just chasing c1.
Title: Just Chasing
Author jaemimi
Rating: PG
Pairing/Focus: Taemin POV, 2Min
Genre: Romance, drama, slight humour
Summary: Taemin has had a crush on Minho for five years since their first year of high school together. Having finished up with high school and moving in with one another, it grows harder and harder for Taemin to control and hide these feelings of his. As obstacles come into the way in the form of unreadable feelings and dangerous people, Taemin must fight through for the love of his life.
Chapter 1
I loved everything about him. His long brown hair and how it complimented his face and making it look slender causing his handsome features to stand out. How his large brown eyes complimented his slightly tanned complex. His plump lips just asking for a kiss. I had fallen into a deadly trap. I was in love with someone I’ll never be able to have. What hurt the most was not that he didn’t love me, but that I had to watch him, as one of his closest friends, tell me about his girlfriends and his love life. A love life that would never involve me.
“Yah! Taemin-ah! Do you think you own the place? Well... I guess technically since we split the rent 50/50... But still!” Minho nagged taking the remote from me. “It’s 9 already what are you going to do all day? Don’t you have work?” He turned it off and crossed his arms. He looked at me disappointedly.
“Yeah, yeah. I’m moving.” I said shaking my hand as if to shoo him away. Did I mention he was my roommate? We had known each other since high school, and my feelings for him started... in high school. I stretched my arms high into the air. While Minho continued learning in university, I opted for a different path in life. Though university had always kept him busy from doing things with me during his short free time, I was glad I could at least live like this with him.
“Anyways, I’m going to school. You better get to work soon or you’ll be late.” He told me before heading towards the door. “See you, Taemin!” I waved him goodbye as he left. After changing into some casual clothes, I headed out as well. I locked the door behind me and headed downstairs into the lobby. We lived on the fifth floor together. Together. What a nice word. I smiled at the thought. I had never really thought about it even though it’s been five months since we started living... together.
I stepped out into the cloudy day outside. Time for work. I walked down the streets bag in hand. I only took the job because I wanted to be closer to Minho whose university was just down the street from the place I worked. I worked at a local cafe as a waiter. The job was pretty easy, social and the pay wasn’t horrible though not the greatest. I had thought long and hard about what I wanted to do in life to come to nothing, so now I worked my butt off all day working at that cafe just to pay the rent and stay with... him. I felt like my whole life revolved around him. If he wasn’t here for me, I wouldn’t know how to go on. I stopped as the hand turned red.
“Taemin!” I heard someone call out. I looked around. When I finally found the person looking for me, I waved.
“Hey, Kibum-ah!” I shouted. He was one of my co-workers and I guess also one of my friends. His style was unique as always. He wore tight black jeans with a very colourfully patterned top with lots of accessories to boot. His kicks were as colourful as his shirt as well. His friends called him a fashionista.
“Heading to work I see.” He said as he finally reached me. The light turned green so we proceeded to the other side. “I didn’t know you worked today’s shift. Are you filling in for someone?”
I nodded happily. “I need the money anyways. If you ever need anyone to fill in your spot, don’t be afraid to call me.” I stated sticking out my tongue playfully. Like me, girls just... weren’t his thing. In the matter of fact, he currently had a crush on one of our other co-workers.
“Your birthday’s next week, right? We should celebrate!” He exclaimed excitedly. “What do you want to do? Noraebang? Or do you want to do something more simple? How about we celebrate at my place! I’ll buy cake!”
“Thanks, Kibum, but I don’t know yet.” I replied smiling. He was such a good friend always looking out for me. I had known him since I started working at the cafe which was when I started living with Minho, five months ago. Even though I haven’t known him long, it feels like I’ve known him forever. He was so comfortable to be with especially knowing that he’s like me. “I’ll tell you how I want to celebrate when the time comes.”
He pouted and crossed his arms. “Fine, fine. Don’t take my suggestions.” He teased. “But I do want to celebrate your twenty first with you.”
“Of course we’ll celebrate together!” I reassured him. “Don’t worry, Kibum-ah. I won’t leave you out of my plans.” Soon we reached the front doors of the cafe. We walked inside and headed to the back of the store. We greeted the owner on our way in. After changing into our uniforms, we headed back to the front.
“Taemin-ah, please attend to the customers at table five.” The manager told me. After bowing, I headed over to the table. As I reached the table, I pulled out my paper pad and pen from the front pocket of my apron.
“Hello, how may I...” I stopped mid-sentence when I saw the customer’s face. “Minho-hyung. Why are you here?”
