(for rayofshinee) try
❊ for: rayofshinee
❊ title: try
❊ pairings: kai/d.o, suho/chen
❊ rating: r
❊ word count: 6,000
❊ summary: Kyungsoo is a world renowned actor. Jongin is his new personal assistant.
❊ a/n:First of all, thank you for our wonderful mods for the time and effort that they gave to this exchange. To all my fellow authors, thank you for keeping the kaisoo loving through all your wonderful fics. To all the readers, thank you for taking interest in this exchange. And to my recipient, thank you for the wonderful prompts you gave me and I do hope that you’ll enjoy this one.
“Congratulations!” Do Kyungsoo greet his personal assistant for his upcoming wedding. “Are you excited?”
“Of course I am…” Junmyeon beamed, his eyes gleaming at the thought of his beautiful fiancé walking down the aisle. “…but are you sure about this one month vacation you are giving, I can go back to work after two weeks, that is enough for Jongdae and I to enjoy ourselves.” The personal assistant shot a worried glance at the actor.
“Nonsense Junmyeon, you deserve this break. You know once we start filming for my movie, you’ll see less of him, might as well enjoy a month with him before he regrets marrying you…” Kyungsoo teased but Junmyeon immediately hit him.
“Hey! Not funny! It took me a lot to ask him to marry me; I won’t let him abandon me because of a brat like you…”
“Oh! You wound me Junmyeon…I feel so betrayed.” The actor clutched his chest and faked a whine before the two doubled in laughter.
Do Kyungsoo and Kim Junmyeon had known each other for five years now. Kyungsoo was just starting his career then while Junmyeon happened to be looking for a job and Kyungsoo’s brother, Seungsoo was the one who offered it to him. As the years go by, the two became extremely close that people sometimes speculate that there is something romantic going on between them.
In two weeks time Junmyeon will be having his wedding and being a ‘good’ friend, Kyungsoo urges him to take a month leave so he could enjoy some quality time with his new husband. Kyungsoo thinks it’s the least he could do for all those years that Junmyeon stayed and put up with his attitude.
Kyungsoo is aware that he is not the easiest boss to work for. He is moody and often snaps at people with no reason, he has this personality that always throws off people and that they would prefer to keep a safe distance from him. Most people are scared of him… except Junmyeon; the personal assistant knows whenever he’s really mad or just acting mad to scare people away. So with Junmyeon entering a new chapter in his life, Kyungsoo thought it’s time to give his ever reliable personal assistant and wonderful friend a well deserved break.
“But still, isn’t a month a bit too long?” Junmyeon asks worriedly. “How will you manage throughout it?”
“Puh-lease Junmyeon, I’m a grown ass man, I can manage a month without a personal assistant. I promise you won’t miss me that much…” Kyungsoo pouts cutely at the other.
“As if I’ll miss you.” Junmyeon snorts. “You often miss your meals without me reminding you to take it. I wonder how many times you’ll go starving while I’m away…”
“I’ll have Baekhyun to nag me for that so stop over thinking about it. Just accept it; it’s not every day that you’ll see me this nice. Take it, you deserve it.”
“Wow, I should get married more often if it means you’ll grow a heart.” Junmyeon teases, earning a slap on his shoulders from the actor.
Three days after that conversation, Junmyeon enters Kyungsoo’s bachelor pad with the biggest smile on his face.
“What is with the ‘derp’ look, so early in the morning?” Kyungsoo quirks his eyebrows with interest.
“So remember that month vacation you want to give me that I’m still thinking on accepting…”
“You will have that vacation whether you like it or not…” Kyungsoo cuts in.
“Fine, so anyways… my brother is hiding here in Seoul to nurse his broken heart so it got me thinking… why not let him be your temporary PA while I’m away…”
“I don’t need a temporary PA, I told you I can manage while you’re away…there is not much to do anyways just a couple of photo shoots and script reading. I can handle that…” Kyungsoo was already dismissing the idea.
“No, you can’t and I won’t be able to fully enjoy my vacation when I am worried half of the time if you wake up on time for your schedules and had your meals on time. I can only peacefully spend the day in Europe if I know you have someone here to attend to your needs…someone I can trust and my brother is the perfect candidate…” Junmyeon rants.
“Kyungsoo please, for my own peace of mind, let my brother be your temporary PA while I’m away…”
“Fine, but your brother better be ready for this…” Kyungsoo smirks.
“Yes…” Junmyeon beams. “Don’t worry I’ll tell him everything he needs to know on dealing with a very complicated Do Kyungsoo.”
“Hey! What is that supposed to mean?!?” Kyungsoo looks at him scandalized but the other just snickers as he taps on his phone away.
“Jongin, wake up! Didn’t I tell you that you are coming with me today?!” Junmyeon kicks his brother repeatedly because Jongin sleeps like a log and sometimes violence is needed.
“What the hell hyung!” the poor boy groans as he rubs his butt where Junmyeon kicked a bit hard.
“I said get your ass off your bed and get ready. I’ll be training you starting today!” Junmyeon orders and the younger know he had no choice but to obey… so he lazily stands up from his bed and enters the bathroom.
“Why do I have to babysit a brat again?” Jongin asks a little bit later while they are in Junmyeon’s car on the way to the said brat’s bachelor’s pad.
“First of all, Kyungsoo is not a brat…he is the son of Satan…” Junmyeon laughs at his own joke. “No but honestly, Kyungsoo is a good guy; he just gets misunderstood a lot of times. I choose you for this because I trust you to keep whatever secrets you find out about Kyungsoo and be quiet about it. Besides you need this to get your mind off that Sehun kid and most importantly it’s time for you to experience a real job…”
“A freelance choreographer is a real job hyung…” Jongin quickly defends his job.
“Uhm, yeah sure you get a high pay when you have a client but that job is not stable, Jongin…until when will you rely on it? You have a degree in architecture, why don’t you use it?” Junmyeon glances at his younger brother for second before turning his attention back to the road.
“You have a degree in accounting, why did you take the job as a personal assistant?” Jongin fires back without thinking.
Junmyeon sighs and Jongin immediately shuts up. Of course he knows that Junmyeon wasn’t able to use his degree because at that time, the accounting jobs were scarce and when he found the personal assistant position he immediately took it because Jongin’s about to go to college and he needed it to support his younger brother.
“I’m sorry…” Jongin quickly apologizes. “I just hate it when you belittle my job…”
“I’m not belittling you, honestly, you are good at what you do but now I’m getting married and I worry about you being alone. If it’s choreographing that you want then apply in an entertainment company that can take you in. I just want you to have a stable job Jongin; sure I can help you from time to time… but Jongdae will always be my priority.”
“Hyung, you worry about me too much… besides I’ve been living alone ever since I entered college.”
“You lived with Sehun since you entered college…” Junmyeon corrected. “Wait… don’t tell me you are still going back to his apartment after everything that happened?!”
“I’m still trying to fix our relationship, hyung...”
Jongin had to hold on his seatbelt tightly because Junmyeon suddenly stopped the car.
“Will you wake the fuck up Jongin?! That jerk left you to chase another man in China. Do yourself a favor and pack all of your things in his apartment and move into mine.” Junmyeon takes a deep breath to calm himself down before driving again.
“Hyung… What about Jongdae? Your apartment is your space, besides I’ve been with Sehun for so long I don’t know how to live without him anymore…”
“That is why I want you to get out of there! There are a lot of wonderful things in this world that doesn’t involve that jerk; Jongin…please…just let him go. And about my apartment, it’s all yours… I’m the one moving in with Jongdae since its closer to Kyungsoo’s.”
“You know it’s the ‘girl’ in the relationship that moves in with the man after marriage right?” Jongin teases, trying to ease the seriousness of their conversation.
“So does that mean that you were the ‘girl’ in your relationship with Sehun since you were the one who moved in with him?” Junmyeon wittily fires back.
“Certainly not hyung, I’m the one sticking it in!” Jongin defensively answers.
“Yeah right, little brother” Junmyeon smirks at him. “But still… I do hope that you just let him go. He is in China now with another man… he is definitely not worth your love and time… so please don’t go back to him anymore.”
