Note: The view of text and images has been designed for PCs hence, it might not be properly oriented and fonts might change if viewed in cellular devices. I apologise in advance for the discomfort.

 

 

It was half past eight. The sky had turned into the darkest shade of blue studded with a few diamonds scattered across the vast expanse. My phone was buzzing again. This morning, Kyungsoo and I had decided to head to the restaurant together around this time and Kai would join us in about fifteen minutes after we notify him that we've reached the venue. But about half an hour ago I told Kyungsoo I was practicing for the fest and my band decided to extended the rehearsals by half an hour at the last minute, which meant I was supposed to be on my way to the restaurant right now. Kyungsoo was most definitely calling me to make sure of that.

 

"I'll be leaving in about five minutes, Soo." I said, picking up on the third ring. Kyungsoo doesn't like to be kept waiting for more than four rings and.... I don't intend to die just yet.

 

"No! Listen!" Kyungsoo hissed through his teeth.

 

I heard some shuffling on the other side of the phone. "Are you alright? Why are you whispering? And why did it just feel like you were.... running?" I locked my door and head out of the dorm. Of course I wasn't rehearsing with my band. I was just taking a nap. I wanted Kyungsoo to reach first because he was completely unaware of....

 

"What the is Kai doing outside the restaurant?"

 

....our change of plans. 

 

 

 

 

Ever since I was of age, it was pretty clear that I had a knack for people skills. I never misused my skills, though. I only used them for the greater good of mankind, you see. 

 

And this most definitely was for the greater good of mankind.

 

 

 

I had never been to the Dance and Performing Arts Department before. I realized what I had been missing out on as I made my way through the shinny hallways, surrounded by mirrors and exceptionally hot people. I should've dressed better.

 

For a Sunday morning you might think this place wouldn't be very crowded. But here's a fun fact. Sunday is that one day of the week people feel the burden lift off their shoulders so naturally Sunday is the day artists unleash their inner spirit animals and free themselves. It wasn't a surprise when I found almost every room packed with passionate performers doing what they are the best at - expression - through their art. However, it wasn't hard to find Jongin in that crowd since I had come prepared.

Luhan and Jongin had been friends for a while. Not just because Luhan and Chanyeol were quite close and Luhan spent a lot of time with his fiancée's bestfriend but also because Jongin, more popularly known as Kai, had played quite a few minor roles alongside Oh Sehun in many of Sehun's dramas. The pair naturally grew close over the years they worked together.

Luhan had messaged me Jongin's basic details which included the location of his usual practice studio. Third room to the left on the top floor. On reaching the studio, I quietly stood by the door watching him move. How the melody rhythmically rippled through his body. He was completely lost in his own world. From what I could make out from his moves, his piece was about coming to terms with his deepest desires. I could feel the emotional struggles he was portraying as if it was a part of me. He was reaching me so easily. It was captivating and liberating at the same time. Dance is a beautiful art indeed. I watched him take a well deserved break as the music ended, reaching for a small white towel and wiping the sweat off his flawless tanned limbs. He took a few sips of water from his bottle, his Adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed. I was finding it hard to believe Baekhyun let someone like him go so easily.

 

 

Anyways. Not the point. I was here for Kyungsoo.

 

 

I cleared my throat drawing Jongin's attention. "I'm sorry for barging in unexpectedly. It was rude of me." I smiled apologetically. "However, I must say I have never seen anyone dance like that before. To say I was mesmerized would be an understatement." I smiled politely, walking towards him.

 

"No that's okay." Jongin returned a soft smile. Polite. "And thank you." He turned to face me with a short nod, acknowledging my presence. Courteous. "You are Kyungsoo's friend, if I'm not wrong?", he enquired politely. "I've seen you guys together a lot." Observant. 

I couldn't possibly throw my naive thug of a bestfriend in the hands of another undeserving . I felt bad enough for not doing my research when I set Kyungsoo up with that straight jerk back in grade school. So, I naturally began taking mental notes of Jongin's qualities and so far, it's safe to say that Jongin was in my good books.

