The bustle of the office had always been soothing to Kyungsoo. The rhythmic ticking of the clock that some used as a countdown rather than a tool, the warm drips and drops of coffee trickling into someone’s cup, the shift of papers and click clack of fingers hitting keys. It was all the background music he needed as he carefully read over a case file for the second time, trying to construct an understanding of his client. He had two cases to prepare for at the moment, both of them being pretty typical cases for an experienced lawyer. As he was finishing his notes on the first case and had started to organize everything where he could easily find it, he heard the first notes of betrayal. His phone had started to vibrate and he knew it wouldn’t be long before he heard the tiny noises of bubbles popping rapidly interrupting his busy schedule. He knew who was calling him, it had to be Baekhyun, his self-proclaimed “best friend” (Although Kyungsoo did share the sentiment, he would just never admit it to anyone).

 

Everyone else in his contacts list had the same standard ringtone that had come as the default on his phone, but Baekhyun had insisted on changing his, so Kyungsoo would, “Always answer and not waste time looking at the ID.” But Kyungsoo knew it was just to annoy him considering Baekhyun had picked one of the noisiest options available on his phone (because Kyungsoo wouldn’t let him upload one of his “cool” pop songs onto his phone). He thought it was of some consolation that Baekhyun hadn’t picked the one with the sirens blaring, or the one with the heavy metal singer screaming since it seemed his friend still had some consideration for his sanity. Besides, even though he would never ever say it anywhere, the bubbles were kind of cute, and they suited Baekhyun.

 

It was with a sigh that he finally picked up the phone on the second ring, “Speak.”

 

“Hey y, missed me?” the offending voice practically sang in his ear.

 

“Not in the slightest, what is it Baekhyun, everything ok?”

 

“Aw you do care. Thanks Kyungie. What time you gonna be off work?”

 

“Don’t call me that,” he said quickly, even though he didn’t deny the first part of Baekhyun’s statement, “I don’t know, I don’t get off until five, but I think I’m done with my notes for the first one, and I only have two cases on my plate right now so I shouldn’t be staying overtime this time unless something comes up.”

 

“Is one of these the one you told me about before? The one with the little girl whose parents are divorcing?”

 

Kyungsoo confirmed it with a weary sigh, “I’ll always have some of those on my desk Baek, you know that. I have a domestic abuse claim too, seems like a teenage boy finally had enough of his father after he turned to his little sister,” he paused as Baek tsked in distaste, “Isn’t it weird how the world works? Someone’s tragedy ending up as paperwork and numbers in a statistic that no one but those affected will remember until it suits them. How a life can be organized and filed away, stored in the back waiting for the next misfortune joins it while the world argues if they were important enough?”

 

“That’s a grim way of looking at the world Kyungie.”

 

“But that’s how it is. That’s how it has been for a long time,” he changed the subject, “Why did you need to know what time I would be off?”

 

“No reason. Take care Kyungie, I’ll talk to you later!” he chirped, ending the call abruptly.

 

Kyungsoo blinked at his now silent phone, Baekhyun very rarely hung up first with Kyungsoo or Chanyeol, Baekhyun’s boyfriend, usually having to pry him off the phone. Something was definitely about to happen he thought absentmindedly as he turned towards his next case. Who knows after all, maybe some things are meant to bring change.

 

He ended up arriving home at seven with yet another case in tow, his previous conversation with his friend forgotten as he opened his door, squinting at the tiny typed details. He did remember however once he walked into his living room and found a plate on the coffee table,  crumbs adorning the edge and a slightly damp circle where a glass of presumably milk had been placed on the table. Only one other person had the keys to his house. And only one person would be messy enough to leave evidence that they had ate cookies and milk before dinner. Sure enough, he walked into the kitchen and was greeted by a smiling Baekhyun who wasted no time in throwing confetti in his face.

 

“Baekhyun,” Kyungsoo spluttered, “What the hell?”

 

“Surprise! Happy birthday I made you a cake!” the cheery boy exclaimed, holding up a miniature tiramisu cake with fancy chocolate slices secured in a transparent plastic container with a store’s logo pasted onto the opening.

 

“Baekhyun, this is store bought.”

 

“Yeah but I made it become your birthday cake so…make a wish!”

 

“I wish for you to leave.”

 

“Aww Kyungie, but I haven’t even given you your present!”

 

Kyungsoo’s ears involuntarily perked up a bit at that. Despite their contrasting personalities, the loud boy did have quite a sensibility for the other’s likes and dislikes, and as a result always gave him great presents which he treasured. “Ok fine,” he relented, “There’s no candles on the cake though.”

