I Think I Love You
Title: I Think I Love You
Pairing: Heechul/Hankyung
Prompt: I Think I Love You - Less Than Jake (Drabble #2)
Rated PG-13 (Swearing)
A/N: This is a continuation of a drabble I did for a challenge found Here
Summary: I think I love you so what am I so afraid of? I'm afraid that I'm not sure of a love there is no cure for. There was a reason Cinderella hid behind a pumpkin at midnight.
It was impossible. Unfathomable. He screamed into his pillow just for good measure. Kim Heechul does not fall in love. And fuck, he didn't spend his entire career defending his masculinity to end up gay after all.
But as he looked at Hankyung resting peacefully in his bed, the urge to scream aloud once more was overwhelming. Hankyung rolled towards him and huffed, eyes opening with stunning clarity.
"Okay, what is wrong with you Rella? It's like six in the morning..."
I think I love you fool
"Nothing, damn Hankyung. Just go back to sleep."
Heechul got up from bed and walked out of the room in his pink pajamas, ignoring the questioning eyes that were following his every move. He went to the kitchen where Siwon was already situated at the table with his tea and toast. Yesung was changing the coffee filter and looked up when Heechul put his Disney mug next to his own. He looked up at the tired looking Heechul and nodded in understanding before returning to his task. Heechul dropped down unceremoniously next to Siwon who looked up in surprise, his toast suspended in front of his slightly open mouth. Heechul gave a small groan and leaned forward so that his forehead was resting on table top. From his peripheral vision he saw Hankyung's plaid pajamas enter the kitchen. He sat down in front of Heechul, making the latter clench his fists under the table.
"Hankyung, what's wrong with Rella?"
"I have no clue. When I woke up he was screaming into his pillows. Then he just left."
He didn't have to look up to know that now Siwon had put down his toast and was reaching an arm to put on his shoulder.
"Heechul-hyung, your coffee's ready. Do you want me to add sugar?"
Heechul took the chance to quickly get out of his seat and went to the other side of the kitchen where Yesung was taking out the cream and sugar.
"I'll do it myself, thanks Jongwoon."
As he added the right amount of sugar to his coffee he didn't notice the bewildered stares of the three other members. Heechul wanting to do it himself? And saying thank you? To Yesung?! Heechul turned and took a sip of his coffee, smiling when the warmth made its way down his chest. He looked up to see the members staring at him, the stare of one in particular making him self conscience. His smile disappeared and he gulped down the rest of his coffee, not caring if it was still smoldering hot.
"Chullie, what's wrong with you?!? You're gonna burn your throat out!"
Hankyung had run forward and snatched the cup away from the older boy. They met each others eyes and Heechul turned away quickly, going over to the other side of the kitchen and stealing a bite of Siwon's toast.
The three in the kitchen hadn't stopped staring at him. Hankyung was still where he had left him, his eyes piercing Heechul's flesh with intensity. He needed to get out of that kitchen.
"Mm, I think I'm gonna go wash my hair now."
"But hyung, you washed your hair yesterday."
He looked down at Siwon and cursed him for knowing him so well.
"Oh, um, well, I--have to--to feed Heebum! Yeah that's it."
He swallowed his gulp of Siwon's tea and was walking out of the kitchen when Hankyung's arm latched around his tricep. He quickly pulled out of the hold and turned to a surprised Hankyung.
"I always feed Heebum when I get up hyung. You know that."
Heechul looked around nervously at the other two who were now looking at them. Siwon's eyebrows had practically disappeared into his hair line at their little interaction, and that more than anything put Heechul on edge. Siwon was far too observant for his own good, he would know that something was up. Maybe he already saw the little hearts that formed in Heechul's eyes every time he saw Hankyung. Oh, damn he had to get out of that kitchen!
Heechul pulled his hands over his eyes and looked away.
"Hankyung, is it alright if I take RongRong out for a walk? Yeah? Perfect. I'll see you guys later."
Without waiting for anyone to reply he walked out of the kitchen as quickly as he could without running. Yesung took a sip of his coffee and sighed happily as the caffeine entered his system before addressing the other two.
"Was it just me or was Heechul-hyung a little wound up this morning?"
They heard a dog's small bark and the front door closing with a slam.
---
Half an hour. They had been in their room for half an hour and Heechul couldn't shake this feeling that he had. Hankyung was sitting on his bed reading a book while Heechul was on the computer. Every five minutes he would re-arrange himself in the chair, or start fixing his hair, or smoothing out his shirt thinking that if Hankyung would look at him now then he would notice all his faults.
