paralian
title paralian
pairing Kyungsoo/Junmyeon
rating PG
length 3,312
summary Kyungsoo doesn’t remember when the singing started. It’s always been this way for as long as he can remember.
a/n Originally written for everyone at capsandpizzas. Paralian means someone who lives by the sea. And that's your fun fact of the day!
Sometimes Kyungsoo hears the ocean singing.
It crawls through his windows, enveloping him in an embrace warm enough to lull him to rest his body. In the quiet hours of night, he’ll listen to the enchanting melodies from the comforts of his balcony, staring out at the sea and humming along to the songs he’s grown to love.
Kyungsoo doesn’t remember when the singing started. It’s always been this way for as long as he can remember.
He doesn’t question it, not when they help him relax from the hours of hard labor down at the harbor. It’s his own personal medicine. A relief he keeps in his heart. The days are often lonely, some with sunshine, others with rain. Asking for help isn’t in his blood, so he toils on, working sunrise to sunset just to keep his life at the sea.
But sometimes, he finds himself stopping every once in a while. Just to look out into the ocean, to take in its majesty. He reminds himself where he came from, and that maybe life is just full of bad days to make us enjoy the good ones.
It’s raining once more. Kyungsoo rolls up his sweat-soaked sleeves and kneels down behind the counter, afraid of showing even an ounce of exhaustion in front of the store owner. He collects himself and rises, showing off the heart-shaped smile that’s charmed quite a few hearts in its lifetime.
The next customer is a regular, so he relaxes into his routine, keeping the ocean melody in the back of his mind to guide him.
It’s a different morning he wakes up to.
Today, there’s no music coming from the sea. Startled, he jolts awake, throwing his bed sheets to the floor and stumbling towards his open window. Silence is his greeter.
It shakes him. Change is often hard to adjust, Kyungsoo knows this firsthand, and he finds it seeping into his thoughts, poisoning the harmony that kept his life afloat. Years of familiarity is slowly washed down the drain, trickling and slipping through his fingers.
Abandonment; he feels the bile threatening to rise like last time.
Rousing himself awake, Kyungsoo throws on his cleanest pair of clothes, ignoring how unkempt his appearance must be, and rushes to the harbor. To find his answers.
There’s nothing at the shore. Waves gently break along the sand and foam tickles his toes. He knows how quiet the ocean can be, and it scares him. It rusts the anchor tethering him to his home. Inch by deadly inch. How long can he keep going?
“Where have you gone?” he asks to no one.
No one replies back.
That evening, after he’s finishing cleaning up the shop floor, he hears the melody again.
His grip on the broom ceases and it’s dropped against the wooden floor with an audible thud. It cuts through the stillness of night, and Kyungsoo shakes his head to regain some form of clarity. It’s soft, but he knows that melody from anywhere.
It’s the same one from the ocean.
He combs the beach once more to find the owner of the beautiful voice, but his efforts come up fruitless. There’s no one on the beach. His only companions are the stars that reflect off the water’s surface. He counts the constellations, wishing upon heavenly beings to reunite with the beautiful song.
And then it arrives. It glows underneath the black waters, surfacing with the most enchanting memory Kyungsoo’s ever seen. The jar slides onto a nearby sand mound, and Kyungsoo quickly scoops it into his arms, cradling the object like it’s the most important treasure of his life. Inside the glass is a light like no other. It swirls with mystical blues, mesmerizing.
When Kyungsoo holds it up to the sky, he swears he can see dreams dancing around inside.
It might be a sign. And it might be silly, he knows, but he can’t help but wish on this light. He presses the cold glass against his forehead and closes his eyes, wishing with all his might to find that which he is searching for.
As if hearing his wish, the light starts to hum again, and Kyungsoo is wrapped in a familiar warmth. He recognizes this embrace, and he smiles.
He’s found his song again.
Kyungsoo keeps the light with him in his room.
He doesn’t let anyone know about his new discovery. He doesn’t need the extra attention. When his customers ask him why he looks so happy today, he simply smiles, keeping his lips shut.
Every night, he returns to the light, wishing again and again for his dreams to come true.
He doesn’t feel quiet as lonely anymore with the jar around, but it still haunts him. It snarls at him through lonely dinners and empty mailboxes. Loneliness is hard to escape.
But it’s easier to deal with when you have hope.
The light hums and keeps his boat safe as it rocks against the waves.
It’s by chance that his wishes are answered by the form of a beautiful man.
