Jinki felt someone shake him awake and he groaned. He didn’t know for sure what hour it was but he knew it was too goddamn early. It was always too early to wake up.

 

He suddenly felt a pair of lips being pressed against his and he opened his eyes. Kibum was sitting beside him on the couch, a small smile on his lips. Jinki couldn’t help but smile at the sight. Kibum’s good mood had always been contagious.

 

“Come here.” Jinki said, grabbing the other’s waist to pull him closer.

 

He kissed him and Kibum immediately kissed back.

 

“Hello.” Kibum said as soon as they parted, smiling.

 

“Hello.”

 

“You need to get up, it’s almost ten.” He said, standing up.

 

He picked up Jinki’s clothes - which were still lying around - and threw them at him.

 

“You’re already dressed ?” Jinki asked, a little surprised.

 

“I woke up before you but I let you sleep a little more. And it’s better if I have clothes on, considering your employees are all here.”

 

Jinki looked around him and froze when he noticed they were still in the living room. They had both fallen asleep on the couch. Jinki heaved a deep sigh and hid his face in his hands. Sohye would give him a hard time if she had caught them sleeping on the couch...

 

He quickly got dressed and got back in his wheelchair near the couch.

They both left the living room and Jinki frowned when he noticed the door had been closed. He didn’t remember closing it yesterday night but he could be wrong. He really hoped none of his employees had seen them while they were sleeping.

 

They both went to the kitchen to grab a cup of coffee to make the remaining sleepiness fade from their bodies. Mornings were always difficult for Jinki, and he needed his daily morning cup of coffee.

 

They headed to Jinki’s room after that and the older went through his things to find some clothes for Kibum to wear. He would be staying a little longer and he’d obviously prefer to have some clean clothes to wear. Kibum went to the bathroom and Jinki watched from the bedroom as the other man undressed himself. The door was wide open, and he could see Kibum’s back as he took off his clothes one by one. Once he was completely , he turned to Jinki with a smile.

 

“Wanna take a bath with me ?”

 

Jinki generally struggled to keep himself from staring at the other man, but now that they were officially together, he had no reason to keep himself from doing it. He stared at the curves of Kibum’s perfect body and was about to answer when there was a knock on the door. He sighed and went to open it while Kibum slipped into a bathrobe.

 

Sohye was standing behind the door. She looked upset and her eyes wouldn’t meet Jinki’s.

 

“Hello Sohye.”

 

“Jinki.”

 

She definitely was upset.

 

“What’s happening ?”

 

“There’s someone here to see you. He’s waiting in your office, he says he’s a friend.”

 

Jinki could count his friends on one hand and Sohye knew them all. Whoever that visitor was, he wasn’t Jinki’s friend.

 

“Has he said his name ?”

 

“He said it was a surprise.”

 

Jinki frowned.

 

“Tell him I’ll be there soon.”

 

Sohye nodded but didn’t move. Jinki raised an eyebrow.

 

“Anything else ?”

 

Sohye’s cheeks heated up and she still avoided Jinki’s eyes.

 

“I’ll be quick. Jinki, I’m happy that you’re in a relationship again. Really, I am, but… please try to keep your ual activities out of the shared rooms. You’re not the only one in the house.”

 

Jinki’s eyes widened and Sohye left before he could say anything.

 

She had seen them. Great.

 

Jinki closed the door and turned to Kibum, who hadn’t moved and had obviously heard everything.

 

“She’ll get over it.” Kibum said, amused.

 

“I know.” Jinki said, sighing. “I have to go, you’ll have to take a bath alone.”

 

“I can wait for you.”

 

Jinki smiled.

 

“I don’t know how much time it’ll take me.”

 

He moved up to Kibum and caught him by the waist, the younger automatically sitting on his lap. He pouted and Jinki smiled, thinking about how adorable his boyfriend was.

 

“We’ll take a bath together another time.”

 

Jinki kissed him quickly before heading to his office.

 

Whoever the person was, he had to have a good reason to disturb him in the morning. Jinki didn’t generally like unexpected visits, but it was even worse when it happened when he was spending time with Kibum. Just knowing that the other was there, taking a bath in his bathroom, and that Jinki couldn’t be with him was enough to make him upset.

