A/N: recently edited- 19/07 

The words echoed in the small space between them and Jongin stood, paralysed as his mind struggled to process them. It was like his heart stopped beating as soon as Kyungsoo opened his mouth and he wasn't exactly sure if that was a good sign or not. On one hand, he was stunned by how young and soft Kyungsoo's voice sounded and on the other, it was the statement that made Jongin respond strangely. It didn't escape Jongin's notice the way Kyungsoo's lips curled up slightly at his sudden question, unease edged into his features.

It was hard to describe or verbalise the amount of disbelief he felt at Kyungsoo's obvious distate. His whole body locked up, every cell freezing, leaving him standing as a statue, still weakly hanging on to Kyungsoo's soft hands. They were really the only thing keeping him on his feet and he feared if he let go, so would his sanity. How had such a weak looking individual so easily crawled under skin?

Jongin would usually make sure no one saw past his calm and tranquil facade, no matter what he was feeling internally, but there was no way to recover from this big of mistake. He had unwillingly let his composure slip and Jongin's emotions were flaunting in the open for anyone to witness. And Kyungsoo had seen everything, especially the way Jongin's smile faltered and he immediately startled at his statement. 

But could you blame him?

Jongin considered himself almost famous around this region. There wasn't a day that past when his name wasn't whispered amongst the school halls. One way or another, people had heard of him. Whether it be because he was a star student or athlete, no one could resist his charms. Everyone had at least wanted to get a taste of the sweet eye candy that was Jongin. Except, apparently, Kyungsoo.

That realisation was hard to accept. 

Oblivious to the fact he'd just witnessed Jongin's ego crumble before him, Kyungsoo pried his his hands from the restricting grip and trying to distract himself from actually dealing with the situation, began to neaten his dishevelled appearance. The rough way Jongin had handled him left his uniform twisting in all the wrong places and he groaned quietly, adjusting it and his tousled hair. There was no saving it, however, and he sighed in frustration, letting his arms hang limply beside him.

Neither of them made any move from their positions and Kyungsoo couldn't, wouldn't lift his head to make eye contact. Anxiety scarped at his throat, his fingers started shaking weakly, but he couldn't face the stranger now.

Immobilised in his spot, still stuck between a solid body and wall, while the wind made it's job rearranging Kyungsoo's usual orderly appearance, he couldn't help but start to despise the silence he'd been consumed in. It continued to torment him as only still air met his ears, and he wanted anything to happen. For someone to interrupt them both so he'd have a chance to escape or for this stupid stranger to say at least something. Preferably something that didn't didn't make him want to tense with unease. 

Not once did Kyungsoo move his sight from the cracked pavement beneath his feet, but he was aware the stranger hadn't moved his unwavering gaze, either. He was still there... just staring. At Kyungsoo. 

The corner of Kyungsoo's mouth twitched with agitation. 

The stranger may have been strangely captivating, but Kyungsoo couldn't stay out here forever, he had places to be, responsibilities he had to fulfill. All the non communicating going on was making Kyungsoo feel increasingly restless, shuffling in his spot and he had the urge to raise his voice and demand answers. Which was also very strange, considering it came from the "Silent Soo".

Kyungsoo fiddled with the straps of his backpack, exhaling a small breath and collecting all the courage in his body. He had to deal with this head on- had to stare into those hypnotising eyes and firmly state his opinion on all of this. Biting his bottom lip nervously, he finally glanced up and quickly reminded himself not to get flustered when he connected eyes with the stranger. His confidence faltered slightly, but as soon as it did, he placed bored, indifferent mask on his face to hide it.

"I'd like to get to class before first period ends, thanks." His words again came unexpected, but they seemed to do the trick and the stranger shook from his daze. Kyungsoo ignored the dumbfounded expression he got in response and squeezed past the offending body in his way, ready to proceed with his usual day and put this whole unfortunate incident behind him.

Somone had other ideas. Only a few steps forward, the familiar touch of a hand took ahold of his wrist, bringing the escape to a halt. The air around him suddenly changed, sparking with something close to tension, but for a whole different reason. A gasp caught inside his throat, refusing to release ad Kyungsoo faltered, his fleeting steps halting at the warm contact. Kyungsoo didn't peek over his shoulder to check who it was, he already knew by the rapid beat of his heart and he cursed his body for reacting so bizarrely to human contact.

Just as before, he paused, patiently waiting for words to cut through the stillness and near relief washed over him when it finally happened.

"Wait..." the charming voice spoke softly. Kyungsoo nearly cringed when he realised the voice was becoming familiar to him, especially when he knew he only did so with a handful of people. What was this guy so special?

"My name, it's Kim Jongin. " At that announcement, Kyungsoo felt his eyebrows raise in interest.

Kyungsoo turned suddenly, curiously examining the guy again, searching for something. That name- it was familiar. He'd heard it before, but couldn't pin point when the name had fell into his memory. Even though Kyungsoo carefully scanned every tiny detail about Jongin from the shoulders down, he coudn't pick up anything vaguely familiar about the features and it made him frustrated. He knew that name, had heard it being spoken about before, just couldn't figure out how he foud it familiar. Through it all, Kyungsoo made his best effort to avoid even the tiniest of eye contact. 

Kyungsoo decided he couldn't lose his posture while being being in proximity of Jongin and that meant spending the lest amount of time as possible looking at his face. Just one glance made Kyungsoo stumble and act out of character. He couldn't let that happen any further, couldn't afford to let his emotions get the better of him. Something was different about Jongin and whatever it was, Kyungsoo reacted to it; even if all he wanted to do was turn tail and run. The emotions Kyungsoo was experiencing were conflicting and very annoying. 

