2 (1/1)

CHAPTER TWO   The signage’s now flipped to “OPEN!”  That’s the cue for the employees to go on their respective places, clad on sophisticated looking uniforms, all are smiling and anticipating the once again wealthy yet tiring night for them. Well, except for two. Kris being the first, and Tao the second. General manager Kris is seating on his couch at the second floor of the club. He’s wearing his usual straight face—bitch face, according to Kai, crossed legs, a bottle of expensive wine in one hand and the other resting at the armrest. He was on his usual self. Word choice, was. He was on his usual self earlier, before he saw the image of the person bugging him, Tao. Then he remembered what Suho told him, that he’s only picking on Tao. Then he’ll change his position, and again, and again. So, not usual. Talking about the other boy, Tao, his solemn mood’s more evident. Instead of being all smirks and sexy looks, he’s rather, all frowns and downcasted eyes look. He’s still a little, yes, a little, bothered by the scolding earlier. “Duizhang is still mad at me.” He mumbled as he looked at the spot Kris is always sitting, only to see a stoic look from the general manager. He then sighed at the sight of Kris, return to the counter, put a hand under his chin, sigh again, then say “Duizhang is still mad at me.” He does that every after two minutes or less, wanting to either confirm or deny his assumption. And that assumption of Tao wants to be denied by Kris, because he’s not mad at him now, just, confused. Then he changes his position again. ---- Kyungsoo’s been singing all along his favorite song anywhere, anyhow, everytime. And Kai’s the only one able to resist it. “Jongin, do you think it’s a good idea to be the last to perform? I really doubt it when Bacon said I should be the last.” Kyungsoo faced the younger who’s busy practicing what expression will suit his performance the best. “Yeah, I think so. Don’t get bothered by it okay, Khyung? As the saying goes, ‘Last but not the least.’ And don’t stop singing, I’m enjoying it.” He added looking at his hyung through the mirror. “Thank you Jongin! You’re the best!” Kyungsoo back-hugged Jongin. The former squeezing Jongin into a tight hug while the latter didn’t know if he should remove or just hug his hyung back. Once contented, Kyungsoo removed himself from Jongin and went outside the dressing room not forgetting to say one more ‘Hwaiting!’. And once again, Kai’s left stupefied. After some time of standing like a crazy in front of a mirror, Kai observed himself. He looked at his reflection and checked. “I’m feeling kind of hot—just your suit Jongin.” He then removed his suit and neatly placed it on a hanger; a habit he learned from Kyungsoo. “Why are your cheeks red huh?” He asked himself. But after some time, regretted it knowing his reflection won’t answer unless he does. He just shrugged it off. But something’s really wrong with him, or was it wrong? He placed his right hand above his left chest and felt the rapid palpitations of his heart. Just then, the back-hugging scene reappeared on his mind. Then he felt his face got hotter and his belly spinning like crazy. He’s about to call his doctor to schedule him an appointment when he heard the door open. He is about to turn to see who entered when he felt small, warm hands touch both of his shoulders. Yes, those pair of beautiful hands belong to the person who caused all his almost heart-attack.  He turned to see Kyungsoo only inches away from him; then he felt those again—the abnormal sensations he felt earlier, but this time, it’s rather, he’s feeling more chronic with it. His face got hotter than the desert of Sahara, his stomach twisting and spinning and rollercoaster-ing, his blood going upwards at a very fast rate and his heart, well, if his heart’s a car, it’s overspeeding and had already won the world racing cup. “You’re still here Jongin? And why are you—“ The next words came as whispers to him as he smelled the fresh scent of mint, cinnamon and the distinct smell of Kyungsoo enter his nose, lungs, system; plus the unhealthy distance between their faces, making Kyungsoo’s effect on him rather amplify more, if that’s possible.  