He’s closing up the shop after a hard day of work, when he hears the crashing of waves just down the beach. It’s strange at this hour, different from what he’s used to hearing.
There’s someone at the shoreline. White skin that glows in the moonlight. Blond hair that shines with the stars. They’re staring out into the distance, pink lips pulled into a set frown. It looks wrong on him. Kyungsoo inches closer to him, and that’s when he notices how bare the man is. Not an inch of skin is left hidden in the night.
“Hello?” Kyungsoo asks carefully, unsure of how to greet this person.
Immediately, the man turns around and his lips seem to quiver. The man is gorgeous, unlike anyone Kyungsoo’s ever seen in town. He looks rather like someone that walked out of one of Kyungsoo’s dreams, and silently, Kyungsoo hopes he is.
“Are you okay?” Kyungsoo continues until he’s only a few feet away. “It’s really late out, and you shouldn’t be out here without any clothes.”
The man keeps quiet, eyebrows pulled up that makes him look much sadder than Kyungsoo thought he was.
Kyungsoo tries to keep his eyes locked with the stranger’s. Brown eyes that he feels like drowning in. He tries not to look at the rest of his body, but he’s sure it’s as breathtaking as his face. Soft curves line his face with a sort of fairytale innocence. Kyungsoo just wants to keep him safe.
“Do you have anywhere to go?” Kyungsoo asks. “Family, friends? Do you live here?”
His questions seem to fly over the stranger’s head, because each word he says just makes the knot in his eyebrows furrow. Not a single answer comes out of his lips.
“Can you tell me your name?” If Kyungsoo wanted the stranger to answer any of the questions, this one would be the most helpful.
Like before, the stranger stays silent, and his face seems to fall in despair.
Kyungsoo feels a pang in his heart. “If you need a place to stay, you can come with me. I don’t have much, but I don’t want you to be alone out here. It’s completely up to you though, I’m not going to force you.”
The stranger’s eyes light up at his offer, and with only a few quick steps, he’s already by Kyungsoo’s side. Up close, Kyungsoo can make out the delicate features of his face, tracing the dips of his skin and beautiful collarbones. And then he’s looking back up at the sky because he doesn’t want to look further down.
“Uh, my house is just a short walk from here,” Kyungsoo says, keeping his gaze away. “We should get going then.”
Kyungsoo tries not to fall for the small smile that tugs on the stranger’s lips.
Living with the stranger is a bit of a challenge at first.
For one, he doesn’t seem too knowledgeable with the basic necessities of living, such as wearing clothes when walking out in public. He’s taken to at least wearing the shorts Kyungsoo gave him when Kyungsoo pleaded desperately for him to put them on their first night together.
Kyungsoo learns that the man’s name is Junmyeon when he finally spells it out for him in the sand. This makes introducing him much easier than just a friend Kyungsoo picked up at the beach.
Junmyeon seems interested in learning about everything. When he’s not staring through windows of the nearby shops, he’s constantly reading books. His face lights up with fascination each time he discovers a new book to look through.
They figure out a way to communicate after a bit of trial and error.
Junmyeon’s comfortable with writing down his words, and Kyungsoo is fine with that. He learns much more about Junmyeon this way, like how he has no family out here in this town, and that he’s searching for something valuable he’s lost.
When Kyungsoo asks him what he’s looking for, Junmyeon merely shook his head and tells him it’s too personal.
Kyungsoo has questions of his own, but he keeps most of them to himself. He doesn’t ask why Junmyeon returns to the beach every evening and sits on the rocky shore, or more importantly, why Junmyeon decided to stay with him after that first night.
So many questions, and so little answers.
Love.
It’s easy to notice, but when it strikes a person head on, it’s hard to live with. Kyungsoo knew the moment he laid eyes on Junmyeon, his poor heart was going to have a hard time simply living around him. But never did he expect to have such a painful crush on the man.
Mornings are the worst. Kyungsoo used to be able to wake up and get ready just as well as any other routine. But now, he wakes up and the first thing he’ll see is Junmyeon’s beautiful back as the other stretches in front of the window.
Junmyeon enjoys tormenting Kyungsoo when he’s realized just how much skin has an effect on him.
It’s not that Kyungsoo is too innocent to these things, it’s just that when it’s someone Kyungsoo actually has feelings for, it’s much more impactful. Kyungsoo doesn’t want to admit it, but he does find himself thoroughly enjoying Junmyeon’s appearance.
