Out of Control: Chapter Five
Title: Out of Control
Pairing: Jonghyun/Key, Key/Minho, Minho/Taemin
Chapter: 5/12
Rating: R - NC - 17
Genre: Angst
Words: 2740/12855
Summary: Jealousy and distrust nearly cause Jonghyun to destroy the very relationship that he values so dearly, as well as the man he loves.
Author’s Note: Do not own anything.
Sorry for the lack of update! School sucks. I really should by writing my history seeing how its due in 2 days... oh well.
Comment!
Chapter Five
Taemin looks around the busy Star King set. They’re taking a lunch break during the recording and his various sunbaes are busy talking amongst themselves and trying to get the lunch box of their choice. His traveling eyes spot Minho, still sitting where he had been the majority of the day. Taemin reaches behind him to the large table set up behind the cameras and grabs an extra lunch box.
Taemin walks over to the benches slowly, politely excusing himself as other people move aside for him. He plops himself down next to Minho. The taller man looks up at the maknae in surprise.
“Hi hyung! I brought you lunch.” Taemin shows him the extra box in his hands.
Minho smiles at the younger man. “Thanks Taemin.” He gratefully takes the box. He slowly opens the styrofoam cover and takes the wooden chopsticks out the wrapper, but doesn’t do any more than poke at his food with them, taking a small meager mouthful of rice.
Taemin’s smile slowly drops. He can’t help the small jump in his chest as he watches Minho’s hand gripping his chopsticks lazily. “Did I get one you don’t like?” He asks softly. “I can get you another-”
“No, I’m just… not that hungry.”
“Oh.” Taemin looks down at his own lunch in his hands, suddenly not feeling much like eating either.
"It's a good day for a recording," Taemin says, trying to make conversation. "Hodong hyung is really in a good mood today. The guests are really entertaining."
Minho just nods to himself. His mind is elsewhere.
He can't help but let his wandering eyes drift towards Key and Jonghyun at the other side of the room. Jonghyun is whispering something into the younger man's ear, and Key's laughing softly. His hand is gently touching Jonghyun's abdomen and Minho can't help but think they look exactly as what they are. A couple. It's a wonder the rest of the world hasn't figured it out yet. Key says something and they both burst into another fit of laughter. Minho feels a stab of jealousy in his heart. He blinks and looks back down to his lap, not wanting to be caught staring by either of them. But they don't notice. They both seem to be in their own little world.
Minho is starting to realize that some things just aren't meant to be. Maybe he’s begun to accept it.
"Hyung?"
Minho glances up, blinking blankly at Taemin.
"You haven't been listening to me, have you?" Taemin says softly.
"I'm sorry, Taemin." He rubs his face tiredly. "I'm just... distracted. And I really didn't get much sleep last night. I'm not completely here," he tries to laugh it off.
Taemin just looks away, trying not to show his hurt.
Minho doesn't notice. He sneaks another glance across the room. Jonghyun is walking away, probably going to the restroom before they resume their filming. Key is left by himself, leaning casually against the wall.
Minho quickly stands, "be right back," he says to the younger man next to him, not even looking down.
Taemin stares at him as he quickly makes his ways across the room. He sighs to himself as he looks down at the man's empty seat. The uneaten lunch box sits on the bench, looking as pathetic as Taemin feels. He lets his shoulders drop as dejectedly places his own box on top of Minho's. He just doesn't have the stomach to eat.
Key looks up in surprise when he sees Minho quickly approach him. Minho doesn’t miss the tensing of the man’s shoulders as he tries to avoid eye contact. Just as the taller man is only a few feet away, Key pushes himself off the wall he was leaning against and makes to leave. But Minho quickly grabs his arm and pulls him around to face him.
“Kibum,” The other man blinks at the usage of his real name.
“Can I talk to you?” Minho asks, softly his time.
Key makes a face, looking away. He pulls his arm out of the younger man’s grasp. “Yeah,” he mutters. “Go ahead.” He figures for the sake of the band he might as well hear what the man has to say.
“Look, I’m-I’m really sorry, Key. I know that you’ve been avoiding me for a couple days now, because of what I did. And I just want to say that, I never meant… to create a rift between us. I know it’s not worth it.”
