Kyungsoo laid on his bed restlessly, staring at the lighted up screen of his phone, anxiously tapping random applications as he bit his lip in contemplation. Once in a while his finger hovered over the ‘send message’ button on his screen, but shaking his head in frustration, hesitated and exited the messaging app. It wasn’t long before he found himself muffling groans of frustration as he whacked his pillow to let off the anxiety that was gripping him.

 

How am I going to even start messaging Jongin? How do people even start messages? Hi, I’m Kyungsoo? That’s so awkward. Hello, is this Jongin? No sherlock.

 

Just as Kyungsoo’s fingers once again hovered over his keyboard, his phone suddenly lit up with a notification, causing the fretting boy to drop his phone onto his nose, letting out a groan of pain. Scrambling to check his phone whilst massaging his nose, he excitedly read the message sent by Jongin.

 

Jonginnie

Hello Soo hyung! Is it okay for me to call you that? I think it’s really cute and suits you hyung! By the way, I really had fun talking to you today! We should hang out on the weekends when you aren’t busy!

 

‘Soo hyung?! This boy...’ Kyungsoo muttered as his eyes flittered across the words, lighting up in pleasant surprise at Jongin’s request to spend more time together, hastily typing out a reply.

 

Soo Hyung

Hi Jongin ah, I really enjoyed spending time with you today... Thank you for talking to me :D Soo hyung is okay

 

Jonginnie

Yay! Good night hyung! I know you have work early tomorrow and I have an early class too, rest well~

 

Kyungsoo immediately replied with a simply ‘good night, you too’, feeling his erratic thoughts noticeably calm down after Jongin’s initiation of the message, relaxing as he placed his phone down and got ready for a good night's rest, the lingering traces of a smile on his lips.

 

--

The next day Jongin found himself walking to class with a bounce in his steps, a backpack slung over his shoulder as he smiled upon seeing the familiar faces in his class. Sliding over to a spot next to his best friend Sehun (who yes, coincidentally also knows Kyungsoo), he found himself tapping his feet instinctively.

 

‘Dude what’s up with you today, you’re like, abnormally cheerful.’ Sehun remarked casually, giving Jongin a weird look. ‘Got laid?’

 

‘What are you talking about? I’m perfectly normal.’ Jongin narrowed his eyes, leaving Sehun to shrug indifferently, replying, ‘I don’t know, you just reek of happiness. Are you sure you didn’t get laid? I mean you really need to soon, I can’t deal with -’

 

‘Kim Jongin! Oh Sehun! Listen when I’m talking! You two better get the choreography right if not I’ll be sure to make sure you come for extra classes!’ Ms Kang interjected, leaving a huffy Sehun to mimic her grumbling when her back was turned, his face scrunching up as he rolled his eyes in imitation, causing Jongin to snigger and leaving the topic to rest.

 

It was only after their class that Sehun brought up the topic again, as both of them wiped themselves down with towels, sitting in the dance studio as their other classmates left quickly. ‘So what’s up with you, you got someone you like? The last time you acted like this was when you met that decent looking guy in theatre.’

 

Seeing Jongin’s immediate blush and sudden fidgeting, Sehun knew he had hit the spot. ‘So who is it then? I’m your best friend! Tell me!’

 

Under his best friend’s unrelenting gaze did Jongin finally mumble out, barely coherent, ‘I just met this hyung... he’s really cute, and he knows Baekhyun hyung... b-but I doubt its anything... he’s just really really attractive...’

 

‘Baekhyun hyung? But he only ever hangs out with us because no one else can really last long with his excitable shouting... It’s one of the other hyungs then? Junmyeon hyung...? No... he’s more like a mum than a boyfriend... Jongdae hyung? He whines too much... Minseok hyung? But he’s so old!’ Sehun wrinkled his nose in deep thought as Jongin helplessly sank his face into his hands.

