Chapter Text
Jongin woke up the next day feeling more rested than he had been in weeks. Maybe it was because it was the first time he had a good night sleep from all the preparing he had done for his show, and maybe it was because of the warmth radiating from the person he was holding in his arms.
He continued to stare at his still sleeping boyfriend who had his face against Jongin's chest, feeling his steady breath against his skin.
When he felt the other person start to stir awake, Jongin loosened his grip on the other's waist and smiled down at him.
"Good morning jagi," he said in a singsong voice, kissing the top of the shorter male's head.
"Hmmm, someone is feeling a little too enthusiastic this morning," Kyungsoo replied with a yawn as he looked up to meet the other's gaze and smiled lazily, eyes puffy from sleep. He glanced at the clock on the bedside table that read 11:35. "Or almost noon"
"I don't know about you but I feel super energized today," Jongin said brightly.
"Do you now?" Kyungsoo said in a low voice, tracing a finger down Jongin's bare chest. "You know what we could do with that?"
Jongin's eyes lit up in realization. "I like what you're thinking," Jongin said breathily, leaning in closer. "Why don't we-"
"Clean up the dining room? Great. Let's go," Kyungsoo suddely interrupted, breaking free from the other's grasp.
Jongin could only stare at the wide eyed male in disbelief.
"But-"
"Come on, where's all that energy you were talking about," Kyungsoo said as he sprung up from the bed and walked to the other side of the room.
Kyungsoo opened Jongin's closet and took out a grey sweater. He put it on, the material hanging low on his neck, exposing his collarbones and falling just below his butt. Not even bothering to put on underwear, he started walking towards the door, slightly swaying his hips in the process. At the doorway, he looked back at the taller male who was still gaping at him like a fish. He simply smiled at him, wiggling his eyebrows, and headed outside.
The little tease, Jongin thought when he was able to regain composure. He shook his head, laughing to himself, and after hastily putting on his discarded pants on the floor and grabbing his phone on the nightstand, followed the other male out of the room.
In the dining area, Kyungsoo started clearing up the table, stacking the used dishes and utensils.
"Why don't you finish clearing all of this up, I'll make us some toast and eggs for breakfast," Kyungsoo said, handing the dishes over to a pouting Jongin.
"I kind of had something else in mind for breakfast," the latter whined while balancing the plates on his hands and heading over to the kitchen and began cleaning up, scrubbing the plates a little too aggresively.
Kyungsoo entered the room and started to prepare their meal, humming happily to himself as he worked around the kitchen, all too aware of the pair of eyes following his every move.
Jongin stood watching the other from his place in the sink, less focused on the task at hand. Unconsciously, he angled the bottom of the plate he was rinsing right under the running tap, causing the water to spray all over his bare chest and the front part of his jeans, making him yelp in surprise.
Startled by the noise, Kyungsoo turned around and seeing the state the other male was in, lightly chuckled and grabbed a nearby towel. He approached the taller male who was muttering curses as he attempted to shake off the water clinging to his skin.
"Aish, look what a mess you made," Kyungsoo said, clicking his tongue.
The latter ran the cloth against the taller male's skin deliberately slow, enjoying the way the other's abs tensed when he brushed his hand in that particular area.
Jongin was trying not to make a noise as the shorter male roamed his hands around his upper body. However, his composure broke and he let out a soft gasp as he felt a warm wetness on the base of his neck.
"Kyungsoo what, ah-"
"Missed a spot," Kyungsoo looked up at him, blinking innocently, tongue peeking out of his lips.
Jongin barely registered the growing smirk on his boyfriend's lips before the other's warmth left him again, the shorter male moving to place the cloth on the counter and proceeded to grab two plates next to the stove, carrying them over to the dining area.
Kyungsoo began to set the table, followed by a slightly irritated Jongin who slumped against a chair and began eating without a single word.
When they both had their fill, Kyungsoo stood up to clear the table. He walked over to Jongin's side and, not missing the taller male's gaze on his exposed legs, slowly bent over the table to let the sweater ride higher on his thighs. He then flashed an innocent smile and proceeded to deposit the dishes in the kitchen sink.
Kyungsoo was smiling to himself as he turned on the tap to let the water run over the dirty dishes when he felt strong hands grip his waist and roughly turn him around. He yelped and was about to tell his boyfriend off but he was met with the younger's hungry gaze and the comment suddenly died in his throat.