There’s lean muscles stretched underneath unmarred skin, an athleticism that amazes Kyungsoo and it’s dizzying. It raises newer questions, and like before, Kyungsoo receives no answers. But it doesn’t deter him.
Junmyeon is the epitome of Kyungsoo’s dreams and fantasies.
Sometimes, Kyungsoo wonders if Junmyeon feels the same way. With the way Junmyeon glances at him when they sit in silence, and the way Junmyeon smiles when he realizes Kyungsoo’s been watching him as well, Kyungsoo thinks maybe there is a chance for him.
Maybe his wishes can come true.
It’s another rainy day when Kyungsoo catches Junmyeon crying.
At first, Kyungsoo didn’t notice as he went about getting ready to open up the shop. But when he went to check up on Junmyeon before leaving, he’s met with rosy cheeks and trembling lips.
Unsure of what to do, Kyungsoo tries the first thing that comes to mind.
He hugs Junmyeon.
There’s a brief moment where Kyungsoo is ashamed of himself because he knows that there’s boundaries between them, and he shouldn’t cross them. But then, Junmyeon’s reaching out to grip his arms with his hand, and they’re suddenly closer than before.
Junmyeon’s body is warm. Kyungsoo enjoys it too much.
The tears come to a stop, but Junmyeon continues to keep them pressed against each other, nuzzling his chin against Kyungsoo’s neck.
It feels nice.
Kyungsoo remembers the jar of light only after he returns from a particularly hard day of work.
Nothing feels the same anymore, and Kyungsoo rushes to the edge of his bed in an attempt at finding his routine again. The jar’s still where he left it. Raising it in the sunlight, Kyungsoo watches the lights dance around inside the glass cage, soft notes bouncing in the air.
“I’m sorry,” Kyungsoo apologizes. “It’s been so long.”
The light seems to react to his words, glowing brighter as the dancing becomes more vivid. Kyungsoo feels at ease with the light by his side, relaxing at the foot of his bed with the jar in his lap.
It’s then that Junmyeon stumbles in through the front door, eyes blown open in shock and lips parted as he pants. From the sweat dripping down his forehead, it looks like he’d be running. Kyungsoo isn’t able to get a word out as Junmyeon drops to his knees in front of him, eyes fixed on the jar in his lap.
“What is it?” Kyungsoo ask as he tilts the jar closer.
Junmyeon shakes his head as his hands come up to wrap around the glass, trembling.
When he opens the lid and releases the light, Kyungsoo finally understands.
“Your voice is beautiful,” Kyungsoo says as he curls up into his blankets.
Junmyeon smiles off to the side as he props a leg up to sit by the window. “Thank you. I’ve been singing all my life, and I never thought I’d find it again when I lost it.” His smile falters, but it doesn’t let up. “I have to thank you for keeping it safe.”
Kyungsoo shakes his head. “I knew it was something precious, but I had no idea it would be so… I’m glad it found its owner.”
“I’m happy I can finally talk again,” Junmyeon says earnestly. “If I’d known it would be like this I would’ve never…” His smile drops and he’s facing the ocean again.
The questions are back, and this time Kyungsoo needs to know.
“Who are you Junmyeon?” Kyungsoo asks.
Junmyeon doesn’t turn back, instead lifting his other leg to bend to his chest. “I’m a merman. Before you say anything, it’s true.”
“I wasn’t going to say anything, or deny it,” Kyungsoo says, a bit unsure. “Is that why you didn’t mention it before? Because you think I wouldn’t believe you?”
“Yes,” Junmyeon replies sadly. “Or rather, I wasn’t sure how you’d take it. I needed to be careful.”
“How did you lose your voice?” Kyungsoo attempts to change the subject when he catches Junmyeon curling up into himself.
This strikes a curious laugh from him. “I was tricked. This witch, I knew I couldn’t trust her promises and yet I let my greed get the better of me. When she took my voice, I thought it would be gone forever. Especially when I found out she’s lost it as well.”
“Why would you ever trade your voice away?” Kyungsoo straightens his back to better watch Junmyeon.
“Why?” Junmyeon slowly turns to Kyungsoo with a bright smile. “Because of you.”
The pangs in his heart have returned, and Kyungsoo’s voice cracks as he asks, “Me?”
“We mermen, we’re curious about the land above,” Junmyeon says. “Or rather, I’ve always been curious about the boy that watches the ocean. The boy that listens to my voice every time I sing.”
