~Yixing~

It's Thursday. Our usual day and time. It damn near feels normal. I was thoroughly taken aback when Junmyeon called and asked for his second date. I had thought in light of last weekend, he'd forget all about that stupid agreement. And yet, here i am. Sitting at our normal table in the street stall, eating chicken and drinking beer.

"I'm not going to lie, i was a little surprised that you came." Junmyeon says, a glimmer of amusement playing dangerously in his eyes.

I was always curious as to why the flicker of challenge behind his gazes always captured me so fully; why there was always something so familiar in the way he held himself. He breaths dominance. Control. Junmyeon is a dominant through and through, and i have no idea how i didn't pick up on it.

"I decided to give you a chance to prove me wrong." I explain.

We both seem to be playing a game of chicken. Who's going to talk first. Does he think Kyungsoo told me? Does he think i know? I get the sense that he knows that i know something, but what is another matter. And what does he know about me? Did he see me at the expo, or is Kyungsoo right that my identity was concealed? Does he know the truth? Could he handle that truth?

"Have you talked to Kyungsoo recently?" Junmyeon asks, attempting nonchalance.

I shrug uncommitted and take a sip of my beer. "Off and on. We do live in the same house. Why do you ask?"

His jaw seems to tense for a second, his composer breaking a little. Honestly it gives me a little satisfaction watching that tightly held control crack. "We ah, recently ran into each other at an event, and he just kind of caught my attention is all."

"I see. So you're planning on ditching me for him? So soon? I just started giving you a chance. Is that the type of guy you are, Junmyeon?"

Junmyeon looks taken aback for a moment, until he notices the teasing glint in my eyes. "Oh." he says, with a light chuckle, realizing i'm joking. "No, he's not exactly my type... i feel like we'd clash too much."

I nod and nibble on a piece of chicken. "Of course, you two are the dominant types. You'd probably end up fighting more than anything."

Watching Junmyeon choke on his drink was amusing enough, but then witnessing his expression as he seems to grasp at any sort of composure is just too satisfying for me. For months Junmyeon's had the upper hand. Always in control, using his power over me to get what he wants, but now i have a bit of my own leverage and it's so sweet.

"And you?" Junmyeon asks, his eyes flashing to mine quickly before falling back to his plate. "Would we...clash?"

The smirk that tugs at my lips can't be helped, a strange confidence filling me that i usually only achieve on stage. "Are you asking if i am a dominate or submissive, Junmyeon?"

When Junmyeon's eyes widen to the size of our plates, i know I've won a small battle. There's the man behind the carefully placed mask. I saw a glimpse of him at the expo. He was relaxed, free even. It seems like Junmyeon carries around way too much weight on his shoulder all the time. He feels that he always has to live up to something grander than anything he could possibly be, but in reality Junmyeon in just a lost kid, who's never been able to live his life honestly.

For some reason, Junmyeon doesn't make me as nervous as he used to. Maybe it's finding out the truth and i feel a bit more at ease that he's the same, or maybe it's that idea that Junmyeon isn't so unbelievably untouchable. Behind the name, behind the power and money, is just a person who wants an escape. We all want an escape; a safe place to let go of all the shit pushing us down. Junmyeon is more like me than i realized and that's oddly humbling.

Is it possible that the pedestal i had Junmyeon up on for so long, just got a bit smaller?

"N-No... That's just... i was just meaning that i tend to be a certain way. You've seen my affinity for... control, and i'm not sure if i can handle being with a hard headed person." Junmyeon explains.

I huff out a small breath and level Junmyeon with a stare. "Well then it's perfect that we are just friends then, we won't have to worry about clashing."

Junmyeon's eyebrows tug together, clearing showing his disapproval. He's just full of emotional vulnerability tonight. He's shown me more of himself within the past twenty minutes than he has since I've started actually talking to him. I wonder what's changed, it can't be about last weekend. Even if he thinks i know everything, he wouldn't just change because i got a glimpse into his dark side. So what can it be? Why is he acting so... passive?