Key looks up at him and Minho takes it as a sign to continue.
“I still… really like you. But if it’s going to pull the group apart, I’ll try my best to stop. I don’t want to get between you and Jonghyun, because… when I see you guys together, I really see how happy you are. I don’t want to be the reason that falls apart. It’s bad enough already, I mean, Jonghyun hyung won’t even look at me-”
“Maybe you should apologize to him,” Key says dryly.
Minho looks taken aback. “I-I did. He didn’t seem to accept it-”
“I wouldn’t be surprised.” Key snaps.
Minho blinks, a bit shocked at the man’s hostility towards him. “Look Key, if you’re still upset about the kiss the other night, I’m already apologized for it. I know it shouldn’t have happened. I can’t really help how I feel about you, but, I know I crossed the line there-”
“I wasn’t talking about the kiss.” Key mutters.
“Then what?” Minho asks confused.
“Don’t act like you don’t know what I’m talking about.”
Minho sighs exasperated. “Okay, well, I did get in an argument with Jonghyun, but… can’t we just let bygones be bygones?”
The other man stays silent.
“Key, I miss you.” Minho says softly. “I miss just… being friends with you. I’m not going to pursue anything, I just want things to go back to the way they were, without… all this drama. I don’t want Jonghyun to hate me, I don’t want you and I to be awkward… I want us to be friends. I just… want us to be okay again.”
Key’s expression finally softens. “Look at us being all mushy with each other.” He says with a small smile.
“Does this mean you forgive me?”
Key rolls his eyes. “Yeah, I forgive you.” The smile on Minho’s face widens as he reaches his arms out for an embrace that Key gladly accepts.
When they separate, Minho is serious again. “I really hope you and Jonghyun are happy. You guys are really perfect for each other.”
Key nods, he’s slightly taken back by the man’s sincerity. He nods slowly, “thank you. That’s really… mature of you. We’re really happy,” he says softly.
Jonghyun practically snarls as he watches Minho and Key from across the room. What could they possibly be talking about? I thought I told Key to stay away from him.
It takes nearly all of his willpower not to storm over there and pull Key away. But he figures that would cause too big of a scene in too crowded of a location. He silently walks over to the benches and takes his seat next to Taemin. He reminds himself to keep his breathing steady and not to make any rash decisions.
Taemin looks up at the older man. “Hi, hyung.” He does a double take. “Are you okay?” He asks when he sees Jonghyun’s awkward composure. “You don’t look like you’re feeling too well.”
“I’m fine,” Jonghyun mutters. His jaw drops when he sees Minho and Key hug. He narrows his eyes in anger when they pull apart and he sees the smiles on their faces. What the hell are they so happy about?
He quickly looks away when the two men begin to approach. The recording is about to continue. Key sits down next to Jonghyun and Minho takes his seat on Taemin’s other side. Key settles his hand on top of Jonghyun’s and gives it a light squeeze. He smiles but Jonghyun can’t bring himself to return.
“What were you and Minho talking about?” He asks softly, just a hint of anger betrays him in his steely voice.
Key’s smile drops slightly. “He was just apologizing for the other day. You know… when he hit you.” He lowers his voice as not to be heard by the people around them.
Jonghyun narrows his eyes. He’s pretty sure that Minho thought he was apologizing for the kiss the other night.
“He’s really sorry,” Key whispers.
Jonghyun looks away and doesn’t answer him. Mindlessly, he takes Key’s hand into his own and gives it a good squeeze. A few moments pass and his grip starts to get tighter.
“Oww,” Key whines softly.
Jonghyun releases his grip. “Heh, sorry.” His voice doesn’t sound apologetic at all.
Key gives him a strange look.
*
“Why aren’t you eating, Taemin?” Key demands as he sees his deliciously cooked dinner go untouched on the maknae’s plate.
“I’m not hungry, hyung.” Taemin says softly.
“I don’t care if you’re not hungry. You’re too skinny as it is. Do you want netizens to accuse us of starving you?”
Taemin pushes his plate away. “I’m really not hungry. I’m going to go do some homework.” He quietly leaves the table.
