[PG-13] Once upon a Dream [EXO] (1/3)
Title: Once upon a Dream
Author: airplanewishes
Fandom: EXO
Characters: Lu Han/Kris
Genre: Romance, Friendship, Fluff
Rating: PG-13
WC: 16,042
Summary: Lu Han quite liked the fact that his friends thought of him as a social butterfly. Butterflies were pretty and carefree and that was just how he wanted to remain.
Note: Another side-story to Someday Dream, but can be read alone. And 3 parts because LJ. OTL
My beta, Chrys, khrysallis1106, is patient and beautiful. ^_<
Once upon a dream
I know you; I walked with you once upon a dream
“I'm awfully sorry. I didn't mean to frighten you.”
“Oh, it wasn't that. Is just that you're a... a...”
“A stranger?”
“Mm-hmm.”
“But don't you remember? We've met before.”
“We... we have?”
“Well, of course. You said so yourself. Once upon a dream.”
I know you. I walked with you-
Lu Han shut the TV off, earning a chorus of groans from Jongdae and Kyungsoo. The two childish males were seated right in front of the television, eyes wide and happy from having too much Disney. They had just finished watching Bambi, to his earlier dismay, and had moved on to Disney Princess movies.
“What’s the big deal?” Jongdae complained, crawling on the floor to grab the remote from where Lu Han had perched it on the sofa.
“Yeah,” Kyungsoo piped in, pout evident in his cute face. “Prince Phillip and Princess Aurora were just starting to hit it off.”
“I don’t care which prince or princess is shacking up in your various Disney movies, but it’s not going to be in this apartment,” Lu Han huffed, grabbing the remote just when Jongdae’s paw was about to grab it. He waved the remote control around. “Why don’t you take this to your apartment?”
“This is my apartment, Lu Han,” Kyungsoo reminded him. “We actually rent this place together? Did you forget?” There was a snicker hiding under his innocent plump lips and Lu Han chose to ignore him. He decided to glare at Jongdae instead.
“Er, it’s not exactly wise for a Hallyu star to have Disney DVDs lying around the place,” Jongdae stated, nodding seriously. “It’s actually been advised against by my manager since I bring so many people over.”
“Hallyu star my ass,” Lu Han bit back and even Kyungsoo scoffed, although they had both met Jongdae’s manager and remembered being told off not to do anything to damage Jongdae’s image. Jongdae glowered at both of them. Or, at least, he tried to. Jongdae had such a pleasant face that it was really hard for him to show people that he was mad at them. “I repeat: there will be NO playing of Disney movies in this apartment or in any type of distance near me.”
He then shoved the remote in Jongdae’s face and walked to his room, slamming the door shut behind him.
Baekhyun, who’d only just arrived, hurriedly took off his shoes and coat.
“You started without me?” He looked very much offended as he rushed to the empty space beside Kyungsoo, the one that Jongdae had vacated. After getting properly situated, he grabbed the remote from Jongdae’s hand and pressed play. “This is my favorite part!” he excitedly squealed.
…once upon a dream. I know you. The gleam in your eyes is so familiar a gleam…
-
Lu Han frowned as Yixing’s clear laughter reached him through the thousands of miles of distance between them. He leaned back on the headboard of his bed and clutched the phone tighter to his ear.
“You don’t have to be so happy about it, you know,” Lu Han grumbled, playing with the edge of his white comforter with green swirls on them. “I’m not being childish. You know how much I hate Disney movies. They’re so…” He visibly shuddered, despite not having anyone around to see him.
“Actually, you are being childish,” Yixing stated undeniably. “What 25-year old male gets mad over something like Disney?”
“I could say the same thing about them,” Lu Han retorted quite heatedly. “25 years old and still going goo goo over Disney princesses!” He paused for a split second then added, his eyes widening, “I could say the same about you!” He groaned and closed his eyes, squeezing them shut. “Why do I have children for friends?”
“Lu,” Yixing laughed. “I don’t get what the big deal is. You used to love Disney and all that it stood for. You even wanted to be Princess Jasmine at some point-.”
“Mulan,” Lu Han promptly corrected him. “And she’s not some useless, spineless princess.”
“Who gets swept off her feet by a princely general,” Yixing finished for him.
Lu Han sighed and kept his eyes closed. Of course Yixing knew that about him. Yixing knew him even before Baekhyun did, and he always told everyone that Baekhyun knew him best because they were best friends. But before Baekhyun, before South Korea, there was China, and there was Yixing.
Yixing was his neighbor back in Beijing. Being the son of his mother’s best friend, it naturally ended up that they became best friends as well. They’d spent all their toddler, kindergarten and elementary years together. It was easy, being friends with Yixing. He was quiet and contemplative, while Lu Han filled in all of the silences with his bright and innocent laughter. He’d always felt like Yixing indulged him and this felt like another one of those times.
“What changed, Lu Han?” Yixing pressed, his voice even quieter over the phone. Lu Han couldn’t help but miss his childhood best friend and the loneliness that was creeping in him. He missed Beijing all of a sudden.
“What have you been up to, Xing?” Lu Han changed the subject all too fluently. He held his breath, as Yixing was silent for a moment, waiting to be called out on his blatant swerve of topic.
“If you must know,” Yixing began, and Lu Han breathed a sigh of relief. “I’m coming to Seoul next week.”
When Lu Han ended the call, he put his phone down on his bedside table, a smile on his face. Sometimes he wondered how it was so easy for Yixing to know just when exactly he needed him the most. Although, he wasn’t quite sure what he needed Yixing for, he’s guessing that he was just suddenly feeling homesick, but he figured that it was all good all the same. They hadn’t really seen each other in a couple of years.
He left his room to go to the kitchen so that he could fix himself up some hot chocolate or something when he stopped in his tracks. There had been a melody of some sort, something that vaguely sounded like a song from The Little Mermaid that was coming from the living room when it was abruptly cut short.
One second, two seconds had passed and he decided to ignore it. There were audible sighs of relief, making him smirk.
“Just because I didn’t say anything, doesn’t mean I don’t know what you guys are doing,” Lu Han called in a singsong voice from the kitchen.
Jongdae squeaked.
-
“What are we doing here?” Lu Han asked as he followed Yixing into Exo Hotel, one of the top and, quite possibly, the most expensive hotel around. His eyes wandered to the grand diamond-studded chandelier, adorned with gold trimmings on the dome-styled ceiling of the lobby.
“My mom’s friends with the owners and wanted me to give something to them from home,” Yixing told him.
“So you came here just to do that for her?” Lu Han pouted selfishly. He hadn’t seen Yixing in the longest time, maybe in around close to 10 years already, and, though they never really kept in close contact all throughout those lost years, he still considered him his best friend and had hoped that one of the reasons he came was him.
Yixing rolled his eyes and put an arm around him, squeezing lightly. “I would never have come if you weren’t here,” he assured him, smiling softly.
Lu Han’s countenance was much brighter after that, smiling happily at the beautiful interiors of the hotel. Yixing had to nudge him continuously because he kept on crying out with delight at every little thing that he found interesting. Yixing suddenly felt like he was lugging a six-year old around.
