Chapter Text
“I find myself pretending to be a version of myself that I think that the other person wants me to be.”
The words kept ringing in Jacob’s head. What did Kevin mean by that? Ever since watching Kevin’s Be Your Own King interview, Jacob wondered about how much did he really know about his best friend.
Does Kevin pretend to be someone else around him? Does Kevin change personas when interacting with different members? Who is Kevin really? All these questions bugged Jacob day and night, causing him to be more conscious of the things Kevin did.
Every time Kevin hugged him, his first thoughts were, ‘does Kevin think I expect this?’ When Kevin laughs at a joke another member cracked, he thinks, ‘does Kevin think it’s really funny?’
But the one thought overpowers all is ‘does Kevin know we love him for who is truly is?’ So he decides to act on his questions.
“Kevin, can we talk?” Jacob turned to face Kevin after he ended their live. Kevin looked up from his phone and nodded his head.
“Do you have to pretend in front me?”
The question caught Kevin off guard. This was not exactly what he expected when Jacob asked for a talk.
“I watched your BYOK interview and thought about it.” Jacob hurriedly explained himself when he saw the shock look on Kevin’s face.
“Oh…” Kevin was stunned.
“Sorry it’s quite sudden.” Jacob rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment. “I just wanted you to know it’s okay to be yourself. If people don’t like you for you, then screw them, they don’t deserve your presence.”
Kevin giggled at the not-curse-but-curse word Jacob used to bring his point across. “i don’t pretend in front of you Jacob. You are the most comfortable person to be with, i feel like myself around you. All of you are my safe haven actually, so Jacob, there’s no need to worry.”
“But i still feel there is something you are holding back.”
“You’re thinking too much.” Kevin shook his head and laughed at the worried look on Jacob’s face. “I only act differently in front of people i’m not so close to. You guys are like family to me. So you don’t have to worry so much about me pretending in front of you guys.”
“Well, i can’t help it!” Jacob defended himself. “You are so talented and lovable, your personality is so pleasant. I’m sure if you fearlessly be yourself, everyone will fall head over heels with you!”
"Thank you Jacob. It means a lot that you think so highly of me.” Kevin beamed at Jacob. Jacob felt his insides melt at the adorable kitten-like boy in front of him.
“Anytime kevin. Anytime.”