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pseudowook · 8 months

Text

This Love

— a kyuwook one-shot taglish fic entry for (late) kyuwook day ♡

synopsis: Kyuhyun likes Ryeowook, for a very long time now, but they’re best friends.

a/n: typical friends-to-lovers trope, not beta-d so yeah hehe my first fic after several months of writing slump ㅠ_ㅠ !

also,,, no beta, we die!!! so ignore any grammatical and spelling errors, and disregard time stamps!!! anyhuuu enjoy hehudhsisj xD

“Dagat na kasi tayo eh!” May naramdaman si Kyuhyun na isang kamay na umalog sa kaliwang braso niys. He subtly looked at the person then goes back reading his notes again. “Yu! Sige na oh! Heartbroken ‘yung kaibigan mo!”

“Oh? Kasalanan ko ba?” He asked without sparing the other person a glance.

“Wow, that hurts.” Narinig niyang bumulong si Ryeowook, ‘yung nagyayaya pumunta sa dagat o beach.

“What? It’s not like makaka-move on ka kapag nag-beach ka?” He asked him sarcastically, but then he immediately realized that it was a bit harsh of him to say that. Ryeowook recently just got ‘cheated on’, or rather dumped, but he insists that cheated daw kasi kahit hindi naman daw sila, mutual naman daw na gusto nila isa’t isa until naghanap ng iba ‘yung ka-fling niya. Ryeowook and that fling lasted for long, around 9-10 months until one day bigla na lang tinigil ng ka-situationship niya, as the gen zs called it, ‘yung situationship nila.

Kyuhyun was the receiving end ng lahat ng nangyayari kay Ryeowook. He understands naman na heart broken ito but it has been almost 2 months since he (Ryeowook’s ex fling) ended whatever they had. Kyuhyun had been understanding kay Ryeowook nung first few weeks, but now? He’s had enough.

“Alam mo, makakapag-move on ka lang kung gusto mo eh.” Halos araw-araw sabihin ni Kyuhyun ‘to kay Ryeowook, pero para bang hindi naman nakikinig si Ryeowook.

“Kala mo ba madali lang mag-move on?!” Ryeowook retorted. “Makapagsalita ka ah…”

“Alam kong hindi madali mag-move on, Yeo.” Biglang nag-iba tono ni Kyuhyun. “Hindi ko naman sinabing madali, ang sinabi ko, magagawa mo lang ‘yun kung willing ka, kung gusto mo na talaga. Ngayon, tatanungin kita, gusto mo na ba mag-move on?”

Natahimik si Ryeowook sa biglaang pagseseryoso ni Kyuhyun sa kanya. Napa-isip din ito, gusto na nga ba niya mag-move on? Kaya na ba niya mag-move on? Hindi niya alam bakit hindi siya makasagot. Dahil ba sa hindi niya alam anong isasagot? Hindi niya pa alam kung ano gusto niyang mangyari? O dahil sa tingin ni Kyuhyun sa kanya na sa hindi malamang dahilan, parang may iba?

“Ewan ko sa’yo, masyado kang seryoso. Basta sa weekends, sa beach house ng tito ko okay?” Hindi sinagot ni Ryeowook si Kyuhyun sa tanong niya, at saka ito iniwan mag-isa sa learning commons. Kyuhyun watched Ryeowook’s figure walking away.

At this point, hindi niya na rin alam anong nangyayari kay Ryeowook. One time he’s this sad, broken, mopping heart-broken person, and in a blink of an eye, he’s in his hoe phase, and then again, balik na naman sa usual niyang broken-hearted phase. Kyuhyun understands naman na everyone has their own way of dealing and coping pero sa hindi malamang dahilan, bakit hindi niya maintindihan ang kay Ryeowook. Bagkus, magkaibigan naman sila, simula pa noong high school sila. But despite that, Ryeowook is still very hard to read and predict to this moment. Hanggang ngayon, nangangapa pa rin si Kyuhyun kay Ryeowook.

Hindi niya pa rin mabasa si Ryeowook, hindi pa rin niya maintindihan ang tumatakbo sa isipan ni Ryeowook most of the time. Sa mga mababawa na dahilan o bagay, he knows Ryeowook the best, but when it comes to other things like his feelings and other personal things na he doesn’t share, hindi pa rin alam ni Kyuhyun.

Kyuhyun sometimes think na sa tagal nilang magkaibigan ni Ryeowook, bakit ganito pa rin? Bakit hanggang ngayon parang hindi niya pa rin kilala ‘yung taong kasama niya for almost 9 years.

Whereas when it comes to him, basang-basa na siya ni Ryeowook. Alam na ni Ryeowook ang buong pagkatao ni Kyuhyun, kapag may nararamdaman si Kyuhyun, kapag may ayaw si Kyuhyun, alam na ni Ryeowook; Alam na rin nitong timplahan si Kyuhyun, wala sa mood si Kyuhyun? Mas lalong aasarin ni Ryeowook si Kyuhyun. At this point, Kyuhyun thinks na Ryeowook knows him better than his family eh. Ryeowook knows everything about him, everything except that. And that’s okay, perfectly okay because Kyuhyun believes that it’s best na hindi niya alam.

Upon thinking, a sudden thought comes to his mind, ‘Am I a bad friend?’ Kasi kung titignan mo, parang surface level lang ang alam ni Kyuhyun kay Ryeowook, tapos si Ryeowook, alam na alam na si Kyuhyun. Napapaisip siya kung masama siyang kaibigan pero alam niyang si Ryeowook lang naman ang makakasagot ng tanong na iyon.

.　 . • ☆ . ° .• °:. *₊ ° . ☆. • ☆ . ° .• °:. *₊ ° . ☆. • ☆ . ° .• °:.

It was a peaceful Wednesday for Kyuhyun. walang panggulong mga feeling major na minor subjects, walang hectic na submissions, it's just a typical Wednesday na 10:30 am ang pasok and it's just their film elective, manonood lang sila and then they will do whatever the professor wants them to do.

He's sitting sa usual spot niya— nila ni Ryeowook, but right now, it's just him, no Ryeowook, his XL Dunkin' Donut's Icy Choco drink, and his favorite uniqlo dumpling bag he always uses kapag Wednesday.

He's just killing time din kasi masyado siyang maaga pumasok, sumabay siyang pumasok kay Ryeowook na may 8:30 am class. Bilang isang driver naman ang kaibigan niya at along the way naman ang bahay kung saan nakatira si Kyuhyun, sumasabay na ito if may pasok naman silang pareho sa araw na 'yon.

"Kyuz!" May bumati kay Kyuhyun. "Aga natin ah?"

"Sumabay lang kay Yeo," Sagot niya kay Hyukjae. "Sayang eh."

"Naks, 'yang bestfriend mo, hatid-sundo ka ata?"

"Gago, sumasabay lang ako. T'yaka kapag tamad siya or pagod, ako rin minsan nagda-drive para makapagpahinga man lang kahit pauwi."

"Wow! Sigurado ka magkaibigan lang kayo?" Biro ni Hyukjae. "Asal mag-jowa 'yan ah!"

