Chapter Text
“No Choi Soobin, no Choi Yeonjun. What am I going to do now ?” Kai moped. It was a month after the incident and both older boys really did just leave him be. No one returned his waves, no one picked him in gym and no one allowed him to sit at their table still. He and Taehyun were outside, lunch on the rooftop would be common until the days grew cold. Then they would have to face everyone again.
“Uh…try again ?” Taehyun suggested.
“They won’t even look at me.” Kai whined. “Should I dye my hair ? Do you think the school would let me dye my hair ?” Kai asked.
“Definitely, you could say it’s your natural hair color.” Taehyun said.
“What color though ? Lighter brown ? Or what about blonde ?” Kai began listing out colors before stopping. “What if they don’t like blondes ?!”
“Impossible ! Everyone loves blonde.” Taehyun said. “Maybe you should wait on the hair dying. Seems a bit drastic.”
“Then how else am I supposed to show that I matured from the situations that occurred ?” Kai asked.
“Um what if…I’ve been thinking about this for a while. But what if we become the popular kids ?” Taehyun suggested.
“Huh ? How do we do that ?” Kai asked.
“Well let’s think about what it takes to become popular. You have to be attractive, talented and likable.” Taehyun listed.
“Well…we’re uh…we’re likable ?” Kai said though it sounded like he was trying to convince himself. “Mmm never mind let’s go with talented. I’m good at music and you’re good at uh everything else.”
“Okay. We can use our talents to bring people in. Then we start our own table in the cafeteria. I don’t think anyone will invite us to partner up in gym but still.” Taehyun shrugged. “This is our sign. We can’t be the two weirdos forever.”
“You’re right Hyun. If we do this, we can attract the attention of the Choi boys again.” Kai said.
“Oh- about that. Beomgyu-sunbae invited me to his house for a sleepover.” Taehyun said. Kai put down his juice box slowly.
“What ?!” He shouted.
“Apparently he has them every year. Just the boys hanging out, playing games, having fun.” Taehyun said.
“What the heck Taehyun ! Why didn’t you tell me about this sooner ?” Kai asked. “When is it ?”
“This weekend.” Taehyun said. “And I just got invited like the other day, I tried to tell you yesterday but you were too busy screaming about how Hiyyah drew on your scrapbook.”
“She drew right on the one good picture I have of Choi Soobin ! That girl is evil, the devils child.” Kai frowned. “But that’s besides the point. Why’d he invite you ? Can I come ? Who’s going to be there ?”
“All the Choi boys. That’s all I know.” Taehyun said. “I did ask though, if you could come.”
“And ?” Kai was at the edge of his seat here.
“He laughed and told me don’t joke like that.” Taehyun gave him a look of pity. “I then told him I was serious and he said he was too.”
“Oh.” Kai stood up from the bleachers. “Excuse me while I go jump.”
“There’s a gate.” Taehyun said but Kai was already trying to climb it. It was actually fifteen feet high for this exact reason. Thankfully Kai had no upper body strength and he didn’t know how to climb metal gates for the life of him. He landed back on the roof with a huff.
“Why does that always look easier on tv ?” Kai said before sitting back down.
“I’m sorry bestie.” Taehyun said.
“Don’t worry. If I can’t off myself then I guess I’ll just ask Beomgyu-sunbae myself.” Kai said.
“Really ?” Taehyun asked.
“It’s only right.” Kai said. “Never back down never what ?”
“Never give up.” Taehyun said and Kai nodded. Maybe this was their start to popularity. Attending one of the cool kids sleep overs. That could definitely boost them in the ranks from zero to like top ten. Kai stormed off to find Choi Beomgyu. It wasn’t exactly hard, the older was only ever in a few places. In his class, on the courts or hiding out in the music room. Which is where Kai found him. Beomgyu was sitting, leaning back in a chair with one foot on the floor, another higher in the air as he was lost in thought, strumming mindlessly on the guitar.
“Beomgyu-sunbae !” Kai shouted causing the older to almost fall out of the chair. Thankfully he caught himself or the guitar would have crushed him as he tilted backwards onto the ground. Beomgyu turned to look at Kai and Taehyun, a bit startled.
