[SJ Fic] Lights Will Guide You Home (1/2)
Lights Will Guide You Home (1/2): Sungmin/Kyuhyun, Kyuhyun/Donghae (5550 words)
for paradigm_twist
"If anyone's lucky, it's you. When Kyuhyun shines he's brighter than a thousand suns, and he doesn't even know it!" assured Sungmin. Donghae wondered whether he knew who exactly Kyuhyun was shining for.
Thursdays weren’t the best days for Kyuhyun, it was however a fabulous day for everyone else. Meaning that the city was more congested than usual, and the normal hustle bustle increased by ten fold. It didn’t help that it was raining either, or that he had missed two consecutive buses and was deprived of an umbrella. Kyuhyun condemned the city council in his mind, because no- it wasn’t a bus shelter. It was a bus stop. Essentially just a pole smack bang at the edge of the pathway.
It was probably paranoia, or instinct, but he could swear that a small girl across the road was judging him. Her squinty eyes bore into his, as if saying ‘I can’t count up to ten, but I’ve achieved more in my life than you have’. But that could probably be his own subconscious.
From the shop window behind the vexatious little girl, he could see someone hold a bright yellow umbrella over his head, and on cue a mellow voice spoke into Kyuhyun’s ear.
“Hey, sorry I'm late. Who's that girl?” Kyuhyun disregarded him, because the little girl had noticed and poked her tongue out at Kyuhyun, proving to him that she was indeed judging him. Also, she had an umbrella, and he didn’t, and it was a Thursday and he was spiteful.
Kyuhyun felt a soft tug at his shirt, and he broke eye contact with the girl. “What Donghae?”
Donghae’s eyes became apologetic. “Sorry I’m late. How many buses did you miss?”
What Kyuhyun meant to say was two, but what came out of his mouth was closer to ‘infinity’. Donghae spluttered a bit, mind reeling in guilt. And feeling obliged, Kyuhyun had to tell him not to worry about it.
Donghae looked into the distance, straining his eyes to see beyond the incessant downpour. “I think the next bus is coming.”
Kyuhyun rubbed his hands together, willing some warmth into them. “Brilliant.”
- - -
Sent 2:33PM: I should write a book, ‘Lies My Cousin Tells Me’. The first chapter shall be titled ‘Dude, just chill out, I’m pretty much at the airport. In fact- I think I see your plane! I need to hang up so I can wave with both hands!’ Hint. Hint.
- - -
For the most part, Kyuhyun’s life had been uneventful and somewhat depressing. In fact, Kyuhyun thinks that he was spontaneously incarnated on this Earth at the age of eleven, because everything before that was simply a blue screen. There were some random flashbacks of his family sobbing at his father’s funeral, and Kyuhyun trying to open the coffin to play hide and seek in, because one does not completely grasp the concept of death when they are four. He also vaguely remembers the time Ryeowook had tried to kiss him when they were nine, but he had succeeded very well in repressing that unwanted memory.
When he was eleven and moved schools, a messy boy with mousy brown hair named Donghae came waltzing into his life. Or more literally, came running over his foot on a pair of roller-skates. What followed next was a scuffle and a trip to the Principal’s office. Something similar to acquaintanceship had hesitantly followed, and then a hostile friendship slowly formed. And one day, Kyuhyun realised, that Donghae would always be there, without fail, sheltering Kyuhyun from problems he didn’t know existed with his obnoxiously yellow umbrella.
It wasn’t perfect, it was flawed. And although he never said it out loud, Kyuhyun could tell that Donghae didn’t feel the same level of comfort with Kyuhyun as he did with Siwon or Hyukjae. But it was more than enough to make each-other a priority. It was enough to make Kyuhyun tolerate spending the morning listening to Hyukjae justify watching porn.
“It’s not like I’m enjoying it!”
“That- I can’t even refute that! It refutes itself!” exclaimed Siwon.
Kyuhyun took that as his cue to leave. “Anyway, I’m going to the arcade. If you need anything. Help. Assistance. Call Ryeowook.” He strolled off towards the gates until someone grabbed his arm and pulled him around.
Donghae frowned. “Don’t you have a class.”
Kyuhyun blinked. ‘What’s your point?” Because Kyuhyun putting academics as a last priority wasn’t exactly a new development.
“You waited in the rain for me, so you could come to University, steal Heechul’s laptop charger, and then go home?” Donghae cocked an eyebrow, something Kyuhyun didn’t like. Because eyebrow cocking on Donghae’s part usually foreshadowed an argument which Kyuhyun couldn’t win.
“It actually seems pathetic when you put it like that. I shall ponder over it. While at the arcade.” he turned to leave but Donghae pulled him back again. Now Kyuhyun was beginning to get just a bit annoyed.
“Do you think you can go through life freeloading? I’d have thought your mother would have thrown a fit by then.”
“Hey, is that Jessica? Maybe she needs a consolation prize. Fetch!” whether his words had any effect or not (which he suspected they probably did, because burn) he wouldn’t have known, since he wrestled away from Donghae’s grip and made a run for the gates.
“Crap!” Kyuhyun hissed as the back of his head hit the ground and he mentally applauded his skills at a dramatic exit. He struggled upright slowly and turned to see if Donghae had seen his tragic accident. The aforementioned just shook his head and walked away, looking rather hurt.
“Are you okay?” came a voice from above, which unfortunately wasn’t God’s. Or the more expected, Satan’s.
Kyuhyun went on on all fours, gathering his books before slowly getting up. “I’m fine, can you please excuse me now. I need to leave.”
“What’s the rush?” inquired the stranger.
“I have a class.” came Kyuhyun’s short response.
“Ooh, I caught a truant. Would turning you in earn me any kiss-up points with the professors here?”
Kyuhyun gave him a mock laugh. “Oh that’s hilarious. Why don’t you try it out? There’s this kid Ryeowook who deals LSDs.”
“Ryeowook?”
“That’s the name. Go. Apprehend this public enemy and get yourself some friends.” Kyuhyun patted him on the back before running out the entrance.
- - -
Sent 8:33AM: Subtle with the whole ditching me at the bus stop thing by the way- very classy. I think I might make a new friend soon, who shall replace you.
- - -
They were sitting in the far corner of the library, hidden from view by the reference shelves. Donghae sat with his chin resting on his knees, absent mindedly flipping the pages of a book, pretending to be lost in literature.
Hyukjae nudged him with his foot. “Dude, what’s up?”
“Shh, I’m trying to read.”, Donghae dismissed him with a wave of his hands. Hyukjae grabbed the book from under Donghae’s nose and held it up by it’s corner so that the title ‘Chicken Soup For the Girl’s Soul’ could be clearly seen.
“I’m not judging you but- I guess you can relate to it?” said Hyukjae, while Donghae did a tortured flailing action. “Now seriously, what’s wrong?”
“Kyuhyun is just a bit of a bitch, that’s what’s wrong.” scowled Donghae, snatching the book from Hyukjae’s hand and throwing it across the room. “He called me a consolation prize!”
“And you just threw a book of girly anthologies across the library.” commented Hyukjae.
Donghae disregarded his comments and frowned. “Then again, I may have touched a soft spot.”
Hyukjae patted him on the back, “Atta boy, I knew I’d make you see sense.” Donghae scoffed before capturing him in a headlock.
“Are we abusing Hyukjae! Can I help?” came an anonymous voice.
Hyukjae looked up at the speaker and gave an embarrassed smile, Donghae simply stared wide eyed and blinked several times. “Um, hello?”
“Oh right!” exclaimed Hyukjae, freeing himself from Donghae’s headlock. “This is my grudgingly-beloved cousin, Sungmin.”
“Oh! Sorry, hi!” Donghae smiled shyly. “I was sort of the reason Hyukjae was late picking you up from the airport.”
“And I sort of eavesdropped on your conversation. Sorry, I was looking for an appropriate time to make my entrance” replied Sungmin.
“No worries.” beamed Donghae.
Hyukjae wrapped an arm around Sungmin’s shoulders. “Why are you late. I said meet me at the library at one pm.”