His throat has gone dry. The owner of the one thing that’s kept Kyungsoo alive all this time was standing right in front of him.
“I could never meet the beautiful boy who captured my heart, not when I was bound to the sea with no legs.” Junmyeon shakes his feet for good measure. “So I asked a sea witch for legs. For a chance to meet him, and then-”
Kyungsoo doesn’t let him finish as he quickly jumps forward to silence him with a kiss.
And slowly, Junmyeon smiles as he crashes into love.
“Does this mean you can’t return to the ocean?” Kyungsoo asks as they walk the shoreline.
Their hands fit together too well, and it makes Kyungsoo happy. He’s found his song and this time, his song has finally found him.
Junmyeon leans over to press a kiss against Kyungsoo’s cheek. “That would be correct. But I knew what I was getting myself into. I told my family about you and they laughed, saying I would never be accepted by the land dwellers. But I knew better. I had to take a chance before it slipped away.” His fingers grip tighter around Kyungsoo’s. “I’m glad I did.”
Kyungsoo grips just as tightly. “I’m glad you did as well. I think I was hoping someone like you would come into my life.”
They finally find a quiet, secluded stretch of sand a bit away from the harbor. Here, Kyungsoo knows no one can disturb them, and he likes it better this way. He’s only starting to get to know Junmyeon, and he’d rather do it without any busybodies.
“I have to warn you, I know nothing about the world above.” Junmyeon laughs brightly as he nuzzles against Kyungsoo’s neck. “You need to teach me.”
“What is it you want to know?” Kyungsoo breathes.
Junmyeon’s laugh drops to a low rumble. “Can I ask anything?” He seems so curious. It’s so adorable.
“I suppose.”
Junmyeon’s eyes glint mischievously as his breath ghosts over Kyungsoo’s skin. “Well, I want to know why you’re so averse to me not wearing clothes.”
Kyungsoo’s face reddens at this comment, ideas suddenly rushing to fill his head.
“Why do you look so red?” Junmyeon asks.
“It’s nothing!” Kyungsoo shakes his head. “Looking at your body is kind of… it’s embarrassing to say.” He clutches at his face. “Don’t make me say it please.”
Junmyeon tilts his head. “Would it be better if I demonstrated?” Slowly, he’s lifting the hem of his shirt up and his skin is just as beautiful in the sunlight as it is under the moon.
“No!” Kyungsoo quickly reaches out to stop Junmyeon’s hands, but the merman takes this opportunity to steal a kiss, using his hands to pull Kyungsoo in closer.
“Did you know, that my singing was a mating call?” Junmyeon’s grin is wicked.
Kyungsoo’s eyes threaten to bulge out before Junmyeon’s face cracks into a boisterous laugh.
“I’m sorry, I just wanted to see your reaction. Don’t believe everything I say.”
“Shut up and kiss me.”
Junmyeon’s words die in his throat when Kyungsoo leans forward until they’re lying in the sand.
“My family is not a part of my life anymore,” Kyungsoo admits as the sun starts to set in the distance.
The ocean is painted in deep reds and Kyungsoo takes it all in, resting his cheek against Junmyeon’s chest as the other plays with his hair.
Junmyeon hums and the noise rumbles against Kyungsoo’s face. “They don’t deserve someone like you. Someone who’s beautiful.”
Smiling, Kyungsoo reaches up to curl his hands around Junmyeon’s arms, pulling them down until they’re dangling off to his sides. Junmyeon takes the hint and wraps his arms tightly around Kyungsoo’s waist as the boy pulls himself up until their faces are too close to each other.
“You know you’re the first person to say,” Kyungsoo says as he pecks Junmyeon on the lips.
Junmyeon rubs circles on the dip of Kyungsoo’s hips, his other hand grazing over Kyungsoo’s thighs. It elicits a breathy moan out of him. “I mean it too. You’re beautiful Kyungsoo.”
“Same for you,” Kyungsoo says before his breath hitches when Junmyeon drags his fingers up underneath the waistband of his pants.
His skin is on fire, and Junmyeon’s reaching further down. Slowly. Slowly.
“I hope you can sing for me.” Junmyeon teases as he gives Kyungsoo a firm squeeze.
Kyungsoo quirks an eyebrow. “I guess you’ll just have to find out.”
In the light of the moon, skin shines brighter than any constellation.
The ocean doesn’t sing for Kyungsoo anymore, but when Junmyeon’s the one singing for him instead, he thinks he can live with this change.
