(For the sake of the story they are all in the same year-3rd year’s)

“Hummmm.”

Jonghyun sighed for the fourth time within one minute. At least according to his friend, Minho.

The two sat next to each other in Algebra. Jonghyun wasn’t too fond of this math class, but Minho was. Mostly due to him wanting to keep his grades high, but still. Distractions weren’t an option. So that’s why the sound of his friend exhaling every fifteen seconds was starting to agitate him.

“Hummmm-“

“Hyung. If you sigh one more time…” He angrily whispered while gripping his pencil tightly before he decided to flick his older friend in the face. Jonghyun pouted.

“But look at him.” Jonghyun said dreamily referring to the younger male with wavy red hair sitting towards the front of the class.

“Don’t you think you should focus on taking notes? You tanked your last test. Like really bad.” Minho hissed.

“Do you think if I ask him, he would tutor me?” Jonghyun said distractedly with a dreamy smile on his face.

“I don’t think you would pay attention to any of his lessons. Now leave me alone.” Minho said.

Jonghyun paid him no mind. He was too busy staring at his crush. Taemin was his name.

He just transferred to this school a few months ago and the moment he saw him he was awe struck. Taemin was small and cute, definitely his type. And he wanted him, but was too shy to speak to him. Kim Jonghyun shy? Impossible! But Taemin made him this way.

“Come on air head, the bell rung. It’s time for lunch.” Minho said slapping a piece of paper against his face when he was still in a trance looking at Taemin.

The two made their way to lunch to meet up with their oldest friend Jinki.

“Hey guys!” Jinki yelped from surprise when he saw his two younger friends making their way over to their usual spot that they sat at each day.

“Move over Hyung. I can’t see!” Jonghyun said scooting into Jinki’s personal bubble.

“See what?” Jinki said turning his head around to see what he was looking at.

“He won’t be able to see his unrequited love, Hyung. Don’t you know?” Minho said teasingly.

Jonghyun ignored the two as he rested his chin on hands as he sighed. He had the perfect view of Taemin from this spot. He watched as he sat and ate with his animated friend that sat across from him, but he was focused way more on Taemin.

“Ahhh, you’re still drooling over him?” Jinki laughed.

Jonghyun rolled his eyes. This was exactly why he didn’t like telling all his friends whenever he had a crush on someone. The last thing he needed was for more than one person to start teasing him.

“Why don’t you just talk to Kibum.” Jinki offered.

“Who?” Jonghyun asked while still being in a trance. He hadn’t even touched his food.

“Taemin’s friend.”

Jonghyun’s ears perked up.

“Taemin’s friend? Do you know him?” He asked curious.

“Yea, we both do.” Jinki said gesturing to Minho.

“What?! Minho why haven’t you told me?!” Jonghyun cried.

“Told you what?” Minho grimaced. He just wanted to eat his food in peace.

“That you knew one of Taemin’s friends!”

“Eh…it slipped my mind?” Minho shrugged.

Jonghyun growled.

“Why don’t you ask Kibum about Taemin. They’re best friends. Maybe he could hook you two up.” Jinki said.

“Hyung. You are a genius! An absolute mad man!” He said giving his older friend a tight hug.

“Wait, wait!...I gotta warn you…Kibum is a little uh…forward.” The elder said trying to worm out of the hug his small friend was giving him.

“What do you mean?” He looked at him with big curious eyes and then looking over to Taemin’s friend who he assumed was this Kibum.

“He means he says whatever is on his mind. So, don’t be too surprised at what comes out of his mouth. He doesn’t care.” Minho said giving him a serious look.

“So, its best you stay on his good side. If not you can say “bye-bye” to Taemin. He’s pretty protective over him.” Jinki added.

Jonghyun scratched his head nervously.

“I see…well I’m likable anyway! I’ll just use my charms.” He grinned.

“Those same charms got you rejected the last time you try to speak to your crush.” Minho reminded him.

-

Jonghyun had to do some research to figure out when would be the best time to speak to this Kibum.

And by research this meant watching him and following around for the past few days.

He figured out that after third period Kibum usually hangs out in front of his locker for a while before class starts. He was usually alone too, which meant this was the best opportunity he could get to approach him.

Once he saw him at his locker looking through his phone he decided to strike. He ran up behind him…which wasn’t the best idea.

“Hi!” Jonghyun said cheerily.

He watched as Kibum jumped at the sudden interaction. He caught him off guard.

“What the hell?” Kibum said slamming his locker door shut.

“Do you usually just creep up behind people and scare them with your overly annoying high-pitched cheery voice?” He said angrily.

The smile Jonghyun wore on his face faltered.

“Umm…”

“‘Ummm’ what? Who are you?” Kibum glared.

Yikes. Jinki and Minho were right. Kibum was a bit scary. His cat like eyes looked menacing and were penetrating through his soul.

“I’m Kim Jonghyun.” He bowed slightly trying to regain his composure.

“Kibum.” Was all he said.

“I was born in April, when is your birthday?” He asked wanting to know how to address him.

“September.” Kibum said while rolling his eyes.