"Tanga. Matagal na rin kami magkaibigan, siya lang nagtagal sa ugali ko eh." Biro niya kay Hyukjae.

It was true, Kyuhyun was known nung elementary-high school na may hindi kagandahang ugali. He's this typical smarty pants na masungit, hindi namamansin, and very snarky. Tipong kapag ayaw ka niya, he won't hide it, he'll let you know na ayaw ka niya thus, lagi siyang napapa-away. If it weren't for Ryeowook imtervening most of the misunderstandings and fights, siguro ilang beses nang napa-guidance 'yang si Kyuhyun. Okay naman na si Kyuhyun ngayon, he's mature enough to not do those child fights. Pero if you push his buttons, makakatikim ka talaga.

"Asal magjowa talaga kayo. Para kayong old married couple lol. If hindi lang alam na Ryeowook and Henry were seeing each other, aakalain talaga kayo." Kyuhyun just rolled his eyes at Hyukjae. "Which brings me to ask, hindi mo ba gusto si Ryeowook? Or vice versa? Lalo na ngayon oh, single na si Ryeowook ulit."

"No." 'Yan lang ang nasabi ni Kyuhyun. He really doesn't like talking about things like this. No, just no.

"Sure?"

"Oo nga. Ang tagal na namin magkaibigan. Purely platonic." He lied. 'Purely platonic' my ass, He thought. Tumino at lumambot lang naman ang masamang ugali ni Kyuhyun dahil kay Ryeowook eh.

"If so, pwede ba akong magreto sa'yo?" Tanong ni Hyukjae.

"Ha?"

"May irereto ako, pinsan ko. Half chinese, 1 taon lang agwat niyo, older siya." Kyuhyun looked at him. "Maaga siya nag-aral, nasa first year law school siya. Ano, G?"

"Wala akong interest at the moment." Sabi nito. "Pero baka soon? I don't know."

He seriously is considering meeting other people to get over this stupid crush kay Ryeowook that's been going on for years, but it's just so hard lalo na't Ryeowook's just... Ryeowook is one of a kind.

"Penge." May biglang sumulpot sa gilid ni Kyuhyun at nakisipsip sa iniinom niya. "Ayaw mo talaga ng kape eh 'no?"

Kyuhyun did not expect to see Ryeowook sa building nila, iba kasi ang building ng mga Architecture, course ni Ryeowook, sa mga building ng Tourism, course ni Kyuhyun. "Aba? Ano ginagawa mo dito?"

"Seminar lang d'yan sa conference hall." Turo ni Ryeowook sa may Seminar Hall sa likod nila. "Wala pa prof niyo?"

"10:15 pa lang." Sagot ni Kyuhyun. "Ay nga pala, Yeo, si Hyukjae. Hyukjae, si Ryeowook." Pinakilala ni Kyuhyun si Ryeowook kay Hyukjae.

"Hello! Classmate ako ni Kyuhyun sa FILM403." Hyukjae greeted Ryeowook.

"Hi! Ryeowook. Friend ni Kyuhyun, from Archi ako. Nice meeting you!" He smiled back kay Hyukjae. There's a pang inside Kyuhyun's chest everytime na nasa introduction phase sila with strangers or an acquaintance of theirs. Pero wala eh, 'yun naman talaga label nilang dalawa, Friends.

"Una na ako sa room, Kyuhyun. See you! Bye Ryeowook!" Hyukjae bids his goodbye kay Ryeowook. Ryeowook bids his too, leaving him and Kyuhyun alone.

"Ano pala oras lunch break mo?" Ryeowook asks.

"1:00 pm." Sagot ni Kyuhyun. "Bakit? Wala ka kasabay?"

"Si Genius pala 'to?!" Biro ni Ryeowook sabay akbay kay Kyuhyun, kahit na ang awkward tignan dahil mas matangkad naman si Kyuhyun sa kanya. Kyuhyun started to feel hot sa gesture na ginawa ni Ryeowook, they always do this, they're touchy naman with each other, or rather, Ryeowook's touchy talaga. Oftentimes, makikita mong nakasandal ito sa balikat ni Kyuhyun, laging naka-akbay kay Kyuhyun, or sometime he's linking his arms sa arms ni Kyuhyun kapag naglalakad. It's normal na sa kanila 'yun. Kyuhyun doesn't mind, hindi rin naman siya naiilang, pero minsan napagkakamalan lang talaga sila na sila but Ryeowook's quick to clear the rumors/issues with a, "Tanga, bestfriend ko 'yan, issue niyo!"

And with that, any rumors or issue na 'sila raw' are cleared, hence, Ryeowook could be clingy for as clingy as he wants kay Kyuhyun without stirring some gossip.

"12:30 lunch ko btw." Ryeowook told Kyuhyun as he sipped more of Kyuhyun's drink. He's holding the drink na, binigay na ni Kyuhyun sa kanya.

"Awts." Sagot ni Kyuhyun. "Try mo tanungin si Junho baka sabay kayo ng lunch?"

"Wala siyang pasok today. Hintayin na lang kita, sa Monte ako kakain, ano gusto mo para ma-order ko na agad." Nagulat si Kyuhyun sa sinabi ni Ryeowook.

"Ako?" Tanong ni Kyuhyun, "Hihintayin mo?"

"Wow? Surprised na surprised?" Tanong ni Ryeowook. "Oo nga!"

"You hate waiting." Hindi makapaniwala si Kyuhyun. "Bangsilog."

"I knew it." Sagot nito kay Kyuhyun. "Hoy, malapit na mag-time hindi ka pa papasok?"

"Papasok na niyan. Tapos ka na sa drink? Ako na magtapon." Umayos na ng tayo si Kyuhyun.

"Sira, ako na." Tinaasan lang ni Kyuhyun ng kilay si Ryeowook. "Nga pala, naalala mo pa ba si Heechul?" He asked.

"Heechul? 'Yung kaklase natin sa RIZAL?" Tumango si Ryeowook. "Oo, bakit?"

"Hindi ba irreg 'yon tapos senior natin, ka-group natin siya sa final requirement noon, naalala mo?" It was Kyuhyun's turn to nod, "Apparently he passed the boards, CPA na siya, may pa-party siya and he invited us."

"Oh sure." Sagot ni Kyuhyun, "You guys kept in touch pala?" Tanong ni Kyuhyun.

"Yup. Naka-vibes ko kasi talaga siya." Sagot ni Ryeowook. "Pumasok ka na! Malelate ka pa!"

"Mas late professor namin." Biro nito. Kyuhyun gave Ryeowook a flick on his forehead, "Bye."

Ryeowook did not know why on earth did Kyuhyun looked so attractive noong ginawa niya 'yon. Sanay na siya sa mukha ni Kyuhyun, for 9 years, lagi niyang nakikita mukha ni Kyuhyun, he admits na gwapo naman ito pero he doesn't know why the hell did Kyuhyun looked so attractive few seconds ago.

"Yu!" Tawag niya kay Kyuhyun, hindi pa naman nakakalayo nang tuluyan si Kyuhyun.

"Ano?"