 

"Yes. Kyungsoo, Baekhyun and I grew up together. Kyungsoo and I are really close which is why we are practically glued together all the time." I watched Jongin's smile grow wider as I explained. 

 

"You must be Jongdae then. Kyungsoo talked about you guys quite often." He seemed quite happy to meet me. "I'm Jongin. Final year. Dance Major." I was surprised he didn't introduce himself as Kai. Humble. He held his hand out to me. I couldn't help but notice that he had just the right grip as we shook hands. Thanks to Kyungsoo, there wasn't an awkwardness between us that two people usually share when they meet for the first time because apparently Jongin had already heard a lot about me from Soo. It felt like our roles had somehow switched and now he was the one wanting to be friends with me. "I've heard only good things, though. We both know Kyungsoo is not one to ", Jongin joked. He was right. Kyungsoo never gossiped. He was special. 'Cause he was a Goldfish. He forgot the things that his brain deemed unimportant in under three seconds.

 

"You guys seem to be quite close." I stated casually, my eyes tracing the studio's details. 

 

From the corner of my eye I caught a hint of pink dust Jongin's cheeks ever so lightly. "W-We have a strange history", he mumbled scratching his nape and staring at his bare feet as he unconsciously rocked on his heels. Oh my! He's Shy too? 

 

"Kyungsoo only told me something on the grounds of you both 'sharing similar relationship problems'." My casual tone remained intact. If my assumption was right, Jongin should react the way he currently was in my head....

 

A hint of disappointment briefly passed his face, swift enough to go unnoticed by a novice pair of eyes. But not mine.

 

....and he did.

 

"Was that all he said?", Jongin mumbled incoherently under his breath, turning away and placing his towel and bottle back on the small metallic chair next to him.

 

"Said something, Jongin-ssi?" I was mentally shoulder-patting myself for being able to nail the clueless-act so well.

 

Jongin shrugged nonchalantly. "So, what brings you here, Hyung?", he spoke after a few beats, turning to face me with a soft smile adorning his face once again. 

 

Well, here it goes. "What do you think of my bestfriend, Jongin?" I got straight to the point. My tone was serious and unwavering yet soft and welcoming. I didn't want Jongin to feel uncomfortable, as if a stranger was coming at him unexpectedly, but I did want him to know that I wasn't fooling around and that this was important to me.

 

Jongin was taken aback, nonetheless. It was only natural. Anyone would be. But he didn't back down. Straightening his posture he leaned in, closing the distance between us. I liked it. Bold.  "Which one?" His deep voice dropped down an octave as he winked at me, smiling smugly.

 

 

....

 

 

........

 

 

Kyungsoo-yah, Jongdae approves!

 

 

 

 

 

"So, Jongin reached the venue earlier than expected." I hummed, feigning ignorance. "Well, I've already left for the restaurant. I'll be joining you soon. Until then please keep him company? This is really important for the future of my band, Soo-yah", I spoke softly to let it sink in. 

 

Kyungsoo didn't say anything for so long I wondered if the line had gone dead but before I could confirm with him, "A-Alright", a small voice from the other side replied indistinctively.

 

I couldn't help but smile fondly to myself. You're too kind, Soo-yah.

 

But no worries. Baekhyun and I've always got your back.

 

 

 

 

My childhood bestfriend's innocence engaged me in a mental monologue as I made my way to the restaurant. The more I considered the possibility of Jongin being Kyungsoo's soulmate, the more the idea seemed to justify itself to me. Especially, now that I had met Jongin properly and had a word with him regarding the matter, I got to know him better and knowing Kyungsoo all my life, I could easily tell that the taller male was no less than a perfect match for my friend. Kyungsoo looked small and vulnerable on the outside but was far from it on the inside. Jongin on the other hand looked quite robust but was actually just a soft mush on the inside. Kyungsoo was short tempered and easily triggered but was quite naive hence, easily exploitable. Jongin was calm and collected at all times and had a sharp mind that couldn't be manipulated easily. When it came to their interests, one made music while the other lived through it. Even their min