He sat with his legs open. No, that didn't look right. He closed them so that his knees were touching. That feels awkward, so it probably looks awkward. He changed so that his legs were crossed. No, because then you could see his bony ankles. He was about to change positions again when Hankyung put his book down and looked at him.
"Rella, are you okay? You seem restless, and your eye is twitching right now. Are you sick?"
He got up and was approaching the chair where Heechul was now frozen. Heechul looked up with wide eyes as Hankyung hovered over him, his palm out about to feel Heechul's forehead. Heechul was sure that the whole building could hear his heart pounding when he stood and almost fell in his haste to get out of the chair.
"Omo, I hear my phone ringing in the kitchen. Must have left it there. Oh well, I guess I have to go answer it. Later Hankyung!"
Heechul ran out of the room, smashing his toe on the door frame in his haste, ignoring Hankyung's calls for him to come back.
"But Chullie! Your phone's right here!"
Hankyung stayed with the pink phone in his hand watching as the older boy ran down the hall, the opposite way of the kitchen.
---
Heechul was pacing around his living room, damning the day that he decided it was a good idea to get a separate dorm with Kibum and Hankyung. What was he thinking?!
Kibum is hardly ever here so it was usually just him and Hankyung. It wasn't a problem before, but now it seemed chaotic. Now he was sure that in every movement he made Hankyung would be able to tell that he loved him. How was he supposed to act now? He stopped pacing and went to the kitchen.
Contrary to popular belief, Heechul was a decent cook when he wanted to be. Sure, he would only cook when he felt like it but when he did cook it received the highest compliments. It was a lesson learned from mother to son: if you have something that's bothering you, cooking will always help you clear your mind. That's the advise that was swirling around Heechul's head as he started making the spicy pickled squid, kimchi fried rice, and kimbap. It was the first time that he cooked something in his kitchen so it took him a good 30 minutes just to find everything necessary. In about an hour the small flat already smelled delicious, aromas penetrating every corner of the rooms. Even RongRong and Rider came to investigate the mysterious aroma and were now sitting at the edge of Heechul at the stove.
He smiled down at them, a truly content smile that he only got after fixing a meal in a relaxed atmosphere. He reached up to the cabinet over the stove where he hid the treats that he had bought for them behind Hankyung's back. That evil man didn't like them to have too many treats, but Heechul couldn't give them to Heebum and Champagne without feeling bad for not having treats for the two dogs as well. He reached the small jar hidden beyond the Chinese man's sights and pulled it down, RongRong and Rider wagging their tails excitedly when they recognized the tin. He gave them the treats and reached up to put the jar in its place once more.
"I knew that they were getting chunkier, and I just couldn't figure out why. It was you, Chullie."
Heechul was so surprised by the voice that the tin slipped in his grasp. He stumbled with it twice before he managed to get a proper hold on it once more. He gripped the tin to his chest as he turned his wide eyed stare at Hankyung who had picked up RongRong and was petting Rider. The picture in front of him seemed to click and he looked around the kitchen, surprised to see Heechul wearing an apron. Then he noticed that it smelled like food, mouth watering food, and that Heechul was the one that had cooked it.
"You can cook?"
Heechul hugged the tin a little closer before he pulled out his signature smirk trying to act as normal as usual. It was going well until he stuttered.
"Of course I can c-cook."
Hankyung once again raised an eyebrow before letting RongRong down and walking towards Heechul. Heechul froze as Hankyung leaned over him to look at the pans on the stove. He breathed in the aroma of the dishes while Heechul beside him breathed in the aroma of his soap. Heechul realized what he was doing and walked away towards his room. Hankyung reached out to stop him and pulled him back by the belt loops on his pants.
Heechul's eyes opened impossibly wide as he turned and swatted away Hankyung's hand. Hankyung merely gestured to the food still sitting on the stove.
"Aren't you going to eat? You made it so I'm assuming that you were hungry."
"Oh, I told Siwon that I would go see him earlier and I'm already late so I have to get going. In fact, today is our sleepover so I probably won't be back. You can eat, just put the rest in the fridge and I'll reheat it tomorrow."
Heechul was about to leave again when Hankyung embraced him from behind. Heechul stiffened in his arms. Damn him for getting Hankyung so used to their skin ship that he would do this out of his own accord.
"Thanks Chullie. It's like you read my mind. I'm starving."
He let Heechul go and Heechul took slow calming breaths through his nose. He went to his room and grabbed his My Little Pony back pack and packed a set of clothes, his hair brush, deodorant, and toothbrush. He scratched his cats under the chin and walked out to the living room where Hankyung was situated in front of the TV with a plate filled to the brim with Heechul's cooking. Heechul smiled softly and was heading for the front door when Hankyung called him over.
