onemorechansoo | 2015: sing me a song, and i'll give you my heart (for prompt 59) (Reply)

Author: ANONYMOUS until July 15, 2015

Title: sing me a song, and i'll give you my heart
Rating: PG-13
Length: 26,300 words
Summary: do kyungsoo, who has great insecurity problems, swears he will never fall in love with chanyeol. spontaneous chanyeol thinks he's wrong.
Warnings: lots of arguments, slight angst, pervert who TRIED to touch kyungsoo

Notes: this needs to be polished tho. :| and i also think i strayed off the prompt :( dear prompter, thank you for the prompt! i hope everyone will like this :)

Seeing Park Chanyeol in front of the guidance counselor’s office doesn’t surprise Kyungsoo anymore. It has been a common sight for some of them – the student affairs staff, the university student council, even the guidance counselor – since god-knows-when.

Chanyeol is sitting on the bench, playing with his phone. Beside him is a girl who can’t stop opening her mouth, pestering him. Kyungsoo can still hear the girl complaining to Chanyeol outside even though he’s inside the council office. It’s like she has a built-in megaphone in her throat.

“What are you looking at?” Jongdae appears behind Kyungsoo, who is peeking from the blinds. He realizes that it’s Chanyeol and the girl. “Ah, Park Chanyeol.”

“What’s his offense this time?” Kyungsoo goes back to reading the suggestions the students dropped on the suggestions box last month. Some of them are requesting for the same things, like a festival with a concert on the last day, and the upgrade of their lockers and other facilities.

“Public display of making out. It’s kinda big offense so they’re meeting Mr. Kim today.” Jongdae answers nonchalantly, going back to his table. Jongdae – even though he’s busy as the secretary of the student council – is still updated with the most recent gossips in their university. “A professor saw Chanyeol and his girl making out in one of the empty classrooms, and the girl is…almost naked.”

“Oh,” Kyungsoo nods in understanding, and when he peeks again after a few minutes, Chanyeol and the girl is already gone, probably inside the guidance counselor office right now.

Kyungsoo has heard of Park Chanyeol since he started college. Chanyeol is a rich-ass, spoiled brat and cocky son of a board chairman of their university, also an instrumental music major. Chanyeol has involved himself in different violations ever since – vandalisms, making attention-grabbing scenes in the middle of the campus field, brawls; name it – so students label him as the university’s resident bad boy.

“Park Chanyeol holds the title as the most frequent visitor of Mr. Kim. And he’s lucky he can’t be expelled because his father’s the chairman of the board of trustees.” Jongdae adds, while opening a bag of chips. He offers his chips to Kyungsoo, but the latter declines. “I think Mr. Kim is on the verge of giving up on him.”

***

Songwriting and Composition is one of those minor classes that Kyungsoo doesn’t like that much. He is a voice major, and writing song lyrics makes his life difficult, let alone writing music. He just wants to sing, participate in operas, maybe engage himself in musicals and reach Broadway. But being creative in music doesn’t really suit him.

It’s another lecture day, and his professor is discussing about simple musical form for composing or something, he really doesn’t care. He looks at his watch once in a while, because he’s bored and he wants to get out of the room and grab something to eat. It may seem very unlikely of him, as students praise him for being an all-perfect university student council president. But for Kyungsoo, he’s not perfect. He’s nowhere near perfection. He believes that he’s just the same as them. He’s just more focused on the things that will benefit his future.

“We still have fifteen minutes left, so I’m going to announce your partners for the final project. I have already told you about that haven’t I?” His professor says, revealing a fishbowl full of neatly folded papers from under his table. Kyungsoo already has an idea on his head on what’s going to happen. And he thinks he won’t like what will happen next. “I want everything to be fair. Your names are here, and I’m going to draw two, and those two will be partners for this final project. And so on, and so on.”

There are sounds of disapproval from his classmates, but their professor doesn’t even listen as he continues to draw two names. Kyungsoo waits for his name to be mentioned, silently praying that he will get a partner who doesn’t suck at writing lyrics and composing unlike him.

“Park Chanyeol,” their professor calls, looking around the classroom to search for a very familiar name. Kyungsoo turns around and finds Chanyeol on the back corner of the room, sleeping. He thinks he hears his professor sighing, like he’s used to it already. He unfolds another paper on his hand, and Kyungsoo resumes on praying. No, please. Not Park Chan – “Do Kyungsoo, please inform your partner Park Chanyeol, who is in the middle of dreaming, about your final project.”

Kyungsoo tries hard not to swear loudly, biting his bottom lip before raising his hand in protest. No, he doesn’t want to share a project with Park Chanyeol. He doesn’t want his grades to suffer. He has no idea of Chanyeol’s standing in their class but obviously, it will be him doing all the work and he doesn’t like that. That will be unfair. Very unfair.

“What is it, Mr. Do?”

Kyungsoo doesn’t know what to answer, without sounding like a selfish asshole. He slowly turns to look back at Chanyeol, who is now awake and staring at him like he already knows the reason why. He then regrets raising his hand, because being picky with his partner is not a good example for his classmates. He shakes his head as a response, muttering an apology because of the sudden interruption.

After dismissal, Kyungsoo collects his self-confidence and approaches Chanyeol. The latter is about to exit the classroom when Kyungsoo calls his name.

“Uh, hey. Park.” He grips on the straps of his backpack, opting not to look at his face. What he did earlier might’ve offended him, and he can’t face him because he’s somewhat guilty. “About our final project, uh –”

Chanyeol gives him his phone, and Kyungsoo looks up at him finally, confused. “Give me your number. I’m on a rush right now, and we can talk about that project later.”

Kyungsoo nods, reluctantly taking Chanyeol’s phone and punching in his number. When he returns it, Chanyeol doesn’t even say a proper good bye as he leaves Kyungsoo standing there, dumbfounded.

When he gets out of the room, he sees a girl slapping Chanyeol’s face. The slap breaks the noise, and the students begin on crowding on the spot, because anything Chanyeol-related steals their attention.

Kyungsoo meets Chanyeol’s cold eyes, and it seems like he’s glaring at him so he looks away, leaving the scene.

***

As it turned out, they have agreed on meeting on the music room every Tuesday and Thursday after class. Because of Kyungsoo’s connections (Jongdae), he found out the music room’s schedule, and asked Chanyeol if he’s okay with it. Chanyeol said he has no problem with that, and they can start this coming Thursday.

And as it turned out, Chanyeol was not cooperating, as he played with his phone and just nodded whenever Kyungsoo was suggesting something for the genre and such. There was a girl waiting on the doorway, and Chanyeol approached her, without even asking for his permission, and they talked-slash-flirted for about ten minutes before going back to his seat and continued playing with his phone. Kyungsoo just wasted two hours of his precious time, without any progress.

“I should have talked to Mr. Kang personally and begged him so I could go solo. What’s the difference? Chanyeol didn’t even cooperate with me and as I already expected, I was the one doing all the work last Thursday.”

“And what? Leave Chanyeol alone? That’s inhumane, Kyungsoo.” Jongdae snorts, patting Kyungsoo’s head. He’s not even helping. Kyungsoo shoots him a death glare.

“What Chanyeol is doing is inhumane!” Kyungsoo hollers, his shrill voice reverberating around the office. Fortunately, it’s only Kyungsoo, Jongdae and Junmyeon in the office right now and the others are still in their classes. They would probably think that Kyungsoo is going crazy with all the stress. “I know I suck at this minor, and I really need a partner but my partner is being an uncooperative shit and I don’t know what to do.”

Junmyeon looks up from his book, completely distracted with Kyungsoo and his misery. “Jongdae is right, Kyungsoo.” He adds. Kyungsoo groans, burying his head on his arms. No one understands him. “It’s just the first day. Chanyeol might cooperate on your next meetings.”

The next meeting is on Tuesday after class, and Kyungsoo is standing in front of the music room, tapping his foot impatiently as he waits for Chanyeol to come. Chanyeol messaged him twenty minutes ago that he’s on the way. And he’s nowhere to be found.

“Ugh, Chanyeol where are you?” Kyungsoo mutters under his breath, looking on his left and right, wherever Chanyeol might appear. He hates late people. Late people don’t deserve special treatments from him. He loathes them. So much.

“Sorry, I’m late! Something came up!” Chanyeol doesn’t even look apologetic. His damp hair says that he just came out of the shower. Kyungsoo’s fist itches to punch the smirk off his face. He takes a deep breath, calming himself, then smiles tight-lipped. He’s not supposed to be angry. He has to be kind, at least.

“It’s okay.” Kyungsoo assures tonelessly, and opens the room’s door, Chanyeol following behind. Kyungsoo sits on the piano bench, carefully taking out his music sheets from his clearbook. “So, Chanyeol, this is –”

Kyungsoo falters when he realizes that Chanyeol isn’t on the room yet. He didn’t follow him inside, as a matter of fact. He catches someone giggling, and there, he finds his oh-so-helpful project partner flirting with a girl in front of the music room. He watches them in disbelief, his mouth hanging open.

He can’t believe this. Somehow, when Junmyeon had consoled him the other day, he was well-convinced that it was just the first day and Chanyeol might help him the next meeting. But right now, Kyungsoo thinks Chanyeol helping him isn’t happening anytime soon. Maybe he will never help him at all.

They have wasted thirty minutes already. It’s their second day and yet there’s no progress at all – no, they haven’t even started anything – because Chanyeol keeps on halting their meetings.

Kyungsoo doesn’t know what to do, as it seems like Chanyeol is not yet done flirting and he feels like he’s going to explode. He inhales, then exhales, repeating it thrice, before looking for his phone in his bag and he scurries to the restroom, walking past Chanyeol and the girl without them even noticing a bit.

The stalls are empty, lucky for him, and he goes in one on the far end. He fumbles on his phone as he looks for Jongdae’s number. He just needs someone to listen on his rants. Three rings before Jongdae answers the call.

“Hello? Kyungsoo?”

“Where are you?” Kyungsoo demands. He leans on the stall’s door, glaring holes in the whitewashed ceiling.

“Oh, I forgot to tell you! I’m on my way home. Jongdeok hyung’s arrival from Australia is tonight, and we’re fetching him on the airport later.” Jongdae explains. Kyungsoo can hear car honks on the background. “Why do you sound so taut? Did something happen? Ah, it’s your second meeting with Chanyeol, right? Come on, spill.”

“I think I’m going to give up soon. What did I do to deserve this?!” Kyungsoo whimpers, face-palming. “Park Chanyeol is a total prick. He’s fucking late. And it’s either he’s playing with his fucking phone or in fucking giggling fits with girls. I don’t even know why these girls keep on following him, even waiting for Chanyeol outside the music room! I get it if they would tell me that he’s fucking handsome, or talented, or whatever, but with the kind of attitude and behavior he has is fucking turn-off! Why do they still worship fucking Park Chanyeol like he’s the most perfect man ever existed? I don’t really get this.”

There’s silence in the other line for a while. Jongdae is probably startled with the amount of curses spat out by Kyungsoo’s mouth. “Uh, Kyungsoo, to be honest, girls find bad boys charismatic and –”

“I don’t care! We haven’t done anything, and if I’m not going to see Mr. Kang right now, I’m going to fail this class. And no, I’m not sacrificing my GPA just because of fucking Park Chanyeol.”

Kyungsoo doesn’t even notice that he’s seething right now and he has raised his voice too much. He’s panting, he’s getting desperate, and it’s not good for him. He has to calm down.

“Sorry,” he whispers to Jongdae. He might have taken this exaggeratedly. “I just don’t know what to do…sorry.”

“It is okay, Kyungsoo. It’s not like you haven’t done this before.” Jongdae chuckles softly. “Try talking to Chanyeol first, and if he still doesn’t cooperate, that’s your cue.”

“Thank you, Jongdae. I will try.” Kyungsoo lets out a strangled breath. “And please, tell Jongdeok hyung that he has to see me and Seungsoo hyung as soon as possible.”

Kyungsoo ends the call. As soon as he opens the door, someone breaks the silence. He stiffens.

“You know, to be honest, I’m also wondering why girls keep on worshipping me like I’m the most perfect man ever existed.”

Chanyeol’s rough voice makes Kyungsoo’s blood run cold. He slowly, tentatively, turns around to meet his eyes. He doesn’t look affronted though, if his smug smile is any indication.

“What did you hear?” Kyungsoo tries to sound relaxed, confident even.

“From the top, I guess?” Chanyeol steps forward, closer to Kyungsoo. The latter remains standing there, not because he’s immobile, but because he’s trying to show Chanyeol that he’s not what he thinks he is. “If I interpreted it right, I think you’re angrier with the fact that girls find me attractive rather than our failed project meetings.”

Kyungsoo sputters. No way. “Are you out of your mind?”

“Let’s say I am.” Chanyeol is only a step away from Kyungsoo. The latter still holds his ground, even though Chanyeol is towering him. “So that I can tell you that you’re just envious because I’m not giving you attention as much as I give those girls.”

“Why do you have so much confidence?” Kyungsoo stares daggers at Chanyeol. “First of all, I’m not jealous. Why would I be jealous? I don’t care who you flirt with, it’s really none of my business. Second, we have a project to be submitted after six weeks, and yet we haven’t done anything! Do you even care about your grades?”

“I have pretty decent grades, if you may ask, even if I always sleep in front of Mr. Kang.” Chanyeol sneers. Kyungsoo tries not to look surprised. “I don’t suck at this class. You can even ask Mr. Kang about that. You should be thankful, Do Kyungsoo. Because those six weeks you’re worrying about is more than enough to finish a well-composed song.”

Kyungsoo should have been delighted with that, because he has hit a jackpot, a blessing in disguise. But right now Chanyeol is taunting him big time, he can’t even celebrate in his mind. He’s so full of himself that Kyungsoo wants to kick him in his balls.

“So that’s the reason why you’re wasting your time flirting everywhere and –” he’s cut off with Chanyeol’s boisterous laughter, and he realizes he just brought up that girls issue again. He feels hot under his collar. Now, Chanyeol’s going to assume that he likes him, or something. Ugh, he doesn’t even want to imagine that.

When Chanyeol finally stops laughing, he looks at Kyungsoo, his stern face earlier fades into something Kyungsoo can’t explain. He straightens up.

“See?”

Just like what he has expected. Kyungsoo groans in annoyance. He’s going to lose his sanity if he continues to talk to Chanyeol.

“I’m not!” he squawks, stomping his foot on the floor tiles, “Can you please shut up? I don’t like you, okay? I will never like a troublemaker like you. I would rather set myself on fire.”

“I’m not letting this down, Do Kyungsoo.”

Kyungsoo wants to give up. He wants to melt in front of Chanyeol. He wants to walk out of the restroom because it feels constricting. He wants to strangle Park Chanyeol. He wants to block his airways until he’s not breathing anymore. “What do you want, Park Chanyeol?”

“I want to challenge myself.” Chanyeol dips his head, meeting Kyungsoo’s eyes. Kyungsoo swallows because the other is too close for comfort, the proximity is making him hold his breath. “If you don’t like me, it’s fine. I will make you fall in love with me.”

“Are you crazy?” Kyungsoo finally steps backward, afraid of Chanyeol might do to him. He’s defenseless. The restroom is empty, and most probably the other students are either busy with their classes or heading to their dorms.

“What? Are you scared that you’ll fall in love with me?”

“Of course not!”

“So, what’s the point of disagreeing?”

“Fine!”

Kyungsoo doesn’t know what happens next, he just felt Chanyeol’s hand shaking his, and the taller man went out the restroom like nothing happened. He stands there, rooted to his spot, staring at his right hand.

Kyungsoo might have signed himself up for a disaster.

***

Kyungsoo is questioning his life choices right now. It was really stupid of him to agree with Park Chanyeol. He was just too desperate to get out of the restroom so he said yes, without even thinking of the possible consequences. Or no, most probably Chanyeol tricked him into saying that.

“Fall in love with him?” Kyungsoo mumbles to himself. Blush begins to creep on his face, and he shakes his head to remove the memory of Chanyeol looking at him with a smirk on his face. It makes him agitated. He feels nauseated. Why will Chanyeol waste his time just to make Kyungsoo fall in love with him? That’s really ridiculous.

He convinces himself then that no, this is just a joke. Just remember Chanyeol’s reputation. He creates troubles several times a month and visits guidance counselor’s office every once in a while. It’s not hard for him to make fun of Kyungsoo. Yes, he was just messing around with him. He flirts with girls occasionally, Kyungsoo is certain that he is not also playing at the other team. Maybe Chanyeol has already forgotten about what happened on the restroom yesterday. Kyungsoo should not take this seriously.

“Kyungsoo? I’ve been looking around for you.”

