Crash Then A Crush
Crash Then A Crush
For: chenhuns
Rating: PG-13 (for cursing)
Length: 5582 words
Summary: College!AU. Luhan is shameless and Kyungsoo isn't as scary as he thinks he is.
Author's Note: Hello! For my recipient, I loved all of your prompts but this particular one just screamed at me so I hope you'll like it!
He really has never done this before, he swears. He's not one of the college's top student for nothing. It's not a reputation he gets by skipping classes, getting drunk at parties and leaving assignments until the last minute. Definitely not.
But somehow for some reason (which shall be named later), he manages to do all three in just under a week. His parents might go into shock if they ever hear of this, which they won't because he'll make sure of it. But that is the least of his problems for now.
Point is, it's Sunday, too early in the morning for him to be awake much less be slumped on his desk with his laptop glaring brightly in front him, Microsoft Word 2011 opened and at the bottom read a small and sad 'Words: 131 of 131.'
That's all he's gotten so far.
He still has at least approximately 6869 words left to write and about five hours left to do it when this particular assignment will be due. Of course it shouldn't be hard to accomplish, come on he's Do Kyungsoo - self-proclaimed genius, always ranked first in class and stealer of every ahjumma's hearts since 1993 but even someone as perfect as he is has no way of escaping the hangover caused by a night of drinking. The headache is more than good enough of a proof.
And so the reason for all his troubles (and you can breathe easy now) is the one and only Byun Baekhyun. That's right, it's always him - Kyungsoo's best friend (self-proclaimed), grades just barely there and every ahjumma's nightmare since 1992. If it wasn't for him Kyungsoo would still be having sweet dreams right now.
He was on his bed the night before, freshly showered and smelling like all things good with a laptop perched on his lap. He need only click play before his usual Saturday night movie marathon could start. It's his lifestyle choice, there is no need to judge. But curses upon his seven generations, Baekhyun had barged in loudly and unceremoniously closed the lid of his laptop and in a blink of an eye, a pair of dark skinny jeans and a V-neck tee is flung at him. He couldn't even protest before Baekhyun forced him to change and in less than ten minutes, they were out of the dorm building and were heading to some house party.
Of course he could have easily left the party, it's a walking distance from his dorm after all but since the moment he gulped down the drink Baekhyun had passed him, it's apple juice he said, Kyungsoo couldn't remember much after that. From the looks of it however, he ended up drinking a lot more of the 'apple juice' than he should have.
Getting drunk at a party - check.
As for the skipping classes bit, there's actually a good explanation to it. He was sick, couldn't even get out of bed. Simple as that. Still Baekhyun's fault though. There must be a Kyungsoo shaped voodoo doll somewhere in Baekhyun's room or a bacterial culture he uses to infect him. Nothing else make sense really.
Skipping classes - check.
Therefore, since he missed a few particularly important classes, he also did not get some of the assignments that were handed out. So regretfully, he had asked Baekhyun to take care of it for him seeing that they share the same classes anyway.
He shouldn't have is what he belatedly realized.
Because after talking with one of his course mates at the party last night, he found out that one of the assignment for Professor Park wasn't due in two weeks like he had thought but in fact in about twelve hours. That was seven hours ago.
Which brings us back to the current situation. (And oh, leaving assignments until the last minute - check.)
It is safe to say that Kyungsoo is in a foul mood. No one in their right mind would want to be around him when he's like this. His roommate Jongin must have some kind of psychic powers for he decided to go back home for the weekend. It was a good call, he should be president.
Somebody else unfortunately doesn't know this.
He has only written another sixty words since the last time he looked at the word count when his hopes of doing his work in peace is crashed. Kind of literally.
Too focused on staring at the computer screen, he didn't see the ball heading towards his direction, much less react to it. Next thing he knows, there is a loud resounding crash as the ball flies through his window, knocking on some of the things on his desk and eventually rolling off to the floor and under his bed.
The next moment is a blur for multiple reasons. There's still the sleepiness clouding his entire being, the headache from the hangover that not even the coffee he made earlier could help and most importantly the thin layer of smoke now coming from his laptop which is by the way soaked from said coffee.
"Fuck."
He didn't think that that could actually happen in real life, especially not his. It could be just steam from the coffee though, it was still rather hot. But smoke or not, his laptop is definitely ruined since now he's only looking at a blank screen. No more sentences on a digital piece of paper and an annoying blinking cursor pressuring him to write some more.
"Fuck."
He's never sworn so much in such little time but the situation calls for it. He's definitely in trouble now. Thoughts about the ball is actually pushed further back in his mind despite the fresh morning breeze now coming in freely to the small room because of it.
That is until there's knocking on the door, loud enough for him to hear but not too much that it can wake up the entire floor. Too late for that however because the crash earlier was pretty deafening it itself.
Kyungsoo has a half mind to ignore it already because there are more pressing matters at hand as he with shaking hands pushes on the power button on the laptop. Nothing happens. He groans out loud and the knocking stops all of a sudden. Hopefully the person has given up.
He decides to try again because it's possible that he didn't actually press the switch the first time, being slightly hungover and all but just before his finger could reach the button once more, the knocking starts again. His growl this time could make a baby cry, hands fisted at his sides as he finally stands up and goes towards the door.
"WHAT?" he more or less screams at the intruder, uncaring as to who could it be because even the dean would still be asleep right now.
Standing there is a pretty boy, hand freezing in the air mid knock and jaw slack, most likely shocked by the not even lukewarm welcome.
"Hi?"
Kyungsoo takes a deep breath in order not to vent his anger on this boy because despite his wrong timing he seems innocent enough, "What do you want?"
"Umm can I have my ball back?"
Either surprised by the sudden intake of his breath or the redness now swarming Kyungsoo's face, the boy takes a step back, still smiling hesitantly all the while.
"That was your ball?" Kyungsoo grits through his teeth, fingernails now digging painfully into his skin but he can hardly feel it over the rage storming within him.
As soon as the boy nods his head, Kyungsoo walks surprisingly calmly back into the room and the boy takes the opened wide door as a sign to follow. This one's not so smart, Kyungsoo thinks.
Recalling that the ball went under the bed, Kyungsoo curses once more and the boy flinches a little at that. Thankfully the ball didn't go too far to the back that he has to use a stick or the boy's limb (that he wouldn't mind dismembering) to reach but still he has no choice but to bend down and stretch his arm out before he can roll it back out. Blame his still slow brain function for not asking the boy to get the ball himself. It is his ball after all.
When he stands back up and is ready to hand the ball, the boy is gulping and Kyungsoo finds the movement of his Adam's apple distracting for some reason.
The boy accepts the ball wordlessly from his hands and yet make no move to scramble out of the room which any sane person would be doing by now. Instead he starts to grin widely at Kyungsoo, not relenting even when he just glares back, "I'm Luhan, you are?"