"Who would have thought that our Cinderella knew how to cook so well?"
"Yeah well, I still prefer instant ramen."
Hankyung chuckled before smiling widely at the older male.
"So you're staying the night at the dorms?"
"Yeah, but I'll be back in the morning so I expect my fried rice to be ready by the time I get back."
Hankyung chucked through his mouthful and gestured to his cheek. Heechul, of course knew what he meant. Heechul had made a point of kissing Hankyung's cheek whenever he could get away with it, not that the Chinese man had ever minded. Hankyung realized early on that if Heechul kissed you in such a manner then it usually meant that you were a close friend, a feat not easy to achieve with someone as closed off and shy as Heechul. The fact that Heechul did it so much to him showed him that he was perhaps one of Heechul's closest friends, and that was an honor to him because Heechul had helped him through so much when he had first come to Korea.
Heechul slowly walked towards the figure looking at him from the couch. He leaned down and brushed his lips against the skin on Hankyung's cheek very softly. He got up and walked towards the front door and out of the flat, closing the door softly behind him.
---
Siwon opened the door looking very surprised to see Heechul there on the verge of tears. Heechul looked up at him with tortured eyes before jumping into his arms.
"Oh Siwon!"
Siwon wrapped his arms around the distraught male and pulled him into the dorm. He walked him to his room and let him in. The older male allowed himself to be led to the bed and sat there looking lost. Siwon pulled up his computer chair and sat in front of the older boy.
"Rella, what's wrong with you? You've been off for a couple of days already and now you show up unannounced looking like someone killed your cat."
"Have I really been that obvious?"
"You keep doing everyone favors, taking the pets out for walks, washing dishes when it's not your dorm, offering help, doing things for yourself instead of making us do them for you. Everyone's worried actually. They think someone might have died or something and you don't want to tell us."
Heechul laughed weakly and fell back on the bed. So, he had been acting out of sorts. Siwon nudged his knee.
"So, do you want to talk about it? You know I'll listen, no matter what it is Rella."
Heechul breathed in and out deeply.
"I'm more scared that you'd reject my friendship after I told you than anything else."
Siwon heard the frailty in his voice. He got out of the chair and fixed himself next to Heechul.
"You know that I would never do that Heechul, no matter what you've done. You're one of the best friends I've ever had, nothing could change that."
"What if it interfered with your beliefs? What if it turns out I'm hated by God after all?"
The last part was said in a whisper that Siwon was barely able to make out. He turned towards the other boy to see tears running down from his unblinking eyes. He shifted closer and hugged Heechul to him. He had never seen the older boy looking so unsure of himself. Kim Heechul was haughty, confident, and assertive; this Heechul was nervous, skittish, unsure, afraid.
"Why would my beliefs interfere with our friendship? You're making no sense Heechul."
"I think I might be in love."
It came out muffed against Siwon's shirt but Siwon was able to hear. His eyebrows raised in confusion and he pulled away slightly. Heechul wasn't meeting his eyes but his eyes but his cheeks were stained pink and he was nervously biting his lip. Siwon smiled.
"That's great Rella! Who's the lucky girl?"
Heechul took a deep breath and steeled himself, looking strait into Siwon's eyes.
"It's Hankyung."
Siwon's face seemed to fall a little before his smile returned full force. He started laughing and flailing his arms around in a excited manner.
"I knew it! I knew it would happen! But really, you two take forever!"
Heechul looked up at Siwon extremely surprised at his friend's reaction. Siwon was clapping his hands loudly, laughing and giggling himself into a frenzy, flailing his limbs around like a teenage girl. Heechul reached for his chin and pulled him so that their eyes met.
"You heard me right? I said that I'm in love, with a guy."
"Yeah, I heard you loud and clear."
"Then, you're not disgusted with me? You're not gonna bust out a bottle of holy water and douse me? Not even tell me that gay people don't get into heaven?"
"Well, you're atheist anyway so I figure you don't care about any of that. If being with another man would make you happy then I am no one to ruin that for you."
"But you're always telling me to go to church and to have Jesus with me and--"
"Yeah, because I want you to be watched over. But it's not like I'm dragging you to church every Sunday or I'm making you read the bible right? It's your life Rella, and as one of your best friends its my job to make sure that you're happy, even if its something that I wouldn't choose for myself."
A wide smile erupted on Heechul's face as he hugged Siwon with all his might.
"I knew there was a reason I made you my honorary little brother! You have no idea how much this has been gnawing away at me Simba! It feels so good to finally be able to tell someone."
"It's what I'm here for. Now, I will leave my masculinity aside for five minutes and in that time I want you to tell me everything."
