Jonghyun’s POV continued

As Kibum and I made our way inside the restaurant, a waiter approached us.

“Table for two, Sir?” he asked me.

“I have a reservation under Kim Jonghyun,” I told the waiter, as he checked his tablet for confirmation.

“Please follow me Sir.” He lead us to a much quieter part of the restaurant which had small private booths set up. As we settled in our booth, I took in my environment. Viva Polo doesn’t require reservation usually, but for this private booth, it’s better to reserve. It had a nice table, lit with candles.  Low lamps decorated the ceiling and the wall. The booth had red curtains, giving us our privacy. I saw Kibum looking around the booth.

Viva Polo Private Booth. ( Viva Polo, Exo's Chanyeols Mom's Italian Restaruant. This booth is fictional and doesn't actually exist in Viva Polo )

“I didn’t know there was this place too. Taemin and I usually ate outside during our breaks and when we craved some pasta.” Kibum told me literally bouncing on his seat.

“Are you’re familiar with this place?” I inquired softly. He smiled proudly and said, “Of course!”

We were handed our menus. But Kibum looked like he didn’t need the menu; he knew everything on the menu by heart. Like a kid, he was ordering one thing and then cancelling it to order another. As I looked at my menu I heard a very happy voice saying,

“You know what, get me all of these. Either way I’m super hungry!” I glanced at the waiter and he had an amused expression on his face.

“You done selecting?” Kibum looked at me. As I looked back at my menu, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to eat. Everything looked delicious.

“Really now, you can’t even decide what you want to eat. Let me help you. Get him a Shrimp Scampi, medium spicy and a bottle of your best red wine. We’ll order dessert once we are done eating.” As the waiter left us, Kibum focused his attention back on me.

“So, what do we talk about? This date is supposed to be for us to get to know each other. How about we play a game of 10 questions? By the end, we’ll know at least something about each other. Let me start. Hmmm…What do you do for living? Hyung said you’re a painter. What kind of paintings do you do?” I noticed one thing about Kibum and that was, he sure loves to talk.

“Well, yes. I am a painter. My major focus is on contemporary art. I love how I’m not constrained by a preconceived style, subject matter or technique. I can take inspiration from whatever I feel and I can express myself fully! I mean, there is nothing in this world that can be used as a tool for creation. I only express what already exists in my art.” When I finally looked at him, Kibum was staring at me with a strange look in his eyes; one that I could not decipher. Shaking his head a little like an adorable kitten, he asked his next question, “So, have you held any exhibitions?”

“Yes. I have held a few exhibitions at Leeum and I will soon be holding another one at Gallery Hyundai. I am done with the paintings which is why Sodam noona could drag me out yesterday. Also, I have quite regular exhibitions at Selene. You may not know about it as it isn’t a famous gallery like the other two but this is where I exhibit my best pieces. It’s a quaint little place and there, nobody quibbles about my desire for anonymity so that’s great.”  I wanted to ask Kibum many questions too but I figured he would be more comfortable if he knew a bit about me first. There was something akin to surprise in Kibum’s eyes.

“So you hold many exhibitions it seems. How much do you earn?” His directness would have offended many people but I was quite glad that he was talking so freely to me. However, I had to think for a bit to answer his question and it seems he took my momentary silence as a sign that he had offended me.

“I mean, you own a Lamborghini! I don’t mean to say that you’re poor because you don’t seem to be! I mean money is fine! Whatever! It’s not like I’m after money or anything! I mean I do like to spend but…!” He was shaking his hands and rambling about! It was quite cute! “I’m not offended by your question Kibum ssi. I was just pondering over how much it is that I actually earn. You see, all my works are priced differently. And it also depends on the client. I believe that art is for everyone and not just rich and famous. But most of my pieces are sold for a minimum of 500 million won each. They usually sell for a lot more. But I do make paintings and give them as a gift just as often.” Kibum’s eyes turned as wide and round as the dinner plates in front of us.

“How much?! You earn that amount per painting?!” he exclaimed.

“It’s a lot less than what Jinki hyung earns Kibum ssi.” I said smiling at his shocked face.

“Ahhh…..hyung is an exception; he is a hard working genius.” Kibum said proudly. Seeing him talk about his brother so fondly speaks volume about their bond.

“Ok, my next question is, why did you decide to become a painter and not something else?” Kibum asked looking at me curiously.

“Hmmm….this one is pretty hard to answer. You can say that I have always been interested in painting. Canvas & paint brush gave me a medium to express myself. I know it doesn’t make sense but the very first time I held a brush and painted, something clicked in me and I knew that this was what I wanted to do. This is what makes me happy.” I desperately tried to explain to him. All he did was look at me with a small smile.

“What was your first painting and when did you paint it?”

“That’s two questions.” I lightly. He blushed and squeaked,

“Yah! Just answer!”

