#jinkibum scenario

[onkey-bedtime-stories]

Tremble (3/3)

WINTER

EQUINOX

SPRING

***

“I’m started questioning for what you had your studio for and bought it with such a fortune if you’re pretty much splattered on the floor of my house almost every day like this.”

Kibum kicked his leg on the way to drop himself on his favorite couch. He has lots of paperwork on his hands, round glasses hanging on the bridge of his nose.

“There’s no food there.”

“Delivery reached that area too. And that studio is literally two hundred meters away from a sushi restaurant!”

Never during his career Kibum sold a place without doing a research of the pro-cons from the neighborhood. Taemin stirred and moved to Kibum’s kitchen to prove him that he’s there only for food. But the words came out from him later said differently.

“It’s just lonely over there. Woke up there, worked there, then spent the whole evening editing pictures or sketching some concept for the next photo session. I feel trapped.”

“Wasn’t that the exact reason why you wanted that building at the first place? To save time not to drive back and forth from your apartment and work place?”

“Hah,” he gulped the strawberry’s milk he found in one shot, must be Gwiboon’s, he thought “I never knew it would be that lonely. Guess it’s just a stupid ambition I had to show the world that I’m finally here, at the very top of my career in such young age, after so many objections I faced in the past?”

Kibum torn his eyes from the paper before him, “Honey, your ambition is not stupid. Everyone has a dream and it worth to fight for even if merely a simple one.”

“So you don’t mind if I stop by your place anytime?”

He shrugged, “You’re my only friend, Tae, if I kicked out the last person who can deal my stubbornness, then who’d stay to take care of me on the days I decided to weep?”

“Lots of people want to take care of you but you pushed them away and whose fault is that? You can just literally point your finger and those men and women would voluntarily crawl toward you!”

“Stop it right there or I’d really kick you out of my house. We started with your issue how come you dodged the bullet so easily?”

“Trying to be a secret lover and you'd have thousand tricks to not get caught in an awkward situation.”

“Wow. That’s huge coming from you. Leave him then, and go find another one! You deserve so much better!”

“You sound like Jinki just now. So annoying.”

“Ah. Talking about that friend of yours, is he still pestering you asking for my number?”

“Nope. He stopped about a week ago. I thought it was because he already got your number somehow from other place.”

“I would attack you first if that happened, knowing you’re the only human chain linking us. He might just get tired.”

“Hmm, that would be possible. He tried to get you but you are more slippery than eel, so yeah.”

“Did you just compare me to a water creature?!”

This time is Taemin’s turn to shrug, “What else should I compare you? Jinki was there hot skin and flesh and you just washed him hard with your cold treatment with a simple sentence ‘I need to call my daughter’? Weren’t you just being sneaky?”

“You don’t know how it feels to be me at that time, Lee Taemin.”

Kibum and Soyu were best friends back in college. Both are free spirited and love to run against the world circling around them. One day they met during lunch break, two years after they graduated and already worked and were climbing into steady career. Soyu blurted out that she wanted to have baby. Kibum was jokingly suggesting her to go to the sperm bank and get the donor. What he didn’t expect was she suddenly asked him to be the donor instead since she already knew him and claimed that Kibum has everything she needed for the good qualities for the baby.

He was dumbfounded for a while but then without hesitation, he agreed to the request. The following months, they went to the hospital and learned about all the procedure and got it done on their fourth visit. Soyu said she would raise the baby by herself, she didn’t ask anything from Kibum besides to be present on the labor for the moral support.

However, Kibum couldn’t find him detaching from them. He loved Soyu and their daughter. He stood by their side the whole time and when Gwiboon turned two, there was nothing on the way stopping Kibum to ask her to marry him. Soyu herself, didn’t find anything to turn the request down as she loved him as well.

Their wedding day was the cutest, it was a simple ceremony, with the closest family and friends, with little Gwiboon waked her mother down the aisle. Taemin spent four of his precious roll films to capture the moment and proudly said up until these days that those were one of his best works so far.

The marriage was their beautiful sanctuary for the three of them. It was actually pleasing, physically, mentally, sexually. Until one day, they realized they loved each other not more than best friends. The fight came more often, the buried dreams reappeared to the surface, and they blamed each other more easily than worked out the obstacles together.

Kibum stopped trying and Soyu stopped caring. Being a wife was never been her dream and Kibum started to get scare with the idea of him only forcing his dream to have a family to someone he cared the most who had a very different goal in life. He still loved her as best friend, as his daughter’s mother, but she cannot fill the hole gapping inside Kibum’s heart.

He turned his priority to Gwiboon and Gwiboon only. Moreover after their decision to end the getting unhealthy marriage. He focused his mind and devoted his time for the soon to turn six years old girl. The smile of the love of his life was enough to mend the wound he has. It was hard a little bit when the court gave the custody of the girl to Soyu. But they talked about it and Soyu job’s in Paris turned out requires her to travel more often so secretly, since a month ago, they’re preparing all the paperwork for the kid to be able to move back with her father and started her school here instead in Paris.

Then came Jinki, out of nowhere, confiscated Kibum’s mind with his blinding smile, putting him in the middle of the scale with Gwiboon and him in each side. He needs him to concentrate with his life and Gwiboon’s at this very moment. But he cannot lie to himself that he wants Jinki to be part of it. It’s super silly and ridiculous, he thought, how can a man ruin his composure just with a kiss? How can he be lured just with something that looked like a remedy for his lust? 

“No. I wouldn’t know. But don’t be scared. Who knows he might be the answer of everything?”

“I’m currently not asking, I don’t need an answer.”

“Kim Kibum, you know what I mean.”

“Then tell me. Tell me how you sit down an innocent little girl and said that her father already has someone he likes and that person is not a woman like her mother but a very handsome and charming chef she met at the supermarket instead? How you can tell your own daughter that you’re bisexual?”

***

Jinki’s driving his truck back to the city after traveled east to get some goodies for his new recipe. He rolled down the window and poked his elbow out, enjoying the breeze blowing his side, gently reminds him that spring’s finally here.

Ah, spring.

He almost forgot that he hates spring. It was spring when Donghae dropped the bomb in the middle of heartfelt reunited dinner, asking him to stop seeing each other, after three weeks of break since their biggest fight ever. Having his expectation already high in the air when he called Jinki telling him that he missed him and wanted to meet, of course the question was a perfect jab on his chest.

Jinki remembered how he was stammering asking the reason why and apologizing to Donghae continuously for forcing his ambition to actually start a family together with him. However, behind his tears he could see how Donghae didn’t budge at all and stayed stern, indicating that was his final request to Jinki.

He said he loved Jinki but the relationship getting harder because Donghae thought at that point, they supposed to already know each other by heart but he still found the needs to try and try harder to please or at least understand Jinki.

Jinki knew it was bullshit but he couldn’t do anything. He’s exhausted to force himself and chase Donghae who kept insisting running to the directions pole apart with him. Donghae was his first and longest serious relationship. The empty space he left swallowed him hard. Jonghyun had to nurse him the whole next month after the breakup to prevent Jinki harming himself. He even took a break from the restaurant to heal himself before realized that the more he became busier, the faster he would forget the man he used to dream to have a family with.

When the packed-restaurant’s schedule didn’t help, the news of Donghae’s engagement that reached him three months after the dreadful evening did. The pain slowly became hatred. And when the hatred piled up in each corner of his mind, he had the urge to wash it off with alcohol and series of one night stand. Once the person he spent the night with left, the pain started to grow back and his only escape is repeating the same pattern again and again.

Months and years passed by, and he doesn’t care about spring anymore. It was back to be just a season until Kibum and his sinful lips dragged him into the new cycle of sleepless night. Never in life after Donghae he waited for something. He was done waiting. It was dreading and disappointing. But here he is, expecting his phone to ring and show him unknown number with that cheery voice entailed behind if he picked it up.

We burned and we bled We try to forget But the memories left Are still haunting The walls that we built From bottles and pills We swallow until We're not talking

He turned up the volume of his stereo when the new song from the radio started playing. Blasting the music helped him back then, might as well give it another try this time. 

I I am a man on fire You A violent desire What a dangerous night to fall in love Don't know why we still hide what we've become Do you want to cross the line? We're running out of time A dangerous night to fall in love

Jinki slammed the steer wheel. The possibility meeting a new person after Donghae was never passed his mind. Let alone developing a crush to them. Call it miracle, but Kibum did flick the switch inside him so easily, forcing him to forget whatever he believed about soulmate and stuff before.

He wished he was in a fairy-tale where he everything can just have magically have happy ending at the finish line. The hope though, just evaporated to the thin air when he faced the reality laid before him. Kibum is a father and Jinki understands very well that blood is thicker than anything. If he couldn’t compete with a woman from another rich family to marry his high school sweetheart, how on earth he would be able to win the heart of a man who already gave his life to the cutest girl he ever met?

Started a stranger A lover in danger The edge of a knife The face of an angel The heart of a ghost Was it a dream? He was stranger. Kibum was stranger. Jinki thought the latter would prefer that way. Three weeks into the spring and Jinki’s about to believe that way. He slowed the speed of his truck when he arrived to the neighborhood of his restaurant. If people said everyone would have the one that got away, maybe for him, Kibum is that one.

Jinki jumped off and slammed the door, unaware, or choosing to ignore his surrounding, he doesn’t care that the sound startled some people who shared the small street next to his kitchen back door. He unloads one by one, the wooden cart carried the fresh ingredient he acquired this morning. Usually, Jinki only did the buying in the beginning of the week. He went on Friday morning just because he couldn’t sleep well these past three days and Jonghyun suggested him to take some air and go check the farm knowing that his best friend loves it so much.

Jonghyun was right, Jinki hates to admit but that man is always right. Though it doesn’t completely cure him, at least he feels all the burden tad lighter. Strangely, the weather is warmer today, making him nonchalantly rolled his oversized white t-shirt sleeves up his shoulder causing two women walking by almost tripped their own heels.

He chortled, smirk’s evident in his face knowing he still got it after beaten up quite hard by the reality.

“If you told me before you have that cute mole on your bicep, I wouldn’t have waited until spring.”

How unreal it is, hearing the voice he could only imagined these past days. Holy shit, he couldn’t breathe, he actually kept his promise. Kim Kibum’s standing there, at the sidewalk across where Jinki parked his truck, looking more astonishing now when he’s under the sun instead of moonlight. The pair of bow lips curved beautifully, speeding up Jinki’s heartbeat with the sight.

“Well, someone forgot to tell me he has some kind mole fetish last time we met, I guess.”

Now that he saw Kibum giggling and walking closer to the side of the street where he is, only Jinki can start believe his own eyes. The pink tint is crystal clear adorning his cheeks, prominently shading the fine sculpted bones underneath. If before he said Kibum was already beautiful, this time Jinki honestly doesn’t know how the man who stepped closer to his side manages to be even more mesmerizing.

“Did I keep you waiting for too long?”

“Since it’s 21st century already, I was expecting a phone call. Or at least text message. This.. this is something beyond any scenario I ever think about.”

“I don’t do anything mainstream,” Kibum ran his hand toward Jinki’s forehead to wipe the sweat that makes his bangs stuck on it and the tingling grazing his fingertips are still the same, “So you think about me a lot?”

“More than I was planning to if I may say.”

“Good. Because I would be very disappointed if you said any different.”

“It was very flattering, but I’m actually the one who has the right to be disappointed.”

“How could so?”

“Spring started three weeks ago yet you only appeared today when I’m putting the ugliest outfit out of any day?”

Kibum looked at Jinki, he wears his plain white shirt with old washed jeans, blue plaid shirt tied around his waist with old converse covering his feet, he then burst into huge laughter that ringing like a Sanctus to Jinki’s ears, “Seriously, I would jump you right away with this outfit if we’re not surrounded by two grannies over there and group of kids exploring the neighborhood near my car.”

With that, Jinki’s sold. He slid his hand over Kibum’s waist and captured the pink flesh under his nose he’s been longing. As if it was automatically, Kibum wrapped his hands on the nape of Jinki’s neck, pressing their mouths as close as possible.

All the anxiety clouding Jinki’s mind slowly wiped out with every bites Kibum left on his lower lip. Their tongue tied to each other, trying to match the shape of imaginary puzzle they kept in it and lock it forever.

“So this is it?”

They rest their forehead to each other’s, nose brushing lightly, and Kibum hands secure Jinki’s face by his cheeks, hesitantly detached their lips just because they realized they still are human who needs some air to proceed.

“I kept my promise, didn’t I?”

“Appreciate that a lot,” Jinki pecked Kibum’s lips quickly making the other blushed once again, “Worth the wait.”

“Then.. care to continue where we left before?”

“I finished working tonight by ten.”

Kibum pouted immediately and Jinki couldn’t help to laugh, “What about fifteen minutes quickie in my car?”

“Honey, I’m afraid if it’s involving me you need at least one hour.”

“It takes that long to get it up?”

“No, it takes that long to get it down.”

Kibum whined, chewing his inner cheek, “Great, now I need to buy iron trunks to restrain myself until ten.”

Jinki cracks on the spot and deep kissing Kibum once again, doesn’t even care his lips already slightly swollen after his moves.

“You would look godly good in it, I bet.”

“I leave it in your imagination.”

“Damn, now I need to buy those trunks as well!” Kibum threw his head back laughing at the curse, Jinki didn’t miss a chance mouthing the adam apples on the his exposed neck, “My place or your place?”

“Mine. My daughter’s staying at her Nana’s house.”  

“Fine with that. But what would be my guarantee that you’re not going to vanish after this?”

Kibum found Jinki being possessively anxious cute. He pulled out his phone and pressed some number, “Let’s have some fun.”

He put it in the speakerphone mode. Jinki still has no idea until someone shrieked from the other line.

“You better have a fuckin’ good reason disturbing me during my work.”

“Lovely to hear you scream. Can you do me a favor?”

“What?”

“Can you give me Jinki’s number?”

They can hear Taemin choked so hard, both need to suppress the laughter that almost spoiled the fun.

“Can I give you what? Did you take some drug? Did you crash into some—oh, dear Lord! Are you okay?! You’re not in an accident, are you?!”

“Chill, Lee Taemin.. I just think, since Gwiboon will stay at my Mom’s place until weekend.. Why not inviting him you know.. to fool around and maybe have some sexy time.. who knows?”

“Shit! Kim Kibum! As much as I want you to stop pushing away people around you, doesn’t mean you can being a cheap jerk like this! Jinki’s my friend and if you’re going to hurt him even a millimeter, I won’t allow it with all my might bec—“

Kibum nudged Jinki’s sides and he took the clue so well.

“Taem, just give him my number. I don’t think I can hold it anymore since Kibum learned a new move with his tongue and I want it somewhere else.”

“Wait. Who is th—WHAT THE HECK! LEE JINKI?!”

***

“You’re right. You have the best bed in the world,” Kibum mumbled, cheek pressed to Jinki’s chest, his arm secured on Jinki’s naked waist.

“It’s just because it has me on it,” he said sleepily, his palm tracing Kibum’s back. He can’t get enough touching his smooth skin.

“Oh, aren’t you cocky?”

“Of course I am.. I have a really good one down there.”

Kibum slapped his tummy affectionately, “You’re by far, the most perverted person I’ve ever been with.”

“Should I be happy or should I be sad?”

Instead of answering, Kibum lifted his limb and start peppering Jinki’s navel with the kiss, going straight up passing his chest and collar bones before finally devouring his plump lips.

“I still wonder sometimes how could I betrayed myself and made you wait more than I intended.”

“I was this close to sell my goodies since you seemed uninterested.”

“Hmm,” Kibum slipped his hand under the blanket and rubbing his length just like the way Jinki likes it, “You’d get lots of money with this size, though.”

“Are you willing to trade it?”

“After almost every night have it? Not a chance,” he pecked his nose, making Jinki beamed into huge grin. He lowered his hand to Kibum’s ass and when he grabbed handful of the flesh, the latter voluntarily pressed himself closer to his side.

“You’re so beautiful, Jinki.”

“You’re more beautiful.”

“That I know.”

Jinki chuckled before he pulled Kibum’s chin closer to catch his lips, marking the bow lips as his, again and again.

“I want you to meet someone.”

“Who is that?”

“My daughter,” Kibum smiled nervously, and Jinki caressed his cheeks to ease his mind, letting him know that he’s completely find with the fact that Kibum is a father.

“I don’t know if you know this, but I sort of have met your girl before.”

“I know, she told me. And that brat never stops whining to me ever since she wanted to meet his Mr. Handsome Prince again. She even cut your face from that article in the magazine and put it on her wardrobe. I never imagined before that I need to compete with my own daughter.”

Jinki smiles remembered the sudden nickname he got after helping her with her yoghurt.

“If I need to confess, I was very worried before how you would still give me chance if your entire being already own by that little girl.”

“Well, that kid is already an obstacle in such a young age. I wonder what she would grow up into.”

“She already has your look, at the first place.”

“Even her mother complained she has no trace at all on her.”

They talked about Kibum and Soyu situation since their second date. Jinki’s very mature handling it all but Kibum still worried to death he brought more than burden to Jinki with his baggage. On the other hand, Jinki already came up clear with Kibum that even though they started everything slowly, he’d take every step seriously and wished he would try as hard as Jinki.

“Let her be, she still has a very long way to go.”

“You sure you never had kid before?”

“You think I’d be still chasing you if I already had a daughter?”

The shocking expressions on Kibum’s face giving a wave of laughter once again to Jinki. He’s one that hid his feeling very personal to himself, it’s still fascinating for him to see Kibum just put everything up on his face.

“Just kidding, Honey.. So, when do you want me to stop by your house?”

“Err, tomorrow?”

“Is nine too early for her?”

Kibum kissed him again excitedly, “She woke up at five and nags at me to make her pancake.”

It will be hard to explain to her about their relationship but Kibum wants to dismiss at least one of his worry by getting them familiar to each other first. What happened after, he’ll let the future Kibum deal with it.

“Ah. So she likes pancake? Then tell them her Handsome Prince will make her ones.”

“Stop making me jealous already,” Kibum pouted cutely and Jinki needs to control himself not to turn their position and ruined that mouth again.

“Do you want me to prove myself again?”

“Try.”

“Well, I know you’re tired, but can we have another one before we go for lunch?”

“Are you a machine or what? Trying to destroy my ass, huh?”

Truthfully, Kibum’s been waiting for those words came out his lips. But play hard to get once in a while won’t hurt.

“It’s because you kept me waiting for too long!”

“Why you kept bringing that up? I already admitted it was a mistake!”

“Because that stupid trick wasted my time. Wasted our time. I need to catch up the amount of sex we should have had if we hit it off right away.”

“God, Jinki!”

“What?!”

“You’re such a dork, you know that?”

“I don’t mind.. You like me anyway.”

“Jonghyun would complain once we exited that door.”

“Let’s just say this is me getting revenge. Hundred days I spent sleeping with my earphones plugged and woke up with the sore in both ears because Jonghyun and Minho were beyond what you can call loud.”

Kibum ducked his head and lapped Jinki’s collar bone painstakingly slow. When he raised his head up, a mischievous smirk spreads all over his face.

“So what are you waiting for?”

Jinki’s never been so aroused in such early morning.

***

“Mr. Handsome Prince!!!”

“Gwiboon be careful!”

She’s too excited she has no time to listen to her father and just ran to Jinki’s open arms. Once she’s in his reach, he wrapped her so tight and swept her from the ground.

Kibum secretly rubbing his back, afraid to upset the little girl if he just sprung and kissed him, “I thought today was supposed to be our date.”

That’s how they planned it one week ago. But the last minute, Jinki texted him to bring Gwiboon as well to join their lunch.

“This is a date,” Jinki whispered in between rambles the little girl kept making since the first second she saw him.

They headed to the table Jinki already reserved, this time as well, Gwiboon refused to sit next to Kibum as well and glued to Jinki. Even when the waiter came to take their order, she only listen to Jinki’s suggestion, completely ignore Kibum’s offer.

“Oh here we go again,” Kibum rolled his eyes but Gwiboon’s busy telling Jinki about how her week’s going, “Ya! Kim Gwiboon. Aren’t you too young to make me jealous? I’m your father!”

“I know, Daddy,” she spat her respond very fast before turned her head back to Jinki, “Nana said, I need to eat carrot but it tastes weird.”

“Look at you, the exact carbon copy of your Daddy.”

“That’s what Nana said!” she screeched enthusiastically , “What is carbon copy, anyway?”

“It means, you’re exactly like me, Honey.”

Her eyes rounded to a pair of crystal ball, “Really?! I looked like Daddy? I’m cool like Daddy?!”

“Gwiboon, Honey.. You’re waaayyy cooler and more beautiful than me.”

“Nooo, Daddy is more beautiful,” she turned into a ball of glee, eyes almost swallowed by her puffy cheeks.

“Now that I agree,” Jinki winked and pleased with the bashful smile arose on the other man’s face.

“So, Mr. Handsome Prince, why are we here today?”

Gwiboon folded her arms together in front of her buffed chest, “Daddy! That’s my nickname!”

“I can’t call him Mr. Handsome Prince?”

“No!”

“So what should I call him?”

“I don’t know.”

Jinki saw the gap for him to slide in, “Can Daddy call me ‘Honey’ then?”

Kibum almost choked to death, how dare he say such things? Quickly he wiped his mouth and glance to the little girl who’s now knitted her brows together and pursed her lips, put her best effort to concentrate as if it’s a sudden death question, not even aware that her father’s nervously waiting for the next thing spilled out from her mouth.

“Umm, okay, he can. As long as he’s not calling you Mr. Handsome Prince.”

Both men relieved in unison, however, Jinki hasn’t convinced yet. He’s about to ask further but their food came, he had to wait after the waiter the waiter finished serving all their order and left.

“Kim Gwiboon, do you know why we are here?” Jinki’s back to his initial talk.

“To eat lunch?” she answered innocently, leaving Kibum shaking his head, still amused with everything she managed to compose with that little copy of his own bow lips.

“Besides that?”

“Umm, no? Is it Mr. Handsome Prince birthday?”

“No, it’s not my birthday,” he fixed the uneven bangs on her forehead, “We have lunch today, because I need Gwiboon’s permission.”

“My permission?”

Questioning looks not only washed over her face, but also Kibum’s who’s totally clueless where this conversation heading to.

“Yes. I want to ask Gwiboon, can I be your Daddy’s boyfriend?”

Kibum doesn’t know where Jinki found such gut to bring this up. At the moment he’s torn to the idea of runaway and kick Jinki’s ball under the table. Strangely, Gwiboon doesn’t seem to be bothered at all. He hoped Jinki would turn his way so he could ask some explanation or at least moral support because the little girl might explode to the fact that he’s dating her idol.

Far from anyone expectation, she quietly scoped the cream pasta in front of her and nods slowly while savoring her lunch.

“Aren’t you already?”

Kibum’s eyes almost escaped his skull. His heart beats rapidly and he can feel blood rushing all over his head. Gwiboon continues telling some random stories on what happened to her during her stay at her grandmother’s house and about their puppies who’s getting smarter day by day, while eyes focusing on her favorite pasta dish, her little hand struggle to handle the weight of each strand of the fettuccine, but refused the help from Jinki, proving to the world once again that she’s the daughter of Kim Kibum.

Contented with the rhetorical question, Jinki’s finally lifted his head to Kibum who’s about to shoot hundreds curses and questions. Before he’s able to open his mouth, Jinki stretched his hand across the table, with the palm facing the air, inviting Kibum to reach it.

No need more words, he took one deep breath, and wrapped Jinki’s hand in his. Their eyes talking silently, making a beautiful melody only they could listen to.

To Kibum, out of all the times their eyes caught each other’s smile, Jinki beams the brightest today. His heart trembled once again, remind him to the first night their world clashed together. And with that, Kibum knows, he entrusted his heart in the right hand.

