Pretty Little Thing (2min one-shot)
NOTE: This fic is probably one of my favorites so far. Let's just say it was heavily influenced by Taemin's performance of "So Bucc" at SM-Town '08 and Minho's weird dance at SM-Town '10. Though, it should also be mentioned that half-way through Taemin's character reminded me more of G-Dragon than anything else, so it's also influenced by "We Belong Together" by Big Bang. x_x I really hope someone likes this.
WARNING: This is not conventional 2min at all. The purpose of this was to attempt to give Taemin the more masculine role, while Minho is the blushing beauty. As a Taemin-bias, I feel like Taemin deserves a top role at least sometimes, so I tried.
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Minho shielded his eyes from the setting sun. Each step he took, he felt himself become more and more anxious. He'd just gotten out of his evening study session. He'd done a lot of extra work for the upcoming exams lately. It was always rather quiet on these treks home because he was forced to part with his friends early on. The only disturbance he ever faced was from the corner convenience store. It wasn't like he couldn't defend himself, but these guys...
It first started when one of them tripped Minho while he was passing by. Minho asked the guy, "What's your problem?" but never received a reply, so he just went on his way. However, things of that sort continued nearly each day following the first incident. They'd thrown things at him, called him names, once they'd even pushed him into the street so that he was almost hit by a car.
But Minho just took it.
He wasn't scared of them. He just didn't care or so he'd like to think. But, honestly, what could he do? There were always at least three guys standing against the brick wall of the convenience store. One of them, the one who started it all, was consistently there while the others changed out from time to time. He assumed him to be the leader. It was beyond him, and anyone else really, why this guy decided to start anything with Minho, but he had and Minho did nothing to stop it.
He may have done something if he thought he stood any kind of chance. It wasn't the three that sat in visible sight that worried him, but more-so the amount that were unseen. In the alley behind the convenience store were plenty of guys who switched out every day to stand beside their leader. Minho guessed there had to be at least six hidden guys and that was six too many for him.
So, Minho just took it. It was something he sort of dreaded each day. He told himself it was just an annoyance, but he still became anxious each time he neared that spot.
The convenience store came into view and so did the guys. Today, the middle one (who was short with a bit of blond in his hair) was accompanied by two black-haired individuals. The one to the left was tallest and pretty muscly. The one to the right was a bit shorter than the left, but still a decent amount taller than the leader, and also had some defined arms on him. Minho's mouth formed a line and he stiffened a little while looking toward the ground. Maybe if he pretend he didn't seem them... but that was too good to be true.
The leader's mouth curved upward as he saw his prey approaching. He nudged both guys on the side of him and started out, "Well, well, look who is back."
Minho pretended he didn't hear anything and kept walking.
The leader shot a glance to the guy at left and the guy stretched out his hand to stop Minho his tracks. "Where you going?" the leader cooed.
Minho felt his heart race unpleasantly, "Home," was all Minho grumbled.
"Why don't you stick around for a bit," he suggested in a tone that sounded dangerous.
Minho breathed out slowly, "Look, dickwad, why don't you just let me go? Don't you have something better to do?"
"Whoa, ho, ho," the leader said throwing up his hands. "Looks like someone is a tough guy." The two guys beside him laughed.
Minho smirked and said, "Look, just because no girl would touch you with a ten-foot pole..."
"HEY," he yelled, interrupting Minho. The two guys on either of of him quickly grabbed on of Minho's arms and held him in place. "No one, and I mean no one, talks to Bling-Bling like that. You really asked for it this time."
Before Minho even knew what was really happening, 'Bling-Bling' had popped him in the face and he'd fallen to the ground. "What the hell," he groaned getting up only to be pushed back and forth between the three who formed a triangular-circle around him.
"Not so tough now, little bitch," he heard the leader say before stopping him and punching him in the face again. Minho fell onto his back, head pounding mercilessly. He felt a foot on his stomach and began to wish he was home. He heard the guys laugh a little and one spit, "pathetic."
He began to give up hope when he heard a voice that kind of sounded like a kid's speak up. "What are you doing?"
The group stopped laughing and Minho imagined they were looking at the kid. "Hey, beat it, kid. We're busy," the leader growled.
Then, Minho heard something that kind of sounded like silverware rubbing together for a second and then the kid said, "What'd you say?"
"Hey, man. That's not cool. We don't want no trouble," the leader said in a panicky tone. Minho searched his mind for what could have scared them so much, but couldn't think of anything.
"Get out of here," the kid threatened, "and don't come back or I'll have to use it."
Minho heard the fear in 'Bling-Bling's voice, "Alright, alright. Geez, boys, let's get out of here." And then everything was quiet for a minute.
"Hey," he heard the kid's voice again and rubbed his eyes. When he opened them the kid was hovering over him with his pretty little face and tilted base-ball cap. He blinked a couple times and noticed the kid was holding out his hand. Minho grabbed it and was helped up immediately.
When standing, he noticed the kid had on a white t-shirt and some baggy jeans. It was weird because he could tell the kid was pretty skinny. Simply from height similarities, he supposed this kid may have been closer to his age then he previously suspected. He also spied a knife in his hand.
"Uhmm..." he started, trying to think of what to say, but the kid wasn't having any of that.
"Just get out of here."