“I’m your Hyung!” He said excitedly. Being older always gave him a sense of pride, he liked looking after his younger friends. But he noticed Kibum didn’t share his same excitement as he stood there just looking at him.

“Uh…umm...right…so listen. I’ve seen you around and you seem cool. I was thinking we could be friends…?” Jonghyun said confidently, but that sense of confidence started to waiver when he saw the displeased look on Kibum’s face.

“Weird.” Was all he said.

“Ehh, w-what?”

“Weird. That’s weird. Your weird.” Kibum spat.

“N-no it’s not! There’s nothing wrong with trying to make friends!”

“Your approach is weird. What do you really want?” Kibum said not even bothering to look at him but instead start tapping away at his phone.

“To be friends!” He reiterated.

Kibum glanced at him.

“How about this. Approach me next time with the truth and I’ll think about helping you with what you actually want. Okay?” Kibum said giving him a fake smile that came with dimples. He walked off without even giving Jonghyun a second look.

-

“Okay listen.”

Jonghyun was back again the next day.

He saw Kibum at his spot in front of his locker as usual as he was organizing his books.

“I’m listening.” Kibum said still not bothering to look at Jonghyun as he placed a book inside his locker.

“Look, I have a crush on Taemin, okay? I know you two are best friends and I thought if I hung around with some of his friends you could introduce me to him and I could get close to him…Minho said you like honesty, so here you go.”

Kibum shut the door to his locker and finally looked at Jonghyun. Kibum’s style definitely matched his attitude. His jet-black hair was swooped to the side and his features were quit piercing.

“That boy knows me well doesn’t he?” Kibum grinned.

Kibum took a moment to look Jonghyun up and down. He then proceeded to walk in a circle around him as well. Jonghyun felt nervous, why was he seizing him up like this?

“Well, your short. But I don’t think Taemin will mind that too much.” He said abruptly.

“Hey, I’m 5’7-“

“Your muscular. You look like you take care of yourself.” He continued while ruffling his hair.

“Hmmm, your cute. Almost handsome, I dare say.”

“Uh, thank you? I think…” Jonghyun said. It sounded more like a back handed compliment…

“Looks-wise, you pass.” Kibum said.

“Really?” So, he was Taemin’s type as well? That was great news!

“Aht, aht, aht. Just because your cute, doesn’t mean he will like you.” He said seriously.

“Everything isn’t about looks.” He added. Well he wasn’t lying.

“Clearly for whatever reason your too scared to approach Taemin by yourself, soooo you’ll have to go through me.” He smiled showing off his dimples yet again.

“I’m not scared! I’m j-just shy…” He said blushing.

“You? Shy? Oh, please. You just ran up on me yesterday and you had no idea what kind of person I was beforehand. You’re just too chicken to do it yourself.” He mocked. He seemed to have great pleasure picking on him.

“Taemin is out sick today. How about you sit with me at lunch today? Hmm? I need to pick your brain a little more.”

Jonghyun gulped. Was he really ready to sit down and face this Kibum guy? Well if he wanted to get to Taemin, he had no choice.

Jonghyun stuck his tongue out at his friends as the gawked at him confused as to why he was sitting with Kibum.

“Those two are idiots, ignore them.” Kibum said breaking his childish banter between him and his friends.

“Hey! Those are my friends!” Jonghyun said feeling a bit defensive.

“They’re mine too.” Kibum smirked. Jonghyun gulped.

“Wait what?” Jonghyun said with big eyes.

“Well more of aquaintances that are turning into my friends.”

“How come I’ve never seen you hang out with them?” Jonghyun questioned feeling a bit suspicious.

“I don’t know. Me and you never had any classes together. I see Minho and Onew all the time.” He said absentmindly picking at his nails.

“Onew?” Who was Onew?

“Yea, Onew.” Kibum said pointing towards Jinki. “That’s the nickname I gave him because he’s soft. Like Tofu.” He laughed. Jonghyun couldn’t help but admire Kibum’s smile when he laughed. He had a nice smile. And he was kind of a er for dimples.

But he also couldn’t help but be baffled at the fact that he had never met Kibum before seeing how apparently close he was with his friends, close enough to give them nicknames. How odd.

“So, Kim Jonghyun, what interests you about my young friend.”

The mere mention of his crushes name made him melt into a pile of goo.

“Well he’s so pretty, kind and funny…I mean I only had a few interactions with him…but these were the best few moments of my life.” He sighed. He wore a dreamy look in his eyes.

Kibum rolled his eyes.

“I see.” He responded. “Well your gonna need to do more than spew out pretty words to him. It’s all about actions!” Kibum said sternly.

Jonghyun nodded his head with his eyes wide.

“For starters you should well, I don’t know…speak to him? Instead of being a scardey cat and using me as a spokesperson.” He deadpanned.

“I-I’m not scared!-“

“Yea, yea, yea. You’re shy right? Anyways” He said dismissing him.

“I have to get to know you more. I’m not sure I approve of you yet.” He said side eyeing him.

