A/N: I'M BACK ES.

It feels so wonderful to be reunited with my lovely readers after a two month hiatus! My sincerest apologies for being dormant these past several weeks. Honestly, I was just too lazy to update because I  I don't really have an excuse for not updating sooner. Don't expect the next chapter anytime soon because I won't update until school officially ends (approximately two weeks from now so hang on tight kiddies). By the way, this chapter is going to be loooong. Like, longer than Minho's long.

Trust me, I would know.

I'll just end this author's note here because there's going to be an even longer one (lol loooong) at the end. If you read it then you are beautiful, but if not you totally because all my author's notes are damn precious, alright? Prepare yourself for a major gif spam. Happy reading to all of you marvelous AFFers!

 

What the hell just happened?

---

Third-person POV:

Finally, the much anticipated Saturday evening had arrived.

Key glanced over at the clock resting atop his bedside table. His hairline became strewn with beads of sweat. He scowled as he eyed at the objectionable bright red digits blaring back at him from the screen, almost offensively, so it seemed. It was already nearly 5:30PM. Jonghyun was scheduled to pick up his date, his date being Key, promptly at seven o'clock. No sooner, no later.

How had Key managed to succumb to so many hours of leisure time? The ill-fated male cursed under his breath, scolding himself for not preparing for the highly anticipated SM Institute for the Gifted Dance.

Well, I better not just sit here and sulk about it, thought a brooding Key. He reluctantly heaved himself off of the smooth, silky comforters of his overly plush bed and ambled sluggishly towards his bathroom.

Key stripped out of his simple attire consisting of a white wife beater and a pair of dingy, gray sweats. His clothing seemed to weigh a dozen tons now. He turned the knobs of the shower, half-heartedly observing the thin stream of water spout out from the shower head. He let the shower run for a few moments, allowing the water to gradually increase in heat until it suited his taste.

Key glanced over at his reflection off of a mirror hanging from a wall adjacent to the shower. He frowned, feeling more than unsatisfied with every feature his face had to offer. Ghostly pale flesh molded onto a much-too-angular, bony skull. Orbs that reflected pools of ebony, pools which seemed shallow from the lack of knowing what true living or genuine happiness meant. He had been shrouded in melancholy for much too long now. A mop of vibrant, ebony plum sitting atop his head in a disheveled fashion.

Key sniffed before tearing his eyes away from the sight which repulsed him so. Every aspect of himself was foully repugnant to him. He climbed into the shower, feeling his muscles, once tense, relax as the steamy water made contact with his icy flesh. He stood there for a few moments underneath the shower head, allowing the hot liquid to stream down his body.

Key's shower was brief, roughly under ten minutes. Once he was finished showering, he turned the knobs to cease the flow of water. He hopped out of the shower, grabbing a towel hanging on a nearby rack as he did so. He wrapped the towel tightly around his slender waist.

Key snook another glance at his reflection and nearly wretched at the sight. His plum colored fringe was now a wet and messy mop sitting atop his head in a highly unmannerly physique. Drenched, stringy locks sticking to the sides of his face. He looked almost barbaric, if he had to choose a word. A low whine erupted from the base of his throat before he stormed out of the bathroom and into his bedroom.

Key walked over to his bed, listlessly analyzing his prom attire of choice which was currently tossed in a careless manner onto his comforters. A black dinner jacket with matching black dress pants and a simple black dress tie, both of which accommodated the dinner jacket. Overall, his attire was fairly plain and boring. However, Key just did not care for his appearance, which was high unlike his usual diva-like outlook on life.

Key slid on a pair of boxers, his white dress shirt following after. He then slipped into the rest of his remaining garments. Once fully clothed, Key walked over to his full-length mirror, profusely examining his appearance. The male grunted, more or less in satisfaction, and nodded his head lightly in approval.

He lightly began picking and prodding at locks of hair, trying to compile his bangs perfectly into place. After a few moments of unsuccessful adjustments, Key huffed and mussed his hair in frustration. However, the outcome was proven sufficient. Key was content with his overall look, but it still wasn't enough.

As an afterthought, he applied a thin layer of ebony colored eyeliner to his top lids. He did a double take of his reflection and smirked. The eyeliner gave Key just the edge he needed. He in his cheeks, exhaled deeply, then glanced at his Rolex wristwatch. It was a quarter to seven. Jonghyun would arrive momentarily, so Key took his leave from his room and walked over to the living room to wait for his date.

Key perched himself onto a sofa and grabbed a wad of tissues from a box of Kleenex resting on the coffee table. Overcome with a sudden anxiety, Key began wringing the tissues into tight twists. He continued to treat the wad of tissues in such a way that they began to tear and finally severed. Key sighed in exasperation and tossed the tissue fragments onto the coffee table.

"Aish! Where the hell is that dinhohead pabo? It's already past seven!" Key whined to no one in particular. Key furrowed his brows in irritation and felt his eyes subconsciously dart towards the door every now and then. Just then, a pretty scary thought crossed Key's panicked mind. What if Jonghyun did not show up at all? Key gritted his teeth at the thought. Surely then he would commit murder, the victim being a notorious puppy-faced narcissist.

Key sighed in defeat, lifting his body from the couch. Before he could take a single step towards his room, the doorbell rang. Key felt every muscle in his body freeze. He actually came! He slowly rotated his body so that he was now facing the door. As he walked towards the door, the soles of his dress shoes seemed to turn into lead, making every step laborious.

