," YoungSaeng smiled slightly, brushing his lips against his neck before resting his head there again.
KyuJong blushed lightly at the feeling of soft lips against his neck, wrapping his arm firmly around YoungSaeng's waist. "I like it when you call me that," he mumbled.
"What, Kyu-yah?" YoungSaeng purred, voice taking on a quality that seemed to surprise him somewhat.
The tone of YoungSaeng's voice sent shivers down KyuJong’s body, his fingers curling lightly into the younger boy's shirt. "Yeah," he whispered.
YoungSaeng took in the reaction he got from the simple tone. Had he really caused that?
KyuJong lowered his face against YoungSaeng's soft hair, blushing. While he loved the fact YoungSaeng was becoming more and more open with him, some things were still very surprising.
Blushing, YoungSaeng considered the new information. When had he grown so comfortable that he would openly flirt like that?
After a moment, KyuJong laughed softly. "You're just full of surprises, huh?" he kissed the top of YoungSaeng's head before hiding his face in the other boy's hair again.
"Trust me, I just surprised myself on that one," YoungSaeng replied, chuckling quietly as he relaxed more against KyuJong.
"Surprise isn't a bad thing," KyuJong mumbled absently, feeling YoungSaeng relax and loosening the light grip he'd had on the back of the other boy's shirt. Now that the blush was starting to fade again, he was beginning to fall asleep.
Eyes closing, YoungSaeng murmured one last thing before falling asleep. "Only for you, Kyu-yah."
KyuJong smiled sleepily, hearing YoungSaeng's breathing pattern change. Before he could fall asleep himself, he reached over and turned off the light next to his bed. They were lying on top of the blankets, but he was able to reach over and carefully pull up one side over them so YoungSaeng was covered, knowing his boyfriend got cold easier than he did. Looking down at the sleeping boy, he gently brushed locks of hair out of his face before returning his arm to the other's waist, closing his eyes and drifting off.
Chapter: 9/?
Fandom: SS501
Pairings: KyuSaeng
Rating: PG-16
Warning: Angst, AU, Fluff
Summary: Not everything is as it seems, and for those who are as far from normal as you can get, life is a bleak existence. The only ones who can truly understand what these individuals go through are those...just like them.
A/N: This is an ongoing roleplay between myself and Carey (renichifreak ). I play KyuJong and she plays YoungSaeng, and this is our logs jammed together xD (THIS UPDATE IS COMPLETELY COVERED IN FLUFF XDDDD )
KyuJong smiled when YoungSaeng squeezed his hand lightly, enjoying the warmth from the contact. There were few people around to see them, those they did pass seeing too occupied to notice their joined hands.
The weather was nice outside, though a tad chilly. Fall was arriving.
The two walked to the cafeteria, where YoungSaeng stopped before entering. He closed his eyes and gently probed to see if the evil spirit was in a bad mood, but things seemed relatively okay.
KyuJong stopped when YoungSaeng did, watching him. He always wondered how his boyfriend's Gift worked, if it was similar to his own. "Everything all right?" he asked softly.
"He's not too angry right now, so it should be okay," YoungSaeng explained. His eyes had darkened considerably, but it was a dark that could be explained away with lighting.
The other boy nodded slightly, squeezing YoungSaeng's hand reassuringly. KyuJong didn't comment on YoungSaeng's eyes, hoping no one else would notice. At least there would be less people in the cafeteria around this time. KyuJong started towards the door, opening it for YoungSaeng out of habit.
YoungSaeng smiled at the kind gesture before entering, waiting for KyuJong. It wasn't often that he was treated with great care, so he found himself liking it.
KyuJong followed YoungSaeng inside, the door closing behind them. The cafeteria was less than half full, the majority of the students there playing games rather than eating. He absently wondered where the spirits were, if the other students sensed their presence at all. He himself didn't.
YoungSaeng looked up to see KyuJong looking around. Laughing quietly, he motioned toward the back two corners of the room. "They're each in a corner," he explained, leading the other to get something to eat.
KyuJong looked at the corners, but as expected he couldn't see anything different about them. Neither could the group of students sitting near there, from how they chattered away. "Do they ever bother the students here?" he asked, following YoungSaeng to get their food. He picked up a plate of pasta this time, along with a piece of bread and a bottle of water.
"Spirits gain the ability of telekinesis," YoungSaeng explained quietly, picking up water and another salad. The last one had tasted amazing. "It's what most know as poltergeist activity."
