Title : Even the best-laid plans
Prompt-# : 123
For : bluefloral 
Pairing : Jonghyun/Key, one-sided!Jonghyun/Taemin, past!Minho/Key
Author : Anonymous until reveals
Word count : 7,111
Rating : PG
Warnings : none
Summary : In which Jonghyun is helplessly in crush with Taemin, who is starting a relationship with Minho, who used to date Kibum, who is apparently his best friend's cousin. And oh, Kibum has plans to get Minho back, and wants Jonghyun's help.
Or, Jonghyun learns no one should listen to Kibum and everyone should listen to Jinki.
 

Lee Jinki's Observational Record of Kim Jonghyun's (Lack of) Love Life

Term 2 Week 3 Thursday

• Sat in canteen but ignored food in favour of staring longingly at Lee Taemin (LTM), current object of romantic despair
• Sighed over LTM approximately 15 times
• Frowned as Choi Minho (CMH), basketball captain, came up to speak to LTM
• Let out a heavy sigh when the two commence flirting 
• [Researcher's expert knowledge defines this as flirting]
• Let out three more heavy sighs and up Pepsi through straw too quickly
• Began coughing dramatically
• [It is researcher's opinion that Coca Cola would have been a better option]
• Looked over at best friend for sympathy
• Observed said best friend scribbling into navy blue, thick, ring-bound notebook for no apparent reason
• Peered over best friend's shoulder to look at notebook contents
• Scowled
• Grabbed edge of notebook cover and tugg-

~-~

"You're- just, you... this is...you're incredible," Jonghyun says, as he flips through Jinki's notebook, filled with detailed observations of Jonghyun's rather dramatic and also rather pathetic tumble into crush with one Lee Taemin; dancer extraordinaire, cutest smile, charmingly oblivious owner of Kim Jonghyun's heart. 

"Thank you," Jinki says, preening a little. 

"It wasn't a compliment," Jonghyun snaps. "How long have you been doing this?"

Jinki shrugs, completely unconcerned. "From around the time you called me and whisper-screamed about a really pretty boy you saw dancing in one of the practice rooms?" 

"That was eight months ago."

"See, you're whisper-screaming again, how do you do that?" 

Jonghyun pushes his glasses up with his middle finger, making sure said finger was angled in Jinki's direction. "This is a gross invasion of privacy."

"Hardly," Jinki remarks, lacing his fingers together and balancing his chin on them. "What kind of invasion includes the invasive creature being informed of every detail right after it happens? Like when you realized he was in the same calculus class as you last term and had to text me immediately. Or that time you worked together for one maths problem set. Or that one time he said hello, and you nearly walked into a door. Or when you said hello and he smiled and then you ran away. Or when he congratulated you for being voted council president and you just squeaked in response. He still smiles at you, you know. Although it's got a lot of 'I'm not sure if I really know this person' confusion on its edges."

"I know," Jonghyun says. "I know, I just don't know what to do." He knows he sounds like a clueless child, and he's glad when Jinki chooses not to mention it.

"You could just go up to him and ask him out." Jinki offers up the suggestion like it isn't the 70th time he's said it.

The idea of going up to Lee Taemin and asking him out and expecting a 'yes' in reply sounds like too much of a flight of fancy. Small, studious, rather boring Kim Jonghyun asking out one of the most high profile, well-liked people in the school. "No, I couldn't," Jonghyun sighs, averting his gaze from Jinki's rolling eyes. He lets his focus flit back to Taemin, now hitting a curled fist lightly against Minho's chest. Some things, Jonghyun thinks mournfully, probably should stay dreams. 

He doesn't notice Jinki stealing his notebook back.

~~

Lee Jinki's Observational Record of Kim Jonghyun's (Lack of) Love Life

Term 2 Week 3 Thursday (cont'd)

• Ignored best friend's very valuable and sensible advice to just ask LTM out
• Pouted at CMH and LTM's very obvious flirting
• [Researcher opines that it shouldn't be long until they become school's couple of year]
• Sighed about three times more
• Ate two bites of meal and then spent rest of lunch period waxing lyrical about LTM's "gracefulness and fluid movements"
• [Researcher considers this a shameful waste of food]
• Did not seem to notice best friend scribbling rapidly throughout conversation
• More likely did notice and chose to ignore it
• [Researcher thinks something must be done]

~~

"So you're the one crushing on the boy dating my ex?" The voice breaking into Jonghyun's thoughts is drawling and amused, and when Jonghyun looks up to find the source, he can't help but in a breath of air.

The person speaking is a striking, sharp edges and magnetic eyes; the corner of his mouth is arched up into a lazy half smile, and one hand is placed on his cocked hips. He's not dressed in a school uniform, instead in some careful arrangement of brightly patterned material that Jonghyun figures must be fashionable somewhere. He looks like a peacock, Jonghyun decides.

"Well?" Peacock stranger prompts, when instead of replying, Jonghyun just stares blankly at him.

