“I brought my car so we can just drive straight from school,” Jongin munched on his apple, “That cool with you?”

“In our uniforms...?” Kyungsoo asked honestly. The two of them were eating their lunch outside underneath the pear tree again. It had become a natural habit, both wanting to escape the clammy classroom with all the crap spewing inside of it.

“Nah, we can just stop by a store on our way-”

“B-But I don’t have a lot in my wallet r-right now...” Kyungsoo hesitantly stuttered.

Jongin ruffled his hair, “It’s fine. I can pay-”

“You can’t-”

“I’m the one who initiated the date therefore I pay.” Jongin concluded. Kyungsoo felt his cheeks heat up to one of the words. Jongin took notice and pinched his cheek. “Aigoo, you’re so cute.”

“Stop it,” Kyungsoo wailed in embarrassment, “You’re so mean to your hyung!”

“I can’t help it,” Jongin continued with a shrug, “You’re just so cute.”

Kyungsoo hated how his cheeks were burning up now, and how Jongin most probably knew how hard he was blushing. He managed to tear his face away form Jongin’s grip and rubbed his cheeks tenderly.

Jongin stayed quiet and took the moment to watch Kyungsoo. He smiled to himself, a familiar feeling welled his heart. Jongin sighed, he hadn’t felt this way since his early high school years with Chanyeol. The distant memories were shrugged off as the bell began to ring.

The both of them groaned as the quickly grabbed their bags. Jongin once again held out his hand. Kyungsoo was still uneasy about taking it, but the reaction time slowly dwindled down as time passed. Jongin smiled when Kyungsoo shyly extended his and intertwined their fingers to speed up the process. And yet, even after all that time, Jongin never fails to notice the pink cheeks Kyungsoo has as soon as their hands are clasped together.

“J-Jongin! I can’t wear this-”

“Yes, yes you can hyung,” Jongin answered simply from outside the changing room. The two of them headed to the nearest mall, Kyungsoo directing the way since Jongin was still new to the area. Much to their luck, Jongin’s favorite store happened to be there so that’s where Kyungsoo was sulking in the changing room. He looked down at the clothes Jongin had picked out for him. There was nothing flashy to them, a yellow long-sleeved shirt decorated with red lettering in English he didn’t recognize, simple black jeans, and some sneaks. The only flashy thing about them was the price tag. None of the items being on sale freaked Kyungsoo out.

“Hyung, come on,” Jongin groaned from outside the changing room, “I want to go now.”

Kyungsoo shuffled out of the dressing room. Jongin’s frown immediately lightens. He was already wearing the clothes he chose earlier before. A faux varsity jacket, a grey long-sleeved shirt with more English writing on it, black jeans, and high tops. Kyungsoo hated the fact that he looked like a twelve-year old compared to Jongin.

“Stop muddling over your clothes,” Jongin murmured as he noticed Kyungsoo looking down at his outfit, “I chose them therefore they are awesome.” He eyes Kyungsoo before adding, “Plus, you’re wearing them so they look a lot better.”

Kyungsoo’s eyes widen as his head snaps up to look at Jongin, but the other boy was already leading them to the cashier. He notices a lot of the girls staring at Jongin, then looking towards his way. Kyungsoo knew what they were thinking in their minds. What’s a gorgeous guy like him hanging out with that shrimp? Kyungsoo inched himself closer to Jongin as the stares were becoming uncomfortable.

Jongin began talking to the cashier. Something about them being able to wear the clothes now. Fortunately, the female cashier seemed to enjoy Jongin talking to her.

“Of course, hon.” Kyungsoo decided she was around twenty-three, too old for Jongin. “You look handsome in that.”

“Why thank you, ma’am.” Jongin replied. Or maybe not, Kyungsoo thought almost bitterly. “Oh, my friend too.” He pulled Kyungsoo from behind him to show the cashier. Kyungsoo tried not to tremble at the quickest look of disgust from her face.

“Oh. Okay.” She continued flatly as she rung them up. Kyungsoo flushed in embarrassment as he stared at the new shoes he was wearing, fidgeting his fingers. Jongin must’ve noticed his nerves because he reached over to intertwine their  hands together, their school uniforms in a bag held by his free hand. Kyungsoo looked at him in panic, but Jongin was too busy paying attention to transaction. The older tried to remove his hand form the grip - he knew the girls in the store were definitely watching them now - but Jongin’s hand was firm. Kyungsoo could only pray no one would notice his burning face.

