~Kris~

"Remind me again why you just had to pull me out of a class for this?" Chanyeol asks, picking up a random object off a nearby shelf and examining it closely.

I groan at the tall oaf and grab him by the shirt collar just as he's setting the object down, almost losing his grip on it before it settles safely last minute on the shelf "try being a little less obvious, will you?"

Chanyeol rolls his eyes "Kris, I love you like a brother, but dude, don't be stupid. We're both really freaking tall, I think our very existence is obvious"

I close my eyes, reminding myself to stay calm, before opening them slowly, "at least try to duck behind something or act less like... You"

Chanyeol raises an eyebrow "I'm not sure if that was meant to be an insult, but considering that you're losing your shit right now, I'll let it slide"

I reach up and flick the awkward dork in the head "just focus please"

"Ok, ok, fine.... What are we doing here again?" He asks, turning back to the subject at hand.

I glance over the display of towels we are hid behind and risk a peek at the subject at hand "we are watching over Tao and his 'friend' while they shop"

"So we're spying on your boyfriend and his friend, because you're a jealous monster who can't be contained?" Chanyeol asks, sounding exasperated, and turns around letting his back rest against the display, not at all doing what I brought him here to do.

I roll my eyes "i'm not jealous... i just... something about that guy, i just don't trust him with Tao. Tao's too sweet and gullible, he'll trust anyone, especially when they show interest in the things he's interested in"

Chanyeol snorts unhelpfully "whatever you have to tell yourself, hyung. You promised to feed me and honestly that's the only reason i'm here"

I pinch the bridge of my nose and glance over at the man who is becoming more and more like his best friend Baekhyun everyday (which is something i didn't think was possible).

"What?" he asks innocently, looking up at me with wide eyes "i'm just being honest"

I reach over and pinch his ear, dragging his ass off the floor and forcing him to turn around "just pay attention, will you?"

"Ok, ok. damn, you and your fucking yaoi hands" he exclaims, rubbing his ear with a wince, but focuses as i ask.

A sigh leaves my lips at how ridiculous I feel right now. It's not that i don't trust Tao, i know he's an adult and can make his own decisions, but sometimes Tao can be a little too impressionable. He has a tendency to trust people so completly without even thinking twice about it, and i worry about him. Don't get me wrong, it's one of the things i love about him, but people are just too quick to take advantage.

Maybe i'm also a little concerned that Tao might actually enjoy the company of someone else, just because it's new and different. With the way we've kind of drifted from one another recently and the lack of communication... what if Tao really doesn't love me like he use to. What if he finds that he likes talking to this guy and enjoys doing the things they have in common and we lose years together because Tao finds something new to move on to? Tao's known to drop things easily when they get boring or too complicated, so my worry is reasonable, but i still feel childish ducking behind an advertising display to hide, while stalking my boyfriend.

Though the possible loss of my pride doesn't mean i'm going to give up my little stake out. I'm far too curious about how these two interact with each other and if there's a possible spark that shouldn't be there. I want to know if i need to be ready to fight or if it really is my stupid worries and insecurities getting in my head once again.

"They are seriously just giggling at stupid things and having a good time, i mean Tao and Baekhyun do the same thing. I don't think there's anything to worry about"

I sigh, just as i feared, i'm overreacting. Of course i'm making more of a deal out of this than i need to, even as i've gotten older, the familiar habit just slips back into place as it use to. I use to be such a hot head back in high school. Being with Tao was so different back then, i didn't know how to operate a relationship with a guy and i was always so scared that Tao would get fed up with me and leave because i was a terrible boyfriend. Jealousy fumed so bad in me back then because i was scared that i was going to lose the man i had fought so hard to get. It took me forever to finally let someone past the borders i had set up when i was so young, but when i finally did, Tao was waiting with open arms that felt like home, a home i had been searching for my whole life. It's hard to go back once you finally put your heart into someone's hands, so naturally i wanted to keep Tao by my side at all costs... even by looking like a jealous idiot, which i'm sure i look like now.

I'm about to stand up, and give up, when i catch sight of Tao's friend reaching out and placing his fingers against Tao's earring, rubbing it lightly and giving Tao a look that is anything but friendly. To which Tao just smiles shyly and actually fucking blushes, looking down and biting his lip.

What the actual fuck?!

"Ok, well maybe he's just really into those earrings, i mean, they are cute. I'm sure Baek would love them, and..."

"Chanyeol" i growl in warning "shut up"

Chanyeol clears his throat and ducks his head "yep"

I continue to watch as Tao reaches out and grabs that dick's hand and leads him to another part of the store, normally a usual thing for Tao to do because he's always touchy with friends, but after what just happened i can tell in the shy way he's holding himself, that it's a flirty handhold.

