Chapter Text
“Huening, did you see my text? I have a friend that you might like.” Beomgyu told his friend, Huening, as mentioned, as they left class and headed to the cafeteria. “I’ve known him for a while and I heard that he was looking to have some fun with someone.”
“Ew.” Kai reacts unconsciously. He turns to his friend as soon as he realizes, “Sorry,” he apologized quickly, but honestly-who wouldn't be disgusted with how Beomgyu put it? “I don’t know, I don't want to do those things with strangers.” Kai fixes his hair and mumbles out more reasons he could come up with in an attempt to stall Beomgyu from speaking any more.
“You’ll miss out, I’m sure you’ll like him. He’s hot and intelligent. A lot of girls want to date him, but he’s secretly gay.”
He faces forward and hummed awkwardly, “Why’d you tell me that when he’s still in the closet?”
“He told me that it’s fine as long as you're a good match.” Beomgyu admits, elbowing his friend lightly who was evidently avoiding the topic. The way Kai tried to avoid his eyes by looking forward, it was cute and funny. “Come on, give it a try. I can show you a picture if you want.”
“Then it wouldn't be a blind date.”
“So you're in?”
Kai groaned and hit his friend. “I’ll think about it.”
“Alright!” Beomgyu lights up like a lamp in a stranded street, he links his arms with Kai’s and continues walking to the cafeteria. They sit and eat together. Love, drama and some homework that Beomgyu has no idea how to do are some of the few topics they talked about.
While they ate, Beomgyu was persistent on making Kai go on a blind date with the person he had in mind. He brought it up multiple times, and with each recurring chance, Kai diffused Beomgyu’s tenacity like a professional. Beomgyu was older than Kai, but his personality said otherwise. He was like a restless kid who wouldn't shut up unless he gets what he wants. Despite that, Kai can't bring himself to hate his friend. Beomgyu is such a kind person to him, but there are those times when he just doesn't know when to stop, or can’t read between the lines.
“Fine.” Kai sighed while they were cleaning up the table. “What’s so special about him? You know you can match him with someone else, you know?”
“Because~” Beomgyu got up with Kai and carried their trays to the designated area where to leave them after use. “When I look at you, then think of him, I really have a feeling that the two of you will click. You have similar interests and plus, he’s really hot!”
“Then you date him.” Kai eyes his friend, and Beomgyu quickly declines. “Since this person and I have the same interests, I’m sure you’ll be a good match as well.”
“Ah, no, no. It’s different with you.” Beomgyu answers, trying to come up with a better explanation. “Your personalities seem compatible, too. Ah— Huening, just do it!”
Kai rolls his eyes, he doesn't quite understand. He’s had enough of Beomgyu’s antics. This isn't the first time Beomgyu tried to set him up with someone, and a lot of times, it ends up in shatters-so Kai doesn't exactly trust Beomgyu in these match-making jigs of theirs. It’s a disaster more often than it is a success.
“Fine, give them my contact details.” Kai gives up, knowing that this will have no end. He looks at Beomgyu and squinted his eyes, “But don’t expect anything. If it doesn't go well, I’m not meeting him anymore.”
“Okay!” Beomgyu agrees excitedly. “I’ll talk to him and ask when he’s available. What about you?”
“Let’s get this over with quickly, okay? You know we have a lot to do…” Kai says as he fishes for his phone in his bag. He checks his calendar and turns out, he doesn't have afternoon classes tomorrow. Kai sighs before telling Beomgyu.
“Okay, I’ll see if he’s available then.” Beomgyu says as he peeks at Kai’s phone to check the time. “Oh, I have to run! See you later, Huening!”
“Yeah, bye.” Kai waves as Beomgyu runs off to his next class.
When his friend is out of sight, he puts his phone on silent and throws it into his bag again. His next class is in an hour, so he decided to spend some time in the library. He has some tasks to finish anyway, so he could do those while waiting for his next class.
He walks in and sits at his usual table. He took out his ipad to work on things, but he’s interrupted not long after. Soobin, a friend of his, arrived and sat at his usual table, which is—the table in front of him.