 

“Gotcha!” Baekhyun exclaimed immediately, “Yeah I couldn’t find any so,” he extended the last word as he pulled out one of Kyungsoo’s scented candles he kept in the bathroom usually from somewhere behind him and lit it, “I found this and I figured close enough! Technically if we were to take the same number of little candles as your age and put them together it would be around the same size! So really we’re saving energy, saving the environment yeah yeah blow it out.”

 

Kyungsoo closed his eyes with an extra dramatic sigh for good measure, and wished to all the wish-granting forces in the world. “Please let me live a happy life.” That had been his wish for as long as he remembered, and so far it had held true, he was pretty content with how his life had shaped out. However he couldn’t help but feel like something was missing from it, and he was scared to think of what it was. As time passed and he grew older, he couldn’t help but feel a certain nervousness at thinking that maybe he wouldn’t find something to fill that missing part, or more specifically someone.   

 

He opened his eyes to see his best friend beaming at him genuinely, “I got you something Kyungie.”

 

Kyungsoo held his hands out expectantly at Baekhyun who just laughed loudly, “You’re such a kid sometimes,” before he went towards the kitchen counter where a big brown box rested.  He took the box down carefully and set it down near Kyungsoo, opening the top and smiling down at the inside before beckoning Kyungsoo over. The birthday boy made his way over warily, attempting to peek inside but Baekhyun had closed the flaps faster than he could blink. He heard a little yip and he felt his eyes grow wide as he stared accusingly at his soon to be ex-best friend.

 

“Byun Baekhyun what have you brought inside my house?”

 

“Please Kyungie you make it sound like I let in some demon. Come look, he’s really cute,” Baekhyun said opening the top up again.

 

Kyungsoo managed to look inside this time and was instantly met with a furry brown face with a long snout and a tiny tongue on its way to him, which he dodged unsuccessfully, the dog managing to tip over his box and make its way onto his feet, rendering him immobile.

 

“Baekhyun,” he glared up at the boy vigorously recording him on his phone, “Why is there a dog laying on me?”

 

“A cute puppy. Whose name is Monggu, I named him for you cuz you have zero creativity.”

 

“I do not. I am a very creative person.”

 

Baekhyun raised an eyebrow, “Really? Remember when you joined that band in high school? And you made your stage name D.O because of your last name? You’d probably end up naming him Bob.”

 

“Ok ok,” Kyungsoo relented, “But why is there a dog?”

 

“Kyungsoo please, at least pet him or acknowledge him, he’s not gonna turn you into a zombie.”

 

The birthday boy begrudgingly complied, leaning down to pet Monggu, who instantly perked up, his little tail wagging happily as he successfully Kyungsoo’s face again, to which the boy let out an involuntary coo as he cupped the puppy’s face.

 

Baekhyun smiled at the scene, still recording, “I got you a puppy because I know you’re lonely and frankly I worry for you. You’re all by yourself in this house, with your nose in your work twenty-four seven, you don’t even turn on your T.V anymore Kyungie. You need a destresser.”

 

Kyungsoo sighed, his friend had a point, “But I’ve never had a pet before Baek, I don’t know what to do. What if I kill him on accident? What if I step on him or something? Or forget to feed him? How do I give him a bath I heard dogs hate baths, and I have to walk him too right? But I hate going outside, I don’t know if I’m cut out for this.”

 

Baekhyun puts down his phone, stopping the recording before answering, “Ok Kyungsoo? Breathe. Take a deep breath. You won’t kill him or step on him, he’s capable of moving if he sees you coming. You’re one of the most responsible people I know, besides myself obviously, so I highly doubt you would forget to feed him. And Monggu actually loves baths; plus some fresh air would do you good too,” he paused before suggestively adding, “Besides if anything were to happen, Jongin would probably be more than willing to help you.”   

 

“Jong...who?” Kyungsoo asked, a bit more at ease after his friend’s speech. He was busy giving monggu belly rubs and he had to admit, the puppy was pretty cute.

 

“Jongin! He was friends with Chanyeol in high school, he was at Channie’s birthday party last year. He’s a vet, and he loves cute dogs.”

 

“Oh!” Kyungsoo looked up from the satisfied puppy, “That madhouse you called a party. I don’t think I got a chance to meet him. Are you sure he’d help me? I mean he doesn’t know me either.”

 

Baekhyun tsked at him with something akin to disappointment in his voice, “Jongin’s a nice guy, he’ll do it if Chanyeol asks. And trust me as soon as he sees you he’ll thank us; won’t even need to be asked.”