“Excuse me,” Yixing asked the manager, glancing at the name on the small piece of paper in his hand. “I’ve been asked by Mr. Kris Wu to meet him here at this time.”
The manager politely nodded, gesturing towards a set of sofas to his right for them to wait at before picking up the phone to confirm his appointment.
“How is it that I never knew that your mom knows one of the richest people in this country?” Lu Han wanted to know as they sat down.
“And of what use will that information be to you?” Yixing inquired, smirking a little. “You know my mom still hasn’t forgiven you for leaving and moving all the way here.”
“You mean she hasn’t forgiven my mom,” Lu Han corrected him, waving dismissively. “Your mom adores me. I’m the son she’s never had.” He beamed happily when he remembered all the food that Yixing’s mom always cooked for him whenever he visited their home, which was everyday after class. He took a deep breath in nostalgia. He missed Beijing.
“I’m sure she’ll be thrilled to know how bigheaded you’ve become,” Yixing commented fondly. “She’s-.”
“Excuse me. Are you Zhang Yixing?”
Yixing abruptly stopped their conversation and looked up to the source of the voice. He immediately stood up and nodded, taking his hand out to shake his in greeting.
“I’m Kris Wu,” he stated. “My mother is sorry she couldn’t come and meet you personally but she has a sudden event that she had to attend to.”
“Of course, it’s not a problem. I’m Zhang Yixing,” Yixing introduced himself. “And this is…” He glanced down and found that Lu Han was still sitting down and staring rather rudely.
Lu Han couldn’t quite look away. He’d made his way from the polished black shoes, Gucci probably, he couldn’t help but think, and made his way up to the dark maroon slacks (Michael Kors), to the black leather belt with the silver buckle (D&G), and to the striped maroon and white long-sleeved polo shirt (D&G, as well) that hugged what he was sure to be a ripped upper body, judging by the way the sleeves hugged his biceps. His eyes trailed towards the silver necklace around his neck and finally to the gorgeously sculpted face that Lu Han was sure should be illegal anywhere.
Yixing smiled embarrassedly for his friend and, not so gently, kicked Lu Han on the shin. Lu Han grunted in pain. His eyes widened at Yixing’s deathly glare and stood up, bowing when he realized his unintended show of disrespect.
“I’m Lu Han,” he amended with a smile.
“Kris,” Kris repeated, quirking an eyebrow. He turned back to Yixing. “My mother would like to meet you for dinner within the week if you’re available. She really wants to see you again.”
“I’d be delighted to meet with her,” Yixing agreed at once. “My mom really wanted me to catch up with her if she was free.”
“I’ll see to the arrangements,” Kris said, looking pleased. “Do you have a card?” he then asked, pulling out his own calling card from his wallet.
Lu Han looked on interestedly as they exchanged cards, commenting on each other’s before finally deciding that Kris would call Yixing for the schedule.
“It’s nice to meet you,” Kris sincerely said, shaking Yixing’s hand again.
“Likewise,” Yixing stated, smiling.
“And you, Lu Han,” Kris said, taking his hand as well. “It’s nice to meet you as well.”
Lu Han gave him a small smile, one he reserved for those he was particularly interested in, a small quirk of the lips, his eyes widening a little with subtle, but not so subtle interest. It always worked. If the other party responded, then it was mutual. If they didn’t, then too bad. But Kris had gripped his hand tighter than necessary and Lu Han knew.
“It’s nice to meet you, too, Kris,” Lu Han smoothly said. “I hope this isn’t the last we’ll see of each other.”
Kris smiled a little, eyebrows quirking once more before excusing himself from their presence.
Lu Han’s smile widened when Yixing met his gaze and, almost immediately, Yixing was shaking his head.
“No, Lu Han,” Yixing emphatically insisted.
“What? Why?” Lu Han asked, not bothering to deny anything. Yixing knew all about him and his interest in men. There really was no need to hide it from him, especially when there wasn’t anything to be embarrassed about. Kris was hot and he was sure Yixing knew it, too.
“He’s the son of my mom’s friend,” Yixing reminded him as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. “If something happens and-.”
“Really, Yixing,” Lu Han interrupted him with a chuckle. “We’re all adults here. I don’t think Kris’ mom meddles in his personal affairs.” He slipped an arm around his best friend’s as they walked out of the lobby and out of the hotel. “Besides, if you’re interested in him, you could just say so.” His laughter tinkled as Yixing grunted because Yixing was very straight and had a girlfriend waiting for him back home.
“You’re the worst,” Yixing commented in defeat.
-
“Is it doable?” Baekhyun asked as he watched Lu Han, who was biting his lip, looking out of the window. “I mean, Kyuhyun’s sizes barely changes so I think we could forgo like a fitting or two, but he would still have to fit it to be sure. Siwon’s easy to manage,” he went on, waving his hand. “Jongdae should be fine, too, since he’s always with us and-.” His eyes hardened as he glared at Lu Han.
Lu Han’s eyes were trained outside, to the cars and people walking past his store. It was pretty clear to Baekhyun that his best friend wasn’t listening to him, yet again. He got up from his seat and kicked Lu Han’s own before howling and hopping around with one foot.
“What happened?” Lu Han asked, blinking and watching his friend interestedly.
“You haven’t been listening to a word I was saying,” Baekhyun spat out, finally sitting down and nursing his foot. “I’m on a deadline, Lu Han, and you can’t just space out on me when we have our meetings. I know we’re best friends, but this is work and-.”
“You’re so dramatic,” Lu Han scoffed at him. He pulled out his planner and showed him his calendar. “Kyuhyun can have his fitting the day after tomorrow. Siwon can be two days after that. Jongdae can come in whenever he’s free.” Baekhyun blinked at him and he had to smile. “Just because I’m spacing out, doesn’t mean I’m not listening.”
Baekhyun sputtered at being called stupid indirectly. Then he sighed and leaned back on his seat. “What were you thinking about anyway?” he asked, gathering his papers and stuffing them into an envelope. “New prospect?”
“Might be more of a conquest than a prospect,” Lu Han mused.
Kris hadn’t really left his mind since they’d met the previous week. He had planned to tag along to Yixing’s dinner with his mom. But he turned out to be busy that day and, it seemed, that Kris had been busy as well because Yixing didn’t mention seeing him. There was just that spark of interest that he always felt, which was an indication that Kris was probably very good in bed. He was never really wrong about those kinds of things.
Baekhyun straightened up. “Who is it?” he asked. Lu Han’s face merely stretched into a cat-like smile and Baekhyun rolled his eyes. “Aren’t you still seeing Taemin, though? Is his time up?” he teased.
Baekhyun and their other close friends liked to tease him about the revolving doors of so-called boyfriends that came in and out of his life, precisely for the fact that his mind was so quick to change about them. One moment he enjoyed being with this person, and the next, he hated him. Lu Han mentally shrugged. He liked having fun and he couldn’t help that this involved being with different men. He wasn’t exactly a slut; he still did choose with whom he was with, but he liked to play around-he enjoyed playing around.
