Chapter Text
Jongin looked up at the bright stage light above his head, lifting his arm to shield his eyes as he continues to move his body to the music, the routine he practiced a hundred times flowing through him. The chanting of fans were reduced to a hum in the back of his head as he fully immersed himself in his performance. And with one last spin synchronized with the song's final beat, he looked at the audience with dazed eyes and was met with a deafening roar of applause.
This, Jongin thought. This makes him feel alive.
With an elegant flourish of his hand, he bowed deeply as the lights went off and he exited the stage.
Kim Jongin, or as most of his fans know him Kai, is one of South Korea's most famous artists. With almost five years under one of the country's biggest agencies SM Entertainment, he climbed his way to stardom and into the hearts of local and international fans through his unparalled dancing skills and remarkable stage presence.
Flooded with congratulatory greetings from his fans, the show's organizers, and his personal team, he smiled and bowed to them as he made his way to his dressing room.
Once inside, he started changing out of his stage clothes as he heard someone enter the room.
"That was an amazing show Jongin-ah. Everyone loved you," Shindong, his manager said as he approached with the brightest smile on his face.
Jongin smiled back. "Thanks hyung, that was quite the crowd out there"
"So the people outside are talking about an afterparty," Shindong hinted.
"Oh. Uh hyung, I'm not really sure if I'm up for that"
"Come on, how can we celebrate without the star of the show?"
Jongin raised his hand with a waving gesture. "Nah, hyung. I'm actually quite tired now and I just want to go home and rest. You can all go have fun without me, you deserve a break as well after working so hard on the show
Shindong shrugged. "Suit yourself. We'll send you pictures"
"Sure hyung," Jongin chuckled as he finished changing into a simple white T-shirt, black leather jacket, dark jeans and sneakers, backpack in hand.
"I'll call the driver to send you home," Shindong said, reaching into his pocket for his phone.
"No need hyung, I can manage by myself. I can drive home"
"Are you sure?"
"Absolutely. I'll be fine," Jongin said as he tapped his manager on the shoulder and moved towards the door. "See you hyung"
Jongin exited the concert hall and headed towards the parking lot. After locating his car, a sleek black Audi with heavily tinted windows, he slid into the driver's seat and placed his things next to him on the passenger's seat. He quickly started the car and drove into the street, connecting his phone to the car stereo as he dialed a number.
After the third ring, a low voice was heard through the line.
"Hello?"
"Hey. The show just ended. I'm on my way home"
"Oh, that's great. How was the show?"
"It was amazing. But it would have been better if a certain someone was there to see me perform," Jongin said, placing a hint of disappointment on his tone.
There was a low sigh on the other line. "Jongin-ah, you know how much I love watching your shows, but one of the singers tonight got sick and there was no one else who could-"
"Hey, I know. I'm kidding. I know how much your job means to you as well. How was it?"
"Probably nothing compared to yours, but it was a pretty good night. People complimented me after the set"
"Hey now who wouldn't? I'd be swooning too if I got the chance to witness the performance of the cutest bar singer with the most amazing voice," Jongin said.
"You're just teasing me"
"No I'm not. I wish I could have been there to watch you tonight. I like watching you perform"
"Well then, why don't you get your ass over here faster so we can celebrate? Who knows, I might even have a little private show prepared here for you," the other person said, laugh low and slightly suggestive.
Jongin never hit the gas harder in his life.
Do Kyungsoo, his most adorable boyfriend, will be the death of him.
Upon arriving at his apartment building, Jongin wasted no time after parking his car and rushed to the elevator and pushed the button for the 12th floor, excitement building.
He and Kyungsoo have been living together for three years. He had asked the older male to move in with him six years into their relationship, two years after his debut. It was Kyungsoo who had always been by his side throughout everything, when he was simply joining several local competitions, until he auditioned and became a trainee, until now when he has become a successful star.
They had actually met in a talent show during middle school. They both saw each other's performances, and ended up deeply admiring the other's talent. They became close after that, and before they knew it, they had fallen in love.
And even after nine years of being together, it still feels like when they started dating. He was still hit with the same deep love and adoration everytime he looks at those wide eyes staring into his own and plump lips stretching into a perfect heart shaped smile. He wanted to scream and tell the world how lucky he was to have such an amazing person in his life.
The only problem is, nobody knows about them.
