Hooked on a feeling by Blue Swede Plays through Kyungsoo’s earphones the moment his eyes meet with Jongin’s from two booths away.

But he only stares for a second or two before deciding that the multi-coloured cupcakes laid out in front of him need his attention way more than Jongin does (because he’s clearly being showered with attention at the moment).

He turns away so quickly that he misses the smile Jongin flashes him, the poor tanned boy left standing there unnoticed, his grin eventually turning into a full on pout. This is a terrible excuse for a cupcake is what Kyungsoo chooses to think of instead, eyebrows furrowed and forehead scrunched in concentration because it takes that much effort to ignore Jongin. 

It’s like that with people whose actions and looks scream Hey, check me out I’m attractive and sweet to you, look at me smile at you like you mean the world to me. Kyungsoo used to be so good at keeping his distance from them, a veteran in the art of anti-social. Now all that’s changed ever since that day he went to the grocery, coming across this stupid, good-looking, sunkiss skinned boy who said his cakes were beautiful.

(Like, who even uses the word beautiful in the 21^st cenury? People say pretty, cute, amazing, awesome, swag, supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, but beautiful? It’s such a serious and poetic word…Kyungsoo’s not sure if Jongin’s serious or poetic in any way.)

Although he’s undeniably avoiding him like the plague right now, (well hey if this situation isn’t familiar) You should know that they weren’t fighting.

Jongin smiling at him isn’t the problem. Jongin in general isn’t the problem, let’s make that crystal clear.

(Crystal clear. Crystal clear. C r y s t a l clear…isn’t it funny how there’s practically no difference between C and K?)

The real problem right now is the picture perfectness of Jongin and Krystal (who would’ve known) standing next to each other looking like freaking Barbie and Ken. Barbie here had her dainty little plastic arms wrapped around Ken’s with a not so dainty vice like grip. They look so much like that perfect high school couple who’d already won the title of prom queen and prom king before the school year even started and it makes things so much harder for Kyungsoo. He couldn’t even watch Jongin smile without having to see them together, in one frame, in one image. There was even a point when he wondered whether closing one eye would cancel out Krystal from his line of sight which later leads to him concluding that he’s lost a great amount of brain cells just thinking so much about them.  

Save me. Kyungsoo thinks to himself, trying to ignore the sales person’s insistent efforts to make him have a taste of the not-so-perfect cupcakes, feeling very much like a priest performing exorcism. Through the power of Christ, I refuse your offer. Through the power of Christ!

He senses somebody stand beside him, however he makes no effort to look up or recognize his/her presence. They both stand side by side awkwardly. Are they gone? Is what he wants to ask, though he opts to keep the question to himself.

“Wow…” The voice he hears comes out muffled and soft behind the music playing in his ears. “…Cupcakes. This is so life changing. This is the highlight of my day. Wait till I get home and tell my mom I’ve been staring at rainbow cupcakes.”

Kyungsoo doesn’t move for another minute until he’s sure that the two figures from two booths away disappear into the busy sea of people walking to and fro. Just to make sure he subtly checks for any sign of either Jongin or Krystal still lingering close by and when the coast is clear, he sighs in relief. He’s caught by surprise however, when one of his earphones is plucked out from his ear causing him to whip his head to his side and find Jongdae clearly judging him.

"So are you going to tell me why we’re waiting for these cupcakes to grow feet and dance or do you want to continue to listen to your music and completely ignore me.”

“Sorry…” Kyungsoo says, a wave of guilt hitting him. How long has the other been standing there exactly? “I was thinking.”

Jongdae merely raises an eyebrow , choosing not to pry on the smaller boy’s thoughts any further, simply watching as Kyungsoo takes several glances towards something in a distance. He clears his throat before awkwardly ushering him to move someplace else and clearly disappointing the persistent cupcake seller.

They walk aimlessly around the venue.

Around three or four hours ago Kyungsoo had been enjoying himself in the company of his friends at some random dance club he didn’t even know existed before today. Around three or four hours ago he met Kim Jongdae who likes to smoke and who thinks death is desirable. Around three or four hours ago a phone call reminded Kyungsoo that he was merely borrowing Jongin’s time.

That was three or four hours ago.

Now he walks along the booths that surround the concert venue with his hands in his pockets because the temperature seemed to drop a few degrees colder (though that didn’t stop the people from coming even as the sky grew darker). Somewhere in this scattered crowd is Jongin, he thinks, probably being spoiled by Krystal or being teased by Taemin. Sehun and Luhan were probably somewhere around too, although he had lost them after Sehun asked permission to have Luhan to himself for the night.

At least Jongdae had decided to ditch his job at the club to join them today, otherwise it would have been bonding time for Kyungsoo and his mp3 player. It’s not like he was dumb enough to act like a martyr and tag along with Jongin to watch Krystal do everything in her power to keep the tanned boy to herself. He didn’t want to be a third party either, knowing about Sehun’s long time crush on Luhan. He wanted to give him the space he needed to maybe, finally, admit his feelings, if tonight would be that kind of night for them.

You guys go on ahead I’ve been wanting to look around a bit more anyway. He had lied. Jongin gave him a concerned look at that time but of course Krystal spoke before he could even open his mouth. Okay! She said, a little too perky. We’ll meet you before the concert starts Kyungsoo.

