Chapter Text
A lot of things got Kai excited. Like new music, soft toys and new episodes of the latest anime. But today was the most exciting day. It was the first day of high-school. And Kai had spent all summer preparing for it. He might have gotten on his sisters nerves, asking Lea too many questions about it and what it will be like but he couldn’t help it.
“Why does it matter ? You’ll still be a loser anyways.” Bahiyyih said, the twelve year old not even looking up from her phone as she dissed Kai who was trying to prepare his uniform for tomorrow.
“Hiyyih!” Kai gasped. “I left all my loser mentality back in middle school with you. Starting tomorrow I’m going to be a high schooler and you know what that means ? That means I’ll be cooler than I was last year.”
“It really doesn’t.” Bahiyyih said. Kai threw a plush at her face.
“Why are you even in my room ?” Kai asked.
“Unnie is taking forever in the shower and I heard you giggling.” She said simply.
“Shouldn’t you prepare for school too.” Kai asked.
“I’m in no rush. Besides, mom told me to remind you to floss your teeth. Last time they took ID pictures and you had kale in them.” Bahiyyih said and Kai groaned.
“I thought we decided to forget about that !” Kai couldn’t escape last year even if he tried. Those pictures hung up in the middle of their living room with pride. Before his little sister could laugh at him more, his phone rang.
“Hello ?”
“Hey Hyuka ! Are you ready for tomorrow ?” On the line was his best friend in the entire world, his soul mate, Kang Taehyun.
“Yes ! I have my uniformed ironed and ready.” Kai said. “And I even got my braces bands changed. They’re pink now.”
“Oh my god that’s like so cute ! I wish retainers could be different colors.” Taehyun said.
“No you don’t. At least you can open your mouth fully.” Kai huffed. “Are we still on for wearing the same shoes ?”
“Of course we are. It’s our first year of high-school ! We have to twin for good luck.” Taehyun said.
“This is going to be the best year ever. Do you know who my noona told me goes to our school ? The Choi boys.” Kai said.
“Shut up no way ! Do you think…” Taehyun paused to giggle a bit. “Do you think we will see them around ?”
“I hope so. I heard some classes are multi-year.” Kai said and felt himself smiling as well. “What if-“
“Don’t don’t- stop.” Taehyun’s giggles matched Kai’s. Bahiyyih huffed annoyed from Kai’s bed as if she wasn’t in his space. “I’ll see you tomorrow okay bestie ? My mom is telling me to wash up.”
“Okay. Goodnight Hyunnie ! I’ll catch you at the bus stop. Love you.” Kai said.
“Love you too Kai. Good night !”
“You two are so embarrassing.” Bahiyyih said as they hung up. Kai walked over to grab the plush he threw at her and made move to smuggle her with it.
“Get- out-of-my-room.” Kai said, deciding more plushies would do the job faster and started to pile them on her.
“Good luck being-a a weirdo tomorrow- ah mom ! Mom help ! Oppa is trying to kill me !”
The rush to school was filled with nerves. Lea and Bahiyyih took up the bathroom doing their hair and Kai had to use the kitchen sink to brush his teeth instead. He wrinkled his uniform shirt because Lea couldn’t reach the cereal that was on the top shelf and Bahiyyih accidentally pushed him into the pantry spilling it so he had to get down and sweep it up. Their mom gave them all kisses goodbye but took Bahiyyih with her as Kai and Lea now can take the bus together.
“Come on, the stop is ten minutes away.” Lea said.
“You’re acting like I’m the short one here.” Kai said.
“I’m not short you brat.” Lea said. Outside was cool and the sky held a good amount of clouds but otherwise a good day. Kai matched the pace of his rushed older sister, who texted something quickly as she walked to the bus stop. “A few rules before we get there. One, this isn’t middle school, no one is going to handhold you anyone okay ? So learn how to do things on your own. And two, unless you want people to be mean, I’d suggest you and your bestie tone down your infatuations for a while.”
“What- what infatuations ? What’s an infatuation?” Kai asked. Lea sighed.
“Your crush on Choi Soobin.” Lea said and Kai flushed.
“I don’t- I don’t have crush on him.” Kai said.
“Yeah okay. Whatever. Look. He’s in the same year as me. He might not have time for some kid.” Lea said. “It was cute in middle school but puppy love can only go so far.”