“Geez did you have to yell ?” He asked.
“Sorry.” Kai giggled. Beomgyu sighed. “Anywho, I heard you’re having a little sleep over.” Kai said, moving to sit down in one of the chairs near Beomgyu. The older teen immediately looked towards Taehyun who winced and looked away. Listen he was only here for morale support of his friend okay. “Can I come ?”
“Do I know you ?” Beomgyu asked.
“Um…we share a class ?” Kai said, or asked, he wasn’t sure.
“But do I know you personally ? You know…well enough to let you spend the night in my home.” Beomgyu said.
“Oh well…you know Taehyunnie here and Taehyun is my best friend. For ever. So like that’s good enough right ?” Kai asked. Beomgyu strummed a little melody with his fingers.
“Nah.” He settled on. Okay tactic number two.
“I can play guitar too.” Kai said after a moment of silence. Beomgyu glanced at him.
“And ?” He asked.
“And…I have perfect pitch. If you…how about we play a game. If I can play any song you know by ear then you have to let me come to your house.” Kai said. Beomgyu sat up. He contemplated for a moment, looking at Kai fully for the first time since they’ve interacted. He looked like he didn’t believe Kai.
“And if you can’t ?” Beomgyu asked.
“I’ll…let you enjoy the sleep over without me even though I’m like the best person to invite.” Kai said.
“Deal.” Beomgyu said. “I’ll give you three chances since I’m feeling generous.”
“You’re always generous, sunbae.” Taehyun said making the two look at him. A blush filled his cheeks as he fixed his glasses. Stupid thoughts just jumping out when they don’t need to ahaha.
“Great, hand it over.” Kai said stretching his arm out for the guitar. Beomgyu did as told. Strumming it, Kai tweaked the strings a tad before strumming again. Better. There we go. “First song ?”
“I’ll go with a classic, Wonderwall.” Beomgyu said.
“Easy.” Kai scoffed and began strumming. Beomgyu had just picked the most well known song to every guitarist out there. It seems it was almost too easy as Beomgyu nodded before holding his hand out cause Kai to stop.
“Before you go- Lewis Capaldi.” Beomgyu said. Kai squinted his eyes. A harder one but not one he didn’t know. Even if he didn’t know he had perfect pitch. He could just play what he remembered the song sounded like.
“God I love this song.” Taehyun said from the side as he sung a little to the guitar.
“Don’t encourage him.” Beomgyu snapped.
“Sorry.” Taehyun pouted.
“Fine fine. Last one and I won’t make it easy. Bohemian Rhapsody.” Beomgyu said.
“What ? That’s like not even a true acoustic song. And there’s like five different sound changes. It’s like four songs in one.” Kai exclaimed.
“Oh well if you can’t do it then I don’t need to see you at my house. Perfect.” Beomgyu smiled.
“I never said I couldn’t.” Kai said, a frown on his face.
“Go on then.” Beomgyu said, crossing his arms. Wiggling out his fingers, Kai had to think to how the song even started. He tried a chord out, wincing as it sounded off. Beomgyu snorted.
“Wait wait, I got this.” Kai said before playing the more accurate chords. Beomgyu watched him carefully as he progressed through the song. As the first change was headed up, Kai felt his hands grow sweaty. He hadn’t had this much pressure playing guitar since he was five years old. But he wasn’t about to lose a chance of spending the night at the Choi Beomgyu’s house where the Choi Soobin would be. So he strummed and plucked and played the entirety of this long ass song even if it cramped his fingers. Kai was on a mission here.
“Wow.” Taehyun said as Kai finished. “That was impressive even to me.”
“Thank you Hyunnie.” Kai said. He looked back at Beomgyu. “So your address-“
“Don’t push it. Just show up with him.” Beomgyu said with a groan. “Seriously how are you this good ?”
“I come from a long line of musicians. This is basic stuff for them.” Kai said, placing the guitar down before stretching. “For me.” He grinned.
“They’re so going to kill me.” Beomgyu said.
“So we will see you this weekend ?” Taehyun said. Beomgyu looked at Taehyun way softer than he did Kai.