 

He froze when he saw the person sitting in one of his office’s armchair.

 

His blood ran cold and he clenched his fists.

 

“You.”

 

“Not the heartwarming welcome I expected, I see.” Woohyun said. “Where are your manners, Jinki ?”

 

………………………...

 

Kibum was lying on the bed, waiting for Jinki to join him so they could take a bath together. Whoever that person was, they probably wouldn’t keep him very long. After all, Jinki wasn’t a morning person and even his closest friends weren’t immune to his grumpy morning mood. No matter what that person wanted to discuss, Jinki would probably come back in no time.

 

Minutes passed and Kibum decided to go take a look. He sneaked out of the room barefoot and tiptoed to Jinki’s office, frowning when he heard Jinki raise his voice. A familiar voice answered to Jinki and Kibum froze.

 

That voice…

 

“No...” He murmured.

 

“I already told you you weren’t welcome here !” Jinki said coldly from the office. “If you’ve come here to feed me lies-”

 

“Jinki, I’m only being honest.”

 

Woohyun.

 

Kibum walked closer to the ajar door and leaned his back against the wall, listening to the conversation carefully.

 

“I’ve known Key for far longer than you have, I know him like the back of my hand. He often told me he wasn’t seeing himself work as an all his life, that he wanted to find some rich and naive man who would believe anything he’d tell him. A man with whom he could live a luxurious life without having to sleep with old erts every time he needed money.”

 

Kibum wouldn’t see their faces but Woohyun’s voice sounded assured, as if he was telling the truth and not a stream of lies. He knew Woohyun, the man was so used to lying that it had become like second nature to him. He suddenly felt panicked. He was hoping Jinki wouldn’t fall for it. He had always been wary of other people and he had taken him a long time to let himself trust Kibum, and Woohyun was about to ruin everything.

 

“Do you really expect me to believe you ? After everything you’ve done to him ?”

 

“Everything I’ve done to him ? We were both consenting adults, you know.” There was a pause and Woohyun sighed. “Listen, I’m only trying to warn you about who he really is. You know I’m telling the truth, you’ve seen how much money he spends. If there’s anyone on Earth who can make you believe he has feelings for you, it’s him. He’s very good at pretending, and very attractive. I know it’s flattering, to hear a beauty like him say he’s in love with you. Anyone would fall for it.”

 

The most efficient way of lying was to create a believable lie by wrapping it with true facts.

True, Kibum was good at making his customers believe what he wanted them to believe. He knew how to act, but he had never hidden anything from Jinki. He had always been himself, without the mask of lies he usually used with other customers. He had real feelings for him, and he hoped with all his heart that Jinki trusted him enough to see through Woohyun’s lies.

 

“You must really take me for an idiot.” Jinki finally said. “You really think I would believe you ? I know what you’re like. Lying is as natural as breathing to you, and you’d do anything to have Kibum back. If I have to believe someone, it’s Kibum.”

 

Kibum smiled and kept himself from sighing in relief.

 

“Jinki…” Woohyun said, chuckling humorlessly. “I don’t want to be rude but look at your past ! You’ve always trusted the wrong people, especially when it comes to love.”

 

“Not this time.”

 

They stayed silent for a few seconds and Kibum pictured them glaring at each other. Woohyun’s next laugh was so cold it sent shivers down Kibum’s spine.

 

“Do you really think he’s fallen for you ? How could he ever choose you over me ? Look at you, you’re just a cripple !”

 

Woohyun was angry now, Kibum could tell.

 

“I’m going to have to ask you to leave.” Jinki said firmly. “And never come back. Because if you do, I won’t be the only cripple amongst Seoul’s richest families anymore.”

 

Woohyun walked out of the office, upset, and thankfully didn’t see Kibum. The younger thought a moment before running after him.

 

…………………………….

 

“Why ?”

 

Woohyun turned to see Key standing a few feet from him, dressed in a simple white bathrobe. His hair was messy and his eyes were glaring at Woohyun with all his might.

 

“Ah, Key !” He said, walking up to him. “I should have known you’d be-”

 

“Why did you do this ?”