Kyungsoo lifts his head a little from resting on the desk, and sees Junmyeon entering the empty classroom. He decided to look around for a classroom that is deserted, just to think. He prefers quiet places when he wants to think for himself, without asking for anyone’s help. He never told anyone – even Jongdae, his best friend – about what happened yesterday, because he’s afraid that Jongdae might judge him really hard and ask him where he had dropped his brain.

“Oh, hey Junmyeon hyung. What’s up?”

Junmyeon sits on the chair in front of him, crossing his legs. “Is there any problem? Is this about Chanyeol and your project again?”

Kyungsoo shakes his head. Even though Junmyeon is a safe choice, telling him everything would make him appear that he’s too affected of Chanyeol. And he’s not. To be honest.

“Chanyeol told me to not worry about the project, that six weeks is too much time to finish it.”

“Wow. You’re lucky, then. He’s not worthless after all.”

“Yeah, I guess.” He bites the inside of his cheek, before changing the topic. He doesn’t want to hear his partner’s name anymore. He has occupied Kyungsoo’s mind since that unfortunate encounter at the restroom. “So why are you looking for me?”

“Oh, Minseok asked me to look for you. It’s about your application for a solo room?”

Kyungsoo’s face lights up. He applied for a solo room in the university’s dorm because he’s already annoyed with his messy roommate who is a total mess. With all the school works and extracurricular activities he’s doing right now, he really deserves a quiet and clean room to rest. But his inconsiderate roommate isn’t giving him the proper rest he needs because he keeps on hogging their room.

He almost skips his way to the student affairs office. He’s too excited right now that he couldn’t help but smile too much. Finally he’s going to have a room of his own.

But when Kyungsoo reaches the SA office, he sees Chanyeol once again sitting in his usual spot in front of the guidance counselor’s office. As usual, he’s busy with his phone that he doesn’t even notice Kyungsoo walking past him. He enters the SA office without approaching Chanyeol. They’re not even friends. And he’s not curious. Not really.

“Hi hyung!” Kyungsoo greets Minseok, who is reading something from a folder. He bows to the adult staff inside the office, before sitting in the couch beside him.

“Hi, Kyungsoo!” Minseok acknowledges him by ruffling his hair. “I bet you already know why I’m looking for you.”

“So I got the room?”

Minseok just smiles, and gives him a key. Kyungsoo wants to hug Minseok because of too much happiness, but he should do that later. “The previous occupant of the room left for another school, and you’re next on the line of applicants. Congratulations.”

“Thank you, hyung!” he takes out his wallet from his pants, and returns his old key to Minseok. He inserts his new key, which has the numbers 208 engraved on it, on the key ring. “I’ll move in right away. As soon as possible. I don’t want to see my roommate anymore.”

Minseok chuckles. “Before that, you have to fill up some papers.”

When he gets out of SA office, Chanyeol is nowhere to be found, most probably inside the counselor’s office. He shrugs, then proceeds to his next class, still beaming. There’s more important things to think than Park Chanyeol.

***

It’s seven in the evening, and Kyungsoo just finished putting clean sheets on his new bed. When he started packing his things, his roommate – now ex-roommate – watched him with undeniable joy in his eyes. Like he’s happy that he would finally get the room for himself. Kyungsoo snorted inwardly, and he almost told him that the feeling is mutual, buddy, that he’s more than happy to leave him alone and he should take advantage of the room by now because he’s certain that in few days’ time, he’s going to have a new roommate.

He’s going to deal with his clothes later before sleeping. He planned a dinner with Jongdae, Jongdeok hyung, and his Seungsoo hyung tonight and he’s so excited right now. He can’t wait to catch up with them, and also he can’t wait to see the leather jacket Jongdeok hyung bought for him back in Australia.

But as soon as he steps out of his new room, he notices someone familiar rummaging his backpack. His eyes widen, and he turns around abruptly. His excitement dissipates in the air. But it’s no use already, since Chanyeol might have seen him by now.

“Do Kyungsoo?”

Kyungsoo groans inwardly, his hand stays frozen on the doorknob. There’s no way he can slip out of this, because –

He feels a hand holding his arm, and he looks up to see Chanyeol with his shit-eating grin. He’s becoming more and more familiar with the smiles Chanyeol’s showcasing to him. And it is really annoying, creepy, crazy. He is one hundred percent sure that fate is playing a prank on him, and is probably laughing on his miserable life right now somewhere.

“What are you doing here, Do Kyungsoo?” Chanyeol asks, and drops his hand when Kyungsoo shrugs it off his arm a bit too harshly. He’s still grinning, though. “Are you stalking me right now?”

Kyungsoo firmly believes that he must not answer a dumb question because it will make him look dumb too, dumber even. But he has to clear his name from this overly conceited giant, because how in hell would he know that he stays next door? But to be honest with himself, he would prefer Chanyeol to be his neighbor rather than to live with his untidy ex-roommate.

“Don’t be a shithead, Park Chanyeol. I just moved in here.”

Chanyeol shifts his eyes from Kyungsoo to the door behind them. He nods in understanding. “Ah, you moved in to Kibum hyung’s room. You really like me that much that you have to move in beside my room?”

Kyungsoo feels lightheaded. Goddamnit. He’s freaking tired already of Chanyeol. And they haven’t even moved a bit there, for the record, they are just merely talking. Talking to Chanyeol is making him tired.

“You know what, Chanyeol?” Kyungsoo sighs, pushing him forcefully to get him out of his way. Chanyeol has no right to ruin his night. “I think you should stop right now, because you’re not getting any funnier.”

Chanyeol looks mildly surprised, before stepping in front of Kyungsoo again and blocking his way by spreading out his arms, like an eagle ready to flight.

“What?”

“Did you forget about what I said yesterday?” He asks, his voice small. Kyungsoo wants to clutch his hair – no, he should clutch Park Chanyeol’s hair instead and pull it until he turns bald. He’s wrong, so so so wrong. He shouldn’t have underestimated Park Chanyeol. He shouldn’t have made himself believe that Chanyeol was just playing around with him. And now, he is bringing the shit up, and he doesn’t know how to deal with that. He’s not fucking ready.

“I have no time with your childish shits, Park Chanyeol, please go away.”

“Childish?” Chanyeol scoffs, and rolls his eyes. Kyungsoo tries to overlook the offended tone. “I’m serious though, Kyungsoo. And what, you’re scared again? That is not so you.”

“Do you even know me?”

If Kyungsoo sees right, there’s a flicker of nervousness in Chanyeol’s eyes. Chanyeol doesn’t answer as he looks down to stare on their feet, like he’s thinking of a clever retort to Kyungsoo, an answer that will make Kyungsoo step back and cannot retaliate. His arms are still spread out, like he’s imitating a scene in Titanic. He looks…innocent?

But when he looks up back again in Kyungsoo’s eyes he smiles haughtily. And Kyungsoo wants to puke on the corner because he just admitted that Chanyeol looked innocent few seconds ago. “I’m trying to make you fall in love with me, right? So I’ve been asking around about you, what you do, just – just all about you.”

That is fucking downright creepy. But it’s not the creepiness that sent shivers from Kyungsoo’s spine to his nape and gave him goosebumps, it’s the definite sincerity in his voice. He stares at him in disbelief. “Does this benefit both of us? Or just you at least? Or do you need medical help? You see, like what I’ve said for how many times already, I will never fall in love with you. As in never. So, just stop. I’m not going to participate in this so-called challenge of yours.”

“Don’t be too sure, Do Kyungsoo.” Chanyeol says quietly, before dropping his arms to his sides and stepping out of Kyungsoo’s way to return back to looking for his keys in his bag like nothing happened. He doesn’t sound defeated, more like he’s determined.

It’s the cue for Kyungsoo to get the hell out of there, and run before he gets late in their planned dinner, before Chanyeol gets the chance to frustrate him again.

***

“So we’ll push this through?” Junmyeon asks, while reading the proposal Jongdae made. It is for the festival they are planning to organize this coming foundation week.

“Uh, yeah? If all of you agree, of course.” Jongdae answers, after sipping on his juice box. “And the students have been requesting that for years.”

They’re in the cafeteria right now and it is too noisy to have a conversation about their plans for the upcoming events, but Kyungsoo needs the noise right now. He badly needs it just to block some lingering thoughts in his mind.

They have meeting for their project after class, and Kyungsoo is dreading for that. He can message him to cancel their meeting, but it will make him look irresponsible and intimidated. And the day of submission is fast approaching.

“Kyungsoo?”

Kyungsoo wakes up from his trance when Junmyeon snaps his fingers in front of him. He blinks rapidly, and eats his forgotten lasagna. He even forgets being hungry because of Chanyeol and his stupid variety of smiles, damn it.

“He’s maybe tired from last night. Jongdeok hyung made him sing a lot.” Jongdae says, giving Kyungsoo a light pat on his shoulder.

He nods, thankful that at least he doesn’t have to explain himself. When he is about to tell Junmyeon the further details about the dinner, he is stopped by a grating voice approaching them. No way.

“Hi Kyungsoo!”

It makes Kyungsoo freeze on his spot, completely dumbstruck. He swallows, almost chokes, and watches as Chanyeol sit beside a gaping Junmyeon. He can’t even turn around to check at Jongdae’s reaction.

“You look too shocked to see me?” Chanyeol asks. He greets Junmyeon and Jongdae amusedly. The two just nod stiffly. He finally turns to look at Kyungsoo, smiling again. Again. Again. Kyungsoo hates that upturn of lips very much. “How are you? Have you finished unpacking?”

The hell?

“Uh,” Kyungsoo looks down to his food then back to Chanyeol, gritting his teeth. “I already finished packing last night.”

He feels his shoe being nudged by Jongdae. Like he’s asking, ‘why is Chanyeol here’ ‘why does Chanyeol know that you just moved into a new room’ and a warning, ‘you’re going to explain a lot to me later, Do Kyungsoo’.

“Good!” Chanyeol (to Kyungsoo’s dismay) grabs Kyungsoo’s plate and eats the remaining lasagna with Kyungsoo’s own fork. It makes Kyungsoo almost choke again, now on his own saliva, as he watches Chanyeol lick the sauce on his fork. That is fucking provocative, a scene not suitable for public (or that’s what Kyungsoo thinks). He turns beet red, and asks for a rescue from Jongdae and Junmyeon, but the two doesn’t even spare a glance on him, trying to be busy with their own food. He feels betrayed. “If you need help, just knock on my door. Just call my name, and I’ll be there.”

Kyungsoo kicks Chanyeol’s shin, ignoring the lame song reference, but the latter doesn’t even look hurt. He resorts on glaring at him, and Chanyeol raises his eyebrows skeptically.

“What are you doing here?” he mutters monotonously, as he looks on Chanyeol pushing the plate back at him. Fuck, he has barely eaten, he’s still hungry and now his lasagna is gone.

Chanyeol just smiles at him coyly instead of answering his question. But Kyungsoo thinks he already knows the answer. Chanyeol hasn’t given up. He’s being stubborn again. He’s not yet finished with pestering Kyungsoo’s peaceful life.

“I’ll meet you later in the music room, okay? Soo?” Chanyeol stands up and leaves them, but not after winking at Kyungsoo. It makes Kyungsoo look down, trying to fight the blush in his cheeks (again) because of the nickname and that wink.

“What the hell is happening right now?” Jongdae interjects, turning to look at Kyungsoo incredulously. Chanyeol has gone somewhere, Kyungsoo wishes he goes to outer space and live with aliens. Junmyeon coughs awkwardly, going back to review the proposal. “Soo? Wow seriously?”

Kyungsoo sighs, hiding his face in his hands. “His room is just beside mine. And it’s obviously coincidence.”

“And?” Jongdae insists. His voice is loud and clear, and Kyungsoo wants to cringe. “Your story is incomplete. I’m pretty sure.”

Kyungsoo gives in, telling Jongdae the whole story, not leaving even the tiniest detail. Jongdae looks stunned, but he’s on the verge of laughing. He swears he can hear Junmyeon cackling behind that folder, and he wants to grab it from him and use it to hide his face. The earth should open up a chasm and swallow him whole.

“Park Chanyeol said…that?” Jongdae asks slowly and softly this time. “He’s going to do everything to make you fall in love with him?”

“Yes. Unfortunately,” Kyungsoo laments. “There’s probably a hidden camera somewhere and we’re in the middle of a prank show and the audience are making fun of me right now.”

“You’re exaggerating, Kyungsoo.” Jongdae points out. “And you didn’t do anything to stop him?”

“I did everything! He’s just too stubborn.” Kyungsoo argues. “I have no choice but to let him do what he wants until he gives up. I know for myself that I will never fall for him and his stupid charms or smiles, or whatever.”

“Right,” Jongdae smiles tight-lipped, and Kyungsoo doesn’t want to know what his best friend is thinking right now. It’s too much for today.

***

“Can you please stop staring at me? It’s creepy.”

Chanyeol smiles toothily, but still staring at him. He’s hugging his guitar, his fingers subtly plucking strings. Kyungsoo tries to not feel very awkward, but is having a hard time because Chanyeol is staring at him with a peculiar glint in his eyes. Kyungsoo wants to poke his eyes with his pencil.

Kyungsoo was surprised to see Chanyeol already inside the music room when he arrived, playing with his guitar and singing a song Kyungsoo could vaguely recognize. He stopped when he saw Kyungsoo, and motioned for him to sit beside him. Kyungsoo wasn’t supposed to follow him as he sat two chairs away, but the taller man stood up from his seat and sat beside him. Then he started staring at him. He’s staring for more than thirty minutes.

“I thought you’re going to help me with our project?” Kyungsoo asks with irritation laced in his voice. He’s trying to work first with the chorus again, since he found the first one he wrote last week too dull, but he can’t even move his hand to write a single letter because Chanyeol is pinning him down with his fucking beautiful eyes.

“I’m looking at my inspiration.” Chanyeol says casually, like what he said is a common knowledge, and doesn’t make Kyungsoo flush. “They said you have to look at your inspiration since it helps to write a very good love song.”

Kyungsoo wants to cry not because he’s flattered, but because he feels nauseated. He glares at him. Chanyeol doesn’t even break the gaze. He looks away.

“So, have you fallen in love with me yet?”

“Shut up.”

Even if he refused a lot of times, Chanyeol still walked him to his room. He tried telling him that he needed to go to the library first just to avoid him, but Chanyeol reminded him that the library closed fifteen minutes ago. Kyungsoo groaned inwardly and headed straight to his room, after he practically screamed at Chanyeol to fuck off, but the other wasn’t even listening. He gave up.

Chanyeol is walking behind him, and it doesn’t feel right. He sighs, stopping and turning to face him.

“You can walk beside me. You don’t have to look like a stalker.”

Chanyeol listens this time, taking a big step beside him and on the corner of his eye, Kyungsoo sees his partner biting back a smile.

It is really an uncomfortable walk from the music room, with no one talking between them until they reach their rooms. Chanyeol is humming under his breath, and Kyungsoo refrains himself from turning around and look up at Chanyeol, because that’s not normal and Kyungsoo doesn’t do something that is not normal.

“Chanyeol.” Kyungsoo calls the other’s attention, as soon as they are in front of their doors. Chanyeol looks at him, balancing his guitar case in his hands, waiting for him to continue. “I’m sorry.”

“Huh?” Chanyeol’s face is etched with confusion, his voice little bit apprehensive. Then he gasps dramatically, his free hand clutching at his shirt, on top of his heart. “Why are you saying sorry to me? Did you cheat on me, my Soo?”

“No, you dipshit. It’s because one day you’ll be giving up on that challenge you put on yourself. And you will realize that you just wasted your time on me because,” – he’s saying this for the hundredth time already and he’s getting tired – “I will never fall in love with you.” Kyungsoo explains. As deliberately as he can, so that Chanyeol will fucking understand him. “I’m not an easy target, Park Chanyeol. I don’t get swayed with your sugarcoated words.”

Chanyeol’s face is unreadable for a while, but Kyungsoo can see the downturn of his mouth. His eyes never leave Kyungsoo’s, as if he’s trying to look for a lie. But Kyungsoo knows Chanyeol will fail, because there are no lies with his words, even in his eyes. He’s not lying, he’s one hundred percent sure that he will never fall in love with Chanyeol.

And it’s like the world has turned upside down again, and decides to mock him again because Chanyeol suddenly smirks – a smirk Kyungsoo thinks he hates the most – a laugh bubbling in his throat. Then he speaks finally after a few excruciating moments, making Kyungsoo want to slide down the wall and vanish.

“So you’re implying that I have to work harder for your heart?” Chanyeol chortles, his hand flies to pat on Kyungsoo’s head. The latter swats it away because he doesn’t like someone patting his head. And he’s annoyed. Very annoyed. “Okay, then. Noted.”

“Damn it, Park.” Kyungsoo mutters, taking out his wallet for his room key. His brain is fucking dry. He’s drained. “I’m going insane just by talking to you alone.”

