Korean dictionary:
Hyung = The word is literally translated as "older brother." It can be used to refer to older male relatives like a cousin, or just a close friend as well.
Ya = Hey!
Kamsahamnida = Thank you.
Aigo = Oh my.
Aegyo = Cute.
Maknae = It means the youngest.
Umma = Mother.
Mianhae = Sorry.
Have fun reading, loves!
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Another month had passed and it was now Tuesday. Key had been clinging himself close to Taemin as Jonghyun hadn't been in school the last couple of days because of sickness.
The day had been long and Key was more than happy when the bell rang to lunch so he could see his favorite maknae Taemin.
"Hyung!" Taemin smiled from the cafeteria table as Key approached.
"Hi, Taeby!"
"I have cool news!"
"Ow, about what?" Key asked as he got seated, handing over a straw to Taemin's banana milk like always.
"We have been invited to a Halloween party!"
"Wha-what?" The other stuttered.
"Yes, you, Jonghyun and I have been invited to the biggest party of the year!" Taemin continued excited.
"Who would invite us?" Key asked in disbelief.
"Em... It doesn't matter," Taemin hurried to reply as he shifted tense in his seat for a moment. "The point is that we have to go!"
"I don't know..." Key said hesitating about going to a party with all the 'cool kids.'
Did he really have to remind Taemin about how often him and Key himself had been made fun of by the other students?
"Come on, hyung..." Taemin whined. "It could be the coolest thing ever! And maybe you would end up meeting someone new?"
A sigh left Key's lips as he looked at Taemin's adorable pout.
"Pretty, pretty, please!" The younger attempted aegyo which caused Key to give in.
"Okay! But only if Jonghyun goes."
"Aigo, thank you so much Kibum-ah!" The other squealed excited.
"Yeah, yeah... When is the party?"
"Friday." Taemin replied hesitating as he forced a guilty smile.
"Urgh..." Key blew his hair out of his face. "Well, then we have to find our costumes today or tomorrow."
Taemin clapped his hands together in excitement as he smiled widely at the other.
~~~~At Jonghyun's house~~~~
After school Key had decided to head to Jonghyun's house so he could check up on him, tell the news about the party and help the sick boy with the homework he had missed out on while being away from school.
Key had knocked politely on the door as a pretty woman greeted him with a wide smile. Jonghyun's mother.
"Oh, Key honey, it's you. Come in."
"Kamsahamnida Mrs. Kim." The boy bowed.
"You're too sweet, but you can call me Minji." The female told in a warming tone.
"Sure, Mrs. Kim." Key bowed again which caused the female to laugh.
"Aigo... So polite a boy you are." She smiled at the other. "Oh, well. Jonghyun is upstairs."
Key bowed ones more as he walked upstairs to find Jonghyun asleep in his bed.
A big, warm duvet was covering the boy's body, his chest raising and falling with each breath. A little sweat was showing on his warm forehead like was it glitter. He looked really sick and actually quite pale, which wasn't normal for someone with so tan skin as Jonghyun.
Key walked in quietly as he put down his school bag, slowly taking out his books as he placed them on the floor.
Key then took a tissue from the nightstand as he got himself seated on the edge of Jonghyun's bed. He lightly wiped away the sweat from the boy's forehead as Key sudden got grabbed by the wrist.
A gasp left the diva's lips as his wide eyes found the other.
"Jonghyun?" Key whispered.
The sick boy shifted in bed as his chest kept rising and falling like before.
"Are you awake?" Key asked.
"Kitty..."
Key froze as his eyes traveled to Jonghyun's face, looking for any kind of sign to confirm if the boy was awake or not. But he got nothing... The boy seemed to be asleep from the look of things, but why had he been talking about him in his sleep?
No. Jonghyun probably wasn't talking about you. 'Kitty' could be the furry and adorable animal. Yes, that's got to be it.
Key slowly tried to wiggle himself out of the boy's grasp, but failed miserably.
"Key..." The sleeping boy mumbled again.
The mentioned boy looked up at Jonghyun again as he began to feel his heart race.
Is Jonghyun really dreaming about me?
Warmth reached Key's cheeks as his eyes studied the sick boy's perfectly shaped face features.
Wait... What is this? Key asked himself as his face twisted in confusion. He looked down at his chest as he scolded his heart for beating so uncomfortable in his chest without a reason. And then the cursing about his blushing began, as if it would help to talk to his own body.
