it's happening - ch7
f.t island: "it's happening" --jaejin/minhwan (currently) and seunghyun/nicole(kara); PG-13
Don't stop loving
Exhausted from the trip, Minhwan walked ever so slowly. Seunghyun suggested they took a cab but he preferred to get some air. It felt light against his cheek, the summer was coming soon but not soon enough so they still enjoyed the breeze.
While crossing the street to get to his house, he noticed Jaejin stood outside his door. He picked up his pace but failed to breath correctly so he ended up standing there holding his sore side and panting slightly.
"What are you doing here?" Minhwan gasped. Jaejin turned around, burying his hands in his jacket. It was cold outside for him so he wore a comfortable cardigan.
"I took a walk. You're back from the concert already?" he looked at Minhwan's rough expression. His cheeks flared slightly from all the running he went through today, his hair looked like it gone through a cyclone but he still looked amazingly lively.
Minhwan nodded but he didn't want to end this encounter. So he blurted the first thing that came into his mind.
"You should meet Nicole." he couldn't register it himself, nonetheless Jaejin.
"Yeah, she's this nice girl Seunghyun met in his geometry class… she tagged along today and I clearly saw how much Seunghyun likes this girl."
"Well, that's great then. It will do him good to fall in love." Jaejin smiled genuinely but Minhwan frowned.
"We kissed. Seunghyun and I kissed. We kissed twice." He added one sentence at a time, studying Jaejin's reaction that turned from surprised to bemused and finally a bit upset.
"But none of the two kisses tasted anything like yours." Minhwan breathed out, taking one step closer to Jaejin. The boy's face cleared out from its frown and he returned to bemusement.
"I don't know if it is love, but I definitely don't want you to stop. Don't stop loving me." Without a minute to let Jaejin respond, he walked pass the boy and entered his house. He didn't even glance at him at all; therefore he couldn't see a smile forming delightedly on Jaejin's face. He bit his lip so he would stop himself from shouting in excitement and happiness.
"I will make you fall in love with me!" Jaejin promised with a longing look towards Minhwan's window.
One day during lunch, being the class president, Minhwan had to stay in class to fill out some application about their end of year party. Therefore, it left Seunghyun and Jaejin eating alone together.
He met Nicole, she was an okay girl. It worked perfectly well, that Seunghyun is attracted to this girl. However, Jaejin couldn't keep his brows from frowning when he remembered the little fact, their kisses. Seunghyun dared to kiss Minhwan after presuming he and Jaejin had something going on.
He sat there at the table, sipping his juice and half glaring at the window. He barely talked to Seunghyun nowadays. Is it obvious that I was after Minhwan this whole time? He wonders. Will Seunghyun be bothered by it? He kept inquiring himself but no answer was given.
"You're burning holes in my head; I can't eat if you burn holes in my head." Seunghyun mumbled, sipping his water before munching his bite. Jaejin tilted his head to the side, his lips slightly pouty. He didn't bother denying. He is trying to blow up Seunghyun's head, just to get a glimpse of what is going in that skull.
"I hate not being able to eat." Seunghyun insisted that Jaejin would quit it soon with his tone. So Jaejin gave a fake cough before averting his eyes somewhere else. Halfway through break, Jaejin got the courage and was bored enough to find out for himself.
"Are you going out with Nicole?" he bluntly interrogated, his eyes glaring again. Seunghyun halted his chewing and glanced at Jaejin. The boy rested his head on his palm, visually bored.
"Did she say anything to you?"
"I asked you a question; it's impolite to ask back. Answer me, Seunghyun." Though Jaejin intended to scare the younger man with his usage of manners, Seunghyun gave a light chuckle. Obviously done for today, he slightly pushed his tray and wiped his mouth before talking.
"You know I don't consider you older."
"And I don't consider you at all. Now spill it. Are you dating Nicole?" Jaejin's eyes petrified, they showed no emotion but sheer coldness. Seunghyun took a second or two, testing out what it would be like to have Jaejin on an edge. It didn't end well, so he quickly mumbled.
"I don't know. We've only been on one date since the concert."
"Who initiated that date?" he had no interest in it, true. But the result of Seunghyun and Nicole's relationship can open up a free road for Jaejin to pursue Minhwan openly -as if his tactics weren't so into-your-face obvious already.
"She did." Seunghyun didn't sound shamed at all. He was a damn man! He should man up and asks the girl first, not let her take him out on a sympathy date! Jaejin's eyes flared with slight rage. How in the hell did he end up opposing this guy? Did Minhwan even look at this guy?
"You're really dumb. You are obviously smitten but you have no balls to ask her out." He pushed back all thoughts that might irk him about Minhwan's reasons for choosing Seunghyun earlier and decided to help this sad excuse of a boy instead.
"Well it's kind of scary to ask the second popular girl, that and she's older! I just happened to take that class to get better grades. I don't think she would consider me…" Seunghyun played with the remains of his rice, his eyes downcast and mouth pouting. Ugh, what a sad scene of a love sick puppy. Jaejin barely held back the vomit at such gross scene.