They pulled away and Heechul began talking like his voice would go away at any moment. Siwon listened intently the teenage girl in him flailing at Heechul's tales. Heechul told him of his awkwardness, the cooking, why he was acting so unlike himself, the fact that he could hardly be alone with Hankyung anymore, everything that had been plaguing him for almost a month now. It went on for hours before Heechul finally fell asleep, his mind finally at ease. Siwon tucked him in and pulled out the sleeping bag he used every time Heechul slept over. As he eased himself into the Lion King sleeping bag, a gift from Heechul for Christmas last year, he checked his cell phone to make sure his alarm was on.
There was one text message waiting to be read.
Sent: 11:48:36 PM
From: Hankyung
Message: Hey Siwon is Heechul okay? He's been acting out of sorts lately
Siwon smiled and quickly sent a message back.
To: Hankyung
Message: Don't worry, its taken care of. Good night Hyung~
---
Heechul stood at his front door for a couple of minutes before putting in the key and actually opening the door. As soon as he stepped through the threshold he smelled the Beijing fried rice. He took a deep breath and smiled. The first thing that greeted him home was RongRong scratching at his feet as he took off his shoes and jumping at him when he tried to untie his shoe laces. He scratched the little dog's ears before going to drop off his things in his room. He smiled at Heebum who was curled on his bed and Champagne on his bean bag.
Today he felt light. All the worries that had been haunting him had been soothed by his beloved honorary little brother. Now was the real burden. He discussed it with Siwon yesterday; today was the day that he told Hankyung everything. If he got rejected then he would have to learn to deal with it as only Kim Heechul can, but he had to try. His resolve was set as he made his way to the kitchen where Hankyung was singing Chinese nursery rhymes while finishing up the fried rice.
He tip toed behind him and was preparing to start tickling him.
"Don't even think about it Heechul."
Heechul crossed his arms across his chest and pouted. Hankyung turned with the spoon that he had been using to cook the rice and chuckled. He blew on the rice a little and brought it in front of Heechul's mouth. Heechul went forward and took the rice offered to him, chewing thoughtfully before smiling and shooting a thumbs up in Hankyung's face. He merely laughed and started piling the rice on a plate for Heechul.
Heechul waited patiently until Hankyung walked to the table with both plates and sat down next to him offering him the plate of fried rice. Heechul accepted with a smile, willing the butterflies in his stomach to calm down so that he could eat.
"So are you feeling better?"
"What do you mean?"
"Well, you've been acting all weird the last couple of weeks. Like, you didn't even want to be in a room with me. Now you seem more like yourself, except maybe a little calmer."
"Yeah well, one session with my favorite therapist and it turns out that I was being silly."
"What had been wrong with you?"
"I figured out that I was scared of falling in love."
Hankyung paused in his eating to look at Heechul who was using all his willpower to make sure that a blush would not appear. Hankyung looked down at his rice as he put his spoon down.
"You fell in love with someone?"
Heechul waited until he had swallowed his rice and taken a sip of juice before answering. His mind registered the downcast tone of Hankyung's voice as well.
"Yeah, and it scared me shitless. Cause you know, there's no cure for that and so I was in a slight panic cause I just wanted it to all go away."
"So, who was it?"
"Oh, just a friend of mine. But I think I'm okay now. Not as nervous tension-y now."
Hankyung continued to eat his rice for a while before getting the nerve to ask.
"Are you gonna confess?"
"Yeah actually. I need to do that today."
Heechul got up to put his plate in the sink, kissing Hankyung on the cheek as he got up and murmuring a soft thanks. Hankyung grunted something softly and continued eating. Heechul went and started washing the dishes. As he finished Hankyung went to the sink to wash his own plate. As he reached for the sponge, Heechul took the plunge.
"Hannie, I think I love you."
Heechul walked away leaving a shell shocked Hankyung in his wake. As the words finally processed in the Chinese man's head he dropped the dish he was washing and ran after Heechul. Heechul was in the doorway of his room when the breaking of glass startled him. Then he was tackled to the floor by a running Chinese guy, pinned there by the other's weight.
"Hannie, what the fuck is your--"
"You think you love me? Is that what you just said?"
"Yeah, that's exactly what I just said."
Hankyung just stared at him, hands on either side of his face. It was making him nervous the way his intense stare never seemed to waver. Then suddenly he was kissing him, fingers touching, hips jerking, air restricted, letting out all he had been feeling for the past two years.
---
Sent: 11:58:34 AM
From: Cinderella~<3
Message: The Slipper fit after all.
