Liar, Liar, Ghosts Got Swagger
Pairing: Jongkey
Summary: Kibum is dragged to go ghost hunting and meets Jonghyun, who convinces the skeptic that ghosts do, in fact, exist. Kind of.
Disclaimer: I don't own SHINee (yet). But the plot is mine.
A/N: I don't know what I was thinking when I came up with the title.
WARNING: Extreme chessy-ness and cliche will ensue. Just saying.
(In which Kibum goes Ghost hunting and meets Jonghyun)
Kibum stared into the dark, empty hallways of the now quiet school. He could hear the rusty groaning and moaning of the pipes, the constant humming of the radiators.
Humming, then stopping, humming, then stopping, and humming all over again.
It was nearly midnight and as he made his way down the hallway towards the stairwell, he couldn't help but wonder what he was doing here. At the same time, he knew all too well why he was here. He was here because he had to be. Because if he wasn't here, he'd be somewhere else, dark and creepy, doing exactly what he was doing now.
Ghost hunting.
Yes, the almighty Kim Kibum, was ghost hunting. Not alone, of course. He had his two stupid friends that had managed to drag him along side with them (Taemin and Sekyung had an unusual way of getting people to listen to them when they wanted to).
He walked down the stairwell, the soles of his boots pounding lightly, causing the stairs to creak softly at the contact. He glanced at the thermal camera in his hand to find that it showed nothing unusual, as always (because this wasn‘t the first time he got dragged into doing something like this). Regardless, he felt a feeling of uneasiness overwhelm him. He couldn’t shake the fact that he felt like someone else was here. Not just anyone either. He knew for a fact that there were still some janitors lurking around and perhaps even some students. It was a boarding school after all. The dorms were only a few minutes a way so it was easy to get in and out of both buildings, that, and security wasn’t exactly tight (almost non-existent if anything) considering the fact that the student’s never did anything over the top or scandalous to begin with.
Kibum sighed heavily, closing the camera to save battery life. He didn’t even believe in ghosts, not one bit.
But the idea of them existing scared him to no end.
Kibum was someone who thought rationally, practically, realistically--whatever you wanted to call it. And ghosts, or any other paranormal, supernatural being, didn’t fit into the realm of validity. There was no actual, plausible, proof of their existence and when there wasn’t proof, Kibum didn’t believe it.
That and Kibum didn’t want them to be real. The mere thought of knowing that there was something else after dying scared Kibum, because he didn’t believe in the whole concept of “Heaven”, “Hell”, and the “In between.” He believed in dying, rotting, and becoming nothing. That’s it. If ghosts existed, it would tear everything that Kibum believed in, apart.
He didn’t want that.
Kibum quickly shook away his doubts and walked faster down the stairs. Once he got to the first floor (which was quite a feat considering that he was all the way up on the fifth floor), he was surprised to see that Taemin nor Sekyung were in sight.
“Weird.” He stated out loud and winced, feeling strange when he heard his voice echo around the hallways.
The strange eeriness overtook him again and felt a feeling of anxiety and panic beginning to form in the corner of him mind.
‘Ghosts don’t exist. Ghosts don’t exist.’ He thought to himself, repeating the phrase over and over again like a mantra.
He began to quickly, and swiftly, walk towards the auditorium and abruptly stopped when he heard the piano being played from inside the closed doors. His heart was beating rapidly against his thin chest, hands shaking lightly. Kibum closed his eyes and composed himself.
‘Taemin plays the piano. It’s Taemin, chill Key.’ Kibum stated to himself and cautiously opened the door.
He walked in and first noticed that the lights were on, which was strange since Taemin always complained that ghosts didn’t like light and that the school was too bright. He brought his gaze towards the center of the stage, where the piano was settled, only to see that Taemin wasn’t there.
No one was.
Kibum felt his heart begin to beat fast again, pounding loudly against his chest. He tried to calm himself down, telling himself that Taemin probably hid thinking that it was a janitor or better yet, a ghost.
“Taemin, it’s me, Key. I didn’t find any ghosts on the fourth and fifth floors. Can we stop now?” Kibum called out, his voice coming out lighter, smaller than he expected.
No one answered.
Kibum swallowed loudly and began to walk steeper into the auditorium, towards the stage, when he felt a hand grab him from behind,
“Gotcha.”
Kibum screamed and turned around quickly, eyes wide with fear, to see a boy around his age staring back at him.