“Good night, Kyungsoo. Dream of me.” Chanyeol is still smiling (when will he stop doing those weird lip movements at him, Kyungsoo cries), and it drives Kyungsoo up the wall so he slams the door in front of his face. He fucking lost against Chanyeol again.

***

It’s almost nine in the evening and he’s running late. Kyungsoo insisted on talking with their sponsors for their upcoming festival, leaving Junmyeon, Jongdae and the other members of the student council to do their own assignments.

He chooses to make a shortcut, because any minute now, the university’s gates will be closed and he will be locked out and have a hard time looking for a wandering guard inside the campus to open the door for him. He fishes his phone out of his pocket and types a message for Jongdae, can you please look for a guard inside the campus to open the door for me if I ever get locked out, when he hears someone hooting.

Kyungsoo ignores the sound, busy looking for Jongdae’s contact, and suddenly he bumps into someone, dropping his phone accidentally.

“Shit,” he grunts, before picking up his phone and checking it for possible damages. He looks up from his phone to apologize but he’s cut off by the person in front of him.

“I’ve been calling you little boy, why are you ignoring me?” the man, who looks a lot older than Kyungsoo, smirks and it makes him shake like a leaf. This is not good. He gulps, stepping backwards, but the older man holds him by his arms, stopping him from backing away. “You’re cute, I like you.”

Kyungsoo’s eyes widen when he’s backed against the wall. He’s alone with this pervert, in this dark alleyway, and he’s scared stiff and can’t even scream for help because everything is so fast and his heart is thumping so loudly in his chest. He closes his eyes tightly, hiding his face as possible as he can, fighting the pervert’s iron grip on his arms.

“Kyungsoo!” a shout echoes in the alleyway, and he opens his eyes to see Chanyeol running towards them, ready to lunge at the molester. The pervert lets him go and dodges Chanyeol’s blow, punching Chanyeol on his jaw and cheek. Chanyeol staggers backwards, and receives another hit from the pervert. But he recovers quickly, and lands two punches on the pervert’s cheek and stomach.

“Chanyeol!” he shouts, but Chanyeol only glares at him – telling him to stay the fuck out – before wiping the blood on the corner of his mouth and kicks the pervert’s side when the latter is about to hit him again. The pervert doesn’t give up though, as he curses at Chanyeol and stands up again, but then a sudden scream at the end of the alleyway stops him and upon seeing it’s a police doing an evening patrol around the place, he only gives Chanyeol a stink eye and runs away.

Kyungsoo is still rooted on his spot, blinking rapidly. He’s astounded for a while, until he sees Chanyeol standing in front of him. He has never felt so thankful for Chanyeol finding him there.

“Are you okay?” Chanyeol asks, and it’s so genuine that Kyungsoo almost doesn’t want to believe it. He nods slowly, before looking up to see Chanyeol’s bruises. “I just told the police everything, if you want to file a report –”

“No, I’m fine.” He says, reaching out to Chanyeol’s face instinctively. Chanyeol flinches. “You’re hurt.”

“I can manage. This is nothing compared to my worst.” Chanyeol leans a bit into his touch, before holding his wrist and dragging him out of the alleyway. “Come on, we have to go back.”

He doesn’t protest, letting Chanyeol wrap an arm on his shoulders as they walk back to the campus. He feels really exhausted and he might stumble if there’s no one to hold him tight. At the same time he’s worried because Chanyeol is hurt. He sends Jongdae the message he failed to send earlier before holding Chanyeol on his waist.

When they reach the gates, a guard is already waiting for them, an eyebrow raised, but opens the gates. He notices the bruise on Chanyeol’s face and is about to ask about it, but Chanyeol shakes his head, warning him not to tell anyone.

“Hey,” Kyungsoo drops his arm from Chanyeol’s waist when they are already in front of their doors. He’s fine now, he has regained his energy and he doesn’t need Chanyeol holding him anymore. His arm feels hot coming from Chanyeol’s waist. And Chanyeol’s arm burns on his shoulder. “Uh, thank you for saving me. Without you, I would’ve been –”

“Ssh,” Chanyeol hushes and hugs him all of a sudden. This is the closest they’ve been, but it is okay. He’s okay with Chanyeol being so close to him, protecting him. “You’re safe now. You can forget about it.”

“At least let me treat your wounds. You’re hurt because of me.” He whispers on Chanyeol’s right shoulder. “And you’re not allowed to refuse.”

Chanyeol pulls away, squinting at him, and Kyungsoo opens his door, pulling the taller man inside. He pushes him to sit on the edge of his bed, and he grabs his medicine kit above his mini-fridge. He sits beside him then, and begins on cleaning his wounds.

Chanyeol winces whenever Kyungsoo presses the cotton ball with disinfectant in the corner of his mouth, his nose scrunching up in the process. Kyungsoo finds it cute – err no, he thought wrongly. Chanyeol is not cute. He tries to avoid Chanyeol’s eyes that are searching for his own and distracts himself away from those soft lips that seem to tempt him. He stands up to grab an ice from his freezer.

“What are you doing in that place?” Chanyeol asks, his voice gruff. “Do you even know that it’s dangerous to walk alone in the dark?”

“I was out to talk with the sponsors for the festival, I finished late. I needed to reach the campus before the gates close so I chose a shortcut.” Kyungsoo answers, pressing the icepack on Chanyeol’s reddening cheek lightly. “I can ask the same to you. What are you doing there?”

“I met with my best friend in a nearby restaurant.” Chanyeol stammers, averting his eyes from Kyungsoo.

“And?”

Chanyeol looks back at him. Kyungsoo tries not to blush under the other’s smoldering gaze. The eye contact is so heavy that he can’t even look away. Tension is choking him so he presses the icepack hard to break it. Chanyeol groans in pain, shoots him a glare and stares down on his bruised knuckles instead. “Okay, I really met my best friend outside, and when I was about to go back here I saw you walking alone and followed you. I had to stop because of my shoelaces and when I looked back at you, that fucking pervert was already trapping you. Satisfied?”

Kyungsoo nods, smiling a little. “Yeah, I’m satisfied. Thank you again.”

He kicks Chanyeol out of his room when the other asks if he can stay the night there. He tells him his room is just beside him and it won’t take him a hundred steps to go back there. He sees Chanyeol pouting, an icepack still in his cheek, when he closes the door.

Kyungsoo leans on his door, the erratic beat in his chest loud in his ears, and finds himself mouthing, “Good night, Chanyeol.”

***

Kyungsoo is on his usual seat in Songwriting and Composition class, arrived fifteen minutes early to work for the song. He has finished writing the chorus, and he feels satisfied with it for now. He just needs Chanyeol’s approval so they can move on the next step. He doesn’t even know if his partner did something significant for their project. Their last meeting ended up with Chanyeol just staring at him.

“You’re working for our project?”

Kyungsoo lifts his head abruptly in surprise, his head hitting someone’s – Chanyeol’s – chin. Chanyeol yelps in pain and crouches on the seat beside him, cupping his chin with his hand. He blinks.

“It hurts!”

“You surprised me! It’s your fault!” Kyungsoo retorts, reaching out to remove Chanyeol’s hand from his chin. Chanyeol looks worse than last night, his right cheek now with a purple shade. He feels guilty because he’s the one who caused it. “Okay, I’m sorry.”

“I’m fine. Now let me see what you’ve done so far.” He grabs Kyungsoo’s notebook, reading the lyrics Kyungsoo has written, his eyebrows furrowed. Chanyeol doesn’t even bother to cover his bruised face, his hair even pushed back. When he woke up earlier, the scenes from last night flashbacked on his mind: the pervert who almost touched him, Chanyeol who saved him, the touches, the hug, the concern and worry on Chanyeol’s face and the unwanted beat of his heart. Last night, Chanyeol looked different from the person he – everyone – used to know.

“Oh, hey. This is good. We have the same song idea.”

“Really? We have?” Kyungsoo’s face lights up, but then he realizes something so he frowns. “I haven’t read your work.”

“Don’t worry, Kyungsoo.” Chanyeol assures, ruffling Kyungsoo’s hair. He swats it away with a huff. Where’s the teamwork there if Chanyeol doesn’t let him read what he wrote? It’s unfair. Chanyeol is unfair. This weird feeling in his chest is unfair. “I’ll let you read it once our lyrics merged. I only need a few words and we can insert yours in the chorus, make some variations and ta-dah! We’re on our way to composing.”

“But we barely have three weeks before the submission, and we only meet twice a week.” Kyungsoo complains, grabbing his notebook back from Chanyeol. “I thought you said six weeks are more than enough time?”

“I’m certain about that, Kyungsoo! We can finish it even before the submission. And also, I have an idea! Since we live on the same floor, our rooms beside each other,” Chanyeol wiggles his eyebrows with a smirk (and a wince) and Kyungsoo thinks this won’t be a good idea. “We can work every day after classes!”

Kyungsoo hesitates for a while, because Chanyeol looks so smug again, challenging him. A good impression he left on him last night went down the drain. Fucking Park Chanyeol is playing around him again. But he has no choice here. He has to agree whether he likes it or not. Just for the sake of their project. Nothing else. After this, Kyungsoo can breathe properly. “Fine.”

“Good, now I have more chances to make you fall in love with me.”

Kyungsoo’s about to snap at him, but Chanyeol’s already standing up, going back to his usual spot on the back. The school bell rings, and their professor appears on the classroom with a devilish smile on his face.

***

"Make sure the budget is enough for the whole week of festival and also follow-up on our sponsors," Kyungsoo reminds Joohyun, the treasurer. "And tell Jinri she has to double-check the booths and those who will perform on the last night. After that, meet me."

"Sure thing, Prez." Joohyun says, and Kyungsoo nods, sending her off to do her work. He's been inside the office since morning, even if it's his free day and he should be rehearsing for his vocal piece in his French diction class. A minor too, but so far his most favorite.

He's busy arranging the papers, leaving out those he doesn't need any more so he can throw it away. He has been awake for approximately fifty-three hours straight, trying to juggle all those school works and extracurricular activities he has to do. His majors are not giving him a break, as his professors will give them practical exams sometime next, next week. He has to practice an opera piece, he has a reaction paper to finish for his Musical Theory II, he has to be hands-on for the upcoming festival as the student council president, and he has a project with Chanyeol due in one and a half week.

"Kyungsoo? You okay man?"

Too much coffee makes Kyungsoo jolt in surprise, huffing as Jongdae sits on the chair in front of him. "I'm okay. I guess."

"You really need to sleep." Jongdae points at the Styrofoam cups on the trashcan near the door. "But I guess all those caffeine you consumed just now won't let you."

"Sleep is the least thing I want right now." Kyungsoo lies. He wants to get a fifty years’ worth of sleep. "I have too much to do right now. I can't sleep properly if I let them go for a while."

"You don't have to exhaust yourself, Kyungsoo. We're all freaking tired from too much school works and the upcoming festival, but hey, a little sleep won't hurt you, I promise. Just sleep for a few hours, and you’ve never felt so refreshed in your whole life when you wake up."

"Wow, thank you for the advice, Jongdae. I will do that." He smiles half-heartedly, then resumes on what he's doing.

"Speaking of school works, how are you and lover boy?"

Kyungsoo sputters, and the papers almost slips from his hands. "What the hell, Jongdae."

"Seriously? What happened to your project with him?"

"He sent me a message yesterday that he's finished rewriting the whole song and we can do the composing anytime." He informs, and slightly relieved that at least, he has Chanyeol to work with the project he sucks the most. Finally, Chanyeol cooperates with him. “I’m planning to meet him tomorrow.”

“Good for you, then.” Jongdae says. Kyungsoo notices him looking around their office, then leans forward. His face is serious, like he’s going to spill a secret. “Have you noticed something in Chanyeol these past few days?”

Kyungsoo blinks in confusion. He doesn’t know what Jongdae is talking about. Chanyeol is still the same old, fucking stubborn who wants Kyungsoo to fall in love with him. “Nothing?”

“Really? You’ve been working together for your project, your rooms are just beside each other, yet you notice nothing?”

“What is it that I have to notice?” Kyungsoo irritatingly asks. He hasn’t seen Chanyeol for two days now, since he locked himself inside his room and the student council office.

“Like Chanyeol did a 180 and he transformed into another person? Ever since you started the project, he didn’t create troubles at all, and the last time he went to the guidance office was to ask the counselor about something.” Jongdae explains. “And few days ago, I saw him walking with a bruised face. From what I heard, he saved someone from being molested on the street.”

It makes Kyungsoo stop from sorting the papers, he can’t even look at Jongdae. He doesn’t even know how that story spread around, he’s sure no one saw them on that alleyway. Or maybe he’s wrong?

He feels bad though, for not telling Jongdae about it. He just wants to forget it, like what Chanyeol told him. He sighs.

“If I were him, I would do the same thing.” he stammers, standing up to put the papers on the shredding machine. He has to turn his back on Jongdae, because his best friend knows him more than himself, and he will know when Kyungsoo lies.

Jongdae scoffs. “Seriously, Kyungsoo.”

“What do you even mean?”

“I mean, I don’t think this is all about the challenge, Kyungsoo. Chanyeol is been acting weird lately, and it scares the whole student body.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me, Jongdae.” Kyungsoo presses hard on the button. He doesn’t want to believe that. Chanyeol might be serious about the challenge, but it’s for his own personal enjoyment. He wants to make fun of Kyungsoo. “You’re underestimating Park Chanyeol. He will do everything just to get what he wants –”

“– which is you. You can believe what you want to believe.” Jongdae pats him on his back. He doesn’t even notice him walking towards him. “But I’m just saying what I’ve noticed of him so far.”

***

Jongdae can't be right.

Kyungsoo keeps on chanting those words in his head, while Chanyeol is walking beside him, heading to their dorms. He talks about nonsense, about his plans on their song, about their celebratory date when they got an A+. Kyungsoo's too tired to even disagree on the last one.

He hasn't got a proper sleep yet, just an hour nap, much to his dismay. He can feel his throat getting strained from all the stress.

"Kyungsoo? You all right?"

Jongdae can't be right, but Chanyeol is being all-smiley since they meet earlier at the cafeteria.

"You look very tired. You can skip this time, I can do this on my own for now."

Jongdae can't be right, but Chanyeol looks very concerned right now and it disturbs him.

"You see, Kyungsoo, if you lack sleep, you cannot function well."

Jongdae can't be right.

"Kyungsoo -"

"I'm okay, Chanyeol. I don't need your concern right now, I just want this to finish as soon as possible." He snaps in just one breath, panting. Chanyeol stops from walking like him and the frown marring his face is making him guilty. He sighs. "I'm sorry. I just. I just don't want to leave you alone in this. I want to help."

Funny, because when the project was given to them, he kept on complaining that Chanyeol is being an uncooperative shit but it turns out that he's doing almost all the work.

“Hi, Chanyeol!” There’s a shriek somewhere, and Kyungsoo rolls his eyes. He doesn’t stop walking, leaving Chanyeol to talk to the girl who called him.

"I understand." Chanyeol runs to catch him. Kyungsoo wants to ask who was that girl and what did she want, but he stops himself because that’s none of his business. Chanyeol becomes silent until they reach his room. It worsens Kyungsoo's remorse.

Chanyeol leads him inside the room, and Kyungsoo realizes something. The room is just the same size as his, there's a small study area beside his cabinet, a twin-sized bed pressed against the wall, and his instruments are taking too much space. Unlike what Kyungsoo has imagined of Chanyeol's room, it is very neat, there are no clothes strewn everywhere, his bed is fixed.

He's just as simple as the other students there, even if he's a son of a chairman. He lives an ordinary life, and being delinquent is making him extraordinary.

"You can use my keyboard over there." Chanyeol sits on the edge of his bed. "By the way, you can read the whole song now, it's there above the keys."

Kyungsoo proceeds to the keyboard. He doesn't even know how Chanyeol find out that he can play one. His partner is busy with some music sheets behind him, so he picks up the said notebook, and reads the song written by them (mostly Chanyeol).

When he's finished, he puts down the notebook and questions himself. How can Chanyeol make such a beautiful song? He noticed his own lyrics there, but Chanyeol added something there - like a magic touch - that makes it more meaningful, more beautiful. He cards his fingers on his hair, thinking of a melody to fit the lyrics. He's really bad at this, but he hopes he can bring this to life. At least.

"Finished reading? Is it good?" Chanyeol cuts his thoughts, and he can feel him standing up and approaching him. Kyungsoo hums in agreement. "If you don't mind, when I was writing this, I thought of a good melody. It's just for the first stanza though, I don't want to do this while you're not -"

"Go on, Chanyeol." He snorts. "You're going to ramble if I didn't stop you."

"Sorry." Chanyeol says sheepishly.

And that is when Chanyeol stands just behind him, leaning to press his fingers on the keys. He's trapping Kyungsoo between his arms, and Kyungsoo tries not to panic. He tries to ignore the sudden fast beats of his heart and fight the blush that appears on his cheeks because Chanyeol's chest is pressed on his back and he's having a hard time to breathe properly. Stop, stop, stop.