Sungmin simply shrugged. “I was making friends.”
- - -
GaemGyu@Gmail.Com
Saved As Draft
If you’re going to come over today, bring a dartboard. And instead of darts- bring knives, I shall provide the target. I promise I shall inflict no bodily harm on myself or my family members.
- - -
“You do realise we could be out on the streets any day by now. You’re lucky the debt collector happens to be very fond of me, since you’re the only member of this family doing nothing to help our cause.” ranted Kyuhyun’s mother from the kitchen.
Kyuhyun lay sprawled on the couch, tuning out his mother’s demeaning words. He spent the day very productively at the arcade, beheading mutant zombies and saving US Intelligence from super nanobots. It would have been much more productive hadn’t he had that lingering feeling of guilt at the back of his mind. However, he soon overcame that by pretending the nanobots were symbolic of Donghae’s face.
“I said get the door!” shrieked his mother. Kyuhyun wriggled out of where he had imprinted himself on the couch and tiredly headed towards the entrance, making no effort to hide his bitterness.
“Hey!” Greeted Ryeowook, looking positively gleeful on his front porch. Kyuhyun sort of wanted to neutralise his face.
“Ryeowookie!” his mother rushed over towards the door and captured Ryeowook’s cheeks between her fingers. “How have you been today! And is that Jongwoon?”
Kyuhyun blinked and noticed the black haired boy next to Ryeowook, who had his arms draped around the former. He looked vaguely familiar. “You-”
Ryeowook laughed. “Oh no, this is Sungmin! Jongwoon sort of broke his, um, gluttons.” Kyuhyun stiffled a giggle. Ryeowook pushed Sungmin forward. “So I brought a friend.” Sungmin gave his mother and Kyuhyun a beaming smile.
“Friend since when?” asked Kyuhyun sceptically.
“Today!”, Ryeowook nodded enthusiastically. “You won’t believe what happened Ms. Cho, someone told my TA that I was dealing LSDs on the side!”
Kyuhyun’s mother looked scandalized, Kyuhyun stood there mouth agape. “What!”, she exclaimed.
“I know! Isn’t it unbelievable!” said Ryeowook.
“It is.” drawled Kyuhyun. ‘Sungmin’ gave him a sly smile.
“But anyway, Sungmin somehow managed to convince him I was falsely accused. Out of the goodness of his own heart!” Ryeowook jumped up and down giddily, as if such ‘goodness’ had never been seen before. Which, considering Ryeowook’s choice of friends (see: Jongwoon, Kyuhyun, stalker boy by the name of ‘Sungmin’), he probably hadn’t.
“No one finds this at least a bit iffy?” questioned Kyuhyun. His doubts however, went ignored, as his mother captured Sungmin in a bear crushing hug and ushered him inside.
The night passed with Sungmin eating silently, Ryeowook flailing in general and Kyuhyun simply being hostile. When he wasn’t glaring at the back of Ryeowook’s head, or kicking Ryeowook’s leg under the table, or adding a teaspoon of salt into Ryeowook’s coffee, he was very subtly doing a background check on Sungmin.
“So, where did you transfer from again?” Kyuhyun asked casually, sipping on his empty cup of coffee.
“Seoul Institute of Arts”, answered Sungmin promptly. Kyuhyun could swear he could see a tug of a smirk. So is that how he wanted to play it?
“Why did you transfer?”
“It just wasn’t what I wanted.” Sungmin shrugged.
“What did you want? Academics? Girls? Drugs? Sex?”
“Kyuhyun!” Ryeowook hissed.
Sungmin simply chuckled, as if finding Kyuhyun’s interrogation amusing. “Actually no, I transferred to see my cousin.”
“Hm. So do you have a family history of incest then?”, replied Kyuhyun.
Sungmin opened his mouth to retort, however at that moment the doorbell rang, giving Kyuhyun the perfect excuse to escape this potentially awkward situation.
“I’ll get it!” Ryeowook announced, heading for the front door.
“Never!” Kyuhyun jolted up from his chair and swung Ryeowook back. He heard Sungmin mutter something along the lines of ‘classy’, but deliberately chose to ignore it. He swung open the front door and was greeted with a familiar face, and on instinct the first words to come out of his mouth were. “I’m sorry!”
Donghae just looked up at him blankly before wrapping his arms around the younger’s waist, pulling him close. “We need to stop doing this.”
“Well then, next time call before coming over uninvited” Kyuhyun scoffed jokingly.
Ryeowook cleared his throat from behind them, looking uncomfortable. Donghae smiled shyly, pushing Kyuhyun away. “Um, hey Donghae” greeted Ryeowook.
Donghae rubbed the back of his head, clearly embarrassed. “Yo! Ryeowook!” He turned to greet Sungmin who was leaning on the stair railings, positively amused. “Hey, Sungmin!” Kyuhyun stiffened.
“Hey!”
Kyuhyun slammed his head against the door-frame.
- - -
Sent 9:27PM: I did what I did because I had to do it. How's that for enigmatic?
- - -
Frankly, Kyuhyun didn’t care whether Sungmin was Hyukjae’s dear cousin or not. Firstly, being blood related to Hyukjae wasn’t something to brag about. Secondly, he wore too much pink for Kyuhyun to be comfortable with. Thirdly, Ryeowook liked him too much, this made him Ryeowook’s friend, which put him at the same level as Jongwoon. Which wasn’t a good place to be.
Another down-point of him being Ryeowook’s friend, was that Ryeowook brought him along everywhere. Which meant Kyuhyun couldn’t even go to Sunday church without Ryeowook seating him down between himself and Kyuhyun. Sungmin would also stay back ten minutes or so after the service, Ryeowook said it was just to pray. But Kyuhyun saw him sneak into the confessional box when he thought no one was looking, probably to brag about his past sins, like stalking.
Sungmin had also developed a liking to touching Kyuhyun’s things and invading his personal space. And by invading personal space, Kyuhyun meant breathing. During one particular instance, Kyuhyun had caught him playing guitar outside the University’s library, it was beautiful, yes. But it was an institute of education, and Kyuhyun’s studies were being disrupted by Sungmin’s rowdy behaviour (i.e: serenading the University with an acoustic ‘A River Flows In You’). Kyuhyun added ‘menace to society’, on the ‘list of reasons as to why Ryeowook’s stalker friend had to ‘suspiciously’ transfer schools’, referred to as short as ‘Sungmin sucks’.
And although Sungmin had recounted numerous anecdotes of him and Hyukjae attempting to murder each other, even Hyukjae felt like it was family duty to make Sungmin tag along with him everywhere. Everywhere also meant places with Donghae, which by extension meant places with Kyuhyun. Which altogether meant Kyuhyun saw him more than he would have liked.
“Is it just something personal against me? Or does he have something against the human race in general?”, asked Sungmin, grimacing.
Donghae sipped at his soda and swirled it around his mouth, contemplating. “You know, I’ve never actually considered the latter. But it is just as likely.”
Sungmin winced. “Damnit. And I thought I was special. Mind if I have a sip?” he pointed to Donghae’s soda can. Donghae nodded and handed it over to Sungmin.
“You should have seen him when he met me. He was eleven, but his bitchiness rivalled that of a hormonal sixteen year old girl.”
Sungmin choked on the fizzy liquid and began spluttering in between laughs. Donghae rubbed his back, concerned. “Wow, he’s feisty”
“He is also not here and listening to everything you guys are saying”, snarled Kyuhyun from next to Donghae. He didn’t appreciate people bonding over his maliciousness.
“Sorry, sweety.” Sungmin apologised. Donghae placed a hand on Kyuhyun’s shoulder to stop him from pouncing.
Fortunately Hyukjae returned from where he was at the theatre’s ticket booth. the sight of him attempting to balance four bags of popcorn was enough to neutralise the tension. Donghae hurried over and took two of the four of his load. “Bad news guys”, said Hyukjae. “The theatres full.”
“Then why all the popcorn?”, asked Kyuhyun.
Hyukjae shrugged. “Well, we’re going to have to eat anyway.” Kyuhyun scowled and would have asked Hyukjae to return them had Donghae not already tore open a packet and began stuffing buttery goodness inside his mouth.
