How to protect your squis (1/1)

The first thing Jongin notes as he enters the building is how starkly quiet it is. When he walks the halls of his own department, there's music and excited conversation coming from every corner. It's one of the reasons he spends a lot of time in his studio after hours, because the extra noise in the arts building is distracting to his natural flow. But he wouldn't change his major for his life. Jongin loves being surrounded by talented, creative people who get excited about the difference between chalk and graphite drawings or the quality of a picture and how it changes based on light.But here, it's starkly quite, almost deafeningly so. Jongin feels unease crawling up his skin. The arts building is so lively, but here it feels cold, empty. Not to mention the halls are deserted. Not a soul in site. Perhaps most of the student are in class or labs.Jongin can understand why Kyungsoo prefers to study away from the science and technical department.He shakes it off and makes his way to the specific room Kyungsoo had told him and quietly steps inside. At first he stands there, shocked at the sheer size of the room. Rows and rows of tables, staggered on different levels like an auditorium leading to a sort of stage at the front while the tables wrap around the classroom in a semicircle.Jongin has heard about these large lecture halls, but none of his own classes have ever taken place in one. It's huge. Intimidating almost. He nearly backs right out but then he hears the familiar voice of none other than Kyungsoo himself. It pulls his heart forward, moving his feet without consent. His gaze zeros in towards the small stage at the bottom of the stadium style class and finds his little lover. He's already presenting and is full swing into his speech. Thank gods he didn't miss it. Jongin had been in full creative mode and lost track of time earlier. He was so worried that he'd miss this since it seemed important enough for the bean to actually invite him.The attractive artist steps further into the room and slides into an empty seat at the back, covered by the concealment of the dark room. Luckily it seems that most of the student populous is correlated to the bottom half of the room, so he doesn't have to deal with curious eyes or judging stares. He prompts himself up and focuses on Kyungsoo, the other's deep honeyed voice easily capturing his attention. The smaller man has been working on this presentation for the last three weeks. He's been stressing himself to his end. Jongin has all but had to force him to eat and sleep. Jongin's even woken a few times to find Kyungsoo going over his notes or practicing his speech in a low tone to not wake him.This is a big part of his boyfriend's grade and Jongin knows with how hard he worked on it that Kyungsoo is going to get high marks. His baby is just so brilliant.He pays close attention, or at least he tries to. Science has never been his thing and most of the things Kyungsoo is talking about is just lost on him. He can't really force himself to understand something that even Kyungsoo had to work hard to put together and Soo is one of the smartest people he's ever met.There is one thing however that makes him not want to look away and keeps his mind from wandering and it's Kyungsoo himself. The way he speaks, so clear and precise. He holds himself with a surprising amount of confidence and seems at ease speaking about his presentation. If Jongin didn't know any better, he'd never guess his Soo was different than most people. Not a single Kyungsoo ramble or unsure thought. No confused expressions or lost eyes shifts. No tenseness in his shoulders he always has out in public. Kyungsoo is completely in his element here and it's startling.Jongin feels like he's almost looking at a whole other person.Before he can prepare himself Kyungsoo is wrapping up his speech and the lights come on. It's when the class offer a round of applause and words of support that Jongin watches his baby return to himself. A shy, awkward smile tilts his lips and he pulls his shoulders inwards.The professor come up onto the platform and offers a comment of praise and Kyungsoo bows, looking so uncomfortable. Jongin can't help but coo internally at his Soo and his shy ways. He wants to run up there and wrap his boy in a tight hug and make him feel better, but he knows it would probably end up with the opposite effect. The professor asks if anyone would like to follow after Mr. Do and absolutely no one speaks up or raises their hand, much to Jongin's amusement. A bubble of pride surges through Jongin. Kyungsoo's professor dismisses the class then and the hall breaks into hushed chatter and shuffling bodies. Jongin stands and is immediately met with confused and bewildered eyes of students close enough to him. But he pays them no mind when he watches his Soo silently scanning the crowd until they land on him.Kyungsoo bright, squishy smile makes his stomach swoop. Within a second he loses sight of Kyungsoo who was apparently supposed to be discussing things with the students and the teacher, who were standing around him, about his presentation. But Kyungsoo is nowhere to be seen. Jongin frantically searches for the little bean, confused on where he could have gone and frowns feeling more and more worried until suddenly he has an armful of his smol."You came." Kyungsoo grins and bounces happily looking up at Jongin like he painted the stars in the sky."Of course. This is a big deal for you. You were amazing, Kyungsoo. You did so well." Jongin complements, sliding a hand through the boy's hair.Kyungsoo's eyes light up and his face morphs into