"Jonghyun..." Key uttered in a low voice, not wanting to startle the other.
The sick boy didn't move, he kept sleeping with his grasp around Key's wrist, breathing peacefully in his sleep as he turned his head to lie better.
Key gave up with a sigh as he moved down on the floor beside the bed, Jonghyun's fingers still around his wrist as he did so.
...
Jonghyun woke up as he felt his arm that had begun to hurt. He turned his head as he saw himself hold into someone. Confusion twisted in his face as he blinked the sleep out of his eyes.
He then noticed the familiar scars on the wrist he held as he leaned over the bed to see Key sitting half-asleep up against the nightstand.
"Aigo!" Jonghyun let out as he let go of Key, hurrying down to the boy's side. "Key, Key... Are you okay?"
Key is going to kill you for touching him. How can you even do that to him? You know how bad it makes him feel.
Key fluttered his eyes open as he saw the sick boy sitting on his knees in front of him.
"I'm sorry, you've most felt so uncomfortable. I didn't mean to, really. I can't believe I...-" Jonghyun continued to ramble as a soft smile tugged on Key's pink lips.
"It's okay... I'm fine, really."
"Huh?" Jonghyun stopped talking as he looked surprised at the other. "Are you sure?"
"More than sure..." Key replied with a soft smile which still confused the other a little.
This new side of Key kept taking Jonghyun by surprise. Not that he was complaining though, because he really liked it. It somehow made him happy since that meant Key wouldn't push Jonghyun away so easily.
"Ah..." Jonghyun calmed himself as he turned his head to look at all the school books Key had been lying on the floor. "You came because of homework?"
"Well..." Key let out hesitating. "I kind of wanted to make sure you were okay."
The answer had left Jonghyun way too happy which was proved by his ridiculous wide smile.
"Then I guess we have to get started." Jonghyun said as he got down on the floor.
Key was about to say something, but stopped himself as he pursed his lips into a thin line.
"You've made all my homework?" Jonghyun asked surprised as he turned his gaze from the school papers and up at the quiet boy.
"I. Well. It was because..." Key seemed to struggle with finding words. "I just didn't want you to spend hours on your homework when you were feeling sick, so I made them while you were asleep."
Jonghyun looked amazed at all the pages as a grateful smile made its way to his lips.
"Thank you," He smiled while keeping his gaze on Key's beautiful handwriting. "I'm so lucky to have you."
At Jonghyun's words Key suddenly felt his heart race again as he put a hand over his chest to silently calm it... Not that it worked.
"Now that you came such a long way just to be greeted by me sleeping, I think the least I can do is to make you stay for dinner." Jonghyun smiled that charming smile of his.
"Wha-what?" Key stuttered somehow nervously, or maybe it was just his weird heartbeat trying to suffocate him.
Honestly the boy had no idea what it was, but he could suddenly feel his palms become sweaty.
"Please," Jonghyun begged with his big, brown puppy-eyes. "You made my homework, let me do something for you."
"Okay..." Key said hesitating.
He had been at Jonghyun's place every day after school for two months now, but he had never stayed for any other reason than the two doing homework.
~~~~At the dinner table~~~~
"I'm so glad you would eat with us," Jonghyun's mother smiled as she placed the last bowl of rise on the table. "You're always with my baby so it would be nice to get to know you a little."
"Umma..." Jonghyun whined like a kid.
"Ah, but you are my little baby no matter how old you get." She pursed her lips in a cute pout as she pinched Jonghyun's cheek.
Key just held back his laugher as he watched the other get drowned in mother love.
"Umma, you are embarrassing me. I'm a teenager, almost an adult."
"If you were an adult I wouldn't need to clean up after you." His mother teased which caused Jonghyun to let out a frustrated gulp of air as he leaned back on his chair.
"Wait, is Kim Jonghyun, The Kim Jonghyun messy?" Key pretended to gaps with a hand over his heart.
"Ya, stop your sarcasm." Jonghyun complained which caused his mother to laugh aloud.
"I like this kid."
"Umma!" Jonghyun raised his voice as the two others laughed.
Jonghyun just dug into his food as he chewed in silence while Key and his mother were talking and teasing the unsatisfied Jonghyun.
...
"Thanks for the wonderful meal," Key smiled after they were done as he took his bowl along with his chopsticks. "You're a great cook."