“Taemin’s starting to become boring,” Lu Han admitted.
“And now that there’s someone new on the horizon, you’re getting ready to chuck him out?” Baekhyun phrased rather crudely.
“I never chuck anyone out,” Lu Han corrected him in almost a stern manner. “Taemin’s a friend, too, and we’ll part on good terms.” He always parted with his ‘boyfriends’ on good terms. He didn’t really like having conflicts with them. On the first sign of one, he bailed out. He didn’t do ‘complicated’.
“So what’s different about this one?” Baekhyun inquired curiously.
“I don’t know yet,” Lu Han mulled over, smirking a little. “But I’ll find out.”
-
Lu Han closed his eyes, enjoying the sensations rushing over him. He bit his lip as Taemin slipped his hand down the front of his pants and started palming him. Lu Han grabbed the back of Taemin’s head as he was slammed against a wall, pulling him into a forceful kiss.
He had just broken the news to Taemin that he was ending their little arrangement. He’d been honest, telling him that things weren’t working out for him anymore and that he felt like they should see other people, more openly than they had when they’d been sort of together. Taemin took the news rather well as Lu Han knew he would before pushing him against the wall for a last round. Lu Han obliged because he never said no to sex, and the goodbye one, right after the make-up one, was the best kind.
They were in the process of undressing each other when the doorbell to his store rang aloud. They both groaned. Lu Han clearly remembered putting the lunch break sign on the door of his store and had closed the blinds to get the message across. He glanced up at the clock and disappointedly noted that such lunch break was over and they hadn’t even gotten to the good parts yet.
“I need to work,” Lu Han choked the last word out as Taemin stroked him in an agonizingly slow manner and bit down on his shoulder at the same time. He let out a groan as Taemin twisted his hand this way and that and he had no choice but to let him finish because he wasn’t going to be able to work with this. “Hurry,” he hissed as the doorbell continued on ringing and ringing and ringing.
The ringing of the doorbell had turned into loud knocks on his door that appeared like it was going to be broken down. On top of that, his mobile phone had been ringing non-stop as well.
He zipped himself up and gave Taemin one last kiss before opening the door rather haphazardly. He froze when he saw a livid Yixing and an amused Kris right behind him. Lu Han opened his mouth and closed it again when he found that he had nothing to say. Taemin, smirking with smugness, pulled Lu Han into another kiss before leaving with a ‘see you around’ on his lips.
“I’m sorry,” Lu Han told Yixing contritely when Kris was seated into one of the plush couches, looking around with curiosity. “I lost track of time and-.”
“You’re unbelievable,” was all Yixing said, shaking his head. “You smell of sex,” he hissed. At least Lu Han looked embarrassed. He gestured towards Kris. “Well he’s a potential client,” he said. “I’ll be back later.” He gave him a pointed look before telling Kris that he was going out for a bit.
Lu Han pondered for a second on how he was going to approach the slight mishap he had created for himself. There wasn’t really a way to avoid the fact that people, even those he’d dated, were going to find out about how he did things. He never tried to hide the fact that he dated around and never settled for anyone. He made it clear to anyone he’d dated that nothing was ever going to be serious and there was never going to be a future for them because he didn’t do steady relationships. And they understood that and knew that he always moved on when he got tired of an arrangement. But it had never really happened that his next prospect had almost caught him, sort of still with another man.
“So is there anything in particular I can help you with?” Lu Han asked, deciding to use the ignore-what-happened route. “Maybe you can tell me what events you’re planning to attend in the next couple of weeks and then we can go from there.” He pulled up one of the chairs he had to be able to sit across from him.
Which maybe wasn’t such a good idea.
He wasn’t sure how it was possible for one human being to look so damn good. If he wasn’t already gay, he would have gladly become one for Kris. It was insane how perfect his…everything was. He was less dressed up that day, wearing a black long-sleeved button down sweater with jeans. His blonde hair fell beautifully across his forehead and it took everything in Lu Han not to lean forward and run his hands on them to brush it to the side.
Kris cleared his throat and Lu Han blinked. There was an amused smile on Kris’ face that told him he’d been caught staring. Yet again. For someone he’s only met twice, he sure was losing face fast. And he was supposed to be a player. Players never get caught with drool dripping down their mouth. He was supposed to be cooler than that.
“Well, how can I help you, Mr. Wu?” Lu Han asked, clearing his throat slightly.
“Kris is fine,” Kris said, waving his hand and glancing around for a bit. “I only actually came by to see your store and take a bit of inventory at the kind of clothing that you do. But my mom likes and trusts Yixing so…” He shrugged. “Besides, I’ve heard good things about your clothes.”
Lu Han smiled. If there was one thing he was proud of, it was what he did and who he was in the fashion industry. He’d been called as one of the youngest up and coming fashion designers and his clothes had been worn by some of the entertainment industry’s finest, as well as some of the CEO’s and their families in the business sector. He knew his clothes were good and that was why he never really needed to say much in order to get a client to buy from him.
“That’s good to know,” Lu Han said, pleased. “I have some suits here that you may want to check out.” He stood up and brought over a rack with suits.
“There’s no need,” Kris said, shaking his head as he stood up. “I’ll have my measurements sent over along with my events schedule so you’ll know just what exactly I’ll need. I’ll be over whenever you need me to be fitted.”
“Very well,” Lu Han agreed, walking him to the door just as Yixing had come back. “It’s a pleasure to be doing business with you, Kris.” He raised his hand to shake his.
“The pleasure is mine,” Kris immediately responded, taking his hand and shaking it.
Lu Han smiled contentedly, knowing fully well that the next time they meet, Kris was going to ask him out. He was putting his hand down when Kris suddenly clasped them again, tugging him slightly closer to him.
“Maybe we could talk about this some more,” Kris suddenly said, “over dinner. Tonight, at the hotel.”
Lu Han blinked, almost gaping at him, for a second, before easing his face back into an easy smile. “I’ll be there,” he promised.
Kris gave him a small smile before walking out of the story. Yixing wiggled his eyebrows at him before following after Kris.
It took ten seconds before he managed to come to his senses and dialed Baekhyun’s number.
-
Lu Han pressed his back against the plush seat he was on and surveyed his surroundings. They were at the restaurant of the hotel, in one of the best seats in the place. They were placed on a small alcove on the side; private but had a great view of the stage, where a superb jazz band was playing.
It was evening and the lights in the restaurant were dimmed, only small pretty lights littering the place, creating a romantic atmosphere. He smiled as he watched all the other couples, all dressed up, enjoying their dinner. His eyes then drifted back to his date sitting across him, his eyes dancing, and a small smile on his face.
“You like it here?” Kris asked straightforwardly.
“Well,” Lu Han said thoughtfully, leaning forward, “I think it’s all too romantic for a first date. What if I’m not the type who likes romance?”
“What makes you think this is a date?” Kris challenged, lips quirking into a smirk.
Lu Han chuckled and he knew this pleased Kris with the way his eyes moved to look at his lips. He smiled. “I know your type, Kris,” he responded frankly. “And there’s only one reason that would make you bring someone to a place like this. There’s something in it for you.” Leaning back on his seat once more, his smile grew a bit wider. “So, you brought me here. The question is what’s in it for you?”
