#onews-pinee

Kibum entered the storage room, flipping on the light. He was humming to himself, the soft melody of the solo he would be performing later that week. Seeing as the stage crew burned his last jacket during dress rehearsal that afternoon, he needed to search for something new before they had rehearsal later that night. The costume storage was extensive, to make good use of the space they had created three levels of clothing separated by gender and then style/era. The only way to access each level was via ladder if there was one accessible. The room always smelled musty which could only be due to the amount of vintage clothing that had been collected for various shows.

He dropped his bag on the couch and started looking for tweed jackets when he heard a rustle come from somewhere upstairs. The sound was surprising, but he tried not to let it show, just incase it was someone trying to mess with him.

“Hello?” He called out gently, “Is anyone there?” He looked up and soon saw a blonde head poking over the side of the second level. He could barely make out the features from the bright light that seemed to create a halo around his head, his blonde hair making it more difficult to see.

“Kibum!”

As soon as he heard his voice, he knew it was Jonghyun, his co-actor, the supporting role. “Jjong? What the hell are you doing up there!?”

Jonghyun seemed to be pouting, “it doesn’t matter.. Did you bring a ladder with you?”

“No, I didn’t need one..” He looked up at Jonghyun curiously, still curious as to why he was there. “You’re only on the second floor, can’t you just jump down? I’ve seen others do it..”

Jonghyun shook his head, “I don’t want to..”

“Seriously why are you up there?”

Jonghyun crossed his arms, “Quit asking how I got stuck up here and just catch me, that way you don’t have to even get a ladder!”

Kibum sighed and rubbed his face with his hand, “Okay, fine, but only if you promise to tell me why you’re up there..”

Groaning, Jonghyun disappeared into the clothes, “No!”

Kibum rolled his eyes, Jonghyun was always impressive with how dramatic he could be. “Seriously? You’d rather stay up there then tell me why you’re there?”

Jonghyun made another whimpering groan and Kibum finally gave in, “Okay fine, I’ll catch you just so you stop acting like a puppy up there..” He reached out his arms to catch him bridal style, the best way he knew how. Luckily he had been taught how to catch people this way given his profession. The amount of “maidens falling from towers” he had dealt with on stage had given him plenty of practice. Only difference was, he wouldn’t be kissing Jonghyun after he caught him.

Poking his head out, Jonghyun grinned and jumped to fall into Kibum’s arms. Kibum felt Jonghyun collide with him and flexed to keep himself steady. He looked down at Jonghyun. The man he was now holding was surprisingly light.. It was nice to hold him. It took him a moment to realise that he had been holding him now for a bit too long, and Jonghyun cleared his throat.

“As much as I like being held, could you put me down please?” He said, his voice soft and gentle next to him.

Kibum felt his cheeks turning red. He would have put him down, but he really wanted to know, “Why were you stuck Jjong?” He asked, keeping a hold on Jonghyun.

Jonghyun sighed, “You’re not going to let me get away, are you?”

Kibum grinned, “Of course I’m not..” His grip on Jonghyun tightened a little just incase he tried to squirm. When he held onto his arm he could feel Jonghyun’s pulse pumping rapidly under the skin which only made him blush more.

“Well..” Jonghyun started, his voice surprisingly steady despite how anxious he seemed, “I heard.. About your jacket..” He explained, “And, well, I wanted to help.” He looked away, “I went looking for it, and someone came in and grabbed the ladder. Before I could say anything, it was gone and he turned off the lights.”

Loosening his grip, Kibum started to set Jonghyun down, “Oh..” It took him a moment to realise exactly why Jonghyun hadn’t wanted to share this information with him, but once he recognised that it was from a developing crush, on himself, he tried to hide his own shame. “Sorry.. If I had known-”

“It’s fine!” Jonghyun immediately said, cutting him off, “Seriously, it’s fine, it doesn’t matter..” he said softly. His hands fiddled with his shirt, trying to fix it so it lay flat. “Anyway, I’ll see you on stage..” He attempted to escape, but Kibum reached out and grabbed Jonghyun’s wrist.

“Don’t just leave like that!” He scolded rather cutely, “I didn’t know about your crush, if I had, I wouldn’t have pried. Anyway, I know we’re both busy with the show, but afterwards, do you want to maybe.. Get some coffee?”

Jonghyun nodded, “God I would love that.” He said, seemingly relieved that Kibum had offered meaning that he didn’t have to.