The Demon Next Door

6

Kyungsoo couldn't remember the last time he had ever seen Tao sick.

He was always a fit guy. Active by doing a large variety of sports and even martial arts, Tao was usually the least likely candidate for catching some sort of illness.

And yet, as Kyungsoo stood in the doorway of Tao's bedroom, he was shocked to see the younger man sprawled facedown on the bed, having a coughing fit into the pillow.

"Tao?" Kyungsoo took a step inside. "Taozi?"

Tao lifted his head at the ridiculous nickname. He looked too tired, though, to scold Kyungsoo about using it.

His ghostly pale face and clouded eyes really spooked Kyungsoo. The cold was obviously draining Tao of every ounce of strength he possessed. His body was not used to fighting any forms of viruses, having been so healthy before this.

"Kyungsoo." Tao's voice was hoarse, weak. "What can I..." He was interrupted by a cough forcing its way up his throat. "...do for you?"

"I'm just here to see how you're doing," Kyungsoo replied, smiling.

As he walked closer to Tao's bed, he noticed the younger was beginning to scrunch his face.

"Kyungsoo! You stink like alcohol!" Tao cried. "Get back!"

And he began coughing again.

Kyungsoo did as he was told. "I'm sorry."

"It's fine." Tao lowered his head onto his pillow again. "Now cut the crap. What do you want? You rarely visit me. You obviously need something."

Kyungsoo's face flushed. "I was wondering if I could borrow one of your pairs of skinny jeans."

"Why?"

"I wanted to try them on. Wear a pair to school."

Tao managed to push himself up into a sitting position. He leaned his back against the headboard. He gave Kyungsoo a hard glare, as if to see if the older was serious.

"You came here for skinny jeans. Wow. Your sympathy for my condition is simply overwhelming."

"Please?" Kyungsoo insisted.

Tao lifted his head like a professor and laced the fingers of both of his hands together.

"Soo," he started, "what I'm about to say is a nice piece of advice. Listen to it. I'm saying this as a friend. I won't be modest. Got it?"

Kyungsoo nodded.

Tao coughed before continuing. "Your tush, to be frank, is quite appetizing. If you were to wear a pair of my skinny jeans, I can guarantee a case of ass smacking."

"Your confidence is overwhelming," Kyungsoo snorted.

Tao raised both of his eyebrows as if to see if Kyungsoo had any valid arguments. The president simply stood at a reasonable distance, face as challenging as his own.

Tao moved his blankets off of himself and swung his feet onto the cold wooden floor. Kyungsoo opened his mouth to protest and tell him to get back into bed, only to be stopped by the raising of Tao's right hand.

The younger shivered as he walked towards his closet. The long sleeve and long pant pajama outfit were clearly not doing him any good. Tao appeared to be freezing.

Nevertheless, he opened his closet and began rummaging through it. Kyungsoo chewed on his bottom lip as he watched him, suddenly feeling quite sorry for paying Tao such a visit.