utter delight. It's the exact opposite of what happens when other people praise him and Jongin feels lucky to have the preferential treatment."Mr. Do." Jongin hears and looks up to see the professor looking confused and slightly irritated.Kyungsoo looks back and gasps. "Oh, right. I forgot i was in the middle of a conversation."Jongin snorts and pets a thumb over the boy's apple cheeks. "Go, I'll meet you at the bench in front of the art hall."The bean grins again and nods, leaning up on his tiptoes and placing a soft kiss to his lips, lingering for a second before sighing and disappearing back down the stairs.The artist stares after his boyfriend like a lost fool for a second before he snaps out of it and finally takes notice that the commotion of people around him has stopped. That is when he notices the blatant gawking and shock on the faces of Kyungsoo's class.Inwardly, Jongin curses and realizes that this is the first time he's ever really showed outward affection with Kyungsoo around the university. Sure, there's been talk about them being spotted together a great deal, but they've never directly had attention on their actions like this. It will be all over campus by tomorrow.He's not ashamed, the exact opposite actually. He's so proud to be with someone so beautiful in every single way. It's his reputation he's worried about. Jongin knows what people think of him. He knows how this school views him... uses him. Jongin wouldn't be able to live with himself if that negatively affected Kyungsoo in any way.Jongin sighs and looks over to a person close to him, still staring and lifts an eyebrow shaking his head to silently say, "got a problem?"The person seems to compose themself, looking intensely guilty for being rude and moves on about their way. The rest of the class follows suit. He hesitates, staring after the boy now standing before his professor who seems to be speaking nonstop. "How did the robot land someone like Kim Jongin?" "Right? Like i wasn't even sure Do had the capabilities to feel." "Think he's programed to want sex? Seems unfair to waste someone like Jongin on the bot that's asexual."The artist's blood goes cold and he glances over to find the source of the words, but everyone seems to be avoiding his gaze and moving quickly towards the exit. Smartly so. Please tell him that's not what they call Kyungsoo. Please tell him this isn't how his classmates see his baby Soo. His heart clenches and he stares sadly down at the boy blinking steadily up at his teacher, face blank, eyes focused forward, almost scarily still. Jongin guesses that if he didn't know any better, then maybe he'd think the same. But he does know better. These people don't know Kyungsoo. They don't understand how soft hearted and kind he can be. They have no idea of the depth Kyungsoo can truly feel. They just do the same thing they did to him. Jongin inwardly groans and shakes his head, heading in the same direction of the crowed and waking out of the building as fast as his legs will carry.>>>>The scratch of his pencil against the pad of paper resting on his lap calms his worried soul. It's peaceful like this. His head too busy to be wrapped up in the 'what if's'.The squirrel on the ground scuffles a little through the vibrant grass growing tall below a large, old oak and he throws the animal another peanut from the bag he had brought. He's taken to looking after this squirrel, seeing how it's basically responsible for getting Kyungsoo and him together. If he hadn't collided with the smol that day, he's not sure if he would have ever seen Kyungsoo again.A few loud whispers and cackles pierce through his concentration and Jongin grits his teeth. A small group of girls sits across the pathway from him on a blanket in the grass. They're one of his many fan groups here on campus. Jongin hates to call them that, but they're self admitted. He's even sure there's an unofficial university club dedicated to him and that alone makes his stomach churn.Jongin just wants to be left alone. He doesn't like being spotlighted. He doesn't like outward attention. The only person he wants the attention of is a certain little prince that is quite late at the moment.The artist stops mid sketch and looks down at his watch. Maybe he should have waited in the hall for Soo. Maybe he shouldn't have left him after he saw the reaction from the others. No one is crazy enough to actually try to hurt or stress his boy, are they?Jongin worries at his lip and takes a deep breath. His hand automatically finds its way back to the drawing, having found a habit in creating art to ease his anxiety a long time ago. It's one of the few things in high school that kept him upright on the bad days. His outlet. Kind of like how Kyungsoo has become a new safe place for him. Like at night, holding Kyungsoo close to his chest, feeling his heartbeat under his palm, just releases everything he'd been holding from that day. Kyungsoo is his shelter to hide when the storm gets too bad.Jongin releases a heavy sigh. All of those times when he's just shy of breaking and Jongin's visited the smaller, or when Kyungsoo comes and finds Jongin at his studio. All it takes is one look and Kyungsoo knows. His little love takes his hand and makes the pain feel miles away. Kyungsoo is stronger than he thinks. He can take care of himself.Even as Jongin repeats this in his head. He still can't ease the little bubble of worry in his chest.He doesn't have a second to even think further on it when a hand lands on his shoulder and he breathes out the first real breath since he left that building. Jongin abandons his sketch and absentmindedly sits back, removing