Kaisoo One Shots

One Way or Another

Author: hokaidos

  Kyungsoo liked waking up to tangled limbs with Jongin under the blankets, soft lump of Jongin's shoulder poking out. Jongin's eyes were visible although the rest of his face was hidden under the blanket they shared, and Kyungsoo knew he was awake. He nudged at Jongin's foot lightly to let him know that he, too, was awake and Jongin smiled at him sleepily.

He mouthed "good morning" and proceeded to press his lips against Kyungsoo's forehead. They had dated long enough to not want to kiss with morning breath, long enough to actually mind morning breath but it was safe to say they were completely comfortable around each other. Kyungsoo returned his gestures of affection with a smile, remembering how Jongin once told him that he would make it through the day fine as long as Kyungsoo smiled that dazzling smile at him right in the morning.

Kyungsoo got out of bed first, knowing that Jongin would never leave the bed if he did not. Jongin had work, and Kyungsoo too had errands he needed to run for the day. He pulled the blanket completely off Jongin's body, slapping his butt before leaving the room, shaking his head at the whines Jongin was making.

He took to brushing his teeth in the kitchen toilet to avoid delaying Jongin any further, even using Listerine to start the day right. Kyungsoo normally cooked breakfast because Jongin was evidently incapable of handling anything that involved the use of cooking oil (no, Kyungsoo did not want to remember that one time Jongin almost burnt the entire house down).

Jongin looked awake enough when he came out, dress-shirt not fully buttoned. They ate breakfast in comfortable silence, feet tangled under the table. Jongin left the dishes at the sink helpfully, grabbing Kyungsoo's hand for attention and tugging him into the bedroom.

It was a routine of sorts – simple affection of helping Jongin dress up and properly knot his tie because after all these years, the younger male still wasn't capable of knotting a decent tie. And Jongin took that time to stare at Kyungsoo as hard as he could, memorizing the pretty contours of his face and the heart-shape smile that never failed to send his heart into tatters that scrambled to pick themselves up so they could chase after Kyungsoo. It was amazing to find someone he could still go breathless for even after years and years of looking at no one else but him.

"All done," Kyungsoo said as he patted Jongin's sturdy chest. "Pretty boy."

Jongin wanted to kiss him but he pulled him in and settled for a simple pressing of plump lips because he knew if he started, he would never be able to stop. And judging from how lusty Kyungsoo secretly was too, he knew no one would stop them both, and he really couldn't afford to be late again.

Kyungsoo walked him to the door, watching Jongin wear his shoes and check his reflection in the mirror one last time before deeming himself ready for work.

"Are you sure you don't need coffee?" Kyungsoo asked. "You have an important meeting today, right? I don't want you to doze off again."

Jongin bit back a smile, unable to resist cupping one side of Kyungsoo's face. "Missing you keeps me more awake than the coffee does."

-

The cobblestones of London were littered with broken dreams and broken hearts, love lost and found again. Kyungsoo brushed the sides of his coat casually, brown hair falling in wisps over his forehead. He took careful care to not trample on the fallen maple leaves, shaking his head at the thought of autumn again.

He made a trip to the art museum first, portfolio cradled tight against chest in anticipation and hope, at the same time bracing himself for the rejection he had received countless of times from different people. It was more of unfairness than disappointment he felt every time he got rejected, because Jongin had given everything he had in Korea up to move to London to be with him. Jongin had given up his high-paying job offers and cozy apartment just to come to London to pursue Kyungsoo's painting dreams but yet, Kyungsoo had not yet amounted to anything.

While Jongin had already secured a finance manager position at a company that specialized in selling electronic gadgets, Kyungsoo was still spilling the striking colors of his heart on pale canvases.

First step to leaving a good impression was a firm handshake, and Kyungsoo made sure he shook the manager's hand firmly. He was really small compared to Chanyeol, but that didn't at all deter him from picturing his own artworks on display behind the thick glasses at the art museum.

"Pardon me if I'm wrong, but you're Kyungsoo, right?" Chanyeol's short black hair made him look neat and likable. Kyungsoo felt at ease instantly, unlike the one manager named Suho he met that made him feel uneasy.

"Yes, I am Do Kyungsoo," Kyungsoo handed his portfolio over to Chanyeol at the same time. The taller male smiled again before flipping through the brown file. "I really hope I get a chance to showcase my artworks and even better, join you guys. I may not be the best, but I can assure you that I am very willing to learn."

Chanyeol nodded to let him know he was listening, at the same time still flipping through Kyungsoo's portfolio. "Please take a seat so we can discuss more comfortably."