Just when I zoned back into reality I noticed Siyoung sitting across the table from him. “Ah... Hello.”
“Taemin-ah, we’re your customers right now.” Minho joked laughing. “I realized I never got to see you at work and Siyoung said she wanted to see the place you worked so I brought her here.” His smile was so bright, so why did my heart hurt so much?
“Ah, of course. How may I help you?” I asked trying to shake the pain away. I can’t believe he came here with his girlfriend. The two had been together since Minho’s second week of university. When they met in their drama class, they clicked. At least that’s what Minho said.
“I just had to see your work place, Taemin-ah. You’re Minho’s closest friend and I rarely see you.” She said. Somehow her tone was as if she didn’t like me one bit. Why was she here anyways? I clenched the note and pen in my hands tighter. Suddenly she took Minho’s hands into hers and looked at me as though I should be jealous and I was.
“So what will you have?” I asked again this time annoyed. She took her hands and started stroking Minho’s. I wanted to explode right there, but I needed to hide my feelings from Minho. “If you’re not ready, I’ll just...”
“Just give us a few seconds.” She told me. Her teasing frustrated me all through. I could tell that she didn’t like me at all. Her expression as she held his hands was as though I was competition for his heart and I wished I was. She flipped through the book with a hand that she loosened from Minho’s grip. “Just give me this sandwich here. What will you have, honey?” She batted her eyes at him.
“Just give me a coffee please, Taemin-ah.” He said gathering the menus. I wrote down their order and took the menus. I headed towards the front counter.
“Sandwich and coffee.” My teeth were clenched and my body felt stiff. I had to vent this anger or I’d just be moving and talking like a robot.
After putting the menus back, I went into the staff washroom at the very back of the building. I locked the door and sat on the toilet cover. I pulled at my hair. What’s wrong with that woman?! I punched the wall. Not smart. Now my hand was throbbing. Instead, I took the toilet paper and pulled it all off furiously. I can’t stand her. How can he be with her?! She’s so... ugh. Okay, don’t let them get the best of you. After calming myself down, I exited the washroom. I had left the toilet paper on the floor since it wouldn’t flush if I tried to put it in the toilet anyways.
When I returned to the front their orders were ready. I picked up their orders and put them onto a tray. From afar I could tell they were being all lovey-dovey. I hated how he always talked about her as though she were an angel. She’s not an angel, if anything she’s the devil. I dragged myself towards them with the orders. When I reached the table, she glared at me and moved her head forward. Oh no she wouldn’t... Out of nowhere, literally nowhere, she started to kiss him. On the lips. On the lips! Hold in the anger, hold in the anger. I placed their orders down in front of them. Their lips were still locked. I bit my lip anxiously.
“En-En-Enj-Enjoy...” I muttered. I could feel my eyes tearing up so I quickly turned my back on them and headed behind the counter. I sat on a stool by the register. I kept trying to hold in my tears but one would fall every now and then. Soon they were falling freely from my eyes. I knew that wasn’t his first kiss, but I had never seen him kiss anyone before. I grabbed at the shirt in front of my heart. It hurts. It hurts so much. To see him with someone else, I can’t take it.
“Taemin-ah, table 5 is calling you over again.” Kibum told me as he walked towards me. “Are you okay? I’ll take this one for you if you’d like.” Since I couldn’t stop the tears, I nodded at his suggestion. “Wait here.” He placed his tray down and went to the table. She didn’t seem pleased at all that he went instead of me. When he came back he looked a little disappointed. “She said she wants you...”
“But I... I can’t...” I mumbled between chokes. “I refuse to go back there. I... I hate her.” I pouted like a little kid and folded my arms in front of me. Kibum wrapped his arms around me and buried my face in his chest. He was stroking the back of my head. His warmth was so comfortable. I wished Minho would caress me like this.
“Stop crying.” Kibum demanded wiping away my tears. “I have to tend to customers, I’m really sorry.” Placing his hands together, a regretful expression took over his face. Soon he disappeared to the front of the store. I wiped my eyes and looked at myself in the mirror above the sink. I didn’t look too bad considering I was crying a lot. I fixed my hair and wiped my eyes once more. Again I left for their table.
“Yes?” I questioned. Her face. It pissed me off. A lot. I bet under all that make up she’s not so pretty. And plus, she’s too skinny. Someone as weak as me could snap her in two like a twig. She smelled so flowery it was sickening. She clearly doesn’t know that too much perfume is bad. I don’t understand why anyone would want her.