“I’ve been wanting to come here forever,” Jongin exclaimed like a child as the approached the fair. Back at the store, Kyungsoo was lucky enough to escape the judgmental store without anymore weird stares, especially from Jongin’s insistent hand-holding. When they reached the car, Kyungsoo’s hand almost felt empty as Jongin let go to hop into the driver’s seat.

“How’d you get the tickets?” Kyungsoo asked. His eyes wandered towards the windows. The excitement seemed to be b within the carnival.

Jongin shrugged as he searched for a parking spot, “My friend from dance class works here. He gave me them.”

“Speaking of dance class, don’t you have one today? It’s Friday.” Kyungsoo pointed out.

Jongin rolled in to a free spot. “I do, but I skipped.”

Kyungsoo frowned, “Jongin...”

“What? I think you’re more important than dance class.” The boy grinned cheekily. Kyungsoo thanked Shisus that he was facing window. He was taken aback by Jongin’s words, and he knew his face was pink.

“C’mon, let’s go hyung,” Jongin whined, “I want to go now.”

“Okay, okay,” Kyungsoo quickly shook his head got out of the car, “You’re so impatient.”

Jongin only smiled and grabbed his hyung’s hand, “No, you’re just slow.” Jongin dragged Kyungsoo towards the entrance, and Kyungsoo couldn’t help but notice some parents looking over towards them.

“J-Jongin,” Kyungsoo whispered while trying to tug his hand free, “People are staring...”

“At what?”

“At us!” Kyungsoo complained. He motioned towards their hands.

Jongin only laughed, “They’re probably staring because we’re so cute.”

“No, Jongin that’s not-”

“You think too much, hyung.” Jongin giggled. He took out the two tickets from his pocket with his free hand and handed them over to the ticket booth. “This is supposed to be fun! Don’t think so hard, okay?”

“I can’t help it.” Kyungsoo mumbled.

“Well promise me you won’t,” Jongin teased, “Now let’s do something!”

The carnival was just beginning to go into its full swing. There were lots of young children running around happily with balloons, and their parents helplessly chasing after them or giving up and just  watching them from a bench. The booths were constantly being filled with people, and prizes were being won by the minute. The air was overtaken by various scents of different foods, many of which were new to Kyungsoo. He had to tell himself to stop staring because he was eighteen, not a five-year old boy.

“Is this your first time in a carnival?” Jongin asked. They began to walk carelessly, not knowing exactly where to go.

Kyungsoo bit his lip, “Maybe?”

Jongin gasped, “What!? No...”

“W-Why? Is that a bad thing?”

Jongin’s jaw hung open. He immediately straightened himself and puffed out his chest, “You, my friend, are going to have the greatest time today whether you like it or not.”

“O-Okay-”

“First stop, the food!” Jongin exclaimed excitedly. The other could only silently agree as his stomach made a gurgling noise. Jongin laughed and began to walk. Kyungsoo hopelessly scamered behind Jongin, the latter keeping a vice-grip on Kyungsoo’s hand in fear of losing him in the swarming crowd. After a few minutes, he was brought to a designated place for eating with many store lining around it. The stores’ foods ranged from the hardcore greasy food to the candy sweet enough to give you cavities. Kyungsoo winced as he sat down on the chair and wiped the dirty crumbs off the table with his sleeve. 

Jongin rolled his eyes, “I’m going to get us food. Do you have a preference?”

“Nothing too greasy?” 

Jongin frowned, “I’m going to get you something so gross that you’ll end up loving it.” And with that, left. Kyungsoo took the moment to enjoy the surroundings. He never been to a carnival quite like this before. Sure, he went to his church’s carnival, but its hype wasn’t the same as this one. Lights were shining everywhere and anywhere. Balloons were floating around with no owner. People roamed around without a care in the world, just laughing and enjoying their time. It brought a smile on Kyungsoo’s face. But it quickly faded as he realized he probably looked like some creeper, smiling randomly like that. He wished Jongin was faster. He probably looked stupid waiting alone at a table. Kyungsoo sighed, there went his thoughts yet again. He wasn’t supposed to think while here. He promised Jongin. Pulling out his phone, he noticed three two messages.