“We should hang out sometime then.” Jonghyun didn’t know what possessed him to say this. Honestly he could just tell him about himself rather than take unnecessary steps and actually hang out with him.

“You don’t have to pretend to be my friend to get to Taemin remember? You already told me your true intentions.” Kibum snorted.

“I am a nice guy you know. I don’t mind building a friendship with you too, you seem cool.” He said honestly.

“…really?” He looked at him surprised, suspicious at his offer.

“Well…yea.” He smiled. And when he did this Kibum turned his head off to the side to try to hide his blushing face.

“You come off as an , but I can tell your cool.” He said with a genuine smile. And he could have sworn he saw a light blush on Kibum’s checks but then he thought he imagined it.

Kibum didn’t even bother to defend himself from that comment.

“Well here’s my number.” Kibum said holding out his hand waiting for Jonghyun to place his phone in it so he could punch in his numbers.

The two chit chatted for a little longer before parting ways and heading off to class.

“Well? How did It go?” Jinki asked as Jonghyun made his way over to them so that they could all exit the cafeteria together.

“Well, he said he needed to get to know me more. He gave me his number. We’re gonna hang out.”

Minho and Jinki both stopped dead in their tracks.

“Eh? You’re going to hang out with Kim Kibum?!” Minho said as his giant eyes popped out of his head.

“Uh, yea?” Jonghyun said looking at them strangely. What was the big deal?

“And he gave you his number? Willingly?” Jinki asked carefully.

“Uh…yea…” Jonghyun responded continuing his walk. They were acting a bit too weird for his liking.

Minho and Jinki gave each other odd looks.

“Huh.” Jinki said.

-

“Jinki. Minho. And Jonghyun. Their your seniors. And everyone, this is Taemin.” Kibum sitting down abruptly and not so quietly slamming his lunch tray down. Taemin was trailing behind him and sat down more timidly then Kibum had done. The three older boys all sat their wide eyed not at all expecting Kibum to come sit down at their table. Especially Jonghyun. He was caught off guard at the fact that Taemin was suddenly sitting in front of him. He froze with half of his food hanging out of his mouth.

“Ah, Minho and Jonghyun are in my math class!” Taemin said excitedly. “Nice to meet you officially, I didn’t know you and Kibum Hyung were friends!” He finished.

“Nice to meet you too.” Minho responded like a normal person. He gave Jonghyun a side eye when he saw that he was still sitting their frozen with food hanging out of his mouth.

“Ya….Jonghyun…” He whispered and then jabbed him with his shoulder to knock him out of his trance.

“O-oh ummm-“ Jonghyun suddenly started coughing and joking on his food when he tried talking with his mouth full. Minho embarrassingly patted his back roughly to get him breathe normally again.

“Arrhhh…umm….sorry…ummm…nice meeting you too…” Jonghyun said trying to breathe normally again.

Kibum sat their with a look of disgust and shock.

“You can’t be serious? No way are you this lame.” He said. Jonghyun threw him a hurt and annoyed look while the rest of the table laughed at him. He pouted and crossed his arms.

“And you throw a temper tantrum like a child.” This time Kibum giggled and his smiled behind his hand. Jonghyun could admit it was kinda cute. But he was also still slightly annoyed. He was embarrassing himself in front of Taemin!

The rest of lunch moved on as Minho, Jinki, and Kibum started having a separate conversation and catching up. Kibum purposely choose a topic of conversation that Jonghyun and Taemin knew nothing about so it would force the two to speak.

Jonghyun was shocked how comfortably the three spoke to each other, how long had they been friends? And he had no idea that Kibum existed? He secretly wanted to join their conversation, Kibum was so animated when he spoke.

“So…what do you think about Ms. Park’s class?” Taemin suddenly asked.

Oh . He was trying to start conversation.

“Uhhhh…” Damnit, this was not the time for him to continue to look stupid.

“Who…?” He asked.

“Ms. Park? Our Math teacher…” Taemin asked with a look of confusion on his face.

“OH! Umm yea, yea! Sorry I blanked for a second! Ah she’s uhh, she’s strict. I hate that class actually. I at math haha…” He laughed nervously.

“Same.” Taemin smiled. After that the two fell into an awkward silence.

Why was Jonghyun being such an idiot right now? He was blowing it! He was too nervous!

He wanted to bang his head on the cafeteria table.

“I blew it. He probably thinks I’m weird as hell.” Jonghyun sighed.

He and Kibum met up after school, in fact he was taking his time to rant to him as he offered to walk him home much to Kibum’s amusement.

“Yea, probably.” Kibum said absentmindedly as he picked at his nails.

“What?! You think so?!” Jonghyun whined as he began stomping dramatically.

But Kibum smiled at his childish behavior.

“There’s always tomorrow. And the day after that and the day after that. But just try not to keep screwing up okay? You babble a lot.” He said tauntingly.

“I just get so nervous around him.” He admitted. He started pouting and poked out his bottom lips.

Kibum couldn’t help but to suddenly pinch his cheek. Jonghyun blushed from the sudden action.

“Cheer up, Jonghyun.”