the pad from his lap. He knows what that touch means and he doesn't even think twice about it.Kyungsoo doesn't say a word as he climbs onto Jongin's lap, settling with his back against the younger's chest and his knees bracing the outside of Jongin's. The smol wiggles and shift to get comfortable before sighing and relaxing. Jongin chuckles and brings his arms up to wrap around his baby's waste."You took a while. Everything okay?" Jongin asks hesitantly.Kyungsoo hums and reaches down for the bag of nuts on the beach next to his boyfriend. "My professor wanted to discuss and ask about certain aspects of my project. He is known for capturing unsuspecting students in long discussions and debates. Apparently there is an infinite time loop where some of those conversations are still happening."Jongin snorts and squeezes his Soo. He loves Kyungsoo's humor. It may be subtle to everyone else, but to him, he's seeing more and more of the others playful side. Kyungsoo can actually be very funny if you pay close enough attention.Kyungsoo throws a nut to the animal and smiles that adorable eye crinkling way that Jongin loves. Sometimes even he is amazed by how cute his boy is. "When is your show?"

Jongin comes back from his internal cooing of the other and blinks at his bean. "What?""The art department showcase for the end of the year projects. When is it?" Kyungsoo specifies, looking at the bag of nuts before picking one out and popping it in his own mouth. He munches happily and makes a cute little sound of delight. Jongin adds cashews to the list of things that make Kyungsoo squish."Oh... in a few weeks actually. Two weeks before the end of the semester. Did... did you want to go?" Jongin says suddenly becoming shy. For some reason Kyungsoo seeing his art feels like a bigger deal than any of his professors.Kyungsoo leans to the side and glances over his shoulder at the younger. "I want to be able to tell you how great you are like you did for me today. I may not be great at or even understand art, but i know you're incredibly talented." He looks down at the sketch Jongin had been working on and a soft smile touches his lips. "You tell me all the time how smart i am, but there's logic behind science. There's math, systems, direct answers... but with art, it's something you feel. I can find the algorithm to make any machine move in books, but you are able to breathe life into a 2d image with your bare hands... that's exceptional, Jongin."Jongin stares wide eyed at his little lover when he glaces up to meet his gaze. Never has he heard anyone say something so sincere. Kyungsoo's almost emotionless expression would probably have made anyone else doubt his words. The way the boys face betrays the way his eyes hold the truest depth and tenderness, is almost sad. How could anyone call this boy a robot? How could they not see just how immensely human he is.Jongin leans forward and presses his face to the other's neck and nuzzles at the skin there, before resting his chin on Soo's shoulder. "Thank you. That really means a lot coming from you."Kyungsoo smiles his favorite smile again and shifts back into his earlier position, then digs through the bag, wrinkling his nose up when he finds a walnut and throws it to the squirrel. Jongin adds walnuts to the things that make Kyungsoo frown list.A loud giggle breaks through their comfortable silence and Jongin's eyes shift to the girls over on the grass. Most of them seem to be sulking and making rude gestures towards the two on the bench. Obviously Jongin's fanclub is not a fan of his boyfriend, even if a few appear to be all for this development. How had they managed to dodge most of the public's eye up until now? It's not like they had been hiding it... Maybe subconsciously he had, though. Maybe he always pulled Soo to a back corner of a restaurant, waited to kiss him till they were in the privacy of his studio or their homes, ushered them quickly from place to place so others didn't have time to notice. Jongin breathes out and suddenly feels ill. For months now he's been unintentionally hiding Kyungsoo. Today was the first time he went out of his comfort zone and showed up for Kyungsoo's presentation. The second he stepped foot outside of their usual routine and into that building, he popped the protective bubble around them. Around Soo.He opens his mouth to apologize and admit what he's done when a louder and more melodic giggle than that of the girls breaks through the air. It came from Kyungsoo. Jongin's gaze focuses back on his Soo and sees he's still snickering at the animal on the ground who had taken all of the nuts Kyungsoo had thrown it and has shoved them in its cheeks. It's cute, but how amused Kyungsoo is by it is down right precious. "Jongin, lookie. Bubble cheeked baby." Kyungsoo says, pointing and trying to get Jongin's attention to the animal.Jongin shakes his head and just smiles fondly at his boyfriend. "I see. It's cute. You should take a picture."Kyungsoo gasps and nearly drops the nuts, trying to search his big heavy coat for his phone, (seriously Luhan? It's barely hoodie weather.) but the artist saves them last minute.It's in that moment that Jongin realizes that Kyungsoo isn't even paying the slightest of attention to the girls feet away from them. Jongin had been so worried about people bothering his boy; about the gossip, rumors, whispers, and stares getting to Soo. But here they are, directly confronted with Jongin's worst and Kyungsoo is giggling over an animal. Jongin smiles and places his cheek to Kyungsoo's shoulder, tightening his arms and rocking them lightly. He hears Kyungsoo whine when the squirrel runs away before he could get a picture, but he doesn't fret over it, just relaxes back into Jongin and enjoys the moment. The younger realizes he was a fool to expect Kyungsoo to pay attention or be affected by other's opinions. Soo's always just wanted Jongin, even knowing what other's say about him, he took the time to know and understand him. Only this little bean could push away the bad things and see the light trying so desperately to shine inside of the artist. Maybe it was Kyungsoo protecting Jongin all along.  