He outstretched a shaky arm towards the doorknob. Key gripped the doorknob so tightly that his knuckles turned and even paler white than it already was. In one quick motion, he flung the door open. The sight that met Key's eyes was enough to cease his breathing, make his heart leap in his throat, and morph his legs into pure, mushy, jello-y mess.

Jonghyun looked absolutely, breathtakingly stunning, to say as a bare minimum. His cream colored tuxedo brought out the blond male's fiery bronze fringe of hair. Jonghyun looked completely amazing, and even such a description as that seemed like a downgrade compared to Jjong's overall appearance.

"Annyeong, yeobo~" Jonghyun purred.

For the sake of a cool retaliation, as that was in Key's character, Key attempted to formulate a coherent response, but the only sound to leave his lips was a petty "Muh..."

Jonghyun chuckled at Key's uncreative response. "I look hot, right?" he said with a smirk. Jonghyun's blatant cockiness was just the ticket to snapping Key back to reality.

"Not too shabby, Kim Jonghyun. You clean up well," he remarked cooly, trying to seem indifferent. On the contrary, Key was internally sobbing at how freaking delicious Jonghyun looked. He was seriously fangirling inside, but the much too proud and almighty diva Key would never admit to it, of course. Jonghyun shrugged, his smirk only stretching wider.

The blonde stepped into Key's home, advancing towards the said male. Jonghyun leaned his face towards Key's at a dangerously close proximity. As a reflex, Key flinched and attempted to recoil, but Jonghyun held him firmly by the shoulders, binding Key so that he was unable to move away.

"You look so able," he rasped into Key's ear, nibbling on the flesh of Key's earlobe. Key's spine erupted in violent shivers.

"Shut up, you bloody idiot," Key hissed in response. He snarled at Jonghyun as he shoved past the haughty male and strode over to the limo parked in front of his house. Jonghyun chuckled, seeming satisfied with Key's reaction, and trailed after the irate male. He made sure to observe Key's as well as the way his hips swished from side to side as he walked (A/N: lol ert).

Once both Jonghyun and Key were settled within the limo, Key situated himself in a seat that was placed as far from Jonghyun as possible. Whenever Jonghyun so much as got up from his seat to grab a drink from the mini-fridge, Key would instantly snap his head up to face Jonghyun and bark at the male to stay seated and to not dare come any closer or he would surely castrate him.

After several minutes, the country club where the dance was being held finally came into view. Key gulped as he became overcome with sudden anxiety. He tugged at his collar and glanced nervously at Jonghyun who was busy gazing out the window.

"Uh, hey, dinohead pabo?"

"Hmm?"

"Why did you want me as your date?" Jonghyun cast a quizzical look at Key as if he had spoken to him in Latin.

"What do you mean?" inquired an oblivious Jonghyun. Key exhaled deeply before answering.

"Won't you be embarrassed if you're seen with a..." Key hesitated before completing his sentence, "...boy?" Jonghyun merely cocked his head to the side, still unable to comprehend Key's question. "I mean...nobody likes me. So why me? You'll only be made fun of..." Key continued.

Jonghyun's lips formed into an "o" shape and he nodded curtly, letting Key's statement process in his mind. Jonghyun sighed and heaved himself up from his seat to sit beside Key. The blonde ignored the other male's urgent protests and situated himself into the seat adjacent to Key.

"I asked you, right? Not someone like Shin Se Kyung or Jessica Jung. Hell, not even Jessica's younger sister. Of course I'm quite capable of obtaining them as my dates. I'm Kim Jonghyun, for Christ's sake..." — at this arrogant remark, Key couldn't help but scoff and roll his eyes — "...but I didn't want to ask out a stupid . All those s don't mean to me, Key. That's why I asked you, not them. Araso?" Jonghyun finished off with a thumbs up and a grin.

Key felt his heart flutter in his chest. On an impulse, he leaned his face towards Jonghyun's and placed a chaste kiss on his cheek. He felt all the blood streaming through his veins and throughout his body rush north towards his cheeks and he immediately recoiled. He tucked a stray, vibrant plum lock behind his ear.

"Kamsahamnida..." Key murmured shyly while staring intently at his own lap. Jonghyun, who was red in the face as well, grunted good-naturedly.

"Yeah, well, you're hotter than them anyways," Jonghyun muttered under his breath, trying to seem nonchalant. However, he was blushing madly and the part of his cheek where Key's lips had brushed against left a tingling sensation against his flesh. Jonghyun's last comment only caused Key's face to flush further. He squirmed in his seat and picked at the leather. He really did not know what to interpret from all of this.

Once the limousine was parked, the chauffeur instantly hopped out of the driver's seat. He scurried over the side of the limo where Jonghyun and Key were sitting and opened the door for the two males. Jonghyun climbed out of the limo without sparing a glance at the chauffeur. Key, on the other hand, stumbled out of the vehicle and made sure to dip his upper body into a ninety degree bow.

"Kamsahamnida," Key muttered. The chauffeur nodded and grunted appreciatively then turned sharply to face Jonghyun.

"When will you be ready for pick up, Mr. Kim?" he inquired robotically.

"No later than one, Driver Gisa," Jonghyun asserted. He reached into the pocket of his dress pants and fished out roughly ₩50,000 (A/N: around 45 USD). "Here, buy a nice dinner for yourself, araso?" Jonghyun offered with a grin as he tucked the wad of cash into the front pocket of Driver Gisa's coat. The driver immediately reclined his body into a ninety degree bow.