“I’m your Hyung.” He reminded him.

“I know.” He smirked. He pointed to a certain house with his thumb before he spoke again.

“Anyways, thanks for walking me home. Well, I guess you walked me home to vent really…”

“Well at least I know where you stay. I can come to your house and bother you now.” He joked.

Kibum stopped walking for a second to fully look at his older friend.

“…You really want to hang out with me? Like seriously?” He asked.

“I mean, yea.” He said innocently. Why not?

A slow smile spread across Kibum’s face. Accompanied by his dimples.

“Let’s hang out some time next week then…?” Kibum asked.

“Sure!”

 -

Jonghyun tapped impatiently on his desk. Loudly. Minho landed his hand on top of his to get him to stop as he gave him an annoyed look.

“Okay class. We will be doing a simple project that requires you to take a survey of your fellow class members and create a pie chart based of the results. I want you to partner up and create the charts on a poster. And I want it to be nice and neat and well presented!” Ms. Park said.

Partners?

Jonghyun ears perked up. Usually when it came to these things he would always choose Minho, but now was his time to make a move on Taemin!

Once Ms. Park finished explaining the rest of the project she allowed everyone to quickly pick their partners. Without a second thought Jonghyun jumped up out of his seat and almost ran across the room to catch Taemin in time before he would be claimed by someone else.

Minho looked at him with big eyes, surprised at his sudden actions.

When he caught up to him he blurted out his next words.

“Let’s be partners!”

Why did he just yell that at him?

Now Jonghyun was embarrassed, because a few students in the class were staring at him. And it didn’t help that Taemin was looking at him with big eyes that held a sense of fear in them.

“Um, okay?” He said unsurely.

Jonghyun was so nervous to ask him his voice ended up coming out as a shout instead of a normal volume.

Taemin probably thought he was a weirdo. Great.

“…uh…I guess we should exchange numbers…?” Taemin asked hesitantly.

“Y-yes! That sounds great actually.” He said trying to sound more calm.”

His hand shook as he handed him his phone so that he could type in his number. He couldn’t help but admire his pretty face. He had to snap out of his trance when Taemin waved his phone in front of his face when he tried to give it back to him.

“Sorry, sorry…uh, thanks…”

-

“How do I approach him?” Jonghyun whined. Kibum wanted to thunk him on his head.

“It’s not rocket science. Why are you being so difficult?” Kibum asked, clearly annoyed.

Jonghyun hit Kibum up asking to hang out with him that upcoming weekend. Jonghyun wasn’t sure what drew him to Kibum. Maybe it was his assertiveness or his bluntness? It was refreshing. It was different. He liked it, even though Kibum offended him sometimes. He knew he could rely on him for the truth. He wanted to get to know him better, aside from using him to help him get to Taemin.

The two were sitting across from each other at a cafeteria in the mall. Kibum wanted to do some window shopping, much to Jonghyun annoyance but he agreed anyway. They took a break to eat some food and Jonghyun took this time to vent to Kibum again.

Recently the two started hanging out more and more slowly. He didn’t know when it started, it just…happened.

“Are you sure you’re not a scardey cat?” He asked as he some liquid from his coffee from the corner of his lips.

Jonghyun noticed how pink and heart shaped his lips were.

“No. I just get nervous around him. Taemin’s…he’s really nice and cute…I just want him to like me.”

“Ah, young love.” Kibum sighed.

“L-love?!” Jonghyun freaked out.

“Relax, idiot. I’m joking.” He deadpanned.

“Just act natural. You turn into a babbling idiot when he comes around. Taemin likes nice and sweet guys. Just talk to him more and listen to him. Get to know him. I think he’ll like that a lot.”

Jonghyun nodded as he listened to his words.

“I mean you said you asked him to be your partner for that math project, right? That’s your chance to strike.” He shrugged.

“Yea….your right. Thanks, Kibummie.”

“Ya! K-Kibummie?-“ Kibum grimaced.

“Well you don’t call me Hyung. It’s only right I get to give you a nickname, dontcha think?” He smiled.

Kibum tried to hide his blush.

“Whatever. Let’s finish window shopping.” He said trying to get over the awkward feeling he had from hearing that nickname.

Jonghyun swung his arm over his shoulder as the two walked. Jonghyun was a touchy and clingy person, and the more they hung out the more he felt comfortable with him. Plus, Kibum never stopped him, so he figure it was okay!

“Why don’t you try on some of the clothes? It’ll make today more entertaining.” He suggested. Kibum just looked him strangely.

The two stopped at the nearest store that Kibum gawked at as he geeked over a nice purple jean jacket.

“Try it on.” Jonghyun urged.

“Eh. No.”

“I want to see you try on some clothes.”

“W-what?! Why?” Kibum stuttered.

“I dunno, you just dress nice all the time…I like how you dress.” He said rubbing the back of his neck.

“Well…I-I guess…”

Kibum shyly tried on the dress, unsure if it truly flattered his him. Nor did it match his shoes.

“Well?” Kibum said spinning around and extending his arms so he could get a better look.