At first it was amusing, and slightly gratifying, but now it's just odd. It's almost as if something has shifted, and Junmyeon looks as confused by the alteration as i am. It's like he's trying to relax, but there's still that dominant edge behind all of his actions, like his head is fighting his body.

"I've made it clear that i'd like to be more than friends." Junmyeon says, clearly trying his best to keep a superior tone out of his voice.

"I don't do fuck buddies. I'm not the type for casual sex." I wave him off, knowing it's not how he's meaning things, but i'm seriously tired of fighting about this. I'm almost at my breaking point of giving into the other, but i have to hold my ground. It's best for us... for him.

Junmyeon hums like he's doing everything to hold his tongue, then sighs "Neither do i, Yixing. I don't want something casu-"

"We don't fit into each other's world, Junmyeon. You're family would never accept me. You said it yourself... you're friends are even high maintenance. Do you really think i could hold my own in your life? Be honest." I say, picking up my beer, feeling i might need it.

The lack of an answer kind of puts a bit in perspective for me, and i just shake it off, offering Junmyeon a soft smile. "It doesn't matter. We can be friends. This is fine, at least."

Junmyeon looks incredibly displeased with this, like he wants to disagree and fight me on it, but lowers his head and nods. I force my jaw to stay in place instead of dropping to the floor like it wants. Did Kim fucking Junmyeon just give in? What the hell is going on? Usually Junmyeon would talk his ass off, asserting his lifelong habit of overconfidence and eventually end with a sarcastic remark as if he knows something i don't and i'd humor him out of frustration. I've never seen Junmyeon like this, even in my months of watching him, following his every movement, he never acted like this... he never acted so... submissive.

An idea pops into my head, and i bite at my lip, wondering how far i can push. How far he's willing to go with this little act. "My fraternity is having a party tomorrow. I want you to attend." I say, taking a small sip from my drink.

The other's eyes flash to mine quickly and he's quick to advert them. 'Come on, Junmyeon. Give up. I can clearly see how much acting like this is distressing you.' "i don't know, will it count as another date? I only get one more." He asks, a sliver of his sarcastic, smugness flashing out. It's gone just as fast as it had appeared, before he's back to tucking his head down in a terrible attempted display of submission.

I take a deep breath, confused as hell and feeling a small headache tugging behind my eyes.  "Since i'm asking, i won't count it. You can even bring a friend. Come, Junmyeon."

Junmyeon's eyes flash at the command, and i can tell his dominant side wants to fight it tooth and nail, but i have to commend him for swallowing it down. He offers me a small, tense smile and nods. "Okay, i'll be there."

I decide to end a bit of his torment. Whatever this is he's trying to do, i can tell it's hard enough without me rubbing it in. Giving something up that you've cultivated for so long is almost like tearing yourself in half, i know this better than anyone. Trying to give up following Junmyeon around was one of the hardest things i ever did. It was like i was slowly ripping a piece of my body off. Junmyeon's routine had become so much of my own, that i didn't even know where the separation was anymore.

"Thank you, Mr. Kim." I say simply, before digging into a chicken leg.

I glance up briefly to watch a bit of light enter his eyes once more and he sits up a bit straighter, that all familiar confidence replacing the uncertainty and vulnerability.

It's refreshing to see Junmyeon take a stable breath for the first time since we sat down. Whatever he's trying to do, or prove is a nice sentiment, but it's just not right. I never asked Junmyeon to change himself, actually i think the fact that i followed him around for as long as i did, proves that i think he's perfect the way he is. Junmyeon was literally made to be a dominant, so why is he trying so hard to submit?

>>>>

The doorbell rings and i blink at the door in confusion. The party is in full swing and so far no one has bothered to ask for entry, let alone wait for a reply. I glance over at Baek and he just shrugs at me, while i saunter over to the door.

Junmyeon stands on the other side and i have to stop myself from laughing. He would be the type to ring the doorbell to an open door party.