"Kamsahamnida, Mr. Kim. I will spend this well," Driver Gisa croaked. Jonghyun chuckled lightly and waved his hand dismissively. With his free hand, Jonghyun urgently tugged at Key's wrist.

"Come on, Key."

Key nodded mutely and trailed after Jonghyun obediently.

...

There was a pair of heavyset, thickly built security guards situated at the entrance. They eyed Jonghyun knowingly and nodded their heads, allowing the said male to freely pass. However, the two hunks of beef narrowed their beady eyes at Key and began muttering inaudibly to one another. Key gulped, feeling skeptical.

"Not to worry, fellas. Pretty boy's with me," Jonghyun stated with a smirk, winking suggestively at Key. Key clenched his jaw in irritation at how he was addressed. He was just about to retaliate with a flippant retort, but low growls erupted from the throats of the security guards. Key squeaked and dashed in between the guards in a haste. Relief swept over him as he returned to Jonghyun's side.

...

Soft, melodic tunes emitted from the quartette as they effortlessly played their instruments. There was a long buffet table equipped with an endless variety of rare delicacies. It stretched along the entire wall. Fellow peers were perched on barstools chit-chattering away or taking refuge at tables scarfing down the noms.

The dance floor was deserted with the exception of the few, which added up to about nine or ten people, who were brave enough to bust out their terrible dance moves.

As Jonghyun and Key strode in, all conversations came to a halt. Several heads turned towards the couple. People began murmuring amongst themselves and a few pointed.

"Jonghyun, people are staring at us!" Key hissed into the blonde's ear, panic sweeping over him. Jonghyun hushed the panicked male and grasped his hand firmly onto Key's.

"What are you so worried about? Let them stare!" Jonghyun answered proudly. He then began striding towards the center of the room. Key yelped and hobbled after him in an awkward fashion. Once standing before the mic, Jonghyun tapped the mic a couple times before clearing his throat audibly, capturing the attention of everyone in the room (although all the attention was already centered around Jonghyun and Key, of course).

"How's everybody doing tonight?" Every living organism within the room cheered clamorously. Key rolled his eyes at Jonghyun's corniness. Jonghyun chuckled. "Please enjoy the rest of your evening, everyone! And remember...you're all beautiful!" The cheers grew several octaves higher and everyone began applauding.

"Deuces!" Jonghyun called out towards the crowd of people, holding up a peace sign. Everyone began screaming and roaring and moshing and ing. Seohyun, nasal girl, and the rest of their obnoxious plastic-y cronies were sobbing and shouting, "JONGHYUN OPPA! SARANGHAE!"

Jonghyun winked at the tight knot of lovestruck females, which caused them to go into oblivion. They began screaming shrilly and hopping up and down. Black streaks ran down their faces as they continued to sob for Jonghyun. Jonghyun backed away from the mic and stood next to Key, placing an arm around his slender waist.

"Excellent fanservice, Jjongiepoo," Key muttered sarcastically, shaking his head at the arrogant dino. Jonghyun grinned cheekily and shrugged.

"Whatever. Hey, I think that girl fainted. Damn, I'm y~" Jonghyun cooed. Key scoffed and lightly punched Jonghyun's shoulder.

"Alright, that's enough narcissism, don't you think? Hey, can we eat? I'm freaking hungry..." Key mumbled, clutching onto his stomach.

"Yo, Jonghyun!" called out a stupid jock from within the masses of people.

"Hey, Joonie boy!" Jonghyun answered, waving at Lee Joon, a muscular boy who was currently being ed by a lowerclassman named Mir. "Go get some food. I'll be right back," Jonghyun told Key.

"Alrightie, Mr. Social," Key said with a sigh, waving Jonghyun away. Key mindlessly walked over to the buffet table. He picked up a plate and began piling it with all sorts of goodies. He took little baby steps with great caution towards a vacant table, balancing his high stacks of hors d'oeuvres.

Once nestled into a seat, Key sighed contentedly and instantly began scarfing down everything on his plate. As he ate, he could hear the faint sound of heels clicking against the wooden floor approaching closer and closer. Key chose to ignore the sound and continued eating. He was about to pop a cracker into his mouth until someone cleared their throat audibly.

Key rolled his eyes and sighed, reluctantly peering up only to face Se Kyung and Jessica. Se Kyung had her arms folded across her chest and Jessica planted a hand firmly against her hip. They were both scowling in depreciation at Key, their eyes narrowed to tight slits.

"What the hell do you think you're doing, Kibum?" Jessica snarled. Key shrugged.

"Eating, I guess," he answered indifferently, returning to his food. The two girls rolled their eyes in unison.

"No . We mean what are you doing with our Jjongie?" Se Kyung snapped. Key scoffed.

"Your Jjongie? Since when was he ever yours to claim?" Key retorted. Jessica and Se Kyung whined in protest and opened their mouthes to speak, but Key held out a hand, halting them. "Ladies, ladies. I'm terribly sorry that someone as...decent...as Jonghyun didn't have any interest in asking out a couple of ignorant s — that would be you two, by the way — to the dance. I guess I'm just hotter than both of you. Now, shoo."

Se Kyung's and Jessica's jaws dropped. They glared menacingly at Key, their orbs pooled with venom and pure contempt for Key. However, the two girls did not phase Key one bit. He didn't feel threatened or intimidated at the slightest.

