Archive of Our Own ^beta

It was their company's anniversary and the management figured what better way to celebrate it than to host a costume party.

Jongin was dressed up as a pirate and was standing idly at the sides, casually observing others. No one has piqued his interest yet, not until a certain someone walked in.

Jongin felt a nudge at his side. "Who would have thought that your nerdy secretary will turn up as a hot fairy?" Sehun, one of his closest friends, commented.

Jongin gulped. He never once thought that Kyungsoo will dress up in a short skirt and a strapless top, let alone a glittery pair of wings at her back. He's so used to a no-nonsense Kyungsoo wearing slacks and long-sleeved blouses, plus a pair of thick glasses, to work. And it seems like he's not the only one surprised. Almost all eyes are on her as she makes her way to the table where her friend, Baekhyun, was seated.

Jongin could not help but follow her with his gaze. And he also could not help the frown that formed on his face when Hongki, Kyungsoo's number one bully, sat down beside Kyungsoo.

The sight did not sit well with Jongin, especially as he notices how uncomfortable Kyungsoo looks, and, before he could even think about it, his feet is leading him to where Kyungsoo is.

"Hi, Soo," Jongin greeted. "Mind if I talk to you for a bit?"

Kyungsoo looked over at Baekhyun and Hongki and excused herself.

They fell into step beside each other and walked until they were a good distance away already from everyone.

For a moment, Jongin was just looking dazed at Kyungsoo until the latter asked him what he wanted to talk to her about.

Jongin gulped. "Oh, that. I saw how uncomfortable you are with Hongki so I just decided to step in. I'm sorry, I don't really have anything to talk to you about."

Kyungsoo smiled. "Don't be sorry. If anything, I'm grateful."

"You look good," Jongin said suddenly. "I mean, I've always thought you looked good on a daily basis. But now everyone seems to see you. And I hate it. I mean, why can't they see you when you look pretty everyday but now that you're dressed up and all dolled up, they suddenly want your attention--I'm sorry I'm mumbling."

It was only then that he noticed the faint blush on Kyungsoo's cheeks.

"You think I'm pretty?" Jongin looked down, embarrassed.

"Y-Yeah. I think you're pretty and being a fairy suits you. But I wouldn't mind you being your everyday self either." It was then that Jongin felt a hand cupping his face, turning it so his eyes meet Kyungsoo's.

"Kim Jongin, I don't want to assume things, but do you like me?"

Jongin nodded. "I do. I really do."

Kyungsoo smiled again. "Good. Because I like you too."