Kyungsoo obeyed, eyes intent on Chanyeol's face for any signs of possible acceptance and even rejection but Chanyeol kept his face devoid of any emotions. Long seconds ticked by until Chanyeol flipped his portfolio shut, looking rather stern.

"So you're 22 this year?"

"Yes, I am."

"You once collaborated with the famous artist Kris Wu?"

"Yeah," Kyungsoo grinned. That was the biggest highlight of his portfolio. "We once held a mini exhibition together, but then went our separate ways."

"Oh," Chanyeol blinked. His eyes were large and they had a mischievous glint. "Kris never mentioned you."

"You mean – "

"Kris Wu is my boyfriend," Chanyeol explained. He chuckled at Kyungsoo's reaction before sliding the portfolio back to him. Kyungsoo's heart sank instantly, tempted to just walk out of the door without going through the pain of rejection all over again until – "Congratulations, Kyungsoo, I look forward to seeing your artworks."

His head snapped up, pupils blown wide. "What?"

"I'm hiring you," Chanyeol's stern expression was gone and he looked warm again. "If Kris had once chosen to work with you, then you must be something. I guess it just never occurred to him that it was important to mention who although he did briefly mention something about having held a mini exhibition with a friend in the past."

"Thank you very much for this chance," Kyungsoo stopped himself short of falling to his knees before Chanyeol and bowing. "I promise I will give my best and I guarantee you will be satisfied with what I can do."

"You're not interested in knowing your monthly pay?" Chanyeol chuckled, laughter rich.

"Well it's not as important but I do want to know."

"You'll be joining us as an artist first, so your wages will be based on the profits from selling your artworks but you have a basic pay of $3000 every month."

It wasn't a lot, but Kyungsoo couldn't care less.

"Thank you," He said again. He really wanted to hug Chanyeol. "You don't know how much this chance means to me."

"You shouldn't thank me too soon; I will fire you if your performance isn't up to standard."

Kyungsoo laughed along and felt a deep sense of belonging.

-

Kyungsoo couldn't stop bouncing on his heels as he covered the last few meters of the corridor and arrived before his own door. He jabbed on the doorbell with his pinky, left arm hidden behind his back.

Jongin opened the door quickly, already out of his work attire and in a comfy-looking T-shirt and boxers. His hair was still damp so Kyungsoo assumed he had gotten home not too long ago too.

"Kyungsoo," Jongin breathed. The older male made sure to keep his face unreadable like how he always did when he returned home after yet another rejection and he could see Jongin's hands twitch hesitantly like he wanted to touch Kyungsoo then hang back limply by his side, unsure of what to do.

"Jongin," Kyungsoo echoed. "Aren't you going to let me in?"

"Oh," Jongin seemed a little embarrassed. He moved back to let Kyungsoo in. "Kyungsoo, I –"

To save both him and Jongin the drudgery of having to go through Jongin's you-can-do-it-they-just-don't-know-how-to-appreciate-your-talent speech Kyungsoo pushed the treat into Jongin's arms.

"I have cake."

"You have cake," Jongin repeated, head cocked slightly. There was genuine confusion in his eyes and Kyungsoo giggled. "And why is that?"

"Well," Kyungsoo kicked his shoes off, hanging his coat up on the peg behind the door. He had to push Jongin into the kitchen, placing the box of cake on the counter. "I got the job."

Kyungsoo chewed on his lip nervously when Jongin failed to react after a few long seconds, wild thoughts running rampant in his head until the younger male threw his arms around Kyungsoo's waist and picked him up, spinning around in circles.

Jongin spun until he was out of breath, Kyungsoo too, out of breath from giggling and pounding on Jongin's chest and he cupped Kyungsoo's face to kiss him sweet when they were steady on the ground again. He was in love with the way Kyungsoo's body seemed to be made for his own, the way they fitted together perfectly when pressed against each other and the way Kyungsoo's back would arch to meet his eager kiss.

"I am so, so proud of you." He whispered when they broke apart, slightly panting. "I told you that you'd find someone who knows how to appreciate your talent."

The older male was held safely in his arms and Jongin tightened his hold around Kyungsoo's small waist. His hands were clasped together at the small of Kyungsoo's back. Kyungsoo's palms were pressed against his chest and he leaned up to press a kiss to the tip of Jongin's nose.

"This is because of you."

"I didn't do much."

"You gave everything up to come to London with me, silly." Kyungsoo giggled again. He had started tracing absentminded circles on Jongin's chest. "You gave everything up for my dreams and I, and I want you to know just how much I love you."