♔
pairing Kyungsoo/Junmyeon
rating PG
length 3,312
summary Kyungsoo doesn’t remember when the singing started. It’s always been this way for as long as he can remember.
a/n Originally written for everyone at capsandpizzas. Paralian means someone who lives by the sea. And that's your fun fact of the day!
Sometimes Kyungsoo hears the ocean singing.
It crawls through his windows, enveloping him in an embrace warm enough to lull him to rest his body. In the quiet hours of night, he’ll listen to the enchanting melodies from the comforts of his balcony, staring out at the sea and humming along to the songs he’s grown to love.
Kyungsoo doesn’t remember when the singing started. It’s always been this way for as long as he can remember.
He doesn’t question it, not when they help him relax from the hours of hard labor down at the harbor. It’s his own personal medicine. A relief he keeps in his heart. The days are often lonely, some with sunshine, others with rain. Asking for help isn’t in his blood, so he toils on, working sunrise to sunset just to keep his life at the sea.
But sometimes, he finds himself stopping every once in a while. Just to look out into the ocean, to take in its majesty. He reminds himself where he came from, and that maybe life is just full of bad days to make us enjoy the good ones.
It’s raining once more. Kyungsoo rolls up his sweat-soaked sleeves and kneels down behind the counter, afraid of showing even an ounce of exhaustion in front of the store owner. He collects himself and rises, showing off the heart-shaped smile that’s charmed quite a few hearts in its lifetime.
The next customer is a regular, so he relaxes into his routine, keeping the ocean melody in the back of his mind to guide him.
It’s a different morning he wakes up to.
Today, there’s no music coming from the sea. Startled, he jolts awake, throwing his bed sheets to the floor and stumbling towards his open window. Silence is his greeter.
It shakes him. Change is often hard to adjust, Kyungsoo knows this firsthand, and he finds it seeping into his thoughts, poisoning the harmony that kept his life afloat. Years of familiarity is slowly washed down the drain, trickling and slipping through his fingers.
Abandonment; he feels the bile threatening to rise like last time.
Rousing himself awake, Kyungsoo throws on his cleanest pair of clothes, ignoring how unkempt his appearance must be, and rushes to the harbor. To find his answers.
There’s nothing at the shore. Waves gently break along the sand and foam tickles his toes. He knows how quiet the ocean can be, and it scares him. It rusts the anchor tethering him to his home. Inch by deadly inch. How long can he keep going?
“Where have you gone?” he asks to no one.
No one replies back.
That evening, after he’s finishing cleaning up the shop floor, he hears the melody again.
His grip on the broom ceases and it’s dropped against the wooden floor with an audible thud. It cuts through the stillness of night, and Kyungsoo shakes his head to regain some form of clarity. It’s soft, but he knows that melody from anywhere.
It’s the same one from the ocean.
He combs the beach once more to find the owner of the beautiful voice, but his efforts come up fruitless. There’s no one on the beach. His only companions are the stars that reflect off the water’s surface. He counts the constellations, wishing upon heavenly beings to reunite with the beautiful song.
And then it arrives. It glows underneath the black waters, surfacing with the most enchanting memory Kyungsoo’s ever seen. The jar slides onto a nearby sand mound, and Kyungsoo quickly scoops it into his arms, cradling the object like it’s the most important treasure of his life. Inside the glass is a light like no other. It swirls with mystical blues, mesmerizing.
When Kyungsoo holds it up to the sky, he swears he can see dreams dancing around inside.
It might be a sign. And it might be silly, he knows, but he can’t help but wish on this light. He presses the cold glass against his forehead and closes his eyes, wishing with all his might to find that which he is searching for.
As if hearing his wish, the light starts to hum again, and Kyungsoo is wrapped in a familiar warmth. He recognizes this embrace, and he smiles.
He’s found his song again.
Kyungsoo keeps the light with him in his room.
He doesn’t let anyone know about his new discovery. He doesn’t need the extra attention. When his customers ask him why he looks so happy today, he simply smiles, keeping his lips shut.
Every night, he returns to the light, wishing again and again for his dreams to come true.
He doesn’t feel quiet as lonely anymore with the jar around, but it still haunts him. It snarls at him through lonely dinners and empty mailboxes. Loneliness is hard to escape.
But it’s easier to deal with when you have hope.
The light hums and keeps his boat safe as it rocks against the waves.
It’s by chance that his wishes are answered by the form of a beautiful man.
