The Blind Date
"Are we really going to go into another heated discussion over this?" Kyungsoo asked his parents who have just told him they'd set him up for another blind date tomorrow night.
"We don't have to get into one if you just listen to us and meet the guy," his mom retorted, to which Kyungsoo internally rolled his eyes. "We promise you he's a great guy."
"You also said that the past twelve times you sent me to a blind date," Kyungsoo told them, "and yet here we are."
"Son, this is for your own good," his dad quipped, pouting. "We're just trying to look out for you."
"Dad, stop pouting. You look ridiculous."
"But this is the face your mom fell in love with!" his dad exclaimed, turning to his wife. "Right, hon?"
"Yes," Mrs. Do answered, pinching his husband's cheeks.
Kyungsoo wants to gag. Sometimes, his parents can be unnecessarily lovestruck with each other. Kyungsoo's patience has already worn out today due to his never-ending stream of assignments so he couldn't really deal with his parents when they're in that state.
To save himself from further secondhand embarrassment, he decided to just suck it up and tell them he's going to see this guy they're telling him about. Afterall, he knows that whatever words of disagreement he says, even if they're the right words, is a lost cause now. They'll only ever hear him out if he agrees.
"Fine, I'll go. So please stop what you're doing."
That seemed to work wonders because the next thing that happened is his dad clapping him on the back and his mom squealing.
"Great!" his mom exclaimed. "He'll pick you up at 8 PM tomorrow. Make sure you look your best."
Kyungsoo just nodded stiffly. He should have expected this when his mom said they'll visit him. Lately, all they ever talk to him about is getting into a relationship with one of the people they set him up with.
He has to admit that some of the guys he went on a blind date with are nice, both with their manners and looks. Add to that, all of them are from rich families. But after two or three more dates, Kyungsoo just knows it's not going to work out for him and the guy.
He's not sure why his parents are hell-bent on the notion of him being with someone. It's not like he's in his 30's already. He's merely in his early 20's, for goodness' sake!
He tried asking them why, but they only ever gave vague answers. So he stopped asking on the seventh time they set him up for a blind date.
Kyungsoo sighed, resigning to his fate.
*****
Saturday night. In a couple of hours, Kyungsoo would meet his thirteenth blind date. Kyungsoo is tempted to head out and ditch his date. He'll probably just make an excuse that he forgot due to the fact that he's swamped with schoolworks.
But his parents, particularly his mom, seemed to have sensed his thoughts even from afar. His phone rang as soon as the idea of ditching popped up in his head.
Kyungsoo can ignore the call. But he's aware of the repercussions of such act. He made a mistake of doing so one time and, the next thing he knows, his parents are pulling over in front of his apartment building an hour later and even disturbing the neighborhood about how worried they were about him. So no, Kyungsoo doesn't want to go through the same thing.
"Soo baby, are you preparing yourself properly for your date?" his mom asked as soon as he answered the phone.
"I'm just about to." Kyungsoo himself is not even sure if he's lying or not.
"Wear the clothes we left yesterday. Your dad and I picked those for you."
Kyungsoo hasn't checked the paper bag they gave him yesterday. His parents have a track record of giving him the most ridiculous clothes so he wouldn't be surprised if what's waiting for him inside the bag would be the same.
He walked towards the table where the bag is left untouched. He opened it to find a navy blue suit with gold buttons. Which is a first. They usually just send him casual, albeit loud, clothes. What the fuck? This is so fancy.
"I will." Now, Kyungsoo's sure he's lying.
Ending the call, he proceeded to his room deciding to work on his World Lit paper instead of preparing for his date. Screw it! He'll show up in his pajamas and talk to his date to not waste both their times anymore.
With that plan set in his mind, Kyungsoo smiled.
Say hello to rebel Kyungsoo, he thought.
*****
Kyungsoo woke up to the incessant ringing of his doorbell. It was then that he realized he had fallen asleep sometime during his attempt to work on his paper. He wiped the slight line of drool that had escaped his mouth during his unintended sleep.
