Last Resort! (2/??)
Title: Last Resort! (2/??)
Author: joiceechan
Pairing: Minho/Key (and some surprise pairings! you’ll find it out as you read)
Genre: Angst, Romance, AU
Summary: A dare was made, and daredevil Choi Minho thinks it’s better that way. And he thinks he has the last laugh, or does he really?
A/N: Thanks for those who commented and urged me to continue! Wow. I suddenly had some headache thinking about the plot. Keke. I swear, it’s so twisted. Pardon me. I really liked the idea of mashing my biases together so here’s the end product. >< And this chapter’s a bit… crappy, I think? I dunno. Haha. Tell me what you think. Btw, Cheundoong and Thunder refers to only one person, keke. But I bet you know it already, if you like Mblaq ^^
LAST RESORT
Second Chapter
It was only a few days before the school festival begins and as expected, classes are suspended to give way for the students to prepare. Every year, every organization is asked to help the Student Council to arrange the needed preparations. And since the school is pretty much popular, officials from different universities are invited to watch some senior students to get potential enrollees next year.
Choi Minho was never one to look forward to these festivals. For him, it was just a waste of money and time, effort included. He could care less if those feisty university people are coming or not. He wasn’t really planning in going to college anyway.
“You’ll wait for me right?” Middle school Minho would always ask his hyung the same question everyday, without fail. And he would always receive the same response.
“I can’t, Minho. I’ll graduate in high school soon and enter the university in a few months.” His hyung reasoned out.
“But hyung! You said we’ll enter the university together.” Minho whined. The reason why he was so eager to study and do well in school was him.
“I’ll try, Minho-ah, okay? But make sure you study well so you could catch up with me, are we clear about that?” Hyung stroke his hair lovingly. Minho wanted to be like him, to be as good and smart as he is. For little Minho, he was his superman.
But who’s superman now? He broke his promise, he left and he broke Minho’s heart. He left him all alone. Just when he promised he’ll always be there for his dongsaeng.
It was all because of that one person who Minho swore he’ll hate. For life.
Donghae.
Donghae destroyed everything.
And there is no way Minho could ever forgive and forget.
He was just walking along the busy hallway of streamers and balloons. How he hated all these! Just what is so fascinating about the festivities? Everyone is just pretending to be happy when in fact, they all have the same problems in life. How many of these people have broken families, have lost their loved ones, waiting for something that wouldn’t come, have their hearts broken, have been hopeful to a broken promise…
As for Minho, let’s see… what has become of him? Sure he got the support of his parents but where are they anyway? They went off marrying some other people and started their own families, leaving him and his so-called brother alone with lots of fortune to spend over his lifetime and a house he could call his own. He wasn’t alone in the beginning though, he had his hyung with him but he just left him after. He had Joon as his best friend but Minho just took it for granted and did something to ruin their friendship.
He lost two important people. And now that he found some new friends he couldn’t afford to lose them again.
^^^
The hallway was flooded with busy students that it was impossible to pass through.
Minho stopped and considered if he should pass or not, and besides, some of the girls he actually turned down were also there. He wasn’t ashamed of what he did, but he was rather pissed at those persistent girls who kept pestering him after they got rejected.
“Get out of the way, brainy!” One of the sophomore boys who were fixing the streamer suddenly yelled and pushed some boy who was passing by the corridor.
Minho could only laugh upon seeing these scenarios. The world would never be fair, really. There will always be the strong and the weak, the brave and the coward.
But… is being strong makes you the braver one?
Minho doesn’t think so.
“Aish, you stepped at the art papers! Such an eyesore! Just go to the library and get yourself eaten by books! That will do us a favor!” Now a girl, also a sophomore in
Minho’s bet, got some water bottle, opened it and poured some amount of water at the poor boy’s books. The boys who were busy putting up streamers saw this and clapped their hands. “Wooooo! Nice one Taeyeon!”
The bullied boy just walked off, careless that his books were wet and just took the laughter he earned. That was when Minho clenched his fist and looked at this boy who was walking near his direction now. Just how could he take it? Was he that coward and weak?
“Minho-ssi! Oh, Minho-ssi’s there! Make way for him, hurry!” The boy from earlier poked his classmates and they all bowed at him. It was always like this and
Minho was almost fed up. It’s enough for him to gain respect after all, that’s it. He belonged to a group of the most elite students anyway.
But to be treated like this when someone else was treated otherwise?
“Yah eyesore, didn’t you hear what I said? Get out of the way and let Minho-ssi pass!” The girl named Taeyeon pushed the boy away. She was one of those Student Council people who’s quite popular with the boys. She looked at him with meaningful eyes and he acknowledged. What a good catch and a good asset to the Student Council too, but Minho doesn’t care about that now.
Don’t get him wrong, he wasn’t the charitable type, but the sight of someone who takes advantage of the weaker one just pisses him off. The weaker one always reminded him of his hyung.
He was about to walk and grab the boy but a voice that came from behind Minho was heard.
“Taeyeon. Seungho. To the principal’s office now.” That scary voice was so much familiar to Minho that he need not to turn around anymore. He knew clearly who was speaking.
He noticed the two students stiffened up as they saw the teacher who just ordered them to go to the principal’s office. The girl looked down and glared at the student who she bullied before he looked at her boy classmate and together, they went their way out.
“And to all of you, aren’t you ashamed of yourselves? You saw what happened, and instead of helping him, you chose to laugh instead? What kind of people are you?! One more of this and you know where you’ll all end up. Do you get me?!” The scary aura of the Statictics teacher Donghae definitely made the sophomores jump.
“Y-Yes, Lee-sonsaengnim!” They all looked (or pretended to, at least) to be sorry and bowed in front of the teacher.
“Now, back to work, all of you!” And so, the students automatically got back to what they were doing before the commotion
Minho noticed that the boy who just got bullied just stood there and frozen in the same spot. Such a weakling, Minho thought. How would he able stand up for himself if he always depended on others to save him?
“Do you think they won’t do it again, SIR? It was never their problem. It was the boy’s.” Minho chuckled and turned around to walk past Donghae. Minho could feel his fists clench big time.
Donghae seems to ignore him, which hurt Minho’s ego a bit but he could say he was almost used to it, and Donghae just walked towards the bullied student. “Kibum! Are you okay? I’m so sorry about that.”
Minho stopped walking and fought the urge to turn around again, but he failed. He turned around and saw that Donghae grabbed the boy’s books that were all wet and got some handkerchief to wipe them. Some students’ jaw dropped upon witnessing what was happening. It’s really unbelievable.
“S-Sir, you d-don’t need to do t-that. They’re a-all wet now.” By the tone of that voice, Minho realized it was the freshman. That freshman. Kim Kibum was his name, right? He’s quite everywhere now, huh. And everytime Minho sees him, he’s with those people that Minho knows, beside Cheundoong that other day, hand in hand with Joon and now, with Donghae. And just when does Donghae started saving some bullied freshmen in school? For all Minho knows, he’s just not the type to mind someone’s business. He was always so full of himself.
“You need them, right? Where are you going to get money to buy the-” Donghae wasn’t able to continue as the freshman grabbed his books from him.
“Never mind that sunbae!” He immediately ran off, nearly shocking everyone because of the way he just shouted at THE teacher Donghae. Even Minho was astonished. He didn’t think such goody-nerdy guy could go against the most fearful teacher in campus. And why the hell would he call him sunbae?
Donghae just shook his head, unaware of the glances he just earned and started walking towards the opposite direction, “It was never his problem, Choi Minho, bear that in mind. Don’t compare yourself with that boy.”
Minho woke up to his senses and looked at Donghae’s direction. “What did you say?”
But Donghae just walked off.
^^^
Aish, just why won’t they just leave me alone and mind their own business? Cheundoong thought as he took the stairs up to the building’s rooftop. Today just wasn’t his day. He avoided everyone. Not that he wasn’t sociable. He loved talking to people, but not to the extent that he had to be on the school’s ambassador during the event! The Student body just voted him as the school’s representative, meaning he had to talk to the guests and usher them to places. It was the most important job of all, and he was given the opportunity because of his spontaneity and yes, good looks.
