Archive of Our Own

Kibum was early to class. He was always early to Miss Han’s class.
She was the strictest teacher in their year, maybe even the whole school. He sat still in his assigned seat, chin resting in the palm of his hand as he absentmindedly kicked the empty chair in front of him. He was daydreaming as he was looking outside of the window that faced the school's courtyard. He shook his head looking at some students that were meandering outside when they should be heading to class.
He was snapped out of his thoughts when someone walked by his desk, rather close, intercepting his line of vision.
He quickly propped himself up and removed his feet from the chair in front of him. It belonged to his classmate, Jonghyun.
He gave him an apologetic head nod, Jonghyun doing the same but with a lot less effort.
He wasn’t sure if he was going to show up today. Sometimes he did and sometimes he didn’t, though it was best for him to be there. Miss Han’s class was no joke.
He couldn’t help but to nosely watch his older classmate throw his bag down at the corner of his desk (slightly in the aisle in the way of other students) and rest his head on his desk. He watched him as he didn’t even bother to pull out any books and pencils or paper. He always did this.
He didn’t know him well but he seemed quite lazy. They had gone to the same high-school the past four years and only had a few interactions here and there. He never had the best impression of him, though Jonghyun was always polite to him.
He was known as a trouble maker and unmotivated student. He had heard many rumors about him, some he believed and others he wasn’t so sure were true.
He was cute. It was a shame he was so idle.
Kibum was the opposite. He wasn’t a top student but he did excellent in school. So he wonder how hanging out with someone like him would work?
He shrugged off the thought as Miss Han announced her arrival. Everyone sat at attention almost immediately and greeted her in unison. Everyone except Jonghyun.
“Head up, Kim Jonghyun.”
Jonghyun did as he was told wordlessly. He didn’t often talk back or argue. Well at least not in this class. (Miss Han was scary). In fact he was very quiet, which made him quite mysterious and attractive to teenage girls and boys around them. Kibum just found it rude.
He stared at the back of Jonghyun’s head, analyzing his dark brown locks, wondering what was going on through his head.
Miss Han greeted the class and instructed the class president to lead everyone in their morning routines and call for attendance. Same old, same old. Nothing new.
“All right everyone. Take out your calculus textbooks. Page 52,” She stated once the class president was finished.
Kibum internally sighed. He hated calculus.
Kibum stuck his hand around in his back pack, searching for his book. He froze when he didn’t feel it. He tried not to panic when he saw Jonghyun lazily take out his textbook on his desk in front of him. He pried open his bag, searching roughly for the book. Pens, notebooks, paper, sticky notes, but no calculus textbook.
“Oh no…” he said to himself. He realized it must have been loud enough when he saw Jonghyun turn his head slightly at the sound of his voice. He ignored him as he anxiously tossed his things around to find his book. Miss Han enjoyed embarrassing and shaming students who didn’t listen or came unprepared. He didn’t think it was right, but she begged to differ.
“My book! No!” he whined to himself. He pulled at his hair as he watched Miss Han look impatient as she waited for some slow students to take out their books and open them.
“Lee Taemin, come stand at the front of the class,” Miss Han called.
He saw one of his classmates, Taemin, throw his head back in annoyance and noticed his empty desk.
Great. Miss Han wasn’t in a good mood today.
“Lee Jinki, come stand at the front of the class!”
Kibum started ruffling around in his bag faster and checked other pockets after seeing another classmate being called up with no book on their desk.
No! Kibum never got in trouble! Never! He couldn’t let himself be humiliated over a forgotten textbook. But he had no other options. He dramatically threw his face into his hands. Kibum was ready to accept defeat when he heard a thud on his desk. He looked up to suddenly see a book that was stealthily slid on top of his desk. He looked up, bewildered seeing none other than Jonghyun’s name written on the top corner of the textbook.
But when he looked up he only caught sight of the back of his head.
“Kim Jonghyun, come to the front of the class,” Miss Han called.
He watched open mouthed as Jonghyun did what he was told and stood next to his two other classmates that were standing and waiting to be berated. To be fair it wasn’t uncommon to see these particular students being scolded or in trouble. They always caused some kind of disruption in the school.
“Anyone else missing a book today? I told you all to bring your calculus textbooks every other Thursday! Check your student calendars! I won’t tolerate irresponsible students,” Miss Han said, referring to Taemin, Jinki, and Jonghyun.
Taemin stood with his head down. Jinki stood in the middle as he crossed his arms and rolled his eyes. Jonghyun stood unbothered with his hands in his pockets.
He looked at Jonghyun, hoping to make eye contact. He did for a measly three seconds before Jonghyun looked away and scratched his ear to avoid his gaze.
“Even mannerless,” She spat, as she looked at their demeanor.
“Detention. All three of you, after class. Now go to the library and go rent a book. Quickly! I won’t wait to start the lessons for you!” she said, angrily.
Kibum looked on helplessly as Jonghyun walked out of the classroom. Why did he do that? Why did he help him? They weren’t friends.
“I asked you all to turn to page 52!” She reiterated.
Kibum jumped and swiftly turned the pages.

—

There was absolutely no talking in Miss Han’s class unless you opened your mouth to answer a question. So he didn’t get to tell Jonghyun thank you or ask why he helped him. And when the bell rang, Jonghyun and his other two classmates were asked to stay back, so he still didn’t get a chance to speak to him.
Jonghyun had detention.
But Kibum couldn’t possibly go home without returning his book or saying something to him. He wasn't the kind of student he would usually socialize with in the slightest but he had to thank him at the very least. But he also wanted to show a kinder gesture to show his gratitude.
He was determined. Miss Han’s class was the last class of the day so he marched out of class with a plan in mind.
“Hey! Hey Kibum! Wait up!”
Kibum looked back to acknowledge his best friend with a wave but didn’t stop walking.
“No time, Minho!” he said.
“Hey! Where are you going in such a hurry?!” Minho asked, catching up to him in no time.
“I’m going to the convience store. I owe someone a snack.”
“A snack? Eh, who?”
“Jonghyun Senior.”
“EH?! What?! Kim Jonghyun?! From class 408? How did you get yourself indebted to him?” Minho cried. He stopped in his tracks pulling Kibums by the shoulders and gripping his unifrom to get him to stop as well.
Kibum did stop, making him dramatically bump into him. He scowled at him as he smacked Minho’s hand away and smoothed out the wrinkles on his sleeve he just created.
Minho was his best friend. And his head was only filled with academics and sports. They were the only things he focused on. He had always been like that. He was one of the top students in the school. Kibum didn’t think he could ever measure up to him but his success motivated him. They had been friends for years so he knew how he was. So he knew he wouldn’t like this situation.
Minho cared too much about his image. And being associated with Kim Jonghyun was not good for his image.
“He gave me his calculus textbook! I didn’t even ask-he just gave it to me! If it wasn’t for him I’d be in detention right now!” he finished before he decided to stomp off.
“Huh? Why the hell would he do that?! You need to steer clear of him, Kibum! I mean it! I heard he was in a gang!” Minho said, tugging at his shoulder again.
“In a gang? Really?” Kibum said, thoughtfully. Jonghyun didn’t look that big and tough.
“Yes! And he smokes cigarettes too!” Minho whispered-yelled.
Kibum made it to his destination and stopped in front of the convenience store's doors. He heard all that his best friend was saying, but he still didn’t think that should deter him from showing his thanks.
“Well, I still owe him. Okay? I’ll just do this one nice thing for him. Then I’ll thank him and ask him why he did it and then move on with my life. No big deal!” Kibum, huffed as he pushed through doors greeting the cashier.
Minho was hot on his heels as he followed him into the store.
“Not a good idea! Just drop his book off on his desk with a thank you note and don’t acknowledge him anymore! He’s going to expect you to keep buying him snacks from now on!” Minho warned.
“Do you think he’ll like banana milk?” Kibum asked, distracted as he picked up an item and inspected it. “Or maybe strawberry?”
“Yah! Kim Kibum!” Minho said, yanking him around to look at him. “You’re going to get yourself in big trouble!”
Kibum rolled his eyes.
“I’ll just tell the principal if he sends his big scary gang members on me, okay? Now move,” Kibum said, pushing him aside.
Minho whined dramatically even after he finished paying for both the banana and strawberry milk.
“Whatever! You never listen to me! I don’t want to get caught up, my mom will kill me if I get into any kind of trouble! And yours too!” Minho said, walking off in the opposite direction.
“Whatever, Ming,” Kibum said, walking back to the school campus grounds.
From what he had heard, detention was only about forty or so minutes, the same length as class time.
Nearly ten minutes had already passed. So thirty minutes to go.
He sat outside in the campus courtyard, deciding to busy himself with some homework. He texted his mom telling her he was staying after school for tutoring so she would stay off his back.
Within no time thirty minutes went by and he heard a few students leaving the school wether it was from after school programs, clubs, band practice, or…detention.
So he packed up his things and ran towards the main gate exit for the school building.
He waited outdoors patiently, one milk in each hand. He felt nervous. He hadn’t had a reason to speak to Jonghyun in a long time. Before it was briefly, or in passing because of past group activities and such. It was going to be his first time having a real conversation with him.
He stood eagerly awaiting as he watched classmates pass by, even seeing Taemin and Jinki. He made eye contact for a moment before Taemin started snickering.
“No way…” he heard Taemin whisper to Jinki. Then they both started giggling.
Kibum frowned, annoyed by their behavior. Whatever. No need to give those trouble makers his attention.
Not long after he saw Jonghyun walking out of the building. He almost sprang into action but told himself to calm down. He didn’t need to look too eager.
He made eye contact with him and smiled. He hoped he looked approachable. Jonghyun had headphones in and looked at him confused but slowed down his walking speed to stop in front of him. He took out his earbuds looking at Kibum expectantly.
“Hey…Hyung…” Kibum nearly cringed. The honorific sounding foreign on his tongue. They didn’t know each other well at all for him to call him that.
“Uhm, d-do you like banana or uhm-strawberry?” he asked, stuttering.
Jonghyun didn’t reply, he stared at him for a moment with no emotion on his face. He ended up just pointing at the strawberry milk with his finger. Kibum thought it was a bit rude but he wasn't going to scold him like he was his mother.
“Good thing I got these both then, huh?” Kibum said, hoping to lighten the mood. He handed him the strawberry milk.
“Thanks,” Jonghyun said.
He speaks! Kibum felt accomplished and smiled brightly. Jonghyun had responded with such a low and soft voice. It was nice.
“Oh! Your book!” Kibum said, slinging his bookbag off his shoulder and reaching for the book to give to him.
“You can borrow it,” Jonghyun said, looking between him and the book.
“Oh, no-no it’s okay! My book is at home. I just forgot to bring it today,” Kibum said, holding out his book for him to take.
“Thanks,” Jonghyun said again, taking his book. Kibum cleared his throat sensing the tension building after the two stood there just looking at each other.
Jonghyun was a bit short. Maybe a half an inch, but it suited him. He had big brown eyes and plump lips. He was cuter than he remembered. He had never been this close to him for this long of a time.
“So uhm…” Kibum started. Swiping a loose piece of hair from his face.
“Why did you…give me your book?” he asked.
Jonghyun raised an eyebrow at the question.
“I m-mean-I’m really thankful! I’m just curious? We aren’t friends or anything. So…”
“I was going to end up in detention anyway. I always do. No need for the both of us to go,” Jonghyun said, rather bluntly.
Kibum blinked. Taken aback by his honesty.
“Oh,” he replied. He wasn’t sure what kind of reply he was expected to give with that kind of response.
“B-but, I mean…why me? Still, you didn’t have to give it to me. You had no obligation or anything,” he asked, still confused.
Jonghyun shrugged. “I don’t know. You’re cute. So why not?”
Oh. Well that definitely wasn’t what Kibum was expecting to hear either.
“Oh. O-okay…?” Kibum said. His cheeks felt warm and he suddenly couldn’t make eye contact.
“Thanks, again,” Jonghyun said, a sly grin on his face. Kibum just nodded and let him walk off. He stood frozen in his spot contemplating the words that were spoken to him.