“Well, it’s almost nine and we have no movie to kill time with. I think I’ll go home.” said Donghae in between a mouthful of popcorn.
“Well, there is a new club open. I heard the bouncers a real doormat. We could have a look.”, suggested Hyukjae. Donghae stopped to think before nodding enthusiastically.
“Sounds splendid, but I have plans.” said Kyuhyun turning to leave.
Hyukjae frowned. “Are you sure? It would be more fun with four people. No third wheel!”, Kyuhyun ignored him, but Donghae let out a bright smile.
“Great! I’ll bring Jessica! We’ll be a quadro” he said.
Kyuhyun stopped in his tracks. “I’m coming!”
- - -
Sent 9:23PM: Last time I reschedule. We’ll find a way to make it work.
- - -
It turns out Jessica had come anyway, so all purpose was defeated.
Clubs weren’t fun. And Kyuhyun was, bluntly put, miserable. The neon lights that played across the dance floor, combined with the sultry music resounding through the hall, made him uncomfortable. And suddenly he felt like an outcast for not grinding the nearest person to him. Until he realised the nearest person to him was Sungmin- who, just like Kyuhyun- was alone at the bar. Except he looked like he was at least trying to have fun.
Donghae and Hyukjae were taking turns hogging the dance floor. Popping and flowing. Twisting and turning. They had gathered a large fan following who were cheering them on with every move.
“You don’t like dancing?”, asked Sungmin, attempting to make conversation.
Kyuhyun shrugged, “It’s just not my thing.” he spun around on his stool and began playing with his cup- indicating the conversation was over. Sungmin however, didn’t get the hint.
“You know. You’re really hostile to me, considering your best friend may have a crush on me”,
Kyuhyun dropped his cup in shock. “What!” his eyes widened. “You mean Ryeowook! No!”
Sungmin looked at Kyuhyun, all business for a second, before keeling over in laughter. “Don’t worry, I’m joking.” he wiped stray tears from the corners of his eyes. “So you admit it. You do consider him your best friend.” he continued. Kyuhyun eyed him oddly, yes Ryeowook was his best friend like thing, but it wasn’t something he said out loud. “You should tell him every now and then. He’d like to hear it.”
Kyuhyun snorted. “What does Ryeowook think he is then?” he asked, slightly challenging.
“I don’t know. A nuisance.”
Kyuhyun turned away from him and towards Donghae and Hyukjae’s dance battle, “He’s spot on then.” He could hear Sungmin chuckle faintly from behind him. Donghae was shaking of hoards of admirers and making his way towards them, looking ecstatic.
“Hey!” Donghae greeted bouncily. “Did you see me?” he asked anxiously.
“Yes-”
“Did Jessica see me?” He interrupted, eyes slightly hysterical. Sungmin shook his head sympathetically and pointed towards the exit, where Jessica was talking animatedly with a few of her friends. Donghae’s face visibly fell.
“What are the chances she’s talking about me?” he probed.
Kyuhyun let out a harsh laugh. “Zero to nothing.”
Donghae slapped the back of Kyuhyun’s head. “Not everyone is asexual like you.”
Kyuhyun frowned. “I’m not asexual. I just think there’s more to life than being wound around somebody’s finger.”
“Because you’d unravel so fast” muttered Sungmin, Donghae held his palm out, initiating a hi-five. Kyuhyun bit his lip in frustration, suddenly feeling an overwhelming urge to prove himself. He got up hastily from his stool.
“Fine!” he exclaimed, slamming his fist on the table. “I’ll show you unravelling.” He scanned the club until someone caught his eyes. He recognised her from his class, she was all legs and waving to the beat of the music. Yoona. He pushed past Sungmin, towards his target.
“Wait, Kyuhyun! What are you doing?” Donghae asked, catching up to him.
“I’ll show you unravelling.” Kyuhyun seethed.
Donghae shook his head, panicked. “I was only joking, I know you’re not asexual. Just not interested”, he clung to Kyuhyun’s arm and tried to pull him back. “Come on, let’s have two more shots and go home”, he urged. Kyuhyun turned towards the bar, Sungmin smiled and gave him a thumbs up.
“Sorry, I have a mission.” he shook Donghae off and made his way towards Yoona until a burly figure blocked his path. “Excuse me.” Kyuhyun said, attempting to manoeuvre his way around the man.
The man pushed Kyuhyun back and smiled cordially. “You don’t happen to be making your way towards that sex on legs, do you”, he asked- pointing his thumb towards Yoona’s direction.
“Um, yes sir?”, Kyuhyun raised an eyebrow questionably. What was he meant to say to that? He didn’t really have time to think about it before a fist came colliding with his left cheek. He staggered backwards, and clutched the point of contact.
“Find another bitch that’s not my girlfriend.” he snarled and made a move for Kyuhyun’s other cheek until someone yanked muscle-man back by his collar.
Donghae held the man in a headlock, and Kyuhyun wasn’t sure since the world was a multicoloured blur at the moment, but it looked like he was gnawing on Donghae’s arm. “Hold back on the testosterone buddy.” said Donghae, patting the man on the head. Provoking the wild animal wasn’t a good move on Donghae’s part since in a flash he had him pinned on top of Kyuhyun and looked bent on eating them both. And although Kyuhyun had bigger problems, he couldn’t help but notice how voluptuous Donghae’s ass was now that it was on top of him.
Beyond the smoky atmosphere, Kyuhyun could see a crowd assembling, and he wouldn’t be surprised if he saw some flash photography happening. He could see a lanky figure that looked suspiciously like Hyukjae run out of the bar, maybe to get help, but Kyuhyun chose to assume the worst and that Hyukjae was running as to not get dragged down with them.
He felt Donghae writhe on top of him and he kneed the back of his leg.
“Stop squirming, it’s making me... uncomfortable.”, whispered Kyuhyun, his cheeks becoming inappropriately warm. The man was currently taking audience suggestions on the best way to pummel them, someone suggested ‘body slam’, which seemed to appeal to him so much he began cackling in glee.
“Slam it is then”, their nemesis’ form loomed over them, and he let out a shriek which Kyuhyun supposed was a war cry. That was until he buckled over and a slightly smug Sungmin stood behind him, his shoe imprinted into his back.
“My hero”, praised Donghae, as Sungmin helped lift him up.
The crowd was cheering wildly at the sudden turn of events, and not even Kyuhyun could help but be slightly impressed. He spotted Yoona at the back of the crowd sporting an expression close to anguish, and wondered whether winking flirtatiously in her direction would be uncalled for. It would have been a perfect Kodak moment had Hyukjae not come barging in with the bouncer in tow.
The scene wasn’t in their favour, since Donghae and Sungmin were taking turns stepping on the man’s body, and Kyuhyun may or may have not been cheering them on. The bouncer sure thought so, or else he wouldn’t have kicked the three of them out of the club ranting about ‘random outbursts of violence’. It didn’t help that Kyuhyun swore rather vehemently at him either. The last thing he saw of the club was Hyukjae’s apologetic face from the backdoor.
“If you knew Hyukjae was going to get the bouncer, why didn’t you say anything!” whined Donghae as they wandered towards the city’s subway.
Kyuhyun bit his lip in annoyance. “I didn’t know okay. I just saw him run out of the bar, I presumed the bitch was running away or something. You never know with him.”
“The mystery that is Hyukjae”, commented Sungmin, chuckling darkly.
Donghae opened his mouth, as if to say something, but Kyuhyun interrupted him. “You know what, this wouldn’t have happened if you guys hadn’t riled me up.” he narrowed his eyes towards Sungmin in particular.
“I told you not to! Im Yoona, gosh, you’re so predictable.” complained Donghae, striding in front of the other two.
“Unlike Hyukjae, who is such an enigma.” Sungmin added sarcastically.
Kyuhyun ignored him and ran ahead to catch up with Donghae. He slowed down, breathing heavily, once he was in step with the older male. “Sorry. I get it. But you couldn’t have just told me straight out she had a boyfriend? A boyfriend with biceps.”