The other four men stare at his retreating back.
“What’s wrong with him?” Onew asks blankly.
Key shakes his head. “I don’t know but I’m going to find out.” He pushes Taemin’s plate towards Jonghyun. “Eat,” he demands.
Key finds Taemin resting his chin on top of his hands, leaning over his closed books. The young man clearly was not studying.
“Taemin-ah, what’s wrong?”
Taemin looks up. He straightens his back, looking down at his book. “Nothing’s wrong, hyung.”
“You know you can’t keep secrets from me,” Key pulls out a chair and sits down. He waits for the other man to speak.
A few moments pass and Taemin fiddles with his pencil.
“Have you ever… really liked someone… who didn’t notice you at all?” He looks up timidly.
Key is slightly taken back. Sometimes he forgets that Taemin isn’t fourteen anymore. He never would have thought the baby of the group would have a love interest so soon. He takes a deep breath. The younger man is looking so sad that Key can’t help but lie. “Of course I have, Taemin.”
“How do you… deal with the pain?”
“Ehh…” Key suddenly wishes he had more experience with what Taemin was going through.
“I always try to talk to him. But it’s like I don’t even exist.” He says softly.
“Who is it?” Key asks.
“It’s… nobody.” Taemin avoids eye contact.
“Who is it?” Key asks again.
“It's Minho.”
Key blinks. “Oh.”
“I know I shouldn’t, but-”
“Taemin, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t like someone. It’s perfectly okay.”
“That still doesn’t change the fact that he doesn’t like me back.” Taemin says softly.
“Give him some time. Maybe he’ll come around.”
Taemin rolls his eyes.
“Maybe you should tell him.” Key suggests.
Taemin scoffs. “He probably thinks I’m too young. I know he only sees me as a child. He would never want to… be with me.”
“I don’t think you’re giving him enough credit.” Key says softly. “Minho is a good person. He might be a bit… hung up right now. He’s got some personal things on his mind. But eventually he’ll come around. You should never give up hope.”
“I don’t know how he hasn’t caught on yet. I’m so obvious around him. It’s like I can’t control myself. I just… I’m just drawn to him. I don’t even know why.”
“Because he’s a good person… who has his faults.” Key gives a small laugh. “But overall, I think Minho is a great guy to like.”
Taemin frowns. “I think he’s too tall, too dense, he can’t dance to save his life, and he eats too much at dinner.”
Key laughs. “I think you’re being a bit harsh. He has a lot of good qualities too. Sometimes he can be very considerate. Like that time you weren’t feeling well. Minho told manager hyung and convinced him to let you leave practice early. You didn’t even ask him to. He’s very generous-at least to his dongsaengs. He always buys you ice cream when we go to the mall. And he’s very admiring of talent. Do you know how many times he’s expressed shock to me while watching you dance? He thinks you’re so gifted.”
Taemin lowers his eyes. “Really?” he asks softly.
Key nods. “I’ll admit he can be dense sometimes. But he’ll come around. Don’t give up hope. Minho’s a great person. He’ll be worth the wait.”
Taemin gives a small smile. “Thank you, hyung.”
“Are you feeling better now?”
Taemin nods.
Key stands and ruffles the younger man’s hair. Taemin laughs softly and pulls his head away.
“Now you concentrate on your homework, okay?”
“Okay, hyung.”
Key smiles as he walks away, glad that he’s solved another problem in the SHINee household. He peaks into the kitchen as he walks through the living room. Onew and Minho are chatting as they clean the dishes, laughing to themselves.
Now where is Jonghyun?
Key quickly walks toward the bedroom. The door is slightly ajar. He knocks softly before opening the door and stepping into the dim room.
Jonghyun is facing away from him. He's leaning against the small desk they have between the bunk beds. For a moment, Key thinks that he's looking at something on the computer, but then he realizes the screen's off.
"Hyung?" Key steps closer to him and reaches out. But just as his fingers wrap around the other man's upper arm, Jonghyun spins around throwing himself out of Key's grip. Key jumps in shock, more from the anger on Jonghyun's face than anything else.