“Oh nothing, I was just wondering if you were going to ask us how our meal was going.” She responded. This game, when will it end? When will she leave? And the one time Minho visits me it has to be with her... Why wouldn’t he visit me any other time? I’ve been here for five months, but not once... not even once... I finally get to see him here and he had to come with his... girlfriend... My eyes were tearing up again but I fought my hardest to hold them back.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I’m so rude. How is your meal?” I asked as sarcastically as I could. “I presume it is going well.” With one hand on my hip, I tried to look as annoyed as possible. I even tapped my foot on the floor impatiently. It’s not like she needs my kindness.
“Oh my, you seem to look very annoyed. Have I caused you any trouble? I’m oh so sorry. But yes, as you presume our lunch is fantastic. Minho’s quite the romantic. Without him, I would not have accepted such crude service.” She responded smiling. Such an angelic smile for such an evil witch.
“Of course you haven’t caused me any trouble at all. Please excuse my ‘crude’ service miss. I do so truly apologize. From the bottom of my heart.” I could only retort sarcastically at this point.
“Taemin-ah...” Minho started. He seemed wary of my words. “Why are you being so mean to my girlfriend?” As the words girlfriend rolled out of his mouth, I couldn’t take it.
“Maybe you shouldn’t have brought her here then since my service is so bad. Go somewhere else next time! It’s not like you ever came here before, why’d you have to come now? Huh?! Just because she wanted to? It’s not like you wanted to come here on your own, so why now?!” I shouted. Thankfully there weren’t too many customers inside. “Enjoy your meal. Please leave after.” As I turned to leave Minho grabbed me by the wrist. I could hear him push his chair back probably to stand up. When I turned to face him again, I could only see anger on his face.
“Taemin-ah. Why are you being like this? Was it wrong for me to have come here? Do you really not want me here that much? I don’t understand why you have to take it out on her. I’m sorry if you’re uncomfortable. I’ll never come to visit you again. And I haven’t come here because I didn’t want to interfere with your work, so I figured if I came with someone else, you wouldn’t be so distracted from your work to talk to me. I was just thinking about you, why are you so selfish? Are you still just a rebellious kid?” He retorted angrily. He had never been so angry at me before. Did she really mean that much to him? A kid. Am I still just a kid to him?
Author jaemimi
Rating: PG
Pairing/Focus: Taemin POV, 2Min
Genre: Romance, drama, slight humour
Summary: Taemin has had a crush on Minho for five years since their first year of high school together. Having finished up with high school and moving in with one another, it grows harder and harder for Taemin to control and hide these feelings of his. As obstacles come into the way in the form of unreadable feelings and dangerous people, Taemin must fight through for the love of his life.
Chapter 1
I loved everything about him. His long brown hair and how it complimented his face and making it look slender causing his handsome features to stand out. How his large brown eyes complimented his slightly tanned complex. His plump lips just asking for a kiss. I had fallen into a deadly trap. I was in love with someone I’ll never be able to have. What hurt the most was not that he didn’t love me, but that I had to watch him, as one of his closest friends, tell me about his girlfriends and his love life. A love life that would never involve me.
“Yah! Taemin-ah! Do you think you own the place? Well... I guess technically since we split the rent 50/50... But still!” Minho nagged taking the remote from me. “It’s 9 already what are you going to do all day? Don’t you have work?” He turned it off and crossed his arms. He looked at me disappointedly.
“Yeah, yeah. I’m moving.” I said shaking my hand as if to shoo him away. Did I mention he was my roommate? We had known each other since high school, and my feelings for him started... in high school. I stretched my arms high into the air. While Minho continued learning in university, I opted for a different path in life. Though university had always kept him busy from doing things with me during his short free time, I was glad I could at least live like this with him.
“Anyways, I’m going to school. You better get to work soon or you’ll be late.” He told me before heading towards the door. “See you, Taemin!” I waved him goodbye as he left. After changing into some casual clothes, I headed out as well. I locked the door behind me and headed downstairs into the lobby. We lived on the fifth floor together. Together. What a nice word. I smiled at the thought. I had never really thought about it even though it’s been five months since we started living... together.
I stepped out into the cloudy day outside. Time for work. I walked down the streets bag in hand. I only took the job because I wanted to be closer to Minho whose university was just down the street from the place I worked. I worked at a local cafe as a waiter. The job was pretty easy, social and the pay wasn’t horrible though not the greatest. I had thought long and hard about what I wanted to do in life to come to nothing, so now I worked my butt off all day working at that cafe just to pay the rent and stay with... him. I felt like my whole life revolved around him. If he wasn’t here for me, I wouldn’t know how to go on. I stopped as the hand turned red.