 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about…”

 

“Everything you’ve told Jinki… They were lies ! So that’s what your plan was ? To come here and turn Jinki against me ?”

 

Woohyun stayed silent, and Kibum’s expression changed.

 

“You must be really disappointed that it didn’t work.”

 

“I just came to talk to Jinki.” He said with a fake smile.

 

“Can’t you tell the truth for once in your life ? You can tell him any lie you want about me, he’ll never believe you. He loves me.”

 

Woohyun snorted and rolled his eyes.

 

“Don’t start with this stupid fairy tale world where love overcomes everything and all that ! Do you really believe it works like that ? That you and your Prince Charming on wheels will love each other until the end of your days and have a happy ending ? Real life isn’t like that. In the real life, the only thing that matters is money.”

 

“You really don’t know me if you think I believe in fairy tales. I know it’s easier when you have money ! But money isn’t everything, it doesn’t make you happy, even if it helps to have a better life.”

 

Woohyun took another step closer but Kibum didn’t budge. They were face to face, a few inches away from each other.

 

“Come back with me.” Woohyun whispered. “I’ll forgive everything and we could go on like we used to… I’ll give you anything you want...”

 

He raised his hand to caress Kibum’s cheek but the expression in the other’s eyes stopped him.

 

Pity.

 

Kibum pitied him.

 

“Why are you looking at me like that ?!” He said, angry.

 

No one pitied him. They all envied him, they had always had. He wasn’t one of those penniless people in the streets ! He was rich and powerful and no one pitied him !

 

“I know people like you, I’ve worked for them my whole life. You’ll end up exactly like them. You’ll get married with a very beautiful woman. You’ll have married her for her looks and she, for your money. You’ll have one of two children to keep the family line going. She’ll cheat on you and you’ll cheat on her. One day, she’ll ask for a divorce and leave with half of your money, but you won’t care. You’ll find another woman to marry, someone younger and more beautiful. Your children will be like you, arrogant and greedy. You’ll die alone, and your children won’t even be sad to see you leave. The only thing they’ll think of will be the money you’ll leave behind.”

 

“Shut up.”

 

“You will never have real friends, and you’ll never know love.”

 

“No.”

 

“No ?” Kibum repeated, amused.

 

Woohyun wrapped his arms around Kibum’s body and held him tight.

 

“You’ll leave Jinki and come with me. You’ve always been mine, and mine alone.”

 

Kibum laughed.

 

“Is that what you think ? I’ve never been yours, and I will never be.”

 

Woohyun let him go.

 

“I heard you’re going to go back to college… It would be a shame if people on campus were aware of your… former occupation.”

 

“Are you blackmailing me ?”

 

“I’m only warning you.”

 

“Go ahead. Tell everyone if you’d like, but I don’t care. I’ve chosen this job, and I knew what the consequences were when I started. I’m not ashamed of my life as an .”

 

Kibum’s expression was unreadable and Woohyun couldn’t tell whether he was bluffing or not.

 

“It’s the last time I’m saying this. Come back with me and I’ll give you everything you’ve ever dreamed of, or… stay with him, and I’ll make your life a living hell.”

 

Woohyun felt how empty his own threats were, but he hoped Kibum wouldn’t. Kibum smiled.

 

“If threatening me is making you feel any better about your sad, miserable life, then please. Go ahead. But know that nothing you say will make me leave Jinki. Nothing.”

 

Woohyun was slowing losing the control he thought he had, and panic was starting to invade his body and soul. He rested a hand on Kibum’s neck and tried to hide the panic and fake the sweetest expression he could muster.

 

“Please… I love you. I’ve always loved you.”

 

Kibum laughed and Woohyun’s jaw clenched.

 

“You must be really desperate to try and make me believe this.”

 

“I-”

 

“People like you,” Kibum started, “aren’t capable of loving. You’ve never felt anything for me. You want me now because you can’t have me. The only reason why you want me back so badly is because you’re afraid to see something get out of your control.”

 

“You’re wrong.”

 

Woohyun was surprised by the genuine honesty in those three words.

 

“You’re special. You always have been.”