Soobin and Huening met a few years ago. They were close once, but eventually lost contact as they belonged to different courses and different groups of friends. Huening stopped himself from staring, because he would be too obvious. He’d hate to get spotted because that could make them talk… and it’s not like he dislikes the idea of talking to Soobin, he just feels like he wouldn't get to say anything good because he thinks he’ll explode on the spot.
He brought out the stand for his Ipad so he couldn't see Soobin anymore. That face of his is a distraction , Kai thought to himself and continued working.
Soobin, the boy who sat alone at the other table, only looked at Kai once their face was covered by their tablet. He quietly sighed to himself and propped his elbow. He felt disappointed, because he wanted to see Kai’s face as it had been a while since he saw the junior.
Kai looks no different, he just looks more handsome. He’s matured, his cheekbones are more visible now and his hair is bleached to a light blonde. It fits him, Soobin thought, it made him cuter than he already is. His hair is also straight, Soobin remembers it to be curly.
Soobin took his chance and stared, then he was interrupted by a buzzing in his phone. It was a friend who was keen on getting him with someone. He didn't pay much attention, as Kai was (technically) in front of him. Kai’s all he ever wanted. He’s had this crush on him for ages. He never really got the courage to come up and confess because their relationship now is as best as it can get… distant. It’s better than avoiding each other because of being rejected.
He brings out a book from his shoulder bag and tries to read. But the buzzing in his pocket is constant. He finally picks it up and checks his notifications.
[tomorrow in the afternoon, are you free? the guy i've been trying to set you up with finally agreed!]
Soobin replies with a simple fine. He can talk to them later, as he wants to study first. He reads the book he brought out, or tries to read it—he couldn't really focus because of Kai. Not that they were doing anything-he just couldn't keep calm with Kai sitting in front of him. It’s been so long, and he sort of misses him.
Last semester, all of Kai’s classes were in the other building, so of course he would use the library in that building. Soobin couldn't see him at all… he thought about visiting the building once, just to catch a glimpse of Kai, but concluded that it was a stupid plan because he didn't have any friends who had business in the building.
Minutes pass and Soobin notices Kai beginning to pack up. His classes must be starting soon. Soobin watched the blonde stuff his things into his bag hurriedly and fished for his phone. He was using a new model. Soobin wondered if he changed his number as well…
Kai left the library without making eye contact, and with how Soobin saw it, Kai was definitely avoiding his eyes. It made him feel down, though he understands if Kai felt awkward towards him—as said before, they drifted apart.
Kai checked his notifications as he walked out and made a beeline to his next class. Beomgyu sent him multiple messages, but he didn't bother checking them yet. He opened the camera app and checked his face. He wanted to see if he was red. He was unprepared and didn't expect Soobin to arrive. He couldn't get anything done because of how distracted he was.
With the disappointment in himself, he thinks that he should work on forgetting about his dumb crush on Soobin. He’s sure they’ll never really talk again and that their friendship has no hope of getting rekindled. It makes him a little sad because he couldn't (didn’t) exchange even a single greeting with his Seonbae.
His next class is his last, and after that, he’s going back to the dorms. Only then will he check his texts and get back to his matchmaker . When he arrives at class, or arrives at the door, Taehyun, a friend of his, comes at the same time. They almost clash into each other, but Taehyun holds onto Kai’s shoulders before they hit each other. Kai was in a hurry, and didn't seem to notice.
“Ah, Taehyun-ah!” Kai greeted, suddenly embarrassed, “Hi! I’m sorry, I didn't see you.”
“Haha, it’s fine.” Taehyun says and pats Kai’s shoulders before letting his hands fall to his sides. “Shall we?”
“Of course.”
Kai and Taehyun walk in and grab a seat together. He and Taehyun got along well because they were the same age and belonged to a somewhat similar course. They always have a class they share with each semester that passes.
Taehyun also shares the same dorm as Kai, although he lives a floor below. This made it easy for them to be friends, as they saw each other often, and liked the same things. Taehyun was also skilled with his hands, he always had a trick up his sleeve and he’d always leave Kai in awe.
He knew a lot of magic tricks, and Kai always loved the things he did. There wouldn't be a single time where he wouldn't be laughing or smiling so much when he’s around Taehyun. Sometimes, it felt like Taehyun was like his own supply of dopamine. He’d always make him feel happy and warm.