"What do you think?"

"Huh?" Kyungsoo realizes that Chanyeol is not trapping him anymore, and that he's finished playing. "Ah, good. It's good."

"You weren't listening." Chanyeol says. Then he pulls up Kyungsoo from his seat. "You're too distracted, Kyungsoo. We can do this later. You have to sleep."

"Chanyeol, I -"

"Kyungsoo. Sleep. For. A. While." Chanyeol emphasizes each word, then pushes Kyungsoo to lie on his bed. Kyungsoo lets out an unmanly shriek, and he clears his throat. "I'll wake you up before dinner. Just sleep and let me do the work."

Chanyeol is glaring at him, but not in a threatening way. He sighs, trying to ease up the atmosphere by saying, "Don't even try to touch me or else I'll kick you on where the sun doesn't shine."

Chanyeol just shakes his head in amusement, and tucks him under his blankets. The sheets smell like Chanyeol. Not that he tried smelling Chanyeol one time. It was just an accident.

He drifts off to sleep not too long after, and the last time he sees before he blacks out is Chanyeol's back on him, playing something nice on his keyboard.

***

Chanyeol’s nowhere to be found when he wakes up. He blearily looks for a clock, and when he finds one, it reads seven in the evening. He slept for almost two hours. There are crumpled papers on the floor, probably music sheets, and Kyungsoo doesn’t even bother to pick it up and throw it properly. He snuggles on Chanyeol’s blankets, smelling it like he’s somehow addicted to Chanyeol’s scent, and when he realizes what he’s doing, he kicks it off his body and sits up.

He hears someone opening the door, and Chanyeol appears with plastic bags in his hand.

“Kyungsoo? You’re awake?” Chanyeol removes his shoes and goes to his study desk barefooted. “I was about to wake you up.”

This feels very domestic, Kyungsoo thinks, and he shakes his head to remove those unwanted thoughts in his mind. He’s still dazed with sleep that’s why he keeps on thinking weirdly.

“Where did you go?” he asks, eyeing the plastic bags. It smells of chicken. His stomach grumbles, hopefully Chanyeol didn’t hear it.

“Ah, I called for a chicken delivery and bought some drinks in the cafeteria. I hope this is okay with you. We have no time to go out.”

“It’s okay.” He assures.

Chanyeol beckons him to sit beside him on the floor, and they lean on the bed. He hands him a box with chicken and rice on it, before starting to eat from his own box.

“Have you done anything so far?” Kyungsoo asks, pointing at the crumpled music sheets on the floor with his chicken leg.

“I think I did.” Chanyeol answers, his words unclear because he talks with food in his mouth. Kyungsoo has half the mind to scold him about it. “But don’t worry, we can finish this in no time. You want to hear what I created while you were sleeping?”

“Of course.”

They eat in silence, and sometimes Chanyeol would ask him about his other classes, especially his majors, and Kyungsoo would answer him in complete detail, with added rants because no one understands him (Jongdae and Junmyeon are from different departments). Chanyeol is the only one who can understand him because he’s on the same boat as him. Chanyeol would joke sometimes, telling him about those nicknames he has for his professors, and Kyungsoo would laugh heartily, at the same time, his heart would beat rapidly again.

After eating, Kyungsoo heads on the small bathroom, washing his hands on the sink and his face too. This is too much, but he likes it nevertheless. Maybe Jongdae is right, but there is something in him that still doesn’t want to acknowledge that fact.

They resume on working with their project, with Chanyeol playing the melody he created and Kyungsoo listening with a smile on his face. It’s too beautiful, almost perfect, that he can’t stop from smiling whenever his partner presses those keys and creates a melody. Chanyeol has this innate talent that he envies a bit. He wishes he can write a song that wonderful.

“Hey, you can, Kyungsoo. Everyone can write a song.” Chanyeol says, and Kyungsoo doesn’t even notice that he has voiced his thoughts out loud. “You just need an inspiration, and while you write, you have to put your heart on it.”

Chanyeol looks so different right now, he’s smiling genuinely instead of smugly, and Kyungsoo wants him to remain like that. He doesn’t want to see him act so arrogant that he almost wants to choke him until he can’t breathe anymore.

When he goes back to his room and works on his French diction again, he can’t help but think of Chanyeol’s blankets, Chanyeol’s fingers on the keyboard, Chanyeol’s smiles, everything Chanyeol.

***

True to Chanyeol's words, they finished their song after three days. Kyungsoo felt like the happiest person in the world when Chanyeol finally drew the last note on the music sheet. He thought they really slacked off on the first two weeks, and he almost lost his hope in getting a good grade. But he never thought that Chanyeol was already writing the song during his free time, as he was busy ranting at everyone about how worthless of a partner Park Chanyeol is. He wrote the music in just a week and a half, and Kyungsoo concludes that his partner is a music genius.

They have more than a week left before the submission, and it is already enough time to practice the song. And obviously, Kyungsoo will sing the whole song while Chanyeol will play the guitar.

The practice is in Kyungsoo's room, and Chanyeol sits on Kyungsoo's bed, leaning on the headboard and tuning his guitar.

"Sit here beside me." Chanyeol says without even looking at Kyungsoo who is sitting on a chair a few feet away from him. "Feel comfortable in your own bed, come on I have to hear your voice clearly and you have to hear my guitar clearly too."

"Do I really have to?" Kyungsoo frowns because it sounds like Chanyeol's excuse just to make him sit beside him (he can never blame himself for thinking of it), but gives in and sits on the edge of the bed. "Good?"

Chanyeol lifts up his head, and shakes it when he sees where Kyungsoo is sitting. "I don't know that's your definition of beside."

"Fine." Kyungsoo crawls on his bed, and settles beside Chanyeol, keeping a good distance between them. If he tries to scoot closer to Chanyeol, his heart will pound rapidly in his chest and his mind will warn him that this is a trap. He has already enough of it for the past days they've been writing the music. He grips on the music sheets in his hand, wrinkling it without him noticing it. "Are you done tuning your guitar?"

"I'm all done." Chanyeol says, strumming all the six strings to make sure. "Yes, I'm good. Let's start."

Chanyeol plays the song first without Kyungsoo's voice, and it looks like he has memorized the chords already. Kyungsoo watches Chanyeol's side profile while he listens, the latter looks too concentrated on his playing so that he won't pick the wrong string or position his fingers on the wrong fret.

As soon as the song finishes, Kyungsoo already knows how to deliver the song with proper emotions and pause. Chanyeol stares at him expectantly.

"You ready to add your sweet voice to our song?"

Kyungsoo blushes at the compliment, and nudges Chanyeol harshly with his elbow. "Stop talking nonsense. We should start now."

Chanyeol counts by tapping his guitar, one two three, and Kyungsoo starts to sing. It comes out good for the first two lines, but then Chanyeol is stopping him.

"Wait, you should lower your voice there, just a bit. I think it's better. Let's try that again."

Kyungsoo squints at Chanyeol, contemplating if he should follow his advice or not. But since Chanyeol has worked hard for this song, he should at least return the favor by obeying him. He lowers his tone on the line where Chanyeol pointed, and he is surprised that it sounded better. Kyungsoo now feels like a total nutjob.

"This song is so amateur, but we should make this sound like a pro, okay?"

He nods and continues on singing, with Chanyeol playing just beside him, and repeats the whole song again and again and again. He doesn't realize that they are so close to each other now, with Kyungsoo too focused on singing and thinking that the sudden beating in his chest is just because he's carried away with the song, until he feels Chanyeol's shoulder brushing against his own. His breath hitches in his throat, at the same time Chanyeol accidentally breaks the high E string.

"Fucking shit." Chanyeol grits his teeth, as the split string hits his arm. "I don't have an extra anymore."

"What are we going to do, then?" Kyungsoo asks.

"If you still want to continue, go ahead. I'll just listen. But don't sing too much. I can't afford my singer to have his throat strained."

Kyungsoo snorts, before starting to sing again, this time he's just singing under his breath. Chanyeol crawls over his lap (he almost hit the wrong tone with that) and places back his guitar back on its case. He goes back to his side, closer this time, and Kyungsoo swears that is completely intentional. Everything Chanyeol did, does and will do tonight is fucking intentional.

"You're taking too much space and I'm gonna fall any second now. Scoot over." Kyungsoo pauses on singing, squirms, and pushes Chanyeol away from him. But Chanyeol doesn't budge.

To worsen Kyungsoo's suffocation, Chanyeol wraps his arms around his waist, leaning his head on Kyungsoo's shoulder.

"What are you doing?" Kyungsoo stammers, removing Chanyeol's arms from his waist, but the other is too strong. There's too much to take right now, his mind going black and betraying him. What he only knows is that his heart has already dropped on his butterfly-filled stomach, and he's too overwhelmed that he wants to throw up. "Chanyeol!"

"I'm tired. Lull me to sleep, Soo." Chanyeol breathes out, snuggling closer to him. He tightens his hold around Kyungsoo. Kyungsoo glares on the papers he's holding, trying to calm himself. No, he's not mad or something because Chanyeol has invaded his personal space. This is just...fine.

He sighs loudly after deciding on what he should do. He adjusts himself, so that both of them will be more comfortable in this new position. He closes his eyes for a moment before resuming on singing, for Chanyeol.

When he feels like he's had enough singing and Chanyeol's already snoring softly, he straightens up and slowly removes Chanyeol's arms from him to let him lie down completely on his bed. Chanyeol stirs a bit, then goes back to snoring. He can't help but chuckle at the adorable sight in front of him, his hand reaching out to touch his cheek absentmindedly, stroking it. If someone sees Chanyeol in this state, that person will never think that Chanyeol is a jerk who loves visiting the guidance counselor once in a while. He looks so angelic right now and Kyungsoo wants to lie down beside him and hug him back, his head leaning on Chanyeol's chest, so that it will be Chanyeol's turn to lull Kyungsoo to sleep with the even beat of his heart.

And so he does.

***

Kyungsoo wakes up wrapped with strong arms around him and his nose against someone's neck. Chanyeol.

"Good morning." comes a husky voice, and Kyungsoo's initial reaction is to detach himself from Chanyeol's body and get up on his bed and distance himself from Chanyeol as possible as he can. He is leaning on the wall, eyes staring on the door, trying to ignore that cackling figure still lying on his bed.

He doesn't respond though, as he replays the scene on his mind, on how he ended up sleeping beside Chanyeol with little to no distance between them. He wants to pound his head on the wall, because he's so embarrassed and for sure Chanyeol's not going to let this down. He feels Chanyeol watching him getting awkward and shit, and he's damned sure that the other is trying his best not to laugh out loud because he's inside Kyungsoo's territory and it's not safe.

It takes more than a few - agonizing - minutes, before Chanyeol is getting up and slinging his guitar case on his shoulder.

"See you later, Soo."

Kyungsoo thinks that 'later' means next practice, not 'later' as in later for lunch.

Chanyeol's head is poking on the gap in the doorway, his smile the first one to welcome Kyungsoo and startle not only him but everyone inside the council office.

"Hey, Kyungsoo! Have you eaten? Let's grab lunch!"

He's still awkward because of what happened earlier this morning, and whenever he remembers that, he blushes furiously and it takes a long time before he recovers. He almost failed his French piece two hours ago because he was too preoccupied, mispronouncing some words and his professor didn't look very amused.

Kyungsoo is about to tell him that he has something else to do and he can't eat right now when Junmyeon decides to sabotage his plan.

"Kyungsoo, you can leave your work for now." Junmyeon says, grinning at Chanyeol.

“Oh, thanks hyung!” Chanyeol smiles too much it blinds his eyes.

Kyungsoo removes his eyes from Chanyeol to glare daggers at Junmyeon, asking voicelessly 'how dare you order me around I'm the president here' and 'since when have you become chummy with Chanyeol'. Junmyeon the traitor just lifts his eyebrow to him.

"If you don't want to eat, then it's okay." Chanyeol smiles again, now apologetically, like he's a burden all this time and the root of all Kyungsoo's disappointments and failures in life. "I'll just go."

"No!" Kyungsoo says - screeches - and wants to take it back when he realizes that it sounded like he's begging. He hears soft whispers from behind him and now he wants to get out of here, away from the questioning eyes. "I mean, let's go."

He grabs his backpack from under his table and leaves the office with Chanyeol, not before giving Junmyeon a warning look.

"You want to go outside or just here?" Chanyeol asks. Kyungsoo lifts his head from walking with his eyes down.

"Uh. Anywhere you want." He deadpans.

"You know, if you feel like you were forced to go with me, then it's really okay with me. I can walk you back in the office."

There he goes again. He sounds so pitiful, and he's guilt-tripping Kyungsoo so that Kyungsoo will feel sorry and blame himself for being an asshole. But when Kyungsoo looks up to meet Chanyeol in the eyes, it shows otherwise.

Kyungsoo gulps before averting his eyes away from him. "No, I'm okay. It's just that I'm really busy right now that I even forget lunchtime."

"I understand." Chanyeol says. "I thought this is about what happened earlier in your room, so you're trying to avoid me."

Kyungsoo's eyes widen, at the same time, his cheeks begin to flame red again. "No! It's not like that! I'm not avoiding you!"

"Why do you sound so defensive?" He grins, and god, the smugness is back again. Just as what Kyungsoo has expected.

"I'm not defensive!" He stomps his feet, just to emphasize that he's really, really NOT defensive.

"I'm just joking!" Chanyeol chuckles, ruffling Kyungsoo's hair. "If you feel uncomfortable with it, I'm not going to mention it anymore."

Kyungsoo scoffs, rolling his eyes. "Of course. Knowing you, you're not really going to mention it anymore."

"Are you being sarcastic right now?" Chanyeol replies, and Kyungsoo can hear the smirk on that. "I'm being a good friend here and you're taking me for granted?"

"Why do you talk so much? Let's eat outside, I'm hungry." He pushes Chanyeol playfully, and the other drapes an arm on his shoulder. Chanyeol looks hesitant at first, but when Kyungsoo just lets him, he squeezes him lightly.

“Are you up for some Japanese food?”

***

"I don't know you like takoyaki that much." Chanyeol says, as he watches Kyungsoo happily munching his takoyaki. Upon seeing it on the menu, Kyungsoo excitedly asks the waitress for it. He pushes his own plate of takoyaki to Kyungsoo. "You can eat mine."

Kyungsoo feels the temptation to accept those takoyakis from Chanyeol, but he shakes his head. "Nah, I can order again. Eat that."

"Oh come on, Kyungsoo. Even if you order another plate, it seems like it's still not enough."

Chanyeol insists, pushing the plate to him, and Kyungsoo finally takes it because this is his favorite and he can’t reject it anymore. He smiles in gratitude and Chanyeol smiles back, and goes back to his ramen.

"Takoyaki is my favorite Japanese food." Kyungsoo starts. He takes a napkin to dab his lips, and eats again. "We have this takoyaki maker in our home and I used to make takoyaki. I kinda miss it, it's been a while since the last time."

"Can you cook?" Chanyeol asks, and there's a drip of soup in his chin, and Kyungsoo's hand is itching to grab another napkin and wipe Chanyeol's chin, but the only thing he does is to point on his chin. Chanyeol gets what he means, smiling sheepishly as he wipes his chin with the back of his hand. It’s gross, in Kyungsoo's opinion. But that is a part of Chanyeol, and he still okay with that.

"I can cook for myself. I have never tried to cook for someone else." He answers, before drinking the iced tea he ordered. He never expected to have this kind of conversation with Chanyeol, like it's an ordinary day, like they are two friends who are catching up after a few days of not meeting each other.

Chanyeol drinks the soup by the bowl, and when he's finished, he grins childishly at Kyungsoo, once again wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. He looks full, with the way he pats his tummy afterwards.

"Ah! Delicious!" He interjects, taking his last bite of tempura. He looks really adorable, so adorable that Kyungsoo can mistake him as an angel. He stares at his empty plates sadly, and when he looks back to Kyungsoo, the frown turns into a genuine smile.

Then Kyungsoo remembers what Jongdae told him a week ago. Did something happen that made Chanyeol transform into someone angelic? He looks down on the chopsticks on his hand, contemplating if he should ask Chanyeol about it. Will Chanyeol give him a decent answer, though?

"Hey, Chanyeol. I have something to ask." Kyungsoo says, when he's finally decided, meeting Chanyeol in the eyes. Chanyeol blinks. "Uh. It's been a while since you got yourself into trouble? I mean, I haven't seen you making fuss, or visiting Mr. Kim. It makes me curious."

Chanyeol doesn't look affronted though, as he chortles softly, playing with the straw on his red iced tea. "Do you want me to get into trouble again?"