Poltergeist...KyuJong definitely knew that word. At least Hollywood had something right. "I wonder if there's any rumors about the cafeteria being haunted then," he murmured, showing the cafeteria lady his student card. If there had been any poltergeist activity here, surely the word would have gotten out.
"I'm sure that at least someone has seen something. While she doesn't like attention, he seems to crave it," YoungSaeng stated, showing the woman his card as well.
KyuJong looked over at the students sitting in various areas of the cafeteria. Even though there weren't many, if there was any activity from the spirit someone would notice quickly. "Attention would be easy enough to catch here," he replied, heading towards the cafeteria door since they would be eating in their room.
"Yeah...it really is. I've seen people run screaming from places due to seeing things." YoungSaeng followed KyuJong out of the cafeteria and up to their room.
"It's a perfectly understandable reaction," KyuJong chuckled. "When you don't understand what's going on, it's easy to be scared." When they reached their dorm room, KyuJong balanced his food with one hand and unlocked the door with the other, nudging it open with his foot.
"True, but it's just as easy to be scared even if you do know what's going on," YoungSaeng pointed out, following him in before closing the door the same way that KyuJong opened it.
Walking over to his bed, he moved the pillows and sat against the wall, legs curled up beneath him.
KyuJong nodded, slipping off his shoes and padding over to his own bed, sitting on the edge. "It all depends on the person I guess." He moved the pasta on his plate around. "It would be interesting to ask around and see who's noticed there's a spirit in the cafeteria."
YoungSaeng paused. "Um, I can actually sense faint energies around people who've experienced it. I'm not very good at it, though."
KyuJong raised an eyebrow at that. "Really? How does that work?" He admittedly didn't know much about spirit lore, but was very interested in learning more about it.
"Spirits are energy given form, whether we can see it or not. All energy leaves a trail," YoungSaeng explained, taking a small bite. "It's like...you know on the Internet where people always leave behind a trail? It's the same with energy. A person who's been affected by the energy will pick up some."
Nodding slowly, KyuJong picked up some of the pasta, eating gradually. "It makes sense...how long does the energy stay around the person who's experienced it?"
"Depends on how much interaction there was. If they were just around them and noticed, maybe about three to six hours. If there was actual activity, twelve to fifteen." YoungSaeng took a drink before continuing. "If there was complete contact, a week."
"Complete contact?" KyuJong thought about that for a moment. "Is there a way for spirits to communicate with everyday people?" He knew he was asking a lot of questions, and planned on stopping if YoungSaeng became uncomfortable with them.
YoungSaeng nodded. "If the spirit is strong enough, he or she can cross into the living plane. Also, if the spirit is close to whom he or she's trying to contact. My power actually allows me to cross planes."
The other boy looked surprised at that. "Cross planes? Do you mean make contact with spirits?" Or something else?
"Make contact," YoungSaeng clarified. "I can see, touch, and talk to the dead."
KyuJong thought about that, nodding finally. "I think that's all my questions for now," he chuckled, continuing to eat. "It's interesting to know what's real and what's just Hollywood."
"I hate how Hollywood glamorizes it," YoungSaeng muttered. "It's terrifying to hear voices that aren't there to anyone else or see things only you see."
"Unfortunately Hollywood doesn't always aim for accuracy," KyuJong sighed softly. "Anything that brings in a lot of money is good with them." He had quite a few arguments with his parents about how Hollywood represented time travel. They were convinced because the people in the movies had such amazing control over themselves, there was no excuse for him jumping all over the place.
"I know, but it still drives me crazy. I think the closest they got was that Sixth Sense American movie," YoungSaeng replied. "I remember hiding a lot from them, but they always managed to find me."
KyuJong nodded; he'd seen that movie. "Maybe you give off some sort of aura that draws them in?" he suggested, finishing his pasta. Standing up, he walked over to the small trashcan they had near the door, getting rid of the plastic plate before returning to his bed, grabbing the bottle of water.
"I know that I do, but I feel so exposed when they're around. I mean, doors don't keep them out, you know." Sighing, YoungSaeng took his final bite before getting up and throwing it away. Grabbing his water bottle, he walked over to KyuJong's bed and took the same position he'd been in on his own, only leaning against the headboard.
KyuJong climbed up onto the bed beside YoungSaeng, sitting beside him. "Would any come to see you here?" he asked softly. Maybe he could do some research online, among all the rumors there must be some way of keeping the spirits at bay.