“Taemin!” I heard someone call out. I looked around. When I finally found the person looking for me, I waved.
“Hey, Kibum-ah!” I shouted. He was one of my co-workers and I guess also one of my friends. His style was unique as always. He wore tight black jeans with a very colourfully patterned top with lots of accessories to boot. His kicks were as colourful as his shirt as well. His friends called him a fashionista.
“Heading to work I see.” He said as he finally reached me. The light turned green so we proceeded to the other side. “I didn’t know you worked today’s shift. Are you filling in for someone?”
I nodded happily. “I need the money anyways. If you ever need anyone to fill in your spot, don’t be afraid to call me.” I stated sticking out my tongue playfully. Like me, girls just... weren’t his thing. In the matter of fact, he currently had a crush on one of our other co-workers.
“Your birthday’s next week, right? We should celebrate!” He exclaimed excitedly. “What do you want to do? Noraebang? Or do you want to do something more simple? How about we celebrate at my place! I’ll buy cake!”
“Thanks, Kibum, but I don’t know yet.” I replied smiling. He was such a good friend always looking out for me. I had known him since I started working at the cafe which was when I started living with Minho, five months ago. Even though I haven’t known him long, it feels like I’ve known him forever. He was so comfortable to be with especially knowing that he’s like me. “I’ll tell you how I want to celebrate when the time comes.”
He pouted and crossed his arms. “Fine, fine. Don’t take my suggestions.” He teased. “But I do want to celebrate your twenty first with you.”
“Of course we’ll celebrate together!” I reassured him. “Don’t worry, Kibum-ah. I won’t leave you out of my plans.” Soon we reached the front doors of the cafe. We walked inside and headed to the back of the store. We greeted the owner on our way in. After changing into our uniforms, we headed back to the front.
“Taemin-ah, please attend to the customers at table five.” The manager told me. After bowing, I headed over to the table. As I reached the table, I pulled out my paper pad and pen from the front pocket of my apron.
“Hello, how may I...” I stopped mid-sentence when I saw the customer’s face. “Minho-hyung. Why are you here?”
Just when I zoned back into reality I noticed Siyoung sitting across the table from him. “Ah... Hello.”
“Taemin-ah, we’re your customers right now.” Minho joked laughing. “I realized I never got to see you at work and Siyoung said she wanted to see the place you worked so I brought her here.” His smile was so bright, so why did my heart hurt so much?
“Ah, of course. How may I help you?” I asked trying to shake the pain away. I can’t believe he came here with his girlfriend. The two had been together since Minho’s second week of university. When they met in their drama class, they clicked. At least that’s what Minho said.
“I just had to see your work place, Taemin-ah. You’re Minho’s closest friend and I rarely see you.” She said. Somehow her tone was as if she didn’t like me one bit. Why was she here anyways? I clenched the note and pen in my hands tighter. Suddenly she took Minho’s hands into hers and looked at me as though I should be jealous and I was.
“So what will you have?” I asked again this time annoyed. She took her hands and started stroking Minho’s. I wanted to explode right there, but I needed to hide my feelings from Minho. “If you’re not ready, I’ll just...”
“Just give us a few seconds.” She told me. Her teasing frustrated me all through. I could tell that she didn’t like me at all. Her expression as she held his hands was as though I was competition for his heart and I wished I was. She flipped through the book with a hand that she loosened from Minho’s grip. “Just give me this sandwich here. What will you have, honey?” She batted her eyes at him.
“Just give me a coffee please, Taemin-ah.” He said gathering the menus. I wrote down their order and took the menus. I headed towards the front counter.
“Sandwich and coffee.” My teeth were clenched and my body felt stiff. I had to vent this anger or I’d just be moving and talking like a robot.
After putting the menus back, I went into the staff washroom at the very back of the building. I locked the door and sat on the toilet cover. I pulled at my hair. What’s wrong with that woman?! I punched the wall. Not smart. Now my hand was throbbing. Instead, I took the toilet paper and pulled it all off furiously. I can’t stand her. How can he be with her?! She’s so... ugh. Okay, don’t let them get the best of you. After calming myself down, I exited the washroom. I had left the toilet paper on the floor since it wouldn’t flush if I tried to put it in the toilet anyways.