“You look great.” He smiled. Kibum was able to pull off anything.

“Really? Does my beauty blind you?”

“Maybe.” He teased.

-

“So ummm…what do you like to do for fun?” Jonghyun asked. He had contemplated on a asking that question for about five minutes as he saw how focused Taemin was taking his notes. He wasn’t sure whether he would be considered rude for distracting him, but he really wanted to talk to him, and they had about an hour left before he would leave.

Taemin lifted his head and looked at him with those small cute eyes that he loved so much.

The two decided to finish their project outside of class since they ran out of time in class. Most would complain about it, but for Jonghyun this was a blessing in disguise. He might have worked slowly on purpose just so this would a happen…

They had been having small and awkward conversation back and forth and Jonghyun wanted to break the ice.

“Uh…well I like to dance.” He said slowly, as if he was processing on whether to tell him to not.

“Really?” Jonghyun’s ears perked up.

Seeing his reaction made Taemin ease up little.

“Yea, I’ve been dancing since I was five.”

Wow, his Taemin was talented too?!

“What kind of dancing do you do?”

Taemin put down his pencil and left his work untouched.

“Well contemporary and hip hop. But I think I should branch out and try new things, maybe ballet or something.”

“Do you…have any videos of you dancing? I would love to see some.”

Taemin smiled wide.

Jackpot.

“Yea, totally! Here look. This one is from my school play in seventh grade, this one is from a competition, this one is for a SM audition and…,” Taemin whipped out his phone and continued babbling about his beloved hobby. The conversation seemed to go smoother after that and it became easier to talk to him the rest of the afternoon. But…it wasn’t exactly what he expected. He didn’t really feel a spark between them. Maybe he just needed to spend more time together.

-

It now became normal for the five of them to all sit together now. After a few weeks Kibum kept coming and dragging Taemin along with him. They almost sorta built a small friend group. Kibum started doing it so Jonghyun and Taemin had even more chances to talk, but somehow it consisted of Kibum and Jonghyun talking the most. And this sparked some curiosity in his friends. Not to mention the causal touching and the many inside jokes they shared.

“You and Kibum are pretty close now huh?” Minho asked suspiciously.

“Yea, you could say that.” Jonghyun shrugged. They decided to hang out after school today and play basketball, but Jonghyun wasn’t expecting to be interrogated.

“I thought you liked Taemin?” Jinki asked getting straight to the point.

“Uh, I do.” He said looking at them weirdly.

“You sure?” His friends asked in unison.

“Yes. I’m sure.” said annoyed giving them a glare. What were they on about?

“Now hurry up. I told Kibum we could hang out after I was done with you guys.”

Jinki and Minho smiled and gave each other knowing looks.

"I'll give it a couple more weeks before he realizes." Minho whispered to Jinki.

"Wonna bet on it?" Jinki responded.

-

“Let’s go skating.” Jonghyun blurted out loud.

“Huh?” Kibum looked up from his phone that he was frantically typing on. Jonghyun got tired of not having Kibum’s undivided attention and yearned for it.

“Let’s go skating. Let’s do something, I’m bored.” Jonghyun pouted cutely. Kibum rolled his eyes and pinched cheeks, which he knew Jonghyun hated.

“Has anyone ever told you that you whine a lot?” He teased.

“But you like it.” He countered. He noticed Kibum had a soft spot for cute things. It made him soften up. The more they hung out the more Kibum eased up on his harsh jokes.

“Now come on let’s go!” With a few more cute actions (and a pouting Jonghyun) he was able to convince him to go. They went to the nearest skating ranch that they could find while Jonghyun the whole way there because Kibum wouldn’t stop complaining.

Jonghyun offered to pay for both of their skates once they got to the rink. In the back of his mind he felt like this resembled a date, but he brushed that thought off quickly when an image of Taemin flashed through his head.

“Come on, let’s go.” He said lacing up his last shoestring. Kibum sat there ridged next to him.

“I can’t skate.” Kibum blurted out.

“What?”

“I can’t skate, okay!” Kibum yelled dramatically.

“You didn’t think to tell me this on the way here…” He chuckled.

“Well….we always do what I want to do so…I wanted to do what you like.” Kibum said.

Jonghyun smiled.

“Just hold my hand.” Jonghyun said extended his arm.

Kibum looked at his with is sharp eyes. Kibum always looked so stern but his eyes held a very soft and innocent look in them.

“The whole time?”

“Well yea…o-or until you can do it yourself…”

“Is…is this okay?” Kibum asked in a small voice.

“Yea, why wouldn’t it be?” Friends could hold hands right?

Kibum grabbed his hand gently, and honestly Jonghyun didn’t want to admit that they fit perfectly together.

Kibum’s legs wobbled the whole time and he couldn’t help but to hang on and grab onto Jonghyun the whole time. They both were a blushing mess and acted shyly around each other the whole time. But why was Jonghyun acting like this? What was coming over him? Kibum was just his friend after all! But he couldn’t lie, he definitely enjoyed his time with his new…friend.