"!" Jessica jeered. She tossed her blonde, bouncy curls behind her shoulders and strutted away. Se Kyung gave Key the finger before trailing after Jessica in a huff. Key grinned pompously and waved as they strode away, their seven inch stripper heels clacking clamorously against the wooden flooring.

"Stupid ," Key muttered to himself as he sipped some tomato soup. He smacked his lips together, relishing the flavor. He let his eyes wander, admiring the entire dance scene set before him. His fellow schoolmates appeared to be enjoying themselves immensely. Nearly everyone was seen laughing, smiling, or both.

People did not seem to mind him at all, or he was just invisible to their eyes. Either way, no one else had the initiative to bother him, which he was more than content with. Key continued to let his vision drift this way and that before his eyes finally settled on a rather entertaining sight.

Yoseob didn't appear to have the balls to muster up enough courage and ask Lee Ji Eun to dance with him, so his fellows, Doojoon and Dongwoon, took the matter into their own hands.

"Come on, Yoseob! Don't be a ing ," Doojoon growled in annoyance, discreetly nudging Yoseob towards Ji Eun.

"What the , Doojoon? Cut the , will ya?"

"No way, bro. You better ask her to dance with you or I will," Dongwoon retaliated.

"Christ! Fine, I'll ask her!" Yoseob muttered, shoving past his hyungs. Doojoon and Dongwoon grinned evilly and chuckled darkly, high-fiving one another. Key couldn't help but laugh internally to himself at the event played before his eyes. Then, he became overcome with a sudden sadness. Key wished he had that sort of close relationship with someone.

Sure, there was Taemin. Taemin was only one person, though. He was Key's best, and only, friend and he was a wonderful person, but it just wasn't the same as Yoseob's relationship with his hyung and dongsaeng. Onew was Key's hyung, but he pretty much figured any relationship the two males shared had pretty much shriveled up into nonexistence. Speaking of Taemin, where was that boy? Key began scanning the crowd. His eyes halted to a stop as they laid on two familiar figures.

Taemin and Minho were situated at a bar only a few meters away from where Key sat. Taemin was pouting and gazing at Minho longingly. He looked absolutely miserable and on the verge of tears. Key was wondering what on earth could be upsetting the boy until he noticed two girls in particular.

Beside the two males where a pair of giggling dingbats, currently perched on barstools. However, the two girls were paying little to no attention to Taemin, for their vision was strictly fixed on Minho alone. Minho seemed to be deeply absorbed in a conversation with Krystal and Yuri.

The two girls clung to every word Minho spoke, making sure to giggle automatically at every sound that slipped through Minho's lips. Whenever Krystal or Yuri would speak in their inhumanly high-pitched and nasally voices, Minho would grin and nod. What a cornball.

Just then, Minho curled his index finger, coaxing Krystal to lean towards him. She leaned her face towards his. Their close proximity was much too uncomfortable for casual contact. He whispered in her ear, causing her face to flush and her cheeks to burn a bright red. She giggled and lightly punched Minho in the arm.

Taemin shook his head and frowned as he eyed Krystal and Yuri. Then he glared at Minho before storming off. Minho sighed and glanced up at the ceiling in...annoyance? Key felt rage bubble in every cell of his body. He was ready to "go all up in Minho's grill" and backhand that . Before he could do so, Minho excused himself from Yuri and Krystal and sauntered off after Taemin. Key huffed, more or less in satisfaction.

That's right, you better run after him, Key thought bitterly as he returned to his meal.

Taemin felt jealousy, rage, and betrayal, intermixed with a numerous amount of other unpleasant feelings and emotions, incline within his body as he shuffled further and further away from Minho and Krystal and Yuri. Hot, angry tears pressed against his cheeks, blurring his vision. He felt completely humiliated.

When Taemin finally located a bathroom, relief swept over him and he quickly dashed inside. Taemin walked over to the sink and gripped the edges of the marble, gazing at his reflection in the mirror. His cheeks were red and blotchy, his eyelids puffy from crying, and his upper lip quivered slightly.

"Stupid s," Taemin muttered under his breathe, using his sleeve to wipe his eyes. Just then, Taemin heard someone enter the bathroom. He groaned inwardly. He really wanted to be alone right now, and the last thing he wanted was someone to witness his crybaby demeanor.

Taemin ceased his sniffling and ducked his head down to remain unrecognizable. Taemin could hear footsteps approaching him. He gritted his teeth, silently praying that whoever had entered the bathroom would not find it necessary to associate with the crumpled teen. Much to Taemin's surprise, the person placed a hand on Taemin's shoulder.

"Taem...what's wrong?" a recognizable deep, baritone voice inquired. Taemin huffed and spun around, coming face-to-face with Minho.

"You know what's wrong!" Taemin said accusingly. A brand new interval of fresh tears threatened to spill out from the corners of his eyes. Minho pursed his lips and eyed Taemin in bewilderment. After a few moments, he shook his head, clearly unable to comprehend the current situation.

"I don't-"

"Krystal and Yuri! You were obviously flirting with them even though I was standing only two feet away! How can you be so thoughtless, hyung?" Taemin cried out. Minho sighed and rubbed the back of his neck, his eyes darting around nervously to escape looking Taemin straight in the eye.

"Taemin...me and Krystal...back there...it was nothing. You know that. Besides, you don't seriously expect me to not socialize with anyone just because I have a date, do you?" Minho denoted. Taemin shook his head furiously.