And being the school ambassador meant you have all the attention.
And Cheundoong hated attention.
So he turned it down, so much to the disappointment of his parents, teachers and the Student Council.
As if he cares anyway…
Cheundoong needed some air, to clear up his mind. He would always invite Junho over at the rooftop but he can’t accompany him this time, as he was busy with his girlfriend and her organization. Seungri’s part of the Dance Club so he was busy with all the preparations. Both the Music and the Dance Club’s performances are the most awaited in the festival. Minho is almost unseen during this time of the year, he’s not into these kinds of things, and that’s one of the things they have in common. And Jinwoon, well, no matter how unsociable Jinwoon would look like, he was still part of the Bookreader’s Club. How lame, Minho would tease him. But Jinwoon seems to be enjoying it, so they don’t really have anything to say about that.
And so Cheundoong ventured the rooftop alone, so many things running through his mind, but when he heard something behind his favorite hang out spot of his beloved rooftop, he suddenly stopped on his tracks. It was as if someone was talking just now…
He walked towards the blue wall and what he saw shocked him. A boy was clutching on his books and was talking to the phone, he looked helpless. When he saw the boy clearly, he realized it was the freshman the other day. How could Cheundoong forget, this boy had left some effect on him…
“Anniyo, I’m okay hyung. Y-You don’t have to worry about me.” The freshman held his books tightly as he tried hard not to sound like he was crying, although Cheundoong could see him clearly, there were tears on those eyes.
“I-I’m at the rooftop. Oh, y-your friends? Will that be o-okay? Ah, ne. Alright. I’ll wait for y-you.” Kibum adjusted his specs and pushed it to the bridge of his nose.
Cheundoong creased his forehead. Who was he talking to? Well he doesn’t care anyway. What he cares about is, what is the boy doing here in his favorite hang-out?
“Yah! What are you doing hanging out here in my place?” He spoke with authority, but he always fail to sound scary. His friends teased him of having a girl’s voice and it pisses him off. Oh well, he can’t really complain can he? He was the group’s maknae after all.
“Aigoo!” Kibum hung the phone up out of shock. He looked up and gathered his stuffs immediately. He was afraid he was gonna get bullied again. No, not now, please, I feel so down. He wiped the tears from his eyes and stood up. He swallowed hard and looked down as he stepped forward. He was about three steps away from the stranger when he spoke again.
“Did I tell you to leave?” Cheundoong faked his authoritative voice, making the other freeze on his spot. The senior turned around and saw that the freshman didn’t leave. What a pushover. He walked towards him and checked him out. He then saw the books on the other’s arms.
“M-Mianhae. I didn’t mean to own the place. I just… I mean…” Kibum felt his throat dry up. His tears are ready to fall again, but he just can’t let anyone see that. He never let anyone see him crying.
“And you cried so hard you shed tears to your books? Wow.” Cheundoong smiled as he grabbed the books and read the titles. He swore he saw the same titles on Jinwoon’s bookshelves.
“And Then There Were None? Agatha Christie and Conan Doyle? Only bookworms read these. Looking at you, well… you look like one.” Cheundoong then opened the books and saw that all the pages are indeed, wet. It can’t be because of tears now. And heck, someone who’s on his right mind wouldn’t just soak their books on water okay.
He looked at Kibum again. “They say your name was… Kibum right? Um…” He suddenly found himself speechless. “Please don’t hate me, bullying isn’t actually my thing. People seem to say my friends and I are a bullying lot but we’re actually harmless.”
“What the hell are you doing with him? Get off!” Suddenly, a voice was heard over the rooftop door and both turned around to see a rather panting Lee Joon. He was glaring at Cheundoong.
“Joon hyung…” Kibum was able to mutter while he saw two pink blushes appear on the cheeks of the guy beside him.
Cheundoong was dumbfounded as he looked towards the voice’s direction and he was frozen completely on his spot.
Lee Changsun.
Joon.
He seemed so far away now, like he was unreachable.
And… what does he have to do with this nerdy boy? Cheundoong thought.
Unbelievable.
His heart was now beating uncontrollably. What is he doing here? Aish, just why does it have to be right here, and at this moment?
“Get off!” Having sensed that Minho must have sent Cheundoong to pester Kibum, Joon felt his blood boil and suddenly ran towards the two boys and pushed Cheundoong away. “I said get off of him!”
Kibum was nothing but shocked as the other boy stumbled on the ground. Joon must have pushed him so hard. He wanted to help the boy but Joon grabbed him and pushed him behind him.
“I’m warning you Thunder, and better tell your friend Minho that he should stay away! I don’t care if he hit on girls or boys or anyone, neither do I care if you have this awesome group of friends now. One more pestering and I swear I’ll-” Joon paused and caught his breath. His anger got the best of him and he regretted it, He almost blurted that out. Good thing he was able to stop himself.
It took a while for Cheundoong to realize what had happened and so he suddenly stood up and dusted his uniform. “I mean no harm… I swear. And Minho doesn’t have anything to do with this. Better ask Kibum.” He looked at the freshman’s eyes, waiting for some confirmation.
“Has he done anything to you, Kibum?” Joon looked worriedly at his friend. Does Minho really think he was hitting on this freshman? How could they both get this far as to hurt his new found friend?
He wanted to see Minho now and punch him.
But Kibum just shook his head and looked down. He doesn’t know what to say really, everything happens so fast nowadays…
“Nothing, hyung. I was the one at fault here. See… I was invading his… territory here.” He shyly moved his head around while looking down, indicating that he was pertaining to the rooftop itself.
“What are you doing here anyway?” Joon grabbed his books and was shocked to see that they were wet. He could swear now as he looked angrily at Cheundoong. “Don’t lie to me, Kibum, what did he do to you?!” He was almost shouting now. Joon knows Cheundoong’s harmless, but with Choi Minho you can’t really tell.
Kibum shook his head in fear. Joon hyung looked so fearful while looking at the other guy. Cheundoong on the other hand, didn’t know what to do now. He couldn’t just… mess this up. No he can’t. “I swear… J-Joon… I d-didn’t.” He stuttered as he spoke the other’s name.
“Shut up! And don’t you call me Joon again!”
When Kibum saw how hurt Cheundoong face was, he was the one who made the move. “I-It was the soph… nevermind, hyung. It wasn’t him. Please, stop that, please. It’s my fault, really. I slipped somewhere and got my books wet.”
Cheundoong just looked at him in disbelief. He just saw him crying a while ago. He’s bullied again, by the looks of it, why lie?
Joon stopped himself from doing something that might scare the freshman more so he just caught Kibum’s hands and dragged him away. “Let’s just eat some lunch, I’m done with rehearsals anyway.” He sent another scary glance over Cheundoong.
“I don’t think I should repeat myself but Minho doesn’t seem to get me. I know you are rational, Thunder, so, I repeat, stay away from Kibum!”
Cheundoong just felt his cheeks flush a red tint as he felt his heart skipped a beat. What was that for? He slapped his face as he thought about what happened. Joon… he was just inches away from him, and he didn’t know what to do in an instant. And the scary voice didn’t help him think straight at all.
But... he called me Thunder...
I should talk to Minho, Cheundoong thought.
^^^
It was a usual Friday night and the group assembled in Junho’s place to have a good time. It was almost midnight, and everything had been fun so far. There would never be a dull moment as Junho give some witty jokes for everyone to laugh at.
“Yes, let’s drink to that!” Seungri raised his glass and everyone did the same. After the *ting* sound everyone just laughed and drank to their heart’s desire.
“Cheundoong has a new crush lady and gentlemen!” Junho blurted all of a sudden and looked at his best friend teasingly. He was more than tipsy now, and who knows how long will this drinking session last. Jessica was clinging to him, drunk. She was the only girl in the group, as always.
Jinwoon was just looking at them silently while casually drinking from his glass. But every once in a while he would laugh at the jokes and get animated.