After some time, he was able to get Kibum to stand up steadily and skate next to him, but he still held his hand for precautionary measures. At least that’s what old himself.

“So…I’m going to ask him out on a date.” Jonghyun blurted out. And for some reason he wished he hadn’t. There was a sudden flash of hurt In Kibum’s eyes and his happy aura suddenly faded.

“Oh?” Was all he said.

Strange.

Why did Kibum sound…disappointed?

“Good for you. It’s about time.” He added. He smiled. But this smile didn’t have dimples. It wasn’t a real smile.

“Just remember, relax. Be yourself. You’re really a cool guy, Jonghyun. I’m sure he will like you.”

Jonghyun tried to smile back, but he couldn’t find it in himself to do it.

After he said that Kibum let go of his hand. And Jonghyun’s hand felt cold.

“I think I should get going.” Kibum said leaning against the skating rink’s wall.

“Oh. Y-yea, sure. Let me walk you home?” He suggested unsurely.

Kibum nodded.

The walk home was…weird. The energy had changed. The happy afternoon suddenly turned sour.

“Jjong?” Kibum called breaking the silence.

“Jjong?” He repeated back.

“Sorry…do you not like it?”

“No, no. It’s okay…I like it, I do.” He meant it. He did like it.

“Jjong, why did you want to be friends with me?”

That wasn’t a question he was expecting him to ask. But he definitely had an answer.

“Mmm. Your you. You know? You say what you mean and mean what you say. I like that about you. I admire it really.” He smiled.

“Well,…” Kibum started.

“I think you’re really sweet. And genuinely a nice person. It’s rare to find that in people these days.” He said.

“You tend to say the first thing on your mind a lot, but I like it…”

Jonghyun felt a sense of warmth build up in his chest, not expecting Kibum to say those things to him.

Their nice words to each other made the atmosphere a little less tense, thankfully.

But left a sense of curiosity in the air…

-

“Why do you always stand here? Every day like this at your locker? It’s weird.” Jonghyun pressed. He thought it was very odd that Kibum routinely stood at his locker for so long every day at this specific time since he met him.

“…because…” Kibum said glancing at him at the corner of his eye.

“Because what? Come on let’s go kill some time before class or something.”  He whined.

“No! I mean no, not yet…” Kibum said wearing a strange smile. “Just give me a minute.” Kibum looked at the time on his phone impatiently. And about thirty seconds later Kibum slammed his locker shut and spun on around on his heels and made a strange pose. He stood as if he was trying to look good or be seen and frantically played with his hair.

“Scoot over a bit.” Kibum whispered.

“What? Why? And why are you-“

“Shut up.”

“But-“

“Kim Jonghyun!” He whispered yelled giving him a harsh glare. Suddenly he ripped his eyes away from him and let them land on a certain figure. Jonghyun couldn’t help but to follow Kibum’s gaze.

Kibum was staring at a tall and slender guy. He looked about the same age as them and looked pretty handsome if Jonghyun was honest.

Why was Kibum staring at him?

He watched as the guy suddenly walked toward their directions with a few of his friends in tow. He thought he was coming to speak to them, but he was only walking by. But as he walked by he gave a playful look towards Kibum.

“Hey, Ki.” The guy said with a smirk.

“H-hey, Woohyun.” Kibum stuttered back. Wait. Did Kim Kibum just stutter?

Ki? Woohyun? What the hell was that all about?

Jonghyun watched the interaction between the two suspiciously and somewhat annoyingly. The guy didn’t even acknowledge his presence and kept walking and Kibum sighed as if he had been holding his breathe in.

“Oh my God…” Kibum blurted out.

“Who the hell was that?” Jonghyun said before he could catch himself. He didn’t know why he sounded so upset.

Kibum looked at him weirdly.

“No one.” Kibum said giving him an annoyed look.

But Jonghyun didn’t miss the lip bite and blush that came across his cheeks. Kibum had a crush on that guy.

A weird sense of jealousy washed over him.

“He’s ugly.” Jonghyun spat. His eyes grew wide. He didn’t mean to say that out loud.

“What? I-I didn’t ask for your opinion, Kim Jonghyun.” Kibum said. He spun around on his heels and walked off.

“W-wait! Kibum! I’m sorry! I didn’t mean it!” He said yelling after him causing some of the students to give him weird stares.

“Argghhh.” Jonghyun knew he would have to send a barrage of cute emoji filled messages to get Kibum too forgive him later on tonight.

But what was this feeling he had? Was it really jealousy?

What? No way! Kibum was his friend after all…

-

Jonghyun ended up approaching Taemin after class one day finally gaining enough courage to ask him out. This was it! This was his chance!

“Hey Tae! I mean T-Taemin…” He thought he sounded overly familiar, so he stuttered over his words. “Uh sorry, I hear Kibum call you Tae sometimes, so I thought that maybe umm, that well, you know…it would be cool if we were familiar with each other haha…”

“Hey, Hyung.” Taemin laughed cutting him off but he started rambling off again.

