school 2013 // I knew you were trouble by chaootic

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HeungSoo's POV

I bow my head under the barrage of hot stinging water. Another thing I incorporated from my home in Colorado -a state of the art shower in every room. I need my body to unwind and relax as much as possible. After ten minutes in a steam-filled shower, I turn off the water, step out, and dry off. I put on my shorts and head to bed. I wonder if Namsoon still sleeps in shorts just like me. Don't even go there, Park HeungSoo.

I can't have him in my room. He'll see our collection of mangas from when we were teenagers, put two and two together and arrive at six. He will ask why I still have them and I'm not ready to tell him why. I'm not even ready to admit the reason why to myself.

I can't believe Go Namsoon is in the bedroom down the hall. After six years of not seeing each other, he has inserted himself in my life not only emotionally but physically as well. I settle in bed, but sleep is evading me, justifiably so. And my brain is in overdrive. What am I getting myself into? I grab my phone. I need to call Soo Min. I think an hour or so of talking to her may settle my whole being.

I call the VIP number and no answer. That's strange. I thought the whole idea of being a VIP is instant access to Soo Min. I tried again and she picks up, sounding harried.

"Is this a bad time," I ask.

"No, I'm sorry."

"And why are you whispering?"

"I don't want to wake my roommate. How are you JoongKi?"

"Honestly, I don't know."

"What's wrong?"

"Remember my best friend I told you about? He found me. And it wasn't pretty."

"The one you ran away from."

"I beg to differ. I didn't run away. I made a strategic withdrawal."

"Unh, unh! How did he find you?"

"No idea but I plan to find out."

"So how was the reunion with the two of you?"

"It's okay for now. I decided to give our friendship another chance, the final chance. And anything more than that may have to wait."

"My word of caution is to never write off a friend until you have to write off the friend."

"Confusing much?"

"What did you just say?" She asks.

"Why?"

"Someone said something like that to me this evening. Creepy. Anyway, that's my advice."

"I'll keep it in mind. Now to some excellent news."

"What?" She asks

"I invested in a manga publishing company about a week ago and I am excited to work there."

"I thought you said you don't need to work."

"I know but there's something about this company. It is small, only ten writers but their mangas are unusual with a loyal following. I met the owner and we seem to get along fine. They have some innovative ideas that I want to be part of. And I also have ideas of moving the company forward that they're open to considering."

"This is the most excited you've been since we started talking. I am thrilled for you. Are you a silent investor or...?"

"Not quite silent. I'll be working there. I want to be in the thick of things. I read mangas all the time. Now I not only get to see how they're published but have a say in how they're published."

"In all your excitement, just don't step on toes," Soo Min cautions me.

"I won't. Do you read mangas?"

"I do read a few."

"Have you read 'See you when I get there' and 'Mama's rules'?"

"I have. They are good. I like the premise of both books. I was floored at the end of the first volume of both books."

"Oh my God, me too. I just have to make rework my schedule to include soccer."

"How's soccer? Did you guys win any more games?"

"Yes, we did. We have two more games coming up in the next two weeks."

"Good luck. And I hope it works out for you with the company and your friend."

"Thank you. I need all the luck I can get because he's too close for comfort right now. Soo Min?"

"Yes?"

"A question, is it possible to be gay and not know it?"

"I don't think so. Why?"

"My friend wants more than friendship from me."

"I see. And you, what do you want?"

"Honestly, I think I want the same."

"Then you JoongKi are gay."

"That's what I was afraid of," I sigh.

"Why? Do you have something against gays?"

"No, nothing. Never have, never will. It's just that I have only slept with women and now I want to sleep with only him. Oh my God, I can believe I just said that."

"What the mouth spews forth, the brain already decided," Soo Min says.

"Where do to get all these weird sayings from?"

"My brain."

I burst out laughing. "Thank you I needed that. I have a lot to think about, don't I?"