Jongin sighs and woefully looks out the car window. He loves Sehun dearly… he doesn’t know if he can do what his brother was asking him to do.
“We’re here…” Junmyeon parks hi s car on his reserved spot. “I’m pretty sure once you meet Kyungsoo… your mind will be off Sehun…” He meekly smiles and gets out of his car.
“Kyungsoo, this is Jongin my brother…” Junmyeon introduces his brother to his boss. Kyungsoo lifts his gaze from the script that he was studying to see his new temporary assistant.
“So are you two step brothers or something?” Kyungsoo comments when he finished looking at Jongin from head to toe.
“What?!” Jongin raises his eyebrows.
“I mean, Junmyeon here is as pale as snow while you on the other hand is…just tan…”
“Do you have a problem with my skin color?” Jongin screams, feeling insulted by his new boss.
“None….but I do have a problem with your attitude. How dare you yell at your boss on your first day?! Junmyeon, really I’d rather have no assistant until you return than to deal with someone like him!” Kyungsoo glares at Junmyeon’s brother.
“Someone like me?! Oh! please! Don’t flatter yourself too much! I’d rather go back to Busan than to work for someone like you!!!” Jongin glares back.
“Well, that is settled then, have a safe trip to Busan and Junmyeon, I’ll see you when you get back…”
“Ok, can we all just calm down. Kyungsoo, don’t worry, I’ll talk to Jongin…” Junmyeon finally interferes.
“Talk to me? But hyung…he was the one who insulted me first!” Jongin quickly defends himself.
“I was just merely asking an innocent question, you were the one who reacted violently…” Kyungsoo answers.
“Innocent question my ass! You were clearly insulting my skin color!” Jongin fires back again.
“Jongin, shut it!” Junmyeon scolds his brother and Jongin couldn’t help but pout for the unfair treatment.
“Awwww…poor puppy…” Kyungsoo taunts at Jongin’s pouting face.
“At least I’m a cute puppy and not a bitch like you.” Jongin mutters under his breath.
“Did you say something?!” Kyungsoo glares hard at the other.
Junmyeon rolled his eyes at their petty fight. “Ok, I’m just gonna show Jongin around your apartment so you can both cool off…” he didn’t wait for Kyungsoo to answer and dragged Jongin out of there.
“Hyung, are you really working for that kind of guy? I’ve been here for only fifteen minutes but it already feels like I am dealing with Miranda from ‘The Devil Wears Prada’.” Jongin immediately complains once they were out of earshot.
“Kyungsoo is a nice guy once you get to know him…he’s just…yeah a bit of a Miranda sometimes…” Junmyeon had the nerve to just laugh it out but Jongin can feel a severe headache coming…one that is named Kyungsoo.
“Why am I doing this again?”
“Because I am your brother and I trust you to keep my job for me until I get back…” Junmyeon was quick to answer.
“Well, you better return fast! Be thankful you are my brother, I’m only doing this for you…”
“Yeah, yeah… hyung is very grateful for this. Now, on with the house tour…” Junmyeon shows Jongin around and talked about Kyungsoo’s ‘rules’ as they go on.
For the next three days, Junmyeon trained Jongin to be Kyungsoo’s assistant.
Being Kyungsoo’s personal assistant wasn’t as hard as Jongin thought it would be. Kyungsoo is strict with punctuality and orderliness of his things and schedules, honestly Jongin understands that so whenever Kyungsoo scolds him for being late or bringing the wrong clothes, Jongin doesn’t sass back anymore. He also learned to differentiate whenever Kyungsoo was insulting someone or just joking around. It took a week for Jongin to fully get used to his new job.
“Jongin, do I have any other schedule for today?” They were on their way to Kyungsoo’s script reading and Kyungsoo was thinking of going somewhere afterwards.
“Nothing... but you have a photo shoot for Lotte tomorrow…” Jongin checks if he has the same memo on his own phone, he doesn’t want to have a repeat of what happened last week.
“Okay, then make reservations at Viva Polo tonight for four… we’re meeting my cousin Luhan and his boyfriend later…”
Jongin drops his phone at the mention of Luhan’s name and Kyungsoo didn’t miss the shock on Jongin’s face too.
“Hey, is something wrong?” Kyungsoo carefully observes his assistant who still couldn’t hide the shock on his face.
“D-do you have a picture of your cousin?” Jongin asks, silently praying that it was not the same ‘Luhan’ that Sehun left him for.
Although confused by Jongin’s question, Kyungsoo still opens his phone and shows a photo of his cousin to Jongin…again he hears Jongin gasp but this time there was irritation on his face.
“I don’t have to come with you, right?” Jongin asks.
“Of course, you have to come…Luhan knows Junmyeon and he actually wants to meet you. Why? Is something wrong? Do you know my cousin?”
“He is…” Their car stops and that’s when he noticed that they arrived at the venue. “Never mind, we’re here…” Jongin grabs his and Kyungsoo’s bag and opened the door for Kyungsoo.
Kyungsoo was suddenly curious about the way Jongin was acting but he have a job to do first so he decided that he’ll ask Jongin about it later. The script reading went by perfectly and soon Kyungsoo was boarding the van again and now he can interrogate Jongin further.
“So did you get the reservations I asked you to?”
“Ah, yes. Anyways, can I just drive you there and then fetch you after?”
“What’s the deal with you and this dinner, Jongin? Do you know my cousin?” Kyungsoo inquires but Jongin just remained quiet and avoided his boss’ gaze.
“Jongin, your boss is asking you a question, the least you could do is answer your boss.” Kyungsoo grins as he pulls the boss card again.
“Fine…” Jongin rolls his eyes at his ‘boss’. “Your cousin is the same Luhan that Sehun left me for and Sehun is probably the boyfriend that Luhan will be bringing tonight, so could you really blame for wanting to avoid this dinner at all cost?”
“Oh, I can see why Sehun choose my cousin…” Kyungsoo smirks.
“Excuse me?!” Jongin throws a scandalized look at Kyungsoo. “Sehun and I had been together for almost five years until that Luhan came and ruin it all!”
“Well, yeah Luhan can be a diva. He usually gets whatever he wants…”
“Now, I can see why he is your cousin…” Jongin comments and Kyungsoo quickly glares at him. “So... now you know my reason, can I not come?”
“Of course…you’ll still come with me…” Kyungsoo grins and he gets satisfaction when he hears Jongin groans.
“You’re really cruel, you know that?” Jongin folds his arms over his chest and pouts.
“Jongin, I’m giving you a chance to make Sehun see that you’re over him…”
“but I’m not over him yet…” Jongin confesses.
“Then act like you’re over him! Maybe if Sehun sees than you’re no longer in love with him, then maybe he’ll realize your worth and want you back… haven’t you think about that? And the best way, to prove that you’re over him is when you can face him and treat him like a stranger…” Kyungsoo smiles proudly at his suggestion.
Jongin thinks about Kyungsoo’s suggestion but he’s not sure if he can face Sehun and treat him like a stranger. “I don’t know if I can do it…”
“Of course, you can. I’m feeling generous today so I’ll help you…”Kyungsoo happily looks out the window, he’s excited to see his plan happening.
Later that night…
“Do you think I can really do this?” Jongin was fidgeting in his seat as the chauffeur parks the car.
“Jongin, be confident. You can do it, just remember the tips I gave you earlier…” Kyungsoo pats his shoulder.
“Okay… yes… I can do this!” Jongin tells himself.
When they enter the restaurant, Sehun and Luhan was already there waiting for them.
“Is this Junmyeon’s brother?” Luhan was the first one to greet them.
“Yes, this is Jongin…” Kyungsoo introduces his assistant as they take a seat. He smiles inwardly when a Luhan’s eyes grow wide.
Luhan looks questioningly at his boyfriend, then to Jongin and then back to his boyfriend… thinking if Junmyeon’s brother was also Sehun’s ex-boyfriend.
“Yes, I’m ‘that’ Jongin…” Jongin says as if he can read what’s on Luhan’s mind was.