They sit like that for a little longer, enjoying the coolness of the afternoon breeze and the calm of the weekend settling around them. Jongin loves Friday evenings. The promise of not having to be at classes the next day and the availability to devote his time to more important things like Kyungsoo or his painting. It's easing, like slipping into a nice warm bath with his little love cuddled to his chest.He lifts his head as a sudden idea develops in his mind. "Hey, Soo... Would your hyungs be okay with us using the bathtub for a couple hours?"Kyungsoo tilts his head at the sound of his name and lifts his shoulders. "The only one who uses it is Baekkie Hyung so he can use his bath oils. They'd probably be okay with it."Jongin waits a couple seconds for the why, before he realizes who he's talking to and chuckles silently. Of course. "Come on, lets go to your house.""Okay." Kyungsoo says wiggling off his boyfriend's lap and waiting for Jongin to collect his things. Jongin offers his hand and Kyungsoo takes it without even a second of hesitation.>>>>A yawn pulls out of Kyungsoo's lips as he stumbles down the almost familiar hallway towards the metal door that is in a way confronting now. The metal door means bubbly feelings in his tummy. The metal door means cuddles and kisses. The metal door means Jongin.His hand reaches for the handle but frowns when the door doesn't slide open as it usually does. He tries it again, but still nothing. It's locked. Jongin never locks his door. Even when he basically lived in the studio for a few weeks, he never locked the door. Kyungsoo doesn't like the locked door. The locked door keeps him from Jongin. Kyungsoo doesn't like being kept from Jongin. Kyungsoo wants Jongin. Kyungsoo whines and makes a fist, banging it against the door before the voice of Luhan hyung can echo in his head to tell him it might be rude and disruptive. He pouts and waits a few minutes before he hears a click on the other side of the door. The angry swirling in his tummy subsides when the door opens and his Jongin peeks out.The second Jongin sees Kyungsoo in the hallways, his eyes crinkle and his lips tug into a soft smile. "Soo. Hey, baby."At the pet name Kyungsoo's chest flutters and he steps closer, as Jongin opens the door and squishes outside, closing the door behind him. Soo blinks at this and frowns up at his boyfriend. Why isn't Jongin letting him inside. Jongin always lets him inside. Kyungsoo wants to go inside.Jongin's eyebrows furrow and he reaches out to smooth the frown off of his little love's face. "What's wrong."Kyungsoo whines and pouts much to Jongin's dismay. "I want cuddles and kisses."Jongin's eyes soften and he leans down to kiss the pout of the boy's lips. Kyungsoo gives in easily and allows the taller to pull him into a deep, lingering kiss. By the time the artist releases him, he feels happily dazed.Kyungsoo likes kisses. Kyungsoo likes kissing Jongin. Kyungsoo likes kissing all of Jongin.The older starts pushing Jongin back so they can go inside and do more of this on Jongin's blanket bet, but Jongin doesn't budge. When Kyungsoo stops, he looks up and stares at his boyfriend in confusion."I'm sorry, Soo. I need some space to work. It's getting close to the end of the painting. I'm almost finished and i don't like to let anyone in the studio around this time." Jongin explains, rubbing the back of his neck with his hand.Kyungsoo frowns. "But... you always let me in."Jongin's chest aches like he just got shot in the chest. "Baby, i'm sorry. I just... I don't like people to see my work before it's finished. You've already seen more than most people."Kyungsoo's shoulders drop and he looks down at his shoes. "Oh, okay. I understand."And he does. He was always locked out of his parents offices when he was a kid. Kyungsoo is no stranger to locked doors and annoyed dismissals whenever he'd knock on the door wanting to talk to his mommy and daddy. They were busy and Kyungsoo would just bother them. Kyungsoo understands. "Soo... i'm really sorry. It's just for a couple weeks then you are free to come in here any time you want." Jongin says, nearly panicking at the look on the beans face.Kyungsoo shakes his head and takes a deep breath in, offering Jongin a smile. "I understand. You need to be alone with your own thoughts. I need that too sometimes, so I'll let you get back to your painting." The smaller takes a few steps back and waves at Jongin. Kyungsoo cares about Jongin. Jongin's art is important to him. Kyungsoo won't bother Jongin so he can do his art.Jongin frowns at the retrieting boy disappearing steadily down the hallways and his heart breaks a little. He guesses he could have hid the painting for a little while and allowed Soo back in, but he was kind of in a zone and Kyungsoo is always his best distraction. With a groan and a heavy heart, he goes back inside and locks the door behind him....The bench that Jongin and him usually sit on together has never felt this uncomfortable. Kyungsoo doesn't know why. It's a perfectly sound bench. It hasn't been weathered or damaged in any way. Kyungsoo doesn't understand why all of a sudden the