18 SOLDIER

Setting: Brazil

“Taemin, please hold still. I am not a professional but i’m doing my best here. It’s your concert, for pete’s sake. We’re not going clubbing or to a house party.”

It doesn’t feel like a misfortune for Taemin that his makeup artist/stylist had to fly back to Korea because of urgent family business matters. Not when Kibum’s long fingers are patting certain spots on Taemin’s face where makeup should settle and blend. And especially not when Kibum’s lovely bow lips are slightly parted as he concentrates on applying eyeliner on Taemin, his fresh breath inevitably blowing on the entertainer because of the close proximity of their faces. Taemin is summoning every ounce of self-control he needs to keep himself from forcing his own lips on Kibum’s.

“There. Done. Oh babe, you look...” Kibum is suddenly rendered breathless by Taemin’s beautiful face, which is angelic but salaciously corrupted by his smoky-eye makeup.

“Then kiss me?” Taemin smiles his goofy yet pretty smile, happy that Kibum seems to be mesmerized by him just as he is by his foxy hyung.

“Oh you know I want to... but let’s not start anything. You have a show! Stand up. Let’s get you dressed.”

Kibum s the black garment bag hanging on the mobile clothes rack. He winces as he sees the all-red ensemble in various fabrics that looks formless as it hangs. Maybe it actually looks good when worn. Especially by my gorgeous Taemin with the gorgeous body. ‘My’ Taemin? Kibum giggles softly, catching Taemin’s attention.

“What is it, hyung?”

“Nothing. Let’s get this on you.”

Taemin nods and strips to his black spandex boxers. Kibum would’ve thoroughly enjoyed the moment, gawking at the boy’s flawless figure, had he not been hit by a sudden pang of jealousy.

“Your stylist dresses you every time?”

“Yes, she does. She’s also assisted by a couple of noonas, especially when I need a quick wardrobe change.”

The thought shoots a sour taste on Kibum’s tongue. He immediately associates jealousy with acid. It stirs an acidic pain inside the stomach and leaves an unpleasant tang inside the mouth.

Kibum tries to calm down by reminding himself that it’s a common scenario in their theater productions too. He and other actors are often in their underwear backstage in between costume changes. But they are a group and Taemin is a one-man show. Not a patch of his glorious skin would be missed by the probing eyes of those noonas. Kibum huffs while zipping Taemin up.

“Kibummie, are you jealous? Don’t be. The real goods are for your eyes only. Well, soon.”

Kibum blushes, instantly comforted by Taemin’s words. But before the comfort and relief he feels transform into excitement and arousal, Kibum’s eyes survey Taemin’s entire outfit and he ends up gasping. In horror.

“That is a hideous outfit! No way am I going to let you go on stage in that monstrosity!”

Taemin’s ensemble consists of