***

corrected a bit from the initial post in my AFF, typo wise only, so didn’t change anything. written in an alternate universe where people can love anyone they want and show it to the world as they pleased because love is beautiful. happy pride month! :)

[iceamericanoventi]

Blank Space - Chapter 6

­­­­Part 5B.

---------------------

It’s 7 in the morning and no one should be still in their dream land or maybe catching some trains or buses. Or may be stopped by to a coffee shop to grab one cup before facing the upcoming hectic day. No one knows.

And the fashion department studio should be as empty as other classes in that campus. But particular girl already on her desk, back and forth pinning some fabric to a mannequin and sketching after lining up some material on the table. Though her focus is 100% on the half-naked statue next to her, she couldn’t help catching someone intrudes her bubble by the corner of her feline eyes.

He’s getting closer so she put more concentrate on cutting the piece of silk in her hand. And when he dragged a stool right across the desk, she’s still acting that no one occupied the room besides her.

His presence is already intimidating. And to make it worst, the entire gaze he shot on her is full of affection instead of curiosity. Or anger. Or anxiety.

“I don’t know you’re such an early bird.”

“You know nothing about me,” she deadpanned while leaving her eyes to empty air between them.

“I know you’re pretty. Nice and smart. Passionate on your work, I can tell.”

She seemed not having any intention to look at the speaker by shifting to her side, putting different color of silks on the mannequin’s shoulder.

“Oh, and you also got big guts. You know, kissing someone in daylight in a crowd you barely know is not easy.”

Her hand stopped right away in the air. By this time, the only choice left for her is to blast him her trademark annoyed glare.

“Finally. Is it that hard for you to look at me?”

It only took a pair of torn eyes to melt Gwiboon’s heart. His eyes were genuine, looked really sincere no matter how she tried to ignore that fact. It’s not that she hates that face. How can you hate that puffy cheeks and full lips? Oh, dear God, those sinful lips. When her eyes darted to that pair of flesh, perfect pink tint crept on Gwiboon’s cheek out of nowhere. What’s the matter with you, Kim Gwiboon?

“Isn’t your class started later? It’s not even 9!”

“Wow. And you know my time table too. Unbelievable.”

The shade over Gwiboon’s face is getting more obvious it’s not even pink anymore. And Jinki once again, mesmerized by the view of bashful girl in front of him. His grin splits his face into two.

“I happened to have a brother taking the same course with you, don’t be so cocky you’ll ruin my mood! I know most of his class started after 10.”

“So, you stalked me through your brother? Hmmm. Interesting, really interesting.”

Gwiboon half slammed her scissors onto the table and Jinki flinched on his seat, “I got lots of stuff to do. If you’re here just to joke around and mock me then the door’s over there.”

Jinki sighed rather loud, considering only two people in this huge studio, “Look. This is the first time we got to be alone after, you know, I ki—“

“I don’t want to talk about that!”

“But I want to. And I’m going to talk about that again and again. We kissed before. Twice. That’s a lot for people who are – wait, what’s your term, oh yeah – stranger.  Are we not going to do something about that?”

“What do you want, really?”

She continues to pampering the mannequin, stitched it here and there just to keep her mind busy because she’s about to collapse listening to that soft voice.

“I don’t know. What do you want? I mean, I don’t know what about you, but I like you. A lot.”

He talked to Gwiboon’s back but his words stabbed her, passed her spine and directly engulfed her heart in slow motion. The latter couldn’t help but bit her lips for the sake not jumping in excitement like a sugar-rushed five year old kid.

“I like you too.”

Jinki is not expecting this one. He’s so ready to hear Gwiboon’s getting enrage and ranting, but her simple reply got him stunned in a second.

“Oh, wow. And now you’re muted. Whatever. You’ve got what you want, now can you not distracting me with your ridiculously warm crescent eyes?”

‘Did I just say he got warm eyes?’

“Did you just tell me that my eyes are warm and distracting? Am I dreaming or what?”

Gwiboon’s sulking on her own, stomping her feet while moving and trying so hard avoiding Jinki’s eyes. Most people would get boring easily if the opposite person they talked to is ignoring them. But Jinki, Jinki’s definitely not most people. He enjoyed his time there looking at working hard Gwiboon. She loved whatever she’s doing and that sends him lots of strange feeling. A good strange feeling.

He pulled out the little sketch book he always had on his pocket, snatching a pencil from Gwiboon’s desk and starts copying her side view on it. Every single hair strands, neckline, her jaw, all are drawn perfectly in such limited time. While he enjoying the sight before him to complete his quick doodles, his phone’s buzzing madly, ruining the tranquil air wrapped them.

“Yes, Jinki’s speaking! Oh, Mr. Kim! What can I help this time?”

Gwiboon tried so hard not to eavesdropping but the struggle is real when the only sounds ringing in the room is his clear voice.

“Really? That’s great! Really really great! Thanks for calling me in advance! I’m already at the university don’t worry, I’m heading to your office now.”

He’ll be gone soon. Why does this feel not right?

“No, it’s okay. I’ll see you in a moment. Thank you very much once again!”

When the conversation seemed finished, Gwiboon can hear Jinki’s huffing to the atmosphere and she sense disappointment out of him. Through the small mirror steady on her desk, she can see he shuffled on his seat and ready to leave.

“Gwiboon.”

“Hmm.”

“I need to go right now. But I’ll definitely back aft–– “

“This design needs to be delivered to the board at lunch.”

“Whatever. I’ll see you later! Good luck with the mannequin! I love the lace color.”

“It’s not lace. It’s embroidery.”

But Jinki’s already dashed outside the room when Gwiboon finished her words. And the room feels emptier than ever when not even his trace of perfume stayed there. She shrugged her shoulder and moved to the end of her desk to measure some ribbon. That’s about the time she found a paper alone near the corner.

‘You know what this girl needs? A smile on her face. Because the Kim Gwiboon I know is way much prettier when she smiles. Mind to let me know how the design goes? :)’

Under her flawless portrait on the paper, Jinki wrote his number. Seeing that, her soul had been taken away in between excitement and sorrow.

***

“They love it! Two of them are presented earlier on the next board meeting and they assigned me to fill the first walk and also the last.”

“Who is this?”

“You said you want to know how the design goes!”

He put down the cigarette and kept it back inside its box while his face turned into a blossoming rose, “Gwiboon?”

“Who do you expect?!”

“I just surprised, I thought you won’t calling me.”

“Me too.”

Long pause fill up the awkwardness between them, until Jinki tried to break it, “So it means you’ll stay in the studio until midnight again?”

“Guess so. I can only go to the studio on Wednesday and Friday. And Saturday morning. But lots of detail needs to be finished.”

“Why don’t you go there every day? Working two or three hours after the class won’t hold you to go back early, well, at least not until midnight,” Jinki being his original himself, trying to make everything more bearable with a better schedule.

“The other day I got a bis – never mind.”

“What?”

“It’s not only me on the studio! I don’t want people take a look at my design! It’s not finished yet! It looks like people caught me naked.”

“I’ve visited you yesterday, so that meant I saw you naked?”

“You pervert head hog!”

Long haul of laughter spread through the line, not only to Gwiboon’s ear, but also to her heart. It feels great. It feels like home.

“You are the one who said that. I just emphasize the possibility. No, I just made a confirmation. Not my fault.”

“Cut it off.”

“As you wish.”

“What are you doing?”

“Me? Smoking.”

“And cut that off too! It’s bad for you!”

“I’m not even had a chance to light it up! Your call was kind of interrupting.”

“That’s good. I’ll make sure to call you every two or three days to check on you. Just so you know, the nicotine stays in your lips.”

“How do you know? You’re not even smoking!”

“I can taste it the other time.”

Warmth fills up his hollow chest. He spent the entire week to work on his final project and help Taemin writing some lyrics to his performance. To sum it up, he’s exhausted as hell. But listening to the words leaving Gwiboon’s lips, he felt like he could climb another mountain right now.

“Oh are you sure? Want to double check it again?”

Jinki is not even next to her, but still, she got blushed all over her cheeks, “You and your pervert brain can spend entire years in hell!”

He cracks right away, “I’ll stop by every Wednesday and Friday then.”

“Nah, you got your own thing to finish. I’ll be fine.”

“Yeah, you’ll be fine and I won’t. You’ll never know how it feels to be a man coming home before dinner and knowing the woman he cares about still out there doing things for a living.”

Her throat strangled by invisible rope. Silence cut everything Gwiboon’s trying to say.

“So yeah, see you next Friday?”

“Oh,” she finally got her mind back in the system, “Well, whatever. Just don’t back up right away after you found it boring. I won’t entertain you at all, busy stuff.”

“How can I get bored with you, seriously?”

And since that weekend, after his studio’s finished, he brought his laptop and sketch book, dragged his feet to the farthest building at the university. He just sat there and continued clicking here and there, sometimes peeking over Gwiboon and just looking at her when his eyes got tired staring at the screen nonstop.

Sometimes Gwiboon already waiting with a packed dinner for him. Sometimes Jinki pushed the studio’s door a little bit late, with her favorite coffee set in hand.

Sometimes Jinki is too lazy to make a presentation layout and just enjoying Gwiboon’s side view. Sometimes Gwiboon not touching her works at all and just peeking on his screen or capturing his serious face with her Polaroid.

***

And with that, people start talking again. They talk when Gwiboon stopped by to architect’s department studio design both hand carried packed lunch. When she dropped one on Jinki’s desk and the other to his brother’s. They talk when Jinki’s board shoulders appeared so often in the fashion design department. When he casually ruffled Gwiboon’s hair after the class and they went together to Jinki’s basement.

Nobody needs another radio announcement or neon box advertising to notice they are seeing each other. Minho and Taemin don’t even bother to confirm, as well. But they are not Jonghyun.

“You doing well, lately?”

“Hmmm.”

It’s dinner time in their house and the second week of the month, Gwiboon’s home and Jonghyun found his chance to ask her about all those rumor he had been buzzed off.

“Your project is okay?”

“It’s great,” she shoved another pile of beef salad in her mouth, eyes keep staring to her phone.

“I’ve been heard some gossips.”

“It’s gossip. You know you shouldn’t listen to that crap.”

“Well, I won’t listen if that’s not about you.”

“It’s always about me, huh?” she put down her phone, eyes locked with her brother, “Which one do you trust? Those stupid people or me?”

“I trust my friends Gwiboon.”

“So you don’t believe me because I am apparently not one of your friend?”

“Jinki is my friend.”

“So? Did he tell you something?”

“He didn’t. That’s why I asked you.”

“Your logic is not pretty good sometimes.”

“It is pretty good when half of your classmate said that your sister and your friend making out here and there around the campus.”

She shot her head up and what she found makes her writhing silently. Jonghyun’s not angry. Jonghyun looks care.

“Are you going out with him?”

“Sometimes.”

“Are you dating him?”

“I don’t know.”

“That’s not the answer I want to hear, Gwiboon.”

“I really don’t know, Jong! We don’t define what is this happened between me and your friend!” Gwiboon finds it hard to just say Jinki’s name like that, “Not everyone smart enough or brave enough to call it something, you know!”

She’s tossing the fork on her hand to the plate, appetite gone in flash. Jonghyun didn’t tilt his head a bit, making Gwiboon more uncomfortable with the atmosphere.

“This is my friend, Gwiboon. You don’t just like people and hanging out with them without checking them whether you’re on the same page and then after you got bored you just left! I’ve told you since the beginning. Jinki’s my friend! He’s a nice guy!”

“And you think I don’t deserve nice guy? You think the best choice that I could have is random guy who treat me like a whore or someone who’s sexist enough to go to jail?! Am I that low in your eyes, Jong?”

When Jonghyun saw her all torn and sincere, he mentally burns himself in hell, “It’s not like that, Gwiboon.”

“It’s always been like that! Being judgmental and hating every single thing I’ve done! I don’t know where exactly my fault is. And I can’t even like a guy whose kind enough to bring me a cup of coffee in the middle of night without asking anything after that?”

“Kim Gwiboon, listen to me.”

“No, you listen to me, brother of mine. I am as afraid as you of losing him if something unwanted happened in the future between me and him. If you care enough all this time, I am not as cold as bitch that you pictured of me in your head. I have no one to run whenever all those gibberish that you called gossip is way too far and ridiculously make no sense to handle. But he’s there. Suddenly he’s there, doesn’t even care about all those craps and still give me the perfect genuine smile even when my own brother doubts me.”

“Gwiboon, it’s no—“

“It’s not like that? Is that what you want to say?”

“I told you to listen to me!” this time Jonghyun started to lose his temper and raised his voice, shut Gwiboon down right away, “Jinki is my friend. You know that. He is a person that I care a lot, as much as I care about you.”

Gwiboon looks she’s not ready with everything that he had in mind.

“Yes, Kim Gwiboon. All this feud and everything we had doesn’t stop me to care of you. Never in a million way, and because of that reason alone, have I known that this time is different than before. Different than all those bastard trying to hook up with you. And that’s the reason why I have no heart to let you ruin yourself.”

“I don’t see your point.”

“Jinki is going to graduate soon. And who the hell knows what would he did after that, he might go to the end of the world to do another volunteer work or being busy in his new office. He’s going to leave eventually. And I don’t want you to feel to be left behind again. Not after what I did to you.”

So Jonghyun has no idea about me leaving the university?

Gwiboon bite her lips, contemplating whether he should tell Jonghyun the truth or not.

“Jong,” the latter is surprised, it’s been so long since Gwiboon called him that way, “I don’t care he might leave next month, or next year, or maybe tomorrow. At this point I don’t even care if what’s going on between me and him right now is real. This is new for me, as you said before, yes, I admit that this is different than before.”

“Gwiboon, how many times should I tell you, I don’t care about you might hurt him, it’s the opposite that I am worried now. The fact that he might hurt you when he left.”

“If that what is your concern, I’ll make sure I’m the one who left him and not the other way.”

“Kim Gwiboon, this is not a game.”

No, it’s not, Jong. I am the one who’s going to leave him and might break his heart. I am the criminal.

“You know I don’t play game. Thank you for your concern, but I think I’m old enough to play safe and handle my feeling.”

Gwiboon wiped her mouth quickly and retreated to her room before Jonghyun stopped her for another argument. Before her tears spilled out the brim of her eyes.

I’m sorry, Jong. I didn’t mean to make you lose him when I did.

***

“Can you move a little bit?”

Jinki shifted closer to Gwiboon instead further away, forcing the latter gritted her teeth. He broke into huge laughter before peck her cheek and gave her the space she needed.

“What the heck?”

“I’m sorry, but your upset expression is my new Achilles heels now. I just can’t help myself about that.”

“You need to do something about that. I am begging you. Before all these girls broke into my locker and burn everything inside, ruined the whole project that I’m working on.”

“And you need to stop imagining something. It’s not gonna happened and it’s not healthy.”

She cocked her head to the side, Jinki grins like a five year old with sugar rush.

“Let me tell you something. I’ve been received dead animals on my studio’s desk. I got calls from unknown number threating to kill me every once in a week because apparently I am a bitch and they are fucking coward without balls and guts. But now, I have some important business to take care before the beginning of the next month. So. Can you not?”

“Not what?”

“Not doing exactly what could wake up their inner hyena to do all those stupid stuffs I just mentioned!”

“Like this?”

He closed the distance once again and rested his lips on her cupid bow ones, pushed back every argument hanging on the tip of her tongue.

“Love birds!! Get a room!!”

They parted and turned to the source of annoying voice just to fins Taemin beaming into wide smirk across the hall.

“Mind your own business, kiddo!”

Jinki shouted to his brother who rolled his eyes before he continued walking to the direction of the library.

“I am so done with you!”

“Really? That fast?”

He darted his eyes to down south and Gwiboon’s cheeks cannot hide the blushed anymore.

“Creepy old pervert! I’m leaving!”

Jinki cracks on the spot but not losing his chance to grab her wrist, stopping her for going somewhere else.

“Can you stay for another 15 minutes?”

“I have an appointment with my supplier and you said you need to fix the structure calculation before this weekend. And also..”

“Also?”

She sighs while slipped the straps of the bag on her shoulder, “Jonghyun might be here anytime. Just like Taemin.”

“So what?”

“He is your best friend!”

“And he’s your brother.”

“Who doesn’t even care that I’m exist.”

“Kim Gwiboon.”

“Lee Jinki.”

“Are you keep it secret from Jonghyun?”

“No, he already knew.”

“So?”

“I just don’t want to make everything more complicated. And awkward. I’m doing you a favor here.”

“Gwiboon, I don’t need your help. I’m okay.”

“But I’m not.”

Both of them are sinking into silence. And without asking, Gwiboon understands how disappointed Jinki at this second.

“Jinki, all my life has been a cold war. I know this is hard and too much to ask, but I hope you have a big heart on it. For once in my life, I want to forget everything and believe only on the reality that I want to acknowledge.”

“I understand. But if you just want to care about what you believe, why you bother to care about other’s opinion?”

“Because I care about you.”

He couldn’t believe what he just heard. When he shot his head up, the girl in front of him looks so vulnerable.

“I’ll see you on Friday. Good luck with the structure stuff.”

And she just walked away, not giving him a chance to hug her or even bid goodbye.

***

Two people lying on a dark indigo fluffy carpet while their head on the bed, or more like thick mattress, with their mind wander in their own track. Above them, a simple handmade pendant lamp is hanging on the open wooden structure ceiling. Sun’s seeping through the small window, making a great shadow on the wall beside which occupied by tall wooden cabinet where books and zombies figurines march neatly.  

What makes Gwiboon loves to spend her time here is not only because of the slanted eyes boy is laying next to her, busy reading a quite thick book. The atmosphere inside this sanctuary soothing her mind, high ceiling released her stressed feeling inside her chest.

“You should put something green on that cabinet.”

“Hmmm.”

“Small succulent in colorful pot won’t hurt.”

“I have no time taking care of any plant.”

“Cactus only need water every one or two weeks, idiot.”

When her elbows stick onto his ribs, he could only flinch, but not planning to stop reading or whatsoever.

“Tell me three things I don’t know about you.”

This time, she got his attention. He put down the book on his stomach and turned his head to his right just to find Gwiboon staring right to the ceiling, fingers intertwined resting on her chest.

He chuckled then, discarded the book and rolled himself, supporting his head with one arm, the free one decided to play with Giwboon’s fringe, “What kind of thing?”

“Anything. Something secret. Something special that only you and your family know. Or even something you kept for yourself.”

“Hmmm. Let’s see,” Gwiboon leaned to her side so she’s currently facing Jinki, tint pink smudged on her cheek, “But in exchange you need to tell me three things about you.”

“Okay.”

“Promise?”

She smirked then lifted her head a bit so her pouty lips can land perfectly on Jinki’s full ones, “Promise.”

As if hypnotized by her action, he opened his secret drawer right away, “I’ve dyed my hair pink.”

For Gwiboon, even though Jinki’s well known in their circle, she still presume the latter is someone with reserve personality and far for her wild imagination.

“You would never pull it off. No way.”

“Yes way. But it only last for maybe around four months? Or five? I don’t remember,” he picked his phone and roamed to his gallery, “It’s about the same time when Taemin decided to turn his hair purple.”

“I bet you looked so sexy back then,” Gwiboon stretched her hand to brush Jinki’s hair which then the latter stopped her hand with his mischievous grin.

“Nothing beat you when it comes to being sexy.”

She rolled her eyes but failed to hide her blush, “Stop being cheesy! Now facts number two!’

Jinki could only laugh and messed up her front bangs again, a new habit he developed lately whenever the latter around, “When I was in Brazil, I wasn’t exactly live there for three months.”

“What do you mean?”

“I stayed in Argentina for a month and two other weeks in Chile.”

“Wow.”

“You do fascinated by that?”

“No, not even slightly. But the fact all of your fans out there assumed you’re volunteering slash surviving in the heart of Amazon forest for three whole months is indeed really fascinating.”

“Which fans? I’m not even famous in my department.”                

“I’m actually at the point feeling confused whether you are too naïve or too cocky. Then can you explain why people were extremely happy when the rumor about you ditched me broke out?”

Gwiboon’s heart almost dropped to the ground when Jinki’s eyes torn a bit before kissed her nose in flash, “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. It’s their right to hate me. I am not that kind either to them,” she tried so hard to shrug his concern, “Now the last one.”

“This is embarrassing.”

“As long as it’s not you telling you’ve been stay behind the bars, I’m okay with that!”

“Sorry to disappoint you, but I am not that wild. It’s happened when I’m on 5th grade. I once cried when I got 2nd place in the class.”

And when the girl next to him burst into one massive laugh, he could only blast sheepish smile as his cheeks felt a lot warmer than it supposed to be.

“Now’s your turn.”

“Lee Jinki, the best model student ever, everyone!”

“Enough with me,” Jinki’s sulking and leaned back again to the carpet, hands folded in front of him like a five year old, “I told you that’s embarrassing. Taemin has been mocking me my whole life. You better not join force with him.”

“But that is so cute. I can imagine you, cheeks puffing, eyes almost gone, bawling secretly on your bed, face drenched with tears.”

“I wish I hadn’t told you that!”

“That means you’re human, baby,” she placed both her hands to his cheeks and turned his face to make those eyes level with hers, “I was a nerd, too. I have no friend besides Jonghyun and my books until middle school.”

“There’s no such thing in the world.”

“You can check it out. Ask Jonghyun. But probably he would say nothing and telling you that you’re wasting your time.”

“Let’s say it’s true, what else?”

“I’m closer to my grandmother than to my parents,” her throat suddenly felt a lot drier.

“I guess that happened to Jonghyun, too.”

“How do you know that?”

Jinki’s smile looks so sincere plastered on his glowing face, “Both of you are alike more than you realize. And choosing to stay in the dorm rather in your own house? That should at least speak something.”

“Seriously, you don’t stalk him behind my back, do you?”

“Don’t be jealous, baby,” he winked and got his forehead flicked by Gwiboon, “Is your life that boring? I need to hear something ridiculous.”

“I’m not a superstar like you. My life is full of hate and judgment.”

“Not stupid things like wet your pants? Stealing your parent’s money to buy new Barbie? Or got into fight with some other bitches?”

“I’m leaving soon, Jinki. And there’s no way whatever happened between us gonna last.”

Those words are already hanging at the tip of her tongue. However, when she’s looking at Jinki, those warm coffee color orbs shut her down, threaten her with the most horrible moment when finally their times together ruined.

“Fine. But promise me you won’t laugh at me?”

This time, Jinki’s the one who pecked her lips, “Promise.”

“I took my dog as my high school prom date.”

“Well, the story about an ugly duckling turned into swan is not a joke.”

She slapped his arm hard, “You promise not to laugh!”

“Am I looked like I’m laughing now?!” Gwiboon is pouting but she’s struggling not to laugh at the moment, “Is there no one to ask back then?”

“Minho and I broke up two weeks before prom. He got a new girl and I had no one. So I made a tuxedo for my dog and bring him to the party.”

“And that’s what we called secret. I always thought you are this popular chick everybody adores since you were young.”

“I told you I was a nerd, an outcast who suddenly decided to become a spoiler brat and selfish bitch. I think Minho is the only friend I keep until now.”

“You can keep me, though.”

“How can I keep everyone’s favorite just for myself?” Gwiboon turns her head ahead, staring back to the ceiling, “I’m done being selfish. I don’t think I can do that.”

“Being selfish is okay sometimes. You said we’re human, right?”

She closed her eyes when she caught by the corner of her eyes, Jinki fixed his eyes on her, “We are like a group of dysfunctional people,” she blurted out once he’s back to Jinki.

“I don’t think so,” he played with her hair again, leaned a bit and tuck it behind her ear and making Gwiboon’s almost choked with his sweet scent in such distance, “I’m about to finish my final project then started my master degree soon. And just so you know, this ding dong here is working rather fine lately.”

Jinki looked down and bashfully grinned making Gwiboon slapped him once again, “It’s not what I mean, pervert!!”

It’s hard not to be flustered by such a comment. Especially when she realized her heart beat faster whenever Jinki made that face, the ridiculously adorable dork, literally Jinki’s being himself.

