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Keeho has been silently admiring his classmate for months. The moment Jiung had walked into his music theory lecture, he knew he was utterly fucked. Being in his third year, he usually doesn’t see many new faces; all the students in his classes are people he knows.
That’s why Jiung had captured him. He’s silent, serene, graceful. He always shows up to class on time. He always leaves as soon as the lecture is over. His hair is cut short and he’s always wearing a pair of rounds black specs. He’s got that boyfriend look to him in terms of clothing choice; soft colours, oversized, comfortable, and emphasizing his height. And that good fashion is topped off with a pretty face. He’s the prime example of a perfect student. Or just a perfect guy in general. But that’s all Keeho knows. The boy is completely shrouded in mystery. As much as he is alluring, he is untouchable.
They’ve interacted only five times in total.
The first time had been at the beginning of the year. Keeho, for once, had showed up a little early for his 8:30 AM. Jiung had been there, sitting on a seat outside the class, reading while he waited for the professor to arrive.
Obviously the boy hadn’t paid any mind to Keeho. But Keeho had been on a mission.
It was the beginning of a new year, the time to meet new people on campus, so he figured it wouldn’t be awkward if he struck up a conversation.
“Good morning,” he’d started.
Jiung had looked up from his book to look at him, “Good morning.”
“What’s your name?”
“Choi Jiung, you?”
“I’m Yoon Keeho. I don’t think I’ve seen you before?”
Jiung had placed a bookmark in his book and set it aside, “Yeah, I just transferred here with some friends.”
“Oh cool. From where?”
“Anyang.”
Keeho had wanted to talk more but the professor had arrived. Jiung had grabbed his things, given him a brief smile, and entered the hall. They didn’t sit together but Keeho had kept him in his sights for the entire lecture.
The second time had been after he’d been assigned a partner project in another class he and Jiung shared.
“Do you have a partner yet?” Keeho had asked in passing.
Jiung had lifted his eyes from his phone and nodded. With a small, apologetic smile he’d gestured to the guy sitting next to him and said, “Yeah. My best friend’s in this class so I’m doing it with him. Sorry.”
“Oh you’re good,” he’d quickly assured, despite how disappointed he felt inside. Then his gaze had moved to the boy who sat beside Jiung.
He had slightly long black hair and he was looking at Keeho with a raised brow, “Kind of random for you to be asking someone you don’t know. You into him?”
Jiung had glared at his friend. In a softly scolding voice he’d said, “Taeyang! Leave the poor guy alone.”
Keeho had walked off before it would get any worse, face hot.
The next time had been at a music store. Not the type where you look for your favourite vinyl, though. A musical instrument store. Keeho had run out of reeds and needed to get some new ones. He’d been going through the woodwind aisle when, spontaneously, he’d glanced across the room. There, in the piano section, had been Jiung.
Keeho had watched on in admiration. Jiung was examining a Yamaha keyboard, fingers gently pressing down on the keys. Tentative, curious, quiet. He didn’t want to interrupt the boy so he’d waited until he was done shopping; pacing himself so they would reach the checkout at the same time.
“Oh, hey Keeho,” Jiung had greeted, “Nice seeing you here.”
Keeho had smiled at him, “What brings you?”
The boy lifted up his hand. Between his delicate fingers was a packet of coiled up wire, “The E string on my acoustic broke again.”
“Oh you play the guitar?”
Most music majors play more than one instrument. At least a primary and a secondary. It seemed Jiung was the same.
“Yeah. But piano is my major study,” he’d answered. Then his head had titled in curiosity, “What are you here for?”
Then it had been Keeho’s turn to lift and show his hand, “I ran out of reeds.”
“Ohh a woodwind player?” Jiung had nodded. He held out his hand, “What kind?”
“Alto sax,” Keeho had placed the small box in the boy’s hand while explaining, “I picked it up in middle school and fell in love.”
“How romantic,” Jiung had noted, carefully examining the reeds, “So what’s the difference between reeds?”
Keeho had turned to point at the woodwind aisle. The saxophone being his passion, he’d been soft locked into a loophole of explanation. He hadn’t heard the cashier asking for the next customer. By the time he’d turned back around, Jiung had already finished paying.
“Jiung!” Keeho had gasped. Reeds aren’t cheap, “You shouldn’t have-“
Jiung had placed the box back in Keeho’s hand with a light laugh and said, “Have a good day, Keeho.”
The fourth time had been in a cafe. Right off of campus, there’s a quiet, rarely visited place that sells amazing coffee. So of course Keeho would find him there.
Keeho had come to the place with his dear friend, Shota, who he hadn’t talked to in a long while. The coffee had been bitter and warm; a familiar comfort. That’s when Jiung had walked in.
As soon as he saw Keeho, he’d given the boy a soft smile.
Shota had let out a noise of surprise, somehow he’d recognized Jiung, “Oh hey that’s-”
Keeho had immediately shushed him, “No don’t get his attention. I’m too shy.”