"Uh...?" Jonghyun feels like he's lost some vital piece of information, been left out of context. He thinks maybe he's accidentally fallen into a dream.

Peacock stranger huffs out a breath when minutes tick by without coherent response, and Jonghyun swears he stamps his foot a bit before he spins to exit the room, nearly crashing into Jinki. Jinki's humming comes to a stop and he reaches up to grab the stranger's elbows to steady him.

"Oh hey, Kibum!" Jinki grins like it's regular everyday activity that a random stranger barges into the council room and makes assumptions about Jonghyun and his crushes. 

"Your friend doesn't talk," Kibum announces to Jinki without preamble. 

Jinki blinks, then laughs. "He usually talks too much actually, I think he might just be blown away by your beauty." It's gentle teasing, as if he knows this Kibum very well. 

Kibum makes a face and hits Jinki softly on the shoulder, and Jonghyun sniffs audibly. "Taemin is prettier," he declares. 

Kibum whirls around to stare curiously at him. "Oh you do talk!" he exclaims, as if it's a revelation, as if it's a surprise. 

When Jonghyun glares at him, Kibum just laughs. 

~~

Lee Jinki's Observational Record of Kim Jonghyun's (Lack of) Love Life

Term 2 Week 4 Tuesday
Catalyst was introduced (under duress) in the form of one Kim Kibum [KKB]

• Spent almost 15 minutes scowling at KKB
• Most likely because KKB initially assumed subject wasn't able to talk
• Also likely because KKB didn't react to snubs
• Expressed surprise that KKB could be cousin of best friend who is paragon of a human being
• Read previous sentence over best friend's shoulder and snorted disbelievingly
• [Researcher maintains that everything recorded here is truth]
• Snarled when KKB presented his break up LTM and CMH plan
• Questioned why he should work with KKB when KKB was "annoying and domineering and a pain"
• Left dumbstruck when KKB casually agreed with description but pointed out that there had been no disagreement on the plan only the partner
• Was silent for almost two minutes before slowly agreeing
• [Researcher is not party in this plan and is merely observing]
• [Researcher is honestly surprised at this turn of events]
• Reluctantly shared contact number with KKB
• Sighed dramatically when KKB finally left
• Questioned himself loudly about choices in life
• Beseeched heavens to reconsider his existence
• Asked best friend why he was grinning
• Threw eraser at best friend
• Threatened to pour water over notebook
• [Researcher opines that subject is a brat]

~~

From: Unknown
meet me at dongdaemun on saturday at 11am

From: Unknown
phase one of the plan

From: Unknown
this is key by the way

From: Unknown
kibum, I mean

From: Unknown
jinkis cousin

 

To: Jinki's annoying cousin
That's fine. I guess….
But why couldn't you send everything in one message?

From: Jinki's annoying cousin
wow you blow me away with your enthusiasm

From: Jinki's annoying cousin
that was sarcasm by the way

From: Jinki's annoying cousin
i like texting like this

From: Jinki's annoying cousin
and now that I know you dont

From: Jinki's annoying cousin
im gonna to do it more

~-~
 

To: Kibum
Care to explain y Jonghyun just called saying
u r the most aggravating person 2 walk this earth?

From: Kibum
i have no idea

From: Kibum
im a delightful person

From: Kibum
you would know this
 

To Kibum:
Gd you hv such healthy self-esteem.

From: Kibum
i know you meant it sarcastically but im taking it as a compliment

From: Kibum
thank you for your kind words, cousin

~-~

Apparently, Kibum's plan involves "updating Jonghyun's look", which means swapping out his glasses for contact lenses, investing in hair and makeup products, purchasing outfits made of materials that resemble leather and in fits that cut too close to his figure for comfort. 

"Do you get your ideas from chick flicks?" Jonghyun asks, after Kibum drags him into the fourth store in two hours. 

"What does it matter, even if I did?" 

Kibum is nonchalant, dismissive and completely unconcerned about any objections Jonghyun puts out. Kibum is domineering, refuses to take no for an answer and doesn't seem able to get affected by any snide comments Jonghyun makes. 

Except one.

"If you seriously think this will work, why didn't you try it yourself on Minho?" 

Kibum freezes, and his fingers clench into the material of a shirt he's holding. Too much mesh, Jonghyun observes absent mindedly. But he's more focused on the way the smooth edges of Kibum's easy smile have broken. Just a little bit. Like maybe he's human under that flashy exterior. Like maybe he has a heart. Instead of the stainless steel mechanism Jonghyun has decided exists in Kibum's chest. 

"I did," Kibum says, his eyes are directed away from Jonghyun, and his voice is soft. "He smiled, kindly. Because he's very kind. And he told me...he told me 'it's alright to stop pretending, Key, you don't really want me.'"

When he looks back at Jonghyun, his gaze is hard with intent. "But of course I do, we were a great couple. So I need your help, and if you get that other boy in the meantime, all's good for everyone, right?" 