“And he is?” Kyungsoo gestures for Luhan to introduce the man beside him.
“Ah, this is Sehun, my boyfriend”
“I’m Kyungsoo… and this is Jongin, my assistant…”
“If he is just your assistant then why is he here, I mean do you usually let your PA join personal dinners?” Sehun says, not minding if Jongin could hear it.
“You see Sehun, I value the people who work for me very much, especially if he is my personal assistant. They take care of me and make my life a lot easier so I give them the respect they deserve…” Kyungsoo answers instantly.
The table had gone quiet after that. Thankfully, the waiter comes to take their orders.
“Anyways Lu, how long have the two of you been together?” Kyungsoo jump starts the conversation again.
“Huh?” Luhan glances at Jongin again. “Uhm… six months…”
“Oh, so that’s how long you cheated on me huh…” Jongin lifted his gaze on Sehun but his face remains void of emotions.
“If you’re expecting an apology from me then let me tell you that it’s not happening…” Sehun bravely stares back at Jongin.
“Oh no… I don’t expect anything from you…” Jongin mockingly laughs. “For the five years that we’ve been together, I know how prideful you are. You are someone who wouldn’t admit your mistakes; so no… I don’t expect any apology from you. Six months? Eight months? A year? I honestly don’t care how long cheated on me. I’m just happy, I don’t have to deal with you anymore.” Jongin smiles victoriously.
Sehun was about to say something back but Kyungsoo’s alarm interrupts him. Kyungsoo reaches out for his phone and checks his notification.
“Jongin, didn’t I told you to remind me about tonight’s episode of Pretty Little Liars, good thing I wrote it on my phone.” Kyungsoo shows the notification to Jongin.
“Sorry Luhan but we need to go. They will finally be exposing who A is and that bitch needs to be dealt with.” Kyungsoo briefly looked at Sehun before smirking. “Sorry but we really need to go, don’t worry about the food, it’s on me…I’m friends with the owners, so just eat at your heart’s content…”
Kyungsoo smiles mischievously and then he and Jongin stands up and walks away. Once they reached their car, Kyungsoo let out a hearty laugh.
“I knew you had it in you, Jongin! Everything that you said to Sehun just screams ‘BURN! SEHUN BURN!’ and the look on Luhan’s face when he realized that you were Sehun’s ex… it was damn priceless…” Kyungsoo laughs loudly again.
“Thank you for letting me do this, Kyungsoo…but I don’t remember you telling me about the Pretty Little Liars thing…” Jongin scans his phone and checks if he missed any notifications.
“Relax, I just made that up…”
“But wouldn’t your cousin be mad about that, we kind of ditch them…”
“As if I care… wait didn’t Junmyeon told you, I hate my relatives specially Luhan.” Kyungsoo evilly laughs again. “I only invited Luhan for dinner just to ditch him for some tv show, your drama with Sehun was just a bonus…”
“So you planned these all along? Wow Junmyeon was right…”
“About?”
That you’re the son of Satan.
”…Nothing…but again, thank you for today.”
“Anyways, did it felt good treating your ex like that?” Kyungsoo was too happy to let Jongin’s previous comment slide.
“Surprisingly yes…”
“So do you still want him back?”
“Honestly no, he’s not even sorry for cheating on me. Tonight was a big realization for me; I don’t really deserve him… I’m really glad we’re over.”
“Well then, that’s good to hear…”
The whole Sehun incident served as an icebreaker to Jongin and Kyungsoo’s working relationship. Since that day the two became comfortable with each other. Little by little, Jongin was starting to see the ‘good guy’ in Kyungsoo that Junmyeon had always been talking about.
On the third week of Jongin’s job, Kyungsoo caught some flu and Jongin had to cancel some of his photo shoots. Kyungsoo being Kyungsoo stubbornly dismiss Jongin’s suggestion to go to the hospital because according to him, the last thing he wants to deal with when he’s sick are paparazzo sneaking in to his hospital room. So poor Jongin was left with no choice but to stay in Kyungsoo’s apartment and check on him from time to time until Kyungsoo gets better. Good thing Baekhyun, Kyungsoo’s helper, was there to cook for the actor or else Jongin would have burnt the kitchen.
However, it’s been four days and Kyungsoo was not getting better. Even the private doctor that Jongin hired advised that Kyungsoo should be taken to the hospital. Still, Kyungsoo was being stubborn so Jongin decided to take drastic measures.
While Kyungsoo was sleeping, Jongin carefully carries him and sneaks him to the hospital. Kyungsoo was too groggy from the medication to fully understand what happened but when he fully wakes up in his hospital room… Jongin was the one to deal with his ‘wrath’.
“KIM JONGIN!!!” Kyungsoo tries his best to scream in his very hoarse voice but still it effectively wakes up Jongin, who immediately sit up from his sleeping position on the couch.
“WHAT THE HELL! Didn’t I tell you not to take me to the hospital?!”
“But Kyungsoo, you’re not getting any better at home. Junmyeon hyung will kill me if I don’t take care of you properly. If it’s the paparazzi that you’re worrying about, I’ve already asked for a tight security and no one can visit you but me or Baekhyun. Is it really the paparazzi that scares you?”
“Don’t you dare give that look, Jongin! I am not afraid of hospitals!” Kyungsoo defensively yells at his assistant.
“I never said you were…” Jongin answers back but then he realized something. “Wait, is that it? You don’t want to go to the hospital because you were scared of it?”
“Shut it Jongin… I don’t want to talk about just get me out of here fast!” Kyungsoo immediately avoids Jongin’s gaze.
“No, you need proper medical attention and this is where you need to be. I won’t ask for the reason of your fear but I won’t let that fear interfere with these kinds of situations. I don’t know what you are scared of but I’m here… I’ll stay with you until your doctors gives you a go signal to come home.” Jongin says with full authority that Kyungsoo couldn’t even think of any rebuttal.
“Good…” Jongin says after Kyungsoo didn’t talk back. “Now, do you want anything?”
“To get better and get out of here fast!”
“Yeah, I’m with you on that… now be a good patient and follow the doctor’s orders” Jongin smiles victoriously while Kyungsoo pouts in his bed.
Kyungsoo just got back from his three day stay at the hospital. Honestly, he was thankful for Jongin’s determination to take him to the hospital, if it weren’t for his assistant, his sickness could have gone really worse. So being the generous employer that he is, Kyungsoo treats Jongin with buckets of chicken and beer.
Jongin was like a child on Christmas morning when he saw the three buckets of chicken laid in front of him.
“Wow! Buckets and buckets of chicken… what’s the occasion…” Jongin closes his eyes and inhales the aroma of the fried chicken.
“Nothing…just a simple thank you for saving my life…” Kyungsoo goes over his kitchen counter to grab the ice that he prepared beforehand for the beers.
“It was the doctors that saved you, not me…” Jongin automatically replies but his eyes and mind were really focused on the chicken.
“Yeah… but you’re the one who brought me to the hospital so thank you.” Kyungsoo pushes a bucket towards Jongin only to pull it back again. “Unless you don’t like this…but it’s okay, I’m sure the kids next door would love free chicken…” Kyungsoo teases.
“Who said I don’t want it!” Jongin pulls and hugs one bucket in his arms before grabbing a piece and bites on it excitedly.
Kyungsoo chuckles at the scene. “I was right from the very start… you are a puppy Jongin…”
For once, Jongin let Kyungsoo’s comment slide… he was too happy with his beloved chicken to care.
After two empty buckets and almost a dozen of beers, Jongin was drunk and his stomach was bloated.
“You’re the best boss!” Jongin drunkenly screams. “Do you know that you have cute lips too? It forms a heart when you smile….” Jongin tries to make a heart gesture with his hands but he is too drunk to complete the heart.
“Jongin, stop screaming, the neighbors might hear you.” Kyungsoo was starting to regret letting his assistant drink.
“So what let them hear me!!!” Jongin stands up on the table and happily dances.
“Jongin!” Kyungsoo pulls his assistant down. “Gosh, what will it take for you to shut up!”