Then everything turned black. ---- Kyungsoo was shocked when Kai fainted in his arms. At first, Kyungsoo noticed the redness of Kai’s face, then he’s hallucinating—because before Kai fainted, Kyungsoo’s just about to ask him why he is smelling his hyung like an addict, and also, the strong and quick heartbeat of the younger. “Jo—Jongin? He—Hey! Don’t joke like that! Yah! Wake up now will—will you?!” Kyungsoo’s already crying, still shaking the unconscious boy lying peacefully on his lap. Kyungsoo’s afraid that Kai might be dead because the first thing that entered his mind that moment is that Kai had a heart attack most especially because Kyungsoo noticed that the younger’s experiencing the same symptoms as earlier for quite a time already. He tightly hugged the boy as he continued to cry even more. “Don’t die like this Jongin, please wake up. Don’t leave Khyung, please Jongin…” He whispered on Kai’s ear as he buried his face on Kai’s neck. The truth is, Kyungsoo’s really a shy boy before but because of Kai pushing him to go further, and supporting him every time he joins a contest which he almost always won, he successfully overcame his stage fright and shyness. That’s why he sees Kai as his support, that when the younger’s away from him, he’ll feel weak, he’ll crash into pieces. He’s too dependent on Kai’s presence that it served as the main reason why they’re both working at the same place where at first, Kai only wanted Kyungsoo to be into, but the latter convinced him, rather threatened him that he’ll not be able to taste his favorite Kimchi Spaghetti ever again, so he also passed all the application forms requested then auditioned, then passed; same as Kyungsoo. He continued to cry more as he continually promised to Jongin that he’ll cook the best foods for him, that he’ll nag less whenever Jongin feels lazy enough not to properly put his used clothes on the laundry bag, that he’ll not be a burden anymore to Jongin. He promised more things just for Jongin to wake up.  Kai, on the other hand, as he’s being cradled by a whimpering Kyungsoo, is actually having the best of his dreams at Kaisoo land—an imaginary land that popped out just now he named before him and Kyungsoo. Actually, Kai would’ve named it JongSoo, or KyungIn but those doesn’t sound pleasant to him so he contented himself on Kaisoo. A/N : And it sounds amazingly ship-pi-er right? Yes? I know right! My favorite OTP! One of my ultimates! >8D Anyways, as Kai’s having a vivid rewinding of his memories—their memories- on Kaisoo land, he found himself smiling and grinning like an idiot whenever a flashback appears in front of him. Let’s say, for example, when little Kai and little Kyungsoo were playing a role-playing game. That happened after their family watched a fantasy film with a King and a Queen loving each other though they both are from different worlds. When the two got home, Kai immediately went to Kyungsoo’s which was actually just the house-next-door back then, and ask Kyungsoo to play with him which the latter agreed happily. They both complied with Kai’s idea of re-enacting what happened on the film. He gave their toys roles and all; they even used curtains and pillow cases as costumes. But when it’s the turn to choose for the King’s role, they both wanted it, of course. So what Kai did was, he then introduced the game rock-paper-scissors to Kyungsoo, because his hyung’s really shy and so not outgoing that his only friend is Kai. Kyungsoo got it at their first try. But when it came to the actual game, Kyungsoo lose to Kai, to which will be punished to take the Queen’s role. Kai could still remember how cute Kyungsoo was back then—if not cuter now. He unconsciously smiled and turned his eyes into little crescent moons at the thought of it. Kyungsoo’s the most adorable, nagging queen little Kai’s ever seen. His hyung’s cheeks are puffed, lips pouted; forming a small heart, arms crossed, and a few nags and comments of discomfort coming every now and then. Well, Kai had only saw two queens that time, in which, I believe you could already guess who’s who. Flashbacks like that continuously project on the wide, peaceful, blue sky on Kaisoo’s land. Even those embarrassing moments Kai almost forgot were relived. And he couldn’t be happier knowing he did all of those with his hyung, his childhood bestfriend, Kyungsoo, by his side. Well, if for Kyungsoo, Jongin’s his support; then for Jongin, Kyungsoo is his strength. Kyungsoo, for Jongin, is his energy pill. He would always look at his hyung first everytime he’ll perform because it gives him confidence to do perfect; just the image of Kyungsoo watching him dance is enough for him to do the performance better—if not the best he can. It’s Kyungsoo’s rather quick evident change of expressions and transparency on anything that Jongin really wants about him. He’s honest, he’s unpredictable but at the same time predictable in a way you’ll know if he’s angry when he furrows his eyebrows, he’s confused because he did this, he’s