 

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Kyungsoo said with narrowed eyes.

 

“Nothing, have fun with Monggu! I left some bowls for him in the kitchen; he already ate while we were waiting for you though. Good night Kyungie!”   

 

The puppy followed Baekhyun to the door, where he whined a bit before bounding back to Kyungsoo, who had already dismissed the strange comments made earlier.

 

He kneeled down to face the puppy, who put its paws on his knees. “Monggu huh?” he said with an amused smile on his face, “I’m Kyungsoo. Guess it’s gonna be us two for now, so we need to take care of each other ok?”  

 

Monggu let out a happy bark in response before running over towards Kyungsoo’s bedroom where there was a small doggy bed with cartoony watermelons printed all around the outside. The new dog mom felt something warm in his heart as he saw how far his best friend had gone to prepare all this for him. Maybe Baekhyun was right; maybe this was just what he needed. He looked at the sleeping puppy one last time before turning on his desk lamp and getting to work on his cases, feeling like everything in the world was right for once.

 

It was the morning of January fourteenth, and everything was terrible. Monggu wasn’t acting like himself since last night, and just now he’d puked in the living room, and Kyungsoo really had to get to work. He panicked and called Baekhyun, telling him what was happening.

 

“It sounds like he might be sick or something? I don’t know... here I’ll give you the address for Jongin’s clinic, remember Chanyeol’s vet friend?” Kyungsoo nodded nervously even though Baekhyun couldn’t see him, “He should be in, I’ll tell him you’re heading over, take the day off work and head over he’ll be waiting for you.”

  

Kyungsoo followed Baekhyun’s instructions, writing down the address and calling his work, hoping his boss wouldn’t be too upset with him. To his surprise his boss waved off his concerns with a laugh, “Do Kyungsoo, don’t you worry, you get that puppy to a Vet. You work too hard and never ask for anything, this is the least I could do.”

 

“Thank you Mr. Kim,” he paused upon hearing a distressed whine, ignoring his boss’s mutterings of, “I told you to call me Junmyeon.” He turned to find his puppy strewn on the floor  staring miserably at a pile of poop. It seemed Monggu had diarrhea too so he quickly bid his boss farewell and rushed to pick it up with a scooper.  

 

He hastily grabbed Monggu’s leash and some poop bags before scooping up the puppy, who seemed to be too exhausted to walk on his own. He had started to set out some of the bags on the car seat in case Monggu were to have another accident, before realizing that the puppy might not be very safe in the seat, so he moved the set up to the passenger seat floor.

 

Normally Kyungsoo was a very cautious driver, and today was no exception; he couldn’t afford to get pulled over when his puppy was having an emergency. So although that red light was practically begging him to speed past it, he did not. After what seemed like an eternity he finally arrived at the address Baekhyun had sent him, parking rather precariously and hastily gathering Monggu into his arms. He glanced up at the sign reading “Little Bears Vet” before charging inside. The secretary was a stoic faced younger boy with hair dyed a light pink color. Kyungsoo briefly wondered if that was allowed in this sort of work environment before approaching the desk. “Excuse me? I’m looking for Jongin, it’s a bit of an emergency.”

 

The boy whose nametag read ‘Oh Sehun’ in straight white text raised an eyebrow at him skeptically as he looked him up and down before his gaze finally landed on the puppy in despair. He nodded once before signaling him to follow. “You’re Kyungsoo I’m guessing?” he continued without waiting for a reply, “I guess that couple was right, you’re not too bad,” he looked back at him before giving a small smirk as he led him to a room, “Totally his type.”

 

“What is?” Kyungsoo called after the retreating secretary.

 

“The puppy,” came the sarcastic answer, its tone unnoticed by Kyungsoo who figured it made sense, Monggu was pretty cute. He opened the door slowly, careful not to hurt the puppy in his arms only for it to open the rest of the way by itself when someone on the other side pulled it open the rest of the way and his gaze landed on eyes as warm as the sun, small laugh lines apparent as the whole person came into view and oh, how did Kyungsoo not know this person existed? If his eyes were the sun then this man would truly put the whole solar system to shame; they stood there staring at each other for a few seconds before Monggu whimpered and the spell was broken.

 

“Hi,” the vet spoke, “I’m Kim Jongin, uh Chanyeol's friend.”

 

Monggu’s parent nodded, “Do Kyungsoo, Baekhyun’s friend and this is Monggu and I think he’s sick.”