Jonghyun nods, but can't ignore a quiet feeling that maybe it's all a little bit wrong.

~-~

Lee Jinki's Observational Record of Kim Jonghyun's (Lack of) Love Life

Term 2 Week 6 Monday

• Arrived at school with hair teased, eyeliner-ed eyes and contacts instead of glasses
• As well as a miserably uncomfortable expression
• [Researcher recognized this as KKB's work]
• Flinched when girls went up to him and complimented him
• Smiled awkwardly when boys did
• Smile turned hopeful when LTM and CMH came near
• But said couple were too engrossed with each other to pay too much attention
• [Researcher noted that CMH did give a friendly wave]
• Glumly attended classes, blind and deaf to curious eyes and whispering 
• Frogmarched best friend into council room at lunch break
• Roughly took out contacts and replaced it with glasses, letting out sigh in process
• Spent entire time complaining about KKB
• Did not allow best friend much space or time to relax and enjoy his sandwich
• [Refer to excerpts of conversation in Appendix A]

Appendix A
KJH: (in hysterical tone) Why did he even think this would work? Gel in the hair! Eyeliner! Contact lenses! Tighter pants! Which world is he living in?
KJH: (still hysterical) Did I tell you he didn't even listen to any of my suggestions? He just chose everything for me, like my opinions don't matter! He made me pierce my ears!
KJH: Isn't your cousin an art student, surely he's more creative than this?
LJK: (calm and cool) He's actually top in his class. The same could be said to you. Aren't you into writing and composing, surely you could come up with something on your own?
KJH: Top in his class..? Really?
KJH: And aren't you supposed to be on my side?
LJK: (still calm still cool) I am on the side of truth
KJH: Why are you writing...are you honestly writing all this down right now?
LJK: Yes. 
KJH: Why do I bother talking to you.

KJH: (hesitantly) Hey...why does he want to get back with Minho so badly anyway?
LJK: You'll have to ask him that yourself.
KJH: He got weird when I mentioned Minho. All soft and afraid. So human.
LJK: He is human, you know.
KJH: What's the story between them?
LJK: Why do you want to know?
KJH: No particular reason.

KJH: Stop looking at me like you're thinking too much. I'm just. Curious.
LJK: If you say so.

~-~

Jonghyun pulls Jinki to council room again after school, on the pretext of discussing welfare gifts during exam time. What he really wants is to find out about Kibum and Minho's history, just so they'll be on equal footing, not one where Kibum knows about his hopeless, helpless crush and all Jonghyunknows is Kibum used to date Minho. At least that's what he tells himself, he doesn't like to think about the way Kibum's smile had shattered a little, and the desperation in his eyes. He doesn't like to think about the spike of pity.

"Why did I sign up for this job?" Jinki mutters, as he runs through the list of suppliers they've contacted.

"Because everyone wanted you to be president and you conned everyone into nominating me by promising you'll take vice." 

"That was a rhetorical question."

That Jinki is his best friend is one of the mysteries of the school, they don't know of the bonds that had formed during early childhood and somehow had never shredded. They make a strange pairing; one soft and timid, the other sociable and confident. One the overlooked wallflower and the other while not the most popular exactly, generally well-liked in the school. Well enough to constantly have people wanting to be around him, to have people fighting for his attention. But Jinki doesn't seem to care all that much, prefers being with Jonghyun over all his admirers, and it's comforting, to have that kind of surety. 

"What happened between Minho and Kibum?" Jonghyun asks again, carefully, as soon as they've confirmed what they need, and are packing up the documents. 

"Why don't you ask me yourself?" Kibum's voice breaks into Jinki's sigh. When they turn, he's standing at the door, sardonic smile on his lips. "Why so curious, council president?" His voice is mocking, just on the edge of cruel. And Jonghyun feels like a fool.

"You can't just keep coming in here," Jinki interrupts, disrupting the tension that has spread feelers over the room. "This isn't even your school."

Kibum glances at him and makes a small dismissive gesture. He lifts his broad shoulders in a slow shrug and lowers himself into a chair just adjacent from the one Jonghyun is occupying. He leans his elbows on the table and cups his face in his hands and draws near to Jonghyun, as close as he can go without them touching. "Why so curious, council president?" Kibum asks again, not harshly this time, but soft, low, questioning. And something lodges in Jonghyun's throat, like anxiety.

From behind them, Jonghyun can hear Jinki swallow back a laugh, but there's something captivating about Kibum being so close, so close that if Jonghyun reaches over he could run fingers over his eyelashes. "You looked so...human when I mentioned him," Jonghyun says finally, and he knows it's insufficient, that it makes too little sense. 

But Kibum laughs like he understands. "He used to tell me I hide too many emotions," he says, "that I can't possibly be that untouchable all the time."

Jonghyun nods because that he understands, about keeping emotions hidden away and secret, and Kibum smiles at him, tentative, unsure, human. 