Kris sat there, not saying anything for a moment, and Lu Han suddenly started to wonder whether he’d said the wrong thing, whether he made a mistake in judgment. He was usually right in reading people, having dated so many guys in the past, and he was pretty sure he was right about Kris. He had dated his type before and he can’t be that far off with how he knew that other guy.
“You’re right,” Kris finally admitted with a short nod. “You’re right.” He smiled a little and licked his lower lip, an action that sent something hot down his body. “But the night is young.”
Their food arrived and Lu Han began to enjoy himself more than he expected. The food was delicious, more than he had thought it would be, the wine was perfect and the conversation was good. Kris was very articulate, as was predictable from someone of his background and education. He knew a lot of things from a variety of subjects, even the fashion industry. And so they touched on that, talking about the people that Lu Han’s worked with, people he’d come across, the best fashions shows that he attended. His eyes danced, as they always did when he was talking about something that he loved. He told them about his friends, Baekhyun, Kyungsoo and Jongdae.
Kris seemed like he was enjoying himself, too. And Lu Han wouldn’t have it any other way. Anyone who’s gone out with him had never complained of anything, only of having too much fun and it having to end so soon. It was one of his gifts, he believed, being able to make people at ease with his company and being able to talk about anything and everything. He wanted to smile with how Kris took in everything he said with sincerity and with his utmost attention. He also liked that Kris talked about himself, too, his family, his business, not holding himself back, but not revealing too much at the same time.
So they were at a romantic restaurant, but Lu Han was almost relieved to find out that Kris wasn’t one of the romantic and cheesy types. Well, not until he had poked at his food and held it out to Lu Han to taste.
Lu Han eyed the fork that was in front of him warily, but figured that if they were going to bed after this, it would be all worth it. He leaned forward, let his tongue out and slid his lips over the fork to eat the food offered to him. Kris put his hand down, clearly pleased and probably turned on by his little display. He smiled to himself because things were looking more and more promising for the rest of the evening.
Except his throat suddenly began to feel closed off. He tugged at the collar of his buttoned up shirt, unbuttoning the top two buttons when he didn’t feel any comfort. He started coughing and feeling hot and he knew he was turning red as rashes started sprouting out of his arms.
Kris was on his feet in a second, had carried him in two, and they were out of there in three.
-
“You could’ve told me you were allergic to shrimp,” Kris glared at him from beside the hospital bed. Lu Han merely gave him a sheepish smile. “Health is more important than sex,” he pointed out, rolling his eyes as he got the message.
“Looks like it, since I’m not getting any tonight,” Lu Han murmured drowsily due to the medicines given to him, shifting on the bed, trying to get comfortable.
Shrimps were probably the only things he was allergic to, have been allergic since he was a child. It was sad because he thought shrimps were delicious. His mother used to cook them a lot when his allergies still hadn’t manifested and he remembered devouring every bit of what she cooked for him back then. It was the perfect example of wanting something you can’t have and you just decide for yourself not to want them because it wasn’t good for you.
“Are you okay?” Kris’s voice interrupted his thoughts. “Feeling better?”
Lu Han turned his head to look at Kris, still very handsome underneath all the concern on his face. “How many times have you been told that you were handsome?” he asked curiously.
Kris’s eyes widened a bit before smiling in hilarity. “Too many times to count,” he told him honestly.
“Me, too,” Lu Han admitted unabashedly. “I bet you like it. All the guys and girls fawning over you, wanting to ask you out and date you.”
“It’s bothersome,” Kris said, shaking his head.
“But you are handsome,” Lu Han giggled, making Kris’s eyebrows rise. He giggled some more before sobering up a bit. The medicines were really doing wonders for him. He wasn’t sure if he was sleepy or high or happy. “Don’t you get tired of it, though? I mean, sure it’s true, and people mean well, but don’t you start to think that maybe that’s all they see in you?”
Kris looked at him to maybe wonder if he was serious in his question. He pursed his lips for a second before he finally answered. “I just take it for what it is,” he told him. “Then I just show them that I am more than what they’re thinking, because I am.”
“That’s what I do, too,” Lu Han agreed, smiling and closing his eyes. He was quiet for a moment and Kris thought he had fallen asleep when he spoke again. “I’m sorry for tonight,” he mumbled. “You went through all that trouble to ask me out and instead of sex, you end up at the hospital.” He snuggled closer to his pillow, blinking his eyes open. “I’ll make it up to you,” he promised him before closing them again and falling into slumber.
“That tends to happen when he gets his shots,” a voice behind Kris spoke, making him jump. He turned around in his seat. “You must be Kris.”
“And you are?” Kris wanted to know.
“I’m Lu Han’s best friend, Baekhyun,” he introduced himself. Kris looked at the other male behind him and greeted him when he recognized Yixing.
“Is he okay?” Yixing asked, moving to Lu Han’s bedside.
“He’s just knocked out with the drugs,” Kris explained. “I’m really sorry for this. I didn’t know that he was allergic to shrimp.”
“Lu Han’s usually very careful, though,” Baekhyun said, looking confused as he glanced at his friend’s sleeping form. “He never makes a mistake when it comes to his food.”
Kris cleared his throat uncomfortably. “I, er, I fed it to him,” he shared.
Baekhyun raised his eyebrows, while Yixing tried to hide a laugh behind his mouth.
“Well then,” was Yixing’s only comment.
“I’m sure he’s apologized to you though for the other thing…?” Baekhyun asked, cheeks slightly tingeing pink for the question.
“What-oh!” Kris sputtered, coughing a bit. “Yeah, I wasn’t really-it’s fine.”
“You should go, though,” Baekhyun assured him, chuckling. “We’ll take care of him. Thank you for bringing him to the hospital as soon as you could.”
“Yeah, I’ll just…” Kris’s eyes found Lu Han sleeping peacefully on the bed. “I’ll see you guys around.”
Baekhyun sat down on the edge of the bed as Yixing sat down on the seat that Kris had emptied once it was just the two of them.
“Well…?” Lu Han sat up and smiled. “He’s really cute, right?”
Yixing rolled his eyes and sat back on his seat. “You’re some piece of work you know that? The man was genuinely worried about you. I hope you didn’t intend to get allergies just to know that he actually cares,” he chastised him.
“Of course I didn’t mean to get allergies,” Lu Han contradicted him, frowning. “I hate getting allergies. But it’s served its purpose.” He smiled excitedly. “You should have seen how he lifted me up without so much as batting an eyelash and whisked me away. It was very manly and hot.”
“And now he thinks you’re this frail little princess, who needs to be protected, not manhandled like I know you want him to,” Baekhyun pointed out.
“I’m no princess,” Lu Han bit out, crossing his arms on his chest.
“Sure you’re not,” Yixing teased disbelievingly. “You’re just waiting for your prince charming to come and sweep you off your feet.”
Lu Han made a face at him and even poked his tongue out like the 25-year old male that he was. He lied back down and pretended to go back to bed. Maybe if he ignored what Yixing said, it would make it untrue.