Kyungie I can’t leave you alone, your brother will kill me. Luhan protested and this was where Jongdae steped into the picture. He had volunteered to accompany Kyungsoo through the wait which earned him quite a few surprised looks.

It earned him a suspicious look from the pink haired eldest while Sehun seemed to eye him warily. Of course, let’s not ignore the way Jongin was slightly glaring.

You will? Kyungsoo had asked, eyebrows raised in surprise. Jongdae merely shrugged.

Yeah it’d be nice to spend some time with someone who doesn’t talk your ear off for once.

And then they parted ways.

Jongdae isn’t much of a talker, Kyungsoo observes. Whenever he does try to say something it’s either something actually important or something oozing with sarcasm. He never brought out another smoke after they had left the club though Kyungsoo could still smell the stench of cigar strongly clinging on to him. The silence between them is a bit awkward, but the smaller boy is grateful he at least doesn’t complain about how significantly slow he walks or how aloof he’s been the entire time. It isn’t until Kyungsoo stops in front of yet another pastry booth that Jongdae speaks again.

“Are you hungry?” He asks, unable to keep from wondering why they had practically stopped by every single booth that involved pastries.  Kyungsoo turns to him with a smile and shakes his head.

“No.” he says, falling silent once more as he watches the man behind the table design a cake with different band names. He supposes they’re the ones who’ll be playing tonight…not that he knew any of them. Kyungsoo sighs, eyes still cast on the baker. “None of them are doing it right.”

 “…Doing what right?”

“I mean…The cupcakes earlier, they were dry. You could tell from the texture. The colouring they used would make it taste a bit bitter too. The cookies I saw on the first booth easily crumbled, it lacked a certain ingredient. Most of the cakes here seemed to be made in a hurry and-“

“Kyungsoo.” Jongdae interrupts, a look of clear confusion plastered on his face. “I don’t speak bread.”

“Oh. Sorry.” Kyungsoo blushes and blinks a few times “I’m sorry I just, I take notice of things like that subconsciously. It’s how I keep my mind busy- I really- I didn’t mean to bore you- oh god I’m sorry for dragging you around-”

“It’s fine…but I don’t really need to know all that so yeah you go on and keep doing what you’re doing. But say here’s what I’m interested in knowing…” Jongdae squints his eyes, looking at the smaller boy from head to toe while Kyungsoo shuffles uncomfortably in his place. “…why do you seem so intent on avoiding Jongin huh?”

Kyungsoo’s eyes widen, he stutters a bit but it only makes Jongdae’s smirk grow wider and soon enough he finds himself succumbing to defeat, merely keeping his eyes downcast. “…is it that obvious?”

“Kyungsoo, I’m not blind, and in this place it isn’t exactly impossible to run in to each other. Besides, if you hadn’t been so busy ogling all those bread-“

“Pastries.”

“…bread, you probably would have noticed me wave at him. well,” Jongdae huffs, mumbling his next few words out soft enough for only himself to hear “…not that he noticed either since he’s been busy ogling you.”  

Kyungsoo opens and closes his mouth a few times, as though he were unsure of what to say, or rather, as though her were unsure whether to actually say something or not. Jongdae observes all of his little actions and strangely he finds himself amused at the way Kyungsoo blinks more than necessary when thinking or the way he holds his hands close to himself.

In the end, the smaller boy chooses to keep silent. But oh, it’s not like Jongdae needed the words to confirm his thoughts anyway, it’s practically written all over Kyungsoo’s face.

“Someone’s got a crush.” He says. He didn’t think it was possible for Kyungsoo’s eyes to grow any wider than it already was and yet it was doing just that.

"I don’t have a crush.” I wouldn’t equate Jongin to something as shallow as a crush.

“Ah denial, the best kind of verification.”

“Can we not talk about this?“

“So tell me is it because of his dancing? It’s his dancing isn’t it.”

“I’ve never seen him dance before today though I’d really wish you’d change the topic.“

“Wait why are you avoiding each other though, did you fight?”

“No it’s-“

“Oh my lovers quarrel already?”

“No it’s not like that but can we please-“

“Ah-“

“Can you not--“

“Ah-ah-“

“Jongdae!”

“Ah-ah-ah! That’s hyung for you.”

Kyungsoo groans, not sure if he’s supposed to feel annoyed or afraid about the fact that the older boy knows. Seeming much like a child throwing a tantrum he stomps past Jongdae towards the direction of the concert stage, trying his best to block out the muffled laughter the other is clearly trying to surpass. As if Luhan and Sehun weren’t teasing him enough. Cruel world.

“Kyungsoo.”

He ignores him.

Weaving his way through the crowd he listens as Jongdae’s calls grow fainter and fainter in the background. Kyungsoo! Kyungsoo wait! He hears him cry, but it he just wants to be alone right now. Aside from his foul mood, courtesy of the whole Krystal issue, he’s not really pleased about the idea of having to deal with a sarcastic troll who doesn’t value life and reeks of cigarette. Kyungsoo’s not normally this trippy but too much is happening in a day and for a boy who never leaves his home or his workplace it’s pretty overwhelming.  

