Not Over You → for EVERYONE (2/2)
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The last few spots are the most coveted because they leave a deeper impression on the judges. They're one of the last acts, thanks to Baekhyun's awesome lot-drawing skills. The entire venue is crammed full of people, skin pressed against skin under the sweltering sun. At least fifty acts are participating, and Chanyeol knows winning won't be as easy as he hopes.
Chanyeol is the one who spots Minseok first, backstage.
His first instinct is to duck his head and pretend to be busy typing on his phone. He knows that Minseok's band would be here today, knows that meeting them would be inevitable but he hasn't prepared for any of this and he isn't ready to meet Minseok just yet. Chanyeol peeks at Reinvent out of the corner of his eyes and notes that they've gone for the dark and mysterious concept, wearing all black with heavy eyeliner. Minseok has eyeliner smeared all over his eyes, and it makes him look absolutely stunning, as always. His hair isn't dyed today but it looks perfect―Chanyeol never knew how good he looked in his usual hair colour.
There's a dull ache in his chest as his feelings, which he'd suppressed for so long he almost forgot they existed, suddenly start bubbling back up to the surface. He never really moved on, even though he had convinced himself otherwise.
Minseok looks over and catches Chanyeol's eye―Chanyeol immediately averts his gaze and pretends to be absorbed in his phone. For the fraction of a second when their gazes meet, though, Chanyeol thinks he sees a glimmer of hurt and confusion.
He turns away to find his bandmates.
The announcement over the PA system alerts the first few acts to go up on stage. The MC announces the official start of the 2014 Jisan Valley Rock Festival, and the first act goes up on stage. All of them are good, even better than Chanyeol expected, and he feels unease gnawing at the pit of his stomach.
"We have competition," Jongin remarks, after which Sehun sarcastically comments, "Wow, I never knew that."
"No, I mean much more competition than I originally thought," Jongin clarifies, ignoring Sehun's jab.
"Well, it is the biggest music festival in the country, so..." Baekhyun trails off. In the band category alone, they've heard a couple of exceptional ones, be it in terms of stage presence, technique or simply raw talent.
Chanyeol looks at his bandmates and even though no one says anything, he can tell all of them are tense and worried.
"Hey," he flashes a smile at them, "we're not too bad ourselves, you know." This doesn't ease the tension in their hearts, but at least it gives them a sense of hope.
Chanyeol twitches a bit when Reinvent come out. "Hello everyone, we're Reinvent!" Minseok, or rather, Xiumin as he's now become, introduces each of the members to raucous applause.
He doesn't miss the way Baekhyun eyes him not-so-subtly to gauge his reaction and the way Sehun and Jongin immediately quieten down. They hadn't mentioned Minseok after that one time, as if there was a silent agreement not to, and they know that Chanyeol had avoided Minseok ever since.
Chanyeol watches Reinvent's performance as usual, but the glint in his eyes hint that he feels a little more. Even after so long, Chanyeol is still mesmerised by the way Minseok's eyes are half-lidded, the way his voice has a unique quality that's refreshing to listen to, and the humble way that he leads all of Reinvent to bow after each song.
"Thank you, this has been Reinvent!" Minseok shouts at the end of their performance, and they bow to the crowd's applause. He gives that crooked grin and instantaneously, Chanyeol feels a twang in his heart. It's so familiar, yet so alien at the same time.
The bad thing about being one of the last few acts is the heightened expectation and overwhelming pressure. After Reinvent's performance, Chanyeol becomes even more nervous. Finally, after checking himself in the mirror for at least ten times and arranging his bangs over and over again, Toned Grey is finally called up on stage.
"We can do this," Baekhyun gives them one last motivational speech before putting his hand forward. All of them immediately place their hands on his, and they shout "Fighting!" like they always do before a performance, the last syllable echoing through the waiting room. Backstage staff usher them onto the stage. Chanyeol slings his guitar over his shoulder, adjusting the strip until it's right where he wants it to be, before following the rest up on stage.