anxious because blah blah, etc., etc. Above all, his pair of big, black, captivating orbs really shows what he’s feeling. It’s the gateway to his true self, and Jongin’s all allowed to be a captive of it, because he’s the only one who truly and completely understands it, him. But all the peacefulness seemed to end as he heard silent sounds of what seems like crying, promising stuffs and everything. It’s when he heard a familiar song be sung by a certain someone, a certain someone he knows by heart. The owner of the voice he’ll never ever get tired of hearing, of listening to, is singing to him one of the songs he use to sleep with. Kyungsoo’s singing Angel, and it’s so full of emotions that Kai couldn’t help but feel a teardrop fall as he smiled, closed his eyes, be carried by the song. Then once again, everything turned black. ---- Suho and Lay’s with Kyungsoo at their dorm room. They volunteered to help Kyungsoo carry the unconscious Kai back to their dorm and that means they’ll not be able to perform that night. But how did Suho and Lay ended up teaming together to help Kyungsoo? FLASHBACK This happened by the time Kyungsoo returned to the dressing room, before Kai fainted. “Assistant General Manager, why are they calling you Suho instead of Joonmyeon?” the barista named Lay asked the asst. general manager who’s busy auditing their income, expenses, and stuff. Suho shifted on his seat to see Lay delicately wiping the goblets until they shine. “I could also ask you the same thing Zhang Yixing. Why do you think you’re called Lay?” He mocked an eyebrow to Lay which the latter failed to notice and answered innocently. “I don’t really know Joonhyung. But when we moved here in Korea, they started calling me Lay instead of Yixing. But for me, it’s no big deal, I actually liked the Lay better. It sounds cooler. Isn’t it Joonhyung—“ “What did you call me Zhang Yixing?!” Lay stopped on what he’s doing and turned to Suho who’s either angry or just overly cheerful. His famous eye smile evident. “I—I’m so—sorry Assistant General Manager. I wi—will just call you Suho hyung if you don’t like the—“ Why’s Lay always being cut off?! “DON’T LIKE IT?! Yixing! I love it! You’re the first one to call me that!” And yes, he’s just overly cheerful. He’s so happy that he’s unconsciously smiling one of his best smiles that it attracted some attention from the crowd of customers in the club. And when I say attracted attention, I mean ladies of different age brackets are swooning on our Assistant General Manager. Some even literally saw stars, rainbows and hearts right on Suho’s face. Lay, who’s dumbfounded by the sudden cheerfulness of Suho and the attention they—Suho pulled on the audience, can’t find any words to reply. “A—ahm, h—hyung, I’m glad you liked –loved it, but c—can you tone down your voice? T—the people are looking at us.” Lay said shyly, looking everywhere but Suho. Suho then felt embarrassed of himself as well as Lay’s so he quickly grabbed the barista’s arm as he bowed on the people whose eyes are on them. He pulled the barista away from the crowd, to the dressing room at the back while the other was too shocked by the slightly harsh skinship from the his hyung. And being neighbors didn’t really help them to be so open with each other as it only adds to their awkwardness with each other. They finally entered the dressing room and escaped the seductive looks they’re taking but was welcomed by the sight of Kyungsoo crying while embracing Kai, unconscious on his lap. END OF FLASHBACK They responded quickly on the scene. Luckily, Lay’s mother and grandmother are nurses that it gave him some ideas about the basics. And another lucky thing is that, nothing bad happened on Kai. He just fainted maybe due to stress, or a breakdown. After knowing that, Suho insisted that they should be home and that he’ll be the one to explain to Kris what happened. Besides, he really doesn’t think Kyungsoo nor Kai could perform with their condition, so it’s an automatic yes for them. Kyungsoo then sighed in defeat after some time of protesting and objecting because their absence would mean a cut on their salary, and thrifty Kyungsoo doesn’t want that. But still holding on his decision, Suho explained to him that because it’s an emergency they have to tend to, they’re an exception. The two then left after eating a meal prepared by Kyungsoo as a token of gratitude and appreciation, vacating the dorm in time for Baekhyun and Chanyeol’s final prod. Kyungsoo’s once again left to attend the still unawake Kai resting on his bed parallel to his(Kyungsoo’s). But just as Kyungsoo’s