He’s closing up the shop after a hard day of work, when he hears the crashing of waves just down the beach. It’s strange at this hour, different from what he’s used to hearing.
There’s someone at the shoreline. White skin that glows in the moonlight. Blond hair that shines with the stars. They’re staring out into the distance, pink lips pulled into a set frown. It looks wrong on him. Kyungsoo inches closer to him, and that’s when he notices how bare the man is. Not an inch of skin is left hidden in the night.
“Hello?” Kyungsoo asks carefully, unsure of how to greet this person.
Immediately, the man turns around and his lips seem to quiver. The man is gorgeous, unlike anyone Kyungsoo’s ever seen in town. He looks rather like someone that walked out of one of Kyungsoo’s dreams, and silently, Kyungsoo hopes he is.
“Are you okay?” Kyungsoo continues until he’s only a few feet away. “It’s really late out, and you shouldn’t be out here without any clothes.”
The man keeps quiet, eyebrows pulled up that makes him look much sadder than Kyungsoo thought he was.
Kyungsoo tries to keep his eyes locked with the stranger’s. Brown eyes that he feels like drowning in. He tries not to look at the rest of his body, but he’s sure it’s as breathtaking as his face. Soft curves line his face with a sort of fairytale innocence. Kyungsoo just wants to keep him safe.
“Do you have anywhere to go?” Kyungsoo asks. “Family, friends? Do you live here?”
His questions seem to fly over the stranger’s head, because each word he says just makes the knot in his eyebrows furrow. Not a single answer comes out of his lips.
“Can you tell me your name?” If Kyungsoo wanted the stranger to answer any of the questions, this one would be the most helpful.
Like before, the stranger stays silent, and his face seems to fall in despair.
Kyungsoo feels a pang in his heart. “If you need a place to stay, you can come with me. I don’t have much, but I don’t want you to be alone out here. It’s completely up to you though, I’m not going to force you.”
The stranger’s eyes light up at his offer, and with only a few quick steps, he’s already by Kyungsoo’s side. Up close, Kyungsoo can make out the delicate features of his face, tracing the dips of his skin and beautiful collarbones. And then he’s looking back up at the sky because he doesn’t want to look further down.
“Uh, my house is just a short walk from here,” Kyungsoo says, keeping his gaze away. “We should get going then.”
Kyungsoo tries not to fall for the small smile that tugs on the stranger’s lips.
Living with the stranger is a bit of a challenge at first.
For one, he doesn’t seem too knowledgeable with the basic necessities of living, such as wearing clothes when walking out in public. He’s taken to at least wearing the shorts Kyungsoo gave him when Kyungsoo pleaded desperately for him to put them on their first night together.
Kyungsoo learns that the man’s name is Junmyeon when he finally spells it out for him in the sand. This makes introducing him much easier than just a friend Kyungsoo picked up at the beach.
Junmyeon seems interested in learning about everything. When he’s not staring through windows of the nearby shops, he’s constantly reading books. His face lights up with fascination each time he discovers a new book to look through.
They figure out a way to communicate after a bit of trial and error.
Junmyeon’s comfortable with writing down his words, and Kyungsoo is fine with that. He learns much more about Junmyeon this way, like how he has no family out here in this town, and that he’s searching for something valuable he’s lost.
When Kyungsoo asks him what he’s looking for, Junmyeon merely shook his head and tells him it’s too personal.
Kyungsoo has questions of his own, but he keeps most of them to himself. He doesn’t ask why Junmyeon returns to the beach every evening and sits on the rocky shore, or more importantly, why Junmyeon decided to stay with him after that first night.
So many questions, and so little answers.
Love.
It’s easy to notice, but when it strikes a person head on, it’s hard to live with. Kyungsoo knew the moment he laid eyes on Junmyeon, his poor heart was going to have a hard time simply living around him. But never did he expect to have such a painful crush on the man.
Mornings are the worst. Kyungsoo used to be able to wake up and get ready just as well as any other routine. But now, he wakes up and the first thing he’ll see is Junmyeon’s beautiful back as the other stretches in front of the window.
Junmyeon enjoys tormenting Kyungsoo when he’s realized just how much skin has an effect on him.
It’s not that Kyungsoo is too innocent to these things, it’s just that when it’s someone Kyungsoo actually has feelings for, it’s much more impactful. Kyungsoo doesn’t want to admit it, but he does find himself thoroughly enjoying Junmyeon’s appearance.