Minho just stared, nodding only slightly. He tore his eyes away from the kid's and ran all the way home.
He wasn't sure why, but only when he reached his front porch did he stop and turn around, looking back longingly at the way he'd come. Who was that kid anyway?
~
It'd been three weeks since the incident, plenty of time for Minho's black eye to heal. He'd wondered if those guys would go back to the convenience store or if the kid would be there instead, but he saw neither each day he walked back from his study sessions. Now, his journey truly was peaceful, but Minho still longed to see kid's face again. Something about it stuck with him, though it was starting to fade.
Anyway, it was time to head home again and Minho walked, expecting nothing. Though he was pleasantly surprised when he saw a figure clad in a base-ball cap, wife-beater, and baggy jeans. He tried to keep his pace slow and steady. He came to a stop when he stood across the street from where the kid was leaning against the familiar brick wall.
For a moment, he watched as the kid took a drag from the cigarette wedged in between his middle and index finger of his right hand. Even from far away the kid looked good. Minho took a couple deep breaths before working up the courage to cross the street. He wasn't sure if the kid saw him or was just ignoring him, but he walked until he stood only a couple feet from the kid and then planted his feet firmly.
The kid's eyes slowly fixed on him and he felt himself heat up, but forced himself to choke out words anyway. "Umm, hi."
The kid took a long drag before replying, "Hey?"
Minho felt his confidence dwindle, but spoke again anyway, "Yeah, umm, you may not remember, but you sort of saved me the other day, and I wanted to say thank you. So, uhh, thanks."
The kid just looked at him, eyes turning into slits. He seemed to be checking Minho out in some way, which made Minho shift uncomfortably from one foot to the other. It was just about enough to make Minho want to sprint away again, but something kept him planted in one spot. Then, the kid asked, "What's your name?"
"Mi-Minho," he stuttered out.
He smiled a little bit and gestured to Minho with his left hand, "C'mere."
Though any kind of good judgment would have told Minho, 'no,' he inched closer to the kid, mostly out of curiosity. Unexpectedly, the kid grabbed the front of his shirt and pulled him into a kiss. Minho was shocked the the point of inability to move. He just stood there, feeling the other boys lips pressed to his. Then, it was over.
"Taemin," the kid offered before turning and heading down the alley behind the convenience store.
Minho walked home in a daze that day.
~
It'd been a couple days and each day in between had been a little disappointing. Each day after his study sessions he would search around the area of the convenience store for Taemin and each day he would find nothing. He even searched the alley way, making sure he didn't miss him at all, but he didn't see him. What kind of guy kisses another guy and then disappears?
Anyway, Minho had no luck and was, again, beginning to give up hope. He told himself today would be the last day he looked. However, it started raining like all the water in the world had been locked up in the clouds. Minho was almost to the convenience store when it suddenly fell upon him like a monsoon. Not wanting to get soaked, he began to run forward, shielding his head.
He didn't make it very far before he heard someone call, "Minho," he turned around to see a figure he couldn't quite make out, but they were holding an umbrella. He rushed toward them and followed them through the back alley of the convenience store to a door on the side of another building. No sooner were they in the building did Minho realize it was Taemin he'd followed.
Taemin made his way across the large warehouse to a corner that was closed off by curtains. Minho followed, leaving a trail of water behind him.
"Take off your clothes," Taemin said point-blank.
Minho was a little thrown off by this statement and began with, "Wha-" but then Taemin threw a very familiar wife-beater at him.
"It's all I got clean," he ignored Minho's confusion. Then, he pulled out a pair of pants and threw those at him too.
Minho looked at them for a second, then to Taemin. Taemin kept his back turned to the other boy and Minho let out a sigh before he began to undress. When he was done, he looked a little silly if he did say so himself. The shirt was a bit tight, but not to bad. However, the pants were two-sizes too big. Minho looked at Taemin and assessed they were probably four or five sizes too big for Taemin.
"Thanks, again," Minho finally said. He took a moment to take in his surroundings and really understand where he was.
"No problem," Taemin said coolly. He took a pack of cigarettes off his dresser and slid one out. He lit it and took one long drag, "You want one?" he offered Minho.
Minho shook his head, "No, I don't smoke."
"Mmm," Taemin acknowledged his statement as he plopped down in a nearby chair.
Minho took a seat on Taemin's bed twiddling his feet, "So, you live here?"
"Yupp," Taemin said, taking another drag. "Work here too. Actually, it's my bosses warehouse, but he lets me stay here. 'Specially since I chased away those idiots from before."
"Oh," Minho felt himself become a little stiff at the mention of those guys.
Taemin ignored Minho's uncomfortable-ness, "They were dealing drugs from back here and if they got caught it would make boss and the convenience store guy look bad, so I did some favors and got a nice deal out of it."
"So," Minho's curiosity built up again, "you don't go to school?"
"No, haven't for a long time. I got other things to deal with."
"Oh," Minho said again and it became quiet.
Taemin let his head fall back on the chair and closed his eyes. He looked like he was pretty relaxed for the moment. Minho watched him in awe, mostly because he was even more beautiful than Minho had remembered. He didn't mean to stare, but he just couldn't take his eyes away.
It was like that for a long while, but then Taemin said, "So, what's up?"