"Aish, you're such a sweetheart. Thank you so much, I would love to have you over for dinner another time."
"Yeah, thanks." Jonghyun said as he got up.
"Ya, put your dirty dishes into the sink." His mother scolded lightly.
"Mianhae, umma."
Key placed his own stuff in the sink as he went to the table to clean off the rest. Jonghyun's mother just watched the boy with a grateful smile as Jonghyun began his journey upstairs.
"Thank you so much honey, you can go now."
Key bowed to Jonghyun's mother as he made his way upstairs to the sick boy.
Jonghyun sat on the bed with his duvet as he snuggled it tight into his body to stay warm. A cough or two escaped the boy as he held an arm up in front of his mouth to prevent the bacteria’s from spreading.
"How are you feeling?" Key asked with an apologizing look in his eyes as he stepped in, closing the door silently behind him.
"Better," Jonghyun replied as he sniffed from his stopped nose. "Do you have plans for tonight?"
"Yes, in the matter of fact I do." Key replied as Jonghyun's soft smile faded.
"I need to take care of you," Key smiled as he took Jonghyun's laptop. "And the best way to do that is with some Naruto."
"No... Way!" Jonghyun smiled excited as Key emitted a chuckle before getting on the bed with the laptop.
The two watched for about six episodes, Jonghyun smiling excited throughout it all as Key enjoyed to watch the other so bright despite his sickness.
"I was wondering if you had any plans for Friday?" Key suddenly asked, hesitating as he kept his eyes on the laptop screen.
Jonghyun looked surprised at the other as he thought about the question.
"No. Well, I think Onew hyung want us to work."
"Aish, I forgot about work..." Key turned his attention from the screen to Jonghyun.
"Why are you asking?" Jonghyun asked curiously.
"Well... We have been invited to a big Halloween party."
"Wait, The Halloween Party? The biggest party of the year?" The other asked surprised.
"Yeah... Taemin somehow knew someone who wanted us to go." Key mumbled.
"Who would invite us?" Jonghyun asked which caused Key to chuckle.
"That's what I said..."
"Well, I would love to go. I think it could be great!"
Damn it... Now I have to go.
"We just need to ask Onew to give us the day off and then we can go shopping for costumes together."
"But... You're sick." Key pointed out, worry showing in his voice which had become a thing he showed more and more lately.
"Yeah, but I feel a lot better, I'm sure I will be able to come to school tomorrow."
"Okay..."
"Hey," Jonghyun said calmly as Key lifted his head. "I will be fine."
"Ya..." Key let out in discomfort. "I didn't said I was concerned or anything."
"Of course not," Jonghyun said sarcastically. "You've just showed up at my house every day because you wanted to see how my mom is doing."
"You are so jealous..." Key twisted the conversation as he emitted a chuckle.
"It's not fun." Jonghyun pointed a finger at the other. "You act like best friends."
"She's sweet though..." Key lowered his gaze along with his voice.
A soft smile tugged on Jonghyun's lips as he watched Key smile.
Of course Jonghyun complained about their way of making fun of him at the table, but he was glad Key got along with his mother. He knew it meant a lot to the boy since Key didn't have a good relationship to his own mother. Well, he had at least guessed that was the reason for Key's sweet way of talking to his mother. It was actually quite cute now that he thought about it.
The rest of the night continued with smile, laugher, and ideas about what they had to get dressed up as for the party.
Jonghyun had fallen asleep while the two had watched another episode of Naruto as Key tugged the sick boy into his warm duvet before leaving with a smile.
~~~~At Onew's place~~~~
It was late when Key had finally gotten home. He quietly made his way inside the apartment as not to wake up Onew.
"Look who decided to come home."
"Hyung!?" Key turned in shock as he watched Onew with a wide grin on his face.
"Didn't mean to scare you though." He laughed.
"Sure." Key said sarcastically as he smiled while talking off his shoes.
"Is Jonghyun still sick?"
"Well... He said he would come to school tomorrow."
"I bet he's still really sick," Onew shook his head. "He probably only want to show up in school because something else is more important."
"Really, he would do that?" Key asked with a soft smile tugging on his lips.
"Sure! That boy hates school... There must be a very special reason for him to go, because as far as I know he was too sick to even talk on the phone with me yesterday."
Key felt his cheeks grow hot for the second time today. Did Jonghyun show up in school because of him?