"Yes, you do. And don't worry. I'm always here to lend a listening ear."

"I know. I didn't even ask, how's college treating you? When do you graduate?"

"College is going well. I should graduate soon and then I go into the real world."

"Don't worry. If you need references or anything like that, let me know."

"I appreciate the offer, but I can't do that. Remember the rule, no real names or contact between client and customer."

"I forgot. I hope we still get to talk even after you graduate."

"Of course, we will, you're a VIP."

"Good. I'm going to bed. Good night Soo Min."

"Good night JoongKi."

My cell pings my charges for today's charges: the day: ₩346,795.68 for a seventy-five-minute call. Unfortunately, Lawyer Choi said I can't file these calls under therapy services. That's too bad. The calls are therapeutic for me.

I slide down, pull the covers up, and fall asleep.

Namsoon's POV

I choose the bedroom closest to HeungSoo. He did say to use any bedroom. Just in case he runs again, I want to hear him before he leaves. I walk around the room admiring the décor. HeungSoo is really a cosmopolitan kind of guy.

I find the towels where he said they'll be and walk into the bathroom to take a shower. I take a quick hot shower. I am not a fan of long showers anyway. I grab a pair of shorts from the closet and put them on. I wonder if HeungSoo has ever worn this pair before. Don't even go there, Go Namsoon.

I hear my phone vibrate and, in my haste, to pick it up, I stub my toe against the bed stand. Damn! That hurts. I limp on and finally grab my phone. It's Joongki.

I guess I must've sounded hurt because I had to reassure JoongKi that I am fine. And of course, tell another lie that I have a roommate. The lies keep piling up.

Poor JoongKi. I didn't want to come out and tell him, but I think he has feelings for his best friend, male or not. He's is either fighting it or not ready to admit it. Either way, I wish him the best. It's is a rare thing for your soul mate to be your friend and lover. It's something to cherish.

Manga unh! I almost told him I write mangas. I would've had to explain this new lie, and about claiming to be a college student. I need to keep my lies straight; things are getting too close for comfort.

We do live parallel lives. Spooky as fuck!

I have to tell HeungSoo about this job and Joongki. I don't want anything to derail what I want with HeungSoo. And people in love are supposed to share everything and not keep secrets, right? I need to check with KangJoo on that one.

Question though, will I ever give up calling JoongKi when HeungSoo and I become lovers? If HeungSoo asks me to, will I? Do I want to?

I slide in deeper under the covers, in HeungSoo's boxers, in HeungSoo's house, happy as a clam. Things are looking better.

                                       ― ☾ ―

I wake up before HeungSoo. I change into a clean set of clothes I find in the closest. Good thing HeungSoo and I wear the same size. I make my way to the kitchen and start to prepare breakfast. The only thing I'm good at making is ramen. Thank God we both love ramen.

"Good morning," HeungSoo greets as he walks into the kitchen dressed casually in slacks and a pullover.

"Good morning. I made some ramen. Do you still like ramen?"

Please say yes, I tell myself. I want something to remain the same. I wait breathlessly for his answer.

"Yes, I still love it. The one thing I miss when I was in the states was authentic ramen."

"There was no Korean restaurant that you could visit."

"There were a few but it just didn't taste the same. And the package, instant ones were a joke."

"Sit, let's eat before it gets too soggy."

We eat in comfortable silence, slurping our noodles, and drinking the liquid. After eating, I gather our plates and start to wash them in the sink. Just like we used to, HeungSoo stands beside me rinsing and stacking the dishes.

"So what's your plan for today?"

"I start a new job."

"Where?"

"Gidae Publishing."

"Doing what?"

"All around office worker. And you?"

"I have some work to do at home. Listen I want to show you something at my house. Can you come over when you get off work? The irony of where you're working and what I now do will blow you away."

"What is it?"

"You have to come over and see it. Even I'm still in shock."