They talk that day, not about Taemin, not about Minho. Not about love or relationships. Or plans to break people up. Just about each other; Jonghyun and Kibum. And when something he says pulls a laugh from Kibum, obnoxious and loud, Jonghyun thinks maybe there's something creeping between them that resembles friendship. Just a bit.

~-~

From: Kibum
since you failed phase 1 so tragically

From: Kibum
phase 2 is dance

From: Kibum
meet me at this dance studio on sunday 

 

To: Kibum
I can't dance

From: Kibum
never say never

~-~
 

To: BFF 4EVA
Why is your cousin asking me to /dance/?
Also when did you change your
contact name in my phone?

From: BFF 4EVA
Y didn't you ask him that yourself? Taemin is a dancer, might help.
Do not change that contact name.


 

To: Jinki is an
He's hard to argue with!!
It's not going to help.
And I already did.

From: Jinki is an
Never say never
I m not an I m a genius
 

To: Jinki is an
That's the same thing he said...

To: Jinki is an
How did you know what
I changed your contact name to?

From: Jinki is not a genius
U r kind of predictable

~-~

Lee Jinki's Observational Record of Kim Jonghyun's (Lack of) Love Life

Sunday before Term 2 Week 8

• Dragged best friend to meeting with KKB to learn dance, ignoring best friend's objections citing multiple papers to write
• Complained every step of the way
• Snorted when best friend enquired why he didn't just inform KKB that he didn't think this plan would work
• "Do you even know him? He's a terror. He won't listen. I'm doomed."
• [Researcher noted a small smile while above was being said]

~-~

Kibum is late. Or well, Jonghyun is early. It's 1:55pm and Kibum said two and Jonghyun thinks maybe he's slightly anxious, incredibly panicky, on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Dance is more of a spectator sport to him, something beautiful to admire; lithe limbs and fluid motion, like watching music in action, harmony come alive. He could, perhaps, dance passably with enough instruction and practice, with enough drilling and coaching, but probably not enough to impress Taemin. 

Impress Taemin, that's the plan, isn't it? Impress Taemin to the point that he leaves Minho for Jonghyun and Kibum comes in to mend the hurt.

And Kibum is persuasive and manipulative, and it sounded almost plausible when he proposed it. As if just his confidence alone would be a magic spell. Or maybe Jonghyun was just desperate, looking for a chance, and Kibum had come with one.

He looks around at the dance studio and the walls of full length mirrors and he asks himself if he really likes Taemin that much, if it really needs that much work. If he does. 

"Alternatively, you could just ask Taemin to teach you," Jinki suggests. "It's one way to get close to him."

The thought terrifies Jonghyun, even more than the idea of facing Kibum's definite mockery at his attempts at dance. He wants to approach Taemin perfect, or as close to perfect as he can muster. He doesn't want Taemin to see him undone and embarrassed, imperfect, broken. 

"You just don't want to let him see you human," Jinki said once. Sometimes Jonghyun thinks he might be right.

~-~

Lee Jinki's Observational Record of Kim Jonghyun's (Lack of) Love Life

Sunday before Term 2 Week 8 (cont'd)

• Did not do very well in this lesson
• Missed steps and tripped over own feet initially
• Got the rhythm eventually but very stiff
• Got laughed at by KKB half the session
• And yelled at for the other half
• Yelled back at KKB
• Both yelled at best friend for inexplicable unfair reasons
• [Researcher felt a transcript would be best, refer to Appendix B]

Appendix B
KJH: Kibum is an awful teacher, write that down, Jinki.
KKB: Jonghyun is an awful student, write that down.
KJH: He's my best friend, you can't order him around.
KKB: He's my cousin.
LJK: Right now I don't want to be related to either of you.
KJH + KKB (in unison): FINE

LJK: Aren't you supposed to be teaching him?
KKB: (cackles) How? He's terrible!
KJH: (mumbles inaudibly)
KJH: (in a higher pitch) Why did i listen to you, this would never work!

KKB: Are you? Crying?
KJH: (sniffles) No.
KKB: You're actually crying.
KJH: No, I'm not.

KKB: (awkwardly reaches over to pat KJH's shoulder) Okay, you're not terrible. You just need more time than we have. Like years. Of intense practices. I'll think of something else.
KJH: (in watery tone) I'm starting to worry about everything you think of.
KKB: They're all great ideas, I'll have you know.

KKB: Hey... you're still wearing those earrings we bought that time.
KJH: ...you mean the ones you forced on me?
KKB: I thought you would have taken them out by now to let the holes close.
KJH: I thought of that...but they're kind of pretty…

KJH: Really against school rules though.

~-~

Kibum is pretty, Jonghyun thinks, as he watches Kibum laugh at something his cousin says. 