 

For the one time in his life, Woohyun told the truth.

 

“If that’s really true, then you’ll leave me alone. You’ll leave me live my life however I want to, and you’ll never try to get me and Jinki apart.”

 

Kibum took a step back.

 

“Goodbye, Woohyun.”

 

He turned around and left. Woohyun watched as his silhouette disappeared in the house, before heading to the hallway. He opened the door to leave when someone talked behind him.

 

“You heard him.”

 

He turned around to see a young woman with brown hair. Her expression was neutral but firm, a little like Kibum, and he knew she was serious.

 

“I won’t let anybody threaten their happiness. If you ever step in this house again, I won’t hesitate to call the police.”

 

She was small but rather cute, seemingly harmless but with a threatening aura. Woohyun only nodded, then left. This time, for good.

 

……………………...

 

“He won’t come back.”

 

They had still ended up in the bathtub together. Kibum was lying against Jinki’s chest in the bathtub, his back against the older’s chest and his head resting against his shoulder.

 

“He better not. It’s my house and I won’t hesitate to kick him out.” Jinki paused. “Well, not kick him out but you know… You get the idea.”

 

KIbum chuckled and turned around to face Jinki, who started running his hands on his and leaned in to press his lips against his. Jinki’s lips were soft and had that familiar taste of coffee. Kibum wrapped his arms around his neck to deepen the kiss and ran his fingers through Jinki’s hair while the other pulled him closer. The kiss grew more passionate and quickly, they parted, breathless. Jinki smiled.

 

“We need to stop kissing like that.”

 

“Oh ? Why ? I like when we kiss like that.” Kibum said, smiling mischievously.

 

“If we keep doing that we’ll end up making love everywhere in the house.”

 

Kibum felt his heart quicken at the words ‘make love’. It was so cheesy. It might have not made any sense for a former to react like that, but when he was still working, Key never did anything but ‘have ’. The s he had were purely physical, empty of all feelings. What he had with Jinki was totally different. Everything they did was influenced by what they felt for each other, and not only physical attraction. Every time they kissed like that, it was like all of their feelings for each other and their mutual attraction collided and intertwined, and it made Kibum crazy.

 

“I don’t see where the problem is…” Kibum said mischievously, letting his hands caress Jinki’s bare chest.

 

Jinki took his hands in his.

 

“Sohye would kill us. I mean… she’d kill me.”

 

“And she wouldn’t kill me ?”

 

“With her, I’m always the one responsible. I doubt she’d say anything to you, but she won’t hesitate to scold me.”

 

“Hmm… So if I was to do something bad, it’d be your fault ?”

 

Jinki squinted at him playfully.

 

“Don’t even think about it.”

 

Kibum was still smiling, that mischievous glint in his eyes, and Jinki started tickling him to get revenge. Kibum couldn’t stop laughing and flailing around, but he couldn’t escape without leaving the bathtub and Jinki obviously wouldn’t let him escape.

 

“Y-yah ! Stop ! You’re sp-splashing water everywhere !”

 

“You’re the one flailing around, not me.” Jinki answers matter-of-factly.

 

“Jinkiii !”

 

Kibum pouted to try and make him stop. He knew Jinki couldn’t resist it.

 

“Alright, alright…” He said, stopping.

 

Kibum smiled victoriously, catching his breath. Jinki wrapped his arms around his waist and pulled him closer. He pecked his forehead and Kibum curled up against him. They stayed in the bathtub in a soothing silence, until a phone started ringing loudly. Jinki sighed.

 

“We should answer it.”

 

“Or… we could let it ring.” Jinki said, pressing his lips against Kibum’s.

 

The younger pushed him away before getting out of the bathtub.

 

“It might be important.”

 

The phone was in the pocket of Jinki’s pants. Kibum grabbed it and glanced at the screen.

 

“It’s Taemin.”

 

“Don’t an-”

 

Kibum answered.

 

“Taemin ?”

 

He saw Jinki rest his head back on the edge of the bathtub, sighing. Kibum grabbed the bathrobe lying on the chair next to him and put it on while keeping the phone between his ear and his shoulder. He didn’t bother tying the robe.

