[Fic] Bahaghari
Title: Bahaghari (Rainbow)
Author: 93rdfragment
Pairing: KaiSoo
Rating: T
Summary: The stunts and performances were jaw-dropping. But somehow, in the end, the person beside him steals away all of his mind.
***
The loud cheers echo within the dome and deafen Kyungsoo’s ears. Different styles of placards are held up in excitement, each color representing a university. In his section, they’re all holding white ones printed with a big “UP” and a small font chant in front. The thing though is that the colors at the back are unalike - red, yellow, blue, green, purple, orange. The words “PANTAY PANTAY” in striking white take up most of the space. He hadn’t known what those words meant when he got his own placard to wave but his Filipina friend had graciously informed him it ultimately translates to “equality”, the theme of their pep squad. He likes it. He repeats the words over and over in his head.
“Pantay-pantay. Pantay-pantay.” A voice beside him tries to pronounce it properly. He looks at his companion and smiles fondly at the furrowed brows and small frown. It always amuses him when Jongin tries to say Filipino words, even English ones. The boy has a heavy accent and is still struggling with vocabulary, evidence of the reason the other had signed up for the exchange student program. His stare eventually gets caught by Jongin and the sheepish smile being sent his way makes him want to punch a wall in what he’s learned Filipinos call ‘kilig’.
“You’re getting there. Say ‘pan’ like in Peter Pan. ‘Tay’ should sound like Kai.” He thinks it should be easier for Jongin to pronounce now. He already used the other’s nickname as reference. When the words are said again, it sounds a lot better. He smiles at the grinning idiot beside him. “Perfect! But you still have to work on thousands more. Your English needs more practice.”
“Why must you be such a wet blanket, hyung? Let me celebrate my victory.” Jongin’s whining ends in a yelp when he grabs tightly onto Jongin’s elbow. There’s a hand swatting at his own to let go accompanied by laughter. They probably look weird right now, a pair of Koreans horsing around without anybody else in the vicinity understanding anything they say. “Hyung, admit it.”
“Admit what?” He tightens his grip because he is most definitely not a wet blanket. He just wants Jongin to improve. But the latter is still shaking in mirth, obviously not serious about the topic. Their conversation gets drowned out by another wave of cheers. The Filipina friend who dragged them to this competition elbows him discreetly.
“Shout with us. Gabby’s about to crowd check.” She says in a voice he could barely hear from the noise before looking toward the center again. His eyes follow in time to see a girl, Gabby he supposes, do a no-hand tumble onto the blue mat. The screams around him are loud and Jongin is just as noisy beside him. He spares a glance at the other, belatedly realizing his hand is still on Jongin’s arm. Jongin is so excited that people could probably feel it from miles away. He lets go as he shakes his head in amusement. Jongin looks at him and urges him to get into the crowd.
“Come on, hyung. Have some energy and school spirit!”
Just as he’s about to reply, Gabby addresses the audience. To prove that he isn’t a wet blanket - really he isn’t - and that he does have school spirit even if University of the Philippines isn’t technically his actual university, he yells with everyone else around him. She’s saying something about taking back the championship and then drums are heard. People around them chant and both he and Jongin are quite glad they’ve practiced this part. Placards are raised high and he could feel himself being one with everyone else. Collective consciousness so to speak. And then, Gabby is walking off stage, another girl replacing her.
It’s not that he’s particularly biased toward the university he’s currently enrolled in but overall he just isn’t quite into cheerdance competitions. So he’s back to a casual impassiveness as other schools get their energies up. An arms drapes around his shoulder and Jongin is grinning at him in a way that he knows something either stupid or annoying would be spewing out of those lips. Or possibly both. He’s not at all wrong in his guess.
“Already tired after just that? Well, it is you.”
His hand sneaks its way to the back of Jongin’s neck and he squeezes it threateningly. “You were saying?”
“Nothing. Nothing. I was just saying that you’re the best hyung ever.” The slight panic in Jongin’s voice satisfies him and he drops his hand to the other’s lower back. He feels muscles relax beneath his fingertips. “But seriously, hyung. The violence needs to stop.”
“I’ll stop when you stop saying things before thinking them through.”
“I always think about what I say.”