“Yeah of course. I look forward to seeing you.” The extra emphasis was definitely hurtful but even Kai couldn’t hate the edgy bad boy that was Choi Beomgyu. “I’m gonna go though. Don’t interact with me after this Sai. Later Taehyun !” Beomgyu said before walking away.
“Oh um it’s Kai !” Kai shouted after him. “With a K - ah yep he’s gone.” Kai looked back at Taehyun who smiled. “Looks like we got ourselves a sleepover to plan for.”
“That we do.” Taehyun said. “I have just the right pajamas in mind that will have Choi Beomgyu all over me.”
“Wait really ?” Kai asked. “He’s going to fall in love with you regardless but now I’m curious.”
“You’ll see when we get there.” Taehyun grinned. His phone went off, startling him a bit. “Crap that’s my study group. I gotta go, but we can help each other pack on Friday.”
“Yes ! Can’t wait ! Don’t forget our plan.”
“I won’t !”
“Really ? After I punched that jerk you still want to be in his space ? I don’t just punch people for jokes Kai.” Lea was not impressed. Not impressed at all as she watched Kai stuff a bag full of miscellaneous items.
“It won’t just be him. Yeonjun-sunbae and Beomgyu-sunbae will be there.” Kai said.
“Oh great, tweedledum and tweedledee.” Lea said rolling her eyes.
“Just give it up unnie. Idiots have to learn their lessons the hard way.” Bahiyyah said from her spot on the floor, playing her switch. Kai shot her a hard glare.
“Why are you even here Hiyyah ? Shouldn’t you be asleep ?” Kai said. Bahiyyah scoffed.
“You know the only one who has a bed time is you.” She said. Kai threw a pillow at her. She didn’t even blink as it hit her, simply using it to prop her head up and continue her game. That ticked Kai off even more but he couldn’t do anything as Lea stepped in his room, away from where she was leaning against the door.
“Seriously you think this is a good idea ? Because I have only so many punches left before I’m an adult and have to go jail for assaulting people.” Lea said.
“I’m sure. And if it turns out bad I’ll punch him myself. But I don’t think it will. He apologized and that shows a lot about his character.” Kai said.
“No it doesn’t.” Lea said, looking more frustrated. “He only apologized because he was wrong and everyone kept telling him he was. Not because he wanted to.”
“You don’t know that.” Kai said.
“Really ? I’ve known him longer than you Kai. Yes I do know that.” Lea said.
“Well, this is suddenly getting more interesting than my island development.” Bahiyyah said turning off her game and sitting up to watch them.
“You don’t. People can change noona. And even if he was forced to say it, he still said it. So I forgive him.” Kai said.
“That’s so fucking stupid. If I just threw all your plushies in the dumpster and only apologized after mom made me would you accept it ?” Lea asked.
“Mmm… well that’s a bit different.” Kai said. His plushies were his life why would she even make that a theoretical statement.
“It’s not. Face it, you’re just doing this because you still like him.” Lea said.
“So ?!” Kai face grew red. So what if he still liked him. He could change him. Somehow.
“God this is so embarrassing do you understand that ? You’re going to go there and embarrass yourself.” Lea said.
“I’m like much cooler than you think noona !” Kai said making Bahiyyah laugh. “Shut up Hiyyah !” Kai shouted.
“I’m sorry hahaha.” She giggled. Not sorry at all.
“Get out.” Kai said.
“No.” She said, still trying to settle her laughter.
“Noona get her out.” Kai turned back to Lea.
“Kai she isn’t even bothering you.” Lea said. “You’re not even listening to me.”
“I am ! She’s being distracting.” Kai whined.
“Hey, are you guys being a loving and respectful family in there ?” Their mother shouted from the living room.
“Yes !” All three of them yelled back.
“Good because Taehyunnie is here for Kai.” She said.
“Great. Goodbye you two. Don’t miss me too much while I attend the best sleepover in history.” Kai said standing up with his bag. He didn’t have time for this anyways.
“Whatever.” His sisters both said.