Today was just filled with extremes. Kyungsoo felt everything from extreme happiness to extreme jealousy. There was no in between, no just okay or just fine. Waking up at o’clock to the face of narcissus, extreme, being thrown onto the centre stage on your first day at a dance pub, extreme, having to last an entire sunset watching your rival flip her hair and bat her eyelashes, extreme. It was all a nice stir to his otherwise monotonous life though it just wasn’t what he needed either.

Now he wants to get on the fastest train back to Hongdae and lock himself up in his snug little kitchen where he can surround himself with the smell of cinnamon. Who knows, he might just run into another young and good looking med student who happens to take an interest in him…who doesn’t have a perfect bestfriend. It could happen.

Kyungsoo pulls himself out of his own thoughts, looks around and realizes that he’s at some place unfamiliar, with Jongdae no longer trailing behind. The stage is still in in sight which makes him a little less nervous because as long as he’s within the vicinity he knows it wouldn’t be too hard for him to find the rest.

In fact, it would be all too easy to bump into any one of them right now, since the number of areas to go to is quite limited. Which is why Kyungsoo isn’t that surprised to turn his head and find a cackling Sehun walking right past.

 Scratch that. He’s slightly surprised about the fact that Sehun is laughing, pretty loudly too.

Neither Sehun nor Luhan seem to notice him though, too busy in their own little world, with Luhan arguing about something Sehun is obviously just laughing at. Kyungsoo weighs his options, wondering whether he should call for their attention or simply leave them be. He follows them while keeping his distance, wordlessly trotting behind trying to keep up with their big strides (his shorter than average legs could only take him so far). He watches as Sehun teases the older some more, while Luhan would occasionally shove him away. It’s all a very normal sight to see, however Kyungsoo is not one to be fooled. He sees the little differences in their actions, like the way Sehun is holding Luhan’s hand or the way Luhan smiles up at Sehun with a blush. The assumptions in his mind are instantly confirmed when all too suddenly Sehun pecks Luhan square on the lips.

You’re ing kidding me.

Kyungsoo bites his hand in an attempt to surpass the squeak that he involuntarily lets out.

His cheeks feel warm. How long have they been doing this exactly? Were they actually going out? Were they going steady? Were they keeping it from him? Why haven’t they told him? Why does he feel slightly left out here? A million questions run through his mind and despite this all he could manage to let out is another incoherent squeak. He steps back, not exactly ready to find out the answers yet, also not wanting to interrupt their little date. He takes a 180 degree turn and starts walking towards nowhere (again). He’s starting to think that 90% percent of his time would be spent wandering around and bumping into random people he knows.

He checks his phone, 7 messages and 3 missed calls.

Sehun: Battery low. (Yeah right) Don’t call or text.

Luhan: Kyungie pie~ I’m going to shut my phone off to conserve battery (again, Yeah right )~ Meet you later!

Jongin: Hyung I saw you earlier…I don’t know if you saw me too but, would you like to join us?

Unknown number: Kyungsoo? This is Jongdae. Come on I’m sorry I promise I won’t tell Jongin, where are you?

Jongin: Jongdae just came over asking for your number saying he lost you?! Hyung????? Where are you right now????

Jongin: Kyungsoo…..?....??…..?????

Seungso: Yo man Jongin called me saying something that you’re lost that’s pretty pathetic you’re not lost right? Please tell me you’re in the restroom ting or something.

Seungsoo: Kyungsoo seriously are you lost? Where are you??? Are you alone??

Missed calls: Seungsoo. Seungsoo. Jongin.

Kyungsoo stares at his phone screen for a few more seconds before typing in a short reply, shutting it off, and tucking it into his pocket. He looks around and spots a small noodle stand and decides that he’s feeling pretty hungry right now. He treats himself to some black soba.

Kyungsoo: I’m ok.

***

“You have got to be kidding me.”

Jongdae is panting. He’s out of breath, clouds of white air puffing out from his mouth every half a second or so. But what would you expect from a person who’s been running around the area non-stop for the past 30 minutes looking for a certain wide-eyed boy who just had to act like a 10 year old trying to piss his babysitter off. Well, he thinks to himself, Good job.

“You- Seriously- Did you know how worried I was?!”

Kyungsoo looks up at him surprised, his cheeks stuffed with what Jongdae thinks is black soba noodles. The older boy waits for an answer and yet all he gets in response is a few blinks and a gurgle. He sighs, clucking his tongue before slumping onto the vacant seat beside, leaning his head back and looking up to the dark sky. He sees the first star of the night.

“If you were hungry, you could have just told me. I’m not as selfish as I look.”

Kyungsoo swallows carefully, keeping his gaze to the empty space in front of him. “I’m sorry.”

Jongdae exhales, his vision again clouded by puffs of white air. “…I didn’t tell Jongin.”

“…Oh.”

“I didn’t tell him.”

“Thank you. But it’s fine, I didn’t leave because of that. I wasn’t exactly hungry either.”

Jongdae turns his head slightly to eye the boy. “So I guess you just didn’t like being with me is that it?”