 

Jongin looked professional then as he placed the puppy gently on the table and directed all of his attention towards him. He examined him and ran some tests before turning to Kyungsoo, “It’s a good thing you brought him in right away, it seems to be an insect bite, he may have gotten bit while outside, some Benadryl should do the trick,” he said while giving some to the puppy. He gave some to Kyungsoo too, along with some instructions on how to administer it.

 

“Thank you so much Dr. Kim,” Kyungsoo sighed in relief as he saw the fidgeting pup starting to relax.

 

“You can call me Jongin,” the other male stuttered out quickly. Kyungsoo gave him a big smile, the kind that pulls at his lips and makes them form a heart as his eyes form crescents as he nods and Jongin swears his heart stops. “Cute,” he breathes out only to slap his cheeks in mortification as Kyungsoo tilts his head in confusion, “Monggu! Monggu is really cute!”

 

Kyungsoo agrees, “He’s two months old, Baekhyun gave him to me two days ago for my birthday.”

 

Jongin gasps, “Your birthday was two days ago?” he continues upon receiving confirmation, “Mine is today! Isn’t that such a funny thing, our birthdays are two days apart.”

 

Kyungsoo’s eyes become wider than usual, “Today’s your birthday? Happy birthday! I’m so sorry I made you work today…”

 

But Jongin just waves him off, “I was going to come in anyways, I’d rather spend my birthday helping out cute bo-- pets! Than anything else. I didn’t have anything planned until tonight anyways, I was just going to go out for dinner with a few friends… say do you want to come along? Chanyeol and Baekhyun will be there too.”

 

“Are you sure you want me there? I don’t want to intrude…” Kyungsoo spoke hesitantly.

 

Jongin smiled brightly, “Kyungsoo, I would love to have you there. Please?”

 

Kyungsoo nodded, “I’ll ask my friend Minseok to babysit…Uh puppysit I guess. What time and where?”

 

“Uh,” Jongin looked at him shyly before reaching into his pocket, his face turning redder by the second as he handed the other boy his phone, “Give me your number and I’ll text you the info? If you want! I mean I can totally write it down on a piece of paper what am I saying-”

 

Kyungsoo laughed as he took the phone, “Texts are easier to keep track of don’t worry. Thank you so much for everything Jongin, how much do I owe you?”

 

“Don’t worry about it!” came the quick reply, “It was my pleasure to help. Consider it a gift to our new friendship?”

 

After much arguing and insistence on Jongin’s part that it was fine, Kyungsoo left with a light feeling in his heart, Monggu was recovering, and he’d made a new (very attractive) friend. He was however determined to pay Jongin back, so if he wouldn’t accept payment, he would just have to buy the best damn present ever. Problem was he’d only just met the other and didn’t really know anything about him besides the fact that he’d obviously been blessed by some higher deity when he was born. That jawline alone almost had him drooling. Once he got home and set Monggu in his bed, he called Baekhyun to fill him in on the update.

 

His best friend answered on the second ring, skipping his usual sultry greeting and asking about Monggu’s wellbeing. “He’s doing fine now,” Kyungsoo assured him, “Jongin said some insect probably bit him and caused that reaction, he gave me some medicine for him.”

   

“That’s great. So you’re coming to the party tonight?”

 

Kyungsoo stuttered, “How did you-”

 

“I have my ways,” came the reply.

 

Kyungsoo groaned, “I don’t know what to get him as a present, I don’t know anything about him, besides that he’s nice and kinda cute and he might be perfect. Can you help?”

 

“Aw. What’s in it for me Kyungie pie?” Baekhyun answered mischievously.

 

“Please Baekkie?” Kyungsoo pleaded, willing all the cuteness he possessed into his voice, even pouting a bit even though Baekhyun couldn’t see.

 

The other line went silent for a moment before a loud screech was heard, “What the hell Kyungsoo? I wasn’t ready! Do it again I need to record it.”

 

Kyungsoo didn’t even hesitate before denying his request.

 

Baekhyun tried again with a different strategy, “Do it again and add some aegyo and I will personally take you shopping for lover boy.”

 

Kyungsoo let out an extended aggravated sigh before saying quickly in a mock-cute voice, “Pretty please Baekkie-poop, help me not make a fool of myself shy shy shy?”

 

“Yessssss, got it! You do that easily enough on your own though Kyungie, but alright, since you gave me enough blackmail material for the next three years I’ll help you buy the cute vet a present. I’ll be at your place in an hour. Adios honey!” Baekhyun said, and Kyungsoo could just imagine him waving at his phone as he hung up.