Shota had given him a weird look. But, being Keeho’s son, he’d listened.
When they were leaving the place, Jiung had waved Keeho goodbye. The joy Keeho felt at such a simple interaction hadn't left him for a while.
And now it’s the fifth time. They’re sitting next to each other in their music theory lecture; it had taken Keeho a lot of courage to walk up and take the seat next to Jiung. And now he pulls even more courage from somewhere inside because he wants to ask the boy out.
Keeho somehow manages to say it, “Do you have any plans tonight?”
Jiung’s eyes drift from the lecture. He looks at Keeho just long enough for the older to feel nervous before he answers, “Yeah.”
“Oh.”
The younger boy brings his gaze back to the front of the hall.
Well… at least I tried, Keeho thinks, returning his attention to the professor as well.
The lecture feels too short. Probably because of the pretty boy sitting next to him. In no time it’s over.
Jiung packs up all his things first. He swiftly stands up like usual but, instead of leaving, he turns to face Keeho, “Why’d you ask if I was free?”
“Oh me and my friend are just sort of going to a kind of concert thing tonight,” the boy answers, following Jiung as they start filing out of the hall with all the other students. He’s nervously stumbling over his words, saying too much and nothing at all. He cringes and slows his words down, “I think he might know you so I was gonna ask you to join us.”
Jiung is actually walking with him, letting Keeho can keep on pace, “What kind of concert?”
“I don’t know, really. He just said it’s a free concert for our area’s underground music scene,” Keeho answers, that sounds a little convoluted.
“Oh cool. That type of stuff is just my cup of tea,” Jiung nods.
Keeho musters up a little more courage, “Should we… put a rain-check on it, then?”
“Why not?” Jiung answers. Keeho’s heart skips a beat, “Let me know if another one comes up. I’d love to go with you. And then maybe we could get dinner after.”
“Alright, I will,” the older boy tries to stay calm but, inside, his heart is soaring.
By this point they run into Jiung’s friend. Taeyang frowns at the two, “Jiung. We don’t have time. Why are you lingering here flirting? Rehearsal already started and the guys are all waiting.”
“Ah, sorry,” Jiung chuckles. He looks back at Keeho and smiles, “I’ll see you soon…”
With that the pair leave.
~~
Keeho is having the night of his life. There’s probably about a hundred or so people all crammed into this small venue; it reminds him of those raving fraternities he used to go to in first year. Music booms through the crowd; the base so loud he can feel it in his heart. People are constantly bumping into him, which Keeho would normally be mad about but tonight it makes him feel as though he’s part of a hive mind; all tuned into the same frequency.
Shota is at his side, banging his head off to the hard rock that blasts into the air. He stops for a moment to look at the older boy in excitement; giving him a brilliant smile. Keeho doesn’t think he could possibly be more endeared by the younger; he’s so cute when he’s happy.
Eventually the song ends and the band says their goodbyes. That’s the third one they’ve gone through; one more to go.
During a short intermission, while the next band is preparing backstage, Keeho and Shota head aside to get refreshments. Tho older boy grabs his son by the hand and starts weaving through the chattering crowd until they reach a bar off to the side. All this partying makes hot air rise in the venue; Keeho is starting to sweat a little.
As they sip on their nonalcoholic drinks, Shota speaks, “My friend’s in this next one. He’s the one we’re here for.”
“You have friends?” Keeho laughs. The younger boy gives him a sour look but they both laugh about it seconds later.
“Yeah. I met him online like a year ago and we finally met in person this summer. He’s the one who told me about this show,” Shota looks off into the distance, “Ugh he’s so cool. You’ll see.”
By the time that they’ve returned to their spot by the crowd, the next band is ready. Up on stage there is a single boy who’s happily waving to everyone.
He’s got short black hair and a cute, dimpled smile as he walks to the microphone to say, “Hey everyone!!”
The crowd cheers back in greeting.
“Ohh the energy’s high today,” he notes, “Let’s all sing together, okay?”
The crowd replies with a yes and, with that, the boy heads back to sit at the drum set. From backstage, another boy walks up; he’s got slightly long black hair, a bright red guitar in his hands, and a deeper blue one strapped around his back. Keeho recognizes him. He watches him calmly set up his guitars and, yeah, that’s Taeyang; Jiung’s friend from campus. Oh that’s cool, he’ll have to ask Jiung about that once this is over.
Then the next band member arrives. He’s got long blond hair which falls over his eyes and a little past his neck. His flowy clothing accents that long hair; giving him a sort of genderless look. There’s a, heavy looking, black bass guitar in his lithe hands; the strap taking up the entirety of his shoulder. Shota taps on Keeho’s arm, “That’s my friend, on the bass. His name’s Jongseob.”
One more person appears from backstage and Keeho’s heart stops.
Jiung.