"If you want, I can put some good words for you. I have her around three classes this semester. It won't be a hard thing to chat with her." Jaejin carelessly spoke, he accidently perked Seunghyun's excitement. The younger man pushed forward, almost smacking his hands in Jaejin's face while he tried to shake Jaejin's shoulders.
"Are you serious? Do you have any idea how amazing that would be?" Seunghyun's smile could almost blind Jaejin, if it wasn't for the pair of amazing glasses he had on. He pushed Seunghyun's hands off his shoulders.
"No need to act like a love struck puppy, get a grip."
"That's mean! I am simply showing gratitude."
"Keep it and just get yourself a girlfriend already." Jaejin half snapped at his face while getting up. Seunghyun watched over as Jaejin hurried out of the place.
Seunghyun wasn't dense at all, he was quite bright and he saw the hidden intents right through Jaejin's favor. He intended to take advantage of Jaejin's precariousness.
It took less than they expected before Minhwan could act normal with Jaejin, if you call their current situation normal. They weren't that friendly before, and that made it a bit awkward. However, one evening when Minhwan came later than usual from his part-time job at the café, he spotted Jaejin in the front yard. The boy sat in the garden with a book opened on the table while a bass rode his lab. Curiously, Minhwan greeted.
"Good evening!" he peeked through the gate but Jaejin didn't respond. 'Heck! Is he ignoring me?' he was an inch away from panicking when Jaejin winched and took off his ear buds that helped him listen more carefully.
"Oh, it's Minhwan." He noticed the younger boy by the gate and placed his bass on the table. He opened the gate and invited him over. Minhwan accepted.
"You're into the bass? I didn't think you would be the type to play music."
"Oh, that? It's been a hobby of mine back in middle school and I figured I would roughen up my skill yesterday." They sat on the chairs; Jaejin picked the red bass and showed off his basics to Minhwan. He
"That's too easy, play something harder." Jaejin gave a smirk and offered a little piece he's been working on. He glanced at Minhwan and saw how smitten the boy was for the music.
"I didn’t know you were interested in instruments." Jaejin laid the piece on the next available chair and buzzed for his housemaid to bring some beverages.
"I wasn't. It just poked my interest, seeing you with a bass. You look kind of cool." He said matter-of-fact. Jaejin smiled and nodded, "the reason I got this baby at first was to look cool, and I guess we drifted apart." He trailed fingers along the bass' neck.
The housemaid came along with orange juice, but Minhwan declined softly.
"Oh there's no need, I will be leaving in a second." He got up and waved goodbye. However before he could exit the property, Jaejin stopped him by tucking on his arm.
"I… I've wanted to say this since a long time… thank you." Jaejin couldn't meet his eyes so Minhwan inquired softly. He didn't understand the pink blush spreading over Jaejin's creamy cheeks but he liked it.
"what's that for?" he adjusted his bag, he had no time to change clothes before his curfew so he still wore his working uniform and had his school uniform in his backpack.
"For giving my feelings a chance to prove themselves, I can't wait being your boyfriend." He bottled up his shyness and confessed. Nothing in the world means as much as wanting to be Minhwan's person to Jaejin. It had been blurry before, his feelings were vague toward the boy but as he thinks over his heart, he believes he is getting a certain fall in something so dangerous it scared him so much.
Minhwan smiled softly, and nodded goodbye. Without words he left to his house, leaving behind Jaejin like usual. Nonetheless, Minhwan's insides were too jumbled for him to utter a word, that's why he ran away. He couldn't run away from the intense flood of emotions, he felt… he felt… he doesn't know what but the determined look on Jaejin's face owned his mind.
He threw himself into his bed, sighing as the comfortable mattress eased his back. His cell phone rang; it was Seunghyun asking about a certain brother of Minhwan's.
"I haven't seen him at all the past two days except on breakfast, what's up with him?" answering casually, he needed to work less and attend to his family more. Minhwan sighed inwardly.
"I heard it from some girls; they saw him come out of the hospital with a cast on his right hand. Is he all right?" Seunghyun's worried tone didn't pass unnoticed but Minhwan had a bigger issue.
"What? His hand is in a cast? He broke his hand? I had no idea. Hold on Seunghyun I need to go talk to him, I will call you later. Bye." He clicked off and without any warnings he hurried over his brother's room.
He barged in and regretted it immediately, it seems like Hongki and Jonghun seriously needed to lock the room every time they act intimate.
Minhwan didn't have time to get angry, he just yelled at the half naked boys to get off each other. Hongki grumbled something about annoying siblings and Jonghun smiles. With Hongki's help, he got dressed and the fresh hickey disappeared under his collar.
"What is this I’m hearing about a broken hand?" Minhwan walked over and noticed that Seunghyun was right, Jonghun had his right hand in a cast, and it was hoisted to his chest with a strap around his neck and shoulder.
"How did this happen?" Minhwan sat next to him, daring the two of the lovers to start bickering about their forgotten arousals.
"Uh… I fell." Jonghun's eyes didn't meet his, so Minhwan forced him to connect their gazes together with his sarcastic tone.