“Most people get to know each other first. Then when they feel like it, they kissed. And probably make out. But we’re having it backwards. We kissed. Some unintentionally, some planned, well, we kiss a lot just to sum up. Then later on, here we are, peeling out ourselves layer by layer.”

“Well, we aren’t common people at the first place, just in case you forgot.”

She really could just sigh, “What are we, really?”

Jinki shifted uncomfortable before convinced himself this is what both of them wanted at this moment, “Two people enjoying each other presence and silently hoping time would just stop like this.”

Gwiboon sighed, maybe too loud, making Jinki frowns again, mind battling whether he said the wrong thing or not.

“You’re right. Maybe I just want to stay like this forever.”

“Staring at the ceiling?”

“Of course not, stupid,” She turned and caressed his cheek in a slow motion, “Feeling you breathing next to me just to make sure I am not alone.”

His hand wrapped hers and dragged it right onto his chest, “You will never be alone again as long as you let me be around you.”

Two or three months ago, Gwiboon might be bet all of her possession to hear Jinki said such things like this. But when he’s finally here, not only looking to her direction, but also give her the best smile she ever seen and hold her hand so tight, she actually wanted to mop her heart and curse the universe for playing with her feeling and time.

Mostly to the time for being such a tease.

“Promises are made to be broken.”

“Wanna bet?”

Before Gwiboon could retail some words in her mind, Jinki’s lips already pressed to hers. Slow and careful, delicate like a ballerina, they’re dancing with her soft flesh, step by step tickling her heart. She gave up under his touch and returned the favor, kissing him back. This time inside her head, fireworks do appear. But they explode together with dynamite, one to another.

They parted away when both of them lack of air, but apparently Jinki doesn’t give her time to rest her heart by sneaking his hand under her back, scooping her a little so their chests pressed tighter than before and his full lips back to claim her pouty ones.

“Jinx, what if this is just a dream?”

“Then I refused to wake up.”

“I mean it. What if, suddenly we were apart?”

“I’ve been there and it tortures every possible part of me. I won’t cross that path again, Gwiboon.”

“That’s not answering my question.”

“Are you seeing another man right now?”

“What? No!”

“Your parents set you into some arranged marriage?”

“Of course not!”

“Are you dying?”

“Jinki, you are nuts! I’m not sick!”

“Then everything can wait. But not this.”

His face is completely hovering hers now. And Gwiboon barely sane to compose anything in her mind.

***

The pain stings her head disturbed her sleep, force her to flex opened the feline eyes and move her damned limb. However, the view that greets her is way far from familiar. Outlining the sun ray seeped into the cold room with her barely functional eyes, she realized she’s not in her dorm. Or in her home.

“…”

The lump covered by the grey blanket on her left moving up and down in a sluggishly pace. She unwrapped herself extra carefully not to make sound more than 10 decibel. But the room is too poor lit when she left the mattress to find her blouse. So after 10 minutes of groping on the dark, she gave up and head to the wardrobe – the only thing she remembered where’s it located – and grabbed pair of boxer and random t-shirt.

Thank God her jeans are still visible enough to be discovered. Tiptoeing, she snatched her shoes, phone, and purse in one go before reaching the door, slowly pulled it and slipped herself in less than 30 cm opening, closed it really slowly in an attempt to not produce any noise that might wake up the owner of the house.

“Good morning, Princess,” her heart dropped to the ground and Taemin just raised his mug to salute her, successfully making her failed miserably to avoid the walk of shame parade, “Going somewhere?”

“Can you lower your voice?”

“Why do I need to tone down my voice in my own house? Do I look like a thief?”

“Ssstt! You might wake up everyone, you idiot!”

“The only one that hasn’t woken up is my brother behind that door. I already feed Eve and my mom already went to the market and back.”

“Your Mom’s home?!”

“Why wouldn’t she?” he laughs since he knew why she screamed and more because Gwiboon’s terrorized face is too funny, triggers him to mess with her even further, “I wonder what happened last night that makes both of you woke up so late. My brother didn’t throw a party inside his room, did he?”

“Lee Taemin..”

“Maybe horse riding? You know when someone sit on the top and move up and down, back and forth… “

Her face is now more crimson than ripe tomato.

“…on the track. But we don’t have horse so it’s impossible. Or midnight work out? Yeah, I guess so, my brother works out like crazy lately.”

The smile plastered on his face knocked her down without Taemin even tried so hard.

“Can you be adult for once and stop shouting?”

“Is this what you called shouting?”

“Cut it off before your Mom heard anything!”

“She’s busy cooking, she won’t hear shit even you’re moaning.”

He sent her a wink, built a nausea feeling on her tummy, “Thanks for the notes! I’m leaving!”

“Please, you know that the kitchen in our house is next to the front door right?”

Gwiboon stopped right away after only three steps.

“So when you’re on your way, don’t forget to say hi to my Mom.”

“Fuck.”

He finished his coffee and chuckles at her, “Why don’t you join us for brunch?”

What kind of idea is that? Sharing the dining table on Saturday morning with someone’s Mom that has no idea what happened behind her son’s door last night? And without taking shower? Make up?! Oh, hell no!

“No one’s care you already take a shower or not, this is Saturday morning, for God’s sake. But if you refuse to walk with me to the dining table, you can just go back to my brother’s room,” now he leaned on the wall, arms folded with his empty mug hangs at his finger, “And wait until my Mom kick that door to ask him for brunch and maybe you as well since you’re inside. How about that?”

“There’s no way your mother found me inside your brother’s room!”

“Why not? She knows you’re here anyway.”

“What?!”

“Taemin! Wake your brother and his girlfriend up! Get in here three of you before this chicken get cold! it’s not my style to serve frozen food to a guest in my house!”

Gwiboon looks like a stray puppy who waits for her death sentence when Taemin raised his brows as if he’s saying ‘I told you’.

“What should I do?!”

“Go back to that filthy room, drag my brother’s ass out, and have a really nice brunch with us. As easy as that. Besides…”

“Besides what?”

“Besides, my brother wouldn’t be pleased knowing you wandering around the city.. you know.., senza underwear.”

She covered her chest with her purse in instant and ran to the door at the end of hallway while cursing inside her head.

“I’ll see you both soon!”

She slammed the door behind her doesn’t even care whether it’s polite enough to do in other’s property.

“Why so loud in the morning?” lazy voice came from the far right of the room, Jinki sat on the mattress without anything covering his torso, bed hair all jolted here and there, try to collect all his soul, eyes squinted to Gwiboon’s direction, “Is that my t-shirt?”

***

Part 7.

HI PEOPLE I AM BACK! I am sorry for neglecting this series for a really really really long time God’s know how. This is unedited, so if there are so many mistake, I apologize. The grad school is taking all my energy. I’m supposed to work for museum research now but I just too tired to think about building design analysis. How are you peeps?! Any comment any question about this, just let me know! Hopefully, I’m going to be more often to update! Lots of love from Italy! Enjoy! XOXO

[saturday938]

Jinki: *cuddles while kisses kibum's neck*

Kibum: what is it

Jinki: affection

Kibum: disgusting

Jinki:

Kibum:

Kibum: do it again

[onkey-bedtime-stories]

EUNOIA - Pilot

Waking up to nothing when you’re super far for home And I watched you fall asleep at night and lay there on my own Got me begging for affection All you do is roll your eyes Broken down, I’ve had enough If this is love, I don’t want it – Super Far, LANY

***

‘Enjoy your trip! Stay out of trouble :)’

She wipes the screen with her thumb. Endlessly. She read it again and again, each letters, hoping it would be changed miraculously.  For hundreds time. Or maybe more. If there’s one thing that she’s grateful about, it is the fact that so far, Jungsoo and her are not awkward to each other. On the text basis at least. She hasn’t figured it out how it would feel when they met. After that night, they haven’t had chance to see each other again.

Two and half years. Almost thousand nights shared together, thousand sunsets and sunrises. A beautiful journey to pursue, until both are too tired to compromised, Jungsoo more likely. At the end of the day, he had different dream. Different expectation.

The last two months are very dreadful for Eunsook. She kept blaming herself until her best friend convinced her to rest her case. Free her soul for her own good because she deserved better.

So when Junghee offered to come over visit her and Minho to their new house, she didn’t think twice booking the ticket for a summer escapades. And now, here she is, anxiously waiting for her flight at the boarding room. Checking her phone continuously without even aware that she’s torturing herself for some ruined story.

Drown in her thought, she jolts a bit when the phone vibrates in her hand.

“Where are you now?”

She massaged her forehead hearing how her best friend shouted, “I just texted you ten minutes ago. Of course I’m still waiting for my fuckin’ plane!”

“I wonder if you left your mouth at home purposely when you’re studying at school. Your language sounds uneducated. Besides, it’s not annoying when your best friend checking on you to make sure you’re not suicidal.”

“Best friend won’t make up a scene where I’m doing such a reckless action.”

“Who knows you became an extremist!”

“As if! I won’t kill myself over a guy!”

“This one is not just a guy. This one is an ex-fiancée-to-be.”

Eunsook sighed again, and Junghee frowned on the other line.

“Are you okay, honey?”

“We are not even thinking about engagement, Junghee-ah.”

“And that’s why I always said that he’s stupid.”

“He’s not.”

“Then what?!” Junghee’s almost shrieking on her couch.

“He just realized I was holding him back.”

“Holding him back for what?! For a better life?! How can you still defend him? At this point I cannot tell who the brainless one is.”

“You are the brainless one! You got married too fast!”

Eunsook tried to divert her to the topic she loves the best.

“Don’t blame me! Minho is just too good!”

“And you’re too weak.”

“Who can’t resist a very beautiful rose diamond ring?”

The lady sitting next to her gives her the eye when Eunsook cracks loudly.

“My materialistic woman. This is why I love you, Kim Junghee!”

“Come here quickly! I miss you so much you have no idea!”

“I miss you too, baby! I’ll see you in couple hours!”

“Stay out of trouble! See you soon!”

Eunsook pressed the red circle on her phone. Same words, different feeling, she thought. She sighed for the umpteenth time that day when the announcement is telling her to get on the plane.

***

“Lee Eunsook!!”

Junghee already shouting when there’s still around 100 meter distance between them. Minho can only chuckle and try so hard covering his face while his wife embarrassing themselves. She beams right away when she saw Junghee jumps around flailing her arms, looks like a very excited five years old.

“Oh my good grace! Finally!”

Minho automatically takes Eunsook’s luggage from her hand when he saw Junghee hugged her excessively.

“You’re killing me, woman!”

But Junghee doesn’t care because she understand what Eunsook had been through.

“Let’s go! I’ve cooked your favorite dish!”

She doesn’t allow Eunsook to have time to think again for she’s afraid her best friend would feel lonelier after she released her from the embrace.  

“Fried chicken?”

Her lips pouting immediately, “Your second favorite, then.”

“Seafood?”

“What the hell, Lee Eunsook! Italy changed you!”

“I always love fried chicken and seafood!”

“Whatever! You need to eat! A lot! I don’t like be friend with a walking skeleton!”

“Can you see my thighs are bigger than yours?”

Junghee just ran faster to the exit direction, preventing them to recognize the full brim on her eyes.

“What have she cooked, actually?” Eunsook can’t help but ask Minho while they walked side by side.

“The whole restaurant.”

“What?!”

Minho laughed when he saw Eunsook’s eyes doubled their size, “You know it’s her way to comfort people around her.”

“I know.”

“And she wanted only the best for her best friend. If you know what I mean.”

“And I know exactly what you mean.”

“You okay now?”

Minho’s voice sounds concerned and he didn’t even try to hide it, “Taemin called me. He said you’ve been weeping like a trooper’s widow. I’m quoting, here. Not my own words.”

“That ungrateful traitor. It was two months ago. I’m doing great ever since.”

He turned his face to seek for the truth on her eyes but Eunsook is too smart to hang the poker face perfectly.

“Come on, or your wife will kill both of us.”

Minho shrugged, remembers very well how Junghee stomped around the house cursing for hours when she knew the reason why Jungsoo told her how he felt, a week after Eunsook’s birthday.

***

“So you will back to Italy?”

“I think so. My boss doesn’t have the guts to keep me on the office with only my study visa. He already did his best to let me extend my internship for one more semester, though. Now I have no more reason to postpone my graduation. So, yeah, I will be back to Italy next month and graduate in October.”

“If only it’s easy to get a job in Netherlands, I would ask you to move here.”

Eunsook chuckles and takes another sip of the beer, “No need to worry, baby. I’ve applied for some job in London. Their response’s so far so good.”

“I really hope you got this one!”

She raised her eyebrow when she caught Junghee is half squealing, “Why? So I’d forget everything about him?”

Caught red handed, Junghee gulped down her wine quickly.

“Well, 80% yes.”

“And the rest?”

“So I get to visit you in London! That would be amazing! Junghee and Eunsook take London down the sequel!”

Eunsook doesn’t need to be told to crack on huge laughter. Back then, after their high school graduation, they decided to take a gap year and went to London to learn better English. Eunsook, while taking a part time as staff in museum on weekend, started the class right away since her father already arranged everything on the institute for her. Junghee on the other hand, ditch the English class for studying painting and working in a restaurant at night instead. But that’s how she met Minho who happened to be a part time student taking night shifts there.

“Why you always get the best part when it comes to London?”

“Life is a choice, honey. You can be a traveler but you’re too cool so you choose to be a designer.”

“It’s not fair.”

“Everything is fair in love and war.”

“And what’s from that has thing to do here?”

“I don’t know.. I think I’m already drunk.”

The two best friends start to laugh again, immersed with the each-other-life-catching-up-session, they aren’t aware Minho is already by the door, sweater on and keys in hand.

“Baby, I’m going.”

“Oh! What?! Where?”

“I’m picking Kibum up. It’s raining and he’s afraid it will ruin his equipment.”

Both checks the window and found out its pouring hard outside, “Oh I didn’t realize.”

“Who will realize if they’re too excited interrogating Eunsook?” She’s jutting her mouth and Minho kissed her goodbye, “We’ll grab some drink after and be back soon!!”

Junghee’s shooing her husband away and when she’s back to her best friend, the latter knits her brows together, clueless all over her face.

“Who is Kibum?”

“Ah! I forget to tell you! He’s the guy who’s currently living in the other room.”

“And who’s the guy that currently living in the other room?”

Junghee bursts out in an un-ladylike laughter and Eunsook’s getting more annoyed, “Sorry, baby. Well, Kibum and I went to middle school together. He’s happened to be Minho’s neighbor back in Seoul. He was searching for a temporary place to stay when we put the ads of the vacant room online. He’s a photographer and has some project here for his indie magazine. So, yeah.”

“So, yeah?”

She rolled her eyes, “I mean, I know it’s my bad, I’m really sorry I didn’t tell you this before. But you’re okay with this, right?”

Actually Eunsook is not that comfortable because she’s the only one who doesn’t know this Kibum guy. And since middle school, she realized she hates being an outcast since she’s quite awkward with new people.

“Well, this is your house, so…”

Knowing the nature of her best friend, Junghee jumped a bit on her seat, “Don’t worry, baby! He’s a really nice guy. You’ll like him in no time, I promise. He’s too busy anyway, so I guess it’s rarely you’ll meet him in the house.”

“Whatever.”

Eunsook muttered almost silently and thank God Junghee didn’t catch this one.

***

“Any idea what you gonna do today?”

Junghee dropped pile of pancakes on Eunsook’s plate, making the latter’s eyes filled with happiness. Warmth of jolly brought Junghee beaming so wide, after all, seeing her best friend still her best friend, a girl who appreciates simple things and turns it into happiness.

“Have no plan. I just bought the ticket, packed my stuff, and flew here. No itinerary, no schedule. I’m a complete blank paper now.”

“Good!” Junghee took a place in front of her and started her own breakfast, “We should go shopping today! It’s been so long since I bought new shoes.”

“Then what do you call those brown leathery goods you purchased last month, love?”

Minho rests his arm across her shoulder while take the seat.

“That’s because it was on sale! And it came in a set with yours! I got that because we couldn’t buy it separately if we want the sale price, Mister!”

“For God’s sake! It’s not even nine! Can you both let others have a quiet breakfast?”

Eunsook’s eyes darted to the stair at the corner, and she became restless out of nowhere. A tall guy with pale face paces down, dark hair bounced fluffily like a black cotton candy with each step. Those skinny jeans seemed too tight on his long limbs but he balanced it somehow with an oversized t-shirt.  He walked pass them to grab some coffee as if Eunsook is not there.

“This is my house and I can do whatever I want, dude.”

Minho throws a grapefruit to his direction which the latter luckily caught it.

“I will kill you if you made me drop my cup. That lady next to you will voluntary skin me alive if I messed up her kitchen!”

“You deserved that?”

Three of them keep arguing and laughing while Eunsook has her lips sealed, trying to enjoy her pancakes peacefully, ignoring the scene happened there even though she knew it’s getting hard for her to swallow each bite since the bright room suddenly is too suffocating.

Until Kibum realized he’s a stranger to someone. He gave Junghee a hint with his chin and she makes a voiceless ‘O’.

“Eunsook-ah! This is the guy I told you about. Kibum, this is my best friend Eunsook. She will stay here for vacation. And I will not only skin you but sell your flesh to the market if you dare to make a move on her.”

Eunsook almost spilled out the coffee inside her mouth, she tosses the closest napkin to Junghee’s face which luckily dodged it very well.

“And you only blame me while it’s also your fault for having a friend who is too pretty?” he stretched out her hand to Eunsook, “Kim Kibum. Nice to meet you, and please ignore Junghee whenever she said bad things about me. She still holds grudge since middle school because I grew 12 centimeters taller than her.”

“Lee Eunsook. Don’t worry, she’s too loud I already cover my ears the second she’s about to open her mouth.”

A beautiful curve formed on her face, she smiled so bright Kibum got dizzy for a moment. There’s something so soft touched his heart and he’s pretty sure it’s related to those fluffy rosy cheeks.

“Can you stop hogging my friend’s hand like that?!”

Minho let out a poisonous laughter because he understands why Kibum acts like that. Eunsook herself is already crimson red when Kibum retreat his hand.

“See?! This is your fault, Kim Junghee.”

“You are the one who cannot control your thirst!”

“Forgive me, princess,” he cocked his head to Eunsook, “But your friend really has wild mouth. I can’t resist slapping her sometimes.”

“Oh, please be my guest! Since I have no heart to harm her even though she deserved it.”

Junghee balled her fist when Kibum and Eunsook join the force through a friendly high five, leaving Minho with no option than console her by kissing the side of her head.

“Don’t worry, I still love you, baby.”

“You better be!” she then kissed Minho which the latter complied.

Eunsook naturally can only pull out a bitter smile. The scene happened in front of her, it would be hers six months ago. She would be exactly like her best friend, in love and beloved.

Whilst Minho and Junghee are busy in their own bubble, Kibum didn’t fail to catch the changed expression on Eunsook. But he’d rather to shake it off than ask her further question or make sure she’s alright which might too rude for a new acquaintance.

“Go back to your room if you want to continue for the second round! This view is polluting my precious eyes.”

“I said this is my house, Kim Kibum.”

With that Minho continued peppering his wife with kisses all over her face which makes Kibum decided to imitate puking voice that surprisingly makes Eunsook chuckled.

Once again, something soft tickling Kibum’s heart.

***

Sometimes, we just don’t realize we will meet the one, do we? Love after all, is a beautiful thinking that we probably only dream about until the tiniest detail of each counterpart, but turned us to be so oblivious when it brought into reality. Isn’t it pretty amazing? :)

—————-

Chapter 2

[onkey-bedtime-stories]

Live

“Hi, everyone!!”

Kibum greets the viewer cheerfully. As he promised his follower ten minutes ago, to close the day he decided to go live and say hi for a few minutes before he went to bed.

“Hello, guys. Who’s ready for SMTown concert tomorrow?” And as usual, the comments section is full of hearts and acclamation mark, “I’m in a good mood today so we can talk until I feel sleepy.”

“Your room looks extraordinary messy today.”

Kibum caught one of the comments and he sulked right away.

“You are really detail. How can you see in a very small screen?”

“Did Comme Des and Garcons make scene again?”

“My babies are being good boys lately. Comme Des! Garcons! Up up here!”

Two cute dogs bounce toward him with all their might. They place themselves pleasantly in front of Kibum so it looks like he’s surrounded by balls of wool.

“Oh my gosh! They’re so cute!!”

“Comme Des! Garcons!”

“Cutie pies! I want to squish them so bad!”

“I know right?”

Kibum taps each their head and place his head between them, kissing on their each side.

“The old lady living next door is also becoming ecstatic whenev–“

“Bummie! Can you come here for a second?!”

He rolled his eyes, feeling annoyed with the interruption, “I’m doing live here! Can’t you see?!”

“It’s Onew!!”

“ONEW OPPA!”

“Lee Jinki! Jinki oppa!!”

Kibum back to his phone again and scrolled down the comments just to find Jinki’s name all over his face reflection. Simple smile adorn his face, smugly fascinated by the ability of their fans recognizing the voice of his boyfriend.

“We got company, guys. The famous Lee Jinki, the honey voice of SHINee is finally here fulfilled your questions all this time of his whereabouts.”

“What is he doing here?”

“We just had dinner and since tomorrow we’re going to the airport early in the morning I just told him to stay the night. You guys love it, right?”

Like a psychic he knows exactly what will be their answer. While their fans are going crazy he adjusts his position lying down more comfortably.

“Old man, come here.”

“I’m busy.”

“Come hereee..”

“I’m not done packing Kibum-ah.”

“If you go here I will help you to pick the outfit for tomorrow.”

Within second Jinki jumped to the bed joining his boyfriend and kiss Kibum’s temple before waving to the screen, “Hello, everyone!”

Jinki flashed them his bright smile then stay behind Kibum, support himself with his forearm, hiding his face with the nape of Kibum’s neck.

“They cannot see you if you’re there!” Kibum turned his head to Jinki but the latter just smiles and shakes his head, “It’s Kim Kibum featuring mysterious eyes. Welcome to the show!”

“Both of you are so cute!!”

“This is a perfect family!”

“Your boys are matched so well with both of you!”

“I will take screenshot of this!!”

“Kibum-ah, I like this comment,” Jinki peeks at the back and pointed to one certain words that excites him.

“Can you kiss Kibum for once?”

“Hahahahaha!! Seriously?!”

Both of them just cracked and laugh in unison, making the fans around the world who watching it squeal upon the overload cuteness.

“So can you?”

“Only if the fans allow me.”

With the pink tinted cheeks, Kibum acts like he’s whispering to the viewers, “Guys, one of you asked Jinki to kiss me and he said he will if you guys let him do. Should we give him permission?”

“OF COURSE!!”

“Please please!!”

“You can kiss him anytime anywhere!!”

“This is what I’m waiting fooooorrr!!”

Jinki saw it and he sat himself properly behind Kibum and kissed his boyfriend on the cheek. Kibum looks pleased but then put his finger on his lips.

“You’ll never let me win, won’t you?”

Jinki felt betrayed on Kibum who shakes his head playfully, but complies anyway. He placed quick soft kiss on Kibum’s bow lips, doesn’t even care that thousand eyes watching them through the internet.

“THAT IS THE SWEETEST THING I’VE EVER SEEN!!”

“Why are both of you so adorable?!”

“AAAAAH!!”

“What a lovely sight!!”

“I’m so lucky isn’t it?”

Kibum back to his Instagram and said whatever came into his mind, answering some questions, making faces, and laughing wholeheartedly sometimes. Meanwhile Jinki lied onto his back next to him, took Garcons and placed the black poodle on his belly and played with him.

“Old Man, my back is very itchy.”

“Hmm?”

“Can you scratch it?”

“Here?” Jinki scratch him with his left hand while keep playing with Garcons with the other hand.

“No, not there. It’s so annoying..”