Minho snapped out of his gawking and said, "Oh, I was coming home from a study session. I have them every day. Actually, I'd been looking for you for a couple days," he paused waiting for Taemin to answer.
"Yeah?" Taemin said opening one eye to look at Minho. He sighed a little and put out his cigarette, sitting up, "What'd you want?"
Minho felt himself bite his lip as he looked down at his feet. They were still twiddling back and forth. "Umm," he started, but took a deep breath, "Why... why did you kiss me?"
Taemin chuckled a little, "Oh, that." He got up and crossed the room to where Minho sat. He grabbed his chin in his right hand and made Minho look him in the eyes, "It's not every day that a guy sees a pretty guy like you."
Minho attempted to look away, but Taemin kept hold of his chin, "Oh." It seemed that was all he could reply.
Taemin let go and Minho looked at the ground, trying to stifle his embarrassment.
"Well, I got to get back to work. I'll probably be done in a couple hours. Feel free to stay as long as you like," and Minho caught Taemin giving a little wave before disappearing on the other side of the curtains. He heard a door open and shut and then all was quiet again.
~
At some point, Minho had fallen asleep on Taemin's bed. He was woken up some hours later by Taemin gently shaking him. He didn't stay too long after that, but skipped home happily because he'd been invited back Sunday when Taemin didn't have to work. That was the night it started.
They became closer over the next month. Minho spent more than just Sundays at Taemin's warehouse. Sometimes, he'd go and catch Taemin on break for a little bit and then wait the few hours it took him to get off. Other times, he would watch Taemin work, sometimes helping him when needed. Either way, Minho was happy because he got to spend more time with this astounding boy.
The only thing that played on the edge of Minho's mind was that kiss. Nothing quite like it had happened since their second encounter, but Minho couldn't forget it. Honestly, he wanted it to happen again so that he may have the chance to kiss Taemin back. However, he couldn't ever get himself to make the move.
Anyway, it was Sunday today, which meant more time with Taemin than usual. Minho walked up the road and toward the convenience store. It had gotten hotter over the past month because summer was nearing. Minho felt a little sweat forming on his brow, but paid it no mind because his destination was ten times more important to him.
When he neared the store, he saw Taemin waiting for him. He had his usual base-ball cap on with a black wife-beater and black shorts with white stripes down the side. Each time he saw the younger boy he felt his heart ache a little more. He'd grown far more than attached to Taemin.
"Hey," Taemin greeted as he neared. "I've got something to show you," he grabbed at Minho's hand and pulled him toward the back alley.
Minho felt butterflies wiggle in his stomach at the contact and stumbled after Taemin. When they were out of the sun and in the cool warehouse, Minho asked, "What is it?"
Taemin didn't answer, but pulled him a little further, not toward his corner, but toward an open space, "This." He let go of his hand.
Minho looked away from Taemin and spied a basketball goal. "Wow," he looked at it in awe, "Where'd you get it?"
"Found it near a dumpster," Taemin beamed, "Took a bit to get it back here, but it was worth it. I really like basketball."
"Me too," Minho smiled and then looked back at Taemin. Taemin looked pleased and Minho was even more happy than he'd been.
"Let's play," Taemin suggested with a twitch of his eyebrows. He turned around and ran to the other side of the warehouse to get something, coming back with an orange ball in hand. For a second, Minho saw a playful spirit in Taemin.
Without warning, Taemin began to bounce the ball and swiveled around Minho toward the goal. He shoots, he scores. "You're going to have to be faster than that, Minho."
Minho stared for a moment before cracking a smile, "That's cheating," he laughed before getting into the game.
Three hours later they were sweating, still in a heated battle. The score was 4-3, Taemin in the lead. He'd just scored another point and Minho was pretty sour about it. He hated losing, but it was almost okay since it was Taemin. Almost.
"Your ball," Taemin said as he passed the ball Minho's way. Minho caught it with ease, eyes glaring at Taemin competitively. He bounced the ball once and then went into a play, trying to get passed Taemin. However, Taemin was pretty fast and somehow swooped the ball out of his hands before he even knew it himself.
Minho growled in frustration and Taemin laughed a little. "Okay," Taemin started, "I'll make you a deal. If you can steal the ball from me, you win."
Minho made no effort in agreement, but he went for Taemin. Taemin dodged almost effortlessly. Everytime Minho got close, Taemin would duck, or sidle away at the exact right moment. It was frustrating, but Minho kept trying.
Taemin's face was still playful and devious. As he dodged the older boy, he came up with a plan of utmost distraction. After ducking under Minho's arm for the last time, he ran across the room and stood, facing Minho. Before Minho could go after him again he yelled, "Wait!"
Minho stopped in his tracks and looked at Taemin.
Taemin sauntered toward Minho, leaving only a few feet between them. He looked Minho in the eyes in a way that forced Minho to lock gazes with him, unable to look away. Something about those eyes kept Minho frozen. Taemin smirked victoriously. In a quick movement, he pretended to throw the ball at Minho, which startled the older boy, but then quickly threw it behind him. While Minho was startled, Taemin closed the space between them and met the other boy's lips in a kiss.
Minho was confused for a moment, but eventually kissed back. Taemin smirked victoriously, again, into the kiss. He pushed Minho back lightly until his back hit a stack of cardboard boxes behind him. Minho felt heat rise to his cheeks at the younger boy's obvious dominance.