“No!” Kyungsoo says, a little louder than necessary. “…No. I just…needed to be alone that’s all. I’m not very used to company.”

“Oh really?”

“Yeah. I live with my brother, but he’s not home most of the time. The only friends I’ve ever had are Sehun and Luhan. My parents…they’re dead.” And I’m a freak.

“Well my parents are as good as dead anyway. Haven’t seen them since they first got themselves behind bars”

“Don’t say that. You should be grateful they’re still alive.”

“Why do you think I’m working this hard to get them out huh kid?”

Kyungsoo keeps silent. Jongdae does too, but only for a little while.

“Jongin was really worried about you you know.”

“…He was?”

“When I told him you were off my radar he immediately went haywire.” Jongdae chuckles “I swear to god he was about to sprint off and look for you himself if I hadn’t suggested we try texting you first. When you weren’t replying he frantically dialled in your brother’s number. Actually, he first dialled that Chinese guy and that poker face dude’s numbers but neither of them would pick up.” Kyungsoo huffs at that, I might as well have been ran over by a truck and neither Luhan nor Sehun would have known. “I told him you couldn’t have gone far and that you seemed like a smart enough guy not to do anything stupid…

…It didn’t calm him down the least bit.”

Kyungsoo laughs, the image of a worried Jongin perfectly painted into his mind. Brows furrowed, eyes distant, and mind aloof, he’d have looked adorable, and it makes Kyungsoo slightly guilty for taking pleasure in this troubled state.  

Jongdae laughs along with him and it’s here that the smaller boy decides that he’s pretty okay, looking past all those sarcastic side comments and mocking tones. After all, he had spent an entire 30 minutes searching for him and that’s kinda likeable, especially for someone who’s only known you for a couple of hours.

The sound of something vibrating interrupts his thoughts. Glancing down he watches as Jongdae picks up his phone and raises his brow upon reading the caller ID. “Well speak of the devil.” He says, before answering. “Found him.” Are the first words he blurt out and the rest of the conversation goes on between him and the person on the other line.

Kyungsoo keeps silent in his place, doing his best not to eavesdrop, squeezing his hands in between his thighs as he swings his feet back and forth waiting for Jongdae to finish his Yeahs, okays, and I’ll meet you here-s. The call ends quickly and the smaller boy looks at him expectantly. Although Jongdae doesn’t look back and merely sits up straight, scanning his eyes through the crowd as if to look for someone-

“Jongdae!” A voice calls out faintly, followed by the sound of footsteps approaching and the sight of a tanned boy jogging closer. Oh.

Jongin stops in front of them, his hand coming up to his chest, clutching his heart before leaning forward with his other hand holding onto his knee for support. He’s breathing heavily and Kyungsoo just wants to wipe the sweat off his forehead and tell him to sit down but then Jongdae seems to think otherwise, suddenly bursting out in laughter. Jongin glares at him briefly before standing straight and shutting his eyes taking deep, heavy breaths.

“Man you look wasted.”

“Who’s fault is that.”

“Uh, Kyungsoo’s?”

“No yours moron what the hell did you do to lose him in the first place.”

“Offered him a cig.”

“You what?!”

“Kidding! He was-“ The older boy’s gaze meets Kyungsoo’s momentarily, ”-hungry.” He winks, “ He was hungry, How was I supposed to know?!”

“You’re the worst.”

Jongdae bows theatrically. Jongin merely rolls his eyes before turning to Kyungsoo who immediately feels shy under the other’s stare.

“Are you okay?”

Kyungsoo nods.

“Why’d you run off?”

“I…I was hungry.” Liar.

“Well next time say something okay? We were really worried.”

“I’m sorry.”

"Don’t be. Just- Don’t do that again.”

“Okay.”

“Jesus your brother’s gonna kill me I better call him-“

“Kim. Jong. In.”

Kyungsoo briefly wonders when his brother had begun sounding so much like a girl until he realizes that it wasn’t his brother speaking and that it was a girl. Krystal enters into the picture, walking briskly towards where all of them were gathered (because a lady never runs, no matter how late she is). She stops just in time to shove Jongin ever so gently, before placing both her hands on her hips and looking at him sternly.

“You left me!” She whines, causing Jongin’s expression to wince.

“Sheesh do you have to be so loud.”

“You. Left. Me!”

“Aw come on Krys don’t be like that it was an emergency.”

“Yeah I know, but I could’ve been the one lost by now!”

“You’ve been going to these concerts with me for years I doubt you’d get lost?? You’re a big girl Krys.”

“And what, Kyungsoo is eleven or something?”

“This place is unfamiliar to him, try to understand.”

“That’s not enough reason for you to abandon me and make me chase you all over the place, You’re. So. Cruel!” Krystal shoves him with each pause and Jongin does his best to shield himself from the whiney female. The more they bicker the more Kyungsoo feels himself slowly disappear into the background, shrinking.

He stands awkwardly in his place eyes darting from Jongin to Krystal to Jongin to Krystal to her hands clutching onto his shirt to his hands grabbing onto her wrists in an attempt to pry himself free. And of course on the side we have Jongdae who witnesses everything from Krystal’s not so subtle affectionate touches to Kyungsoo’s green green eyes and-

Click.