•

The next day Kibum waited in Miss Han’s class anxiously. Aside from making sure he had all his books, he was nervous to see Jonghyun.
He called him…cute! What does that mean?
He stared outside at the courtyard trying to not to stare holes into Jonghyun’s desk. He didn’t want to look like he was waiting for him.
He waited and waited, but Jonghyun never showed. Strange. Well not really. There were days where he didn’t show up, but now he was overly aware of his absence.
Taemin and Jinki were present, which was made clear by the random glances they threw at him. It made him shift uncomfortably in his chair. And when he left class he couldn’t help but continue to think about him. He was walking slowly, lost in his thoughts. So he almost toppled over when a bump to his shoulder was dealt.
“Hey.”
It was Jonghyun.
“H-hi,” Kibum said, now hyper aware of his presence. He was walking next to him side by side.
“Here,” Jonghyun said, handing him a bag of chips. Was this a repayment for yesterday? Was he going to have to buy him another snack tomorrow too? Was Minho right? Was he going to stay indebted to him? He was too scared to ask why he gave him this snack.
“Thank you…” Kibum said. He focused his vision straight ahead. Occasionally glancing at the boy next to him.
“Why weren’t you in class…?” he asked.
“Didn’t feel like going,” Jonghyun said, grinning slightly.
Kibum nodded. He didn’t know him all that well to question him about his decision.
They walked outside, exiting the building completely. Students were outside chatting and hoarding around. He usually met Minho after school so he knew he would freak out once he saw him with Jonghyun.
Kibum continued to overthink about the snack Jonghyun gave him but he decided to go against his better judgement and ask why he gave it to him.
“What’s this for?” He asked cautiously, holding the chips.
“I thought you might like it,” Jonghyun said, eyeing him up and down.
Kibum became very conscious of how wrinkly his own uniform was. Though he noticed how Jonghyun’s uniform was violating three of the school uniform rules. So maybe he didn’t need to worry too much.
“I do like these…thank you,” Kibum said, reading the brand name. Maybe he was just being kind then.
A sudden voice made him jump. He lifted his head up at the sound of name being called. It was Minho staring at him bug eyed.
Minho was gesturing for him to come over to him with a look of worry on his face. Kibum tried to ignore him but it seemed that Jonghyun caught on.
“I’ll catch you later,” Jonghyun said, walking off.
“W-will you be in class tomorrow?” Kibum wasn’t sure what possessed him to ask that.
Jonghyun chuckled and shrugged. “Maybe,” he said, before walking off towards a group of students he recognized. He saw Taemin and Jinki snickering among the group.
He broke his gaze once he heard the pitter patter of Minho’s footsteps running up to him.
“Kibum, what the hell was that?! Why is Jonghyun following you?”
Kibum scoffed.
“He’s not following me. He just gave me a bag of chips-“
But before Kibum could even finish his sentence, Minho snatched the bag out of his hands and stomped on it.
“YAH?! Choi Minho are you crazy? What the hell are you doing?!” Kibum yelled, causing some heads to turn.
“Are you? These could be poisonous! Or drugs or something! Let’s go!” Minho said, yanking him forward.
Minho was extremely dramatic. Kibum stumbled, unable to release himself from Minho grasps. He was able to kick his ankle to get him to eventually let go.
“OUCH! Kibum?! I have a game tomorrow!” Minho yelped, hopping on one foot as he cradled his throbbing ankle.
“What is your problem? I was going to eat those!” Kibum whined.
“Kibum, you have to be careful! Don’t just accept anything he gives you.”
“For the love of God, Minho! I don’t think Jonghyun is like that,” he said, referring to the awful rumors he’s heard. “…he seems kinda sweet. I don’t know…”
Just those brief interactions he had with Jonghyun almost made him change his perception of him just the slightest.
Minho frowned deeply. Kibum couldn’t take his disapproving look so he turned his body away from him slightly, unable to face him.
“What happened yesterday?” Minho asked.
“I just gave him the milk. He said thanks. Then I asked him why he let me borrow his book…he said I was cute,” he said, trying not to make it sound like a big deal.
“Oh. Oh no. No, no, no. I don’t approve. Absolutely not. I’m putting my foot down!” Minho said, dramatically stomping the floor.
“You’re not my dad,” Kibum reminded him.
“But I am your best friend, which means I must protect you from the dangers of underachievers,” Minho said, shivering as he spoke. “We can’t associate with someone like him! He will distract us from what’s important! School! The seunung exams are coming up at the end of the year. This year is important! No time for silly flings, Kim Kibum.”
“You're irritating me,” Kibum said, harshly pushing past him.
“This isn’t a game, Kibum!”
“No one said we were gonna become boyfriends or anything, Choi! Can you just calm down?”
Minho stood firm in his stance. Staring him down.
“Jonghyun is a huge flirt! He’s tried dating numerous people around the school! Him calling you cute is not the achievement you think it is! Do not fall for it!”
Kibum had heard these rumors before too. But who said he was going to fall for his charms? He wasn’t that easy.
“We are just classmates. That’s all. Chill. It’s not going to be anymore than that. Okay?” he said. He didn’t know why he needed to make his friend feel better. He was a worrisome wort. All Minho ever thought about was their academic future.
“Swear?” Minho said.
Kibum rolled his eyes and smacked his head.
“Yes, Minho. Swear.”

•

Kibum was in the study hall. That’s how he spent most of his breaks. Always studying. It was usually quiet during this time and he came here alone often. So when he heard a voice addressing him directly, it took him by surprise.
“Hey, you’re Kibum. Right?”
Kibum looked up from the book he was reading.
“Yes…why?” he asked meekly.
How odd. It was Jinki. He went to detention with Jonghyun the day he gave him his book. He was a bit of a trouble maker as well.
Why was Jinki talking to him?
“Jonghyun asked me to give this to you,” the boy said, with a bright smile. He looked down to see a piece of paper in his hands held out for him to take.
He gingerly took it from his hands, thanking him. He thought he would leave but instead he sat down at the table with him, looking at him curiously.
The two had shared a few classes together during their high school careers, but never had interactions outside of class discussions. So this was strange for him.
Kibum lowered his gaze as he unfolded the paper, as he assumed this he was waiting for him to open it.
The letter read:

Let’s meet after school today
Text me 010-XXXX-XXXX
-Jjong

Kibum didn’t realize he was slowly smiling to himself as he read it. They didn’t have Miss Han’s class today, so he hadn’t seen him all day.
“I’m Jinki by the way,” the boy said.
Kibum was broken out of his trance and looked up to acknowledge the boy again.
“Right. Nice to meet you,” he said, politely.
“I’m Jonghyun’s best friend!” he cheered.
Best friend? So they knew each other well then. It made sense why he always saw them together. Despite his reputation, Jinki seemed really nice. A little curt, but nice. This boy was all smiles and radiated sunshine. He seemed the complete opposite of Jonghyun, who seemed withdrawn and quiet. How did these two meet?
“Oh, I’m Kibum. I’m his—uh, his classmate.”
“Yea, I know,” Jinki said bluntly.
“You know?”
“I know. And we’re classmates too,” he pointed out. “I guess we get to finally meet, even though it’s under strange circumstances,” Jinki said, before abruptly standing up and dismissing himself from the table.
Kibum nodded dumbly as he watched Jinki get up from his spot. But before he could leave he called for him.
“Oh, Jinki…Hyung…” Kibum called, again cringing at the familiarity of honorific.
Jinki spun around, a smile on his face with a curious gaze.
“What did the note say?” Jinki asked suddenly.
“S-sorry?” Kibum’s asked, surprised at his question.
“What did the note say?” Jinki asked again, but slower.
Kibum’s eyebrows furrier. He showed a look of displeasure. He didn’t think it was any of his business.
“I’m a bit nosey. Sorry,” Jinki said, shrugging.
“I see…well, where is Jonghyun Hyung? I mean, why didn’t he just give me this note?” he asked, carefully changing the topic.
Jinki pouted as he tapped his chin, to think for a moment. He watched the realization come across his face.
“Oh! Jonghyun’s in the principal's office! For disruptive behavior or something like that!” Jinki said, cheerily. As if this kind of behavior was normal.
“…right,” Kibum laughed awkwardly.
Then Jinki walked away, leaving him to ponder his thoughts as he stared at Jonghyun’s hand written note.

—

“Ready to go home?” Minho asked, as they walked out of the building.
“Can’t. I have Leadership Club after school.”
Minho pouted. “I thought you had that on Mondays?”
Kibum shrugged, trying to play it cool.
“Mr. Kwan asked for my help with discussing the next meeting with the group next week. How could I say no?” he said. Why did he sound like he needed to receive Minho’s approval?
“That’s great, Hyung! That means he really respects you, ya know? Alright then. See you tomorrow,” Minho walked off, none the wiser.
And Kibum released a breath he didn’t know he was holding. He waited until he was completely out of sight before he fished his phone out of his pocket. He had sent a message to Jonghyun earlier and now he had gotten a response. A text from Jonghyun hovered over the screen. It read:

Meet me at the 7/11 convenience store

Kibum walked hastily to the destination, not wanting to keep him waiting long.
Low and behold Jonghyun was there propped up against the building's storefront. His uniform untucked and unbuttoned, revealing his wife beater underneath. His sleeves rolled up past his elbows and the bottom of his pants cuffed. His collar was crooked and loosened. A lollipop stick sat in the corner of his mouth. He looked cool, Kibum had to admit.
“Hi,” Kibum said.
“Hey,” Jonghyun responded, outstretching his hand to offer him a wrapped lollipop. Kibum’s shaky hands retrieved it.
“I have fifty won,” Jonghyun stated.
“Oh, okay?”
“Let’s go to the arcade,” he said, lifting himself off of the wall expecting Kibum to follow him. Which he did.
Kibum unwrapped his lollipop, sticking it in his mouth and letting it hang in the corner like Jonghyun’s did.

-

Kibum wasn’t so sure why he eagerly agreed to go with him. What if Jonghyun got him caught up into one of his schemes or something? But he did all that overthinking just for him to be simply having fun at the arcade. There were fun racing games and shooting games. Kibum wasn’t the most coordinated so Jonghyun took it upon himself to help position his hands correctly or fix his posture. He was a bit touchy for someone he had just met, but he didn’t hate it. In fact he even played into his helplessness a few times so that Jonghyun would offer more help.
After spending half an hour playing some games, Kibum decided he wanted to try his luck. Kibum liked Sanrio, who didn’t? So his eyes stayed glued to one specific claw machine that had Sanrio plushies piled from the bottom to the top, more specifically, Kuromi. Kibum pouted to himself knowing he wouldn’t be able to win it. Those machines were impossible.
“Do you want it?” Jonghyun asked over his shoulder.
Kibum nodded. “It’s cute.”
“Okay,” Jonghyun said, gently moving Kibum to the side so that he could put the last bit of change he had left in the machine.
Kibum watched as Jonghyun eyebrows drew together in concentration. Kibum clapped from excitement when the claw had grabbed a Kuromi plushie, but dropped at the last second. Kibum pouted. Jonghyun stood up annoyed.
“It’s okay. These machines are hard. Don’t worry about it,” Kibum said. He unconsciously put a hand on his shoulder to reassure him. Jonghyun stared at his hand intensely before spinning around and getting back on the machine. “I’ll try again,” he announced.
“Uh, o-okay…” Kibum said, giving him space and allowing him to try once more.
Jonghyun tried three more times before he finally caught one.
“Oh my god thank you so much!” Kibum beamed once the plushie was in his hands. Kibum cooed at his new doll that he would add to his Sanrio collection. But his face turned red when he noticed Jonghyun smirking at him.
“S-sorry,” Kibum said, thinking he was acting overly excited.
“I like My Melody. So I get it,” Jonghyun admitted, understanding his excitement. Jonghyun took out his phone to show him his My Melody phone case.
“It’s so cute~” Kibum purred. Jonghyun just smiled.
The two left the arcade in high spirits.
He felt bad to announce that he had to go, his mother liked him home before 9 on week days.
The two didn’t hold much conversation, most of their dialogue pertaining to the games they were playing. So he didn’t really get to know Jonghyun like he had thought he would. But he still had a fun time nevertheless.
Jonghyun was very kind to him the whole evening, surprisingly. He heard that he bullied or picked on other students. But he couldn’t imagine that now.
Once Kibum got home and got himself ready for bed he thought about thanking Jonghyun once more for the plushie. And along with his thank you message he sent a selfie of him posing with the doll. He didn’t know what possessed him to do that, but he thought it would be fun.
Then he thought he should delete it. Why did he do that?! Jonghyun was going to get the wrong idea and think he was weird or something! But just a few minutes later Jonghyun responded:
you look cute
That’s right. He’s a flirt. That’s all. It didn’t mean anything. But Kibum couldn’t help but smile to himself.
Minho was going to skin him alive.