... Or was it because of the party they had been invited to?
"Well, remember to get some rest. Good night." Onew smiled as he turned towards his room.
"Wait!" Key said as Onew turned around to face the other. "Em... I know it's much to ask for, but... Could you possible give Jonghyun and I the day off Friday?"
"So that's what this is about..." Onew chuckled as Key looked at the other with confusion painted on his face.
"Well, if you work Sunday and Monday then it won't be a problem." The other assured with a smile.
"Kamsahamnida," Key bowed. "Good night."
"Good night."
~~~~The next day~~~~
"Aren't you coming with us?" Jonghyun asked Taemin as him and Key had planned to go shopping for Halloween costumes after school.
"No... I can't." Taemin replied in a mumble as he took some books from his locker.
Key and Jonghyun exchanged looks in worry as they watched the other avoid their gazes.
"Why not?" Key asked.
Jonghyun knew Taemin wasn't a rich boy like Key, but he really wanted to share this experience with all three of them since it was rare they got invited to such a big event.
Suddenly an idea came to mind as Jonghyun closed the door to Taemin's locker right in front of the maknae to gain his full attention.
"Wha-what are you doing, I...-"
"Taemin," Jonghyun cut him off. "Can't you just come along, even though you won't buy a costume?"
Taemin looked surprised at the other. Did he know he didn't have enough money for that?
"I mean, you probably have something way cooler at home." Jonghyun smiled while playing out his plan.
"I guess..." Taemin replied after some time.
"Great! We will meet you here so we can walk there together."
A weak smile tugged on Taemin's lips as he nodded before parting ways with his friends.
"What was that about?" Key asked as him and Jonghyun walked to class.
"Trust me, I have an idea, just hold up the curiously for a little longer." Jonghyun smirked softly.
~~~~The Costume Store~~~~
"Wow..." Taemin let out amazed as his eyes scanned all the costumes.
The young boy walked around in the front of the store, his eyes refused to leave the many zombie and vampire costumes; they were so stylish, simple and then he loved white powder make-up.
"Do you know what you want to be?" Taemin turned to ask Key while Jonghyun was playing around in the back.
"I'm not quite sure..." Key replied as he touched a Disney costume. "I kind of want to be a known character. You know, like a super hero or maybe a villain."
"That sounds really good." Taemin smiled. "I actually have an idea of what you might could dress up as."
"Oh, you have?"
"Mm, I'm sure it will fit you perfectly." The other nodded as he went to find a very special costume Key.
"Guys!" Jonghyun yelled as he approached with a costume in his hands. "What do you think?"
"Naruto?" Key giggled. "That's cute."
"Ya, it's called cool." Jonghyun corrected with a stern voice.
"Sure," Key rolled his eyes.
Jonghyun's choice of costume was actually really good, it would suit him well.
"Here!" Taemin said as he came out from the villain department with a plastic bag with some black, green and purple clothing.
"What is it?" Jonghyun asked as he removed the Naruto headband from his head.
"The Joker costume from Batman?" Key said amazed as he turned it to see what kind of things belonged so he would know what to buy or make himself. "Thank you so much Taemin!"
"You're welcome." The youngest smiled.
"Why... so... serious?" Jonghyun mimicked the Joker's voice.
"Haha, wow... You're good hyung." Taemin smiled.
Jonghyun just bowed as Key rolled his eyes at the other. These two...
"Well, shall we?" Taemin asked as he was about to walk to the cash register.
"No!" Jonghyun said as he put a arm in front of the younger. "I... Em. I want you to help me find some good face paint and then I will pay in the meanwhile."
"Okay!" Taemin smiled as he turned his back to the two in an attempt to find what Jonghyun requested.
"Keep him busy, okay?" Jonghyun whispered to Key.
"Why?"
"I want to buy him a costume." The other replied as he grabbed the costume Taemin had been looking at a couple of times while they had been running around trying costumes.
"That's so sweet of you..." Key said, face twisting in confusion as he realized how sugar sweet that sounded.
Jonghyun just chuckled as he watched the other with much interest.
"Well, then pay for this." Key said as he gave Jonghyun his Joker costume along with his colorful wallet.
The other nodded as he did what Key told him to. And before they knew it they had all bought what needed and headed out for a smoothie.
~~~~The next day in school~~~~
"What are you doing?" Key asked as he approached Jonghyun from behind.