“His arms weren’t that great” said Donghae sourly.
Kyuhyun motioned to his own lanky body. “Compared to this”, he pulled at his baby fat as to emphasise his point.
Donghae turned his head away, looking in the opposite direction and mumbling unintelligibly.
“What?”
“Lovebirds!” called Sungmin from behind them. “You just missed the entrance!”. He was standing at the top of subway stairs, which they had indeed just walked past.
“Um, I’ll go” mumbled Donghae, looking as if he was unsure of what had just happened. “My mum is most likely going to behead me.” He turned to run quickly but winced, clutching his ribs. Kyuhyun vaguely remembered Yoona’s boyfriend pinning Donghae down with his foot.
“Maybe you should get that checked?” suggested Kyuhyun, concerned.
“Nah. Any damage my mum causes shall be far greater than this.”, he protested. He gave Kyuhyun a slap on the back and waved at Sungmin before disappearing down the subway’s stairs.
Kyuhyun turned to leave and heard Sungmin walk along side him. “You don’t have to escort me. I’ll be fine”
Sungmin laughed. “Don’t flatter yourself, we’re going the same way.”
Kyuhyun grumbled in response and continued walking forward, he could hear Sungmin’s soft footsteps behind him, and he would grudgingly admit they provided a sound of comfort.
It was ten minutes in before Kyuhyun realised he was in one of the shadier parts of the city, and suddenly every vending machine or street sign had the potential to be a serial killer.
It could have been his mind, but Kyuhyun could swear the street lights were becoming dimmer as he advanced, and the street descended into complete silence. He didn’t realise how engulfing the silence was until the sound of padding feet behind him had ceased, and suddenly he was genuinely alone. He supposed Sungmin had probably taken a different route in the end, which was just fine for Kyuhyun.
Except it wasn’t fine and Kyuhyun was beginning to get really bad vibes, and suddenly his breath was lathered in a foul smelling smoke. He could see a group of men huddled under a streetlight just ahead of him, they were shrouded by a mist which Kyuhyun realised to be cigarettes- except Kyuhyun himself was a very active passive smoker (courtesy of Heechul) and whatever they were smoking wasn’t the usual nicotine and tar. Drugs didn’t scare Kyuhyun, but junkies did. Because he didn’t want to meet anyone self-destructive enough to indulge themselves in poison since they probably had a deep and tormented past, and Kyuhyun would most likely wouldn’t be able to empathise at all, and in Kyuhyun’s dreams this always resulted in him getting shot at.
He swallowed his fear and strode forward with false confidence, except one of the drug-users turned to look at him, and Kyuhyun felt his knees quiver under the stare of those bloodshot eyes.
He felt a hand intertwine with his own, and Kyuhyun bit his tongue to stop himself from yelling out ‘rape!’.
“Shh”, came a delicate whisper. Kyuhyun turned wearily to face the perpetrator and decided that Sungmin had never looked more beautiful than when bathed in dim streetlight- or when coming to save Kyuhyun from a band of potential drug-addicts.
Sungmin tugged Kyuhyun forward and he followed obediently, spellbound by fear and dependency. He temporarily disregarded any previous hostile feelings for Sungmin, his gratefulness overwhelming his spite, though he may have kicked the back of of Sungmin’s leg when they passed by the huddle of hoodlums.
Kyuhyun held on tightly to his hand until they rounded the next street corner, where he shook it off as if it was a parasite. For further measure he wiped his hands on his trousers in an exaggerated fashion.
“Mature”, drawled Sungmin.
Kyuhyun was about to retort until he realised the only thing missing from his show was him running around in circles squealing ‘cooties! cooties!’. Instead he grudgingly asked, “Where did you go?”
Sungmin shrugged, and something close to a smirk ghosted on his features. “You looked like you needed space, so I lingered back a little.”
“Thanks”, Kyuhyun murmured, trying very hard to avoid eye contact.
“No problem”, Sungmin beamed, skipping forward. Kyuhyun stood still, unable to bring himself to follow. Sungmin paused and turned around, he frowned a bit. “Do you want to hold hands again?” he asked. Kyuhyun was about to shoot back with an insult, until he realised that Sungmin was being completely serious, causing him to become flustered and splutter.
“No, no. I’m fine!” he trudged forward, eyeing the ground as he walked. Sungmin waited for him until he caught up and the two began trekking forward together, steps in harmony. “You know...”, Kyuhyun started, Sungmin looked at him expectantly “you aren’t that bad.”
Sungmin held back a smile, and willed his face to stay composed. “Is that an apology?” he asked. Kyuhyun simply shrugged, grinning- which was enough for Sungmin. “I’ll take that as a yes.”
- - -
GaemGyu@Gmail.Com
Saved As Draft
Next time you want to invite him over, I won’t whine or throw a tantrum. I’ve had a change of heart. Just don’t invite him and Jongwoon over at the same time, that’s just over the limit.
- - -
“Eeesh”, Donghae hissed, clutching at his waist. Kyuhyun laughed in amusement from the edge of the bed, clutching a bowl of warm ramyun.
“Are you sure you don’t want to accept my sympathies?” asked Kyuhyun coyly, an impish smirk playing across his face.
Donghae scoffed harshly, prompting another sharp stab of pain to his rib. He curled up on his matress and growled at Kyuhyun, who was sniggering delightedly at the other boy’s pain. “Please. I don’t need you. Or your pity ramyun.”
Kyuhyun simply chortled in response, swirling the ramyun absent mindedly with the spoon whilst humming a tune to himself. Donghae peered at him curiously from over the blanket, finding Kyuhyun’s content demeanour worrying. “Are you okay?”
The younger male looked up from the ramyun and blinked, befuddled. “Yeah...”
Donghae narrowed his eyes at him- “what happened to you last night when I left?” he probed.
Kyuhyun shrugged and pouted. “Um, well. I passed a group of junkies. That was exciting” he drawled sarcastically.
Donghae gingerly rose from his bed and placed his palms gently on Kyuhyun’s forehead, brushing the messy bangs away. Feeling no abnormality in temperature, his brain jumped to one conclusion and his eyes widened in shock. “Kyuhyun...” he whispered, voice quivering. “are you going to kill yourself”
“What!” Kyuhyun exclaimed, swatting Donghae’s hand away. “No! Don’t say things like that. I’m fine.”
The older male narrowed his eyes disbelief and huffed. “Fine, don’t tell me what’s up. Mind you, I will find out. I always do.” He nodded proudly before stealing the ramyun bowl from Kyuhyun’s grasp.
Kyuhyun rolled his eyes, less than amused by Donghae’s dramatics. “Please, you need to give me credit. I’m more of an enigma than you think.”
“Does doing the dirty deed with Seungyeon at high school graduation make you an enigma?” Donghae raised a teasing eyebrow, a smirk forming across his features.
Kyuhyun was taken aback, spluttering and backing away hastily. “How- how did you know?”
The older male let out a victorious cackle. “I know how to get things out of people” he stated before engulfing a strand of ramyun. “Also, Siwons the guy at the other side of the church’s confession box” he answered matter-of-factly in between chews. “You wouldn’t believe the shit people get up to-”
“Leaving!” exclaimed Kyuhyun, collecting his belongings and suppressing a shudder that was threatening to ripple through him. He felt all kinds of outrage, though it would explain why Siwon seemed to be judging him all the time.
Donghae instinctively rose from where he was resting on the bed. “Hey- I was only joking. I mean, I do appreciate the ramyun and all-”
Kyuhyun shook his head. “No, I should go anyway, it’s late. Plus I promised Ryeowook I’d go out with him tonight”
“Just him?” asked Donghae, eyebrows raised.
“Well him, Jongwoon and Sungmin. I can’t leave Sungmin exposed to Jongwoon alone for too long. He might explode” He slung his bag over his shoulder and exited through Donghae’s bedroom door, bidding him farewell.