"May pinopormahan ka ba?"

"Huh?"

"Ang gwapo mo today, in fairness." Ryeowook complimented Kyuhyun's looks. "May pinopormahan ka 'no?" Asar niya.

"Weird mo." Kyuhyun just made a face.

"Uy! Guilty! Meron?!"

"Wala!"

"Weh?"

"Kulit mo. Bala ka d'yan!" Then Kyuhyun turned his back and walked towards his room na malapit lang pala.

"May pinopormahan 'yon." Bulong niya sa sarili niya as he finishes Kyuhyun's drink. For some weird, odd reason, the thought of Kyuhyun na may pinopormahan na iba... feels weird kay Ryeowook. Sa 9 years nilang magkaibigan, he never witnessed Kyuhyun na may niligawan o pinormahan man lang. Napapatanong na nga siya sa SOGIE ni Kyuhyun eh kasi mukhang wala talaga siyang interest sa love or whatsoever. So, the thought of Kyuhyun na may love interest makes Ryeowook feel odd.

"He definitely has someone na gusto. I could feel it."

.　 . • ☆ . ° .• °:. *₊ ° . ☆. • ☆ . ° .• °:. *₊ ° . ☆. • ☆ . ° .• °:.

Kyuhyun tosses his phone sa bed niya as he continues blowing his hair when his phone buzzed again, he planned to ignore it pero sunod-sunod ang message, that means si Ryeowook ang nag-me-message.

"Judger sa mga sweaters ko!" Kyuhyun huffed. He paused sa pag-blowdry ng buhok niya then opened his closet. Wala pa naman siyang naiisip na isuot, good thing Ryeowook told him na wear something casual and comfy.

Night party din naman 'yun so Kyuhyun just picked a white tee and a washed denim jeans, ternuhan na lang niya ng converse white and he's good to go. He wore the fit and continued drying his hair, he styled it a bit and applied some sunscreen (kahit gabi), moisturizer, and a tinted lip balm para mas mag-glow 'yung lips niya. It's still a party kaya need niya umayos.

A few minutes passed and he heard Ryeowook honking his car in the distance. He immediately went down para salubungin ito.

"Ma, labas lang po kami ni Ryeowook!" Paalam niya sa Nanay niyang nagdidilig sa garden nila.

"Ingat kayo!" Then he proceeded to go out para abangan si Ryeowook. A few seconds kayer Ryeowook pulled over sa harap niya.

"Nasa kanto ka pa lang bumubusina ka na." Ryeowook was greeted by Kyuhyun's grumpiness as soon as the said person entered the car. As he was wearing his seatbelt. "Nambubulabog amp."

"What's with you tonight?" Nang makita na ni Ryeowook na ayos na si Kyuhyun, he drove away after softly honking to let Kyuhyun's mother na aalis na sila ni Kyuhyun. "Meron ka ba?"

Inirapan lang siya ni Kyuhyun. "Also, may nakaharang na tao sa kalsada kaya ako bumusina." He informed Kyuhyun. "Why would I honk if kanto pa lang? Ano ako, baliw?"

"Akala ko doon pa lang bumubusina ka na."

"No. May dalawang magjowang hindi marunong tumabi eh. Ayun, binusinahan ko."

"Bitter?"

"No, hon. If you drive, you'll understand." Ryeowook teased.

"I drive." Depensa ni Kyuhyun.

"Yeah, right. You and your pasong lisensya." Asar pa ni Ryeowook. "Kelan mo ba ipapa-renew 'yang lisensya mo? Ang aga mo ngang nagkalisensya," Ryeowook counts with his fingers the years since Kyuhyun had his license. "It's been 5 years since nagka-lisensya ka, mag-iilang buwan nang paso lisensya mo ba't 'di ka pa mag-renew?" Pangaral ni Ryeowook.

"Woah! Okay mother!" He sarcastically replied. "Para kang si Mama ah?"

"Ano ba kasing hinihintay mo? Para sa'n pa't nagta-trabaho 'yung tito mo sa LTO?" Ryeowook asked. Dahil sa Tito ni Kyuhyun kaya siya nagkalisensya nang ganun ka-aga, before mag-17 years old. Now, they're already 22, and expired na ang lisensya ni Kyuhyun. (5 years validity lang kasi, Ryeowook got his license 3 years ago, kaya he's legal to drive.)

"No to fixers." Sagot ni Kyuhyun, he then reached for Ryeowook's phone at pinalitan ang kanta. From Ryeowook's KPop Playlist it switched to Taylor Swift. A familiar intro played and Ryeowook can't believe na pinalitan ni Kyuhyun ang song.

"Ba't mo pinalitan?!" He asked, hindi naman siya galit pero parang ganun na nga, favorite niya kasi 'yung song, Hype Boy by NewJeans.

"Iba naman. One week nang on-repeat 'yang Hype Boy mo." Sagot ni Kyuhyun as he sits back and enjoy the tune of the song playing sa stereo.

"Okay, swiftie."

"Hindi ako swiftie." Depensa nito. "I just played the next one sa playlist mo."

"Really?" Ryeowook asked as he spare a glace kay Kyuhyun. Nasa isang stoplight sila with 150 seconds remaining. Tumango naman si Kyuhyun sa tanong ni Ryeowook. "Nasa NewJeans playlist ako, paano ako magkakaroon ng Afterglow dito?"

"Malay." Sagot ni Kyuhyun. "Shuffle?"

"Oh, just admit it! Swiftie na favorite era and album ang Lover!" Tinawanan ni Ryeowook si Kyuhyun. Napaka-in denial kasi ni Kyuhyun sa pagiging swiftie niya. Parang hindi bumili ng Taylor's Version ng Red and nag-pre order ng Speak Now Taylor's Version.

"Wala akong alam sa sinasabi mo." Maang-mangan ni Kyuhyun. "It's just a song."

"Just a song mo mukha mo. Favorite mo nga Cornelia Street eh." Asar pa nito. "Hey Siri! Play Cornelia Street!" After Ryeowook commanded Siri, Siri immediately played the song.

"Engk! Mali!" Kyuhyun gave in. "Cornelia Street LIVE from Paris ang favorite ko."

"Okay, whatever you say swiftie." Irap ni Ryeowook. Matapos ang ilang segundo, nag-green light na kaya nagmaneho na siya ulit.

A few minutes passed, tahimik lang sila sa loob ng kotse as Taylor's voice serenades the two of them. Minsan nagh-hum si Kyuhyun, minsan sinasabayan ni Ryeowook, minsan sabay sila ni Kyuhyun na kumakanta, lalo na't nung nag-play ang All Too Well (10 Minute Version) [Taylor's Version] [From The Vault).

"AND YOU CALL ME UP AGAIN JUST TO BREAK ME LIKE A PROMISE!!!!" It was Kyuhyun who was singing, or rather screaming this part.

"SO CASUALLY AND CRUEL IN THE NAME OF BEING HONEST!" Ryeowook's turn.

"I'M A CRUMPLED UP PIECE OF PAPER LYING HERE... CAUSE I REMEMBER IT ALL.. ALL.. ALL..." Kyuhyun's turn again.