"It's none of your business," Kyungsoo hisses sharply, his anger not settling at all, "Could you leave."
It wasn't a question, it's an order and Kyungsoo is 100% sure it sounds like one too with the way his voice had sounded to his ears but this Luhan is one stubborn boy. He only moved like an inch to the back when Kyungsoo stepped forward earlier in his attempt to intimidate. Obviously it doesn't work, no thanks to his smaller stature.
Moving on to plan B aka 'don't intimidate, instigate', which he literally just made up because he's clever like that, Kyungsoo starts to push Luhan with hands on the other's surprisingly firm notthatheisenjoyingit chest. It's not that difficult because Luhan isn't resisting and soon enough Luhan is only a few steps away from the door and his already disastrous Sunday.
But at that moment Luhan sees something over his shoulder and that's when Kyungsoo feels Luhan struggling against him.
"Oh shit, is that your laptop? Is it because of the ball?"
To his credit, Luhan does look genuinely shocked and guilty as he easily swerves around Kyungsoo and walks to his desk to look at the damage. The keyboard is drenched and his mug is still lying on its side by the laptop. No IQ over a hundred needed to know what happened there.
Kyungsoo doesn't answer the questions, he's not sure if he wants to when Luhan shrieks, "It won't start!"
Just like earlier, Luhan had tried to switch it on but the result is the same. He turns dramatically to face Kyungsoo again, mouth and eyes open wide in shock. Kyungsoo would find it funny if this had been on a different day. Or a different universe most likely.
Realising that Luhan doesn't show any sign of doing anything else (read: get the hell out of his room) Kyungsoo decides to satisfy his curiosity, "Yes it's dead because of your ball. Now could you leave so I can figure out how to not fail my course?"
Despite mumbling the last bit, Luhan doesn't fail to hear it. In fact he breaks out of his trance of staring and gaping at him like a fish and swiftly grabs a towel from his backpack and begins to wipe out the stain. Kyungsoo just hopes it's a clean towel.
Then he closes the lid, lifts it up and without warning grabs Kyungsoo with his free hand and drags him out. They're already going down the stairs when Kyungsoo's mind finally catches up to him and he struggles to be freed.
"What are you doing?" he snarls once Luhan finally let go.
"I know someone who can help fix this," Luhan says, raising the laptop higher in his arm as if Kyungsoo doesn't know what he meant.
He makes a move to grab Kyungsoo's arm again but he just thrashes like a mad man until Luhan gives up and just signals for Kyungsoo to follow.
A few minutes later, they're in another dorm building which Kyungsoo knows is mostly for seniors and then he finds himself in someone's room. It's Luhan's from the looks of it because he did use his key to open the door.
The room is as messy as his own, well Jongin's side to be specific but Luhan doesn't seem to be embarrassed about it whatsoever as he throws the ball and his backpack to one of the beds. In the other, Kyungsoo notices a peacefully sleeping figure hidden under the covers but not for long because Luhan is pulling said cover, exposing a half naked slowly awakening figure instead.
"Yixing, emergency! I need your help!"
This Yixing must either be a very good friend or has slept for a full year or just has a truckload of patience because he sits up immediately with no complaints, only rubbing his eyes groggily, "What's wrong?"
Luhan then begins to explain the whole ordeal as Kyungsoo stands there silently, he doesn't think Yixing even notice he's there yet. Apparently Luhan has been playing football at the park next to Kyungsoo's dorm building with a friend when he somehow manages to defy the laws of Physics. Yixing just nods attentively as Luhan goes on about Kyungsoo needing to do some work on a Sunday morning (Kyungsoo pretends he doesn't hear the incredulity in Luhan's voice as he says that) and therefore he needs Yixing to help fix the laptop.
Finally, Yixing looks up at Kyungsoo and smiles serenely as if to assure him that he's got it. Kyungsoo doesn't believe in miracles but he thinks he's going to find one. Luhan cheers, handing over the laptop to Yixing and walks over to Kyungsoo.
"Sit," he gently orders, pushing him down to one of the chairs as he himself sits besides Yixing.
Soon begins the moment of truth as both Kyungsoo and Luhan anxiously watch as Yixing flip and turn the laptop around, examining every surface and corner, brows furrowed in concentration. Kyungsoo is already in awe because it felt like watching a master at work and he's just an undeserving intruder.
Yixing then nods his head in contemplation and gently places the laptop on the desk next to his bed. He carefully lifts the lid open, eyes widening ever so slightly at the sight. Kyungsoo's heart rate picks up when Yixing shakes his head but then his expression brightens suddenly as if blessed with a sudden ingenuity. Thank heavens, Kyungsoo thinks.
From where he's sitting Kyungsoo can't see what he's doing but it seems suspiciously like Yixing is pressing the button at the top right corner of the keyboard where the power switch should be.
It felt like an eternity has passed but reality is it has only been a minute and a half since Yixing is in possession of the laptop when at last he sighs heavily, "It's broken for good."
Kyungsoo's faith in cute dimpled boys vanishes there and then.
The silence that follows is tense, to him at least because Yixing just shrugs and pushes Luhan off his bed as he gets reacquainted with sleep. Luhan looks at him guiltily and to Kyungsoo's dismay it's just that. There's no nervousness or fear for his life despite Kyungsoo projecting his scariest glare to day yet.
Kyungsoo stands up slowly so he won't have to strain his neck anymore, the fury from earlier coming back in full force, "This is all your fault!"
Kyungsoo doesn't stop even when Luhan calls out a 'wait!' and storms angrily out of the room, thankfully remembering to pick up his laptop because it won't be as dramatic if he has to turn back around.
Luhan doesn't come after him, he's glad for that and also the fact that he doesn't come across anybody on his way back to his room. He'd call himself more dangerous than an escaped convict at that moment.
Once in his room, he collapses on his bed, head pounding like crazy trying to think of a solution. He could borrow Jongin's laptop that's on his desk but it's password locked (it's not 'jongin141' apparently, he tried once). Calling to ask him isn't going to work either because Kyungsoo knows for a fact that Jongin won't be up until about 2 in the afternoon. So that's that.
It just leaves Baekhyun - the source of all his problems and the library. He scratches his head furiously because he doesn't really want to go out to be honest.
Groaning for the umpteenth time that day, Kyungsoo forces himself to move to grab whatever necessary when he hears the knock on the door.
"What now?" is his way of greeting, so sure there's nobody else who would come to his room.
Luhan smiles timidly before pushing a laptop bag at him, "Here. You can use mine for now."
Kyungsoo looks alternately at Luhan and then the bag that's almost in his face, mentally weighing out the pros and cons of accepting the offer. Admittedly there are more of the former because going out to see Baekhyun or the library on a Sunday is just intolerable.