about to leave the room he heard a faint sound coming from Kai. He nimbly turned around to see Kai slightly smiling at him. He’s so glad and at the same time alleviated to see Jongin awake again that an overwhelming amount of tears escaped his already red and puffed eyes as he approached him. “JONGIN! Thank you you’re awake again! Oh my God!” He squeezed Jongin so hard that the said boy coughed and almost choked with the embrace. When Kyungsoo’s done with the initials of missing-to-see-Jongin-and-thank-God-he’s-awake-now moment, he pulled himself from the bone-crushing hug which the latter sighed in relief and of course taking a hit at the head given by Kyungsoo while keeping him at arm’s length. “Are you okay now Jongin-ah? Tell me if anything hurts okay? And please, don’t do that again. You scared me to death! Oh my God! You don’t know what I felt when you fainted Jongin. I—I—“ And Kyungsoo didn’t have the chance to finish his sentence as he broke into tears and now’s cradled by Jongin, swaying him back and forth to soothe him while gently rubbing his hyung’s back. “It’s okay now Khyung. I’m okay now. Please, stop crying. Please, Kyungie.” And with the sound of his old nickname being called, Kyungsoo immediately lifted his head from resting on the now wet shirt of Jongin and smiled fondly on him. “You sure are okay now. And do you just know how much I missed that nickname of mine, Jonginnie?” He smirked at Jongin while the younger showed an expression in between disgust and pleasure from hearing his old-time petname. Kyungsoo hopped into the bed and leaned at the other side. He moved closer to Jongin, offending the latter’s private space which he(Jongin) doesn’t really care about and wrapped his arm around Kyungsoo’s petite frame. They stayed like that for quite some time; Jongin inhaling the addicting fragrance of Kyungsoo that smelled of a mixture of caramel and vanilla and Kyungsoo relaxing on Jongin’s slightly toned chest. They’ve been used to those kinds of skinships. It’s natural for them. But these kinds of bonding moments have been doing a great job on altering their once normal lives with rapid heartbeats, tickling stomachs, red faces and an either flushing or confusing surge of emotions that could possibly described as a combination of joy, contentment, and even, love.(?) But neither one of them is brave enough to ask what is it; instead, they chose to stay at their comfort zones and maybe, just go with the flow until one of them, or even both realize what is it really that they feel. If it’s love then they’re happy with it. But the thing is, they have no idea on that strange feeling. So, feeling obscure by the sudden intrusion of this feeling, plus the insecurities that haunt them whenever they think about that bewildering sensation, they culled the coward-est yet safest decision: to not talk about it. But as time goes by and they’re on the peak of the jumbled feelings they’re trying their best not to at least think, they asked themselves. What is love? ---- “Lay! Where have you been? It’s nearly The Happy Hours so we should work on full force now.” Minseok welcomed Suho and Lay as they returned to EXO Club. Lay excused himself as he was launched by Chen, and a noona on his side. “Hello Lay! I’ll just ask where Kai and Kyungsoo are, they’ll perform next right?” They escorted Lay until they’re outside Kris’ room’s door. “I’ll tell you later, just wait me here. I’ll be quick!” He smiled fondly at the two who’s more like smitten on their own conversation to remember that Lay’s just beside them, watching the two with a slight disgust. Lay then ignored it and entered the General Manager’s office. “Hey, Kris. I have something to tell you.” He calmly tell Kris but the latter neither did respond nor ignored him. He was just still, eyes focused on the view down which Lay followed until he saw rather who his friend’s looking at. “It’s Tao, isn’t it?” Kris quickly reacted with the sound of Tao’s name registered to him. He looked around only to see a smirking Lay, looking at the sulking boy downstairs. “H—Huh?! T—Tao?! W—wh—what—“ Kris is a stuttering mess sitting on a reclining chair and Lay has yet enough courage to hold back his laughter but cut Kris out. “Tao. He’s the one you’re thinking right?” He asked. Kris sighed as he agreed to Lay’s assumption. “Tell me, what is it.” It came more like an order than a question but Kris speak as well. “Suho told me I was just picking on Tao.” And Lay understood his friend. “You could never do that right? You know, you yourself could not do that, or do you?” He accusingly asked Kris which the latter