"Of course that's not what I meant! It's just...you don't have to be so...touchy...you know?" Taemin muttered softly. Minho chuckled and ruffled Taemin's hair.

"And you don't have to be so jealous and sensitive, you know?" Minho retaliated. Taemin whimpered and pouted, glancing meaninglessly at the tile flooring.

"I am not jealous..." Taemin whispered to himself. Minho found himself chuckling again and tilted Taemin's head to face his own.

"Taemin, you know I only have you, araso?" Then he brushed his lips ever so lightly across Taemin's forehead, laying a chaste kiss against the soft flesh. Lucid electricity coursed through Taemin's veins. Pure euphoria surged throughout the entirety of Taemin's body. His entire body heat seemed to circulate beneath the flesh of his cheeks. He cleared his throat and extended his arms out awkwardly.

"Um...can we..." Taemin queried shyly. Minho chuckled and tugged at Taemin's wrists, pulling the younger male towards him. In their embrace, their bodies were pressed tightly against each others. Minho could feel Taemin's heartbeat racing through his chest. His heart was beating at an inhuman pace as well. He wondered if Taemin could feel it, too.

Taemin sighed in content and deeply inhaled the addictive scent of Minho's musky cologne. The two males were too preoccupied with their loving embrace that neither of them noticed a trio of their school mates waltz into the bathroom. The three newcomers were laughing at absolutely nothing in particular, but their laughter ceased as they observed the couple's entangled form.

"Yah! Is that Choi Minho?"

"Who's the other kid?"

"What are they doing?"

Upon the unexpected boys' arrival, Minho's entire body froze. He could feel Taemin's muscles tense beneath him. Immediately, the two tore out of each other's arms, quite reluctantly at that. Minho felt as if a match had been lit underneath his cheeks. He glanced briefly at Taemin's frazzled form before meeting the eyes of his peers.

"U-uh..." he stammered nervously. How was he going to explain this? The entire school would hear about this. Minho's reputation would shatter. However, he was moreover concerned of what would become of Taemin. Taemin would certainly be harassed for something like this. Minho would not tolerate it, not even for a second, if someone hurt Taemin, his Taemin.

"I was just confessing my love for Minho. I was so caught up in the moment that I suddenly hugged him. I didn't expect others to come into the bathroom and see us," Taemin explained, his voice even. Taemin was even confidently looking at the boys head on. "I'm sorry for bothering you, Minho sunbae." Wait...what? What was Taemin doing?

"Did that really come onto you, Minho?" one of the boys asked, his eyebrow arched in suspicion.

No! That's not what happened at all! Taemin, what the hell are you doing? Minho shouted in his mind. He glanced over at Taemin, who was nodding his head discreetly.

"Go on," he mouthed. Minho gritted his teeth and nodded at the boys.

"Err...yeah. He did. Listen, kid. You're pretty for a boy and all, but I don't lean that way. I'm into s, you know? Please understand. I'm sorry that I can't accept your feelings," Minho asserted, putting emphasis on every word. And with that, he grinned at the boys and exited the bathroom, Taemin feigned disappointment and silently followed after him. Once they both had exited safely, Minho seized Taemin's shoulders.

"Why did you do that?" he asked, shaking the younger boy slightly. Taemin shrugged.

"I don't want anyone to hurt you. Gwenchana, hyung. You're safe now," Taemin assured the taller male with a grin. A lump welled up at the base of Minho's throat. Guilt gnawed at the pit of his stomach.

"They'll only hurt you, though..." Minho muttered, releasing Taemin's shoulders. Taemin clucked his tongue against the roof of his mouth, dismissing the thought.

"Ani. Hyung will protect me," Taemin said, giggling cutely. Then he began skipping away towards the crowd of dancing teens. Minho stared after Taemin in awe, not sure of what to perceive from the entire situation. He found himself grinning stupidly. Taemin really was someone special. Laughing to himself, Minho followed after Taemin who was now skillfully busting out some of his mad dance skills at the center of the dance floor.

Key scanned the crowd of his school mates before groaning inwardly to himself. It had been over an hour since he and Jonghyun had arrived to the country club and Jonghyun was still no where to be found. It was as if he had vanished from the dance entirely. 

"Where the bloody hell is that dinhohead pabo? If he's going to go off and force me to be his date to this stupid dance you'd think he'd at least spend some time with me. I knew this was a bad idea from the start. I hate these stupid, God-forsaken high school dances," Key muttered to himself under his breath, agitation and animosity seeping into his pores.

After spending a good amount of time rationalizing the situation, Key came to the conclusion that he would just call his umma to come fetch him and bring him home. Key sighed dejectedly, now feeling overwhelmingly exasperated. He dipped a hand into his pockets, fishing for his cell phone. Just as he clutched onto his cellular device, he felt hot breath against the back of his neck.

"Annyeong, yeobo~" Jonghyun crooned into Key's ear. Key shrieked and slapped Jonghyun instinctively. Jonghyun groaned and recoiled. "WAE?!" Jonghyun screeched, rubbing the now raw, red flesh. Key inhaled and exhaled deeply, his nostrils flaring.

"ALSKDJFHGDERF PABO! Don't sneak up on me like that! Seriously, are you stupid or something?" Key wailed, pointing an accusing finger at Jonghyun. Jonghyun huffed and crossed his arms over his chest.

"Well, then. Mianhae, Key. I just wanted to spend some time with my date," Jonghyun mumbled, glaring at Key. Key rolled his eyes.