He called up his friend Minseok who lived two streets down, owned two cats and one dog and was well on his way to becoming an old cat lady. Which was what Minseok wanted really, to have a house full of cute animals. He’d been absolutely ecstatic when he heard that Kyungsoo had gotten a dog, “It’s the only good thing Baekhyun’s ever done in his life honestly.” And had been dying to meet him, so of course he agreed to watch Monggu for the day and was at his house in a record setting time of six minutes.  

 

Monggu was still not feeling that well, but he did perk up once he sensed a new friend, and seemed even more excited to meet Minseok’s pets once he got a wiff of them. Kyungsoo gave Minseok Monggu’s medicine after telling him how to administer it to the puppy and told him about meeting Jongin subsequently, because after Baekhyun Minseok was another close friend, and he had the right to know.

 

“Well Soo, it sounds like this guy could be a good catch, but you definitely don't wanna jump into things, get to know him a little better first,” the elder advised, “And buy a cute outfit since you're going shopping, I know what's in your closet.”

 

Kyungsoo replied in an offended manner, “There's nothing wrong with black.”

 

Minseok raised an eyebrow, “Didn't say there was, just spice it up a bit somehow. It can still be black but the same Justin Bieber shirt from five years ago may not be suitable for every event and your work suits would be too much.”

 

The bell rang then, interrupting Kyungsoo’s refute, causing him to sulk as he opened the door to let in his best friend. “Aww what’s wrong Kyungie? Is old Minseok being mean again?” he was immediately questioned upon seeing his pout.

 

“He implied that I have no style.”

 

“But honey. You don’t.”

 

“I hate you both.”  

 

Minseok approached the bickering duo, “Please Baekhyun, do something useful, get this boy some new clothes. We can’t let him go another twenty-six years without a boy.” Baekhyun did a mock salute at Minseok before sticking his tongue out. The elder sighed, “Anyways I’m taking your puppy, you know where to find me. Don’t do anything reckless or unsafe… So don’t listen to Baekhyun, unless it’s about clothes. Bye.” Monggu yipped in farewell before the door closed, leaving the lawyer and his mentor alone.

 

“So… you gonna change or are you gonna go to the mall in your boring suit?” Baekhyun said cheekily.

 

Kyungsoo groaned loudly before marching to his room, but Baekhyun had to have the last word, “And don’t wear that Justin Bieber shirt!”

 

Twenty minutes later they were on the road, Kyungsoo in a black and white stripped tee that Baekhyun had forced him into after digging through his closet for an item that wasn’t a plain black tee, or the Justin Bieber shirt (“Minseok was right… you need help”).

 

They finally arrived at the mall, and Baekhyun quickly lead them towards a store, “Let’s get Jongin’s present first since that’s gonna take way less time than you.” They headed straight for a Louis Vuitton shop and Kyungsoo felt his eyes grow wide, before Baekhyun entered the store next to it. “A...toy shop?” he questioned his guide.

 

“Yep. Jongin’s a total kid, and he loves chicken, but since his party is at a chicken place you can’t buy him chicken, nor can you buy him a living one, so we’re going for the next best thing. Trust me.”

 

It was with a skeptical feeling that he entered the shop, and with a large chicken drumstick plushie that he exited. “Byun Baekhyun I swear to god if you’re ing with me right now…”

 

“He’ll love it. I promise.” Baekhyun said with an easy smile, and Kyungsoo huffed as they walked to the next store, carrying the drumstick that was half his size.

 

They walked out of the shopping center with three more bags of clothes for Kyungsoo; him refusing to buy any more than that. “I’m more surprised that you managed to find decent looking clothes without sticking me in some neon revealing outfit honestly,” he told Baekhyun.

 

“Please, I know what you like and don’t, give me some credit. I’m not the fashion king for nothing,” he replied, flipping his imaginary hair. He stopped and looked over at Kyungsoo before they got in the car, “You know, you should dye your hair red.”

 

“No.”

 

“But you really should.”

 

“Get in the car or I leave without you.”

 

They made it back to Kyungsoo’s place in one piece somehow, and Baekhyun decided to stay since they would be going to the same place together later anyways.

 

“Aren't you gonna go with your boyfriend?” Kyungsoo asked sarcastically, knowing there was no changing Baekhyun’s mind.

 

“Nah, he can survive unsupervised for a few hours, I'll see him there anyways. So we have approximately an hour before we have to leave,” Baekhyun said looking at his imaginary wristwatch while glancing at his phone, “You go put on that dark green long sleeved shirt and some pants and I'll be your stylist.”

 

When Kyungsoo came back out Baekhyun let out an appreciative whistle, “Damn I'm good, that shirt shows off your muscles nicely, I still can't believe you have those even though you always beat me up. Alright lemme try and make your hair decent maybe a little makeup too, don't give me that look, and then we can go.”

