Stray Cardboard Boxes (13/?)
13
The coffee mug was empty for the third time that day. He placed it back down and averted his gaze back to the computer screen. It was one of those busy days at the office. One of the busiest if he wasn’t mistaken. The office was packed with workers, but it seemed like none of them were physically present. Hidden away in their cubicles as they typed away furiously on their computers.
He already hated the day, glad that it was almost over. He knew his job wasn’t the most interesting. It was a publishing company after all. It wasn’t really what he wanted to do anyways. The job had been another one of those few opportunities and he had seized it. Korea was just a big opportunity to earn money to send back home. It was also a chance at a new life.
He really wanted to open a dance school.
_
Lee Sungmin was not happy to say the least. The man had been up since five in the morning due to unfinished work. He had slept only four hours and knew he had bags under his eyes. His hair was a mess and his clothes were wrinkle, he was not happy.
A string of curses flew out of the pink loving man’s mouth as he slammed his fingers down on the keys, wishing the day would be over. Just as he was about to hit the close button, he was interrupted.
“What is it Hae?”
He didn’t need to look to know it was his friend. The younger man always had the tendency to pop up whenever he was in a bad mood.
Sensing that his friend was in a distress, he bounced over to where the man was seated.
“Cheer up, Minnie. The yearly Christmas party is coming. So turn that frown upside down and you should really do something about those bags under your eyes.” He laughed softly as he dodged the hand, slinking over to the other side.
“I don’t know why everyone is so gloomy today. I’m not and you shouldn’t be either.”
Sungmin glared at his beaming friend, knowing Donghae was well rested and not stressing out. Hell, the man always had the least work. He didn’t know how that happened. Even the Eunhyuk was swamped, and he was new.
“Why is it that you always have little to no work?!” He hissed out as he threw a glare at the computer screen.
Donghae shrugged and leaned against the wall as he looked around idly. “I don’t know. Most of the work goes to Kibum or something. I don’t know why. Oh well!” A bright smile adorned his face as he looked to the man.
“You mean that weirdo? Honestly, I don’t know why you talk to him. He’s so weird…and quiet!” He rolled his eyes and gave the younger man a look. “Doesn’t he freak you out sometimes?”
A blank stare along with a smile was returned and he sighed, knowing that of course, it was Donghae after all. The man named his fishes and was trying to teach them how to dance.
“You know, he’s not so bad once you get to know him. He’s actually really nice! I mean, really! Except, maybe when Geng is around he gets a little weird. Hey, is that a wrinkle on your face?”
“Hae. Shut up and get out.”
_
The tray of hot cocoa was carefully balanced as he walked. Taking a peek inside the cubical, he smiled softly.
“Ah, Geng? I made some cocoa, would you like some?
The older man turned around, a smile on his tired features as he beckoned the male over. “That would be nice, thank you.” He said softly, watching the cup being transferred to him.
“I don’t see how you can take all this work. You really are amazing, Wookie.” The Chinese man chuckled softly as he stared down at the warm mug in his hands.
“It’s not a problem really. I just do what I can. Really.” He blushed and looked to the side, slightly embarrassed at the compliment.
“Anyways, I got to get these to the others.” He motioned to the tray. “Take it easy Geng.”
He walked out, a bounce to his step as he sighed softly, shoulders sagging. The young male grinned, laughing softly to himself as he turned the corner. He was smooth, he didn’t stutter, and Geng had called him amazing too!
_
It was 5:30 and he was just about to leave. A tired yawn escaped his lips as he ran a hand through his hair, cringing at the greasy feel. He needed a shower.
“Hey, wait.”
Hearing the voice, Geng paused and turned around. He saw the younger male come into view, a hesitant look on his features.
“I need to talk to you. Can I come with you?”
He blinked and gave the man a confused look, nodding anyways.
“Sure thing, Kibum.”
_
Geng wasn’t sure why he had invited Kibum home or why he had even said yes. They were co-workers, acquaintances, nothing more.
“Sorry about the mess. My friend wanted to decorate my apartment. He said it was too plain for his taste.” He rolled his eyes at the thought, remembering the look of shock on Heechul’s face when he had told the male that he was not celebrating Christmas this year. The man wouldn’t have it and had purchased the decorations and tree, out of Geng’s own account that is. He didn’t know how the male had gotten a hold of his credit card.