"Jonghyun, what's-"
“Minho this, Minho that." He hisses. "If you think Minho is so great why don’t you just go date him?” He says in a low voice.
"Jjong, what-I was just talking to Taemin about-no, you don't understand..."
Jonghyun takes a step closer so they're only inches away. "I don't understand? I think I understand perfectly well. I understand that you can't seem to stay away from him. Is it really that difficult for you?"
"Hyung, you're being unreasonable," Key whispers. He had never seen Jonghyun this angry before.
Jonghyun grips Key's arms and shakes him slightly, he leans forward, menace in his eyes. "Well, maybe if you didn't act like such a whore all the time-"
“What’s gotten into you Jjong?” There’s a hint of fear in Key’s voice, and for some unknown reason that he just can’t explain, Jonghyun likes it.
"Is it wrong for me to be angry that my boyfriend kissed another man?" Jonghyun asks in a soft voice.
Key's jaw drops. "I-I didn't... he kissed me." He whispers.
"Like I said," Jonghyun smirks. "Maybe if you didn't act like such a whore all the time, this would be happening."
Key swallows, his arms are starting to ache under the older man's tight grip. "I don't- you're hurting me..."
"No wonder he's so infatuated with you." Jonghyun hisses through clenched teeth, he releases the other man roughly and Key stumbles back.
"Remember all those promises you made me? Do you remember?" Jonghyun steps forward. "You're mine. Don't forget that."
"I haven't forgotten anything." Key says determinedly. "Jonghyun, what is wrong with you?"
"You running into Minho's arms is my problem!"
"I haven't done any-"
Before either of them can react Jonghyun's hand flies up and smacks Key hard across the face. The younger man staggers back from the force. He stares at the other man in shock, holding his face. Jonghyun suddenly looks as surprised as he does, but he quickly masks it.
"Stay away from Minho. I mean it this time." He says in a low voice before stepping around the other man and walking out of the room.
Key lets out a breath he didn't know he had been holding. He hears the soft click of the door behind him. His legs suddenly feel weak and he sits down on one of the beds. His face still stings from the hit. A tear begins to make its way down his cheek against his will and he wonders how this all happened.
Pairing: Jonghyun/Key, Key/Minho, Minho/Taemin
Chapter: 5/12
Rating: R - NC - 17
Genre: Angst
Words: 2740/12855
Summary: Jealousy and distrust nearly cause Jonghyun to destroy the very relationship that he values so dearly, as well as the man he loves.
Author’s Note: Do not own anything.
Sorry for the lack of update! School sucks. I really should by writing my history seeing how its due in 2 days... oh well.
Comment!
Chapter Five
Taemin looks around the busy Star King set. They’re taking a lunch break during the recording and his various sunbaes are busy talking amongst themselves and trying to get the lunch box of their choice. His traveling eyes spot Minho, still sitting where he had been the majority of the day. Taemin reaches behind him to the large table set up behind the cameras and grabs an extra lunch box.
Taemin walks over to the benches slowly, politely excusing himself as other people move aside for him. He plops himself down next to Minho. The taller man looks up at the maknae in surprise.
“Hi hyung! I brought you lunch.” Taemin shows him the extra box in his hands.
Minho smiles at the younger man. “Thanks Taemin.” He gratefully takes the box. He slowly opens the styrofoam cover and takes the wooden chopsticks out the wrapper, but doesn’t do any more than poke at his food with them, taking a small meager mouthful of rice.
Taemin’s smile slowly drops. He can’t help the small jump in his chest as he watches Minho’s hand gripping his chopsticks lazily. “Did I get one you don’t like?” He asks softly. “I can get you another-”
“No, I’m just… not that hungry.”
“Oh.” Taemin looks down at his own lunch in his hands, suddenly not feeling much like eating either.
"It's a good day for a recording," Taemin says, trying to make conversation. "Hodong hyung is really in a good mood today. The guests are really entertaining."
Minho just nods to himself. His mind is elsewhere.