•

Kibum bought him a lollipop as a thank you for winning him the plushie. Sometimes he would buy other snacks and candies and even secretly drop them in his backpack when he sat in front of him in class. In return, Jonghyun gave him kuromi erasers and pencils or whatever else he got his hands on.
It went on like that for a few weeks. Kibum giving him snacks and Jonghyun giving him small but cute little knick knacks. Sometimes the exchanges were wordless. Just something they did with an understanding between each other.
Again they didn’t hold much conversation and they hadn’t hang out again since the day they went to the arcade. They hardly even texted. (Although he had noticed Jonghyun didn’t skip class as much these days as well). But Kibum wanted to actually get to know him for some reason.
All he did was go to school. Go to after school activities. And go home. He wanted to do something different. He wanted to hang out with Jonghyun. He was curious about him.
So after coming up with another elaborate lie to get his parents and Minho off his back, Kibum was able to wait alone patiently for Jonghyun outside near the school gates when the last class ended.
He saw Jonghyun talking and walking lazily with Jinki and Taemin. He started noticing they usually left school together. So he wasn’t surprised to see them, but he was hoping Jonghyun would be willing to step away for a moment to greet him.
He decided to send him a little wave in his direction. He didn’t notice at first. But Jinki did, and he pointed towards him, making Jonghyun swivel his head to see what he was looking at. Jonghyun stumbled over his steps a little before straightening up and sending him a head nod. He turned to Jinki and Taemin to say something before walking off while the other two continued walking in a different direction.
Perhaps he dismissed him? Maybe he could get him to hang out with him.
“Hi, Hyung,” Kibum greeted, hoping he didn’t sound too cheery.
“Hey,” Jonghyun responded, coolly.
“Are you…busy…right now?” he asked, his voice shaking a little.
Jonghyun shrugged. “Depends.”
Oh. Maybe Jonghyun didn’t want to hang out again. And if he did, maybe he wouldn’t find his idea any fun. Perhaps he was the type to want to do something exciting or cool…maybe even dangerous?
“I was thinking…we could get ice cream or something? I mean…the Ajumma around the corner has a small stand set up. It’s on me…if you want to go.”
Kibum didn’t realize that with every word that went past his lips his voice got lower and lower as he started to lose confidence in his idea. Getting ice cream? That was lame. And Jonghyun was cool. He took him to an arcade! Why would he want to go get ice cream with him?! No wonder they hadn’t hung out since! Kibum was a loser-
“Sure,” Jonghyun answered, interrupting his thoughts.
“Really?” Kibum said, unable to hide the surprise in his voice. But he brightening up a bit.
Jonghyun nodded lazily and gave him a smirk. Before he started walking off in the general direction. Kibum scurried after him to match his pace. They wordlessly walked for the first few minutes or so. All they heard was the crunching of leaves under their feet and rocks that skipped across the ground as Jonghyun kicked them.
“How was school today?”
Jonghyun shrugged. He kicked another rock nearby, watching it thumb against a tree. He was awfully quiet today…
“Not so good…?” Kibum said, a little worried by his lack of response.
Jonghyun stopped in his tracks for a few seconds, looking at Kibum curiously before he decided to answer.
“Yea, Mr. Song was being an ass today,” he said, kicking another rock.
Kibum noticed he always walked with his hands in his pockets, unless he used them to constantly roll up the sleeve of his shirt. He walked slowly and half heartedly, always as if he never had anything urgent to do. He looked everywhere but at him as he engaged with the rocks and dirt that were laid out before them.
Was dirt that much more interesting than him? He was wondering if asking him to hang out was a bad idea.
“Mr. Song? He’s the music teacher isn’t he? He teaches choir. You’re in the choir club?” he asked, confused.
Jonghyun nodded. His cheeks turned a light shade of pink as he scratched the back of his head.
“Do you like to sing?” Kibum asked.
“…sometimes…” Jonghyun said, looking off into the distance. Kibum didn’t ask anymore questions about it, sensing his embarrassment. He smiled at the thought of Jonghyun singing. It wasn’t something he could imagine.
They came up on the ice cream lady. Kibum insisted on treating him this time with the little allowance that his parents gave him.
Kibum liked strawberry ice cream and Jonghyun liked melon. They both like fruit flavored ice cream. And they also both liked Sanrio. Well at least he found some things they have in common. He wondered how they would get along as the two didn’t really talk about anything all that interesting. Jonghyun wasn’t really a talker in general.
Kibum didn’t consider himself talkative but he felt like he had to be around him.
It was a little warm out, not enough to drown in sweat but just enough to have a slight sheen on his forehead. Kibum wanted to roll up his sleeve like Jonghyun. But it would make his uniform wrinkled.
His fingers felt a little sticky as some ice cream already started melting and dripped down the cone. Luckily he had stuffed a handful of napkins in his pocket that the ice cream lady gave him. He wiped a sliver of sweat from his forehead as he took a small peak at the boy next to him.
They sat down at a nearby bench overlooking a small park. A few people roaming here and there. It was peaceful but at the same time painfully quiet.
He sat ridged as the two sat quit close to each other on the bench. It wasn’t on purpose, there just wasn’t much room. But this made him wish that he had chosen a few benches down farther without a lot more leg room. Their thighs nearly touched and he could feel the heat radiating off of Jonghyun’s body.
The ate quietly for a bit. Kibum made small comments here and there about the weather or about what happened at school today. Jonghyun responded back with either one worded responses or short sentences seeming to mostly focus on his ice cream. He really wanted to start a conversation with him. But he didn’t know how! What piqued his interests?
An idea came to him once he noticed Jonghyun’s My Melody phone case. “Oh, thanks for the Kuromi keychain yesterday by the way,” he mentioned. Kibum attached it to his backpack, ready to proudly show off his new charm. (And maybe hoping Jonghyun would notice he was using it).
“Oh yeah? No big deal,” he responded before licking his ice cream.
“You don’t have to do such things…” he assured.
“You buy me snacks. It’s only fair,” Jonghyun shrugged. Then they fell into another awkward silence again.
Kibum looked him over carefully before saying his next words.
“You don’t talk much do you?” he asked.
Jonghyun was sitting back slouching, his posture lazy. His legs spread apart. He wouldn’t even look at him. He looked uninterested, yet he agreed to come. He tried to ignore a bead of sweat that was rolling down his neck. It was hot, maybe he should let him go soon.
“Kind of. I just speak when I have something to say usually,” he admitted, looking down at his fingers.
“You don’t have anything to say to me…?” Kibum asked, confused and slightly offended.
“Actually,” Jonghyun started. He took a moment to pause. He licked at his ice cream again before he turned to look at him.
“I have a lot I want to say to you. I just don’t know how.”
Kibum’s mouth dropped open at the confession. Why did he feel that way? Did he intimidate him? Did he make him feel uncomfortable? Did he give off some kind of strong impression?
“I think I’m pretty easy going…” Kibum said, trying to sound convincing.
“You’re actually a lot nicer than what I expected.”
Kibum blushed at the compliment. “Oh? Thank you,” he smiled to himself.
“And a lot cuter up close too.”
Kibum was hot before, but now that confession on top of him feeling extremely embarrassed all of a sudden made his temperature rise.
This was the third time Jonghyun called him cute!
“I guess I could say both things are true for you too,” he said, trying to speak smoothly. It was true. Jonghyun’s niceness and approachability wasn’t what he expected. And…he was quite handsome.
“You guess?”
Kibum looked at him with worried eyes thinking he offended him. But his worried feeling went away when he saw the small smirk on Jonghyun’s face.
Kibum smiled back in return. The two gave each other a fleeting look and went quiet again. He could have sworn Jonghyun’s cheeks turned a bright pink.
“You umm…you dropped some…” Jonghyun said, referring to his shoes.
Kibum gasped, looking down horrified and embarrassed. His mom would kill him for staining his new shoes!
He took out a handful of napkins that he had stashed away in his pocket. But Jonghyun gingerly took them from him to bend down and wipe at the stain that had dripped down onto his shoe. Kibum wanted to go tell him to stop but he had frozen in place completely caught off guard by the gesture.
“All done,” Jonghyun said. He did his task, as if it was natural between the two. Kibum watched him chuck the dirty napkins into a nearby trash can, making a small fist to celebrate his “basket”.
Kibum blinked, his mouth open. But no words came out.
“Don’t talk much?” Jonghyun teased at his worldless response.
“S-sorry! Thank y-you. But you didn’t have to…”
Jonghyun shrugged before he stood up and stretched before turning his attention to him.
“Let’s go. I’ll walk you home. I remember last time you said your mom likes you home before 9.”

•

“Hyung? What are your plans for this weekend?”
It was lunch time. Kibum had sat so his back was facing where Jonghyun sat with his friends. He didn’t want to be distracted and have Minho suspicious of him.
Although he couldn’t help but try to subtly turn his head or pretend to look over his shoulder every now and then. He was curious. He could see him sitting with Taemin and Jinki. He was also curious about his friends as well. At first glance, they all didn’t look like trouble makers but it was far from the truth. He didn’t know Taemin and Jinki personally, but he had seen them being scolded and punished by teachers on more than one occasion.
At the moment he had caught Jonghyun’s attention and the two made eye contact for a few seconds. He felt his face grow warm when he saw the corner of Jonghyun’s lips turn up, creating a gentle smile.
“Yah, Kibum!”
Instantly he jumped at the sudden call of name and spun around so fast he strained his neck.
“W-what? Why are you yelling at me?!”
“I asked what you’re doing this weekend!” Minho pointed out.
“Oh! Well nothing…”
“Let’s study? I’m thinking we can go to the library downtown and maybe go to the mall after?” Minho suggested.
Usually spending his free time with Minho was what he did often and enjoyed the most. But being around him made him feel guilty these days. Minho had no idea he had been hanging around Jonghyun. It’s not like he needed his approval but there were reasons he didn’t think the two being close was a good idea. Jonghyun didn’t have a good reputation around school.
Rumors of him being in a gang and bullying other students were passed around. It was said he was caught smoking and trespassing on school grounds after hours. Not to mention he was always in school detention.
But the Jonghyun he encountered just didn’t match those kinds of accusations. He seemed really kind and he liked to stay to himself.
Despite the rumors Kibum wanted to get to know Jonghyun on his own. Without other people’s rumors and accusatory words influencing his decision.
“Actually…” Kibum began as he tried to stealthily take a peak over his shoulder. “I’m a bit busy.”