“Bye...” replied Donghae, a strand of noodle hanging pathetically from his lips.
a/n: I promise, this will be finished! I have a feeling part two is going to be insufferably long. And I'm dedicating this to paradigm_twist because I like her :3 And because I'll feel more inspired to finish this if I'm doing it for someone.
for paradigm_twist
"If anyone's lucky, it's you. When Kyuhyun shines he's brighter than a thousand suns, and he doesn't even know it!" assured Sungmin. Donghae wondered whether he knew who exactly Kyuhyun was shining for.
Thursdays weren’t the best days for Kyuhyun, it was however a fabulous day for everyone else. Meaning that the city was more congested than usual, and the normal hustle bustle increased by ten fold. It didn’t help that it was raining either, or that he had missed two consecutive buses and was deprived of an umbrella. Kyuhyun condemned the city council in his mind, because no- it wasn’t a bus shelter. It was a bus stop. Essentially just a pole smack bang at the edge of the pathway.
It was probably paranoia, or instinct, but he could swear that a small girl across the road was judging him. Her squinty eyes bore into his, as if saying ‘I can’t count up to ten, but I’ve achieved more in my life than you have’. But that could probably be his own subconscious.
From the shop window behind the vexatious little girl, he could see someone hold a bright yellow umbrella over his head, and on cue a mellow voice spoke into Kyuhyun’s ear.
“Hey, sorry I'm late. Who's that girl?” Kyuhyun disregarded him, because the little girl had noticed and poked her tongue out at Kyuhyun, proving to him that she was indeed judging him. Also, she had an umbrella, and he didn’t, and it was a Thursday and he was spiteful.
Kyuhyun felt a soft tug at his shirt, and he broke eye contact with the girl. “What Donghae?”
Donghae’s eyes became apologetic. “Sorry I’m late. How many buses did you miss?”
What Kyuhyun meant to say was two, but what came out of his mouth was closer to ‘infinity’. Donghae spluttered a bit, mind reeling in guilt. And feeling obliged, Kyuhyun had to tell him not to worry about it.
Donghae looked into the distance, straining his eyes to see beyond the incessant downpour. “I think the next bus is coming.”
Kyuhyun rubbed his hands together, willing some warmth into them. “Brilliant.”
- - -
Sent 2:33PM: I should write a book, ‘Lies My Cousin Tells Me’. The first chapter shall be titled ‘Dude, just chill out, I’m pretty much at the airport. In fact- I think I see your plane! I need to hang up so I can wave with both hands!’ Hint. Hint.
- - -
For the most part, Kyuhyun’s life had been uneventful and somewhat depressing. In fact, Kyuhyun thinks that he was spontaneously incarnated on this Earth at the age of eleven, because everything before that was simply a blue screen. There were some random flashbacks of his family sobbing at his father’s funeral, and Kyuhyun trying to open the coffin to play hide and seek in, because one does not completely grasp the concept of death when they are four. He also vaguely remembers the time Ryeowook had tried to kiss him when they were nine, but he had succeeded very well in repressing that unwanted memory.
When he was eleven and moved schools, a messy boy with mousy brown hair named Donghae came waltzing into his life. Or more literally, came running over his foot on a pair of roller-skates. What followed next was a scuffle and a trip to the Principal’s office. Something similar to acquaintanceship had hesitantly followed, and then a hostile friendship slowly formed. And one day, Kyuhyun realised, that Donghae would always be there, without fail, sheltering Kyuhyun from problems he didn’t know existed with his obnoxiously yellow umbrella.
It wasn’t perfect, it was flawed. And although he never said it out loud, Kyuhyun could tell that Donghae didn’t feel the same level of comfort with Kyuhyun as he did with Siwon or Hyukjae. But it was more than enough to make each-other a priority. It was enough to make Kyuhyun tolerate spending the morning listening to Hyukjae justify watching porn.
“It’s not like I’m enjoying it!”
“That- I can’t even refute that! It refutes itself!” exclaimed Siwon.
Kyuhyun took that as his cue to leave. “Anyway, I’m going to the arcade. If you need anything. Help. Assistance. Call Ryeowook.” He strolled off towards the gates until someone grabbed his arm and pulled him around.
Donghae frowned. “Don’t you have a class.”
Kyuhyun blinked. ‘What’s your point?” Because Kyuhyun putting academics as a last priority wasn’t exactly a new development.
“You waited in the rain for me, so you could come to University, steal Heechul’s laptop charger, and then go home?” Donghae cocked an eyebrow, something Kyuhyun didn’t like. Because eyebrow cocking on Donghae’s part usually foreshadowed an argument which Kyuhyun couldn’t win.
“It actually seems pathetic when you put it like that. I shall ponder over it. While at the arcade.” he turned to leave but Donghae pulled him back again. Now Kyuhyun was beginning to get just a bit annoyed.
“Do you think you can go through life freeloading? I’d have thought your mother would have thrown a fit by then.”
“Hey, is that Jessica? Maybe she needs a consolation prize. Fetch!” whether his words had any effect or not (which he suspected they probably did, because burn) he wouldn’t have known, since he wrestled away from Donghae’s grip and made a run for the gates.
“Crap!” Kyuhyun hissed as the back of his head hit the ground and he mentally applauded his skills at a dramatic exit. He struggled upright slowly and turned to see if Donghae had seen his tragic accident. The aforementioned just shook his head and walked away, looking rather hurt.
“Are you okay?” came a voice from above, which unfortunately wasn’t God’s. Or the more expected, Satan’s.
Kyuhyun went on on all fours, gathering his books before slowly getting up. “I’m fine, can you please excuse me now. I need to leave.”
“What’s the rush?” inquired the stranger.
“I have a class.” came Kyuhyun’s short response.
“Ooh, I caught a truant. Would turning you in earn me any kiss-up points with the professors here?”
Kyuhyun gave him a mock laugh. “Oh that’s hilarious. Why don’t you try it out? There’s this kid Ryeowook who deals LSDs.”
“Ryeowook?”
“That’s the name. Go. Apprehend this public enemy and get yourself some friends.” Kyuhyun patted him on the back before running out the entrance.
- - -
Sent 8:33AM: Subtle with the whole ditching me at the bus stop thing by the way- very classy. I think I might make a new friend soon, who shall replace you.
- - -
They were sitting in the far corner of the library, hidden from view by the reference shelves. Donghae sat with his chin resting on his knees, absent mindedly flipping the pages of a book, pretending to be lost in literature.
Hyukjae nudged him with his foot. “Dude, what’s up?”
“Shh, I’m trying to read.”, Donghae dismissed him with a wave of his hands. Hyukjae grabbed the book from under Donghae’s nose and held it up by it’s corner so that the title ‘Chicken Soup For the Girl’s Soul’ could be clearly seen.
“I’m not judging you but- I guess you can relate to it?” said Hyukjae, while Donghae did a tortured flailing action. “Now seriously, what’s wrong?”
“Kyuhyun is just a bit of a bitch, that’s what’s wrong.” scowled Donghae, snatching the book from Hyukjae’s hand and throwing it across the room. “He called me a consolation prize!”
“And you just threw a book of girly anthologies across the library.” commented Hyukjae.
Donghae disregarded his comments and frowned. “Then again, I may have touched a soft spot.”
Hyukjae patted him on the back, “Atta boy, I knew I’d make you see sense.” Donghae scoffed before capturing him in a headlock.
“Are we abusing Hyukjae! Can I help?” came an anonymous voice.
Hyukjae looked up at the speaker and gave an embarrassed smile, Donghae simply stared wide eyed and blinked several times. “Um, hello?”
“Oh right!” exclaimed Hyukjae, freeing himself from Donghae’s headlock. “This is my grudgingly-beloved cousin, Sungmin.”
“Oh! Sorry, hi!” Donghae smiled shyly. “I was sort of the reason Hyukjae was late picking you up from the airport.”
“And I sort of eavesdropped on your conversation. Sorry, I was looking for an appropriate time to make my entrance” replied Sungmin.
“No worries.” beamed Donghae.
Hyukjae wrapped an arm around Sungmin’s shoulders. “Why are you late. I said meet me at the library at one pm.”
Sungmin simply shrugged. “I was making friends.”