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Totally crappy ending, I know. Well, one drabble down 9 to go XD
Liked it? Think I should just retire? Please, do tell~
Pairing: Heechul/Hankyung
Prompt: I Think I Love You - Less Than Jake (Drabble #2)
Rated PG-13 (Swearing)
A/N: This is a continuation of a drabble I did for a challenge found Here
Summary: I think I love you so what am I so afraid of? I'm afraid that I'm not sure of a love there is no cure for. There was a reason Cinderella hid behind a pumpkin at midnight.
It was impossible. Unfathomable. He screamed into his pillow just for good measure. Kim Heechul does not fall in love. And fuck, he didn't spend his entire career defending his masculinity to end up gay after all.
But as he looked at Hankyung resting peacefully in his bed, the urge to scream aloud once more was overwhelming. Hankyung rolled towards him and huffed, eyes opening with stunning clarity.
"Okay, what is wrong with you Rella? It's like six in the morning..."
I think I love you fool
"Nothing, damn Hankyung. Just go back to sleep."
Heechul got up from bed and walked out of the room in his pink pajamas, ignoring the questioning eyes that were following his every move. He went to the kitchen where Siwon was already situated at the table with his tea and toast. Yesung was changing the coffee filter and looked up when Heechul put his Disney mug next to his own. He looked up at the tired looking Heechul and nodded in understanding before returning to his task. Heechul dropped down unceremoniously next to Siwon who looked up in surprise, his toast suspended in front of his slightly open mouth. Heechul gave a small groan and leaned forward so that his forehead was resting on table top. From his peripheral vision he saw Hankyung's plaid pajamas enter the kitchen. He sat down in front of Heechul, making the latter clench his fists under the table.
"Hankyung, what's wrong with Rella?"
"I have no clue. When I woke up he was screaming into his pillows. Then he just left."
He didn't have to look up to know that now Siwon had put down his toast and was reaching an arm to put on his shoulder.
"Heechul-hyung, your coffee's ready. Do you want me to add sugar?"
Heechul took the chance to quickly get out of his seat and went to the other side of the kitchen where Yesung was taking out the cream and sugar.
"I'll do it myself, thanks Jongwoon."
As he added the right amount of sugar to his coffee he didn't notice the bewildered stares of the three other members. Heechul wanting to do it himself? And saying thank you? To Yesung?! Heechul turned and took a sip of his coffee, smiling when the warmth made its way down his chest. He looked up to see the members staring at him, the stare of one in particular making him self conscience. His smile disappeared and he gulped down the rest of his coffee, not caring if it was still smoldering hot.
"Chullie, what's wrong with you?!? You're gonna burn your throat out!"
Hankyung had run forward and snatched the cup away from the older boy. They met each others eyes and Heechul turned away quickly, going over to the other side of the kitchen and stealing a bite of Siwon's toast.
The three in the kitchen hadn't stopped staring at him. Hankyung was still where he had left him, his eyes piercing Heechul's flesh with intensity. He needed to get out of that kitchen.
"Mm, I think I'm gonna go wash my hair now."
"But hyung, you washed your hair yesterday."
He looked down at Siwon and cursed him for knowing him so well.
"Oh, um, well, I--have to--to feed Heebum! Yeah that's it."
He swallowed his gulp of Siwon's tea and was walking out of the kitchen when Hankyung's arm latched around his tricep. He quickly pulled out of the hold and turned to a surprised Hankyung.
"I always feed Heebum when I get up hyung. You know that."
Heechul looked around nervously at the other two who were now looking at them. Siwon's eyebrows had practically disappeared into his hair line at their little interaction, and that more than anything put Heechul on edge. Siwon was far too observant for his own good, he would know that something was up. Maybe he already saw the little hearts that formed in Heechul's eyes every time he saw Hankyung. Oh, damn he had to get out of that kitchen!
Heechul pulled his hands over his eyes and looked away.
"Hankyung, is it alright if I take RongRong out for a walk? Yeah? Perfect. I'll see you guys later."
Without waiting for anyone to reply he walked out of the kitchen as quickly as he could without running. Yesung took a sip of his coffee and sighed happily as the caffeine entered his system before addressing the other two.
"Was it just me or was Heechul-hyung a little wound up this morning?"
They heard a dog's small bark and the front door closing with a slam.
---
Half an hour. They had been in their room for half an hour and Heechul couldn't shake this feeling that he had. Hankyung was sitting on his bed reading a book while Heechul was on the computer. Every five minutes he would re-arrange himself in the chair, or start fixing his hair, or smoothing out his shirt thinking that if Hankyung would look at him now then he would notice all his faults.