“Whatever.” Kai huffed. He didn’t have a crush.
“Ugh fine. Don’t say I didn’t try.” Lea said before spotting her friends. “I’ll see you at home.”
“Yeah bye to you too.” Kai said before glancing around. He saw Taehyun rushing down the street. His school jacket going against the wind and his hair parting against his face, showing his bright smile as he spotted Kai.
“Hyuka !” Taehyun all but jumped on him.
“Hyunnie ! Oh my gosh it’s been so long ! Look at you, you’ve gotten so tall.” Kai said.
“I know you’re teasing but the doctor’s appointment I just had did say I did grow an inch so ha. Soon I’ll be up there with you in no time.” Taehyun said. Kai laughed.
“I’m so happy you’re here- oh there’s the bus.” Kai said.
“Thank god. I thought I wasn’t going to make it.” Taehyun admitted. They shuffled on with the other students and workers that were waiting and settled into some seats. “It took a while to convince my dad to let me take the bus.” Taehyun was actually loaded. His parents drove him to school always but they came up with the plan to take the bus to highschool together because that seemed cooler like in the dramas. After weeks of conversation and convincing his parents that he was responsible enough, they decided to give in. Kai couldn’t be happier. He didn’t know how he felt about taking this journey alone. Even though Lea was a seat across, she wasn’t paying him any attention.
“It’s okay we did it. And look, our shoes match.” Kai said, they both were wearing matching white converses. It was the one thing Kai’s mom got him after saving up the entire summer. She was a single mother of three and she worked her ass off to support her kids. Kai was so happy that she actually gifted him these a few days ago and quickly called up Taehyun to share the good news. He almost never got new things.
As the bus pulled up to the school, they all headed out. The first year students were all guided to the auditorium where they would be given a short introductory assembly and their schedules. Kai didn’t hear a word the principal was saying, opting out to look around the school to see if he saw any familiar faces but well, their highschool was sort of huge and he only recognized a few faces here and there from middle school. They were lined up alphabetically and Kai moved into find his schedule and circle back to Taehyun.
“Math…history gym and lunch. Wait- how did you manage to get music and I got art ?” Taehyun huffed.
“I don’t know. But at least we see each other during most of our classes.” Kai said. That’s all he cared about.
“I’ll miss you in literature.” Taehyun said wiping his eye. “I actually have that second.”
“I have it first.” Kai frowned.
“Classes start in five minutes students ! Hurry along to your class now. You wouldn’t want to start a bad reputation on the first day would you ?” The principal called and they all shuffled through the halls.
“I’ll see you later Hyunnie !” Kai waved.
“Yup ! Later !”
“Oh my god Hyunnie my first class was so boring without you.” Kai said loudly as he spotted his friend.
“You’re telling me. I had to sit next to Nayoung.” Taehyun huffed.
“No way, Nayoung the heavy breather ?”
“Exactly ! It was so distracting.” Taehyun sighed. “But I’m glad you’re here. We’re both so smart to get place in the sophomore math class.”
“Honestly Hiyyih helped me with most of my math because I don’t know how I ended up here.” Kai giggled. Their giggles died down as a few more students walked in. “Is that-“
“Don’t-“ Taehyun cut in. His face was already bright red.
“It is ! Oh my god he looks so good. Taller too.” Kai’s grin widened. Taehyun smacked his arm lightly. “Choi Beomgyu.”
“God maybe being smart was a mistake.” Taehyun said.
“Never say that ! This could be your chance. You can prove to him that you’re on the same level now.” Kai said taking Taehyun’s hand.
“You think ?” Taehyun asked.
“Definitely. Besides you look really good today. Like your hair is super cute and your skin is so clear. And you’re clearly one of the cutest people in class. He’s going to notice you regardless.” Kai said and Taehyun nodded.
“Thanks Kai.” Thankful his worries were eased for a moment. How lucky Taehyun was to share a class with Choi Beomgyu ! He was like one of the hottest guys in town. Kai hoped he would get to see someone else today too.
“Okay class we’re just going to go around to do some quick ice breakers.” Their teacher said making most students groan. “I know I know, but it will do all of us good to recognize each other in the future. Just say your name, where you’re from and maybe a fun fact. Let’s start from the front row.” Kai was kind of thankful he chose a middle seat. He listened to the students introduce themselves, some talking about their pets and others about where they went on vacation during break. Nothing crazy.
