Chapter Text
Kyungsoo stops himself from throwing his fist in the air when he dismisses the last class of the semester. He’s 30 and he thinks he needs more yoga classes because his back feels like it’s owned by someone twice his age. He voluntarily chose an academic career, but despite his passion for teaching, he's bound to be sick of it—just like many other professors in his department.
He was closing his laptop, waiting as the students trickle out of the large lecture hall, when a student approached him.
"How can I help you?" He looks up, trying his best to look approachable. He smiles when the student's shoulders visibly relax.
"I know it's the last day of class and only one pending requirement left but can I at least know if I have to retake this class?"
"Oh," he's quite surprised a student asked him this kind of question. He has been trying his best to be as approachable looking as he could but whenever the teacher reviews come in, it would be the same comments about him being too smart. He guesses students are intimidated by his intellect which he actually finds absurd. If only they knew how annoying and childish he could get when he’s with his boyfriend.
Kyungsoo reopens his laptop and scans through his class record. The student has been doing just fine. Some missed papers and quizzes but Kyungsoo always docks off some points off the total as a bonus so this student is pretty set.
"You're good. Just make sure to submit your final paper. Doesn't have to be perfect. Just give me something. Is that okay?"
"Yes, yes," the student nods a little too enthusiastically. "Thank you, Mr. Do."
"Ahh," he waves him off. "It's just Kyungsoo like I've said since Day 1. "Mr" makes me look older."
Kyungsoo was almost sure that the student would try to flirt with him but they were interrupted by a knock on the door. He looks up and gives Jongin an annoyed smile.
"You should get going," he advises his student who promptly leaves not without getting glared at by Jongin. Kyungsoo rolls his eyes at his boyfriend who looks like he just came off a runway. The younger man looked sleek in his navy blue suit. It looks so simple but Jongin manages to make everything much grander without much effort.
Unlike Kyungsoo who preferred to wear comfortable sweaters to class, Jongin liked to treat his lectures as personal fashion shows. Kyungsoo is glad they don't belong in the same department otherwise he would look severely underdressed beside his boyfriend which isn't that big of a deal but it would put unnecessary pressure on him.
"You didn't have to scare him off," he clicks his tongue as Jongin takes long strides toward him.
"He looks like he would fuck you if he had the chance and if you weren't his professor," Jongin said with so much disgust but it only makes Kyungsoo giggle. He loves seeing Jongin worked up like this—it makes him look even hotter.
"You do know you look so hot when you're mad like that." Kyungsoo hugs Jongin and tiptoes as he gives him a quick kiss on the lips.
"I know." Jongin's lips twitch on the side, making Kyungsoo even more attracted. "How was the last class of the semester?"
"I had fun knowing that what comes after is a long break and I won't have to stand in class for hours."
Jongin takes his bag and they both exit the lecture hall. Just like Kyungsoo, the rest of the campus looks extra alive. Foot traffic is moderate and everyone is abuzz probably with the number of parties happening later.
"You do know you can always sit while giving your lecture right?" Jongin takes his hand and Kyungsoo happily obliges the public display of affection.
He normally did not like this amount of physical contact in public but Jongin is an exception that most of his friends have been annoyingly surprised at. And they're pretty known on campus already to the point that students have been publicly speculating whether the two hot professors are accepting a third.
"Professor Johnson is 68 years old and he walks around during lectures," Kyungsoo reasons out to his boyfriend who looks too entertained with his quandary. "Besides, I would look even smaller if I sit. I'm not tall as you, you know."
Jongin stops and eyes him from head to toe. “Yeah, you aren’t.” This earns a slap on his arm.
Kyungsoo returns to his office with Jongin. He makes sure his trash is empty and there's no food left because he won't return here until after 2 months. After a repetitive number of checks which makes Jongin look exasperated at him, they leave together for their favorite cafe just near campus.
