Fragments of a Soul

Karaoke

A/N: Just another day and James finally is going to show Taesoo his greatest skill.

The neon sign outside the karaoke bar flickered, casting a soft glow over the sidewalk as James and Taesoo entered. The air inside was warm and buzzing with the sounds of laughter and music.

The moment they stepped into the private room, James looked over at Taesoo, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

It was a cozy space—purple walls, low leather couches, and a small stage where the karaoke machine glowed invitingly. James was practically glowing with excitement, his eyes bright as the sun.

"I've been dying to show you this place," James said, his voice almost too eager. He tossed his jacket over the back of the couch before heading straight for the karaoke machine. "You're going to love it."

Taesoo, who had never been to karaoke before, hesitated a moment. He was out of his element, but he trusted James, and that was enough. He had no idea what to expect—he'd never heard James sing, though he knew his James had a passion for music.

James always hummed or sang softly when they were hanging out together, but he never actually sang in front of Taesoo. Taesoo figured it was just a hobby, something James did to unwind, and that was fine.

"Are you really sure that you're okay with just me singing?" James teased, already scrolling through the songs with a grin, his fingers brushing through the list like it was his second nature.

Taesoo, who had never once considered stepping up to the mic himself, shrugged awkwardly, hands stuffed into the pockets of his jacket. "You know I'll like hearing you sing," he said, the corners of his lips twitching into a smile. "I don't really know what to do with a mic, though."

James handed Taesoo a drink and grinned. "It's fine. Pick a song, anything! You can join in, or just watch. Whatever you want!"

Taesoo took the drink with an awkward smile, but it quickly faded as he observed James setting up the mic with ease. James looked natural here, already exuding a kind of energy that made Taesoo feel just a little out of place. Still, Taesoo wasn't about to back out. "Okay," he said, sitting back on the couch. "I'm just gonna watch."

James shot him a playful wink. "All right, if you say so. But prepare to be impressed." He selected a song.

Taesoo pulled out a small bag of candies from his pocket, holding it out to James. "I got you something. For your sweet tooth," Taesoo said, his voice softer now, a little shy as he handed over the bag.

James's eyes widened, and his smile became that much brighter. "You're the best, you know that?" He took the bag, immediately tearing it open. "Taesoo, you're my favorite person in the world."

Taesoo's heart skipped a beat, his face flushing just slightly as he looked down at his shoes. "It's nothing. I just... wanted to do something for you."

James looked up from the bag of candies, his expression warm. "You do plenty," he said, reaching over to lightly squeeze Taesoo's hand. "Now, let me show you how this whole karaoke thing is done."

Taesoo sipped the his drink gratefully, drinking it slowly as James tapped the mic with a grin. His fingers hovered over the buttons of the karaoke machine before he settled in and adjusted the mic. The first few notes of the song played, and James took a deep breath, clearly ready to dive in.

Taesoo didn't know what to expect— but as soon as James opened his mouth, Taesoo froze. The sound was nothing like he had imagined. James's voice poured out effortlessly, smooth and rich, with a natural confidence that made the air around them feel different.

The song flowed, James's voice soaring through the high notes without a hitch. Taesoo stared, wide-eyed, completely taken aback by the sheer beauty of James's singing. The guy sitting across from him, the one who had told him about his multiple hobbies and passions, was a true singer.

James's eyes flickered over to Taesoo, catching the stunned expression on his face. He couldn't help the laugh that escaped him, a little self-conscious. "What? You didn't think I could sing?"

Taesoo didn't know how to respond at first. He had always known James was talented, but hearing him sing— really sing— was something else entirely. "I—no, I just... didn't expect that," Taesoo admitted, still wide-eyed. He was almost in awe, unable to take his eyes off James. "You're amazing. You're... so good."

James chuckled, clearly pleased, but the confidence in his posture grew. "You haven't seen anything yet," he teased. "Wait till I hit the high note."

He stood a little taller, grinning, and for the first time that evening, there was a hint of pride in his voice as he sang the next verse with even more energy.

Taesoo couldn't look away, mesmerized by how easily James was hitting those notes. His voice was rich, smooth, and full of emotion—nothing like Taesoo had ever heard from him before. It felt like a hidden part of James had just been revealed, and it left Taesoo with a kind of admiration he wasn't sure how to explain.

When the song ended, James put down the mic with a flourish, his grin turning soft as he caught the look on Taesoo's face. "So... impressed?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

Taesoo didn't even know what to say. He had expected to like it, but not this much. He was still a little stunned.

"James, that was incredible," Taesoo said, his voice almost breathless. He leaned forward, his eyes locked on James. "I didn't know you could sing like that. Why didn't you tell me before?"

James shrugged, a playful glint still in his eyes. "I guess I wanted to surprise you."

Taesoo grinned. "You're amazing. Seriously." He picked up the bag of candies again, offering James another one, watching him take it with a grin. "But... next time, I'll sing a little. Maybe."

James laughed, his laughter sounded like bells. "Deal," he said, leaning over and brushing his lips against Taesoo's cheek, the gesture light, but full of affection.

Taesoo froze. He didn't' see that coming.

James handed Taesoo the mic, urging him to join in. "Come on, I'm not the only one who gets to have all the fun."

Taesoo laughed softly, still processing what he had just witnessed and what just happened. He hesitated for a moment, then, as if driven by a sudden burst of courage, he grabbed the mic. "Okay," he said with a slight smile. "But I'm definitely not singing like you."

James chuckled, his voice warm. "You don't have to sing like me. Just have fun. That's what this is about."

As Taesoo picked his first song—a slow ballad, of course. He couldn't help but smile. He'd never imagined this kind of night, never imagined James like this. But now that he knew, he was even more grateful for this moment they were sharing.