Jinki put Garcons down next to Comme Des and slipped his hand under Kibum’s pajama. He scratches the pristine skin slowly as if his hand can break him easily. The tingling feeling he feels is always surprise him whenever he touched Kibum’s skin, even after so long being in a relationship with him. Somehow, it makes him addicted and blessed at the same time.

“Like this?”

“So much better.”

Ten minutes passed and Kibum still enjoys the way Jinki scratched him.

“Everyone, let me tell you something. This is a secret.”

“What is it?!”

“TELL ME!!!!!”

“Are you guys getting comeback?!”

“COMEBACK?!!”

“Comeback is it?!”

“Hahaha, no, I will tell you about the comeback later. This is more important right now,” he fixes his bangs a bit, using the front camera as his mirror, “You know Lee Jinki? SHINee leader who has an angelic smile? He scratches the best in the world.”

Jinki can’t help but burst into huge laughter. He popped his head from the back, kissed Kibum shoulder before facing Kibum’s screen with the dorky adorable serious face.

“Everyone, in this house we raise three puppies. And this one is the most spoiled one.”

Now it’s Kibum’s turn to laugh. He turned his head and pecked Jinki’s nose.

“You’re the one who spoil me.”

“I know. And I’m really proud of that.”

***

I am back from summer holiday! And my house feels like giant oven, I am melting right away when I entered my room :(( anyway, this is a request from a sweet anon. Hope you guys like it! Send me asks, prompts, whatever, because I’m bored as hell and the uni will start again on September! See you around!! XOXO

[onkey-bedtime-stories]

Magical

For @moshiznik who requested #123, hope you enjoy it! :)

It’s from the list here

---------------------------------------

“Oh, did I scare you, big boy?”

When Eunsook safely landed on the ground from the wild berry tree, a baby dragon near her feet squeaked and tried to hid its face with little pair of wings it had.

“Come here, you poor soul. Don't worry, I'm not gonna hurt you.”

The little dragon stepped back every inch she grows closer. She took some wild berry from the front pocket and offers it to the beautiful creature she's facing even though she knew fruit's not really its diets.

But unexpectedly, the dragon stretched its neck, curious with the berries hidden among Eunsook's stubby fingers. Her lips curved up when the cold skin touching her hand. When she believed the dragon's getting familiar with her presence, she put down the leather sack from her shoulder and sneaked her hand between its feet to lay the baby dragon on her lap.

Eunsook never imagine, her ordinary daily life of helping her father collecting unicorn hair and peacock feather to make head pieces for sale at the market changed when she decided to pick some berries, because now, she's petting a magical creature under the late spring sun.

“Look how cute you are!”

The dragon now completely comfortable under her arm and showing its skin changes from green, blue, and purple in approval of Eunsook's each stroke on its back. It's so beautiful Eunsook cannot believe her own eyes.

“Why you are alone? Where is your mother? A baby like you shouldn't walk by themselves.”

Of course the said dragon didn't say anything besides subtle growl.

“Should I take you home? Taemin and Jonghyun must be very happy to have a very pretty new friend like you.”

The smile on her face grew bigger when her mind flew to her little brothers at home.

“I shouldn't leave you here.. You'll come with me, okay?” she lifted the dragon in front of her face, tried to put their eyes on the same level, “But first, let me give you a name. Hmmm. What would it be?”

She shakes the baby dragon in a steady rhythm, making it pout cutely.

“How about Sha–“

“VERONA!!”

The little dragon jumped right away from her hand, gleefully meeting a man sprinted from across the field on the way. Realized that the baby dragon is not belong to the wild forest, Eunsook gathered all her stuffs, sighed and ready to continue her duty until a soft voice stopped her to move further.

“Hey.”

When she turned her back, a man with a bow across his chest is beaming into an astonishing smile. His tall limb looks taller in all black outfits. The dark hair he has is very contrast with his pale skin. And the pink tint on Eunsook's cheeks cannot hide her amusement, especially after her eyes meeting his sharp collar bones showing under his shirt.

“Thanks for helping me finding Verona!”

“Verona?”

He pointed to the baby dragon on his shoulder.

“Ah, the name is Verona..”

“Yeah, and this cheeky baby sneaked out from the pack this morning.”

She still cannot swallow all the information she just heard.

“Ah, apologize for being impolite! My name is Kim Kibum. I am a dragon trainer and Verona is one of my kids.”

He held his hand out which Eunsook surprisingly took it so well.

“My name is Lee Eunsook, I found your dragon while collecting some berries. Well, honestly I almost step on it when I jumped off the tree. So, I am the one who should apologize.”

“No, no, he seems love playing with you. Usually he's very shy baby. Thanks for not leaving him alone. My father will kill me if one of them went missing.”

“No worries, he's a really nice friend. Glad to know he's in the right hand now. I'll be going then. Nice to meet you, Kibum.”

She blasted her last smile and grip her leather sack tighter, way too far from ready leaving the prince-like boy.

“Wait.”

“Hmm?”

The man standing across her is fidgeting on his feet, chewing his bottom lips anxiously, “I promised myself to cook dinner for the finder if it's a guy, and a nice date night if it's a girl.”

Eunsook looks taken a back, not prepared with such scenario, “What?”

“So would you like to go on a date with me?” Kibum blurted right away after he realized he probably unable to restrain himself not to squish her cheeks any longer.

“Uh, um. I...”

Grmblwrgh.

Oh shit, now she remembers why she stopped for wild berries before. Face crimson red, Eunsook is more embarrassed when Kibum laughed so hard his shoulder shaken terribly.

“I'm sorry, but I think dinner sounds more interesting.”

“A dinner date, then.”

When Kibum grabbed her wrist delicately, Verona growls excitedly, his wings flapped frantically, as if so proud for being a good cupid. Indeed, dragon is a magical creature.

---------------------------------------

Send me prompt from this list! :))

[onkey-bedtime-stories]

Tremble (1/3)

WINTER

***

Taemin : Are u going to show up tomorrow?

Jinki  : Still think about it

Jinki  : The restaurant closed around 10

Taemin : Come on! U hv two sous chefs!

Taemin : Let them work :P

Jinki  : Dude, it’s not a restaurant without the head chef around

Taemin : But what’s the point of hiring them if you cannot gain some free time?

Taemin : Come on, Jinki.. U know tomorrow night is important to me

Jinki  : I know, that’s why I said I’m still thinking about it

Taemin : You won’t regret it

Taemin : I have lots of good looking friends on my guest list

Taemin : #wink

Jinki  : I can get laid by myself

Jinki  : I even have invitations already waiting for me until the weekend

Jinki  : And it’s only Wednesday

Taemin : Show off

Jinki  : Sometimes drastic measures are needed

Taemin : Okay, just consider it

Taemin : Not because I have people with good asses coming to the party

Taemin : It’s because you’re my friend and this is important

Jinki  : I know

Jinki  : Text me the address anyway

Jinki  : Just in case I can sneak out one hour earlier

Taemin : Cool! I’ll send the e-invitation to ur email

Taemin : The party starts by 9

Taemin : C U tomorrow! :)

“Aren’t you too old for that?”

Kibum came back to their table with two cups of coffees. He handed one cup to Taemin and sipped what’s inside his before flopped to the grey couch at the corner of the cafe, continued to read the book from where he left it.

“What? Texting?”

“Hmmm,” his eyes aren’t leaving the page opened before him.

“This is what you’ve called networking. You need to keep up with today’s trend to be able staying at the top of society.”

He finally lifted his head to meet Taemin’s eyes, “Drink your coffee. I think you’re not getting over your last night hangover.”

“Ha. Neat,” he put his phone aside, “You’re coming tomorrow, right?”

“You mean your party?”

“What else?”

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world. There would be lots of important people coming over.”

“I should have been insulted with your statement that makes me and my achievement less important but I guess you’re right, I still have the headache from last night I refused to have any quarrel with anyone.”

“Honey, you can stick with your phone and all those youngster hype, but this is what I called networking. Don’t be too sad, I still love you.”

“Whatever. Dress up nicely.”

“You seriously doubt my wardrobe taste?”

“There’s someone I want you to meet. He might looks like a careless person, but when he stepped on any party, he’s not a joke.”

Kibum raised his torn eyebrow when the words finally hit him, “He?”

Taemin chuckles across the table, “Well, after your recent divorce, I don’t think you want to hang around someone who has more than one X chromosome in their DNA. So?”

“So what?”

“Are you interested?”

“I don’t know.”

It’s not like Kibum wanted to solitude himself from all the females as resentment of the separation with his ex-wife. Since he knew what love is back in the first year of high school, he’s open to anyone for he believes gender determined what kind of good heart people has for him. He just needs the time for himself in general, after five years he spent together with her seemed like vanished in vain because both of them cannot handle each other ego during their three years of marriage.

“It’s about time to open your heart again, no?”

“After only six months? Are you being sober now?”

“Easy there, Tiger. I’m just thinking you blamed yourself enough for something that’s already broken more than one year ago. No offense. And don’t give me that look,” Kibum pulls the best effort not to roll his eyes, “I’m not telling you to get married again, Kim Kibum. You just need to start living.”

“Am I dead already for you or what?”

“Yes. You might be here and there trying to put on the pretty mask but you’re just so dead inside. How long we’ve known each other, really? That doesn’t work for me.”

“Lecturing me doesn’t get us anywhere. Moving on it’s not that easy.”

“I know. But moving forward is doable and that’s what you should do right now.”

Kibum leaned closer to recheck whether he’s been talking with the same Lee Taemin he knew since college, “You really are still drunk, aren’t you? Since when you had those fancy words came out your filthy mouth?”

“Internet does crazy stuff on you, you don’t know that?”

Kibum scoffed and grabbed his book back though his mind is not here to continue the story line anymore.

***

Lee Jinki is not a fan of a crowd actually, unless with some alcohol involved and the plan of fooling around entailed. Still, crowd gives him freedom, to mind his own business, to decide what’s to care about and what’s not.

Since a week ago, Taemin had been pestering him to stop by his party for the opening of his new studio. Being a famous photographer, he had the needs to make the night unforgettable. Besides, the younger man had been talking about how cool and perfect his new place is.

In the ocean of stranger like this, he regrets arrived there sober.   

“Lee Jinki!!”

A bright lean man screamed from near what supposed to be the main stage. Jinki waved his hand toward him but isn’t planning to greet him yet, instead he walked closer to the buffet table near the entrance and snatched a glass of prosecco. He nods to the choice of the liquor.

“Look at you! Who said he’s not coming but dressed up like one of my model?”

“This?” he assessed himself right away, black silk shirt under the same color leather jacket matched with pair of maroon pants and white Reebok classic on both his feet, “This is nothing.”

“Bullshit. You definitely rushed home, took shower, and picked your wardrobe carefully.”

“Well, aren’t you glad I finally made it?”

“Apart of I’m quite happy about it, I was pretty sure you’re coming. Lee Jinki refusing party invitation? That only happened two years ago.”

“Shut up!” he put the empty glass back and grabbed two more, one he handed to Taemin’s hand, “Congratulation, Mr. Photographer. New studio, new adventures ahead!”

The clink sounds of the two glass meeting on the air submerged by the loud longue music from the DJ at the right corner of the stage. As usual, Jinki finished his drink in one shot, leaving Taemin shaking his head to the habit.

“In this rate, you’ll get drunk before I did my speech.”

Jinki shrugged and took another glass, “Had a rough day at the restaurant. A couple kept sending back the food to the kitchen with some ridiculous reason. I needed to drag my butt out of the back house to greet them personally.”

“Is that the reason you left early?”

“You can say that. Or more like I don’t like the thought of me missing free flow in the middle of the boring week,” he winked and Taemin only snickered, “So, what did I miss?”

“Nothing, besides the mini tour I gave to the potential important client. And simple exhibition of my previous works.”

“Knowing that I won’t be your client in any future soon and I visited one of your exhibitions before, then I can continue wandering around looking for some goodies,” Jinki raised his fourth glass now already.

“Ah, speaking about the goodies. I need to introduce you to someone.”

“Your new boyfriend?”

“I don’t date anymore, Honey.”

“Ah, I forgot you’re now the exclusive mistress of that famous dancer Kim Jongin.”

“Stop saying some gibberish, this one is a present for you because you actually made an effort to give your time to me.”

“I don’t have a good feeling about this.”

“You always said that whenever I have a lover candidate for you.”

“Because it always ended up in a mess!”

“Did not!”

Jinki gulped down his sixth glass, “Did not? The last one you brought to me, four out of five times had cried whenever I led him to the bedroom. The one before that guy, already became someone’s else wife. Which one of them that wasn’t a disaster for you?”

“Okay.. okay, I made some mistakes. Who am I to lie to you? I haven’t figured it out how to find a right man for my own.”

“Then why don’t you take this one?”

“He’s a close friend of mine! Besides, he got your favorite!”

“My favorite?”

“Yeah. Perfect pair of bow lips.”

“Prettier than that one?” Jinki put down his seventh glass while pointing across the room with his chin.

Following the direction, Taemin spun quickly just to find Kibum talking to a group of women which he presumed as new acquaintances he acquired tonight judged from the way Kibum’s standing. One and other time, he glances to the place where Taemin and Jinki are standing as if their presence is a huge distraction to the conversation he engaged with the new friends he made.

Taemin returned back to Jinki which his eyes now pass through his skull to have a better look on the guy with the cashmere turtle neck with the twinkling feline eyes. A smirk appeared immediately on Taemin’s face.

***

Kibum found it hard to continue engaged on the conversation he’s in since the sight of a man who looks like Apollo descendant intruded his vision. That guy looks so out of place but at the same time, giving the vibe that he’s born for the event like this. He doesn’t look threatening, however, those eyes, once struck with Kibum’s and he choked on the wine he’s been nursing since half an hour ago, making him spilled some of the liquid to his chest.

He thanked the universe he left the house with the black top instead any other color.

Though he’s definitely not one of the models Taemin has worked with before, the quality of this man’s look can easily passed for one. There’s something about him that hooked Kibum since the very beginning, forgetting what he convinced himself earlier to make tonight only for business purpose and stay around that circle. His initial plan ruined easily when he caught himself glancing more than three times in the span of ten minutes.

“Ah, really? That would be great. Here’s my name card. Contact me whenever you want,” he took out some card from his wallet, “Now if you excuse me, I need to go to the restroom.”

And with that, Kibum retreated himself from the crowd to calm himself. Once he reached the sink, he splashed some water to his face. Kibum slapped his cheeks several times, this is not happening.

He’s not seventeen anymore. But the drum rolled banging inside his chest is telling him the contrary. Having stupid crush is not his type of playground anymore. After some serious relationships ended up in not so nice break ups back in college and one failed marriage, he thought he would be more cautious and even became numb to this kind of feeling. Maybe it’s just the lust. And the neediness started build up in him after one year absence of attention. Yeah, maybe that’s the reason. Get a grip, Kim Kibum.

After spending what have been like forever in the bathroom stall, Kibum thought it would be safe for him to get out and mingle again. He’s searching for Taemin right away, secretly hoping the man with the maroon slack still tagging around. Nevertheless, Taemin seems unlikely to be found within the crowd. He kept looking to his muse, because there’s usually he would stand and explain some of his works, but those models are scattered here and there and no one has Taemin on their arms.

“Where the heck is this ungrateful kid?”

“You like what you saw?”

A deep soothing voice from his side startled him to after life if it’s not to death. He cocked his head to the source of force driven him crazy only by the sound, Kibum stepped back instinctively once he realized their distance is closer than he calculated back in his hazy mind.

“Earlier. Don’t tell me you’re not looking to my direction.”

“Wow. Such amount of confident,” Kibum snickered whilst inside he’s flipped upside down.

“Well, to begin with, I wouldn’t be this confident if I didn’t catch a beautiful human being like you giving me those intrigued glances every two minutes.”

“Oh, how smooth. How many glasses did you take to be this gallant?”

“So you did look at me.”

Jinki chuckles and when he caught Kibum just an inch before flustered as if someone found out his biggest secret.

“It’s a best friend instinct. When a very threatening man with this all manipulative vibe hanging around your best friend, you cannot just stand still and act as if nothing happened. I don’t want something bad happened with Taemin.”

Jinki closed their distance a little bit, aiming his mouth dangerously to Kibum’s ear, puffing hot breathe that turning Kibum’s whole body into stupid giddy sensation.

“Oh really? What about you, then? Want something bad happened to you?”

Usually, Kibum is not in favor of including himself in any conversation buttered all over with innuendo. But this man, changed every single thing he believed in less than five minutes. Especially when he can still feel him huffing on his neck though it’s wrapped completely under the fabric of his knitwear.

“I guess you took more than five. This one is so much better than your first defense.”

“Seven to be exact.”

“You better take care of yourself, Dear Stranger, the party just started and knowing Taemin for years, this is nothing but a teaser.”

Jinki doesn’t wait any clue to press his hip to Kibum’s side, “Why don’t you help me to take care myself? Or do I interrupt you?”

Kibum observed the face of the man next to him, he looks so beautiful even under the poor light, “You must have taken a time-management class very diligently.”

He poked Jinki’s nose quickly, both cannot deny the spark in such limited touch.

“Just being efficient, I don’t see the point to waste limited time for unimportant business.”

“What’s exactly unimportant business here?”

“Working on my uncooperative brain at the moment to arrange some words together trying to get into your pants while I’m pretty much sure it’s going to happen anyway without such futile effort.”

Jinki ducked his head to fix his hair. Little did Kibum know, he tried to hide his eyes while observing the latter’s reaction.

Kibum just beamed into wide smile, still doesn’t believe on what he just heard, “Aren’t you one of a kind with fancy mouth?”

“How about you can tell yourself once you get a taste on that?”

“Interesting.”

“You think so?”

Jinki kept staring intensely to Kibum. After the cute little dimples adorned the corner of his mouth a while ago, Jinki found it so hard to stay away from his flawless face.

“Sort of. Never in my life had I heard this kind of lame pick-up lines,” Kibum scoffed to control his grogginess.

“Well, someone gotta take the chance to try that out. Up until now, the success rate is still 50-50.”

“You tried this before?” Kibum’s almost shrieked toward the fact, “Who’s this poor soul that had to endure this kind of torture?”

“In front of you,” Kibum’s face turned into a mixture of disbelief and amusement, “This guy was such a talker and he got me under his skin in no time.”

“Wow. Tell me who talked about exes during their first encounter.”

“No one. But you’re beyond what people around me would describe as a perfect human being.”

“Looks like you picked up a lot from him.”

Jinki laughed, pinching his eyes into a perfect crescent, Kibum needs to brush off the urge to cup his face right away, “Let’s just say I’m a fast learner.”

“That’s actually good to put in your curriculum vitae.”

“I didn’t know this require such an application.”

“Oh, I usually don’t,” Kibum’s head fell to the back a little bit while he massaged his neck, “I did that only for the strong candidates.”

“Interesting.”

“Aren’t I always?”

“I don’t have opinion about that since I only saw you,” Jinki wriggling his wrist to check the time, “For about an hour so far.”

“Then we need to get to know each other more.”

The smirks curved on Kibum’s bow lips sent chills down Jinki’s spine. He slipped his hand on the other waist and rested it there after Kibum doesn’t make any protective gesture.

“So, here’s the thing. Who am I talking with this past fifteen minutes?”

“You may call him Kibum.”

“Ah, Kibum,” his voice ghosting above his cheek, “I like the way I rolled that name. But I can do more with my tongue, just so you know.”

“Is that an invitation Sir…”

“Jinki. I go by Jinki.”

Kibum arched his back slightly, purposely stretched his neck too much just so his milky skin peeked behind the cashmere, “Is that an invitation Sir Jinki?”

“If you said so, Dear..”

“Then I know somewhere perfect to get to know each other better.”

“Do you even know this place?”

For Jinki, Taemin’s new studio just looked like an old barn with stone, woods, and glasses for the aesthetic purpose. He has no idea actually, it’s the first time he hang out to such place besides his house, his kitchen, and bars.

“Oh, please. I sold this place to Taemin two months ago.”

***

Kibum didn’t know for sure what brought him here. Maybe the lust, maybe the lack of affection he experienced since his separation, or the needs of attention he craved during his sabbatical period. But since he closed the door of that main hall to the small green house at the back of the building, he couldn’t keep his hand for himself.

The other man of course didn’t help at all since what he’d been doing is basically groping Kibum’s pert globes or nuzzling to his side or mapping the hidden surface along his spine.

Anyway, like Kibum minds at all.

Once they sat at the wooden bench placed against the cold stone wall – Kibum basically thanked himself for suggesting Taemin’s interior designer to put some cushion on it – Jinki attacked those inviting cupid lips without further ado. Kibum’s giggles suppressed back to the down of his throat, he’s unable to laugh at his pathetic desire for Jinki’s velvety mouth melted his entire defense mechanism. He just naturally opened his mouth slightly wider when Jinki surprisingly carefully prodded its surface with his tongue.

“Hmmphh,” Kibum hissed in between heated domination battle, “You indeed have particular skill with your tongue.”

Jinki pulled back a little bit just to give him some space to nip at Kibum’s lower lips, “This is not even 50% of my capability, Sweetheart.”

Kibum yelped inaudibly when strong arms brought him settled on Jinki’s lap. The moonlight fell right on Jinki’s face from the glass roof, giving it mesmerizing picturesque shades. Kibum cupped his cheeks and devour what he left before. Jinki’s hand traveling haphazardly on Kibum’s back, and ended up grabbing handful of his ass leaving him squealing.

Again, like Kibum minds at all.

“Shit,” Jinki cussed when Kibum started going south and nibble on his exposed neck. The man lapping here and there, occasionally stopped a little bit longer to suck at his Adam’s apple, sending his soul ascending to heaven.

“Ah!” a perfect mixture of groan and moan slipped out Kibum’s mouth when Jinki rolled his hips against him. The sounds excited Jinki to move more erratically to satisfy both restrained needs. As if they’re dancing partner for years already, Kibum acknowledge the pace and started grinding back.

“Ugh, Kibum..”

The said man just arched his back and brought Jinki’s to his chest. Jinki secured both his hands to Kibum’s slender waist and inhales deeply of the other man’s scent. They were like pieces of puzzles finally clicked to each other, after wait for too long in such desperation.

Kibum detached themselves for a moment to look at Jinki’s eyes, pretty eyes that reflects his own craving, pretty eyes that drown him since the very second he drop his gaze on it. Jinki never found himself fascinated this much among his one night stands life. He realized Kibum is something when he doesn’t only want to suck every single inch of skin beneath the clothes but also handling it with care as if he’s the most precious and fragile ancient Egypt treasure.

Jinki about to lean further to capture Kibum’s lips but the hands on both sides of his cheeks restrain him to do so.

“I cannot do this.”

“Why?” even if he doesn’t have a mirror before him, Jinki can definitely see the frown fell upon his own face, “You don’t want this as much as I do?”

Kibum shakes his head again before rested his forehead to Jinki, “No, no, you’re beautiful, Jinki. So beautiful I couldn’t believe myself that this is real. But I’m not supposed to do this to you. It’s not fair.”

“Not fair?” Jinki asked again, suddenly terrified by the reality he’s about to face, “You have a boyfriend already? Girlfriend?”

Kibum pecked his nose slowly before flashing his hand above his eyes. Something cracked inside his chest when Jinki saw the silver band on his ring finger.

“You’re married.”

“It’s been only six months after a horrible divorce.”

“So? What’s holding you up?”

“You don’t get it, do you?”

Jinki rolled his eyes before stating the matter of fact here, “I’m single and you’re a widow. Whom are we going to hurt here?”

“You, Jinki. You. As much as I want you to continue what you’re doing down there,” both of them looking to the point where their crotch glued to each other, “Yes, the way your little prince been nudging my ass frantically had been driving me crazy I wanted to ruin your expensive silk shirt and suck your collar bones for the rest of the night, believe me. I just don’t want this to only because I’m sexually deprived.”

“So what do you want?”

Jinki is not the type who compromised during heated hour like this. But strangely, for Kibum, he’s willing to do it at least for once.