"No clue. They haven't yet, which in and of itself is amazing. I was visited daily by them in the hospital."
"I'll search around a bit, and see if I can find anything about protection against spirits," KyuJong promised. "There's enough stories about it, at least one of the methods must be effective. Though it would probably take a bit of trial and error."
"Look for occult shops in the area. They usually have the best chance of being reputable in this case," YoungSaeng pointed out, leaning against KyuJong.
"Will do," KyuJong chuckled, wrapping one arm around YoungSaeng's waist in response. "Seoul's pretty big, there's bound to be a few nearby. We'll find something to make sure you aren't visited by spirits all the time."
"That'd be nice," YoungSaeng sighed, enjoying the closeness between he and KyuJong.
KyuJong smiled, glancing over at YoungSaeng beside him. He ducked his head slightly, lips brushing against the younger boy's temple lightly. Whether consciously or not he was always very gentle with YoungSaeng, never pushing if he thought the other boy was uncomfortable with something.
YoungSaeng, feeling the brush of lips against his temple, slowly turned his head, looking KyuJong in the eyes, his own having returned to normal.
KyuJong met YoungSaeng's gaze, finding it so easy to lose himself in those eyes. "I...I really do love you," he murmured. "If acting like this makes you uncomfortable...let me know, and I'll stop."
YoungSaeng slowly shook his head. "It's not that. I'm just not used to it. I don't know how I feel yet...I just know that I like you a lot, and you make me feel safe..."
KyuJong blushed faintly. "I want to keep you safe," he responded quietly. "You don't deserve any of what's happened to you." He hadn't known YoungSaeng very long, but he knew that in that short amount of time he'd fallen hard for the younger boy, and would do anything to keep him smiling and safe.
Smiling at the words, YoungSaeng hesitated before shifting, bringing his lips to KyuJong's. He'd never had someone so concerned about his well being before.
KyuJong’s eyes widened slightly in surprise when YoungSaeng kissed him. His boyfriend had never been the one to kiss him first, before now. Something about that tugged at his heart, and he closed his eyes, arms wrapping gently around the younger boy's waist. KyuJong kissed YoungSaeng back, trying to communicate just how much he cared for the other.
Sighing into the kiss, YoungSaeng moved into KyuJong's lap, making things more comfortable for them both. He'd never kissed anyone before, but he found himself loving it when it involved KyuJong.
A soft gasp left KyuJong when YoungSaeng climbed into his lap, flushing deeply at the contact. He adjusted his arms around the younger boy's waist to compensate, one hand resting lightly on his hip and the other against the small of his back. This was new for him as well, YoungSaeng being his first kiss. How much opportunity for dating could one have when he'd been practically on house arrest since he was twelve?
Hesitating a little, he gave a gentle nip to YoungSaeng's soft lower lip, asking for permission to deepen the kiss.
YoungSaeng shivered at the feel of the hands resting on his hip and back. There was something about the feel of KyuJong's hands that just relaxed him and made him feel...wanted.
At the gentle nip, YoungSaeng slowly parted his lips, allowing the older to deepen the kiss.
KyuJong was careful not to go too fast, fully aware this was not something YoungSaeng was used to. He didn't want to make his boyfriend nervous or afraid, paying attention for signs that he might be pushing his limit.
Lifting one hand from YoungSaeng's back, his fingers gently ran through the soft hair framing the other boy's face.
YoungSaeng allowed himself to be led, not knowing what to do. While it hadn't been his first kiss-that had gone to the crazy guy who liked to ambush him on Christmas with the mistletoe-it was the first that he had desperately wanted.
YoungSaeng tasted much better than he'd even thought possible, KyuJong deepening the kiss a little more after a moment.
Finally though they had to breathe, and he broke the kiss. Breathing unevenly, he opened his eyes again, gently brushing locks of hair out of YoungSaeng's face.
Once the kiss was broken, YoungSaeng released a shuddered breath. 'I must look a sight,' he thought. His eyes were half lidded, and a deep flush adorned his normally pale features. He sighed, allowing his eyes to close again as KyuJong brushed his mussed hair out of his face.
His eyes took in the younger boy's appearance, KyuJong brushing a thumb lightly over his boyfriend's cheek. Did YoungSaeng even know how beautiful he was? Leaning in, he placed a soft kiss on the other boy's lips that were red from the kiss. "Is this okay?" he whispered, framing YoungSaeng's face lightly with one hand.