"That's not it!" He explains, flailing his arms. "To be honest, it's good for you. I'm just wondering what made you stop being a...you know."

"Do you want me to tell you a secret?"

"Secret?" Kyungsoo furrows his eyebrows, and Chanyeol just nods eagerly. "Just make sure it's not a made-up one."

"Of course it's not!" Chanyeol argues, pouting. Kyungsoo almost swooned. "Well, I just came to a conclusion that what I've been doing is immature. Every trouble I made and involved myself in is my way of rebellion against my father."

Kyungsoo hums in understanding. It's like what Kyungsoo commonly sees from school-themed cliché dramas. He has already expected it from Chanyeol, considering that he is the son of the chairman. A typical story in which the father forces his son to do what he wants, and take the path he has made for him. Chanyeol sighs, and Kyungsoo feels the other's feet hooking on his own. He lets him.

"My father knows about everything I do in the university, and he personally told Mr. Kim to be patient of me and tolerate me because I'm just being a child. He's right though, I'm acting like a child, messing my already messed-up life. Maybe it's time to clean all the mess I made, and fix myself up."

"I'm happy that you decided to change for the better." Kyungsoo agrees. He's telling the truth though, and he wants Chanyeol to believe it. And also, he's happy because Chanyeol trusted him with a secret, something that a not-more-than-friend like him doesn’t have to know. "I hope you continue being a good boy."

"Hey, I'm not really a bad person!" Chanyeol defends himself, raising his hand to call the waitress. "I'm just prone to trouble. Besides I'm also doing this for someone." He winks at Kyungsoo teasingly. Kyungsoo fights the blush.

Kyungsoo can't even open his mouth to retort because the waitress comes to their table to give them their bill. Kyungsoo is about to fish out his money from his wallet when he sees Chanyeol giving his credit card to her and telling her he's paying for Kyungsoo's food too.

"What –" Kyungsoo's eyes widen and he scowls at Chanyeol. He pulls his feet away from Chanyeol's. "Hey, I want to pay for my own food."

"No." Chanyeol shakes his head, letting out the smirk that Kyungsoo loathes so much. Old habits really die hard. Two of those habits are Chanyeol's insufferable smirks and smug face. "I practically dragged you out of your office so it's my fault for disturbing you for a while."

He wants to give him his money to pay for his meal, because he's not used to people treating him (except his family of course, but that's a given), but Chanyeol looks like he's not going to take anything from Kyungsoo. And he hears a voice at the back of his mind saying, ‘that would be fucking rude for Chanyeol’. He sighs inwardly and deflates his shoulders.

"I told you it's okay." Kyungsoo says in defeat. "You know I can pay for myself."

"Just let me, okay?" Chanyeol urges, his feet seeking for Kyungsoo's own again. Is this what they call public display of affection? As soon as Kyungsoo realizes that, he tries to push his feet back until his toes only are touching the floor. He feels Chanyeol stop.

"Fine," Kyungsoo huffs. "But next time, I'm the one paying."

"You mean, there's a next time?" Chanyeol asks excitedly, his face leaning forward. It looks like –

"You scheming jerk." Kyungsoo hisses. Chanyeol laughs out loud, not even minding that the waitress is coming back and she looks a little petrified of Chanyeol.

***

"I told you not to overwork yourself!" Jongdae scolds him, but the worry is still evident in his tone. He sits on the edge of Kyungsoo's bed, and cringes when Kyungsoo starts to cough. "You have a project to submit on two days and practical exams next week."

"I know. Sorry." Kyungsoo rasps, and takes out the thermometer from his mouth when it beeps. It reads 37.8 degrees. He's got a fever. "I'm going to be fine even before this day ends."

"You cannot recover overnight. You're even coughing, dammit. I specifically told you not to stay outside for too long because you easily catch colds." Jongdae mutters, scooting a bit when the nurse comes back with a paracetamol and a glass of water. "Why did you even do that area inspection last night, you know Junmyeon hyung can take care of that." He turns to look at the nurse. "Excuse me, do you have cough meds here?"

"Of course we have. Some voice majors like your friend come here almost regularly because of cough." She informs, and takes the glass from Kyungsoo. "Let him rest for a while, then I'll come back with the med. He can go back to the dorms after that. And Mr. Do, please skip your classes until tomorrow. I'll give you later your excuse note."

"But -" Kyungsoo weakly complains, but the nurse gives him a stern look.

"If you want to pass your practical exams, you have to listen to me. Some professors don't make considerations for a sick student." She warns, before going back to her desk.

"She's right, Kyungsoo." Jongdae agrees, and pats Kyungsoo's head. Kyungsoo grumbles in annoyance, because how the hell can he practice for his exams? What about their school festival? His project with Chanyeol? "Stop thinking, Kyungsoo, for crying out loud! Just take a rest for now and tomorrow and promise me not to do school-related or else -"

"Kyungsoo? Kyungsoo where are you?"

The voice is too familiar, he has heard it several times for the past month. It becomes too familiar that Kyungsoo sometimes hears it on his mind. Or maybe he's just delusional because of his fever?

"Kyungsoo!"

Oh. He's not delusional. Chanyeol is really here, standing on his side, squinting at Kyungsoo. He looks like he wants to be angry at him for being sick, at the same time lean closer to him and ask him how are you in a soft tone. But he doesn't make any move. It disappoints Kyungsoo – a bit.

"How did you know I'm here?" Kyungsoo asks after two coughs, and he pats on his chest to ease the feeling of puking his lungs out.

"Junmyeon hyung told me you almost fainted while you were trying to photocopy some papers." He says, glancing at the curious Jongdae and back to Kyungsoo. "What happened to you? Did you even get any sleep?"

Instead of answering, he chuckles, but it comes out as a wheeze. "Since when have you become buddies with Junmyeon hyung?"

"Since I took you out for lunch." Chanyeol straightforwardly answers, now becoming bold as he sits on Kyungsoo's bed in front of Jongdae. Jongdae looking amused right now is an understatement, in his opinion. He puts his hand on his forehead. "Aw, that's pretty bad. And you're even coughing."

"Hey, Kyungsoo." Jongdae is smiling, and there's something on his tone. "I have to go to class."

But you don't have class right now, fucker, I know your schedule, Kyungsoo wants to say, but he's too weak to even speak now. His throat is itchy.

"Take care of him, Chanyeol. For me," Jongdae ruffles his sweaty bangs, and if Kyungsoo can see it right, his best friend gives Chanyeol a knowing look, like they have a secret and decided not to tell Kyungsoo. "Bye, Soo. I'll visit you at your dorm later."

"Hey, can you please tell Joohyun that -"

"Shut up." Jongdae stands, and bids goodbye to the nurse, before stepping out of the clinic.

He's left here with Chanyeol, who now looks something between confusion and worry. He smiles weakly, and closes his eyes. Chanyeol is watching him, he can feel it.

"You really don’t listen, do you?" Chanyeol whispers, his gentle voice sends shivers down Kyungsoo's spine, and he's not sure if the blush in his cheeks is just because he's sick or because of Chanyeol. He doesn't open his eyes. "Come on, sleep now. And please, listen to me."

Kyungsoo wants to sleep in his room. He's not comfortable in this hospital bed, because it's not as soft as it looks. The atmosphere in the clinic makes him sicker. He hates the smell of sterilized objects. He hates white. He doesn't like the nurse watching him and Chanyeol. He wants to be alone, with Chanyeol, in his room. He just - "I want to sleep in my room."

He hears Chanyeol asking the nurse if he's now allowed to go, and the nurse telling him he needs to take his cough meds first.

Chanyeol pokes him on his side. "Open your eyes, Soo."

Kyungsoo obeys, and Chanyeol helps him to sit properly. He accepts the medicine, it is syrup, and he winces because it's too bitter. When he drank a glass of water, the bitter taste still lingers in his tongue. Chanyeol rubs his back soothingly when he begins coughing again. He's looking at Kyungsoo through his bangs, and smiling encouragingly at him. You'll be okay, Kyungsoo.

"Ready to go back?" Chanyeol asks, and pulls Kyungsoo up carefully. He nods at Chanyeol and at the nurse who reminds him again not to do anything until tomorrow but rest. He wobbles when his feet meet the floor, but Chanyeol holds him so he won't collapse. "Piggyback or bridal-style?"

"What -" Kyungsoo blinks. He hears the nurse's faint chuckles. When he realizes what Chanyeol meant, he punches his arm. He can blame his fever if Chanyeol notices how red his cheeks are. "I can walk, stupid."

"But you almost lost balance earlier." Chanyeol wraps his arm around his waist, and Kyungsoo feels the familiarity. He's comfortable. He likes this. He fits just right.

They both thank the nurse before leaving, and head to the dorms, with Chanyeol still holding him by his waist. Kyungsoo feels better now, so it's not really a hard time walking. Chanyeol supports him, whispering 'just few more steps' like he's a baby who's just trying to walk for the first time. Chanyeol might be taking his fever seriously, but he finds it cute. Chanyeol's worried face is really, really cute.

After opening the door by himself and entering the room with Chanyeol behind him, Kyungsoo slips himself under his blankets, feeling dizzy. Chanyeol tucks him properly, then cups his cheek with his two hands. Chanyeol’s hands are warm. Kyungsoo leans to the touch.

He keeps on telling himself that he enjoys this so much, and he doesn't want Chanyeol to go. He wants him on his side. It feels good, even though he hates it to admit.

"You're okay?" Chanyeol asks, his thumbs drawing circles on the apples of his cheeks.

Kyungsoo nods, tries to chuckle but fails miserably. "Yeah, I'm fine. This is just fever, I'm not dying."

Chanyeol stops, removes his hands from his face - no, no, don't go - and straightens up. "I'll just find something to -"

"Don't." He says, holding Chanyeol on his wrist loosely. He doesn't know why he's being like this. Maybe because of fever, but he couldn't care less for now. He just wants Chanyeol to stay beside him. "Stay here. Please."

Instead of sitting on the edge of bed and watching him until he falls asleep, Chanyeol slips himself under the blankets too and scoots closer to Kyungsoo until he feels his face being crushed on Chanyeol's chest. The heater is working well, but he is more than willing to accept the warmth from another source.

"But Chanyeol," his voice comes out as muffled, but Chanyeol hums in response. "You might catch a cold from me."

"Nah, don't worry. I'm a vitamins man. I have this invisible protection shield against viruses all over my body." Chanyeol wraps Kyungsoo's arm on his waist. He can feel the taller man nuzzling his hair. "Now, sleep. Sweet dreams."

"Okay." Kyungsoo mumbles, fisting Chanyeol's shirt on his back. "Yeah."

Kyungsoo smiles as he hears Chanyeol humming their song before he drifts off to sleep. It’s nice to hear it from him.

***

When Kyungsoo wakes up, Chanyeol is nowhere on his side. He blinks away the sleep, and sitsup. There he finds Chanyeol on his little desk, hunched, and it seems like he's busy doing something.

"Chanyeol?" He calls throatily, squinting as he tries to look what Chanyeol is doing. He hears clanking of spoon against glass, and then Chanyeol turns around to face him.

"Oh hey, you're up." He says, and approaches him. He holds a glass of yellowish liquid in his hands, and Kyungsoo raises his eyebrows in curiosity. It doesn't look like an ordinary juice.

Chanyeol puts his hand in his forehead. "Hmm, you're getting better. Are you okay?"

He nods. "I think I'll be okay by tomorrow, maybe I should -"

"You're not allowed." Chanyeol warns sternly, waggling his index finger. Kyungsoo pouts in defeat. "By the way, are you allergic to something?"

Kyungsoo looks down to stare at the glass of questionable liquid, then back at Chanyeol. He shakes his head slowly.

"Good. I thought you're going to lie." Chanyeol chuckles, and hands him the glass. "Jongdae was here, I think an hour ago? He asked me to make this for you."

Kyungsoo's eyes widen, now he realizes this thing in Chanyeol's hands. It's been almost a year when he last drank this. And he swore to the heavens back then that he will never drink this again.

Jongdae is a broadcasting major, and he always gets this to drink whenever his throat doesn't feel good. Kyungsoo is pretty watchful of what he eats, and likes to avoid sweets. Though, he can easily catch colds.

"It's cayenne pepper, ginger, cider vinegar and honey. Jongdae said you won't like this but it will relieve your cough."

"No way, no way." Kyungsoo groans, sniffling, inching away from Chanyeol. "It tastes horrible. I don't even want to smell that."

"Come on, Soo." Chanyeol holds the glass with his two hands tightly, in case Kyungsoo attempts to swat his hand away and spill it on his bed and floor. "You have to drink it. Please?"

"No. I don't have cough anymore."

Chanyeol juts out his bottom lip, and Kyungsoo is tempted to grab the glass and drink the concoction until its very last drop. So that Chanyeol will stop looking like a kicked puppy. But he hates the drink so much that when he drank it he didn't step out of his bathroom for a whole hour.

"Kyungsoo, please? For me?"

He lets out a cough, and he can see Chanyeol wincing a bit before slowly giving it to him. Kyungsoo is now aggravated, because he's sick and he's still tired and he needs more sleep and he's still fucking coughing and he worries about his practical exams and Chanyeol is persuading him to drink this liquid which most likely would give him stomachaches after.

"Why the hell would I drink this for you?" He snaps, even before he can clamp his mouth shut. It's not really intentional, he just wanted to sound whiny, so that Chanyeol will give him some slack but he never expected it to sound like he's already annoyed of Chanyeol. The other stares at him in disbelief before standing up, scowling.

"Fine." He mutters, and walks back on his desk to fix the mess he made while doing the drink. "Do whatever you want, continue being stubborn, I don't care anymore. I'll just call Jongdae, because most likely you will listen to him."

Kyungsoo bites his bottom lip, his guilt eating him alive. Chanyeol looks angry, but hurt is more obvious on his tone. He wants to say sorry and hold him tightly so that he won't go out of his room, away from him. But he can't even open his mouth to call his name, to explain to him that he didn't mean those words, to tell him that please, don't go away, just stay here beside me.

Then he hears his door being closed with a soft thud, but after that, a much louder slam comes from the next room beside his. He buries his face on his hands.

Stupid, stupid Kyungsoo. Chanyeol didn't waste his time taking care of him just to receive this kind of treatment from him. He feels like the worst person on earth, and now his head throbs. He groans, kicking his blankets in frustration, and lets out a loud exhale.

Few minutes pass, and Jongdae appears on his room with an I-really-can't-believe-you-Do-Kyungsoo look. He scoffs, and Kyungsoo wants to bury himself and disappear forever.

"Seriously, Kyungsoo?"

"Jongdae, please." He moans, and he's on the verge of crying. "I'm stupid, I know. Don't make me feel even worse."

"At least you know." Jongdae scolds, and goes to his desk to get the drink. He doesn't sit beside Kyungsoo, but he hands him the glass. Kyungsoo whimpers. "Just because of this, you snapped at Chanyeol. God, you’re overreacting over a cough remedy. You're impossible."

"But I don't like it!" He feels his lips tremble. He fidgets under Jongdae's glare. Jongdae sometimes becomes very scary when he's persuasive.

"Stop being a kid, Do Kyungsoo, for crying out loud! You're twenty, not five years old! Just fucking drink this so that tomorrow you can go to Chanyeol and apologize for being so childish."

Kyungsoo narrows his eyes, before grabbing the glass from Jongdae and drinking it on one go. He shoves the glass to Jongdae, before rushing to his bathroom to spit the awful taste out of his mouth and gargle with lots and lots of mouthwash.

"Are you okay there?"

"Fuck you!" He rasps out, and he can hear Jongdae laughing in victory.

"I love you too. God, you're really stubborn. I don't even know how I put up with you for more than half of my life."

"You're stuck with me forever." Kyungsoo glares at him as he steps out of his bathroom. He plops on his bed, burying his face on his mattress. "Can you continue being a good friend and give me something to eat? So that I can finally forget how this thing tastes. I swear I'm not going to catch a cold. As in forever."

Jongdae snorts, before ruffling his hair. "Okay, I will come back with food and meds. Just clear your mind for now, don't think of anything. It will just slow down your recovery."

When Jongdae is finally out of his room, he flips around, and searches for his phone. There's no message from Chanyeol. He scoffs bitterly, of course why would Chanyeol leave him a message, after all what he did. He stares at his ceiling, then closes his eyes, but he can't see anything but Chanyeol's disappointed face.

He fucked everything up royally this time.

***

Kyungsoo doesn't even know if Chanyeol is inside, he might be in his classes, or wandering around the school quadrangle. But he still knocks on the door, waiting.

It's eleven in the morning, and Kyungsoo feels better than last night. Physically he's now okay, his fever has gone already and his cough is not as serious as yesterday, he thinks he can sing tomorrow. But he's not okay emotionally and mentally. Chanyeol has occupied his mind ever since he walked out of his room, and Jongdae didn't help him at all when he asked him to suggest plans on how to say sorry to a person you might or might not offended.