He sat with his legs open. No, that didn't look right. He closed them so that his knees were touching. That feels awkward, so it probably looks awkward. He changed so that his legs were crossed. No, because then you could see his bony ankles. He was about to change positions again when Hankyung put his book down and looked at him.
"Rella, are you okay? You seem restless, and your eye is twitching right now. Are you sick?"
He got up and was approaching the chair where Heechul was now frozen. Heechul looked up with wide eyes as Hankyung hovered over him, his palm out about to feel Heechul's forehead. Heechul was sure that the whole building could hear his heart pounding when he stood and almost fell in his haste to get out of the chair.
"Omo, I hear my phone ringing in the kitchen. Must have left it there. Oh well, I guess I have to go answer it. Later Hankyung!"
Heechul ran out of the room, smashing his toe on the door frame in his haste, ignoring Hankyung's calls for him to come back.
"But Chullie! Your phone's right here!"
Hankyung stayed with the pink phone in his hand watching as the older boy ran down the hall, the opposite way of the kitchen.
---
Heechul was pacing around his living room, damning the day that he decided it was a good idea to get a separate dorm with Kibum and Hankyung. What was he thinking?!
Kibum is hardly ever here so it was usually just him and Hankyung. It wasn't a problem before, but now it seemed chaotic. Now he was sure that in every movement he made Hankyung would be able to tell that he loved him. How was he supposed to act now? He stopped pacing and went to the kitchen.
Contrary to popular belief, Heechul was a decent cook when he wanted to be. Sure, he would only cook when he felt like it but when he did cook it received the highest compliments. It was a lesson learned from mother to son: if you have something that's bothering you, cooking will always help you clear your mind. That's the advise that was swirling around Heechul's head as he started making the spicy pickled squid, kimchi fried rice, and kimbap. It was the first time that he cooked something in his kitchen so it took him a good 30 minutes just to find everything necessary. In about an hour the small flat already smelled delicious, aromas penetrating every corner of the rooms. Even RongRong and Rider came to investigate the mysterious aroma and were now sitting at the edge of Heechul at the stove.
He smiled down at them, a truly content smile that he only got after fixing a meal in a relaxed atmosphere. He reached up to the cabinet over the stove where he hid the treats that he had bought for them behind Hankyung's back. That evil man didn't like them to have too many treats, but Heechul couldn't give them to Heebum and Champagne without feeling bad for not having treats for the two dogs as well. He reached the small jar hidden beyond the Chinese man's sights and pulled it down, RongRong and Rider wagging their tails excitedly when they recognized the tin. He gave them the treats and reached up to put the jar in its place once more.
"I knew that they were getting chunkier, and I just couldn't figure out why. It was you, Chullie."
Heechul was so surprised by the voice that the tin slipped in his grasp. He stumbled with it twice before he managed to get a proper hold on it once more. He gripped the tin to his chest as he turned his wide eyed stare at Hankyung who had picked up RongRong and was petting Rider. The picture in front of him seemed to click and he looked around the kitchen, surprised to see Heechul wearing an apron. Then he noticed that it smelled like food, mouth watering food, and that Heechul was the one that had cooked it.
"You can cook?"
Heechul hugged the tin a little closer before he pulled out his signature smirk trying to act as normal as usual. It was going well until he stuttered.
"Of course I can c-cook."
Hankyung once again raised an eyebrow before letting RongRong down and walking towards Heechul. Heechul froze as Hankyung leaned over him to look at the pans on the stove. He breathed in the aroma of the dishes while Heechul beside him breathed in the aroma of his soap. Heechul realized what he was doing and walked away towards his room. Hankyung reached out to stop him and pulled him back by the belt loops on his pants.
Heechul's eyes opened impossibly wide as he turned and swatted away Hankyung's hand. Hankyung merely gestured to the food still sitting on the stove.
"Aren't you going to eat? You made it so I'm assuming that you were hungry."
"Oh, I told Siwon that I would go see him earlier and I'm already late so I have to get going. In fact, today is our sleepover so I probably won't be back. You can eat, just put the rest in the fridge and I'll reheat it tomorrow."
Heechul was about to leave again when Hankyung embraced him from behind. Heechul stiffened in his arms. Damn him for getting Hankyung so used to their skin ship that he would do this out of his own accord.
"Thanks Chullie. It's like you read my mind. I'm starving."
He let Heechul go and Heechul took slow calming breaths through his nose. He went to his room and grabbed his My Little Pony back pack and packed a set of clothes, his hair brush, deodorant, and toothbrush. He scratched his cats under the chin and walked out to the living room where Hankyung was situated in front of the TV with a plate filled to the brim with Heechul's cooking. Heechul smiled softly and was heading for the front door when Hankyung called him over.