"Seriously, what are you trying to do to me," Jongin said, faces inches away and his lips ghosting against the other's.
Kyungsoo was unable to respond right away, only staring at the other with wide eyes. He unconsciously parted his lips in anticipation.
"Hmmm, why don't you figure that out for yourself baby," Kyungsoo purred seductively.
Jongin lifted Kyungsoo and placed him on the counter next to the sink. He planted his hands against the other's smooth thighs and proceeded to ravish his plump lips.
Kyungsoo moaned, leaning into the kiss. He lifted his hands from the counter and tangled his fingers in the other's hair, pulling at the roots and earning a satisfied whine from the taller male. Jongin responded by running his tongue against other's bottom lip before slipping it into the shorter's mouth, which the latter proceeded to suck on hungrily.
Jongin's phone suddely rang in his pocket. Cursing, he ignored the device.
"Answer it," Kyungsoo said breathlessly, but making no move on stopping the kiss.
"Don't want to," Jongin replied, sucking on the other's bottom lip.
"Maybe it's important, maybe it's from work"
"All the more reason I should ignore it," Jongin said, tightening his grip on the other's legs.
When the annoying device would not stop ringing, Jongin growled and took it out of his pocket and checked the caller ID.
"It's Shindong-hyung," he said, his eyes rolled in annoyance.
"Answer it," Kyungsoo urged, sliding his hands lower to rub the other's nape. Jongin grunted and answered the device, placing it next to his ear.
"Hello?" Jongin answered, tone laced with venom.
"Jongin-ah," his manager's voice rang through the speaker.
"What is it hyung?"
"Could you come over to the building? We need to discuss something"
"Can it wait hyung?" Jongin whined, placing his hand against Kyungsoo's knee.
"Are you busy right now?"
"Uhm, I kind of actually in the middle of someth- ah," Jongin hissed as Kyungsoo used the opportunity while Jongin was distracted to suddenly bite the other's ear.
"Are you okay?" Shindong said, sounding concerned.
"Yeah I'm good," Jongin said, breathing rapidly. He glared at the other male who continued to play with his ear, running his tongue on the redenning spot.
"Well anyway, it's kind of urgent and we can't discuss it any other time. I'm sorry to be calling you right after the show when you should be resting," Shindong said apologetically.
Jongin sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. Kyungsoo stopped to look at the other male when he noticed his change of mood. "Alright hyung, what time's the meeting?"
"It's at 3"
"Okay, I'll be there"
"Thank you Jongin-ah"
"Yeah hyung, bye" Jongin hung up and placed the phone on the counter beside him. He looked up at the other boy who was carefully watching him with concern.
"Did something happen?" Kyungsoo asked
Jongin shook his head. "They're calling for a meeting. Shindong-hyung didn't say what it's about though"
"Really? I hope it's nothing serious"
"I don't think so. But they needed my there by 3," Jongin said in a disappointed voice.
"Well," Kyungsoo grabbed Jongin's phone and checked the time, the clock reading 1:20. "There's still a bit of time right?" He said, bringing up his hands to run his fingers against the other's nape and leaning in to brush his lips against the other's ear.
Kyungsoo was suddely lifted off the counter and he quickly wrapped his legs around the taller's waist to keep himself from falling. He laughed as he was carried over to the bathroom in a rush by his boyfriend who was holding onto his ass like it was a lifeline.
Good thing Jongin still had some of that morning energy left.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"I'm gonna be late!" Jongin said, frantically pacing around the room looking for the shirt he swore he just had in his hand seconds ago.
"You put in on the bed dummy," Kyungsoo said, plucking the shirt from the matress and tossed it to Jongin. He quickly put it on and fumbled with the buttons, cursing under his breath.
Kyungsoo noticed the taller male struggling and rolled his eyes, swatting the other's hand away and fixing the buttons himself.
"We shouldn't have taken too long in the shower"
"Hey, I wasn't the one who wanted to do it three freaking times"
"Well I wasn't the one who decided to parade around the apartment with my ass almost exposed," Jongin retorted.
Kyungsoo snorted. "Shut up, you love my ass"
"Exactly why I wanted to do it three freaking times" Jongin said, mimicking the way the other said the last words.