“You can call me Tae, what’s up?” He asked cutely. He stopped walking and stood still giving him his full undivided attention. His cute smile and eye smile always made him feel nervous. He was ready to ask the words he had been waiting to say when they were caught in his throat. Not too far away he spotted Kibum walking towards their direction, he sometimes met them after their math class was over some days. But he watched as Kibum stopped in his tracks as he noticed the two speaking. He must have realized what the two were up to because then Kibum gave him a thumbs up and what looked like a forced smile.

Suddenly Jonghyun wasn’t so courageous anymore.

“Umm….” He said trying to put his attention back on his crush.

“Yea? Taemin asked looking expectantly.

“Do you…do you want to go out to eat sometime…?” He asked slowly.

“Uh…I mean. I guess so….” Taemin’s answer sounded a little unsure.

“I mean if you don’t want to then it’s okay! Maybe it was a stupid idea! Juts forget it-“ He rambled.

“No, Hyung it’s okay! We can go! It’s just….” Taemin scratched his head awkwardly  as he tried to search for his next words.

“What about…well never mind…” Taemin trailed off.

 Odd, Jonghyun thought.

“So….this weekend maybe…?” Jonghyun became distracted once again when he looked off to the side and saw Kibum again, but this time he wasn’t alone. This time he was with Woohyun…

The two were laughing at something that he knew wasn’t that funny. Kibum was laughing loudly with his dimples on full display for him to see.

Jonghyun didn’t even realized he had balled his hand in a fist and became tight lipped.

“Are you alright Hyung….?” Taemin asked but then he followed his line of sight and saw what he was looking at.

Taemin’s mouth formed a an ‘O’ before he spoke.

“Ah yea, so this weekend right? Just text me!” Taemin said before running off towards Kibum’s directions. He quickly grabbed Kibum’s hand trying to tug him away from Woohyun and saw Kibum wore an annoyed expression but bid Woohyun goodbye and was blushing like crazy.

For a moment he forgot all about his date he set up.

-

Jonghyun offered to swing by Taemin’s place to come get him and they took the subway downtown to get to the desired restaurant that he wanted to take him too. They had good food and cute desserts, he figured it was a nice place for a first date, although he never really told Taemin it was actually date…

They sat in awkward silence for a while. He had thought they would move past that by now, but here they were.

He tried breaking the ice with some chit chat here and there as they waited for their food. He apologized a few times when he kept looking down at his phone as he and Kibum were in a middle of a conversation, it started with words of encouragement but then turned into an argument about what place they wanted to visit together this weekend to hangout again as usual. He couldn’t help but to think about bringing him here one day too.

But the evening took a turn of events when Taemin said something that caught him off guard.

“You know Hyung, I think it’s great that you and Kibum get along so well, I think he really likes you.”

Jpnghyun started at him silently for a few moements.

“W-what?”

“I think it’s smart to get to know his friends so you can get closer to him. But Maybe you should spend more time with him. I’m sure if you ask him out he’ll say yes. You should bring him here too.” Taemin beamed.

Jonghyun’s mouth hung open for a second.

“Wait what are you talking about, Taemin?”

“Well don’t you like Kibum? I thought that’s why you were trying to get close to me? To make a good impression on him? Right?” Taemin asked with a little confusion in his voice.

Jonghyun was stumped. Taemin was none the wiser. He thought this whole time he was trying to woo Kibum into his arms! Had his feelings been misleading? Did Kibum also think that he liked him? His mind was screaming Taemin, but his heart was saying someone else…

“Uh…Hyung?”

Jonghyun didn’t answer. He was too caught up in his thoughts.

Suddenly he understood what was wrong.

This wasn’t it. This isn’t how this was supposed to go. This isn’t how he was supposed to feel.

He didn’t feel anything for Taemin.

In fact, he couldn’t stop thinking about Kibum most of the time he was away from him.

He was supposed to go on a date with Taemin, fall madly in love, woo him into his arms, and sweep him off his feet and ride into the sunset together.

But instead he wished it was Kibum sitting in front of him instead of Taemin.

Taemin didn’t have those cat like eyes, that loud laugh, or cute dimples that appeared when he wore his beautiful smile.

The issue was he didn’t like Taemin, he was just infatuated with the image he had of him. With Kibum…he actually liked him as a persom. Like a lot.

They clicked so well, and their relationship came more naturally.

Jonghyun had made a mistake.

“I’m sorry Taemin.” He blurted out.

“Sorry for what?” Ah, that’s right. It seems that Taemin was unaware of his affections.

“Look, I think you two would be great together. I’ve been meaning to tell you that. You look so smitten with him and you’re really nice to him. He talks about you all the time and he spends a lot of his free time with you now. I’ve never seen him like this before. Well except maybe with Wooyun…” He said the last part quietly.

“What?” He asked not realizing his tone sounded a little irritated.

“Yea, well I told him I don’t like Woohyun very much. I prefer you for him. But don’t worry! I think Kibum will definitely choose you over him!” He tried to reassure.

Jonghyun started to chew angrily on his food as too many thoughts ran through his mind. So, he had competition?

Wait, wait, wait.