Kai knows Taehyun has always made him feel things. He’s never made the time to ever label it though–it’s too much work. And he wouldn't want to decide something, then have difficulty looking them in the eye.
“How was your classes in the morning?” Taehyun asked Kai as they grabbed a few things from their own bags. Taehyun knows Kai’s schedule as if it was his own, he has reasons for this as–there are some classes where they have to work together, and have to schedule meetings for group work. That’s only one of the reasons, it’s one of the more known reasons.
“It was okay.” Kai answered, comfortably, like he was sitting in the lounge with Taehyun. Once he set everything he needed in the long desk in front of him, he looked at Taehyun and gave them a smile. “What about you?”
“Tiring,” Taehyun admitted after a light sigh. He leaned his elbows on the table and turned his head to Kai. He didn't look anywhere else until the teacher arrived. “I have more tasks than usual. Professor Shin is such a piece of work.”
Kai giggled and tapped Taehyun’s shoulder reassuringly. “Fighting! You can do it, you're Taehyunie. There’s nothing you can't do.”
Taehyun’s cheeks flushed only for a second. He chuckled and patted Kai’s hair. “Wow, thank you.” He brought his hand to Kai’s cheek this time, and he caressed the skin under the younger’s eyes. “I feel much better.” Taehyun withdrew his hand before letting Kai react or flinch. He didn't wait for a reaction either. But Kai’s smile only grew larger, and it hurt his cheeks. “You too, tell me if anything is hard, okay?”
“Yeah.” Kai whispered, he hid his voice because he felt like his happiness would alter it. He covered his lips with a fist, then he slowly turned towards the lectern, just a few steps before the blackboard at the front of the class.
“Ah, by the way,” Taehyun suddenly pipes up after a few moments of comfortable silence. “Are you busy tomorrow? I found this cafe nearby, and it looks decent. Should we try it out?”
“I would love t—” Kai remembers the blind date Beomgyu annoyingly set for him. “Wait, no. I’m sorry, I have plans tomorrow.”
Taehyun’s smile dropped. “Oh? In the afternoon?”
“Yeah,” Kai apologized again as his hand made its way to his nape. “Beomgyu… he’s been trying to set me up with someone, and I’m meeting with them tomorrow…”
Was it a good idea to tell Taehyun about this? Kai made sure not to mention any pronouns, as he was unsure of Taehyun’s sexuality. He hasn't really confessed his either, so it would feel weird to just say that he was meeting a man out of nowhere.
But still… getting butterflies for a man who’s sexuality you aren't aware of…
Kai wanted to slap himself right then and there.
“Oh, really…?” Taehyun brought his smile back, but this time around, it was one of those smiles you'd plaster just so that the person you were talking to wouldn't feel bad or awkward. “Do you want to meet her?”
“... eh.” Kai shrugged. Her . Kai tried not to think much of it, it’s normal to assume that he’s meeting a woman. Taehyun just said it so naturally that it felt off . “I don’t have much thoughts about it. I’m not really looking for a relationship, but talking to someone would be nice–I guess.”
“Well,” Taehyun patted Kai’s shoulder for the last time then hid his hands in his pockets. “Don’t force yourself.”
Kai was about to speak again when their professor for the next two hours arrived. Kai cut himself off and saved it for later. He didn't want to risk being noticed in class for talking.
The whole time the class was in session, Taehyun didn't speak a word to him. He was so quiet that it felt wrong. It was either he was too engrossed in the class or he was just tired, like he said earlier. And when the class was done, Kai was going to say something, but thought otherwise. He just got the idea that it wouldn't be a good idea to talk about the blind date he had any more.
“Taehyun, you don’t have any more classes right?” Kai asked while they were fixing their bags. Taehyun nodded to this and got up, but he didn't move from his spot until Kai was done. “Then, should we walk home together?”
Taehyun smiled, “Sure.”
They left the campus together, and while they were walking, they talked about things that they wanted to share with each other. This light feeling in Kai’s chest was pleasant… not like the tinge of anxiety he got from Taehyun’s silence earlier.