Then, Taemin pulled away, looking at Minho, smirk still dancing across his face. "You're cute," was all he said before planting a peck on Minho's nose and then going to retrieve the basketball.
~
Their relationship was strange. There were no labels. They were friends of course, but nothing really beyond that. Sure, Taemin kissed him all the time and Minho melted to almost any touch the younger boy gave, but that was about it. Things were simple and that was a good thing on both ends.
They spent just about the same amount of time together, perhaps a little more, simply because Minho refused to leave until at least 11:00 P.M. He wanted to be around Taemin as much as possible, even if it did effect how well he slept.
Anyway, this had been going on all summer long. Really, since the met in April to the current early September. To say the least, it was blissful.
Minho made his way along the familiar road toward the convenience store. When he neared, he saw his beloved Taemin, like always, but something was different. Minho noticed the cigarette in his hand which had been missing for three months now. He remembered Taemin stating that he only really smoked when he was feeling stressed out.
As he neared the other boy, he called out to him, "Hey," his tone seemingly weary.
"Hey," Taemin shot back. He let his cigarette fall to the ground and promptly stomped on it. He looked at Minho, but something still felt off. "Can we go somewhere?"
"Sure," Minho replied. He figured something was up.
Taemin lead him about a block away to a nearby park. Minho had passed the park many times and even played here as a child. Taemin and him even came here from time to time, so it wasn't all that out of the ordinary. Taemin made a B-line for the swings and sat down, waiting for Minho to sit next to him. For a little while, they swang in silence.
When Minho thought he couldn't handle it any longer, Taemin spoke up. "So, I gotta tell you something."
Minho kept swinging, "What is it?"
"Well, when I came here in late March and asked the boss for a job, it was just for the summer."
Minho felt dread slowly winding in his stomach, "Yeah?"
"Yeah, so pretty soon I'm going to be unemployed," Taemin said point-blank.
"Oh," was all he said.
Silence followed and Minho wasn't really sure what to say. He wasn't sure he even knew what Taemin really meant, but Taemin made sure to clear that up. "I'm leaving, Minho."
Minho felt himself stop swinging and he looked over at Taemin, "When?"
Taemin also stopped swinging, but he looked in front of him, "About a week and then I'm gone."
Minho bit his cheek hard because he felt like tears were going to spill out of his eyes. A week? He'd never been informed of this before now. "A week?" he said aloud, voice shaking.
Taemin nodded, "Yeah."
Minho swallowed a couple of times, eyes stinging. He knew it'd been too good to be true. "So, that's it then? You're just... leaving."
"Yes," Taemin's tone was a little harsh.
Minho swallowed again and looked at the ground, "Why didn't you tell me?"
"Would it have changed anything?"
Minho wanted to say yes, he really did, but he just stayed silent. What could he do?
"Anyway, I have to go," Taemin said getting off the swing, "See you around," and then he left.
Minho sat there feeling helpless, empty, and mostly sick. He couldn't do anything about it.
~
It had been a year. Rather, it had actually been eight months, but regardless of that Minho hadn't forgotten about Taemin for a single day. He'd dreamed of him countless times, only to wake up to the harsh realities that the warehouse behind the convenience store was now empty besides a few stacks of cardboard boxes and that basketball goal.
Sometimes, Minho would just go there and sit for hours. It almost felt like he was with him. Almost.
Anyway, Minho had mostly become a home-body. He still saw his friends and went to classes and study sessions when he had to, but nothing unnecessary. The only activity he did willingly was play basketball by himself inside the warehouse.
However, Minho wasn't lonely, or rather, he knew he only wanted one person to be around and that was Taemin. No one else really understood him like Taemin had. So, Minho took solitude over anybody else.
Currently, Minho lay on his bed, reading a book for his English class. It was some silly book about a kid river-rafting with a slave. He absent-mindedly wondered what it would be like if he went river-rafting with Taemin. Would Taemin even like river-rafting? Minho guessed he would just because Taemin was the kind who liked to go on adventures.
He glanced over the page for a fourth time before giving up on reading for now. He barely got the chance to sit up before his phone started to ring. He imagined it was probably one of his parents since he never talked to anyone outside of school anymore. However, he didn't recognize the number.
He answered it anyway. "Hello?"
"Hey," He vaguely recognized the voice and his heart almost beat out of his chest.
"Taemin?"
He heard a light chuckle, "What are you doing right now?"
Minho stuttered a little, "N-nothing, but-"
"Look outside your window."
Minho silently obeyed and he barely caught his breath when he saw Taemin standing in his front yard, smiling more perfectly than Minho had previously remembered. He shut his phone and ran down the stairs and out the front door as quickly as he could.
When he was outside he slowed his pace and inched toward Taemin uncertainly. "What are you doing here?" Minho questioned, his heart beating louder than he'd ever heard it before.
Taemin just smiled at him, so devilishly handsome, and closed the space between them, taking Minho's chin in his hand. "You didn't think I'd leave a pretty little thing like you behind, did ya?" He stared reassuringly into Minho's eyes.