“I want you when I want you. Not when I need a release.”

Kibum removed himself from Jinki’s laps, he couldn’t help to chuckle when he notice the obvious bulge on the other’s southern region. He fixed his hair and adjusted the belt that slightly uneven after some battles of friction. Jinki looks disappointed at some point, but Kibum somehow know he’s not mad with the decision.

“A correction. The prince is not that little, if you know what I mean.”

Kibum let out wholeheartedly laughter and kissed Jinki slow and warm on the cheek, inhaling Jinki as much as possible.

“Of course I know what you mean. Or should I say, I felt?”

It’s Jinki turn to laugh this time, the way it sounds sent Kibum’s hand directly to his bangs and ruffles it messy.

“Now if you allow me, I need to go home and call my kid. It’s around the time she finished her school.”

Wow, a man with a baggage, Jinki sudden thought. But at least he admit Kibum’s a man of courage to go this far, unlike this ex-boyfriend he had that just a lump full of cowardliness. That makes Kibum more than his other flings. He might be too soon to fall, but he doesn’t care because Kibum seemed worth to fight for.

“When will I see you again?”

Kibum stopped by the threshold of the green house’s door. He turned his head and sincerely smiled to the stunned Jinki who sit alone by the bench.

“Spring. I’ll see you again on spring.”

Jinki smile to himself and scratch the back of his head that is not itchy at all.

“Spring is good.”

***

I wrote this on my AFF a while ago. Since I’m not going to write again until I finish my thesis and graduated, hopefully by September or October - finger-crossed, I thought it would be nice to cross-post it here. So, yeah. I appreciate all the support you all gave me up to now. Until I see you again, please be happy and be healthy :)

[onkey-bedtime-stories]

Toothbrush

Inspired by the song Toothbrush by DNCE. I like it so much even until now haha, for you who hasn’t heard it, go check here! Enjoy!

-------------

Her phone buzzed madly on the night stand, bumped into tin of the scented candle placed next to it, making it sounds even worse during the dawn. She groaned under the weight of an arm wrapped her waist tightly. Blindly reaching her phone, she just hoped it wasn’t her daily alarm even though it seems impossible for the only sounds like that would be her phone telling her to wake up and start her day.

6.23

“Oh, why,” she rolled her limb and saw the face of the other person who looks like a baby bear taking a nap peacefully, “How can you look this cute while sleeping?”

She wiped the sweat gathered on his nose and landed a quick peck on it.

“I need to leave, Babe.”

“Grhmhhrll.”

Chuckles released from her lips, her boyfriend’s certainly not a morning person, poles apart with her who took time in the morning to pamper herself. Nevertheless, she removed his arm and stepped her feet on the floor, grimace instantly hanging on her face when the coldness greeted her skin. She reached the nearest t-shirt splattered to her and threw it over her head, stretched her back a bit and paced around the room to find her purse.

He squint his eyes, complaining about how he deserves more sleep to knock out the jet lag. In between reality, he caught her collecting her stuffs, naked legs with his worn out t-shirt barely covering her ass globes. Such a beautiful view in the morning, but also such frustrating to fight the drowsiness when the sun is not even come out.

“Why so early in the morning..”

She walked back to the bed, soothing his back and peppering his milky shoulder with kisses.

“Lee Jinki, I have a class at 10 remember? And I need to go back home change my clothes and everything.”

The school she was teaching in is not that far from his apartment, actually. However, her place is forty minutes away from his, forcing her to do double commute to show up decent enough in front of those little kids. Sometimes she envy his job very much. Being a chef, if it’s not the purchasing day, he will leave the house to the restaurant only after lunch.

“Come on, I’m going to wash my face then send me off will you?”

It’s been two weeks they didn’t see each other because she was in charge with the annual student trip and he was visiting wine and food convention in Tuscany. Beside the amazing sex, she missed the quick lunch dates and the night in – basically his presence – so bad, no wonder she became extra clingy since the dinner last night.

“Okay, I really need to pee. When I get back here, I expect you to kiss me sober.”

He didn’t answer but she turned her heels anyway for she cannot hold the nature’s call anymore. After done with the business, she took small towel from the drawer next to the sink to dry her face later. What she didn’t realize until she faced the mirror is there are two toothbrushes attached on it. One is green and the other is pink.

Before she had the thoughts of him cheating behind her back, she caught the small letters engraved on each toothbrush. She practically threw the towel away and leaves the bathroom immediately just to find him back to sleep, now back facing her direction.

“You saw it?”

He asked, with the sexier sleepy voice ever in her opinion, when he felt her hand slipped under his arm and stroke his chest painstakingly slowly, while resting her head by the crook of his neck. Smile started creeping up his face.

“What is that?”

“Time-saver, Boonie.”

“Time-saver?”

He turned himself to see her better, even with blurry vision, she still looks stunning for him. He planted a lazy kiss on her lips before giving his answer.

“This way you can stay here longer and I can cuddle more.”

She cannot hide her excitement anymore. After sharing one long kiss, she dragged herself to strangle him, sitting dangerously at his lower abdomen, both faces gleaming with too much affection toward each other.

“So, are you ready for another round?”

“Always.”

***

[iceamericanoventi]

Blank Space - Chapter 10

Part 9

———————

“Must you go now?”

Kim Gwiboon looks like an upset puppy, messed up hair, flushed cheeks while wearing his old t-shirt with nothing underneath is actually his favorite view in the morning.

“Well, not now exactly.. I need to go back home, take a shower, take my laptop, maybe grab something from nearby coffee shop and meet my professor.”

“Not only your house that has a bathroom, you know? You can take a shower here, I still have your t-shirts.”

Jinki raised his eyebrows in question, this kind of scene is an impossible picture if they look back to one month ago. What kind of meteor fell down the earth spreading its radiation to mae her behaves this clingy?

“Let me tell you something. This is what’d happened if I take a shower here. I went inside, two minutes later you’d sneak in. That’d make ten minutes shower turned into one hour. And we would take our time to dry each other, that’s another hour. Don’t forget that I still need to drive home to pick my laptop. But before I reached that door over there,” Jinki pointed behind his back, “You’d say it’s cold and want a quick cuddle then poof. It’s twelve already and I lost my appointment with my super busy professor.”

Gwiboon can only kick the blanket for everything he just said is exactly like she planned inside her head. She pressed herself to his side, restraining him getting off the bed. Jinki’s heart softens after seeing how sulky she is.

He pecked her quickly and reached his t-shirt on the floor blindly.

“Don’t worry, I will be back later.”

“If I give you another round of last night, will you stay?”

“Hmmm. That is actually very tempting, but I am more tempted with a diploma in my hand, Babe.”

“Lee Jinki, everyone,” she propped herself with her elbow hovering Jinki, peppering every inches of his face with butterfly kisses, “You surpassed everyone I’ve ever met.”

When he finally able to put his t-shirt on, he cupped her cheeks and threw the question he’s been dying to ask since the first minute he opened his eyes and found out Gwiboon being a lady sloth.

“Seriously. What has gotten into you?”

“You.”

“What?”

“I said, you.”

“Kim Gwiboon, I asked what has gotten into you.”

“And I answered, you.”

“Well, I’m not talking specifically about last night, though. But I got it.”

Gwiboon could only roll her eyes when he winked suggestively, “How can you be pervert and still charming at the same time, I actually have no idea.”

“That’s the secret of Lee Jinki’s life. Stay around a little bit and you’ll know how. And even more.”

“Why should I stay around if you’re leaving like this?”

“For God’s sake, it’s not like I go half the world away. What’s wrong with you this morning?”

Her face frozen hearing the words came so easily from his mouth. Though Jinki doesn’t know what the reason behind her bitter expression is, he felt guilty anyway. He slipped his hand to her back and closes the gap for a lazy kiss, the kind of kiss he always left her whenever they parted ways.

“Take a long and warm shower. Grab some croissant or sandwich, your preference, and I’ll see you again soon. It won’t be long. If you want, you can wait in my building.”

“And getting this strange look from the other student? Better yet, some whispering behind my back? Forget it,” Gwiboon released herself from his warm embrace, “Once you step out that door, you’re done.”

“Even if I got us dinner reservation?”

“That’s exactly why I wanted you to stay. I’ve already had a date for later.”

“It’s not even 24 hours since I failed to keep my promise. I almost forgot that you’re Kim Gwiboon after the clingy moment just now.”

“I told you since the very beginning, right? I don’t chase.”

He grabbed his jacket suit and hugged her from the back, locking his eyes to her reflection on the mirror of her vanity.

“And who’s the lucky guy, if I may know?”

“Only someone from the past. The one that got away.”

“If he’s better than me, what can I say, then,” he buried his face where her neck meets her shoulder, “Is he?”

“At some point?”

“So I still have something I can win you over?”

“Of course.. Another thing you should know about me, I never lower my standard. It’s getting better and better all the time.”

“That’s why I like you. What’s my bad then?”

“You said you have important appointment you don’t even want to take shower here, have you not heard yourself?”

“I can spend more twenty minutes to make sure that no one can overpass me.”

“Look who’s the ambitious one. You really want me to list down your flaws?”

“Let us call those constructive critics.”

“First, you are shorter.”

“You don’t even think for a second.”

“That is obvious. If you stand side by side with him, even a toddler can say that you’re shorter.”

“Height is not something that I can control anyway. You see yourself Taemin is as tall as me. It’s not something that I can change.”

“Too much excuses before breakfast is a no no. Ah, more important thing. He’s always there to drop me everywhere.”

“Is he a driver? Does he even have life?”

“That’s what you called priority. He put me on the top list. Also, he has abs, bigger eyes, way more athletic than you.”

“Should I start hitting the gym?”

“I’ll burn your car if you do. Once you start working out like him, you’d overdo your thighs. Now is perfect. Besides, I don’t want you to lose the side fat on your tummy.”

“You do have a lot to please.”

“It just came naturally.. I always set the bar higher than anyone.”

“Now tell me why you’re not with him anymore when based on my rough calculation, he got higher grade?”

“Simple, he left me for some random girl,” she pecked his lips quickly, “See the pattern here? I don’t like being left behind..”

Jinki didn’t say anything. He just pressed her chest closer to him and tracing her jaw bit by bit, and gave her a deep kiss at the end.

“How can I leave someone like you when every single time I woke up in the morning I’m the one who’s afraid you’ve changed your mind and realized spending time with me is a mistake?”

She frowns immediately, doesn’t even care if it’s showing too much her feeling. He tucked her hair behind her ears to see her face better, “But as far I know, Minho you’ve dated before, is what people called a hybrid of Greek God and Avenger.”

“Woman 101, Lee Jinki. Any girl in the world prefers reality than some myth.”

“I think I skip that lesson the first year of college.”

“Yeah, first year of college you had been dating that hipster girl who happened to have watermelon dangling on her chest.”

“If I know you’re this good with research, I will push you to the heritage office in my department. They need more people for the historical city revitalization.”

She slapped his chest and peeled herself from him.

“Go away, you idiot. You can just say you don’t like me.”

“If we meet again for the first time, even in the next life, I think there’s no chance I would say I don’t like you. No matter how, even if our path doesn’t even cross to each other.”

“Cut the crap out,” Gwiboon try to hide the tears started to well up her eyes, “Talk to me again when you already became a very successful architect. I don’t deal with amateur. Now give me my last kiss and off you go!”

“I said, I can have extra twenty minutes here, right? Are you up for a quick one?”

Gwiboon turned her heels with such intriguing words. The moment she caught his hooded eyes getting excited and shameful at the same time, she pushed her oversize t-shirt above her head, some hair strand fell off her loose messy bun. Jinki doesn’t need to ask twice.

***

“Choi Minho’s speaking!”

“What was that?”

“Was what?”

“The greeting? Since when you picked your phone with some James Bond attitude?”

“I don’t know what are you talking about but I’ve been like this since a very long time ago, you ignorant girl.”

“Don’t make me peed my pants. The other day when we talked you didn’t sound so pretentious like this.”

“The other day, and the day before, and the weeks before, I’ve been the one who called you and not vice versa because you’re too busy with your prince charming you decide to ditch your best friend. Thank you very much.”

“Aw, my ex-boyfriend is jealous.. that’s so cute. I didn’t ditch you! Besides, Prince Charming only exists in Disney movie, Mango.”

Scoff and grunt came from the other line, “Stop calling me Mango! Last week my junior suddenly gave me pack of peeled and neatly cut mango because she thought I’m a major fan of the fruit.”

“SHE?!”

“That’s the only thing you care? Really?”

Gwiboon laughs with her whole body, with Minho, everything’s easy and just flowing like that. Drop of pain tainted her chest for a split of second when the thought of having more distance with him soon across her mind.

“It’s just because it’s been so long I haven’t heard about you dating or having a crush, of course that’s the only thing I care about. So. Does she look cute?”

“She does look cute so stop embarrassing me with the stupid nickname. Now, what’s your problem disturbing my peaceful life?”

“Wow. Just because she’s cute now you’re being mean to me? Unbelievable.”

“As if you’re not the one who’s been missing in action after all.”

“I have a show to prepare, you giant frog!”

“Show my ass, nothing about the show stored inside the Lee’s resident yet you’re there almost a week. Who’s the unbelievable now?”

She can totally see the smirk on his spiteful face right now, “Remind me to send a grenade to Lee Taemin later.”

Another cracks blew from Minho’s end, “No, seriously. What do you need?”

“You’re not going to ask how am I doing these days?”

“I know already. You’re stressed, but happy. Then anxious, but happy. And also depressed, but happy. Thanks to Mr. Architect who apparently makes every single night bearable with the steamy, wonderf—“

“Stop talking about my love life!”

“Oooo, it’s a love life already?”

“You and your big mouth can rot in hell!”

“I’m just stating the fact. Why you’re mad at me?”

“Whatever. What time are you going to be here?”

“The Prince Charming is gone? Why do I feel like I’m a mistress?”

“My friend, we need to get you laid. You’re talking non sense.”

“Just because you can get laid so easily and had fun because of that, doesn’t mean it’s the only solution in everyday life, honey.”

“You know that hurts, right?”

Minho didn’t say anything for solid two minutes. He put the phone on the top of his chest and punched his thigh for slipping some irrational jokes that she hates the most.

“I’m sorry, I wasn’t being sensitive. I’m truly sorry, Kim Gwiboon.”

“No need. I think this is just the way universe talked to me, you know this stupid karmic shit people talked about.”

“No, no, no, it’s not, honey. You’re a great person. You just tried to protect yourself. Forget it. I was just in a very cranky mood and I think my subconscious just wanted other people as annoyed as I am.”

“At this point, I don’t give a damn, if my life’s meant to be ruined so let it be. It’s not like we can do shit about that. Anyway. Talking about how horrendous my life is actually is not why I called you at the first place.”

“Still. I’m so sorry, Gwiboon.”  

“No big deal. Compare to what’s in my back right now, really, piece of cake.”

“So, tell me.”

“What time you can come over?”

“You’re still doing it?”

“Well, gotta start with something.”

“That something is supposed to tell Jinki how you feel. Or tell Jonghyun you’re leaving. Not just throwing your stuff outside the window.”

“It’s not outside the window, it will be packed nicely and you’ll be here helping me to sort which I need and which I don’t. So, see you in an hour? Don’t forget to bring me the empty boxes and ten inch subway sandwich.”

***

“Yo! Lovebirds!”

Jinki tilted his head to the source of loud voice and he saw Minho bounced from the glass door swung closed behind him to the counter.

“I think Taemin rub him off that bad,” Jinki then quietly sipping his coffee. In his surprise though, Gwiboon didn’t roll her eyes and snarled some light curse as usual whenever Minho bumped into their way. Instead, she waved to him, signaling the tall guy to come closer which is another surprise for Jinki. The other day Gwiboon would shoo him away even before he got a chance to notice them in the crowd.

“What are you doing here?”

“Err.. getting my coffee?”

Jinki’s eyes darted back and forth between the two who’re flaunting awkwardness more than necessary.

“Join us if you have time,” Jinki just being his friendly self, doesn’t even bothered with the fact that he’s Gwiboon’s ex-boyfriend, which is kind of upsetting the girl sitting in front of him.

“Nah. I need to catch some lecture in..,” he glanced his watch, “… thirty minutes. Besides, being the third person without stripping all this clothing article is not my preference.”

Minho winked by the end and Jinki took the joke very well, cracking on the spot, not yet realized that there’s another person in the loop who doesn’t enjoy it a bit.

“Jinki said you’ve been hanging around with Taemin too much.”

“That’s probably true. I started losing my stuffs as well.”

“Apologize on behalf my brother. Such a bad influence.”

“You shouldn’t. his fans nowadays also flattering me with abundant affections so, it’s a mutualism I think.”

The more Jinki and Minho absorbed into exciting conversation, the more Gwiboon sitting restless on her seat. She kept giving him a signal with he whole face but the charm of Lee Jinki is too strong for anyone to just ignore him. Sometimes Gwiboon wished, Jinki returned to his jealousy rage state like when she had Jinwoon entailed her every step she took. That would make everything easier.

“That’s what I’m saying! Anyway, catch you guys later. Gotta rush to the campus. Nice to talk with you, Jinki! We should hang around more! Oh, and, Gwi. Let me know if you still need a hand to pack your stuffs. I think I also have some unused box, just in case you may need it.”

Her face slightly lit more, “Great. I don’t think I need more boxes, just a hand to carry the whole things down.”

“Alright, then. Text me anytime. Later, Lovebirds!”

Minho finished his coffee in one gulp and dashed away less than thirty seconds. Gwiboon played innocent and continue enjoying her cheesecake, pretty much aware a pair of eyes shooting her strong wave of confusion.

“You’re packing something?”

“Just my stuffs.”

“Your stuffs?”

“Yeah, my stuffs.. like books, clothes, mannequins, shoes..”

“I didn’t know you do some charity.”

“I don’t. I’m only moving out the dorm.”

“Only moving out the dorm?”

He stressed the word ‘only’ hoping the girl who looks uninterested with the talk care to explain further what is actually going on.

“Well, yeah, I decided to go back home. Since you know, me and Jonghyun kind of back to the square one and restart everything.”

“And out of all this you find it unnecessary to tell me?”

She stopped stuffing the dessert into her mouth and take Jinki’s hand in her.  Gwiboon played with his stiffen knuckles, a gesture started grew in her whenever she get nervous around him, which Jinki failed to notice.

“Because it’s not a big deal. It’s only the matter where I sleep at night.”

“And regarding the place where you sleep at night you’re obligated to tell Minho in advance?”

She can feel her heart trembles, “Wow. Is the famous Lee Jinki jealous?”

“It’s not the time to kid around, Kim Gwiboon,” he pulled his hand rather too quick, didn’t give a chance for Gwiboon to even fall into surprise, “You mend your relationship to Jonghyun. You share everything with Minho. What am I then? An outcast?”

“You know what are we.. We agreed to take everything lightly. To go with the flow. Don’t you hate something like putting a label?”

“Oh, for God’s sake. We’re done using that as an excuse, I’m just asking you here why you think I don’t need to know that you’re coming back home. After those countless night I tried to convince you to talk everything out with your brother instead running away from it?”

“Why you’re so mad about this? Can we take this one lightly as well? We pranked each other before, right? This time isn’t anything different from that, is it? You go there with restrained groin trying to find your release and then surprise! I’m not there! Isn’t it fun? Too bad that toad-face blew up my whole plan.”

Jinki’s jaw sharpened after the words passed through his ear. He tried to compose himself in such short time since he’s pretty aware with their surroundings, lots of couple and a mother with a toddler is right behind their table.

“So you said me coming after you, me always trying to stand by your side, listening to you, comforting you is a kind of a joke?”

“Come on Jinki. Where’s the fun? Why so serious?”

Gwiboon drew her best effort to look as casual as possible. No one beside herself understands how storm and thunder currently occupied her vines every other second. By the look plastered on Jinki’s face, she knew that she pulled the last string of him for today.

“Are you still mad at me for not attending your show?”

“What are you saying? I’m not five, Jinki. I am so used to disappointment.”

“Then why you’re being immature like this?”

“Excuse you? Me being immature would be refuse to see you forever right after I failed to find you on your assigned seat that night. Me being immature would be yelling at your face and making fuss about the whole you-promised-me-already-you-are-really-disappointing. Wouldn’t I?”

Nothing can seem soften Jinki’s face at this point. Not even when Gwiboon rest her hand above his, he felt his fist clenched tighter. However, Gwiboon has no intention to unwrap herself even though she’s completely conscious of that.

She sighed when Jinki’s eyes wander around the room but not her. He can’t help but gulp down when she took his hand and settle it on her cheek, holding it with both of her hands as if it’s a very delicate creature.

“Jinki,” he didn’t budge at all, so she soften her voice, “Hey, Jinki.. look at me.”

The moment he landed his eyes on hers, the restless feeling boiled under Gwiboon’s skin. That expression, is something she never seen coming from Jinki.

“Kim Gwiboon.”

She slowly retreads her hands when she noticed Jinki caressing her cheek with his own will. She puffed the bangs fell of his forehead and swiped it to the side to show her more of his eyes.

“Sorry I said you’re immature. But if this is your way getting back to me for not telling you stuff, then we can talk about it. Not without such a juvenile way like this.”

“Are you saying you’re hiding something for me?”

Silent squeak roamed inside Jinki’s throat. He hates the fact he can be so clumsy and careless sometimes.

“I’m just thinking maybe you think I’m hiding something for you, so that’s why you’re being like this to me.”

Jinki realized he said something non sense, but it was his last resource not to make everything’s messier.

“I see. You’re hiding something from me.”

“What?”

“You think I’m the type who holding grudge? What about you who can’t be honest with me?”

“Why are you being like this? Is this your way? Turning everything against people around you when the main issue is you? When are you going to grow up?!”

The couple on the next table tilted their head not so secretly, interested with their quarrel after JInki raised his voice.

“Stop it. Last time we screamed at each other in public we ended up not talking for weeks.”

“Then let’s go. We have hundreds to talk about.”

He collected his jacket and ready to move. On the other side of the table, Gwiboon’s not having it and didn’t shift any bit. She shot her head up when stern gaze drilling her side of skull.

“Why? I’m not finish. Can’t you see?”

She lifted the halfway cake on the plate near her cup innocently.

“Don’t test me, Kim Gwiboon.”

“I don’t. You can leave first if you want. I’ll catch you up after I’m done.”

The fact that they came to the place together with Jinki’s car is making him questioning her thoughtless words, “Are you kidding me? It’s drizzling madly outside. How can I leave you alone here?”

“I ramble around by myself before you. You shouldn’t worry a thing.”

His pride’s torn into pieces after hearing it. Without further ado, he turned his heels and marched toward the entrance.

Gwiboon closed her eyes with such measure not to spill brimming tears. She reached out her phone and went down the contact list to find the name she needs.

“Hey, Mango. He left.”

“When?”

“Just now.”

“Are you okay?”

“Of course not. By the way.  Thank you for keeping your promise to mention about the moving day even if you hate it so much. So. Meet me at my house?”

***

Here you go! I just did a very quick check so hopefully it's not a mess. Also, I hate to tell you this, but seeing this already this far, I think it's safe for me to say, this beloved story will only have three more chapters! I'm happy and also sad because I really like writing this one. Thanks for all your support! Means a lot! As usual, I wish you all the happiness in the world! XOXO

cross-posted to my AFF

Part 11

[iceamericanoventi]

Snippet from what I wrote and posted in my AFF. Should I post it here as well? Hmmm.

[onkey-bedtime-stories]

seal the deal

This one is for the anon who requested #36. Thanks for being a really patient with me, sorry it’s waaaay too late since you requested! Anyway, hope you like it :)

Prompt is from this list

—————————————

It’s 2 degree outside and only by standing next to the window itself, anyone can tell how brutal it is the wind blowing in the evening. Some people down the street looks hardly walking in such weather and for some whom strong enough crossing the sidewalk pacing as fast as they can, almost running to find any close shelter to warm their freezing bodies.