The boy grinned, his sharp canine teeth glaring back at Kibum. Kibum stared silently for a moment and then gasped lightly,
“You!”
The boy quirked a brow,
“Me?” He asked pointing towards himself, “What about me?”
Kibum refrained from screaming again, “You. You’re a ghost aren’t you?”
His voice came out shaky, and a bit more high pitched than usual.
The boy in front of him stared back at him, eyes wide with shock. Kibum watched as the other boys features returned back to normal,
“How’d you know?” The boy asked, smiling lightly.
Kibum blinked,
“I--I just guessed.”
The boy nodded, seemingly impressed, “Weird, normally people don’t see me. Is it that obvious or are you just special?”
Kibum felt his eyes widen again, “What?”
The boy rolled his eyes,
“You know, one of those people that can see and talk to ghosts--wait, what am I saying? Of course you’re one of them, you’re talking to me aren’t you?” The boy explained, chuckling lightly.
“Liar.” Kibum spat out.
‘This isn’t real. This isn’t real. You’re dreaming. Get up! Get up!’ Kibum told himself.
The boy shrugged, “Believe what you want. I know what I am.”
Kibum narrowed his eyes dubiously,
“Yeah? If you know everything, how come you haven’t crossed to the other side yet?”
The boy laughed and it was beyond seductive (is that how he went around eating souls?), “Whoa. That’s not always the case.” He grinned mischievously, “Want to hear my story?”
Kibum shook his head roughly,
“No, no, no! No. This isn’t happening. I am not talking to a ghost.” He exclaimed loudly.
The boy watched him with mild interest,
“You’re Key, right?
Kibum glared, “Only my friends call me that. You can’t.”
The boy frowned,
“Ouch. What are you so mean for?”
“Are you going to eat my soul?” Kibum asked, trying to sound confident and not frightened at all, but his voice came out small.
The boy laughed loudly, “Nah. I don’t need souls. I just need to find closure.”
Kibum relaxed,
“From what?” He asked genuinely.
The boy sighed, eyes downcast,
“It’s a long story. And stupid.”
Kibum shook his head frantically, “No! It’s not stupid, nothing is stupid. Tell me. I want to help--um, what’s your name?”
The boy stuck out his hand,
“Kim Jonghyun.”
Kibum stared at his hand, “I can touch you?”
Jonghyun rolled his eyes, “Yeah. Only ghosts with bad intentions can’t solidify.”
Kibum shook Jonghyun’s hands.
“I didn’t know that.”
Jonghyun shrugged, “Most people don’t.”
“So, what happened?”
Jonghyun frowned, “I killed myself.”
Kibum’s eyebrows shot up, “What? Why?”
“Because,” Jonghyun sat down on one of the chairs, “I wasn’t happy. My parent’s were forcing me to do things I didn’t want to.”
Kibum sighed, “But you should have told someone!” He took a seat next to Jonghyun, “What did they make you do?”
“They made me join football, were pressuring me to date this girl, take over their business, when all I wanted was to play and make music.” Jonghyun stated leaning back.
Kibum stared at Jonghyun how was staring up at the ceiling.
“Something on my face?”
Kibum blinked,
“No.” He mumbled, quickly averting his gaze, “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be.” Jonghyun laughed, “What’s done is done.” He turned to Kibum, “What are you doing here?”
Kibum grinned, “Ghost hunting.”
Jonghyun smiled,
“Oh. Well that’s just peachy.”
“Isn’t it? I didn’t even believe in ghosts until I met you.”
Jonghyun stood up, “Have you never heard of me?”
Kibum looked up at him questioningly, “What? No, are you famous or something?”
Jonghyun chuckled, “Something like that.”
Kibum narrowed his eyes, “What do you mean?”
“Nothing.”
Both boys flinched when the auditorium door opened with a loud clang. Kibum abruptly turned around to see Taemin looking back at him with a smile,
“I thought I heard something from in here. Key, dude, I was looking all over for you! What are you doing here?” He asked running down to Kibum who smiled,
“Taemin, oh my gosh! I found a ghost! I was just talking to him and” Kibum exclaimed, turning to face Jonghyun and frowned.
He wasn’t there.
“Talking to who Key?” Taemin asked quirking a brow looking over Kibum’s shoulder and around the empty stage.
“He’s gone.” Kibum whispered, eyes wide.
Taemin smiled, “Did you really meet a ghost?”
Kibum nodded,
“Yeah. He committed suicide and everything.”