"Oh, so only now do you decide you want to spend time with me. Well, that's just bloody fantastic. Where the hell were you, anyway?"

Jonghyun shrugged in response to Key's question.

"Places to go, people to see," he answered curtly. Key's jaw dropped.

"Are you saying you weren't even here the past hour?" Key asked in disbelief. Jonghyun nodded.

"Yup. Me and Onew had to pick someone up," Jonghyun answered indifferently. Key felt his heart sink. Onew, huh? He hadn't spoken to him ever since their little encounter.

"How is Onew?" Key asked cautiously. Jonghyun pursed his lips, formulating an appropriate answer.

"He's been relatively fine. Much better now, though."

Key raised an eyebrow in question.

"Why's that?"

Jonghyun merely grinned at Key.

"You'll see. Look, there he is now. Yah! Lee Jinki!" Jonghyun called out, obnoxiously flailing his arms. Key held onto Jonghyun's wrists in an attempt to cease Jonghyun's awkward motions.

"Yah, will you cut it out?" Key hissed, following Jonghyun's gaze, then gasping afterwards. Were his eyes deceiving him? He absolutely could not comprehend what lay in his field of vision. There stood Onew, looking happier, fresher, and more well-rested than Key had ever seen him before. However, that was not what surprised Key. There by Onew's side was...Park Sunyoung. The Park Sunyoung. What was she doing at an insolent high school dance?

"Jonghyun, do you...do you know Luna?" Key whispered to Jonghyun, feeling absolutely stunned.

"Hmm? Oh. Yeah, I do. Luna, Onew, Minho, and I childhood friends,' Jonghyun clarified, painfully nonchalant. "Why do you ask?" Key could not believe what he was hearing. Jonghyun, Onew, and Minho seriously knew Park Sunyoung since childhood? "Uhh, Key?" Jonghyun called out, waving a hand in Key's face. Key shook his head, snapping out of his daze.

"Neh? Derf...well...it's just...that's incredible, Jonghyun..."

Jonghyun merely laughed at Key's stunned form.

"Wanna say 'hi' to them?" Jonghyun asked, nudging Key in the ribs. "Come on, let's go." Jonghyun then began tugging at Key's wrists, dragging Key along as he strode up to Onew and Luna confidentally. "Annyeong, chingus~!" Jonhyun cooed, casually draping either arm across Onew's and Luna's shoulders.

Onew grinned widely, patting Jonghyun on the back. Luna laughed good-naturedly. Her laughter was like the bright and beautiful sound of chimes. Even when she was not singing, Luna's laughter alone was absolutely melodic.

"Where's Minho? I haven't seen him yet," Luna said, glancing around.

"Probably Taemin," Jonghyun said with a shrug. At this crude remark, Onew playfully shoved Jonghyun. "I mean, I have no idea," Jonghyun added. Luna giggled and shook her head, but not after catching Key's eye.

"Annyeong! I'm Sunyoung," she greeted Key warmly. "Any friend of Minho's, Jonghyun's, or Onew's is a friend of mine," she added, extending a hand towards Key. Key stared at Luna's hand as if it were infested with blemishes before gingerly taking her hand and shaking it lightly.

Her hands are so soft, Key thought unintelligently. Suddenly, Key felt a sharp pain in his ribs. Jonghyun had elbowed him.

"Come on, let's dance," the blonde whispered into the younger male's ear. Key nodded mutely and robotically followed after Jonghyun.

Nearly everyone was situated on the dance floor. Girls had their asses pressed against boys' groins, grinding against them roughly, or they were just grinding amongst their friends. Those who weren't on the dance floor were either eating or no where to be found.

Taemin, alongside Eunhyuk, was popping skillfully. A thick crowd of people circumscribed about the dancers. Their movements were sharp, yet fluid. Eunhyuk had Taemin slightly beat, being the older, more experienced one, but Taemin would retaliate now and again with a unexpected move only someone with a lithe body and yielding his expertise would be able to accomplish. He would blow the minds of bystanders, earning himself shrill cheers and pats on the back. Taemin looked happier than he would if it had been Christmas morning.

Minho was nearby, awkwardly jerking his body and occasionally hopping up and down, but he appeared to be having plenty of fun on his own. He would stop dancing now and then to gaze at Taemin, his eyes misty with admiration and affecton. Krystal and Yuri were hovering nearby, sometimes pressing their bodies against Minho, but he was paying no attention to either of them.

Key and Jonghyun were among the general thick mass of dancers. Jonghyun was flailing his arms and wiggling his legs in a highly awkward and unmannerly fashion. To be honest, it kind of creeped Key out. However, he was having too much fun to care about Jonghyun's disturbing dancing. When Brown Eyed Girl's "Abracadabra" suddenly began blaring through the speakers, everybody roared in excitement, and Key was no exception.

Instantly, everyone situated their legs in a widespread stance, their knees bent. All those on the dance floor began swishing their hips side to side, then rotating their bodies and rolling their necks. Key completely owned the dance. His moves were the most fluid and matched perfectly to that of the original dance. He flicked his bangs out of his face and smirked, feeling overly confident and completely satisfied with himself. (A/N: I apologize for the y description of the dance. I tried my best ;~;)

Jonghyun had not even danced. He was too busy fixing his attention on Key's every move. The way Key's hips swayed so gracefully, that y glint in Key's eyes as he danced, that malicious smirk...it was enough to form a tent in Jonghyun's pants. He subconsciously his lips as he gazed at Key longingly. Jonghyun's lustful stare did not go unnoticed by Key.