“Yah! What are you talking about?” Cheundoong muttered and glared at Junho. They haven’t talked lately so he doesn’t remember mentioning something to him. He’s just into his second bottle tonight, so he still pretty much knew what he’s doing. And besides, he doesn’t feel really good tonight. If it wasn’t for spending time with his friends he wouldn’t have come here.
Seungri, who’s the first one to get drunk, looked teasingly at Cheundoong. “Oh really? Spill! Who’s the unlucky one? Hahahaha!”
“There’s no one! Junho was just kidding.” Cheundoong drank from his bottle and dismissed the idea. No way Junho could ever know. Ever. Nobody ever knew that… not even his best friend.
“But yesterday when we ate lunch you’re always asking me who the hell that freshman is and where he could be! And I saw how you looked at him the other day, when that beast Chansung pushed him towards our table. Hahahaha! Don’t deny it, Doongie! You have the hots for him!” Junho nudged him and forced him to speak up.
Minho almost spilled his beer as he was drinking. Hearing what Junho has got to say almost made him jump. “Oh shit!”
Everyone looked at him, as Seungri and Junho suddenly laughed spontaneously because
Minho got his shirt wet with beer. “Yah! What’s that, Minho? Hahahahahaha!” Seungri pointed at him as he laughed. Minho just shook his head. What’s the matter with me?
Jessica looked at him worriedly, and stood up, “Oh, I’ll go get something for you to wear. Junho, you can lend him some clothes right?” She looked at her boyfriend who was high-fiving Seungri and Jinwoon and just sighed.
“No, you don’t really have to bother, Jessica. Boys, I’ll just go over my car to find a shirt. Junho! Thunder! Tell me all about it later, okay? Hahahaha!” Minho high fived with Junho and looked teasingly at Cheundoong, and the latter just glared at him.
Minho walked out laughing as he opened his car and got a spare shirt from the backseat. He was close to being tipsy. He wasn’t really used to drink but in time he learned to control it. At first he was just drinking with Jinwoon, him being the first one he met in the group, excluding Cheundoong of course, and that was when Minho did things he never did before. He became a person that he never thought he would be. Jinwoon then introduced him and Cheundoong to his elite group of friends. The famous three, Junho, Seungri, Jinwoon. Each one having some famous parent or family. Minho’s mother was a socialite and his father was a famous model when he was younger, and Minho carried the name until now. He didn’t tell his friends all about his past though. All they knew was the fact that he hated the terror teacher Donghae for life.
For Minho, it’s enough that he gained some friends now after everything that has happened.
And for that, he has to sacrifice something else.
He was thinking about the past so much that he didn’t notice someone’s arms landed on his waist. He tried not to jolt from his standing position. He looked behind him and he was shocked to find Jessica leaning her head on his broad shoulders as she tightens her embrace.
Minho didn’t know what to react. He was used to this, but then they never really do something when Junho’s around.
“Minho…” Jessica whispered his name and he felt the hairs in his arms stood up. He doesn’t know if it was with Jessica’s voice or the fact that what she’s doing was totally wrong.
He was attracted to her a long time ago. From the moment she saw her, he felt like a magnet wanting to be attached to her. For the first time in a long time he wanted to forget whatever happened in the past and have someone like Jessica. But she could never be his, she was his friend Junho’s girlfriend, so everything must be kept secret.
They would always sneak out and held each other, hand in hand. It was wrong, but it was what excites Minho all along. Betraying, and knowing exactly what that felt. It felt so good, he felt so alive sinning. Jessica knows he dates most of the girls in their school, yet she doesn’t really care. She knows Minho was only hers, and no matter how many girl he dates, he would always come back to where he belongs, and that is her.
“What are you doing?”
Minho spoke in a rather nonchalant way, as if trying to warn her about her behavior.
“I missed you, Minho. We didn’t sneak out this week. I’ve been missing you.” Jessica muttered confidently. She knows she won’t get rejected anyway.
“I don’t really know what you’re talking about.” He replied courtly and released himself from the grip. Jessica opened her eyes wide and stared at him. “What’s the matter with you? I want you now, Minho. Go and tell me you want me too.”
“This isn’t the right place for that.”
“You wanted me now right? I could see it in your eyes. But you know you couldn’t have me when Junho’s around… so…” She turned Minho around so he could face her. “You can have me only when Junho’s not around.”
Minho felt his nostrils flare up. How dare she play with his feelings? How dare she manipulate him and his friend Junho?
But Minho knows what she said was true. He wants her. He wants to make great sins with her, but that’s exactly why he hates her and her guts.
“Damn it. If you wanted me that bad then why can’t you just tell your boyfriend that?” He grabbed Jessica’s shoulders and squeezed them, shocking the girl with his aggressive actions, yet Jessica smiled. This moment was what she was waiting for.
“I love Junho. I thought we’re clear about that.” She liked provoking Minho, to see him get jealous everytime.
“And what about me? Who am I then?”
Minho felt the alcohol seeping in, he’s very drunk that he’s half conscious of everything.
“You’re different. You’re Minho. That’s all that matters.” Jessica wanted to say she loves him too, but she just can’t. Not when they’re both wasted and didn’t know what they’re doing.
“Damn that, Jessica Jung.” Now Minho was angry. Girls really are a very complicated matter, he could tell it from experience. He thought about boys. How does it feel to get attracted to a boy then…?
Hyung loved a boy. I wonder what that feels?
“Minho? Minho!” Suddenly, he heard Junho’s voice calling for him and Jessica stood up straight. Then she turned to look at the direction of the voice and found Junho approaching the gate. Yes, they were close to being caught.
What a coward she is, really.
“Jessica? What are you two doing there?” Junho was drunk now but he could still support his weight. He stared at them confused then Jessica came to him and grabbed his arms. “I accompanied Minho to come get some shirt. You guys are so busy earlier.”
Yeah right, Minho thought. Why can’t you just tell him you love me more than him?
“Oh. Hic! Yah,Minho, Doongie will come out of his closet. Better be there to witness it, hic!"
Minho closed his car door and followed the two inside. He wiped his sweat that build up while Jessica was beside him. Good thing Junho didn’t notice. Minho smiled as he looked over Jessica. He would make her pay the next time they sneak out…
Yes, Minho betrays friends and doesn’t feel a single bit about it. As long as he’s happy, nothing else matters.
“Okay, okay, okay! The Kingka Minho is here boys!” Junho cheered happily as Jessica threw him some weird glance. Seungri was holding some phone in his hand. When Minho looked at it clearly, it was Cheundoong’s phone. Cheundoong was looking pale as he looked down while Seungri and Junho were laughing like crazy now.
“It seems the maknae has been bullied yet again.” Minho sat beside the pouting Cheundoong, half smiling.
“He still can’t admit he likes that nerdy freshman.” Junho resumed his drinking as Seungri helped himself with another glass. He was a little less than his normal self. He and Junho liked daredevil games. They liked challenging one another and oftentimes they involved the other three with their crazy antics. Somehow Minho could feel that daredevil air right now.
Jinwoon was, as usual, watching them, but Minho could say he was already drunk due to his red cheeks.
“Why is the freshman even becoming a very big deal for all of you?” Jessica muttered. He glared at Junho who was now lying on her lap. The freshman recently became the talk of the campus for unusual reasons. One, he’s a boy genius, two, he’s the teachers’ pet and two, because of that, he gets bullied a lot. What a way to be popular, Jessica thought.
“Because our own Cheundoong likes him that’s why, Sica!” Seungri clapped his hands as he typed something on Cheundoong’s phone.
“I don’t! How many times do I have to tell you, I don’t!” Cheundoong stomped his feet out of anger. They could never understand. He liked someone else and it’s definitely not the freshman. Although he needed to talk to that nerd to get to the one he likes.
“Oh come on, Thunder. It’s just some petty freshman, why are you even attracted to those kinds of kids. Besides, if you really like him, hah! It’s just so easy to get him.” Minho blurted out, remembering that little encounter with Joon the other day. And then he realized something…
He looked at Cheundoong and saw that he was looking at him, too.