"FUCK YOU JAKE GYLLENHAAL!" Ryeowook shouted as Kyuhyun was singing that certain part.

"THEY SAY ALL'S WELL THAT END'S WELL BUT I'M IN A NEW HELL EVERYTIME... YOU DOUBLE CROSS MY MIND! YOU SAID IF WE HAD BEEN CLOSER IN AGE MAYBE IT WOULD'VE BEEN FINE..." Kanta nila Ryeowook at

Kyuhyun. "AND THAT MADE ME WANT TO DIE!!!!!" They both shouted the same line.

Hindi pa man tapos ang kanta ay nagsabi na si Ryeowook na nasa kanto na sila kung saan gaganapin ang house party ni Heechul.

A few more blocks, nakikita na nila ang hilera ng mga sasakyan, Kyuhyun thought na malapit na ang bahay judging sa mga nakaparadang mga sasakyan sa daan. Then, they stopped kung saan may available na parking.

"Doon sa may brown na gate 'yung bahay." Turo ni Ryeowook bago niya patayin ang sasakyan. "Ano oras tayo uuwi?"

"Anong oras KA uuwi?" Tanong ni Kyuhyun pabalik. "Hindi ba chaperone mo lang naman ako?"

"OA! Invited ka rin here ha!" Ryeowook informed and corrected his friend as he unlocked the car and steps out. Kyuhyun followed shortly.

"Hindi kami ganun ka-close ni Heechul." Sagot ni Kyuhyun. "We haven't talked for 2 years!"

"Edi reunion!" Sagot ni Ryeowook habang naglalakad silang dalawa. Nang makarating sila sa tapat ng gate. Napatingin si Ryeowook kay Kyuhyun, "Yu..."

"Bakit?"

"Ang pogi mo sa suot mo." He complimented his attire. "Text-text na lang ha? And please wear or like make sure to use protection if balak mo makipag one night stand tonight. Mahirap na." He winked at Kyuhyun as he tapped his friend’s shoulder before going inside the house leaving Kyuhyun alone outside.

"Ha?!" 'Yan na lang ang nasabi ni Kyuhyun matapos siyang iwan ni Ryeowook.

.　 . • ☆ . ° .• °:. *₊ ° . ☆. • ☆ . ° .• °:. *₊ ° . ☆. • ☆ . ° .• °:.

Kyuhyun was bored to death. After Ryeowook left him alone, he had to socialize sa mga tao sa party. Good thing some of his seniors sa course niya were also there and he managed to chat and catch up with them, but after a few hours, gusto na niya umuwi. Low batt na ang kanyang social battery, he needed to get out of there, asap.

That's why he's walking towards the garden, kung saan nagd-drinking game daw sila Ryeowook. Thankfully, he didn't drink that much dahil kung hindi, walang magda-drive pauwi sa kanila.

He strode towards the garden and saw a group of people sitting by the pool. Hindi alam ni Kyuhyun if he'll approach 'yung group or i-text na lang si Ryeowook, baka kasi masali pa siya if he goes there.

He was about to go outside and just sit doon sa may bench not too far sa kung saan sila Ryeowoom when someone came running to him.

"YUUUUU!" Someone squealed. Before Kyuhyun could manage to react or say anything, he felt a pair of lips against his.

Nabato si Kyuhyun sa kinatatayuan niya nang maramdaman niya 'yon.

He certainly knows who the owner of the voice who came squealing towards him, but, he's not sure if it's the same person who's in front of him, kissing him right now.

He refuse to believe that it's the same person.

It couldn't be the same person...

Right?

He couldn't hear a thing. Kyuhyun couldn't move, it's as if he is frozen and no senses are working except for his sense of touch since he could feel the soft lips against his.

"OMG?"

"Huy?!"

"Sino kasi 'yan?!"

"Hindi ba bestfriend niya 'yan?!"

"LUH!!!"

The moment the person pulled away from the kiss, Kyuhyun's hearing came back as well. He finally heard the reactions of the people surrounding them.

"Huy! Kayo na ba finally ni Ryeowook?!" Someone from the group asked, it was Heechul.

"H-huh?" 'Yun lang nasabi ni Kyuhyun. Still puzzled from what just happened. He looked at Heechul, then back to the person in front of him.

Ryeowook's just looking at him, walang sinasabi. They stare at each other for a while until Ryeowook breaks off by looking back kila Heechul. "Ano na? Sino na next! The night's still young!" He exclaimed. He was about to run back kung nasan sila Heechul but Kyuhyun managed to grab his arm before he could even run off.

"Uwi na tayo. Alas dose na." Kyuhyun told him.

"Ay? Agad?"

"Yes. Tara na." He urged Ryeowook.

Wala naman nang nagawa 'yung isa kung hindi sumama na kang kay Kyuhyun. They managed to bid their goodbyes kay Heechul before leaving, as the two were walking pabalik ng kotse, there's an awkward air around them.

"Yu..."

"'Yung susi pala—"

Sabay na nagsalita sila Ryeowook at Kyuhyun. "Ha? Ano 'yun?" Ryeowook asked.

"Ah, hindi, bakit?"

"Huh?"

"Tinawag mo 'ko?" Sagot ni Kyuhyun kay Ryeowook. Hindi alam ni Ryeowook ang isasagot niya. "Ano 'yun?"

"A-ah... wala, uhm..." Ryeowook stammered. "Right! 'Yung susi, eto," Inabot niya ang susi kay Kyuhyun. "Sorry nahihilo na ako sa mga ininom ko, ikaw na taya ah!" He then walked first towards the passenger seat door at naunang pumasok sa loob ng sasakyan. Kyuhyun followed shortly sa loob.

The drive back was achingly quiet. Nothing but the soft music from Ryeowook's car stereo could be heard. The awkward air still lingering around them, after that, after that brief kiss that happened a while ago sa party ni Heechul.

Ni isa walang nagtangkang magsalita habang pauwi sila sa bahay ni Ryeowook, but boy the silence was so loud. Kahit walang salita ang lumabas sa bibig ng dalawa, para bang kahit papano, nakakabingi ang katahimikan nila.

The drive back was quite faster than the drive earlier. Wala na kasing traffic dahil alas dose na rin. Nang makarating sila sa tapat ng bahay ni Ryeowook, doon pa lang nagsalita si Ryeowook.

"Iwan muna sa labas si Tiggy." He removed his seatbelt. "Ayoko na magbukas ng gate." Dagdag niya.

Tumango na lang si Kyuhyun at tuluyan nang pinatay ang sasakyan. "Kaya mo ba?" He asked as he noticed that Ryeowook was struggling to unlock his seatbelt. "Ako na." He reached out to unlock his drunk friend's seatbelt.

Then, Kyuhyun rushed outside to open the door for Ryeowook. "Tara na."

Ryeowook quietly got out of the car, he was quiet the whole ride, and hanggang ngayon hindi pa rin siya masyado umiimik. Nang maisara ni Kyuhyun ang pintuan at ma-lock ang kotse, Ryeowook finally spoke.

"Yu." He called.