“That’s easy Soo…” Jongin laughs and moved closer to Kyungsoo. “Kiss me…I want to feel how soft your lips are” Jongin drunkenly traces Kyungsoo’s lips with his fingers.
However when Jongin withdraws his fingers, Kyungsoo suddenly grabbed him by the neck and crashed their lips together.
Their first kiss was rough and rushed; they both pull away at the same time, only because of the lack of air. They looked into each other’s eyes, their forehead pressed on each other… breathing rugged and gasping for air.
“Soo, your lips are so soft…” Jongin’s trembling hands reached out for Kyungsoo’s lips. “C-can I kiss you again?’
“Yes, please…”
This time, they took their time to savor each other’s lips. No words were exchange, they just acted on their own urges and maybe their own feelings too.
The next day was awkward, yes… all they did was make out but that didn’t change the fact that they indeed spend hours kissing each other but Kyungsoo being a professional brushed the awkwardness off and just focused on his job.
No one spoke about the events last night; they only talk to each other if it’s about their work. Kyungsoo was invited to throw the honorary first pitch with his leading lady from his last movie. After their pitch, Kyungsoo and Soo Hyun stayed to watch the game and just like any other baseball game, there was a kiss cam during half time.
As expected, the camera was focused on them and everyone in stadium cheered on as the two actors looked at each other… Kyungsoo smiling and silently asking for permission and as Soo Hyun slightly nods, they pressed their lips together. It was for publicity and they both know it, they kissed one too many times in their movie and another one won’t make any difference. It was just an act… it is what they do.
However, one young man isn’t happy about it. Jongin was quiet the whole time and when they reached Kyungsoo’s apartment… Jongin finally speaks up.
“Do you really have to kiss her?” Jongin folded his arms on his chest as he confronts the other.
“It was a kiss cam, everyone expected us to kiss…” Kyungsoo nonchalantly answers.
“But do you really have to kiss her on the lips? Why can’t you just kiss her on her cheeks instead?” Jongin was pouting by now.
“If I did that, they will just ask for another one, until we gave them what they want…”
“You don’t know that…a kiss on the cheeks is still a kiss… they could live with that. It’s not like she’s your girlfriend to lock your lips in public…” Jongin continue to rant and that was when Kyungsoo noticed Jongin’s irritation.
“Why are you so worked up by that kiss anyway? It’s not like I have to ask for your permission before I kiss someone right?” Kyungsoo raises his eyebrows , judging the way Jongin was getting mad at him.
“Is this about the kiss last night? Jongin… it was just a kiss…” Kyungsoo laughs mockingly. “…but it doesn’t change the fact that I’m your boss and you’re just my assistant…don’t think about the kiss too much.”
An initial shock registered on Jongin’s face but he immediately got over it and put on a strong face.
“Yeah, you’re right… BOSS. I’m sorry for stepping out of my boundaries, it won’t happen again.” Jongin said coldly then he disappears to the kitchen to prepare the take-outs.
Jongin goes back to the living room, after a few minutes. “I’ve already arranged the take -outs on the table, is there anything else that you need me for, boss?”
“Well then, let’s go eat now…” Kyungsoo stands up from the couch and was about to head to the kitchen to eat.
“I remembered I have to do something, can I go now, boss?”
“I thought we are gonna eat this all?” Kyungsoo looks at him in confusion.
“Sorry, boss… something came up… can I just go?” Jongin reasons out and when Kyungsoo didn’t say anything anymore, he picks his bag on the floor and head out of Kyungsoo’s apartment.
Is he mad at me because of the kiss? Kyungsoo asks himself as he tries to finish four serving of Chinese take-out.
Later that night, Kyungsoo received a call from Jongin asking if he could take the day off on the next day since Kyungsoo doesn’t have a schedule. Not thinking too much about it… Kyungsoo agrees.
Kyungsoo have an early schedule, the day after Jongin’s day off and Kyungsoo was already up and was getting dressed when he hears his apartment door opening and closing.
“I gave you a rest day yesterday and this is how you’re gonna repay it?... by being late, Jongin?” Kyungsoo scolds from his walk-in closet, loud enough for Jongin to hear who was probably in the living room.
“I’m sorry, Kyungsoo… I’m still getting use to the different time zone…” Junmyeon appears before him and Kyungsoo was momentarily surprised.
“Junmyeon? What are you doing here?”
“Well, I’m your personal assistant remember?”
“I know that, but where is Jongin? I thought that you won’t be back until Saturday. Did something bad happened on your trip?” Kyungsoo asks him, he was a bit confused by the situation.
“Nothing bad happened, it’s just that Jongin called the other day saying that he have to go back to Busan immediately. An important client called him and he said he can’t turn it down so I cut my trip short but don’t worry Jongdae and I really enjoyed our trip…” Junmyeon happily explains but Kyungsoo was clearly feeling the opposite.
“Ah, okay…” Kyungsoo says lifelessly. That bastard didn’t even said goodbye
“Are you ready? Let’s go?” Junmyeon excitedly fixes his shirt for him and prepares Kyungsoo’s things for his schedule.
Kyungsoo tries not to think about it, he tells himself that he doesn’t miss a certain someone who can devour two buckets of chicken in one sitting. He is doesn’t thinking about a certain someone when he sees Baekhyun carrying a brown puppy. He doesn’t miss the way someone pouts like a kid whenever he get scolded.
NOPE Kyungsoo definitely isn’t missing Jongin… nope… that was not happening…nope… definitely not---
“Arrrrrggghhh! You bastard! Would it be too much for you to call me before leaving!!!” Kyungsoo screams in his room in the middle of the night. He has an early schedule the next day but sleep won’t come to him.
It’s been a week since Junmyeon came back but Kyungsoo feels like something was missing. He tried calling Jongin several just to scold him for not properly saying goodbye but his calls always went straight to voicemail.
He often thinks for a reason why Jongin left without even saying goodbye and why his absence is affecting him so much. It’s a foreign feeling and Kyungsoo wants so badly to understand it.
Jongin’s peaceful sleep was disturbed by the incessant knocking on his new apartment door. He lazily got up from his bed and was ready to scold whoever son of Satan that ruined his wonderful sleep.
“Who the hell---“Jongin stops from his supposed to be rant when he sees who was at the door.
“It’s already midday and it looked like you just woke up, I thought you have a client…”
“He backed out, anyways how did you get here? Did Junmyeon gave you my address? And most importantly what are you doing here?” Jongin raises his eyebrows at Kyungsoo.
“I need a dance teacher…” Kyungsoo smugly answers.
“I have a friend that is based in Seoul, I’ll just give him a call, I’ll leave Junmyeon’s number to him too…”
“I don’t want anyone… I want you…”
“I can’t… I don’t want to…”
“Why?”
“Because you’re a jerk!” Jongin boldly answers.
“How did I become a jerk?” Kyungsoo defensively replies.
“Do you even have to ask that?!”
“Yes, now tell me why…why can’t you work for me again?”
“You want my honest answer?”
“Of course!”
“Fine, I can’t work for you again because I don’t want to work for someone that I’m starting to fall in love with, especially if that someone is a jerk who won’t let anyone in his life. It’s better to stay away while I still can. There, I said it! Can you leave me alone now?” Jongin steps back and was about to close the door on him but Kyungsoo stopped it.
“Are you just going to give up like that?” Kyungsoo stares at him challengingly.
“What? It’s not like you see me the same way, I’m just your assistant right?” Jongin fires back.
“So this is about that…” Kyungsoo chuckles.
“Look, if you’re just gonna insult me…”
“Jongin! would you let me finish?!” Kyungsoo glares at the other, which effectively shut Jongin up. “Do you think that I would go all the way here to Busan just for a dance teacher? Do you think I can’t just ask Junmyeon to call you and get your sorry ass back to Seoul?”
“Point is?”
“My point is… I think I’m starting to fall too…” Kyungsoo lifted his head and looked straight into Jongin’s eyes.
“So why won’t we…” Kyungsoo steps forward and reached for Jongin’s hand, his heart-shaped lips very prominent as he smiles genuinely.