The coffee is just normal but Kyungsoo has been coming back for their croissants. Jongin didn't pay that much attention before but has grown to obsess over them through time. Jongin developing a taste for whatever Kyungsoo likes has been an ongoing trend that makes Kyungsoo's stomach do all kinds of somersaults.
They settle on their favorite booth near the counter. Kyungsoo got them both steaming mugs of latte and 6 different types of croissants which would be an excess on a normal day but he's celebrating the last day of class so he’s allowed to do whatever he wants.
Kyungsoo breaks one open in the middle and had Jongin take a slowmo video of him. They both giggle at each other because Jongin failed to record the first try, choosing to focus on Kyungsoo's face instead.
"I'm really nervous, you know." Kyungsoo suddenly says eliciting a sympathetic frown from Jongin which effectively brings down his nerves.
"My family is not a bunch of criminals," Jongin throws the joke which makes Kyungsoo squeeze his arm softly.
"I know, Mr. Smart Guy," he rolls his eyes to his boyfriend who smiles at him stupidly. "They don't have to be criminals for me not to be afraid of them. Of course, I want to make a good impression and that would naturally make me nervous unless your big brain hasn't put that together yet."
Kyungsoo has every reason to be nervous about meeting Jongin's family. It was only a few weeks ago when Jongin casually invited him to spend their summer in South Korea which he immediately agreed to.
He didn't really pry about Jongin's family. All he knew was that they operate a business that was probably good enough to support Jongin's education in America. He didn't even attempt to look them up on social media because—surprise—Kyungsoo doesn't have any. His only source of pop culture updates is Jongin who lets him see some posts on his phone.
What really concerns Kyungsoo is that he hasn't even stepped foot in Korea. His parents moved to the States in the 80s never to return. As Jongin would say, Kyungsoo is more American than Korean. That wouldn't be normally an issue but Kyungsoo supposes it would be seriously discussed if Jongin's family turned to be particular about these kinds of things.
"You're zoning out again," Jongin smiles as he dabs a piece of tissue on the corner of Kyungsoo's lips. Again, this would trigger a slap on the wrist if it were another person. But Kyungsoo only smiles at him in gratitude.
"Trust me," Jongin takes his hands and holds them affectionately. "They would love you."
Their shared apartment is a modest 1-bedroom unit that looks more like a mini-library than an actual home. They have been working on separate research projects that have had them borrow an ungodly amount of books and sources. The upcoming summer break was supposed to be fully dedicated to making actual progress but after Jongin's invitation, Kyungsoo trashed his own plans.
This was more interesting anyway. Being the potential subject of incessant family gossip kept Kyungsoo more on his toes than recent advancements in statistics and data science. Kyungsoo is unhealthily obsessed with his field of expertise so this actually says a lot.
"In case I forgot," Jongin raises a finger as he struggles to clear his own desk. "Your parents called me this morning."
That isn't new. Ever since they got together 2 years ago, Jongin had developed this relationship with his parents that Kyungsoo would even question who the real son was.
"What did they say?" Kyungsoo stows the last volume on the shelf and goes to Jongin to help him with his desk.
"They asked about our trip." Jongin squeezes his butt lightly. He doesn't react considering how Jongin touches him as frequently as he breathes when they're in private. "They made sure I won't pull off a surprise wedding."
"You won't?" Kyungsoo fakes a saddened look which has Jongin hug him instantly.
"Do you want a wedding?" He asks him seriously which only makes Kyungsoo lightly pinch him on the side.
"I'm just kidding." Kyungsoo looks at him with reassurance because Jongin looks like he's about to dial a wedding planner. "We're taking our time right?"
"Okay." Jongin nods.
They've been together two years which could be too short to warrant a wedding proposal but Kyungsoo doesn't really care. In fact, he hasn't even thought of getting married right away. He and Jongin just got their tenure and Kyungsoo is still paying off his college debt (which is way too much to be even legal at this point).
Kyungsoo hasn't really brought this up with Jongin but he's been harboring this fear at the back of his head that Jongin will be pressured to marry someone who actually grew up in Korea. He's pretty sure Jongin is way too in love with him to even consider leaving but Kyungsoo is also aware that many things could happen that would change everything about them.
