Kyungsoo knew something about him changed, something about the way he felt for Kai as he continued to hold him close. And if he’s not wrong, that feeling might put him into danger.

            “I didn’t mean to make you angry.” Kai said. “I don’t want to put you into danger. Junmyeon is a player. He could hurt you. And… I don’t want to see you get hurt. I might kill someone if that happens.” Kai went silent for a moment. Aaahh. Those words. They just kept creeping into his heart. “My handsomeness doesn’t suit with jails.”

            He wanted to smack Kai with the nearest table. He is just being overdramatic. But what does he expect? Kai never did take anything serious with him. But then again, why was it that his heart didn’t miss a beat, even after those stupid last words of his? The reason why he didn’t get mad at him.

            Something did change.

            Kyungsoo slapped Kai’s arm. “I’m not giving any trophy to you so stop being dramatic.”

            “I’m not leaving your side until you forgive me.”

            “Okay, I forgive you.”

            “I can’t feel the sincerity.”

            “That’s sincere. You’re just numb.”

            Kyungsoo almost gasped when he felt Kai’s breath against the sensitive part of his neck when he laughed. A strange feeling crept into him so he immediately distanced himself to Kai. He’s really nervous of his reactions while Kai is still hugging him. But Kai didn’t let him go just yet. He held his hand.

            “What?”

            “Don’t meet up with Junmyeon again.” Kai still didn’t let him go when he tried to pull his hand away. “And I promise you, I’ll introduce you to a guy that you deserve. In Exo Riding Club, there are plenty of them. I’ll introduce you to one of them.”

            I really want to punch this guy. “Why are you meddling with my love life? I don’t need your help. I can find my man on my own.” 

            “That’s why you should forget Junmyeon and go with me in the riding club. Maybe your man is just around the corner.”

            Kyungsoo just sighed. Sometimes, there are times when Kai doesn’t have a clue when a person is pissed. Like now. “Fine. Can you let go of my hand now?”

            “Are you going to avoid Junmyeon now?”

            “I don’t think that’s necessary.”

            “Kyungsoo–”

            “And just so you know, Junmyeon and I are talking about business.”

            “Business?”

            “Yes. Business.” But instead of letting go of his hand, Kai tightened his hold on Kyungsoo. Then he put his arm around his shoulders. Then he ruffled his hair.

            “That’s my boy.” His voice is suddenly happy. “That’s right. Listen to your best friend.”

            “You’re not my best friend.”

            “Fine, boyfriend then. We look good together. You’re smart, I’m smart too. Not to mention handsome and y.”

            “Hands off, please.”

            Kai sniffed him before letting him go. “When will your heart melts for me, Soo? You’re always sassing at me.”

            “It’s your fault.”

            “Me? What did I do to you that you’re cold towards me?”

            “I’m exposed to your endeavors with different person, Kai. You change lovers more than a leopard changes its spots.” Kyungsoo frowned at what he has said. “Or something like that.”

            Kyungsoo noticed that Kai stopped. He’s just looking at him and based on what he is seeing in Kai’s face right now, he is not aware of that characteristic that Kyungsoo just mentioned.

            “You’re breaking my heart, Soo.” Kai smiled at him again, and then put his arms around his shoulders. “Good thing we’re friends. If not, I’ll send you to jail.”

            Kyungsoo tried to fight off the weird feeling in his heart. “And you’re starting to annoy me, Kai. If you don’t let go of me–”

            Kai kissed him on his cheek even before he could finish his words. And then he let go of him.

            “I’ll just prepare my mansion at Exo Riding Club. We will be leaving this coming Friday. Don’t forget that. And also bring extra clothes because we will be staying there until Sunday. I’ll give you a vacation that you really need.”

            “I don’t need–”

            “Of course you do. You’re getting crankier everyday so you need to unwind once in a while.” Kai reached for his cheek that he just kissed. “See you later, Soo. Dream of me tonight.”

            “You wish.”

            But Kai’s kiss didn’t left Kyungsoo’s mind. Because he managed to dissolve his annoyance to him before until now.

            “Kai…”

            Was he getting out of his mind for thinking about Kai in a very different way, other than him being his constant headache?