“Honey, stop standing like a power pole over there! Go change your clothes we need to leave in thirty minutes!”

“Can we just watch a movie and fall asleep on the couch?”

Kibum’s heels feel like it stuck on the ground, his brows are knitted together eyes ready to murder someone. He spent the last hour picking which shirt and pants would match his new coat, even laid down every option on the bed and took a picture of each set only to check whether it’s photogenic enough when the camera captured him.

“What did you just said?”

Seeing how angry his boyfriend is, Jinki walked closer to his side, took his hand and sit on the head of the sofa, “Baby, it’s cold outside.. And as much as I want to spend this evening having dinner with you, I’d rather stay home covered under the warm blanket.”

“Jinki! Do you even know how hard it is to make reservation to that fancy restaurant? Since Minho announced as the sexiest restauranteur of the year, we can barely even sit at its bar! And this guy couldn’t slip our reservation until tonight!”

“I know, Baby.. Minho told us himself when we visited Jonghyun’s new house two weeks ago.”

Kibum tried to release himself from Jinki’s manmade cocoon, “That’s why.”

“But who knows the weather would be this awful?”

“Old man, we’re going by car, not walking.”

“Still..,” he started putting the poor bunny face, pouting in front of Kibum’s eyes knowing it’s the latter’s weakness, “I’d rather cuddling with you here tonight. Thousand times better than eating delicious roasted chicken at the best restaurant in town.”

Kibum knows he lost the battle already before he could raise any objection, “Don’t you dare giving me that look! You knew it by textbook that would be my Achilles’s heel!”

The man before him smiling so bright, eyes almost missing trapped between the fat of his cheeks. He pulled Kibum closer to him, bring the man to sit on his laps and started nuzzling the edge of Kibum’s jaw.

“That’s why,” he pecked Kibum’s lips lazily which the latter still muttering some disappointment while on it, “So? Can we stay home tonight? I’ll text Minho right away and give the table to someone else.”

Though he already gave up, Kibum still cared about his belly.

“We still need to eat! I’ve been starve myself since the afternoon knowing I will eat my favorite pasta for dinner!”

“We can always order take out.”

He turned to his right and slapped Jinki right on his arm, “That’s not healthy! Last week you already ate take out for three nights straight!”

“In my defense, that’s because you’ve out of town and kept warning me not to burn the house down!”

He pinched his boyfriend nose which resulted to Jinki groans annoyingly, “Don’t give me another excuse! You can still have dinner with Taemin or Jonghyun!”

“Come on, baby.. Let’s just stay home tonight, we can eat a lot without afraid spilling some sauce on the expensive table cloth and Sister Acts is on Netflix tonight. Besides, I miss you so much.. I want to have you tonight for myself..”

Jinki started rubbing his nose to Kibum’s side and caressing his thighs, trying to persuade him even more.

“You’ve been planning this whole scam, haven’t you?”

“Of course not! Having dinner outside is my favorite! Where else I can show you off to those envious stare? I got the best boyfriend in the universe, all I want is walking a parade every eyes in the world blinded by his charm.”

“You and your sweet talk can rot in hell!”

“If we stay home tonight, tomorrow we can have lunch together with Taemin and Jonghyun. I’ll thread them to squeeze us to their schedule. Then after I’ll take you to your favorite shop to buy the coat you’ve been adored since last month?”

Kibum is tempted, but still upset with the sudden change of plan. Though, Jinki still able to catch the sparks lit in his boyfriend’s eyes.

“You think what I cared is only those material stuff?”

“Not even slightly.. I just want to spend the night cuddling and making out with you on the couch until we cannot even stay sober.. What if I scratch your back while we’re watching the movie? Hmm?”

Lee Jinki gives the best back scratch in the world and the image of him running down his stubby fingers up and down his spine might be the best break for Kibum’s horrible night.

“Okay, you win this time,” Kibum give Jinki long kissed before making a new deal, “You text Minho and call the food, I’ll go change and get the blanket and pillow. Oh, and honey, that coat would be nice with new pair of shoes.”

Jinki’s grinning from ear to ear, shaking his head weakly, feeling content, and realizing why he fell for Kibum over and over again.

***

Two limbs tangled on each under piles of blanket, the screen display their favorite movie. On the table, some boxes of take out neglected without nothing left inside, already devoured to the last bit.

Jinki stir in his place to adjust his position to make his left hand move easily. On the top him, Kibum lay down comfortably on his chest, while Jinki’s hand completely slipped under his top’s pajama.

“Oh this is so comfortable.”

Without lifting his head, Kibum scoffed to his statement, “Told you, investment on silk pajamas and wool blanket is always worth it.”

“And investment to the very gorgeous boyfriend is a lifetime reward, isn’t it?”

He jolted from his place, using his elbow to support his head, the sharp bone poking Jinki’s chest, making him grimacing in pain, “Excuse me?”

Jinki just winked and quickly pecked Kibum’s lips, three years together he still can’t get enough of his beauty and scent.

“Thanks for staying home with me, Kim Kibum.”

Kibum cupped Jinkis face, palm resting to both sides of his cheeks, adoring the perfect mixture of cute and sexy drawn all over his boyfriend, “Keep scratching or this will be your last kiss of the night.”

“Aye aye, Captain!”

Kibum resting his lips on Jinki’s for a minute before he went back to snuggle on Jinki’s chest. Like an autopilot, Jinki’s hand started to rub along his spine again, scratching his back on Kibum’s favorite spot. The best night in ever.

***

Hi! I’m (sorta) back! Life been so stressful lately, grad school is so demanding and the loss of my uncle didn’t help at all. I hope you like it! Please mind the grammar because my brain is not working properly now. Enjoy! XOXO

[iceamericanoventi]

Blank Space - Chapter 7

Part 6

———————

Screaming, crying, perfect storms, I can make all the tables turn

Rose garden filled with thorns

Keep you second guessing like "Oh my God, who is she?"

I get drunk on jealousy

But you'll come back each time you leave

'Cause, darling, I'm a nightmare dressed like a daydream

“Naah, I’m not going tonight.”

Jinki balanced his phone between his ear and shoulder while restarting the laptop in front of him.

“But you have skipped lots of gigs lately! That’s not fair.”

Taemin groans from the other side, anyone can tell he’s more than annoyed by his voice.

“How come it’s not fair? It’s not like I got paid doing nothing.”

“Mom said we shouldn’t count our good deeds but my dear brother, I got you famous. Remember?”

“Tell me once again, so you meant I should help myself for something I didn’t ask for? Do I look like God or what? It’s not my choice that I appeared charming to those people.”

Taemin snorts, “Wow. Look how cocky you are now.”

“I know right?” Jinki sure knows how to tease his brother.

“Come on, Jinki! You cannot do this to me. This supposed to be done by two people, not a lone troop!”

“Since when you got fancy words from your mouth? You may start writing your own music, baby brother!”

“Screw you and your girl!”

“Hey! Leave her alone! She has nothing to do with anything!”

“As if,” Taemin scoffed and kicked the foot of his bed, and thank God he wears his boots because the sound is not pretty, “You’ve been away from home more than three days. Everyone knows you will get it right away that you’re with her. I probably should tell Mom to hire a wedding planner as soon as possible.”

“The hell with you, Lee Taemin! I’m struggling to get my work done here and you’re out of the lash spreading some cheap rumor, does that sound supportive?”

Satisfied with his little revenge, Taemin’s ready to cut the call.

“Gotta go! I have no time for traitor! When I make it to place record with Minho, you will never get an autograph from me!”

Jinki cracks when he had no chance to say anything after Taemin left the line hanging on the other side.

“What happened?” Gwiboon asks when she returned from the bathroom.

“Taemin is such a little girl sometimes,” Jinki turned his head to the side and almost got a heart attack when he saw Gwiboon only wrapped with towel, thighs covered not even half, his mouth went dry with the view, “Ermm, can you not? How am I suppose to do if you.. you know, dress like that?”

She couldn’t believe what she just heard, “What do you expect from someone got off the bathroom? I just finished shower, not going to attend a banquet! You and you uncontrollable desire can be so handful sometime!”

When she walked across the room as if nothing happened, Jinki is more than convinced that the heat crept up his face is not because of room’s temperature. He shakes his head lightly, gave up with the circumstance, it’s Gwiboon’s room anyway.

Jinki camped there since four days ago. Initially, to finish some drawings since he needs to submit some draft by the beginning of next week. Initially. But what can he do when he only have limited space, 28 square meter to be exact, with the prettiest girl he ever encountered in his life who turned out having quite strange habit – if he might say – to take of her pants whenever she reached her room. However, this time he’s lucky enough to survive the trial. The other day when he sneaked inside her room after bribing the guard downstairs, Gwiboon open the door smiling so wide with oversized worn out t-shirt one sleeve fell of the shoulder showing perfect skin on it. The second she hugged him, he knew there’s nothing under that blessed piece of clothes.

Usually, Jinki will lock himself inside his room or move to the studio at the left wing at the campus which known to be a public hotel for the last year students. But lately, the studio is too crowded. Plus, Jonghyun will be there. Doesn’t matter how much he wants to resolve the cold treatment Jonghyun gave him since he found Jinki’s been going out with Gwiboon, the words just didn’t roll off his mouth and the urge to hide whenever Jonghyun in his sight is slightly bigger than his guts.

To think about it, it’s not Jonghyun’s fault to come out cold. Jinki’s the one who avoid him at the first time and somehow just lost his track on the way. On the other hand, as the nature of Kim Jonghyun, he doesn’t really care about his sister’s affair. Well, not that he wanted people to see it, though.

“Taemin’s okay? It’s been a while I didn’t see him. I think since he started to take the part time job as junior graphic designer at that lifestyle magazine.”

“Yeah, he’s barely home these days my Mom started to think to cross his name of her will. Tonight he has a gig, and he asked me to go with him.”

“So?”

Jinki looked to Gwiboon’s direction, her eyes saying why-you’re-still-here-then. He stretched his back a little bit, “I love singing but Taemin always loves it more. I used to go on the stage with him because he was scared. So I encourage him and offered to accompany him on some gigs. Now that he found his way, I don’t think he needs me anymore. Or maybe I’m just lazy.”

“So?" she repeated her word, "If I were you, I’d be so stressed if I stayed inside the house hours and hours without any break.”

She casually slips her panties whilst, judged by the tremble on his jaw, Jinki tried so hard tune down his heart beating, “Of course I get stressed. But going out there with my mind kept telling me that I still have so much to do make me even more stressed.”

Gwiboon walked closer to him, messed with his hair and kissed his side, “You should just go. Take a breath a bit.”

“By any chance, are you kicking me out?”

Contrary with her nice intention, Jinki’s voice raised from what it supposed to be. Gwiboon stoned on her ankles, her arms hung on the air for seconds before pushed down the big t-shirt and peeled the towel from her skin.

“Excuse me? I just said go out there for two or three hours, take some fresh air, it won’t hurt. You can go back whenever you want. I know you are a hard worker but that’s not how you do it. Since yesterday you’ve been staring on that screen not drawing any other line than two boxes on the left.”

When talking about details, Gwiboon is the best. And used to be Jinki’s major stalker, she owned a skill for collecting clues, information, and evidence with single glance only.

“Besides, I need to prepare the layout of the catalog for the fashion week. This room will turn into a sunken ship when I started to spread all those mock up dress. And I will have no more extra hand to cheer you up while your photoshop crashed for the nth time.”

Jinki let out bitter chuckles, “Wait, wait. Am I disturbing you?”

“Oh, here we go again. Don’t you get it? I am the one who afraid will disturb you with my works. I cannot use the studio because the first years are currently using it exclusively to prepare their class assessment. We are very busy and tensed with our projects, one of us should spare some common sense, and for this time I am volunteering myself to remind you that you’re too exhausted already.”

The dejected look on his face tells her that none of her words are taken.

“Don’t humor me, Gwiboon, you know it’s useless. You can just say that you want me to leave, I have no problem with that. But listened to you drive me out this way, doesn’t help. At all. What’s with the purposely soft tones? I’m not a baby who will easily get deceived with your lure.”

The second he finished his word, he mentally slit his throat for saying some stupid stuffs to Gwiboon. This must be nicotine deprivation, Jinki thought. The more he spent his time with Gwiboon, the more he didn’t smoke. She confiscated his cigarette right away whenever that thing appeared before them. For his own good, she said.

“Are you on your period or what? Or you just forgot to tell me that you are excessively sensitive over tiny things?”

Jinki rises from the small couch near the window where Gwiboon set up there to make second working space if her desk was too boring, collects his other belonging and shoved his laptop to his backpack.

“I had a feud with my best friend for nothing then, huh?”

“Come again?”

“Nothing.”

She grabbed his chin, forcing his eyes to be on the same level with her. She doesn’t look pleased at all.

“It’s your choice to stay or leave, Lee Jinki. I never once give you an order to detach yourself from your brother. OR MY BROTHER. It’s your damn choice!”

He removed her hand carefully from his face. As much as he mad at her right now, he doesn’t want to harm Gwiboon, “You already know what I said, huh? Why bother asking me then?”

She bites her inner cheek to calm her down before exploded into some mess.

“Are we having our first fight? Because if it’s so, I’m not. Something must be wrong with you. I just suggested you to take a break and you’re offended out of nowhere? What the hell!”

“Suggested? Seriously? This what you called suggestion? Pushing me away once you got bored on me so you can.. I don’t know.. maybe hangout with some random dude you like the usual infamous Kim Gwiboon? Do I look like fucking spare-part for you?”

Restless with the atmosphere, he accused her for something which actually only happened in his mind due to his own paranoia. It’s not like Gwiboon uncomfortable with his presence so close to her. The truth is, it was the first for Gwiboon, having someone sharing the same air under her roof more than 24 hours besides Jonghyun. Not even Minho. Before this, Jinki only spent the night and went back to his sanctuary in the morning for the next two or three days before his voice greeted her again on the phone or the door of her studio. It feels new. Feels a little bit foreign.

And beyond that, Gwiboon had been skipping her bistro duty for some days. Her father started to interrogate her and she ran out of excuses already.

“Why you always turn everything into some scenario that I’m a whore who supposed to be very guilty by your denunciation and you're the poor man who made terrible mistake by being with me?”

Jinki's heart flopped to the end of his abdomen, which at this moment seems bottomless. She's not crying. Unlike the first time he accused her of doing some shit. But the torn eyes stared sternly to his own tells him everything more than she would say by words.

“Tell me what my fault is for you always suspect me doing something behind your back.”

Gwiboon has a trust issue. However, apparently, Jinki has bigger one. He didn’t mean to say say something hurtful. It’s his automatic self-defense whenever he felt insecure, which he hopes he never had intention to ever do that. Seeing how it goes right now, it’s more like a boomerang instead of a shield.

“Shit.”

He unconsciously took a pack of cigarette on his jacket pocket and light it up right away while he still gathering his stuff. And Gwiboon is not pleased with the view, but this time she restrained her hands to snatch it away.

“You think you’re allowed to smoke here?”

“Some douchebags might as well smoked on those countless nights, am I right?”

“Just leave when you finished writing the novel inside your head.”

Once again, she didn’t cry. She just left Jinki standing awkwardly there and rushed to the bathroom before she slammed the door so hard, Jinki can feel soft wind sweep his cheek when it swung closed.

He wanted to leave, but he just can’t. So he marches to the bathroom door and knocked it with all his might.

“Gwiboon, I’m so sorry. I’m really sorry.”

He realized he crossed the line, but for Gwiboon is way too late. She’s not the nicest girl in the world, she knew that. But it doesn’t give him right to judge her for whatever seemed favorable to him at the moment.

Gwiboon promised herself not to cry again over a man. But Lee Jinki seems to be an exception. When she heard light steps leaving the room, she melts down on the cold tiled floor.

***

“Kim Gwiboon!”

She adjusted the silk and put the last pin on the tall model in front of her before stepped back and observed the model’s waist line. The model turns around when she asked, but when she faced her again, something’s still off and she can only shake her head in disappointment.

“Yaa! Kim Gwiboon!”

She let out subtle growl and tells the model to have fifteen minutes break.

“This hall is exclusive for the fashion design department, you ogre!”

“I am part of the lighting design! That makes me 100% allowed around here!”

She rolled her eyes out of habit, “Can you see I’m busy?”

“You’re not the only one!” Minho flails a piece of paper in front of her face, “You got two hours. Maximum two and half.”

She scanned the paper and got blood rushed to her head, “Are you guys out of your mind? How can I get only two hours?”

“Your girls are going to walk no more than one hour!”

“But to make a perfect one hour walk you need lots of time of rehearsing! You think it’s easy to walk down the stage while hundreds eyes anchored to you ready to scream out tiny mistake you accidently made? You people are so shallow!”

Minho sighed, as if knowing this is exactly what would happen, “Don’t throw your tantrum on me! I just delivered lighting schedule.”

“Oh now you turned into a messenger after some important lighting designer is not giving you sort of privilege you wanted?” Gwiboon jumped of the stage to be on the same eye level with her best friend, more than five years he knows him, he still awed by her ability to jump and run on heels, “Who is in charge with this shit? I need at least one whole night to check everything, Mangoooo.”

Embarrassed by the nickname he raised his hand right away, “I got you a whole night but it can only be done on Wednesday.”

“I’ll take Wednesday! I can finish everything this Sunday! Or even Saturday! On Monday and Tuesday it would be only the final touch.”

“Wednesday? What about your bistro duty?”

Obvious frown appeared on her pale face, Minho really wants to help but he has no idea what he should do.

“Gwiboon?”

“I’ll take Wednesday! I’m taking double shift this weekend.”

Saturday and Sunday supposed to be her quality control day, Minho knows it very well, “Are you in your right mind? That won’t do. I know your tailor schedule. You need to asses bunch of sample those days!”

“Let me take care of myself. All I need from you is make the whole Wednesday for me and my crew. Exclusively. Can you do that?”

Minho can only sighed, he took out a pen and scribbled something on his notepad, “Remind me to send you the loading’s rundown tomorrow night.”

“You’re the best!”

And Gwiboon just flew back to her station leaving Minho with his mixed feeling.

***

“One salmon and one lamb for the table 5! Two pouched pear for table 18! Last one!”

“Thank God.”

Gwiboon wiped her forehead and headed back to her station. Though the bistro belongs to her father, she’s still under the sous chef – sous chef’s assistant as he introduced her for the first time – making her jam-packed with rage toward the way of her father’s thinking. It’s Friday night, all tables are booked and orders keep coming to the kitchen, leaving her to hours without even rest her finger down. She had been purposely avoiding weekend previously. However, since the next two weeks she wouldn’t be able to do her duty, the schedule needs to be rearranged. And it costs her two cuts on her finger and one dessert plate smashed to the ground.

The head chef’s clearly not happy with that.

“Kim Gwiboon, can I talk to you for a minute?”

“Yes, Chef!”

She immediately entailed him to the vegetable’s stockroom.

“Are you okay?”

He asked once the door completely shut behind her.

“Of course, Chef. I’m just tired.”

“You sure?” she looked at her left hand with two fingers wrapped in rubber protector, “I don’t care what’s your father intention suddenly putting you here. What I care is all my employees are present 100%. And you, my little friend, no matter how you hate this, you never disappointed me before. You worked hard like a horse. Well, at least before tonight.”

“I’m sorry, Chef.”

“I remembered thirteen years ago you wore that apron which too big for you that time, it looked like a dress instead. You were running around the kitchen helping me carrying the bell peppers. I wonder where that little girl had gone.”

She’s completely not aware where this conversation is going to end and decided not to say anything until the man before her asking her opinion.

“The point is, Gwiboon,” somehow he seemed able to catch the confusion roaming the air, “Don’t force yourself. I know this is like volunteer work for you. I know I cannot help but asking you to keep attending your schedule. But if you need a break while on duty, asked. We’re in this kitchen may not your preferable family. But we’re a family here. We’re a team. And lesson number one, team always got your back.”

Funny how some people that she supposed to be her least favorite person turned out so much better than some people bonded by blood. Turned out, not everyone in this world had heart and head as tiny as sesame seed. Overwhelmed with so much compassion she thought she doesn’t deserve, small rivers ran down her cheeks instinctively.

“Take your time as much as you want. We’re closing the kitchen in five minutes, so don’t you worry, kid.”

Gwiboon can only nod weakly when he tapped her shoulder lightly while passing her. Once the door closed again, she moved to the stool in the corner and drown her face in both hands. Shoulder shaking hard indicating how bad she breaks down even she didn’t make any voice.

It’s been ten days she hasn’t heard anything from Jinki. Every single night passed with the longing to reach the phone and dial his number buried among her doubts and anxiety. Whenever she found her hand stretching to the side of her night desk, she convinced herself not to be a fool for Jinki left that night by his own will. She didn’t kick him out. She didn’t push him away. And history told her not to bother begging people coming back to her pathetic life.

Presumably life is a fast food restaurant and they order the same happy meal, in his room, Jinki sit on his mattress, rejecting Jonghyun who two days ago started talking to him again as if nothing ever happened between them and his invitation to become his wingman, both knees flushed to his chest while phone laid in front of his feet, inviting him to grab it in any second.

Since the first step Jinki made outside Gwiboon’s door that night, he’d been walking on earth with guilty mocking him on both sides of his head. He wanted to run back upstairs once he reached the ground floor of Gwiboon’s building. However the fear of being really chased away after his stupid mistake took over everything.

He wanted to apologize, told her he’s sorry and beg her not to leave him but then reality knocked him out. Who do you think you are, Lee Jinki? They never define what they are. Never labeling what kind of the relationship they’re having. In Jinki’s mind, he has no right to asking Gwiboon to forgive him. Supposed it would be the easiest thing to do to someone he cares a lot. Who knows the hardest thing in the world is realizing you hurt them even if you kept telling yourself you didn’t mean it?

Jinki pressed the home button of his phone. The screen tells him the day will soon turn Saturday. After five minutes contemplating if it’s polite to visit someone’s house in such hour, he put his jeans haphazardly. Snatching his jacket and key’s car from his desk, he dashed out his room almost like lightning.

***

‘Remember, Kim Gwiboon. You’re more than welcome here. If you had something in mind, let me know. I cannot lie to your father and cover your absence but as long as you’re in my kitchen, both my ears are open to everything you want to say.’

The words from the head chef rings beautifully inside her mind. The first time she saw him more than decade ago, she knew already that he is a very kind person despite his harsh words while on duty. If only she didn’t fall in love to fashion first, she must be willingly to be taken under his wing in his father’s bistro.

“Sir, take the left street, please. There’s a new small bar at front, they occupied more than half of the street every Friday and Saturday.”

Without saying anything, the taxi driver headed to the left as instructed. She found out she’s not in her right mind she might kill herself on the way if she insisted to drive back home. Gwiboon decided to leave her car at back of the bistro since she will be back again on Sunday anyway. And she can always take the bus or taxi to visit her tailor’s place tomorrow. Well, technically today since it’s almost one in the morning.

Tomorrow, tomorrow might be the last time she will ever visit her tailor again. Tomorrow might be the last time she can joke around with her, share some latest gossip, and sketch ideas together and argue which color or type of fabric they can use for their next collaboration. She’s a married woman with one son, twelve years older than Gwiboon but in her she found her best friend. Her girl best friend she never had since the other girls at the university only see her as a competitor. She decides she will tell Amber she's going to move soon after she finished this semester. It will be hard but her grandmother will be sad if she kept weeping like any other day.

"We’re here, Miss.”

“Uh, right, sorry,” she was drowning in her thought, didn’t realize the car has stopped five minutes ago, “Here. Thank you so much, drive safely, Sir.”

She went out the taxi hesitantly for being at her own house is the last thing she wants now. However, too tired to even mentally curse herself, she didn’t even realize there’s another sound of car’s door being slammed.

“Kim Gwiboon.”