Kyungsoo simply rolled his eyes as he finished straightening the other's shirt. After giving him a once over, he tapped him on the shoulder with a nod.
"Good to go," he said
"Thanks, hyung" Jongin replied as he checked his reflection on the mirror one last time. He was checking his hair when he noticed the shorter male staring at him with an unreadable expression.
"Is something wrong?" Jongin said, raising his eyebrows.
Kyungsoo was about to say something then he stopped, shaking his head. "It's nothing"
"No, something's bothering you, what is it"
"It's really not that important, Jongin-ah"
"Jagi"
Kyungsoo sighed and bit his lip. "Well, you were supposed to be on a break and we haven't really been spending a lot of time since you were so busy with the show. I was just kinda expecting to spend more time together." Kyungsoo said in a soft voice, averting his gaze.
Jongin sighed, approaching the other male and wrapping him in his arms. Kyungsoo circled his arms around his waist instinctively.
"I'm sorry. I was really looking forward to spending time with you too," Jongin said apologetically.
"It's okay, I understand. Don't think I'm like some sad housewife who sits around patiently waiting for her husband to come home from work. I just miss you is all," Kyungsoo said, voice muffled from being pressed against the taller's chest. "And I was hoping you could hang out with me at work tonight"
"I can do that," Jongin replied "I won't be long, it's just a meeting. I can come by afterwards and then we can have dinner" He said reassuringly, and kissed the shorter male's temple.
"Okay," Kyungsoo said, "Come on, you're gonna be late" He pulled back from the hug and grabbed the other male's hand, walking them towards the front door.
"See you tonight," Jongin said with a sweet smile, leaning it to press his lips with the other's in a firm kiss.
"Be safe" Kyungsoo replied, staring back at the other male lovingly
Jongin opened the front door and once halfway outside, turned back to steal a quick kiss, parting their lips with a loud smack and shouted "bye, hyung!" cheerily as he ran outside.
"Stupid," Kyungsoo said with a low chuckle.
Once he was done tidying up, he began preparing for work, changing into a white button up and matching navy blue slacks and blazer. He styled his black hair up, then went to the closet to get white socks, carefully sliding them on his feet. After giving himself a once over in the mirror, he grabbed his brown leather sling bag, proceeded to the front door to wear his black dress shoes and left the unit.
Jongin usually drives him to work if he's around, since the latter likes hanging around the bar and watching Kyungsoo work. But on days when Jongin is not around he just takes the bus, his workplace was only twenty minutes away.
Kyungsoo arrives at his stop and walks a short distance to the bar, making his way through the streets and stopping at a building tucked between a corner restaurant and a local mart.
"Kyungsoo-ya!" a cheery voice echoed through the space as he walked through the entrance. The greeting came from the fair skinned, brown haired male smiling at him from behind the bar.
"Hey Junmyeon-hyung," Kyungsoo replied, smiling back.
Junmyeon is the twenty-seven year old owner of Elyxion, a bar located at the upper class and less busier streets of Seoul. It had a classy ambiance and was the perfect environment for people who want a rather peaceful and calm experience. Since the place was a bit on the higher priced scale, patrons were usually people with above average income, high profile businessmen and the occasional celebrities.
"Need any help setting up?" Kyungsoo asked.
Junmyeon shook his head. "It's fine, the new part timer started today," he said, tilting his head towards someone who just emerged from the back, making his way around the bar.
"You should get acquainted, hey Jongdae!" Junmyeon called out and the other male turned around and made his way towards them.
"Kyungsoo, this is Jongdae, the new addition to our crew. Jongdae, this is Kyungsoo, one of our singers and occasional help with other work around here" Junmyeon introduced them. Kyungsoo and Jongdae shook hands.
"It's nice to meet you," Jongdae smiled, defining his high cheekbones and lips that turned up at the corner.
"Likewise," Kyungsoo replied. "Are you a student?"
Jongdae nodded. "Yeah, I'm a business major in college"
"Oh, that's cool" Kyungsoo said, smiling brightly.
Jongdae smiled sheepishly. "Thank you. I should get back to work, it was nice meeting you Kyungsoo-ssi" he bowed slightly and went back to the main floor to finish setting up the chairs.