•

It was Saturday.
Kibum had texted Jonghyun earlier on in the week asking if he wanted to hang out on the weekend.
He lied to his parents saying he was studying with Minho. Being such a model son and student, his parents usually trusted his word, so he was set free. Well free from his parents at least. Minho still questioned the validity of his plans. But he lied to him too.
Kibum waited at the bus stop that Jonghyun requested they meet at.
His knuckles turned white from gripping the cross string that hung across his body from his bag. He stood looking around aimlessly. He was full of anticipation. He had no idea what they were doing today. He didn’t really plan anything, even though he asked him out. He had a few ideas, but he was unsure if Jonghyun would find them entertaining.
A few minutes went by when a bus pulled up. He could see Jonghyun moving through the crowd of people in the bus, looking for his exit. In a moment of excitement, Kibum waved at him enthusiastically. He saw Jonghyun smirking at him through the window.
No! That was so lame! Why did he do that? Now he looked too excited. He had to play it cool. Relax. He was going to think he was weird!
Once Jonghyun paid his fare, he walked off the bus coolly. He walked towards him, a teasing smile on his face. Kibum felt embarrassed now.
Jonghyun had a nice sense of fashion. They hadn’t seen each other outside of their uniforms before. He dressed similarly to how he would modify his uniform at school. Rolled up sleeve. An unbutton color or low collar. Though he was surprised at how dark his aesthetic was. He just wore all black.
Kibum on the other hand had a more refined look. He was into fashion as well, but he liked a lot more color and unusual pieces (if his parents allowed him to wear it). But he was dressed a lot more tame today. Just his capri jeans and oversized shirt. He even curled his hair!
“You look really nice,” Jonghyun said.
Was Jonghyun’s mission to turn him into a tomato?!
Kibum tripped over his own words, unable to get anything out. Jonghyun wasn’t shy about giving him compliments at all it seemed.
“Did you miss me?” Jonghyun asked, candidly.
“W-why would you say that?” Kibum’s mouth dropped open. Not even a hello?!
“You waved at me like this-“ Jonghyun said, as he repeated his enthusiastic gesture.
“…oh…” Kibum knew he looked lame! He broke eye contact and held his head down in shame.
He didn’t expect Jonghyun to bend down to see his face and invade his personal space. He was trying to gain his attention back.
“I never seen someone so excited to see me. It was cute,” he said.
Kibum jumped back a bit startled by their close proximity. Jonghyun leaned back to give each other some space. Kibum couldn’t really find the proper words to respond. So he stood with his mouth opening and closing. What was he supposed to say to that?
But Jonghyun seemed to have an idea in mind.
“Wonna ride bikes?”

—

Kibum didn’t want to admit that he couldn’t really ride a bike. But he didn’t want to ruin their plans. Plus, Kibum was nineteen! He couldn’t tell him he couldn’t ride a bike!
In Seoul it was common to see bike stations that could be rented by the hour. Jonghyun found the nearest station with ease, making him wonder if he had planned this all long.
Jonghyun rode around him in circles every time Kibum stopped to “catch his breath” when he was really just trying to get his footing correct and keep himself balanced. His arms shook as he struggled to balance and would urgently kick out his feet to keep himself from falling.
He was taking another moment to ‘breath’ while Jonghyun circled him again like a shark waiting for his prey. He had a feeling that he was catching on to him since he kept stopping every few meters.
But he didn’t laugh at him or make a comment. He just stared at him intensely. His thick eyebrows raised when he saw how shaken he was.
“S-sorry, let’s go,” Kibum said, laughing nervously. He tried to smile, but it quickly dropped when he tried to put his feet on the pedal but almost instantly tipped over. He caught himself quickly but yelped from fear.
Jonghyun suddenly stopped his bike. Was he going to leave him? Was he going to make fun of him? Was he going to cancel their ride together?
Jonghyun swung his leg from around his bike. He put the kickstand up and walked towards him hurriedly. Kibum swallowed thickly, nervous about his next move.
He was grasping the bar handles tightly but felt a tingly sensation when Jonghyun reached over to place his hands over his. He stood on the right side of him and his bike. Kibum didn’t know what to do! Jonghyun was practically breathing the same air as him. Their faces were inches apart.
“Put your feet up. On the pedals,” he commanded gently.
Kibum’s eyes went wide. It was obvious at this point he couldn’t ride a bike and he was afraid to fall over. He had blown his cover!
“I won’t let you fall,” he promised. His voice was so kind and reassuring that he felt like he could truly trust him. So he did just that. He put his feet on the pedals, instantly wobbling but Jonghyun kept a firm hand on the handle bar and placed his other one on the backseat of Kibum’s chair.
“Pedal! I can’t push you with just my strength alone!” Jonghyun urged, a sly grin on his face. Kibum felt stupid realizing that he wasn’t even pedaling to make himself move, instead too focused on how close in proximity the two were.
Jonghyun pushed him along as he pedaled. Kibum took his instructions of either slowing down or speeding up. He felt like Jonghyun was making it almost impossible for him to feel embarrassed with how encouraging he was being. Though looks from strangers every now and then reminded him of just how silly he might look at his age and not being able to ride a bike.
“Focus on balancing,” Jonghyun said, when he caught him looking at strangers that were looking at them.
“R-right. Sorry.”
After about twenty minutes or so Kibum felt like he had gotten the hang of it. Maybe not enough to ride alone, but just enough to keep his balance for about 30 seconds longer until fear took over again. But Kibum was satisfied with what he learned today.
“Let’s stop for today? I know this is probably annoying…” Kibum said, discouragingly as he stepped off his bike. His head down, too ashamed to face him after still not being able to ride a bike after learning for an early half an hour.
“Rome wasn’t built in a day,” Jonghyun said.
Kibum quickly looked up to give him a funny look.
“What? You’ve never heard that phrase before?” he shrugged. “Just text me and I’ll take you out here again and teach you,” he said.
“What? No-no, that’s such a burden,” Kibum remarked.
Jonghyun just rolled his eyes and sighed. “If you haven’t noticed yet, it’s my excuse to see you again.”
Kibum blinked. This was the most talkative and outgoing Jonghyun he’s been with yet. Kibum didn’t really know how to respond. Only uttering one syllable, “Oh.”
“Let’s go get lunch.”

—

Kibum couldn’t help but stare at the way Jonghyun ate. It wasn’t anything particularly interesting or disruptive about the way he ate…it was his jaw line. Jonghyun was very very handsome. The more time he spent with him the more he was growing on him. He had already deemed him attractive early on, but it was starting to become a lot more prevalent the more he was around him.
They were eating at a nearby Bunshik restaurant. A few people were scattered around, causing low chatter and humming throughout the store.
“Why do you keep staring at me like that?” he said, catching him off guard.
“S-sorry…” he said, his trance broken. He decided to look down at his food only.
“Do you like this place?” Jonghyun asked.
“Here? I mean, yeah sure. Why not? The dokbokki is decent,” Kibum said.
“I can take you somewhere else like here next time. Or somewhere better,” Jonghyun offered.
Kibum nodded nervously. This was odd. The vibe he was getting from Jonghyun today was a bit overly friendly. He couldn’t put his finger on it.
“You know, it’s starting to feel like this is a date or something,” Kibum said, allowing his intrusive thoughts to slip through his lips.
“Well, it is.”
When Kibum heard those words he swallowed his food abruptly, making air go down the wrong pipe. He coughed sporadically as Jonghyun poured him a cup of water. He took it greedily and drank it in a very messy manner, allowing some water to spill from the corner of his lips. He felt himself almost lose his cool entirely when Jonghyun took a napkin to dab at the corner of his mouth.
He leaned back dramatically, completely taken aback by the gesture.
“What?” Jonghyun asked, with a confused look.
“What’s going on? You were s-so quiet and mysterious the last time we hung out. And now you're so talkative and flirty and-and calling this a date?!”
“Well, I was nervous last time. And I thought this was our first date…I wanted to put more effort in this time. Is it a crime?”
“A date? What gave you this impression?” Kibum was beyond confused. When did they agree to such a thing?
“I thought we liked each other?” Jonghyun said, pointing between each other with his finger. “I mean, I like you. I thought you liked me. You buy me snacks and stuff and asked to hang out. I just thought…” he finished off with a scratch to his head.
“You like me?” Kibum asked.
“Do you think I go around buying expensive Kuromi collectibles for just anyone?” he said, seriously with a raised eyebrow.
He had heard rumors of Jonghyun being a flirt with anyone that walked across his path. But his feelings seemed genuine. He sounded like he was being honest with his words.
“A date…but Hyung, I’m sorry. We can’t d-date,” he said, knowing he was letting what he’s heard around school get to him.
“Why not? Humor me,” Jonghyun said, his arms folded as he sat back, his attention completely on him now.
Kibum felt guilty for what he was about to say. “You-you, I mean-I heard you’re in a gang…and you smoke…and you're always in detention. Some school bullying rumors…and-and you kind of date everyone or something along those lines…” he said, his voice lowering with every sentence.
He was so sure he just offended him to the highest degree. Saying all those things out loud sounds a bit silly but…was he really that kind of person?
Jonghyun didn’t look angry, but he sat quietly. A thoughtful look on his face.
“Do you believe all those things?” he asked calmly.
“I thought so…but you don’t really seem like the person everyone says you are.”
Jonghyun shrugged before leaning forward again to continue eating his food. It was an awkward and tense few moments of quiet. Kibum didn’t know what to do. Should he get up and excuse himself? Or wait until he finished eating?
This was the worst first date ever!
“One, I’m not in ‘gang’,” Jonghyun said, suddenly.
Kibum sat quietly like a scolded child. He didn’t say anything, deciding to just let him speak.
“I hung out with some idiots for a few years in middle school. I don’t talk to them anymore. It’s been years since we’ve talked. I don’t know why people still talk about that,” he paused before speaking again.
“Two, I got caught smoking on campus once. It was stupid. I know. But I haven’t done it since,” he continued. “Yes, I’m in detention often. The teachers pick on me because they all think I’m a bad student. It’s not a crime to stand up for myself. But they just see it as disrespect,” he said with a frown, recalling memories.
“Third, I didn’t bully anyone. I stood up to an asshole who was bullying Taemin. He went around the school and lied and twisted the truth. Lastly, I don’t date everyone. Flirt? Maybe. And maybe it goes further than that, sometimes. But it hardly goes beyond that as often as you think. Not many people catch my attention like the way you do,” he said, sincerely.
Kibum wasn’t sure what to think. All those bad things people said about him seem to be misunderstandings and twisted truths. Jonghyun wasn’t that kind of person at all.
“I don’t care if you believe me or not because I know me. I know the truth behind everything. I don’t care what everyone else says about me.” he said, with a serious face. “I know you’ve probably heard these things about me. But I thought…you still wanted to give me a chance despite everything,” he said, a hint of disappointment in his voice.
“I didn’t think someone like you would actually be interested in me. Maybe I was right,” he shrugged. It was clear his feelings were a little hurt and he was trying to play it off. Kibum wondered how often he had to put up this wall.
“I don’t care what anyone else says either,” Kibum said. “I mean, I guess I never truly did…” he thought to himself. Despite Minho’s warnings and years of gossip, here he was on a ‘date’ with him.
Jonghyun gave him a look that showed he wasn’t exactly convinced of this. Especially seeing how he brought the rumors up. He wasn’t really sure what to say to convince him. So he could only speak with honesty.
“I’m actually glad I didn’t bring my book that day,” he said. Hoping that Jonghyun understood the meaning behind his words.
And maybe he did, because slowly, a smile appeared on Jonghyun’s face.