She’s about to pushed the gate when a voice recites her name almost inaudible but beautifully. A voice she knew by heart. A voice she missed the most. Timidly, she turned herself to the source, almost afraid she’s still dreaming in a short nap during the ride home. But he’s there, standing weakly next to his car, losing his strong presence which Gwiboon fell for the very first time they met.

She wants to throw her shoes to him for what he said to her the last day she saw his face. She wants to bust his nose with her purse for what he did to her. Those desires nevertheless left her soul instantly when she found his face looked as awful as hers and a pair of eyes mirroring her own sadness.

Without ado, she sprinted to his spot and threw herself on his chest which the latter response by wrapping her weary figure with his arms. His heart shrunk when he felt tears seeping through the thin material of his t-shirt, making him tighten his embrace straightaway. Without her heels, Jinki can bury his nose on the top of her head and breathe in her trademark vanilla scent as much as he want, in substitute for the past days it was missing from his life.

They stay chest to chest for the longest time, indulged each other presence, sharing the warmth left on their skin in the coldness of the night, letting their hearts do the talk.

Jinki couldn’t help but break the silent first.

“I’m sorry, Baby..”

This time, it’s Gwiboon’s turn to tighten her embrace.

***

crossed-post already to my AFF      

Part 8                              

[onkey-bedtime-stories]

EUNOIA - chapter 2

Chapter 1

----------------

“I met Donghae yesterday.”

That’s how Taemin greets his sister on a random phone call one afternoon. As hard as she tried to be chill about it, Eunsook cannot help but shake in panic, intrigued by his words. She ran to the closest bench she could find and put her camera safely on her laps.

“You know that we’re adults, right? We don’t need to inform each other anymore like when we were kids and used to match our scenario to lie to Mom and Dad.”

The tremble on her lips seemed readable from the other line, making Taemin snickers on his bed.

“And since we’re adults it means now we lie to each other instead to our parents? Wow. Just wow, Lee Eunsook.”

“As I remember you were the one who banned me for weeping around on anyone whom acquaintance with him. Am I right?”

“You are. You’re always right beside this particular choice on men.”

“So?”

“I just let you know that yesterday I met Donghae.”

“Just let me know? You think I didn’t know how sneaky you are telling me stuff just because you are childishly curious on how I would react? Well, try harder, baby boy.”

“My smart lady. I always knew you went to Milan not for nothing.”

“Ha. So funny.”

“Do you want me to tell you what happened or I need to wait for another year until you gather up your guts to ask me how it went?”

“Actually, I don’t really care. That wouldn’t change anything, would that?”

“It depends, though.”

“On what? On how I handle stuff? On how bad my mood right now? Or maybe, just maybe, on how bad I weep last night?”

So she still cried miserably at night?

Taemin sighed and Eunsook regrets raising her tones, unveiled her unstable mind unconsciously. However, she didn’t lie when she said she doesn’t really care since she would still be broken hearted and desperately wants to turn back time hoping she could fix any mistake they did during their relationship. Or more like what mistake she did.

“Donghae asked how you are doing.”

“You can tell him that I’m fine, having a really nice summer escapades and eating lots of good food. Really, I think I will gain at least five pounds by the end of the trip.”

“Unless it’s not really Donghae who asked.”

“I know.”

“No you don’t.”

Eunsook scribbled on the ground with her shoes, making random pattern on it, “Yes I do, Tae. Because he texted me two days ago and I kept writing and deleting my rant until this morning on how I’m doing now after he decided not to be in the same page with me anymore. Believe me I know, because this is the first time I didn’t reply on him right away after I saw his name appeared on my screen.”

Taemin doesn’t say anything and just listened to the sound of the wind, trying to not make everything more complicated for his sister.

“Maybe he overestimated me.. thinking that I would be just alright after everything. Having a blast in Netherlands, enjoying summer, going shopping and meeting my best friend after a long time. You know I always this ‘his strong woman’ or.. or ‘his only iron lady’ you know.. So this trip, couldn’t it be better than that?”

“Don’t resent anyone. You’re the one who said to me that this is the best way for both of you to be happier.”

“I told you maybe.”

“Anyway, I said that you’re fine. A little tired and overwhelmed but you’re good now.”

“Should I thank you for giving the wise back up and being the best brother in the world?”

“Not really. Because I told Donghae as well how you’re calling me every day at 3 AM mopping around threatening people you’d kill yourself if tomorrow you’re wake up and everything is not only in your dream.”

“You should have added the part I didn’t eat anything for a week and ran into the emergency room when my coworker found me passed out at the toilet.”

“Ah, if only you did a proper briefing before.”

She’s really grateful for the fact that she might really have the best brother in the world. Taemin never fail making her laughed. Though he had this ice prince exterior, his heart is the warmest, far from all the cold and mischievous image people around him familiar with.

“Now that I told you what to do, can you fix that when you met him again?”

“Let see. I got studio schedule again tomorrow and he will be the producer assistant the whole week. Yeah sure, I will tell him everything until the IV shot part.”

“Good boy.”

“I know I am.”

“And stop texting or calling Minho behind my back. It’s embarrassing.”

Now it’s Taemin turn to burst into laughter. It’s still stuck in his head how he decided to call Minho instead of his wife because Taemin couldn’t stand the idea of being yelled or interrogated by Junghee. That girl can speak two hours nonstop without giving break the other person.

“I’ll go to sleep now, it’s almost midnight here. Be good, sister.”

“Don’t wet the bed.”

“I’ve had my diaper on, no need to worry. I love you!”

“I love you, too!”

The second she put the phone down, Eunsook feels lonely again. Actually, she prefers having endless argument with anyone rather than swimming in her own thoughts. Inevitably, she checked the phone again. Rereading the text Jungsoo sent two days ago.

‘Good morning, sunshine! How’s the vacation?’

Ah, sunshine. It was nice to be sunshine for someone, a thought cross Eunsook’s mind. It was. She was sunshine. Night star. Moonlight. Making her questioning herself, is it not enough being her for he needed her to be something else? Was she not beautiful enough for he had the urge to always comparing her to something else?

“Eunsook?”

She lifted her head up and found a face she expected the least.

“Kibum?”

The latter smiles and tell the other guys walking with him to leave first. He then casually sits next to Eunsook, looks like a supermodel he is, swiping his hair back. When he looked to his left, Eunsook almost stoned, left him chuckles nervously again, a habit he developed whenever Eunsook’s around him.

“What are you doing here? Don’t tell me you joined this group tour with the guy poking his umbrella to the sky!”

She squinted her tiny eyes, which in Kibum’s mind was too cute to handle.

“Oh, I was walking around doing some sketches taking photos and then my brother called so I gotta sit here and listen to him ranting about unimportant stuff.”

“You like taking photos?” Kibum almost jumped from his seat when he turned to face Eunsook completely.

“Just for fun. I love looking back to all the pictures I took while traveling. Give me lots of nice nostalgic feeling and of course a smooth slap on my head to work harder earning more money for the next trip.”

He cracks to her words, “That is actually hella true. May I see the camera?”

“Of course, Mr. Photographer.”

She smiles so bright while handing the camera, Kibum flustered involuntarily turned his ears all crimson red, “You always use 35mm film?”

He lifted the analog camera a bit.

“Mostly. Or Polaroid. One time I had the 120mm camera but nowadays it’s so hard to find the film.”

“Oh, you have no idea. It’s also freaking hard to find a place that can develop it. Tried to do it by myself, but I ruined it. There it goes all my memory in Hongkong. Gone in flash.”

Kibum cursed himself for convincing himself that Eunsook is the only girl in the world that makes a frown look that beautiful and amazing on a face. Before he embarrassed himself, he checked the camera again in his hand.

“By the way, this is nice camera. My friend had another type from the same brand. Where did you get this?”

“Actually, I bought it accidentally. It was from Porto. We were lost when tried to go back to the hostel and we found this street while wandering around with my friends.”

“Porto? As in Portugal?” she nods, “AH! I know that place! They sell cheap black and white films!”

“You really are a photographer, aren’t you?”

She cannot help but teasing when Kibum got so excited just on the thought of knowing the place she found the treasure. At this rate, not only his ears that rushed by blood.

“Only when I need money to pay my rent.”

“Hahaha!” she slapped his forearm lightly, he flinched silently, “And what brings you here?”

“We just finished a session with local teens. They’re quite having this too-cool-for-school attitude but fashion spread’s always interesting, isn’t it, Miss Designer?”

Eunsook secretly took out her imaginary good-deeds-book. Wits and jokes, checked.

“Anyhow, what are you doing after this?”

“Hmmm, nothing.”

“Fancy grabbing some sweets?”

“What kind of sweet?”

The way her eyes almost popped out her skull brighten Kibum’s day faster than when he received the first print of his magazine, “Pancake, waffle, crepe, anything you prefer as long as it can help with my sugar level.”

“Pancake sounds good.”

“Pancake it is! Let’s go!”

Kibum made a mistake almost embraced her by the shoulder then quietly pretending to push her to walk faster before the circumstance became more awkward.

Her phone beeps once again, she shook her head when she caught a text message arrived on the screen.

‘Eunsook, are you alright? Seems like the vacation is really great, am I right?’

This time she didn’t wait anymore.

‘Indeed, it’s the best summer escapade! I’m okay, by the way.’

***

“I told you not to touch her!”

Kibum massaged the back of his neck for the ten times, too tired for this silly confrontation.

“So, you said it’d better if I just left her alone there at the café while it was drenched outside instead of offering her a ride?”

“I’m tired of your excuse, you sweet mouth!  You should hadn’t dragged her to the café at the first place!”

“I’m the one who tired of your accusation! For God’s sake, Kim Junghee! I was just being nice! We lived under the same roof and I’m not allowed to cheer up someone I know who looked upset?”

“Not with such an agenda behind!”

“What kind of agenda are you talking about?!”

“Oh, don’t you dare testing me!” Kibum’s jaw dropped a few centimeter, disbelief with the whole sentence he just heard, “If you’re just being nice, you take her home right away after both of you finished your afternoon snack!”

“That’s the plan! But she said she needs more films for her camera! Am I wrong if I offered to accompany her looking for some?”

“Ha! You just saw your chance to slide in! What a little sneaky head!”

Kibum restrained himself not to raise his voice, he just didn’t want Minho finished his shower and found his best friend yelling to his wife.

“Look. It was raining. I offered her a ride to go back. She asked if I knew a place to buy films! I drove her there and it was still freaking rain. I got called by the people at work on the way. I said I’d get drop her off first at home before I headed to the studio. She said she could grab a taxi. Since I considered it’s not polite to let her do that, I asked her to come with me. That’s it!”

Junghee stomped on the kitchen floor so hard, “You could just drive her first!!!! You have no idea how stressful I was when I couldn’t contact her?!?!”

“Who knows her phone was dead?! She didn’t say anything to me! Had I know I would give her my phone to call or text you! At any rate, if she did find it necessary, she would ask me to make that damned call!”

“Stop it right there, it’s not Eunsook’s fault!”

“Neither mine!” he rolled his tongue inside his mouth trying to control himself, “I know she’s your best friend, Junghee, but she’s not a kid! She’s a grown up and let her be one!”

“Don’t talk like you know her!”

His fist getting harder on his side, “I didn’t. Look. I know you care about her. A lot. I understand. I’m aware that she’s somehow became more vulnerable after everything happened, but you shouldn’t treat her like this! She took the flight here to heal herself if you kept hogging her, when will she be able to heal?”

Kibum got his point but Junghee is too busy protecting her friend she doesn’t even try to swallow all the words from him.  

“I don’t need you lecturing me how I treat my friend! Just.. just keep your hand away from her!”

“What if I refuse?”

“What did you just said?!”

Kibum hesitated to say something more, so he just stood there, lips sealed together, his eyes drilling a hole through the air. Junghee flustered and doesn’t know what to do, she expected him to give some counter attack harsher than before. Not a serious answer like that.

“Listen, leave her alone or I would never speak to you again!”

She left him standing by the island counter and paced to her room upstairs. When she passed Eunsook who just went back inside the house after called her partner in Milan at the porch, she purposely darted her eyes away. The latter confused but knowing that her best friend has such a temper, she decided to let it go.

A small smile formed on her face when she saw Kibum’s by the kitchen.

“Is everything alright?” Kibum turned his head and just shrugged, “Kibum?”

Eunsook sensed something’s wrong by the flat expression on his face.

“Nothing.”

She’s the least person he wanted to encounter at the second, he tried to avoid her but the look she gave him just made everything more uncomfortable.

“Are you sure?”

“Pretty much.”

“Hmm.. I don’t think so.”

“No, really.”

“Come on, you can talk about it.”

“I’m fine.”

“You’re not.”

“Eunsook, I’m okay. Let’s just shake it off, I’m tired.”

He told her the truth, actually. Kibum’s just exhausted and he needs his time to compose himself after the heated conversation with Junghee.

“What’s wrong with you? Is Junghee okay?”

“Why don’t you just ask your best friend, huh? She’s the one who started! Why should I am the one who feel guilty here?!”

It seems like that was his final giveaway. His pitched showed up, startling Eunsook a little bit. The stern look he put is not making it easier for her. Inside, Kibum wants to kick himself on the shin for being such an asshole just now, helpless under the invisible spell Eunsook sent him.

And feels guilty he is, indeed. She had nothing to do and he just exploded ridiculously in front of her. So he dropped the glass he hold to the sink recklessly, the loud clank on its metal surface dropped a frown on Eunsook’s face, and just went to his room, leaving strange stagnant on the air for her.

Confused and a little disappointed, Eunsook just swallowed back all the sentences she prepared to thank him for the nice afternoon they shared.

***

Thirty minutes passed with Kibum paced back and forth behind his closed door. Sometimes he sat at the edge of his bed, tapped his foot on the floor restlessly, and stood up again, repeating the monotonous anxiety attack.

Seriously, he felt awful not only because he snapped on a girl that supposed to be his current major crush until this morning, but also because he realized how helpless he was in front of the girl. And all those feeling had taken him sunken deep on ocean of guilty.

Junghee might be right, the way he treated Eunsook just now could cause huge mess. This is the first time since almost forever Kibum does care about his image in front of other. Suddenly he’s afraid she might think he’s the biggest jerk on earth who had this hot and cold attitude, once a very nice and kind guy then yell on her face for something she didn’t even know just for the reason he lose control on stupid stuffs.

He doesn’t want that.

“Why are you so stupid, Kim Kibum…”

He threw himself on the mattress and kept staring on the ceiling for solid ten minutes before he jolted to the door, took one deep breath, and carefully pushed it forward.

The living room is empty, leaving only small aquarium at the corner being the source of light. However, when looked across the room, dim light seeped through small gap between the floor and the door of Eunsook’s room.

She’s still awake.

“Eunsook?”

The soft knock on the door didn’t reciprocate. The drumroll banging inside his chest became louder each second passed in silent.

“Lee Eunsook? Can I come in?”

He waited again but nothing happened.

Is she mad at me? Shit.

Various scenarios flashed on his mind and not any single of it makes him comfortable. He might regret it later, but his guts are so much makes sense more than anything.

Slowly he opened the door, but the scene welcomes him is way more unpredictable.

On her bed, Eunsook’s sleeping like a five years old, blanket tucked until her chin and hair splattered here and there but somehow framed her soft jaw as if someone did it on purpose. And Kibum, Kibum just stiffen right on the threshold, hand glued to the handle.

How come a girl can turn someone defenseless without doing anything?

She just breathes, her shoulder moves in a slow rhythm. Kibum knew he’s crazy but he swear in such distance he can see how her eyelashes intertwined each other hiding the beautiful eyes she had, kissed her cheeks in silent melody. If he had camera in his hand, he would had already taken hundreds picture of her sleeping.

Creepy, he knows.

But in Kibum justification, everyone should be creepy once in a while when they’re in love, shouldn’t they?

Ah. In love?

Kibum gripped his chest for a moment and decided to turn of the light before he closed the door cautiously.

“Forget it, Kim Kibum..”

***

Chapter 3

[onkey-bedtime-stories]

Stronger

This one is for my anon who requested #18. Angst always killing me but I hope you like it :)

Prompt is from this list 

—————————————

“It’s okay to cry..”

Jinki cannot help but blurted out the words after seeing Kibum kept pacing back and forth from the living room to the kitchen, the kitchen to the laundry room, the laundry room to the reading room, the reading room back to the living room, but then jumped out from the couch after not until five minutes sitting on it.

He ended up standing alone at the porch facing the crisp air of a solemn autumn evening, battling with his own head, the urge to run away to nowhere suppress him to the edge of his patience.

And there is Jinki, who calmly approaching with his soothing presence, but slowly wrecking the tall fortress he built to shield his soul from the pity of others eyes.

“You don’t need to be this strong all the time. You’re a human, Kibum.”

“If I’m not this strong, how do you think I can walk through my day?”

“Who do you think I am?”

Jinki’s sad eyes are mirroring his disappointment and all the weary feeling that had been washing him since the morning.

“Three years ago I promised you that whatever happened to you, to me, to us, I will be there, bearing all the strength left in my vein to take your hand and help you to pass all those shit tackling you on the way. Didn’t I?”

Kibum’s mind wandered for couple of second to the happiest day of his life, when Jinki smiled the brightest, asking him to be forever his.

“But Jinki..”

The brim of his eyes started to be filled up, the tears he avoided so hard formed inevitably there, shredding Jinki’s heart second by second.

“We did all the best, Kibum.. You did everything you can..”

“But it’s not fair, Jinx.. Not even slightly! You can’t give false hope one morning and then dropped the bomb the next day.”

“No one gave false hope, baby.”

“No one you said?! No one?! Damn, Jinki! I might be angry but I’m not stupid! Those doctors tried to play with my life!”

Kibum’s face now drenched as if waterfall move to those feline eyes on his pale skin.

“Honey, listen.”

“No, Jinki, you listen! I took the earliest flight to Japan because they said they had the liver donor for my brother but when I arrived at the hospital legs almost fell of my body they said they gave it to a girl who happened to be there already and also needed it! I put Jonghyun name on the list since five months ago, Jinki! Five months!!”

“Everything happened for a reason, Kibum.”

“The universe has no reason to not let Jonghyun live, Jinki!”

He’s wrapping his face with both hands, sobbing with all his might, whole body shaking uncontrollably. Jinki closed their distance and brought him to his chest and ran his hand along Kibum’s spine to calm the younger down. He kissed the top of his head repeatedly, however, Kibum’s enraged by himself not able to keep his promise to his brother.

“I shouldn’t tell Jonghyun about the news at the first time. I supposed to not getting ahead myself, Jinki..,” he murmured to Jinki’s sweater, both arms clutched around his waist.

The latter just stay in silent, patting Kibum’s head once in a while, or just rocking his body in a very slow rhythm to comfort both of them because at this point Jinki’s head almost exploded as well.

“I don’t know what to say to Jonghyun.. The sparks on his eyes after I ended up that fuckin’ phone call is the prettiest I’ve ever seen in this past year.”

“You don’t need to say anything to him..”

“I am not that heartless, Jinki..”

“Jonghyun..,” Jinki bites his lips in warry, contemplating should he tell his fiancée or should he stay in silence, “Jonghyun knew already..”

Kibum retreated himself from Jinki’s warm hug with total horror all over his face.

“WHAT?! Who told him?! You!! You told him?!”

“Baby, no, calm down, shit,” Jinki took one deep breathe before he reopened his mouth, “Jonghyun knew something wrong happened when the next morning you didn’t call us. He.. he said to me, that maybe it is not his turn yet. He realized he needs to wait longer for the transplantation surgery..”

His heart sunk to the ground when Jinki’s eyes crimson red holding the same tears Kibum evaded ten minutes ago. The minute Jinki ducked his head, Kibum bawled into dreadful cry.

“It’s not fair, Jinki.. Why Jonghyun? Why not me?! He’s supposed to be the strong one! He’s the one that always kick those stupid jocks on high school! He’s the strong one, Jinki!! He’s my strong brother!!”

Jinki wiped Kibum’s cheeks even though he knew it’s a futile attempt seeing how devastated Kibum at this point.

“He’s strong, Kibum.. Jonghyun is stronger than we think.. He’s been fighting for five years and not every single day I saw him showing any intention to give up. Never had I found him getting angry to whatever happened to him.”

The words just pierced his heart even worst. However, Jinki’s right. Not even once during the MRI, chemo, and weekly checkups he complained about how uncomfortable and tiring those stuffs can be. Though it’s hard for him, those puppy eyes are always smiling.

“I.. I have something to tell you, Kibum.”

Kibum didn’t say anything, but Jinki knows he’s listening.

“Taemin dropped me to the hospital yesterday.”

“What happened to you? Are you sick?! Oh my God, I’m sorry I’ve been busy these past weeks, baby! I’m so sorry!! Are you alright?!”

Jinki felt guilty looking at Kibum in panic.

“No, no, everything’s good, I’m alright, I’m super healthy..”

“Thank God!”

“That’s why I asked the doctor to run a test to check whether I can be a donor for Jonghyun..”

It was the longest silence in Jinki’s life because the beautiful man in front of him just freezes and drilled the hole to his soul through his eyes.

“Babe?”

“Are you out of your mind? First, I would fight the world to not let it happen! Second, you have different blood type with Jonghyun! I’m exhausted right now, Jinki, so please, just.. just don’t..”

“I’m a universal donor, Kibum. And I did once for Jonghyun, remember?”

Kibum kept his mouth zipped, silently cursing the cruel reality.

“If we matched again this time, it would be great for Jonghyun.”

“Stop making scenarios, Jinki!! I’m about to lose one of the two people I love the most! I can’t spare any more hour being haunted to lose both!”

“Honey, baby, listen. Listen to me, please. I asked the doctor about how it works. They will only take one third or half of mine because Jonghyun’s liver still can work up until 25%. We.. we will have more hope..”

Kibum didn’t say anything despite the tears keep coming down without any intention to stop. Everything that Jinki said is make sense but not in any world Kibum would let that jeopardized two beautiful souls he care so much.

“Jinki..”

One deep sigh and Jinki tried to give his best smile. He caresses Kibum side, kisses his forehead and to the south until finally he rests his lips on Kibum’s. It still tastes sweet for Jinki regardless of the traces of tears.

“Baby, I love you. And I love Jonghyun just like my own brother. Remember your grandmother said we need to try everything as our best? This is.. this is just another chance we should take, Kibum. The test scheduled next week. Can you tell Jonghyun about this?”

Kibum shut his eyes in fear and weakly nods into the request. Jinki winked to him when he open his eyes and pulled out another bitter smile. The younger peppers him with sad kisses.

Before his tears fall again, Jinki pulled Kibum into a hug. This time harder than before. He knows this is too risky. He knows it’s not as easy as he said. He knows it sounds impossible. He knows he might die during the procedure. But what he knows best is the fact that he loves Kibum too much he’s willing to do anything even crawling into hell to put back the smile into the love of his life.

[onkey-bedtime-stories]

One Autumn Morning

This one is for @keybummietomyheart :))

***

Who the heck did forget to put down the curtain?!

Sun’s flares are seeping delicately to the vast room, but failed not to disturb the inhabitant. Jinki’s mind’s already wandering while his head is still covered under the thick blanket, safe and sound. Outside, the autumn sky looks so clean. Soft blue with some white cotton candy like clouds at certain points, young people on the road started to take out their phone capturing the Instagram-able view.

Last night practice was too exhausting for him, once the manager they’re free for a day before next jam packed schedule for the next week, he dragged Kibum sleeve right away to his car and try to catch the quick break he deserved.

I can sleep two more hours.

But the universe decides the contrary. A subtle bell’s ring came closer and Jinki knows what he’s gonna facing in a minute. Cold surface nodes the back of his neck, makes him squirm and groaned under his nose.

“Not now, kid.”

However, the little brown furry animal doesn’t care how much this guy tired and keeps nuzzling around his neck. Jinki checks his back by his shoulder, not like he didn’t know what’s happening, just the only resentment he can do in such limited space and time.