"You fell? You fell, as in fell off stairs of something? What are you, are you a kid to fall off stairs?" Hongki rolled his eyes and sat across Minhwan on Jonghun's left side; the elder took Hongki's hand using his good hand and couldn't stop his cheesy smile from spreading across his face. Minhwan arched a brow at the amount of grease his brother can ooze off sometimes.
"He didn't fall; he got into a fist fight." Minhwan's face turned to Hongki and his expression froze.
"A fist fight?" he repeated, seemingly unaware to believe it or joke about it like their first option of a lie. "Are you serious?" he questioned again and Jonghun's guilty glance at him before locking eyes with Hongki confirmed it.
"Who fought him? Who did you fight with?" fully aware that his brother was a rational person who didn't believe violence was a solution to anything, except when he's joking around. However the injury didn't look funny.
"Jonghun had a fight with w-" Hongki started but Jonghun stopped him, he groaned as he tried to get his body up from his semi-lying down position, but Hongki pushed him back and assure him with a glance.
"He needs to know." He spoke to Jonghun before turning to Minhwan. The teenager was confused. What is going on? Who was the person that got into a fight with his brother? Why would Jonghun not want Minhwan to know?
"Wonbin is back in town, and we ran into him this evening." Hongki spoke slowly; fully aware of the pressure his words will put on Minhwan. The youngest boy sat there, his eyes slowly dilating with shock.
"Wonbin is here? When did he show up? When is he leaving?" he asked, terrified to know but he must put that kind of information into his calculations. Jonghun bit his lip, obviously regretting letting Hongki tell Minhwan. It was a very sensitive subject. The boy was his best friend who Minhwan fell for, it was that turning point in Minhwan’s life that turned him into the man he is today.
"We don’t know when but he told us he’s not staying for long, probably just a week.” Jonghun answered this time, he reached over, obviously in pain in his lower back but he bears it until he got Minhwan’s hand in his left palm.
“Don’t worry Minhwan; I won’t let him hurt you like last time.” Jonghun was mistaken to say those words, reminding Minhwan of the pain he was in couple of years back. Minhwan shrugged his hand off and got up from the bed.
“Don’t worry, I’m not a baby, I can take care of myself. Besides, you look like you got smashed, so just heal slowly. Goodnight.” He exited the room, not a single word was spoken to him. He couldn’t just stay there. It was obvious the other two pitied him. His eyes watered, he is pathetic, not being able to forget something so old.
The morning dragged on lazily, Minhwan lethargically spent his morning. Hongki slept over to assist Jonghun. It was a pleasant addition to their breakfast but Minhwan felt strangely not in the mood to converse with anyone.
He left shortly after eating a bite or two. On his way to the bus stop, he felt a dangerous aura reek around him. He took his time, reminding himself that he was always early; maybe he needed to be late today. However, he was scheduled, no matter how slow he walked or many breaks he took on the way, he got there only 2 minutes late. He sighed, still risky. He sat alone waiting; the scholars didn’t take the early bus so he would have to bear the loneliness. He got used to it since he has been coming late since first year.
At six fifteen, he checked his wrist watch. He was on time, but he felt like he wanted to leave earlier. Too late for him, a black car stopped right before him. He dragged his pupils into the person getting off the back seat and it wasn’t long before he was right on his feet.
“Good morning, Minhwan.” Wonbin greeted, saluting Minhwan cheerily. Minhwan couldn’t find a reply; he just stood there, waiting somehow.
“You’re all alone, as expected.” Wonbin closed the door of the car and strode toward Minhwan, his smile still brightening his face. Minhwan kept on glancing upwards because Wonbin is so damn tall.
“What are you doing here?” He finally spoke; having Wonbin up his face for a good second made him back a step or two.
“I’m visiting my friend, aren’t you happy to see me?” he opened two arms but Minhwan’s eyes froze with coldness.
“Jonghun warned me from you but I didn’t expect you to crawl back to me this quickly.” If Minhwan had to pick something he was good at it was his poker face. He stepped back, bringing some space between them since Wonbin had the idea of them being very cozy.
“Warned you? But why would he? I’m his best friend.” Sly and full of determination to scare me out of his wits as usual, isn’t he? Minhwan thought bitterly.
“You were his best friend. Too bad Jonghun got tricked by you for longer than expected.” Minhwan sneered, caught sight of his bus arriving as usual. He gave Wonbin a glare before leaving without a word.
He saw Seunghyun burying his face in a sandwich; he gave a small hand wave to the boy before sitting on the free seat next to him. His whole body shivered slightly, but he suppressed it so Seunghyun won’t notice.
“Hey what’s up with you? Didn’t Jaejin come yet?” Seunghyun talked after swallowing down his bite.
“I didn’t see him; he’s probably showing up later at school.” Minhwan shrugged, too calculative to think of Jaejin. What about Wonbin? Is he seriously here just to terrify me again? Thoughts swam through Minhwan’s mind.
‘Ahhhh that stupid Jaejin, he better keep his promise or I will shave his head.’ Minhwan blinked. What? Who said that? He turned to Seunghyun and found the boy pouting into his sandwich.
“What’s with you and shaving Jaejin’s head?” he asked, finally getting his mind off that nuisance. Seunghyun looked at him, his face confused.