Taemin beamed, “Give me the thermal camera!”
Kibum knitted his eyebrows, handing the camera over too an overeager hands.
“Why? There’s nothing in there?”
Taemin stopped fiddling with the power switch and frowned,
“What do you mean there’s nothing on here?” And then his eyes widened with realization, “You didn’t record it!”
Kibum tried to look apologetic, nodding slowly.
“I’m sorry.” He mumbled and Taemin just sighed.
“Yeah, well, shit happens. Come on, Sekyung has cheerleading tryouts tomorrow and wants to go home.” He stated, walking back up the aisle, towards the exit.
Kibum turned back once more, staring at the empty seats and stage and he wondered, would he ever see Jonghyun again?
“Are you coming or not?” Taemin called from the open doors.
Kibum turned around to face Taemin, walking forward,
“Yeah, I’m coming.”
“So Taemin told me that you saw and talked to a ghost yesterday. I thought you didn’t even believe in them?”
Kibum looked up from the books in his locker and to Sekyung who was leaning against her own locker, staring back a Kibum expectantly.
“Yeah. Well he told me that you’re going to try out to be one of the “Barbie’s”. What’s up with that?” Kibum asked quirking a brow.
Sekyung shrugged indifferently,
“You know how much I hate being at the bottom of the food chain. I need this.”
Kibum rolled his eyes and scoffed, “I find that rather insulting.”
“I knew you’d say that. But can you hate me for wanting to be not made fun of for the rest of my high school life?” She began and Kibum frowned, “But you’re a Junior, you only have one more year.” Sekyung ignored him and went on, “And I really want a nice, cute, and preferably social boyfriend.”
Kibum laughed sardonically,
“Whatever.”
“Did Kibum tell you about the ghost?”
Kibum turned to see Taemin leaning against the locker on his other side, looking back at Sekyung.
“The one he caught no footage of? Nope. I did ask him about it though.”
Kibum groaned, “Can we not bring that up?”
“What? That you were stupid enough to forget the most important part and record footage?” Taemin asked sarcastically and then smiled playfully, “Chill, we’ll get it next time.”
“Did the ghost tell you it’s name?” Sekyung asked tying her hair up.
Kibum closed his locker and sighed,
“Yeah. Maybe you guys heard of him. He said he was famous or something. Did he mean that his suicide was famous?” Kibum began, furrowing his eyebrows.
“Kibum. His name. That would help.” Taemin deadpanned.
Kibum laughed, “Right.” He tossed a quick glance at a group of kids that were huddling together around some of the football players, “Kim Jonghyun.” He stated.
“What?” Taemin and Sekyung exclaimed in unison.
Kibum frowned,
“What?”
“Are you stupid?” Sekyung asked incredulously.
Taemin laughed, “You’re not serious right? You can’t be serious,” He turned to Sekyung, “He’s not being serious.” Taemin stated critically.
Kibum looked between both of his friends, completely and utterly confused,
“I don’t get it.”
Sekyung rolled her eyes, “Obviously. Kim Jonghyun is--”
“DUDE I CAN’T BELIEVE WE WON!!!!”
Kibum, Taemin, and Sekyung turned to see a football running into the group that had gathered around. As they parted, you could see a few football players standing, and Kibum’s eyes widened, one of them was an exact copy of Kim Jonghyun.
The “ghost” he had met yesterday.
“There’s your ghost.” Sekyung whispered into Kibum’s ear and laughed, “And my future boyfriend.”
Kibum frowned and felt anger welt throughout his body. Angry that Jonghyun lied to him. Angry that he fell for the lie. And angry, completely and utterly angry, that he lost sleep, thinking about him.
“I can’t believe you fell for that one.” Taemin stated, “That sucks.”
Kibum stared at Jonghyun, who was laughing, eyes darting every now and then around the hallways, as if he were searching for something.
“Yeah.” Kibum seethed, “It sucks.”
And then he began to walk towards Jonghyun.
“Key! What are you doing?” Sekyung whispered frantically.
Kibum ignored her and he pushed through the over-hyped crowd and stopped when he got to the middle.
“Kim Jonghyun!” He called out loudly.
The talking stopped abruptly as Jonghyun turned around to face him.
He walked his eyes widened with realization, and then a smile took over, face relaxing,
“Key! Hey!” He exclaimed walking closer.
“Don’t call me that, liar.” Kibum spat out.
Jonghyun frowned, “What?”
“Did you come back to life or something?” Kibum asked sarcastically.