- - -
GaemGyu@Gmail.Com
Saved As Draft
If you’re going to come over today, bring a dartboard. And instead of darts- bring knives, I shall provide the target. I promise I shall inflict no bodily harm on myself or my family members.
- - -
“You do realise we could be out on the streets any day by now. You’re lucky the debt collector happens to be very fond of me, since you’re the only member of this family doing nothing to help our cause.” ranted Kyuhyun’s mother from the kitchen.
Kyuhyun lay sprawled on the couch, tuning out his mother’s demeaning words. He spent the day very productively at the arcade, beheading mutant zombies and saving US Intelligence from super nanobots. It would have been much more productive hadn’t he had that lingering feeling of guilt at the back of his mind. However, he soon overcame that by pretending the nanobots were symbolic of Donghae’s face.
“I said get the door!” shrieked his mother. Kyuhyun wriggled out of where he had imprinted himself on the couch and tiredly headed towards the entrance, making no effort to hide his bitterness.
“Hey!” Greeted Ryeowook, looking positively gleeful on his front porch. Kyuhyun sort of wanted to neutralise his face.
“Ryeowookie!” his mother rushed over towards the door and captured Ryeowook’s cheeks between her fingers. “How have you been today! And is that Jongwoon?”
Kyuhyun blinked and noticed the black haired boy next to Ryeowook, who had his arms draped around the former. He looked vaguely familiar. “You-”
Ryeowook laughed. “Oh no, this is Sungmin! Jongwoon sort of broke his, um, gluttons.” Kyuhyun stiffled a giggle. Ryeowook pushed Sungmin forward. “So I brought a friend.” Sungmin gave his mother and Kyuhyun a beaming smile.
“Friend since when?” asked Kyuhyun sceptically.
“Today!”, Ryeowook nodded enthusiastically. “You won’t believe what happened Ms. Cho, someone told my TA that I was dealing LSDs on the side!”
Kyuhyun’s mother looked scandalized, Kyuhyun stood there mouth agape. “What!”, she exclaimed.
“I know! Isn’t it unbelievable!” said Ryeowook.
“It is.” drawled Kyuhyun. ‘Sungmin’ gave him a sly smile.
“But anyway, Sungmin somehow managed to convince him I was falsely accused. Out of the goodness of his own heart!” Ryeowook jumped up and down giddily, as if such ‘goodness’ had never been seen before. Which, considering Ryeowook’s choice of friends (see: Jongwoon, Kyuhyun, stalker boy by the name of ‘Sungmin’), he probably hadn’t.
“No one finds this at least a bit iffy?” questioned Kyuhyun. His doubts however, went ignored, as his mother captured Sungmin in a bear crushing hug and ushered him inside.
The night passed with Sungmin eating silently, Ryeowook flailing in general and Kyuhyun simply being hostile. When he wasn’t glaring at the back of Ryeowook’s head, or kicking Ryeowook’s leg under the table, or adding a teaspoon of salt into Ryeowook’s coffee, he was very subtly doing a background check on Sungmin.
“So, where did you transfer from again?” Kyuhyun asked casually, sipping on his empty cup of coffee.
“Seoul Institute of Arts”, answered Sungmin promptly. Kyuhyun could swear he could see a tug of a smirk. So is that how he wanted to play it?
“Why did you transfer?”
“It just wasn’t what I wanted.” Sungmin shrugged.
“What did you want? Academics? Girls? Drugs? Sex?”
“Kyuhyun!” Ryeowook hissed.
Sungmin simply chuckled, as if finding Kyuhyun’s interrogation amusing. “Actually no, I transferred to see my cousin.”
“Hm. So do you have a family history of incest then?”, replied Kyuhyun.
Sungmin opened his mouth to retort, however at that moment the doorbell rang, giving Kyuhyun the perfect excuse to escape this potentially awkward situation.
“I’ll get it!” Ryeowook announced, heading for the front door.
“Never!” Kyuhyun jolted up from his chair and swung Ryeowook back. He heard Sungmin mutter something along the lines of ‘classy’, but deliberately chose to ignore it. He swung open the front door and was greeted with a familiar face, and on instinct the first words to come out of his mouth were. “I’m sorry!”
Donghae just looked up at him blankly before wrapping his arms around the younger’s waist, pulling him close. “We need to stop doing this.”
“Well then, next time call before coming over uninvited” Kyuhyun scoffed jokingly.
Ryeowook cleared his throat from behind them, looking uncomfortable. Donghae smiled shyly, pushing Kyuhyun away. “Um, hey Donghae” greeted Ryeowook.
Donghae rubbed the back of his head, clearly embarrassed. “Yo! Ryeowook!” He turned to greet Sungmin who was leaning on the stair railings, positively amused. “Hey, Sungmin!” Kyuhyun stiffened.
“Hey!”
Kyuhyun slammed his head against the door-frame.
- - -
Sent 9:27PM: I did what I did because I had to do it. How's that for enigmatic?
- - -
Frankly, Kyuhyun didn’t care whether Sungmin was Hyukjae’s dear cousin or not. Firstly, being blood related to Hyukjae wasn’t something to brag about. Secondly, he wore too much pink for Kyuhyun to be comfortable with. Thirdly, Ryeowook liked him too much, this made him Ryeowook’s friend, which put him at the same level as Jongwoon. Which wasn’t a good place to be.
Another down-point of him being Ryeowook’s friend, was that Ryeowook brought him along everywhere. Which meant Kyuhyun couldn’t even go to Sunday church without Ryeowook seating him down between himself and Kyuhyun. Sungmin would also stay back ten minutes or so after the service, Ryeowook said it was just to pray. But Kyuhyun saw him sneak into the confessional box when he thought no one was looking, probably to brag about his past sins, like stalking.
Sungmin had also developed a liking to touching Kyuhyun’s things and invading his personal space. And by invading personal space, Kyuhyun meant breathing. During one particular instance, Kyuhyun had caught him playing guitar outside the University’s library, it was beautiful, yes. But it was an institute of education, and Kyuhyun’s studies were being disrupted by Sungmin’s rowdy behaviour (i.e: serenading the University with an acoustic ‘A River Flows In You’). Kyuhyun added ‘menace to society’, on the ‘list of reasons as to why Ryeowook’s stalker friend had to ‘suspiciously’ transfer schools’, referred to as short as ‘Sungmin sucks’.
And although Sungmin had recounted numerous anecdotes of him and Hyukjae attempting to murder each other, even Hyukjae felt like it was family duty to make Sungmin tag along with him everywhere. Everywhere also meant places with Donghae, which by extension meant places with Kyuhyun. Which altogether meant Kyuhyun saw him more than he would have liked.
“Is it just something personal against me? Or does he have something against the human race in general?”, asked Sungmin, grimacing.
Donghae sipped at his soda and swirled it around his mouth, contemplating. “You know, I’ve never actually considered the latter. But it is just as likely.”
Sungmin winced. “Damnit. And I thought I was special. Mind if I have a sip?” he pointed to Donghae’s soda can. Donghae nodded and handed it over to Sungmin.
“You should have seen him when he met me. He was eleven, but his bitchiness rivalled that of a hormonal sixteen year old girl.”
Sungmin choked on the fizzy liquid and began spluttering in between laughs. Donghae rubbed his back, concerned. “Wow, he’s feisty”
“He is also not here and listening to everything you guys are saying”, snarled Kyuhyun from next to Donghae. He didn’t appreciate people bonding over his maliciousness.
“Sorry, sweety.” Sungmin apologised. Donghae placed a hand on Kyuhyun’s shoulder to stop him from pouncing.
Fortunately Hyukjae returned from where he was at the theatre’s ticket booth. the sight of him attempting to balance four bags of popcorn was enough to neutralise the tension. Donghae hurried over and took two of the four of his load. “Bad news guys”, said Hyukjae. “The theatres full.”
“Then why all the popcorn?”, asked Kyuhyun.
Hyukjae shrugged. “Well, we’re going to have to eat anyway.” Kyuhyun scowled and would have asked Hyukjae to return them had Donghae not already tore open a packet and began stuffing buttery goodness inside his mouth.