“Give it a try…”
❊ title: try
❊ pairings: kai/d.o, suho/chen
❊ rating: r
❊ word count: 6,000
❊ summary: Kyungsoo is a world renowned actor. Jongin is his new personal assistant.
❊ a/n:First of all, thank you for our wonderful mods for the time and effort that they gave to this exchange. To all my fellow authors, thank you for keeping the kaisoo loving through all your wonderful fics. To all the readers, thank you for taking interest in this exchange. And to my recipient, thank you for the wonderful prompts you gave me and I do hope that you’ll enjoy this one.
“Congratulations!” Do Kyungsoo greet his personal assistant for his upcoming wedding. “Are you excited?”
“Of course I am…” Junmyeon beamed, his eyes gleaming at the thought of his beautiful fiancé walking down the aisle. “…but are you sure about this one month vacation you are giving, I can go back to work after two weeks, that is enough for Jongdae and I to enjoy ourselves.” The personal assistant shot a worried glance at the actor.
“Nonsense Junmyeon, you deserve this break. You know once we start filming for my movie, you’ll see less of him, might as well enjoy a month with him before he regrets marrying you…” Kyungsoo teased but Junmyeon immediately hit him.
“Hey! Not funny! It took me a lot to ask him to marry me; I won’t let him abandon me because of a brat like you…”
“Oh! You wound me Junmyeon…I feel so betrayed.” The actor clutched his chest and faked a whine before the two doubled in laughter.
Do Kyungsoo and Kim Junmyeon had known each other for five years now. Kyungsoo was just starting his career then while Junmyeon happened to be looking for a job and Kyungsoo’s brother, Seungsoo was the one who offered it to him. As the years go by, the two became extremely close that people sometimes speculate that there is something romantic going on between them.
In two weeks time Junmyeon will be having his wedding and being a ‘good’ friend, Kyungsoo urges him to take a month leave so he could enjoy some quality time with his new husband. Kyungsoo thinks it’s the least he could do for all those years that Junmyeon stayed and put up with his attitude.
Kyungsoo is aware that he is not the easiest boss to work for. He is moody and often snaps at people with no reason, he has this personality that always throws off people and that they would prefer to keep a safe distance from him. Most people are scared of him… except Junmyeon; the personal assistant knows whenever he’s really mad or just acting mad to scare people away. So with Junmyeon entering a new chapter in his life, Kyungsoo thought it’s time to give his ever reliable personal assistant and wonderful friend a well deserved break.
“But still, isn’t a month a bit too long?” Junmyeon asks worriedly. “How will you manage throughout it?”
“Puh-lease Junmyeon, I’m a grown ass man, I can manage a month without a personal assistant. I promise you won’t miss me that much…” Kyungsoo pouts cutely at the other.
“As if I’ll miss you.” Junmyeon snorts. “You often miss your meals without me reminding you to take it. I wonder how many times you’ll go starving while I’m away…”
“I’ll have Baekhyun to nag me for that so stop over thinking about it. Just accept it; it’s not every day that you’ll see me this nice. Take it, you deserve it.”
“Wow, I should get married more often if it means you’ll grow a heart.” Junmyeon teases, earning a slap on his shoulders from the actor.
Three days after that conversation, Junmyeon enters Kyungsoo’s bachelor pad with the biggest smile on his face.
“What is with the ‘derp’ look, so early in the morning?” Kyungsoo quirks his eyebrows with interest.
“So remember that month vacation you want to give me that I’m still thinking on accepting…”
“You will have that vacation whether you like it or not…” Kyungsoo cuts in.
“Fine, so anyways… my brother is hiding here in Seoul to nurse his broken heart so it got me thinking… why not let him be your temporary PA while I’m away…”
“I don’t need a temporary PA, I told you I can manage while you’re away…there is not much to do anyways just a couple of photo shoots and script reading. I can handle that…” Kyungsoo was already dismissing the idea.
“No, you can’t and I won’t be able to fully enjoy my vacation when I am worried half of the time if you wake up on time for your schedules and had your meals on time. I can only peacefully spend the day in Europe if I know you have someone here to attend to your needs…someone I can trust and my brother is the perfect candidate…” Junmyeon rants.
“Kyungsoo please, for my own peace of mind, let my brother be your temporary PA while I’m away…”
“Fine, but your brother better be ready for this…” Kyungsoo smirks.
“Yes…” Junmyeon beams. “Don’t worry I’ll tell him everything he needs to know on dealing with a very complicated Do Kyungsoo.”
“Hey! What is that supposed to mean?!?” Kyungsoo looks at him scandalized but the other just snickers as he taps on his phone away.
“Jongin, wake up! Didn’t I tell you that you are coming with me today?!” Junmyeon kicks his brother repeatedly because Jongin sleeps like a log and sometimes violence is needed.
“What the hell hyung!” the poor boy groans as he rubs his butt where Junmyeon kicked a bit hard.
“I said get your ass off your bed and get ready. I’ll be training you starting today!” Junmyeon orders and the younger know he had no choice but to obey… so he lazily stands up from his bed and enters the bathroom.
“Why do I have to babysit a brat again?” Jongin asks a little bit later while they are in Junmyeon’s car on the way to the said brat’s bachelor’s pad.
“First of all, Kyungsoo is not a brat…he is the son of Satan…” Junmyeon laughs at his own joke. “No but honestly, Kyungsoo is a good guy; he just gets misunderstood a lot of times. I choose you for this because I trust you to keep whatever secrets you find out about Kyungsoo and be quiet about it. Besides you need this to get your mind off that Sehun kid and most importantly it’s time for you to experience a real job…”
“A freelance choreographer is a real job hyung…” Jongin quickly defends his job.
“Uhm, yeah sure you get a high pay when you have a client but that job is not stable, Jongin…until when will you rely on it? You have a degree in architecture, why don’t you use it?” Junmyeon glances at his younger brother for second before turning his attention back to the road.
“You have a degree in accounting, why did you take the job as a personal assistant?” Jongin fires back without thinking.
Junmyeon sighs and Jongin immediately shuts up. Of course he knows that Junmyeon wasn’t able to use his degree because at that time, the accounting jobs were scarce and when he found the personal assistant position he immediately took it because Jongin’s about to go to college and he needed it to support his younger brother.
“I’m sorry…” Jongin quickly apologizes. “I just hate it when you belittle my job…”
“I’m not belittling you, honestly, you are good at what you do but now I’m getting married and I worry about you being alone. If it’s choreographing that you want then apply in an entertainment company that can take you in. I just want you to have a stable job Jongin; sure I can help you from time to time… but Jongdae will always be my priority.”
“Hyung, you worry about me too much… besides I’ve been living alone ever since I entered college.”
“You lived with Sehun since you entered college…” Junmyeon corrected. “Wait… don’t tell me you are still going back to his apartment after everything that happened?!”
“I’m still trying to fix our relationship, hyung...”
Jongin had to hold on his seatbelt tightly because Junmyeon suddenly stopped the car.
“Will you wake the fuck up Jongin?! That jerk left you to chase another man in China. Do yourself a favor and pack all of your things in his apartment and move into mine.” Junmyeon takes a deep breath to calm himself down before driving again.
“Hyung… What about Jongdae? Your apartment is your space, besides I’ve been with Sehun for so long I don’t know how to live without him anymore…”
“That is why I want you to get out of there! There are a lot of wonderful things in this world that doesn’t involve that jerk; Jongin…please…just let him go. And about my apartment, it’s all yours… I’m the one moving in with Jongdae since its closer to Kyungsoo’s.”
“You know it’s the ‘girl’ in the relationship that moves in with the man after marriage right?” Jongin teases, trying to ease the seriousness of their conversation.
“So does that mean that you were the ‘girl’ in your relationship with Sehun since you were the one who moved in with him?” Junmyeon wittily fires back.
“Certainly not hyung, I’m the one sticking it in!” Jongin defensively answers.
“Yeah right, little brother” Junmyeon smirks at him. “But still… I do hope that you just let him go. He is in China now with another man… he is definitely not worth your love and time… so please don’t go back to him anymore.”