When he started training under SM, he was under strict rules, and one of those was that he was not allowed to date. When he started training until early into his debut, he actually was not able to see Kyungsoo for lengthy periods of time because along with this busy schedule and intense practicing, he was kept under tight surveillance. But now as it has been a while since he debuted, he was given more reign over his time and he was free to live wherever he wanted, and he immediately moved in with his boyfriend into this new place of theirs.
Since they had to keep everything under wraps, only very few people know of their relationship. It was only Jongin's manager Shindong, his best friend and label mate Sehun, and a few friends from Kyungsoo's workplace. They only had a small circle of friends, but they were the most loyal and trustworthy people in their lives.
Even if their current setup proved to be very challenging at times, it was the only way they could make things work. No matter how much Jongin wanted to show people who he really was, knowing Korea's entertainment industry and fan culture, his and Kyungsoo's relationship would just end up getting torn at piece by piece, and the last thing he wanted was for Kyungsoo to be subjected to such a harsh environment. He could never live with himself if he or anyone else ever hurt Kyungsoo, so this was their best solution to their situation.
Upon reaching his floor, Jongin turned right and continued down the hallway with hurrying footsteps, excitement building. He finally reached their unit and after punching in the security code with slightly shaking fingers, he entered the space, leaving his shoes by the door. Noticing the dimmed lights inside the apartment, he walked over to the space shared by the living room and dining room, and called out for his boyfriend.
"Jagi, what's-"
When the room came into full view, Jongin's breath got caught in his throat. He was met with a dining table beautifully setup with candles and a crystal vase filled with gorgeous red roses as the centerpiece. A large pot was placed in the middle, surrounded by smaller plates containing side dishes.
But Jongin could only see the person standing in the middle of the room, smiling brightly at him and subtly fidgeting with his attire.
"I thought I still had a bit of time before you get back, I didn't even get a chance to take off my apron and fix myself up," Kyungsoo said.
Jongin noticed the other was still in his bear apron, the collar of his white button down shirt slightly crooked and his sleeves roughly rolled up to his elbows. His hair was a bit tousled and his face was flushed a light pink, most likely from the heat in the kitchen.
He couldn't look more perfect, Jongin thought.
The shorter male lowered his gaze to the floor, playing with the hem of the apron. "It's not the best, but it was the most I could do with the little time I had before you came home. The guys at the bar were very kind to lend me some candles and flowers. I think I could have made it a little bit better if I just had-"
Kyungsoo's rambling was silenced with a soft peck on his lips and long arms enveloping him in a warm embrace.
Kyungsoo relaxed into the hug, his own arms coming up to circle around the taller male's neck. "Congratulations on the show, Shindong-hyung texted me saying you were great. But when were you not?," Kyungsoo said, pulling back to look at Jongin and flashing him a proud smile.
"I was okay," Jongin said as Kyungsoo untied his apron, hanging it against one of the dining chair's backrest and leading the taller male to his seat at the table.
Kyungsoo lifted the large pot's lid to reveal freshly cooked Dakbokkeumtang. Jongin couldn't help but gulp loudly, it's been a while since he had eaten Kyungsoo's homemade food. His mouth was starting to water at the delicious scent hitting his nostrils. Kyungsoo proceeded to put generous servings in two bowls and handed one over to the other male who eagerly grabbed the dish, and after muttering jal meokkesseumnida under his breath, didn't even wait for his boyfriend to settle down on his seat and started to attack the delicious meal.
"Shindong-hyung is going to give us an earful if he sees how much I'm eating," Jongin joked, reaching across the table to grab the plate of kimchi.
Kyungsoo clicked his tongue. "When has his scolding ever stopped me. You burn everything in no time with how much you practice everyday, you need your energy."
No other words were shared between them except for the occasional compliments from Jongin as he kept having mouthful after mouthful. Kyungsoo took slower bites, lovingly taking in the sight of his boyfriend thoroughly enjoying his cooking.
Kyungsoo finished eating first, grabbing the napkin sitting next to his plate and wiping his mouth. He cleared his throat to get the attention of the other person who was still finishing up.
"I have a surprise"
"Isn't this the surprise?" Jongin said, words slightly muffled with the food in his mouth.
"You know that show I was talking about earlier?"
"Yes?"
"How about I do that for you now?"
Jongin's expression shifted as he caught onto the other's words. He grabbed a glass of water and gulped it down, setting it down on the table harder than intended.