seemed offended that he smirked at Lay before looking down at Tao. “You don’t believe me, do you Lay? Do you really think I could just bully on anyone, especially Tao, when… I, myself experienced how to?” Lay then embraced Kris as he cried in silence, remembering how he was the only one helping Kris whenever he was bullied back at their school in China. “I—I—I couldn’t do that! I couldn’t—“ “Shh now Kris… shhh” Lay tightened his embrace on Kris as the latter cried harder. He could only do that with Lay. He could only show that side of him to the only person he fully trusts. ---- “Why was Kai and Kyungsoo not here again?” Minseok accidentally eavesdropped at the conversation between Suho, Sehun and Luhan. “ Suho hyung said that Kyungsoo hyung and Kai are sick that’s why they have to get home. I don’t know, but that’s what he told us.” He shrugged as he returned on putting mixed drinks made by Luhan on his tray to be served. “I’ll go now.” He said as he withdrew himself from the three. Luhan then leaned to the counter as he talked to Suho and Minseok. “I really doubt it though Assistant General Manager. I saw them earlier and they’re just as hyper as ever so why so suddenly, they’re sick? Right Min?” He rubbed his index finger on his chin and started to think. “That’s right Suho. Kyungsoo even interrupted Chen and I’s little talk as he sang that, billionaire song. Can you please, at least go into details? Did anything happened?” Minseok sipped the leftover drink Sehun hasn’t finished drinking and cringed on the taste of what seemed like a citrusy bubble tea. For him, it just doesn’t match. “Actually, I don’t really know what happened. But for their safety’s sake I guess, I have to insist they should just stay at their shared dorm.” “So, what actually happened?” Luhan asked with so much determination that Suho had nothing left but to tell them the story, from the start; and that includes the flashback. ---- “Hey! Sehun, have you seen Kyungsoo?” Sehun stopped walking as he heard his name being called. It’s Baekhyun with a giant beside him, Chanyeol. “He’s sick. With Kai. At their dorm.” He answered nonchalantly as he continued his way with the two tailing him. “Why? Sick? Oh my God! How are they?” Baekhyun bombarded Sehun which younger shrugged off telling them to just as Suho or Lay for that matter. “I’ll see you later hyungths.” Sehun waved at the two as he entered the employees only room.  “What do you think happened to them Chanyeol?” Baekhyun asked accusatively to Chanyeol. “I don’t know Baekhyung. Maybe they both accidentally caught a fast-reacting fever that it made them sick in just an hour or two.” He stated as a matter-of-factly. “Is that kind of fever even existing?” Baekhyun questioned Chanyeol’s create-it-myself explanation. “Maybe. Probably. I couldn’t really think of anything faster than that except if they got into an accident.” Chanyeol sat on the counter stool as he leaned back to relax his back on the cold tiled-counter table. “Oh no Chanyeol! What if they really got into a car accident when they only wanted to buy ingredients for Kimchi spaghetti which we all know as Kai’s favorite food and—“ “And they’re home. Oh Baekhyung! That’s hilarious!” Chanyeol exploded into a fit of laughter as he finished Baekhyun’s hypothesis; eyes twitching and hands flailing on both sides. “Yah! Don’t laugh at me! Huh! Why, what do you think they’re doing now huh, Mr. I-know-it-all Chanyeol?!” Baekhyun turned to his diva mode as he dared Chanyeol which the latter accepted without any sense of fear. “First of all, thank you for the compliment Baekhyung. And as for your question, yes I could think of one thing they’re doing now.” He said confidently against the diva outburst of Baekhyun. “And what is that?!” “Simple. Kai feeding his ‘Khyung’ a plate of ‘I think you’re cute.’ And a side dish consisting of pinch here, pinch there, and a look of admiration.” He said dreamily. Eyes closed and head held somewhat at an awkward height. “You’re unbelievable Chanyeol. Incredulous.” Baekhyun said as he rolled his eyes at Chanyeol and walked out of the scene, with Chanyeol smiling like a madman behind him. “Hey! At least, I got a point there right?” Chanyeol piped in as their walking. “Whatever.” Baekhyun rolled his eyes once again as he quickened his pace. But finds himself smiling with the thought of it. “Maybe, just maybe, he has a point there.” He said to himself as he realized he’s starting to think like Chanyeol.  And he either like it or, well, if any other things are available for optional purposes, please, just add. Thank you very much. ----END