Jongin sighs and woefully looks out the car window. He loves Sehun dearly… he doesn’t know if he can do what his brother was asking him to do.
“We’re here…” Junmyeon parks hi s car on his reserved spot. “I’m pretty sure once you meet Kyungsoo… your mind will be off Sehun…” He meekly smiles and gets out of his car.
“Kyungsoo, this is Jongin my brother…” Junmyeon introduces his brother to his boss. Kyungsoo lifts his gaze from the script that he was studying to see his new temporary assistant.
“So are you two step brothers or something?” Kyungsoo comments when he finished looking at Jongin from head to toe.
“What?!” Jongin raises his eyebrows.
“I mean, Junmyeon here is as pale as snow while you on the other hand is…just tan…”
“Do you have a problem with my skin color?” Jongin screams, feeling insulted by his new boss.
“None….but I do have a problem with your attitude. How dare you yell at your boss on your first day?! Junmyeon, really I’d rather have no assistant until you return than to deal with someone like him!” Kyungsoo glares at Junmyeon’s brother.
“Someone like me?! Oh! please! Don’t flatter yourself too much! I’d rather go back to Busan than to work for someone like you!!!” Jongin glares back.
“Well, that is settled then, have a safe trip to Busan and Junmyeon, I’ll see you when you get back…”
“Ok, can we all just calm down. Kyungsoo, don’t worry, I’ll talk to Jongin…” Junmyeon finally interferes.
“Talk to me? But hyung…he was the one who insulted me first!” Jongin quickly defends himself.
“I was just merely asking an innocent question, you were the one who reacted violently…” Kyungsoo answers.
“Innocent question my ass! You were clearly insulting my skin color!” Jongin fires back again.
“Jongin, shut it!” Junmyeon scolds his brother and Jongin couldn’t help but pout for the unfair treatment.
“Awwww…poor puppy…” Kyungsoo taunts at Jongin’s pouting face.
“At least I’m a cute puppy and not a bitch like you.” Jongin mutters under his breath.
“Did you say something?!” Kyungsoo glares hard at the other.
Junmyeon rolled his eyes at their petty fight. “Ok, I’m just gonna show Jongin around your apartment so you can both cool off…” he didn’t wait for Kyungsoo to answer and dragged Jongin out of there.
“Hyung, are you really working for that kind of guy? I’ve been here for only fifteen minutes but it already feels like I am dealing with Miranda from ‘The Devil Wears Prada’.” Jongin immediately complains once they were out of earshot.
“Kyungsoo is a nice guy once you get to know him…he’s just…yeah a bit of a Miranda sometimes…” Junmyeon had the nerve to just laugh it out but Jongin can feel a severe headache coming…one that is named Kyungsoo.
“Why am I doing this again?”
“Because I am your brother and I trust you to keep my job for me until I get back…” Junmyeon was quick to answer.
“Well, you better return fast! Be thankful you are my brother, I’m only doing this for you…”
“Yeah, yeah… hyung is very grateful for this. Now, on with the house tour…” Junmyeon shows Jongin around and talked about Kyungsoo’s ‘rules’ as they go on.
For the next three days, Junmyeon trained Jongin to be Kyungsoo’s assistant.
Being Kyungsoo’s personal assistant wasn’t as hard as Jongin thought it would be. Kyungsoo is strict with punctuality and orderliness of his things and schedules, honestly Jongin understands that so whenever Kyungsoo scolds him for being late or bringing the wrong clothes, Jongin doesn’t sass back anymore. He also learned to differentiate whenever Kyungsoo was insulting someone or just joking around. It took a week for Jongin to fully get used to his new job.
“Jongin, do I have any other schedule for today?” They were on their way to Kyungsoo’s script reading and Kyungsoo was thinking of going somewhere afterwards.
“Nothing... but you have a photo shoot for Lotte tomorrow…” Jongin checks if he has the same memo on his own phone, he doesn’t want to have a repeat of what happened last week.
“Okay, then make reservations at Viva Polo tonight for four… we’re meeting my cousin Luhan and his boyfriend later…”
Jongin drops his phone at the mention of Luhan’s name and Kyungsoo didn’t miss the shock on Jongin’s face too.
“Hey, is something wrong?” Kyungsoo carefully observes his assistant who still couldn’t hide the shock on his face.
“D-do you have a picture of your cousin?” Jongin asks, silently praying that it was not the same ‘Luhan’ that Sehun left him for.
Although confused by Jongin’s question, Kyungsoo still opens his phone and shows a photo of his cousin to Jongin…again he hears Jongin gasp but this time there was irritation on his face.
“I don’t have to come with you, right?” Jongin asks.
“Of course, you have to come…Luhan knows Junmyeon and he actually wants to meet you. Why? Is something wrong? Do you know my cousin?”
“He is…” Their car stops and that’s when he noticed that they arrived at the venue. “Never mind, we’re here…” Jongin grabs his and Kyungsoo’s bag and opened the door for Kyungsoo.
Kyungsoo was suddenly curious about the way Jongin was acting but he have a job to do first so he decided that he’ll ask Jongin about it later. The script reading went by perfectly and soon Kyungsoo was boarding the van again and now he can interrogate Jongin further.
“So did you get the reservations I asked you to?”
“Ah, yes. Anyways, can I just drive you there and then fetch you after?”
“What’s the deal with you and this dinner, Jongin? Do you know my cousin?” Kyungsoo inquires but Jongin just remained quiet and avoided his boss’ gaze.
“Jongin, your boss is asking you a question, the least you could do is answer your boss.” Kyungsoo grins as he pulls the boss card again.
“Fine…” Jongin rolls his eyes at his ‘boss’. “Your cousin is the same Luhan that Sehun left me for and Sehun is probably the boyfriend that Luhan will be bringing tonight, so could you really blame for wanting to avoid this dinner at all cost?”
“Oh, I can see why Sehun choose my cousin…” Kyungsoo smirks.
“Excuse me?!” Jongin throws a scandalized look at Kyungsoo. “Sehun and I had been together for almost five years until that Luhan came and ruin it all!”
“Well, yeah Luhan can be a diva. He usually gets whatever he wants…”
“Now, I can see why he is your cousin…” Jongin comments and Kyungsoo quickly glares at him. “So... now you know my reason, can I not come?”
“Of course…you’ll still come with me…” Kyungsoo grins and he gets satisfaction when he hears Jongin groans.
“You’re really cruel, you know that?” Jongin folds his arms over his chest and pouts.
“Jongin, I’m giving you a chance to make Sehun see that you’re over him…”
“but I’m not over him yet…” Jongin confesses.
“Then act like you’re over him! Maybe if Sehun sees than you’re no longer in love with him, then maybe he’ll realize your worth and want you back… haven’t you think about that? And the best way, to prove that you’re over him is when you can face him and treat him like a stranger…” Kyungsoo smiles proudly at his suggestion.
Jongin thinks about Kyungsoo’s suggestion but he’s not sure if he can face Sehun and treat him like a stranger. “I don’t know if I can do it…”
“Of course, you can. I’m feeling generous today so I’ll help you…”Kyungsoo happily looks out the window, he’s excited to see his plan happening.
Later that night…
“Do you think I can really do this?” Jongin was fidgeting in his seat as the chauffeur parks the car.
“Jongin, be confident. You can do it, just remember the tips I gave you earlier…” Kyungsoo pats his shoulder.
“Okay… yes… I can do this!” Jongin tells himself.
When they enter the restaurant, Sehun and Luhan was already there waiting for them.
“Is this Junmyeon’s brother?” Luhan was the first one to greet them.
“Yes, this is Jongin…” Kyungsoo introduces his assistant as they take a seat. He smiles inwardly when a Luhan’s eyes grow wide.
Luhan looks questioningly at his boyfriend, then to Jongin and then back to his boyfriend… thinking if Junmyeon’s brother was also Sehun’s ex-boyfriend.
“Yes, I’m ‘that’ Jongin…” Jongin says as if he can read what’s on Luhan’s mind was.