The group began to walk away, disinterested and more worried about getting the most out of their lunch time.
Jonghyun grinned lightly, ignoring the thinning crowd altogether,
“You didn’t honestly believe I was a ghost, did you?” He asked incredulously, and then laughed, “You did, didn’t you?”
Kibum stared at him stoically, “Yeah. It’s hilarious. Let’s go out and have tea and talk about it.”
Jonghyun chuckled, “If you were being serious, I’d totally take you up on that offer.”
Kibum sighed, “Why’d you do that?”
Jonghyun shrugged, “Do what? Pretend to be a ghost? I don’t know. It was funny, that’s why? Live a little dude.”
Kibum scoffed, “What?” He took a step back, “I didn’t think it was funny at all. I actually felt bad for you. I could sleep all night, thinking about what it would be like to feel so empty, so bad, that I’d want to kill myself, I--” Kibum began and was silenced when Jonghyun raised a hand.
He apologized,
“I’m sorry. That was wrong of me. I didn’t think you’d take it seriously.”
Kibum swallowed loudly, “Whatever.”
He turned around, and began to walk away.
“You know,” Jonghyun began and Kibum stopped, “I didn’t lie about it all. About being forced to do things…and that other stuff.”
Kibum turned to see Jonghyun staring back at him uncomfortably.
“Sure. You think I’m going to believe anything you say now?” Kibum asked narrowing his eyes.
Jonghyun looked around the hallway and noticing that no one was around, he walked closer to Kibum,
“I’m not lying.”
Kibum stared into Jonghyun’s who was looking back at him with an earnest gaze,
“You’re not lying right now?” Kibum asked, and Jonghyun nodded, “So you’re dad is making you join football, be the heir to his company? He’s forcing you to go out with a girl? And that you want to really sing or something? That you do want to kill yourself sometimes?”
Jonghyun stiffened. He cast his gaze downwards, staring at the floor.
“Yeah, but that’s--”
“Why?” Kibum asked imploringly, “Why are your parents to controlling?”
Jonghyun laughed lightly, “Because,” He began and looked up to meet Kibum’s gaze,
“I’m gay.”
“Are you lying to me right now?” Kibum asked, eyes wide.
Jonghyun scowled, “Why would I lie about something like that?”
Kibum shrugged, “I don’t know. Probably because I’m openly gay and you can use it to--”
“To what? Make fun of you? Make you feel bad for me? For you not to be angry at me anymore?” Jonghyun asked heatedly.
Jonghyun stepped closer to Kibum, “Listen, I don’t even know why I told you all of that. No one knows any of this. But I told you, the least you can do is believe me.” Jonghyun implored.
“I’m sorry.” Kibum whispered, “I just--sorry.”
Jonghyun’s gaze softened, “It’s okay, as long as you keep that offer up.”
Kibum frowned, “What offer?”
Jonghyun grinned playfully, “The one about getting tea. Except who does that? Lets go for coffee instead or something. After a move, all on me.”
Kibum stared at Jonghyun who laughed.
“Come on, how does that sound?” Jonghyun asked quirking a brow.
“It sounds a lot like a cheesy and sad excuse for a date.” Kibum responded, feeling himself flush.
“Really?” Jonghyun inquired, “What’s good idea of date for you then?”
Kibum shrugged,
“I don’t know.” He stuttered out.
Jonghyun nodded,
“The a movie and coffee it is.”
“What’s wrong with you?” Kibum asked, blushing.
“What?” Jonghyun asked, “I can’t ask someone I like out?”
Kibum stared at him, “You don’t even know me!”
“I like you. That’s enough for me. Besides, isn’t that what dates are for anyways? To get to know each other better?” Jonghyun probed.
Kibum blinked, “I guess.”
The bell rang again, indicating that there were five minutes left of lunch.
“So I’ll see you after school at the front yard?” Jonghyun asked backwardly stepping away.
“What?” Kibum sputtered, mind completely blank.
“Jonghyun grinned, “I’ll see you then, Key.”
He winked and walked away, while Kibum stood there, watching his retreating figure. And he stayed that way until the bell for fifth period rang, breaking him away from his thoughts.
He had a date. With Kim Jonghyun. Who he thought was a ghost. He frowned to himself, why was he so damn pleased?
It definitely had nothing to do with how great Jonghyun’s butt looked in his jeans.
Definitely.
Now all he had to was explain to Sekyung how he got a date with her “future boyfriend”.