Minho felt himself sigh contently because this was all he'd been hoping for for months on end. With that, Taemin closed the gap completely by reaching up and kissing Minho like he'd never left him because, really, you never truly leave someone you love.
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Just in case you're a lazy son-of-a-gun:
So Bucc
Minho shaking it
We Belong Together
WARNING: This is not conventional 2min at all. The purpose of this was to attempt to give Taemin the more masculine role, while Minho is the blushing beauty. As a Taemin-bias, I feel like Taemin deserves a top role at least sometimes, so I tried.
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Minho shielded his eyes from the setting sun. Each step he took, he felt himself become more and more anxious. He'd just gotten out of his evening study session. He'd done a lot of extra work for the upcoming exams lately. It was always rather quiet on these treks home because he was forced to part with his friends early on. The only disturbance he ever faced was from the corner convenience store. It wasn't like he couldn't defend himself, but these guys...
It first started when one of them tripped Minho while he was passing by. Minho asked the guy, "What's your problem?" but never received a reply, so he just went on his way. However, things of that sort continued nearly each day following the first incident. They'd thrown things at him, called him names, once they'd even pushed him into the street so that he was almost hit by a car.
But Minho just took it.
He wasn't scared of them. He just didn't care or so he'd like to think. But, honestly, what could he do? There were always at least three guys standing against the brick wall of the convenience store. One of them, the one who started it all, was consistently there while the others changed out from time to time. He assumed him to be the leader. It was beyond him, and anyone else really, why this guy decided to start anything with Minho, but he had and Minho did nothing to stop it.
He may have done something if he thought he stood any kind of chance. It wasn't the three that sat in visible sight that worried him, but more-so the amount that were unseen. In the alley behind the convenience store were plenty of guys who switched out every day to stand beside their leader. Minho guessed there had to be at least six hidden guys and that was six too many for him.
So, Minho just took it. It was something he sort of dreaded each day. He told himself it was just an annoyance, but he still became anxious each time he neared that spot.
The convenience store came into view and so did the guys. Today, the middle one (who was short with a bit of blond in his hair) was accompanied by two black-haired individuals. The one to the left was tallest and pretty muscly. The one to the right was a bit shorter than the left, but still a decent amount taller than the leader, and also had some defined arms on him. Minho's mouth formed a line and he stiffened a little while looking toward the ground. Maybe if he pretend he didn't seem them... but that was too good to be true.
The leader's mouth curved upward as he saw his prey approaching. He nudged both guys on the side of him and started out, "Well, well, look who is back."
Minho pretended he didn't hear anything and kept walking.
The leader shot a glance to the guy at left and the guy stretched out his hand to stop Minho his tracks. "Where you going?" the leader cooed.
Minho felt his heart race unpleasantly, "Home," was all Minho grumbled.
"Why don't you stick around for a bit," he suggested in a tone that sounded dangerous.
Minho breathed out slowly, "Look, dickwad, why don't you just let me go? Don't you have something better to do?"
"Whoa, ho, ho," the leader said throwing up his hands. "Looks like someone is a tough guy." The two guys beside him laughed.
Minho smirked and said, "Look, just because no girl would touch you with a ten-foot pole..."
"HEY," he yelled, interrupting Minho. The two guys on either of of him quickly grabbed on of Minho's arms and held him in place. "No one, and I mean no one, talks to Bling-Bling like that. You really asked for it this time."
Before Minho even knew what was really happening, 'Bling-Bling' had popped him in the face and he'd fallen to the ground. "What the hell," he groaned getting up only to be pushed back and forth between the three who formed a triangular-circle around him.
"Not so tough now, little bitch," he heard the leader say before stopping him and punching him in the face again. Minho fell onto his back, head pounding mercilessly. He felt a foot on his stomach and began to wish he was home. He heard the guys laugh a little and one spit, "pathetic."
He began to give up hope when he heard a voice that kind of sounded like a kid's speak up. "What are you doing?"
The group stopped laughing and Minho imagined they were looking at the kid. "Hey, beat it, kid. We're busy," the leader growled.
Then, Minho heard something that kind of sounded like silverware rubbing together for a second and then the kid said, "What'd you say?"
"Hey, man. That's not cool. We don't want no trouble," the leader said in a panicky tone. Minho searched his mind for what could have scared them so much, but couldn't think of anything.
"Get out of here," the kid threatened, "and don't come back or I'll have to use it."
Minho heard the fear in 'Bling-Bling's voice, "Alright, alright. Geez, boys, let's get out of here." And then everything was quiet for a minute.
"Hey," he heard the kid's voice again and rubbed his eyes. When he opened them the kid was hovering over him with his pretty little face and tilted base-ball cap. He blinked a couple times and noticed the kid was holding out his hand. Minho grabbed it and was helped up immediately.
When standing, he noticed the kid had on a white t-shirt and some baggy jeans. It was weird because he could tell the kid was pretty skinny. Simply from height similarities, he supposed this kid may have been closer to his age then he previously suspected. He also spied a knife in his hand.
"Uhmm..." he started, trying to think of what to say, but the kid wasn't having any of that.
"Just get out of here."
Minho just stared, nodding only slightly. He tore his eyes away from the kid's and ran all the way home.
He wasn't sure why, but only when he reached his front porch did he stop and turn around, looking back longingly at the way he'd come. Who was that kid anyway?