“How did you know that?” bewildered he stared into Minhwan’s bored face.
“Me, you know I have super powers.” He shrugged before snatching the rest of Seunghyun’s breakfast. Seunghyun didn’t protest because he had a bag of chips to nibble on.
“The idiot says he will set me up with Nicole but it’s been a week and I see no progress at all.” Minhwan almost choked. Jaejin is helping Seunghyun in getting a date with Nicole? How come? Seunghyun shared his chips but Minhwan declined.
“How come he’s helping? Are you so anti-social you can’t even take her on a date yourself?” he stifled the laughter when Seunghyun punched his arm.
“Shut up! It’s the first person I ever like! You would know you little anti-social.” It wasn’t the remark t the end that scratched Minhwan’s pride, it was Seunghyun’s obvious rejection of any feelings he ever did or didn’t harbor for Minhwan.
“Yeah I am a bit of a loner but I have you dorks to keep me company.” The bus gave a small noise before it stopped. The bus driver’s voice rang through the place.
“We’re sorry to inform you but there is a problem and the bus’ engine stopped running.” Informed the voice and came afterwards the groans of displease.
“What? Oh farts!” Seunghyun cursed lamely and Minhwan gave him a look before they got up to evacuate the bus.
“I guess we have to walk huh?” Seunghyun looked back at the bus before picking up his backpack.
“Yeah, it’s not that far-“
“No need, hop up, I will give you a ride.” Came the voice of Jaejin, they turned around and saw the spectacles boy in an elegant Mercedes that Seunghyun couldn’t help but gasp at its shiny appearance.
“Where… where did this babe come from?”
“Get in and I will tell you.” Jaejin smirked, his tone amused. Minhwan didn’t waste time on the sidewalk and walked toward the car, Seunghyun behind him.
“Thank you.” Minhwan politely murmured as he dragged his ass over the leather seats and letting Seunghyun slide next to him.
“Thank you!” Seunghyun retorted in English and Jaejin bobbed his head humbly. “Why were you late for the bus? I didn’t see you waiting with Minhwan.” Seunghyun asked once the car strode toward the school.
“I got up late; I was practicing my bass for longer than I planned.”
“You play the bass? Wow I didn’t think would you.” He seemed a bit sheepish when Jaejin eyed him sharply. “It’s just that you look like you would fit into Chess club more than a band.” He gave a lame chuckle, anything to stop Jaejin from killing him with his eyes.
“Actually, Jaejin was quite fitting. The instrument fits him in some way.” Minhwan surprised them both when he defended the geek. “Since, you know he is lanky and tall, so is the bass, both are helpless.” He enjoyed the scowl spreading over Jaejin’s face but he kept his face passive.
“We’ve arrived, Mr. Lee.” The driver spoke, his eyes straight ahead.
“Well, let’s go.” They exited the car and it left them behind in a matter of minutes.
“Well this was quick; the bus usually takes fifteen to twenty minutes.
“That’s because you ride one the first round the bus takes, that’s why you’re used to boiling in that little pit hole for some time.” Minhwan spoke bitterly, suddenly remembering who he had encountered this morning. The reunion brought irritation to his perfect mood. He left the two behind with a quick “good-bye”.
“What’s wrong with him?” Jaejin walked side by side with the taller teen.
“I don’t know but he was a bit pissed off this morning. He was talking with someone -I couldn’t recognize him.”
‘Someone made him angry, then?’ Jaejin pondered. “Ok, thanks. I’m off to class.” Jaejin ran behind Minhwan, and Seunghyun stood there, murmuring, “but you’re class building is over that way.” His hand pointed to the opposite direction of the one Jaejin nook.
Jaejin was long gone, not caring for what Seunghyun mumbled behind. He caught up with Minhwan; the boy did seem slightly unbearable as he shook his hand off. “What do you want?” perfectly irritated, that’s how Jaejin described Minhwan at the moment.
“Uhm, Seunghyun told me you were upset. What’s wrong?” with Jaejin’s eyes focusing on him, Minhwan seemed to cool off. He blew an annoyed sigh and brushed the back of his head lightly.
“I just encountered a person from the past. It’s nothing much, I will be in a better mood at noon. Thanks.” He tried to smile, but it looked wrong. His lips were pressed in a fine line-indicating his sour mood. “I better go, you two, go to class.” He dismissed himself but Jaejin couldn’t let the younger boy go yet. He dragged him to the staircase, everyone already settled inside the classes. To hide Minhwan’s face, Jaejin made him face the wall and be trapped between Minhwan and the staircase’s corner. Minhwan had a perplexed look on his face the entire time and he couldn’t mass up Jaejin’s actions to find the intentions behind them.
“What are you doing?” he vocally expressed it, his hands grasped by Jaejin made him feel slightly secured.
“I’m only doing this to cheer you up.” Jaejin whispered and out of nowhere, Jaejin kissed him. The taller boy hummed against his lips and Minhwan kissed him back. All of his thoughts seemed to disappear, leaving him nothing but the comforting pair of lips against his. Softly, Jaejin wrapped his hands around Minhwan’s face as he broke the kiss. His eyes proud, his warm fruity breath broke down Minhwan’s cheek.