•

After their “first date” Jonghyun had started to be a lot more bold in his actions. He would greet him at his lockers some mornings. But if they didn’t meet, he slipped a note in his locker for him to read and gush over it later on. And if he wasn’t given letters he was showered with small gifts, snacks or Kuromi goods. He would text him to meet up with him in between class periods when classes changed or during the day and excuse himself to the ‘bathroom’.
They made more of an effort to meet outside of school, whether it was teaching him how to ride a bike or taking another trip to the arcade.
It was a lot for Kibum. It’s not that he didn’t enjoy it, in fact his heart would skip a beat when his name flashed across his screen or skipped down the hallways to meet him. It was the kind of excitement he never experienced.
But he had to do all this whilst hiding it all from Minho. It felt burdensome to think about keeping such a secret from his best friend. But he absolutely would not support him. Perhaps Kibum also wasn’t too eager to flaunt this around being that Jonghyun’s reputation around school wasn’t all that great. But he didn’t want to admit that to him…but deep down, they both knew.
He and Jonghyun kept their budding relationship to themselves. It was better this way. It also made everything feel more fun and romantic. He was a bit surprised at how generous and thoughtful he was. He gave off a hopeless romantic kind of vibe. And Kibum loved it.
He never had a boyfriend. Maybe Jonghyun would be his first.
The thought of them being a couple made his stomach feel funny and heat rushed to his cheeks. Even more so as he stood by his locker at the end of the school day, reading a note that Jonghyun left him that morning.
He couldn’t help but giggle to himself as he read the note describing how much Jonghyun missed him throughout the day. They only shared one class together, Miss Han’s. And it was nearly impossible to talk there since she was so strict. So they tried their best to meet up when they could.
He was so focused on the neatly folded piece of paper that he didn’t notice someone sneaking up behind him.
“HEY!” Kibum yelled, when his note was snatched stealthily out of his hands from behind. His voice caused a few afterschool students lingering in the hallway to cast him a strange glance.
He spun around to see Minho, squinting, with the paper so close to his face that it was almost touching his nose. Kibum lunged forward to reach for it. But Minho was an athlete, meaning he was fast and nimble. So he easily dodged him.
“Give it back, Choi Minho!” he growled.
“Who wrote this?” Minho asked, with a look of surprise on his face.
“A secret fucking admirer. Now give it back!” Kibum said, jumping at him again.
But Minho was tall. Very tall. So he decided to lift the notebook in the air, knowing Kibum couldn’t reach it.
“Who wrote this, Kibum?” Minho asked again, dodging Kibum’s swings.
“I don’t know!” Kibum lied, feeling frustrated as he tugged on Minho’s arm to get him to loosen his grip on the paper.
“I really wanted to meet you after lunch today. My teacher was being an asshole. I missed seeing your face. When can we meet up again? I really want to see you soon.” Minho read.
“Give it BACK!” Kibum yelled. He felt completely humiliated! He didn’t want him to see their conversations with each other.
“You sound like you already know him. Who is it?” Minho said, lowering his arm.
Kibum was finally able to snatch it from his long boney fingers. He smoothed out the preexisting creases in the letter that were made worse by his nosey brainless friend. He tried to neatly fold it up, and place it in his pocket.
“Who is it, Kibum?”
Triggered by the sound of his irritating voice, in a moment of anger, Kibum stomped on Minho’s foot.
“AH! Fuck, Kibum! I have a game tomorrow!”
“You always have a stupid fucking game!” he said, before stomping off.

•

“So, you’re just never going to tell him?” Jonghyun asked, one day after school.
The two were sitting by a river that flowed behind Kibum’s apartment complex. He wanted to watch the sun set together. But Kibum spent most of the evening pouting, still thinking about what Minho did the other day.
Kibum didn’t answer. They sat side by side. Their legs outstretched, as they sat comfortably on the grassy ledge. Jonghyun just looked on at him with worry. And Kibum drew shapes in the grass with his finger, avoiding eye contact.
“Can you write me another note? That stupid boy made it wrinkly,” he said, through a pout.
“I’ll write you one everyday if you really want me too,” Jonghyun said.
This made Kibum look up and smile at him before looking away shyly and going back to drawing shapes again.
“But you didn’t answer my question. You’re never going to tell him? He's your best friend, right?”
Kibum snorted. “No. It’s none of his business.” he said, curtly. “Besides, have you even told your friends?”
“Of course. Jinki and Taemin have known how I felt about you before we even met,” he admitted.
Kibum turned his focus back onto him and stared at him in awe. How long had Jonghyun liked him?
“I sent Jinki to give you my number because I was too scared…Jinki’s looks like a nice guy so I didn’t think you would turn him down.”
Kibum couldn’t help but smile brightly. Before getting to know him, Jonghyun gave off this confident and cocky vibe. But he was the exact opposite, well at least around him.
“That’s…so cute, Hyung. Everyone has such a warped impression of you. I wish everyone would take the chance to get to know you,” he said, truthfully.
“I don’t need them to. I have you.”
Why did his words make him feel like a pile of goo?
“If you don’t want to tell him, then I won’t make things too obvious,” he offered.
“Even if he did find out, how do I even explain this to him? We’re just kind of friends. So I guess there isn’t anything for him to seriously get upset over…” Kibum said, thinking out loud.
“If you became my boyfriend I guess that’s something worth hiding,” Jonghyun said.
The look in his eyes let him know he was quite serious about what he said. He knew what he was hinting at.
“I’ve never had a boyfriend before…” he said, feeling ashamed for some reason.
“There’s a first time for everything,” Jonghyun said. Kibum looked down to see him holding out his hand, his palm facing up. Kibum hesitantly took his own hand to fit it into his. It was like a perfect fit. Their fingers clasped together, almost like instinct. Jonghyun’s fingers were a little shorter than his and a little plumper, but it felt like a missing puzzle piece.
“Will you be my boyfriend?” Jonghyun asked, with sincerity and a tender voice.
“Y-yes…” Kibum said, his voice trembling.
They were holding hands sitting by a river with a sunset in the background. He wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Do you wonna kiss?” Jonghyun asked, carefully.
“Oh,” Kibum said, unable to keep himself from throwing a hand over his mouth. “I’ve never kissed anyone before either…” he whispered, embarrassed.
He thought about it for a moment. His first kiss with his first boyfriend?!
“I’ll fix that,” Jonghyun said, confidently.
Kibum nodded his head yes, still letting his fingers linger on his lips.
Jonghyun leaned into his personal space, a dreamy look on his face.
“Come here,” he whispered to him. The hand Jonghyun used to hold his was now felt behind his neck, drawing him in closer. He could feel his breath against his lips when Jonghyun used his other hand to gently pry his fingers from covering his mouth.
Kibum squeezed his eyes shut as he leaned in. He heard a giggle before he felt two soft lips against his. He sat stiffly. He was unmoving until he felt his lips move against his. He tried to follow the flow and copy what Jonghyun was doing. He didn’t know if he was doing it right, but it felt right. Jonghyun tasted sweet, being that he always liked to eat candy.
When they pulled apart Kibum wanted to open his mouth to apologize for his lack of experience but Jonghyun was having none of that.
“You’re pretty good for your first time.”
Kibum just shook his head and instinctively covered his mouth again.

•

It was routine now that on Fridays the two would walk together from school hand and hand when most of the school cleared out.
It was the one day Kibum was sure he wouldn’t see Minho. He always had either practice or a game those days. So, the coast was clear.
They had been quietly dating for a few months now. Kibum wasn’t sure how he was able to keep it so private but Jonghyun also doing the same probably helped a lot.
Kibum had introduced him to his mom as his ‘new friend’ after she questioned and pestered him about who the young man walking him home was. He knew it was inevitable, being that he would see her peaking through the blinds as soon as he got home. He liked to take the long route home. It gave them more time to spend together and most students from their school didn’t walk this way.
It was another hot and humid day, but Kibum insisted on holding hands and Jonghyun didn’t reject the idea. Their hands were warm and a little slippery from sweat but they liked it this way.
Jonghyun still had a bad habit of violating the school uniform rules. It irked Kibum, though he usually kept his thoughts to himself. But he decided to reach over and fix his boyfriends collar. He always had the top two buttons undone and his collar had either one end flipped up or was wrinkled. Jonghyun just smiled, not even bothering to stop him.
“Why do you always wear your clothes like this?” Kibum said, yanking at his collar. “And this!” He said, pointing to his rolled up sleeves.
“Uniforms are lame. Other schools don’t always make high school students wear uniforms. Why can’t we do the same? I want to wear my own clothes,” he whined.
“Well…” Kibum said, a little stumped. If he was honest with himself, wearing his own clothes did sound nice. But rules were rules.
“You don’t ever want to break the rules a little?” Jonghyun teased as he squeezed his hand playfully.
“No! And you shouldn’t anymore! You were in detention again today, weren't you? I didn’t see you at lunch…” he pouted.
Jonghyun leaned into him to give a kiss to his cheek. “Sorry,” he chuckled.
“It’s not funny. I don’t like when you go there. Stop making trouble in class,” Kibum said, firmly.
“I told you the teachers just don’t like me,” Jonghyun said. Though he wasn’t lying, he also hated to admit there are times when he was just plain rude or didn’t do his homework.
“I wont date you if you keep getting in trouble…” Kibum wanted. Then he sighed as he created a little distance between them, but all the while never letting go of his hand.
This wasn’t really a topic Jonghyun wanted to talk about, he didn’t like making him upset. So he quickly changed the topic.
“Will you come out with me and my friends? They want to officially meet you,” Jonghyun said, trying to stifle the laugh he wanted to let out when he saw Kibum’s eyes grow comically big.
“Eh? Who?!”
“You know, just Jinki and Taemin. It's not a well hidden secret from them,” he said, pointing between each other.
Taemin and Jinki? They were known trouble makers too. Taemin had gotten into school fights often. And although Jinki seemed nice when they met he had a smart mouth that kept him in trouble so people tended to avoid him. He had seen them accompany Jonghyun in detention once or twice.
“They’re good guys, I swear. Just misunderstood,” Jonghyun assured him. Kibum knew his boyfriend was also misunderstood, maybe they all bonded through their shared experiences.
“I guess…they can’t be too bad if you’re friends with them right?”
Jonghyun shook his head ‘yes’ adamantly. “They know this thing we have is private. They haven't and won’t say anything. You can trust them.”
“…well…alright.”