Making up his mind easily, he takes the bag from Luhan's hold, "Okay, bye."
And he closes the door in his face. Serves him right.
Thankfully his unlucky streak doesn't last long. After knowing his way around Luhan's laptop which really is just looking for Word, Kyungsoo finds the words flowing easily without needing to research much on the subject because top student remember.
Positive that everything is complete and impressive if not perfect, he sends in his assignment with about an hour left until the deadline. If he can avoid looking at his laptop which he placed on the bed earlier, his Sunday will almost be normal. But sadly he can and it's not his laptop that he's switching off right now.
He doesn't return it back to Luhan immediately that day, or the day after. He did say he can use it for now right? Kyungsoo's still pissed at him so the least the boy can do is lend it to him until a broke college student like him can afford to buy a new one for himself.
It isn't until Wednesday that they meet again. He was on his way back to his dorm when he hears a familiar voice screams 'wait!' and visions of last Sunday flash back on his mind. He turns around to see Luhan panting, bracing himself on his knees as he catches his breath.
It's not until a couple of minutes later that Luhan speaks, "Hi Kyungsoo, how are you?"
"Fine," he snaps, holding on the straps of his backpack tighter, "And how the hell do you know my name?"
"Good. Are you heading back?" Luhan smiles at him, deliberately ignoring Kyungsoo's question.
"What is it to you?"
It sounds harsher than he intended but Luhan doesn't seem to mind in the least and Kyungsoo is starting to think that he's just not very good at reading situations.
"Cool. Let me walk you back."
Kyungsoo hasn't even said yes or anything but Luhan is already walking in the direction he was heading earlier so left with no choice, Kyungsoo falls in step with him. He can pretend they're strangers coincidentally heading to the same direction because it happens, right?
What doesn't usually happen though is when the supposedly stranger begins to talk, pulling him into a conversation that he doesn't want to be part of.
"Did you finish your work? Was it an assignment? Was the deadline that day? I'm seriously so sorry about what happened. I can talk to your lecturer if you want. And oh what about your window? Has it been fixed? Did you have to pay for it? Oh man, give me the receipt or something, I can pay you back. Wait you know what, just tell me how much. I'm not rich but I can figure out something. I'm planning to take a part time job. Hey, I can get you a new laptop too! That will take a while though, laptops nowadays aren't cheap. Well there are cheap ones but I'm sure you don't want those."
Unlike Kyungsoo's first impression of him, which was bad obviously, he didn't think Luhan would be talkative at all. Or responsible and thoughtful and considerate. Now, he's proved him wrong. He even carries a conversation well, albeit one sided and Kyungsoo finds it slightly endearing.
Luhan must have seen the small smile on his face because he goes on to talk more energetically and Kyungsoo cannot stop himself from replying to some of Luhan's simple questions, much to his joy.
Before he realises it, they've reached his room and Kyungsoo quickly unlocks the door, ignoring Jongin's greeting to fetch Luhan's laptop. He walks back out to find Luhan standing awkwardly by the door though his face lights up when Kyungsoo reappears.
"Here you go."
Luhan looks at the bag in Kyungsoo's hand before he opens his mouth to response, "What are you doing?"
It's Kyungsoo's turn to be confused, eyebrow quirking, "Giving you back your laptop? Isn't it why you followed me here?"
Luhan grimaces at his choice of word, shaking his head vigorously, "No I don't really need it. You can use it until you get a new one."
Kyungsoo is honestly very puzzled at this development and so he just stands there not really knowing what to do. Luhan meanwhile is shuffling nervously, running his hand through his hair for the millionth time which Kyungsoo doesn't suddenly want to do too.
"Listen," Luhan begins again, "Do you maybe want to-"
He is cut off by Jongin however who's peeking over to see as he rests his chin on Kyungsoo's shoulder, "Oh who is this?"
Kyungsoo turns his head around at the sound on instinct, face less than an inch away from Jongin's as a result before facing Luhan once more whose eyes have narrowed.
"Are you trying to control who I meet now Jonginnie?" he says teasingly with a smile and Jongin pouts in response.
"Of course sweetheart."
Kyungsoo chuckles at that, it's not uncommon for Jongin to call him endearingly like that but it never ceases to make him laugh.
"Go away," he grumbles, pushing Jongin off of him and back into the room with quite a lot of effort before he can turn back around. He doesn't even get the chance to ask Luhan what was he about to say before he mentions something about having to go somewhere, gives a small wave and scurries away.
He doesn't see much of Luhan after that. Or at all really. If not for the laptop still on his desk, Kyungsoo would've forgotten all about him. Though it will still be kind of impossible with a gossip as a best friend.
When he approached Baekhyun the previous Monday because that guy seriously needed a beating, he also told him about Luhan and what happened to his laptop.
Baekhyun had gasped loudly, it was good that they're not at the library anymore, "You mean Luhan the captain of the football team? That hot guy?"
"I wouldn't say hot, he's alright I guess. More on the pretty side," Kyungsoo murmurs subconsciously before realizing his blunder, "But that's not the point. I need to buy a new laptop soon."
Baekhyun ignored him in favour of chattering about how Luhan is like the coolest guy on campus and it is said that his skills in the bedroom is as amazing if not better than his skills on the football field but only a couple of people had experienced it first hand because he's apparently unlike the typical popular guy who sleeps around.
Kyungsoo's interest had piqued there because that was his impression on Luhan too. He cannot be any different than the usual jocks Kyungsoo knows because that just messes with the rules of nature.
But then despite what it seems, Baekhyun is actually a pretty accurate source and since that day Luhan followed/walked him back to the dorm he thinks Luhan might not be that bad at all.
So yeah to be quite honest with himself, Kyungsoo does actually find himself looking around the campus more in search of that mop of blonde head and pretty smile. He convinces himself that it's just that he really wants to return the laptop back to Luhan, surely he has work to do too. Kyungsoo is just being a good Samaritan.
He does walk into Yixing though who is apparently in the same dance club as Jongin.
"Hey, you're that boy who came to our room last time right?" he asks when he spots Kyungsoo entering the dance room.
"Yes, yes that's me," Kyungsoo answers awkwardly, forehead creasing when he doesn't see Jongin around.
"Are you looking for someone?"
Kyungsoo doesn't answer immediately, instead he just keeps on looking because his eyesight isn't very good to begin with so he could've just missed Jongin earlier but after so many tries he deduces it's not his eyesight after all.
"Have you seen Jongin?"
Recognition flickers on the other's face as soon as Jongin's name is mentioned and Yixing smiles sweetly in reply, "Oh he just left a few minutes ago actually. He said something about buying milk I think?"
"Ah that's right, that's why I'm here," Kyungsoo beams back, relieved that Jongin remembers his request, "Thank you."