Before he’s able to save himself from the fluffy dog, the other guy slides in the blanket and rest peacefully right in front of his belly. The black ball of fur is lying there, sharing the warmth of Jinki’s skin as if nothing happened.

Jinki unwrapped the blanket from his face and hit his forehead with his fist several times.

“How can I get mad if both of you attack me like this?”

Jinki adjusted his position, creating perfect curve for Garcons who’s practically using Jinki’s stomach as his pillow. As if doesn’t want to miss a chance of Jinki’s attention, Comme Des moved closer to the head of the bed and keep kissing Jinki’s hair while the latter still trying to find his way back to the dreamland.

The sun seems too strong for his weak eyes, tough, inevitably making him open and scrunch his eyes at the same time. The bed next to him cold without any limb on it, he remembers last night he didn’t go to bed alone.

“Where is your Dad?”

He managed to mumble in between reality and deep slumber when he realized the increasing humidity on his hair since five minutes ago. However, his eyes still tight shut whilst his hand rubbing Garcons in very soothing tempo, his indirect method of lullaby.

Second he’s about to snore again, the door slammed open, followed by the highest pitch Jinki could ever imagine in such a serene morning.

“There you are!”

Two puppies jumped their heart out. Comme Des run into his brother side after sending a quick look to the person on the door, both of them now are trying so hard to hide under Jinki’s arm.

“Come on boys, don’t disturb the Old Man, he’s always out of energy at this age.”

“I’m not old..” Jinki growled, feels annoyed by the words.

Kibum laughs and walked closer to the bed, “Kids, come on. Out now. Your breakfast is ready! Now!”

But no one even care with such treat, they’re now snuggled to each other on Jinki’s chest. Still back facing his boyfriend, Jinki slowly pulled the blanket again until his chest, now covering the three of them, suddenly has the feeling to make a safe shelter, not only for the puppies but also himself.

“What the.. Are you betraying me now? Comme Des! Garcons!”

Instead of listening to Kibum’s voice, they prefer to listen into Jinki’s heartbeat. Frustrated, Kibum walks to the other side just to have his heart sunk with such a view. Angle like Jinki enjoying the morning nap with their two babies, what you could ask more, Kim Kibum?

Carefully, he went back behind Jinki and close himself to his lover’s back, rubbing his forearm and kissing his shoulder.

“Wake up, you Old Man.”

As usual, Jinki purposely shut his ear off to obtain more sleep. Kibum, though, knowing this so well cannot help but pranking the older boy. He slides his cold hand under Jinki’s t-shirt and traced a random pattern on his back. This one is really working apparently, because Jinki eventually squirmed and wiggling his limbs a bit, perfect mix of annoyed and appreciation.

“Let me sleep..”

Kibum dragged his palm upside down Jinki’s back and kept peppering his hair with kisses until he found Comme Des’s traces there, left him chuckles and taken aback.

“Alright, just go out when you feeling it, I’ll be at the kitchen,” Kibum hovering his side to kiss his nose and swollen lips, “Comme Des, Garcons, kitchen now. Breakfast!”

“Don’t.”

“Eng?”

“Can you leave the babies here?”

“What?”

“It’s cold, Bumie..”

His jaw dropped to his chest when he heard Jinki’s sulking. Shaking his head, Kibum holds himself not to jump out the bed.

“Two of them? Jinkiiii… that’s not fair! I don’t want to be alone outside.”

“Then don’t.”

“What?”

“Get inside the blanket.”

As if being hypnotized, Kibum retreat his legs from the floor and curled under the thick cotton. He rests his head on the nook of Jinki’s neck and his arm wrapping his torso, once in a while messing with Garcons head.

“Ah, I love morning cuddle.”

“Hmmm.”

“If I knew it would be like this, I wouldn’t bustle myself since the dawn in the kitchen.”

“Hmmm.”

Knowing he won’t get any other respond than humming, he stopped talking right away, catching Jinki to the dreamland.

“Bum-ah.”

“Hmmm.”

“My back.. can you?”

Innocent giggles escaped his bow lips. Without ado, he slips his hand back under Jinki’s t-shirt and start scratching it slowly. It feels like he’s raising three puppies instead of two. Not like he hates it, though.

“I love morning cuddle too, Kibum-ah.”

Suddenly his worry about the beef soup being cold flies away along the puppies’ harmonious snoring to the glorious morning naps.

***

It’s nice to be back! Sorry for the long delay :( I have been sick this past month and unable to even sit more than an hour huhu. Anyway, I hope you like this very quick drabble! I’m sorry this one is not what you request, however, enjoy and thanks for your support for all this time! XOXO

[onkey-bedtime-stories]

EUNOIA - chapter 3

Chapter 2

—————-

Though it is summer, the sky’s drawn saturated this morning. Away from coast-crowded situation and glowing skin under sunny day, someone’s already occupied in the kitchen. It’s not even seven in the morning more to surprise.

And what makes the whole scene is more surreal for Junghee when she got on the wooden floor of the living room is her eyes caught Kibum messing around between the stove and her favorite kitchen island. To reassure herself she’s one hundred percent awake and everything before her is not merely random mirage in her life, she checked the clock once again and the urge of pinching herself is undeniable.

Six fifty. Who woke up at six fifty?

Walking to the kitchen silently, she can’t help but gasp when colorful plates full of waffle chicken strips, and bacon lay on a checkered table cloth she just bought last week. Kibum is struggling squeezing some oranges near the sink when she darted her eyes in disbelief.

“Let me do that.”

She doesn’t need to observe too much when Kibum lifted his head. Definitely not even a minute he got to sleep the night before, those bloody eyes and dried skin tell everything. Without saying anything, Kibuk stepped aside, wiped his hand while Junghee easily got all the juice out with single hand.

Before the things became more awkward in the stillness of the air, he moved to the coffee maker to prepare some shot.

“I’m sorry.”

Kibum pretends he didn’t hear anything and chose to follow every single drip of the dark liquid in front of him.

“I just.. you know, very worried and overwhelmed with everything.”

He turned to his side after a deep breath. She looks even tinier with such level of anxiety all over her skin. At the end, his heart’s softened, simple arch formed on his tired face.

“I apologize for yelling to you, too.”

“She’s been through a lot and the fact I wasn’t there at the very second she needed me.. It broke my heart. Now she’s here, suddenly I just wanted to protect her with all my might. It scared me to death when I couldn’t reach her yesterday. All of the thoughts.. Her brother concerns.. for the sui—suicidal.. possibility.. I—I went cr—crazy right away.. I—“

Kibum’s unable to catch the rest since Junghee grabbed the edge of the counter, knuckles almost white, mewling as if someone kill her parents.

“Ssshh..” Kibum embraced her and let her leaned on him for consolation, “I know.. I told you I understand, right? And I’m sorry I’m supposed to text you anyway that Eunsook’s with me. Guess I’ve been selfish..”

“I’m the selfish one. I never asked her what she need because I’m afraid I’d hurt her more by mentioning something close to that topic and just doing whatever I thought the best for her without even care if she’s comfortable with that,” she peeled herself from Kibum, wiping her slightly swollen eyes with the back of her fore arms, “So, are we cool now?”

“We never not cool, Kim Junghee, you know that,” he messed with his friend hair which she replied with hugging Kibum torso in return, “But, you’d kill me if you’re like this.”

He acts like having difficulty in breathing but instead released him, she tighten her grip more as if she really wanted to choke him, “I will really kill you if you dare hurting my best friend, Kim Kibum.”

“I promise you I won’t.”

“Don’t ever think this is your pass! If this is an intersection, the red light is still on.”

He chuckles and gives her pats on the head, “Alright, Shorty! I told you before you’re kind of scary when you’re mad.”

“I told you not to flirt more than one girl under the same roof, Kim Kibum! This is second warning..”

Minho teased both of them while running down stairs, he feels contented with the view of make-up-friends greets him in the morning after last night he spent almost three hours listening slash consoling Junghee because half of the time she’s not only pissed off and ranted but also sobbed liked she was in her own funeral.

“Wait. What did you just said?”

The tall guy realized he slipped something he shouldn’t so he stretched awkwardly, “Good morning, baby.”

Minho kisses his wife passionately, what a view for sore eyes, Kibum mumbles something inaudibly, completely not pleased with them.

“Let’s have breakfast, people. I don’t like cold food. Choi Minho, enough snogging and bring the coffee,” Kibum tried to escape the crime scene as soon as possible before Junghee exploded again.

“Uh-oh! Not that quick, Choi Minho. Stop right there!”

Junghee entailed right behind Minho who just kept walking to join Kibum because at this moment some waffles would be super helpful.

“What exactly do you mean by flirt only at one? You’re kidding, right?”

“Eat, honey, you need it after the whole rounds we had last night,” he ended the morning drama with a wink.

Kibum rolled his eyes again then massaged his temple to ease his rage. But Junghee just cannot let it go after she smelled the big fish jumped out the can. She chewed the chicken strips furiously and gulped it down with tall glass of orange juice.

“Baby, I love you very much so let’s be honest. You knew this after all?”

“Knew what?”

It’s actually hard for Minho to act clueless with Junghee’s eyes caught drilling a hole through him from the corner of his own.

“That this idiot has a crush with Eunsook? With my best friend?”

Junghee put more strength on each syllables.

“Hmmm.. Kind of?”

Kibum quickly removed the knife from Junghee’s plate sensing his life is in a big threat.

“Kind of?! What the hell is kind of?!”

“Wow.. wow.. slow down, Junghee! It’s seven in the morning!”

“Shut up, you’re next!” she pointed her fork to Kibum which the latter instantly raised both his hands to the air then returned back to her husband, “Okay, tell me, what kind of ‘kind of’ is that? Since when?”

Minho purposely takes time to finish a bite of waffle, “Since the first time they met?”

“Excuse me?!”

Kibum slapped his forehead and glanced to the door of Eunsook’s room hoping Junghee’s loud voices not waking her up even if he’s pretty sure her voice can be heard up until the next two houses.

“You know that and you didn’t tell me? At all? Not even hint?!”

“Well, in my defense, honey, I’m still not sure back then but you know.. you got this hunch you cannot sleep on..”

She put down her fork when her consciousness told her to calm a little bit, “And you’re sure right now?”

“I was pretty sure when you rant last night about how Kibum took her here and there and didn’t text you or call you. By that, my dear wife, I will say, yes, he has a crush on our Lady Eunsook. Now can I get a peaceful breakfast I haven’t got since last week?”

“Lower your voice, will you?!”

Suddenly Kibum feels his seat is burning, it’s so hard to stay composed while he’s anxious as hell, because he knew his friends really well and they’re not that good at being quiet.

“I can’t believe it! You all team up behind my back so this jock over here can make his dirty move to my Eunsook?!”

“For the love of God, there’s nothing so called dirty with having a good talk in a café and shopping for some camera’s stuffs. Do you know that you sound like Mother Gothel now?” Kibum ignores Junghee’s unforgiving glare and took another round of piles of bacon, “Speaking of your beloved Rapunzel.. where is Eunsook? You should wake her up to have some breakfast, you evil host!”

“She’s not home.”

“Nonsense! She was there last night talking to me.”

Feeling annoyed Junghee grabbed her phone and shook it on the air, “She texted me she went for a run.”

“Run? When?”

“I don’t know.. around five?”

She went out at five while I’ve been awake the whole night in my room? Stupid headphones!!!

“Why? Why she went for a run?”

“What do you care? She can go running whenever she wants! Especially after she felt suffocated and almost had a heart attack when she woke up in the dark! Who’s the Mother Gothel now?!”

“What?!”

“Stop shouting at me!”

“No, argh, I’m sorry,” he gulped some coffee to tone him down, “Kim Junghee, what did you just say about this suffocated and dark?”

“Gosh, I cannot believe I said this to you.. Eunsook is a bit claustrophobic, that’s why she..”

“..kept the light on at night.”

Her ears suddenly perked up with what he said even though Kibum sounded like he murmured for himself, “How did you know?!”

“Shit shit shit!!! You’re an idiot, Kim Kibum!”

“Kim Kibum, look at me. How did you know?”

Kibum bites his lower lip, looking at Minho for any moral support but his best friend just put a cool expression also waiting for him to spill the bean. He’s contemplating whether he should tell her he turned off her light or just keep it in secret until he faced his death. Because once again, angry Kim Junghee is scarier than any slaughter house and no one under this roof want to deal with that.

“Good morning!”

Kibum about to open his mouth when a beautiful voice‘s chirping from the front door followed by glowing face popped out the front door. Both Junghee and Kibum immediately turned pale.

“Good morning! Right on time, Eunsook-ah! Come join breakfast!”

Minho who senses something is wrong took the lead to greet Eunsook. She smiled so wide, almost blinding in Kibum’s opinion, walked to the other three while still wiping the sweat dripping on her forehead.

“Wow! What a feast!” she received the orange juice from Minho and naturally took the empty chair next to Kibum, “Thank you!”

“Do you like waffles? Kibum made this!”

“Really?! That’s why the chicken strips look so beautiful! Tell me what you cannot do, Kibum!”

She rested her hand on his shoulder unexpectedly. Frenzy pink, Kibum jolted from his chair snatching the coffee pitcher, “We need more coffee!”

“Gosh, I don’t know it’s because I’m starving or he put something here, but this waffle is bomb! Let alone the chicken strips!”

Eunsook looks like someone just had been saved from an apocalyptic bunker and saw real food for the first time, she cannot stop picking the pieces from the plates.

“Well, just so you know, my friend over there had a great cooking skill since middle school.”

“Ah, no wonder. You should make me dinner sometimes!”

“Ugh, yeah, I will..,” then he saw the look at Junghee eyes, “If I have time. I will!”

“That would be so amazing!” she scoops more chicken strips and moved it to her plate, “What’s the point of working out if I ate like a monster? I think this is what I need, Junghee-ah! A man who can cook! What a perfect life, no? Choi Minho! You should start learning to cook! I told you, women love you more if you know how to move in the kitchen!”

Minho just laughs out loud knowing what she said might kill two birds at a time. On the other hand, Kibum wants to grab the nearest knife and stab himself on the chest.

***

“What?! Did you steal some weeds when I’m not around?” when the scent of Eunsook’s perfume brushed his respiratory system lightly, Kibum realized he’s too closed with the woman and quickly stepped back, elbow painfully bumped into the door knob, “The infinity room is the best!”

Eunsook put her shoes quickly and grabbed the slippers in a blink of an eye started feeling suffocated in the limited space of the foyer, plus Kibum is kind of trapped with her making it harder for her to control her breathe.

“I know. But don’t you think the part when we’re laying around on the net, almost twenty feet above the ground is amazing?”

He shook his head so hard when he pushed the next door, “Excuse me, Miss, no one messing around with Kusama.”

“Just saying, you know.. She is amazing, no doubt, but still..”

“Still the best charm in the museum. Period.”

“Is Kibum being stubborn again?”

They forgot they reached the living room already. The sight in front of them is Kibum’s usual view on the other night, Minho’s chilling on the couch after work, beer on the table, and some football on the huge screen on the wall.

“I just found out today,” Eunsook shrugged and dropped herself on the couch next to Minho while Kibum went straight to the kitchen.

“Welcome to the family, Lee Eunsook. He has a huge tendency to be a bit pushy sometimes.”

“Well, at least I’m not handsy like that guy who tried to grope Eunsook’s tight when we’re waiting on the line on the food truck festival.”

He handed the beer to Eunsook while the latter turned pink while she put the pouty mouth, instantly sending goosebumps along Kibum’s spine.

“Really? Did he mana—“

“Nope,” Kibum lifted his legs to the table proudly, “I kicked his shin before those filthy hands landed on her.”

“What a news. Wait until Junghee heard about this. I think she would definitely make up some curfew for the rest of your life.”

“Speaking of the devil, where’s my favorite witch?”

“That witch you’re talking about is my best friend, you know!”

“And my wife!”

“Well, doesn’t change the fact that she might do a spell of unbreakable curse on us or turn us into an ugly frog if we didn’t please her.”

“Good point.”

Minho and Eunsook said and unison, they laughed right away the next second then followed with a beautiful clink when their bottles met for a celebratory buddy-toast.

“I haven’t thanked you enough for that.”

“What are you saying? Anyone should do that whenever they saw some shit about to happen. It’s called common sense.”

“Got a good reflex. He almost joined the baseball team if he’s not collapsed on the field after only two rounds of running track.”

“Shut the front door, Choi Minho!”

“Oh, that attitude! Is this supposed to make my heart flutter?”

Eunsook teased him and Minho almost spurt the beer inside his mouth for laughing hard before he covered it. On the other side, Kibum regret whatever he had said earlier.

“But come on, really. Is that what’s supposed to? Because, let me tell you gentlemen, it wo—“

Her words hanging on the air when she felt her phone vibrates furiously on her purse. She bites her lip after quick glance to its screen.

“Sorry, I need to take this.”

Kibum can’t take his eyes off of her until her silhouette disappeared behind her room door. He tried to ignore Minho who’s clearly waiting for him to say something. After downed his beer, he casually turned his head to his right, unfortunately only to find his best friend immersed back to the game already.

“It’s him, isn’t it?”

“Could be his brother.”

“She didn’t need to hide inside her room if it said so,” now it’s Minho’s turn to cock his head, “Taemin called during lunch and she talked to him comfortably in front of me.”

“Then why did you ask?”

“I don’t know.. maybe trying to convince myself not to dive deeper than I’m allowed? Or waiting for you to lecture me about stuff?”

“You know that I’m not my wife, right?”

“Hmmm.”

Sound of the commentator indicates the game is getting interesting but Minho is not amused anymore. Ten years of friendship shows him that when Kibum started to peel the bottle label it means he’s in big trouble. Like now.

However, he doesn’t feel to say more for he’s afraid of interfering his personal space.

“Looks like we don’t need to wait for her to be back right?” Kibum grabbed his bag and unzipped the front pocket, “I forgot to give this to her. Can you do that for me? I better hit the bed now or I’ll miss the first train tomorrow morning.”

Minho looked at the Polaroid pictures landed on the cushion near his knee and sighed.

“It’s really happening, isn’t it?”

The latter kept his mouth shut until he safely slides under the blanket.

***

“I don’t know.. I haven’t bought my return ticket yet..,” she opened the window as the room’s temperature seemed raised since they began talking.

“But you’re going back to Paris right?”

“Of course.. who will take care my stuffs then?”

“Wow.. wow, easy there, tiger!”

“Hahaha! You know I’m sensitive when it came for my belonging.”

“I know. I know it too well. I still remember when Taemin broke your bag. It’s not that visible, though I found it necessary to take you eating ice cream for two hours to calm down your nerves.”

“Who will teach him a lesson if it’s not his own sister? It’s a rule, you have to return things you borrowed in the same condition.”

“Anyone barely can see it. Would it make different when only one thread a bit loose on the strap?”

Eunsook just chuckled when she remember how outrageous she was when Taemin gave her rucksack back after two weeks road trip. It was quite silly actually but that bag was first month anniversary gift from Jungsoo after she mentioned she likes it when they saw it on the window display they passed.

It’s not about the anniversary gift she cared about. It’s the fact that Park Jungsoo, the most ignorance human being she knew, remembered her unconscious random comment about the design of the bag.

“You haven’t thrown it out, have you?”

“Are you being serious right now? How can I throw away something important? I keep it safe and sound in my wardrobe in Paris.”

“Glad to know that I’m still considered important.”

An invisible fist stuck in Eunsook’s throat, blocking the airway she became speechless in no time.

“Are you okay, Sookie?”

“Ugh, yeah.. why not? For your information, it’s the bag that’s important.”

Jungsoo bursts into huge laughter in the other line, sending comforting breeze to Eunsook who naturally close her eyes.

Ah, those sound.

Eunsook kept her sentiment sealed, not any single soul out there knows how much she missed all of those, the giggles, the suppressed laughter when he’s not supposed to laugh, the rhythm of his breath. Anything she can hear clearly through the phone that convinced her he is real, not only an imaginary figure she created to fix her hectic life.

“Go get some rest. You must be exhausted.”

No. I don’t care.  I’ll trade all the time I have in the world to sleep for ten more minutes talking to you if it’s even make sense.

But deep in her heart she knows she is quite crazy to even think about that.

“Not really, but if you’re tired listen to me rambling about how colder here compare to the weather in Paris or Italy, it’s okay. You can hang up.”

“That’s the thing I’m billion percent sure it’s not going to happen in my existence.”

“Park Jungsoo, my favorite sweet talker, everyone.”

“Your favorite?”

Her heart skipped a bit by the simple question, “Yeah. Haven’t you heard about that?”

“Lee Eunsook, my favorite tease, everyone.”

“Don’t copy me.”

“I didn’t.”

“And what did you just do?”

“Telling you some fact?”

“Ugh, how lame.”

“You know I would be lame just for you?”

The words ‘I miss you’ are hanging dangerously on the tip of Eunsook’s tongue. She clutched the nearest piece of sheet she can reach to control herself.

“How thoughtful of you.”

“I’m always, ain’t I?” he’s pretty sure he can see her tiny smile right now, “Look what you’ve done. You should have gone to bed five minutes ago.”

“I told you I don’t mind.”

“And that’s how thoughtful of you. Go shower, get some rest. Let me know when you’re back to Paris, okay?”

“Stop telling me what to do, I’m not a baby, Park Jungsoo.”

“You’re always my baby, Lee Eunsook.”

At this rate, she wants to scream her lungs out and cry at the same time because she can tell it would be nothing but memories by the second their conversation ended.

“We’re only four years apart.”

“Doesn’t change the fact of the first clause.”

“This is why I hate you.”

“No, you’re not.”

“Yeah, you right.”

She tossed her phone aside after Jungsoo bid his farewell. Something weighed her down inside her chest.

It feels alright. It feels like the other day. But why I don’t feel good?

She turned to the left, looking forlornly to her phone, hoping it would ring once again. Nevertheless, Taemin’s voice is banging uncontrollably on her ear drums, instead.

‘You know yourself better than anyone. I really wanted say I know you better, but there’s a chance you’d slap me hard on the back of my head so, no. If you know your heart is not that ready to forget him, then don’t. People sometimes had mistaken letting go for forgetting. It’s forgiving, honey. And forgiving is way more liberating than trying so hard to bury all those you’ve been called memories.’

Her lips went dried when bunch of memory explosion appear like a long wild commercial before the movie started. She’s almost grateful for the conversation between her and Jungsoo not that changed so much. It did seem like nothing happened, like they never call it quits. But what’s so great figuring you grew sort of false hope in your yard of feeling? Like all the efforts would be in vain at the end once the flower is withered day by day as a replacement for blooming?

“Oh. Where’s Kibum?”

Minho already changed the channel into some old movie while the present of Kibum is changed with Junghee cuddled close to her husband.

“He went to his room already,” Minho bends to the table a little bit making annoyed face appeared on Junghee who already half in dreamland, “He wanted to give this to you.”

Am I that sad?

It’s a candid Kibum took of her while she’s daydreaming again for the hundred times. Her eyes are somewhere else, searching for something she can hold for dear life. The next one captured her silly face when he out of the blue said to her to look pretty behind his camera. Subtle warmth enveloped her heart when she saw herself on the last one, laughing like there’s no tomorrow for the first time since her breakup.

“I think he’s already in slumber. Got an early train tomorrow, he said.”

Minho calm words stopped her in the middle of her way to his doorstep. She looked Junghee’s eyes closed already. When she moved her sight to Minho, he just smiled. Smiled like he understands her whole circumstance. Smiled like he pleading her not to involve his best friend in her heart situation.

Bucket of guilty poured down from her head to toe. She sent Minho bitter smile and quietly left to her sanctuary.

Suddenly she doesn’t feel thirsty anymore.

***

No one can help it if we engrossed too much in our pool of regrets. On the other hand, we ourselves also cannot help but to fall into those pits while busy recalling the good times and refused to be saved? But one thing we should keep in mind even though we are too exhausted to try, some moments, some things, they’re meant to be forgotten. To keep us sane. To keep us living our life. To keep us reminded how precious we are :)