 

They were almost at the chicken restaurant when Kyungsoo’s nerves started acting up, “Are you sure I look ok Baek? And he'll like the present?”

 

“I'm sure Kyungsoo. Don't worry.”

 

The birthday gathering was small, Jongin having only invited a few close friends and Kyungsoo. Besides Chanyeol, who immediately ran to Baekhyun’s side like a large lost puppy, there was Sehun who he had met earlier, and a sleepy looking Chinese boy who he was introduced to as Yixing.

 

The friends were quick to embarrass Jongin, spilling all sorts of stories from their school days, much to Jongin’s horror, but Kyungsoo found them endearing. He was also impressed to learn that all three of them were dancers, Jongin having classical training in ballet and contemporary while Yixing and Sehun did hip hop.

 

“My dream was originally to be a famous ballerino, and to join a prestigious company, but I realized that pets needed me more. I still love dance though, and it's very much an important part of my life,” Jongin explained, “We met at an audition in high school, not long before I met Chanyeol, and we just stuck together I guess.”

 

Their dinner ended with a very drunk Chanyeol, and three of the guests carrying him to his car, leaving Jongin to walk Kyungsoo to his. Kyungsoo took a deep breath before speaking, “So uh… I kinda got you something?” Jongin’s eyes lit up as Kyungsoo passed him the chicken drumstick plushie resting on his backseat.

 

“No way! This is so cool ohmygosh,” he practically jumped as he hugged it, and Kyungsoo could see what Baekhyun meant about the vet being a kid, “I love it Kyungsoo thank you! I could kiss you right now! Oh .”

 

“What?” Kyungsoo stuttered, surprised.

 

“Uh. I'm drunk? I mean,” Jongin took a quick breath while his cheeks got redder, he really did look drunk now, “Are you free on Saturday?”

 

 “I think so? Depends on the time because I'm usually in the office in the morning. Why, did you need something?”

 

“You. I mean. I wanna give you something in return? Maybe take you out for coffee after work?” Jongin shyly offered, slightly hiding behind the large plush.

 

“You don't have to give me anything Jongin, you've already done more than enough-”

 

“I'm asking you on a date Kyungsoo.”

 

“...Oh. OH,” He was sure his face was redder than Rudolph’s nose at this point, “Yes?”

 

If Kyungsoo was Rudolph Jongin’s face was Christmas as he smiled, “Great! I'll pick you up at six then?”

 

Kyungsoo nodded, “I'll text you my address.”

 

“Cool, I'll uh, see you then,” Jongin waved, walking backwards to his car without looking away from Kyungsoo until he ran into Baekhyun (who had stopped there on purpose), after which he got in his car.

 

Baekhyun approached his friend who was still staring at the spot Jongin had been at. “Please tell me you're getting the D,” he said and Kyungsoo just nodded, not really listening. “YES. I'm so good, call me Cupidhyun,” he walked away doing a little jig.

 

Saturday couldn't come any faster. Monggu was back to full health, and very excited to see his favorite vet. Meanwhile Kyungsoo was a wreck, he hadn't been on a date since high school and that didn't go too well (lasagna, don't ask). He was wearing a tan three quarter sleeve tee shirt with military green jeans while he played with his hair nervously. It was four thirty and he didn't know what else to do with himself, his habit of biting his nails kicking in. Monggu was laying down on his back by Kyungsoo’s feet and he reached down to rub the pup’s belly.

 

His phone rang suddenly and he almost jumped out the window from being startled. He saw that it was his boss and answered, “Hello Mr. Kim.”

 

“Joonmyeon. Hey Kyungsoo, hope you're having a lovely evening, I just wanted to tell you that the new divorce case’s trial you've been working on got bumped up to Monday. I have faith you'll be ready by then.”

 

“Monday? That's- I mean, of course sir, I'll be ready,” he replied slightly annoyed at being rushed.

 

“Great, oh and Kyungsoo,” he added with a mischievous tilt to his voice, “Have fun on your date.”

 

Kyungsoo gaped at his phone as his boss quickly hung up. How did everyone know what he was doing? He sighed and trudged toward his office; he had twenty minutes left, he might as well get some work done.

 

He was startled out of his work by the bell and he glanced up at his clock reading that it was ten past five. He rushed to greet Jongin, wiping off an ink stain he didn’t even notice on his hand. He glanced at his reflection in the mirror quickly and fixed his hair before opening the door, Monggu having beat him at getting there was already climbing up Jongin’s leg. The vet leaned down immediately to pick up the small dog. “Hey cutie, I got you something, but I’ll give it to you once we get back,” he said showing a soft ball that he handed over to Kyungsoo. He grinned at the him, “Hey Kyungsoo. Sorry I’m a bit late, traffic was killer.”