There's no answer. He tries to knock again, because maybe Chanyeol didn't hear it. He tried on sending him a message first, asking if he's fine with eating lunch together. That was the only plan he formulated as soon as he woke up. Treat him to lunch, and tell him that he's sorry for being such a problematic sick person last night in the middle of eating their food. And he got no answer.

He sighs, disappointed because no one opened the door. Perhaps Chanyeol isn't there, or he's just ignoring him. He turns around, and he bumps to someone's chest and his nose sniffs on the familiar scent. It's Chanyeol. He awkwardly steps back, looking up to meet him in the eyes.

"Uh, hi." He smiles as genuinely as he can. He feels dumb right now. Because Chanyeol isn't smiling back and he's just watching him, his face void of any emotion. But he steps forward, closer and closer to Kyungsoo, his eyes still on him. He blinks, steps back until he feels the door on his back.

He gulps, but he's not really trapped because Chanyeol hasn't blocked him with his arms and - oh. He's trapped already, the taller man's arms on both sides of his head. Chanyeol squints and he leans more, his face a few inches away from Kyungsoo. Kyungsoo feels his heart doing somersaults and cartwheels in his chest and that is weird because his heart doesn't have hands and feet and it doesn't know gymnastics and now he has gone crazy. Is this the after effects of fever? Or of the homemade cough remedy?

"What are you doing here?" Chanyeol finally speaks, in that low voice of his. Kyungsoo is in the middle of fighting the blush creeping up from his neck to his face.

"Uh." He trails off, and settles himself on staring at Chanyeol's chin. "I'm just asking if you want to eat lunch together. Only if you want, but if you don't want, it's okay, I mean -"

"For what reason?"

"Reason?" Kyungsoo is forced to look up again. Chanyeol looks like the rebel everyone knows, not the worrywart who hugged him tightly yesterday while he was sick. He gathers all the confidence he has and continues. "Because I think I became too much to handle last night and offended you? And I want to apologize for it."

"I can't be easily consoled by food." Chanyeol says, then a smile begins to grace his face. Kyungsoo lets out a breath of relief. "But I think we can work it out."

Chanyeol steps back now, giving Kyungsoo more air to breathe, and he pulls Kyungsoo in an awkward and short hug before dragging him out of the dorm building and out of the school grounds.

Chanyeol swings an arm on his shoulder, and asks if he's already okay. He already knows that Kyungsoo drank the cough kicker last night, because Jongdae sent him a message right after he dashed to his bathroom. Kyungsoo feels betrayed.

"How did you even get Jongdae's number?"

"When he visited you last night while you were asleep. He wanted reports from me so he gave me his number." Chanyeol answers enthusiastically, and he looks around for a restaurant to eat. "It seems effective, the drink I mean, because you're not coughing anymore."

"Shut up. I don't want to hear anything related to that drink."

Chanyeol chuckles, and pulls him inside a restaurant that serves odeng guk.

***

Kyungsoo is standing in front of his classmates, waiting for his professor's cue to start. It's the submission-slash-presentation day, where he and Chanyeol will show the class what they have written in the past month. They are fifth to present their work, the first four pairs did a really good job, that makes Kyungsoo a little apprehensive with their song.

The set-up is very much simpler than Kyungsoo has in his majors, the only instrument they have is Chanyeol's guitar, making it less pressuring. He has been singing in front of many people since middle school, but the nervousness is still there, it never disappeared. He shakes his hands behind him, as discreet as he can, until he feels another hand holding him. He looks down just to see Chanyeol sitting on the stool beside him, his guitar propped on his thighs.

"You'll be okay." Chanyeol says quietly, so that it would be only him who could hear it. He is smiling up at Kyungsoo, who is now gripping a little tightly on Chanyeol's hand. The intimacy is hidden from their classmates, but it feels like they're showing it off because their classmates are watching them with amusement. Of course who won't be amused if they will see the student council president getting along with the university's former resident bad boy? They only let go when their professor starts to speak.

"You can start now."

Kyungsoo tries to ignore their classmates' incredulous stares and opens his mouth to sing. It is a good start, in his opinion, because he glances at his professor once in a while, and he looks satisfied so far.

He can hear Chanyeol doing back vocals, never failing a note. They practiced last night, Kyungsoo not forcing his voice too much, and Chanyeol humming the melody with his head leaning on Kyungsoo's shoulder. He feels more confident now, as he hits the high note on the second chorus, on their way to the bridge. He closes his eyes, as he sings his heart out, as he thinks about how Chanyeol praised him last night after their practice, telling him that he did well, and certainly they will get the highest grade tomorrow. Chanyeol hugged him tightly, reminding him not to practice anymore because he is already perfection. He kicked his shin lightly, before muttering good night and slamming the door on Chanyeol's smug but handsome face.

Their presentation ends pretty smoothly, and they receive claps and cheers from their classmates. Their professor nods, smiling, and that is enough confirmation that they did well. The next pair is now busy preparing themselves.

Kyungsoo sits beside Chanyeol, who is putting his guitar back on its case.

"What do you think? Did I hit the notes correctly?" He asks, and Chanyeol turns to look at him, sitting up straight.

"No words can describe how amazing you were back there." Chanyeol says, and his tone is so fucking genuine Kyungsoo thinks it is too good to be true. "You rendered me speechless."

"You're exaggerating." He rolls his eyes, trying to look unaffected with the compliment. "Just tell me the truth."

"Hey, are you trying to fish more compliments from me? I never thought you'd be like this." He teases, and Kyungsoo almost socks his face. Chanyeol laughs, pinches his cheek, making him blush more. The next pair starts singing, and he doesn't hear Chanyeol's next words. "God, you're so cute I..."

"What did you just say?" He asks, shifting his eyes back at his two classmates in front. It would be disrespectful if they still continued on talking and didn't listen on the others' presentations.

"Nothing." He hears Chanyeol say a bit loudly, and their conversation ends there.

It turns out that they got the second highest grade. But aside from that, they also got a compliment from their professor. It's enough for Kyungsoo, at least he's one hundred percent sure that he will never fail the class.

"We didn't get the highest grade,” Chanyeol starts. One of their classmates greets Chanyeol, doesn’t even look on Kyungsoo as she bats her eyelash on the taller man. “Oh hi Sunyoung! Thank you, your song is good too.” He gives a small wave before swinging an arm at Kyungsoo. “But being second is okay too, Kyungsoo! We're still getting a celebratory dinner, right?"

"Celebratory what?" Kyungsoo looks up, not even bothered by how close they are right now. It's like he's already used to Chanyeol's touch.

"Celebratory dinner!" Chanyeol repeats, patting his shoulders. "You forgot?"

"We...talked about that?"

Chanyeol pouts, shifting his gaze from Kyungsoo to the hallways. "Nevermind."

"Hey." Kyungsoo elbows him on his side, making Chanyeol jolt and let out a tiny shriek. His guitar almost falls off his shoulder. "We're having anything you want later."

"Really?"

"Yeah." Kyungsoo bites his bottom lip. "I mean, I think I can go out tonight then I'll just continue practicing for my practical exams tomorrow."

Chanyeol ruffles his hair with his hand that is on his shoulder. "Good. I want you to dress nicely okay?"

"Like a suit?"

"Seriously?" Chanyeol cackles. "Just be a little formal, because we're going on a fancy restaurant. We can't go there wearing t-shirts, ripped jeans and rubber shoes, right? We will stick like a sore thumb there."

***

"Jongdae, what am I going to wear?" He asks, his face covered with paperworks, music sheets and many other papers.

"Let me get this straight." Jongdae props his elbows on the table and cups his chin with his hands. "So Chanyeol asked you on a celebratory dinner because you got a high grade?"

"Apparently he told me ages ago but I don't remember anything."

Jongdae hums in understanding, and it is silent for a few moments before he starts talking again. "Formal wear?"

Kyungsoo nods in exasperation. "I only have black button-ups in my closet. I don't think it's good to wear black on a dinner? Because it's like you're mourning."

"It's not my fault that you like black too much." Jongdae quips, his foot tapping on the tiled floor of their office. "And now you're struggling on what to wear."

"Black is my favorite, okay!" Kyungsoo defends himself and his love for the color black, pouting. "And it's a safer color to wear if we're not going to wear costumes on recitals."

"But you think inappropriate on a date?"

"Are you going to help me or not?" He groans, because there are only few hours left and he doesn't want to ruin anything. He doesn't even snap at Jongdae for calling it a date. He doesn't feel the need to do so.

"Man, I think Junmyeon hyung is the right guy to ask. I don't think you'll like my wardrobe choices."

“You should’ve said earlier asshole, so I didn’t have to waste my time talking to you.”

"I think I heard my name from Jongdae?" Junmyeon appears from the supply room. He probably took an inventory of their supplies. "Is there something wrong?"

"Kyungsoo here has a teeny-weeny bit of a problem here." Jongdae replies instead of him, snickering. If only his foot could reach Jongdae's shin under the table. "He has a date with Park Chanyeol later and he has to wear something formal, but his closet is full of black and he thinks black is inappropriate for a date because it seems like you're mourning."

"Oh, I understand." Junmyeon puts his clipboard on his table. "I have an hour to spare before my next class, come on I'll let you borrow mine."

"Oh god, thanks hyung." He says, before standing up to follow Junmyeon. He slaps Jongdae's forehead as soon as he gets closer to him, earning an ear-splitting, "Whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy ~" from him.

He walks beside Junmyeon, with the older asking about the dinner tonight.

"To be honest, I've never seen Chanyeol like that."

Kyungsoo halts, furrowing his eyebrows. "What do you mean?"

"My older brother used to date his older sister." Junmyeon explains. They're near the university dorms. "So we kinda know each other since high school."

"Oh."

"Chanyeol had always been grumpy and aloof. When hyung and I visited his sister, I saw him locking himself on his room, shouting at anyone who would interrupt him. Hyung said he was having problems with his family that was why he was acting like that. Then hyung and noona broke up, and I got no news about him anymore, until we met again here. And he's still the same, though much worse."

Kyungsoo glances at Junmyeon. So they've known each other for a while but Chanyeol never acknowledged the friendship Junmyeon wanted to offer.

"When he started hanging out with you, he changed a lot. And it's really unbelievable. It's like I'm meeting the Chanyeol from different dimension." Junmyeon sighs, still grinning. "And you know what? When he called me hyung when he was looking for you, I almost cried. He never called me that back then."

"So you're saying?" Kyungsoo demands now, wondering why Junmyeon is saying these things to him.

"I'm saying that you are a big influence to him, Kyungsoo. A really good influence. I want to thank you for that."

"You believe that I have to take the credit?"

They're now in front of Junmyeon's door. Junmyeon is fumbling with his keys. He waits for the other's reply.

"I'm not the only one who noticed, but everyone who knows you and Chanyeol." Junmyeon emphasizes, stepping aside to let him in. The room is messy, a complete opposite to Junmyeon's personality. He almost trips on a cardigan lying on the floor. Junmyeon mumbles an apology before picking up his clothes and throwing it on his bed. “And I’ve seen how Chanyeol looks at you.”

Chanyeol and Junmyeon are entirely different persons, from their personality, and even on how they take care of their rooms. Chanyeol is neat, while Junmyeon is messy.

Junmyeon opens his closet, and surprisingly, it's not the same as his room. It's clean, and it looks like his clothes are safely ironed and folded.

"I have wide variety of colors. From rainbow to pastel colors."

"I noticed." Kyungsoo snorts, before his hand is carefully picking out the colors he thinks are appropriate for a dinner.

Junmyeon helps him choose, and after a few minutes he ends up with a simple white long-sleeved dress shirt. "You can wear a vest on top. You have one?"

"Thank you, hyung, for this." Kyungsoo says. "I have a black vest."

***

"Wow, you look great." Chanyeol comments, noticing Kyungsoo's styled hair. Jongdae pushed him into doing that, it's not like he really likes it, but he looks good when he saw himself in the mirror.

"Uh, thanks." Kyungsoo averts his eyes away from Chanyeol, because the taller man looks fucking gorgeous in his dark blue button-up and brown blazer. Kyungsoo still wears black tonight even though he thought earlier he needed a change, but it's just a vest on top of a white long-sleeved dress shirt he borrowed from Junmyeon. "You too."

"Well, thank you." Chanyeol bows lightly, and Kyungsoo notices his ears a bit red. He smirks because he knows he did it to him. "Come on, follow me."

Instead of walking with Chanyeol out of the university gates, he is taking him to the parking lot where Chanyeol's car is parked. It's a red Chevy, and it's so shiny that Kyungsoo can see his reflection on the hood. It looks new.

Chanyeol opens the door for him, acting like a true gentleman in their date. Kyungsoo shakes his head at him. "This is making me look unmanly."

"Oops. Sorry." Chanyeol's grin is annoying and Kyungsoo wants to puke. Rainbows.

Chanyeol is driving, his hands clenching on the steering wheel and if Kyungsoo squints, he would see Chanyeol's veins protruding on the back of his right hand. And that is so hot. Kyungsoo looks away, trying to focus himself reading every store signs he sees, trying to kick the thoughts of Chanyeol lacing their fingers together out of his mind.

"Are you okay?" Chanyeol asks, poking his shoulder. "You look uncomfortable. Do you want to go back?"

Kyungsoo turns to look at him and he regrets doing it because god Chanyeol looks so worried, biting his bottom lip and Kyungsoo's mind is whispering, just say yes and go back or else you're screwed. Kyungsoo is itching to hold him, to make him loosen the tight and worried knots in his hand.

"No, I'm okay. I'm just uncomfortable with this seat. Ha ha." He lies, and he grips on the seatbelt. This is not the appropriate time to have these kinds of Chanyeol thoughts, well, to be quite honest with himself, he shouldn't be having these thoughts because Chanyeol is just a friend and you're not supposed to think of doing romantic things with your friend unless you like him.

It hits him. He doesn't like Chanyeol, does he? Surely whenever Chanyeol is smiling at him, or simply watching him while they're practicing, he feels his heart's loud and rapid dugeun dugeun in his chest. There's fluttering, and the butterflies in his stomach won't even calm down.

When he disappointed him few days ago just because of a homemade cough medicine, he couldn't stop thinking about the worst possibilities and he felt his heart being painfully clenched, afraid that Chanyeol might give up on him and not come back anymore. What would he do if Chanyeol were not going to take him back? He would definitely break, though. He couldn't imagine his life without Park Chanyeol on his side, annoying the hell out of him every time, motivating him in everything he does, appreciating him in every effort he exerts, and taking care of him every single day.

Kyungsoo gasps inwardly.

Is that what you feel when you like someone?

Are those enough evidences to prove that he is falling in love with him?

***

"Kyungsoo?" Chanyeol snaps a finger at him, and Kyungsoo jolts, almost dropping his spoon on the bowl. "Are you listening?"

"Me?" Kyungsoo realizes he just spaced out. He shakes his head slowly. It's really embarrassing. "I'm sorry, I just remembered something."

When they reached the restaurant, Kyungsoo didn't expect that Chanyeol had already reserved a table for two, and a three-course meal. Chanyeol reserved the spot a week ago. It makes everything overwhelming for Kyungsoo because he's not really used to the fancy atmosphere: classical music humming in his ears, servers who wear tux and treat them like they're some kind of royalty, ceramics which Kyungsoo thinks are more expensive than his tuition fees, and overpriced but delicious food.

"You look like you're not in the mood. You should've told me." Chanyeol is smiling, but the disappointment in his tone is evident that Kyungsoo wants to bury himself deeper in shame.

"No." I don't want to upset you again. "I don't have to do that. I'm sorry for being unresponsive tonight."

"It's okay." Chanyeol chirps, and Kyungsoo wants to ask him why is he always like that, why does he always say that he understands him, why does he have to guarantee him that it's okay even if it's not, why does he like to hide what he really feels? "I insisted on dragging you here even though I know you have many things to think about and work on."

"Just," Kyungsoo breathes out. He reaches for his glass of water and drinks it in one go. "Let's just enjoy the night. Okay?"

"Okay."

"So what were you saying?" Kyungsoo asks, now sincerely interested in what Chanyeol is talking about.

"Well, when we were doing our project, this idea came out of my mind. I never expected this, to be honest, and ever since I thought about it, I've been considering on the possibilities." Chanyeol says nervously, while twiddling with his thumbs. He looks excited for a bit. "I really enjoyed writing lyrics and music altogether, and I want to widen my knowledge about it."

"What exactly are you talking about?"

"I just want to ask for your opinion about this." Chanyeol pauses, taking a deep breath before continuing, "I want to shift to music composition."

Kyungsoo stares at Chanyeol, waits for him to say 'just kidding!' but it never comes. Chanyeol laughs awkwardly.