When he makes to leave a few seconds later, he's pulled back by the hand grabbing on his arm however. He looks at Yixing quizzically, wondering what's wrong.
"If you don't mind me asking, are you and Jongin together?"
Yixing was probably expecting a simple yes or no answer from Kyungsoo but what he gets is a laugh instead.
"No, we're not," Kyungsoo says in between laughter, "We're just friends and roommates."
"Ah okay," Yixing nods, smile still plastered on his face yet wider this time, "That's good."
Kyungsoo smirks, putting two and two together and patting Yixing on the shoulder, "Don't worry. Your secret is safe with me."
He leaves Yixing standing there wondering whatever he meant by that.
---
That weekend, Baekhyun, bless him, learned from his mistakes and doesn't come to drag Kyungsoo to another party again. There's one at another jock's house party this time if he's not mistaken. Sometimes Baekhyun just talks too much that he can't even keep up with him anymore.
Jongin is also going to the party, all dressed up and ready to get laid. That's the plan apparently. When Kyungsoo asked him whose party is it, Jongin had risen an eyebrow slightly, it's definitely not something Kyungsoo usually cares about but he answers nonetheless, saying that it's someone from the football team.
"You want to come hyung?" he asks when Kyungsoo straightens up, as if getting ready to get off the bed.
Jongin waits patiently as Kyungsoo contemplates on his decision. He's torn between wanting to go because Luhan would definitely be there but then again he doesn't have much reason to see Luhan. He'd use the laptop as an excuse but returning it back to him at a party is definitely not a good choice, which leaves him with nothing.
Other than he just wants to see Luhan for some reason.
He looks up at Jongin then, ready to tell him 'yes I'll come along, wait a minute' when reality smacks him in the face. Jongin's standing there with his hair styled perfectly, tall and lean dancer body fitting nicely in his skinny jeans and grey shirt.
He himself was just planning to go change into his definitely easy to get into jeans and whatever random t-shirt he can find. He probably won't even bother to style his hair.
So what comes out of his mouth is "No. Go ahead Jongin. Have fun."
Jongin looks at him sceptically before shrugging at last, "Okay hyung. Don't wait up for me."
It's better this way Kyungsoo thinks. There's no guarantee if he goes to the party that Luhan would even acknowledge him much less talk to him. He's just someone Luhan felt blameable for. Not someone he would willingly spend time with. That incident last Wednesday was just him getting possessed by something probably.
Slumping back down on the bed, Kyungsoo decides to settle with spending his Saturday night with his usual movie marathon instead.
He's more than halfway through the second movie, the main characters are lying side by side on the bed whispering softly to each other when he hears a relentless thumping. None of them make a move to do anything, there isn't even any indication that they even heard it.
It is then that Kyungsoo realises that it's not from the movie but instead his own door. Giggling at his silliness, Kyungsoo takes off his headphones and gently sets the laptop Jongin kindly lent him (because using Luhan's for non-academical purposes somehow felt wrong) on the desk.
For one second, he did consider ignoring whoever it is who dares to interrupt his me time but the possibility that it could be a drunk Jongin who can't even unlock the door by himself crosses his mind so being a responsible hyung he shouts a 'wait a minute!' seeing that the knocking doesn't stop, getting louder and more persistent instead.
What greets him on the other side is Luhan.
"Hi."
He's not sure who said it, it could be him but Luhan's lips had moved too. He's too surprised to care nevertheless.
"Can I help you?" It's a stupid and weird question to ask but he can't think of anything else to say, too overwhelmed by the sudden rapid beating of his heart.
He's only known Luhan for a week and in that span they've only actually met twice. So he doesn't know how to explain the sudden unfamiliar feeling he's having because surely there has to be decent explanation for this. He has an inkling as to what it is but pushes it far back in his mind because no, that won't do him good.
Luhan is smiling albeit breathing heavily, his hair ruffled and Kyungsoo can see trails of sweat on his forehead and neck. He can only deduce that the boy probably ran all the way there.
"Is this a wrong time?" Accompanying the question are eyes trailing from the top of his own untamed hair down to his toes.
Kyungsoo flushes deep red, just realising that he's only wearing a really worn out T-shirt from choir club back in high school and a black boxer. Damn.
"Err.. not really," he mutters at last, scratching on a random spot on his head.
Luhan hums thoughtfully, shifting from one foot to another. He's still smiling even though only slightly but Kyungsoo kind of wants to capture it.
"So…" Kyungsoo prods, a bit uncomfortable now by the silence and the fact he's still standing there without any pants on.
"Ah sorry," Luhan chuckles, whole face contorting strangely as a result and Kyungsoo has a sudden urge to laugh but holds himself back, giving way for Luhan to continue, "So that guy last time is your roommate huh?"
Kyungsoo nods, mentally judging Luhan because that should've been pretty obvious. He's not too sure either why are people suddenly demanding to confirm his and Jongin's relationship.
"Not your boyfriend?"
"No," he shakes his head frantically, the thought of being in a relationship with Jongin gives him goose bumps. Luhan beams at that.
There's a sinking feeling in his chest now, of course Luhan would be happy that he and Jongin are just friends. They would make a great pair, Luhan the football captain and Jongin the star dancer in campus. It's a match made in heaven.
The brief silence is broken when Luhan chuckles again, "I see. I thought he's your boyfriend. You two looked like a couple last time. Guess I was mistaken. Yixing, my roommate remember? He told me that you're just roommates but I didn't believe him you know?"
He's stepping closer now, his sweet laugh ringing in Kyungsoo's ears, "But then just now at the party I saw him dancing very intimately with someone that's not you and it annoyed me. I thought he was cheating on you. Nobody deserves to be cheated on, especially not you. Then they started kissing and I- I was so pissed. So so angry that I walked up to them, broke them apart and just started screaming at him. I don't even know what I said."
"But he just grinned you know, must have figured it out himself because he was telling me that the two of you are just friends and told me to come here," he finishes, their eyes locking and suddenly Kyungsoo gets it.
"You like me?"
The nod Luhan gives brings out the widest smile on Kyungsoo's face, so sure and leaves no room for doubt.
"I'm aware we've only met recently and I know basically nothing about you other than your name which by the way made me realize that if playing football professionally doesn't work out I can be a private detective," he pauses then, savouring the sound of Kyungsoo's laughter, "And I assume you don't know much about me either. But I like you and if that smile means anything I think you like me too so do you maybe want to give us a try?"
Kyungsoo thinks ten seconds is an acceptable time to remain silent, watching as Luhan's expression shows optimism then anxiety then uncertainty and lastly dejection.
Ten seconds is also the longest he can hold himself back because he wants the same thing.
"If you insist."
Kyungsoo thinks Luhan wears happiness best.