He can't help but let his wandering eyes drift towards Key and Jonghyun at the other side of the room. Jonghyun is whispering something into the younger man's ear, and Key's laughing softly. His hand is gently touching Jonghyun's abdomen and Minho can't help but think they look exactly as what they are. A couple. It's a wonder the rest of the world hasn't figured it out yet. Key says something and they both burst into another fit of laughter. Minho feels a stab of jealousy in his heart. He blinks and looks back down to his lap, not wanting to be caught staring by either of them. But they don't notice. They both seem to be in their own little world.
Minho is starting to realize that some things just aren't meant to be. Maybe he’s begun to accept it.
"Hyung?"
Minho glances up, blinking blankly at Taemin.
"You haven't been listening to me, have you?" Taemin says softly.
"I'm sorry, Taemin." He rubs his face tiredly. "I'm just... distracted. And I really didn't get much sleep last night. I'm not completely here," he tries to laugh it off.
Taemin just looks away, trying not to show his hurt.
Minho doesn't notice. He sneaks another glance across the room. Jonghyun is walking away, probably going to the restroom before they resume their filming. Key is left by himself, leaning casually against the wall.
Minho quickly stands, "be right back," he says to the younger man next to him, not even looking down.
Taemin stares at him as he quickly makes his ways across the room. He sighs to himself as he looks down at the man's empty seat. The uneaten lunch box sits on the bench, looking as pathetic as Taemin feels. He lets his shoulders drop as dejectedly places his own box on top of Minho's. He just doesn't have the stomach to eat.
Key looks up in surprise when he sees Minho quickly approach him. Minho doesn’t miss the tensing of the man’s shoulders as he tries to avoid eye contact. Just as the taller man is only a few feet away, Key pushes himself off the wall he was leaning against and makes to leave. But Minho quickly grabs his arm and pulls him around to face him.
“Kibum,” The other man blinks at the usage of his real name.
“Can I talk to you?” Minho asks, softly his time.
Key makes a face, looking away. He pulls his arm out of the younger man’s grasp. “Yeah,” he mutters. “Go ahead.” He figures for the sake of the band he might as well hear what the man has to say.
“Look, I’m-I’m really sorry, Key. I know that you’ve been avoiding me for a couple days now, because of what I did. And I just want to say that, I never meant… to create a rift between us. I know it’s not worth it.”
Key looks up at him and Minho takes it as a sign to continue.
“I still… really like you. But if it’s going to pull the group apart, I’ll try my best to stop. I don’t want to get between you and Jonghyun, because… when I see you guys together, I really see how happy you are. I don’t want to be the reason that falls apart. It’s bad enough already, I mean, Jonghyun hyung won’t even look at me-”
“Maybe you should apologize to him,” Key says dryly.
Minho looks taken aback. “I-I did. He didn’t seem to accept it-”
“I wouldn’t be surprised.” Key snaps.
Minho blinks, a bit shocked at the man’s hostility towards him. “Look Key, if you’re still upset about the kiss the other night, I’m already apologized for it. I know it shouldn’t have happened. I can’t really help how I feel about you, but, I know I crossed the line there-”
“I wasn’t talking about the kiss.” Key mutters.
“Then what?” Minho asks confused.
“Don’t act like you don’t know what I’m talking about.”
Minho sighs exasperated. “Okay, well, I did get in an argument with Jonghyun, but… can’t we just let bygones be bygones?”
The other man stays silent.
“Key, I miss you.” Minho says softly. “I miss just… being friends with you. I’m not going to pursue anything, I just want things to go back to the way they were, without… all this drama. I don’t want Jonghyun to hate me, I don’t want you and I to be awkward… I want us to be friends. I just… want us to be okay again.”
Key’s expression finally softens. “Look at us being all mushy with each other.” He says with a small smile.
“Does this mean you forgive me?”
Key rolls his eyes. “Yeah, I forgive you.” The smile on Minho’s face widens as he reaches his arms out for an embrace that Key gladly accepts.
When they separate, Minho is serious again. “I really hope you and Jonghyun are happy. You guys are really perfect for each other.”
Key nods, he’s slightly taken back by the man’s sincerity. He nods slowly, “thank you. That’s really… mature of you. We’re really happy,” he says softly.
Jonghyun practically snarls as he watches Minho and Key from across the room. What could they possibly be talking about? I thought I told Key to stay away from him.