Peachy. Just peachy.
Summary: Kibum is dragged to go ghost hunting and meets Jonghyun, who convinces the skeptic that ghosts do, in fact, exist. Kind of.
Disclaimer: I don't own SHINee (yet). But the plot is mine.
A/N: I don't know what I was thinking when I came up with the title.
WARNING: Extreme chessy-ness and cliche will ensue. Just saying.
(In which Kibum goes Ghost hunting and meets Jonghyun)
Kibum stared into the dark, empty hallways of the now quiet school. He could hear the rusty groaning and moaning of the pipes, the constant humming of the radiators.
Humming, then stopping, humming, then stopping, and humming all over again.
It was nearly midnight and as he made his way down the hallway towards the stairwell, he couldn't help but wonder what he was doing here. At the same time, he knew all too well why he was here. He was here because he had to be. Because if he wasn't here, he'd be somewhere else, dark and creepy, doing exactly what he was doing now.
Ghost hunting.
Yes, the almighty Kim Kibum, was ghost hunting. Not alone, of course. He had his two stupid friends that had managed to drag him along side with them (Taemin and Sekyung had an unusual way of getting people to listen to them when they wanted to).
He walked down the stairwell, the soles of his boots pounding lightly, causing the stairs to creak softly at the contact. He glanced at the thermal camera in his hand to find that it showed nothing unusual, as always (because this wasn‘t the first time he got dragged into doing something like this). Regardless, he felt a feeling of uneasiness overwhelm him. He couldn’t shake the fact that he felt like someone else was here. Not just anyone either. He knew for a fact that there were still some janitors lurking around and perhaps even some students. It was a boarding school after all. The dorms were only a few minutes a way so it was easy to get in and out of both buildings, that, and security wasn’t exactly tight (almost non-existent if anything) considering the fact that the student’s never did anything over the top or scandalous to begin with.
Kibum sighed heavily, closing the camera to save battery life. He didn’t even believe in ghosts, not one bit.
But the idea of them existing scared him to no end.
Kibum was someone who thought rationally, practically, realistically--whatever you wanted to call it. And ghosts, or any other paranormal, supernatural being, didn’t fit into the realm of validity. There was no actual, plausible, proof of their existence and when there wasn’t proof, Kibum didn’t believe it.
That and Kibum didn’t want them to be real. The mere thought of knowing that there was something else after dying scared Kibum, because he didn’t believe in the whole concept of “Heaven”, “Hell”, and the “In between.” He believed in dying, rotting, and becoming nothing. That’s it. If ghosts existed, it would tear everything that Kibum believed in, apart.
He didn’t want that.
Kibum quickly shook away his doubts and walked faster down the stairs. Once he got to the first floor (which was quite a feat considering that he was all the way up on the fifth floor), he was surprised to see that Taemin nor Sekyung were in sight.
“Weird.” He stated out loud and winced, feeling strange when he heard his voice echo around the hallways.
The strange eeriness overtook him again and felt a feeling of anxiety and panic beginning to form in the corner of him mind.
‘Ghosts don’t exist. Ghosts don’t exist.’ He thought to himself, repeating the phrase over and over again like a mantra.
He began to quickly, and swiftly, walk towards the auditorium and abruptly stopped when he heard the piano being played from inside the closed doors. His heart was beating rapidly against his thin chest, hands shaking lightly. Kibum closed his eyes and composed himself.
‘Taemin plays the piano. It’s Taemin, chill Key.’ Kibum stated to himself and cautiously opened the door.
He walked in and first noticed that the lights were on, which was strange since Taemin always complained that ghosts didn’t like light and that the school was too bright. He brought his gaze towards the center of the stage, where the piano was settled, only to see that Taemin wasn’t there.
No one was.
Kibum felt his heart begin to beat fast again, pounding loudly against his chest. He tried to calm himself down, telling himself that Taemin probably hid thinking that it was a janitor or better yet, a ghost.
“Taemin, it’s me, Key. I didn’t find any ghosts on the fourth and fifth floors. Can we stop now?” Kibum called out, his voice coming out lighter, smaller than he expected.
No one answered.
Kibum swallowed loudly and began to walk steeper into the auditorium, towards the stage, when he felt a hand grab him from behind,
“Gotcha.”
Kibum screamed and turned around quickly, eyes wide with fear, to see a boy around his age staring back at him.
The boy grinned, his sharp canine teeth glaring back at Kibum. Kibum stared silently for a moment and then gasped lightly,
“You!”