"Okay. I don't know when the office closes, but I'll text you when I leave and on my way."

"Great. I'll also text you my address. I'll see you later."

"Wait, I can drop you wherever you're going."

"That's okay, I called a taxi and the driver's waiting. I'll see you tonight."

"Sure, tonight. Bye."

I wave goodbye on my way out his door. Step by step Namsoon, don't rush him. Oh, but what's the fun in taking things slow, the little devil in me asks?

                                          ― ☾ ―

"This will be your mini office when you're here, but I will not give you unlimited access to my house. If we need to meet, call or text me and I'll meet you here or at your office as soon as I can," I tell Kim Eun-Kyun, my assigned editor.

"If that doesn't work, we'll have to revisit this issue."

"You can revisit all you want; my home is sacred. You come only when invited." I give her a hard look.

"Okay, I surrender. Now, do you have a minute for us to set the schedule for the next three months."

"Let's," I gesture towards my corner of the office.

We set an initial schedule of once a week while I incorporate the changes, she made on the original work that I agree with. Once we get into a routine, we will meet every two weeks until I launch my book.

"Here are the new storyboards. The suggestions I agree with have been changed, the ones I don't please review and let me know what you think. Attached are preliminary drawings on volume two," I tell her.

"Already? Wow, that's awesome."

"Let's just say I have been inspired lately."

"Before I forget, I have set up a meeting with you, me, Hwa Chul-Moo, and his editor. As I said, since we will launch your book same time as his new book, you two need to meet and hopefully develop a cordial relationship at least."

"When? I can't wait to meet him."

"I set it for this Saturday. Hwa Chul-Moo doesn't leave his house on weekdays until he finishes whatever he's working on, his rule."

"Great. Send me the time and his address and I'll meet you there. Are we all done?"

"I'll get back to you once I review these corrections. Also, once we perfect the first few pages, we need to meet with the line editor and cover editor to work on your book cover and lining of your book."

"There's so much that goes into making manga isn't there?" I say, a bit overwhelmed.

"Definitely. It's not a simple as only writing and drawing as you'll find out. After your first book, the process becomes the norm and not as overwhelming as it sounds."

"Thank you for all your help, Kim Eun-Kyun."

"You're welcome. I'll talk to you soon."

"Bye." I walk her out my door and wave her off.

I set my phone alarm for an hour before HeungSoo shows up in my humble abode. I then get to work on the next chapter of my book.

                                         ― ☾ ―

Several hours later my phone's ringer goes off. At first, I'm dazed at the intrusive sound and realize it's the notification sound and the reason it's buzzing. HeungSoo sent a text that he's on his way. Damn! I've been so involved in completing chapter one that I forgot everything else. It's seven now and I haven't cooked anything.

I texted him and asked what he'll like for dinner. He said anything not too heavy. So, I set up some leftover side dishes and put rice in the cooker. It should be done just as he arrives. I quickly take a shower, put on my favorite loungewear, and wait.

The doorbell rings and I let him in. He looks a bit tired. I lead him to my living room, he flops on the couch and leans his head back.

"It has been too long since I did a nine to five job. Make that nine to six or even later. Can you believe that some folks are still in the office?"

"You've been gone too long HeungSoo. We Koreans work till very late and still make it into work early the next morning."

"I told Ajushi I'll see him in a few days. I need to recuperate," he sighs.

I burst out laughing, "you've gone soft, dude!"

"I'm not soft. Just reacquainting myself to the day to day work routine."

"Unh! Unh! Dinner's ready."

"I thought you have something important to show me."

"After dinner. You can freshen up in that bedroom on your left. Soju okay?"

"You're a lifesaver, soju is perfect. I'll be out in five minutes."

I go back to the kitchen and set the side dishes on the dining table, filled a bowl of rice each for both of us. I grab a beer for me and soju for HeungSoo. He comes back looking livelier. We sit down to eat, and the conversation just flows like it always has between us.