“Well, my first painting, or maybe we can say drawing as it wasn’t much of painting, was of a dinosaur. I drew that in my art class in elementary school. I remember been proud of myself because I was the only one in my class who was able to color within the lines.” Talking about this made me nostalgic. I was snapped out of my trance by a boisterous laughter. Kibum was nearly rolling on the floor with laughter.

“You drew a dino! You drew yourself! I can’t believe it! I must say you really are talented if you did that at that age!” Even though he said it in such a way that it came out as a joke, I knew he was being sincere with his compliment.

“Hmm….do you like any other form of art or just painting?” came the next question.

“Well I won’t call myself a professional, but sometimes I do write, songs and poems.” There went his eyebrows. He whistled softly saying,

“Wow, you write songs too! That’s amazing! “

“Ummm thank you. I took music as my minor in university. Well can I have my turn now, to ask you?” I asked him timidly.

“Just one last question. Sorry for being direct, but why me? We barely know each other, don’t you have a girlfriend or may be a boyfriend?” I knew this would come up. Take a deep calming breathe I replied,

“Why you, you ask. Well, we are in the same boat here Kibum ssi. As your hyung spoke to you about me, my hyung nim did the same. And to tell you the truth, I never had any girlfriend or boyfriend. For past few year I was so busy I never had time. So now at the age of 28, my umma and noona decided that I needed to settle down. And here I am, sitting in front of you.” I smiled at him. He just looked at me with a guilty expression. Smiling at him to ease the tense that fell over, I said,

“Now my turn, as we are on this topic, let me ask this. How about you Kibum-ssi, do you have a boyfriend or maybe a girlfriend? You are young, beautiful and a model to top it off. You must know a lot of celebrities.” I asked him. He is so beautiful I’m sure he must be approached multiple times.

“Hmmm….well I did have my share of relationships in the past, but as you can see, nothing worked out. Just like you I’m here sitting opposite to you. And can we not talk about the past please? I really don’t like remembering my past.” he said. The look that was in his eyes hurt me. I wanted to go out and fight with whoever made him have this look. Alas! It’s the past and it’s better forgotten. Jinki-hyung, now I understand why you’re so protective of Kibum. I would also not like to see this broken look on his face again.

“Why did you decide to become a model?” I changed the topic. He seemed pretty shocked with the diversion, but thankful for the same.

“Well, didn’t you just say I’m beautiful? Maybe that’s the reason I chose modeling” he replied smirking. I couldn’t help but laugh. That cocky attitude was very becoming on him!

“I won’t argue on this.” I raised my hands to show that I agreed with him.

“Like you, I had my first break when I was in High School. That day I was replacing a last minute backout model. As it was a shoot with hyung, I wasn’t scared or anything. When the pictures came out, I got many praises. One became two and now I do it as part time job.” 

“Part time?”

“Didn’t hyung tell you? I’m studying fashion. I am doing part time modeling under hyung’s agency for experience. After graduation I’ll be interning with some designer. Both Taemin and I are part timers.”

“Oh…I thought you model full time. Do you mind showing me your first photoshoot image?” The moment I said this I regretted it. I wish I could take back my words. It was too soon and too direct.

“Hmmm…I don’t mind per say. But I’m not actually proud of that shoot. I was very young back then and I look stupid,” he said flipping through his phone. When he found what he was looking for, he handed me his phone.

I couldn’t help but smile looking at the photos! They were so adorable!

“Why are you smiling? Even though I know we look stupid, you don’t have to be rude.” he said huffing.

“Aniyo….I wasn’t smiling because of that, you both just seem super close.”

“Of course we are, since our parents passed away, hyung has been my world. He deals with all of my sassiness. For me, hyung is the best!” he replied smiling a huge smile. “How about your bond with Sodam noona?”

“It’s my turn to question you, though yes, we both are super close too. Even at 28, noona doesn’t stop babying me. Sometime it’s embarrassing!” I told him with a blush, remembering all those moments when noona coddled me in front of my friends. The teasing that followed still gives me shivers.

“So moving on, you are studying fashion right? What do you plan to do after graduating? You said you’ll intern with some designer; what after that?”

“Well hyung has asked Heechul hyung to train me. He is so awesome! He owns Cinderella fashion line. Someday I want to start my own fashion line.” he said with a wishful look in his eyes.

“I’m sure you’ll do it. So fashion and modeling are your interests if I’m not wrong.”

“Well I do love cooking.” The moment those words left his mouth, I lost all the color from my face. How can I forget that horrendous ramen! After going home, I spent hours in the washroom trying to get rid of that horrible taste! Poor Minho even lost all the sensation in his tongue and still can’t taste anything!

Kibum’s POV

As I told him about my passion for cooking, all the colour drained from his face. So you aren’t immune to Tae’s ramen! But you did a good job pretending! I couldn’t help but chuckle!

“I didn’t cook it.” I told him, giving a sly smile.