An eyebrow raised, Kyungsoo stood his ground, stubbornly silent as Jongin looked on expectantly, hoping that he'd been recognised. He was sorely disappointed. 

Jongin changed tactics, and, although a little discouraged, began a new act. He hoped feigning as shy and ashamed would somehow win him over.

"I-I know I owe you an explanation and apology, but I honestly don't know where to start." The grip on his hand tightened and interested in hearing the full story, Kyungsoo turned his body fully and encouraged him to keep going with a slight nod. Against his previous oath, Kyungsoo couldn't resist and the two boys locked eyes. 

Something completely foreign to both parties sparked between them.

"My parents are... more than a little controlling, to put it mildly and now, they've taken it a bit too far. You may have seen, or rather, heard the argument I was having with them back there. It was over a disagreement we were having. They, uh, had nearly arranged a marriage without my permission with... a girl. And, if you'd noticed, I'm not entirely straight." Jongin began his devious act and cut himself off with a fake, nervous laugh, reaching up and rubbing his neck with unease. Kyungsoo unintentionally followed his fingers, his tongue briefly flicking across his dry lips. The plan was beginning to work.

"So I panicked. And saw you, who seemed vaguely familiar at the time and acted without thinking, which may have made the situation a lot worse..." Trailing off, Jongin peered up at the clouded sky above, Kyungsoo's unwavering gaze too piercing to lie to. It felt like the boy hardly ever blinked.

"I see." A thoughtful expression appeared on Kyungsoo's face as he mulled over the circumstances. It all just seemed a little too... convient. "But, if you just needed a quick escape from that particular situation, why do you still need me here?" He deadpanned.

A smile stretched across Jongin's thick lips as he prepared for his next act, something sparking in his eyes as he looked back down at the shorter male. Kyungsoo's breath almost caught in his throat.

"Be my fake boyfriend, Kyungsoo?"

Whatever romantic feelings Kyungsoo was feeling flew out the window and he stared, blank as his eyes narrowed. Was this some sort of joke?

"What." He barked sharply, barely keeping his indifferent demeanor on when all he wanted to do was wrap his hands around that idiot's neck. 

Again, Jongin had to change the theme of his act. He thought pretending to be tentative and nervous would have won Kyungsoo over, but it was harder than he initially thought. It wasn't that hard to notice Kyungsoo's sudden dark change in nature and Jongin was feeling slightly intimidated. Nothing seemed to shake the impassive boy.

Jongin kept his charming smile in place and continued with his story, telling half truths. "Well, I've had the time to think over my last proposal and it was a bit rushed, am I right? I mean, you didn't even know my name so it'd be kinda ridiculous to start dating, huh?" He struggled to keep his smile in place as Kyungsoo's agitation obviously began to grow.

"I know your name now." He mumbled grumpily, narrowed eyes burning holes in Jongin.

A forced laugh burst from Jongin suddenly and Kyungsoo really thought his mood couldn't get any more sour. "Someone's a little too eager... Just think about it, okay? We hardly know each other, it'd be a bit weird. So, I think this whole "fake dating" thing sounds a lot easier. I've seen it on a bunch of sitcoms and it always seems to benefit either side of the relationship."

Maybe that was the wrong thing to say, because Kyungsoo's eyebrows suddenly shot up and he pursed his lips angrily. "Sitcoms are suppose to be funny." 

Jongin tried to ignore the passive aggressive comments being fired his way and swallowed nervously, struggling to keep a smile stretching across his lips. "Look, it'll be like a mutual benefit relationship. You'll help me convince my parents that I'm totally taken and I'll, uh..." 

Kyungsoo nearly face palmed. Did this guy even hear himself? "And...?" He urged, bitter at where the conversation seemed to be heading. This whole thing .

Jongin was at a loss. There was no real reason for Kyungsoo to help Jongin and, to be honest, it didn't really have to be Kyungsoo who helped him, but he felt this none relenting nagging inside of him. He wanted to know Kyungsoo and get closer to him but he had no real reason for it. He had to make up a purpose for his sudde interest and recover quickly.

"Well, you'll, uh, have me as your friend." He tried lamely, searching for any sign of acceptance in the broody boy's features. That didn't even raise any eyebrows; he had to try harder. "And I'll... do whatever you want, as your friend, for the amount of time we do this whole fake relationship."

Kyungsoo relaxed a little at that, his posture losing all the tension it'd been holding since he'd pulled him off the street. He took the small victory for what it was ad decided to not press further. "We're not friends. "

That...wasn't a no. Jongin's smile stretched wider and before Kyungsoo could jump away from his touch, caught the shorter boy in his arms, playfully ruffling his hair. An offended squawk left the mouth of his adorable companion and he tried, but quickly failed at pushing Jongin away. The wind around them slowed for a second and Jongin smiled secretly, thanking whatever luck had been blessed his way.

"Ugh what are you-?"

"We're getting to class, duh. You're pretty rebellious, huh?" The cheeky retort settled between them and Jongin could tell by the way Kyungsoo never stopped his feisty struggling that this would be an interesting journey. For both of them. Jongin lead them both back on to the route to school, laughing loudly openly at the smart remark Kyungsoo fired back, pleased beyond measure.

As they walked, Kyungsoo shifting uncomfortably in Jongin's near-bear hug, Jongin couldn't help but share a secret, mischievous grin with himself.

Oh, they weren't friends yet, but if Jongin's plan worked out alright, they'd be much, much more.