"Wow! Did you cook all this? The only thing I remember that you could make very well was ramen," he grabs his rice bowl and chopsticks.

"I had to cook for my father, so I had to learn to make a lot of affordable side dishes. He is not a fan of ramen like you and me." I take bites of some side dishes.

"How's he?"

"He's living in downtown Seoul. I have a live-in caretaker with him. I had to separate us because sooner or later one of us was going to go bonkers."

"I don't want to sound rude or intrusive but how can you afford a live-in caretaker at your salary? You work in a convenience store, right?"

"Not anymore. Ah! Noona must have told you. I do something else now."

"What?"

"I'll tell you some time but first, dinner."

We finished dinner twenty minutes later, cleaned up and I pull him towards my workroom.

"Remember how we bought and read mangas all the time when we were teenagers?"

"More like I bought, and you read. Your money was spent on ramen and snacks."

"Which we both ate. Anyway, also remember the mangas I tried to write and draw?"

"Of course, I told you that you had talent. You just weren't focused."

"Whatever! After you left I kind off drifted back into it and became serious about it. KangJoo said my stories are good but my drawing lacked, how did she put it again, pizzazz. Come in."

I take him to my worktable.

"Look! My story was picked up by Misul Publishing. My book will debut in a year. I'm a manga artist, HeungSoo."

He walks around the table and sits on the rolling chair. He picks up my drawings looking at them all. He doesn't say anything just reading and looking at my work. He just stares at them in silence which is slowly becoming nerve-racking. He traces the pictures and turns around to face me.

He looks in my eyes and I blurt out, "What?"

"These are beautiful, Namsoon. These are far better than the doodle you did before. This is an amazing improvement."

"After KangJoo said that my drawing lacked pizzazz, I went to Tokyo to the Manga and anime university for their accelerated program last year. And that was where it all fell into place."

I told him about the school, how KangJoo's recommendation got me in. The intense program. How my teachers showed my book to their editors and it got sent to Misul Publishing from their Japanese parent company and my debut in a year.

"And I am debuting with Hwa Chul-Moo when he launches his next series."

"No way."

"Yes, way. Can you believe it? He's the top Korean manga writer. And guess what?"

"What?"

"Wait a minute, it gets better."

I walk to my picture of 'fake' Mona Lisa on my wall, right beside my worktable. I move it aside and enter my password into the wall safe behind it.

"My birthday is your password? That's not original," HeungSoo snickers.

"Shut up."

I open the safe and retrieve the only thing in the safe – my cherished autographed manga by Toriyama sama. It is a waterproof, fireproof lockbox. I put it on my worktable and open it. I take the manga out, hold it to my chest, and turn to HeungSoo.

"Here. Don't take it out of the protective sleeve. This is my prized possession."

He grabs it from me, with a smirk.

"Gentle," I caution him. He turns it over and his face changes.

"This is..."

"Yes, it is. Original version and signed by Toriyama Yamada himself. I met him HeungSoo. I don't know how KangJoo knows him, but she introduced me to him, and he gave me this signed copy of his first manga."

"You're right, it's irreplaceable." He gently puts it back in the sleeve and gives it to me. "You met him?

"Yes."

I walk us back to my living room. We sit on my couch facing each other. I had my legs crisscross on the couch and he leans back against the arm facing me.

"Namsoon, I'm so jealous! Tell me everything."

And I did. All about Japan, the school, the tour of the museum, meeting Toriyama sama. And Misul Publishing's offer.

"And you get to debut with Hwa Chul-Moo? You, lucky son of a gun." HeungSoo says shaking his head.

You can meet him with me when I go to meet him too, I offer.

"No this is your thing. Work on your manga first, blow up then I can meet him when you both become equals."

The Park HeungSoo that I know and love is back. He has always put me first but to my shame, I haven't done the same for him.

That starts now.

"HeungSoo, will you go on a date with me?"