"Oh?"

"Kanina..." Ryeowook tried to form the proper words but it's as if there's something in his throat that prevent him from forming coherent words to say. "'Yung kanina, sa party..."

"Ah..." That's the only response Kyuhyun managed to give Ryeowook.

"Why didn't you kiss me back?" Ryeowook asked, his voice merely a whisper as he played with his fingers while his back was against the car's door.

Para bang nabingi si Kyuhyun sa lumabas sa bibig, sa tinanong ni Ryeowook sa kanya. "A-ano?"

"I asked you..." Ryeowook finally mustered all his courage and looked Kyuhyun straight in the eyes. "Why did you not kiss me back kanina nung hinalikan kita?" Ryeowook looked like he's examining Kyuhyun, but to no avail, hindi niya ito mabasa. He's usually good at reading Kyuhyun but tonight's different, he just... he just couldn't read whatever was in Kyuhyun's mind and what he's thinking right now.

"Lasing ka na, Yeo. Pasok na tayo sa loob, gabi na rin." Kyuhyun tried to hold Ryeowook's arm, guiding him towards the gate but the latter one refused to budge.

"Answer my question first, Kyuhyun." Ryeowook insisted.

"What do you want me to say, Ryeowook?" Kyuhyun asked back. "Ano?"

"Kung bakit hindi mo 'ko hinalikan pabalik?!" Ryeowook raised his voice. "Why?! Akala ko ba... Akala ko..." His voice shaky as the words trailed off his mouth.

"Ano?" Kyuhyun asked. Ryeowook did not respond, he just shook his head and walked inside his house. Kyuhyun was left alone on the road, and a few moments later, he followed Ryeowook inside.

Agad siyang dumeretso sa kuwarto nito, he found Ryeowook sitting on his bed, his eyes looked like he's about to cry.

"Anong meron? May problema ba?" Kyuhyun asked. Hindi niya alam bakit nagkakaganito ngayong gabi si Ryeowook. He's sure that Ryeowook's just drunk but there's something different on the way Ryeowook's acting right now. He'd seen Ryeowook drunk plenty of times but this is a first.

Not to mention it is the first time Ryeowook kissed Kyuhyun while he's drunk.

"Hindi mo ba nagustuhan 'yung kanina?" Ryeowook asked, pertaining about the kiss. He then stood up and faced Kyuhyun, "I could do it again, better!"

"Yeo... Lasing ka na, just stay put–"

"No! If you're not satisfied sa kiss kanina, I could kiss you again, better! I swear!" Pilit ni Ryeowook. He grabbed Kyuhyun by his shoulder and crashed his lips against Kyuhyun's.

The kiss this time is far different sa kiss kanina. Kung kanina, peck lang, ngayon, he's moving his lips against Kyuhyun's. His hands moved from Kyuhyun's shoulder to his hair, Ryeowook played with Kyuhyun's soft hair as he continued kissing the taller guy.

Kyuhyun wanted to push Ryeowook away but the way Ryeowook is kissing him right now... It's making him feel something inside. He never dreamt or wished na mahalikan si Ryeowook, but right now, Ryeowook's in front of him, almost begging na halikan siya nito pabalik.

Kyuhyun's moral and ethical self is saying he should push Ryeowook away para tumigil ito. It's not right, Ryeowook's too drunk kaya niya ginagawa ito. But at the same time, the selfish one, the one who's been in love with Ryeowook since God knows when, wants Kyuhyun to be selfish for once and grab this opportunity given to him. He wants to give back whatever Ryeowook's giving him right now, wala na siyang pake kung lasing si Ryeowook, lasing siya. He wants to kiss Ryeowook back.

So, for once, Kyuhyun throws whatever he's afraid of and just embraces and accepts what's happening in front of him. He finally kissed Ryeowook back, gave the same intensity as to what Ryeowook gave and is giving at the moment while they are kissing— or rather making out.

His hands found their way on Ryeowook's waist ,and on the side of his neck as he kissed his best friend deeper, showing his true feelings after years of concealing it.

The two continued kissing before Ryeowook briefly pulled away to breathe. "Y-yu..."

Kyuhyun did not utter any words, he just looked at Ryeowook. He looked at him as if he's waiting for Ryeowook to plant his lips against his and continue what they were doing a while ago.

Dala nang ginagawa nila Ryeowook kissed Kyuhyun again, but now he hopped para mabuhat siya ni Kyuhyun. He wrapped his legs around Kyuhyun's waist as he kissed the guy deeper, softly biting Kyuhyun's lower lip for him to open up. A few nibs by Ryeowook, Kyuhyun finally opened his mouth. Ryeowook took that chance to explore Kyuhyun's hot mouth.

Their tongues dance in sync— fighting for dominance, but it was obvious who won when Kyuhyun softly brought and dropped Ryeowook on the bed. Without breaking their heated make-out session, Kyuhhun hovered above Ryeowook as he deepened the kiss.

Ilang minuto rin nilang ginagawa 'yun hanggang sa si Kyuhyun naman ang humiwalay. "Yeo..."

"Yes? What's the matter?"

"I'm not sure if I'm ready to do something more than kissing..." Kyuhyun confessed. "I don't want to do it knowing na there's alcohol in our system."

Ryeowook smiled and pecked Kyuhyun's lips. "Me too. This is fine, Yu. I'm perfectly fine sa ganito."

Kyuhyun just smiled then he kissed Ryeowook. Hindi sila tumagal sa paghahalikan nang magsalita si Kyuhyun. "But perhaps I could do this..." His mouth ghosted on Ryeowook's ear as he softly nibbled Ryeowook's earlobe.

Ryeowook's eyes almost did a 360 degree roll when Kyuhyun's lips came in contact with his ears. He was about to say something when he felt Kyuhyun's mouth on his neck peppering it with kisses. "Oh my... fuck!" He shivered as he felt Kyuhyun's tongue on his skin, then he could feel a sucking on the side of his neck.

His hands automatically went for Kyuhyun's hair as he softly gripped them. "Fuck... Oh, fuck..." Ryeowook moaned, as he gripped Kyuhyun's hair hard.

After Kyuhyun left a very visible mark on Ryeowook's neck he went back to kiss Ryeowook. The two spent a long time kissing as if there will be no tomorrow.

The both of them enjoyed the night together by kissing and giving each other cuddles and cheek kisses, doing something that best friends don't normally do.

.　 . • ☆ . ° .• °:. *₊ ° . ☆. • ☆ . ° .• °:. *₊ ° . ☆. • ☆ . ° .• °:.

Ryeowook woke up with the worst headache he's ever experienced in his life. Napaisip siya, hindi naman ganun kalala ang inom niya kagabi pero grabe ang sakit ng ulo niya, daig niya pa ang lumaklak ng 10 Primera without chaser.

When his eyes finally opened, he immediately reached for his phone to check the time, but instead he saw Kyuhyun's messages.

"Huh..." He huffed as he sat up. "Nag-overnight ba 'to?" He then responded to Kyuhyun's messages.