Swallowing, YoungSaeng opened his eyes to meet KyuJong's stunning orbs. There was so much emotion seen there that it made him breathless. His breath hitched as he felt the young man's thumb against his cheek.
Not knowing what to say, he simply nodded his head, smiling a small but real smile.
KyuJong's lips curved upwards in return, enjoying the genuine smile he received. He kissed YoungSaeng again, then just held him close, arms wrapping securely around his boyfriend's waist.
Boyfriend...he still couldn't believe it. YoungSaeng was his boyfriend. So much could change in such a short amount of time.
YoungSaeng relaxed completely into the embrace as he wrapped his arms around KyuJong's neck and just rested his head against his shoulder.
He still couldn't understand how he'd gone from being afraid of his own shadow to entrusting himself to the man holding him, but he couldn't find it in him to argue-not that he would.
It felt perfect, with YoungSaeng's arms around his neck and KyuJong’s own around the younger boy's waist. He wanted to freeze time so he could stay like this longer, as long as possible. KyuJong rested his head lightly against YoungSaeng's, eyes closing as he listened to the other's soft breathing, feeling it ghost over the exposed skin at the collar of his shirt. There was no real need to say anything.
If he could stay like this forever, YoungSaeng wouldn't mind in the least. He was so secure and comfortable and safe here. Feeling KyuJong's heartbeat was soothing, to say the least.
KyuJong honestly couldn't say how long they stayed like this. Time just didn't seem to be a factor anymore; it was as though they were in their own world where nothing else mattered. Realizing this some time later, his eyes opened again in surprise.
He didn't know what time it was. Why hadn't he jumped then? He would have felt it if he had...
Tilting his head slightly, he looked down at YoungSaeng, gaze becoming tender. KyuJong gently brushed his lips against the other boy's forehead, thoughtful.
Blinking slightly, YoungSaeng sighed at the lips against his forehead and looked up. "What's up, Kyu-yah?" he asked quietly, head tilted cutely. "You look like you're thinking pretty hard."
KyuJong met YoungSaeng's eyes when the younger boy looked up at him, smiling. "Just puzzling some things out," he murmured. Maybe YoungSaeng kept him grounded somehow...he just felt so solid in his arms, so there. "You're amazing, you know that?"
YoungSaeng blushed. "I'm not," he murmured, looking away in embarrassment.
KyuJong's smile widened slightly. He knew that would distract YoungSaeng; he wasn't sure if he was ready to tell the other boy about himself yet. "Yes you are," he replied, kissing YoungSaeng's cheek lightly when his boyfriend looked away.
"How? I don't get it," YoungSaeng asked. He was curious as to KyuJong's opinions on him.
KyuJong rested his head lightly against YoungSaeng's, adjusting his grip around the other boy's waist. "You're strong," he murmured after a moment. "Listen...everything you've been through, few people would be able to come out of. But despite all that, or maybe because of it, you're here right now, and you're getting better. When I first met you, you would barely speak and always kept your distance. Look at now. Even if it's gradual, even if it's with very few people, you're recovering. So many people would just...never make it this far." He smiled a little. "Even if you wouldn't call it 'strength', it's something I admire about you."
YoungSaeng smiled, snuggling against his boyfriend, hugging him tightly. "Thank you," he whispered, tears filling his eyes from the touching words.
Returning the hug, KyuJong pressed his lips against YoungSaeng's forehead. "It's the truth," he murmured, cupping the younger boy's face gently and looking into his eyes, noticing the watery quality to them.
"No one's ever said something like that. All I hear is crazy, weak, things like that. Even from my own family."
"They don't know you that well then, if I can see your strength and I've known you for what...a couple weeks? Not even?" He gently traced the dip under YoungSaeng's eye with his thumb. "That's a lack of judgment on their part, not yours."
YoungSaeng offered an unsteady smile before leaning in and brushing his lips gently against KyuJong's. He knew that while he may not be sure if he did love him, he was fully convinced that he could.
KyuJong returned the kiss lightly, hand slipping into YoungSaeng's hair again. He was happy to be with the younger boy and be the one YoungSaeng was able to talk to. "Love you," he murmured into the kiss, wanting his boyfriend to hear those words often, as often as he needed to.
YoungSaeng felt his lips curl into the kiss at hearing the words. He truly couldn't remember the last time he's heard them with real meaning behind them.