“You think he’s easy, Minho?” Jinwoon suddenly blurted out and looked at Minho with curious eyes, and everyone was almost taken aback when he spoke.
“Well yes. I know exactly just what to do to get him.” Minho recovered after a while, smiled teasingly, and his eyes diverted to Jessica, who became uncomfortable when the topic about the freshman was brought up. Oh how he liked that face of hers just now… looks like she hated that the spotlight was take from her.
Minho looked over Cheundoong again, and thought about how to get rid of the topic now.
“Oh really now, Choi Minho. Cheundoong, our lady slash boy killer Minho is daring you now.” Seungri spoke and offered a glass to Minho, which the latter accepted.
“Aish, I told you I don’t like him! Is it so hard to understand?” Cheundoong was so frustrated now. How could they stop teasing him? Well he couldn’t actually tell them who he really likes now… If only he could tell Minho…
“Stop being a coward now, Thunder.” Minho said confidently as he drank on his glass, hoping his strategy will succeed and get Cheundoong out of this.
“Why don’t you go and get him instead, Minho? It seems Cheundoong doesn’t like him anyway.” Junho then got up from lying on his girlfriend’s lap and looked teasingly at his best friend, hoping he would fall from their trap. But Cheundoong seems unaffected, and Junho can’t even tell what was wrong with him. He wasn’t himself. Not even a single bit. He wondered now…
“Me? Oh, you know I don’t-” Minho stood up. He knows where this conversation is leading to, and he could feel his plan succeeded.
“Prove to us he’s easy.” Jinwoon then stood up too and cut him, a smirk plastered on his face like it’s never been there before, and all the others stood up with him, except Jessica, who was now staring at them with disbelief.
“Oh come on, Jinwoon. What a lame dare.” She butted out and Jinwoon and Cheundoong looked at her with amused eyes.
“I would like to see him try though, Jessica. I agree with Jinwoon. Why don’t you show Cheundoong how it’s done, Minho?” Now Seungri was all red and drunk than ever.
“Hah! So you wanna dare me now?” Minho pointed a finger at Jinwoon, before emptying his last glass for the night. He looked at Jessica, and amused himself with a disappointed look on her face.
“Guys, don’t make a big deal out of it, please.” Cheundoong remembered what Joon told him, and he doesn’t really want to mess up with him. Not with him, not with Lee Joon. And when he says they should stay away from that Kim Kibum, Cheundoong would gladly obey him. He looked over Minho and tried to talk to him through his eyes, but it seems Minho didn’t catch it.
“Ooooh, why do you say so, dear maknae? You wanna try it too?” Junho looked rather nasty now, and Cheundoong doesn’t like it.
“What the hell! Please just stop this!” The maknae is almost bursting now. It’s really hard to talk to them when they’re drunk.
“Yes, I think we should, guys. It’s just a waste of time. Why waste your time with a lanky, bullied freshman?” Minho did seem to get what Cheundoong was trying to tell him, so his face turned serious and he grabbed his keys, avoiding everyone’s eyes. The events of today just replayed in his mind. Donghae and that freshman Kim Kibum. And the other day, Joon holding hands with him. He can’t take it. Why him, of all people?
He was about to walk out from the group when Jinwoon spoke up again with a challenging voice, “That just proves you can’t do it.”
Minho felt the clenching of his fists now. Jinwoon was his closest friend nowadays, and he never challenged him before, and he never spoken at him with that manner. That made a little pissed. What does this guy want anyway and why is he so persistent? He can’t read his mind at this moment. And the things got jumbled up in Minho’s mind right now that he got confused.
Minho turned around and saw everyone was staring at Jinwoon now, like him. It was rather weird that he was speaking now, at the most unexpected moments.
“You say he was a waste of time, but in reality you know you just can’t do it.” Jinwoon was just staring at Minho, he was a little serious now.
“What are you saying Jinwoon?” Jessica stood up finally, pissed off that Jinwoon was pushing Minho. Everything was so pointless. Oh well, boys are, sometimes.
“I just want to see how a lady or a boy killer Minho is, like what they say. I don’t quite see why. Even the boys from other schools want him.”
“But why should you challenge Minho and not Cheundoong-”
“I get it now, Jinwoon. Okay, okay.” Minho chuckled and punched his friend’s shoulder gently. “I don’t even date boys so you want to see me do it, right? And… you want me to try a nerdy, bullied freshman. Yes, I can see your point now.”
And then everyone just laughed when Minho made a funny face to fool around. “Okay! If that’s what you want, I’ll give it to you.”
Cheundoong’s eyes opened wide as he stared at Minho. “What are you talking about?!”
“Hahahahahaha! Nice one Minho! That’s my boy!” Junho broke from Jessica’s tight grip on his shirt to give Minho a tap on the shoulder.
Jinwoon nodded satisfactorily. Seungri just looked at them and smirked. "Nice, I like the idea."
Jessica was poker-faced now. “I can’t believe you, Minho. You are unbelievable.”
“Well, he ain’t Flaming Charisma for nothing, baby, hahahaha!” Junho continued and held Jessica's hand.
“You’re all just ridiculous!” Cheundoong suddenly stomped his feet and stormed towards the house gate, leaving his hyungs surprised by what he did just now. He hated everyone now. And how the hell could Minho just agree? They have to talk, they really have to.
But right now he just wanted to be alone.
^^^
Everyone fell silent as they heard the sound of Cheundoong’s car coming to a halt.
“What’s the matter with him, Junho? He’s been so odd today.” Seungri sat down again and creased his forehead. The maknae acted so weird tonight. He never saw Cheundoong like that before. Maybe what Junho said was true then? But… maknae never told Seungri anything about that freshman…
“Yah, does he really like that freshman?” Minho blurted out, wanting to confirm something although he already knew the answer.
Junho looked worriedly over the direction where his best friend walked off, and looked at Minho. “I’m not really sure. Hey, are you serious about Jinwoon’s deal? There should be no turning back.”
Jessica sat beside his boyfriend, pissed that he’s still pushing Minho that senseless idea. “You saw Cheundoong’s face right? I’m sure he really likes that freshman. Why dare Minho when-”
“This is the first dare that Jinwoon ever made with me. And I’ll prove to him I can do it.” Minho glanced at Jinwoon confidently and felt his head spinning already. Too much alcohol now…
“Minho!” Jessica sprang up from her seat, much to the surprise of everyone. Minho just stared at her with a threat in his eyes. No, she can’t be saying things now.
“I’ll be off. Better talk to Cheundoong and ask him what his problem is.” Minho tapped his friends’ shoulders and avoided Jessica’s eyes before walking off.
“I’ll see what I can do too. But don’t overdo it, Minho. He might have liked the freshman after all.” Junho waved him off as he closed his eyes and lied more comfortably on his girlfriend’s lap again.
“We can tell when he reacts my dating the freshman.” Minho smiled weakly as he waved and walked forward.
“Safe driving Minho!” Seungri helped himself with another glass of beer while Jinwoon stood up and followed Minho towards the gate.
“Jessica’s right. Why dare me when it’s Cheundoong?” Minho finally spoke once he reached his car. He doesn’t know if he could drive in this condition, but he can always pull it off no matter how drunk he is.
Jinwoon just smirked. “I already told you why.”
“You’re weird.” Minho just sighed and tapped Jinwoon’s shoulder. “Well, I better be off. Thanks to you I’ll be going to school tomorrow and hunt that kid. I hate festivals, you know that. Festivals suck, really."
“How could you say that? I love festivals.” Jinwoon just smiled before waving at him. He really is weird that way. “But anyway, goodluck. Better bring results immediately. Night.”
“I assure you. It’s a week less.”
“I doubt it’ll be that easy, Minho. If it is, I would have not even dared you.”
Minho just shook his head in disbelief and went to the driver’s seat, and blew his horn upon Jinwoon before driving off.
Not easy? We’ll see about that, then.
______________________
Okay, so I changed a lot. The plot and some character personalities, keke.
Hope it’ll be better this way.