~
It'd been three weeks since the incident, plenty of time for Minho's black eye to heal. He'd wondered if those guys would go back to the convenience store or if the kid would be there instead, but he saw neither each day he walked back from his study sessions. Now, his journey truly was peaceful, but Minho still longed to see kid's face again. Something about it stuck with him, though it was starting to fade.
Anyway, it was time to head home again and Minho walked, expecting nothing. Though he was pleasantly surprised when he saw a figure clad in a base-ball cap, wife-beater, and baggy jeans. He tried to keep his pace slow and steady. He came to a stop when he stood across the street from where the kid was leaning against the familiar brick wall.
For a moment, he watched as the kid took a drag from the cigarette wedged in between his middle and index finger of his right hand. Even from far away the kid looked good. Minho took a couple deep breaths before working up the courage to cross the street. He wasn't sure if the kid saw him or was just ignoring him, but he walked until he stood only a couple feet from the kid and then planted his feet firmly.
The kid's eyes slowly fixed on him and he felt himself heat up, but forced himself to choke out words anyway. "Umm, hi."
The kid took a long drag before replying, "Hey?"
Minho felt his confidence dwindle, but spoke again anyway, "Yeah, umm, you may not remember, but you sort of saved me the other day, and I wanted to say thank you. So, uhh, thanks."
The kid just looked at him, eyes turning into slits. He seemed to be checking Minho out in some way, which made Minho shift uncomfortably from one foot to the other. It was just about enough to make Minho want to sprint away again, but something kept him planted in one spot. Then, the kid asked, "What's your name?"
"Mi-Minho," he stuttered out.
He smiled a little bit and gestured to Minho with his left hand, "C'mere."
Though any kind of good judgment would have told Minho, 'no,' he inched closer to the kid, mostly out of curiosity. Unexpectedly, the kid grabbed the front of his shirt and pulled him into a kiss. Minho was shocked the the point of inability to move. He just stood there, feeling the other boys lips pressed to his. Then, it was over.
"Taemin," the kid offered before turning and heading down the alley behind the convenience store.
Minho walked home in a daze that day.
~
It'd been a couple days and each day in between had been a little disappointing. Each day after his study sessions he would search around the area of the convenience store for Taemin and each day he would find nothing. He even searched the alley way, making sure he didn't miss him at all, but he didn't see him. What kind of guy kisses another guy and then disappears?
Anyway, Minho had no luck and was, again, beginning to give up hope. He told himself today would be the last day he looked. However, it started raining like all the water in the world had been locked up in the clouds. Minho was almost to the convenience store when it suddenly fell upon him like a monsoon. Not wanting to get soaked, he began to run forward, shielding his head.
He didn't make it very far before he heard someone call, "Minho," he turned around to see a figure he couldn't quite make out, but they were holding an umbrella. He rushed toward them and followed them through the back alley of the convenience store to a door on the side of another building. No sooner were they in the building did Minho realize it was Taemin he'd followed.
Taemin made his way across the large warehouse to a corner that was closed off by curtains. Minho followed, leaving a trail of water behind him.
"Take off your clothes," Taemin said point-blank.
Minho was a little thrown off by this statement and began with, "Wha-" but then Taemin threw a very familiar wife-beater at him.
"It's all I got clean," he ignored Minho's confusion. Then, he pulled out a pair of pants and threw those at him too.
Minho looked at them for a second, then to Taemin. Taemin kept his back turned to the other boy and Minho let out a sigh before he began to undress. When he was done, he looked a little silly if he did say so himself. The shirt was a bit tight, but not to bad. However, the pants were two-sizes too big. Minho looked at Taemin and assessed they were probably four or five sizes too big for Taemin.
"Thanks, again," Minho finally said. He took a moment to take in his surroundings and really understand where he was.
"No problem," Taemin said coolly. He took a pack of cigarettes off his dresser and slid one out. He lit it and took one long drag, "You want one?" he offered Minho.
Minho shook his head, "No, I don't smoke."
"Mmm," Taemin acknowledged his statement as he plopped down in a nearby chair.
Minho took a seat on Taemin's bed twiddling his feet, "So, you live here?"
"Yupp," Taemin said, taking another drag. "Work here too. Actually, it's my bosses warehouse, but he lets me stay here. 'Specially since I chased away those idiots from before."
"Oh," Minho felt himself become a little stiff at the mention of those guys.
Taemin ignored Minho's uncomfortable-ness, "They were dealing drugs from back here and if they got caught it would make boss and the convenience store guy look bad, so I did some favors and got a nice deal out of it."
"So," Minho's curiosity built up again, "you don't go to school?"
"No, haven't for a long time. I got other things to deal with."
"Oh," Minho said again and it became quiet.
Taemin let his head fall back on the chair and closed his eyes. He looked like he was pretty relaxed for the moment. Minho watched him in awe, mostly because he was even more beautiful than Minho had remembered. He didn't mean to stare, but he just couldn't take his eyes away.
It was like that for a long while, but then Taemin said, "So, what's up?"
Minho snapped out of his gawking and said, "Oh, I was coming home from a study session. I have them every day. Actually, I'd been looking for you for a couple days," he paused waiting for Taemin to answer.