For: chenhuns
Rating: PG-13 (for cursing)
Length: 5582 words
Summary: College!AU. Luhan is shameless and Kyungsoo isn't as scary as he thinks he is.
Author's Note: Hello! For my recipient, I loved all of your prompts but this particular one just screamed at me so I hope you'll like it!
He really has never done this before, he swears. He's not one of the college's top student for nothing. It's not a reputation he gets by skipping classes, getting drunk at parties and leaving assignments until the last minute. Definitely not.
But somehow for some reason (which shall be named later), he manages to do all three in just under a week. His parents might go into shock if they ever hear of this, which they won't because he'll make sure of it. But that is the least of his problems for now.
Point is, it's Sunday, too early in the morning for him to be awake much less be slumped on his desk with his laptop glaring brightly in front him, Microsoft Word 2011 opened and at the bottom read a small and sad 'Words: 131 of 131.'
That's all he's gotten so far.
He still has at least approximately 6869 words left to write and about five hours left to do it when this particular assignment will be due. Of course it shouldn't be hard to accomplish, come on he's Do Kyungsoo - self-proclaimed genius, always ranked first in class and stealer of every ahjumma's hearts since 1993 but even someone as perfect as he is has no way of escaping the hangover caused by a night of drinking. The headache is more than good enough of a proof.
And so the reason for all his troubles (and you can breathe easy now) is the one and only Byun Baekhyun. That's right, it's always him - Kyungsoo's best friend (self-proclaimed), grades just barely there and every ahjumma's nightmare since 1992. If it wasn't for him Kyungsoo would still be having sweet dreams right now.
He was on his bed the night before, freshly showered and smelling like all things good with a laptop perched on his lap. He need only click play before his usual Saturday night movie marathon could start. It's his lifestyle choice, there is no need to judge. But curses upon his seven generations, Baekhyun had barged in loudly and unceremoniously closed the lid of his laptop and in a blink of an eye, a pair of dark skinny jeans and a V-neck tee is flung at him. He couldn't even protest before Baekhyun forced him to change and in less than ten minutes, they were out of the dorm building and were heading to some house party.
Of course he could have easily left the party, it's a walking distance from his dorm after all but since the moment he gulped down the drink Baekhyun had passed him, it's apple juice he said, Kyungsoo couldn't remember much after that. From the looks of it however, he ended up drinking a lot more of the 'apple juice' than he should have.
Getting drunk at a party - check.
As for the skipping classes bit, there's actually a good explanation to it. He was sick, couldn't even get out of bed. Simple as that. Still Baekhyun's fault though. There must be a Kyungsoo shaped voodoo doll somewhere in Baekhyun's room or a bacterial culture he uses to infect him. Nothing else make sense really.
Skipping classes - check.
Therefore, since he missed a few particularly important classes, he also did not get some of the assignments that were handed out. So regretfully, he had asked Baekhyun to take care of it for him seeing that they share the same classes anyway.
He shouldn't have is what he belatedly realized.
Because after talking with one of his course mates at the party last night, he found out that one of the assignment for Professor Park wasn't due in two weeks like he had thought but in fact in about twelve hours. That was seven hours ago.
Which brings us back to the current situation. (And oh, leaving assignments until the last minute - check.)
It is safe to say that Kyungsoo is in a foul mood. No one in their right mind would want to be around him when he's like this. His roommate Jongin must have some kind of psychic powers for he decided to go back home for the weekend. It was a good call, he should be president.
Somebody else unfortunately doesn't know this.
He has only written another sixty words since the last time he looked at the word count when his hopes of doing his work in peace is crashed. Kind of literally.
Too focused on staring at the computer screen, he didn't see the ball heading towards his direction, much less react to it. Next thing he knows, there is a loud resounding crash as the ball flies through his window, knocking on some of the things on his desk and eventually rolling off to the floor and under his bed.
The next moment is a blur for multiple reasons. There's still the sleepiness clouding his entire being, the headache from the hangover that not even the coffee he made earlier could help and most importantly the thin layer of smoke now coming from his laptop which is by the way soaked from said coffee.
"Fuck."
He didn't think that that could actually happen in real life, especially not his. It could be just steam from the coffee though, it was still rather hot. But smoke or not, his laptop is definitely ruined since now he's only looking at a blank screen. No more sentences on a digital piece of paper and an annoying blinking cursor pressuring him to write some more.
"Fuck."
He's never sworn so much in such little time but the situation calls for it. He's definitely in trouble now. Thoughts about the ball is actually pushed further back in his mind despite the fresh morning breeze now coming in freely to the small room because of it.
That is until there's knocking on the door, loud enough for him to hear but not too much that it can wake up the entire floor. Too late for that however because the crash earlier was pretty deafening it itself.
Kyungsoo has a half mind to ignore it already because there are more pressing matters at hand as he with shaking hands pushes on the power button on the laptop. Nothing happens. He groans out loud and the knocking stops all of a sudden. Hopefully the person has given up.
He decides to try again because it's possible that he didn't actually press the switch the first time, being slightly hungover and all but just before his finger could reach the button once more, the knocking starts again. His growl this time could make a baby cry, hands fisted at his sides as he finally stands up and goes towards the door.
"WHAT?" he more or less screams at the intruder, uncaring as to who could it be because even the dean would still be asleep right now.
Standing there is a pretty boy, hand freezing in the air mid knock and jaw slack, most likely shocked by the not even lukewarm welcome.
"Hi?"
Kyungsoo takes a deep breath in order not to vent his anger on this boy because despite his wrong timing he seems innocent enough, "What do you want?"
"Umm can I have my ball back?"
Either surprised by the sudden intake of his breath or the redness now swarming Kyungsoo's face, the boy takes a step back, still smiling hesitantly all the while.
"That was your ball?" Kyungsoo grits through his teeth, fingernails now digging painfully into his skin but he can hardly feel it over the rage storming within him.
As soon as the boy nods his head, Kyungsoo walks surprisingly calmly back into the room and the boy takes the opened wide door as a sign to follow. This one's not so smart, Kyungsoo thinks.
Recalling that the ball went under the bed, Kyungsoo curses once more and the boy flinches a little at that. Thankfully the ball didn't go too far to the back that he has to use a stick or the boy's limb (that he wouldn't mind dismembering) to reach but still he has no choice but to bend down and stretch his arm out before he can roll it back out. Blame his still slow brain function for not asking the boy to get the ball himself. It is his ball after all.
When he stands back up and is ready to hand the ball, the boy is gulping and Kyungsoo finds the movement of his Adam's apple distracting for some reason.
The boy accepts the ball wordlessly from his hands and yet make no move to scramble out of the room which any sane person would be doing by now. Instead he starts to grin widely at Kyungsoo, not relenting even when he just glares back, "I'm Luhan, you are?"