The boy quirked a brow,
“Me?” He asked pointing towards himself, “What about me?”
Kibum refrained from screaming again, “You. You’re a ghost aren’t you?”
His voice came out shaky, and a bit more high pitched than usual.
The boy in front of him stared back at him, eyes wide with shock. Kibum watched as the other boys features returned back to normal,
“How’d you know?” The boy asked, smiling lightly.
Kibum blinked,
“I--I just guessed.”
The boy nodded, seemingly impressed, “Weird, normally people don’t see me. Is it that obvious or are you just special?”
Kibum felt his eyes widen again, “What?”
The boy rolled his eyes,
“You know, one of those people that can see and talk to ghosts--wait, what am I saying? Of course you’re one of them, you’re talking to me aren’t you?” The boy explained, chuckling lightly.
“Liar.” Kibum spat out.
‘This isn’t real. This isn’t real. You’re dreaming. Get up! Get up!’ Kibum told himself.
The boy shrugged, “Believe what you want. I know what I am.”
Kibum narrowed his eyes dubiously,
“Yeah? If you know everything, how come you haven’t crossed to the other side yet?”
The boy laughed and it was beyond seductive (is that how he went around eating souls?), “Whoa. That’s not always the case.” He grinned mischievously, “Want to hear my story?”
Kibum shook his head roughly,
“No, no, no! No. This isn’t happening. I am not talking to a ghost.” He exclaimed loudly.
The boy watched him with mild interest,
“You’re Key, right?
Kibum glared, “Only my friends call me that. You can’t.”
The boy frowned,
“Ouch. What are you so mean for?”
“Are you going to eat my soul?” Kibum asked, trying to sound confident and not frightened at all, but his voice came out small.
The boy laughed loudly, “Nah. I don’t need souls. I just need to find closure.”
Kibum relaxed,
“From what?” He asked genuinely.
The boy sighed, eyes downcast,
“It’s a long story. And stupid.”
Kibum shook his head frantically, “No! It’s not stupid, nothing is stupid. Tell me. I want to help--um, what’s your name?”
The boy stuck out his hand,
“Kim Jonghyun.”
Kibum stared at his hand, “I can touch you?”
Jonghyun rolled his eyes, “Yeah. Only ghosts with bad intentions can’t solidify.”
Kibum shook Jonghyun’s hands.
“I didn’t know that.”
Jonghyun shrugged, “Most people don’t.”
“So, what happened?”
Jonghyun frowned, “I killed myself.”
Kibum’s eyebrows shot up, “What? Why?”
“Because,” Jonghyun sat down on one of the chairs, “I wasn’t happy. My parent’s were forcing me to do things I didn’t want to.”
Kibum sighed, “But you should have told someone!” He took a seat next to Jonghyun, “What did they make you do?”
“They made me join football, were pressuring me to date this girl, take over their business, when all I wanted was to play and make music.” Jonghyun stated leaning back.
Kibum stared at Jonghyun how was staring up at the ceiling.
“Something on my face?”
Kibum blinked,
“No.” He mumbled, quickly averting his gaze, “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be.” Jonghyun laughed, “What’s done is done.” He turned to Kibum, “What are you doing here?”
Kibum grinned, “Ghost hunting.”
Jonghyun smiled,
“Oh. Well that’s just peachy.”
“Isn’t it? I didn’t even believe in ghosts until I met you.”
Jonghyun stood up, “Have you never heard of me?”
Kibum looked up at him questioningly, “What? No, are you famous or something?”
Jonghyun chuckled, “Something like that.”
Kibum narrowed his eyes, “What do you mean?”
“Nothing.”
Both boys flinched when the auditorium door opened with a loud clang. Kibum abruptly turned around to see Taemin looking back at him with a smile,
“I thought I heard something from in here. Key, dude, I was looking all over for you! What are you doing here?” He asked running down to Kibum who smiled,
“Taemin, oh my gosh! I found a ghost! I was just talking to him and” Kibum exclaimed, turning to face Jonghyun and frowned.
He wasn’t there.
“Talking to who Key?” Taemin asked quirking a brow looking over Kibum’s shoulder and around the empty stage.
“He’s gone.” Kibum whispered, eyes wide.
Taemin smiled, “Did you really meet a ghost?”
Kibum nodded,
“Yeah. He committed suicide and everything.”
Taemin beamed, “Give me the thermal camera!”