-----------------------------

            Kyungsoo’s mind is still in chaos while waiting for his crews to finish cleaning the shop. They are closing the shop for today and they always leave together.

            Kai and his actions are constantly running in his mind. And it seems like there’s always a smile that wants to grace his lips.

            “Good evening, Sir. But our shop is closed.”

            Kyungsoo looked at the entrance where one of his crews is talking to someone. He immediately recognized the old man in business attire that just entered his shop.

            “Uncle Taewoon?”

            “Kyungsoo! My darling!”

            Kyungsoo went to him and bowed. They sat on a couch near the door.

            “What brings you here, Uncle?”

            “The truth is, I really came here for you.” The old man took his hand. “I missed you. You’re not visiting our house anymore. Or even in the office. You know, when I don’t see someone as good-looking as you, I couldn’t help but be angry in this world.”

            Kyungsoo couldn’t help but smile. This sweet old man reminded him so much of that younger version of him. Kai really got the Casanova persona from his father.

            “I just became too busy, Uncle.”

            “Busy or my son is just pissing you off so you don’t visit us again? If that’s the case, what do you want me to do about him? Do you want me to send someone to assassinate him?”

            “You won’t have an heir if you do that, Uncle.”

            “You’re right.” He shook his head. “That son of mine. He also doesn’t visit me in my office anymore. I missed the two of you. I’m old now but you can’t grant my wish.”

            “Both of us are getting serious with our own lives, Uncle. And anyway, just let Kai do what he wants. He’s able to get something out of his hard work.”

            Uncle Taewoon smiled. He looked really proud of what had become of his son. “I don’t expect that he is able to put up a business from scratch, and make it one of the most successful businesses in the country in five years.”

            “Even if Kai is arrogant, and a beast when it comes to relationships, if he wants to do something and give his attention to it, we both know that he will succeed, Uncle.”

            Uncle Taewoon just nodded. “If that’s the case, then you will agree on marrying Jongin?”

            Now, it was Kyungsoo’s turn to smile. Since the day they met a few years ago, Uncle Taewoon has the same perception about him and his son. He doesn’t have an idea why the old man is so fascinated to him but to be honest, Kyungsoo is not the type of guy that is expected to be with a guy as playboy as Kai. But the old man had been very nice to him, and even considered him as a close relative. And more than that, he had been matchmaking him to his son. Up until now. In which Kai agrees on.

            “He’s an idiot when it comes to choosing the right person.” Uncle Taewoon continued. “So I know that you’re good for him. And another thing, you’re the only person I know that can tame him. He listens to you. He’s afraid of you. And he likes you.”

            “Because I help him get out of his mess. Because I have a purpose to him.”

            “Not just that. You’re also good for him.”

            “I don’t think so, Uncle. I think he only worsens because I’m always helping him get rid of his dates. “

            “If you just agree on marrying him, he won’t be like that.”

            “It’s not that simple, Uncle.”

            “That’s simple. You like him, he likes you. You’re good for each other. So why the hell couldn’t you just marry each other already?”

            “Maybe it’s because we don’t love each other.”

            “You don’t love my son?”

            Kyungsoo is dumbfounded. It’s like someone slapped him with his question. It seems like his whole system is being shaken with that simple question. His mind went back to what had happened earlier. That strange thump of his heart, and his unusual reactions to what Kai has said and done.

            “Okay, fine. Let’s just change the question. Do you like my son?”

            Does he like Kai? It’s easy to answer. “Yeah, I think I like him.”

            “Why?”

            He remembered what Kai has done to him. “Because despite of Kai’s history to different men and women, at the end of the day, he’s still at my side. We are always arguing but in the end, he is the first one to surrender. He acknowledges his mistakes even though he doesn’t know if it’s his fault. My life is monotonous and I don’t notice it until he starts messing with my life.”

            “It seems like my son has a special place in your heart.”

            “Yeah, he has.”

            “Is it safe to presume that you have, in a meticulous and complicated way, loved my son?”

            It’s like cold water is being splashed to him right now with what he heard. He can’t answer.  But he somehow answered the question with what he has said just a moment ago.