"I'm going to kill them both" i hiss.

I jump up from my crouched position, ready to attack, but Chanyeol grabs onto my arm (with a surprising amount of strength, like what the fuck? Has he been working out?), and holds me down.

"Don't" he warns "if you go in there fists flying, trying to beat the shit out of his new friend, with an impressive vocabulary of multilingual curse words, who's going to look more appealing in that moment?"

My upper lip ticks angrily "i don't give a shit"

"Yes, you do, your anger is clouding your judgment right now. Kris, buddy, please trust me on this. If you do this, you're only pushing Tao further into his arms" Chanyeol says, putting his hands on my chest in attempt to calm me.

"But the only other thing i can do is walk away, because i can't continue to watch that shit, i will actually kill the velociraptor then" i spit, my arms trying to escape Chanyeol's annoyingly solid grasp.

Chanyeol sighs "then let's leave"

My eyebrows bunch, and my jaw tightens "but, i can't leave Tao alone with him, not when he's all touchy and... and... touching what's fucking mine. I'll fucking castrate him"

"Ok, ok. See you're working yourself up again, let's leave. Those shy touches are just in the beginning stages of something anyways, don't worry, it won't go any further than that, at least not today"

My jaw clenches, and i look at him with wild eyes "not today? Do you really think you're fucking helping right now?"

Chanyeol rolls his eyes "then how about this, trust Tao. Trust Tao to know when to draw the line, and if he doesn't... then... Then maybe you have a bigger problem than you thought"

I feel the fire within my chest evaporate from me within a second and sag back against Chanyeol, who grunts at my weight, but still holds me up nonetheless "what... what if he's really done with me, Yeol? I don't know who i am without Tao"

Chanyeol sighs in a way i can only imagine as sympathetic and pats my shoulder "come on, man. Let's go get something to eat, you'll feel better after you get some food in you"

Chanyeol helps me stand and leads me out of the store, with his arm around my waist, and for the first time since i pulled the kid from his class, i'm glad he's here.

>>>>>

~Tao~

"What are they doing?" i ask, watching Jonghyun lean over the rail, on the third floor overlooking the food court.

"Poor guy looks numb, he's kind of just staring off into space and occasionally eating a fry. The other one however, you know the one with the ears, just keeps talking nonstop, like i'm actually concerned. Do you think he's getting enough air?" Jonghyun questions, taking a sip of his milkshake, continuing to watch the boys.

I sigh "do you think we pushed it too far? I mean this is a little early to start putting out flirty feelings, right?"

Jonghyun leans back, resting his arms on the rail "you wanted him jealous... well you got jealous. It's not always pretty, unfortunately. Jealously isn't just being pissed off, it's pretty painful sometimes, and makes you feel miserable. Tao... if you don't want to-"

"No" i hurry out, cutting him off "i don't want to stop, it's working, i just hate doing this to him"

Jonghyun nods and turns around, leaning his back against the rail "all we have to do is wait now"

"On?" i ask, shuffling my feet, and kicking the leg of the bench i'm sitting on.

"To see if he wants to fight for you, or... if he wants to fight at all... in which case, if he doesn't, was going to happen eventually" Jonghyun says in a tone like he's trying to break the death of a family member to a child.

My heart clenches painfully at that though, but i know Kris, i know the love of my life and i know he'll fight for me. I know the years we've been together mean more to him than just walking away, Kris isn't that type. He'll nearly kill himself before he gives up on something he cares about. I learned this many times watching him on the field, Kris will push himself to the point of breaking if it means the outcome will be worth it.

I believe in our future, i believe in our relationship, i just hope Kris feels the same.

"But i have no doubt he will" Jonghyun mentions.

I look up, and he smiles at me teasingly "i thought i was going to get my ass kicked when he saw me touch you earlier, which you reacted perfectly to, by the way"

I smirk and shrug "i just thought about the first time Kris did something like that to me and the blush came naturally, then i grabbed your hand and pulled you away because i also thought he was going to kick your ass. I'm surprised he actually subdued himself, but then again bringing Chanyeol with him was a good call, the guy is a good mediator"

"Must be, Kris is twice his size" Jonghyun jokes.

I snort "Chanyeol isn't that skinny, at least not as he use to be, he's actually bulking up quite a bit"

Jonghyun raises his eyebrows "oh really, maybe you can set me up then if i can't get Kibum to see the rainbow light"

"You don't want that, trust me. The guy is in the same boat you are, he's in love with his best friend, but can't tell him"

"Is his best friend also trying to hide the inner gay?" Jonghyun asks, amused.