"I'm one hundred and one percent sure my father won't be pleased by this." He adds. "Up to now he's still waiting for me to hit my head on the wall and change my career preferences like a businessman or something. But that will never happen. I'm staying with the music department. I'll just change my major."

"Just do what you want to do." Kyungsoo tells him, and he's not quite sure if it's helping or not. He really sucks at giving advices. Jongdae is the best. "Follow what your heart is saying, but also don't forget to use your brain."

"Yes, follow my heart. That's right." Chanyeol meets his eyes, and it's like he's boring into his soul. Chanyeol is watching him like he's something he doesn't want to lose. “My brain is saying the same, though.”

The night passes by pretty quickly. Chanyeol invites him over for a coffee, and now the shop is not like the fancy restaurant they were in hours ago, as it makes Kyungsoo now more comfortable with its simplicity and coziness.

"Now you look like more at ease here." Chanyeol comments, his fingers tapping on the tabletop like he's playing a piano. His eyes are still on Kyungsoo, and if this is just any ordinary night, Kyungsoo would have scowled at him and told him to stop being a creeper. But tonight is not an ordinary night. This is the night when Kyungsoo realizes that he has fallen in love with the person staring at him.

"Uh, yes." He takes the last sip of his americano, to distract himself from Chanyeol. He's getting more and more awkward as time passes by, but he's not sure if he wants this night to end. By that, there's no reason to get in touch with Chanyeol anymore. He's used to Chanyeol's presence, and it will be hard to go back to the life without him.

"I like it here."

"We can walk back to the dorms after this. You don't have to worry about the guard locking us out, I have my friend there to watch out for us."

Friend. This is the first time Chanyeol has mentioned about having a friend. Back then, Kyungsoo always saw him with the other guys or girls, but there wasn't a constant one. He is not even really sure if he can considers himself as Chanyeol's friend.

"Who?"

"Oh. His name is Baekhyun." Chanyeol says. "Baekhyunnie's my friend since middle school. He's not studying in our university, but I got him inside and gave him my ID. I bet he's having a great time right now swiping my card for a crappy cafeteria food."

"I see." Kyungsoo nods in understanding, and goes back to staring at his now empty cup. "I thought you don't have any friends."

That is meant to be joke, just to calm his own nerves, but Chanyeol takes it seriously. "I have trust issues, you see. But there's Junmyeon hyung. There's Baekhyun. There's you." He emphasizes the last word but gently. Kyungsoo stiffens in his seat, gripping on his cup's handle with his two fingers. "That's more than enough."

Kyungsoo wants to cry. It's too late to pull himself out of this. He's trapped, and he's struggling to free himself. Chanyeol reaches out for his hand, letting his palm rest above his. There's no intertwining of fingers, but the gesture is way too intimate, and Kyungsoo wants to pull away but he can't. He's making the most out of it, because sooner or later -

“You know, we started off the wrong foot, and I became the most annoying person you’ve ever met. But Soo, we’re friends, right?”

“Yes.” Kyungsoo answers without hesitation, and looks down at their hands. He smiles a little. “Yes, we’re friends.” And maybe he feels more than that.

"Let's go back?"

Chanyeol is walking just beside him, his arms swaying intentionally on the sides, bumping into his. Kyungsoo is having an internal battle whether he's going to initiate the hand-holding or hide his hands on his pockets, when Chanyeol breaks it for him.

"Hey, I have an idea."

Kyungsoo stops walking. They just crossed the street. Everything is so quiet, he can even hear his heart pounding loudly on his chest. "What's it?"

"I'm challenging you on a race. The first one who reaches the university gates is obviously the winner."

"What's the reward, then?"

"Hmm." Chanyeol taps on his chin lightly, staring up at the lamp post. "Anything. The winner should accept whatever the loser is going to give him."

Kyungsoo catches the sight of Chanyeol's long legs as he jogs in place, and rolls his eyes. "This is unfair. You run like an ostrich."

"I'll slow down a bit for you!" Chanyeol convinces, while shaking his hands. He stops moving then, looking at Kyungsoo with a smug face. "Don't tell me you're scared?"

Kyungsoo stills. He looks away, gritting his teeth. No, he's not scared. He's way past the scaredy cat Do Kyungsoo. He clenches his fist, and looks back at the person challenging him.

"I'm not scared." Kyungsoo scoffs. It earns a triumphant grin from Chanyeol. "You will definitely eat my dust."

He braces himself, and Chanyeol counts from ten to one, and shouts, "Go!"

Kyungsoo is lagging a few steps behind Chanyeol, who is laughing hysterically at him.

"Eat my dust huh?" Chanyeol teases with a shit-eating grin on his face. Kyungsoo ignores him, but Chanyeol is too loud to ignore. The rapid beat of his heart is too loud to even ignore too.

"Asshole!"

He's getting out of breath, and he can now see the gates. Chanyeol is still ahead, along with his words of sarcasm and mockery.

He finally reaches the gates, but he lost by a few seconds. Chanyeol is already holding on his knees for support, breathless, but still laughing. His sweat ruins his blazer. Kyungsoo sits on the ground, catching his breath and wiping his sweat from his forehead. He doesn’t even care if he gets his pants dirty.

"Why did I even agree on this?" Kyungsoo wheezes, trying to cool down. Chanyeol is now standing straight, offering his hand to Kyungsoo. The latter doesn't accept it and stands up by himself.

"Where's my reward?" Chanyeol crosses his arms, tapping his foot, still panting. He's extremely attractive right now, with beads of sweat clinging on the ends of his hair, his eyebrows in an expecting curve, his lips forming a smirk. And now Kyungsoo feels something new, the urge that he can't control, overpowering him, making his insides clench, making him feel warm, and he does the first thing his mind suggests for a reward.

He grabs Chanyeol's collar and kisses him, fitting their mouths together. He can feel Chanyeol stiffen for a bit before loosening up and wraps his arms around his waist, kissing him back. From his collar, Kyungsoo's hands crawl all the way up to wrap his arms on Chanyeol's neck, deepening the kiss. Chanyeol licks Kyungsoo's lips, and Kyungsoo moans, giving Chanyeol the opportunity to shove his tongue inside and taste him there. It's slightly chilly outside, and Kyungsoo finds more warmth from Chanyeol. And he doesn't give a fuck to whoever sees them making out in front of the university gates. Kyungsoo is too busy tangling his tongue with Chanyeol's.

Once they need to catch their breath again, Chanyeol bumps his forehead with him, a genuinely happy smile gracing his face. "Wow, that is the best reward I've ever received in my entire life. Can I have one more?"

Chanyeol doesn't even wait for an answer, as he swoops down to catch his lips again, this time, it's slower, not in a rush, gentler, now with added affection. It sends a new sensation to Kyungsoo and it wakes him up, opening his eyes and pushing Chanyeol away from him.

"Kyungsoo?" Chanyeol looks surprised, his lips parted and swollen. Kyungsoo stares at the lapel of Chanyeol's blazer, his breathing ragged and his hands are shaking. Everything falls into his shoulders, everything he's been hiding, been putting at the back of his head. It appears right before him, presenting a new whole level of it. Kyungsoo steps back, avoiding Chanyeol reaching out for him.

"Don't." He mutters, putting up a shaking hand to stop Chanyeol.

Kyungsoo hears the gates being opened, and he runs for it to escape. He bumps into someone, his vision too blurred to even recognize him and he mumbles a weak apology before he runs again, ignoring Chanyeol's frantic shouts of his name.

***

Ever since Kyungsoo was a kid struggling in middle school, whenever he felt scared of something, he tended to back away because he was afraid of failure, of rejection. His parents wanted him to be like his brother who was a famous musical actor. He didn't object though, because he likes performing too. But the pressure his parents were giving him and the comparison between him and his brother pushed him to the limit that made him unsure of his own talent and capabilities. He tried to be perfect and tried his very best even though it would be impossible.

His self-esteem was too low that he chickened out when he tried to run for the student government in his second year in the university. That was spur-of-the-moment because he figured out it would make his parents more proud. It was Jongdae and his brother who convinced him and told him that he needs to step out of his shell and show everyone that he really fits the position. It was definitely a hard time for him, because his goddamn insecurities were still killing him.

"Don't be afraid, Kyungsoo. The student body won't eat you. You have the guts. Just say what you want to say and tell the opposing party to fuck off if they try to pull a hate brigade against you. Don't let them judge what you can do."

He even stuttered during the debate, but students liked him and trusted him with their vote. He won and acquired the position.

He thought he had gotten rid of that flaw months ago, but as soon as Park Chanyeol appeared, became his partner for a project and forced himself in his life, he felt small again because of the reason he wasn't sure at first.

But he didn't back away. He tried fighting back because he wasn't the same old Do Kyungsoo. He doesn't want a person like Park Chanyeol to see his weakness. And Chanyeol isn't worth the defeat.

Earlier in the café, he finally realized it, and he's fucking stupid for realizing it just now. He fell in love with someone he swore he would never fall in love with. He let himself fall, without even noticing it in the process. And tonight is the night, when he goes back to being the coward Kyungsoo hates so much.

He's scared again, and it's because of the very same thing.

And the least thing he wanted to do in front of Chanyeol was the one he chose to do.

He backed away.

He enters his room in haste, and sits on the floor, leaning on the door. He hugs his knees close to his chest, as he recalls the kiss earlier. Kyungsoo wants to go back and hold him again, to kiss him again, but something is pulling him away from Chanyeol and it fucking frustrates him. He can't be with Chanyeol. He's not the perfect person Chanyeol needs. He doesn't deserve Chanyeol. Chanyeol might hurt him in the end because he won't be enough for him. Chanyeol might dump him. And he doesn't want that to happen.

He cries hard that night, thinking about the consequences he has to face because he fell in love. He sees Chanyeol's smiling face after being thoroughly kissed in his mind, and he clutches at his now tear-stained pants. He just wants to forget.

***

Kyungsoo spent his weekend with his family. His brother was out overseas for his musical's world tour, and his parents couldn't stop talking about it. He wasn't pressured anymore by it though, as it turns out every compliments he hears about his brother is now a motivation for him to work harder. He has already overcome that phase...now's a different thing.

His mother asked him about university and such, and Kyungsoo gave her the safest answer. He loves her so much that he really couldn't disappoint her. His father gave him an approving nod, and that was enough for him to realize that his parents are also proud of him.

On the next days, Kyungsoo can either be found in the student council office or in Jongdae's room. Jongdae's roommate - Sehun - is already giving him a stink eye because he's been sleeping over in this cramped dorm room. Jongdae asked why isn't he sleeping in his room and Kyungsoo just answered that he's bored being alone. He knew that he didn't believe him because he wanted to be alone in the first place that was why he applied for a single room.

He's just avoiding Chanyeol as possible as he can.

He's sitting on Jongdae's bed, practicing for one of his practical exams tomorrow, when Jongdae barges in the room.

"Chanyeol's been looking for you. He looks like a zombie right now."

Kyungsoo looks up at his best friend, and frowns. "What does he want from me? The project was already finished, he doesn't have the reason to look for me anymore."

"Why do you sound like a bitter bitch?" Jongdae asks annoyingly, glaring at Kyungsoo. Kyungsoo feels so attacked, his best friend wanting him out. "What's wrong with you? What's happening between you and Chanyeol?"

"Nothing." He says coldly, and goes back to vocalizing.

"Seriously, Kyungsoo?" Jongdae scoffs, and sits on his bed. He watches as Kyungsoo begins on failing a note. He sighs, patting Kyungsoo's knee. "You know what, you go back to your own room, fix whatever problem you two have. We'll talk later."

Kyungsoo exhales in defeat, and gets off the bed. Jongdae's face is now softer, encouraging. He slips his sheets on his bag and steps out of the room without a good bye.

He walks silently towards his room, gripping on the straps of his backpack tightly. His eyes are trained on the floor, not even minding if he bumps into someone. He just hopes that Chanyeol is not waiting for him in front of his door.

"Finally you showed up." A familiar voice makes Kyungsoo stop walking and he keeps his eyes on the floor. He can't even turn around to look at the person he's been hiding for days. "I've been looking for you everywhere. Every day I looked for you at the office, but you'd gone already. I even asked for your class schedule and tried to catch you on one of your classes but you weren't there. I waited for hours in front of your room but you never came. How did you do that? How did you manage to hide away from me?"

Kyungsoo gulps, unable to answer. His eyes are still watching the floor. Chanyeol is still standing behind him.

"What did I do, Kyungsoo? I did nothing wrong, right?"

"Please go away, Chanyeol." Kyungsoo mutters, his breathing now uneven. He tries not to stammer. "I have too many things to do right now."

"Kyungsoo."

"We have nothing to talk about." Kyungsoo starts walking again, but Chanyeol grips his arm and turns him around harshly. He shrugs his arm off but Chanyeol doesn't let him go. "Chanyeol! Let go!"

"Not until you tell me what's wrong!" Chanyeol pleads, his grip loosening a bit, but still doesn't let Kyungsoo go. "Please stop doing this to me. Please."

Kyungsoo looks down again, his lips trembling. He can't watch Chanyeol looking pitiful, because he might break down and lose everything.

"Kyungsoo, please talk to me. I'm begging you. If I did something wrong, please tell me."

Tears start pooling on his eyes, and he opens his mouth to speak. "There's nothing wrong with you, Chanyeol. It's me."

"Kyungsoo, what are you -"

"What happened that night was a mistake. I'm sorry, Chanyeol. I never meant to kiss you, I wasn't in the right mind."

Chanyeol's gaze is pinning him down. "No, that wasn't a mistake, Kyungsoo. I know - we know - that kiss wasn't a mistake."

Kyungsoo's face now red from trying too hard to control the tears, but he can't hold back anymore. They are in the middle of the hallway, the night is young and Kyungsoo's vision is too blurred because of unshed tears. He's afraid a student might walk in them. "You don't understand, Chanyeol!"

"Then make me understand!" Chanyeol now shouts, shaking him by his hand on his arm. "Tell me what's wrong with you so we can fix this thing between us."

"There's nothing between us, Chanyeol!" He shouts back, biting his lip it almost bled. "We're only classmates who were paired up for the final project. Nothing else."

"You're lying!"

"I'm not!"

"Yes, you are!"

"Stop!" Kyungsoo, with all his strength, removes Chanyeol's hand from his arm. He succeeds. His arm falls limply on his side. "Stop, please. I'm doing both of us a favor. Just stop."

"Favor?" Chanyeol scowls. He clutches at his hair as if Kyungsoo's the most frustrating person he has ever known. "You know what, Do Kyungsoo? This is not a favor. You're just making this hard for me. For the both of us. I don't even know what's going on with you. We were okay that night, then we kissed and now it becomes like this. I'm confused, Kyungsoo. I'm really confused. Tell me the problem, please. Please."

Kyungsoo steps back, wiping his eyes with his sleeve. He doesn't want Chanyeol to see him crying. Chanyeol's eyes are shining with tears, too.

"You're not going to talk?" Chanyeol mumbles, his hand reaching out to touch Kyungsoo's face, but stops midway. He clenches his fist and drops it back to his side. "Fine. Then let me confess something."

"I don't want to hear that." Kyungsoo turns around, to shut out what Chanyeol is going to say and walk away. But Chanyeol's next words make him stop on his tracks, unable to move.

"I like you, Kyungsoo. So much. Heck, I think I love you." Chanyeol says, a bit louder and confident, now that Kyungsoo is a few feet away. No, no, no please don't make this harder for me too, please Chanyeol. "Even before we became partners for that goddamned project."

Kyungsoo sees a student about to walk towards them, but it seems like he feels the tension between them that he steps backwards until he's out of sight. Kyungsoo tries to ignore the confession – no, no, no he heard everything wrong – and runs away again, to the safety of his room, before he believes everything and gives in.

***

Kyungsoo asks for three bottles of soju and budae jjigae as soon as he enters the small tent. He decides to get some drinks tonight because his practical exams are finished already and the only thing he will be busy with is the university festival. If only Jongdae doesn't hate him he should've asked him to drink with him but since he's pretty pissed, Kyungsoo chooses to be alone.

After two hours, Kyungsoo looks solemnly at his now empty bottles of soju, inebriated, his index finger tracing the rim of his last one. He frowns, when he pushes the bottle with his finger and it topples, and like domino effect, the other bottles become unsteady and fall down to the ground. The old lady gives him an unamused look and Kyungsoo just scoffs.

Few more and Kyungsoo's head is on top of the table, mumbling incoherent sentences. He pats his pockets to look for his phone, and when he feels it, he takes it out and with a dizzy vision, he searches the contacts for someone to take him home.

He puts his phone above his ear, the speaker a bit out of place from his ear. Though he can still hear five rings, some shuffling in the background and a soft, "Kyungsoo?"

"You fucker take me home I can't go home anymore I can’t even stand up by myself I'm drunk as fuck so take me home." He chants in the mouthpiece, chuckling despite of the ache he feels in his heart.