"He's a nice kid," Kyungsoo said, turning back towards Junmyeon.
"Yeah, and it's great that I'm getting more help around here" Junmyeon said, Kyungsoo replied with a nod.
"By the way, how did it go last night?" Junmyeon asked.
Kyungsoo smiled shyly. "It went great, thanks for the lending me the stuff"
"It's no problem, glad we could help. Baekhyun would probably annoy you for further details though" Junmyeon said.
"Kind of dreading that already," Kyungsoo replied, groaning lightly.
And as if on cue, the sound of the entrance opening was heard and a loud voice filled the room.
"We have arrived, and we bear gifts!" A tiny male who owned the high pitched voice entered the room, followed by a tall male who was carrying a pastry box and a carrier containing several coffees. He placed the items on the bar.
When the small male's eyes landed on Kyungsoo, he immediately squealed and threw his arms around him.
"How was it? Tell me everything and spare no details!" He smiled, eyes forming a crescent shape.
"It was okay, Baek" Kyungsoo replied, releasing himself from the other's grip.
"Oh I'm gonna need so much more than that" Baekhyun said excitedly.
"Baek, I'm not gonna-"
"Did you do it? Did you do it like I told you to? Is that a hickey?" Baekhyun's eyes went to his neck.
Kyungsoo's hand immediately flew to the side of his neck. He thought he had covered it all.
"I, um well-" Kyungsoo stuttered, eyes widening.
"I'm messing with you," Baekhyun said. "But at least I know you really did it," he winked mischievously.
"Baek, leave him alone, It's his and Jongin's private matter," the taller male interrupted them, shoving a danish into the smaller's mouth to shut him up.
"Chanyeol's right Baek," Junmyeon agreed.
"I just wanted to know if he followed my expert advice and experienced the best lay of his life" Baekhyun said, taking the danish in his hand and nibbling at the corners.
"So you really wanted to know if your best friend surprised his boyfriend by posing naked on the bed surrounded by candles and covered with red rose petals, with one long stemmed rose tucked between his teeth, and the words 'take me daddy' written on his body with lipstick? And now I'm getting weird mental images and I regret bringing it up" Chanyeol groaned.
"Hey, it worked on you," Baekyun retorted and quickly ducked as an empty coffee carrier flew over his head. He laughed at the taller male who glared at him intensely, ears tinted red.
"Ew Baek, I don't need any information on your sex life," Kyungsoo wrinkled his nose and hopped off the stool he was sitting on, grabbing a coffee.
"Where's Jongin by the way? We got a latte for him too because we thought he might be here with you today," Chanyeol asked.
Kyungsoo took a sip from his cup. "He's at work, they suddenly called for an urgent meeting. But he'll be here when he's done over there"
Chanyeol shrugged. "Oh, okay"
"I told you we shouldn't have gotten an extra coffee," Baekhyun said.
"Just give it to Jongdae," Kyungsoo said, calling over the newcomer who was finishing cleaning up the floor.
"Guys this is Jongdae the new part timer. Jongdae, this is Baekhyun and Chanyeol, my fellow singers here," Kyungsoo introduced them.
"Hello," Jongdae said, bowing towards them.
"Hey Jongdae," Baekhyun greeted him with a smile.
"Do you drink coffee?" Chanyeol asked, taking the latte from the bar counter and handing it to him.
"I do, thank you" Jongdae said, taking the cup. "I actually worked here before," he said, pointing at the logo of the cafe.
"You did? That's so cool, we love their coffee!" Baekhyun exclaimed.
"Yeah I was a barista. It was way back in high school though, and it wasn't really there for long" Jongdae said, scratching the back of his head.
"Why did you stop?" Baekhyun asked.
"Issues. My ex-boyfriend and I met and worked there together and we broke up so it got kind of awkward to be in the same place as him all the time so I decided to quit," Jongdae confessed.
"Oh, I'm sorry" Baekhyun said apologetically.
Jongdae shook his head. "It's fine. It was almost three years ago, I've moved on."
Baekhyun nodded. "If you don't mind me asking, are you with someone now?"
"No," Jongdae replied. "I'm a bit too occupied with school that I never have the time to see anybody"
"I see," Baekhyun said.