Love wasn't always fireworks, sometimes love came softly.

Kyungsoo's arms slowly hooked around his neck, and Jongin dimly focused on the pretty swell of Kyungsoo's lips.

"You -" Kyungsoo mumbled. He, too, had his eyes fixed on Jongin's lips. "- are my one in six billion."

"The cake is going to melt," was all Jongin managed to get out before he was kissing Kyungsoo again with ferocity so overwhelming it would have set the world around them ablaze. Kyungsoo couldn't bring himself to care very much either as he let Jongin pick him up once again and carry him into the bedroom, lips never once disconnecting.

-

Love didn't always take form of physical contact or promises and "I love you", it was always everywhere – layered underneath words and tangled between the alphabets of the simplest conversations. It was in the simple brushing of arms, shy smiles exchanged when caught looking at each other.

To Kyungsoo, love was never once fireworks and diamond rings. Love was always the simple desire of wanting to wake up to Jongin's sleepy smiles and pretty lips, the want to feel small but loved in a big city they've never been to before and get lost in between sky scrapers and billboards together.

It was lightly drizzling, dark clouds casting a frown on Kyungsoo's face. He leaned against the wall, watching his boyfriend shrug on his blazer with eyes half-shut. He couldn't exactly blame him for being tired after last night's activities anyway.

"Did you bring your umbrella with you?" I love you.

Jongin stuck his hand inside his brief-case and grinned sheepishly before grabbing a foldable umbrella from the umbrella stand beside the door.

"Be careful on your way out later, it's not going to stop raining any time soon." I love you too.

-

"This is Minseok," Chanyeol introduced. "That's Sehun and Yi Xing. Oh, and that guy over there trying to unlock the door to my office is Jongdae."

"Aren't you worried he might actually break in?"

Chanyeol shrugged, pulling at his tie. "He's been trying for weeks; I'd give him another one week before he gives up."

"Why does he want to try to break into your office, though? Isn't it troublesome having to lock and unlock your office door every time you walk in and out?" Kyungsoo was clearly amused, watching his new colleagues.

"I don't know, I guess it keeps him entertained." Chanyeol said in a bored voice before clapping his hands, attracting everyone's attention. All four pairs of eyes were instantly on Kyungsoo and the smaller male fidgeted, uncomfortable with too much attention.

"He will be joining you guys."

"Hi," Kyungsoo squeaked nervously. "I'm Do Kyungsoo, and I really look forward to working with you guys."

"You're not going to actually be working in the office, though," Chanyeol said. "You have to paint and it doesn't really matter where you do it. The guys here help with managing the museum and stuff, they're not actual artists."

"Hey, I'm one!" Minseok protested, shaking his fist angrily at Chanyeol. The taller male chuckled and flicked a tissue ball at him. Everyone watched the tissue ball land one foot in front of Chanyeol and he cleared his throat awkwardly.

"Anyway, this is Kyungsoo and he will be in charge of producing the souvenirs and everything that involves painting."

"Cool," Sehun spoke up first. He had hair a nice shade of blond and Kyungsoo thought of how Jongin was blond just a few months ago. He smiled fondly. "I'm Sehun, nice to meet ya."

"And I'm – "Yi Xing begun, but Chanyeol cut him off.

"I already introduced you guys to him."

Jongdae gasped dramatically. "You're such an asshole, Chanyeol, you won't even let us introduce ourselves and then accuse us of not doing any work."

Chanyeol sighed, facing Kyungsoo fully. "No one in this office actually does work except Minseok."

"Hey!" Yi Xing looked a little upset. "I do work too!"

"Fine, Yi Xing and Minseok are the only two active contributors."

"That wasn't what you said when you ate my mother's home-cooked omelet rice." Sehun snorted, and the office erupted in laughter.

Kyungsoo had to smile along too, finding the whole situation incredibly amused. They were more like friends instead of boss and subordinate, and he had a feeling he was going to really like working in such an environment although most of his time would be spent at home painting instead. Kyungsoo looked to his left to see that Chanyeol was laughing along too. He shot Kyungsoo a helpless look.

"As you can see, they don't really respect me."

"Hey!" Yi Xing called out again. "I do respect you!"

"And I respect you too!" Minseok chirped.

Chanyeol sighed yet again. "Fine, Minseok and Yi Xing are the only ones that respect me."

"It's a very... small group of people," Kyungsoo commented, not wanting his point to come across as offensive but Chanyeol didn't look at all bothered. He nodded.

"Well, it's a small museum and there isn't much work to do."