 

‘Kyungsoo hyung?!’ Sehun let out a yelp, staring at Jongin in shock, his only confirmation being Jongin’s embarrassed whimper as he hid his face even more with his fingers, only peeking out occasionally between fingers to gauge Sehun’s reaction.

 

Little did he expect Sehun’s opened gasp to slowly turn into a sly grin, patting Jongin on the back supportively, as he mumbled, ‘Actually... I can see how that might work...’

‘Don’t worry! I’ll help you Jongin ah! Kyungsoo hyung is really nice!’ Sehun exclaimed, before softly muttering to himself, ‘although... he only bought a card from the convenience store for me last Christmas...’

 

--

 

It was the weekend again, only a week away from Christmas, and Kyungsoo found himself wanting to accede to Jongin’s request to meet him during his break at the cafe. How to get past Byun Baekhyun without being suspicious was Kyungsoo’s only problem, knowing that the other will pounce on any chance to relentlessly about his developing crush on the younger, tanned skinned male. Thus, Kyungsoo resorted to hastily grabbing his phone and making a dash for the front door, attempting to leave as discretely and quickly as possible, only to find himself face to face with a very smug looking Baekhyun in the living room.

 

‘Where exactly are you going Kyungie?’ The brunette cooed in amusement.

 

‘I’m just going to get some stationary from the mall! I’ll see you!’ Kyungsoo blurted out as he made a hasty rush for the door, leaving a very stunned and amused Baekhyun in his dust, who proceeded to reach for his phone, dialing excitedly.

 

‘Chanyeol ah, I think our plan is working! Seems like Kyungsoo is heading to the cafe now... Should we go on our own date? You can come over~’

--

 

As Kyungsoo nervously stepped into the cafe, he was immediately greeted by a very excited Jongin, who flashed him a bright smile upon spotting him, letting out a very cheerful ‘Soo hyung!’

 

Walking hesitantly over, Kyungsoo only managed to blurt out a shy ‘Hi Jongin ah’, as if all the closeness the two have established over their frequent text messages had disappeared suddenly. Honestly, it was just because Jongin looked absolutely charming in person, with his alluring smile and easy charm, one that immediately made Kyungsoo feel slightly insecure and shy, especially since the suave male was younger.

 

‘Hyung! Let me grab you a drink! Strawberry smoothie again?’

 

Kyungsoo merely nodded, flashing a small smile as he sat down, fumbling with his fingers in a nervous tick. Jongin proceeded to rush off to the kitchen again, his grin permanently fixed upon his face, which caused Yixing who spotted the entire encounter to let out a cheeky dimpled smile.

 

Just as Kyungsoo was waiting for Jongin, a very familiar lanky body slid into view, said person sipping a cup of bubble tea obnoxiously as he let out a nonchalant ‘hi hyung’.

 

Looking up in surprise, Kyungsoo found himself face to face with Sehun, who continued sipping his bubble tea like no one’s business, as if seeing Kyungsoo at the mall was a everyday occurrence.

 

‘Sehun? What are you doing here?’

 

‘What do you mean hyung, more like, I should be asking you what are you doing here? You know this mall has my favourite bubble tea store.’

 

‘I-I...’

 

Luckily, Kyungsoo found himself saved by Jongin’s timely interjection, as the said male handed the drink to Kyungsoo, frowning at Sehun in annoyance, huffing as he sat himself down in between the two males.

 

‘Jonginniee don’t be like that~’ Sehun cooed as he slung an arm around Jongin, grinning smugly as he whined in mock aegyo.

 

‘Jong..innie? Sehun you know Jongin?’ Kyungsoo only managed to look in confusion at the sniggering Sehun and the pouting Jongin, eyes wide in surprise.

 

‘Yeah hyung! We’re in the same dance programme! I know Jongin very well... right Jonginnie?’ Sehun proceeded to snicker. The guts of that idiot to snicker! Jongin proceeded to huff in annoyance.