From: Joonmyun-hyung

Im leaving earlier for work today. Sooyoung noona will probably still be at our apt when you come back. Have fun kyungsoo!

Kyungsoo shrugged. That happened often.

From: Baekhyun-hyung

ooh so i heard ur going to the carnival with jongin? kekeke, have fun kyunggie but not toooo much fuuuun ;) i heard things get ‘wild’ at carnivals

What was that supposed to mean? Kyungsoo frowned as he read the message over once more.

“Are you thinking again?” Kyungsoo looked up to see Jongin with a tray of different foods and some drinks. “I told you not to think today, remember?”

Kyungsoo shook his head, “No, I don’t get Baekhyun-hyung’s text.” He showed Jongin the text who just snorted.

“You don’t understand that hyung?” Kyungsoo dejectedly shook his head. As he put the tray in between them, Jongin took out his phone, and he four unread messages.

From: #YEOLO

DON’T YOU ING DARE LAY YOUR FILTHY HANDS ON MY KYUNGSOO. OKAY. I AM NOT COOL WITH THIS CARNIVAL DATE.

From: Bacon-hyung

ignore channie, jongin. have fun but try not to scare out poor kyunggie ok :)?

From: #YEOLO

YOU BRING OUR BABY BACK HOME RIGHT NOW KIM JONGIN. I DO NOT TRUST YOU WITH HIM OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY OR WITHOUT ADULT SUPERVISION.

From: Bacon-hyung

pls ignore channie. ill deal with him ;)

Jongin stifled a laugh.

“What so funny?” Kyungsoo pouted. Jongin had to resist the urge to squeeze his cheeks. Too bad the resistance proved futile. 

“You’re too innocent to understand, Kyunggie-hyung,” Jongin cooed as he pinched Kyungsoo’s cheeks from across the table, “I don’t want to corrupt you.”

“Jongin,” Kyungsoo wailed as he tried to pry his face away from the assault, “Stop! This is so embarrassing!” Jongin only cackled and continued to assault Kyungsoo’s poor face. After a good five minutes of wails and giggles, Jongin finally released Kyungsoo of his clutches, and Kyungsoo rubbed his face gingerly.

“You’re so evil.” Kyungsoo mumbled.

“You’re just so cute I can’t help it.” Jongin shrugged. He pushed the tray of food closer to Kyungsoo. “Peace offering?”

Kyungsoo eyed the food cautiously, “What did you do to it?”

Jongin frowned, “I paid for all of it.”

Kyungsoo looked at the food suspiciously. He knew one of them was pizza, in all its greasy glory. One of them was cornbread on a stick with ketchup swirled on it. The other looked like a sandwich with an unfamiliar meat in between it. And then there was a small basket of... Were those onions? Fried onions?

“What,” Jongin asked, “Have you ever had any of these?”

He shook his head slowly, “I-I was always told to stay away from fatty foods.” Because I’d gain so much more weight, he added silently. 

Jongin only groaned and shoved the pizza in front of Kyungsoo, “Well too bad. You, my dear Kyungsoo, are going to eat like a fat with me today.”

“But-” Kyungsoo was unable to finish his sentence as Jongin popped one of those fried onion things into his mouth. He was about to spit the greasy food, but Jongin forced him to close his mouth.

“Eat.” Jongin commanded. Kyungsoo slowly chewed the foreign food in his mouth, savoring the flavor that came from it. He tried to fight back a smile, but he couldn’t. Jongin ginned in triumph. “It’s good right?”

Kyungsoo nodded. Jongin put the pizza in front of him. “And you are eating that whole thing today.”

“But-”

“I don’t care,” Jongin sang as he grabbed the cornbread on the stick and took a bite out of it, “You are going to enjoy this greasy stuff. You poor, deprived child.”

“I wasn’t deprived,” Kyungsoo scoffed, “I just knew what was healthy and what wasn’t.”

“Thus being a poor, deprived child.” Kyungsoo winced as Jongin talked with his mouth slightly full. He pointed the stick of food he was eating at Kyungsoo. “Wanna bite?”