I shake my head dramatically "oh heavens no, Baekhyun is flaming, and he's also in love with Chanyeol"

"What?" Jonghyun cackles "it's Baekhyun? He's in love with that?" he motions over the rail, in Chanyeol's direction "they're both in love with each other? Why haven't you told them?"

I shrug and sip at my smoothie "it's more amusing to let them slowly figure it out on their own and skirt around each other like awkward fucks until then"

Jonghyun shakes his head "you're kind of evil, aren't you?"

I smirk and recline back onto my hand "maybe"

We sit there for a few more minutes, slipping into a comfortable silence, until Jonghyun turns around and informs me that the two giant idiot are leaving, making me feel relieved that Kris isn't going to kick Jonghyun's ass, but also worried for the same reason.

There was a time back in highschool where Kris was sent to the principle weekly for starting fights over me, it was either some guy had said something about me, or they had checked me out. Kris made it his mission in high school to make sure everyone knew who i belonged to, but now it seems like he doesn't feel the need to claim me. I know it's kind of odd to want that type of possessive behavior, but in all honestly, i love the feeling. I love the idea of being possessed by someone, and that Kris will go insane over me if someone even tries to get close to me. I'm not sure why, but that almost animalistic craving we use to have for one another was the biggest turn on in high school.

It makes me wonder if he's just that comfortable and doesn't need to prove our relationship, or is it because our relationship has just slipped that far down his priority list. I hope it's the latter, because it's easier to respark Kris's interest, rather than convince him that he should be interested at all.

"Do you want to go get our nails done? I know a great place near campus" Jonghyun casually mentions suddenly, while averting his eyes, when i glance up at him.

I smile lightly and uncross my legs, standing up "could this be the nail salon that Kibum works at?"

Jonghyun shrugs his shoulders casually. "Oh right, he works at a nail salon, i forgot. He might work there, i'm not sure... all i know is my cuticles need some major work"

I chuckle under my breath "alright, let's go. I could use a fresh polish"

Jonghyun beams and jumps forward, reminding me that i'm not the only one in this. I need to do everything i can to help Jonghyun, just as he's doing for me. Both of our hearts are on the line, i just hope the guys we're doing this for pulls their heads out of their ass's, before it's too late.

>>>>>

"How did it go?" Baekhyun asks, setting a beer in front of me, and sitting down on the stool next to me.

Jiyong gives him an annoyed look as he does so, but keeps a steady hand on the bottle of vodka in his hand, it's kind of impressive actually "you know you're not paid to sit on your ass"

"And you're not getting paid to get a dick shoved up yours, but that doesn't stop you and Seunghyun from fucking in the surveillance office" Baekhyun snaps, and i almost pat his head in pride.

There use to be a time when Baekhyun would crumble to Jiyong's bitch, but now he stands up to the man and i couldn't be more proud that Baek's found such confidence in himself.

"You have ten minutes, Baekhyun" Jiyong growls and move to the other side of the bar to take drink orders.

"He's being extra bitchy lately, i think Seunghyun stopped putting out" Baekhyun says trying to get his perfect little hands around my beer, but i slide it away before he can get a good grasp.

"Why would Seung stop putting out for that? I mean, Jiyong's a bitch, but also sexy as fuck" I say, taking a drag of the liquid, that Baekhyun is still trying to grab at.

Baekhyun sighs and shrugs his shoulders like he could care less about his brothers problems, but i know he's actually concerned for the older diva "something about Ji getting a little too close with our resident DJ"

"Seungri? But wait... didn't those two have a thing in high school?" i ask, feeding into this juicy gossip, eager to get the focus off of me and the stress in my life for a second.

Baekhyun nods, grabbing a handful of pretzels off the counter "if by thing, you mean fucking like rabbits constantly, then yes they had a thing"

I blow out a surprised breath and sit back on my stool "well i don't blame, Seunghyun, i'd be jealous too"

Baekhyun rolls his eyes "speaking of jealousy, let's get back to you. How was it today? Did the first stage go over well?"

I breath in deeply "yeah, i texted him early today and told him about going shopping with Jonghyun and he showed up just like you planned, he even brought your giant dumbass with him"

"Yeol?" Baekhyun exclaims with a full mouth, making him look like a distressed chipmunk who put too much food into his mouth and doesn't know what to do with it.