 

‘I also know that our dear Jonginnie has a very very big crush on - ‘

 

‘Shut up Sehun! Before I tell that Chinese teacher’s assistant who’s you’ve been ogling over just how obsessed you are over his doe eyes and shapely behind!’ Jongin shouted in frustration and alarm, anxious to prevent Kyungsoo from knowing his liking for him.

 

Only then did Sehun keep quiet, mirroring Jongin’s pout from earlier on as he grumbled, ‘you guys are no fun’ before standing up and heading over to talk to Yixing instead, leaving the two behind with a bitter farewell of ‘Yixing hyung is much better company.’

 

Kyungsoo found himself face to face with a grumbling Jongin who kept muttering his unhappiness of Sehun wasting his precious break time, only focusing his attention back to Kyungsoo a few seconds later, nervously chuckling as he waved his hands frantically, ‘don’t worry about what he said hyung! Sehun always sprouts nonsense, you know how he is!’

 

Kyungsoo merely nodded understandingly, although his thoughts inevitably returned to the mention of Jongin’s crush. A sudden weight in his chest as he rationalised, yeah, Jongin is attractive, he’s young too, I’m sure he definitely has someone he likes... With a personality as charming as that...The thoughts suddenly consumed the shorter male, as he felt himself feeling a choking feeling in his throat, his mouth suddenly dry as he realised that perhaps his desire for Jongin to like him back might just be his own delusion. Stupid... Stupid Kyungsoo...

‘Hyung? Hello hyung?’ Jongin’s voice suddenly broke Kyungsoo out of his own destructive reverie, the wide eyed male blinking in confusion at the younger.

 

‘Hyung! You didn’t hear my question...’ Jongin whined, a pink tint overtaking his bronzed cheeks.

 

‘Sorry Jongin ah... could you repeat it again? I think I was zoning out...’

 

‘I just wanted to ask.. If...’ Jongin hesitated before continuing with a sudden rush of confidence, ‘if you would like to come watch the end of the year dance performance on Christmas Eve? I’ll be performing, a-and Sehun too of course! We’re in the same dance class, of course! Y-You don’t have to come though, if you are not free, I really would understand... I just, just was thinking that I would really like to have you there?’

 

Kyungsoo was stunned. Jongin was inviting him to his dance performance? Him? He wanted him there? Suddenly realising that this meant that he would be able to see the younger again, Kyungsoo nodded frantically, before hesitantly speaking softly, ‘I would love to go Jongin ah’

 

Seeing the younger’s face let out in an almost blindingly handsome smile, his features creasing into an expression of sheer relief and happiness, Kyungsoo found himself smiling along as well. Jongin’s smile is really infectious indeed...

 

‘I’m so glad hyung! It really really means a lot to me, I’ll text you the details ok?’

 

--

 

Christmas Eve.

 

This was the day that kids would go around singing carols, gleefully staring at the beautifully wrapped presents under the Christmas tree, eagerly begging their parents just for a small peak. It was also usually the day Kyungsoo got a rest from his job, spent the evening watching movies with Baekhyun in their shared living room and scrambled to convenience stores to buy cheap cards for his friends. (He did care about them, he really did, but his job was just too time consuming.)

 

However, this year, Kyungsoo found himself once again being hurled a pair of ripped skinny jeans by Baekhyun as the latter expertly drew on his eyeliner in the mirror. This year, somehow Kyungsoo was not scrambling to buy seemingly half-hearted cards, but had boxes of presents ready for the next day’s gift exchange at the side of his bed. This year, Kyungsoo also had something to do on Christmas eve instead of merely watch How the Grinch stole Christmas on television and feeling somewhat similar sentiments as said Grinch. This year, Kyungsoo was going to Jongin’s dance recital.

 

Although somehow, Baekhyun had also managed to score tickets from Chanyeol, which ended up in him going along with the pair. Still, Kyungsoo found himself excited and glad for the company, he wouldn’t know what to do if he had to go alone, probably running off at the end of the performance before Jongin even tried to find him because of sheer anxiety.