“Sorry?”

“The ramen, I didn’t make it. It was Taemin. I really don’t understand how you managed to eat it with such a straight face. I remember waking up in the hospital after tasting that thing.”

“Then why did you make it?!” he asked giving me a puppy gaze. As I was about to answer, I heard someone call my name. It was Woohyun. He was here.

Woohyun Key's Friend

“My Hyun!” I muttered without realizing. I saw Jonghyun turn to look at the person I was talking to. Woohyun made his way to our table and pulled me in his arms. I hugged him in return as I looked at Jonghyun.

“My Bum! What are you doing here? You should have told me you wanted to eat here! We would have planned something.” Woohyun continued without pausing.

“My Hyun, I’m here with someone if you didn’t notice…” I told him pointing towards Jonghyun, who sat there staring at us with wide eyes. “Oh!” was all he said before letting me go.

“Hyun, this is Kim Jonghyun and Jonghyun ssi, this is Woohyun my-“ before I could complete my sentence, Woohyun interrupted,

“His special person. Hey! Nice to meet you!” Woohyun said, stretching his hand out for Jonghyun to shake.

“Nice meeting you Woohyun-ssi.” Jonghyun replied, but something in his voice had changed. It wasn’t soft and warm like usual; it sounded very curt and professional. But as Woohyun didn’t know, he didn’t notice and settled next to me pulling me down as well. I looked at Jonghyun, who just stared back at me.

“So, Bum-ah what have you been up to these days? But first, tell me why you declined that Paris shoot offer. Both you and Taemin. Do you know how sad I was?! I had to shoot it all alone! It would have been so much more fun if you had come with me! It’s Paris! Your favorite place! And the setting was so romantic!” Oh no no no! Woohyun, please stop! I don’t want to continue with this plan! As I looked at Jonghyun, I saw him look down…. Oh no!

“Hmmm…hyung didn’t want me to go. He even forbid Tae from doing it.” I replied. I need to signal Woohyun to stop before he exacerbates the situation! I didn’t know I would have so much fun with Jonghyun-ssi!

“Bum-ah” I heard him say. As I turned toward Woohyun, he held my cheeks and looked me in the eye saying, “I missed you.”  Aish! What’s with this over acting?! Pushing away his hands, I replied ,“I missed you too, even Taemin did. But can’t we talk about this some other time Woohyun ah? I don’t want to be rude but you are interrupting us Hyun.” This came as shock to him. This part wasn’t planned. Woohyun looked at me with an ‘are you kidding me?!’ look, which I returned with a pleading look. Please understand Woohyun!

“It’s alright! Seems you guys need to catch up. If you want I can leave.” I heard Jonghyun say. Thankfully before I could reply, Woohyun stood up saying,

“Aniyo Jonghyun-ssi, you don’t have to leave. My bad, I didn’t realize I was interrupting. Please continue with your dinner. I’ll take my leave. Bum call me later when you get time.” Woohyun said giving me a look that promised he’ll have my head for this stunt. As he left, a silence fell over our table. None of us wanted to break it.

“Would you like something for dessert or should I call for cheque?” I heard him ask. He wasn’t even meeting my eye.

“Umm…no thanks, I think I’m full.” All he did was nod and signal the waiter for the cheque. As he paid for our dinner, I couldn’t help but regret this entire plan with Woohyun. I was enjoying this chat with him so much that I completely forgot that I had texted Woohyun to come here! Lee Kibum! You’re so stupid!

As we made our way toward his car, I wanted to apologize and clear everything. But, for some reason, I couldn’t even open my mouth! Rest of the journey was spent in silence. He didn’t seem to want to speak and no matter how much I tried, I couldn’t! No matter how hard I thought, I simply couldn’t come up with a reasonable excuse. All too soon, we pulled up along my drive. I got out and said, “Ummm….good night and have a safe drive.”  I wanted to say so much more! Like ‘I had a nice time’ or ‘Let’s do this again!’ but my mouth simply refused to cooperate! All he did was nod as he zoomed passed me leaving me standing in my driveway. Sighing, I made my way in. Way to screw things up Kibum ssi!

Authors’ Note:

1. “There is nothing in this world that can be used as a tool for creation. I only express what already exists in my art.”  This is in fact, an actual Jonghyun quote. Even if this fanfiction isn’t set in canonverse, I did want to keep SHINee’s essence. As such, no matter what art, Jonghyun’s views will probably remain the same. So I took the liberty to quote him here. 
2. Leeum : Samsung Museum of Art. Leeum is an international centre of Korean and world art with an incredibly rich collection of artworks. It is one of the top 10 art galleries in South Korea.
3. Gallery Hyundai: Seoul’s oldest art gallery. Among the top 10 galleries in South Korea. Both galleries are famous for their contemporary art pieces.
4. Selene: I made that one up! Hehe!
5. 500 million won is around half a million USD.