The dots connect.

Kyungsoo’s persistence to avoid the tanned boy makes complete sense all of a sudden, and it sends a twitch to the corner of Jongdae’s mouth which later turns into a knowing smirk. Experimentally, he swings his arm around Kyungsoo’s shoulder (causing the smaller boy to jump in surprise).

Jongin’s eyes flicker towards their direction. Oh. Ohoho.

In another try, He squeezes Kyungsoo’s shoulder and then yet again, Jongin’s eyes flicker momentarily at them.

This is going to be fun.

He snickers quietly to himself, Kyungsoo looks up at him concerned.

Suddenly, the smaller boy is pulled into a tight hug. Since Jongdae is a bit taller than him, his face is buried into the warmth of the elder’s jacket, muffling his voice and  causing him to involuntarily grip onto Jongdae’s sides for balance especially when he staggers a bit. Jongdae merely tightens his hug, ruffling Kyungsoo’s hair in the process and grinning widely, almost mischievously. Jongin’s eyes never leave them.

“Kyungsoo! Don’t you ever leave like that again okay! I was so. Worried!”

Kyungsoo begins to struggle free because Jongdae’s apparently being hella weird all of a sudden however the other merely tightens his hug, making it more impossible to understand the words Kyungsoo is trying to muffle out. He closes his eyes humming with a smug little smile plastered onto his face pretending he understands the younger while Jongin’s attention is now completely on them, Krystal’s words entering his one ear and leaving the next. Jongdae pries his one eye open to peek and true enough Jongin is glaring daggers at him right now, and apparently so is Krystal. Or maybe Krystal’s glares weren’t directed to him specifically but to the struggling owl in his arms (Jongdae thinks Kyungsoo looks like an owl). He leans his head lower in order to whisper something in the boy’s ear which causes Kyungsoo to freeze.

“I like you kid. So I’m gonna help you out with this one. Just...look cute.”

Kyungsoo blinks, his eyes widening and his cheeks blushing from the cold.

“Perfect you’re a natural.”

Jongdae finally separates from him, hands still firmly planted onto the younger’s shoulders. Kyungsoo subtly looks at Jongin from the corner of his eyes and he’s surprised to find the other looking away. It’s all he manages to catch before Jongdae shakes him lightly, a signal for him not to do that. He misses to see the way Jongin’s teeth are gritting or the way his fists clench and unclench with discomfort. Krystal is clearly not pleased about it.

“In a few minutes the concert will begin.” She blurts out in an attempt to somehow drive the attention away from Kyungsoo.

“Hey you’re right.” Jongdae answers. He releases Kyungsoo’s shoulders from his grip before digging into his pockets and taking out a pack of smokes. Jongin’s face scrunches up in disgust as he places a smoke in between his teeth and lights it up with much ease. He in a breath. Jongin’s eyes flicker to Kyungsoo with concern.

“Jongdae don’t.” is all he says, but of course, the other never listens. Instead he shakes the pack and reaches it out to Kyungsoo “Want one?”

Jongdae never shares his smokes with anyone as far as Jongin can remember.

The tanned boy’s fists clench and Kyungsoo’s eyes only grow wider. “No. He does not want one. Now put that away I’m sure you’re well aware of how harmful second hand smoking is.”

“Are you Kyungsoo? Last time I checked your name’s Jongin.”

“Just ing don’t man.”

“Let me repeat my question, Kyungsoo, Do you want one?”

Kyungsoo shifts uncomfortably in his place before shaking his head. ”I don’t smoke. It’s dangerous.”

“yeah Jongdae, it’s dangerous.”

“You wouldn’t know, you’ve never tried.”

“Dude, I study medicine.”

"Yeah and politicians study politics yet you don’t see them doing any of the crap right.”

Jongdae stares at Jongin in the eye while puffing out another breath of smoke. ‘Gross, Chen’ he hears Krystal mumble but he couldn’t care less. The two supposed friends stare each other down with much intensity that the air slowly begins to turn a bit tense. Kyungsoo doesn’t like it, and so he clears his throat, hoping they would snap out of their silent argument.

Jongin is the one who breaks his gaze first, but only because Krystal suddenly takes hold of his hand. “Let’s just go. You know Jongdae, it’s his thing.” She says softly, Although Kyungsoo isn’t sure if he hears it right because he’s too busy watching her hands intertwine with Jongin’s, fitting perfectly into place. His hands suddenly feel cold and he wonders how warm it would feel if they’re laced with Jongin’s like that. He’ll probably never know though.   

But of course, of course, Jongdae notices the act too, and it makes him worry for the smaller boy beside him. Out of instinct, he does what his mind first tells him to do and it’s to take Kyungsoo’s hand in his, mimicking exactly how Jongin and Krystal’s hands looked at the moment, with their fingers laced together and their palms pressed against each other. Holding it tightly, he walks forward, tugging Kyungsoo along until he’s right by Jongin’s side. Lifting his gaze he comes eye to eye with the tanned boy and he couldn’t help but smirk at the obvious jealousy written in every edge and every curve of his features. He lifts his and Kyungsoo’s intertwined hands and waves it in Jongin’s face.

 ”Don’t worry, I won’t lose him anymore.”