“I’m Kang Taehyun ! I’m from Gangnam and I can do magic tricks.” Taehyun said and some of the kids actually looked interested.
“Magic tricks ? Like with cards and stuff ?” Their teacher asked.
“Exactly.” Taehyun grinned.
“Nice ! That’s a very creative skill. And next to you is…?” Their teacher asked.
“I’m Huening Kai. I’m from America, Hawaii specifically but I moved here a few years ago. Fun fact…I can play multiple instruments.” Kai said.
“Hawaii ? A beautiful island. Okay next.” Their teach moved on.
“Wow she totally didn’t care about my fun fact.” Kai whispered to Taehyun.
“No she did.” Taehyun said. “I think she just liked Hawaii more.”
“I don’t know. She complimented yours.” Kai said.
“Don’t worry Kai. You’re super talented regardless of other people’s acknowledgments.” Taehyun said.
“Yeah okay.” Kai huffed.
“Choi Beomgyu. From Daegu and uh my fun fact is that I’m rich as hell.” Beomgyu said and a bunch of his friends started to dap him up.
“Alright alright settle down. Next.” The teacher said.
“God he’s so hot.” Taehyun sighed. As class proceeded and they got the introduction to how the course would go for the year, the day passed by fairly slow. It was still morning time as the bell run, singling their second class to be over and all the students got up to make way to their next class.
History was much better to pass time in. The teacher was a sweet older lady who was eager to get them into different topics over the year and already had her lesson plan scheduled out. Their first assignment though sadly came from her. By the end of the week they should pick a historical figure from the Joseon era to do a project on. But they had time to make their way to the library first. As Kai was doing exactly that, he almost jumped out of his skin at the sight of him. The one who made his heart race and cheeks pink and smile wide.
“Excuse me, you’re blocking the entrance.” Someone cleared their throat behind Kai pulling him out of his thoughts.
“Sorry.” Kai said. He needed to find Taehyun. The other boy seemed to walk into the library without him so Kai rushed after him and grabbed his arm, pulling him close. “Guess what.”
“What ?”
“I just saw Choi Soobin.” Kai said.
“No way !” Taehyun matched his energy. “Where ?”
“Okay don’t be obvious but he’s on your left.” Kai said. Taehyun turned casually, as if scanning the room for something before turning back to Kai. “Oh my god.”
“Right.” Kai said.
“He- wow. And I thought Choi Beomgyu grew. He’s huge.” Taehyun said.
“Just a tree I’d like to climb- ow.” Kai yelped as Taehyun hit his arm. “Okay okay.” Kai giggled. “Should I say something to him ? Do you think he remembers me ?”
“I mean it’s been a few years. Maybe. And isn’t he cool with your sister ?” Taehyun asked.
“Yeah him and my noona are the same age.” Kai said. “Okay maybe I’ll just do like…like a quick hey.”
“Okay.” Taehyun said.
“Wait how do I look ?” Kai asked. He had the uniform on. Though wrinkled from his movements and mess of the morning, his tie off centered and his bowl cut just a tad bit too short at his eyebrows. He stood a bit awkwardly too like his limbs were growing too quickly for his body to catch up so he bent at a weird angle. Taehyun smoothed out his jacket and fixed his tie.
“Adorable. You got this.” Taehyun said and Kai nodded. He walked over to Choi Soobin who was thankfully alone. The older teen was flicking through a book before throwing a label on the back cover.
“H-Hi Soobin-sunbae.” Kai greeted.
“Hey.” Soobin said. Voice so much deeper than Kai had last heard. Did two years really make a difference ? He was so much taller. And he filled out more of course but god did he just stay equally as cute and handsome. The same squishy cheeks and bopable nose with that jawline. Literally a curse.
“Um how’s your first day back at school going ?” Kai asked. The older boy threw another label on before closing a book.
“It’s going.” He said. “Do I know you ?”
“Oh uh I’m Huening Kai.” Kai said. Soobin looked at him blankly. “Lea’s younger brother.”
“Ohhh Lea’s little bro. That’s cool. I thought she only had a sister.” Soobin nodded. Ouch.
“Yeah it’s my first year.” Kai said. Another label placed. “Do you work for the library ?”
“Sorta.” Soobin said.
“That’s so cool.” Kai said.
