my silly kpop non-idols au

House visit 2: Nichkhun's house (💎Shinee)

Special Appearance: Nichkhun (2PM)
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"You know, I've never actually seen your place," Taemin mused, leaning against the kitchen counter as he watched Nichkhun fumble with a bag of groceries.

Nichkhun glanced up, his smile bright. "You're always welcome, Tae. It's nothing fancy, just a little slice of peace and quiet."

The house was indeed a sanctuary of simplicity, nestled within the bustling city. A single story of wood and glass that reflected the surrounding nature, it was a stark contrast to the towering concrete giants that dominated the skyline. The garden was meticulously designed, with each rock and plant placed with intent. A pond, small yet brimming with life, was the heart of the space. Koi fish danced beneath the surface, their scales glinting in the soft sunlight that filtered through the willow trees. The sound of the waterfall was soothing, a gentle reminder of the tranquility that could be found even in the most unlikely of places.

Minho took in the scene with a slow nod, his eyes lingering on the fish. "This is... peaceful," he murmured.

Jonghyun followed closely behind, his gaze darting around the room. "It's like stepping into another world," he said. "So serene."

Onew, the eldest, chuckled. "You're telling me. I thought you'd have a disco ball hanging from the ceiling with all the energy you have, Khunnie."

Nichkhun rolled his eyes playfully. "There's a time and place for everything," he said, leading them into the living room. He gestured to the low table surrounded by plush cushions. "Make yourselves at home. I'll brew some tea."

The room was an elegant mix of minimalist design and warm comfort, with a large bay window that offered a serene view of the garden. Key, ever the curious one, immediately plopped down onto the floor and began unlacing his shoes. "Is that a ceramic teapot?" he called out.

"Yeah, it's from my last trip to Japan," Nichkhun replied, disappearing into the kitchen. "It's a matcha set. I've been meaning to share it with you guys."

Key's eyes lit up. "I've heard matcha is supposed to be an acquired taste. Can't wait to try it!"

Nichkhun chuckled, the sound carrying from the kitchen. "It's an experience, that's for sure."

As he busied himself with the tea ceremony, the rest of the group settled into the cushioned floor seating. Taemin leaned back, his eyes tracing the intricate patterns of the bamboo ceiling fan above them. "How do you keep it so... zen?"

"Practice," Nichkhun said with a knowing smile, returning with the steaming teapot and a tray of delicate teacups. "And a strict no-shoes policy."

He began to pour the vibrant green liquid into the cups, the scent of freshly ground matcha wafting through the air. The rich aroma was earthy and slightly bitter, hinting at the complex flavor profile to come. Each member of the group took a cup, holding it with both hands as they had seen him do so many times before. They watched as Nichkhun demonstrated the proper way to whisk the tea, creating a frothy top. The sound of the bamboo whisk against porcelain was almost meditative.

Taemin took a tentative sip, his eyes widening in surprise. "It's... different," he said, trying to find the right words.

"It's an acquired taste," Minho agreed, savoring the tea. "But I like it."

The group took their time sipping the matcha, the conversation flowing as smoothly as the tea itself. They spoke of their recent projects, the latest gossip, and shared laughs over inside jokes. The air was filled with a comfortable camaraderie that only comes from years of friendship. The warmth of the tea seemed to spread through their veins, easing any tension they had brought with them from the outside world.

Once their cups were empty, the curiosity grew too strong to resist. They decided to explore the house again, this time with a newfound sense of adventure. Minho led the way, his eyes sparkling with excitement as he peeked into each room. They found a library filled with books in various languages, a testament to Nichkhun's insatiable appetite for knowledge. The shelves were organized with a precision that spoke of hours spent in quiet contemplation.

Key trailed behind, running his fingers over the spines. "You've got quite the collection," he said, a hint of awe in his voice.

Nichkhun nodded, a proud smile playing on his lips. "Reading helps me relax. Plus, you never know when you'll stumble upon a good story or some wisdom."

They moved on, the sound of their laughter echoing through the hallways as they explored. Each room held its own secret, a glimpse into the diverse tastes and interests of their friend. They found a cozy room dedicated to his love for vinyl records, the walls lined with shelves groaning under the weight of classics and rare finds. The faint scent of aged paper and ink filled the air, mingling with the faint notes of the matcha that still lingered on their breath.

Jonghyun's eyes widened when he spotted an ancient turntable in the corner. "Is that... a record player?"

Nichkhun nodded. "It's a vintage piece I picked up at a flea market. I've always liked the warmth of vinyl."

Jonghyun's curiosity was piqued. "Can we listen to something?"

Nichkhun nodded. "Of course." He picked up a record with a gentle touch, the sleeve crinkling softly. It was a classic jazz album, the kind that spoke of lazy afternoons and deep contemplation. He placed it carefully on the turntable, the needle dropping with a delicate hiss. The music filled the room, mellow and timeless.

The five of them sat in the plush armchairs and couches scattered around the room, each sinking into the embrace of comfort. The rhythm of the double bass and the smooth trumpet solo seemed to resonate with the very fabric of the house, weaving into the tapestry of their conversation and laughter. They talked about their childhoods, the music acting as a soundtrack to shared memories of simpler times.