After replying, Ryeowook went to the bathroom para maghilamos. Hilamos muna, wala pa siyang ganang maligo, wala pa siyang lakas para maligo.

As he was washing his face and neck, he noticed some red marks on his neck down to his collarbone. Hindi naman allergy season ngayon kaya hindi pwedeng rashes mga 'yon. He examined the marks closer and realized...

"OH MY GOD!" Napasigaw siya sa gulat, wala naman siyang kasama sa bahay nila because nasa business trip na naman ang kanyang parentals. "WHAT THE HELL?!"

Isa-isa niyang hinawakan ang mga marka sa leeg niya, and in that moment, memories from the night before came flashing in front of his eyes.

The kiss during the drinking game at the party

The kiss outside his house

The kiss inside his room, on his bed

He did all of that with Kyuhyun.

"Oh God..." halos mapa-upo siya sa sahig nang unti-unti niyang maalala ang mga kaganapan kagabi. Hindi niya lubos isipan na magagawa niya— nila 'yong dalawa. He's ashamed of himself for what he has done last night but he can't help but feel shy after seeing what Kyuhyun had done to him. The marks and memories last night just show how, undeniably, one hell of a lover Kyuhyun is? could be?

Nang kumalma na siya, he went back to his bed and the memories from their last night session flashed in front of his eyes once again. Despite his airconditioning unit blasting cool breeze inside his room, his body felt hot and he could feel beads of sweat forming on his forehead and nape. Oh, and not to mention, he's also blushing!

"Tangina? Parang sira, ba't nagba-blush?!" Bulong ni Ryeowook sa sarili niya. Kahit ayaw niyang alalahanin 'yung mga pangyayari kagabi, they just automatically play in his mind, and for some reason, he doesn't seem to hate it. In fact, ayaw niya pang aminin, but he's kind of... kinikilig kapag naaalala niya.

Kyuhyun could easily pass as the crush ng bayan kung hindi lang ito masungit tignan at if approachable sana siya. He's the type of person that could turn both men, women, and non-binary's heads. Malakas appeal niya, that, Ryeowook would definitely agree. Nagtataka nga ito kung bakit all along ni-minsan hindi niya pa nakita na may pinormahan si Kyuhyun. Samantalang sa itsura at estado ni Kyuhyun, he could snatch whoever he wants, whenever he likes. But, hanggang ngayon, wala pa rin talaga. That's the biggest mystery na sobrang curious si Ryeowook on finding a definite answer.

With what happened last night, para bang may something na nagpabago sa pagtingin ni Ryeowook kay Kyuhyun. Para bang may nag-switch bigla, and now, Ryeowook does not look at Kyuhyun the same way as before.

He then remembered this convo of him with Kyuhyun's sister. Dahil matagal na nga silang magkaibigan, he's really close with Kyuhyun's sister, para ngang mas close sila Ryeowook at Ahra kesa kay Kyuhyun at Ahra eh.

"Psst, balita ko wala na kayo?" Ahra asked habang magka-facetime sila ni Ryeowook.

"May kami ba? Wala naman." Tawa na lang ni Ryeowook. It's been a month since Henry broke up, well, technically not 'broke up' since hindi naman sila, ended things between them, kaya eto si Ahra nakikibalita ngayon.

"Ayun, kabataan nga naman. M.U.-M.U. pa kasi para naman kayong elementary!" Ahra exclaimed as she was rubbing her tummy.

"Buntis, wala nang tumatawag na M.U. ngayon." Ryeowook informed. He's doing some 3D autocad something sa laptop niya habang kausap si Ahra. "It's called situationship."

"Pauso!" Tawa ni Ahra. "So, ano na?"

"Anong 'ano na?'?" Ryeowook asked.

"Now that you're single, may ganap na ba sa inyo ng kapatid kong pwede nang maging 4th member ng GomBurZa?" Natigil si Ryeowook sa ginagawa niya.

"Pinagsasasabi mo girl?" Tawa niya.

"Alam mo sisseru..." Biglang nagseryoso ang tono ni Ahra. "You're really fucking stupid and dense if all along wala kang napapansin. God this has been going on for years! Kaloka!"

Hindi sure si Ryeowook noon if seryoso si Ahra sa pinagsasasabi niya that time, knowing na buntis ito. He's not sure if pinagti-trippan lang siya eh, but a thing's for sure is ever since Ahra mentioned that, he questioned himself if he only really sees Kyuhyun as his best friend or there's a possibility that they could be something... more.

But it seems that Kyuhyun just sees him as his best friend, his best bud, his partner-in-crime, his bff na driver, his PUBG playmate, his only close friend, nothing more. Kaya Ryeowook pushed that thought on the very back of his mind kasi ayaw naman niyang makagulo iyon, but what happened last night suddenly ignited the old flames of it. There's this sudden shift sa point-of-view ni Ryeowook towards Kyuhyun. Sa nangyari kagabi, para bang hinalungkat ang bagay na itinago na, itinago dahil ayaw na ulit mapansin pa.

Ryeowook then thought, why would Kyuhyun do something like that? Something that could potentially ruin their very long friendship? If totoo nga ang mga parinig ni Ahra kay Ryeowook, does that mean Kyuhyun actually likes Ryeowook? Kyuhyun really has feelings for him? Kyuhyun likes Ryeowook more than just a friend?

Ryeowook doesn't know why but the thought of Kyuhyun liking him, as more than just a friend makes him... happy. He caught himself smiling just by the thought of it.

It's weird because Ryeowook doesn't even like Kyuhyun that way, pero iba ang saya at kilig habang iniisip niya ang posibilidad na gusto nga siya ni Kyuhyun.

.　 . • ☆ . ° .• °:. *₊ ° . ☆. • ☆ . ° .• °:. *₊ ° . ☆. • ☆ . ° .• °:.

Dahil sa long weekend dulot ng bagyo, halos 3 araw na ring hindi nagkikita at naguusap sila Ryeowook at Kyuhyun. Ryeowook was busy din doing his architecture requirements to notice it, pero kanina, napansin niya na parang walang nanggugulo at nagyayayang maglaro sa kanya.

He then remembered that he's probably busy din kasi uuwi na next week ang ate niya with his twin nephews, dito kasi nila naisipang pabinyagan 'yung mga bagong panganak na mga pamangkin ni Kyuhyun. That's why he decided to text Ahra to confirm.

"Mas gago talaga 'tong kapatid ni Kyuhyun." Bulong niya. After that, he texts Kyuhyun next para mangamusta. He was busy din kasi kaya hindi rin niya nakausap si Kyuhyun.

"Ang dry naman neto." He exclaimed pagkatapos ay hinagis na lang niya ang phone niya sa kama. Kaya naisipan na lang niya na linisin ang mga gamit niyang pang-arki. Habang pinupunasan niya ang T-Square niya ay napasandal siya sa upuan at biglang may pumasok sa isip nito.

Bakit bigla na lang nagbago ang pagtingin nito kay Kyuhyun? Why is he expecting na something will eventually happen one of these days sa kanila?