Thank you for your comments! :D
Until then,
joiceechan
Previous Chapter: The First
Next Chapter: The Third
Author: joiceechan
Pairing: Minho/Key (and some surprise pairings! you’ll find it out as you read)
Genre: Angst, Romance, AU
Summary: A dare was made, and daredevil Choi Minho thinks it’s better that way. And he thinks he has the last laugh, or does he really?
A/N: Thanks for those who commented and urged me to continue! Wow. I suddenly had some headache thinking about the plot. Keke. I swear, it’s so twisted. Pardon me. I really liked the idea of mashing my biases together so here’s the end product. >< And this chapter’s a bit… crappy, I think? I dunno. Haha. Tell me what you think. Btw, Cheundoong and Thunder refers to only one person, keke. But I bet you know it already, if you like Mblaq ^^
LAST RESORT
Second Chapter
It was only a few days before the school festival begins and as expected, classes are suspended to give way for the students to prepare. Every year, every organization is asked to help the Student Council to arrange the needed preparations. And since the school is pretty much popular, officials from different universities are invited to watch some senior students to get potential enrollees next year.
Choi Minho was never one to look forward to these festivals. For him, it was just a waste of money and time, effort included. He could care less if those feisty university people are coming or not. He wasn’t really planning in going to college anyway.
“You’ll wait for me right?” Middle school Minho would always ask his hyung the same question everyday, without fail. And he would always receive the same response.
“I can’t, Minho. I’ll graduate in high school soon and enter the university in a few months.” His hyung reasoned out.
“But hyung! You said we’ll enter the university together.” Minho whined. The reason why he was so eager to study and do well in school was him.
“I’ll try, Minho-ah, okay? But make sure you study well so you could catch up with me, are we clear about that?” Hyung stroke his hair lovingly. Minho wanted to be like him, to be as good and smart as he is. For little Minho, he was his superman.
But who’s superman now? He broke his promise, he left and he broke Minho’s heart. He left him all alone. Just when he promised he’ll always be there for his dongsaeng.
It was all because of that one person who Minho swore he’ll hate. For life.
Donghae.
Donghae destroyed everything.
And there is no way Minho could ever forgive and forget.
He was just walking along the busy hallway of streamers and balloons. How he hated all these! Just what is so fascinating about the festivities? Everyone is just pretending to be happy when in fact, they all have the same problems in life. How many of these people have broken families, have lost their loved ones, waiting for something that wouldn’t come, have their hearts broken, have been hopeful to a broken promise…
As for Minho, let’s see… what has become of him? Sure he got the support of his parents but where are they anyway? They went off marrying some other people and started their own families, leaving him and his so-called brother alone with lots of fortune to spend over his lifetime and a house he could call his own. He wasn’t alone in the beginning though, he had his hyung with him but he just left him after. He had Joon as his best friend but Minho just took it for granted and did something to ruin their friendship.
He lost two important people. And now that he found some new friends he couldn’t afford to lose them again.
^^^
The hallway was flooded with busy students that it was impossible to pass through.
Minho stopped and considered if he should pass or not, and besides, some of the girls he actually turned down were also there. He wasn’t ashamed of what he did, but he was rather pissed at those persistent girls who kept pestering him after they got rejected.
“Get out of the way, brainy!” One of the sophomore boys who were fixing the streamer suddenly yelled and pushed some boy who was passing by the corridor.
Minho could only laugh upon seeing these scenarios. The world would never be fair, really. There will always be the strong and the weak, the brave and the coward.
But… is being strong makes you the braver one?
Minho doesn’t think so.
“Aish, you stepped at the art papers! Such an eyesore! Just go to the library and get yourself eaten by books! That will do us a favor!” Now a girl, also a sophomore in
Minho’s bet, got some water bottle, opened it and poured some amount of water at the poor boy’s books. The boys who were busy putting up streamers saw this and clapped their hands. “Wooooo! Nice one Taeyeon!”
The bullied boy just walked off, careless that his books were wet and just took the laughter he earned. That was when Minho clenched his fist and looked at this boy who was walking near his direction now. Just how could he take it? Was he that coward and weak?
“Minho-ssi! Oh, Minho-ssi’s there! Make way for him, hurry!” The boy from earlier poked his classmates and they all bowed at him. It was always like this and
Minho was almost fed up. It’s enough for him to gain respect after all, that’s it. He belonged to a group of the most elite students anyway.
But to be treated like this when someone else was treated otherwise?
“Yah eyesore, didn’t you hear what I said? Get out of the way and let Minho-ssi pass!” The girl named Taeyeon pushed the boy away. She was one of those Student Council people who’s quite popular with the boys. She looked at him with meaningful eyes and he acknowledged. What a good catch and a good asset to the Student Council too, but Minho doesn’t care about that now.
Don’t get him wrong, he wasn’t the charitable type, but the sight of someone who takes advantage of the weaker one just pisses him off. The weaker one always reminded him of his hyung.
He was about to walk and grab the boy but a voice that came from behind Minho was heard.
“Taeyeon. Seungho. To the principal’s office now.” That scary voice was so much familiar to Minho that he need not to turn around anymore. He knew clearly who was speaking.
He noticed the two students stiffened up as they saw the teacher who just ordered them to go to the principal’s office. The girl looked down and glared at the student who she bullied before he looked at her boy classmate and together, they went their way out.
“And to all of you, aren’t you ashamed of yourselves? You saw what happened, and instead of helping him, you chose to laugh instead? What kind of people are you?! One more of this and you know where you’ll all end up. Do you get me?!” The scary aura of the Statictics teacher Donghae definitely made the sophomores jump.
“Y-Yes, Lee-sonsaengnim!” They all looked (or pretended to, at least) to be sorry and bowed in front of the teacher.
“Now, back to work, all of you!” And so, the students automatically got back to what they were doing before the commotion
Minho noticed that the boy who just got bullied just stood there and frozen in the same spot. Such a weakling, Minho thought. How would he able stand up for himself if he always depended on others to save him?
“Do you think they won’t do it again, SIR? It was never their problem. It was the boy’s.” Minho chuckled and turned around to walk past Donghae. Minho could feel his fists clench big time.
Donghae seems to ignore him, which hurt Minho’s ego a bit but he could say he was almost used to it, and Donghae just walked towards the bullied student. “Kibum! Are you okay? I’m so sorry about that.”
Minho stopped walking and fought the urge to turn around again, but he failed. He turned around and saw that Donghae grabbed the boy’s books that were all wet and got some handkerchief to wipe them. Some students’ jaw dropped upon witnessing what was happening. It’s really unbelievable.
“S-Sir, you d-don’t need to do t-that. They’re a-all wet now.” By the tone of that voice, Minho realized it was the freshman. That freshman. Kim Kibum was his name, right? He’s quite everywhere now, huh. And everytime Minho sees him, he’s with those people that Minho knows, beside Cheundoong that other day, hand in hand with Joon and now, with Donghae. And just when does Donghae started saving some bullied freshmen in school? For all Minho knows, he’s just not the type to mind someone’s business. He was always so full of himself.
“You need them, right? Where are you going to get money to buy the-” Donghae wasn’t able to continue as the freshman grabbed his books from him.
“Never mind that sunbae!” He immediately ran off, nearly shocking everyone because of the way he just shouted at THE teacher Donghae. Even Minho was astonished. He didn’t think such goody-nerdy guy could go against the most fearful teacher in campus. And why the hell would he call him sunbae?
Donghae just shook his head, unaware of the glances he just earned and started walking towards the opposite direction, “It was never his problem, Choi Minho, bear that in mind. Don’t compare yourself with that boy.”
Minho woke up to his senses and looked at Donghae’s direction. “What did you say?”
But Donghae just walked off.
^^^
Aish, just why won’t they just leave me alone and mind their own business? Cheundoong thought as he took the stairs up to the building’s rooftop. Today just wasn’t his day. He avoided everyone. Not that he wasn’t sociable. He loved talking to people, but not to the extent that he had to be on the school’s ambassador during the event! The Student body just voted him as the school’s representative, meaning he had to talk to the guests and usher them to places. It was the most important job of all, and he was given the opportunity because of his spontaneity and yes, good looks.