There’s lean muscles stretched underneath unmarred skin, an athleticism that amazes Kyungsoo and it’s dizzying. It raises newer questions, and like before, Kyungsoo receives no answers. But it doesn’t deter him.
Junmyeon is the epitome of Kyungsoo’s dreams and fantasies.
Sometimes, Kyungsoo wonders if Junmyeon feels the same way. With the way Junmyeon glances at him when they sit in silence, and the way Junmyeon smiles when he realizes Kyungsoo’s been watching him as well, Kyungsoo thinks maybe there is a chance for him.
Maybe his wishes can come true.
It’s another rainy day when Kyungsoo catches Junmyeon crying.
At first, Kyungsoo didn’t notice as he went about getting ready to open up the shop. But when he went to check up on Junmyeon before leaving, he’s met with rosy cheeks and trembling lips.
Unsure of what to do, Kyungsoo tries the first thing that comes to mind.
He hugs Junmyeon.
There’s a brief moment where Kyungsoo is ashamed of himself because he knows that there’s boundaries between them, and he shouldn’t cross them. But then, Junmyeon’s reaching out to grip his arms with his hand, and they’re suddenly closer than before.
Junmyeon’s body is warm. Kyungsoo enjoys it too much.
The tears come to a stop, but Junmyeon continues to keep them pressed against each other, nuzzling his chin against Kyungsoo’s neck.
It feels nice.
Kyungsoo remembers the jar of light only after he returns from a particularly hard day of work.
Nothing feels the same anymore, and Kyungsoo rushes to the edge of his bed in an attempt at finding his routine again. The jar’s still where he left it. Raising it in the sunlight, Kyungsoo watches the lights dance around inside the glass cage, soft notes bouncing in the air.
“I’m sorry,” Kyungsoo apologizes. “It’s been so long.”
The light seems to react to his words, glowing brighter as the dancing becomes more vivid. Kyungsoo feels at ease with the light by his side, relaxing at the foot of his bed with the jar in his lap.
It’s then that Junmyeon stumbles in through the front door, eyes blown open in shock and lips parted as he pants. From the sweat dripping down his forehead, it looks like he’d be running. Kyungsoo isn’t able to get a word out as Junmyeon drops to his knees in front of him, eyes fixed on the jar in his lap.
“What is it?” Kyungsoo ask as he tilts the jar closer.
Junmyeon shakes his head as his hands come up to wrap around the glass, trembling.
When he opens the lid and releases the light, Kyungsoo finally understands.
“Your voice is beautiful,” Kyungsoo says as he curls up into his blankets.
Junmyeon smiles off to the side as he props a leg up to sit by the window. “Thank you. I’ve been singing all my life, and I never thought I’d find it again when I lost it.” His smile falters, but it doesn’t let up. “I have to thank you for keeping it safe.”
Kyungsoo shakes his head. “I knew it was something precious, but I had no idea it would be so… I’m glad it found its owner.”
“I’m happy I can finally talk again,” Junmyeon says earnestly. “If I’d known it would be like this I would’ve never…” His smile drops and he’s facing the ocean again.
The questions are back, and this time Kyungsoo needs to know.
“Who are you Junmyeon?” Kyungsoo asks.
Junmyeon doesn’t turn back, instead lifting his other leg to bend to his chest. “I’m a merman. Before you say anything, it’s true.”
“I wasn’t going to say anything, or deny it,” Kyungsoo says, a bit unsure. “Is that why you didn’t mention it before? Because you think I wouldn’t believe you?”
“Yes,” Junmyeon replies sadly. “Or rather, I wasn’t sure how you’d take it. I needed to be careful.”
“How did you lose your voice?” Kyungsoo attempts to change the subject when he catches Junmyeon curling up into himself.
This strikes a curious laugh from him. “I was tricked. This witch, I knew I couldn’t trust her promises and yet I let my greed get the better of me. When she took my voice, I thought it would be gone forever. Especially when I found out she’s lost it as well.”
“Why would you ever trade your voice away?” Kyungsoo straightens his back to better watch Junmyeon.
“Why?” Junmyeon slowly turns to Kyungsoo with a bright smile. “Because of you.”
The pangs in his heart have returned, and Kyungsoo’s voice cracks as he asks, “Me?”
“We mermen, we’re curious about the land above,” Junmyeon says. “Or rather, I’ve always been curious about the boy that watches the ocean. The boy that listens to my voice every time I sing.”