And the major question to himself is, is he falling for Kyuhyun now? After that eventful night that they shared a few days ago, Ryeowook suddenly felt unexplainable things just by thinking of that night. Even Kyuhyun, isipin lang niya si Kyuhyun, there's this sparks na... So, what's really happening kay Ryeowook, that, he doesn't have an answer... yet.

Few hours later, that night, Ryeowook suddenly felt the need to message Kyuhyun. It's weird how back then, he could freely message Kyuhyun, pero ngayon, naco-conscious na siya kay Kyuhyun. Ni-hindi niya alam anong sasabihin doon sa tao para makapag-usap man lang sila. It's really amusing how things changed just because of their drunken doings.

After minutes of thinking ways ano magandang sabihin kay Kyuhyun para mag-message sila, he decided to just send a TikTok video link.

"Wow naka-dnd." He exclaimed, he then proceeded to tap the 'Notify Anway' option para mag-notif ito kay Kyuhyun.

So, he waited for a few minutes para makapag-respond ito but to no avail, hindi siya agad nag-respond. He waited for hours din, hanggang sa antukin na siya, still, walang reply. Ryeowook's kind of irritated na kasi bakit naman hindi nagrereply si Kyuhyun, eh 24/7 non hawak phone niya, well except when he's playing pero Ryeowook checked his discord and wala namang gaming status 'yung status ni Kyuhyun.

Inaantok na rin siya kaya hindi na muna niya papansinin, but before he went to bed, nag-check muna siya ng IG para pampa-antok pa lalo. There he saw Kyuhyun’s IG story, which was posted a few minutes ago. It looks like kumain sila sa labas ng mama niya, judging sa 2 drinks sa photo. He replied immediately asking kung saan ‘yun kasi for sure, as a foodie, Ryeowook will definitely go there.

But to no avail, hanggang sa makatulog at magising siya, Kyuhyun did not respond to any of Ryeowook's messages.The morning after, Ryeowook woke up to no messages from Kyuhyun. His friend did not reply nor even read any of his chats which is weird since Kyuhyun normally responds kapag nagme-message si Ryeowook. May pasok na rin sila ulit today, and normally tuwing thursday, sabay sila pumapasok kasi sabay na 9:30 ang pasok nila, ni wala pang message si Kyuhyun at all.

Ryeowook decided to just shrug it off since magkikita naman sila mamaya ‘pag sundo niya kay Kyuhyun, doon na lang niya tatanong bakit hindi ito nag-reply. He got ready, took a shower, wore his uniform, prepared his things, and even message Kyuhyun telling him na susunduin niya na siya bago ito umalis ng bahay. Ilang minuto ang lumipas ay papasok na sa subdivision nila Kyuhyun si Ryeowook, ni isang reply or read wala pa siyang natatanggap. Papaliko na ito sa kanto nila Kyuhyun but still walang paramdam, ni anino ni Kyuhyun hindi niya maaninag sa malayo. Usually, Kyuhyun’s waiting sa labas ng gate nila pero papalapit na ito sa bahay nila, wala pa rin. Nang makapag-park siya sa harap, bumusina na si Ryeowook and decided to wait for Kyuhyun. Nag-text din ito ulit para hindi na siya bumusina pa, nakakahiya na kasi sa Mama at kapitbahay nila Kyuhyun.

For the last time, bumusina ulit si Ryeowook and a few seconds later, naaninag niyang bumukas ang screen door nila Kyuhyun, and then the gate opened. He expected Kyuhyun ‘yung lalabas but to his surprise, it was Kyuhyun’s mother. He rolled down his windows to greet her.

“Hi po, mother dear! Si Yu po?” Tanong niya.

“Ay, kanina pa siya umalis. Maaga ata sila need ngayon kaya 8:30 pa lang umalis na siya.” Sagot ng mama ni Kyuhyun. “Hindi ka ba niya sinabihan?”

“Hindi man po eh, Tita.” Sagot ni Ryeowook. He obviously feel dejected and slightly pissed because if maaga pala dapat si Kyuhyun, sana man lang nagsabi na siya agad kay Ryeowook.

“Ay, bakit kaya?”

“Sige po, Tita. Thank you po! Una na po ako!” Ryeowook decided to leave immediately bago pa masira ang mood niya nang tuluyan nang dahil kay Kyuhyun. Kahit pa gustong-gusto niya pagalitan si Kyuhyun, he didn't bother kasi ayaw talaga niya masira araw niya dahil medyo stressful ang araw ngayon para sa isang arki student.

Lunch came in and Ryeowook just finished his first class for the day. Mukha na siyang papanaw sa pagod from his first period dahil sa daming pinagawa. He seriously needs to eat dahil hindi naman siya nag-almusal kanina. Habang naglalakad ito papunta sa canteen, nakita niya ‘yung mga kaklase ni Kyuhyun, baka nagklase rin sa same building kung saan sila Ryeowook. Dahil wala rin siyang kasama, baka magpasama or samahan na lang niya si Kyuhyun na mag-lunch, kaya kahit hindi niya ka-close he approached that one person na pinakilala ni Kyuhyun sa kanya one time.

“Uy, hello!” He greeted that person, sa pagkakatanda niya, Hyukjae ang pangalan nito.

“Uy! Hi! Ano ‘yun?” Hyukjae asked, removing one earphone head sa tenga niya.

“Pwede ba malaman if asan si Kyuhyun?” Tanong niya kay Hyukjae. “Samahan ko sana mag-lunch, if lunch niyo na.” He added then smiled.

“Ay yup, lunch na namin.” Sagot ni Hyukjae. “Pero umalis na si Kyuhyun eh.”

“Hala ganun ba? Alam mo ba sa’n pumunta?”

“Oo, nag-lunch out siya eh.” Sagot nito.

“Talaga? Sino kasama niya if I may ask, baka kasi kasama niya ‘yung isang friend namin.” Ryeowook told Hyukjae.

“Hindi man eh, he went to eat with my cousin.” Sagot ni Hyukjae. The confusion is very visible sa mukha ni Ryeowook. Why would Kyuhyun eat lunch with his cousin?

“H-ha?”

“Ah! HAHA!” Hyukjae laughed. “Pinakilala ko kasi si Kyuhyun sa pinsan ko, and then ayun they decided to eat lunch today. Getting to know each other din.”

Nabigla si Ryeowook sa narinig niya, aside doon, he also couldn't believe what he just heard. Pinakilala? Does that mean…

“Nireto ko sila sa isa’t isa. Kaya ayun nag-lunch out sila today. Hope everything goes well between them!” Hyukjae exclaimed, smiling.

Napilitan na lang na ngumiti si Ryeowook habang nagpapasalamat kay Hyukjae kahit labag ito sa loob niya. He left Hyukjae and went on his way, as he was waiting for the elevator, he suddenly thought… Reto? Bakit nagpapareto na si Kyuhyun? He normally doesn't like that, pero ngayon, he’s out on a lunch with someone na nireto sa kanya?

Ryeowook scoffed and then rolled his eyes, sakto namang bumukas ang elevator, at kung suswertihin nga naman siya, bumungad sa kanya ang ex-situationship niya with his new person. Ilang buwan din na hindi nakita ni Ryeowook si Henry, it’s their first time seeing each other after the latter ended their thing.