And being the school ambassador meant you have all the attention.
And Cheundoong hated attention.
So he turned it down, so much to the disappointment of his parents, teachers and the Student Council.
As if he cares anyway…
Cheundoong needed some air, to clear up his mind. He would always invite Junho over at the rooftop but he can’t accompany him this time, as he was busy with his girlfriend and her organization. Seungri’s part of the Dance Club so he was busy with all the preparations. Both the Music and the Dance Club’s performances are the most awaited in the festival. Minho is almost unseen during this time of the year, he’s not into these kinds of things, and that’s one of the things they have in common. And Jinwoon, well, no matter how unsociable Jinwoon would look like, he was still part of the Bookreader’s Club. How lame, Minho would tease him. But Jinwoon seems to be enjoying it, so they don’t really have anything to say about that.
And so Cheundoong ventured the rooftop alone, so many things running through his mind, but when he heard something behind his favorite hang out spot of his beloved rooftop, he suddenly stopped on his tracks. It was as if someone was talking just now…
He walked towards the blue wall and what he saw shocked him. A boy was clutching on his books and was talking to the phone, he looked helpless. When he saw the boy clearly, he realized it was the freshman the other day. How could Cheundoong forget, this boy had left some effect on him…
“Anniyo, I’m okay hyung. Y-You don’t have to worry about me.” The freshman held his books tightly as he tried hard not to sound like he was crying, although Cheundoong could see him clearly, there were tears on those eyes.
“I-I’m at the rooftop. Oh, y-your friends? Will that be o-okay? Ah, ne. Alright. I’ll wait for y-you.” Kibum adjusted his specs and pushed it to the bridge of his nose.
Cheundoong creased his forehead. Who was he talking to? Well he doesn’t care anyway. What he cares about is, what is the boy doing here in his favorite hang-out?
“Yah! What are you doing hanging out here in my place?” He spoke with authority, but he always fail to sound scary. His friends teased him of having a girl’s voice and it pisses him off. Oh well, he can’t really complain can he? He was the group’s maknae after all.
“Aigoo!” Kibum hung the phone up out of shock. He looked up and gathered his stuffs immediately. He was afraid he was gonna get bullied again. No, not now, please, I feel so down. He wiped the tears from his eyes and stood up. He swallowed hard and looked down as he stepped forward. He was about three steps away from the stranger when he spoke again.
“Did I tell you to leave?” Cheundoong faked his authoritative voice, making the other freeze on his spot. The senior turned around and saw that the freshman didn’t leave. What a pushover. He walked towards him and checked him out. He then saw the books on the other’s arms.
“M-Mianhae. I didn’t mean to own the place. I just… I mean…” Kibum felt his throat dry up. His tears are ready to fall again, but he just can’t let anyone see that. He never let anyone see him crying.
“And you cried so hard you shed tears to your books? Wow.” Cheundoong smiled as he grabbed the books and read the titles. He swore he saw the same titles on Jinwoon’s bookshelves.
“And Then There Were None? Agatha Christie and Conan Doyle? Only bookworms read these. Looking at you, well… you look like one.” Cheundoong then opened the books and saw that all the pages are indeed, wet. It can’t be because of tears now. And heck, someone who’s on his right mind wouldn’t just soak their books on water okay.
He looked at Kibum again. “They say your name was… Kibum right? Um…” He suddenly found himself speechless. “Please don’t hate me, bullying isn’t actually my thing. People seem to say my friends and I are a bullying lot but we’re actually harmless.”
“What the hell are you doing with him? Get off!” Suddenly, a voice was heard over the rooftop door and both turned around to see a rather panting Lee Joon. He was glaring at Cheundoong.
“Joon hyung…” Kibum was able to mutter while he saw two pink blushes appear on the cheeks of the guy beside him.
Cheundoong was dumbfounded as he looked towards the voice’s direction and he was frozen completely on his spot.
Lee Changsun.
Joon.
He seemed so far away now, like he was unreachable.
And… what does he have to do with this nerdy boy? Cheundoong thought.
Unbelievable.
His heart was now beating uncontrollably. What is he doing here? Aish, just why does it have to be right here, and at this moment?
“Get off!” Having sensed that Minho must have sent Cheundoong to pester Kibum, Joon felt his blood boil and suddenly ran towards the two boys and pushed Cheundoong away. “I said get off of him!”
Kibum was nothing but shocked as the other boy stumbled on the ground. Joon must have pushed him so hard. He wanted to help the boy but Joon grabbed him and pushed him behind him.
“I’m warning you Thunder, and better tell your friend Minho that he should stay away! I don’t care if he hit on girls or boys or anyone, neither do I care if you have this awesome group of friends now. One more pestering and I swear I’ll-” Joon paused and caught his breath. His anger got the best of him and he regretted it, He almost blurted that out. Good thing he was able to stop himself.
It took a while for Cheundoong to realize what had happened and so he suddenly stood up and dusted his uniform. “I mean no harm… I swear. And Minho doesn’t have anything to do with this. Better ask Kibum.” He looked at the freshman’s eyes, waiting for some confirmation.
“Has he done anything to you, Kibum?” Joon looked worriedly at his friend. Does Minho really think he was hitting on this freshman? How could they both get this far as to hurt his new found friend?
He wanted to see Minho now and punch him.
But Kibum just shook his head and looked down. He doesn’t know what to say really, everything happens so fast nowadays…
“Nothing, hyung. I was the one at fault here. See… I was invading his… territory here.” He shyly moved his head around while looking down, indicating that he was pertaining to the rooftop itself.
“What are you doing here anyway?” Joon grabbed his books and was shocked to see that they were wet. He could swear now as he looked angrily at Cheundoong. “Don’t lie to me, Kibum, what did he do to you?!” He was almost shouting now. Joon knows Cheundoong’s harmless, but with Choi Minho you can’t really tell.
Kibum shook his head in fear. Joon hyung looked so fearful while looking at the other guy. Cheundoong on the other hand, didn’t know what to do now. He couldn’t just… mess this up. No he can’t. “I swear… J-Joon… I d-didn’t.” He stuttered as he spoke the other’s name.
“Shut up! And don’t you call me Joon again!”
When Kibum saw how hurt Cheundoong face was, he was the one who made the move. “I-It was the soph… nevermind, hyung. It wasn’t him. Please, stop that, please. It’s my fault, really. I slipped somewhere and got my books wet.”
Cheundoong just looked at him in disbelief. He just saw him crying a while ago. He’s bullied again, by the looks of it, why lie?
Joon stopped himself from doing something that might scare the freshman more so he just caught Kibum’s hands and dragged him away. “Let’s just eat some lunch, I’m done with rehearsals anyway.” He sent another scary glance over Cheundoong.
“I don’t think I should repeat myself but Minho doesn’t seem to get me. I know you are rational, Thunder, so, I repeat, stay away from Kibum!”
Cheundoong just felt his cheeks flush a red tint as he felt his heart skipped a beat. What was that for? He slapped his face as he thought about what happened. Joon… he was just inches away from him, and he didn’t know what to do in an instant. And the scary voice didn’t help him think straight at all.
But... he called me Thunder...
I should talk to Minho, Cheundoong thought.
^^^
It was a usual Friday night and the group assembled in Junho’s place to have a good time. It was almost midnight, and everything had been fun so far. There would never be a dull moment as Junho give some witty jokes for everyone to laugh at.
“Yes, let’s drink to that!” Seungri raised his glass and everyone did the same. After the *ting* sound everyone just laughed and drank to their heart’s desire.
“Cheundoong has a new crush lady and gentlemen!” Junho blurted all of a sudden and looked at his best friend teasingly. He was more than tipsy now, and who knows how long will this drinking session last. Jessica was clinging to him, drunk. She was the only girl in the group, as always.
Jinwoon was just looking at them silently while casually drinking from his glass. But every once in a while he would laugh at the jokes and get animated.