"You okay, buddy?" Key called out uncertainly. Jonghyun cleared his throat and nodded.

"Yup. More than okay. Go on, continue dancing."

Key shrugged and continued to dance along to KARA's "Mr." A hefty bulge was now protruding through the fabric of Jonghyun's cream colored dress pants. The way Key moved his was just...unf. It took all of Jonghyun's willpower not to attack Key right then and there. All he could focus on was resisting the urge to in his pants.

...

Before Jonghyun knew it, it was nearly one in the morning. He had spent the past several hours grinding against girls, grinding against Key, grinding against the floor, and grinding against inanimate objects, but we need not get into that. Let's just say he made some new friends with a few floral arrangements.

Once it was announced that the dance was coming to its conclusion, everybody groaned. However, it was also announced that there was to be a slow dance coming up. More groaning from the guys, shrill squeals from the girls. Key glanced nervously at Jonghyun. He wanted Jonghyun to ask him, but then again he knew it would only ruin both of their reputations.

Onew did not hesitate to ask Luna to be his dance partner, which she gladly complied. They walked, hand in hand, towards the center of the dance floor. Key found it odd how hardly anyone recognized Luna. On occasion, a couple of people would whisper amongst themselves and point, but that was as far as it ever went. Taemin and Minho were no where to be found.

They seemed to have fled the premises to resume their shameless , Key reasoned with himself. Key's own thoughts were interrupted as he felt a light tap on his shoulder. He spun around, meeting Jonghyun face-to-face.

"Yeobo, uhh, do you want to..." Jonghyun started, only to have his voice falter. Key felt his cheeks flush scarlet and his heart pound roughly against his chest. Was Jonghyun really going to ask Key to slow dance with him? Sure, it would be a huge risk, but slow dancing with Jonghyun definitely make Key's life night.

"Yes, Jonghyun?"

"...go outside for a bit?"

Key felt his heart sink. Oh, of course. How could he hope that Jonghyun would seriously ask him to dance with him? Key mentally slapped himself for materializing false hope. Key managed to force a grin at Jonghyun.

"Sure."

Jonghyun suddenly took Key's hand into his — to this, Key blushed profusely — and led Key through a network of corridors before finally emerging through a set of double doors. The doors lead to a widespread marble balcony.

Key gasped and rushed to lean over the balcony. Peering over the balcony, Key realized that the view was overlooking the heart of Seoul. City lights brighter than any star in the cosmos blared bright and proud. They twinkled back at Key. The sight was absolutely breathtaking.

"Jonghyun...it's beautiful," Key remarked, admiring the view. Jonghyun chuckled and slid his arms about Key's waist from behind.

"Yes, you are," he murmured against Key's shoulder. Key chuckled nervously. Had he heard Jonghyun right?

"That was cute, Jonghyun. I'll have to give you some brownie points for that one," Key joked. Jonghyun scoffed, releasing his hold on Key to shove him playfully.

"I wasn't kidding, pabo."

"Hey, that's my line- Yah! Be careful! You're going to push me over, you pabo!" Key screeched indignantly.

"Key, please look at me," Jonghyun rasped, suddenly becoming serious. The younger boy reluctantly peered up at the older through a fan of thick, dark lashes. Jonghyun tugged at a lock of stray hair away from Key's face and tucked it behind his ear. He then caressed the smooth, baby soft flesh of Key's cheek with his index finger. "You are beautiful," he murmured. His words held a ring of truth to them and were laced with genuineness. Key felt his cheeks heat up furiously from the unanticipated compliment.

"Oh, shut up," he chided, refusing to succumb to Jonghyun's words. Jonghyun merely chuckled at Key's response. In retaliation, he leaned forward and laid a chaste peck on the reddened flesh of Key's cheek. He let his lips linger there for several moments before leaning away. Key gasped and recoiled.

"What the hell, Jonghyun?" Key snarled, attempting to keep his voice even. He wanted to conceal any evidence of having enjoyed the close contact he shared with Jonghyun. He would never admit to that. At least, not out loud. Jonghyun grinned and laced his fingers with Key's. 

"Yeobo neomu yeppeo~" Jonghyun crooned. The melody of Jonghyun's voice was angelic. If pure, velvety smooth silk had a sound, it would not even come close in comparison to Jonghyun's singing. Jonghyun laced his fingers with Key's free hand then draped both of Key's arms about his shoulders. Jonghyun then situated his hands onto Key's hips.

Bathed in milky moonlight, the two males began swaying in a slow revolution, not to the music of the playing instruments of a quartette, but to the perfect melody of how their racing hearts met at each beat. Key rested his chin on Jonghyun's shoulder, letting his eyelids flutter close. He began humming an unfamiliar tune to himself. They continued on with their private dance for several minutes before Jonghyun abruptly pulled away.

"We should meet Driver Gisa now," he suggested. Key nodded, feeling slightly dazed. On their way out to meet Jonghyun's chauffeur, Key did not spot any sign of Taemin or Minho. Onew and Luna seemed to have left before Jonghyun and Key. Only a quarter of the original guests remained to bid each other farewell. 

Many people thanked Jonghyun for no particular reason as they walked past. Jonghyun grinned and nodded and would mutter a "It was my pleasure", "Thanks for coming", "Take care", or "Drive safe" from time to time. Jonghyun was definitely quite the extravagant dinner host.