-
Part 2
Author: airplanewishes
Fandom: EXO
Characters: Lu Han/Kris
Genre: Romance, Friendship, Fluff
Rating: PG-13
WC: 16,042
Summary: Lu Han quite liked the fact that his friends thought of him as a social butterfly. Butterflies were pretty and carefree and that was just how he wanted to remain.
Note: Another side-story to Someday Dream, but can be read alone. And 3 parts because LJ. OTL
My beta, Chrys, khrysallis1106, is patient and beautiful. ^_<
Once upon a dream
I know you; I walked with you once upon a dream
- Sleeping Beauty
“I'm awfully sorry. I didn't mean to frighten you.”
“Oh, it wasn't that. Is just that you're a... a...”
“A stranger?”
“Mm-hmm.”
“But don't you remember? We've met before.”
“We... we have?”
“Well, of course. You said so yourself. Once upon a dream.”
I know you. I walked with you-
Lu Han shut the TV off, earning a chorus of groans from Jongdae and Kyungsoo. The two childish males were seated right in front of the television, eyes wide and happy from having too much Disney. They had just finished watching Bambi, to his earlier dismay, and had moved on to Disney Princess movies.
“What’s the big deal?” Jongdae complained, crawling on the floor to grab the remote from where Lu Han had perched it on the sofa.
“Yeah,” Kyungsoo piped in, pout evident in his cute face. “Prince Phillip and Princess Aurora were just starting to hit it off.”
“I don’t care which prince or princess is shacking up in your various Disney movies, but it’s not going to be in this apartment,” Lu Han huffed, grabbing the remote just when Jongdae’s paw was about to grab it. He waved the remote control around. “Why don’t you take this to your apartment?”
“This is my apartment, Lu Han,” Kyungsoo reminded him. “We actually rent this place together? Did you forget?” There was a snicker hiding under his innocent plump lips and Lu Han chose to ignore him. He decided to glare at Jongdae instead.
“Er, it’s not exactly wise for a Hallyu star to have Disney DVDs lying around the place,” Jongdae stated, nodding seriously. “It’s actually been advised against by my manager since I bring so many people over.”
“Hallyu star my ass,” Lu Han bit back and even Kyungsoo scoffed, although they had both met Jongdae’s manager and remembered being told off not to do anything to damage Jongdae’s image. Jongdae glowered at both of them. Or, at least, he tried to. Jongdae had such a pleasant face that it was really hard for him to show people that he was mad at them. “I repeat: there will be NO playing of Disney movies in this apartment or in any type of distance near me.”
He then shoved the remote in Jongdae’s face and walked to his room, slamming the door shut behind him.
Baekhyun, who’d only just arrived, hurriedly took off his shoes and coat.
“You started without me?” He looked very much offended as he rushed to the empty space beside Kyungsoo, the one that Jongdae had vacated. After getting properly situated, he grabbed the remote from Jongdae’s hand and pressed play. “This is my favorite part!” he excitedly squealed.
…once upon a dream. I know you. The gleam in your eyes is so familiar a gleam…
-
Lu Han frowned as Yixing’s clear laughter reached him through the thousands of miles of distance between them. He leaned back on the headboard of his bed and clutched the phone tighter to his ear.
“You don’t have to be so happy about it, you know,” Lu Han grumbled, playing with the edge of his white comforter with green swirls on them. “I’m not being childish. You know how much I hate Disney movies. They’re so…” He visibly shuddered, despite not having anyone around to see him.
“Actually, you are being childish,” Yixing stated undeniably. “What 25-year old male gets mad over something like Disney?”
“I could say the same thing about them,” Lu Han retorted quite heatedly. “25 years old and still going goo goo over Disney princesses!” He paused for a split second then added, his eyes widening, “I could say the same about you!” He groaned and closed his eyes, squeezing them shut. “Why do I have children for friends?”
“Lu,” Yixing laughed. “I don’t get what the big deal is. You used to love Disney and all that it stood for. You even wanted to be Princess Jasmine at some point-.”
“Mulan,” Lu Han promptly corrected him. “And she’s not some useless, spineless princess.”
“Who gets swept off her feet by a princely general,” Yixing finished for him.
Lu Han sighed and kept his eyes closed. Of course Yixing knew that about him. Yixing knew him even before Baekhyun did, and he always told everyone that Baekhyun knew him best because they were best friends. But before Baekhyun, before South Korea, there was China, and there was Yixing.
Yixing was his neighbor back in Beijing. Being the son of his mother’s best friend, it naturally ended up that they became best friends as well. They’d spent all their toddler, kindergarten and elementary years together. It was easy, being friends with Yixing. He was quiet and contemplative, while Lu Han filled in all of the silences with his bright and innocent laughter. He’d always felt like Yixing indulged him and this felt like another one of those times.
“What changed, Lu Han?” Yixing pressed, his voice even quieter over the phone. Lu Han couldn’t help but miss his childhood best friend and the loneliness that was creeping in him. He missed Beijing all of a sudden.
“What have you been up to, Xing?” Lu Han changed the subject all too fluently. He held his breath, as Yixing was silent for a moment, waiting to be called out on his blatant swerve of topic.
“If you must know,” Yixing began, and Lu Han breathed a sigh of relief. “I’m coming to Seoul next week.”
When Lu Han ended the call, he put his phone down on his bedside table, a smile on his face. Sometimes he wondered how it was so easy for Yixing to know just when exactly he needed him the most. Although, he wasn’t quite sure what he needed Yixing for, he’s guessing that he was just suddenly feeling homesick, but he figured that it was all good all the same. They hadn’t really seen each other in a couple of years.
He left his room to go to the kitchen so that he could fix himself up some hot chocolate or something when he stopped in his tracks. There had been a melody of some sort, something that vaguely sounded like a song from The Little Mermaid that was coming from the living room when it was abruptly cut short.
One second, two seconds had passed and he decided to ignore it. There were audible sighs of relief, making him smirk.
“Just because I didn’t say anything, doesn’t mean I don’t know what you guys are doing,” Lu Han called in a singsong voice from the kitchen.
Jongdae squeaked.
-
“What are we doing here?” Lu Han asked as he followed Yixing into Exo Hotel, one of the top and, quite possibly, the most expensive hotel around. His eyes wandered to the grand diamond-studded chandelier, adorned with gold trimmings on the dome-styled ceiling of the lobby.
“My mom’s friends with the owners and wanted me to give something to them from home,” Yixing told him.
“So you came here just to do that for her?” Lu Han pouted selfishly. He hadn’t seen Yixing in the longest time, maybe in around close to 10 years already, and, though they never really kept in close contact all throughout those lost years, he still considered him his best friend and had hoped that one of the reasons he came was him.
Yixing rolled his eyes and put an arm around him, squeezing lightly. “I would never have come if you weren’t here,” he assured him, smiling softly.
Lu Han’s countenance was much brighter after that, smiling happily at the beautiful interiors of the hotel. Yixing had to nudge him continuously because he kept on crying out with delight at every little thing that he found interesting. Yixing suddenly felt like he was lugging a six-year old around.