“Jongdae.”

“yeah, Jongin?”

The tanned boy opens his mouth, but when no words come out, he closes it. There’s an unexplainable glint in Jongdae’s eyes as he brushes past.

“Thought so. Well come on, wouldn’t wanna miss anything interesting!” He shouts, Kyungsoo staggering behind taking a few glances back. Jongin’s eyes are on him however his grip on Krystal’s hand tightens, Kyungsoo feels the same squeeze tug in his heart before he decides to look ahead.

“They look good together.” Krystal comments, liking the way Jongin’s hand is clinging to hers with a vice-like grip. It’s probably a good thing that she’s not fully aware of the reason why.

Jongin blinks a few times as if to bring himself back to reality. He turns to Krystal, exhales and smiles before reaching out to ruffle her hair. She whines, swatting his hand away before playfully slapping his arm. Jongin laughs again before wrapping an arm around the petite woman’s shoulder and ushering them both into the crowd, not noticing the way Krystal’s cheeks are a darker shade of pink.

“Nonsense.”

***

It’s a good thing music helps people forget even if it’s just for a few hours.Kyungsoo’s always loved music.

Usually for children it’s the mother who sings them to sleep however for Kyungsoo it was the other way around. He remembers the days he used to snuggle up in between his parents, singing to them in garbled jibberish no one understood, however everyone enjoyed. Even as a small child his voice was so full and rich it was hard not to listen to.

Tonight, after so many years of setting it aside, he remembers his love for music. He remembers it when the venue goes dark and when colourful spotlights dance all the way to the sky, when a beat drops and everyone’s screams fill the place, when people start to sing along, perfectly coming in harmony once they reach the chorus. Kyungsoo’s spent such a long time cooped up inside his bakery or his room or his classroom and most of the time his only company was music.

Adrenaline rushes over him as he allows himself to let loose for tonight, jumping along to the music with someone. He didn’t really know who, he could have been jumping with a complete stranger. The only thing that he was sure of was that he liked it.

Junmyeon and the rest (except for Baekhyun who seems to have gone off to his grandmother’s place for the New Year) had joined them a couple of minutes ago. Kyungsoo was already feeling hyped by the time he spotted them (Chanyeol to be specific, his head sticking out from the rest being the giant he is) squeezing their way through the crowd to get where he and the others were standing. Loud music was already playing by then so it was necessary for them to shout just to say hello. Greetings were quick and brief because everybody was too excited to have themselves some fun.

Luhan and Sehun were back to being subtle about their little secret relationship. Now that he knew, Kyungsoo finds it hard not to notice the hidden touches and the sticky gazes. He keeps silent about it, respecting their choice of keeping it secret however also hoping that they plan on telling him soon.

Jongdae smilled a lot more than he usually did that night. Kyungsoo finds out that they both shared a deep rooted passion for music, the older telling him of the times he used to sing in a school choir, back when he was still studying. Kyungsoo’s glad about the fact that he managed to find an escape in his seemingly trouble filled life through music. He later comments that a smile looks better on his lips rather than an ugly rotten smoke. Jongdae pinches his cheeks at that, and the smaller boy just laughs.

 As for Jongin, Jongin’s been standing next to Kyungsoo the entire time.

They never speak a word to each other.

Kyungsoo knows none of the bands,

Jongin could point out every single one of them by the first beat, even before they step on stage.

Most of the songs are new to Kyungsoo,

Jongin recites the lyrics like a prayer.      

Some moments Kyungsoo would look at Jongin, but the other would be too busy singing along with Krystal.

Some moments Jongin would look at Kyungsoo, but the other would be too busy shouting nonsense with Jongdae.

Some moments Kyungsoo would open his mouth, wanting to say something along the lines of “thank you for bringing me here” and “hey I’m having so much fun” to the boy beside him however when he’s about to do so he finds himself looking at Krystal instead. Krystal looks back with a challenge in her eyes and when they lock gazes she doesn’t stop singing along to the songs, in fact, she sings louder, making no mistakes. Kyungsoo could practically hear her voice in his head, I know his favorites like they’re my own, do you?

He then shuts his mouth, deciding it better to keep silent and mind his own business.

***

Unless you’re physically chained to each other, the easiest thing to do in a thick crowd of people too distracted to pay attention to their surroundings is to get separated from your posse. Jongdae knows this and he’s going to take advantage of knowing this. With Luhan and Sehun out of the picture (the two probably making out somewhere, he didn’t really want to know),  and with Junmyeon and the others having already been pushed a few spaces away from them, all he had to take care of now was Krystal.

Jongin had responded to his little jealousy scheme just the way he wanted him to and now Jongdae’s determined to help him and Kyungsoo get a move on with it. Because one, nothing annoys him more than two people who obviously care for each other not being able to be together and two, he owes Jongin. A lot. But let’s save the backstory for later.

 He looks over to where the red head stood, he stares long and hard at her, wondering what’s the best way to unhinge her from her bestfriend. Hm. Think Jongdae, think. Now’s a great time to be the genius that you are.