"It's none of your business," Kyungsoo hisses sharply, his anger not settling at all, "Could you leave."
It wasn't a question, it's an order and Kyungsoo is 100% sure it sounds like one too with the way his voice had sounded to his ears but this Luhan is one stubborn boy. He only moved like an inch to the back when Kyungsoo stepped forward earlier in his attempt to intimidate. Obviously it doesn't work, no thanks to his smaller stature.
Moving on to plan B aka 'don't intimidate, instigate', which he literally just made up because he's clever like that, Kyungsoo starts to push Luhan with hands on the other's surprisingly firm notthatheisenjoyingit chest. It's not that difficult because Luhan isn't resisting and soon enough Luhan is only a few steps away from the door and his already disastrous Sunday.
But at that moment Luhan sees something over his shoulder and that's when Kyungsoo feels Luhan struggling against him.
"Oh shit, is that your laptop? Is it because of the ball?"
To his credit, Luhan does look genuinely shocked and guilty as he easily swerves around Kyungsoo and walks to his desk to look at the damage. The keyboard is drenched and his mug is still lying on its side by the laptop. No IQ over a hundred needed to know what happened there.
Kyungsoo doesn't answer the questions, he's not sure if he wants to when Luhan shrieks, "It won't start!"
Just like earlier, Luhan had tried to switch it on but the result is the same. He turns dramatically to face Kyungsoo again, mouth and eyes open wide in shock. Kyungsoo would find it funny if this had been on a different day. Or a different universe most likely.
Realising that Luhan doesn't show any sign of doing anything else (read: get the hell out of his room) Kyungsoo decides to satisfy his curiosity, "Yes it's dead because of your ball. Now could you leave so I can figure out how to not fail my course?"
Despite mumbling the last bit, Luhan doesn't fail to hear it. In fact he breaks out of his trance of staring and gaping at him like a fish and swiftly grabs a towel from his backpack and begins to wipe out the stain. Kyungsoo just hopes it's a clean towel.
Then he closes the lid, lifts it up and without warning grabs Kyungsoo with his free hand and drags him out. They're already going down the stairs when Kyungsoo's mind finally catches up to him and he struggles to be freed.
"What are you doing?" he snarls once Luhan finally let go.
"I know someone who can help fix this," Luhan says, raising the laptop higher in his arm as if Kyungsoo doesn't know what he meant.
He makes a move to grab Kyungsoo's arm again but he just thrashes like a mad man until Luhan gives up and just signals for Kyungsoo to follow.
A few minutes later, they're in another dorm building which Kyungsoo knows is mostly for seniors and then he finds himself in someone's room. It's Luhan's from the looks of it because he did use his key to open the door.
The room is as messy as his own, well Jongin's side to be specific but Luhan doesn't seem to be embarrassed about it whatsoever as he throws the ball and his backpack to one of the beds. In the other, Kyungsoo notices a peacefully sleeping figure hidden under the covers but not for long because Luhan is pulling said cover, exposing a half naked slowly awakening figure instead.
"Yixing, emergency! I need your help!"
This Yixing must either be a very good friend or has slept for a full year or just has a truckload of patience because he sits up immediately with no complaints, only rubbing his eyes groggily, "What's wrong?"
Luhan then begins to explain the whole ordeal as Kyungsoo stands there silently, he doesn't think Yixing even notice he's there yet. Apparently Luhan has been playing football at the park next to Kyungsoo's dorm building with a friend when he somehow manages to defy the laws of Physics. Yixing just nods attentively as Luhan goes on about Kyungsoo needing to do some work on a Sunday morning (Kyungsoo pretends he doesn't hear the incredulity in Luhan's voice as he says that) and therefore he needs Yixing to help fix the laptop.
Finally, Yixing looks up at Kyungsoo and smiles serenely as if to assure him that he's got it. Kyungsoo doesn't believe in miracles but he thinks he's going to find one. Luhan cheers, handing over the laptop to Yixing and walks over to Kyungsoo.
"Sit," he gently orders, pushing him down to one of the chairs as he himself sits besides Yixing.
Soon begins the moment of truth as both Kyungsoo and Luhan anxiously watch as Yixing flip and turn the laptop around, examining every surface and corner, brows furrowed in concentration. Kyungsoo is already in awe because it felt like watching a master at work and he's just an undeserving intruder.
Yixing then nods his head in contemplation and gently places the laptop on the desk next to his bed. He carefully lifts the lid open, eyes widening ever so slightly at the sight. Kyungsoo's heart rate picks up when Yixing shakes his head but then his expression brightens suddenly as if blessed with a sudden ingenuity. Thank heavens, Kyungsoo thinks.
From where he's sitting Kyungsoo can't see what he's doing but it seems suspiciously like Yixing is pressing the button at the top right corner of the keyboard where the power switch should be.
It felt like an eternity has passed but reality is it has only been a minute and a half since Yixing is in possession of the laptop when at last he sighs heavily, "It's broken for good."
Kyungsoo's faith in cute dimpled boys vanishes there and then.
The silence that follows is tense, to him at least because Yixing just shrugs and pushes Luhan off his bed as he gets reacquainted with sleep. Luhan looks at him guiltily and to Kyungsoo's dismay it's just that. There's no nervousness or fear for his life despite Kyungsoo projecting his scariest glare to day yet.
Kyungsoo stands up slowly so he won't have to strain his neck anymore, the fury from earlier coming back in full force, "This is all your fault!"
Kyungsoo doesn't stop even when Luhan calls out a 'wait!' and storms angrily out of the room, thankfully remembering to pick up his laptop because it won't be as dramatic if he has to turn back around.
Luhan doesn't come after him, he's glad for that and also the fact that he doesn't come across anybody on his way back to his room. He'd call himself more dangerous than an escaped convict at that moment.
Once in his room, he collapses on his bed, head pounding like crazy trying to think of a solution. He could borrow Jongin's laptop that's on his desk but it's password locked (it's not 'jongin141' apparently, he tried once). Calling to ask him isn't going to work either because Kyungsoo knows for a fact that Jongin won't be up until about 2 in the afternoon. So that's that.
It just leaves Baekhyun - the source of all his problems and the library. He scratches his head furiously because he doesn't really want to go out to be honest.
Groaning for the umpteenth time that day, Kyungsoo forces himself to move to grab whatever necessary when he hears the knock on the door.
"What now?" is his way of greeting, so sure there's nobody else who would come to his room.
Luhan smiles timidly before pushing a laptop bag at him, "Here. You can use mine for now."
Kyungsoo looks alternately at Luhan and then the bag that's almost in his face, mentally weighing out the pros and cons of accepting the offer. Admittedly there are more of the former because going out to see Baekhyun or the library on a Sunday is just intolerable.