"Kyu-yah...I don't know if I love you right now, but I know that I can. Is that enough for right now?" he asked against the other's lips.
Listening to YoungSaeng, KyuJong felt saddened, but nodded all the same. "That's more than enough," he murmured. "Take things at your own pace, alright?"
He couldn't force YoungSaeng to love him, and he wouldn't even if he could. He could wait.
"I'm sorry...I feel. I feel so strongly that it's almost painful, but not in a bad way. I just don't know if it's love. I don't have enough experience in it."
"There's nothing to be sorry about," KyuJong replied softly, pulling back just enough to look YoungSaeng in the eyes. There was a faint sadness in his own, but also acceptance and understanding.
"I'll wait for you to figure out whatever it is you feel for me. As long as I can keep holding you like this, I'm happy," he smiled.
"I don't want you to let go. I feel safe with you...secure." 'and SO much more...'
"If you don't want me to, then I won't," KyuJong replied, kissing him again lightly. "Above all...I want you to be happy."
"I think I am for the first time in a long time," YoungSaeng murmured affectionately.
"That's good," KyuJong said with a gentle smile, resting his forehead against YoungSaeng's. "Are you still tired from before?" he asked quietly. "Maybe we should sleep soon." Time was passing quickly.
"I sleep a lot when I'm with you, have you noticed?" YoungSaeng laughed quietly, easing out of his lap and laying down, curling up against KyuJong's side. "You're too comfy."
"I noticed," KyuJong chuckled, adjusting his position slightly so he could half-lay down beside YoungSaeng, propped up on one elbow. "And not really, but I'll take it as a compliment?"
"You should. People in general make me nervous, but I can fall asleep against you with no problem," YoungSaeng pointed out.
"Point taken," KyuJong replied, shifting slightly so he could give YoungSaeng a light kiss. He could also do much more around YoungSaeng than other people could.
"I'm just going to take a shower, okay?" He kissed him again then climbed off the bed and stood, absently brushing his bangs out of his eyes before going to hunt down a pair of pajamas.
YoungSaeng nodded. "I should probably change, too..." However, he didn't move.
KyuJong chuckled softly. "Eventually, right?" Gathering up his clothes, he padded into the bathroom and closed the door.
After a quick shower, KyuJong appeared again in a pair of light blue low-collared pajamas, towel over his head as he tugged down the sleeve covering his watch.
While KyuJong was in the shower, YoungSaeng finally got up and began changing. Slipping out of his outfit, he put on a pair of loose lounge pants. The door opened as he was in the process of putting on a gray fitted shirt. Tugging it over his head, he padded back over to the bed and plopped down.
Looking up from his watch, KyuJong went red when he saw YoungSaeng pulling a shirt over his head, skin visible for a moment before the shirt covered the other boy's body.
Skin aside...how could someone be so small? He was sure he saw the outline of ribs for a moment...
Using drying his hair as an excuse to hide his blush, he wandered over to the window, looking outside. It was dark, he could barely see the campus grounds.
Watching KyuJong stand by the window, YoungSaeng tilted his head and crawled to the foot of the bed before sitting back onto his legs. "What're you looking at?" he asked.
"Nothing really, it's too dark to see much," KyuJong commented, looking up at the sky overhead for a moment before turned away. He dried his hair a bit more then went to leave the towel in the bathroom. When he returned, KyuJong sat down on the bed next to YoungSaeng, the blush nearly gone again. "You're really thin," he said hesitantly, unsure how to ask without insulting YoungSaeng. "Too thin to be healthy."
Biting his lip, YoungSaeng slowly nodded. "I never ate much when I was in that place. I hated taking the meds, so they used to slip them into my food," he explained. "I know that it wasn't healthy, and that I need to gain weight, though..."
KyuJong listened to the explanation, nodding in understanding. "And having a pair of spirits in the cafeteria now probably isn't helping," he murmured. "We can always bring food up here more often, if it helps you eat."
"No, I can't say that it does help much," YoungSaeng chuckled before nodding at the suggestion.
KyuJong smiled and fell onto his back on the bed, hands behind his head and looking up at the ceiling. The bottom of his pajama shirt rode up slightly at the movement. "I didn't even know we're allowed to bring food out of the cafeteria, but then again it makes sense, with the cafeteria always full," he murmured absently.