He raises an eyebrow at the incredulous look thrown at him. To be fair, Jongin does have a mature way of thinking at times. This is not one of those times. Purposely riling him up is stupid no matter how supposedly cute he is when he’s angry. Who the heck thinks a pro wrestler-esque Do Kyungsoo is cute? Once more, their conversation is cut. He wonders how many times it would happen throughout the day. But doesn’t mind for too long because it’s the actual beginning of the competition already.
He watches with the interest of a new comer in the cheerdance scene. Jongin, on the other hand, watches with the fascination of a fellow dancer despite not actually doing cheerdance. While he doesn’t speak of his disappointment whenever anyone falls or his astonishment during stunts, he could hear every comment Jongin has to say. He wonders how much time and effort those guys and girls had gone through to do such performances.
The rush of adrenaline pumps through their veins again as UP enters, 3rd in the line-up. Somehow, he feels just as tense as any of the other students surrounding him. He finds himself fervently praying the success of the squad’s routine. Please don’t let them fall. And then, Jongin clutches his hand in a vice grip, focus dead set on the people standing above that blue mat. He squeezes back in just as much anticipation as he can feel from the other. Throughout the run, it had been a rollercoaster of nervousness and thrill and wonderment. His favorite, even amongst all the stunts later on, is the lifting and tossing of the men by the women. Those big guys carried by the relatively smaller girls is a feat to fit in the books for all time. He’s new but he knows this is incredible and extraordinary. Even Jongin goes on and on about it.
Their knuckles are white after the finishing move. It had been nothing short of spectacular. Anyone would have to admit that. He breathes in deeply as if he had been the one on that flat stage. He turns his head to Jongin when the latter squeezes his hand. The smile says “You got hooked, huh? It was pretty awesome.” Jongin didn’t have to utter a single syllable. It’s practically plastered all over that handsome face. Instead of rolling his eyes, he smiles in return. A good mood is a good mood. Their hands remain loosely linked as they continue to watch the other schools try to capture the judges’ and the audience’s favor.
Everything to him is simply fantastic. The ability to stand there and perform those moves is already admirable. But Jongin explains to him the technicalities of each one and he begins to understand and see the weaknesses not only in the form of falling. The fact that Jongin could critique them well even without proper knowledge leaves him impressed. That’s a dancer for you, no matter the type. School after school finish with his mind filled with Jongin’s whispered comments. If he hadn’t willed himself to focus on the performances, he would have ended up with a puddle for a brain. Jongin in extremely close proximity with hot breaths fanning over his cold sweaty skin is torture. Pleasurable indeed but still torture.
While waiting for the winners to be announced, they become on edge again with a new level of agitation. It’s somewhat dispersed by the awe-inspiring event of passing the rainbow flag. He watches in unconcealed fascination as the flag goes around the huge coliseum and the students in their section shouting what he guesses are the chants of the other schools. The significance of this moment is insurmountable. The unification of competing universities by a single flag, a single symbol of a struggle, a vision. He’s sure that anyone who is able to witness this can feel the transcendence of equality over rivalry without even a word to explain the phenomenon happening before their eyes.
He’s quite content even after the announcement of winners and the expletives of “putangina” and “pakshet” pouring out of students’ mouths in disappointment. And it isn’t because he’s foreign to the competition or the country. It’s because he understands that something monumental has happened that day and he’s lucky to have seen it unfold. He admires how brave Filipinos are to stand for equality and he envies them with their openness to sexuality. It’s hard to love Jongin back in Korea. While they could hold hands and kiss here and receive more approval than criticism, the same could not be said back in their home country. Sure, things might be progressing but it’s still hard and they still hide.
So, as they go back to UP with their Filipino friends, he holds onto Jongin’s hand more fervently than before. The rain is pouring down upon them but they huddle closer to each other under an umbrella. At one point, Jongin pries off from his hand and pulls him closer by the shoulder. He cherishes the warmth of Jongin’s body against his as they ride the jeepney. They’re left to their own world as the others discuss the events of the day in rapid Filipino. He doesn’t mind and neither does Jongin. There’s no teasing and lighthearted fun between them. Their emotions are heavy and electric, reassuring and familiar, like all the times that they had been alone and free to just feel.