The other smiles at me, his eyes crinkling in that adorable way that i fell for so many times while i followed him around. It almost takes me back to when everything was so simple, when Junmyeon was on his side of the glass out of my reach, and i was on the other side thankful to have seen such a beautiful creature.

"Yixing, hello." Junmyeon greets, and his tone is so pleasant i almost miss the other person standing with him. Almost.

"Who's this?" i find myself asking rather rudely instead of greeting Junmyeon. After his display yesterday, the man is obviously trying to prove something, so i never expected him to dodge my request, but i also didn't expect this.

Junmyeon smiles politely and gestures to the man clinging to his arm. "This is Wonho. You said i was allowed to bring a friend. This is okay, right?"

This Wonho guy's eyes widen and he looks up at Junmyeon like his date just grew a second head, but Jun's eyes never leave my own.

I force down the iciness in the back of my throat and nod my head, offering up my own fake politeness. "Of course, welcome."

I nod to Junmyeon's 'friend' and he gives me a causal bow in return. Clearly neither of us is exactly fond of or interested in the other. Well at least that makes it easier to blatantly ignore him.

"Junmyeon?" Kris suddenly pops up beside me, "What are you doing here, man. I thought you weren't going to come."

I glance between my two friends in confusion. "You two know each other?"

Kris chuckles and reaches out clasping hands with the man, while Kris wraps an arm around my waist. I don't miss the short flash of Junmyeon's eyes to the arm clasping my side, before tensely grinning at the too social giant. "Yeah, we've had a few classes together and kind of accidentally became friends. So why are you here?"

Junmyeon joins Kris in a mirthy laugh and i find myself dazzled by the way the others eyes crinkle once more. He doesn't smile like that a lot. I wish i could see it more. "I kind of got an offer i couldn't refuse." Junmyeon says, his eyes finding mine and giving me a look as if sharing an inside joke with me.

"Well, come on. I'll get you guys a drink, who's this?" Kris asks, leading them towards the kitchen, getting an introduction to Junmyeon's friend.

"Uh oh, that face doesn't look good."

I snap out of my staring after the three and find Sehun giving me a worried, yet curious expression. "oh... i just..."

Sehun chuckles and grabs my hand, pulling me in the direction of the living room. "Come on, forget about it for a bit. Come hang out with Luhan and me."

I allow myself to be dragged away, resisting the urge to turn around, even when i can almost feel a hole being burned into back from a piercing stare that can only belong to one person.

>>>>

~Junmyeon~

I can understand why Kris and Yixing talk so fondly about this house. My hands run along the slightly worn wall, seeing dings and scuffs made by years of roughhousing and god knows what. It's very clearly a boys house, but it's also clearly loved. You can just feel a sense of this house the second you walk in the door. It's not just a house, it's a home. It's a place where a family lives.

Growing up, my family was always distant and so formal with one another. My mother and father talked more like business associates than lovers. Our walls were pristine and cold. It's almost impossible not to feel comfortable here. There's so much love ingrained in the very wood of every plank and beam.

I hear some yelling coming from further down the hall and for a second i think it might be Kris and his boyfriend, but i can't be sure. It's none of my business, so i keep moving.

Stumbling upon Yixing's room is completly coincidental, but amusing nonetheless. His door was cracked open, and i was drawn in by the twinkling fairy lights circling the ceiling, but i stayed when i realized who's room it is. I can instantly tell, by the pictures littering the surfaces of every inch. His desk, dresser, shelves. All packed with pictures of his friends and him. It's actually kind of sweet that he loves those boys this much. Movie, anime, and even a cute inspirational cat poster covers the walls. Yixing's bed is on the larger end, and is covered in pillows and stuffed animals, a majority of them being sheep for some reason. His bedspread is a beautiful dust plumb color which i wouldn't have guessed being his color of choice, but oddly i can't imagine them being anything else now. It just breathes Yixing and i have never felt so calm and at peace in my life. I feel like i'm trespassing into someone else's temple, but i can't bring myself to leave.