"Hello guys!" Baekhyun shouts as he walks on stage, exuding charm and eliciting a frenzy of screams. Chanyeol has always admired his effortless charisma. Baekhyun introduces them one by one, and the crowd roars in anticipation. Chanyeol notes, to his pleasure, that a significant number of their fanclub is here today. He waits for four clacks of Jongin's drumsticks―the indication to start―and then his fingers run gently across the strings. The first strum gives Chanyeol a shiver of pleasure. He's always relished the feeling of performing before an audience―this time, his nervousness melts into motivation to do his best on stage. He plays like he's always practised, fingers strumming the guitar smoothly to accompany Baekhyun's powerful voice.
And before he knows it, he's strumming the last chord of Nell's The Day Before, and Baekhyun ends off with a crescendo in his high note. Chanyeol gets off the stage in a trance, as if the crowd's cheers and whoops are all a dream. He feels Sehun's hand, warm, on the small of his back, and smiles at the younger to show that he appreciates the little gesture. Sehun's eyes widen by a fraction, before his lips curve upwards as well.
The prizes for the music festival are given later, when all the acts have performed and the judges have deliberated for close to an hour. It's six in the evening and the sun casts an orangey-pink glow on everything, painting shadows on the grass field.
Toned Grey are standing in front of the stage, at the VIP area reserved only for performers. Chanyeol is glad that there are so many people―at least, there is a lesser chance of him meeting Minseok. His bandmates watch the stage eagerly in a mixture of anxiety and anticipation.
The MC walks out to thunderous cheering. Anticipation hangs thick and heavy in the air as the MC announces that they will be giving out prizes. Unsurprisingly, the band category is last, with prizes for solo singers and duos given first. It serves nothing to calm the hearts of Toned Grey, and especially Chanyeol, who is more nervous than anyone.
"And now, we will be announcing the results for the band category," the MC announces. For a brief few seconds, everything is still save for the crackling of paper as the MC opens the envelope.
"For third place, we have..." the MC pauses in the middle of his sentence, heightening the suspense. "Liquid Fire!"
Chanyeol is both nervous and happy. He takes deep breaths as Liquid Fire, a punk rock band with wildly dyed hair, go up on stage to receive their prizes. They take the bronze trophy and hoist it into the air. The cheque for 10 million won is received with triumphant smiles and fist pumps.
Chanyeol's palms are wet.
"Do you think...?" he inclines his head to Sehun and whispers. Sehun eyes him and shrugs. The younger is stone-faced, but the creases on his forehead betray his true feelings. Chanyeol glances at Baekhyun, who has his hands clasped together in front of him, and then at Jongin, who's bouncing on the balls of his feet.
He feels like it's his responsibility to, so he assures them. "Guys, calm down. We'll win, okay? I know we will." Jongin flashes him a tiny smile which makes Chanyeol glad he's said it, even though he himself is no more certain of the outcome and there are still butterflies in his stomach.
"Second place goes to..." The suspense is almost palpable, with how eerily quiet the crowd has become. "... Reinvent!" Chanyeol jumps a little at the name. He spots, out of the corner of his eye, Minseok and his bandmates going up on stage. With a start he realises that it's been three weeks since he last saw him. Maybe it's due to the lighting, but Minseok looks slightly gaunt and thinner than before, cheekbones a degree sharper and skin a shade lighter. Chanyeol's lips curl in distaste when he notices Luhan's hand firmly latched onto Minseok's waist.
Who is he to be jealous when Minseok isn't even his in the first place?
"Thank you guys, this award is incredible and we couldn't have done it without your support." Minseok thanks the crowd and they cheer in response. Yixing kisses the shiny silver trophy and Zitao takes the oversized cheque from the award presenter and passes it to Minseok. The cheque looks even bigger in comparison to the tiny lead vocal, and Luhan loops an arm around Minseok's shoulder, grinning.
Chanyeol's eyes follow Minseok's figure when they descend the stairs, all the way until he disappears into the throng of people. It's been so long, yet he still reacts in the same way, being inadvertently drawn to Minseok no matter where he is.