The rest of the dance session has turned into something loose and unstructured; Kibum demonstrating and then Jinki purposefully massacring it. Jonghyun is content to watch. There's something sweet between the cousins, he thinks. Probably born from years of proximity. But it's always nice, to see Jinki relaxed and happy. It's also strangely nice, to watch Kibum fall over laughing at Jinki's antics. Very different from the first impression, only two weeks ago. They could be friends, he thinks. Underneath Kibum's abrasion is a nice enough person. Also, talented as heck, if Jinki was speaking the truth about top in class, and based off this short dance display. He would be interesting to be friends with, Jonghyun decides.

"You know, you guys should just get together," Jinki announces, from where he's spread out on the floor. "That would solve everything."

There's a pause before Kibum lets out an ungraceful shout of laughter. "He's completely not my type, too short, too soft. Have you not been paying attention to me, cousin?"

He glances at Jonghyun from out of the corner of his eye. "No offense meant."

"None taken," Jonghyun says easily. "You're far too prickly and annoying for me anyway."

Kibum throws an empty plastic bottle at Jonghyun, and Jinki laughs.

~-~

Lee Jinki's Observational Record of Kim Jonghyun's (Lack of) Love Life

Term 2 Week 8 Tuesday

• Seemed slightly more miserable today
• Likely due to gossiping classmates talking about spotting LTM and CMH kissing in park over previous weekend
• Wasn't able to cheer up even when best friend offered a treat to barbecue
• Informed best friend morosely that meat was no cure to a broken heart
• Scoffed when best friend reminded him that KKB still has plans
• Intoned very seriously that "world is tragic and unfair"
• [Researcher is of the opinion subject is rather overdramatic]
• Read previous line over best friend's shoulder
• Expressed disappointment that best friend would even think such thoughts about him
• Got distracted from berating best friend when CMH entered classroom and enquired if there were any last minute sign ups to recreational basketball
• Turned to best friend with excited light in his eyes

~-~
 

To: Kibum
Jonghyun says the next plan shld be learning to play sports

From: Kibum
i know

From: Kibum
he texted me

From: Kibum
i dont play sports so this is all on you

From: Kibum
but i wanna be there to watch this failure
 

To: Kibum
I can't even be offended by that.

~-~

"If i play sports," Jonghyun explains slowly to Jinki, as they walk to the bus stop after school together, "I can compete against Minho on his level!"

"Minho is the basketball captain," Jinki says, just as slowly. Jonghyun thinks maybe he should be insulted that Jinki doesn't seem to buy in to his idea. "I think you've officially tipped over into delusional realm."

"Taemin obviously likes sporty people," Jonghyun says. "I become a sporty person, I can attract his attention!" 

Maybe he's being too simplistic, too optimistic. Or maybe he'll discover a sports person in him, an inner jock that will give him confidence to approach Taemin. Even if rejection is what is in the cards.

~-~

Jinki gets his friend Minjung to help them. Captain of the female basketball team in a neighbouring school, he had met her in a part-time job at an ice-cream shop. He tells her enough to give her context but not enough that Jonghyun would be uncomfortable. Jonghyun thinks maybe he should be insulted that Jinki has asked a girl. Maybe Kibum thinks so too, based off his delighted laughter. Or maybe he just thinks the entire scenario amusing.

"Stop laughing," Jonghyun hisses. "This might help you too."

Kibum quiets down, but little giggles still escape his lips, and Jonghyun knows it's not just Jinki, Kibum doesn't put much weight on this idea either. He wonders if he should hate them for being so pessimistic, or salute them for having the honesty to be upfront with their doubts. 

"Okay okay," Kibum says after a beat, through laughter. "I'll be open-minded about it. Who knows? Maybe you won't be too much of a trainwreck."

"I appreciate your optimism," Jonghyun says dryly. Kibum looks right at him, raises a single scarred eyebrow, and lets a smirk curl over his lips, and Jonghyun wonders why there's a warmth of heat that creeps up the back of his neck.

~-~

Lee Jinki's Observational Record of Kim Jonghyun's (Lack of) Love Life

Saturday before Term 2 Week 9

• [Researcher takes the opportunity to state that he was coerced into this]
• Did not at basketball
• Was actually pretty average, according to Choi Minjung (CMJ)
• Nowhere near superstar level but would definitely not be a liability to a team
• Sulked because did not want to just be average, wanted to be magnificent
• Was informed by CMJ he needed much more training on regular basis to become magnificent
• Was told should have started years ago
• Sighed tiredly
• Laughed when CMJ tentatively suggested "just be yourself"
• Laughed more when she stared at him seriously
• Laughed until CMJ looked around for an escape route, obviously uncomfortable
• Stopped laughing only when KKB lightly smacked his shoulder
• Went back to sighing

~-~

"I should treat her to a meal for this, probably," Jinki mutters to himself as they leave the court. He looks at Minjung effusively waving and his mouth curves into a tiny, affectionate smile. 

"She likes you too, you know," Kibum says bluntly. And Jonghyun is amazed when Jinki's cheeks go pink. 