I don't really know what comes over me, but one drawer turns into two, and soon enough i'm blatantly going through Yixing's things. His surprisingly organized desk, his neatly folded cloths, and even his anally made bed. No surface is untouched and the more i find, the more i'm surprised. As much as i thought i knew about Yixing, there's a considerable amount more that i don't. Like i was not aware that Yixing was a pen hoarder, but looking at how he even has pens stuffed in his sock drawer, i'd say it's bordering on a problem.

I'm also fairly caught off guard by how his room looks as a whole. Yixing is kind of a forgetful, scattered person. I never expected it to be this neat and put together. I'm actually to some degree impressed by it. I even make the effort of putting everything back in it's place and neatly deleting any evidence of my intrusion.

The closet is the only place i haven't touched and right before i reach for the knob, i'm scared half to death by a deep, accusing voice over my shoulder.

"What are you doing?" The voice asks, forcing me to jump and spin around quickly.

I grasp at my chest and breathe out roughly "fuck, Kyungsoo. You scared the bajesus out of me."

Kyungsoo smirks a bit at that, clearly enjoying my pain. Seriously, with the right amount of training, this man could be a legend. "Junmyeon... what are you doing in Yixing's room?"

I swallow hard knowing I've been caught red handed and straighten up. "I was just curious."

The small, indifferent looking man nods. "Okay."

He starts to leave and i blink in confusion "wait... that's it?"

Kyungsoo grins mischievously, turning back to face me fully. "Well if you say you were just looking, then you feel that you're not doing anything wrong, but if you expect me to reprimand you then clearly you're not as innocent as you make yourself out to be."

I stare at the other for a second and shake my head. "Are you a law major, or something?"

He shakes his head before tilting it to the side. "I didn't really see this being your scene. Why are you here?"

I take a deep breathe and let it out in a huff. "Yixing commanded me to come."

"Commanded?" Kyungsoo asks, raising his eyebrows, a teasing tone to his question furthering to tell me how much of a sadist is hiding inside of him.

I release a disbelieving snort, knowing fully how pathetic it sounds. "I know. I'm not sure how i feel about it either. I tried the whole bending thing and it was awful. I was mentally fighting with myself the whole time, giving up power is one of the hardest things to do. I'm just not sure if i'm that kind of guy."

Kyungsoo shrugs. "Then you're not that type of guy. Let Yixing go and move on."

Words escape me for a second after his bluntness. "But i don't want to."

The responding eye-roll nearly makes me want to throttle him. "You can't have it both ways, Jun. Either you learn to accept bending, or you keep your power and lose Yixing. You're not Hannah Montana, you don't get the best of both worlds."

I blink at the man in front of me. He's an odd one. "But i'm not good at that... it's so damn hard to give up control like that..."

Kyungsoo looks thoughtful for a second, his gaze giving me a once over. "Not for the right person. Sometimes, all you need is a little push."

I narrow my eyes and cross my arms, oddly feeling a bit exposed. "What does that mean?"

"You'll find out." The amused laugh he lets loose is almost charming, but also a bit chilling "Seriously, Jun. Get out before someone other than me catches you in here."

I nod, almost glad to dismiss our conversation and glance back at the closet, wondering what Kyungsoo would do if i just dashed over and yanked it open. "Don't even think about it. There's things you're probably better off not knowing."

My expression when i snap my head back to Kyungsoo is questioning and a bit alarmed. What the hell does Yixing hide in his closet? Kyungsoo just grins and chuckles lowly, motioning for me to leave. I make a mental note to never get on the other's bad side.

When i exit, Kyungsoo closes the door, and i have a feeling I've lost my chance of knowing a big secret of Yixing's. Kyungsoo escorts me down the hall, heading towards the party, seeming lost in his own head. I almost want to ask if anything is bothering him, but i doubt he'd inform me of his current issue, so instead i attempt casual conversation.