YoungSaeng turned red as he saw the sliver of skin from where KyuJong's shirt slipped up. "I guess it pays to be my roommate. There are a few things that I can do...since they know my 'situation', I can eat in here, and I'm usually only called on in class if it involves a written answer...except music and Japanese, of course."
"I was wondering about that," KyuJong responded, eyes going to YoungSaeng. "I just thought you were really good at avoiding the teacher's attention." In contrast the teachers asked him questions a lot. "Does all the staff in the school know?"
"They know where I was, yes," YoungSaeng replied, laying down beside KyuJong, looking up as well.
When YoungSaeng laid down beside him, KyuJong closed his eyes, feeling his body starting to slow down. So much had happened today. "Isn't that an infringement on your privacy? Having so many people know?"
"Tell that to my parents," YoungSaeng muttered, annoyed. "They 'took care of everything' while I was still inside."
KyuJong gave a soft noise of understanding. "They should have at least talked to you about it before making all the decisions for you." He knew he was an idealist though, and things never went the way that was best for everyone. His own parents only told him they were pulling him out of school and into a homeschooling program long after the fact (and once he'd reappeared a week after his fifth jump).
"That would be nice, wouldn't it?" YoungSaeng sighed. "But like I said, they don't believe me and think I'm delusional or something on top of being schizo."
KyuJong sighed softly, turning onto his side slightly so he could wrap one arm around YoungSaeng's waist, pulling him close. "They'll come around," he murmured, wishing there was something he could do to help show YoungSaeng's parents he wasn't crazy.
Maybe if he showed them his own Gift, they'd be more inclined to believe their son...?
It was something to think over.
"I think what happened earlier might have been the last straw," YoungSaeng murmured, curling into the embrace. "I think I lost what little respect I had left for them."
KyuJong ran one hand gently along YoungSaeng's back, watching his boyfriend's expression. "Even your mother?" he asked softly. "You said she wasn't as bad as your father..."
"I don't know..." YoungSaeng said. He loved his mother dearly, but her indecision was weighing too much on his already fragile spirit.
KyuJong leaned forward and kissed his forehead gently. "Don't give up on them just yet," he murmured. "There might still be chances to change their mind."
"Kyu-yah, I don't think I feel safe around my father anymore, but I guess there's still hope with my mother," YoungSaeng replied, eyes fluttering closed as he felt those familiar lips against his forehead.
The other boy nodded slightly to show he understood. "I'll see about switching my free block so I can come with you for your meetings," he whispered against YoungSaeng’s skin. "That way, in case he comes to drive you, you won't be alone."
"I'd like that a lot, Kyu-yah," YoungSaeng smiled slightly, brushing his lips against his neck before resting his head there again.
KyuJong blushed lightly at the feeling of soft lips against his neck, wrapping his arm firmly around YoungSaeng's waist. "I like it when you call me that," he mumbled.
"What, Kyu-yah?" YoungSaeng purred, voice taking on a quality that seemed to surprise him somewhat.
The tone of YoungSaeng's voice sent shivers down KyuJong’s body, his fingers curling lightly into the younger boy's shirt. "Yeah," he whispered.
YoungSaeng took in the reaction he got from the simple tone. Had he really caused that?
KyuJong lowered his face against YoungSaeng's soft hair, blushing. While he loved the fact YoungSaeng was becoming more and more open with him, some things were still very surprising.
Blushing, YoungSaeng considered the new information. When had he grown so comfortable that he would openly flirt like that?
After a moment, KyuJong laughed softly. "You're just full of surprises, huh?" he kissed the top of YoungSaeng's head before hiding his face in the other boy's hair again.
"Trust me, I just surprised myself on that one," YoungSaeng replied, chuckling quietly as he relaxed more against KyuJong.
"Surprise isn't a bad thing," KyuJong mumbled absently, feeling YoungSaeng relax and loosening the light grip he'd had on the back of the other boy's shirt. Now that the blush was starting to fade again, he was beginning to fall asleep.
Eyes closing, YoungSaeng murmured one last thing before falling asleep. "Only for you, Kyu-yah."
KyuJong smiled sleepily, hearing YoungSaeng's breathing pattern change. Before he could fall asleep himself, he reached over and turned off the light next to his bed. They were lying on top of the blankets, but he was able to reach over and carefully pull up one side over them so YoungSaeng was covered, knowing his boyfriend got cold easier than he did. Looking down at the sleeping boy, he gently brushed locks of hair out of his face before returning his arm to the other's waist, closing his eyes and drifting off.