“Do you have like an assignment or something to do ?” Soobin asked.
“Oh uh…yes ?” Kai said.
“Maybe you should go work on that.” Soobin suggested.
“Yes right. I should be more um studious. T-thank you sunbae.” Kai said before scampering off to his friend.
“So ?” Taehyun asked.
“Is like studious the new hot or something ?” Kai asked and Taehyun blinked.
“Huh ?” Taehyun said confused.
“He basically told me to get back to work. I thought highschoolers didn’t work and flirted most of the time.” Kai said.
“Maybe he was just busy.” Taehyun said.
“Well he did say he was working. You’re right, it wasn’t a good time to talk to him now.” Kai sighed. “Should we go check out the Joseon section ?”
“Yeah. And hey if he works here then you’ll see him more if we spend more time researching our project here.” Taehyun said.
“Oh my gosh Hyunnie ! This is why you’re the brains.” Kai said patting his head.
“If I’m the brains then what are you ? The beauty ?” Taehyun asked.
“Well of course. I can’t be the brains after all.” Kai said.
“Hey can you two keep it down. I don’t think you’ve realized but this is a library.” A girl said with an annoyed look.
“Geez our bad.” Kai said and she rolled her eyes before walking away.
“That was rude of her.” Taehyun whispered.
“Seriously. Let’s just get started.” Kai said and they headed to the Joseon section to try to find a historian they liked from the list their teacher provided them earlier.
During lunch, Kai finally saw his sister who he waved at.
“Noona ! Hi ! How’s your first day going ?” Kai asked loudly making the group of girls she was with laugh.
“It’s going, no need to yell. How’s yours ?” Lea asked. “Your tie is all messed up.”
“It’s good ! Um I have a lot of classes with Hyunnie so it isn’t terrible.” Kai said. “He actually went to use the bathroom.”
“That’s great.” Lea said. “Well I’m gonna go sit down now.”
“Oh. Well can I sit with you ?” Kai asked.
“Of course not.” Lea said.
“Ugh why not ?” Kai frowned.
“Because you’re a freshie. Freshies sit over there.” Lea said.
“Oh hey Lea ! Come sit, I got some jellies I want you to try.”
Kai all but dropped his jaw. No way was the Choi Soobin talking to his sister so casually. Well he knew they were in the same year and were kinda sorta friends but still. Still. He didn’t think they actually hung out during lunch and stuff. Lea seemed to be ready to turn around when Kai grabbed her sleeve, halting her in place. She looked at him with an upturned eyebrow.
“What ?” She asked.
“No way. You sit with him.” Kai said. “Why can’t I sit with you too ?”
“Ugh. Here you go being weird again.” Lea hissed out.
“I’m not being weird.” Kai hissed bask.
“Yes you are. You’re doing it again.” Lea said.
“I’m not doing anything.” Kai frowned.
“Look.” Lea said snatching her arm back before getting in her younger brother’s face. “Choi Soobin is just some guy. He’s not even like the hottest guy around. This isn’t one of your shounen anime fantasy moments. You need to stop idolizing him okay ?” Kai wasn’t looking at her but the frown was prominent on his features as he gave a slow nod. Sighing, Lea placed a hand on his head. “Trust me Kai, I’m your big sister, I’m supposed to keep you away from potential assholes.”
“Fine.” Kai sniffed.
“Stop crying.” Lea said.
“I’m not.” Kai said. It wasn’t considered crying if the tears didn’t fall.
“Go have a seat.” Lea said giving him a small push.
“Okay.” Kai turned around and spotted Taehyun who was actually watching him curiously. Feeling a bit self conscious, Kai walked over quickly to his friend, sitting down at the empty space beside him and opened his lunch box.
“Hey you okay ?” Taehyun asked.
“Dude. My sister sits with Choi Soobin and she won’t let us sit with her. No I’m not okay.” Kai huffed as he took a bite of his sandwich. The egg dripped onto his pant leg and he hissed as he wiped it up leaving a small stain.
“What really ?” Taehyun looked around. “No way she’s sitting with him and Choi Beomgyu.”
“I don’t even want to look.” Kai grumbled.
“Do you think he likes her ?” Taehyun asked and Kai froze. He’s never actually thought about that. He would hope not. But even if he did, it didn’t seem like his sister was interested at all. If anything she was just strictly friends. “Your sister is really pretty, no wonder she has so many people flocking around her. Wait does that make her one of the popular kids ?”