Kibum knitted his eyebrows, handing the camera over too an overeager hands.
“Why? There’s nothing in there?”
Taemin stopped fiddling with the power switch and frowned,
“What do you mean there’s nothing on here?” And then his eyes widened with realization, “You didn’t record it!”
Kibum tried to look apologetic, nodding slowly.
“I’m sorry.” He mumbled and Taemin just sighed.
“Yeah, well, shit happens. Come on, Sekyung has cheerleading tryouts tomorrow and wants to go home.” He stated, walking back up the aisle, towards the exit.
Kibum turned back once more, staring at the empty seats and stage and he wondered, would he ever see Jonghyun again?
“Are you coming or not?” Taemin called from the open doors.
Kibum turned around to face Taemin, walking forward,
“Yeah, I’m coming.”
“So Taemin told me that you saw and talked to a ghost yesterday. I thought you didn’t even believe in them?”
Kibum looked up from the books in his locker and to Sekyung who was leaning against her own locker, staring back a Kibum expectantly.
“Yeah. Well he told me that you’re going to try out to be one of the “Barbie’s”. What’s up with that?” Kibum asked quirking a brow.
Sekyung shrugged indifferently,
“You know how much I hate being at the bottom of the food chain. I need this.”
Kibum rolled his eyes and scoffed, “I find that rather insulting.”
“I knew you’d say that. But can you hate me for wanting to be not made fun of for the rest of my high school life?” She began and Kibum frowned, “But you’re a Junior, you only have one more year.” Sekyung ignored him and went on, “And I really want a nice, cute, and preferably social boyfriend.”
Kibum laughed sardonically,
“Whatever.”
“Did Kibum tell you about the ghost?”
Kibum turned to see Taemin leaning against the locker on his other side, looking back at Sekyung.
“The one he caught no footage of? Nope. I did ask him about it though.”
Kibum groaned, “Can we not bring that up?”
“What? That you were stupid enough to forget the most important part and record footage?” Taemin asked sarcastically and then smiled playfully, “Chill, we’ll get it next time.”
“Did the ghost tell you it’s name?” Sekyung asked tying her hair up.
Kibum closed his locker and sighed,
“Yeah. Maybe you guys heard of him. He said he was famous or something. Did he mean that his suicide was famous?” Kibum began, furrowing his eyebrows.
“Kibum. His name. That would help.” Taemin deadpanned.
Kibum laughed, “Right.” He tossed a quick glance at a group of kids that were huddling together around some of the football players, “Kim Jonghyun.” He stated.
“What?” Taemin and Sekyung exclaimed in unison.
Kibum frowned,
“What?”
“Are you stupid?” Sekyung asked incredulously.
Taemin laughed, “You’re not serious right? You can’t be serious,” He turned to Sekyung, “He’s not being serious.” Taemin stated critically.
Kibum looked between both of his friends, completely and utterly confused,
“I don’t get it.”
Sekyung rolled her eyes, “Obviously. Kim Jonghyun is--”
“DUDE I CAN’T BELIEVE WE WON!!!!”
Kibum, Taemin, and Sekyung turned to see a football running into the group that had gathered around. As they parted, you could see a few football players standing, and Kibum’s eyes widened, one of them was an exact copy of Kim Jonghyun.
The “ghost” he had met yesterday.
“There’s your ghost.” Sekyung whispered into Kibum’s ear and laughed, “And my future boyfriend.”
Kibum frowned and felt anger welt throughout his body. Angry that Jonghyun lied to him. Angry that he fell for the lie. And angry, completely and utterly angry, that he lost sleep, thinking about him.
“I can’t believe you fell for that one.” Taemin stated, “That sucks.”
Kibum stared at Jonghyun, who was laughing, eyes darting every now and then around the hallways, as if he were searching for something.
“Yeah.” Kibum seethed, “It sucks.”
And then he began to walk towards Jonghyun.
“Key! What are you doing?” Sekyung whispered frantically.
Kibum ignored her and he pushed through the over-hyped crowd and stopped when he got to the middle.
“Kim Jonghyun!” He called out loudly.
The talking stopped abruptly as Jonghyun turned around to face him.
He walked his eyes widened with realization, and then a smile took over, face relaxing,
“Key! Hey!” He exclaimed walking closer.
“Don’t call me that, liar.” Kibum spat out.
Jonghyun frowned, “What?”
“Did you come back to life or something?” Kibum asked sarcastically.