“Um, what is that?” Kyungsoo eyed the food with distaste. It definitely wasn’t just cornbread on a stick. It had some meat inside of it. A hotdog was it?

Jongin sighed, “This, my poor, deprived child, is a corn dog. It’s a hotdog wrapped in cornbread with ketchup on it. Try it. It’s not as gross as you probably think it is.”

Kyungsoo hesitated before looking at the tray for any utensils. Jongin rolled his eyes, “Just take a bite. We’re friends.” He pointed the food closer to Kyungsoo’s mouth. Reluctantly (think of all those germs!), Kyungsoo took a small bite of the corn dog. Not his taste, but it wasn’t awful.

“See? Not so bad,” Jongin kidded, “My poor, deprived child is growing up!”

Kyungsoo frowned, “Shut it, Jongin.”

Jongin only chuckled. The two sat in a comfortable atmosphere, the carnival’s noises wafting in their ears. Much to Kyungsoo’s dismay, he actually wholly enjoyed most of the food. The pizza in all its greasy glory was without a doubt his favorite. He tried not to think about the carbs and calories he would have to lose later because he promised Jongin he wouldn’t think. The fried onions - they were called onion rings - were probably his second favorite on the tray. And as much as he didn’t want to admit it, he was the one who ate most of them. The sandwich, the pulled pork sliders, he and Jongin shared was alright. Not the type of food for his tastebuds. And the corn dog, he gave it one more chance before totally giving up on it. Never again.

Kyungsoo enjoyed the moments like these. When it seemed like it was just him and Jongin in the world. It was peaceful, and Kyungsoo could finally escape those demons haunting his brain. He listened to Jongin ranting endlessly about his previous dance school. How there was too much drama, and how his best friend from (the one who gave him the tickets) now too goes to their school but in the younger grade. 

“His name is Oh Sehun,” Jongin stated as they stood up to shake off their lazy asses, “Have you heard of him?”

Kyungsoo shook his head, “I don’t know a lot of people from school.”

Jongin pursed his lips, “Hm, well you’ll meet him one day. You’ll like him. He’s calmer and more stoic than me.”

Kyungsoo shrugged, “Okay.” He looked ahead and noticed a bunch of little kids gathered around a particular food cart. The man running is was handing out some sort of food? It was pink and fluffy. Jongin too glanced over to where Kyungsoo was staring.

“Do you want some?” Jongin asked even though he was already leading them towards the cart. Kyungsoo felt odd as the younger children stared at them in wonder, probably curious as to why teenagers were craving their treat. Jongin ordered them one to share, but it was a lot bigger than the ones given to the kids. Both of them sat down on the nearby bench.

“What is it?” Kyungsoo inquired. He was tempted to poke the fluffiness, but he decided that would be rude and unsanitary.

“You seriously never seen this before,” Jongin asked in disbelief, “It’s cotton candy, hyung. Or fairy floss.”

“W-What does it taste like?”

Jongin smiled and ripped a decent chunk off, “Here, open your mouth.”

“Huh?”

“Open your mouth.” Kyungsoo did as he was told. Jongin stuffed the cotton candy into his mouth. 

Instantly, Kyungsoo’s eyes widened, “I-It melted!?”

Jongin laughed, “Yeah, it does that.” He took a piece for myself. Kyungsoo ripped another part and couldn’t help but smile like the children before. Jongin giggled as he watched Kyungsoo in amusement but decided against teasing the older once more. Jongin just wanted to cherish the moment. Soon, the delectable cotton candy was finished (Jongin let Kyungsoo take most of it), and two were off the explore the carnival some more. It was starting to get darker now, as the sun was slowly setting. They walked past a bunch of games, and Jongin noticed how Kyungsoo kept glancing over to the stuffed penguins hanging up as one of the prizes. 

“Hey Jongin, I’m just going to go the bathroom quickly,” Kyungsoo pointed towards the restroom sign, “I’ll be back.”

Jongin nodded as a response, saying how he’d just be here. Once Kyungsoo was out of his view, Jongin headed straight for the game he just had to shoot the basketballs into the hoops an x amount of times in order to get a certain prize. Luckily, Jongin managed to sink all but two in, but that was more than enough.

“So which prize will it be sir?” The man working the game booth motioned to big stuffed animals, the ones that weren’t as soft and were a pain to carry, but Jongin shook his head.