“So, you wanna tell me about the cafe you were talking about?” Kai prompted, lightly elbowing Taehyun while they walked homewards. “Do you have any idea about their menu?”
“I know they have pancakes,” Taehyun mentioned and glanced at Kai to see their faces. Kai showed a hopeful expression. “Which was why I wanted to go with you.”
“How about we go during the weekend?” Kai proposed, squealing in excitement as there's finally a new cafe that serves his favorite food. “I’m free, what about you?”
“Sure, let’s go.” Taehyun grins, he knew Kai would love to go. Then suddenly, he thinks that he should've brought the pancakes up earlier. Maybe, that way, Kai would choose him (the cafe) over their dumb blind date. “I’m excited.”
“Me, too!”
When they arrived at the dorms, they parted at the elevator. Since Taehyun lived a floor lower, he left Kai in the elevator after a farewell and a light hug. Kai went to his dorm as he arrived at his floor, he first showered, then pulled the books he needed from his bag and set them down on his desk. While doing that, he grabbed his phone and threw it on the bed.
He has some things to do but decided to work on them later. It was about time he checked what Beomgyu was up to, anyway.
He received multiple texts from Beomgyu, then a few from an unknown ID, then a few more from his other friends. Notifications from social media apps started making its way to his notification bar as soon he turned on his wifi.
First, he checked Beomgyu’s messages.
[Choi Beom Gyu]
YAAAAA i sent him your number and email address, so expect a text from him in a while!!!!
thank you for trusting me i will make sure this goes well!!!!!!!!!
i love u hueningie HEHE
*hug emoji*
[Choi Beomgyu]
he told me that he sent you a text already
but dont worry, i explained that you dont often use your phone when youre in the campus
hehe leave it to me
[Choi Beomgyu]
LOL i mentioned what i told you, and he felt embarrassed
he said that it isnt that way at all HAHAHA
he said ‘let me explain once you text back’
if u text back, that is
dont make him wait for too long!!!!
Kai sighed as he finished reading the texts. He could feel Beomgyu’s energy with all of it, it was almost tiring. He opened the unknown caller’s texts next. He just assumed that it was the person Beomgyu set him up with.
[Unknown ID]
hello! im Beomgyu’s friend.
im sorry if he said anything uncomfortable… i promise i’m not like that TT
let me make it up to you 🙃
And he was right.
[Huening Kai]
Hello. Sorry for the late reply. I only got home.
For the conversation’s sake… may I ask how old you are?
He was about to drop his phone, but the other person answered almost immediately.
[Unknown ID]
No need to be so formal! Hahaha
im aware that you're younger, but I don’t mind
im 22. And you are?
[Huening Kai]
I’m 20, turning 21 this August
[Unknown ID]
oh! that isn't much long from now… advanced happy birthday 🎂
and if I may ask, what’s your name? or would you like to exchange names only when we meet?
[Huening Kai]
I’d like that ^^’
How should I address you?
[Unknown ID]
then, call me Steve for now :)
I heard from Beomgyu a lot about you. he seems very fond of you
[Huening Kai]
Haha, really? Well, that’s Beomgyu-ssi for you.
Ah, right, please call me Jungkai for now
[Steve]
sounds good!
so…
Kai and Steve talked for a while, and so far, it was okay. Steve knew how to talk with Kai properly so that they didn't meet any bumps, and that their conversation flowed naturally. All green flags so far.
Kai had to eventually say bye because he needed to start working on his homework. He mentioned this and Steve had to start working as well. So, they dropped the conversation for now and they both decided to message once they were done.
As Kai was only starting on his work, his phone began to ring. It surprised him, making him curse under his breath and grab his phone.
The call was coming from Beomgyu, so Kai answered immediately.
“Ah, hyung!” Kai grumbled, “You scared me.”
“Oh, sorry.” Beomgyu laughed as he apologized. “Are you studying already?”
“Yeah.” Kai answered, sighing as he put his phone down and set the call on speaker. He grabbed the pen that he dropped and spun it around his fingers. “What’s up?”
“Since you’re busy, I’ll make it quick~”
“Then just say it.”
“Soo-uhm! Steve! Steve updated me that you guys wrote to each other for a bit. How did that go?”