"Shs!" The other said as he pulled Key behind the locker. "I'm hiding."
"Haha, why?" Key asked confused.
"I've put Taemin's costume into his locker and he should be here in a minute." Jonghyun replied as he stuck out his head to see if their friend had arrived yet.
"Ah, so you can watch his reaction..."
"Wow, you are slow for the smartest kid on school to be." Jonghyun said jokingly which caused Key to hit him.
"Auch, what even...-" Key cut off the other as he raised a finger at Jonghyun while nodding his head towards the other side of the hallway.
The two both turned around as they peaked from their hiding place to get a better look.
Taemin was smiling as always, humming a song to himself as he opened his locker.
"What is this?" He asked himself as he took out the plastic bag where the costume was in.
A wide smile made its way to Taemin's lips as he turned the bag to find a note that read:
Wear it with style.
"Aw, look how happy he is..." Key smiled as Jonghyun chuckled at him.
"You are getting soft, do you know that?" The other smirked as Key death glared in reply.
"Hey." A deep voice sounded from the other side of the hallway as Jonghyun and Key turned their attention back at Taemin and... the tall guy from the cafeteria?
"Ya, Minho you can't be here. My friends will be here in a moment." Taemin said as he scanned the hallway.
"Oh, my..." Jonghyun whispered while watching the two.
"I see you've got yourself a cool Halloween costume for my party," Minho ignored Taemin's worrying as he leaned in to get a better look at the costume. "A vampire? That's a pretty cool, confident and sexy choice to pull off."
"Sexy?" Key raised his voice.
"Shs!" Jonghyun whispered.
Taemin blushed lightly at Minho's words as he turned his head in embarrassment.
"Is he hitting on our maknae?!" Key continued as Jonghyun grabbed the other and pushed Key up against the wall behind the locker as soon as Taemin looked in their direction.
"Jonghyun!" Key gasped.
"Shs..." The other let out in a hush voice which caused a shiver to run down Key's spine.
"-I like it. Can't wait to see you in it." Minho said coldly with that charming smirk of his before he left Taemin.
"He's going to get in SO much trouble!" Key whispered angrily.
"No! We can't tell Taemin we saw this." Jonghyun whispered in the crook of Key's neck because of the lack of space.
"Why not?" Key tried to move his head.
He really disliked this standing-up-against-each-other thing, it made him feel so weird. It always did... especially with Jonghyun.
"Well, he haven't told us it was Minho's party or that they hang out, which it seems like they do."
"And?" Key asked impatient, shifting tense between Jonghyun and the wall.
"So we have to wait until he tells us." Jonghyun finished. "Real friends wouldn't spy on him."
"Urgh..." Key let out frustrated as Jonghyun looked over the shoulder of Key to make sure Taemin weren't looking in their direction.
"Now!" Jonghyun said as he walked out from their hiding spot with Key, pretending they just came from class.
"Hi, Tae. What are you looking at?" Jonghyun asked as they went to stand next to the boy.
"Seriously, look guys! Someone bought me the coolest Halloween costume ever!" The excited boy squealed happily as he showed the two the costume.
"Wow, you are going to look so great in that!" Jonghyun said excited, pretending not to know anything about the surprise gift.
"Hyung... Are you okay?" Taemin asked Key who was standing quietly in the back.
"Sure."
Taemin didn't really believe it, but chose not to ask again as he knew how closed a person Key was.
"Oh, well. What do you guys say if I invite you guys to my house tomorrow and then we can get ready together?" Jonghyun suggested with a wide smile.
"I'm so on!" The youngest smiled adorably.
"... Key?" Jonghyun asked hesitating as Taemin bite his lip, both waiting for Key to agree.
"Only... if I'm allowed to do your make-up." Key smirked softly as the others began to laugh.
"Deal!"
"Aigo, it's going to be the best!" Taemin clapped his hands together in excitement as Key smiled warmly at the other.
How could he be mad when Taemin was so happy? Besides, Key couldn't expect others to be honest when he himself always kept secrets.
And honestly? Key was actually a bit curious about how this party would turn out. Maybe, just maybe... It could be fun to get out for once.
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I will like to dedicate this chapter for my wonderful mini Jackson @Coconut_Kid. Thank you for writing so awesome and for being an lovely reader!
& to the rest... Thank you so super much for supporting my story, you have no idea how much it means to me. I hope you are enjoying it so far. Chu, chu!