Jongdae took a sip from the cup in his hands. "Ah, I always loved the latte over there," he said, placing the cup back on the counter. "I better finish setting up," he gestured towards the main floor and headed back to finish working.
"He's kinda cute," Baekhyun noted when Jongdae walked away, glancing at Junmyeon. "Do you know him from somewhere?"
Junmyeon shook his head. "He just suddenly came here the other day after hours while I was finishing up here and said that he saw the wanted sign outside"
Baekhyun nodded. "'He's cute," he repeated
Junmyeon shrugged. "Okay"
"And single"
"....Okay?" Junmyeon replied, raising his eyebrows at the smaller male.
"You're single" Baekhyun pointed at Junmyeon.
"Baek, please" Junmyeon sighed.
"What? I'm just stating facts here" Baekhyun said, raising his hands up innocently.
"No, I see what you're trying to do" Junmyeon said, pointing an accusing finger at him. "And it's not gonna work"
"I'm not doing anything, right Chanyeol-ah?" the smaller male said, batting his eyelashes at the taller male.
"Oh no, you're not getting through to me. Sorry, babe" Chanyeol smiled at him in apology.
Baekhyun pouted. "Well I think you should start thinking about these things Junmyeon-hyung, all you do is work"
"For your information, I am perfectly happy with my life right now. I don't need that kind of distraction," Junyeon said as-a-matter-of-factly.
Baekhyun clicked his tongue. "That's just because you haven't found the right one yet"
Junmyeon rolled his eyes at the younger male. "Why are you suddenly so interested in my love life? Don't you have better things to do right now? Like actually working?"
Kyungsoo took the opportunity to jump in the conversation. "He's right Baek, it's almost opening time so we should get ready" he proceeded to the back to leave his things there and start preparing.
Baekhyun whined and shot Junmyeon a pointed glare. "This is not over," he said as he was forcefully being taken away by Chanyeol who was muttering about him sticking his nose in other people's business.
At exactly 5 o'clock, everything was set up and Jongdae put out the 'Open' sign. After a while, customers began to enter. Baekhyun and Chanyeol were making some final adjustments on their stage setup as they were up to perform first. Kyungsoo was at the backstage dressing room fixing his appearance while going through the songs for his set in his head.
The sound of a guitar strumming and Baekhyun's soft voice began to fill the venue. Wanting to watch their set, Kyungsoo got out of the room and went to the bar, settling down on a stool. Chanyeol was on a stool playing the guitar while Baekhyun sat beside him, smiling as he sang.
They really did make a cute pair, Kyungsoo thought. But he would never say this out loud, Baekhyun would probably hold onto that statement for the rest of their lives. He smiled to himself.
"Excuse me, I can't help but notice you from over there. Can I buy you a drink?"
Kyungsoo turned around and was face to face with a man dressed in the clothes Jongin was wearing this morning, except this time he was wearing a cap, big sunglasses and a black face mask slid down to expose his mouth that was turned up into a small smile. This was his usual getup in public to avoid getting recognized.
Kyungsoo smiled back. "What a sweet offer, but unfortunately I do have a boyfriend. And I don't think he would appreciate people buying me drinks"
Jongin let out a soft laugh and leaned against the bar counter. "Your boyfriend sounds like a swell guy"
"He is. Most of the time" Kyungsoo emphasized.
Jongin's eyebrows shot up. "Most of the time? How so?"
Kyungsoo fakes a sigh. "He avoids socks like they were designed to torture feet, he's kind of sloppy, and honestly a bit of a nightmare in the kitchen. Quite off-putting really"
That statement broke them out of the little game. "Ouch, Soo" Jongin said, putting his hand over his chest and flashed him a hurt look "You didn't need to go there"
"You asked for it," Kyungsoo said with a smirk.
Jongin snickered and glanced at the duo on the stage. "You up soon?"
"Yeah just a few more songs from those two then I go in. Still not sure what I'll be opening with, though"
"I'm sure you'll figure it out. Just go with what you feel," Jongin smiled encouragingly.
Kyungsoo smiled back at the other male and placed his hand on top of the other's, intertwining their fingers. They stayed in that position until Baekhyun and Chanyeol finished their set, thanking the applauding crowd. Kyungsoo hopped down from his seat and felt a tug on the hand still joined with his boyfriend's. He was pulled into a hug and was given a quick kiss on his temple before Jongin's lips was against his ear.