bench is unpleasant to sit on. He frowns to himself and thinks he should just go home. Luhan and Minseok hyung always let him into their bed when he needs extra cuddles and pets. But for some reason that idea makes his tummy do an angry thing. Kyungsoo huffs and pouts at the odd comfort shifting bench. "Hey, Shrimp." I deep voice says next to him.Kyungsoo glances over and finds Park Chanyeol sitting down on the bench next to him. "Chanyeol, i'm a human." Kyungsoo explains, wondering if Jongin's friend is alright.The tall man laughs loudly and Kyungsoo winces at the volume. "What are you doing out here? Aren't you usually wrapped up in bed with Jongin on saturday mornings?""He's working on his painting." Kyungsoo clarifies, then pouts. "He wouldn't let me in his studio."Chanyeol makes a face and nods, like he just had an epiphany. "Yeah, he does that around this time."Kyungsoo tilts his head. "He always does this?"The taller snorts. "I'm actually surprised he let you in his studio for as long as he did. He usually kicks people out as soon as he starts a new painting."Something settles in his belly and he abruptly feels a lot better. Kyungsoo doesn't know why he feels better, but he thinks it has to do with Chanyeol. Chanyeol eased his belly ache. Kyungsoo likes Park Chanyeol, even if the man is peculiar. "Hey, Soo? Want to come hang out with me if you don't want to go home?" Chanyeol asks giving him an odd expression and Kyungsoo knits his eyebrows trying to figure it out. He sees this often on Luhan and Baekhyun hyung's faces. Concern? But why would Jongin's friend be concerned? Is he okay? Is there something wrong with his private life? Kyungsoo figures it would be rude to ask and nods. Maybe if he goes with the large man he can help him. A friend of Jongin is a friend of his.....Chanyeol cringes as he watches the scene unfold in front of him. He had brought Kyungsoo to the tattoo shop. He technically has the afternoon off to work on a stencil for a client, but he always works better here than he does at his apartment. He expected the bean to walk around the shop and eventually find something to do, due to his quiet nature, but he never expected this. The second he had opened the shop's door, Yixing was right in front of them. The odd man's eyes had lit up at the sight of Kyungsoo and had asked the smol if it was okay to touch him. Kyungsoo seemed relieved at being asked and nodded, which promptly followed with Yixing basically petting him and pulling him into a hug. For someone as weird as Yixing, this is top notch crazy. He would have put a stop to it if it didn't seem like Kyungsoo wasn't so fond of the older man. It's the fastest Chanyeol has seen anyone take to Jongin's friends. Hell, he still won't even directly speak to Sehun, and always hides behind Jongin when their friend walks into a room. It's probably the resting bitch face, or maybe the fact that Sehun had held Chanyeol down into a headlock one morning because the tattoo artist had drank the last of his precious almond milk. Kyungsoo had woken up and walked out into the living room to see said scene. He immediately ran back into Jongin's room and slammed the door. A seething Jongin had come out moments later. To Chanyeol it was hilarious, but to the boy it was probably terrifying.Chanyeol might have taken to treating Soo a little gentler since then, though.Every once in a while Chanyeol will look over and check up on the two currently sitting on the couch and chatting animatedly to each other. It's kind of creepy, but also cute at the same time with how doting Yixing is on the kid. But then again, he guesses most of the people that are in his life now, tend to take an extra length in looking after him. Hell, Chanyeol could have kept walking earlier when he found the bean on campus, but instead he saw the look on his face and couldn't convince himself to leave him. Guess they're all whipped for those large innocent eyes and squishy personality.It is a little concerning on how Yixing is behaving, though. On a good day, Yixing is the furthest thing from normal, but as soon as they walked in the older man had taken Soo into his care. He made tea for them and brought out some bread he bought that morning on the way to the shop. Chanyeol's never seen Yixing like this. The older yoga enthusiast is actually conversing with Kyungsoo. Like holding an actual conversation, not speaking in riddles. Chanyeol texted his boss about it twenty minutes ago, but still no reply. The older is probably still sleeping off last nights bad choices. Chanyeol decided to let him be and chooses instead to keep a close eye on the other two.He rationalizes that Jongin would murder him in cold blood if anything ever happened to is precious Soo, but he knows that's only partly the reason.When he looks over next, he observes Kyungsoo staring down and tracing the inked lines over Yixing's forearms. He seems mesmerized and Chanyeol smirks. Jongin had told him about Kyungsoo's odd obsession over the taboo medium. Clearly, it stretches outside of Jongin himself though and he wonders how the tan artist would feel about that.Kyungsoo says something, seeming to ask a request and Yixing agrees easily, sitting up and sliding his shirt over his head revealing the full body off artwork that lay beneath. The bean's eyes widen and Chanyeol hears him ask if he can touch adding that Jongin told him that it's important to ask for consent. Chanyeol smiles at this and finds himself deeply proud of his best friend. Yixing happily agrees and Kyungsoo reaches out without a second of trepidation and begins tracing his fingers over the ink covering Yixing's shoulder