“Probably.” Kai said. “B-but I don’t think he does.”
“I hope not for you.” Taehyun said taking another spoonful of his soup and rice.
“Hey weirdos, move down some. You’re taking up half the table.” Someone said startling the two out of their staring. Well Kai and Taehyun did kind of make a mess with their things. His lunch box took up most of his space and Taehyun’s tray and his retainer was occupying more space.
“What- we could have just been saving room for our friends.” Kai said as he placed his lunch bag beside him.
“Yeah right.” Someone laughed.
“Don’t listen to them Hyuka. Besides we’re tall. We take up a lot of space naturally.” Taehyun said. But now they were pushed into the corner. The middle of the cafeteria seemed to hold a spotlight to his sisters table that seemed unreachable. He could see Soobin who was much more active than he was earlier that day, laughing at something Beomgyu said to him. Kai needed a plan. He couldn’t be pushed into a corner like this all year that’s for sure. He had to make his way to the popular kids table. He had to get the Choi Soobin to see him.
It was night time now. Kai had parted ways from Taehyun who promised to text him later tonight and probably even plan for their gym class tomorrow. Lea had them stop at the store to grab eggs, apparently they were all out before they had to go back home.
“Hello you two !” Their mom greeted them. She was home early.
“Mom !” Kai rushed to give her a hug.
“I take it your first day went well.” She said as she squeezed her son with equal vigor.
“Yup.” Kai said.
“Did you make any new friends ?” She asked.
“Uh well no but that’s okay ! It’s only the first day after all. I’m sure I’ll make a ton of friends.” Kai said and Bahiyyih snorted from the couch.
“Stop it.” Lea said as she pushed the smaller girl to the side to flip down on the couch herself.
“How was your day, my lovely daughter ?” Their mom asked. “Thank you for getting more eggs. You didn’t have to though. I could have gotten some by the end of the week.”
“Not with the way these two like to eat.” Lea said. “And it was fine.”
“Great. I’ll start working on dinner then.” She said.
“No one bother me !” Kai said as he headed towards his room. “I need ample thinking time.”
“Whatever.” Lea and Bahiyyih both shouted back. Good. Moving to his desk, Kai began to try to formulate how to get close to Choi Soobin. He tried to think about all that he knew of the older. He hadn’t seen him in two years and well…that could definitely change a person so he probably didn’t know much. But from what he got was that he was still cool, still mostly quiet and liked smart people. Kai was sort of smart. Not like Taehyun smart but he was gifted in other ways. Maybe that could work.
“Kai !” A knock on his door from his mom.
“Yes ?” Kai was still writing down his plan. “Your dad is on the phone.”
“Daddy !” Kai all but forgot about his little plot to open his door and take the house phone from his mother quickly. “Hello dad ?”
“Hey Kai ! I was hoping to catch you before your day ended. How was your first day of school bud ?”
“Great ! I had a lot of work to do but it wasn’t too scary.” Kai said.
“I’m glad. You’re the bravest boy I know after all.” His dad praised making Kai grin. “I know you probably have your typical classes but do you have anything fun too ?”
“Um I have a music class. I didn’t attend it yet tho. But whatever it is I’m sure it will be fun.” Kai said.
“I bet so. You take after me after all. I think we were all born with music in our hearts.” His dad chuckled.
“Yeah- where are you now dad ? Last time you text me you were at Nanna’s.” Kai said.
“I’m back in the States. If your mom approves I hope to get you and the girls to come down by next year. I’d love for you to meet Angelia. She’s been talking about it for a while now.” His father said. Kai paused. His dad’s new wife. His parents divorced a long time ago. Maybe when he was about ten but it still hurt to see that he moved on so quickly and here they were still so…stuck.
“Maybe.” Kai said. “Well did you talk to Hiyyih yet ? She started school today too.” Kai said.
“Yeah let me talk to the little monster.” His dad laughed and so did Kai. “Have a good night then son. I’ll talk to you soon.”
“Okay dad. I love you.” Kai said.
“Love you more.” His father replied.
“Hiyyih ! Dad wants you !” Kai shouted and held out the phone ! The younger girl rushed over and snatched it up like the gremlin she was. Kai shut his door with a sigh. Some things never change it seems.