It takes a few seconds then the other line answers. "Where are you?"

"I don't know. Look for me?" He sniffles, rubbing his nose with the back of his hand – Chanyeol's mannerism when he eats – and he blinks away the little tears. He doesn't hear a word from the other, and Kyungsoo thinks he dropped his phone somewhere. Then there’s another shuffling in the background, and a gruff, “Wait for me.”

So Kyungsoo waits, and he thinks he fell asleep until he feels someone nudging him to wake up, and he grins toothily at the familiar person who’s hovering over him. The said person hauls him up and carries him on his back.

***

Kyungsoo wakes up with a severe headache, and he groans loudly, burying his head on his pillow – oh, wait. This is not his pillow. This pillow smells utterly familiar, but this is not his pillow. His eyes widen so suddenly, as he feels strong arms around him, and Kyungsoo’s fingers are slotted with the other person’s own.

“Headache?” a husky voice reaches his ear, and he screeches in surprise, trying to sit up and escape, but Chanyeol is trapping him from behind, unwilling to let go.

“Chanyeol!” he shouts, and when he looks down, he finds out that he’s only wearing his boxers. “Chanyeol! What happened? Where’s my pants?!”

“Don’t shout, it’s too early in the morning.” Chanyeol pulls him closer, flush against his chest, his lips grazing his nape. Kyungsoo whimpers and closes his eyes, the warmth making him want more and just enjoy it. “You puked on your pants and on my floor. I don’t want it on my bed.”

Then Kyungsoo realizes that this is Chanyeol who is back-hugging him, and they’re not supposed to be in this position. Sure, they used to sleep beside each other (and even cuddled) within the duration of their project, but right now is a different thing. The project is already over. Kyungsoo’s in love with Chanyeol, and Chanyeol thinks he is too, but they shouldn’t be together.

He tries to detach himself, but it is futile. He finally gives up. His head is most likely to break into half and he can’t fight anymore. “Why am I even here?”

“You called me last night and asked me to take you home. You were really drunk.” Chanyeol explains. Kyungsoo stares at the wall in front of him. “So I looked everywhere for you, because you didn’t tell me where you were, and you didn’t answer my calls. When I found you, I carried you on my back and brought you here because you said you couldn’t find your keys.”

“Okay. Sorry for troubling you last night.” Kyungsoo replies quietly. “Can you let me go? Please?”

Instead of complying on his request, Chanyeol just nuzzles the underside of his jaw. Kyungsoo whimpers.

“I’m not letting you go. We’re going to clarify everything you said to me while I was carrying you home last night.”

Kyungsoo stiffens, and as he racks his head to get at least a snippet of what happened last night, his head throbs even more. He grumbles. “I don’t want to talk about it. I’m just drunk, and I might be saying nonsensical things to you last night. Please, just let me go.”

“I am not going to let you go, not until we talk about this. I don’t want to lose you, Soo. I don’t want to regret this.” Chanyeol disagrees, making it harder for Kyungsoo to struggle. He can shout, but he can’t find the courage and strength to do so. His throat feels really dry, like he didn’t drink water for more than a year. "And don't even pull off something like, 'I was under the influence of alcohol so I said irrational things' or any shit like that because I'm not going to believe you."

"Chanyeol."

"Will you please stop being so stubborn and cooperate with me? You just told me everything last night and now I know why you're acting like this. We're going to fix this, whether you like it or not, because clearly, you're deciding for the both of us without me knowing."

Kyungsoo feels shivers, and it's like his color just drained out. Chanyeol isn't angry but he sounds really disappointed. He gulps as he can't say anything. Chanyeol takes it as a cue to continue.

"You told me about your struggles before college, your insecurities and how you fought against it when you ran for council presidency. And when I got into the picture, it came back. You -"

"I believe we will never work out, Chanyeol." Kyungsoo finishes for him. And the truth hurts more than it should. "We're too different."

"And you don't have my permission to make decisions for myself, for us." Chanyeol says. "You're avoiding me without giving me a proper reason. We haven't even tried and you're backing out? This is unfair, Kyungsoo. You're being unfair for the both of us. I know what I want and that is you. I want you."

"Chanyeol -"

"And also, you're kind of insulting me. Do you really think I'm that shallow? Is it because I challenged myself to make you fall in love with me?" Chanyeol asks, scoffing, but he's not giving Kyungsoo any chance to answer as he adds, "I'm not going to dump you just because you're too dull and not good enough for me. Fuck those insecurities you have, I love you just the way you are, and everything about you is what makes you amazing for me. I don't care if you like things planned while I like it being spontaneous. I don't mind if you don't like being showy with your feelings unlike me. Opposites attract. That makes the two of us. You deserve my love, and I deserve yours as well. So please stop thinking so lowly of yourself. It hurts me too. So much."

Now Kyungsoo's crying, letting those tears flow on his cheeks as Chanyeol holds him tighter than before, and from the way Chanyeol stammers, he can say that he's also crying. It makes him feel guiltier.

Kyungsoo absorbs what Chanyeol just said, and he feels ridiculous about the whole thing. He never gave Chanyeol the chance to prove himself, but he couldn't blame himself for being coward at times like this. He's apologetic, but it doesn't mean he can wash all those insecurities away just like that. But he's going to try. Now that Chanyeol's offering himself to him.

He turns around, facing Chanyeol. They're mere centimeters away, and if he were to lean a little, he would meet Chanyeol's lips.

"I'm so sorry. I'm really really sorry for doing this." He whispers, and then he feels Chanyeol's thumb wiping the tears on his face. With a shaking hand, he does the same thing to him. "I'm a coward, I know. But I cannot blame myself for being one. I had a hard time before, and having it again is making me weaker. I don't know what to do about it anymore."

Chanyeol nods in understanding, his hand now cupping his cheek. "We're going to fight it together, you understand? Believe me in this, Soo. I'm going to help you. I'm going to prove to you that you're more than enough for me and you're all I can ask for." He puts his hand on top of Chanyeol's, keeping him there. This time, he doesn't want him to let him go. "I want to ask you a question, and please be honest with me, okay? Promise me."

"Yes. Yes, I promise." He closes his eyes, leaning into the touch. He feels soft lips brushing against his, and he's more than willing to kiss him back. Chanyeol gives him different kinds of feelings that it feels like his heart is about to explode any minute now. He wants this just like Chanyeol, but he deprived himself and he's stupid. So fucking stupid. Chanyeol lets go, and he wants to do the chase now, to capture his lips again, but he's firing his question now.

"Do you really mean what you said to me last night? Do you really like me?"

Kyungsoo opens his eyes, looks at Chanyeol's own, and sees that he's one hundred percent certain about this. He can’t remember if he really said something like that last night, but he’s not going to try to remember. And now that Kyungsoo finally understands, finally hears the taller man's side, he's willing to give it a shot, to fight these horrible insecurities. Now with Chanyeol on his side.

"Yes. I like you."

"And I love you too." He answers back, and he doesn't have to ask for it when they meet halfway in a passionate kiss, Chanyeol putting him on top, holding his face like he's the most precious person in the world, full of promises that he's not going to break him.

The assurance makes Kyungsoo want more of him, and give Chanyeol more of him.

***

The festival went smoothly as planned. Kyungsoo has never been this proud of himself and his team who helped him throughout the planning and executing and gave him time when he was undergoing a difficult situation. So far, like Jongdae told him, he made a perfect job at being the student council president. It lifts off a heavy weight from his shoulders, and he's more than happy to have this kind of confidence and assurance.

He's standing near the stage, watching as the guest performers exudes too much charm and leave the girls in a giggling and screaming mess. He chuckles when the vocalist gives a flying kiss and the shrieks are almost deafening.

"Don't tell me you like him too?" A voice from beside him stands out among the drum beats, guitar riffs, the singer's singing voice and the shrill shouts. Kyungsoo turns around and meets Chanyeol's beautiful and inquisitive eyes. He shrugs and holds Chanyeol's arm, leaning his head on his shoulder.

"I like you more." He says, looking up at him. Chanyeol shakes his head in amusement before kissing the tip of his nose. They're not official yet, since Kyungsoo insists that he wants to know each other better and falling in love with him in a matter of few weeks is too overwhelming that he wants to take it slow this time.

It isn't a question about what is happening between them, as they hang out more than often, inside and outside university, also Chanyeol offering his help with the processing of documents to the school administration. They become more touchy and showy with each other, earning retching sounds from Jongdae and sometimes Junmyeon. They would sleep over at each other’s room every night, and it would be filled with sweet conversations, sometimes they would just watch each other and drown themselves in the loving gazes before they sleep. They would steal kisses and cuddle while listening to the faint love song playing on Chanyeol's little old radio. When things get heated, they would make out on the bed, but not taking it any further. Kyungsoo would sleep in Chanyeol's arms, and he would wake up in the same position, with the taller man's face few inches away from him, kissing him on his forehead to greet him good morning.

What they only need is the label, and Chanyeol says he's willing to wait. Kyungsoo feels very lucky to have his not-so-boyfriend in his life. Today he's going to make a change.

He wraps his arms around Chanyeol's waist, and the sudden skinship startles the taller man, but then a smile graces his lips and drapes his arm on his shoulder. They've never been this close in front of many people, but Kyungsoo couldn't care less, as what's important is the person beside him, looking at him fondly.

“Hey, let’s go out tomorrow.” Kyungsoo suggests, his hand crawling down Chanyeol’s arm to lace their fingers together.

“Where do you want to go?” Chanyeol asks, squeezing his hand. His eyes are on the stage, but his attention is obviously on him. “Cinema? Park? Your favorite takoyaki stall in the mall?”

“Anywhere,” Kyungsoo replies. “It will be our first date as a couple, so it has to be special.”

It took a few seconds for everything to register on Chanyeol’s mind, and he lets go of his hand to face him properly, holding him on his shoulders.

“Did I hear it right? Or am I just imagining things?” Chanyeol searches for the lie on Kyungsoo’s eyes, but Kyungsoo is damn sure about this. He’s not lying. “Did you just indirectly tell me that – ”

“Yes, Chanyeol.” Kyungsoo laughs, taking Chanyeol’s hands in his and kissing his knuckles. It becomes the two of them here, alone, ignoring the stares directed at them. “You succeeded. You made me fall in love with you. I’m your boyfriend now.”

“And I’m your boyfriend now.” Chanyeol quips. His face contorts into different expressions, but the most endearing of it is his genuinely smiling face. His eyes are lighting up, emanating happiness everywhere. “You made me so happy right now, Soo. If only I can kiss you right now, right here, I’ll – ”

Chanyeol doesn’t finish his sentence as Kyungsoo pulls him down, clashing their lips together. There’s a cheering in the background (“Get a room you shameless lovebirds!” Jongdae screams from somewhere), and he’s not sure if they’re cheering at them, or at the band playing on stage. Kyungsoo doesn’t care anyway, because Chanyeol is smiling in between kisses, pulling him closer by the waist, making him feel that everything’s worth it.

***

The first time he meets Baekhyun is in a coffee shop. He's about to take Baekhyun's hand for a handshake, but Chanyeol is holding his hand like he doesn't want to let go, so Kyungsoo smiles at him with a hint of warning. Chanyeol drops his hand, pouting. Baekhyun speaks in a fluent but slightly accented French, and it catches Kyungsoo's attention. Chanyeol says Baekhyun learned the language because of his French girlfriend.

His boyfriend kept on reminding him on the way that Baekhyun is a dangerous person, and he shouldn't believe on every word he's going to say. He sensed that Chanyeol is hiding something, from the way the tips of his ears turning red.

Baekhyun, as Kyungsoo notices, smiles like he's going to drop a bomb at him or something. It's not really threatening though. He talks and talks and talks, just like Jongdae, and he keeps on changing topics. Chanyeol is quiet, sipping his coffee with his eyes uneasy.

"Oh you know what, I've never seen Chanyeol this happy before. Well, the first time I saw him smile like this was when he told me that -"

"Byun Baekhyun!"

"- he finally convinced your professor to pair the two of you up for your final project."

"Uh, what." Kyungsoo turns to look at his boyfriend, who is already burying his face on the table, muttering incoherent words.

"You don't know?" Baekhyun asks, and he looks like he's enjoying Chanyeol's misery.

"Hey, Yeol. Do you want me to tell Kyungsoo everything?"

Chanyeol lifts his head to glare at his best friend. "No. I'mgoing to tell him everything. You better shut up right now or else I'll pull your tongue out."

"I don't really understand." Kyungsoo furrows his eyebrows. "What's with this convincing thing?"

"Oh hey, I think I have to go now. I have a Skype session with my girlfriend." Baekhyun says, while looking at his watch. Kyungsoo can't tell if he's just lying or not just to escape. "Nice to meet you, Kyungsoo."

He waves awkwardly at Baekhyun, and the other gives him a nod. Baekhyun then turns to look at Chanyeol.

"Hey, buddy. You better tell Kyungsoo your desperate moves and misadventures before just to make him notice you."

"Oh, fuck you Byun. I regret being your friend."

Baekhyun laughs a bit loudly, irritating Chanyeol more, before walking out of the coffee shop. It becomes quiet between them for a few minutes, Kyungsoo busy eating his cheesecake, and Chanyeol looking around but him.

"Soo -"

"Is it true?"

"I don't have any choice!" Chanyeol raises his hands in defeat. "I often visited Mr. Kim in his office so that I could see a glimpse of you in your office. You don't even look at me back then."

"Then all those troubles you did..."

"Some were true but I was only provoked in doing so, and some were just to catch your attention." He explains, his voice getting quieter and quieter. "If you're worried about those girls who kept on following me, I never liked them. I would give them what they wanted just to make them shut up but that's it. We never went beyond making out."

"And about the project?"

"That's true. I asked Mr. Kang to pair us up and he said he would do it on one condition." Chanyeol says, unable to look at Kyungsoo. His face is still red. "He told me I have to fix myself because it's not healthy anymore and I would be just a major turn off for you. I thought about that and I figured out that he was kinda right. Who would take a rebel like me seriously? I talked to Mr. Kim about this too and he said the same thing."

"And then you did everything just to make me fall in love with you."

Chanyeol nods, biting his lips as he stares on his forgotten coffee. "I'm really serious about you, Soo, those desperate measures can prove it. I thought I wasn't going to succeed because you were really stubborn and you seem like the person who can resist a handsome and hot temptation like me."

"Okay." Kyungsoo purses his lips and resumes on eating his cheesecake. He ignores Chanyeol, who keeps on nudging him by his elbow. He pretends not to smile. Somehow, he knows that Chanyeol fixed himself for the better to give him a good impression, but he doesn't have the slightest idea that he was this serious.

"Hey, are you mad?" Chanyeol scoots closer, the chair's legs scratching the floor and makes Kyungsoo cringe. "Sorry if I hid that from you, okay? I know I lied, but I really am sorry. That was really embarrasing and I didn't know how to tell you. And Baekhyun is an asshole and now I think he just made everything worse."

Kyungsoo shoves a spoonful of cheesecake in his mouth. He chews to mask the smile on his face.

"Babe? Please? Don't be angry. What do you want me to do to make you forgive me?"

Kyungsoo bites his bottom lip, but he still ends up laughing. He covers his face with his hands, unable to control himself.

"What's funny?" Chanyeol frowns when Kyungsoo peeks from his fingers. "Do Kyungsoo."

"I really love you so much that I hate you." Kyungsoo says in between chuckles, and Chanyeol removes his hands from his face to lean forward and peck him on his lips, the sole reason why Chanyeol picked a table on the corner where people couldn't see them. “You’re going to tell me everything later.”

"It’s really embarrassing but yes, we’re going to have a long storytelling session before sleep.” Chanyeol laces their fingers together. It fits perfectly, like jigsaw puzzles. “And I love you too."

They walk back in the dorms, hand in hand, and Chanyeol swings it, proud that he's holding Kyungsoo's hand. The new semester just started and Chanyeol took the path his heart and mind chose for him. He's now taking song composition. He’s now with Kyungsoo.

Also, Chanyeol convinced him to apply for a dorm room again, this time a two-person one.

He still yet has to talk to his father. Kyungsoo made him promise that. Chanyeol said that someday, he and his father would be on good terms. Kyungsoo is holding on his promise tightly, just like how he holds Chanyeol's hand.

Chanyeol never fails to make him feel loved, that he's worth it, more than enough. He's also doing the same to him. And he has never been this thankful before.

Chanyeol lifts their hands and kisses his knuckles, and it is too romantic that Kyungsoo blushes under the moonlight. His boyfriend chuckles and teases his red face, so he kicks his shin hardly, earning yelp from him. He runs away to escape from Chanyeol's grip, laughing as he shouts, "Go back here, Do Kyungsoo!"

This time he's more than willing to get caught.

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2015: sing me a song, and i'll give you my heart (for prompt 59)

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