It takes nearly all of his willpower not to storm over there and pull Key away. But he figures that would cause too big of a scene in too crowded of a location. He silently walks over to the benches and takes his seat next to Taemin. He reminds himself to keep his breathing steady and not to make any rash decisions.
Taemin looks up at the older man. “Hi, hyung.” He does a double take. “Are you okay?” He asks when he sees Jonghyun’s awkward composure. “You don’t look like you’re feeling too well.”
“I’m fine,” Jonghyun mutters. His jaw drops when he sees Minho and Key hug. He narrows his eyes in anger when they pull apart and he sees the smiles on their faces. What the hell are they so happy about?
He quickly looks away when the two men begin to approach. The recording is about to continue. Key sits down next to Jonghyun and Minho takes his seat on Taemin’s other side. Key settles his hand on top of Jonghyun’s and gives it a light squeeze. He smiles but Jonghyun can’t bring himself to return.
“What were you and Minho talking about?” He asks softly, just a hint of anger betrays him in his steely voice.
Key’s smile drops slightly. “He was just apologizing for the other day. You know… when he hit you.” He lowers his voice as not to be heard by the people around them.
Jonghyun narrows his eyes. He’s pretty sure that Minho thought he was apologizing for the kiss the other night.
“He’s really sorry,” Key whispers.
Jonghyun looks away and doesn’t answer him. Mindlessly, he takes Key’s hand into his own and gives it a good squeeze. A few moments pass and his grip starts to get tighter.
“Oww,” Key whines softly.
Jonghyun releases his grip. “Heh, sorry.” His voice doesn’t sound apologetic at all.
Key gives him a strange look.
*
“Why aren’t you eating, Taemin?” Key demands as he sees his deliciously cooked dinner go untouched on the maknae’s plate.
“I’m not hungry, hyung.” Taemin says softly.
“I don’t care if you’re not hungry. You’re too skinny as it is. Do you want netizens to accuse us of starving you?”
Taemin pushes his plate away. “I’m really not hungry. I’m going to go do some homework.” He quietly leaves the table.
The other four men stare at his retreating back.
“What’s wrong with him?” Onew asks blankly.
Key shakes his head. “I don’t know but I’m going to find out.” He pushes Taemin’s plate towards Jonghyun. “Eat,” he demands.
Key finds Taemin resting his chin on top of his hands, leaning over his closed books. The young man clearly was not studying.
“Taemin-ah, what’s wrong?”
Taemin looks up. He straightens his back, looking down at his book. “Nothing’s wrong, hyung.”
“You know you can’t keep secrets from me,” Key pulls out a chair and sits down. He waits for the other man to speak.
A few moments pass and Taemin fiddles with his pencil.
“Have you ever… really liked someone… who didn’t notice you at all?” He looks up timidly.
Key is slightly taken back. Sometimes he forgets that Taemin isn’t fourteen anymore. He never would have thought the baby of the group would have a love interest so soon. He takes a deep breath. The younger man is looking so sad that Key can’t help but lie. “Of course I have, Taemin.”
“How do you… deal with the pain?”
“Ehh…” Key suddenly wishes he had more experience with what Taemin was going through.
“I always try to talk to him. But it’s like I don’t even exist.” He says softly.
“Who is it?” Key asks.
“It’s… nobody.” Taemin avoids eye contact.
“Who is it?” Key asks again.
“It's Minho.”
Key blinks. “Oh.”
“I know I shouldn’t, but-”
“Taemin, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t like someone. It’s perfectly okay.”
“That still doesn’t change the fact that he doesn’t like me back.” Taemin says softly.
“Give him some time. Maybe he’ll come around.”
Taemin rolls his eyes.
“Maybe you should tell him.” Key suggests.
Taemin scoffs. “He probably thinks I’m too young. I know he only sees me as a child. He would never want to… be with me.”
“I don’t think you’re giving him enough credit.” Key says softly. “Minho is a good person. He might be a bit… hung up right now. He’s got some personal things on his mind. But eventually he’ll come around. You should never give up hope.”
“I don’t know how he hasn’t caught on yet. I’m so obvious around him. It’s like I can’t control myself. I just… I’m just drawn to him. I don’t even know why.”