“Excuse me,” Yixing asked the manager, glancing at the name on the small piece of paper in his hand. “I’ve been asked by Mr. Kris Wu to meet him here at this time.”
The manager politely nodded, gesturing towards a set of sofas to his right for them to wait at before picking up the phone to confirm his appointment.
“How is it that I never knew that your mom knows one of the richest people in this country?” Lu Han wanted to know as they sat down.
“And of what use will that information be to you?” Yixing inquired, smirking a little. “You know my mom still hasn’t forgiven you for leaving and moving all the way here.”
“You mean she hasn’t forgiven my mom,” Lu Han corrected him, waving dismissively. “Your mom adores me. I’m the son she’s never had.” He beamed happily when he remembered all the food that Yixing’s mom always cooked for him whenever he visited their home, which was everyday after class. He took a deep breath in nostalgia. He missed Beijing.
“I’m sure she’ll be thrilled to know how bigheaded you’ve become,” Yixing commented fondly. “She’s-.”
“Excuse me. Are you Zhang Yixing?”
Yixing abruptly stopped their conversation and looked up to the source of the voice. He immediately stood up and nodded, taking his hand out to shake his in greeting.
“I’m Kris Wu,” he stated. “My mother is sorry she couldn’t come and meet you personally but she has a sudden event that she had to attend to.”
“Of course, it’s not a problem. I’m Zhang Yixing,” Yixing introduced himself. “And this is…” He glanced down and found that Lu Han was still sitting down and staring rather rudely.
Lu Han couldn’t quite look away. He’d made his way from the polished black shoes, Gucci probably, he couldn’t help but think, and made his way up to the dark maroon slacks (Michael Kors), to the black leather belt with the silver buckle (D&G), and to the striped maroon and white long-sleeved polo shirt (D&G, as well) that hugged what he was sure to be a ripped upper body, judging by the way the sleeves hugged his biceps. His eyes trailed towards the silver necklace around his neck and finally to the gorgeously sculpted face that Lu Han was sure should be illegal anywhere.
Yixing smiled embarrassedly for his friend and, not so gently, kicked Lu Han on the shin. Lu Han grunted in pain. His eyes widened at Yixing’s deathly glare and stood up, bowing when he realized his unintended show of disrespect.
“I’m Lu Han,” he amended with a smile.
“Kris,” Kris repeated, quirking an eyebrow. He turned back to Yixing. “My mother would like to meet you for dinner within the week if you’re available. She really wants to see you again.”
“I’d be delighted to meet with her,” Yixing agreed at once. “My mom really wanted me to catch up with her if she was free.”
“I’ll see to the arrangements,” Kris said, looking pleased. “Do you have a card?” he then asked, pulling out his own calling card from his wallet.
Lu Han looked on interestedly as they exchanged cards, commenting on each other’s before finally deciding that Kris would call Yixing for the schedule.
“It’s nice to meet you,” Kris sincerely said, shaking Yixing’s hand again.
“Likewise,” Yixing stated, smiling.
“And you, Lu Han,” Kris said, taking his hand as well. “It’s nice to meet you as well.”
Lu Han gave him a small smile, one he reserved for those he was particularly interested in, a small quirk of the lips, his eyes widening a little with subtle, but not so subtle interest. It always worked. If the other party responded, then it was mutual. If they didn’t, then too bad. But Kris had gripped his hand tighter than necessary and Lu Han knew.
“It’s nice to meet you, too, Kris,” Lu Han smoothly said. “I hope this isn’t the last we’ll see of each other.”
Kris smiled a little, eyebrows quirking once more before excusing himself from their presence.
Lu Han’s smile widened when Yixing met his gaze and, almost immediately, Yixing was shaking his head.
“No, Lu Han,” Yixing emphatically insisted.
“What? Why?” Lu Han asked, not bothering to deny anything. Yixing knew all about him and his interest in men. There really was no need to hide it from him, especially when there wasn’t anything to be embarrassed about. Kris was hot and he was sure Yixing knew it, too.
“He’s the son of my mom’s friend,” Yixing reminded him as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. “If something happens and-.”
“Really, Yixing,” Lu Han interrupted him with a chuckle. “We’re all adults here. I don’t think Kris’ mom meddles in his personal affairs.” He slipped an arm around his best friend’s as they walked out of the lobby and out of the hotel. “Besides, if you’re interested in him, you could just say so.” His laughter tinkled as Yixing grunted because Yixing was very straight and had a girlfriend waiting for him back home.
“You’re the worst,” Yixing commented in defeat.
-
“Is it doable?” Baekhyun asked as he watched Lu Han, who was biting his lip, looking out of the window. “I mean, Kyuhyun’s sizes barely changes so I think we could forgo like a fitting or two, but he would still have to fit it to be sure. Siwon’s easy to manage,” he went on, waving his hand. “Jongdae should be fine, too, since he’s always with us and-.” His eyes hardened as he glared at Lu Han.
Lu Han’s eyes were trained outside, to the cars and people walking past his store. It was pretty clear to Baekhyun that his best friend wasn’t listening to him, yet again. He got up from his seat and kicked Lu Han’s own before howling and hopping around with one foot.
“What happened?” Lu Han asked, blinking and watching his friend interestedly.
“You haven’t been listening to a word I was saying,” Baekhyun spat out, finally sitting down and nursing his foot. “I’m on a deadline, Lu Han, and you can’t just space out on me when we have our meetings. I know we’re best friends, but this is work and-.”
“You’re so dramatic,” Lu Han scoffed at him. He pulled out his planner and showed him his calendar. “Kyuhyun can have his fitting the day after tomorrow. Siwon can be two days after that. Jongdae can come in whenever he’s free.” Baekhyun blinked at him and he had to smile. “Just because I’m spacing out, doesn’t mean I’m not listening.”
Baekhyun sputtered at being called stupid indirectly. Then he sighed and leaned back on his seat. “What were you thinking about anyway?” he asked, gathering his papers and stuffing them into an envelope. “New prospect?”
“Might be more of a conquest than a prospect,” Lu Han mused.
Kris hadn’t really left his mind since they’d met the previous week. He had planned to tag along to Yixing’s dinner with his mom. But he turned out to be busy that day and, it seemed, that Kris had been busy as well because Yixing didn’t mention seeing him. There was just that spark of interest that he always felt, which was an indication that Kris was probably very good in bed. He was never really wrong about those kinds of things.
Baekhyun straightened up. “Who is it?” he asked. Lu Han’s face merely stretched into a cat-like smile and Baekhyun rolled his eyes. “Aren’t you still seeing Taemin, though? Is his time up?” he teased.
Baekhyun and their other close friends liked to tease him about the revolving doors of so-called boyfriends that came in and out of his life, precisely for the fact that his mind was so quick to change about them. One moment he enjoyed being with this person, and the next, he hated him. Lu Han mentally shrugged. He liked having fun and he couldn’t help that this involved being with different men. He wasn’t exactly a slut; he still did choose with whom he was with, but he liked to play around-he enjoyed playing around.
“Taemin’s starting to become boring,” Lu Han admitted.