“Take a seat. I’ll get you some tea.”
“If it’s not a problem for you.” Kibum mumbled as he took a seat down on the couch. He looked around and noticed that there were stacks of boxes in the living room that the man had mentioned.
Handing the cup of tea to Kibum, he sat down and reached for his own cup.
“I had the impression that you had a dog, but it doesn’t seem to be around anymore…”
He shrugged, eyeing his cup of tea before looking back to the male. “It comes and goes. Anyways, you said you had something to talk about?”
“Yes, that. You know, I really don’t know what to say.” He placed the cup down and walked over to where Geng was. Sitting down next to the man, he leaned forward, and placed a hand on the older man’s shoulder.
Geng stiffened at the contact, eyes locked onto Kibum’s brown ones.
“Hey, what are you doing?”
He smiled and Geng was surprised that it wasn’t one of his creepy mysterious smiles, but just a plain one.
It seemed as if he had lost ability to control his body as he watched the younger man lean even closer until their lips touched.
“Yah! What do you think you’re doing!?”
A screech followed by loud footsteps and soon Kibum was off of him. Blinking, he looked over to the man who had came in, and sighed.
“Heechul. For once, thank God that you came.” He mumbled softly to unheard ears as he looked to the man and then to Kibum.
“What do you think you’re doing to my Hannie, you pervert?! I should have you thrown in jail if you weren’t so cute.”
Geng blinked, averting his eyes back to the man.
“Hey! Aren’t you suppose to be kicking him out!?”
The Chinese male sighed softly and stared at his friend before averting his attention to his co-worker. “Kibum, out. Please. I have too much to think about and none of my thoughts want to deal with you at the moment. I’ll let that kiss slide, but next time I won’t be so lenient.” He got up and motioned the male to the door. Geng didn’t understand why all this unnecessary trouble was brought on him. Was he some kind of dictator in his past life?
Gazing at the older man, Kibum shrugged, and stuck his hands in his pockets before making his slow walk towards the door. “I understand, but just to tell you. I think you’re making a bad decision and it’s not about me. I probably haven’t been direct enough, but I do like you Geng.”
He smiled and left, the door slamming shut.
“That was pretty cliché. It’s like I’m in some kind of bad soap opera and I’m not the main character!”
Sighing, he looked at the man.
“Heechul, shut up. Please.”
_
Walking, Geng thought, was his new best friend. It was better than coffee and buckets of red bean ice cream. You don’t get high on coffee and you don’t gain weight. If you are lucky you lose weight from the walking. Overall, it was a great way to clear his head.
It was around eight o’clock at night when he had decided to go for a walk. The streets were crowded as usual and the same neon signs flashed on and off, beckoning him to take a gander at their stores. He ignored all of those, taking his thoughts into account for once. He had realized that he hadn’t been thinking as much as he should have.
Siwon or Kyuhyun?
“Damn it. Of course it’s Siwon! Kyuhyun was only…” Growling softly, he shook his head furiously, earning a few looks from people.
“Geng, don’t be an idiot. It’s Siwon. He’s always the one you wanted. Good looking, good personality, and well off. What more can a guy ask? It’s a no brainer.” He nodded to himself and shoved his hands into his pockets, quickening his pace.
But, he felt comfortable around his pet dog. He knew it wasn’t really his pet dog, but a human being. To be exact, it was a snarky, hormonal college student. It was simply Kyuhyun and that’s what matters. Was it really all that mattered?
Siwon. Siwon. Siwon.
Kyuhyun?
Siwon?
Kyuhyun or Siwon?!
He stopped in front of a random store, glaring at the display without meaning to.
“Oh for fuck’s sake! Just kill one of them already and I’ll take the leftover!”
“Jeez, what did the fishes ever do to you?”
And there he was, the object of his frustration decked in a simple pair of worn jeans and a plain tee shirt.
All thoughts had gone South.
“I wasn’t…talking about the fishes, Siwon.”
It was just his luck really because for once he was not thrilled to see the man. He smiled anyways and hoped the conversation would be short and to the point. He needed time to think.
The taller man quirked an eyebrow and smiled. “Really now? It seems to me you had a tough decision on the fishes.”
Looking through the window, he realized that he was standing in front of a fish store. Shaking his head in amusement, Geng gave the man a tired smile before eyeing the two fishes swimming in their tank.