"So... Yixing's room is exceptionally clean. I don't mean to sound rude, but i don't exactly peg him as someone to keep his belongings that organized." i explain, hoping i don't offend.

Kyungsoo snorts. "Oh, he's not. Usually it looks like a disaster."

I pause at the top of the stairs and wait for Kyungsoo to head down, but he just shakes his head. Obviously i'm not the only person who doesn't care for the party scene. "So how is Yixing's room so clean then?"

Kyungsoo sighs deeply and shakes his head like this is one of his life's greatest annoyances. "Minseok"

I furrow my eyebrows, recognizing the name, but Kyungsoo walks back down the hall before i even have a chance to ask. He disappears into a room oddly close to the door, i heard the shouts coming from earlier, but now a different kind of noise is emanating from. I hope Kyungsoo has good headphones.

Finding Wonho is easy enough. He always has a habit of gravitating to the area with the most people correlating in it. I'm not surprised to find him leaning against the wall, he has a bad habit of being a people watcher, but i am surprised by the scene i find in the middle of the room.

Surrounded by a startlingly large crowed, is Sehun, who is currently tying up a small, blond boy in what appears to be a Karada. It's a common body harness, but the technique strikes a familiar cord within me and i cant seem to stop the echo.

"It's The Masters." Wonho says answering my silent confusion.

It's hits me then. I've seen that finger work and knotting style a hundred times. The Master barely posts on YouTube, but this is one of the technique videos that got thousands of views. The execution is a bit sloppy, not as precise as The Master's, but good gods, it's his.

This fraternity only intrigues me more and more the longer i spend here. Everyone seems to have at least a foot dived into my world, and it's startling.

My eyes move from the boys and their demonstration, to Yixing. He's watching them like a hawk, like a dungeon master would during a scene. Then, Sehun's quietly asking Yixing a question, and Yixing moves forward, assessing the rope and the look in his eyes as he's taking in the work in front of him, like an art teacher reviewing a sculpture, is almost too much to handle. He says something too low for me to catch, but the mischievous smirk that touches his lips, has my pants tightening on instinct.

Why is this so hot? Watching Yixing being in control like this? Usually all of my attention would be fixated on the reactive sub, but i can't seem to pry my eyes off of Yixing. I'm not sure how to move let alone think. The possibilities of what this could mean, nearly short circuits my brain.

Yixing is comfortable with this lifestyle, and dare i say knowledgeable. If Sehun is looking to him for instruction, then Yixing must carry a certain level of expertise in rope bondage. My stomach flutters in a startling sort of way.

"He's good." Wonho points out, his eyes clearly trained on Yixing personal Koala known as Sehun.

I roll my eyes and watch the way Sehun attends to the blond boy, who, might i be bold enough to say, looks stunning in that harness. I'm not a particularly huge fan of rope bondage, but i can appreciate the art.

Sehun stands to move around behind the tied up boy and i notice the bunny come out of his headspace a bit. He seems to be a bit embarrassed and aware of the crowed, but also a tad enthrall by it. That's interesting. He'd do well in a public scene.

Maybe a bit too late i discover the boys gaze to be locked with Wonho's. His challenge is loud and clear, even though Wonho wouldn't dream of actually pursuing his interest. That's one of the issues we tried to work through back when he was my sub. Wonho has an issue with innocent flirting and i have an issue with possession. It's one of the main reasons we didn't work. Wonho just sees it as harmless, i see it as disrespect.

Eyeing the drink resting in Wonho's hand i realize that it might be a good idea to get him home soon. Wonho has a tendency to get a bit... brave when he gets some alcohol running through his veins.

"Behave." I warn lowly, and watch Wonho's lips tick into a smirk, and i have to resist the urge to force the boy to his knees and make him beg for forgiveness.

Sehun moves, clearly pulling the smaller's arms into a cuff, and when he sinches the ropes tight, i watch in fascination as the blond boys head tips back and his eyes roll upwards. Pure bliss can only be used to describe that look. I've seen it many times. It's beautiful.