            Was he really in love with Kai? But how did that happen? He didn’t even like him–most of the time.

            “Dad, what are you doing here?”

            Kyungsoo automatically looked at the source of that familiar voice. And he’s not expecting his reaction when he saw Kai’s handsome face looking inside through the glass door from outside the bakeshop. His heart just couldn’t stop beating hard, especially when Kai smiled at him as he entered the shop and walked towards their direction.

            “You, kid, what are you doing here?” His dad asked. “It’s eleven in the evening. A man shouldn’t wander around at this time.”

            “You should tell that to yourself, Dad. You’re not getting any younger. Your arthritis might hit you.” Kai placed his arms to his shoulders again. “It’s really cold outside. Right, Soo?”

            “Why are your arms around him? What if I filed a complaint? ual harassment. Get away from Kyungsoo. It’s a shame. It’s like I didn’t teach you good manners and right conduct.”

            “This is what you taught me, Dad. Kyungsoo, you suddenly became quiet.”

            Kyungsoo wasn’t able to look at Kai because he is busy calming down his thumping heart. Goodness! What was going on with him? Why does he feel that way?

            “Kyungsoo.” Kai called.

            Why now? “Nothing. I’m just surprised with your father’s visit.” He removed Kai’s arm. “And you, I thought you already left.”

            “Of course not. I’m just waiting for you outside.”

            “Waiting for me?”

            “I want to bring you to your house. You know, it’s dangerous at this time. Especially when an old man suddenly pops out of nowhere and talks to you. But I’m here to protect you.” Kai pointed at his father. “From him.”

            “You’re disturbing our conversation.” Kai’s dad said.

            “Come on, Dad. I just bought something from the convenience store across the street, you already made your way here. I’ll tell that to Mom’s grave the next time we visit her.”

            “She won’t believe you.” He pulled Kai towards the door. “Let’s go. We’re already disturbing Kyungsoo.”

            “I’ll bring him home.”

            “He needs to think about something so just leave him alone.”

            “What ‘something’?”

            “He’s the only one who knows about it.” The older Kim looked at Kyungsoo and gave him a knowing smile. “Right, Kyungsoo?”

            Kai glanced at him and his father. “You have secrets? Why don’t you share your secret to me, Soo?”

            “Why? Are we close?”

            “I’m the most important guy in your life.”

            With how his father looks, it seems like he wants to say something. But in the end, he decided not to say anything. He just smiled at Kyungsoo knowingly as he pushed his son out of the shop.

            “Kyungsoo has his own car.” Uncle Taewoon said. “And he has a black belt degree in martial arts. He doesn’t need anyone’s protection. He can protect himself.”

            “Of course. Kyungsoo is great. But he needs me.”

            “What for?”

            “. A guy as handsome as him needs to have a handsome guy by his side. And that’s me.”

            “That’s what you call a slave.”

            “Dad, you’re like paparazzi.”

            “And you, you’re like a woman because of your talkativeness.” He pushed his son out. “Let’s go. Kyungsoo, don’t mind our conversation earlier. I’m just being a nuisance as usual.”

            “It’s okay, Uncle.”

            He just nodded. “I’m sorry again.”

            “What did you do to him, Dad?” Kai asked, frowning. “Did you tell something to him that’s why he looks worried? What was it, Dad?”

            “Something that concerns you.”

            “Me? You’re talking with Kyungsoo about me?”

            “Yeah. We’re talking about how to make you quiet. Let’s go, Jongin.”

            Kai held on the glass door and tried to wave. “Bye, Soo. You can talk to my dad about me any time you want. And I’ll see you on Friday. I’ll show you how rich I am at the Exo Riding Club.”

            Kyungsoo just nodded while looking at the father and son’s playful bickering while walking towards the parking lot. He’s still looking at Kai. And as he continues to look at him, his Dad’s question lingers in his mind.

            Do I love him?

            Before Kai entered his car he felt that someone is looking at him so he turned to Kyungsoo and smiled. His heart skipped a beat. And he knew it just didn’t beat because of him.

            His heart beat for him. Kyungsoo just sighed.

            “Yeah.” He answered to the previous question in his mind. “Sort of… I am.”

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Yay for the double update! :)