 

“Kibum ? Why are you- Oh. Oh !”

 

Kibum rolled his eyes at Taemin’s reaction and put the phone on speaker.

 

“I’m really sorry I called while you two were-”

 

“We were just taking a bath.”

 

Jinki facepalmed. Kibum knew he didn’t like to talk about what they were doing together but there wasn’t anything to be embarrassed of. Kibum sat on the edge of the bathtub, smiling, and Jinki rested one of his hands on his thigh to it with his fingers.

 

“You were taking a bath together ?!”

 

Taemin spoke again, but this time, he seemed to be far from the phone.

 

“Minho ! They took a bath together ! We have to do this someday.”

 

“Why did you call, Taemin ?”

 

“Huh ? Oh ! We thought we could all go out to eat tomorrow night.”

 

“Go out ?” Kibum repeated, immediately eager at the thought of going out to do something.

 

“Jonghyun said Jinki would buy us all dinner.”

 

Kibum looked down at Jinki. He didn’t look that happy to go out. Kibum stared at him with pleading eyes and Jinki smiled.

 

“Alright.”

 

Kibum’s lips curved up into a wide smile.

 

“Jinki said yes. We’ll be there tomorrow night.”

 

“Yes ! Thank you Kibum, I love you ! Let’s all meet at our place tomorrow night !”

 

They bid each other goodbye and Kibum hung up.

 

“Why is he thanking you ? I’m the one buying them dinner.”

 

“But I convinced you to go.”

 

He bent over the bathtub to kiss Jinki who kissed back. He knew JInki didn’t like to go out much but he was grateful that the other had said yes anyway. He was making compromises for Kibum and he was determined to do it too when he would have the chance.

 

The phone rang again and Jinki groaned before grabbing it and answering.

 

“What now ?”

 

“I’m sorry, am I calling at a wrong time ?” Jonghyun asked teasingly. “I heard your date went really well last night…”

 

Jinki heaved a sigh and Kibum chuckled.

 

……………………………..

 

They were all sitting in a café, talking. Taemin was already finishing his fifth drink and Minho looked a little tired of it. Yubin was next to Jonghyun and they were both having a conversation about fashion with Kibum. Jinki was sitting right next to him and just listened to them, as usual. Taemin quickly joined the conversation, making comments with little sense, which wasn’t surprising with how much he had drunk already, and Jinki stopped listening to the conversation.

 

His eyes fell on Kibum. His boyfriend started laughing because of one of Taemin’s remarks and small dimples formed on his cheeks. He had a perfect milky skin, his cat-like eyes were highlighted by some kohl, his heart-shaped lips were curved up into a bright smile and his blond hair was neatly parted to the sides. Jinki’s breath was once again taken away by his beauty and his mind went back to the day he had met him for the first time. It was a few months ago, but it seemed so far away now. He had been so cold towards him at first, so wary. But Kibum’s warm personality had slowly melted the ice around his heart.

 

He knew he would always be afraid. The betrayal he had suffered from left a deep scar within himself and for years he had locked his heart away from everyone. He would always have doubts. But at least now, his heart was open for others to come in. He had come to realize that there was no happiness without a risk of suffering. And he had come to terms with it.

 

He took Kibum’s hand in his and intertwined their fingers. Kibum turned his head towards him and sent him a smile that never failed to make his heart beat faster.

 

Jinki leaned in to seal their lips in a kiss, without paying attention to the surprised looks of his friends and to the fact that they would probably about it later. Kibum was a little taken aback, but he still kissed back eagerly. It was like they were alone, locked up in a bubble where they were alone.

 

Jinki’s heart, once locked up in his fears, wasn’t anymore.

 

He had finally found the key.

 

-THE END-

 

 

.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................

 

Hi everyone ! :D 

 

This is it. The last chapter.

 

Why did you think of this last chapter ? I hope it wasn't too quick or anything, this was my first chaptered fic after all. (^-^)

What do you think about this story as a whole ? Was it okay ? What was your fave chapter ? :D

 

There'll be another update (not a chapter, but more of a thank you note) so... That's it I guess (^-^)

 

There'll be bonuses, btw ~ 

 

Thank you all. ♥