 

Kyungsoo smiled back, twirling the ball Monggu was eyeing in his hands, “Oh it’s no worry, I was working on a case while I waited for you.”

 

“A case?” Jongin raised an eyebrow, “Are you a lawyer or something?”

 

“That’s exactly what I am. I work downtown for Kim Co.,” Kyungsoo explained.

 

“No way. That’s my cousin’s firm! He didn’t tell me he knew you,” Jongin exclaimed.

 

“Did you tell him about me?” Kyungsoo wondered, realizing that may have been how Joonmyeon knew of the date.

 

Jongin blushed as he stumbled over his reply, “I did not. I mean. I did. But, well he just asked why I looked so excited, and well yeah. Uh we should head out?”

 

Kyungsoo giggled and let Monggu back in where he instantly pounced at his new toy. “See you later Monggu,” he said before locking the door. He looked back at Jongin, “So, your car or mine?”

 

“Mine? I know this really nice cafe that’s not too far,” Jongin supplied.

 

“Sounds great.”

 

They arrived shortly and ordered their drinks, Jongin opting for some water instead while Kyungsoo got iced coffee. “You’re not going to get anything?” Kyungsoo asked, surprised.

 

Jongin sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck, “No um, honestly I hate coffee.”

 

Kyungsoo blinked, “Then… Why did you invite me to a cafe?”

 

If Jongin blushing was going to be a regular sight, Kyungsoo wouldn’t really mind, but he was rather amused at the situation. “I panicked? I asked my cousin Joonmyeon for some good cafes and he said here. I’m sorry,” he explained.  

 

“Don’t worry about it but,” he paused to pick up his coffee and stood up, “We should go somewhere both of us can enjoy.”

 

Jongin followed Kyungsoo out the door as they walked down the streets, the city streetlights starting to shine already.

 

“Jongin are you ok?” Kyungsoo asked, once a few minutes of silence had passed.

 

“Huh? Yeah! It’s just that… You’re kind of really cool?”

 

Kyungsoo stopped and looked back at the taller boy skeptically, “I am not.”  

 

“Yeah you are, you’re so composed and mature, and I’m…” he trailed off and looked down.

 

But Kyungsoo would have none of that, “Listen Jongin, you’re wonderful in your own way, trust me. I am certainly not that mature and composed, and I have many flaws. And there’s nothing wrong with that. That just makes each of us more unique, our way of being and we should learn to live with them, and love them as much as we can, because our flaws in the end are what make us us, and if those we care about can live with them, why can’t we?”

 

Jongin granted him a smile at his speech, and Kyungsoo felt as though the sun were shining again, even though it was almost done setting. “There’s a park across the street, do you want to sit down and chat over there?” Kyungsoo suggested, slightly breathless at how beautiful the other was. Jongin agreed and they headed over.

 

They sat by each other a bit awkwardly, with enough room between them that nothing would touch; Kyungsoo taking nervous sips of his coffee as the sky got darker. “So,” he started, “What kinda music do you like?”  

 

They started a game of twenty questions, except they kept going much longer after twenty, gradually moving closer towards each other. When Kyungsoo got up to throw away his now empty coffee cup, he sat right next to Jongin. Turns out they shared many common interests and were both total geeks and in the middle of a very heated discussion over One Piece. Before they realized it it was already far into the night before they started walking back to their cars.

 

The drive back was pleasant, they blasted some old anime openings, the Sailor Moon theme coming on Jongin’s playlist unexpectedly causing them to almost drive off the road as Jongin cursed and rushed to change it while Kyungsoo had tears in his eyes from laughing so hard. In the end they ended up singing (Read: shouting) the song together and Jongin agreed to let Kyungsoo play some Justin Bieber songs. They made it back to Kyungsoo’s house safely somehow, and Jongin walked Kyungsoo to the door.

 

“I had a great time tonight,” he said, sounding shy all over again, “God that was so cliche to say.”

 

Kyungsoo laughed again, his smile feeling like it had become almost permanent, “So did I. I haven’t had so much fun in a while. Thank you Jongin.” They stayed there for a few minutes, basking in the dim porch light that cast a yellow hue over them as they simply stared at each other, their heartbeats slowing down as the adrenaline rush slowly wore off.

 

“You’re a great guy Do Kyungsoo. And I would love to see you again,” Jongin said, breaking the silence that had settled.