Making up his mind easily, he takes the bag from Luhan's hold, "Okay, bye."
And he closes the door in his face. Serves him right.
Thankfully his unlucky streak doesn't last long. After knowing his way around Luhan's laptop which really is just looking for Word, Kyungsoo finds the words flowing easily without needing to research much on the subject because top student remember.
Positive that everything is complete and impressive if not perfect, he sends in his assignment with about an hour left until the deadline. If he can avoid looking at his laptop which he placed on the bed earlier, his Sunday will almost be normal. But sadly he can and it's not his laptop that he's switching off right now.
He doesn't return it back to Luhan immediately that day, or the day after. He did say he can use it for now right? Kyungsoo's still pissed at him so the least the boy can do is lend it to him until a broke college student like him can afford to buy a new one for himself.
It isn't until Wednesday that they meet again. He was on his way back to his dorm when he hears a familiar voice screams 'wait!' and visions of last Sunday flash back on his mind. He turns around to see Luhan panting, bracing himself on his knees as he catches his breath.
It's not until a couple of minutes later that Luhan speaks, "Hi Kyungsoo, how are you?"
"Fine," he snaps, holding on the straps of his backpack tighter, "And how the hell do you know my name?"
"Good. Are you heading back?" Luhan smiles at him, deliberately ignoring Kyungsoo's question.
"What is it to you?"
It sounds harsher than he intended but Luhan doesn't seem to mind in the least and Kyungsoo is starting to think that he's just not very good at reading situations.
"Cool. Let me walk you back."
Kyungsoo hasn't even said yes or anything but Luhan is already walking in the direction he was heading earlier so left with no choice, Kyungsoo falls in step with him. He can pretend they're strangers coincidentally heading to the same direction because it happens, right?
What doesn't usually happen though is when the supposedly stranger begins to talk, pulling him into a conversation that he doesn't want to be part of.
"Did you finish your work? Was it an assignment? Was the deadline that day? I'm seriously so sorry about what happened. I can talk to your lecturer if you want. And oh what about your window? Has it been fixed? Did you have to pay for it? Oh man, give me the receipt or something, I can pay you back. Wait you know what, just tell me how much. I'm not rich but I can figure out something. I'm planning to take a part time job. Hey, I can get you a new laptop too! That will take a while though, laptops nowadays aren't cheap. Well there are cheap ones but I'm sure you don't want those."
Unlike Kyungsoo's first impression of him, which was bad obviously, he didn't think Luhan would be talkative at all. Or responsible and thoughtful and considerate. Now, he's proved him wrong. He even carries a conversation well, albeit one sided and Kyungsoo finds it slightly endearing.
Luhan must have seen the small smile on his face because he goes on to talk more energetically and Kyungsoo cannot stop himself from replying to some of Luhan's simple questions, much to his joy.
Before he realises it, they've reached his room and Kyungsoo quickly unlocks the door, ignoring Jongin's greeting to fetch Luhan's laptop. He walks back out to find Luhan standing awkwardly by the door though his face lights up when Kyungsoo reappears.
"Here you go."
Luhan looks at the bag in Kyungsoo's hand before he opens his mouth to response, "What are you doing?"
It's Kyungsoo's turn to be confused, eyebrow quirking, "Giving you back your laptop? Isn't it why you followed me here?"
Luhan grimaces at his choice of word, shaking his head vigorously, "No I don't really need it. You can use it until you get a new one."
Kyungsoo is honestly very puzzled at this development and so he just stands there not really knowing what to do. Luhan meanwhile is shuffling nervously, running his hand through his hair for the millionth time which Kyungsoo doesn't suddenly want to do too.
"Listen," Luhan begins again, "Do you maybe want to-"
He is cut off by Jongin however who's peeking over to see as he rests his chin on Kyungsoo's shoulder, "Oh who is this?"
Kyungsoo turns his head around at the sound on instinct, face less than an inch away from Jongin's as a result before facing Luhan once more whose eyes have narrowed.
"Are you trying to control who I meet now Jonginnie?" he says teasingly with a smile and Jongin pouts in response.
"Of course sweetheart."
Kyungsoo chuckles at that, it's not uncommon for Jongin to call him endearingly like that but it never ceases to make him laugh.
"Go away," he grumbles, pushing Jongin off of him and back into the room with quite a lot of effort before he can turn back around. He doesn't even get the chance to ask Luhan what was he about to say before he mentions something about having to go somewhere, gives a small wave and scurries away.
He doesn't see much of Luhan after that. Or at all really. If not for the laptop still on his desk, Kyungsoo would've forgotten all about him. Though it will still be kind of impossible with a gossip as a best friend.
When he approached Baekhyun the previous Monday because that guy seriously needed a beating, he also told him about Luhan and what happened to his laptop.
Baekhyun had gasped loudly, it was good that they're not at the library anymore, "You mean Luhan the captain of the football team? That hot guy?"
"I wouldn't say hot, he's alright I guess. More on the pretty side," Kyungsoo murmurs subconsciously before realizing his blunder, "But that's not the point. I need to buy a new laptop soon."
Baekhyun ignored him in favour of chattering about how Luhan is like the coolest guy on campus and it is said that his skills in the bedroom is as amazing if not better than his skills on the football field but only a couple of people had experienced it first hand because he's apparently unlike the typical popular guy who sleeps around.
Kyungsoo's interest had piqued there because that was his impression on Luhan too. He cannot be any different than the usual jocks Kyungsoo knows because that just messes with the rules of nature.
But then despite what it seems, Baekhyun is actually a pretty accurate source and since that day Luhan followed/walked him back to the dorm he thinks Luhan might not be that bad at all.
So yeah to be quite honest with himself, Kyungsoo does actually find himself looking around the campus more in search of that mop of blonde head and pretty smile. He convinces himself that it's just that he really wants to return the laptop back to Luhan, surely he has work to do too. Kyungsoo is just being a good Samaritan.
He does walk into Yixing though who is apparently in the same dance club as Jongin.
"Hey, you're that boy who came to our room last time right?" he asks when he spots Kyungsoo entering the dance room.
"Yes, yes that's me," Kyungsoo answers awkwardly, forehead creasing when he doesn't see Jongin around.
"Are you looking for someone?"
Kyungsoo doesn't answer immediately, instead he just keeps on looking because his eyesight isn't very good to begin with so he could've just missed Jongin earlier but after so many tries he deduces it's not his eyesight after all.
"Have you seen Jongin?"
Recognition flickers on the other's face as soon as Jongin's name is mentioned and Yixing smiles sweetly in reply, "Oh he just left a few minutes ago actually. He said something about buying milk I think?"
"Ah that's right, that's why I'm here," Kyungsoo beams back, relieved that Jongin remembers his request, "Thank you."
