This chapter is very short.

It also probably contains the most dialogue I’ve ever written.

 /bricked

>><<

Kyungsoo is right in the middle of emptying an entire jumbo-pack of noodles into a pot of tap water he hadn’t previously boiled, thus getting me rid of whatever urges I may have had for savoring the results of his amateur cooking, when two unsuspecting people I actually don’t mind referring to as my hyungs shuffle into the kitchen.

“You’ve got no idea how big of a mistake you’re making—” Yixing is proving what sounds like a very important point to Suho, raising of the voice and wild gesticulation included.

“—would you shut up for just one second and let me explain? Oh, hey there guys,” looks like Suho’s noticed they aren’t alone in the kitchen, and now his face clearly projects I’ve been caught with my hands down my pants, “Yixing, say hi to our new vocalist.”

“Hey Kai, sorry I ran off earlier...” I’m sorry what? I’m not their vocalist. Oh right, he must be somewhere at the stage of denial, and so he refuses to acknowledge Kyungsoo’s presence.

“S’okay hyung.” I give Yixing a small, reassuring smile which translates into ‘I hope you decide to ignore him forever.’

“Annyong haseyo, Yixing-gege. Please take care of me.” Kyungsoo drops whatever ingredients he had been holding, turns around and bows an honest to Jesus 90 degrees.

“I’m sorry; I forgot to pick my ears today. Did you just say dispose of me?” …and the sarcastic Yixing is back. I was beginning to miss him.

Suho looks outright scandalized. I think his brows got scared so now they’re hiding beneath his fringe. “Damn it, Yixing… Chanyeol and Minho have already agreed to this, which means he’s staying. And considering you were the one who kept going on about us needing a vocalist, how come you’re the only one who’s complaining?”

Yixing approaches Kyungsoo, peering over his shoulder at the handiwork. “But of course they would have nothing against him; they haven’t even heard him sing. I have, and pardon my Korean but it was horrible. We’ll be lucky if tomatoes are the only thing the audience throws at us.”

I think Yixing is trying to figure out why there’s a stranger treating what’s turned out to be his kitchen as their own. Suho appears more concerned by the fact Yixing still won’t accept the new addition to their band, so he’s probably used to his little army of minions feeding him at his own house. Maybe he’s just lazy and keeps slaves… I mean people, around for all the benefits?

Kyungsoo uses his proximity to his urrhhh… crush, for spilling out what could possibly win him a gold trophy in the nomination for dumbest pick up line of the century, “Gege, did you know ‘Yixing’ is a city in Jiangsu province of East China, which is famous for its clay pottery?”

“…yes.” Yixing’s face is blanker than a high-school dropout’s attendance sheet.

He then realizes Kyungsoo isn’t worth it…or at least I hope he does, walks around him to where I’m seated and plops right down beside me.

Kyungsoo sighs a bit sadly, returning to his cooking, and Suho probably decides it would be wise to quit standing in the doorway – ‘guest in his own house’ style – and check on Kyungsoo before he manages to set something on fire, so he moves over to the stove and just stands there, drooling observing his future meal.

Yixing puffs one of his cheeks out in the funniest display of frustration I’ve ever seen and, out of nowhere, I catch myself wishing to secretly grab his hand and intertwine our fingers underneath the table. It’s not like there’s a high chance he’d protest, seeing as he’s pretty much the mushiest person I know… beside one of my grandmothers, but wouldn’t it be too obvious?

Yes, so I wanna do couple-y stuff with him now, shoot me. I just wish whoever had decided it would be hilarious for me to suddenly sprout a would’ve taken their time to inform me of this new development.

Again, Yixing turns to Suho. “Hey, didn’t Yeol have this friend… Baekyoon, or something? I’ve heard him sing once, he’s really good.”

“Of course he is, that’s why Baekhyun is a trainee for the SMent, he’s gonna be debuting with some boyband in a few months. That guy is way out of our league.” Suho sounds so bitter, as though he’s been there and done that trying to recruit this mysterious Baekhyun.

What can I say, that’s a very original way of making Kyungsoo feel wanted.

“Oh and don’t mention him in front of Chanyeol – painful subject.” Suho adds as an afterthought. 

“Why, did Yeollie get his heart broken?” Yixing prods.

“Not everyone here bats for your team. But yeah, they used to be worse than Siamese twins, now Baekhyun is never around and Chanyeol’s calling him a traitor. It’s complicated. Anymore brilliant suggestions, genius?”

“No, but I bet you’d make one crappy shrink.”

“What made you come to the conclusion?”

“You speak in Facebook statuses. ‘It’s complicated’ doesn’t work in real life.”

“Hey, can I make a suggestion?” asks Kyungsoo.

I don’t think I wanna know what he has in mind. However, Suho sounds more than eager to change the subject, “Sure Kyung-ah, what is it?”

“How about I sing you something else?”

“Like one of their songs?” I decide to contribute. It’s not like I’m being unreasonable, he is supposed to be their vocalist.

“Umm, I don’t actually know any of their songs yet.” Kyungsoo admits.

Yixing throws both hands up in the air, and it looks like he’s thisclose to ripping his hair out. “See, this is exactly what I mean!”

 “I promise I will learn them… but something else, please?”

“Just sing anything,” Suho loses his temper... and for good reason, “what’s your favorite song at the moment?”

“Favorite song. Okay... ahem.” Kyungsoo clears his throat, shuffling on his feet until he’s facing our table.

“…and even I know this ain't smart

But mama, I'm in love with a criminal

And this type of love isn't rational, it's physical

Mama, please don't cry, I will be alright

All reason aside, I just can't deny, love the guy…”

The room is absolutely silent and, as much as I’d like to, I can’t even bring myself to laugh at Kyungsoo’s interesting taste in music. Which includes Britney