“It was okay… but, hyung, do we need to talk about this now? I want to finish my assignments as soon as possible…”
“You can talk to me while doing that…”
“I want to focus, hyung.”
“Okay, fine!” Beomgyu murmured, “I’m going to your room later, okay?!”
“Fine, fine, just bring some snacks.”
“Okay. I’ll see you later.”
“Yep!”
“Good luck with what you're doing.”
“Thanks, bye now.”
Kai hangs up, puts his phone on silent and places it inside his wardrobe. That way, he won’t get distracted anymore.
Kai did his assignments. It was just a few essays and powerpoints, nothing too hard. He just wanted to finish them early because these things can take time if he isn't in the right mind.
Once he was done with his assignments, he got up and stretched. He grabbed his phone from his wardrobe, but he didn't use it just yet because he wanted to eat first. So, he grabbed one of his cardigans and threw it on before heading to the dorm’s cafeteria.
He made his way there, and when he arrived, he found Beomgyu with a familiar face. It was Soobin. They were working on something together in the lounge, a room you had to go through to reach the cafeteria… funny, Kai didn't know that they knew each other.
When Kai’s eyes meet Beomgyu’s, the boy springs up. “H-heuningie! What’s up, my best friend!” He shuffled around the table he was sharing with Soobin and made his way to Huening to give him a hug. “What are you doing here? I thought you were working on your assignments?”
“I just finished and I came out to get a snack…” Kai eyes Beomgyu, then Soobin, who was staring at the two of them. Kai gently pulled away from Beomgyu. “What are you doing here?”
“I have group work to finish with a friend,” Beomgyu says, a little suspiciously, but Kai tries to pay it no mind. “Oh, you said you wanted sweets right?!”
Beomgyu turned away from Kai and grabbed his bag to get the sweets he bought for the latter. While he was doing this, Kai politely bowed to Soobin and muttered a quiet greeting. Soobin did the same.
And we don't go anywhere farther than that.
Kai’s eyes met the tiles beneath his feet. Ah… what a mood killer . He was finally starting to forget about the whole library thing earlier. And now Soobin’s in front of him again, what’s more is… he didn't know that Beomgyu shared classes with them.
Well, figures, as Kai never brought Soobin up to Beomgyu. It was needless to. And, sure, maybe their courses are not far from each other. Beomgyu is in the Art department, Soobin is taking Education, Kai doesn't remember if it’s elementary or secondary.
Maybe they have the same literature class?
Beomgyu hands Kai a bag of candies and some other snacks. “Eat them well. I’ll go to your room after this.”
“Okay…” Kai stuffs the things in his pockets like a kid. “Do you need any help?”
“Oh? No, no!” Beomgyu shook his hands and shoos Kai away. “We’re okay. You should go if you have anything to do.”
“... okay.” Kai lets it go. It would probably be best if he left anyway. “Then, I’ll go now-”
“Huening-ah!” Someone suddenly calls. Kai turns around to find Taehyun walking towards him with a smile on his face. That smile that spawns butterflies in Kai’s stomach like fireworks. Kai brightened up quickly, he took the few extra steps for Taehyun and greeted him adorably.
“Taehyunie!” Kai says cutely, “Hi!”
“Hey,” Taehyun’s hand naturally finds its way to Huening’s nose. “Are you hungry, too?”
“Yeah. But I was just on my way back because…” Kai brought out the sweets in his pockets. “Beomgyu gave me these.”
“That’s a lot.” Taehyun laughed. “Won’t you get cavities?”
“Ah, Taehyunie, if I’m ever getting cavities, it would be from you.” Kai teases, hitting Taehyun with his elbow as the two of them laugh. Taehyun scoffed happily, pinching Kai’s cheeks, gritting his teeth because Kai was so cute. “But would you like some?”
“Hm, let me see.” Taehyun trailed as he examined the sweets on Kai’s palm. “I want…” He brings his hand up to pick from Kai’s palm, but he pokes Kai’s nose again. “You! Haha, I’m fine. I don’t like these so have as much as you want.”
“You speak as if you gave it to him.” Beomgyu interrupts the two, swatting a space for himself in between Kai and Taehyun, who acted so lovey dovey with each other. “I gave that to him, you know?!”