 

“I would like that too,” Kyungsoo replied quietly.

 

“Monday after your case?” Jongin suggested.

 

“Monday after my case,” the lawyer agreed.

 

Jongin’s hand settled on Kyungsoo’s neck suddenly, the sudden contact startling them both, wide eyes staring at each other, and Kyungsoo found he didn’t mind the weight of the arm, or the warmth it exuded. And he most certainly didn’t mind the shock of electricity that shot through him, causing his heartbeat to rise again.

 

Jongin quickly retracted his hand however spouting out an excuse, “Sorry about that, there was a mosquito on your shoulder.”

 

Kyungsoo gave him the I don't believe you look, but let it slide.

 

“I- Oh! I got you something,” Jongin exclaimed running to his car and back in the blink of an eye. He handed Kyungsoo a thick book, “It's a guide with tips on raising a new pet for new owners and it's pretty good, thought it might be useful… But I can also come over if you need any help?”

 

“I would like that yes, thank you. I'll call you when I need help. Good night Jongin,” he said as he walked to unlock the door, Monggu’s excited barking audible from the other side. He paused with his hand on the door handle before turning back around and quickly placing a small kiss on Jongin’s cheek and squeaking out, “See you on Monday!” He entered his house in under a second and rested his back against the door, panting heavily. He counted to three before he heard a small yelp from outside that was certainly not Monggu and peeked out the peephole on his door.

 

He saw Jongin with his mouth open in a silent scream standing there clutching both hands to his cheek. “Good night!” he called at the closed door, not really paying attention and almost walking into a flower bed as he stumbled towards his car. He pumped his fist into the air and let out a hoot before he entered his car, prompting Kyungsoo to laugh, his heart feeling light and fluffy as he looked at Jongin’s delighted face illuminated by the moon.

 

If this was what it felt like to fall in love with Kim Jongin, then maybe he wouldn't mind taking a dive down the deep end, because maybe it was the boy that smelled like vanilla and smiled like the sun that was missing from his wish of happiness.

 

One Year Later

 

           Kyungsoo woke up to a loud bang, a shout of, “Did you catch it?” and Monggu’s excited barking. He really cursed the day that he gave Byun Baekhyun his house key, because even though he had specified that it was for emergencies, he and Chanyeol managed to show up for the most mundane reasons every time.

 

           There was a single knock as Baekhyun called out from the other side, “Are you decent?” He didn't really wait for a response though before barging in, Chanyeol following close behind.

 

           “Bro Kyungsoo, we just caught a Geodude in your kitchen and it kind of looks like you,” the giant said approaching Kyungsoo on the bed while showing him his phone, the Pokemon Go app running, “I'm gonna name it Geosoo.”

 

Kyungsoo threw a pillow at Chanyeol’s face, “Get out of my house right now.” The taller of the rascals payed him no mind, staring intently at his phone before yelling, “There's a Pikachu!” and running out into the living room.

 

“Rise and shine lover boy. It's your birthday and we're taking you out. Already got Joonmyeon to get you the day off,” Baekhyun proclaimed from the end of the bed with his hands on his hips.

 

           They heard an anguished cry from outside, “I think Monggu ate Pikachu!”

 

They left only after Kyungsoo threatened to smash their phones, but promised to return within an hour, with Baekhyun calling out, “We didn’t set you guys up to be disrespected like this,” before shutting the door.  

 

           Kyungsoo turned to the other side of the bed, “I know there's no way you slept through all that.”

 

           Jongin turned towards him with a sleepy grin, bed hair in disarray in such a way that somehow still looked attractive and Kyungsoo thought it was really unfair. “Who knows? I'm a pretty heavy sleeper,” came the cheeky reply before a hand extended to caress his face, “Good morning beautiful.”

 

Kyungsoo hummed in content, “So you heard they're taking us out somewhere for our birthday?”

 

Jongin nodded, already closing the distance between them, “It's probably an excuse for them to go outside and catch Pokemon honestly.”

   

“Speaking of, you heard Chanyeol, there's a Pikachu and a Geodude somewhere in the house, wanna go catch them?” Kyungsoo playfully suggested. He wasn't expecting Jongin to suddenly engulf him in a hug.

  

“Caught you! Geosoo,” came the whisper by his ear, “Chanyeol was onto something, you do kinda look alike.”

 

“Know what? I hate you too, Monggu’s the only true friend I have.”

 

           Jongin leaned down to kiss him then, “I love you, and our child Monggu.”

           Kyungsoo, albeit a little grumpy at having been silenced, relented, “I love you too.”