He stood up and made his way to his front door. Talk about impeccable timing. He's prepared to make his date hightail it out of his apartment, thanks to the sleep he got.
But the moment he opened his door, he felt paralyzed. Or rather, he's the one who wants to run away due to embarrassment.
Because the person standing right outside his door is no other than Kim Jongin. A dance major studying in the same university as him and his long-term crush.
"H-How..." Kyungsoo stuttered pathetically.
"Do Kyungsoo, right?" Jongin clarified, a smile gracing his lips.
Kyungsoo managed to croak out a yes, still feeling dumbstruck from the unexpected turn of events.
"I was told that we have a reservation at this fancy restaurant downtown," Jongin said, "but, honestly, I'm not against if you want to have a pajama party instead for our first date."
Kyungsoo, the awkward person that he is, shut the door on Jongin's face.
*****
By some miracle, Jongin rang on Kyungsoo's door again. So after a few minutes of trying to regain his composure, Kyungsoo decided to open it.
"Hi," Jongin greeted. "I'm Kim Jongin."
"I know," Kyungsoo unintentionally quipped. "I mean, yeah, I know you from school."
"Right. You're from the same university as me. What's your major?"
"I'm a Business major."
"Cool," Jongin remarked. "Um... Can I come in?"
Oh. Kyungsoo nodded, stepping aside to let Jongin in.
"Nice place," Jongin commented, looking around. Kyungsoo is pretty sure though that the guy is just trying to make small talks with him. No one has ever appreciated his minimalistic preferences afterall. Not even his best friends (Baekhyun and Jongdae) nor his parents did.
Kyungsoo decided to thank him anyways. He doesn't know what else to say. He's not even sure if he's awake or his mind just conjured Jongin in his dreams.
"I hope you don't mind me invading your space," Jongin said.
"It's fine," Kyungsoo replied. "I'm sorry for shutting the door on you. I'm not very good with people, you see."
"Actually, it's me who should apologize for disturbing your sleep. I can leave if you want. But I really hope we can reschedule this."
"There's no need to."
Jongin suddenly looked deflated upon hearing those words. "I see. I'm sorry for being persistent. I'll leave now."
What?! Kyungsoo is currently confused.
Then realization dawned on him.
"I mean you can stay." If Kyungsoo is dreaming, he might as well make the most out of it.
The smile that blossomed on Jongin's lips upon hearing those words is enough to send Kyungsoo's heart into an overdrive.
*****
From an outsider's point of view, it would probably look hilarious how Jongin is in a fancy dinner suit while Kyungsoo is in his plaid pajamas while they talk over a box of pizza they had delivered and several cans of soda.
"So what made you agree to go on this blind date?" Kyungsoo decided to ask, munching on a slice of pizza.
Jongin shrugged. "Well, I just wanted to try it, I guess."
"And do you regret trying it?"
"No, I actually enjoyed tonight," Jongin remarked. "Will it be okay if we continue seeing each other? I would really love to know you more."
Kyungsoo's eyes widened upon hearing Jongin's question. "Are you sure? I mean, I'm awkward and boring and—"
"And you're downplaying yourself. I think you're funny and cute."
"I am not cute!" Kyungsoo protested.
"Yes, you are. Like, I-want-to-pinch-your-cheeks cute."
Which cheeks? Kyungsoo was tempted to ask. But he still has a bit of dignity left so he fought the urge to succumb to it. Instead, he settled for a mere "Thanks, I guess."
"So... About that next date..." Jongin started, looking at Kyungsoo with imploring eyes.
"Okay. Sure." Afterall, who is Kyungsoo to say no?
"Great! When are you free for it?"
"Next weekend? But I'm really not sure since my professors can be a pain in the ass sometimes and give our class more work to do."
"How about we exchange numbers so you can text me whenever you're free even during weekdays?" Jongin suggested. "We can just hang out at the university café whenever we're both free, if that's more convenient for you."