 

Upon reaching the venue, Kyungsoo found himself following closely after the giant and his best friend, said giant confidently leading the way into the performance hall, as the three settled into the seats assigned comfortably.

 

Kyungsoo did not know what to expect from the performance, but its opening, with five dancers moving almost alluringly to the music found him enthralled and engrossed, but also leaving him with a lingering curiosity of what Jongin would look like dancing. Kyungsoo had always been slightly intrigued and allured by the art form, and having Jongin dancing would probably be a very interesting experience (to say the least). Having Jongin and Sehun dancing, he meant. (Of course).

 

It wasn’t long after that the performance was nearing to an end, and Kyungsoo found himself at the edge of his seat in anticipation for Jongin’s performance. Despite the whole one hour long showcase, Kyungsoo still had not cause sight of either Jongin or Sehun. Did something happen? He couldn’t help but wonder.

 

Seemingly aware of Kyungsoo’s thoughts, Chanyeol turned towards him, flashing an assuring grin, ‘they’ll be up last! I think they’re next, you’ll be amazed Kyungsoo, Jongin and Sehun are very...very good.’

 

Immediately the lights in the performance hall dimmed again, before slowly coming back on to reveal two lean, enviable figures on stage. Clad in matching tight black leather pants, suspenders, and an all-too-sheer white shirt, the figures moved sharply to the sensual beats, footwork moving in synchronised accuracy as bodies moved and rolled flawlessly. Kyungsoo could only find himself gripping the edge of the seat, entranced at the view of Jongin’s seemingly easy movements, fluid yet sharp in nature. The way his body rolled, swayed and ed with blinding accuracy and power, Kyungsoo found himself flushing in inevitable attraction and slight arousal. Who knew Jongin could move like that? The alluring facial expressions, the confidence he exuded and Kyungsoo’s all too keen awareness of the toned dancer’s body were all overwhelming.

 

Sehun, of course, was dancing as enthrallingly, experience exuded in every movement. However, Kyungsoo could only find himself drawn to Jongin, his eyes transfixed on the dancer alone. Suddenly, the pair were joined by a third figure, who jumped in and took centre stage, resulting in Chanyeol’s loud whooping of ‘YIXING HYUNG!’, before explaining, ‘Jongin had asked him to join them for the special performance since he’s technically their graduated senior.’

 

And just as quickly as it had started, the performance had ended to the thunderous applause of the audience. Kyungsoo found himself dragged along by the bumbling Chanyeol and Baekhyun towards the backstage, feeling his heart rate increase in nervousness.

 

However, there was no time at all for Kyungsoo to protest, as Jongin’s happy shout of ‘hyungs!’ caught the trio’s attention, finding themselves greeted by a sweaty yet grinning Jongin. Immediately, Baekhyun and Chanyeol continued to shower praises onto the smiling male, before leaving quickly with a ‘Come Yeol, let’s go find Sehun!’ from Baekhyun and a very scandalous wink at Kyungsoo as the two males were left alone.

 

‘Hyung! I’m so glad you managed to come! D-Did you like it?’ Jongin questioned, embarrassed as he shifted his weight on his feet nervously.

 

‘I really did Jongin ah! You were really good! I didn’t know you could dance like that... you were very... y.’ Kyungsoo gritted his teeth as the last word slipped out from his mouth. Stupid brain, think first before you talk , he’s so going to realise you like him and think you’re some creep!

 

‘S-y?’ Jongin gasped, before a devious smirk came onto his once innocent features. How could the boy change from an innocent, endearing look to one that screamed attractiveness and allure so instantaneously?

 

‘Hyung, you really think I’m y?’ Jongin cunningly moved closer towards Kyungsoo, causing Kyungsoo’s breath to hitch, eyes widening in anxiety.