They end up laying face to face on the same bed as always, Jongin badgering him for them to sleep together. It isn’t as if he would ever say no to that. Not a chance in any lifetime they may have. Jongin mutters on about the cheerdance and the stunts and how it’s amazing to see that live. He hums in agreement but is more focused on Jongin’s face than his words. His eyes trace everything in the dim light of the room provided by a desk lamp. Jongin eventually falls silent and they stare at each other.
“You know, hyung, I really like UP’s theme. Pantay-pantay.” The little quirk of Jongin’s lips is pretty even in the semi-darkness.
“Me too. I wish everyone will follow it.” He doesn’t have to say that he wishes their country would because Jongin understands what he meant. There’s a light peck on his lips and they’re both smiling after.
“Someday, Kyungsoo.”
The use of his name without the honorific would probably baffle others. He’s happy though. His heart swells and his smile grows wider. Honestly, there’s something about the way Jongin says these words that makes him hope and believe. He moves his hand out of the blanket they’re under and places it against Jongin’s cheek. A hand goes around his waist and pulls him closer. They adjust themselves to be more comfortable before looking at one another.
“Mahal kita, Jongin.”
There’s a moment of confusion before Jongin realizes the meaning of what he had said. His cheeks feel warm as a wide smile graces Jongin’s lips. They share another kiss. This time longer and more passionate. But it doesn’t escalate to anything more than that. They part soon after and just let themselves revel in the moment. He’s about to close his eyes when Jongin whispers something that makes him move closer and hug Jongin tighter throughout the night.
“Mahal kita, Kyungsoo.”
***
Author’s Notes: This is…well…something. I just really needed some outlet to my high from UAAP’s Cheerdance Competition. To international readers, UAAP means University Athletics Association of the Philippines and 8 universities compete in various sports annually. Cheerdance is one of them and it’s one of the most anticipated events. To anyone interested in watching the performances, they’re up on Youtube. Just type in UAAP CDC 2014. And I have to admit, I really didn’t include writing the performances because that would take too much brain cells I cannot give at the wee hours of the morning. If you haven’t already guessed, I graduated from UP. Well, that’s all. Have a good day!
Author: 93rdfragment
Pairing: KaiSoo
Rating: T
Summary: The stunts and performances were jaw-dropping. But somehow, in the end, the person beside him steals away all of his mind.
***
The loud cheers echo within the dome and deafen Kyungsoo’s ears. Different styles of placards are held up in excitement, each color representing a university. In his section, they’re all holding white ones printed with a big “UP” and a small font chant in front. The thing though is that the colors at the back are unalike - red, yellow, blue, green, purple, orange. The words “PANTAY PANTAY” in striking white take up most of the space. He hadn’t known what those words meant when he got his own placard to wave but his Filipina friend had graciously informed him it ultimately translates to “equality”, the theme of their pep squad. He likes it. He repeats the words over and over in his head.
“Pantay-pantay. Pantay-pantay.” A voice beside him tries to pronounce it properly. He looks at his companion and smiles fondly at the furrowed brows and small frown. It always amuses him when Jongin tries to say Filipino words, even English ones. The boy has a heavy accent and is still struggling with vocabulary, evidence of the reason the other had signed up for the exchange student program. His stare eventually gets caught by Jongin and the sheepish smile being sent his way makes him want to punch a wall in what he’s learned Filipinos call ‘kilig’.
“You’re getting there. Say ‘pan’ like in Peter Pan. ‘Tay’ should sound like Kai.” He thinks it should be easier for Jongin to pronounce now. He already used the other’s nickname as reference. When the words are said again, it sounds a lot better. He smiles at the grinning idiot beside him. “Perfect! But you still have to work on thousands more. Your English needs more practice.”
“Why must you be such a wet blanket, hyung? Let me celebrate my victory.” Jongin’s whining ends in a yelp when he grabs tightly onto Jongin’s elbow. There’s a hand swatting at his own to let go accompanied by laughter. They probably look weird right now, a pair of Koreans horsing around without anybody else in the vicinity understanding anything they say. “Hyung, admit it.”