I cringe in distaste "yes, the big dufous was there, and he thankfully stopped Kris from beating the shit out of Jonghyun, but... i don't know. Kris wouldn't have been so easily subdued when we were younger, he wouldn't have given up that easily"

Baekhyun thinks about this for a second, crunching away on his pretzels "i think maybe Kris isn't the hot headed hormone infused teenage boy he use to be. Maybe he doesn't feel that it's appropriate to break someone's face in just because they flirt with you a little. Plus Yeol, is a genious when it comes to calming someone down, i mean like, he can easily get into someone's head and just fuck with you... it's creepy that a gift like that is inside of someone like that. He can push the buttons you didn't even know you hand, so maybe he found a button and pushed"

I narrow my eyes and lean towards Baekhyun "are you insinuating that your fuck toy broke my boyfriend?"

Baekhyun puts his hands up "i'm saying it's possible that Chanyeol found a bruise and punched it, Kris was probably insecure about it before Chanyeol brought it to light. Listen, this isn't your problem. Chanyeol isn't the one who caused all this"

"Then what is?" i ask, crossing my arms, frustrated.

"Ok, Kris is totally subdued in thinking he's safe, that you two are ok, and that you're not interested in anyone else. He trusts you to make the right call when it comes to someone else getting into your head, but we need to waver that trust a little" Baekhyun says, wiggling his fingers around to add emphasis.

"I don't want Kris to lose his trust in me" i say, taking another large swig of my beer.

Baekhyun puts his hands up in defense again "i'm not saying lose his trust completly, but throw it off for a second, make him question if he's losing you, not if you still love him or want him. He still needs to see that you love him, but it's starting to fade as your affection is being stolen, then he'll jump into gear and fight to win you back" he finishes, like it's the most brilliant idea he's ever had.

"But how do i do that?" i ask.

Baekhyun places his fingers on his chin, tapping lightly and puckering his lips in the most ridiculous thinking face i've ever seen. "i've got it," he suddenly yells and grabs my wrist "when you go back to the house tonight and you see him, don't ignore him, talk to him like normally. But...this is important, so pay attention, when you go to kiss him before going to get ready for bed, kiss him in a way that's absent of feeling, almost like you're kissing a lover for the last time, and when you pull back don't just look at him. Let your face say everything, give him a look like you're not satisfied and it's exactly like what you expected it to be"

"Baekhyun, what the fuck are you talking about? This isn't a damn k-drama" i say, feeling a little extra exhausted than usual by Baekhyun's bullshit. I should have gone to talk to Sehun, but the last thing i want to do is force my problems on a kid who's like a son to Kris and me. I can't put him in between us, he can't go through something like that again.

"Just do it, it'll make him think 'why is his face like that? was it not a good kiss? is he bored by it? Is he possibly wishing it was someone else kissing him? Am i losing him?' and then he'll get all jealous and defensive, thinking you're slipping away from him and he'll start fighting for you" Baekhyun says, and i think i'm going crazy because damn, he actually makes sense.

"Just trust me" Baek adds, finally seizing my beer and tripping it back quickly. I shake my head and i reach over, flicking the bottle, and causing too much to go into his mouth. Baekhyun pulls the bottle away from his mouth, spewing liquid out of his mouth and nose, while coughing and snotting all over himself.

I chuckle and place a note on the bar, then stand up "i'll talk to you later, get back to work before Jiyong casturates you"

"You're a bitch" Baekhyun wheezes out, trying to wipe himself down with bar napkins.

I pass by Jiyong as i'm leaving, who just smiles amusedly at me and nods his head, which i reciprocate and smirk knowing i've saved Baekhyun's life for another night.

>>>>>

~Kris~

I'm sitting not so patiently at my computer when i finally hear Tao come into our room. He doesn't say anything at first and i wait for the worst, i wait for him to tell me that something happened today with Jonghyun. I wait for the news that he's really done and is leaving me for something new and exciting. I've had all evening alone with my mind and my worries are eating me alive. I just hate not knowing and doubting the man i love.

"I'm back" Tao finally says, sliding my headphones down to rest around my neck. Oh, right, that's probably why he didn't say anything... Brilliant Kris. Off to a great start.

I swallow down every bit of anxiety and cast a, "did you have fun with your friend?" Over my shoulder.

"Yes, Jonghyun and i had a lot of fun, we even went and got our nails done. I think i'm going to start using that salon he took me too, they did a good job and i liked the people" he says, casually, speaking as if it were any other night, which i guess to him it is.

I clear my throat, trying to act like i'm paying attention to the words on the document in front of me that i really do need to read for my morning class tomorrow, but i can't seem to concentrate.

"That's great, babe. When is your project suppose to be done, the one you're partnered with Jonghan or whatever his name is" i ask as indifferently as i can.