"Thank you for hiring me again, Chanyeol," Kyungsoo said sincerely. "I'll make good use of this chance to do my very best."

"You can thank me properly by painting something good," Chanyeol replied. The other guys in the office were no longer paying attention to the both of them anymore – Jongdae turning back to the door, Minseok looking through some files, Sehun and Yi Xing discussing something seemingly important. "I mentioned it before – we do have to sell souvenirs in the museum and I was thinking of customized key-chains. You can paint one copy and then we make replicas of it."

"I'm up for anything, but that sounds like a good idea."

"You think so?"

"I thought of that," Minseok said smugly. So apparently he had been eavesdropping.

"How about we go back to my office to discuss – "

"Watch out, Chanyeol!"

They managed to duck just in time to avoid a flying pen aimed right at Chanyeol's face. Sehun was giggling hysterically when Kyungsoo got back up, still slightly stunned.

-

The streets of London at 11p.m was a little more quiet, not as rowdy and Kyungsoo let out a happy little sigh. Jongin swung their interlocked fingers, arms occasionally brushing.

Kyungsoo really loved how simply joy came when he was with Jongin – something as simple as taking a stroll on the streets was blissful with Jongin. He adored the peaceful kind of bliss he felt, like the whole world was spinning just fine and they were made for each other.

"Did your day go great?"

Kyungsoo hummed. "It was fine. My new colleagues are funny people, and I still get to paint at home."

"Do they treat you good?"

"They treat me just fine, Jongin." Kyungsoo pulled Jongin to the side, leaning against the display window of a closed shop so they would not block anyone's path although there weren't a lot of people still out in the cold. "You worry too much."

Jongin brushed his knuckles against Kyungsoo's soft, warm cheek. "You worry me."

"Why is that so?"

"Because –" He paused, as though he was searching for the right words to say. "- you're beautiful and you're brilliant, I worry someone might just take you away from me."

"Someone might do that," Kyungsoo agreed. "But I would never leave you and you know that."

They were so in love every word seemed like a shooting star, and even their shadows seemed to glow in the dark as Jongin grazed his lips against the sides of Kyungsoo's face before he leaned in fully to kiss him on the lips. Kyungsoo wrapped his arms around Jongin's neck, drawing him in as he tilted his head for their lips to slide together smoothly.

They kissed for a while more before Kyungsoo was pushing Jongin away, giggling and telling him how they should have just stayed home if all he wanted to was kiss.

"It doesn't feel the same kissing at home," Jongin pouted. He was so much like a kid and he was everything Kyungsoo had ever wanted. "I wanted to take you out on a date anyway."

"It's true we haven't had much time to go on dates since you got promoted," Kyungsoo took Jongin's hand gingerly, tucking it in his own coat pocket so they could be even closer. "Are you happy, Jongin? With everything you have right now?"

"You're everything I have and I love you," Jongin replied simply, but Kyungsoo wasn't going to let it go at that. He knew Jongin knew he meant much deeper than that.

"You gave everything up to be with me here, and now that I have finally fulfilled my dreams I want you to fulfill yours too."

"Christmas soon," Jongin changed the topic deliberately, ignoring Kyungsoo's frustrated sigh. He glanced at his boyfriend. "Kyungsoo, can we just be satisfied with everything we have now?"

I just thought it was unfair – "

"It's not," Jongin hissed, almost fiercely and Kyungsoo whimpered. His gaze softened and he stopped again to grab Kyungsoo's shoulders, forcing Kyungsoo to look right into his eyes. "I am happy with everything I have right now. I have you, and you are everything I will ever need."

He loosened his grip on Kyungsoo slowly, still holding him close as he made a sweeping movement with his arm at their surroundings.

"Look, this is everything we have and I am more than contented. You are more than everything I have ever asked for, so you don't have to feel unfair for me, do you understand?"

"I – "

"I really love you, Kyungsoo, more than I love my own life."

The streets of London at 11p.m was a little more quiet, not as rowdy and as he looked into Jongin's eyes, Kyungsoo felt nothing but peace and bliss.

-

"Are you sure you have everything with you?" Kyungsoo wouldn't stop fussing over Jongin, dropping to his knees to start unzipping his suitcase. Jongin sighed and hauled him back to his feet by his pits, tilting Kyungsoo's head up by his chin.

"Kyungsoo, I'm a grown man. You don't have to worry so much, besides it's not like I'm going for years."

Kyungsoo looked a little sheepish but Jongin loved the way the red spread across his cheeks. "I know, I know, but a week without you is equivalent to a year."