and chest. Most of Yixing's ink is courtesy of his lovely boss and done in his specific style. It compliments the odd man well and Chanyeol can see why Junmyeon uses him as his personal sketch pad for ideas and new things he wants to try.Chanyeol suddenly gets an idea and sits up, setting his drawing aside. He's almost done, so he can fuck around for a few a bit."Hey, Soo."The smol looks his way at the sound of his name and fixies the large babydoll eyes on him, wide and curious. Gods, how fucking cute can this guy get? Like Chanyeol's heart might have just fluttered. He shakes his head and thinks of how much of a goner Jongin must be. "How would you feel about having one of your own?" Chanyeol asks motioning towards Yixing's body art, getting a narrowed eyed look said man.Soo blinks at him and then looks back to Yixing's pretty body. He traces his finger over the design covering the man's clavicle and nods without really thinking about it.Chanyeol grins and stands, motioning for the boy to follow him. "Great, let's get you tatted.">>>>Jongin's shoes scuff against the ground as he fails to pick up his feet fully. A lifelong habit he's never been able to break. Despite the people passing him on the street constantly staring and whispering, Jongin's focus isn't on them, but rather on the phone in his hands. He's messaged Soo many times since the bean showed up at his studio. Jongin feels kind of bad for basically kicking him out, but it's just how his process works. No one is allowed to see the final product of his works till he's ready.As it is Kyungsoo's already seen more than most people ever have of Jongin's art and process of creating it. He's just always been private about these things, even if his baby had managed to work his way past his usual safe guards, this is still something he can't budge on. He needs to keep his art a secret till he's ready to reveal it.Still, the way Kyungsoo's face had dropped earlier just doesn't sit right with him and now the kid is failing to answer his texts or calls. It almost makes him want to bail on work and go find the boy, but when he stops in front of the shop and notices Yixing sitting alone at the desk, he knows he can't. As much as he loves the older mysteriously odd man, he's not great in dealing with customers.Jongin wonders where Chanyeol went off to, since he knows Chanyeol has the afternoon clear to work on an elaborate piece a client wants next week. When he steps inside the building and hears the steady buzz of the a tattoo gun, he know that Chanyeol must be with a client. Maybe a walk in, though they rarely allow those on the weekends.Yixing looks up from the book he was reading when Jongin enters and he has a slight edge dancing in his eyes. It almost stops Jongin in his tracks. He rarely sees anything but friendliness and ease in the other's expression, but it almost looks as if the older is warning him against something."Everything okay?" Jongin asks hesitantly."A man must remember to place the happiness of his loved ones before that of himself. Sometimes protection is the same as destruction." Yixing says with a low tone.Jongin shivers and blinks at the other. Without Junmyeon here he's basically lost. "Alright then."He inches to the back room to ask his best friend if their resident monk happens to be malfunctioning. Yixing's eyes follow him the whole time and he puts a bit of hurry into his steps. He pauses before the door where he can hear his friend's music playing and the steady buzz of the tattoo gun fills the small space, and looks back to Yixing who blinks steadily at him and nods for him to continue, then turns his back to him.Jongin shakes his head and just lets it go, whatever Yixing is trying to tell him will come into focus eventually. He swings the door open."Yeol, i think Yixing is broken, maybe we should call Ju-... Kyungsoo?"The bean opens his eyes and looks over at his boyfriend, a soft smile crinkling his eyes when he takes in the other's beautiful eyes. Kyungsoo loves Jongin's eyes. Kyungsoo missed Jongin's eyes. Kyungsoo missed Jongin."What the hell is going on?" Jongin's loud piercing voice rips through the calmness of the room.Kyungsoo's eyes widen and the smile drops from his lips as they pull into a frowned pout. He's never heard Jongin raise his voice before and it makes his tummy do uncomfortable things. Is Jongin mad at him? Did he do something wrong? Is that why he wouldn't let him into his studio early? Does Jongin hate him now and wants to leave him?"Jongin." A sudden stern voice pulls him from his spiraling and he focuses on his boyfriend who isn't looking at him with that angry expression, but at the man behind him. "Fix your attitude or I'll have Yixing drag your ass out of here."Jongin fumes at the way Chanyeol dares to speak to him after what he's just walked in on. He feels a presence behind him and looks over his shoulder to find Yixing steps behind him, his cautioning eyes on him once again. "What the fuck is wrong with you tw-""Jongin. Stop. He's trembling like a leaf right now. You're scaring him." Chanyeol says and he finally takes a minute to look at Kyungsoo.The bean has his eyes closed and he's shaking, looking like a terrified puppy. Jongin regrets everything. "Baby Soo." He coos.The older opens his eyes with a whimper and Jongin feels his chest concave at the glossiness of those beautiful globes. Jongin curses and wishes the gods would smite him right here and now for causing this. He moves forward without even thinking and drops to his knees in front of the boy laying on his side. He cups the beans cheeks and presses his lips to the other's, trying to calm his baby down.He