“Yah! What are you talking about?” Cheundoong muttered and glared at Junho. They haven’t talked lately so he doesn’t remember mentioning something to him. He’s just into his second bottle tonight, so he still pretty much knew what he’s doing. And besides, he doesn’t feel really good tonight. If it wasn’t for spending time with his friends he wouldn’t have come here.
Seungri, who’s the first one to get drunk, looked teasingly at Cheundoong. “Oh really? Spill! Who’s the unlucky one? Hahahaha!”
“There’s no one! Junho was just kidding.” Cheundoong drank from his bottle and dismissed the idea. No way Junho could ever know. Ever. Nobody ever knew that… not even his best friend.
“But yesterday when we ate lunch you’re always asking me who the hell that freshman is and where he could be! And I saw how you looked at him the other day, when that beast Chansung pushed him towards our table. Hahahaha! Don’t deny it, Doongie! You have the hots for him!” Junho nudged him and forced him to speak up.
Minho almost spilled his beer as he was drinking. Hearing what Junho has got to say almost made him jump. “Oh shit!”
Everyone looked at him, as Seungri and Junho suddenly laughed spontaneously because
Minho got his shirt wet with beer. “Yah! What’s that, Minho? Hahahahahaha!” Seungri pointed at him as he laughed. Minho just shook his head. What’s the matter with me?
Jessica looked at him worriedly, and stood up, “Oh, I’ll go get something for you to wear. Junho, you can lend him some clothes right?” She looked at her boyfriend who was high-fiving Seungri and Jinwoon and just sighed.
“No, you don’t really have to bother, Jessica. Boys, I’ll just go over my car to find a shirt. Junho! Thunder! Tell me all about it later, okay? Hahahaha!” Minho high fived with Junho and looked teasingly at Cheundoong, and the latter just glared at him.
Minho walked out laughing as he opened his car and got a spare shirt from the backseat. He was close to being tipsy. He wasn’t really used to drink but in time he learned to control it. At first he was just drinking with Jinwoon, him being the first one he met in the group, excluding Cheundoong of course, and that was when Minho did things he never did before. He became a person that he never thought he would be. Jinwoon then introduced him and Cheundoong to his elite group of friends. The famous three, Junho, Seungri, Jinwoon. Each one having some famous parent or family. Minho’s mother was a socialite and his father was a famous model when he was younger, and Minho carried the name until now. He didn’t tell his friends all about his past though. All they knew was the fact that he hated the terror teacher Donghae for life.
For Minho, it’s enough that he gained some friends now after everything that has happened.
And for that, he has to sacrifice something else.
He was thinking about the past so much that he didn’t notice someone’s arms landed on his waist. He tried not to jolt from his standing position. He looked behind him and he was shocked to find Jessica leaning her head on his broad shoulders as she tightens her embrace.
Minho didn’t know what to react. He was used to this, but then they never really do something when Junho’s around.
“Minho…” Jessica whispered his name and he felt the hairs in his arms stood up. He doesn’t know if it was with Jessica’s voice or the fact that what she’s doing was totally wrong.
He was attracted to her a long time ago. From the moment she saw her, he felt like a magnet wanting to be attached to her. For the first time in a long time he wanted to forget whatever happened in the past and have someone like Jessica. But she could never be his, she was his friend Junho’s girlfriend, so everything must be kept secret.
They would always sneak out and held each other, hand in hand. It was wrong, but it was what excites Minho all along. Betraying, and knowing exactly what that felt. It felt so good, he felt so alive sinning. Jessica knows he dates most of the girls in their school, yet she doesn’t really care. She knows Minho was only hers, and no matter how many girl he dates, he would always come back to where he belongs, and that is her.
“What are you doing?”
Minho spoke in a rather nonchalant way, as if trying to warn her about her behavior.
“I missed you, Minho. We didn’t sneak out this week. I’ve been missing you.” Jessica muttered confidently. She knows she won’t get rejected anyway.
“I don’t really know what you’re talking about.” He replied courtly and released himself from the grip. Jessica opened her eyes wide and stared at him. “What’s the matter with you? I want you now, Minho. Go and tell me you want me too.”
“This isn’t the right place for that.”
“You wanted me now right? I could see it in your eyes. But you know you couldn’t have me when Junho’s around… so…” She turned Minho around so he could face her. “You can have me only when Junho’s not around.”
Minho felt his nostrils flare up. How dare she play with his feelings? How dare she manipulate him and his friend Junho?
But Minho knows what she said was true. He wants her. He wants to make great sins with her, but that’s exactly why he hates her and her guts.
“Damn it. If you wanted me that bad then why can’t you just tell your boyfriend that?” He grabbed Jessica’s shoulders and squeezed them, shocking the girl with his aggressive actions, yet Jessica smiled. This moment was what she was waiting for.
“I love Junho. I thought we’re clear about that.” She liked provoking Minho, to see him get jealous everytime.
“And what about me? Who am I then?”
Minho felt the alcohol seeping in, he’s very drunk that he’s half conscious of everything.
“You’re different. You’re Minho. That’s all that matters.” Jessica wanted to say she loves him too, but she just can’t. Not when they’re both wasted and didn’t know what they’re doing.
“Damn that, Jessica Jung.” Now Minho was angry. Girls really are a very complicated matter, he could tell it from experience. He thought about boys. How does it feel to get attracted to a boy then…?
Hyung loved a boy. I wonder what that feels?
“Minho? Minho!” Suddenly, he heard Junho’s voice calling for him and Jessica stood up straight. Then she turned to look at the direction of the voice and found Junho approaching the gate. Yes, they were close to being caught.
What a coward she is, really.
“Jessica? What are you two doing there?” Junho was drunk now but he could still support his weight. He stared at them confused then Jessica came to him and grabbed his arms. “I accompanied Minho to come get some shirt. You guys are so busy earlier.”
Yeah right, Minho thought. Why can’t you just tell him you love me more than him?
“Oh. Hic! Yah,Minho, Doongie will come out of his closet. Better be there to witness it, hic!"
Minho closed his car door and followed the two inside. He wiped his sweat that build up while Jessica was beside him. Good thing Junho didn’t notice. Minho smiled as he looked over Jessica. He would make her pay the next time they sneak out…
Yes, Minho betrays friends and doesn’t feel a single bit about it. As long as he’s happy, nothing else matters.
“Okay, okay, okay! The Kingka Minho is here boys!” Junho cheered happily as Jessica threw him some weird glance. Seungri was holding some phone in his hand. When Minho looked at it clearly, it was Cheundoong’s phone. Cheundoong was looking pale as he looked down while Seungri and Junho were laughing like crazy now.
“It seems the maknae has been bullied yet again.” Minho sat beside the pouting Cheundoong, half smiling.
“He still can’t admit he likes that nerdy freshman.” Junho resumed his drinking as Seungri helped himself with another glass. He was a little less than his normal self. He and Junho liked daredevil games. They liked challenging one another and oftentimes they involved the other three with their crazy antics. Somehow Minho could feel that daredevil air right now.
Jinwoon was, as usual, watching them, but Minho could say he was already drunk due to his red cheeks.
“Why is the freshman even becoming a very big deal for all of you?” Jessica muttered. He glared at Junho who was now lying on her lap. The freshman recently became the talk of the campus for unusual reasons. One, he’s a boy genius, two, he’s the teachers’ pet and two, because of that, he gets bullied a lot. What a way to be popular, Jessica thought.
“Because our own Cheundoong likes him that’s why, Sica!” Seungri clapped his hands as he typed something on Cheundoong’s phone.
“I don’t! How many times do I have to tell you, I don’t!” Cheundoong stomped his feet out of anger. They could never understand. He liked someone else and it’s definitely not the freshman. Although he needed to talk to that nerd to get to the one he likes.
“Oh come on, Thunder. It’s just some petty freshman, why are you even attracted to those kinds of kids. Besides, if you really like him, hah! It’s just so easy to get him.” Minho blurted out, remembering that little encounter with Joon the other day. And then he realized something…
He looked at Cheundoong and saw that he was looking at him, too.
