The Invasion (Part 2 of the KaiSoo Fanfic Series)

Chapter 11

Quickly, things fall back into their typical place for Kyungsoo and Jongin. Their fights are no more, they're making more time just for each other, and it seems easier for them to talk to one another about how they're feeling. Of course, their reconciliation created an awkward yet still connected triangle between them and Hyunsik, but Jongin finds relief in not having to worry about what Hyunsik's intentions are when he's alone with Kyungsoo. Kyungsoo still urges him to makes amends with each new week, but he has yet to do so. There's only so much he can do at once.

Today is a rest day for the groups and the one day out of the month where they can all intermix and interact at any time without having to worry about the Koharaian hierarchy. Currently, Jongin and Kyungsoo are sitting in the dining hall, sharing a meal, talking, and simply savoring the other's company. There aren't many people in there with them at the moment, at least compared to the overall size of Kohara, but there are enough that they are forced to sit close together, practically thigh-to-thigh, in order to hear each other's voices. It's not like they mind that, though. If they were ever given the choice of this versus speaking softly, they'd choose this in a fraction of a heartbeat.

Tiny and partially concealed giggles spill from Kyungsoo's lips as Jongin presses a kiss to the side of his neck, the action disrupting him and making his head turn in Jongin's direction before he can take in another bite of food. Jongin smiles, laughing faintly in response as well, and looks directly into Kyungsoo's eyes once he pulls away from his neck. He lets out a content gust of air as he runs his fingers through his groomed and short-cut locks of soft hair, his heart beating at a steady pace.

"I love you," he says out of the blue, but Kyungsoo doesn't furrow his eyebrows in confusion or ask why. He's been quick to find that he and Jongin don't really need a reason to say I love you to one another; they do it now simply because they can.

"I love you," he replies and the words still manage to bring the utmost amount of joy to Jongin, making his heart smile as it skips over a couple of beats. Maybe it's because he was never able to hear it before, but something about hearing those words come from Kyungsoo's mouth never gets old and Jongin doubts that it ever will.

They kiss and then kiss again before pulling away from each other. "So, you're getting comfortable with everything?" asks Jongin, who catches Kyungsoo right as he's laying a grape in his mouth, rubbing the small of his back gently with his right hand. "Our new schedule...the other stuff?"

Kyungsoo lets out an airy half laugh half sigh, pausing his chewing in order to do so. "The schedule, yes," he answers, "the other stuff...sort of. It's still kind of odd to me, that's all."

Jongin laughs and continues to rub Kyungsoo's back. "Yeah, it is weird, but that's just because we were never taught about it. But you're not uncomfortable, right? Like, you feel okay with it?"

"Yeah, I mean, you're right. It probably still be weird the first time if we did learn about it, but not knowing about it has a lot to do with it. I'm okay, Jongin. I'm happy," he replies with a smile. 

"Good, that's what is most important to me," Jongin replies with a smile, prompting Kyungsoo to peck his lips lightly afterward. "It's all kind of weird when you think about it. I mean, we're out of The Dome and we're free to do and say whatever we please. Not to mention that we don't have to constantly watch our backs. Even Baekhyun is starting to warm up to this place. He was actually laughing with Chanyeol the other day when I saw him on my way to Onew's office. We're okay to just...let go here, Soo. It's nice, but it feels weird to think about it, you know?"

"Yeah, it is," Kyungsoo says with a light sigh. "But it's what we wanted, right? It's nice to actually be where we know we want to be." Jongin just smiles and nods his head. Before he can reply, Taemin walks over to their table, taking their attention away from their conversation.