"Who would have thought that our Cinderella knew how to cook so well?"
"Yeah well, I still prefer instant ramen."
Hankyung chuckled before smiling widely at the older male.
"So you're staying the night at the dorms?"
"Yeah, but I'll be back in the morning so I expect my fried rice to be ready by the time I get back."
Hankyung chucked through his mouthful and gestured to his cheek. Heechul, of course knew what he meant. Heechul had made a point of kissing Hankyung's cheek whenever he could get away with it, not that the Chinese man had ever minded. Hankyung realized early on that if Heechul kissed you in such a manner then it usually meant that you were a close friend, a feat not easy to achieve with someone as closed off and shy as Heechul. The fact that Heechul did it so much to him showed him that he was perhaps one of Heechul's closest friends, and that was an honor to him because Heechul had helped him through so much when he had first come to Korea.
Heechul slowly walked towards the figure looking at him from the couch. He leaned down and brushed his lips against the skin on Hankyung's cheek very softly. He got up and walked towards the front door and out of the flat, closing the door softly behind him.
---
Siwon opened the door looking very surprised to see Heechul there on the verge of tears. Heechul looked up at him with tortured eyes before jumping into his arms.
"Oh Siwon!"
Siwon wrapped his arms around the distraught male and pulled him into the dorm. He walked him to his room and let him in. The older male allowed himself to be led to the bed and sat there looking lost. Siwon pulled up his computer chair and sat in front of the older boy.
"Rella, what's wrong with you? You've been off for a couple of days already and now you show up unannounced looking like someone killed your cat."
"Have I really been that obvious?"
"You keep doing everyone favors, taking the pets out for walks, washing dishes when it's not your dorm, offering help, doing things for yourself instead of making us do them for you. Everyone's worried actually. They think someone might have died or something and you don't want to tell us."
Heechul laughed weakly and fell back on the bed. So, he had been acting out of sorts. Siwon nudged his knee.
"So, do you want to talk about it? You know I'll listen, no matter what it is Rella."
Heechul breathed in and out deeply.
"I'm more scared that you'd reject my friendship after I told you than anything else."
Siwon heard the frailty in his voice. He got out of the chair and fixed himself next to Heechul.
"You know that I would never do that Heechul, no matter what you've done. You're one of the best friends I've ever had, nothing could change that."
"What if it interfered with your beliefs? What if it turns out I'm hated by God after all?"
The last part was said in a whisper that Siwon was barely able to make out. He turned towards the other boy to see tears running down from his unblinking eyes. He shifted closer and hugged Heechul to him. He had never seen the older boy looking so unsure of himself. Kim Heechul was haughty, confident, and assertive; this Heechul was nervous, skittish, unsure, afraid.
"Why would my beliefs interfere with our friendship? You're making no sense Heechul."
"I think I might be in love."
It came out muffed against Siwon's shirt but Siwon was able to hear. His eyebrows raised in confusion and he pulled away slightly. Heechul wasn't meeting his eyes but his eyes but his cheeks were stained pink and he was nervously biting his lip. Siwon smiled.
"That's great Rella! Who's the lucky girl?"
Heechul took a deep breath and steeled himself, looking strait into Siwon's eyes.
"It's Hankyung."
Siwon's face seemed to fall a little before his smile returned full force. He started laughing and flailing his arms around in a excited manner.
"I knew it! I knew it would happen! But really, you two take forever!"
Heechul looked up at Siwon extremely surprised at his friend's reaction. Siwon was clapping his hands loudly, laughing and giggling himself into a frenzy, flailing his limbs around like a teenage girl. Heechul reached for his chin and pulled him so that their eyes met.
"You heard me right? I said that I'm in love, with a guy."
"Yeah, I heard you loud and clear."
"Then, you're not disgusted with me? You're not gonna bust out a bottle of holy water and douse me? Not even tell me that gay people don't get into heaven?"
"Well, you're atheist anyway so I figure you don't care about any of that. If being with another man would make you happy then I am no one to ruin that for you."
"But you're always telling me to go to church and to have Jesus with me and--"
"Yeah, because I want you to be watched over. But it's not like I'm dragging you to church every Sunday or I'm making you read the bible right? It's your life Rella, and as one of your best friends its my job to make sure that you're happy, even if its something that I wouldn't choose for myself."
A wide smile erupted on Heechul's face as he hugged Siwon with all his might.
"I knew there was a reason I made you my honorary little brother! You have no idea how much this has been gnawing away at me Simba! It feels so good to finally be able to tell someone."
"It's what I'm here for. Now, I will leave my masculinity aside for five minutes and in that time I want you to tell me everything."