“Admit what?” He tightens his grip because he is most definitely not a wet blanket. He just wants Jongin to improve. But the latter is still shaking in mirth, obviously not serious about the topic. Their conversation gets drowned out by another wave of cheers. The Filipina friend who dragged them to this competition elbows him discreetly.
“Shout with us. Gabby’s about to crowd check.” She says in a voice he could barely hear from the noise before looking toward the center again. His eyes follow in time to see a girl, Gabby he supposes, do a no-hand tumble onto the blue mat. The screams around him are loud and Jongin is just as noisy beside him. He spares a glance at the other, belatedly realizing his hand is still on Jongin’s arm. Jongin is so excited that people could probably feel it from miles away. He lets go as he shakes his head in amusement. Jongin looks at him and urges him to get into the crowd.
“Come on, hyung. Have some energy and school spirit!”
Just as he’s about to reply, Gabby addresses the audience. To prove that he isn’t a wet blanket - really he isn’t - and that he does have school spirit even if University of the Philippines isn’t technically his actual university, he yells with everyone else around him. She’s saying something about taking back the championship and then drums are heard. People around them chant and both he and Jongin are quite glad they’ve practiced this part. Placards are raised high and he could feel himself being one with everyone else. Collective consciousness so to speak. And then, Gabby is walking off stage, another girl replacing her.
It’s not that he’s particularly biased toward the university he’s currently enrolled in but overall he just isn’t quite into cheerdance competitions. So he’s back to a casual impassiveness as other schools get their energies up. An arms drapes around his shoulder and Jongin is grinning at him in a way that he knows something either stupid or annoying would be spewing out of those lips. Or possibly both. He’s not at all wrong in his guess.
“Already tired after just that? Well, it is you.”
His hand sneaks its way to the back of Jongin’s neck and he squeezes it threateningly. “You were saying?”
“Nothing. Nothing. I was just saying that you’re the best hyung ever.” The slight panic in Jongin’s voice satisfies him and he drops his hand to the other’s lower back. He feels muscles relax beneath his fingertips. “But seriously, hyung. The violence needs to stop.”
“I’ll stop when you stop saying things before thinking them through.”
“I always think about what I say.”
He raises an eyebrow at the incredulous look thrown at him. To be fair, Jongin does have a mature way of thinking at times. This is not one of those times. Purposely riling him up is stupid no matter how supposedly cute he is when he’s angry. Who the heck thinks a pro wrestler-esque Do Kyungsoo is cute? Once more, their conversation is cut. He wonders how many times it would happen throughout the day. But doesn’t mind for too long because it’s the actual beginning of the competition already.
He watches with the interest of a new comer in the cheerdance scene. Jongin, on the other hand, watches with the fascination of a fellow dancer despite not actually doing cheerdance. While he doesn’t speak of his disappointment whenever anyone falls or his astonishment during stunts, he could hear every comment Jongin has to say. He wonders how much time and effort those guys and girls had gone through to do such performances.
The rush of adrenaline pumps through their veins again as UP enters, 3rd in the line-up. Somehow, he feels just as tense as any of the other students surrounding him. He finds himself fervently praying the success of the squad’s routine. Please don’t let them fall. And then, Jongin clutches his hand in a vice grip, focus dead set on the people standing above that blue mat. He squeezes back in just as much anticipation as he can feel from the other. Throughout the run, it had been a rollercoaster of nervousness and thrill and wonderment. His favorite, even amongst all the stunts later on, is the lifting and tossing of the men by the women. Those big guys carried by the relatively smaller girls is a feat to fit in the books for all time. He’s new but he knows this is incredible and extraordinary. Even Jongin goes on and on about it.
Their knuckles are white after the finishing move. It had been nothing short of spectacular. Anyone would have to admit that. He breathes in deeply as if he had been the one on that flat stage. He turns his head to Jongin when the latter squeezes his hand. The smile says “You got hooked, huh? It was pretty awesome.” Jongin didn’t have to utter a single syllable. It’s practically plastered all over that handsome face. Instead of rolling his eyes, he smiles in return. A good mood is a good mood. Their hands remain loosely linked as they continue to watch the other schools try to capture the judges’ and the audience’s favor.