So, was this admitting to himself that he truly liked Kibum enough to want to pursue him?

His head was starting to hurt.

“I think…I think I’m going to go see Kibum after this…”

-

He stood nervously in front of Kibum’s door. He had to hype himself to even knock on the door. He dropped Temin off and thanked him for his words of encouragement and for hanging out with. Maybe Taemin’s words are what he needed to hear after all.

After a few minutes and some excessive knocking the door finally opened.

Kibum had an annoyed look on his face as he rubbed at his eyes.

“Kim Jonghyun. You ruined my nap. What could you possibly want?” He said stepping outside fully.

“I just left Taemin.”

At this Kibum’s irritated look washed away and instead his look softened.

“Oh? How did it go?” He said obviously trying hard to sound like it didn’t bother him.

“I-I blew it.”

Kibum rolled his eyes and smacked his forehead.

“Seriously Jjong, how can you screw up so much-“

“I like you.”

“W-what?”

“I like you, Kibum.”

An awkward silence. Jonghyun wasn’t actually sure how this would go, he needed to stop blurting out the first thing that came to his mind.

But instead of the happy and lighthearted moment he had hopped for to have with him, it turned sour.

“Oh wait? Taemin rejected you so now you want a rebound?”

“Huh? What, no-“

“You shouldn’t play with my feelings like that Kim Jonghyun, that’s cruel!” Kibum looked angry. He stood there frowning with his fist at his side balled up.

This is not how he wanted this to go at all.

“Kibum I swear it’s not like that. I like you! I’ve liked you this whole time!”

“Save the sob story.” He made way to turn around and walk back into his house when Jonghyun grabbed him by the wrist.

“Please! I swear Kibum! I like you! I want you! I want to be with you! Just you!” Jonghyun even startled himself with what he said. Is this how he felt the whole time?

Kibum’s mean facade faltered a little bit as he saw a light blush forming on his cheeks.

Jonghyun lowly started to pull him closer as he spoke his next words. He needed to be honest to Kibum, and with himself.

“I want hug you. I want to hold you. I want to go on dates with you. I want to kiss you…” He said looking into Kibum’s eyes. But the gaze was causing Kibum’s walls to slowly crumble as he looked down towards the ground to afraid to face his own feelings.

“I thought Taemin was who I wanted, but he doesn’t make me feel the way that you do. It took me a while to realize it…everything just comes more natural with you.”

He saw a small smile form on Kibum’s face when suddenly he saw his walls build back up immediately. He stood back and shook away Jonghyun’s grip.

“And who’s to say I like you?” He spat.

Jonghyun paused. He did have a point. What if Kibum didn’t return his feelings?

“Do you like that Woohyun guy?” He asked sadly.

Kibum looked surprised that Jonghyun had asked that. And wore a pensive look.

“Maybe…”

“Fine.” Jonghyun said. Kibum wore a sad expression for a moment.

“I’ll just show you that I’m better him.” He continued.

“What?”

“You heard me. I’ll just prove to you I’m better and I’ll make you fall for me. You’ll see.” Jonghyun said confidently. He had never been confident when it came to Taemin, but with Kibum it was just different. Even if Kibum didn’t like him fully, they couldn’t deny they had a special kind of bond and a spark between them.

He turned around and started stomping off when Kibum called him.

“Jjong Wait!”

He turned around hoping that his watering eyes and hurt feelings weren’t obvious.

“You don’t have to do that.” The younger said quietly.

Jonghyun walked back to him seeing that he had more to say. Kibum looked down shyly before he said his next words.

“You don’t have to prove anything because…I like you too…” He looked at him with big shy eyes. Those eyes that Jonghyun loved so much. He stepped closer to him as he invaded his personal space and slowly put a hand to the side of his face. They were often touchy, but never liked this. It was new for the both of them. Kibum couldn’t help but to lays hand over his when he saw Jonghyun leaning forward. He closed his eyes waiting for Jonghyun’s lips to meet his and puckered his lips. After a few seconds when he didn’t feel anything he opened his eyes to see Jonghyun standing their smiling hard and looking as if he was trying to hold in his laughter.

“Kim Jong-“ He was cut short when Jonghyun actually leaned in this time and smashed their lips together. He lifted his other hard to cup the other side of Kibum’s face to keep him still.

Kibum’s head and legs felt light and felt like he was about to faint from tender feeling. Jonghyun on the other hand was eager and excited and had to stop himself before he would want to take it too far.

“I see that’s the only way to get you to shut up.” Jonghyun smirked when he pulled back from their kiss. He expected a smart remark from him but instead Kibum just had his dimples on full display as he wore a genuine look of happiness. A look Jonghyun wanted to see way more often.

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Hello again ;-0

I always wanted to write a cute little fanfic like this <3

Korea has been kicking my but I ma trying to figure out how to get back on a regular writing/uplaoding schedule again.

While you're here please check out my other stories 🙂: After Everything , That's Life , Sweet

Fair warning, life is hectic so give me time to update those stories 🙂🙂🙂

BUT I hope you all supported Kibum's album and Minho's single since I been gone 👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