never wanted to scare Soo. He never wanted to cause him distress. Jongin was just shocked, and he lost his wits for a second. Luhan had warned him about raising his voice or projecting an angry aura around Kyungsoo because he grew up in a hostile environment where he was always yelled at or chastised for behavior his parents didn't approve of. Jongin feels like the shit of the earth."Soo, I'm so sorry. I'm not mad at you. I promise you have done nothing wrong. You're okay. It's okay." Jongin says sliding his fingers into the other's hair and scratching lightly at the scalp.Kyungsoo whines and pouts at Jongin, calming down enough to stop shaking. Jongin breathes out in relief. "Then why did you yell? Why did you get mad?"Jongin's gaze shoots over to his best friend who's attempting to give them a level of privacy by messing around on his work station, organizing his tools and such. Jongin hadn't realized the buzzing and the music had stopped in his haste to calm his precious boy."I was surprised. I didn't think it through, i just walked in and saw Chanyeol tattooing you and felt upset. It was a lot of emotions at once and i lashed out. I'm sorry, baby." Jongin says softly, his tone gentle and easing.Kyungsoo relaxes and Jongin watches every bit of remaining tension drain from the bean. "It's okay, i just thought you might be mad at me with how you wouldn't let me in your studio earlier and kind of made a bunch of assumptions. I should not have thought so carelessly."Jongin shushes him and shakes his head. "No, no. It's okay, Soo. You're okay. It was my own carelessness."One of the things that's difficult about loving someone like Soo, is this. You always have to be on your guard, thinking about how your own behavior and words will affect him. To someone else, a scoff will be met with curiosity, but to a Kyungsoo it mean him possibly cycling into a deep pit. His brain works on a different spectrum and working through emotions and reactions is drastically different for him. Jongin has to constantly think about the effect his actions will have on the other and doesn't have the luxury to be indifferent. It's hard to always be in processing mode, but for Soo he refuses to feel inconvenienced. Even if it's difficult, making sure that he doesn't cause his Soo any unnecessary stress is worth every detailed observation of his own outward regard. He'd do anything to protect, Kyungsoo."So... you're getting a tattoo." Jongin says, pulling away from Kyungsoo and grabbing a chair across the room and setting it in front of his boyfriend. The older reaches for his hand and Jongin gives it as easy as breathing.Kyungsoo giggles and nods. "Channie suggested it. I saw Yixing Hyung's tattoos. They're so pretty, Jongin. So many colors and different shapes. It's like a circuit board. Everything is connected, yet different, like each part works together and independently at the same time."Jongin's heart skips at the sparkle in the boy's eyes and he slips even further in love. He looks up at his friend who is once again positioned behind his boy and gives him an eyebrow raise. Jongin sighs and nods with a smile on his lips. If this is what Soo wants, then who is he to decide. The buzzing of a tattoo gun once again echoes through the room."How does it feel?" He asks a few minutes after watching Kyungsoo's eyes slip closed.It's not that he hadn't ever thought of Kyungsoo getting a tattoo, but it's just an uncertainty that Kyungsoo could get a tattoo. Kyungsoo's brain runs on hyper sensory processing. It's why he gets overwhelmed easily and why he doesn't like people to touch him. Most of the time the simplest of touches can send his nerves into hyperdrive and make him feel uncomfortable or even in pain. So, Jongin wasn't sure he could ever get one because it might be too painful or uncomfortable for him."It tickles." Kyungsoo snickers, his nose wrinkling and while a grin tugs at his lips.Jongin's eyebrows bunch together and he cocks his head. Even with people who have regular sensory inputs or those who have a high pain tolerance, they still recognize the pain of a tattoo. Some people can block it out, but they know there's still a stinging type of pain. Kyungsoo saying it tickles is highly improbable.The tan artist grins at his Soo and boops him on the nose prompting Kyungsoo's light giggle. Music to Jongin's ears. He then stands and leans over to glimpse at the tattoo artists hands. Jongin lets out a silent chuckle finding a needless tattoo gun in Chanyeol's hand, with a bottle of henna ink squished between the gun and his palm, held steady at the tip by his thumb and pointer finger. Chanyeol is giving Kyungsoo a fake tattoo."Is the gun necessary?" Jongin asks with an amused smirk.Chanyeol pauses in his design and looks up at the other momentarily. "I've been doing this for a long time, Nini. I'm not sure i even know how to draw a line on skin without the feeling of the vibrations going down my arm. This just feels natural to me, fuck off."Kyungsoo gasps and Jongin snorts when Chanyeol actually apologizes for cursing. Clearly he's not the only one who's gained a soft spot for the boy. He does recall the name Channie falling from Soo's mouth earlier and reminds himself to give his best friend shit for it later. "So what design are you doing?"He leans further over the boy and attempts to peek at what Kyungsoo is getting drawn on his back, but Chanyeol stops him with a large gloved hand covering his face and pushing him back. Jongin whines and frowns at his friend when he lets go once Jongin is a safe distance away."You're not the only one who doesn't like people to see their work before it's