"Knock 'em dead, baby," The other male said in a low voice, sending a shiver over Kyungsoo's body.
"Watch me," Kyungsoo replied, pulling away from the other's hold and sending him a wink.
"You know what you're first song's gonna be?" Jongin asked.
"Yeah," Kyungsoo smiled "I do"
Kyungsoo proceeded to the stage just as Chanyeol and Baekhyun were on their way down. Baekhyun gave him a strong punch on his shoulder with a loud 'good luck!' and Chanyeol simply grinned at him and gave him a thumbs up.
Kyungsoo went up and took out his phone, opening the playlist he prepared for that night. He scrolled through the list and when he found the song he was looking for, tapped the screen and placed the device on the stand in front of him. The opening tune filled the room and he smiled as he stood in front of the microphone and warmly greeted the crowd. He scanned the audience until his eyes landed on Jongin who was looking back at him. Their gazes held for a moment and Kyungsoo took a deep breath.
Watch me sing my heart out for you.
Kyungsoo closed his eyes and began to sing.
Lying beside you, here in the dark
Feeling your heartbeat with mine
Kyungsoo opened his eyes and locked eyes with his boyfriend again
We sailed on together
We drifted apart
And here you are, by my side
So now I come to you with open arms
Nothing to hide, believe what I say
Kyungsoo continued singing with as much emotion, losing himself in the feeling of the song.
So here I am, with open arms
Hoping you'll see what your love means to me
Open arms
When he sang the last note, he saw Jongin staring at him with the most lovestruck expression, looking like he was about to cry. He saw his lips move and when Kyungsoo made sense of the other's words, he felt his knees go weak.
I love you.
Kyungsoo felt his heartbeat quicken and only stared back at the other man, his eyes saying the words back.
I love you. I love you. I love you.
He sang through the rest of his set, occasionally glancing at his boyfriend who was now casually conversing with Junmyeon, beer in hand. And when he finally finished the last song, he got off the stage, going over to his boyfriend who already had his arms out.
Kyungsoo practically dived into the other's arms, throwing almost knocking him off the stool he was on, but both quickly gaining back their balance.
"You were amazing, my love" Jongin said, looking very proud.
Kyungsoo blushed lightly at the compliment. "Thanks"
"Wanna get out of here?"
"But closing time's not until a few hours"
"I already asked Junmyeon, and he said it's fine to leave early for today"
Kyungsoo glanced at Junmyeon and gestured towards the exit, eyebrows raised in question. Junmyeon simply nodded and gave him a thumbs up.
"Boy, you must have put him in a good mood tonight for him to agree to this." Kyungsoo said. "Or did you tell him you'll do him a favor in exchange?"
Jongin simply smirked in response. "Maybe"
"He's totally gonna take advantage of it and ask for something big," Kyungsoo chuckled and flashed Jongin a sweet smille. "I'll go get my things," he said and quickly disappeared to the back.
They said goodbye to their friends, Junmyeon assuring the couple that the rest of them can handle cleaning up after hours (and casually throwing a knowing 'you owe me' look at Jongin when he thought Kyungsoo was not looking) and Baekhyun sending them off with a suggestive remark (Can't wait to get home and work on another way to exercise Jongin's moves and Kyungso's sweet vocal cords, can we?). He wiggled his eyebrows and laughed as he watched Jongin's face go red and the latter looked away sheepishly while Kyungsoo rolled his eyes at the small male and dragged his flustered boyfriend to the exit.
They went out to the parking lot and walked towards Jongin's car. Jongin went to the passenger door and opened it for Kyungsoo, the gesture earning him a smile from the latter and he walked towards the opposite side and slid into the driver's seat.
The drive home was fairly quiet, just the sound of the radio filling the silence until they arrived at their building.
The couple decided to order in instead of going out for dinner. An hour later they were curled against each other on the sofa in their sleepwear surrounded by takeout boxes, watching a movie on the TV.
Kyungsoo looked up at his boyfriend whose eyes were still on the screen. "I saw you about to tear up during my first song. Was it that good?" He asked the taller male who first gave him a curious look but then smiled softly, kissing the top of his head and tightening his hold on him.