“Be more cheerful.” He murmured.
to be continued
Don't stop loving
Exhausted from the trip, Minhwan walked ever so slowly. Seunghyun suggested they took a cab but he preferred to get some air. It felt light against his cheek, the summer was coming soon but not soon enough so they still enjoyed the breeze.
While crossing the street to get to his house, he noticed Jaejin stood outside his door. He picked up his pace but failed to breath correctly so he ended up standing there holding his sore side and panting slightly.
"What are you doing here?" Minhwan gasped. Jaejin turned around, burying his hands in his jacket. It was cold outside for him so he wore a comfortable cardigan.
"I took a walk. You're back from the concert already?" he looked at Minhwan's rough expression. His cheeks flared slightly from all the running he went through today, his hair looked like it gone through a cyclone but he still looked amazingly lively.
Minhwan nodded but he didn't want to end this encounter. So he blurted the first thing that came into his mind.
"You should meet Nicole." he couldn't register it himself, nonetheless Jaejin.
"Yeah, she's this nice girl Seunghyun met in his geometry class… she tagged along today and I clearly saw how much Seunghyun likes this girl."
"Well, that's great then. It will do him good to fall in love." Jaejin smiled genuinely but Minhwan frowned.
"We kissed. Seunghyun and I kissed. We kissed twice." He added one sentence at a time, studying Jaejin's reaction that turned from surprised to bemused and finally a bit upset.
"But none of the two kisses tasted anything like yours." Minhwan breathed out, taking one step closer to Jaejin. The boy's face cleared out from its frown and he returned to bemusement.
"I don't know if it is love, but I definitely don't want you to stop. Don't stop loving me." Without a minute to let Jaejin respond, he walked pass the boy and entered his house. He didn't even glance at him at all; therefore he couldn't see a smile forming delightedly on Jaejin's face. He bit his lip so he would stop himself from shouting in excitement and happiness.
"I will make you fall in love with me!" Jaejin promised with a longing look towards Minhwan's window.
One day during lunch, being the class president, Minhwan had to stay in class to fill out some application about their end of year party. Therefore, it left Seunghyun and Jaejin eating alone together.
He met Nicole, she was an okay girl. It worked perfectly well, that Seunghyun is attracted to this girl. However, Jaejin couldn't keep his brows from frowning when he remembered the little fact, their kisses. Seunghyun dared to kiss Minhwan after presuming he and Jaejin had something going on.
He sat there at the table, sipping his juice and half glaring at the window. He barely talked to Seunghyun nowadays. Is it obvious that I was after Minhwan this whole time? He wonders. Will Seunghyun be bothered by it? He kept inquiring himself but no answer was given.
"You're burning holes in my head; I can't eat if you burn holes in my head." Seunghyun mumbled, sipping his water before munching his bite. Jaejin tilted his head to the side, his lips slightly pouty. He didn't bother denying. He is trying to blow up Seunghyun's head, just to get a glimpse of what is going in that skull.
"I hate not being able to eat." Seunghyun insisted that Jaejin would quit it soon with his tone. So Jaejin gave a fake cough before averting his eyes somewhere else. Halfway through break, Jaejin got the courage and was bored enough to find out for himself.
"Are you going out with Nicole?" he bluntly interrogated, his eyes glaring again. Seunghyun halted his chewing and glanced at Jaejin. The boy rested his head on his palm, visually bored.
"Did she say anything to you?"
"I asked you a question; it's impolite to ask back. Answer me, Seunghyun." Though Jaejin intended to scare the younger man with his usage of manners, Seunghyun gave a light chuckle. Obviously done for today, he slightly pushed his tray and wiped his mouth before talking.
"You know I don't consider you older."
"And I don't consider you at all. Now spill it. Are you dating Nicole?" Jaejin's eyes petrified, they showed no emotion but sheer coldness. Seunghyun took a second or two, testing out what it would be like to have Jaejin on an edge. It didn't end well, so he quickly mumbled.
"I don't know. We've only been on one date since the concert."
"Who initiated that date?" he had no interest in it, true. But the result of Seunghyun and Nicole's relationship can open up a free road for Jaejin to pursue Minhwan openly -as if his tactics weren't so into-your-face obvious already.
"She did." Seunghyun didn't sound shamed at all. He was a damn man! He should man up and asks the girl first, not let her take him out on a sympathy date! Jaejin's eyes flared with slight rage. How in the hell did he end up opposing this guy? Did Minhwan even look at this guy?
"You're really dumb. You are obviously smitten but you have no balls to ask her out." He pushed back all thoughts that might irk him about Minhwan's reasons for choosing Seunghyun earlier and decided to help this sad excuse of a boy instead.
"Well it's kind of scary to ask the second popular girl, that and she's older! I just happened to take that class to get better grades. I don't think she would consider me…" Seunghyun played with the remains of his rice, his eyes downcast and mouth pouting. Ugh, what a sad scene of a love sick puppy. Jaejin barely held back the vomit at such gross scene.
"If you want, I can put some good words for you. I have her around three classes this semester. It won't be a hard thing to chat with her." Jaejin carelessly spoke, he accidently perked Seunghyun's excitement. The younger man pushed forward, almost smacking his hands in Jaejin's face while he tried to shake Jaejin's shoulders.