“And he is?” Kyungsoo gestures for Luhan to introduce the man beside him.
“Ah, this is Sehun, my boyfriend”
“I’m Kyungsoo… and this is Jongin, my assistant…”
“If he is just your assistant then why is he here, I mean do you usually let your PA join personal dinners?” Sehun says, not minding if Jongin could hear it.
“You see Sehun, I value the people who work for me very much, especially if he is my personal assistant. They take care of me and make my life a lot easier so I give them the respect they deserve…” Kyungsoo answers instantly.
The table had gone quiet after that. Thankfully, the waiter comes to take their orders.
“Anyways Lu, how long have the two of you been together?” Kyungsoo jump starts the conversation again.
“Huh?” Luhan glances at Jongin again. “Uhm… six months…”
“Oh, so that’s how long you cheated on me huh…” Jongin lifted his gaze on Sehun but his face remains void of emotions.
“If you’re expecting an apology from me then let me tell you that it’s not happening…” Sehun bravely stares back at Jongin.
“Oh no… I don’t expect anything from you…” Jongin mockingly laughs. “For the five years that we’ve been together, I know how prideful you are. You are someone who wouldn’t admit your mistakes; so no… I don’t expect any apology from you. Six months? Eight months? A year? I honestly don’t care how long cheated on me. I’m just happy, I don’t have to deal with you anymore.” Jongin smiles victoriously.
Sehun was about to say something back but Kyungsoo’s alarm interrupts him. Kyungsoo reaches out for his phone and checks his notification.
“Jongin, didn’t I told you to remind me about tonight’s episode of Pretty Little Liars, good thing I wrote it on my phone.” Kyungsoo shows the notification to Jongin.
“Sorry Luhan but we need to go. They will finally be exposing who A is and that bitch needs to be dealt with.” Kyungsoo briefly looked at Sehun before smirking. “Sorry but we really need to go, don’t worry about the food, it’s on me…I’m friends with the owners, so just eat at your heart’s content…”
Kyungsoo smiles mischievously and then he and Jongin stands up and walks away. Once they reached their car, Kyungsoo let out a hearty laugh.
“I knew you had it in you, Jongin! Everything that you said to Sehun just screams ‘BURN! SEHUN BURN!’ and the look on Luhan’s face when he realized that you were Sehun’s ex… it was damn priceless…” Kyungsoo laughs loudly again.
“Thank you for letting me do this, Kyungsoo…but I don’t remember you telling me about the Pretty Little Liars thing…” Jongin scans his phone and checks if he missed any notifications.
“Relax, I just made that up…”
“But wouldn’t your cousin be mad about that, we kind of ditch them…”
“As if I care… wait didn’t Junmyeon told you, I hate my relatives specially Luhan.” Kyungsoo evilly laughs again. “I only invited Luhan for dinner just to ditch him for some tv show, your drama with Sehun was just a bonus…”
“So you planned these all along? Wow Junmyeon was right…”
“About?”
That you’re the son of Satan.
”…Nothing…but again, thank you for today.”
“Anyways, did it felt good treating your ex like that?” Kyungsoo was too happy to let Jongin’s previous comment slide.
“Surprisingly yes…”
“So do you still want him back?”
“Honestly no, he’s not even sorry for cheating on me. Tonight was a big realization for me; I don’t really deserve him… I’m really glad we’re over.”
“Well then, that’s good to hear…”
The whole Sehun incident served as an icebreaker to Jongin and Kyungsoo’s working relationship. Since that day the two became comfortable with each other. Little by little, Jongin was starting to see the ‘good guy’ in Kyungsoo that Junmyeon had always been talking about.
On the third week of Jongin’s job, Kyungsoo caught some flu and Jongin had to cancel some of his photo shoots. Kyungsoo being Kyungsoo stubbornly dismiss Jongin’s suggestion to go to the hospital because according to him, the last thing he wants to deal with when he’s sick are paparazzo sneaking in to his hospital room. So poor Jongin was left with no choice but to stay in Kyungsoo’s apartment and check on him from time to time until Kyungsoo gets better. Good thing Baekhyun, Kyungsoo’s helper, was there to cook for the actor or else Jongin would have burnt the kitchen.
However, it’s been four days and Kyungsoo was not getting better. Even the private doctor that Jongin hired advised that Kyungsoo should be taken to the hospital. Still, Kyungsoo was being stubborn so Jongin decided to take drastic measures.
While Kyungsoo was sleeping, Jongin carefully carries him and sneaks him to the hospital. Kyungsoo was too groggy from the medication to fully understand what happened but when he fully wakes up in his hospital room… Jongin was the one to deal with his ‘wrath’.
“KIM JONGIN!!!” Kyungsoo tries his best to scream in his very hoarse voice but still it effectively wakes up Jongin, who immediately sit up from his sleeping position on the couch.
“WHAT THE HELL! Didn’t I tell you not to take me to the hospital?!”
“But Kyungsoo, you’re not getting any better at home. Junmyeon hyung will kill me if I don’t take care of you properly. If it’s the paparazzi that you’re worrying about, I’ve already asked for a tight security and no one can visit you but me or Baekhyun. Is it really the paparazzi that scares you?”
“Don’t you dare give that look, Jongin! I am not afraid of hospitals!” Kyungsoo defensively yells at his assistant.
“I never said you were…” Jongin answers back but then he realized something. “Wait, is that it? You don’t want to go to the hospital because you were scared of it?”
“Shut it Jongin… I don’t want to talk about just get me out of here fast!” Kyungsoo immediately avoids Jongin’s gaze.
“No, you need proper medical attention and this is where you need to be. I won’t ask for the reason of your fear but I won’t let that fear interfere with these kinds of situations. I don’t know what you are scared of but I’m here… I’ll stay with you until your doctors gives you a go signal to come home.” Jongin says with full authority that Kyungsoo couldn’t even think of any rebuttal.
“Good…” Jongin says after Kyungsoo didn’t talk back. “Now, do you want anything?”
“To get better and get out of here fast!”
“Yeah, I’m with you on that… now be a good patient and follow the doctor’s orders” Jongin smiles victoriously while Kyungsoo pouts in his bed.
Kyungsoo just got back from his three day stay at the hospital. Honestly, he was thankful for Jongin’s determination to take him to the hospital, if it weren’t for his assistant, his sickness could have gone really worse. So being the generous employer that he is, Kyungsoo treats Jongin with buckets of chicken and beer.
Jongin was like a child on Christmas morning when he saw the three buckets of chicken laid in front of him.
“Wow! Buckets and buckets of chicken… what’s the occasion…” Jongin closes his eyes and inhales the aroma of the fried chicken.
“Nothing…just a simple thank you for saving my life…” Kyungsoo goes over his kitchen counter to grab the ice that he prepared beforehand for the beers.
“It was the doctors that saved you, not me…” Jongin automatically replies but his eyes and mind were really focused on the chicken.
“Yeah… but you’re the one who brought me to the hospital so thank you.” Kyungsoo pushes a bucket towards Jongin only to pull it back again. “Unless you don’t like this…but it’s okay, I’m sure the kids next door would love free chicken…” Kyungsoo teases.
“Who said I don’t want it!” Jongin pulls and hugs one bucket in his arms before grabbing a piece and bites on it excitedly.
Kyungsoo chuckles at the scene. “I was right from the very start… you are a puppy Jongin…”
For once, Jongin let Kyungsoo’s comment slide… he was too happy with his beloved chicken to care.
After two empty buckets and almost a dozen of beers, Jongin was drunk and his stomach was bloated.
“You’re the best boss!” Jongin drunkenly screams. “Do you know that you have cute lips too? It forms a heart when you smile….” Jongin tries to make a heart gesture with his hands but he is too drunk to complete the heart.
“Jongin, stop screaming, the neighbors might hear you.” Kyungsoo was starting to regret letting his assistant drink.
“So what let them hear me!!!” Jongin stands up on the table and happily dances.
“Jongin!” Kyungsoo pulls his assistant down. “Gosh, what will it take for you to shut up!”