A few weeks later Kibum found himself waiting with Jonghyun for his friends to come to the gaming arcade. Kibum was nervous. What if they thought he was lame? What if they were mean to him? What if he embarrassed himself in front of them?
In the midst of his overthinking, he felt a heavy arm being placed over his shoulder and a pair of lips on his cheek.
“Relax,” Jonghyun said, soothingly. “They’re nice, I swear.”
Kibum tried to reassure him that he was fine, but his nervousness was written all over his face.
“I will. I promise, Jjong” he assured him with the pet name he recently started calling him.
Not much time passed when Jonghyun’s friends finally showed up.
Jinki’s bright personality was no different from the last time they talked and Taemin actually seemed rather kind and innocent. They both weren’t what he expected them to be like at all.
“It’s nice to meet you face to face,” Taemin said. “Hyung said he’s been really excited for us all to meet.”
Taemin seemed a lot younger and smaller than them. He was absolutely adorable. How could this be the boy that joined in and even started school fights?!
“He won’t stop talking about you, it’s actually kind of annoying,” Jinki said, smiling. His words sounded a bit offensive but his delivery was friendly.
“Oh, well, I’m glad to meet you as well. And nice to see you again, Jinki Hyung,” Kibum said, politely. Kibum was a bit awkward with first meetings and felt like he didn’t always leave a great first impression. But they didn’t seem to mind.
“Good. Let’s go,” Jonghyun said, cheerily. He took hold of Kibum’s hand pulling him along with his friends following behind obediently. He had an obvious pep in his step as he had never seen him this excited or energetic. Kibum enjoyed watching how playful he was with them. And even with his friends around he didn’t shy away from showing Kibum affection in the process.
He looked genuinely happy. And it made Kibum happy. He was happy with Jonghyun.
After running around the arcade for hours they all took a break to have snacks at a pochang macha. This gave Kibum more time for him to talk and get to know them more.
They had their treats but Kibum ran off to the convenience store around the corner to come back and give Jonghyun a lollipop. He noticed his love for sweets treats early on and knew he was probably craving some.
“Oh my god, it’s a match made in Heaven,” Taemin said, when he saw Kibum running back with the candy in hand. Kibum laughed and uttered “what do you mean?” as he unwrapped the treat for him. Jonghyun unabashfully opened his mouth so Kibum would give it to him as if his hands didn’t work.
“Oh ew,” Jinki grimaced. “I don’t want to see that!”
Kibum was worried that maybe he offended them but disregarded that after hearing Jonghyun’s loud laugh. He guessed it was their sense of humor.
“How the hell did you two even get together anyway?” Jinki asked.
“Yea, Hyung. You’re so cool,” Taemin beamed.
“Who? W-what? Me?” Kibum asked, confused.
“Yea! You're a part of so many clubs! And Jonghyun Hyung said you're really smart. And you have so many friends. You’re so cool! And I didn’t expect you to be so nice.”
Kibum never thought of himself in that way. Taemin talked as if he looked up to him. Interesting how they had such different views of each other before meeting.
“Thank you. You're pretty cool too I think,” he said. Taemin was too cute for words. He didn’t seem like a violent person at all.
“No…I’m not…eveyone picks on me. That’s why I’m always fighting at school…” he sulked.
Kibum frowned.
“Well they’re just assholes Taemin. Besides you know me and Jonghyun will always help you,” Jinki said, in an assertive tone.
“They’re my only friends,” Taemin stated shyly.
“Well, I can be your friend too,” Kibum offered.
“I thought you’d be really stuck up to be honest. I told Jonghyun not to waste his time, but he never listens to me anyway. But I guess he has better judgment than me,” Jinki said, shrugging.
“Yes, I too have a mind of my own,” Jonghyun said, sarcastically as he pulled Kibum close to him.
Kibum grinned. He liked Jonghyun’s friends. Taemin was sweet and just misunderstood. And Jinki may come off a little rude, but he didn’t have bad intentions.

Later on that evening they all parted ways. He and Jonghyun walked hand in hand as he offered to walk him home. They talked about their evening, recalling Jinki losing to Taemin in almost every game.
“You know I really like them,” Kibum mentioned.
“Yeah, Taemin’s a really nice kid. And Jink isn’t a doormat. He’s not afraid to speak his mind, I like that about him,”
“You guys are all so…fun and nice.”
“Our reputation precedes us doesn't it?” Jonghyun teased.
Kibum couldn’t help but feel a little guilty at judging them from before with preconceived notions. But he learned his lesson.
“You’re making me want candy now,” Kibum said distractedly as he watched Jonghyun stick yet another lollipop in his mouth.
Jonghyun, without a second thought, absentmindedly removed the sweet from his mouth and guided it towards Kibum direction.
“Jjong, that’s disgusting,” Kibum said, grimacing as he leaned away.
“Kibum, I’ve literally stuck my tongue down your throat. How is this any different?”
“T-that is not the same thing!” he responded flustered.
“Yeah, yeah. Okay. Give me a kiss,” Jonghyun said, interrupting his rant. He pulled him in close to kiss him properly. Kibum obliged, leaning in to do what he requested, his previous thoughts thrown out the window.
Jonghyun laughed. “So you’ll kiss me but won’t lick from the same lollipop?!”
“Jonghyun, it’s not the same!” he said, licking his lips. He tasted sweet.
“Yeah, okay,” he said, pulling Kibum back in for the last kiss of the night before parting ways to their respective homes.
Both falling asleep with a smile on their faces.

•

“I’m so excited. I’ve never had a sleep over before!” Kibum cheered.
Kibum’s parents were going on a business trip and he was somehow able to talk them out of them forcing him to come.
Jonghyun smiled, entertained by his cheerfulness.
Jonghyun may or may not have hinted at having him over for a few hours while they were gone. Which then ended up turning into the whole the day and the leading to him ultimately spending the night.
“My parents will really kill me if they find out,” Kibum said, with a worried voice but an excited expression.
“What should we do? Watch a movie? Play games? I’ve never hosted before!” he said, with a shaking closed fist.
Jonghyun laughed at his innocence.
“We can do whatever you want. Don’t stress it.”
“Have you ever had a sleepover before?”
“Uh, something like that,” he said, scratching his head.
“Tell me! Tell me about it.”
“I mean, well, I ran away from home once and spent the night at my friend's house. I was kind of hiding though. I don’t know if that counts?”
Kibum’s mouth dropped open in horror.
“Jonghyun!”
Jonghyun never really talked about his home life. And he was a bit too scared to ask, fearing it would end up being something awful. But his boyfriend didn’t seem to have many restrictions and it concerned him a bit. He wanted to address it later and offer him help if he needed it.
But now the idea of Jonghyun spending the night had his mind reeling. His parents had no idea. He was doing something really mischievous and deceitful, but he was always a good kid. He wanted to do something exhilarating for once.
Kibum and Jonghyun had concocted this plan for a week. This Friday evening Jonghyun would come over after his parents left. They would be back sometime Saturday night, so he wanted to make the most of these two days.
So when Friday came, Kibum practically tried to rush home to prepare his home for his boyfriend. But when came out and he ran past the school’s gates, an unmovable object threatened to dampen his spirits.
“Why aren’t you heading to the school government association meeting?” Minho asked, the moment he was able to slow Kibum down in his tracks.
“How do you even know about that?” Kibum said, breathing heavily as he came to an abrupt stop.
“You and Changmin are in the same association. He told me about it today. Aren’t you attending?”
Kibum rolled his eyes harshly at his noesey friend.
“Don’t you have soccer practice today?” Kibum asked offhandedly as he tried to walk around him.
But Minho took a step over to stand in his way. “I heard you skipped Leadership club after school too. Suho told me.”
“Are you spying on me or something?” Kibum asked, irritated. He may or may not have skipped a few after school activities, maybe even tutoring here and there, to meet with Jonghyun after school. But it wasn’t the end of the world. He was allowed to be absent a few times a year.
When an influx of students started exiting the school, Kibum’s head turned at the sound of a familiar laugh. He saw Jonghyun with Jinki and Taemin coming out of the school's gate.
“I gotta go Ming, I’ll see you Monday,” he said, shifting around him.
But Minho grabbed his arm roughly.
“We need to talk. At some point, Kibum,” he said, seriously.
Kibum shook him off and gave him a stern look. “Okay. Whatever. Just text me. Bye,” he said, brusquely.
The two didn’t fight often, if at all. But Minho had become increasingly annoying and nosey these days. And he didn’t like it.
He left in such a rush he hadn’t noticed the displeased look on Minho's face as he glared at Jonghyun menacingly.

—

Kibum’s parents were gone. And Jonghyun would arrive any moment!
He had snacks prepared and had a list of restaurants the two could order from. He made sure to clean his sheets and have a fresh set of towels for him. He ran back and forth in his home to make sure everything was clean and neat. He wanted to make a good impression!
He was busy scrolling through his Netflix account, looking ahead of time to see what movies they could watch, when he heard a knock on his door.
Jonghyun scolded him for opening the door without checking who it was first but he welcomed Kibum into his arms anyway.
“You made it! I’m so excited!” Kibum said, unable to keep his composure.
Jonghyun let himself be dragged in. He looked around in awe at how nice of a place Kibum had. It was nothing like his home.
“Nice place,” he commented.
“Oh? You think so?” Kibum said, looking around curiously. His place was clean and decorated nicely, but nothing special.
Kibum never let go of Jonghyun’s hand as he showed him around his home.
“Tonight we’re gonna sit here and watch movies!” Kibum beamed as he plopped down on his couch. Jonghyun joined him, his arm wrapping around his shoulder.
“This is perfect,” Jonghyun grinned.
As the evening went on Kibum used the emergency card that his parents left behind for him to order take out. They were only going to be gone for one day but they left it to be safe.
And Kibum may or may not have ordered a ridiculous amount of food that the two wouldn’t be able to finish. He’ll have to explain later but he wasn’t worried about that right now.
They spent the rest of the night stuffing their faces and switching movies every hour or so until they found one that could hold their short attention span. Every now and then Kibum would get distracted by his boyfriend's touches or kisses. They were hardly paying attention to anything on the screen if he was being honest.
Jonghyun was planning on spending the night. So he wondered how that would go.
“Yah, move,” Kibum said, playfully as he shoved Jonghyun to get him to detach his lips from his cheek.
Jonghyun laughed but did as he was told and leaned back into the couch. Even though Kibum dismissed him he leaned over and decided to cuddle him anyway.
“Are you sleepy? Already?” Jonghyun asked, when Kibum didn’t move or make a sound for a few minutes.
“A little,” he said, nodding into his chest. Kibum had started going back to his after activities after skipping them for a few weeks the closer the two got. But now he was considering skipping them again.
“My clubs. The school government association. Leadership after school. Tutoring. My mom wants me to join all these after school things but…I don’t want to...” he admitted. “They all make me feel so tired…constantly having to show up and socialize at these events. I like having extra time to spend with you. I get to relax,” he said, raising himself up to look at him.
“You can slow down. Maybe take a break,” Jonghyun suggested.
“But people expect so much from me.”
“I know you have a lot of responsibility, but you shouldn’t burn yourself out,” he said, shifting closer to him.
“I know but…I don’t know. I don’t feel like I have a choice really,” he said, feeling irritated at the thought. But he felt calm again when Jonghyun placed a hand on the back of his neck.
“But what about you, Jjong? You don’t participate in any clubs?” he said, taking his hand to draw shakes in his boyfriend's chest.
“Just choir.”
“That’s right! You never talk about it with me though! Why not?”
“I’ve been…suspended for a bit.”
“Suspended?” Kibum said, jerking back. “What happened?”
Jonghyun shrugged. He considered not answering but Kibum's stern gaze made him think he needed to be honest.
“Mr. Song told me I had to get my act together in my other classes. He said I can come back when I behave and blah, blah, blah….”
“Jonghyun.” Kibum’s face was serious. The soft look he had given him a moment earlier was gone.
“I’m doing better, I swear,” he said. Jonghyun didn’t want to admit that seeing a disappointed Kibum made him feel bad. He sighed and just looked straight ahead, pretending to watch the movie.
A minute later he felt his head on his shoulder.
“Well…I want to hear you sing one day,” Kibum whispered.
The two had decided it was time to clean up and lie in bed soon. It was way past midnight and Jonghyun needed to get up before noon to be out before Kibum’s parents came home.
“Your family seems nice,” Jonghyun commented as he noticed a family photo on the wall he passed on the way to throw his trash away in the kitchen.
“Yeah, I love them,” Kibum smiled.
“What about yours? You never talk about them,” he said cautiously.
He saw Jonghyun hesitate to answer as he walked back to the couch.
Kibum thought they knew each other well, but he started to feel like maybe he actually didn’t really know much about him at all. But he never pushed certain questions, fearing it would make him uncomfortable. And seeing how he never brought up his parents and would avoid off handed questions about them made him think he didn’t want to really talk about it.
“Nothing special. My parents always work. They’re never home. Not much to say,” he said, sitting back down next to him. “And when they are home all they do is argue. And I’m just their delinquent son that can never stay out of trouble.”
Kibum didn’t like how negative his words were about himself. He wasn’t joking or teasing. His face was serious. This was really how he viewed himself.
“You’re their incredibly kind and thoughtful son. Don’t talk about yourself like that,” Kibum said.
Jonghyun didn’t say anything but he just smiled.
“That’s not how they see me. I’m just a failure.”
“You can prove them wrong when you go off to University.”
Jonghyun’s eyes grew wide. “University? University, Kibum? I’m not going to school anymore once I graduate high school.”
“Why not?” Kibum frowned.
“I’m not…I don’t think I can do it.”
“Jjong, you should at least try first.”
Jonghyun shook his head.
“But you're so smart, I know you are. I've seen your grades!” Kibum added.
Aside from his issues in and out the classroom, Jonghyun was book smart. Kibum had witnessed this during times they studied together and sneaking a peak at his test grades. He could do it, he just didn’t have the confidence. And though he didn't think school shouldn't be forced on everyone, education in their current climate was best.
“You love to sing, you could go to an art school! Why dont try K-Arts University-”
“Kibum,” Jonghyun called sternly to cut him off. “This isn’t really something I want to talk about right now. I have my mind made up. I’ve always have,” he said firmly.
Kibum sat quietly looking at him with a worried expression. “Okay…”
“Let’s go to bed?” Jonghyun asked, kissing his boyfriend tenderly. He wanted the slight tension that built up to disappear quickly.
Kibum nodded as he patted his thigh and smiled, even though his smile wasn’t very bright.