Kai scampered off, kissing his mother goodbye and stuffing his shoes onto his feet before making it to Taehyun’s dad’s car. The man thankfully said he would drive them to Beomgyu’s house so they didn’t have to lug their belongings on the train. Beomgyu’s house was about half an hour from Kai’s on the better end of the city. Different than Yeonjun’s suburban home, Beomgyu lived in one of those high end condos. Like the really cool ones that had their own floor.
“Just how rich are the Choi’s ?” Kai whispered as they were allowed access onto the elevator.
“Gonna be richer if our families somehow join together. In a marriage or something.” Taehyun said. Kai agreed. Beomgyu would be lucky if he married Taehyun. The boy was smart, handsome and rich. The whole shabang. If Soobin married him then he would be marrying down. Kai’s apartment barely had enough rooms to fit all the people living there. And he was sure his mom was working harder these days as Lea would have college to worry about soon. There weren’t many benefits to marrying Kai money wise but hey, isn’t it for rich or poor, for better or for worse ? The doors opened up on Beomgyu’s floor. No one was there but inside was absolutely gorgeous.
“I think I seen this exact condo before in a drama.” Kai whispered.
“Reel it in man. We’re trying to come off as cool remember?” Taehyun hissed back.
“Right right.” Kai nodded before letting out a breath. He could be cool.
“Oh you’re here.” Beomgyu said. As if he wasn’t the one to allow them entry up here. “Hi Taehyun !”
“Hi.” Taehyun flushed.
“Come on, the guys have already started playing games.” Beomgyu said looking at the both of them for a second. “You can bring your bags too.” They followed after him, walking from a living room to kitchen to a-full on staircase that led up to Beomgyu’s room where Soobin and Yeonjun were. The older teens were in the middle of a game, throwing out playful banter as they caught against each other. “Hey I’m back.” Beomgyu said, sitting down on his bed.
“Hey oh-“ Soobin stopped as his eyes settled on Kai and Taehyun.
“What- why’d you just stop-oh.” Yeonjun looked over too.
“Is this a joke ?” Soobin asked.
“Oh no hyung.” Beomgyu said. “Not a single person here thinks this is funny.”
“Great.” Soobin said.
“H-Hi sunbae.” Kai waved.
“Sup.” Yeonjun said. Soobin turned back to the game. Okay definitely not what Kai wanted but it was to be expected. Baby steps. Both he and Taehyun made their way to Beomgyu’s bed as well.
“Okayyy moving on, let’s play some games. Do either of you know how to play Mortal Kombat ?” Beomgyu asked.
“What’s that ?” Taehyun asked.
“Never heard of it.” Kai said.
“Why do I feel like you two only play baby games. Like animal crossing.” Yeonjun said.
“Animal crossing isn’t for babies.” Kai defended. Their eyes met for a second. It wasn’t a no. Kai looked away and Yeonjun snorted.
“Oh never change Bambi.” Yeonjun laughed, shaking his head as he continued his fight.
“So what are the plans tonight sunbae ?” Kai asked Beomgyu.
“My master itinerary involves video gaming, karaoke, painting and some crafts.” Beomgyu said.
“Really ?” Taehyun said. “You don’t seem like much of a crafter.”
“Better than Soob.” Yeonjun said.
“Hey- I’m pretty artsy.” Soobin said, offended.
“Anyone who calls themselves artsy instead of artistic is not what they think they are.” Yeonjun said earning him a shove from Soobin. Yeonjun shoved him back and soon the two were wrestling. Taehyun leaned closer to Kai, peaking over him as Yeonjun flipped Soobin over, pulling him into a headlock.
“Boy sleepovers are so interesting.” Taehyun said.
“You two are literally boys.” Beomgyu said. Unfazed by the chaos on the floor.
“Excuse me, I come from an all female household.” Kai said.
“Same here.” Taehyun said. “This display of boyish squabble is new.”
“And kind of painful to watch.” Kai said while watching Soobin slam Yeonjun down with a loud thud. “Should we stop them ?”
“They won’t forgive me if I interrupted.” Beomgyu said shaking his head, reaching over to take the forgotten controllers. “Who wants to go first ?”