"Yeah?" Taemin said opening one eye to look at Minho. He sighed a little and put out his cigarette, sitting up, "What'd you want?"
Minho felt himself bite his lip as he looked down at his feet. They were still twiddling back and forth. "Umm," he started, but took a deep breath, "Why... why did you kiss me?"
Taemin chuckled a little, "Oh, that." He got up and crossed the room to where Minho sat. He grabbed his chin in his right hand and made Minho look him in the eyes, "It's not every day that a guy sees a pretty guy like you."
Minho attempted to look away, but Taemin kept hold of his chin, "Oh." It seemed that was all he could reply.
Taemin let go and Minho looked at the ground, trying to stifle his embarrassment.
"Well, I got to get back to work. I'll probably be done in a couple hours. Feel free to stay as long as you like," and Minho caught Taemin giving a little wave before disappearing on the other side of the curtains. He heard a door open and shut and then all was quiet again.
~
At some point, Minho had fallen asleep on Taemin's bed. He was woken up some hours later by Taemin gently shaking him. He didn't stay too long after that, but skipped home happily because he'd been invited back Sunday when Taemin didn't have to work. That was the night it started.
They became closer over the next month. Minho spent more than just Sundays at Taemin's warehouse. Sometimes, he'd go and catch Taemin on break for a little bit and then wait the few hours it took him to get off. Other times, he would watch Taemin work, sometimes helping him when needed. Either way, Minho was happy because he got to spend more time with this astounding boy.
The only thing that played on the edge of Minho's mind was that kiss. Nothing quite like it had happened since their second encounter, but Minho couldn't forget it. Honestly, he wanted it to happen again so that he may have the chance to kiss Taemin back. However, he couldn't ever get himself to make the move.
Anyway, it was Sunday today, which meant more time with Taemin than usual. Minho walked up the road and toward the convenience store. It had gotten hotter over the past month because summer was nearing. Minho felt a little sweat forming on his brow, but paid it no mind because his destination was ten times more important to him.
When he neared the store, he saw Taemin waiting for him. He had his usual base-ball cap on with a black wife-beater and black shorts with white stripes down the side. Each time he saw the younger boy he felt his heart ache a little more. He'd grown far more than attached to Taemin.
"Hey," Taemin greeted as he neared. "I've got something to show you," he grabbed at Minho's hand and pulled him toward the back alley.
Minho felt butterflies wiggle in his stomach at the contact and stumbled after Taemin. When they were out of the sun and in the cool warehouse, Minho asked, "What is it?"
Taemin didn't answer, but pulled him a little further, not toward his corner, but toward an open space, "This." He let go of his hand.
Minho looked away from Taemin and spied a basketball goal. "Wow," he looked at it in awe, "Where'd you get it?"
"Found it near a dumpster," Taemin beamed, "Took a bit to get it back here, but it was worth it. I really like basketball."
"Me too," Minho smiled and then looked back at Taemin. Taemin looked pleased and Minho was even more happy than he'd been.
"Let's play," Taemin suggested with a twitch of his eyebrows. He turned around and ran to the other side of the warehouse to get something, coming back with an orange ball in hand. For a second, Minho saw a playful spirit in Taemin.
Without warning, Taemin began to bounce the ball and swiveled around Minho toward the goal. He shoots, he scores. "You're going to have to be faster than that, Minho."
Minho stared for a moment before cracking a smile, "That's cheating," he laughed before getting into the game.
Three hours later they were sweating, still in a heated battle. The score was 4-3, Taemin in the lead. He'd just scored another point and Minho was pretty sour about it. He hated losing, but it was almost okay since it was Taemin. Almost.
"Your ball," Taemin said as he passed the ball Minho's way. Minho caught it with ease, eyes glaring at Taemin competitively. He bounced the ball once and then went into a play, trying to get passed Taemin. However, Taemin was pretty fast and somehow swooped the ball out of his hands before he even knew it himself.
Minho growled in frustration and Taemin laughed a little. "Okay," Taemin started, "I'll make you a deal. If you can steal the ball from me, you win."
Minho made no effort in agreement, but he went for Taemin. Taemin dodged almost effortlessly. Everytime Minho got close, Taemin would duck, or sidle away at the exact right moment. It was frustrating, but Minho kept trying.
Taemin's face was still playful and devious. As he dodged the older boy, he came up with a plan of utmost distraction. After ducking under Minho's arm for the last time, he ran across the room and stood, facing Minho. Before Minho could go after him again he yelled, "Wait!"
Minho stopped in his tracks and looked at Taemin.
Taemin sauntered toward Minho, leaving only a few feet between them. He looked Minho in the eyes in a way that forced Minho to lock gazes with him, unable to look away. Something about those eyes kept Minho frozen. Taemin smirked victoriously. In a quick movement, he pretended to throw the ball at Minho, which startled the older boy, but then quickly threw it behind him. While Minho was startled, Taemin closed the space between them and met the other boy's lips in a kiss.
Minho was confused for a moment, but eventually kissed back. Taemin smirked victoriously, again, into the kiss. He pushed Minho back lightly until his back hit a stack of cardboard boxes behind him. Minho felt heat rise to his cheeks at the younger boy's obvious dominance.
Then, Taemin pulled away, looking at Minho, smirk still dancing across his face. "You're cute," was all he said before planting a peck on Minho's nose and then going to retrieve the basketball.