"I thought so but wasn't sure," Jinki admits, he looks back again to Minjung shooting some hoops on her own. "It's weird though, since she's close friends with my ex."

KIbum snorts. "That relationship ended a year ago, and he's already moved on, he can't begrudge you that." He pushes at Jinki's shoulders. "Go ask her out now, I'll deal with your overemotional best friend."

"Now?" Jinki squeaks, but Kibum has already grabbed Jonghyun's wrist and is dragging him away. 

"Yes, now!" Kibum yells over his shoulder. "Or you'll never do it."

Jonghyun watches the proceedings mutely, walking only because of Kibum's tugging. 

"You both are just as ridiculous with love," Kibum says conversationally when they're a significant distance away from the basketball court. "But I'd consider Jinki more competent than you."

"Thanks for your input," Jonghyun replies. But there's guilt thrumming in his veins he can't ignore. 

"I didn't know Jinki liked someone," he confesses finally. "I'm a bad friend, all my talk about my feelings for Taemin and I never bothered asking about him."

Kibum shrugs. "His is easy, yours is...not. He didn't mind."

"Come on," Kibum continues when Jonghyun can't swallow around his guilt to reply, "I know a nice cafe nearby, I'll treat you to cake."

~-~

The cakes are far too sweet for Jonghyun, but somehow the way Kibum grins happily at them when they arrive makes that okay. 

Kibum likes tiny cakes with pretty designs and likes taking pictures to put on instagram before eating. He forces Jonghyun to eat some cream then laughs when Jonghyun makes a face. Kibum's laugh is boisterous and unaffected. Almost ugly, and still somewhat beautiful. Kibum likes to talk, has plenty of opinions and never seems to need to catch a breath, but he also likes to listen.

And he listens as Jonghyun ends up talking.

They have more fun than he thinks they would, and they don't mention Minho or Taemin more than once.

~-~
 

To: BFF 4EVA
So...did you get a date?
And when did you change your name in my phone
Again?

From: BFF 4EVA
U rly need to stop leaving your phone unlocked in the council rm
And yes I did ^^
 

To: BFF 4EVA
Great!
I'm sorry I never asked

From: BFF 4EVA
U wldn't hv known~

~-~

From Kibum:
you should write him a song!

From: Kibum
didnt you say you like music and composing

From: Kibum
i cant believe i didnt think of this earlier

From: Kibum
but then i never knew about your musician tendencies until recently

From: Kibum
maybe 'be yourself' will work

From: Kibum
music is y anyway

From: Kibum
write a song and i will critique!
 

To: Kibum
Seriously, WHY can't you just send everything in one message.
And what makes you think you will be a viable critic?

From: Kibum
im a viable everything

From: Kibum
except bad things

From: Kibum
im a viable everything that is good

~-~

Lee Jinki's Observational Record of Kim Jonghyun's (Lack of) Love Life

Term 2 Week 10 Thursday

• Been rather distracted for the past few days
• Kept checking phone during breaks and grinning at it before typing something back
• Avoided best friend's queries as to why
• Squeaked when best friend stole phone and discovered conversation with KKB
• Offered "Your cousin is funny." as answer to unasked question
• Apparently been texting regularly since after the day best friend asked out CMJ
• Best friend did not offer any opinions
• [Researcher is merely objectively observing and hence cannot make a judgement]
• Smile only faded when walked past LTM and CMH in between classes
• Sighed and muttered "I hate crushes."

~-~

"So have you started composing yet?" The voice is familiar now, less grating than he used to find it.

"Kibum, really," Jinki says, faux annoyance in his tone. "Do you have nothing to do but visit some other school's council room?"

"I'm bored," Kibum says. "I'm ahead of everyone in my assignments so I'm free enough to come here and check on Jonghyun's progress."

"There's not much progress," Jonghyun says, looking up. Really, the smile that is threatening to break out over his face is a strange thing. "If you can come help with packing these welfare packs for mid term exams that would help though."

Swinging himself onto a desk just across from them both, Kibum reaches out his hands. "Oh why not? I'm magnanimous enough."

Jinki rolls his eyes. "Hardly something I'd consider magnanimous, but whatever gets you to help."

Jonghyun just smiles. For a reason he doesn't entirely understand, he likes seeing the cousins bicker. 

"Hey Jinki, shouldn't you be friends with Taemin?" Kibum asks.

Jinki squints at him. "How did you come to that conclusion?"

"Don't all popular people kind of...stick together?"

"I'm hanging out with Jonghyun...I think I'm already going against that assumption."

"Excuse me!"

"Jjong, you're not popular. It's a fact, not an insult, just breathe." Kibum darts a gaze at him and for no reason at all Jonghyun's heart jumps to his throat.

"Did you just call him Jjong." It's not a question but Jinki is looking at them both with a questioning smile.