“And now that there’s someone new on the horizon, you’re getting ready to chuck him out?” Baekhyun phrased rather crudely.
“I never chuck anyone out,” Lu Han corrected him in almost a stern manner. “Taemin’s a friend, too, and we’ll part on good terms.” He always parted with his ‘boyfriends’ on good terms. He didn’t really like having conflicts with them. On the first sign of one, he bailed out. He didn’t do ‘complicated’.
“So what’s different about this one?” Baekhyun inquired curiously.
“I don’t know yet,” Lu Han mulled over, smirking a little. “But I’ll find out.”
-
Lu Han closed his eyes, enjoying the sensations rushing over him. He bit his lip as Taemin slipped his hand down the front of his pants and started palming him. Lu Han grabbed the back of Taemin’s head as he was slammed against a wall, pulling him into a forceful kiss.
He had just broken the news to Taemin that he was ending their little arrangement. He’d been honest, telling him that things weren’t working out for him anymore and that he felt like they should see other people, more openly than they had when they’d been sort of together. Taemin took the news rather well as Lu Han knew he would before pushing him against the wall for a last round. Lu Han obliged because he never said no to sex, and the goodbye one, right after the make-up one, was the best kind.
They were in the process of undressing each other when the doorbell to his store rang aloud. They both groaned. Lu Han clearly remembered putting the lunch break sign on the door of his store and had closed the blinds to get the message across. He glanced up at the clock and disappointedly noted that such lunch break was over and they hadn’t even gotten to the good parts yet.
“I need to work,” Lu Han choked the last word out as Taemin stroked him in an agonizingly slow manner and bit down on his shoulder at the same time. He let out a groan as Taemin twisted his hand this way and that and he had no choice but to let him finish because he wasn’t going to be able to work with this. “Hurry,” he hissed as the doorbell continued on ringing and ringing and ringing.
The ringing of the doorbell had turned into loud knocks on his door that appeared like it was going to be broken down. On top of that, his mobile phone had been ringing non-stop as well.
He zipped himself up and gave Taemin one last kiss before opening the door rather haphazardly. He froze when he saw a livid Yixing and an amused Kris right behind him. Lu Han opened his mouth and closed it again when he found that he had nothing to say. Taemin, smirking with smugness, pulled Lu Han into another kiss before leaving with a ‘see you around’ on his lips.
“I’m sorry,” Lu Han told Yixing contritely when Kris was seated into one of the plush couches, looking around with curiosity. “I lost track of time and-.”
“You’re unbelievable,” was all Yixing said, shaking his head. “You smell of sex,” he hissed. At least Lu Han looked embarrassed. He gestured towards Kris. “Well he’s a potential client,” he said. “I’ll be back later.” He gave him a pointed look before telling Kris that he was going out for a bit.
Lu Han pondered for a second on how he was going to approach the slight mishap he had created for himself. There wasn’t really a way to avoid the fact that people, even those he’d dated, were going to find out about how he did things. He never tried to hide the fact that he dated around and never settled for anyone. He made it clear to anyone he’d dated that nothing was ever going to be serious and there was never going to be a future for them because he didn’t do steady relationships. And they understood that and knew that he always moved on when he got tired of an arrangement. But it had never really happened that his next prospect had almost caught him, sort of still with another man.
“So is there anything in particular I can help you with?” Lu Han asked, deciding to use the ignore-what-happened route. “Maybe you can tell me what events you’re planning to attend in the next couple of weeks and then we can go from there.” He pulled up one of the chairs he had to be able to sit across from him.
Which maybe wasn’t such a good idea.
He wasn’t sure how it was possible for one human being to look so damn good. If he wasn’t already gay, he would have gladly become one for Kris. It was insane how perfect his…everything was. He was less dressed up that day, wearing a black long-sleeved button down sweater with jeans. His blonde hair fell beautifully across his forehead and it took everything in Lu Han not to lean forward and run his hands on them to brush it to the side.
Kris cleared his throat and Lu Han blinked. There was an amused smile on Kris’ face that told him he’d been caught staring. Yet again. For someone he’s only met twice, he sure was losing face fast. And he was supposed to be a player. Players never get caught with drool dripping down their mouth. He was supposed to be cooler than that.
“Well, how can I help you, Mr. Wu?” Lu Han asked, clearing his throat slightly.
“Kris is fine,” Kris said, waving his hand and glancing around for a bit. “I only actually came by to see your store and take a bit of inventory at the kind of clothing that you do. But my mom likes and trusts Yixing so…” He shrugged. “Besides, I’ve heard good things about your clothes.”
Lu Han smiled. If there was one thing he was proud of, it was what he did and who he was in the fashion industry. He’d been called as one of the youngest up and coming fashion designers and his clothes had been worn by some of the entertainment industry’s finest, as well as some of the CEO’s and their families in the business sector. He knew his clothes were good and that was why he never really needed to say much in order to get a client to buy from him.
“That’s good to know,” Lu Han said, pleased. “I have some suits here that you may want to check out.” He stood up and brought over a rack with suits.
“There’s no need,” Kris said, shaking his head as he stood up. “I’ll have my measurements sent over along with my events schedule so you’ll know just what exactly I’ll need. I’ll be over whenever you need me to be fitted.”
“Very well,” Lu Han agreed, walking him to the door just as Yixing had come back. “It’s a pleasure to be doing business with you, Kris.” He raised his hand to shake his.
“The pleasure is mine,” Kris immediately responded, taking his hand and shaking it.
Lu Han smiled contentedly, knowing fully well that the next time they meet, Kris was going to ask him out. He was putting his hand down when Kris suddenly clasped them again, tugging him slightly closer to him.
“Maybe we could talk about this some more,” Kris suddenly said, “over dinner. Tonight, at the hotel.”
Lu Han blinked, almost gaping at him, for a second, before easing his face back into an easy smile. “I’ll be there,” he promised.
Kris gave him a small smile before walking out of the story. Yixing wiggled his eyebrows at him before following after Kris.
It took ten seconds before he managed to come to his senses and dialed Baekhyun’s number.
-
Lu Han pressed his back against the plush seat he was on and surveyed his surroundings. They were at the restaurant of the hotel, in one of the best seats in the place. They were placed on a small alcove on the side; private but had a great view of the stage, where a superb jazz band was playing.
It was evening and the lights in the restaurant were dimmed, only small pretty lights littering the place, creating a romantic atmosphere. He smiled as he watched all the other couples, all dressed up, enjoying their dinner. His eyes then drifted back to his date sitting across him, his eyes dancing, and a small smile on his face.
“You like it here?” Kris asked straightforwardly.
“Well,” Lu Han said thoughtfully, leaning forward, “I think it’s all too romantic for a first date. What if I’m not the type who likes romance?”
“What makes you think this is a date?” Kris challenged, lips quirking into a smirk.
Lu Han chuckled and he knew this pleased Kris with the way his eyes moved to look at his lips. He smiled. “I know your type, Kris,” he responded frankly. “And there’s only one reason that would make you bring someone to a place like this. There’s something in it for you.” Leaning back on his seat once more, his smile grew a bit wider. “So, you brought me here. The question is what’s in it for you?”