"Are you serious? Do you have any idea how amazing that would be?" Seunghyun's smile could almost blind Jaejin, if it wasn't for the pair of amazing glasses he had on. He pushed Seunghyun's hands off his shoulders.
"No need to act like a love struck puppy, get a grip."
"That's mean! I am simply showing gratitude."
"Keep it and just get yourself a girlfriend already." Jaejin half snapped at his face while getting up. Seunghyun watched over as Jaejin hurried out of the place.
Seunghyun wasn't dense at all, he was quite bright and he saw the hidden intents right through Jaejin's favor. He intended to take advantage of Jaejin's precariousness.
It took less than they expected before Minhwan could act normal with Jaejin, if you call their current situation normal. They weren't that friendly before, and that made it a bit awkward. However, one evening when Minhwan came later than usual from his part-time job at the café, he spotted Jaejin in the front yard. The boy sat in the garden with a book opened on the table while a bass rode his lab. Curiously, Minhwan greeted.
"Good evening!" he peeked through the gate but Jaejin didn't respond. 'Heck! Is he ignoring me?' he was an inch away from panicking when Jaejin winched and took off his ear buds that helped him listen more carefully.
"Oh, it's Minhwan." He noticed the younger boy by the gate and placed his bass on the table. He opened the gate and invited him over. Minhwan accepted.
"You're into the bass? I didn't think you would be the type to play music."
"Oh, that? It's been a hobby of mine back in middle school and I figured I would roughen up my skill yesterday." They sat on the chairs; Jaejin picked the red bass and showed off his basics to Minhwan. He
"That's too easy, play something harder." Jaejin gave a smirk and offered a little piece he's been working on. He glanced at Minhwan and saw how smitten the boy was for the music.
"I didn’t know you were interested in instruments." Jaejin laid the piece on the next available chair and buzzed for his housemaid to bring some beverages.
"I wasn't. It just poked my interest, seeing you with a bass. You look kind of cool." He said matter-of-fact. Jaejin smiled and nodded, "the reason I got this baby at first was to look cool, and I guess we drifted apart." He trailed fingers along the bass' neck.
The housemaid came along with orange juice, but Minhwan declined softly.
"Oh there's no need, I will be leaving in a second." He got up and waved goodbye. However before he could exit the property, Jaejin stopped him by tucking on his arm.
"I… I've wanted to say this since a long time… thank you." Jaejin couldn't meet his eyes so Minhwan inquired softly. He didn't understand the pink blush spreading over Jaejin's creamy cheeks but he liked it.
"what's that for?" he adjusted his bag, he had no time to change clothes before his curfew so he still wore his working uniform and had his school uniform in his backpack.
"For giving my feelings a chance to prove themselves, I can't wait being your boyfriend." He bottled up his shyness and confessed. Nothing in the world means as much as wanting to be Minhwan's person to Jaejin. It had been blurry before, his feelings were vague toward the boy but as he thinks over his heart, he believes he is getting a certain fall in something so dangerous it scared him so much.
Minhwan smiled softly, and nodded goodbye. Without words he left to his house, leaving behind Jaejin like usual. Nonetheless, Minhwan's insides were too jumbled for him to utter a word, that's why he ran away. He couldn't run away from the intense flood of emotions, he felt… he felt… he doesn't know what but the determined look on Jaejin's face owned his mind.
He threw himself into his bed, sighing as the comfortable mattress eased his back. His cell phone rang; it was Seunghyun asking about a certain brother of Minhwan's.
"I haven't seen him at all the past two days except on breakfast, what's up with him?" answering casually, he needed to work less and attend to his family more. Minhwan sighed inwardly.
"I heard it from some girls; they saw him come out of the hospital with a cast on his right hand. Is he all right?" Seunghyun's worried tone didn't pass unnoticed but Minhwan had a bigger issue.
"What? His hand is in a cast? He broke his hand? I had no idea. Hold on Seunghyun I need to go talk to him, I will call you later. Bye." He clicked off and without any warnings he hurried over his brother's room.
He barged in and regretted it immediately, it seems like Hongki and Jonghun seriously needed to lock the room every time they act intimate.
Minhwan didn't have time to get angry, he just yelled at the half naked boys to get off each other. Hongki grumbled something about annoying siblings and Jonghun smiles. With Hongki's help, he got dressed and the fresh hickey disappeared under his collar.
"What is this I’m hearing about a broken hand?" Minhwan walked over and noticed that Seunghyun was right, Jonghun had his right hand in a cast, and it was hoisted to his chest with a strap around his neck and shoulder.
"How did this happen?" Minhwan sat next to him, daring the two of the lovers to start bickering about their forgotten arousals.
"Uh… I fell." Jonghun's eyes didn't meet his, so Minhwan forced him to connect their gazes together with his sarcastic tone.
"You fell? You fell, as in fell off stairs of something? What are you, are you a kid to fall off stairs?" Hongki rolled his eyes and sat across Minhwan on Jonghun's left side; the elder took Hongki's hand using his good hand and couldn't stop his cheesy smile from spreading across his face. Minhwan arched a brow at the amount of grease his brother can ooze off sometimes.