 

‘I...I... I just think you’re attractive when dancing Jongin...’ Kyungsoo stuttered out, as he couldn’t help but realise the glistening sheen of sweat over Jongin’s bronzed features, the curved smirk of his plump lips and the body heat that came from Jongin’s close proximity.

 

‘Hyung, I hope what you said was true, because I really really like you Soo.’ Jongin inched closer, his breath hot on Kyungsoo’s face, causing the latter to freeze in shock.

 

‘M-Me?’ Soo?? No ‘Soo hyung’?

 

‘Yes Hyung! You’re really nice and cute, and it’s really easy for me to talk to you, and I really like our conversations together, and you treat me so well, I really like you hyung!’

 

‘B-But..’ But what about the crush you have on someone else? I’m not even any of those things you just described... Silence ensued as Kyungsoo found his thoughts stuck on the tip of his tongue.

 

‘Hyung! If you don’t like me you can just say so... I’m really sorry if I read it wrongly.. I just... I just...’ And just like that, the confident Jongin had disappeared, leaving the bumbling nervous boy Kyungsoo had become familiar with behind. Tears glossed over the dancer’s eyes as he chewed on his lip in disappointment, features flinching as if already awaiting a rejection.

 

Kyungsoo’s heart clenched.

 

‘I-I like you too Jongin ah. A lot.’ Kyungsoo found himself mumbling as he looked away bashfully. Heart thudding in his chest, he could not bear to see Jongin’s face, for sure that the sight would overwhelm him to throw himself into the younger’s arms.

 

‘Really hyung?? I’m glad hyung... I really thought...’ Jongin mumbled as he sniffled, his trademark endearing smile replacing his previous heartbroken expression, hands clasping together in sheer happiness and relief.

 

Seeing the boy’s innocent aura, Kyungsoo couldn’t help but tease, ‘come here and kiss me already Jongin’, his mouth lifting up into the very heart shaped smile Jongin had fallen in love with, the sudden rush of confidence and assertiveness causing the shorter male to grab Jongin’s shirt as he leaned in for a kiss.

 

Impulse running through his veins, Kyungsoo couldn’t help but feel an inexplicable joy as the younger kissed him back, hands grabbing possessively on the older‘s hips, before the two breathless individuals parted with shy lingering gazes and matching smiles.

 

Goodbye Steve.

 

—

(Epilogue of sorts; the after party)

 

Christmas Day. Kyungsoo found himself seated with Baekhyun on the couch, packed and wrapped gifts by their sides as they waited for their friends to arrive. One by one, they had trailed in, a very surprised Minseok, Jongdae and Junmyeon with Kyungsoo’s sudden effort into Christmas presents. Yixing had trailed in too, invited by Sehun and Chanyeol to join to festivities. Followed by Sehun himself with a pretty, Chinese male by his side; yes, Kyungsoo still recalled how he had found Sehun in a heated kiss with the said boy, in a most promiscuous position after yesterday’s performance. (Kyungsoo would really really like to forget the whines of Luhan hyung~ he heard from the younger on the way back) Then entered Chanyeol, with his loud booming laughter, causing Baekhyun to run into his arms affectionately.

 

Lastly, Jongin entered, immediately heading towards Kyungsoo as he nestled his head into crook of the older’s neck, mumbling affectionately, ‘hello Soo.’

 

The palpitations of his heart, the soothing nature of Jongin’s presence, and the sight of all his friend’s cheerful smiles around him, Kyungsoo knew, with infinite certainty, that this was the best Christmas he has ever had.

Cuddling into the taller male, Kyungsoo turned slightly to smile, ‘Hello Jongin.’

 

—

‘Soo! I’m throwing away Steve!’

 

 

 

---

Sorry if there are errors! I just really wanted to get this up quickly, I will edit it over the week, I hope you guys find it to your liking! I couldn't help but bring in hints of hunhan... oops