~
Their relationship was strange. There were no labels. They were friends of course, but nothing really beyond that. Sure, Taemin kissed him all the time and Minho melted to almost any touch the younger boy gave, but that was about it. Things were simple and that was a good thing on both ends.
They spent just about the same amount of time together, perhaps a little more, simply because Minho refused to leave until at least 11:00 P.M. He wanted to be around Taemin as much as possible, even if it did effect how well he slept.
Anyway, this had been going on all summer long. Really, since the met in April to the current early September. To say the least, it was blissful.
Minho made his way along the familiar road toward the convenience store. When he neared, he saw his beloved Taemin, like always, but something was different. Minho noticed the cigarette in his hand which had been missing for three months now. He remembered Taemin stating that he only really smoked when he was feeling stressed out.
As he neared the other boy, he called out to him, "Hey," his tone seemingly weary.
"Hey," Taemin shot back. He let his cigarette fall to the ground and promptly stomped on it. He looked at Minho, but something still felt off. "Can we go somewhere?"
"Sure," Minho replied. He figured something was up.
Taemin lead him about a block away to a nearby park. Minho had passed the park many times and even played here as a child. Taemin and him even came here from time to time, so it wasn't all that out of the ordinary. Taemin made a B-line for the swings and sat down, waiting for Minho to sit next to him. For a little while, they swang in silence.
When Minho thought he couldn't handle it any longer, Taemin spoke up. "So, I gotta tell you something."
Minho kept swinging, "What is it?"
"Well, when I came here in late March and asked the boss for a job, it was just for the summer."
Minho felt dread slowly winding in his stomach, "Yeah?"
"Yeah, so pretty soon I'm going to be unemployed," Taemin said point-blank.
"Oh," was all he said.
Silence followed and Minho wasn't really sure what to say. He wasn't sure he even knew what Taemin really meant, but Taemin made sure to clear that up. "I'm leaving, Minho."
Minho felt himself stop swinging and he looked over at Taemin, "When?"
Taemin also stopped swinging, but he looked in front of him, "About a week and then I'm gone."
Minho bit his cheek hard because he felt like tears were going to spill out of his eyes. A week? He'd never been informed of this before now. "A week?" he said aloud, voice shaking.
Taemin nodded, "Yeah."
Minho swallowed a couple of times, eyes stinging. He knew it'd been too good to be true. "So, that's it then? You're just... leaving."
"Yes," Taemin's tone was a little harsh.
Minho swallowed again and looked at the ground, "Why didn't you tell me?"
"Would it have changed anything?"
Minho wanted to say yes, he really did, but he just stayed silent. What could he do?
"Anyway, I have to go," Taemin said getting off the swing, "See you around," and then he left.
Minho sat there feeling helpless, empty, and mostly sick. He couldn't do anything about it.
~
It had been a year. Rather, it had actually been eight months, but regardless of that Minho hadn't forgotten about Taemin for a single day. He'd dreamed of him countless times, only to wake up to the harsh realities that the warehouse behind the convenience store was now empty besides a few stacks of cardboard boxes and that basketball goal.
Sometimes, Minho would just go there and sit for hours. It almost felt like he was with him. Almost.
Anyway, Minho had mostly become a home-body. He still saw his friends and went to classes and study sessions when he had to, but nothing unnecessary. The only activity he did willingly was play basketball by himself inside the warehouse.
However, Minho wasn't lonely, or rather, he knew he only wanted one person to be around and that was Taemin. No one else really understood him like Taemin had. So, Minho took solitude over anybody else.
Currently, Minho lay on his bed, reading a book for his English class. It was some silly book about a kid river-rafting with a slave. He absent-mindedly wondered what it would be like if he went river-rafting with Taemin. Would Taemin even like river-rafting? Minho guessed he would just because Taemin was the kind who liked to go on adventures.
He glanced over the page for a fourth time before giving up on reading for now. He barely got the chance to sit up before his phone started to ring. He imagined it was probably one of his parents since he never talked to anyone outside of school anymore. However, he didn't recognize the number.
He answered it anyway. "Hello?"
"Hey," He vaguely recognized the voice and his heart almost beat out of his chest.
"Taemin?"
He heard a light chuckle, "What are you doing right now?"
Minho stuttered a little, "N-nothing, but-"
"Look outside your window."
Minho silently obeyed and he barely caught his breath when he saw Taemin standing in his front yard, smiling more perfectly than Minho had previously remembered. He shut his phone and ran down the stairs and out the front door as quickly as he could.
When he was outside he slowed his pace and inched toward Taemin uncertainly. "What are you doing here?" Minho questioned, his heart beating louder than he'd ever heard it before.
Taemin just smiled at him, so devilishly handsome, and closed the space between them, taking Minho's chin in his hand. "You didn't think I'd leave a pretty little thing like you behind, did ya?" He stared reassuringly into Minho's eyes.
Minho felt himself sigh contently because this was all he'd been hoping for for months on end. With that, Taemin closed the gap completely by reaching up and kissing Minho like he'd never left him because, really, you never truly leave someone you love.
__________________________________________
Just in case you're a lazy son-of-a-gun:
So Bucc
Minho shaking it
We Belong Together