"Would you now?" Jongin said as he brought his hand up to his mouth, wiping off water that dribbled down his chin after he drank a bit too aggressively.
Without a word, Kyungsoo walked over to the speaker in the living room and connected his phone. He pressed play and gave a little smile as the room was filled with soft piano music.
"This was one of the songs I sang tonight. I wished you were there to see it, but since you weren't, I decided to give you a special private performance instead," Kyungsoo said as the corners of his lips turned up into a sweet smile.
Kyungsoo looked at Jongin, eyes twinkling. And with a deep intake of air, began singing the first lines of the song in his sweet soothing voice.
This life has twist and turns
But it's the sweetest mystery
When you're with me
Kyungsoo had his eyes closed, fully immersed in the melody and words, in the feeling. This was their song, and he had to give everything into it.
Jongin just stared at the male in front of him who was pouring his heart out while singing each note perfectly, and felt a strong pang in his chest. He didn't know what he did to deserve someone like Kyungsoo, to deserve a love like this. He couldn't utter a single word and just let himself be caught in the moment, his eyes starting to sting.
Every night and every day
No matter what may come our way
We're in this thing together
The dark turns to light
We both come alive, tonight
I'm talking bout forever
Never gonna let you go
Giving you my heart and soul
I'll be right here with you for life
Oh, baby all I wanna do
Is spend my every second with you
Kyungsoo eyes snapped open when he felt a soft sensation against his cheek. In front of him stood Jongin with a single rose that he took from the vase on the table, running it against Kyungsoo's face and offering it to him with the sweetest smile.
"What are you doing? The song isn't over yet," Kyungsoo said, laughing softly as he took the offered flower and pressed it against his nose. He was then wrapped in the other's strong arms, the taller male swaying both of them with the music.
"I know, I just couldn't resist. You know how much I love this song" Jongin said, resting his chin on top of the shorter man's head as he felt arms circling his waist, pulling them closer together.
Kyungsoo chuckled and pressed his face to Jongin's chest, breathing him in.
They stayed like that for a while, Kyungsoo humming the melody of the song as they swayed side to side.
"You know I have to admit, when you said private show I had something different in mind," Jongin chuckled. "But I think this is way better"
"Hmmm," Kyungsoo hummed against his chest and looked up to meet the other's eyes. "Who said it was over?" Kyungsoo said in a low voice, hands coming up to place his palms against Jongin's chest, a suggestive smirk on his lips.
Jongin's gaze darkened. "It's not? Well," he tightened his grip on the shorter man's waist, bring their bodies even closer. "Why don't you show me the rest of it?"
A soft laugh rumbled deep in Kyungsoo's chest. He raised the rose he still had on his grip and hooked it behind Jongin's ear, caressing the side of his face with this fingertips as he admired how pretty the other looked. He went up on his tiptoes and locking eyes with the taller male, leaned forward to softly press their lips together.
Jongin smiled against the other's plush lips, angling his head to deepen the kiss. Kyungsoo replied with equal enthusiasm, gently nipping at the other's lower lip.
Their sweet touches turned a little rougher as Kyungsoo applied pressure on his hands that were still firmly planted on Jongin's chest, pushing him towards the direction of the bedroom, their hands traveling each other's bodies with growing impatience.
Inside the bedroom, they began tearing at each other's clothing. Kyungsoo grabbing the collar of Jongin's leather jacket and forcefully tugging it off his broad shoulders, tossing the discarded clothing on the floor. Jongin was working on the buttons of Kyungsoo's shirt while walking backwards, the back of his knees hit the edge of the bed and he fell back, pulling the shorter male on top of him. Kyungsoo planted his lips into Jongin's neck, sucking on the skin as he fumbled with the taller male's belt and pants, running his hand over the other's crotch through the fabric.
Jongin gasped loudly, rolling them around and sat up, straddling the other's hips. He took in the sight of his boyfriend beneath him. Lips puffy and glistening, sharp collarbones and milky chest exposed in his half opened shirt, pupils blown wide through half lidded eyes.
Jongin placed his hand against Kyungsoo's face and continued to stare at him.
"How did I end up so lucky with you," Jongin said breathlessly.
Kyungsoo looked back at him with love and slight amusement. "Better get used to it, because you're stuck with me"
"I wouldn't mind that"
Jongin leaned down to firmly press their lips together, both melting into the touch with a happy sigh.
So look in my eyes
I'll be by your side
For life