"Yeah. It was great, you were great"
Kyungsoo sensed something off with the tone of his reply. "Jongin-ah, is something wrong?"
Jongin's expression suddenly turned serious. "Soo, I-" he stuttered. He sighed deeply and looked into the other's eyes.
"There's something I need to tell you"
(4 pm that day- SM Ent. Buillding)
"Hyung, what are you saying?" Jongin said, staring at his manager in disbelief
Shindong only looked back at him apologetically. "Jongin-ah, we don't really have much control over these things. The higher ups just thought-"
"They thought it was a good idea to set up this twisted lie to make more money? That's very reassuring, hyung"
"You really can't fight this one. This meeting is not to ask for your permission, it's already been decided. This is happening"
Jongin ran a hand through his hair in frustration. It was only him and Shindong left in the room. The rest of the staff that were present during the meeting had dismissed themselves after briefing the artist, saying that they will get in touch for further details.
"How long are they planning on making this last?"
"A few months, depending on how long they can make use of the situation"
Jongin rolled his eyes. "This is ridiculous. I mean, really? A dating scandal?"
"Whether you like it or not, you really don't have a choice here" Shindong raised his hand to rub his temples., looking tired. "Let's just go with it for now, Jongin. For all of our sakes," he said in a pleading tone
Jongin looked at his manager and realized that the whole situation wasn't any easier for him either.They were all being forced into this.
Jongin heaved a heavy sigh. "Fine"
"What?"
"I'll do it"
Shindong did not give a reply right away and only stared at Jongin, his expression looking both relieved and apologetic.
"Okay, let's do it"
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"So yeah, that's what happened" Jongin said, his eyes glued to the TV, refusing to look at the other male who had gone silent in the middle of Jongin telling the story. Kyungsoo had not moved an inch from his position on the couch.
"Soo?" Jongin said, getting more worried but still not looking at the other male. "Baby, talk to me"
"Oh"
"Oh?"
"I'm just not really sure what to say to that right now," Kyungsoo said.
This time Jongin was now facing the other male. "Can you believe that? They plan on selling this 'Korea's new power couple' stunt and when they've milked it for all it's worth, they're just gonna make up some stupid excuse about us breaking up"
Kyungsoo gave a stiff nod. "Who's the girl again?"
"Jennie, a member from a girl group. They're currently setting up a meeting for us both. They probably just informed her as well."
"Oh yeah, I know her" Kyungsoo said in recognition. "Pretty famous. Really beautiful too"
"Really? Haven't noticed" Jongin said flatly.
"She is. How could you not notice?"
"I guess when you're staring the very definition of beautiful just about everyday, other people just tend to pale in comparison," Jongin said with a playful smirk.
Kyungsoo grabbed a throw pillow next to him, hitting the other square in the face. "Hey"
Jongin chuckled softly but he suddenly had a concerned look on his face. "Are you mad?" He asked.
Kyungsoo shook his head softly. "I'm upset that they're making you do this. It's not fair for you, or for anyone really that has to deal with this kind of situation. But there's not much we can do right now, not without jeopardizing your career. Just gonna have to go with it."
"I'm really sorry about this. Ugh, I can just imagine the headlines and the news reports," Jongin said, slumping against the couch cushions.
Kyungsoo gave a low laugh. "Sorry ladies and gents, Korea's hottest star is officially off the market. Someone has stolen his heart, you can cry your eyes out now"
Jongin laughed in response. "You're so silly," he said. "And someone has stolen my heart. In fact, he never gave it back after all these years. Not that I want it back though, because I also have his"
Kyungsoo rolled his eyes. "And you call me the silly one"
"I guess we can both have that title for now," Jongin laughed
"Fine. You're lucky it's late and I'm too tired to argue with you" Kyungsoo conceded and shifted his position, snuggling against the taller's chest.
Jongin smiled down affectionately at the smaller male and kissed the top of his head. "As if you can ever resist me"
"Jongin-ah," Kyungsoo said drowsily.
"hmm?"
"We'll be okay, yeah?"
Jongin held his boyfriend tighter and smiled. "Definitely"
And despite the worry still bubbling in his stomach, despite being anxious as to what this whole thing might cause, he took one look at the raven haired boy that was clinging tightly to him and was beginning to doze off, and he had never felt more sure in his entire life.
Yeah, definitely.