It's a shame that such a beautiful scene, with such a responsive rope bunny, is waisted on this ignorant crowed of drunk college kids. But i guess if art was only done in places where art is appreciated, it would never make the statement it aims for.

"I'd like to go to the dungeon meet up this weekend."  Wonho says offhandedly.

I lift an eyebrow, continuing to observe the way the blond boy and Sehun speak slowly and sensually to one another. That's the type of connection most Doms and Subs look for.

"With me? Why is that?" I ask, glancing up and catching a certain someone's eyes, forcing my breath to catch.

He stares at me with dark, unwavering eyes. It's almost as if he's trying to demand my attention, like he's wanting me to see something clearly. I'm starting to get a sense of what it is. I see you, Yixing. I finally see.

"Just a curiosity of mine. Don't worry, I'm still loyal to Changkyun." Wonho says, smiling almost fondly at the two in the middle of the room, still lost in their own word.

"Fair enough. We'll go. Are you ready? I think i've had enough of the college experience for a lifetime." I explain, still locked eyes with Yixing.

Yixing's lips tick at the corners and he tips his head forward in a discreet nod. I do the same, and Wonho clasps onto my arm, as I finally break gaze.

Leading us out of the frat house i gained a slight affection for, i feel eyes on my back. I know it's Yixing. I remember how it feels to have those eyes watching my every movement.

I miss those days, actually. It was so simple back then; organized even. It would always be the same. I knew where he'd be, when he'd pay the most attention, and how long I'd have him for. Back then, Yixing was in a way, holistically mine. His main focus was me and he'd never run or push me away.

In a way, our relationship was perfect because it was already built at a distance. It was created in the shadows, hidden away from a deeper meaning. It's real now. This attraction we feel for one another; this draw we can't help but give in to. It's easy to keep your distance when you know you have to, but once that need is eliminated, it's hard to stop fighting.

Yixing will keep trying to keep me at arms distance because he still sees our relationship like he did back when he was following me around. He felt that i had the power to crush him if i ever found out what he was doing. He knew that if it came to it, i could ruin his life. There was a thrill in that notion, but there was also that constant danger.

For our relationship to change, Yixing has to have the power. He needs to feel like i wont be able to hurt him. He needs to feel like he has control. This is what Kyungsoo was trying to say to me. I understand that now. I was a fool to believe that i could come in and possess such a person's heart so easily. Yixing is a beautiful, free spirit. His soul is so pure, and compassionate. Yixing will never stop seeing himself as the bad guy, because he still to a certain extent sees himself as my stalker.

I should have made my knowledge of his presence known sooner. I should have causally invited him over and gave him an opening to get to know me. I could have slowly built his confidence and gradually made a bridge into something more. My desire to possess and control got the best of me, just as it always does. My eyes drift to Wonho happily clinging to my arm, and i realize that It's ended more good in my life, than it's brought me.

Watching Yixing having control just now. Watching him being in his true element. It was beautiful, and i finally got it. Yixing needs our relationship to change in order to accept me, because he still feels that guilt, still feels that vulnerability in my presence. Our date yesterday was a half-assed attempt at giving Yixing the control. He deserves better and i will give him better. The next time Yixing and i come face to face, i won't just bend, i'll kneel.

>>>>

Chickens!!

Here's the SuLay!!

In the thick of finals week, even. I won't apologize for the late update on this one, actually. Things have been crazy, and honestly i'm surprised i got anything out before June.

I hope this chapter sufficed you guys well enough. SuLay's one of my favorites to write, and through it took me a bit to get back in the feel of things, i'd say it came out pretty good. I know i didn't go into a great deal of detail with the HunHan rope tying scene, but i was saving most of that for HunHan's chapter.

Speaking of which, HunHan is up next. I hope i won't make you guys wait too long, but i also hope you guys can be understanding. I'll see you next chapter.

Kisses!

사랑해 💕

~M~