"Jonghyun" Tao corrects, sounding slightly annoyed "and it's already done, we turn it in Monday"

"But you two are still hanging out?" i ask, trying to keep my own annoyance out of my voice.

Tao sighs, and i don't have to see him to know he's rolling his eyes "of course, he's becoming a good friend, i really like him" he says, but there's an edge to it, like he's saying something other than what his words are telling me.

I turn around in my desk chair, and cross my arms, forcing a smile on my face. I need to see the look in his eyes, i need to see the truth in them. "that's great, i'm glad you've made a new friend. These guys kind of drive you crazy after a while"

Tao looks at me and smiles lightly, but there's a sadness to it, like he's looking at something from his childhood that he hasn't seen in years, a fond smile of past affection or love.

"I'm going to go get ready for bed, you coming?" he asks, his voice slightly clipped.

I fix my shirt nervously, wondering why i feel this sudden uncertainty "i'll be a few more minutes"

He nods and comes over to me, placing his hands on my shoulders and leans in placing a small kiss to my lips, one that makes me feel slightly unsure and forces a bad feeling into my stomach. He pulls back and that same sad smile from before forces it's way onto his lips, while his eyes search mine, like he's looking for something he lost in them.

Tao sighs, seeming to find exactly what he expected and stands up straight "don't be too long, ok?"

"Of course, you won't even miss me" i say, but the answering click of the bathroom door says it all. He already does.

My head spins. What was Tao looking for? And why did he look so disappointed when he pulled back? Was he expecting something different? or maybe someone different? Was he expecting to see what he sees when he looks into Jonghyun's eyes and he didn't find it?

My chest tightens at that thought, what if he really does like Jonghyun? Could I really stand in Tao's way if that's who he wants? Maybe i should let him go since he clearly doesn't see whatever he was looking for in me anymore.

I stand up abruptly, anger flaring in my stomach. No, what am I even thinking. This isn't me, this isn't what I want. I want Tao, and there's no way in hell i'm letting go of that man. I love him with every inch of my soul and I'll be damned if I let him just walk away from me. I fought way too hard to get that man, and i don't intend on losing him.

I push my chair back a little rougher than i should have. Tao was looking into my eyes, he was kissing my lips. Tao is still searching for something in me, he's still waiting for something, which means there's still a chance. Tao is still mine, and that means i have the upper hand here.

This whole time i was scared that i had already lost Tao and he was moving onto someone else, that he was moving forward without me, but this proves it. Tao doesn't want to go without me, he doesn't want to leave me behind, he's just waiting for that spark. Tao wants there to be that new relationship, nervous feeling, can't get enough of each other, spark... and i'm going to give it to him.

Rushing towards the bathroom, homework completly forgotten, i throw open the bathroom door, and make Tao jump so hard he nearly stabs himself in the eye with his finger that has a makeup removal wipe wrapped around it. Tao was in the middle cleaning up his face and about to get into the shower, clearly by the way his shirt is already off and the shower running across the room.

"Kris, what the hel-"

I cut him off, with my mouth slotting against his, as I pull him against my chest. His heart pounds against mine, and his hands fist at my shirt, while my lips move urgently against his, kissing him breathless and tattooing my name across his lips. Backing Tao up, i push his back into the sink, not breaking our lips, while my hands slide down his back and into his pants, getting a good handful of his precious ass.

Tao moans into my mouth and i pull him tighter against me, biting at his bottom lip, then lean back, taking in a delicious breath of air. He looks up into my eyes, seemingly in a daze, completly lost at what to say.

"kris, wha-"

I smirk and lick my lips, his eyes following the movement "you forgot the rest of your kiss" i say smoothly, causing Tao to swallow hard "finish washing up, then come to bed, i'll be waiting" i say huskily into his ear, before letting go of him and walking out of the bathroom, leaving a disoriented Tao in my wake.

If Tao wants a spark, i'll give him a fucking inferno.

********************************************************************************************

Chickens!!

Another update? is this possible? is this real life? Why yes, yes it is little chickens, and author-nim is just as surprised as you guys are!!

haha my intentions was to just sit down and write a scene or two and bam, next thing i know, the chapter is done. I'm thrilled to say the least, i thought it would be harder to get back in the swing of writing but here we are and i'm like a machine!!

Anyways, this is my TaoRis and i hope it was good, i haven't been in a Taoris mood recently so it was a happy accident that this came out and i'm pleased with it. i hope it was acceptable to you guys as well.

As always, i love you guys and can't wait to see you guys next chapter. Baekyeol is up!

Kisses😘

사랑해 💕

~M~