“That’s easy Soo…” Jongin laughs and moved closer to Kyungsoo. “Kiss me…I want to feel how soft your lips are” Jongin drunkenly traces Kyungsoo’s lips with his fingers.
However when Jongin withdraws his fingers, Kyungsoo suddenly grabbed him by the neck and crashed their lips together.
Their first kiss was rough and rushed; they both pull away at the same time, only because of the lack of air. They looked into each other’s eyes, their forehead pressed on each other… breathing rugged and gasping for air.
“Soo, your lips are so soft…” Jongin’s trembling hands reached out for Kyungsoo’s lips. “C-can I kiss you again?’
“Yes, please…”
This time, they took their time to savor each other’s lips. No words were exchange, they just acted on their own urges and maybe their own feelings too.
The next day was awkward, yes… all they did was make out but that didn’t change the fact that they indeed spend hours kissing each other but Kyungsoo being a professional brushed the awkwardness off and just focused on his job.
No one spoke about the events last night; they only talk to each other if it’s about their work. Kyungsoo was invited to throw the honorary first pitch with his leading lady from his last movie. After their pitch, Kyungsoo and Soo Hyun stayed to watch the game and just like any other baseball game, there was a kiss cam during half time.
As expected, the camera was focused on them and everyone in stadium cheered on as the two actors looked at each other… Kyungsoo smiling and silently asking for permission and as Soo Hyun slightly nods, they pressed their lips together. It was for publicity and they both know it, they kissed one too many times in their movie and another one won’t make any difference. It was just an act… it is what they do.
However, one young man isn’t happy about it. Jongin was quiet the whole time and when they reached Kyungsoo’s apartment… Jongin finally speaks up.
“Do you really have to kiss her?” Jongin folded his arms on his chest as he confronts the other.
“It was a kiss cam, everyone expected us to kiss…” Kyungsoo nonchalantly answers.
“But do you really have to kiss her on the lips? Why can’t you just kiss her on her cheeks instead?” Jongin was pouting by now.
“If I did that, they will just ask for another one, until we gave them what they want…”
“You don’t know that…a kiss on the cheeks is still a kiss… they could live with that. It’s not like she’s your girlfriend to lock your lips in public…” Jongin continue to rant and that was when Kyungsoo noticed Jongin’s irritation.
“Why are you so worked up by that kiss anyway? It’s not like I have to ask for your permission before I kiss someone right?” Kyungsoo raises his eyebrows , judging the way Jongin was getting mad at him.
“Is this about the kiss last night? Jongin… it was just a kiss…” Kyungsoo laughs mockingly. “…but it doesn’t change the fact that I’m your boss and you’re just my assistant…don’t think about the kiss too much.”
An initial shock registered on Jongin’s face but he immediately got over it and put on a strong face.
“Yeah, you’re right… BOSS. I’m sorry for stepping out of my boundaries, it won’t happen again.” Jongin said coldly then he disappears to the kitchen to prepare the take-outs.
Jongin goes back to the living room, after a few minutes. “I’ve already arranged the take -outs on the table, is there anything else that you need me for, boss?”
“Well then, let’s go eat now…” Kyungsoo stands up from the couch and was about to head to the kitchen to eat.
“I remembered I have to do something, can I go now, boss?”
“I thought we are gonna eat this all?” Kyungsoo looks at him in confusion.
“Sorry, boss… something came up… can I just go?” Jongin reasons out and when Kyungsoo didn’t say anything anymore, he picks his bag on the floor and head out of Kyungsoo’s apartment.
Is he mad at me because of the kiss? Kyungsoo asks himself as he tries to finish four serving of Chinese take-out.
Later that night, Kyungsoo received a call from Jongin asking if he could take the day off on the next day since Kyungsoo doesn’t have a schedule. Not thinking too much about it… Kyungsoo agrees.
Kyungsoo have an early schedule, the day after Jongin’s day off and Kyungsoo was already up and was getting dressed when he hears his apartment door opening and closing.
“I gave you a rest day yesterday and this is how you’re gonna repay it?... by being late, Jongin?” Kyungsoo scolds from his walk-in closet, loud enough for Jongin to hear who was probably in the living room.
“I’m sorry, Kyungsoo… I’m still getting use to the different time zone…” Junmyeon appears before him and Kyungsoo was momentarily surprised.
“Junmyeon? What are you doing here?”
“Well, I’m your personal assistant remember?”
“I know that, but where is Jongin? I thought that you won’t be back until Saturday. Did something bad happened on your trip?” Kyungsoo asks him, he was a bit confused by the situation.
“Nothing bad happened, it’s just that Jongin called the other day saying that he have to go back to Busan immediately. An important client called him and he said he can’t turn it down so I cut my trip short but don’t worry Jongdae and I really enjoyed our trip…” Junmyeon happily explains but Kyungsoo was clearly feeling the opposite.
“Ah, okay…” Kyungsoo says lifelessly. That bastard didn’t even said goodbye
“Are you ready? Let’s go?” Junmyeon excitedly fixes his shirt for him and prepares Kyungsoo’s things for his schedule.
Kyungsoo tries not to think about it, he tells himself that he doesn’t miss a certain someone who can devour two buckets of chicken in one sitting. He is doesn’t thinking about a certain someone when he sees Baekhyun carrying a brown puppy. He doesn’t miss the way someone pouts like a kid whenever he get scolded.
NOPE Kyungsoo definitely isn’t missing Jongin… nope… that was not happening…nope… definitely not---
“Arrrrrggghhh! You bastard! Would it be too much for you to call me before leaving!!!” Kyungsoo screams in his room in the middle of the night. He has an early schedule the next day but sleep won’t come to him.
It’s been a week since Junmyeon came back but Kyungsoo feels like something was missing. He tried calling Jongin several just to scold him for not properly saying goodbye but his calls always went straight to voicemail.
He often thinks for a reason why Jongin left without even saying goodbye and why his absence is affecting him so much. It’s a foreign feeling and Kyungsoo wants so badly to understand it.
Jongin’s peaceful sleep was disturbed by the incessant knocking on his new apartment door. He lazily got up from his bed and was ready to scold whoever son of Satan that ruined his wonderful sleep.
“Who the hell---“Jongin stops from his supposed to be rant when he sees who was at the door.
“It’s already midday and it looked like you just woke up, I thought you have a client…”
“He backed out, anyways how did you get here? Did Junmyeon gave you my address? And most importantly what are you doing here?” Jongin raises his eyebrows at Kyungsoo.
“I need a dance teacher…” Kyungsoo smugly answers.
“I have a friend that is based in Seoul, I’ll just give him a call, I’ll leave Junmyeon’s number to him too…”
“I don’t want anyone… I want you…”
“I can’t… I don’t want to…”
“Why?”
“Because you’re a jerk!” Jongin boldly answers.
“How did I become a jerk?” Kyungsoo defensively replies.
“Do you even have to ask that?!”
“Yes, now tell me why…why can’t you work for me again?”
“You want my honest answer?”
“Of course!”
“Fine, I can’t work for you again because I don’t want to work for someone that I’m starting to fall in love with, especially if that someone is a jerk who won’t let anyone in his life. It’s better to stay away while I still can. There, I said it! Can you leave me alone now?” Jongin steps back and was about to close the door on him but Kyungsoo stopped it.
“Are you just going to give up like that?” Kyungsoo stares at him challengingly.
“What? It’s not like you see me the same way, I’m just your assistant right?” Jongin fires back.
“So this is about that…” Kyungsoo chuckles.
“Look, if you’re just gonna insult me…”
“Jongin! would you let me finish?!” Kyungsoo glares at the other, which effectively shut Jongin up. “Do you think that I would go all the way here to Busan just for a dance teacher? Do you think I can’t just ask Junmyeon to call you and get your sorry ass back to Seoul?”
“Point is?”
“My point is… I think I’m starting to fall too…” Kyungsoo lifted his head and looked straight into Jongin’s eyes.
“So why won’t we…” Kyungsoo steps forward and reached for Jongin’s hand, his heart-shaped lips very prominent as he smiles genuinely.
“Give it a try…”