“Because he’s a good person… who has his faults.” Key gives a small laugh. “But overall, I think Minho is a great guy to like.”
Taemin frowns. “I think he’s too tall, too dense, he can’t dance to save his life, and he eats too much at dinner.”
Key laughs. “I think you’re being a bit harsh. He has a lot of good qualities too. Sometimes he can be very considerate. Like that time you weren’t feeling well. Minho told manager hyung and convinced him to let you leave practice early. You didn’t even ask him to. He’s very generous-at least to his dongsaengs. He always buys you ice cream when we go to the mall. And he’s very admiring of talent. Do you know how many times he’s expressed shock to me while watching you dance? He thinks you’re so gifted.”
Taemin lowers his eyes. “Really?” he asks softly.
Key nods. “I’ll admit he can be dense sometimes. But he’ll come around. Don’t give up hope. Minho’s a great person. He’ll be worth the wait.”
Taemin gives a small smile. “Thank you, hyung.”
“Are you feeling better now?”
Taemin nods.
Key stands and ruffles the younger man’s hair. Taemin laughs softly and pulls his head away.
“Now you concentrate on your homework, okay?”
“Okay, hyung.”
Key smiles as he walks away, glad that he’s solved another problem in the SHINee household. He peaks into the kitchen as he walks through the living room. Onew and Minho are chatting as they clean the dishes, laughing to themselves.
Now where is Jonghyun?
Key quickly walks toward the bedroom. The door is slightly ajar. He knocks softly before opening the door and stepping into the dim room.
Jonghyun is facing away from him. He's leaning against the small desk they have between the bunk beds. For a moment, Key thinks that he's looking at something on the computer, but then he realizes the screen's off.
"Hyung?" Key steps closer to him and reaches out. But just as his fingers wrap around the other man's upper arm, Jonghyun spins around throwing himself out of Key's grip. Key jumps in shock, more from the anger on Jonghyun's face than anything else.
"Jonghyun, what's-"
“Minho this, Minho that." He hisses. "If you think Minho is so great why don’t you just go date him?” He says in a low voice.
"Jjong, what-I was just talking to Taemin about-no, you don't understand..."
Jonghyun takes a step closer so they're only inches away. "I don't understand? I think I understand perfectly well. I understand that you can't seem to stay away from him. Is it really that difficult for you?"
"Hyung, you're being unreasonable," Key whispers. He had never seen Jonghyun this angry before.
Jonghyun grips Key's arms and shakes him slightly, he leans forward, menace in his eyes. "Well, maybe if you didn't act like such a whore all the time-"
“What’s gotten into you Jjong?” There’s a hint of fear in Key’s voice, and for some unknown reason that he just can’t explain, Jonghyun likes it.
"Is it wrong for me to be angry that my boyfriend kissed another man?" Jonghyun asks in a soft voice.
Key's jaw drops. "I-I didn't... he kissed me." He whispers.
"Like I said," Jonghyun smirks. "Maybe if you didn't act like such a whore all the time, this would be happening."
Key swallows, his arms are starting to ache under the older man's tight grip. "I don't- you're hurting me..."
"No wonder he's so infatuated with you." Jonghyun hisses through clenched teeth, he releases the other man roughly and Key stumbles back.
"Remember all those promises you made me? Do you remember?" Jonghyun steps forward. "You're mine. Don't forget that."
"I haven't forgotten anything." Key says determinedly. "Jonghyun, what is wrong with you?"
"You running into Minho's arms is my problem!"
"I haven't done any-"
Before either of them can react Jonghyun's hand flies up and smacks Key hard across the face. The younger man staggers back from the force. He stares at the other man in shock, holding his face. Jonghyun suddenly looks as surprised as he does, but he quickly masks it.
"Stay away from Minho. I mean it this time." He says in a low voice before stepping around the other man and walking out of the room.
Key lets out a breath he didn't know he had been holding. He hears the soft click of the door behind him. His legs suddenly feel weak and he sits down on one of the beds. His face still stings from the hit. A tear begins to make its way down his cheek against his will and he wonders how this all happened.