“Well, it’s almost nine and we have no movie to kill time with. I think I’ll go home.” said Donghae in between a mouthful of popcorn.
“Well, there is a new club open. I heard the bouncers a real doormat. We could have a look.”, suggested Hyukjae. Donghae stopped to think before nodding enthusiastically.
“Sounds splendid, but I have plans.” said Kyuhyun turning to leave.
Hyukjae frowned. “Are you sure? It would be more fun with four people. No third wheel!”, Kyuhyun ignored him, but Donghae let out a bright smile.
“Great! I’ll bring Jessica! We’ll be a quadro” he said.
Kyuhyun stopped in his tracks. “I’m coming!”
- - -
Sent 9:23PM: Last time I reschedule. We’ll find a way to make it work.
- - -
It turns out Jessica had come anyway, so all purpose was defeated.
Clubs weren’t fun. And Kyuhyun was, bluntly put, miserable. The neon lights that played across the dance floor, combined with the sultry music resounding through the hall, made him uncomfortable. And suddenly he felt like an outcast for not grinding the nearest person to him. Until he realised the nearest person to him was Sungmin- who, just like Kyuhyun- was alone at the bar. Except he looked like he was at least trying to have fun.
Donghae and Hyukjae were taking turns hogging the dance floor. Popping and flowing. Twisting and turning. They had gathered a large fan following who were cheering them on with every move.
“You don’t like dancing?”, asked Sungmin, attempting to make conversation.
Kyuhyun shrugged, “It’s just not my thing.” he spun around on his stool and began playing with his cup- indicating the conversation was over. Sungmin however, didn’t get the hint.
“You know. You’re really hostile to me, considering your best friend may have a crush on me”,
Kyuhyun dropped his cup in shock. “What!” his eyes widened. “You mean Ryeowook! No!”
Sungmin looked at Kyuhyun, all business for a second, before keeling over in laughter. “Don’t worry, I’m joking.” he wiped stray tears from the corners of his eyes. “So you admit it. You do consider him your best friend.” he continued. Kyuhyun eyed him oddly, yes Ryeowook was his best friend like thing, but it wasn’t something he said out loud. “You should tell him every now and then. He’d like to hear it.”
Kyuhyun snorted. “What does Ryeowook think he is then?” he asked, slightly challenging.
“I don’t know. A nuisance.”
Kyuhyun turned away from him and towards Donghae and Hyukjae’s dance battle, “He’s spot on then.” He could hear Sungmin chuckle faintly from behind him. Donghae was shaking of hoards of admirers and making his way towards them, looking ecstatic.
“Hey!” Donghae greeted bouncily. “Did you see me?” he asked anxiously.
“Yes-”
“Did Jessica see me?” He interrupted, eyes slightly hysterical. Sungmin shook his head sympathetically and pointed towards the exit, where Jessica was talking animatedly with a few of her friends. Donghae’s face visibly fell.
“What are the chances she’s talking about me?” he probed.
Kyuhyun let out a harsh laugh. “Zero to nothing.”
Donghae slapped the back of Kyuhyun’s head. “Not everyone is asexual like you.”
Kyuhyun frowned. “I’m not asexual. I just think there’s more to life than being wound around somebody’s finger.”
“Because you’d unravel so fast” muttered Sungmin, Donghae held his palm out, initiating a hi-five. Kyuhyun bit his lip in frustration, suddenly feeling an overwhelming urge to prove himself. He got up hastily from his stool.
“Fine!” he exclaimed, slamming his fist on the table. “I’ll show you unravelling.” He scanned the club until someone caught his eyes. He recognised her from his class, she was all legs and waving to the beat of the music. Yoona. He pushed past Sungmin, towards his target.
“Wait, Kyuhyun! What are you doing?” Donghae asked, catching up to him.
“I’ll show you unravelling.” Kyuhyun seethed.
Donghae shook his head, panicked. “I was only joking, I know you’re not asexual. Just not interested”, he clung to Kyuhyun’s arm and tried to pull him back. “Come on, let’s have two more shots and go home”, he urged. Kyuhyun turned towards the bar, Sungmin smiled and gave him a thumbs up.
“Sorry, I have a mission.” he shook Donghae off and made his way towards Yoona until a burly figure blocked his path. “Excuse me.” Kyuhyun said, attempting to manoeuvre his way around the man.
The man pushed Kyuhyun back and smiled cordially. “You don’t happen to be making your way towards that sex on legs, do you”, he asked- pointing his thumb towards Yoona’s direction.
“Um, yes sir?”, Kyuhyun raised an eyebrow questionably. What was he meant to say to that? He didn’t really have time to think about it before a fist came colliding with his left cheek. He staggered backwards, and clutched the point of contact.
“Find another bitch that’s not my girlfriend.” he snarled and made a move for Kyuhyun’s other cheek until someone yanked muscle-man back by his collar.
Donghae held the man in a headlock, and Kyuhyun wasn’t sure since the world was a multicoloured blur at the moment, but it looked like he was gnawing on Donghae’s arm. “Hold back on the testosterone buddy.” said Donghae, patting the man on the head. Provoking the wild animal wasn’t a good move on Donghae’s part since in a flash he had him pinned on top of Kyuhyun and looked bent on eating them both. And although Kyuhyun had bigger problems, he couldn’t help but notice how voluptuous Donghae’s ass was now that it was on top of him.
Beyond the smoky atmosphere, Kyuhyun could see a crowd assembling, and he wouldn’t be surprised if he saw some flash photography happening. He could see a lanky figure that looked suspiciously like Hyukjae run out of the bar, maybe to get help, but Kyuhyun chose to assume the worst and that Hyukjae was running as to not get dragged down with them.
He felt Donghae writhe on top of him and he kneed the back of his leg.
“Stop squirming, it’s making me... uncomfortable.”, whispered Kyuhyun, his cheeks becoming inappropriately warm. The man was currently taking audience suggestions on the best way to pummel them, someone suggested ‘body slam’, which seemed to appeal to him so much he began cackling in glee.
“Slam it is then”, their nemesis’ form loomed over them, and he let out a shriek which Kyuhyun supposed was a war cry. That was until he buckled over and a slightly smug Sungmin stood behind him, his shoe imprinted into his back.
“My hero”, praised Donghae, as Sungmin helped lift him up.
The crowd was cheering wildly at the sudden turn of events, and not even Kyuhyun could help but be slightly impressed. He spotted Yoona at the back of the crowd sporting an expression close to anguish, and wondered whether winking flirtatiously in her direction would be uncalled for. It would have been a perfect Kodak moment had Hyukjae not come barging in with the bouncer in tow.
The scene wasn’t in their favour, since Donghae and Sungmin were taking turns stepping on the man’s body, and Kyuhyun may or may have not been cheering them on. The bouncer sure thought so, or else he wouldn’t have kicked the three of them out of the club ranting about ‘random outbursts of violence’. It didn’t help that Kyuhyun swore rather vehemently at him either. The last thing he saw of the club was Hyukjae’s apologetic face from the backdoor.
“If you knew Hyukjae was going to get the bouncer, why didn’t you say anything!” whined Donghae as they wandered towards the city’s subway.
Kyuhyun bit his lip in annoyance. “I didn’t know okay. I just saw him run out of the bar, I presumed the bitch was running away or something. You never know with him.”
“The mystery that is Hyukjae”, commented Sungmin, chuckling darkly.
Donghae opened his mouth, as if to say something, but Kyuhyun interrupted him. “You know what, this wouldn’t have happened if you guys hadn’t riled me up.” he narrowed his eyes towards Sungmin in particular.
“I told you not to! Im Yoona, gosh, you’re so predictable.” complained Donghae, striding in front of the other two.
“Unlike Hyukjae, who is such an enigma.” Sungmin added sarcastically.
Kyuhyun ignored him and ran ahead to catch up with Donghae. He slowed down, breathing heavily, once he was in step with the older male. “Sorry. I get it. But you couldn’t have just told me straight out she had a boyfriend? A boyfriend with biceps.”
“His arms weren’t that great” said Donghae sourly.