finished." Chanyeol says, deadpanning in response to Jongin's pout. "Plus, Kyungsoo picked it out specifically. It's his surprise, don't ruin it."Jongin looks down at Soo then and finds the boy staring up at him with a soft look. "Okay. Then i shall wait and be surprised."Kyungsoo beams and Jongin is a helpless fool for this man.....Jongin's patience had been tested, especially since after the tattoo was finished, they had to let it sit and dry for a hour. Chanyeol refused to let him see till the final production. He angrily pouted and complained at his oldest friend, but Chanyeol refused to let up. Kyungsoo called him cute and Jongin swears his irises formed into hearts. Chanyeol called him whipped and snorted, making a joke about the "almighty Kim Jongin" being completely lost on the small bean. Jongin couldn't even argue.Finally after what felt like forever Chanyeol cleaned the dried ink off Kyungsoo's back and let him sit up. The tiny bean stretches and rolls his body. Jongin hums and lets his hands wander over the other's naked chest and abdomen, pulling pleasure sighs and hums from him.Chanyeol groans. "I'm still here. Save it for when you're out of my space."Jongin smirks and reaches up tweaking a Kyungsoo's nipple, earning a surprised moan. Chanyeol just shakes his head and motions to his friend's boyfriend. "You can look now. Quit with the foreplay."Kyungsoo sits up straight and twists his body to look at the tall tattoo artist. "Oh, foreplay. Page 18."Chanyeol furrows his brows and looks to Jongin who just shrugs and releases a sigh. "Don't ask."Jongin reaches out and pulls Kyungsoo into a straight, upright position, then rounds the table. Chanyeol gives him a short smirk and crosses his arms as Jongin comes face to face with the artwork across his little loves back. His heart speeds up and his chest squeezes tightly. Across Kyungsoo's back are wings... Jongin's wings.The ink is more delicate, almost a more feminine touch to it. Thinner, simpler lines cover the boy's back and it captures Kyungsoo so well. Once again Chanyeol managed to incorporate the person into the art and Jongin chokes up a bit."Soo..." Jongin attempts to say something, anything about how much this means to him, but his voice breaks."He feels more than you think, but he just doesn't know how to fully express it."  Baekhyun's words play through his head and Jongin breaths out.This is how Kyungsoo expresses it. This is how he shows and proves his love. Kyungsoo doesn't need to say it because here it is, inked in his skin, proof that he loves Jongin to his core.Jongin reaches out and pets his fingers down the scrawling lines, tracing the familiar patterns, that he's only seen in mirrors and pictures, that stretch across his own back. Kyungsoo's back straightens and he sucks in a sharp breath."I love you too." Jongin says his vision slightly blurry as he continues to map the dark ink stains.Kyungsoo turns his head and looks back at the other in slight awe. "You love me?"Jongin releases a breathy laugh and closes his eyes while nodding and feels a tear slip. "Yes, of course i do. I love you so much, Kyungsoo."His eyes pop open when all of a sudden the skin under his fingers is gone and he gets an arm full of Kyungsoo. The smaller wraps his arms around Jongin's waist and presses his face against his boyfriend's chest. Jongin without even thinking, folds the bean into his arms, holding him tightly.The artist presses a kiss to the boy's temple and slides a hand up his back unto the short hairs at the base of his neck. His Kyungsoo. His baby. His everything.Fuck what anyone else thinks. Let them whisper and gossip. Let them stare and judge. They have no idea who either of them really are. They don't understand the lengths at which they feel. They can't see this right here. He can't even begin to imagine a world without Kyungsoo in it. How lifeless and boring his life would be. He dreads even thinking of what would happen if he ever lost the other. Kyungsoo is just so much of a fundamental part of who he is. His laughter is the new rhythm in which his heart beats to the tune of. His eyes are the vast pools in which hold every answer he's ever been looking for. His mind is the greatest inspiration he could ever have, never failing to make him dream and create new worlds among them. And his love, oh gods, Kyungsoo's love breathes life into his veins, pulsing through every part of him every moment of every day.It's so utterly unbelievably amazing that someone who thinks so differently and views the world unlike anyone else is the one person who is able to see him clearly for the first time in his life. But here, right now, as he pulls back and looks into Kyungsoo's galaxy speckled eyes, he sees himself and the unconditional love he'd always been searching for. With this love, they protect one another.  >>>>> Hey guys! Here's some more soft baby Soo and soft boyfriend Jongin for you. I seriously love this story and these two together is just everything. I recently got inspired to revisit this one. I usually come to this story when i want sweet fluff that i can feel fuzzy and right about. I love this story and am so thankful to all of you loyal and even you new readers who are showing it so much love and support. Whenever i get your messages of love telling me how much you appreciate my writing or characters, it makes me feel really touched. Like i can't even begin to explain how much it means. So thank you from the bottom of my heart. I hope to see you again soon here. I have a few ideas on further chapters for Hopelessly Naive, so i'll try to keep writing on it.Anyways, thanks for reading. See you next time. Byes.~M~