“Ah, Beomgyu-ssi.” Taehyun says, looking at him like he only knew about his existence. “I didn't know you were here.”
“Ah, gosh! Are you that in love with our Hueningie?”
“Hyung, shut up~” Kai said with an aegyo voice. “Taehyun-ah and I are just like that. Well, anyway… you continue your work with Soobin-seonbae. Don’t make him wait…”
“Ugh, you’re right…” Beomgyu steps back, he was looking at the floor but once he realizes that Kai mentioned Soobin, his head turns like an owl’s. “You know him?”
“Uh, I do, a little.” Kai glances at Soobin, who’s been watching them from the table quietly. “I met him a few years back. Anyway! Go now.”
Kai pushes Beomgyu away and looks at Taehyun. “I’m heading back, you're going to stay and eat, right?”
“Mm-hm.” Taehyun linked his arm around Kai’s and pouted slightly with his bottom lip. “You aren't joining me?”
“Ah, sure! Okay.” Kai laughs at Taehyun’s pout and leans towards him. “What are you going to eat?”
“Let’s go to the cafeteria. I don’t know the menu yet.”
The two head to the cafeteria to order food, when they were looking for a seat, Beomgyu and Soobin went inside the cafeteria as well. When Beomgyu spotted Kai and Taehyun, he grabbed Soobin and dragged them with him to Kai and Taehyun.
“Hello, we’re going to join you!”
“No way, we’re on a date.” Kai exclaimed, but he was clearly joking because of the way he flicked his chin to the side.
Taehyun does the same, “Right.”
“Oh, don’t be like that.” Beomgyu expresses slight annoyance, but only for fun, as he hits Huening’s chest lightly. “Um, Taehyun, do you know Soobin? Kai and I know him already, so it would be best if you knew him as well.”
“I don’t.” Taehyun says, eyeing Soobin and bowing his head. “Hello, I’m Kang Tae Hyun. Nice to meet you.” Taehyun offers his hand for Soobin to shake, and Soobin takes it-he grips it well and shakes it slowly.
“Hi.” Soobin greets back, “I’m Choi Soo Bin. Nice to meet you, too.”
“Well, now that’s done…” Beomgyu karate chops the two’s hands. “Let’s look for a table.”
Beomgyu grabs Kai from Taehyun and looks for a table with him, the other two follow behind. “I didn’t know you knew Soobin.” He whispered to Kai, “I can’t believe he didn’t tell me either.”
“Well, he and I aren’t really close.” Kai declares, matching the tone of his voice with Beomgyu’s. “Don’t be too surprised. I never brought it up because I didn’t need to? And, I never knew you two were friends either.”
“He told me you knew each other way back, and that you met in a club in highschool. What are the odds…”
“What do you mean?”
“Dunno. I just never knew!”
“You talk like we kept it a secret from you.” Soobin cuts in, smiling at Kai as he positioned himself behind Kai and Beomgyu, while Taehyun walked on Kai’s opposite side. Soobin took the chance to properly say hi. “Hi, Huening, it’s been a while.”
“Yeah…” Kai tugs the corner of his lips into his cheeks. “How have you been?” They find a table and sit around it. Soobin and Taehyun took the seats next to the spot Kai occupied, beating Beomgyu to it. Kai didn’t notice, but Beomgyu did-the two raced for those seats.
“I’ve been fine.” Soobin answers as he gets comfy in his chair. “Been busy… too busy, perhaps.”
“Well, please don’t forget to take care of yourself.” Kai says nicely, patting Soobin’s arm before turning to Taehyun to check on him. “How’s the food?”
“It’s okay.” Taehyun answered while covering his mouth as he chewed. “Do you want a bite?”
“No, no.” Kai shook his hands, “Don’t mind me.”
“Ya, Huening Kai, I exist, too! Ask me a question.” Beomgyu interrupts again. Kai is such a well rounded person, everyone’s so easily attracted to him.
“Uh,” Kai trailed, thinking of a question to ask, but Soobin saved him.
“Leave him alone. I want to catch up with my dongsaeng.”
“What’s there to catch up on?” Beomgyu rolled his eyes. “You two were never close, right?”