“So I’m in a dilemma.” He began and glanced to the male. Siwon nodded and stayed quiet, allowing Geng to continue.
He took a deep breath before taking his hands out of his pockets and pointed to the bigger of the two fishes.
“You see, I always wanted a certain type of fish. The fish has all the qualities I wanted and I couldn’t be any luckier if I got the fish. Turns out I can afford the fish.” He looked back at him; Siwon was nodding.
“But then there’s this fish that came out of nowhere.” His finger glided to the smaller fish.
“It’s an okay fish. I never really thought about this type of fish, but it doesn’t mean it’s a bad fish. Like I said, the fish just came out of nowhere. It doesn’t have the qualities I like that the big fish has. This fish is a different. It has bad qualities actually, qualities that are rather annoying. You get me?”
Geng wasn’t sure if Siwon was really getting it. The man had a serious look on his face and was nodding every so often. He was wondering if the man had zoned out.
He continued anyway.
“But you see, I’ve come to terms with the small fish. Despite the bad qualities, I actually like the fish. The problem is that I always had my sights on the big fish with the qualities I always liked. Now…I don’t know which fish to get and I can only get one because that’s all I can afford.”
Chuckling softly, he shook his head, and looked away. “You probably think I’m really weird, Siwon.”
“Maybe and I don’t get what you’re saying, but I think it depends on who you like more. Which fish do you like more? Which fish you’re comfortable with?”
Geng looked at him.
“Maybe that’s the problem. I don’t know who I like more and who I’m more comfortable with.”
_
He did not know why he was wandering out and about. Cho Kyuhyun was not one to wander the streets out when he knew he had plenty of time to reminisce and play Starcraft. He only had a week or so left until it was time to leave.
It didn’t really matter that he was wandering around; it was the fact that he had not spoken to Geng ever since he was kicked out.
“You got kicked out.”
Kyuhyun didn’t need to turn around to know who was addressing him.
“All thanks to you, Kibum. What do you want?” He heard footsteps and felt a hand on his shoulder. Turning around, he eyed the older man warily. “On impulse, I fell for your trick, but this time I’m not going to allow myself to be so stupid. One mess up cost me everything.”
“Relax, I’m not here to see you fuck up. Apparently you’re already good at that.”
He narrowed his eyes and took a step forward. “Then what do you want?”
“To talk?”
“I heard that one before. Try again.”
Kibum scoffed and looked to the side. “Well, it’s certainly not because I’m attracted to you.”
He wrinkled his nose in disgust and took a step back.
Raising an eyebrow at Kyuhyun’s retreat, he shrugged, and turned away.
“I’m just telling you that you’re at least an option.” Taking a glance at the man, he smirked. “Don’t let that get to your head, I’m still sore over the fact that a scrawny, broke college student beat me to it. You should watch yourself.”
He gave a half-hearted wave before walking away.
Kyuhyun watched him go, a puzzled expression fixed on his pale face.
“I’m only an option?”
_
The walk to Geng’s place was not long. He just didn’t know how he had got there. Kyuhyun only remember walking away after running into Kibum. He had been so lost in thought that he had allowed his feet to take him anywhere. Stopping, he glared at the building and sighed.
“I’m starting to act like a dog. Geng, what have you done to me?” He mumbled as he looked to the ground and kicked the air.
Shoving his hands in his pockets, he looked back at the building. He knew exactly what floor Geng lived on and more specifically which window it was that he was currently staring at. The pots of plants and dead flowers were a sure giveaway. Geng was a murderer when it came to all things green, which was why he always ended up throwing them away or out the window.
Kyuhyun closed his eyes.
Thoughts flooded his mind, scattered memories appearing out of nowhere. It was irritating. He glared at the window, the lights were off. Geng wasn’t home.
“He still has my bear.”
Giving the window one last look, he shook his head, and walked away. Kyuhyun wasn’t sure if he wanted to get the bear back.
The idea hung heavily in his head throughout the night.
_
To Be Continued…
A/N: I ask for forgiveness and hope that there are still people who will read this. I apologize for any grammar mistakes that you might run into. And yes, the chapter is a little short. I’m sorry for that too. It’s been forever since I posted! And well, I believe next chapter will be the last.