The group began to walk away, disinterested and more worried about getting the most out of their lunch time.
Jonghyun grinned lightly, ignoring the thinning crowd altogether,
“You didn’t honestly believe I was a ghost, did you?” He asked incredulously, and then laughed, “You did, didn’t you?”
Kibum stared at him stoically, “Yeah. It’s hilarious. Let’s go out and have tea and talk about it.”
Jonghyun chuckled, “If you were being serious, I’d totally take you up on that offer.”
Kibum sighed, “Why’d you do that?”
Jonghyun shrugged, “Do what? Pretend to be a ghost? I don’t know. It was funny, that’s why? Live a little dude.”
Kibum scoffed, “What?” He took a step back, “I didn’t think it was funny at all. I actually felt bad for you. I could sleep all night, thinking about what it would be like to feel so empty, so bad, that I’d want to kill myself, I--” Kibum began and was silenced when Jonghyun raised a hand.
He apologized,
“I’m sorry. That was wrong of me. I didn’t think you’d take it seriously.”
Kibum swallowed loudly, “Whatever.”
He turned around, and began to walk away.
“You know,” Jonghyun began and Kibum stopped, “I didn’t lie about it all. About being forced to do things…and that other stuff.”
Kibum turned to see Jonghyun staring back at him uncomfortably.
“Sure. You think I’m going to believe anything you say now?” Kibum asked narrowing his eyes.
Jonghyun looked around the hallway and noticing that no one was around, he walked closer to Kibum,
“I’m not lying.”
Kibum stared into Jonghyun’s who was looking back at him with an earnest gaze,
“You’re not lying right now?” Kibum asked, and Jonghyun nodded, “So you’re dad is making you join football, be the heir to his company? He’s forcing you to go out with a girl? And that you want to really sing or something? That you do want to kill yourself sometimes?”
Jonghyun stiffened. He cast his gaze downwards, staring at the floor.
“Yeah, but that’s--”
“Why?” Kibum asked imploringly, “Why are your parents to controlling?”
Jonghyun laughed lightly, “Because,” He began and looked up to meet Kibum’s gaze,
“I’m gay.”
“Are you lying to me right now?” Kibum asked, eyes wide.
Jonghyun scowled, “Why would I lie about something like that?”
Kibum shrugged, “I don’t know. Probably because I’m openly gay and you can use it to--”
“To what? Make fun of you? Make you feel bad for me? For you not to be angry at me anymore?” Jonghyun asked heatedly.
Jonghyun stepped closer to Kibum, “Listen, I don’t even know why I told you all of that. No one knows any of this. But I told you, the least you can do is believe me.” Jonghyun implored.
“I’m sorry.” Kibum whispered, “I just--sorry.”
Jonghyun’s gaze softened, “It’s okay, as long as you keep that offer up.”
Kibum frowned, “What offer?”
Jonghyun grinned playfully, “The one about getting tea. Except who does that? Lets go for coffee instead or something. After a move, all on me.”
Kibum stared at Jonghyun who laughed.
“Come on, how does that sound?” Jonghyun asked quirking a brow.
“It sounds a lot like a cheesy and sad excuse for a date.” Kibum responded, feeling himself flush.
“Really?” Jonghyun inquired, “What’s good idea of date for you then?”
Kibum shrugged,
“I don’t know.” He stuttered out.
Jonghyun nodded,
“The a movie and coffee it is.”
“What’s wrong with you?” Kibum asked, blushing.
“What?” Jonghyun asked, “I can’t ask someone I like out?”
Kibum stared at him, “You don’t even know me!”
“I like you. That’s enough for me. Besides, isn’t that what dates are for anyways? To get to know each other better?” Jonghyun probed.
Kibum blinked, “I guess.”
The bell rang again, indicating that there were five minutes left of lunch.
“So I’ll see you after school at the front yard?” Jonghyun asked backwardly stepping away.
“What?” Kibum sputtered, mind completely blank.
“Jonghyun grinned, “I’ll see you then, Key.”
He winked and walked away, while Kibum stood there, watching his retreating figure. And he stayed that way until the bell for fifth period rang, breaking him away from his thoughts.
He had a date. With Kim Jonghyun. Who he thought was a ghost. He frowned to himself, why was he so damn pleased?
It definitely had nothing to do with how great Jonghyun’s butt looked in his jeans.
Definitely.
Now all he had to was explain to Sekyung how he got a date with her “future boyfriend”.
Peachy. Just peachy.