Jongin wakes up to the sound of his phone buzzing. It's barely 4 am so it should be a matter of life and death for someone to be calling him at this time. It turned out to be. Well, at least for his mom.
"Hey, mom," Jongin tries his best to sound as enthusiastic as possible. "It's 4 am."
"Oh." There's a pause from the other line. "Sorry, Innie. I'm just calling to confirm your arrival next week?"
They've had several versions of this conversation which kind of confirms that his mother has been trying to force information out of him—and for good reason. Jongin has conveniently left out the fact that he would be coming home with Kyungsoo despite his cousin Joohyun advising him that it would be better to at least inform his mother beforehand. A surprise guest would trigger conversations and gossip. What more would a surprise boyfriend of the Kim heir?
"Yes, I'm coming home, mom." Jongin tiredly confirms. He looks at the still sleeping Kyungsoo, his face smooched against the pillow, and Jongin barely resists the urge to squeeze his boyfriend's face.
"Well, are you bringing anyone home?"
This catches him by surprise. He doesn't know who gave this information to his mom but he's quite sure that his mother is pretty much informed that he's bringing someone home and the only question is who.
"Yes, I'm bringing my boyfriend," he says with a smile because any reminder that he is actually together with Kyungsoo makes him giddy just like any pre-pubescent teen.
There was another pause in the line. Probably his mother containing her shock.
"Oh.” For once, his mother sounded like she was at a loss for words. "You have a boyfriend?"
"I'm 29, mom," he sighs. "This shouldn't be a surprise."
"No, no, no. I'm not surprised at all.” He overhears some shuffling on the other line. “Where will he be staying then?"
"We'll be staying at Junmyeon's hotel for a few days then we can figure out where to stay next."
"That's good." His mother didn't even try to suppress her sigh of relief. "Well, see you then. I have a Bible study to attend. Love you, Innie."
"Love you, mom."
At least now he knows his mom doesn't want his boyfriend to stay at their house. He understands it would lead to all sorts of gossip which could go from "the Kim heir has finally brought a boyfriend home” to “the Kim heir is about to get married.” All of which wouldn’t be too far from reality but it still irks him to be the subject of gossip especially now that Kyungsoo is in the whole situation.
Jongin reaches for Kyungsoo and cuddles him in an unsuccessful attempt to return to sleep, an uneasy feeling in his stomach about the days ahead makes him turn on their bed. He eventually gives up and starts to pace in their room. He realizes that Joohyun must be awake and immediately dials her.
“Hey, Innie,” Joohyun greets him. “What’s the matter?”
“Are you busy?” Jongin hesitates. He knows his cousin maintains an even more rigorous schedule now that she’s in Paris, getting her hands on all the best clothes and shoes money could buy.
“Not really, I just got off from brunch.”
“Good,” Jongin grabs a loose shirt and hastily puts it on before taking a seat beside the still sleeping Kyungsoo. “Here’s the thing. Mom knows that I have a boyfriend. I haven’t told her who yet but it’s only a matter of time before she knows everything about Kyungsoo.”
“Well, we can’t really do anything about that. You haven’t posted any pictures of him online, correct?”
“No, I haven’t.” He makes a mental note to go over his social media later just to make sure. “What I’m really worried about is the whole living situation when we get back in Korea. We’ve planned to stay at Yixing’s hotel for the first few days but I don’t really have any idea what to do next.”
“That’s not very smart of you.” Jongin flinches at the stern remark from his cousin who he’s been looking to as an older sister since they were kids. “You decided to bring Kyungsoo to Korea for a month and you haven’t planned beyond your first few days?”
“I got too excited I guess,” Jongin chuckles. Jongin didn’t really think of inviting Kyungsoo at first thinking he would rather continue his research instead. But Jongin decided to pop the question anyway.