“I can.” Taehyun said and Kai was not about to ruin this moment for his bestie. So he settled into the back, letting Beomgyu explain to Taehyun the controls and basics of how to fight. Something nudged Kai’s foot and he looked down to see Yeonjun and Soobin have tapped out from their fight, breathing heavy with messy hair and flushed skin. The gods have blessed these two too much because how can they still look good after a battle like so.
“So…”Kai looked down at them both. “Anyone up for karaoke?”
“No-ouch !” Soobin hissed as Yeonjun hit his side.
“Yes sure Bambi. Get ready to lose.” Yeonjun said, getting up to his feet.
“You’re on sunbae ! Where’s the karaoke machine?” Kai asked.
“Geez how rich do you think we are ? Who just has a karaoke machine in their house ?” Yeonjun asked, laughing a little. “We’re using the tv.”
“Oh.” Kai blinked. That was fine with him. “Let’s go then, I have the perfect song.”
Respectfully and Kai says this with full respect, Choi Yeonjun was way cooler than Choi Soobin. He was more active, more social and easy to warm up to. Kai felt like he found another him. They shared similar taste in stuff and stuff they didn’t they both could respect it. Well for the most part, Yeonjun still thought he was a loser but he wasn’t actively trying to hurt Kai’s feelings. So as they had moved on from karaoke to painting the view from Beomgyu’s high rise condo. Taehyun and Beomgyu joined them eventually. Taehyun was painting dutifully on the floor next to Beomgyu who second guessed every stroke. Kai sat by the window and got a really pretty view of the city around them. Soobin was curled up on the circle chair, reading a book. At least everyone had settled down.
“It must be so interesting living this high.” Kai said more to himself.
“I prefer living on the ground.” Yeonjun said. “Up here feels so distinct you know ? Very separate. Just away from everyone else. I’d rather be with the people.”
“Thats insightful.” Kai said. “I think I could do both. Place me anywhere and I’m comfortable as long as I have a bed and four walls.”
“Sounds like you Bambi. An adapter.” Yeonjun said.
“Yeah.” Kai smiled. “Do you think Soobin-sunbae will like my painting?” And yep there it was. Kai always knew how to ruin a moment. Yeonjun glanced at him then at the painting before snorting.
“Ask him yourself.” Yeonjun said before resuming his own piece. It wasn’t a no. Kai got up, his sock padded feet quiet against the floor as he made his way to Soobin. Soobin did not even blink as Kai approached him, inverse in the pages before him. Kai thought it was cute. Moving to his knees, Kai scooted over quietly until his arm touched the chair.
“Sunbae.” Kai called.
“Hmm ?” Soobin asked.
“Do you like this ?” Kai put the canvas in front of the other. Soobin let out a breath, bookmarking his place before setting the book aside. He took the canvas, inspecting it a bit. It wasn’t realistic, Kai didn’t know how to do anything close to realism. So it had a bit of a cartoony look to it. Triangular stars and fuzzy white lines for light. It made Soobin snort.
“Yeah it’s cute.” Soobin said and Kai beamed. “Listen I think we may need another talk.”
“If it’s about my feelings on you I promise to keep it PG with the others around.” Kai said.
“Oh um yeah it’s about that but like you don’t have to keep it PG.” Soobin said.
“…Teen ?” Kai offered.
“No you don’t have to keep it any rating.” Soobin looked at him fully before looking around. The others were at a respectable distance but they could hear them if they were paying attention. And Yeonjun was awfully quiet. “Come with me.” Soobin stood up, not giving Kai a chance to say no. He followed the older teen to Beomgyu’s bedroom. Definitely more private than the living room. Soobin paced for a second, seemingly thinking of how to break Kai’s heart once more.
“What will it take for you to just…stop ?” Soobin asked.
“Stop ? Stop what ?” Kai blinked.
“All of this. I thought I was being clear. Even when I was being mean I thought I was being direct at least. I know you…like me. But I can’t see myself liking you back. Ever.”
“Oh.” Kai looked away. So yes Soobin was doing this. Actually literally breaking his heart in half again. Or well what little he had left from the first time.