When I returned to the front their orders were ready. I picked up their orders and put them onto a tray. From afar I could tell they were being all lovey-dovey. I hated how he always talked about her as though she were an angel. She’s not an angel, if anything she’s the devil. I dragged myself towards them with the orders. When I reached the table, she glared at me and moved her head forward. Oh no she wouldn’t... Out of nowhere, literally nowhere, she started to kiss him. On the lips. On the lips! Hold in the anger, hold in the anger. I placed their orders down in front of them. Their lips were still locked. I bit my lip anxiously.
“En-En-Enj-Enjoy...” I muttered. I could feel my eyes tearing up so I quickly turned my back on them and headed behind the counter. I sat on a stool by the register. I kept trying to hold in my tears but one would fall every now and then. Soon they were falling freely from my eyes. I knew that wasn’t his first kiss, but I had never seen him kiss anyone before. I grabbed at the shirt in front of my heart. It hurts. It hurts so much. To see him with someone else, I can’t take it.
“Taemin-ah, table 5 is calling you over again.” Kibum told me as he walked towards me. “Are you okay? I’ll take this one for you if you’d like.” Since I couldn’t stop the tears, I nodded at his suggestion. “Wait here.” He placed his tray down and went to the table. She didn’t seem pleased at all that he went instead of me. When he came back he looked a little disappointed. “She said she wants you...”
“But I... I can’t...” I mumbled between chokes. “I refuse to go back there. I... I hate her.” I pouted like a little kid and folded my arms in front of me. Kibum wrapped his arms around me and buried my face in his chest. He was stroking the back of my head. His warmth was so comfortable. I wished Minho would caress me like this.
“Stop crying.” Kibum demanded wiping away my tears. “I have to tend to customers, I’m really sorry.” Placing his hands together, a regretful expression took over his face. Soon he disappeared to the front of the store. I wiped my eyes and looked at myself in the mirror above the sink. I didn’t look too bad considering I was crying a lot. I fixed my hair and wiped my eyes once more. Again I left for their table.
“Yes?” I questioned. Her face. It pissed me off. A lot. I bet under all that make up she’s not so pretty. And plus, she’s too skinny. Someone as weak as me could snap her in two like a twig. She smelled so flowery it was sickening. She clearly doesn’t know that too much perfume is bad. I don’t understand why anyone would want her.
“Oh nothing, I was just wondering if you were going to ask us how our meal was going.” She responded. This game, when will it end? When will she leave? And the one time Minho visits me it has to be with her... Why wouldn’t he visit me any other time? I’ve been here for five months, but not once... not even once... I finally get to see him here and he had to come with his... girlfriend... My eyes were tearing up again but I fought my hardest to hold them back.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I’m so rude. How is your meal?” I asked as sarcastically as I could. “I presume it is going well.” With one hand on my hip, I tried to look as annoyed as possible. I even tapped my foot on the floor impatiently. It’s not like she needs my kindness.
“Oh my, you seem to look very annoyed. Have I caused you any trouble? I’m oh so sorry. But yes, as you presume our lunch is fantastic. Minho’s quite the romantic. Without him, I would not have accepted such crude service.” She responded smiling. Such an angelic smile for such an evil witch.
“Of course you haven’t caused me any trouble at all. Please excuse my ‘crude’ service miss. I do so truly apologize. From the bottom of my heart.” I could only retort sarcastically at this point.
“Taemin-ah...” Minho started. He seemed wary of my words. “Why are you being so mean to my girlfriend?” As the words girlfriend rolled out of his mouth, I couldn’t take it.
“Maybe you shouldn’t have brought her here then since my service is so bad. Go somewhere else next time! It’s not like you ever came here before, why’d you have to come now? Huh?! Just because she wanted to? It’s not like you wanted to come here on your own, so why now?!” I shouted. Thankfully there weren’t too many customers inside. “Enjoy your meal. Please leave after.” As I turned to leave Minho grabbed me by the wrist. I could hear him push his chair back probably to stand up. When I turned to face him again, I could only see anger on his face.
“Taemin-ah. Why are you being like this? Was it wrong for me to have come here? Do you really not want me here that much? I don’t understand why you have to take it out on her. I’m sorry if you’re uncomfortable. I’ll never come to visit you again. And I haven’t come here because I didn’t want to interfere with your work, so I figured if I came with someone else, you wouldn’t be so distracted from your work to talk to me. I was just thinking about you, why are you so selfish? Are you still just a rebellious kid?” He retorted angrily. He had never been so angry at me before. Did she really mean that much to him? A kid. Am I still just a kid to him?