His throat has gone dry. The owner of the one thing that’s kept Kyungsoo alive all this time was standing right in front of him.
“I could never meet the beautiful boy who captured my heart, not when I was bound to the sea with no legs.” Junmyeon shakes his feet for good measure. “So I asked a sea witch for legs. For a chance to meet him, and then-”
Kyungsoo doesn’t let him finish as he quickly jumps forward to silence him with a kiss.
And slowly, Junmyeon smiles as he crashes into love.
“Does this mean you can’t return to the ocean?” Kyungsoo asks as they walk the shoreline.
Their hands fit together too well, and it makes Kyungsoo happy. He’s found his song and this time, his song has finally found him.
Junmyeon leans over to press a kiss against Kyungsoo’s cheek. “That would be correct. But I knew what I was getting myself into. I told my family about you and they laughed, saying I would never be accepted by the land dwellers. But I knew better. I had to take a chance before it slipped away.” His fingers grip tighter around Kyungsoo’s. “I’m glad I did.”
Kyungsoo grips just as tightly. “I’m glad you did as well. I think I was hoping someone like you would come into my life.”
They finally find a quiet, secluded stretch of sand a bit away from the harbor. Here, Kyungsoo knows no one can disturb them, and he likes it better this way. He’s only starting to get to know Junmyeon, and he’d rather do it without any busybodies.
“I have to warn you, I know nothing about the world above.” Junmyeon laughs brightly as he nuzzles against Kyungsoo’s neck. “You need to teach me.”
“What is it you want to know?” Kyungsoo breathes.
Junmyeon’s laugh drops to a low rumble. “Can I ask anything?” He seems so curious. It’s so adorable.
“I suppose.”
Junmyeon’s eyes glint mischievously as his breath ghosts over Kyungsoo’s skin. “Well, I want to know why you’re so averse to me not wearing clothes.”
Kyungsoo’s face reddens at this comment, ideas suddenly rushing to fill his head.
“Why do you look so red?” Junmyeon asks.
“It’s nothing!” Kyungsoo shakes his head. “Looking at your body is kind of… it’s embarrassing to say.” He clutches at his face. “Don’t make me say it please.”
Junmyeon tilts his head. “Would it be better if I demonstrated?” Slowly, he’s lifting the hem of his shirt up and his skin is just as beautiful in the sunlight as it is under the moon.
“No!” Kyungsoo quickly reaches out to stop Junmyeon’s hands, but the merman takes this opportunity to steal a kiss, using his hands to pull Kyungsoo in closer.
“Did you know, that my singing was a mating call?” Junmyeon’s grin is wicked.
Kyungsoo’s eyes threaten to bulge out before Junmyeon’s face cracks into a boisterous laugh.
“I’m sorry, I just wanted to see your reaction. Don’t believe everything I say.”
“Shut up and kiss me.”
Junmyeon’s words die in his throat when Kyungsoo leans forward until they’re lying in the sand.
“My family is not a part of my life anymore,” Kyungsoo admits as the sun starts to set in the distance.
The ocean is painted in deep reds and Kyungsoo takes it all in, resting his cheek against Junmyeon’s chest as the other plays with his hair.
Junmyeon hums and the noise rumbles against Kyungsoo’s face. “They don’t deserve someone like you. Someone who’s beautiful.”
Smiling, Kyungsoo reaches up to curl his hands around Junmyeon’s arms, pulling them down until they’re dangling off to his sides. Junmyeon takes the hint and wraps his arms tightly around Kyungsoo’s waist as the boy pulls himself up until their faces are too close to each other.
“You know you’re the first person to say,” Kyungsoo says as he pecks Junmyeon on the lips.
Junmyeon rubs circles on the dip of Kyungsoo’s hips, his other hand grazing over Kyungsoo’s thighs. It elicits a breathy moan out of him. “I mean it too. You’re beautiful Kyungsoo.”
“Same for you,” Kyungsoo says before his breath hitches when Junmyeon drags his fingers up underneath the waistband of his pants.
His skin is on fire, and Junmyeon’s reaching further down. Slowly. Slowly.
“I hope you can sing for me.” Junmyeon teases as he gives Kyungsoo a firm squeeze.
Kyungsoo quirks an eyebrow. “I guess you’ll just have to find out.”
In the light of the moon, skin shines brighter than any constellation.
The ocean doesn’t sing for Kyungsoo anymore, but when Junmyeon’s the one singing for him instead, he thinks he can live with this change.
♔