"It's easier to say than Jonghyun," Kibum says flippantly, waving his hand airily and Jinki stares at him for an instant but lets the subject drop. Not without also glancing quickly at Jonghyun. 

"Since we're asking questions," Jonghyun starts, "why are you so determined to get Minho back?" 

"We're good together," Kibum insists. And there's a stubborn set to his jaw as he says the words. 

"What's so good about him?" There's an aggression and anger in his tone he doesn't recognize, and he wonders if maybe his crush on Taemin has come with a resentment towards Minho.

"He's tall and hot, handsome and really kind," Kibum says. "Only a fool would let him get away, I'm not a fool. Plus, we complemented each other; talented artsy beautiful student with hot athletic guy."

Jonghyun thinks he might hate Minho, and says so.

Kibum tells him that he probably isn't the only one.

Jonghyun also notices none of Kibum's reasons include because I like him but that he doesn't bring up.

~-~

Lee Jinki's Observational Record of Kim Jonghyun's (Lack of) Love Life

Term 2 Week 10 Thursday (cont'd)

• [It occurs to researcher that subject is not a very self-aware person]
• Subject looked over at previous sentence and demanded explanation from best friend
• Sulked when best friend refused to elaborate

~-~

Writing comes easy to Jonghyun sometimes, melody and harmony, the right notes in the right places, the best words to express an emotion. But this song isn't easy. He thinks maybe it's easy only to write about things that don't tear at your own chest, easier to imagine pain that doesn't belong to you. It's difficult to invert yourself, strip down to your skin and bone, present your heart as an offering. For that is what the song has to be, a dissection of his heart, an unravelling of his soul, his feelings as libations.

He thinks about the way Taemin likes to wear sweaters that swamp his figure, about the way he dances like he's moving on air, the way he hides behind the shoulders of a nearby friend when he's embarrassed. He thinks about wanting to find out the kind of person he is, behind the dancer, behind the popular boy, about wanting to find out what makes him laugh, what makes him cry, what interests him, what kind of person is his favourite. Probably Minho, Jonghyun thinks. And laughs bitterly. 

Inspiration has a strange way of latching on to wandering thoughts and turning them into art. And Jonghyun finds himself thinking of a personality louder than fireworks and as colorful as splatters of paint on a blank canvas. And he doesn't quite know if it reflects Taemin or his own heart, but he catches at the lines and imagery and lets himself drift away.

~-~
 

To: Kibum
I wrote a song

From: Kibum
!! let me listen
 

To: Kibum
I'm really not sure if it's even appropriate

From: Kibum
i still wanna hear

From: Kibum
video call
 

To: Kibum
I don't think-

~-~

His phone chimes with a notification of an incoming video call before Jonghyun can finish typing his text. 

"I didn't even say okay," he announces the minute he picks up and sees Kibum's face grinning at him from the screen.

"Eh, I figured you would so why wait?" Kibum cranes his neck as if trying to see past Jonghyun's face. "Let me see your room!" he demands.

"Has anyone told you you're domineering as hell?" 

"Only all my boyfriends ever," Kibum replies, grinning. 

There's a twinge in Jonghyun's chest at the words but he's distracted from analysing it when Kibum repeats his demands to see the room. 

"It's so...bare," is Kibum's first comment. Jonghyun's room doesn't have much more than a wardrobe, a desk and chair and a bed. His guitar and keyboard are perhaps the most attention grabbing parts of the room.

"I don't need that much," Jonghyun says simply. "And isn't minimalism a thing?"

"I don't think you intentionally went for a minimalist look," Kibum scoffs.

"Show me your room then."

Kibum's room looks like a paint factory exploded in it. Every possible space on the wall filled with drawings and paintings, or posters of celebrities and artists that Jonghyun thinks vaguely that he might know. There are little sculptures against the wall near his bed, but they look distinctly handmade, as if he had dabbled in it before finding ability in a brush.

"Your room is insane," Jonghyun tells Kibum. "But I like your art."

"Thank you," Kibum replies. His grin is a smug one. Jonghyun can't help laughing.

~-~

The song Jonghyun plays for Kibum is tentative and soft, a hesitant love song from someone whose heart is afraid. It tells of suppressed desires and self-hate and that quiet yearning that cannot be erased. The singer is not hopeful but is offering feelings anyway, a gift without a condition, emotion without expectation.

When the last note trails away, silence descends, thick as honey. And it's like for once something has muted Kibum's vocal chords. His face on Jonghyun's screen is far away, like he's thinking of something he still doesn't fully understand.

"Bum?" Jonghyun prompts when the seconds tick by with no reaction from Kibum.

"I wish someone would sing like that for me!" Kibum blurts. He looks a little like he's had an epiphany. "I really wish someone would," he repeats.

"Technically...I just did?"

"You wrote this for Taemin," Kibum says dismissively.

But I was thinking about you. The thought pushes to the top of Jonghyun's brain and steals the air in his lungs and he wonders why he thought it, wonders if it's true.