They pulled away and Heechul began talking like his voice would go away at any moment. Siwon listened intently the teenage girl in him flailing at Heechul's tales. Heechul told him of his awkwardness, the cooking, why he was acting so unlike himself, the fact that he could hardly be alone with Hankyung anymore, everything that had been plaguing him for almost a month now. It went on for hours before Heechul finally fell asleep, his mind finally at ease. Siwon tucked him in and pulled out the sleeping bag he used every time Heechul slept over. As he eased himself into the Lion King sleeping bag, a gift from Heechul for Christmas last year, he checked his cell phone to make sure his alarm was on.
There was one text message waiting to be read.
Sent: 11:48:36 PM
From: Hankyung
Message: Hey Siwon is Heechul okay? He's been acting out of sorts lately
Siwon smiled and quickly sent a message back.
To: Hankyung
Message: Don't worry, its taken care of. Good night Hyung~
---
Heechul stood at his front door for a couple of minutes before putting in the key and actually opening the door. As soon as he stepped through the threshold he smelled the Beijing fried rice. He took a deep breath and smiled. The first thing that greeted him home was RongRong scratching at his feet as he took off his shoes and jumping at him when he tried to untie his shoe laces. He scratched the little dog's ears before going to drop off his things in his room. He smiled at Heebum who was curled on his bed and Champagne on his bean bag.
Today he felt light. All the worries that had been haunting him had been soothed by his beloved honorary little brother. Now was the real burden. He discussed it with Siwon yesterday; today was the day that he told Hankyung everything. If he got rejected then he would have to learn to deal with it as only Kim Heechul can, but he had to try. His resolve was set as he made his way to the kitchen where Hankyung was singing Chinese nursery rhymes while finishing up the fried rice.
He tip toed behind him and was preparing to start tickling him.
"Don't even think about it Heechul."
Heechul crossed his arms across his chest and pouted. Hankyung turned with the spoon that he had been using to cook the rice and chuckled. He blew on the rice a little and brought it in front of Heechul's mouth. Heechul went forward and took the rice offered to him, chewing thoughtfully before smiling and shooting a thumbs up in Hankyung's face. He merely laughed and started piling the rice on a plate for Heechul.
Heechul waited patiently until Hankyung walked to the table with both plates and sat down next to him offering him the plate of fried rice. Heechul accepted with a smile, willing the butterflies in his stomach to calm down so that he could eat.
"So are you feeling better?"
"What do you mean?"
"Well, you've been acting all weird the last couple of weeks. Like, you didn't even want to be in a room with me. Now you seem more like yourself, except maybe a little calmer."
"Yeah well, one session with my favorite therapist and it turns out that I was being silly."
"What had been wrong with you?"
"I figured out that I was scared of falling in love."
Hankyung paused in his eating to look at Heechul who was using all his willpower to make sure that a blush would not appear. Hankyung looked down at his rice as he put his spoon down.
"You fell in love with someone?"
Heechul waited until he had swallowed his rice and taken a sip of juice before answering. His mind registered the downcast tone of Hankyung's voice as well.
"Yeah, and it scared me shitless. Cause you know, there's no cure for that and so I was in a slight panic cause I just wanted it to all go away."
"So, who was it?"
"Oh, just a friend of mine. But I think I'm okay now. Not as nervous tension-y now."
Hankyung continued to eat his rice for a while before getting the nerve to ask.
"Are you gonna confess?"
"Yeah actually. I need to do that today."
Heechul got up to put his plate in the sink, kissing Hankyung on the cheek as he got up and murmuring a soft thanks. Hankyung grunted something softly and continued eating. Heechul went and started washing the dishes. As he finished Hankyung went to the sink to wash his own plate. As he reached for the sponge, Heechul took the plunge.
"Hannie, I think I love you."
Heechul walked away leaving a shell shocked Hankyung in his wake. As the words finally processed in the Chinese man's head he dropped the dish he was washing and ran after Heechul. Heechul was in the doorway of his room when the breaking of glass startled him. Then he was tackled to the floor by a running Chinese guy, pinned there by the other's weight.
"Hannie, what the fuck is your--"
"You think you love me? Is that what you just said?"
"Yeah, that's exactly what I just said."
Hankyung just stared at him, hands on either side of his face. It was making him nervous the way his intense stare never seemed to waver. Then suddenly he was kissing him, fingers touching, hips jerking, air restricted, letting out all he had been feeling for the past two years.
---
Sent: 11:58:34 AM
From: Cinderella~<3
Message: The Slipper fit after all.
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Totally crappy ending, I know. Well, one drabble down 9 to go XD
Liked it? Think I should just retire? Please, do tell~