"Wouldn't that be a bother for you? Besides, you have a lot of friends at school you could spend your time with."
"It's absolutely fine with me. Also, I can introduce you to them, if you want."
"Well, if you insist."
"Thanks," Jongin said, handing his phone to Kyungsoo. "Can you key in your number so I can save it? I'll send you a text so you can save my number as well."
Kyungsoo quickly typed his number and handed the phone back to Jongin.
"Anyway, it's getting pretty late," Jongin said. "I'll help you clean up, then I'll get going so you can rest."
They started picking up the trash and disposing them. When there was no more litter in sight, Jongin decided to bid Kyungsoo goodbye.
"I guess I'll see you again soon."
"Yeah."
Kyungsoo walked Jongin to the front door. In as much as he does not want the night to end, this is the reality. Nothing lasts forever, as they say. But at least Jongin wants to see him again.
Kyungsoo watched Jongin's retreating figure. When Jongin reached the elevator across the hallway, he turned around and looked back towards Kyungsoo, giving him a small wave. Kyungsoo waved in return.
As soon as Jongin entered the elevator, Kyungsoo also closed his front door. Kyungsoo leaned his back on it and squealed.
*****
The car Kyungsoo was in stopped at the circular driveway in front of a huge mansion. Apparently, Grandpa Do will be making some sort of announcement to the whole Do clan during dinner and, in as much as Kyungsoo would rather not attend, his parents are adamant that he does. No one goes against his grandfather, afterall.
The car door opened and Kyungsoo stepped out of it. Their butler was waiting for him by the front door.
"Welcome home, Master Kyungsoo," the butler, Mr. Lee, greeted, giving him a 90-degree bow.
Kyungsoo gave a small smile. A forced one at that. Truth be told, he's not very fond of this house and the people in it. He only ever tolerated coming back to this place because of his parents.
He was led to the dining hall where around 20 other people are in. They're not exactly a big family. Mr. Lee immediately took him to the vacant seat beside his parents who were seated at the right side of Grandpa Do.
As soon as Kyungsoo is seated, Grandpa Do cleared his throat to get everyone's attention. "Now that Kyungsoo is here, I guess it's time to let you know why I gathered you all in this place."
Kyungsoo's hands began sweating. Based from previous experience, his grandfather's announcements are not exactly the kind of things that would settle well in people's stomachs.
"As you all know, we've been trying hard to secure partnership with Kim Holdings," Grandpa Do started. "And I personally took matters to my hands."
Grandpa Do stood up, a flute of wine in his hand. "I would like to announce to this family that our dearest Kyungsoo is getting engage to the Kim heir."
Kyungsoo dropped his fork. Oh, now, I'm dearest Kyungsoo?!
He stood up. "How about no?" Normally, Kyungsoo would never dare answer back his grandfather. But not this time. Not when his future is on the line.
"How about you have no choice, young man?"
"How about you get Soojung over there to kiss your ass and marry the guy? She'll be more than willing to, you know."
To say everyone in the dining hall looked scandalized is probably the biggest understatement in the Do family's history.
"Kyungsoo, language!" Kyungsoo's dad called him out in a bellowing voice. "Your mom and I did not raise you to be like that."
Kyungsoo felt small. "I'm sorry, Mom, Dad. But how is this fair treatment?" Kyungsoo looked over at his grandfather, eyes on the verge of tears. "Grandpa, why me?"
"Follow me, Soo," his grandfather said as he exits the hall.
Kyungsoo reluctantly followed his grandfather towards the pool area. The said man was staring into the distance. Kyungsoo and his grandfather used to be very close, not until something happened in the past that made Kyungsoo wonder about a lot of things regarding his grandfather.
Noticing his presence, Grandpa Do shifted his gaze towards him. "Do you remember the orphanage incident?"
"Yes," Kyungsoo replied. How could he forget that day he almost got killed?