Krystal and Jongin are pretty much inseparable as far as he can remember, so this wasn’t a very easy task to do. Just as his ideas begin to get crazier and crazier, the sight of the red head tapping the tanned boy on the shoulder and whispering something in his ear catches his attention. Jongdae watches as Jongin nods, allowing Krystal to go wherever the hell she was going right now. She mouths a polite excuse me to the person behind her (a teenage dude who is obviously eyeing her with interest, she pushes him aside much harder than necessary) before bowing her head and squeezing past the crowd. Perfect, Jongdae thinks, immediately following her out. Before he gets far however, Kyungsoo catches him by the arm, his wide curious eyes looking at him in question.

“Where are you going?” He asks, shouting over the loud music. Jongin turns to him as well with the same questioning look.

“Bathroom.” Is all he says, making sure to tap the smaller boy’s chin just for the fun of teasing. Jongin raises his eyebrows.

“Do you and Krys have synchronized bladders or something?”

“Nah I’ve been holding it in since earlier.”

“Gross man.”

“I know.” He sticks his tongue out at Jongin and winks at Kyungsoo. “Be right back shrimp.”

Then he’s off, shoving people aside and keeping his eyes open for a crown of bright red hair.

And bright red hair he sees. Krystal enters into one of the female restrooms, Jongdae takes it as his cue to wait outside.

***

Awkward.

Jongin isn’t talking to him. So Kyungsoo doesn’t talk to Jongin.

Although he really

really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really

wants to.

Sehun and Luhan were both missing in action, Taemin and the rest were a scattered out in the crowd (Chanyeol’s head still clearly visible, somewhere in the front) Jongdae had rushed off after Krystal a while ago and now Kyungsoo is left alone with Jongin. He tries to focus on the music but it’s difficult, because everytime he glances at Jongin he finds it harder and harder to pry his eyes off especially since the said boy’s skin is glistening with sweat from all the jumping and screaming, not to mention that his hair is a bit dishevelled because of the wind.  Jongin would sometimes catch him staring and strangely, Kyungsoo doesn’t look away. With no one around to throw death glares at him if ever he stared at Jongin for too long (Krystal and Jongdae, for two very different reasons mind you) he suddenly feels a lot bolder, staring Jongin down until the other looks away himself out of consciousness.

The next song that plays is one that is familiar to Kyungsoo. They sing it out loud together.

Neither of them speak directly to each other. They let their eyes do all the talking.

            ***

“Quit playing!” Krystal shouts, frustrated. Jongdae merely holds his place, blocking her way back to the concert.

“I think you’re hungry. I know you’re hungry. How bout some fries? Fries sound good right now don’t they?”

“No I do not want fries, please let me through Jongdae.”

“Even if I buy?”

“Please?”

“How about some oreo pancakes.”

“Jongdae I came here to watch a concert with my best friend not to pig out!”

Jongdae sighs. He’s been trying to avoid having to be direct to the point up until now. Well, at least he tried.

“Look I just need you to leave Jongin and Kyungsoo alone for now.”

Krystal’s gaze turns stone cold. She ignores his suggestion and walks past him briskly. He jogs backwards and steps in front of her once again, effectively blocking her way.

“Please?”

“Why?”

“Well…”

“No.”

She steps sideways. So does he.

“Come on stal, You’ve been with him all day what’s a few hours.”

“A few hours is everything now move.”

“It’s just…I’m doing Kyungsoo a favour, wouldn’t you want to do him a favour?”

“Why? I don’t owe him anything Jongdae, now please move.”

“Don’t you want to make your bestfriend happy?”

“Yes, I do, which is why I need to get back there, so we can spend good quality best  friend time together.”

“No you don’t understand leaving them alone right now will make him happy I swear-“

“God Jongdae just move!”

A highly annoyed Krystal isn’t the most pleasant thing to deal with, Jongdae decides as he feels himself be shoved aside a little roughly. Krystal tries to push past him, rolling her eyes and stomping away, however Jongdae catches her by the elbow and pulls her back in front of him gently. He realizes that it wasn’t a very smart move to do because now the red head is jerking her arm away and gritting her teeth. Oh no.

“Jongdae I don’t care!” She snaps. “I don’t freaking care about Kyungsoo, or Jongin, or whatever business it is they need to settle alone together I just want to go back and be with my best friend!”

“You don’t understand-“

“Yes! Yes I do damn understand- get the hell away from me!- Let me go!-“

Jongdae tries to smile nervously at the people passing by clearly intrigued by the sight of a girl struggling to pry her arms free from a boy’s death grip.

“You don’t! Look Kyungsoo-“

“LIKES JONGIN! I GET IT! I ING GET IT NOW LET GO OF ME!”

Their gazes meet and Jongdae relaxes his hold. Krystal takes this chance to fling his arms away and stare him directly in the eye. “Don’t you tell me I don’t understand. You don’t understand.”

“You’re right.” He says, tone softer this time. “I don’t.”

Krystal huffs, a soft, sarcastic laugh escaping her lips. “You don’t.”

“Kyungsoo likes Jongin. Okay, we’re clear on that. And Jongin obviously likes Kyungsoo-                “

“And what proof do you have of that?! They met, like, a month ago!” She raises her voice.

“Look, do you have something against Kyungsoo? What the hell stal, the guy’s done nothing to you.”