"He didn't fall; he got into a fist fight." Minhwan's face turned to Hongki and his expression froze.
"A fist fight?" he repeated, seemingly unaware to believe it or joke about it like their first option of a lie. "Are you serious?" he questioned again and Jonghun's guilty glance at him before locking eyes with Hongki confirmed it.
"Who fought him? Who did you fight with?" fully aware that his brother was a rational person who didn't believe violence was a solution to anything, except when he's joking around. However the injury didn't look funny.
"Jonghun had a fight with w-" Hongki started but Jonghun stopped him, he groaned as he tried to get his body up from his semi-lying down position, but Hongki pushed him back and assure him with a glance.
"He needs to know." He spoke to Jonghun before turning to Minhwan. The teenager was confused. What is going on? Who was the person that got into a fight with his brother? Why would Jonghun not want Minhwan to know?
"Wonbin is back in town, and we ran into him this evening." Hongki spoke slowly; fully aware of the pressure his words will put on Minhwan. The youngest boy sat there, his eyes slowly dilating with shock.
"Wonbin is here? When did he show up? When is he leaving?" he asked, terrified to know but he must put that kind of information into his calculations. Jonghun bit his lip, obviously regretting letting Hongki tell Minhwan. It was a very sensitive subject. The boy was his best friend who Minhwan fell for, it was that turning point in Minhwan’s life that turned him into the man he is today.
"We don’t know when but he told us he’s not staying for long, probably just a week.” Jonghun answered this time, he reached over, obviously in pain in his lower back but he bears it until he got Minhwan’s hand in his left palm.
“Don’t worry Minhwan; I won’t let him hurt you like last time.” Jonghun was mistaken to say those words, reminding Minhwan of the pain he was in couple of years back. Minhwan shrugged his hand off and got up from the bed.
“Don’t worry, I’m not a baby, I can take care of myself. Besides, you look like you got smashed, so just heal slowly. Goodnight.” He exited the room, not a single word was spoken to him. He couldn’t just stay there. It was obvious the other two pitied him. His eyes watered, he is pathetic, not being able to forget something so old.
The morning dragged on lazily, Minhwan lethargically spent his morning. Hongki slept over to assist Jonghun. It was a pleasant addition to their breakfast but Minhwan felt strangely not in the mood to converse with anyone.
He left shortly after eating a bite or two. On his way to the bus stop, he felt a dangerous aura reek around him. He took his time, reminding himself that he was always early; maybe he needed to be late today. However, he was scheduled, no matter how slow he walked or many breaks he took on the way, he got there only 2 minutes late. He sighed, still risky. He sat alone waiting; the scholars didn’t take the early bus so he would have to bear the loneliness. He got used to it since he has been coming late since first year.
At six fifteen, he checked his wrist watch. He was on time, but he felt like he wanted to leave earlier. Too late for him, a black car stopped right before him. He dragged his pupils into the person getting off the back seat and it wasn’t long before he was right on his feet.
“Good morning, Minhwan.” Wonbin greeted, saluting Minhwan cheerily. Minhwan couldn’t find a reply; he just stood there, waiting somehow.
“You’re all alone, as expected.” Wonbin closed the door of the car and strode toward Minhwan, his smile still brightening his face. Minhwan kept on glancing upwards because Wonbin is so damn tall.
“What are you doing here?” He finally spoke; having Wonbin up his face for a good second made him back a step or two.
“I’m visiting my friend, aren’t you happy to see me?” he opened two arms but Minhwan’s eyes froze with coldness.
“Jonghun warned me from you but I didn’t expect you to crawl back to me this quickly.” If Minhwan had to pick something he was good at it was his poker face. He stepped back, bringing some space between them since Wonbin had the idea of them being very cozy.
“Warned you? But why would he? I’m his best friend.” Sly and full of determination to scare me out of his wits as usual, isn’t he? Minhwan thought bitterly.
“You were his best friend. Too bad Jonghun got tricked by you for longer than expected.” Minhwan sneered, caught sight of his bus arriving as usual. He gave Wonbin a glare before leaving without a word.
He saw Seunghyun burying his face in a sandwich; he gave a small hand wave to the boy before sitting on the free seat next to him. His whole body shivered slightly, but he suppressed it so Seunghyun won’t notice.
“Hey what’s up with you? Didn’t Jaejin come yet?” Seunghyun talked after swallowing down his bite.
“I didn’t see him; he’s probably showing up later at school.” Minhwan shrugged, too calculative to think of Jaejin. What about Wonbin? Is he seriously here just to terrify me again? Thoughts swam through Minhwan’s mind.
‘Ahhhh that stupid Jaejin, he better keep his promise or I will shave his head.’ Minhwan blinked. What? Who said that? He turned to Seunghyun and found the boy pouting into his sandwich.
“What’s with you and shaving Jaejin’s head?” he asked, finally getting his mind off that nuisance. Seunghyun looked at him, his face confused.
“How did you know that?” bewildered he stared into Minhwan’s bored face.