As Jonghyun and Key slipped through the exit, Jonghyun thanked both security guards and handed each of them a ₩215,000 (A/N approx. 200 USD) tip. Key's jaw dropped at the exchange of money. Was Jonghyun really handing out such large quantities of money so casually? The guards nodded gratefully at Jonghyun but instantly frowned as their gaze shifted to Key. Key grinned nervously and thanked them before skipping after Jonghyun.

Driver Gisa was standing with much authority by the limousine, his face expressionless, yet firm. The door was open and ready for when Jonghyun and Key returned. Key hopped inside first. Jonghyun suddenly hugged Driver Gisa, which stunned both Key and the chauffeur, before climbing in after Key.

"Kamsahamnida," Jonghyun murmured gratefully, grinning at Driver Gisa. The chauffeur grunted in response, shut the door after Jonghyun, and scurried over to situate himself at the driver's seat without sparing a word. Key pursed his lips and prodded Jonghyun's cheek playfully.

"Are you usually this nice?" Key asked. Jonghyun frowned and shook his head.

"I can be pretty terrible to him sometimes. I don't think I've ever thanked him before today," Jonghyun clarified. Key nodded his head and decided to leave it that. After several minutes of riding in utter silence, Key felt that his body was slowly slipping into unconsciousness. He felt Jonghyun's head fall limp against Key's shoulder. Key felt his own breathing hitch. He secretly loved the way Jonghyun's head seemed to fit perfectly into the crook of his neck.

"Lock and key..." Key murmured to himself as he felt his gaze drift to Jonghyun's sleeping face.

Do I love him? Key thought to himself. At that moment, he felt a massive army of butterflies flitter wildly within the pit of his stomach. Key was sure that if any other person's heart raced at the inhuman pace of his own, they would surely drop dead at any moment.

It thumped violently against his chest, threatening to rip out. Key tried to keep his breathing even as he let his eyelids flutter close. The peaceful image of Jonghyun's sleeping face was the last thing that flashed across Key's mind before sleep finally overtook him.

Oh, God. Please don't let him hear my heart beat. Surely he doesn't feel the same way...Jonghyun thought broodingly.

The blonde male was unable to render an explanation for his feelings towards Key. The feelings he experienced were simply indescribable. There need not be a valid reason to love someone. The feelings simply just develop over a period of time until they are prominent enough to be recognizable.

Deep down within the folds of his throbbing heart, Jonghyun knew he felt something, something strong, for Key. Although he was still uncertain of whether this feeling was strong enough to be named as love or a simple infatuation, he was certain of the fact that no one else had ever made him feel the way he does now.

Jonghyun knew that if he lost Key, whether it was to someone else or for whatever reason, he would surely undergo a state much more severe than depression. Every time he recalled the times he had malevolently harassed Key, filled every pore of his life with misery, and dragged each and every day of Key's life into pure hell, Jonghyun would threaten to burst into tears.

Jonghyun could not fathom his desire to beat the living hell out of himself. He legitimately hated himself for treating Key, his Key, in such a barbaric way, and he was immensely sorry Key had witnessed, and experienced, such an undesirable, animalistic side of him. At that moment, Jonghyun loathed each and every single person who had ever laid so much as a finger on Key with the intent of causing harm to him, Jonghyun himself included.

Rage bubbled inside of Jonghyun. He felt vehement bitterness prolonged towards any and everyone. He would make sure to permanently rid of the who had kicked Key in the ribs. He would destroy the families of those who had thrown food at Key. He would cause disarray to the lives of all those who had taunted and harassed Key.

Jonghyun inhaled and exhaled deeply in an attempt to calm himself. No, it would surely do no good to harm those who had harmed Key. Key wouldn't want Jonghyun to commit such evil. Jonghyun gazed up at Key one final time before his now heavy lids drooped over his eyes.

One final thought wandered the folds of Jonghyun's mind before he felt himself slip into unconsciousness.

I swear to you, Key. I promise to always protect you. I will never let you go...

 

A/N: Excluding the author's notes, recap, and POV info, the official word count for this chapter is a total of 7580 words (nearly four times the word count of a normal chapter), whereas Minho's baby making noona killer is only at a mere 7579.999999999999999999999999999 inches.

I told you this chapter was long, did I not? Also, I want to apologize for the majority of this story having a somewhat comic tone. At the beginning, I was a little driven to write serious-ish, but halfway through I found myself adding a lot of randomness. At least I had a lot of fun writing this chapter and in the end that's all that matters so it up.

I want to sincerely thank all of you who have been so patient with me. I am genuinely grateful that no one (as far as I'm concerned) has un-subscribed. The love I receive from my readers means the world to me. I love you all! Saranghae to the highest of saranghaes（‐＾▽＾‐） 

Anyways, what was your reaction throughout and after reading this chapter?

A) /brb dying

B) Fangirling like a little

C) hnng /le unf

D) /brb sobbing irl

E) And then there's always that one with the unpopular opinion...

I don't know why I took the time to add all those gifs lol forgive me. You don't seriously have to abide by this little makeshift poll or anything.

 

Don't be a silent reader.

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Now you'll have to comment and subscribe just because I used that meme okay 'cause if you don't then you are defying T.O.P and you do not want to defy T.O.P or G-Dragon will your although you'd probably just enjoy it 'cause you're all bloody masochist bastards.