When he makes to leave a few seconds later, he's pulled back by the hand grabbing on his arm however. He looks at Yixing quizzically, wondering what's wrong.
"If you don't mind me asking, are you and Jongin together?"
Yixing was probably expecting a simple yes or no answer from Kyungsoo but what he gets is a laugh instead.
"No, we're not," Kyungsoo says in between laughter, "We're just friends and roommates."
"Ah okay," Yixing nods, smile still plastered on his face yet wider this time, "That's good."
Kyungsoo smirks, putting two and two together and patting Yixing on the shoulder, "Don't worry. Your secret is safe with me."
He leaves Yixing standing there wondering whatever he meant by that.
---
That weekend, Baekhyun, bless him, learned from his mistakes and doesn't come to drag Kyungsoo to another party again. There's one at another jock's house party this time if he's not mistaken. Sometimes Baekhyun just talks too much that he can't even keep up with him anymore.
Jongin is also going to the party, all dressed up and ready to get laid. That's the plan apparently. When Kyungsoo asked him whose party is it, Jongin had risen an eyebrow slightly, it's definitely not something Kyungsoo usually cares about but he answers nonetheless, saying that it's someone from the football team.
"You want to come hyung?" he asks when Kyungsoo straightens up, as if getting ready to get off the bed.
Jongin waits patiently as Kyungsoo contemplates on his decision. He's torn between wanting to go because Luhan would definitely be there but then again he doesn't have much reason to see Luhan. He'd use the laptop as an excuse but returning it back to him at a party is definitely not a good choice, which leaves him with nothing.
Other than he just wants to see Luhan for some reason.
He looks up at Jongin then, ready to tell him 'yes I'll come along, wait a minute' when reality smacks him in the face. Jongin's standing there with his hair styled perfectly, tall and lean dancer body fitting nicely in his skinny jeans and grey shirt.
He himself was just planning to go change into his definitely easy to get into jeans and whatever random t-shirt he can find. He probably won't even bother to style his hair.
So what comes out of his mouth is "No. Go ahead Jongin. Have fun."
Jongin looks at him sceptically before shrugging at last, "Okay hyung. Don't wait up for me."
It's better this way Kyungsoo thinks. There's no guarantee if he goes to the party that Luhan would even acknowledge him much less talk to him. He's just someone Luhan felt blameable for. Not someone he would willingly spend time with. That incident last Wednesday was just him getting possessed by something probably.
Slumping back down on the bed, Kyungsoo decides to settle with spending his Saturday night with his usual movie marathon instead.
He's more than halfway through the second movie, the main characters are lying side by side on the bed whispering softly to each other when he hears a relentless thumping. None of them make a move to do anything, there isn't even any indication that they even heard it.
It is then that Kyungsoo realises that it's not from the movie but instead his own door. Giggling at his silliness, Kyungsoo takes off his headphones and gently sets the laptop Jongin kindly lent him (because using Luhan's for non-academical purposes somehow felt wrong) on the desk.
For one second, he did consider ignoring whoever it is who dares to interrupt his me time but the possibility that it could be a drunk Jongin who can't even unlock the door by himself crosses his mind so being a responsible hyung he shouts a 'wait a minute!' seeing that the knocking doesn't stop, getting louder and more persistent instead.
What greets him on the other side is Luhan.
"Hi."
He's not sure who said it, it could be him but Luhan's lips had moved too. He's too surprised to care nevertheless.
"Can I help you?" It's a stupid and weird question to ask but he can't think of anything else to say, too overwhelmed by the sudden rapid beating of his heart.
He's only known Luhan for a week and in that span they've only actually met twice. So he doesn't know how to explain the sudden unfamiliar feeling he's having because surely there has to be decent explanation for this. He has an inkling as to what it is but pushes it far back in his mind because no, that won't do him good.
Luhan is smiling albeit breathing heavily, his hair ruffled and Kyungsoo can see trails of sweat on his forehead and neck. He can only deduce that the boy probably ran all the way there.
"Is this a wrong time?" Accompanying the question are eyes trailing from the top of his own untamed hair down to his toes.
Kyungsoo flushes deep red, just realising that he's only wearing a really worn out T-shirt from choir club back in high school and a black boxer. Damn.
"Err.. not really," he mutters at last, scratching on a random spot on his head.
Luhan hums thoughtfully, shifting from one foot to another. He's still smiling even though only slightly but Kyungsoo kind of wants to capture it.
"So…" Kyungsoo prods, a bit uncomfortable now by the silence and the fact he's still standing there without any pants on.
"Ah sorry," Luhan chuckles, whole face contorting strangely as a result and Kyungsoo has a sudden urge to laugh but holds himself back, giving way for Luhan to continue, "So that guy last time is your roommate huh?"
Kyungsoo nods, mentally judging Luhan because that should've been pretty obvious. He's not too sure either why are people suddenly demanding to confirm his and Jongin's relationship.
"Not your boyfriend?"
"No," he shakes his head frantically, the thought of being in a relationship with Jongin gives him goose bumps. Luhan beams at that.
There's a sinking feeling in his chest now, of course Luhan would be happy that he and Jongin are just friends. They would make a great pair, Luhan the football captain and Jongin the star dancer in campus. It's a match made in heaven.
The brief silence is broken when Luhan chuckles again, "I see. I thought he's your boyfriend. You two looked like a couple last time. Guess I was mistaken. Yixing, my roommate remember? He told me that you're just roommates but I didn't believe him you know?"
He's stepping closer now, his sweet laugh ringing in Kyungsoo's ears, "But then just now at the party I saw him dancing very intimately with someone that's not you and it annoyed me. I thought he was cheating on you. Nobody deserves to be cheated on, especially not you. Then they started kissing and I- I was so pissed. So so angry that I walked up to them, broke them apart and just started screaming at him. I don't even know what I said."
"But he just grinned you know, must have figured it out himself because he was telling me that the two of you are just friends and told me to come here," he finishes, their eyes locking and suddenly Kyungsoo gets it.
"You like me?"
The nod Luhan gives brings out the widest smile on Kyungsoo's face, so sure and leaves no room for doubt.
"I'm aware we've only met recently and I know basically nothing about you other than your name which by the way made me realize that if playing football professionally doesn't work out I can be a private detective," he pauses then, savouring the sound of Kyungsoo's laughter, "And I assume you don't know much about me either. But I like you and if that smile means anything I think you like me too so do you maybe want to give us a try?"
Kyungsoo thinks ten seconds is an acceptable time to remain silent, watching as Luhan's expression shows optimism then anxiety then uncertainty and lastly dejection.
Ten seconds is also the longest he can hold himself back because he wants the same thing.
"If you insist."
Kyungsoo thinks Luhan wears happiness best.