“You think he’s easy, Minho?” Jinwoon suddenly blurted out and looked at Minho with curious eyes, and everyone was almost taken aback when he spoke.
“Well yes. I know exactly just what to do to get him.” Minho recovered after a while, smiled teasingly, and his eyes diverted to Jessica, who became uncomfortable when the topic about the freshman was brought up. Oh how he liked that face of hers just now… looks like she hated that the spotlight was take from her.
Minho looked over Cheundoong again, and thought about how to get rid of the topic now.
“Oh really now, Choi Minho. Cheundoong, our lady slash boy killer Minho is daring you now.” Seungri spoke and offered a glass to Minho, which the latter accepted.
“Aish, I told you I don’t like him! Is it so hard to understand?” Cheundoong was so frustrated now. How could they stop teasing him? Well he couldn’t actually tell them who he really likes now… If only he could tell Minho…
“Stop being a coward now, Thunder.” Minho said confidently as he drank on his glass, hoping his strategy will succeed and get Cheundoong out of this.
“Why don’t you go and get him instead, Minho? It seems Cheundoong doesn’t like him anyway.” Junho then got up from lying on his girlfriend’s lap and looked teasingly at his best friend, hoping he would fall from their trap. But Cheundoong seems unaffected, and Junho can’t even tell what was wrong with him. He wasn’t himself. Not even a single bit. He wondered now…
“Me? Oh, you know I don’t-” Minho stood up. He knows where this conversation is leading to, and he could feel his plan succeeded.
“Prove to us he’s easy.” Jinwoon then stood up too and cut him, a smirk plastered on his face like it’s never been there before, and all the others stood up with him, except Jessica, who was now staring at them with disbelief.
“Oh come on, Jinwoon. What a lame dare.” She butted out and Jinwoon and Cheundoong looked at her with amused eyes.
“I would like to see him try though, Jessica. I agree with Jinwoon. Why don’t you show Cheundoong how it’s done, Minho?” Now Seungri was all red and drunk than ever.
“Hah! So you wanna dare me now?” Minho pointed a finger at Jinwoon, before emptying his last glass for the night. He looked at Jessica, and amused himself with a disappointed look on her face.
“Guys, don’t make a big deal out of it, please.” Cheundoong remembered what Joon told him, and he doesn’t really want to mess up with him. Not with him, not with Lee Joon. And when he says they should stay away from that Kim Kibum, Cheundoong would gladly obey him. He looked over Minho and tried to talk to him through his eyes, but it seems Minho didn’t catch it.
“Ooooh, why do you say so, dear maknae? You wanna try it too?” Junho looked rather nasty now, and Cheundoong doesn’t like it.
“What the hell! Please just stop this!” The maknae is almost bursting now. It’s really hard to talk to them when they’re drunk.
“Yes, I think we should, guys. It’s just a waste of time. Why waste your time with a lanky, bullied freshman?” Minho did seem to get what Cheundoong was trying to tell him, so his face turned serious and he grabbed his keys, avoiding everyone’s eyes. The events of today just replayed in his mind. Donghae and that freshman Kim Kibum. And the other day, Joon holding hands with him. He can’t take it. Why him, of all people?
He was about to walk out from the group when Jinwoon spoke up again with a challenging voice, “That just proves you can’t do it.”
Minho felt the clenching of his fists now. Jinwoon was his closest friend nowadays, and he never challenged him before, and he never spoken at him with that manner. That made a little pissed. What does this guy want anyway and why is he so persistent? He can’t read his mind at this moment. And the things got jumbled up in Minho’s mind right now that he got confused.
Minho turned around and saw everyone was staring at Jinwoon now, like him. It was rather weird that he was speaking now, at the most unexpected moments.
“You say he was a waste of time, but in reality you know you just can’t do it.” Jinwoon was just staring at Minho, he was a little serious now.
“What are you saying Jinwoon?” Jessica stood up finally, pissed off that Jinwoon was pushing Minho. Everything was so pointless. Oh well, boys are, sometimes.
“I just want to see how a lady or a boy killer Minho is, like what they say. I don’t quite see why. Even the boys from other schools want him.”
“But why should you challenge Minho and not Cheundoong-”
“I get it now, Jinwoon. Okay, okay.” Minho chuckled and punched his friend’s shoulder gently. “I don’t even date boys so you want to see me do it, right? And… you want me to try a nerdy, bullied freshman. Yes, I can see your point now.”
And then everyone just laughed when Minho made a funny face to fool around. “Okay! If that’s what you want, I’ll give it to you.”
Cheundoong’s eyes opened wide as he stared at Minho. “What are you talking about?!”
“Hahahahahaha! Nice one Minho! That’s my boy!” Junho broke from Jessica’s tight grip on his shirt to give Minho a tap on the shoulder.
Jinwoon nodded satisfactorily. Seungri just looked at them and smirked. "Nice, I like the idea."
Jessica was poker-faced now. “I can’t believe you, Minho. You are unbelievable.”
“Well, he ain’t Flaming Charisma for nothing, baby, hahahaha!” Junho continued and held Jessica's hand.
“You’re all just ridiculous!” Cheundoong suddenly stomped his feet and stormed towards the house gate, leaving his hyungs surprised by what he did just now. He hated everyone now. And how the hell could Minho just agree? They have to talk, they really have to.
But right now he just wanted to be alone.
^^^
Everyone fell silent as they heard the sound of Cheundoong’s car coming to a halt.
“What’s the matter with him, Junho? He’s been so odd today.” Seungri sat down again and creased his forehead. The maknae acted so weird tonight. He never saw Cheundoong like that before. Maybe what Junho said was true then? But… maknae never told Seungri anything about that freshman…
“Yah, does he really like that freshman?” Minho blurted out, wanting to confirm something although he already knew the answer.
Junho looked worriedly over the direction where his best friend walked off, and looked at Minho. “I’m not really sure. Hey, are you serious about Jinwoon’s deal? There should be no turning back.”
Jessica sat beside his boyfriend, pissed that he’s still pushing Minho that senseless idea. “You saw Cheundoong’s face right? I’m sure he really likes that freshman. Why dare Minho when-”
“This is the first dare that Jinwoon ever made with me. And I’ll prove to him I can do it.” Minho glanced at Jinwoon confidently and felt his head spinning already. Too much alcohol now…
“Minho!” Jessica sprang up from her seat, much to the surprise of everyone. Minho just stared at her with a threat in his eyes. No, she can’t be saying things now.
“I’ll be off. Better talk to Cheundoong and ask him what his problem is.” Minho tapped his friends’ shoulders and avoided Jessica’s eyes before walking off.
“I’ll see what I can do too. But don’t overdo it, Minho. He might have liked the freshman after all.” Junho waved him off as he closed his eyes and lied more comfortably on his girlfriend’s lap again.
“We can tell when he reacts my dating the freshman.” Minho smiled weakly as he waved and walked forward.
“Safe driving Minho!” Seungri helped himself with another glass of beer while Jinwoon stood up and followed Minho towards the gate.
“Jessica’s right. Why dare me when it’s Cheundoong?” Minho finally spoke once he reached his car. He doesn’t know if he could drive in this condition, but he can always pull it off no matter how drunk he is.
Jinwoon just smirked. “I already told you why.”
“You’re weird.” Minho just sighed and tapped Jinwoon’s shoulder. “Well, I better be off. Thanks to you I’ll be going to school tomorrow and hunt that kid. I hate festivals, you know that. Festivals suck, really."
“How could you say that? I love festivals.” Jinwoon just smiled before waving at him. He really is weird that way. “But anyway, goodluck. Better bring results immediately. Night.”
“I assure you. It’s a week less.”
“I doubt it’ll be that easy, Minho. If it is, I would have not even dared you.”
Minho just shook his head in disbelief and went to the driver’s seat, and blew his horn upon Jinwoon before driving off.
Not easy? We’ll see about that, then.
______________________
Okay, so I changed a lot. The plot and some character personalities, keke.
Hope it’ll be better this way.
Thank you for your comments! :D
Until then,
joiceechan
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Next Chapter: The Third