Kyuhyun motioned to his own lanky body. “Compared to this”, he pulled at his baby fat as to emphasise his point.
Donghae turned his head away, looking in the opposite direction and mumbling unintelligibly.
“What?”
“Lovebirds!” called Sungmin from behind them. “You just missed the entrance!”. He was standing at the top of subway stairs, which they had indeed just walked past.
“Um, I’ll go” mumbled Donghae, looking as if he was unsure of what had just happened. “My mum is most likely going to behead me.” He turned to run quickly but winced, clutching his ribs. Kyuhyun vaguely remembered Yoona’s boyfriend pinning Donghae down with his foot.
“Maybe you should get that checked?” suggested Kyuhyun, concerned.
“Nah. Any damage my mum causes shall be far greater than this.”, he protested. He gave Kyuhyun a slap on the back and waved at Sungmin before disappearing down the subway’s stairs.
Kyuhyun turned to leave and heard Sungmin walk along side him. “You don’t have to escort me. I’ll be fine”
Sungmin laughed. “Don’t flatter yourself, we’re going the same way.”
Kyuhyun grumbled in response and continued walking forward, he could hear Sungmin’s soft footsteps behind him, and he would grudgingly admit they provided a sound of comfort.
It was ten minutes in before Kyuhyun realised he was in one of the shadier parts of the city, and suddenly every vending machine or street sign had the potential to be a serial killer.
It could have been his mind, but Kyuhyun could swear the street lights were becoming dimmer as he advanced, and the street descended into complete silence. He didn’t realise how engulfing the silence was until the sound of padding feet behind him had ceased, and suddenly he was genuinely alone. He supposed Sungmin had probably taken a different route in the end, which was just fine for Kyuhyun.
Except it wasn’t fine and Kyuhyun was beginning to get really bad vibes, and suddenly his breath was lathered in a foul smelling smoke. He could see a group of men huddled under a streetlight just ahead of him, they were shrouded by a mist which Kyuhyun realised to be cigarettes- except Kyuhyun himself was a very active passive smoker (courtesy of Heechul) and whatever they were smoking wasn’t the usual nicotine and tar. Drugs didn’t scare Kyuhyun, but junkies did. Because he didn’t want to meet anyone self-destructive enough to indulge themselves in poison since they probably had a deep and tormented past, and Kyuhyun would most likely wouldn’t be able to empathise at all, and in Kyuhyun’s dreams this always resulted in him getting shot at.
He swallowed his fear and strode forward with false confidence, except one of the drug-users turned to look at him, and Kyuhyun felt his knees quiver under the stare of those bloodshot eyes.
He felt a hand intertwine with his own, and Kyuhyun bit his tongue to stop himself from yelling out ‘rape!’.
“Shh”, came a delicate whisper. Kyuhyun turned wearily to face the perpetrator and decided that Sungmin had never looked more beautiful than when bathed in dim streetlight- or when coming to save Kyuhyun from a band of potential drug-addicts.
Sungmin tugged Kyuhyun forward and he followed obediently, spellbound by fear and dependency. He temporarily disregarded any previous hostile feelings for Sungmin, his gratefulness overwhelming his spite, though he may have kicked the back of of Sungmin’s leg when they passed by the huddle of hoodlums.
Kyuhyun held on tightly to his hand until they rounded the next street corner, where he shook it off as if it was a parasite. For further measure he wiped his hands on his trousers in an exaggerated fashion.
“Mature”, drawled Sungmin.
Kyuhyun was about to retort until he realised the only thing missing from his show was him running around in circles squealing ‘cooties! cooties!’. Instead he grudgingly asked, “Where did you go?”
Sungmin shrugged, and something close to a smirk ghosted on his features. “You looked like you needed space, so I lingered back a little.”
“Thanks”, Kyuhyun murmured, trying very hard to avoid eye contact.
“No problem”, Sungmin beamed, skipping forward. Kyuhyun stood still, unable to bring himself to follow. Sungmin paused and turned around, he frowned a bit. “Do you want to hold hands again?” he asked. Kyuhyun was about to shoot back with an insult, until he realised that Sungmin was being completely serious, causing him to become flustered and splutter.
“No, no. I’m fine!” he trudged forward, eyeing the ground as he walked. Sungmin waited for him until he caught up and the two began trekking forward together, steps in harmony. “You know...”, Kyuhyun started, Sungmin looked at him expectantly “you aren’t that bad.”
Sungmin held back a smile, and willed his face to stay composed. “Is that an apology?” he asked. Kyuhyun simply shrugged, grinning- which was enough for Sungmin. “I’ll take that as a yes.”
- - -
GaemGyu@Gmail.Com
Saved As Draft
Next time you want to invite him over, I won’t whine or throw a tantrum. I’ve had a change of heart. Just don’t invite him and Jongwoon over at the same time, that’s just over the limit.
- - -
“Eeesh”, Donghae hissed, clutching at his waist. Kyuhyun laughed in amusement from the edge of the bed, clutching a bowl of warm ramyun.
“Are you sure you don’t want to accept my sympathies?” asked Kyuhyun coyly, an impish smirk playing across his face.
Donghae scoffed harshly, prompting another sharp stab of pain to his rib. He curled up on his matress and growled at Kyuhyun, who was sniggering delightedly at the other boy’s pain. “Please. I don’t need you. Or your pity ramyun.”
Kyuhyun simply chortled in response, swirling the ramyun absent mindedly with the spoon whilst humming a tune to himself. Donghae peered at him curiously from over the blanket, finding Kyuhyun’s content demeanour worrying. “Are you okay?”
The younger male looked up from the ramyun and blinked, befuddled. “Yeah...”
Donghae narrowed his eyes at him- “what happened to you last night when I left?” he probed.
Kyuhyun shrugged and pouted. “Um, well. I passed a group of junkies. That was exciting” he drawled sarcastically.
Donghae gingerly rose from his bed and placed his palms gently on Kyuhyun’s forehead, brushing the messy bangs away. Feeling no abnormality in temperature, his brain jumped to one conclusion and his eyes widened in shock. “Kyuhyun...” he whispered, voice quivering. “are you going to kill yourself”
“What!” Kyuhyun exclaimed, swatting Donghae’s hand away. “No! Don’t say things like that. I’m fine.”
The older male narrowed his eyes disbelief and huffed. “Fine, don’t tell me what’s up. Mind you, I will find out. I always do.” He nodded proudly before stealing the ramyun bowl from Kyuhyun’s grasp.
Kyuhyun rolled his eyes, less than amused by Donghae’s dramatics. “Please, you need to give me credit. I’m more of an enigma than you think.”
“Does doing the dirty deed with Seungyeon at high school graduation make you an enigma?” Donghae raised a teasing eyebrow, a smirk forming across his features.
Kyuhyun was taken aback, spluttering and backing away hastily. “How- how did you know?”
The older male let out a victorious cackle. “I know how to get things out of people” he stated before engulfing a strand of ramyun. “Also, Siwons the guy at the other side of the church’s confession box” he answered matter-of-factly in between chews. “You wouldn’t believe the shit people get up to-”
“Leaving!” exclaimed Kyuhyun, collecting his belongings and suppressing a shudder that was threatening to ripple through him. He felt all kinds of outrage, though it would explain why Siwon seemed to be judging him all the time.
Donghae instinctively rose from where he was resting on the bed. “Hey- I was only joking. I mean, I do appreciate the ramyun and all-”
Kyuhyun shook his head. “No, I should go anyway, it’s late. Plus I promised Ryeowook I’d go out with him tonight”
“Just him?” asked Donghae, eyebrows raised.
“Well him, Jongwoon and Sungmin. I can’t leave Sungmin exposed to Jongwoon alone for too long. He might explode” He slung his bag over his shoulder and exited through Donghae’s bedroom door, bidding him farewell.
“Bye...” replied Donghae, a strand of noodle hanging pathetically from his lips.
a/n: I promise, this will be finished! I have a feeling part two is going to be insufferably long. And I'm dedicating this to paradigm_twist because I like her :3 And because I'll feel more inspired to finish this if I'm doing it for someone.