“No, we were.” Soobin reveals, then he turns to see Kai’s expression. “Right?”
“Yeah, we were . Not anymore, though…”
“How did the two of you meet?” Taehyun asks, opening his strawberry milk and giving it to Kai.
“You don’t want it?” Kai asks quietly and Taehyun answers no. “I’ll enjoy it~”
“We met when I was in my third year- of highschool, in a club. Huening was a freshman at the time.” Soobin answers trailingly, as his eyes were on his phone. It looked like he was just checking his notifications. He types out a text, Kai couldn’t read it, but he knows that Soobin doesn’t send just it yet. “I was in charge of him, so we hung out a lot.”
“Yep…” Huening smiled awkwardly. “Those were the days…”
Taehyun quickly finished his food so that he could escape with Kai. It was obvious in the youngest’s voice that Kai felt uneasy, or uncomfortable, so he wanted to get Kai out of the situation as soon as possible. Even if it meant getting an upset stomach.
“Kai, I remembered that there was something I wanted to lend you. It’s the newest volume to that one manga…”
“Oh? What is it?”
“It’s in my room.” Taehyun fixes his tray and gets up. “We can go there now.”
“Oh-sure!” Kai gets up as well, Taehyun gave his leg a tap, and it was a signal to just follow, so he did. “Beomgyu, you can go to my room, I’ll just meet you there.”
“Didn’t you lock it?” Beomgyu asks, suddenly confused at the two’s hurriedness.
“You know the code.” Kai said, watching Taehyun dispose of his stray. “Just let yourself in. Uh, we’ll go now. See you, Seonbae.”
“See you soon.”
Taehyun leaves the cafeteria with Kai, they walk without a particular location in mind, and their feet just lead them to the convenience store right outside their dorm building.
“Phew, what was that?” Taehyun asked Kai, holding onto their shoulders to inspect Kai’s face. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah, thanks.” Kai shrugged Taehyun’s hands off and huffed tiredly. “ Soobin , I don’t know, I can’t calm down around him.”
Taehyun takes note of how Kai called their seonbae by their first name the moment they’re away. Maybe they were really close, after all? Why’d he have to call him Seonbae then? Huening kept touching his face, especially his cheeks, as he walked inside the convenience store to look around.
“Did something happen between you two?” Taehyun asks, wanting to confirm his suspicions. He doesn’t know much yet, but he’ll do with what he has. “You looked uneasy earlier.”
“No, it’s nothing.” Kai insisted, sighing again and heading to the ice cream section. “I just feel awkward, that’s all. There’s nothing wrong.”
“... if you say so, but…” Taehyun brings up Kai’s previous answer. “What do you mean you can’t calm down around him?”
“Dunno,” the third sigh escapes him. “It’s always been like that. Don’t think too much about it.”
So… the two hung out often but now he feels awkward? Shouldn’t it be the other way around? Taehyun watches Huening grab an ice cream from one of the freezers and proceed to the cashier, he does the same, and they eat their ice creams outside and part ways after.
He wanted to get back because he didn’t want Beomgyu waiting long, but also because he wanted to avoid any more questions about Soobin. He hated to shut himself off, especially to Taehyun, but he just felt uncomfortable talking about it.
They parted at the elevator again. And as Kai is on his way to his dorm, Beomgyu and Soobin are standing outside his dorm. Beomgyu and Soobin were on their phones. At that very moment, he receives a text from Beomgyu and Steve. He checks Beomgyu’s first.
[Choi Beomgyu]
Hueningie. Soobin and I are outside… is it okay if he hangs out with us?
he said his roommate has friends over and he doesn’t want to go back just yet
Kai feels that tinge in his stomach again. But he can’t help it, he can’t reject Soobin when they’re already in front of his door. He walks towards them and wears a smile. “Of course, Seonbae can join us.” He unlocked the door and welcomed the two. Thankfully, his room wasn’t a mess. It would be embarrassing if it was. But Kai is a tidy person either way, he just has a lot of stuffed toys. “Go ahead and make yourselves home, I’ll just wash my hands.”
Kai quickly excuses himself to the washroom and locks the door. He grabs his chest and takes a deep breath. Fuck.