“Just…you could do so much better you know ? Maybe someone likes you.” Soobin said and they both winced. Absolutely no one liked Kai. Seriously all he had was Taehyun and the boy hadn’t looked at him once since they got here. “Or well who needs relationships so young. You have so much time, so many years to figure out yourself and what you like and dislike. I’m just sure it’s not me.”
“But how can you be sure ?” Kai asked.
“Huh ?” Soobin wasn’t expecting that.
“How can you be sure ? How do you know what I like isn’t you ?” Kai asked.
“I don’t but if we’re being for real, we don’t exactly know each other- wait I’m getting serious deja vu.” Soobin said shaking his head. “What I mean is, I’ll respect your wishes if you respect mine. And that means stop trying to pursue me.”
“If I do that what would I even get ?” Kai asked.
“Eh…maybe I’ll be nicer to you. You’re not terrible, just immature.” Soobin said. Great, Soobin thought he was nothing more than a child. This entire conversation was his fourteen reason. “If one day comes to it, we could be friends.”
“R-really ?” Kai didn’t think that was possible. Even being friends with the Choi Soobin sounded like a dream.
“Well let’s not rush anything.” Soobin said. “So…any thoughts ?”
“Well…I can’t just stop liking you just because you ask. That’s not how feelings work you know.” Kai said. “But I can try to be cool about it. I promise. Just…it kinda sucks being rejected.”
“This isn’t the first time you know that right ?” Soobin said.
“I refuse to look in the past. In the future there’s Soobin-sunbae and me being the bestest of friends. Well, second to Taehyunnie and I.” Kai said and Soobin shook his head, a soft smile on his lips.
“Yeah yeah okay. Let’s get back. I just wanted you to really understand that just because you like someone doesn’t make them more important than yourself.” Soobin said. Kai met his eyes again.
“That sounded too smart coming from you.” Kai said after a moment. Soobin shoved him a bit, laughing. Choi Soobin was being playful with him ! Ahh !
“You’re so much like Yeonjun-hyung it’s scary.” Soobin said. Kai let him go first.
“I’ll be down in a bit I’m just gonna…gather myself I guess.” Kai said and Soobin nodded. God this sucks. Being both delusional and self aware was starting to back fire. It was either he got his crap together or the crap would get him together. It stung but it didn’t hurt. If anything, Kai appreciated Soobin’s honesty. In his dreams the older would have took one glance at him and immediately fell in love. But in reality Kai was a messy haired, lanky braces ridden dork whose voice pitched between high squeaks and his normal tone. He was a mess, awkwardly so and he wasn’t quite sure how to fix the mess.
“Hey.” Taehyun’s voice pulled him out of his thoughts. The other moved to sit next to where Kai had gracefully curled on the floor, head on his knees, arms wrapped around his legs.
“Hey.” Kai said.
“No luck ?” Taehyun asked.
“I think I’m just meant to be a background character Taehyun.” Kai said, a pout on his lips.
“That’s not true. If anyone has main character energy it’s you.” Taehyun said softly, moving to pat Kai’s back.
“But my male lead doesn’t want me.” Kai said.
“And one day that will be old news. He may not want you today but who knows about a few months from now.” Taehyun said, Kai shrugged. It was all in vain after all. Taehyun laid his own head on his knees, meeting his friends eye level. “Besides, who even cared about male lead when we all like second male lead more anyways.”
A pause, a thought, Kai straightened up like he had just been shocked.
“No way.” Kai said.
“I’m just saying, it could be something.” Taehyun tried to be nonchalant but the grin on his face spoke differently. “He cares for you at least.”
“Wow.” Kai breathed, his cheeks turning pink. Second male lead huh ? Well, Kai would keep that in mind for the next semester. For now he would have to settle with his best friend’s budding relationship. After all, how did Taehyun manage to get so close to Choi Beomgyu, he had the older wrapped around his fingers.
“I’ll tell you, but you can’t tell anyone else.” Taehyun said.
“Pinky promise.” Kai said.
“Well, it all started with hagwon school. Let’s be for real. Do you think someone with my grades needs hagwon ?”
“Uh…no ?” Kai said.
“Exactly.” Taehyun pulled his friend closer. This was going to be a long story.
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