“That’s what annoys me the most he’s done nothing to me now I’m just making myself look so damn unreasonable!”

 Shouldn’t you be thinking of what would make Jongin happy instead?”

“Why, are you saying Jongin can’t be happy with me?” Krystal shouts, her face scrunched up in frustration and jealousy and anger, Jongdae thinks he sees tears.

“Are you saying that I should just back off after some guy Jongin thinks he likes comes into the picture is that it?  No. No! I am not going to throw away years of chasing after the same guy just for some pitiful friendless kid who gets a little high school crush on my bestfriend no, I’m in love with him Jongdae. I know him like the back of my own hand and I’m in love with him, every flaw every imperfection of his so don’t you tell me what to do with my feelings for him because I have always been putting his happiness before mine!”

Time freezes.

***

Time freezes.

They were playing the 3^rd to the last song of the night and Kyungsoo feels tired. He and Jongin look at each other at the exact same time, and when they do he breaks into a smile. Jongin takes a moment to stare at the smaller boy, at his hair sticking to his forehead, at his heart shaped smile, before smiling back at him. He reaches up to tap Kyungsoo’s chin just like Jongdae had done before he left. He wishes the older boy were around so that he could stick his tongue out at him or something. Jongin can be such a child sometimes.

But then his fingers slowly trail upwards, ghosting over Kyungsoo’s lips, tracing the outline of his smile.

The smaller boy blushes, blinking several times, unsure of whether to pull away or to relish in the feeling.

He goes with the first choice, looking away and swallowing nervously, subconsciously clutching the area above his heart fully aware of the fast drumming going on in his chest. He tiptoes, trying to look past the sea of heads to catch a glimpse of the stage, or at least to pretend he was trying to catch a glimpse of the stage as though he didn’t feel the intensity of Jongin’s stare boring holes into the side of his skull.

“I can’t see.” He says softly, hoping to snap the other out of it.

He gets no response, instead Jongin looks away, his smile long gone, replaced by a serious expression. So serious it’s almost scary.

Kyungsoo side eyes him nervously, “Jongin?”

Again, no response. Kyungsoo thinks serious expressions don’t suit Jongin. He swallows, thinking of a way to make him smile again.

“Jongin?”

He thinks, twice, thrice, about the words he wants to say, reciting it over and over in his head. Though, no matter how many times or ways he says it, it never seems to sound right.

“Jongin.”

“Hm?”

“I like you.”

He says it twice, the first time as a whisper, the second time as loud as he could.

“I like you.”

Silence.

It’s silent. The crowd continues to clap and scream along to the song playing in the background, however to Kyungsoo, it’s silent. Until Jongin decides to speak his world is silent.

 “…What?”

 Kyungsoo flinches, refusing to look up.

“Well...I uhm I think I might li-”

Kyungsoo never gets to finish his sentence because Jongin’s hands are behind his neck and he’s being pulled closer so quickly he doesn’t have the time to comprehend. Hands come up to cup his face firm enough to keep him rooted on the spot but gentle enough not to hurt him. He doesn’t understand how but he doesn’t understand many things about Jongin, like how his kiss could feel so gentle and loving yet at the same time rough and needy.

They were kissing. Neither of them seemed to care about where they were or who were watching. They were kissing. Kyungsoo’s mind goes overdrive. Jongin…Jongin doesn’t even want to think.

“I’ve been waiting for that.” He mumbles against the smaller boy’s lips.

And then? Time freezes.

Or at least they hoped it would freeze just this once.

A/N: MKLDSFJ:DSFJDSO:FJidf it's been a while. YES im sorry this took so long im not even gonna lie anymore ive been having a hard time writing and i just feel so conscious of my work all the time that it never seems to satisfy me anymore hm. I try my best though so sorry disappoint if its not how you want it but i apologize in every chapter and imma keep doin it LOL. BTW I MADE THIS HUGE MISTAKE IN SOME OF THE EARLY CHAPTERS SO TO AVOID FUTURE MISUNDERSTANDINGS PLEASE READ: 

In the first few chapters i mentioned that Kyungsoo has a high school friend who seungsoo mentions is abroad in japan. Originally i typed in Chanyeol, BUT, being the dumb that i am I realized that i also put chanyeol as one of jongin's friends during the christmas eve party. So because this high school friend will later play an important role i changed the character to tao now. AYT /throws myself out the window

ANNOUNCEMENT NO. 2: I made a little something something during my free time ...*drum roll*

Trailers! 2 of them! 

/bricked/ well okay fine they're nothing extra fancy i mean i aint no film major or tech wiz but ive made it with love and i hope you feel da love. 

Here are the links, i'll be putting them in the foreword as well. Thumbs up if you like it! (if thats how youtube works #noob): 

Pushing Daisies || [EXO] Kaisoo (Kai & D.O) Fic trailer [1]  - the more...serious one? HAHA 

Pushing Daisies || [EXO] Kaisoo (Kai & D.O) Fic trailer [2] - the more upbeat one. No words just short clips.

none of the trailers tell about future chapters tho they're just based on whats already posted.

Random message: ILY guys I hope you're all having a nice life <3 remember to think positive always