If this was before, Ryeowook would've completely took the next elevator kasi hindi niya kaya makita si Henry, baka kasi mag-relapse, but now, he briefly looked at Henry and then pumasok sa elevator, turning his back on him. He’s far too occupied and pissed at Kyuhyun to mind Henry right now.

In short, wala na siyang pake kay Henry kasi si Kyuhyun na ang gumugulo ng isipan niya.

part 1 done! (part 2 next!)

let me know your thoughts through here!

#kyuwook au #kyuwook fan fiction #kyuwook day entry #kyuwook #taglish #AU LANG TO

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nthngtoseehere-blog · 7 months

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I finished a couple of dramas this past week and they both left me Feeling Things, and thoughtful, for completely different reasons.

Spoilers for Mystic Pop-Up Bar & Love in the Air:

These people! It’s rare that I really love all of the characters in a show, but I really did in this one.

I love the whole “found family is whoops actual family” thing, and I love that a tree and a rock turned out to be soulmates. The story of a jaded woman spending hundreds or years cursed to ‘live’ and help people settle their grudges while struggling with a grudge of her own etc is superficially identical to Hotel Del Luna, but MPUB takes the story in completely directions.

Also, this show is FUNNY. It’s charming and energetic. I’m about to probably make the characters sound kinda gloomy and melodramatic but - ok, yes, there’s definitely melodrama. But it’s mostly fun melodrama with just enough heart to leaving you feeling soft at the end. And the characters are all a lot of fun to watch.

Early on I thought that Kang Bae was a weirdly nothing sort of character. Like, there wasn’t much depth, almost like he sprang from the void fully formed with “pitiful but sweet” stamped on his head, and not much else. As the story developed, that actually made a lot of sense. We did get a little back story on his childhood, but it was ultimately his actual identity that made me realize that it’s not a plot hole, it’s a plot point. There’s a good reason he’s like that, and it’s very sad while also making his development as a character all the more poignant.

He’s not a pathetic character though. He’s very funny and a great audience stand in for experiencing the bonkers world he finds through the Mystic Pop-Up Bar.

Kang Yeo Rin is a fantastic character, and I loved watching the relationship between her and Kang Bae grow. I am a fan of the soft boyfriend/kick ass girlfriend trend, and she’s a particularly good version of that. She is kick ass, and has a strong moral center, but while she’s also cute, funny, and sassy none of that is saccharine. Like, they don’t over-cutesify her to offset the BAMFness which is awesome.

Any deep thoughts I might have about Weol Ju and Gui - I don’t have any. I could, but for personal reasons I choose not to think too hard about their emotional journeys. They are fun and funny, I love them, and I’m glad Kang Bae found people to care about when he had no one before.

V v good show.

Now for something COMPLETELY different: Thai bl romance!

IMPORTANT TRIGGER WARNING for discussion of dubcon, a character’s past sexual abuse and rape, and sexual assault.

This show reminds me of the trashy romance novels a friend of mine read when we were in high school. IDK if the term is actually used anymore? But when I think about trashy romance novels I think about the two of us sitting in her bedroom reading the books and alternating between “omg this is terrible” and “omg who acts like that” and “omg is that what sex is actually like” and also secretly probably really caring about one or more character.

I actually watched the first seven episodes months back. Possibly last year? The part that focused on Rain and Phayu. It was awful. And Rain - who acts like that???? There were definitely consent issues at least once. But Phayu is 🔥 and okay they were really cute when they got together in the end shut up.

I quit the show at that point though because at that time I could NOT watch another character be a pouty airhead (affectionate) (what is wrong with you Rain you aren’t an infant omg) (still affectionate I swear; I've come around to this character) and the sound quality of the show is abysmal (derogatory).

But now I think I didn’t give it enough of a chance.

Because, I thought that I don’t usually care for trashy romance anymore, but I was suddenly in the mood. So I decided to watch the second story arc, Prapai and Sky and. It was. Good?

I mean, the sound quality was still cringe-inducing. And the cutesiness of the relationship between the boys when things were going well for them was rough. I mean, I was constantly screaming “Sky is not an actual baby girl why is he acting like one” in my head. Argh.

But it handled the sexual abuse/PTSD elements really well. (??? !!!)

The fact that it did so has me a little bit tied in knots.

The relationship starts with dubious consent followed by stalking, which, so far no good. Once we get deeper into the story, the stalking is still 100% right out of trashy romance territory, but I ended up thinking that the dub con was not straightforward. I’m not convinced that Prapai would have pushed for sex if Sky hadn’t concluded that’s what was being requested and offered it up.

I am NOT blaming the victim. Prapai was being a creep, and he shouldn’t have assumed that Sky didn’t feel coerced, he should have made sure of that. Prapai wasn’t expecting to meet someone who is traumatized and expects to be used for sex against his will and most likely agreed immediately to avoid the violence he also expects. But Prapai should not be using ‘veiled threat’ as a cute flirtation tactic. Like, ever, but ESPECIALLY if he’s not going make sure the other person isn’t actually afraid.

It’s absolutely dubcon, and also in retrospect a gut-punch level heartbreaking character moment for Sky.

The stalking: yes, the show did do the thing where Sky eventually fell for Prapai’s stalker behavior; but at the same time he set very firm boundaries and Prapai ended up having to prove that he would not bulldoze over the (unbeknownst to him) critical boundary of not pushing for sex.

It was refreshing for a show to make the playboy stalker grow up and start being a good person before it let the love interest cave.

One thing that I loved while also it also made the stalking look that much worse, was the way Sky’s traumatic past haunts him. I’m so impressed with him insisting on boundaries, because wow. At one point it’s clear that Prapai refusing to stop showing up at his apartment and texting him is triggering the memories of Sky’s abuse and rape, because of course it would but I’ve never seen a story that uses stalking as a cute entre into romance call it out like that.

Kudos to Sky’s actor for how he played Sky’s reaction to trauma nightmares and traumatic encounters with his past abusers. Absolutely ripped my heart out.

The actor who plays Prapai busts out some devastatingly good emoting in the last episode, too. Both actors are excruciatingly cheesy in the cute/romantic moments, but they’re so, so good in the hard emotional moments.

The scenario could have come off as another story that treats sexual assault as a stepping stone to romance. But the two actors make it feel devastating. The scenes are emotionally raw. There’s a moment when Sky is telling Prapai what his ex did to him, and Prapai says “how could he do that to you?” and Sky sort of smiles and says “I’m trash. I’m damaged goods.” And it’s so heartbreaking and you can see Prapai shattering with grief for Sky.

The show doesn’t use Sky’s history of abuse purely as a character beat and excuse for a dramatic climax to the story. I mean, yes, there’s some of that for sure, but the story and the actors do it some real justice.

So yeah. This drama went from the worst trashy romance show I’ve ever seen, to a show I want to watch again despite the flaws. And Prapai/Sky is a new favorite ship.

#mystic pop up bar #kdrama #love in the air #thai drama #tdrama #Prapai/Sky #paisky

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