Dressed in black ripped jeans and a graphic tee, his expression is something Keeho’s never seen before; a bright, energized smile. What’s even crazier is that he steps past the keyboards set up off to the side and heads straight for centre stage. Taeyang hands him the blue guitar and he stops right in front of the main mic.
He’s gonna sing, Keeho realizes, on the verge of passing out.
Jiung grabs the mic with one hand and sweeps his gaze through the crowd. Taking on a charismatic tone, he calls out to the audience, “How are you guys tonight?”
“Oh fuck,” Keeho lets out under his breath. Scream and shouts fill the air. Keeho is compelled beyond reason; he can’t take his eyes off of Jiung. This boy is completely different from the reserved student in his music lectures. His nails are painted black and there are dozens of rings on his fingers. He’s got makeup on and the glasses are gone; eyeliner and dark eyeshadow to accentuate his sharp eyes and a beautiful shade of deep pink is on his lips. He’s hot as hell.
The venue starts to feel even hotter than it already was. Shota is saying something but Keeho can’t hear him. He’s much too captured by the boy on centre stage.
“Alright everyone, my name’s Jiung. I’ll be singing and strumming,” the boy says. Then he looks over at his band mates, “On the bass tonight is my baby Jongseob.”
Jongseob starts deftly plucking away a looping bass line and, as people start cheering in reaction, he smirks. He is cool. The crowd starts filling in more, realizing the next set is starting.
“Intak is our masterful kit player,” he continues, pointing back. Intak stands up and waves with drumsticks in both hands; that dimpled smile never leaves his face. Then he sits down and joins Jongseob’s melody with a drumbeat. Jiung then points to the last boy to be introduced, “And on guitar is my best friend Taeyang.”
Taeyang, like a badass, effortlessly strokes a single chord and has the crowd screaming. He joins the song with his guitar and Keeho realizes what they’re playing; “Loner by CNBLUE”.
“If you guys know this song, join us, okay? Let’s have a good time tonight,” with that, Jiung starts strumming along too and the first song has started. He steps forward to sing into the mic and Keeho can’t think anymore.
Jiung knows exactly who he is. He exudes confidence, looking at every person in the crowd one by one. His stage presence is undeniable and there’s something so attractive about the way he performs. A subtle upward pull to his lips and, every time he sings, his eyebrows furrow just slightly in concentration. And, god, his singing is unbelievable. He hits every note with clarity and ease; the type of voice that’s fit for any genre.
In the blink of an eye, the first song ends and the band transitions into some heavier rock; a song Keeho doesn’t know. It wouldn’t matter if he knew, anyway; he’s too drawn in by Jiung to notice anything else. His heart pounds and he feels utterly faint. This time, Taeyang sings as well and, damn, he’s also an amazing singer. But Keeho doesn’t really pay too much attention to that. He just watches Jiung; hypnotized by this point.
The next song has a strong tempo and is very energetic; “Welcome To The Jungle by Guns N’ Roses”. Intak is going crazy on those drums. Jiung starts jumping on stage and the entire audience easily follows his contagious energy; Keeho and Shota included. Every time Keeho thinks this night can’t get better, it does. Adrenaline is coursing through him and everything feels hot with passionate excitement. With each jump, Jiung’s shirt lifts a little more and more. Eventually, he catches enough air and his shirt hitches up high enough for Keeho to see that he has multiple tattoos along his stomach.
God, he has tattoos too? He’s so hot, oh my god, he’s so my type, Keeho panics, genuinely unable to think of anything other than Jiung.
By the time they’ve reached the last song on their setlist, it’s been almost an hour and Keeho feels like he’s gone through an entire workout. The last song is a lot less rock and more metal; “Cherry Waves by Deftones” [this was my most listened to song this year…] . It’s much slower and melodic; taking on a darker, more sultry tone. Taeyang makes use of the dozen or so pedals at his feet; his guitar feedback echoing from bar to bar. Jiung shifts his singing to match the song; letting his voice rasp and drag out. The melody seems to push and pull just like waves. Jiung’s voice flows along with it, soft chanting when it pulls and languid screams when it pushes. His hair is in strands, sticking to his forehead. His entire face and neck is slick with sweat, actually. Keeho’s mouth waters at the sight.
When the song ends and everything dies down, Jiung gives the crowd a pleasant smile. His voice is weak after all that singing, “Well that’s all from us. Thank you all for coming out tonight. Did you enjoy it?”
“YESSS!!” the audience screams. And this time, Keeho is shouting with them. The other band members are waving the crowd goodbye before, one by one, they pack up their instruments and head backstage. Keeho doesn’t want to leave while Jiung is still up there; he hasn’t been released from the younger boys spell yet.
“It’s getting dark so be careful on the way home,” he says. Then, so suddenly, his eyes lock onto Keeho; he must have known the older was there the entire time. From atop the stage, he stares at Keeho, lips curling into a smirk. The older boy can only freeze under his gaze; heart seizing up in the shock of being found, “And have a good night, Keeho.”
With that, he unplugs his guitar and leaves the stage.
~~