“Can I have the penguin instead?” Jongin pointed at the medium-sized penguin. It had blue and white fur with a yellow beak and feet.

The man picked up the toy, “Are you don’t want the animal up here?”

Jongin nodded with a smile, “It’s not for me.”

The man broke a grin while handing Jongin the toy, “Ah, for young lady, eh? I understand. Have fun.” He winked at Jongin before returning back to work.

Jongin jogged lightly to where he promised Kyungsoo he would be. He noticed Kyungsoo was already finished and looking around, frazzled, probably for Jongin. Quickly, he went around other game booths so Kyungsoo wouldn’t notice him. Finally, he was able to sneak up behind Kyungsoo and-

“Boo.”

Kyungsoo screamed like a girl and clutched his chest. His face immediately fell when it was Jongin and pouted irritably.

“Where were you?”

Jongin held the penguin out, “Winning this for you.” Kyungsoo’s eyes grew wide as he snatched the penguin out of Jongin’s grasp.

“I-Is this mine?” Kyungsoo asked with a big smile on his face.

Jongin nodded, “Yup.”

“But Jongin, you shouldn’t have-”

“You’ll just pay me back by holding my hand and going on some rides.” Jongin said simply as he snuck his hand into one of Kyungsoo’s. The latter blushed but didn’t argue. The two of them ended up going on the simpler rides because Kyungsoo was too scared to go on the roller coasters, but that was fine with Jongin. The “scary” ride satisfied him enough, with Kyungsoo clinging onto his arm and blocking his face with the penguin. Jongin made a mental note to watch a scary movie with Kyungsoo sometime.

“J-Jongin,” Kyungsoo called out timidly after exiting the scary ride, “C-Can we go on the ferris wheel?”

Jongin looked at his watch. Yeah, they had time, “Sure hyung, let’s go.”

Hand-in-hand, the two headed towards the ride Kyungsoo wanted to go on. Surprisingly, the latter didn’t think much about the hand-holding unlike earlier before. It may’ve been the fact that it was the repayment, or perhaps Kyungsoo was starting to grow accustomed to Jongin’s hand in his. But that was crazy, right?

The waited patiently on line. Jongin let go of Kyungsoo’s hand, and the older immediately wrapped his arms around the stuffed pengiun.

“Are you cold, hyung?” Jongin asked. Kyungsoo nodded. The younger shrugged off his faux varsity jacket and handed it to Kyungsoo. “Here. Wear my jacket.”

“B-But aren’t you going to get cold?” Kyungsoo replied in worry. 

Jongin only shook his head, “It looks like you need it more than me.” Kyungsoo didn’t argue anymore and slipped on the jacket. It was a bit big on him, but Jongin reassured him that he looked perfect in it. They both boarded their cart, each sitting on their own side. As soon as the ferris wheel began to move, Kyungsoo had his penguin look out the window. Kyungsoo’s face was filled with amazement. as the people and booths became tinier.

“Look Jongin! Everyone looks like an ant!” Kyungsoo giggled as his face was still plastered on the window.

Jongin only smiled, “Such a child.”

“Huh?” Kyungsoo looked at him, but Jongin only shook his head. The former went back to staring at the window in awe as the ferris wheel kept going in a continuous circle. Eventually, it began making stops for people to get off. As they were nearing the peak, Jongin caught a glimpse of something sparking in the night sky. When they reached the peak, Jongin couldn’t believe the timing of how the first firework of the night brightened the dark sky. Kyungsoo could barely contain his excitement when not only they were at the top, but fireworks were being displayed. 

Jongin thought to himself as he watched Kyungsoo’s amazed face stare at the colors in the sky. The former decided it must’ve been a sign. Nothing else could create such impeccable timing. Jongin sat more comfortably in his seat when his phone vibrated.

From: #YEOLO

KIM. JONG. IN. WHERE IS KYUNGSOO. WHY IS HE NOT ANSWERING HIS PHONE. DON’T YOU DARE DO ANYTHING TO HIM, OR I WILL BITE YOUR FEET OFF.

Jongin decided against listening to Chanyeol’s threat and smiled to himself. Kyungsoo looked beautiful with the fireworks’ illumination.

*{author's note}*