Everything to him is simply fantastic. The ability to stand there and perform those moves is already admirable. But Jongin explains to him the technicalities of each one and he begins to understand and see the weaknesses not only in the form of falling. The fact that Jongin could critique them well even without proper knowledge leaves him impressed. That’s a dancer for you, no matter the type. School after school finish with his mind filled with Jongin’s whispered comments. If he hadn’t willed himself to focus on the performances, he would have ended up with a puddle for a brain. Jongin in extremely close proximity with hot breaths fanning over his cold sweaty skin is torture. Pleasurable indeed but still torture.
While waiting for the winners to be announced, they become on edge again with a new level of agitation. It’s somewhat dispersed by the awe-inspiring event of passing the rainbow flag. He watches in unconcealed fascination as the flag goes around the huge coliseum and the students in their section shouting what he guesses are the chants of the other schools. The significance of this moment is insurmountable. The unification of competing universities by a single flag, a single symbol of a struggle, a vision. He’s sure that anyone who is able to witness this can feel the transcendence of equality over rivalry without even a word to explain the phenomenon happening before their eyes.
He’s quite content even after the announcement of winners and the expletives of “putangina” and “pakshet” pouring out of students’ mouths in disappointment. And it isn’t because he’s foreign to the competition or the country. It’s because he understands that something monumental has happened that day and he’s lucky to have seen it unfold. He admires how brave Filipinos are to stand for equality and he envies them with their openness to sexuality. It’s hard to love Jongin back in Korea. While they could hold hands and kiss here and receive more approval than criticism, the same could not be said back in their home country. Sure, things might be progressing but it’s still hard and they still hide.
So, as they go back to UP with their Filipino friends, he holds onto Jongin’s hand more fervently than before. The rain is pouring down upon them but they huddle closer to each other under an umbrella. At one point, Jongin pries off from his hand and pulls him closer by the shoulder. He cherishes the warmth of Jongin’s body against his as they ride the jeepney. They’re left to their own world as the others discuss the events of the day in rapid Filipino. He doesn’t mind and neither does Jongin. There’s no teasing and lighthearted fun between them. Their emotions are heavy and electric, reassuring and familiar, like all the times that they had been alone and free to just feel.
They end up laying face to face on the same bed as always, Jongin badgering him for them to sleep together. It isn’t as if he would ever say no to that. Not a chance in any lifetime they may have. Jongin mutters on about the cheerdance and the stunts and how it’s amazing to see that live. He hums in agreement but is more focused on Jongin’s face than his words. His eyes trace everything in the dim light of the room provided by a desk lamp. Jongin eventually falls silent and they stare at each other.
“You know, hyung, I really like UP’s theme. Pantay-pantay.” The little quirk of Jongin’s lips is pretty even in the semi-darkness.
“Me too. I wish everyone will follow it.” He doesn’t have to say that he wishes their country would because Jongin understands what he meant. There’s a light peck on his lips and they’re both smiling after.
“Someday, Kyungsoo.”
The use of his name without the honorific would probably baffle others. He’s happy though. His heart swells and his smile grows wider. Honestly, there’s something about the way Jongin says these words that makes him hope and believe. He moves his hand out of the blanket they’re under and places it against Jongin’s cheek. A hand goes around his waist and pulls him closer. They adjust themselves to be more comfortable before looking at one another.
“Mahal kita, Jongin.”
There’s a moment of confusion before Jongin realizes the meaning of what he had said. His cheeks feel warm as a wide smile graces Jongin’s lips. They share another kiss. This time longer and more passionate. But it doesn’t escalate to anything more than that. They part soon after and just let themselves revel in the moment. He’s about to close his eyes when Jongin whispers something that makes him move closer and hug Jongin tighter throughout the night.
“Mahal kita, Kyungsoo.”
***
Author’s Notes: This is…well…something. I just really needed some outlet to my high from UAAP’s Cheerdance Competition. To international readers, UAAP means University Athletics Association of the Philippines and 8 universities compete in various sports annually. Cheerdance is one of them and it’s one of the most anticipated events. To anyone interested in watching the performances, they’re up on Youtube. Just type in UAAP CDC 2014. And I have to admit, I really didn’t include writing the performances because that would take too much brain cells I cannot give at the wee hours of the morning. If you haven’t already guessed, I graduated from UP. Well, that’s all. Have a good day!