Kris sat there, not saying anything for a moment, and Lu Han suddenly started to wonder whether he’d said the wrong thing, whether he made a mistake in judgment. He was usually right in reading people, having dated so many guys in the past, and he was pretty sure he was right about Kris. He had dated his type before and he can’t be that far off with how he knew that other guy.
“You’re right,” Kris finally admitted with a short nod. “You’re right.” He smiled a little and licked his lower lip, an action that sent something hot down his body. “But the night is young.”
Their food arrived and Lu Han began to enjoy himself more than he expected. The food was delicious, more than he had thought it would be, the wine was perfect and the conversation was good. Kris was very articulate, as was predictable from someone of his background and education. He knew a lot of things from a variety of subjects, even the fashion industry. And so they touched on that, talking about the people that Lu Han’s worked with, people he’d come across, the best fashions shows that he attended. His eyes danced, as they always did when he was talking about something that he loved. He told them about his friends, Baekhyun, Kyungsoo and Jongdae.
Kris seemed like he was enjoying himself, too. And Lu Han wouldn’t have it any other way. Anyone who’s gone out with him had never complained of anything, only of having too much fun and it having to end so soon. It was one of his gifts, he believed, being able to make people at ease with his company and being able to talk about anything and everything. He wanted to smile with how Kris took in everything he said with sincerity and with his utmost attention. He also liked that Kris talked about himself, too, his family, his business, not holding himself back, but not revealing too much at the same time.
So they were at a romantic restaurant, but Lu Han was almost relieved to find out that Kris wasn’t one of the romantic and cheesy types. Well, not until he had poked at his food and held it out to Lu Han to taste.
Lu Han eyed the fork that was in front of him warily, but figured that if they were going to bed after this, it would be all worth it. He leaned forward, let his tongue out and slid his lips over the fork to eat the food offered to him. Kris put his hand down, clearly pleased and probably turned on by his little display. He smiled to himself because things were looking more and more promising for the rest of the evening.
Except his throat suddenly began to feel closed off. He tugged at the collar of his buttoned up shirt, unbuttoning the top two buttons when he didn’t feel any comfort. He started coughing and feeling hot and he knew he was turning red as rashes started sprouting out of his arms.
Kris was on his feet in a second, had carried him in two, and they were out of there in three.
-
“You could’ve told me you were allergic to shrimp,” Kris glared at him from beside the hospital bed. Lu Han merely gave him a sheepish smile. “Health is more important than sex,” he pointed out, rolling his eyes as he got the message.
“Looks like it, since I’m not getting any tonight,” Lu Han murmured drowsily due to the medicines given to him, shifting on the bed, trying to get comfortable.
Shrimps were probably the only things he was allergic to, have been allergic since he was a child. It was sad because he thought shrimps were delicious. His mother used to cook them a lot when his allergies still hadn’t manifested and he remembered devouring every bit of what she cooked for him back then. It was the perfect example of wanting something you can’t have and you just decide for yourself not to want them because it wasn’t good for you.
“Are you okay?” Kris’s voice interrupted his thoughts. “Feeling better?”
Lu Han turned his head to look at Kris, still very handsome underneath all the concern on his face. “How many times have you been told that you were handsome?” he asked curiously.
Kris’s eyes widened a bit before smiling in hilarity. “Too many times to count,” he told him honestly.
“Me, too,” Lu Han admitted unabashedly. “I bet you like it. All the guys and girls fawning over you, wanting to ask you out and date you.”
“It’s bothersome,” Kris said, shaking his head.
“But you are handsome,” Lu Han giggled, making Kris’s eyebrows rise. He giggled some more before sobering up a bit. The medicines were really doing wonders for him. He wasn’t sure if he was sleepy or high or happy. “Don’t you get tired of it, though? I mean, sure it’s true, and people mean well, but don’t you start to think that maybe that’s all they see in you?”
Kris looked at him to maybe wonder if he was serious in his question. He pursed his lips for a second before he finally answered. “I just take it for what it is,” he told him. “Then I just show them that I am more than what they’re thinking, because I am.”
“That’s what I do, too,” Lu Han agreed, smiling and closing his eyes. He was quiet for a moment and Kris thought he had fallen asleep when he spoke again. “I’m sorry for tonight,” he mumbled. “You went through all that trouble to ask me out and instead of sex, you end up at the hospital.” He snuggled closer to his pillow, blinking his eyes open. “I’ll make it up to you,” he promised him before closing them again and falling into slumber.
“That tends to happen when he gets his shots,” a voice behind Kris spoke, making him jump. He turned around in his seat. “You must be Kris.”
“And you are?” Kris wanted to know.
“I’m Lu Han’s best friend, Baekhyun,” he introduced himself. Kris looked at the other male behind him and greeted him when he recognized Yixing.
“Is he okay?” Yixing asked, moving to Lu Han’s bedside.
“He’s just knocked out with the drugs,” Kris explained. “I’m really sorry for this. I didn’t know that he was allergic to shrimp.”
“Lu Han’s usually very careful, though,” Baekhyun said, looking confused as he glanced at his friend’s sleeping form. “He never makes a mistake when it comes to his food.”
Kris cleared his throat uncomfortably. “I, er, I fed it to him,” he shared.
Baekhyun raised his eyebrows, while Yixing tried to hide a laugh behind his mouth.
“Well then,” was Yixing’s only comment.
“I’m sure he’s apologized to you though for the other thing…?” Baekhyun asked, cheeks slightly tingeing pink for the question.
“What-oh!” Kris sputtered, coughing a bit. “Yeah, I wasn’t really-it’s fine.”
“You should go, though,” Baekhyun assured him, chuckling. “We’ll take care of him. Thank you for bringing him to the hospital as soon as you could.”
“Yeah, I’ll just…” Kris’s eyes found Lu Han sleeping peacefully on the bed. “I’ll see you guys around.”
Baekhyun sat down on the edge of the bed as Yixing sat down on the seat that Kris had emptied once it was just the two of them.
“Well…?” Lu Han sat up and smiled. “He’s really cute, right?”
Yixing rolled his eyes and sat back on his seat. “You’re some piece of work you know that? The man was genuinely worried about you. I hope you didn’t intend to get allergies just to know that he actually cares,” he chastised him.
“Of course I didn’t mean to get allergies,” Lu Han contradicted him, frowning. “I hate getting allergies. But it’s served its purpose.” He smiled excitedly. “You should have seen how he lifted me up without so much as batting an eyelash and whisked me away. It was very manly and hot.”
“And now he thinks you’re this frail little princess, who needs to be protected, not manhandled like I know you want him to,” Baekhyun pointed out.
“I’m no princess,” Lu Han bit out, crossing his arms on his chest.
“Sure you’re not,” Yixing teased disbelievingly. “You’re just waiting for your prince charming to come and sweep you off your feet.”
Lu Han made a face at him and even poked his tongue out like the 25-year old male that he was. He lied back down and pretended to go back to bed. Maybe if he ignored what Yixing said, it would make it untrue.
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Part 2