“You’re such a child,” Joohyun sneers. “I could let you stay in one of my apartments but it would be best that you stay at grandma's house. It’s neutral territory and your mom couldn’t do anything once grandma lets Kyungsoo stay in her house.”
“You aren’t wrong,” Jongin says slowly as he weighs all his options. It would be the first time that he would be introducing a boyfriend to the family but if there’s anyone who would take it with as less fuss and interrogation as possible, it would be his grandmother.
By introducing Kyungsoo first to his grandma, Jongin would also avoid the potential issue of his grandma being insulted that she wasn’t one of the first people to know about his boyfriend.
“Thanks a lot,” Jongin stands from his seat and walks outside to the kitchen to prepare coffee for him and Kyungsoo. “What would I do without you?”
“You’re so dramatic,” his cousin chuckles. “Say hi to Kyungsoo for me. I can’t wait to see you guys next week.”
Jongin went on to reheat some of the croissants they got yesterday. Kyungsoo was still asleep when he finished making coffee so he decides to leave Kyungsoo’s mug on the bedside table hoping that it will wake him up soon.
True enough, Kyungsoo woke up very slowly, his eyes opening at the slowest rate possible until they found Jongin.
“Good morning,” Jongin greets him with a kiss on the lips which forces a smile out of Kyungsoo who seemed to be intent on returning to sleep.
“I wasn’t supposed to sleep in.” Kyungsoo stretches on his bed and puts on his glasses. “You got up so early. Something came up?”
“My mom called,” Jongin hands Kyungsoo his coffee. “She knows you’re coming with me next week.”
“Is she mad?”
“Of course, not.” Jongin chuckles because Kyungsoo looks like he’s using everything he has to make sense of this conversation when his body is still half-asleep.
Kyungsoo has repeatedly told him to inform his mother about him being the surprise guest but Jongin has pushed back the thought way too far that his mother has beaten him to it. At least, it’s all in the open now.
Kyungsoo rests his head comfortably on Jongin’s shoulder as they take an Uber on the way to the airport. He smiles as Jongin lightly massages his hands.
“It’s our first plane ride together,” Kyungsoo thinks aloud. “I wonder if the food is good in economy.”
Jongin only chuckles at him as he types a quick message on his phone. Kyungsoo is glad they’re finally on their way because it meant an end to his parents’ nonstop bickering on how Kyungsoo should present himself to Jongin’s family.
“You should bow like this,” his father demonstrated just last night when they had dinner over at his parent’s house. “And be polite to everyone. Otherwise, they would think you’re just any spoiled American kid.”
His mom agreed and even made him promise to update them regularly and to ask them all sorts of questions just to make sure he won’t embarrass himself in front of Jongin’s family.
Kyungsoo’s confusion started when they arrived at the airport. He was expecting to suffer from all the carrying and walking and lining up only to be met by around five staff members who took the liberty of taking care of their luggage.
“What’s happening?” Kyungsoo asks Jongin as he hesitates to give his small suitcase to the staff.
“They’re helping us out,” Jongin simply replied as he held his waist and guided him towards security.
They were led into a private lounge and all documentation will be handled by the staff for them which again confuses Kyungsoo. He didn’t even know this kind of airline service existed until now.
“I thought we bought economy tickets?” He asks Jongin as they settle on a couch waiting for food to be served.
“We didn’t,” Jongin answered as if Kyungsoo just asked him about the weather. “It’s a long flight. I want us to be comfortable. And I’m paying for it so don’t worry.”
This helped ease Kyungsoo’s confusion for a while but he got uneasy again when they finally boarded the plane and were led into a first-class cabin. The sort that had beds and a glass of welcome champagne. It didn’t even feel like they were in an airplane at all.
Kyungsoo is sure to scold Jongin when he asks to share in Kyungsoo’s food when he had money lying around to afford them luxury seats.
“Remember when I told you about my family business?” Jongin asked, his face looking very uncomfortable in the same way it did when Kyungsoo is mad at him.
“Yes? You told me they have a business that let you study abroad.”
“Well, I guess this is the time you learn more about my family.”