“Me, you know I have super powers.” He shrugged before snatching the rest of Seunghyun’s breakfast. Seunghyun didn’t protest because he had a bag of chips to nibble on.
“The idiot says he will set me up with Nicole but it’s been a week and I see no progress at all.” Minhwan almost choked. Jaejin is helping Seunghyun in getting a date with Nicole? How come? Seunghyun shared his chips but Minhwan declined.
“How come he’s helping? Are you so anti-social you can’t even take her on a date yourself?” he stifled the laughter when Seunghyun punched his arm.
“Shut up! It’s the first person I ever like! You would know you little anti-social.” It wasn’t the remark t the end that scratched Minhwan’s pride, it was Seunghyun’s obvious rejection of any feelings he ever did or didn’t harbor for Minhwan.
“Yeah I am a bit of a loner but I have you dorks to keep me company.” The bus gave a small noise before it stopped. The bus driver’s voice rang through the place.
“We’re sorry to inform you but there is a problem and the bus’ engine stopped running.” Informed the voice and came afterwards the groans of displease.
“What? Oh farts!” Seunghyun cursed lamely and Minhwan gave him a look before they got up to evacuate the bus.
“I guess we have to walk huh?” Seunghyun looked back at the bus before picking up his backpack.
“Yeah, it’s not that far-“
“No need, hop up, I will give you a ride.” Came the voice of Jaejin, they turned around and saw the spectacles boy in an elegant Mercedes that Seunghyun couldn’t help but gasp at its shiny appearance.
“Where… where did this babe come from?”
“Get in and I will tell you.” Jaejin smirked, his tone amused. Minhwan didn’t waste time on the sidewalk and walked toward the car, Seunghyun behind him.
“Thank you.” Minhwan politely murmured as he dragged his ass over the leather seats and letting Seunghyun slide next to him.
“Thank you!” Seunghyun retorted in English and Jaejin bobbed his head humbly. “Why were you late for the bus? I didn’t see you waiting with Minhwan.” Seunghyun asked once the car strode toward the school.
“I got up late; I was practicing my bass for longer than I planned.”
“You play the bass? Wow I didn’t think would you.” He seemed a bit sheepish when Jaejin eyed him sharply. “It’s just that you look like you would fit into Chess club more than a band.” He gave a lame chuckle, anything to stop Jaejin from killing him with his eyes.
“Actually, Jaejin was quite fitting. The instrument fits him in some way.” Minhwan surprised them both when he defended the geek. “Since, you know he is lanky and tall, so is the bass, both are helpless.” He enjoyed the scowl spreading over Jaejin’s face but he kept his face passive.
“We’ve arrived, Mr. Lee.” The driver spoke, his eyes straight ahead.
“Well, let’s go.” They exited the car and it left them behind in a matter of minutes.
“Well this was quick; the bus usually takes fifteen to twenty minutes.
“That’s because you ride one the first round the bus takes, that’s why you’re used to boiling in that little pit hole for some time.” Minhwan spoke bitterly, suddenly remembering who he had encountered this morning. The reunion brought irritation to his perfect mood. He left the two behind with a quick “good-bye”.
“What’s wrong with him?” Jaejin walked side by side with the taller teen.
“I don’t know but he was a bit pissed off this morning. He was talking with someone -I couldn’t recognize him.”
‘Someone made him angry, then?’ Jaejin pondered. “Ok, thanks. I’m off to class.” Jaejin ran behind Minhwan, and Seunghyun stood there, murmuring, “but you’re class building is over that way.” His hand pointed to the opposite direction of the one Jaejin nook.
Jaejin was long gone, not caring for what Seunghyun mumbled behind. He caught up with Minhwan; the boy did seem slightly unbearable as he shook his hand off. “What do you want?” perfectly irritated, that’s how Jaejin described Minhwan at the moment.
“Uhm, Seunghyun told me you were upset. What’s wrong?” with Jaejin’s eyes focusing on him, Minhwan seemed to cool off. He blew an annoyed sigh and brushed the back of his head lightly.
“I just encountered a person from the past. It’s nothing much, I will be in a better mood at noon. Thanks.” He tried to smile, but it looked wrong. His lips were pressed in a fine line-indicating his sour mood. “I better go, you two, go to class.” He dismissed himself but Jaejin couldn’t let the younger boy go yet. He dragged him to the staircase, everyone already settled inside the classes. To hide Minhwan’s face, Jaejin made him face the wall and be trapped between Minhwan and the staircase’s corner. Minhwan had a perplexed look on his face the entire time and he couldn’t mass up Jaejin’s actions to find the intentions behind them.
“What are you doing?” he vocally expressed it, his hands grasped by Jaejin made him feel slightly secured.
“I’m only doing this to cheer you up.” Jaejin whispered and out of nowhere, Jaejin kissed him. The taller boy hummed against his lips and Minhwan kissed him back. All of his thoughts seemed to disappear, leaving him nothing but the comforting pair of lips against his. Softly, Jaejin wrapped his hands around Minhwan’s face as he broke the kiss. His eyes proud, his warm fruity breath broke down Minhwan’s cheek.
“Be more cheerful.” He murmured.
to be continued