—

An hour or so later the two were in Kibum’s bed, kissing in between cuddles.
“I’m sorry for earlier…” Kibum said, catching his breathe.
“You don’t have anything to be sorry for. It’s just…me.”
“I don’t like when you talk so negatively about yourself,” Kibum said, tracing his thumbs along his lips.
Jonghyun nodded, leaning into his touch. He knew this would be a topic that would come up again later. So right now he wanted to focus on something else. “Come here,” he whispered.
Once they started kissing it was hard for them to stop. They both enjoyed the warmth and comfort they felt with being with one another. Jonghyun definitely lived up to his title of being a flirt, because just when Kibum thought they were done he was reeled back in.
They took a break for a bit, after one heated kiss that had them both out of breath.
They both held onto each other gently, their hands interlaced as they stared deeply into each other's eyes. Jonghyun wanted to be closer to him, more so then they were now. His mind had been circling around the same thoughts for some time now. He really liked Kibum, dare he admit it went beyond like. He was so smart, kind, supportive and held him accountable. He was even better than what he imagined him to be. He thought now was the time that they could take their relationship to the next level.
“Kibum,” he called nervously.
“Yeah?” Kibum responded with a big smile.
“Are you a virgin?”
Kibum's smile slowly dropped. He blinked a few times as his cheeks turned red. It took some time before he made an audible answer.
“Yes,” he whispered lowly. So low Jonghyun almost didn't hear him.
Jonghyun looked at him intensely, as if he was contemplating something.
Kibum watched him closely, unsure of his next move. The question made the atmosphere feel a bit tense. But he waited patiently for his response to his answer.
Jonghyun laid a hand to Kibum's cheek, caressing him with his thumb. Kibum leaned into the touch, even moving closer to him. He enjoyed the attention and closeness immensely.
He had a feeling that Jonghyun’s question wasn’t asked for the sake of asking. Especially not when Jonghyun leaned in and peppered him with kisses all over his face, his jaw, and shoulders. He had never been in this intimate position before. And maybe his ragged breath was a give away.
In the next moment he felt his lips against his ear and warm breath as he whispered something.
“…do you still want to be a virgin?”

•

Kibum and Jonghyun’s relationship had reached a new level.
The two had been inseparable ever since. And at this point Kibum didn’t care who saw him with him, or his friends.
Jonghyun had started to show his clingy side but Kibum wouldn’t lie and say he didn’t like it. He loved the attention, the romance and the warmth he felt when he was with him.
He was starting to wonder, is this what people talked about when they spoke about their first love? Is this what he was experiencing? Was this…love?
They had been dating for half the year now, and he didn’t see them slowing down any time soon.
Perhaps he would have to tell Minho and just hoped he would get over the initial disappointment. But he had a feeling he may already know considering how hostile and snippy he had been with him. Minho started sharing lunch with his other friends as did Kibum. They didn’t study together as much as they did before nor did they joke around as often.
It was midterms and he knew how serious Minho was during this time, but he had never been this irate.
So they started spending less time together these days. But Kibum didn’t mind it too much. He had started hanging out with Taemin more in particular. He meant what he said when he offered to be his friend. He felt like he sort of took him under his wing as he didn't realize just how much Taemin looked up to him. He even introduced him to his other friends, sort of showing him off and “proving” that he wasn't this violent erratic kid everyone thought he was. Kibum had even gotten used to hanging around Jinki more these days as well, not as much in school but more so outside when Jonghyun wanted to hang out with everyone. Jinki was pretty introverted like Jonghyun as well.
Kibum didn't care what anyone else thought about him hanging out with them. He liked them. And that was all that mattered to him.
Though deep down he did care about what his best friend would possibly say.

—

“Ready to go?” Jonghyun asked. He was poking his head out from behind the classroom door frame. He had come to “pick him up” from his clubs whenever he stayed late after school. He would wait around just for him. And it never ceases to put a smile on Kibum's face.
He was the last one that left from his Leadership group today as he was tasked with cleaning off the white board and putting a few books back. He offered to do it alone to do it quickly, knowing Jonghyun would come to get him.
“Almost,” Kibum said, a big smile plastered on his face. He erased the last little bit of chalk on the board before placing the eraser down.
“Done!” he said, running up to jump into Jonghyun’s open arms.
They walked down the empty hallways to the school's main exit outside. They were so busy talking about their day and giving each other's full attention that they didn't even realize they had an audience member. Just as they were about to walk through the school's gate Jonghyun's soft features hardened at the sight of a certain person. Kibum, confused, followed his line of sight and dropped his mouth open from surprise.
“M-minho?” he blurted out.
Minho stood stiff at the school's gate. He was dressed in his team's uniform. It was clear that he just left practice but he wasn’t sure why he was back on the school's main campus grounds.
“W-what are you doing here? Why aren’t you heading home?” Kibum asked, nervously.
“I left my chemistry book in my locker,” Minho said, his voice flat. Kibum didn’t miss the way his eyes looked at their linked hands. Feeling conscious, Kibum ripped his hand away. He tried not to notice the look of sadness etched on Jonghyun’s face.
“Oh.”
“So the rumors are true then?“ Minho asked, walking towards them slowly, almost hesitant. “Why would you…I don’t get it.”
“What?” Kibum asked harshly, crowing his arms.
“Why are you hanging out with him? How did this even happen? Huh?”
“Don’t talk about him like he’s not here,” Kibum said. He quickly glanced at Jonghyun. He wished the two could just disappear into thin air together.
“You’re going to get pulled into that lifestyle and get in trouble. I hope you know that-” he said.
“I don’t make Kibum do anything he doesn’t want to do,” Jonghyun spoke up. His voice was firm and he spoke with a tone he had never heard him use before.
“Is that so? I heard you don’t even go to some of your after school clubs anymore. You quit tutoring. And you don’t even show up to even half of our study sessions anymore. What’s wrong with you?” Minho said.
Jonghyun looked at him confused. Kibum had told him he had grown tired from all his activities but he didn’t know he had been skipping or quitting them.
“Damnit Minho. Why are you in my business? You’re making it sound worse than what it is! You know me!”
“Exactly, that’s why I don’t understand why you would date someone like him,” Minho said with a disgusted look.
“Fuck you,” Jonghyun said, venom in his words. He walked past Minho; roughly bumping into his shoulder making him stumble back.
“Jonghyun?!” Kibum called. But he didn’t turn back at the sound of his name to look at him even once. He wanted to run after him but he needed to stand his ground against his ‘best’ friend.
Minho stood there in shock, holding his shoulder as if he was in pain. But Kibum wasn’t buying it.
“He’s not a bad person! Most things you’ve heard about him are a lie! If you just took the time to get to know him-“
“This is ridiculously cliche, Kibum. Seriously?!”
“What? You don’t trust my judgment? You don’t think I’m capable of making my own decisions?!”
“You’d throw our friendship away for him?!”
Throw away a friendship? Why was Minho being so irrational? This was dramatic.
“I guess I could ask you the same!” he countered.
They stared each other down menacingly, daring the other to speak first after their outbursts.
“You’ve changed, Kibum.”
“What? From being judgemental and stuck up like you?!”
“Fine. Do whatever you want. I don’t want to associate with you if you associate with them,” he said referring to Jonghyun’s friends.
Kibum couldn’t hold back his shocked expression after hearing that. Tears welded up in his eyes. Why was he being like this?
He didn’t have any nice words to say to him so he gave him one last disapproving look before he ran after Jonghyun.

Kibum quickly caught up with him as he was just further down the street. He ran into him and pulled him in for a hug, crying into his shoulder.
“I’m sorry Jjong! I don’t know why he said those things. I’m so so sorry,” he said, through tears. He felt like Minho was trying to embarrass him and make him feel isolated. And Jonghyun deserved so much more than that.
“I know I’m not…speacial or smart or-“
“Don’t talk like that,” Kibum demanded.
“Maybe we shouldn’t be together, I don’t know. I’m not good enough-“
“Stop!”
“But it’s true!” Jonghyun yelled, ripping himself from their embrace.
“But it’s not!” Kibum yelled even louder. He angrily stepped forward to kiss him. He wish it was a bit more romantic but it was alot more agressive than usual. But he was frustrated.
But Jonghyun didn’t hold back either.
They stared at each after breaking the kiss, breathing heavily. Kibum decided he needed to calm down and bring him back into a gentle hug. He wrapped his arms around him and rested his chin on his shoulder. They stood like that for a minute or so before Kibum whispered, “It’s not true. None of it.”