"You should sing it to him, it's great. Even if he rejects you, but who could reject a serenade? Even if he rejects you, which is dumb, you could perform it at some talent show, does your school have one? Oh yes you do, Jinki took part last year. You should take part! But perform for Taemin first."

When Kibum pauses to breathe, Jonghyun chuckles. "I'm glad your vocal chords still work."

"Huh?"

"Nevermind, do you think it'll work?"

"Yes, I think so," Kibum says. And though his voice sounds a little soft, a little sad, Jonghyun doesn't think to mention it.

Kibum starts giving suggestions on how Jonghyun could improve his decoration of his room and Jonghyun shakes his head. He picks up his phone and lies down on his bed and they spend a long night just talking.

~-~

Lee Jinki's Observational Record of Kim Jonghyun's (Lack of) Love Life

Term 2 Week 13 Friday

• Highly excitable whole of today
• Might be because last day of school term
• But more likely ready to put 'last-ditch effort plan', as KKB had labelled it, into motion
• [Researcher is of opinion that this should have been first plan, but hindsight has perfect vision.]
• Met KKB in council room after school to receive pep talk
• Initially did not seem to notice KKB was rather lustreless
• But glanced over before leaving, cast worried eyes over KKB
• Glanced away when KKB didn't look over, instead asking cousin directions to an art room he could use
• in a sharp breath and straightened his shoulders before walking out the door

~-~

Jonghyun takes three steps out the door before he stops and realizes he isn't thinking of Taemin, or worrying about how to approach him. He isn't being anxious over rejection or mocking laughter, he isn't thinking of defense maneuvers in case Minho beats him up. And he could, Jonghyun has some lean muscle but he's much shorter than Minho and height is a hugely unfair advantage. 

He's thinking about the slight shake in Kibum's voice when he asked Jinki where the art rooms were and how dim his smile had been. He's wondering if Kibum is sick, and how to make him better and why he came if he was sick. He's wondering why it bothers him when Kibum brings up Minho, and if Kibum still wants him back. 

The mist over his vision clears. His song of confession is to a boy who laughs not just with his face but with his entire body, a boy with sharp eyes and sharper tongue, a boy who wears clothing that reminds Jonghyun of peacock feathers, who smiles even when he's hurting. His song is about Kibum. 

As he stands uncertainly in the middle of corridor just outside the council room, guitar in hand and wondering what to do with this revelation, Minho and Taemin approach, hand in hand. 

Any other day, this would hurt him, but right at this moment, it means nothing. He expects them to walk past him, without acknowledgement, but Minho stops and pulls Taemin towards Jonghyun.

"You're dating Kim Kibum, aren't you?" That was one question Jonghyun had not expected. 

"No?" Minho's eyebrows crinkle at Jonghyun's answer.

"Oh, I swear I saw him with you at that cafè a few times he always goes to."

"We're just friends," Jonghyun explains. "Not together." Yet whispers the voice in his head.

"I used to be with him," Minho says quietly. "But he wanted to be with me more because it made sense in the ideal world, rather than because he really wanted me. That's why I broke up with him, but that's also why he wants me back."

"Why are you telling me?"

"Because," Minho says, small grin on his lips. "I think you would want to know." 

"Bye Jonghyun," Taemin says, waving, as the couple walk away. 

Jonghyun waves back. At least, he thinks. Taemin knows my name.

~-~

Lee Jinki's Observational Record of Kim Jonghyun's (Lack of) Love Life

Term 2 Week 13 Friday (cont'd)

• Raced to art rooms where KKB and best friend were
• Opened door and stood there silently until KKB looked up from his easel
• [Transcript in Appendix C]

Appendix C
KKB: That was fast, how did Taemin take the song?
KJH: If I told you very well, what would you say?
KKB: (starts aggressively painting again) I would say congratulations
KJH: And would you still want to get Minho for yourself?
KKB: Of course I would! That's what this whole circus was for was it not.
KKB: of course I would.
KJH: (walks closer) Really?
KKB: (brushstrokes become more violent) Of course.

KJH: You look like you're destroying the brushes.
KKB: (sighs) What are you doing here, Jjong? If it worked then why aren't you with Taemin?
KJH: (smiles) Because it didn't work.
KKB: (questioning tilt of head) What?
KJH: I didn't sing it to him, I realized I had already sung it to the person who most needed to hear it.
KKB: (very very soft) What?

[Researcher exited room at this point because KKB slowly stood up and stepped closer and KJH pulled him in by the waist and there is a certain kind of intimacy that does not allow recording.]

~-~

Lee Jinki's Observational Record of Kim Jonghyun's (Lack of) Love Life

Term 3 Week 2 Thursday

• Noticed best friend still scribbling in notebook and complained loudly to boyfriend
• Pouted when boyfriend only laughed and told him it was amusing
• Grinned when boyfriend reached over subject and tugged at note-

(You don't need this anymore. He's got me now.
-KKB)