•

Weeks and months passed by and he and Minho's friendship had slowly dissipated.
It was silly, Kibum thought. He made his decision based on assumptions and misunderstandings. But he wasn’t going to dump Jonghyun over it. He wanted to save their friendship but not if he was going to disrespect Jonghyun, who deserved it the least.
Jonghyun seemed a lot more withdrawn and quiet after that happened. Sometimes he felt like he avoided him in public thinking Kibum shouldn’t be seen with him. And Kinum hated that.
“Jjong,” Kibum called cutely, hoping to create a smile on his face, which he did.
They were in the school's open courtyard during lunch. He wanted some time with him, insinuating that their relationship being public was perfectly fine.
He raised a hand to gently brush some hair behind Jonghyuns ear, almost making him blush.
“Yes?” he responded.
“I saw that the choir is having their last concert at the end of the month in two weeks. Are you joining?” he asked, tentatively. Jonghyun had finally been allowed to join the choir club again a few weeks ago after not causing disturbances for the last few months. Kibum always got angry when he was sent to detention and he couldn’t stand the look of disappointment on his face.
“Yeah…” he responded shyly. “Do you…want to come?”
“Of course I do!” Kibum cheered. “I’ll come to anything you do!”
So Jonghyun spent those two weeks practicing vigorously. He would not embarrass himself! He refused.
So when he saw him sitting in the front row two weeks later, he was glad he practiced diligently.
The lights went dark and the lights were on him and his choir mates but he still clearly see Kibum’s bright face. He wondered how early he had to show up to grab a seat like that. He had to put on his best performance, especially since he had a surprise for him.
So once introductions of the song and group were finished he had to hold in the laugh he wanted to let out when he saw Kibum’s confused face as he walked up to a mic that was placed front and center staged from the rest of the choir group.
He had a solo. He didn’t tell Kibum because he wanted to surprise him. The choir club was a hobby, but Jonghyun did truly like singing.
And the sense of pride he felt when he finished and saw his boyfriend clapping furiously. He felt like he made the right decision by coming back to the club. And after the show when Kibum bum rushed him into a tight hug.
“Jjong?! Why didn’t you tell me you could sing like that?!” Kibum asked. He had his arms wrapped around his neck, refusing to let him.
All these terrible rumors about him and he never once heard a thing about his voice.
“You have a beautiful voice, I can’t believe you never told me!”
“Not something I really go around telling people,” he said, shyly.
“Well you absolutely should!”
Once Jonghyun took a picture with his choir members and his choir teacher held a small meeting congraulating and thanking everyone, they were set free.
And instead of going straight home the two decided to go on a late night walk together. They walked hand in hand, swinging them back and forth playfully.
“Jjong, you’re so talented.” Kibum had spent the last half hour praising and gushing over Jonghyuns performance. Jonghyun tried to change the conversion but Kibum thought it was important that he received praise and encouragement.
“I get it, Bum,” he said, trying to hide his smile.
“You really shouldn’t let something like that go to waste. You should really look into some schools that would progress your talent.”
Jonghyun just gave him a look. He knew how he felt about University. Kibum tugged his hand to make him stop walking.
“I’m serious,” Kibum said, standing his ground. Although Kibum had a stern look on his face Jonghyun couldn’t help but to coo at how adorable he looked fretting over him.
“I know,” he said, reaching for his boyfriends other hand so that they were now facing each other. “And I'm happy you are.”
They stood under a streetlight on the sidewalk, underneath the night sky. Jonghyun looked at him endearingly as the light reflected off his face.
“What?” Kibum asked, confused as to why he was being stared at so intensely.
“You really care about me a lot,” Jonghyun stated.
Kibum curried his eyebrows, he was unsure of why Jonghyun said this suddenly. “Of course I do,” he confirmed.
“That means a lot to me. You mean a lot to me,” Jonghyun confessed.
Why was he saying such cheesy and heartfelt words all of a sudden?! Kibum’s cheeks turned red and rolled his eyes. But he almost felt his heart beat out of his chest when he heard the next words leave Jonghyun’s lips.
“Have you ever fallen in love?”
His first love.
Some called it puppy love. They say high school relationships don’t last.
Kibum had heard all the negative things people say. He didn’t let it discourage him though. But he never thought he would be lucky enough to experience it so young. He didn't care about those negative words because he knew what he felt at this moment.
“I have,” Kibum said, lifting up his hand to caress Jonghyun’s cheek. And lovingly, Jonghyun kissed his palm before saying:
“Me too.”

•

It had been a couple of months since the two had professed their love for each other and they were still going strong. And though Kibum’s relationship with Jonghyun has been great, there was one other relationship that lingered on his mind.
It had also been a couple of months since he last spoke to Minho. He still felt a dull ache in his heart at the sight of seeing Minho ignore him around school. He enjoyed his new friendship with Jinki and Taemin but he still missed his best friend.
So when he walked past a flier in the school hallway advertising the school's last soccer game, a wave of emotions hit him.
School was ending soon. Their high school careers were almost over. It was Minho’s absolute last high school game. Should he…go?
He would be one of the many faces in the crowd and Minho probably wouldn’t even know he was there. So would it have mattered if he showed up or not? Maybe he could go there and meet him afterwards, just to wish him good luck on exams. He didn’t expect much to be said after months of not talking. But… he wanted to try.
“Jjong?” he called.
Kibum told his mom he invited Jonghyun over to “study” at his place. Though he really did ask him to help him study they found themselves cuddling in his bed while lazily watching their phones.
“Yes?” he responded. He was laying on Kibum’s chest, the rest of his body tangled with his. Kibum sifted and played with his boyfriends dark locs before he tugged on them, demanding his full attention.
Jonghyun chuckled.
“Yes, Bum?” he sang, as he sat up to be face to face with him.
“I think I’m gonna go to Minho’s last soccer game.”
Kibum searched his face to see his reaction, unsure how he would take the news. He wasn’t his biggest fan, especially after he heard him say all those awful things about him.
Jonghyun didn’t look angry. But his face showed disapproval. “Why?”
“It’s his last game…”
Jonghyun shrugged.
“I know. I know…I’m not asking you to go with me or anything. I don’t know…I guess I want to see him and talk? But I wouldn’t even know what to say…I just miss him,” Kibum admitted.
Jonghyun was aware of their long friendship. He had no issue with Minho before he disrespected him. He just saw him as an over achiever and highly judgmental, but he had no personal issues with him before.
“Well I’m not going to tell you what to do,” Jonghyun said, shrugging.
Kibum frowned. The situation was complicated. Minho had hurt someone he loved, but he also felt like this could all be fixed if the two took the time to get to know each other.
He felt a soft kiss to his cheek and a hand on the back of his neck.
“Do whatever gives you closure,” Jonghyun said warmly.
Then Kibum smiled and brought him in for a kiss. But not even thirty seconds later he felt a wandering hand on his body. Kibum chuckled as rolled his eyes and said in a warning tone he said, “My parents are downstairs, Jonghyun.”

-

“You came,” Minho said.
Kibum came down from the bleachers after cheering and anxiously watching the game go on all evening. He knew he wouldn’t be spotted amongst the crowd of all his other school mates. It was a big turn out since it was the last game of the year before everyone had to shut down and focus on their studies.
He didn’t know what he wanted to say to him but he wanted to come down and meet him before his team would whisk him away. He met him outside their changing rooms, knowing Minho was one of the last to leave after soaking up their victories and giving motivational speeches in the room. So he knew exactly where to find him.
“I did,” he responded. Kibum stood with his hands in his pockets, fidgeting in his spot.
Minho looked surprised. He stood there with a change of clothes, a sweaty towel, and his duffel bag hanging off his shoulder. He looked tired, so maybe he shouldn’t bother him for too long.
They stared at each other unsure how to proceed with the conversation.
“You-umm…you did a good job today. You won. Three goals? That’s awesome,” Kibum complimented.
Minho nodded, a bashful look on his face. He was never great at taking compliments.
“Thanks…” he said, head down. “So uh, were you here for the whole game?”
“Yea,”
“W-what made you come today…?”
“It was your last game of the season,” he said, confidently.
“Right, right…” he said, fidgeting with his sweaty towel.
The conversation wasn’t really going anywhere. The two had been best friends half of their lives and now they could hardly look each other in the eyes. Was he just wasting his time?
“I guess I’ll get going then-“
“Wait!” Minho said, cutting him off almost instantly. Kibum froze, not expecting that reaction.
“I…I want to say…something,” he started.
“I’m listening,” Kibum urged.
He saw the look of contemplation and determination on Minho's face.
“I want to…apologize…to you.”
Kibum crossed his arms and looked at him expectantly. Minho looked at him nervously, sensing his changed demeanor.
“I’m sorry…about what I said…to you and Jonghyun.”
Kibum sighed. Not out of frustration or anger, but out of relief.
“Thanks,” was all he could muster up to say. He knew he deserved an apology but now that he had it, he felt shy and wasn’t sure how to react. “Jonghyun is a sweet person, you should get to know him,” he said. “And I think you should tell him sorry, too.”
Though he accepted his apology he felt as though Jonghyun deserved to hear from him as well.
“Y-you’re right,” Minho agreed. He was completely in the wrong and he knew it.
Kibum had a lot of questions. And many things he wanted to say to him. But with this being his last game he knew he would probably be off to celebrate with his team soon.
“Well goodnight. Good job again.”
“Thank you,” Minho said. The smallest of smiles appeared though it was very faint.
“Oh, and good luck with the Suneung exams,” Kibum said.
“You too. If-if you ever need a study partner then…” Minho trailed off.
Was this Minho’s sorry way of trying to rekindle their friendship? Was it just that easy?
Kibum grinned.
“I’ll keep you in mind.”

•

It was the end of the year which meant it was time for the most important exams of their lives.
Kibum had met up with Minho once or twice to study. It was still a little awkward between the two although they did talk about their feelings in between serious study times. It wasn’t the same but he felt as though they were taking the right steps to building their relationship again.
He and Jonghyun hadn’t spent as much time together as he would have liked being that he had to crack down on studying. But they sent words of affirmations to let each other know they were thinking of each other. And Kibum would constantly open his locker to find notes from him with words of encouragement for the day and cute little Kuromi stickers.
He did feel a bit sad that Jonghyun wasn’t going to take the exams. What would become of their relationship once he moved away for school? Would that be the end of everything between them? Jonghyun was his love, his first everything. And now it seemed like their future seemed so bleak. He wasn’t sure what was going to happen. And honestly he didn’t have that much time to worry about it, though the thoughts still lingered in the back of his mind.
Everything was coming to an end and he was going to be thrusted into the real world very soon.
He stood outside the school gates, nervous and almost trembling as he held onto his entry exam card which held his name and personal information. All he had to do was go in, check in, and take a seat. But yet it was so hard for him to take a step forward.
He started thinking of all the negative things that could happen when he stopped in that exam room. He had been waiting his whole high school career for this, why was he so scared?
“Hey!”
Kibum jumped at the sound of his name being called from behind. But not a second later Minho came into view.
“Ready?” Minho asked, a cheerful look on his face.
“Yeah,” Kibum said, with a shaky breath. He tried his best to force a smile on his face.
“You got this,” Minho said, patting his back with a heavy hand. He could tell Minho was also a bit anxious seeing him rush into the building with a little less confidence in his steps that he wasn’t used to seeing.
He didn’t have much time to himself again because a few more classmates wished him luck as they passed by him and he stood there.
“Hyung!” Kibum turned around to hear a young voice that he had grown to anticipate. He saw Taemin running up to him with Jinki not far behind.
“Good luck, Hyung! I know you don’t need it, because you're so smart! I know you’ll pass everything,” Taemin cheered. Kibum appreciated his words but he felt like it was far from the truth.
“Thank you Taem,”
“Yeah, good luck. You saved my ass last week with those notes for bio-chem,” Jinki said, with a hand on his shoulder. “Lets go in, what are you standing out here for?” he asked, giving him a strange look.
“I uhh…”
Kibum had shown up early with more than enough time to sit down and settle in, yet he stood outside paralyzed still.
“Ill meet you guys inside, I just kind of need some fresh air before I go in,” he explained.
Taemina and Jinki exchanged worried looks but didn’t make a comment.
“Well good luck,” they both said before departing.
Time was ticking and Kibum was still outside walking around the front gate mindlessly. He was going over notes in his head and passages he read over. He kept reciting formulas out loud, making sure he knew them by heart. He was so deep into his thoughts he didn’t register the figure standing nearby watching him fondly.
“It’s not like you to be so late,” a voice said.
Kibum thought he was alone and that maybe he was hearing voices. Because that voice…
“Jonghyun?” he said, utterly surprised. He was standing off to the side with his bookbang on his back, his uniform (that still didn’t follow the dresscode) and a grin on his face. He ran up to him with open arms feeling a sense of comfort almost immediately. “What are you doing here?”
“Well,” he started. He looked deeply into his eyes before he spoke his next words. “You said I could do it…and you said I should at least try,” he said, repeating his words. Kibum smiled, feeling overjoyed at his change of heart. Because he deserved to have hope too.
Jonghyun broke from the hug and took a few steps towards the school entry. Kibum still didn’t move, a little fear still in his heart.
“Let's go?” Jonghyun called. He stuck out his hand and wiggled his fingers as he waited for Kibum to take it.
And for the first time that morning all his worries and anxieties washed away as he took his boyfriend's hand.

FIN