Someone squeezes his hand and Chanyeol swivels his head to find that it's Baekhyun. Chanyeol squeezes back reassuringly, hoping to impart a sense of calm. Jongin and Sehun are holding hands now, grip so tight that veins are visible. They wait for the words that will seal their fate.
"And now, for the most coveted and prestigious first place position, whose winner will walk away with 100 million won, we have..."
All Chanyeol can hear are his heartbeats and the blood pulsing through his veins.
"Toned Grey! Congratulations!"
Baekhyun yelps and flings himself on Chanyeol immediately, tears springing from his eyes. The crowd erupts into a furious burst of whoops and cheers. Chanyeol latches onto Jongin and pulls him and Sehun into the hug. Jongin's spiky bracelet catches a loose thread on Chanyeol's wifebeater but he doesn't care in the least.
"We did it! We did it!" Baekhyun is screaming as he jumps up and down.
"I can't believe we won!" Chanyeol shouts over the din.
"I'm buying a car!" Sehun declares. They break apart and head onstage one after another. It still feels surreal to Chanyeol―if not for the heavy trophy in his arms he'd never believe it was real. The award presenter hands them a giant cheque, a 1 followed by 8 zeros, and Baekhyun takes it in a flash.
And then, all of a sudden, Chanyeol spots a figure in the crowd. He's far away but Chanyeol would recognise that pair of almond-shaped eyes anywhere. He locks eyes with him for a moment, and he forgets how to breathe. Chanyeol just stares into Minseok's kohl-lined eyes, and it's as if time stops to make way for their little moment of infinity. It may have been a second, or even a minute, but in that moment Chanyeol doesn't move.
We did it. I did it.
And then Minseok looks away, and Chanyeol wonders whether Minseok is proud of him.
He doesn't know what triggered him―maybe it's the disappointed look in Minseok's eyes or the emptiness in his heart―but he decides to be brave after that. After all, as much as he loves his bandmates, he wants a chance with Minseok. He can't ignore him and pretend that everything's okay. He's had enough of himself moping around like an emo teenager―this time he's going to try.
"Minseok-hyung," Chanyeol calls out tentatively, when he sees the man passing by him after the MC announces the start of the after-show party.
"Hey," Minseok answers, turns around but doesn't meet Chanyeol's eyes. "What do you want?"
"I just..." Chanyeol bites his lip, confidence draining from him. "I wanted to see you."
"And now that you've seen me, perhaps I should go." Minseok turns around fast, but the fingers reaching out to encircle his wrist are even faster and Minseok turns back, suppressing a sigh.
"Look, Chanyeol," he begins, "I don't know why you seem so bent on torturing me like this."
Minseok's response is unexpected, takes Chanyeol by surprise. "Wha―what do you mean?"
"You know full well what I mean," Minseok tells him and it's a lie because Chanyeol doesn't, because it'd be too full of himself to assume. "We're in rival bands―I have a boyfriend, goddammit." Minseok drills every word into his brain, makes Chanyeol freeze in place. "You can't keep doing this to me, making me feel things when I'm not supposed to! You can't do this and then walk away like nothing ever happened, okay? It's not fair."
Chanyeol is taken aback, grip momentarily faltering, and it's then that Minseok takes the opportunity to pull away and melts away into the crowd. Chanyeol searches and searches but can't find him. He thinks about what Minseok has said―did it mean his feelings were reciprocated?
He isn't confident enough to assume.
Chanyeol doesn't stay very long at the celebration party, mutters something about bad hangovers and slips out of the bar (which is coincidentally, Domino), leaving a stupefied Baekhyun, a confused Jongin and a drunk Sehun. In reality, though, he just wants to escape from a place which reminds him so much of the person he is trying to forget.
He reaches home, toes off his shoes and staggers into the bedroom. He runs the tap and splashes cold water onto his face, coolness rejuvenating him a bit. He stands up straight and finds a stranger, with ruined make-up and flyaway hair, staring back at him in the bathroom mirror.
He walks out, zombie-like, and falls backwards onto his bed. The soft covers provide him with some comfort as he wraps them over his body. Not even bothering to change out of his clothes, Chanyeol drifts into sleep.
He's finally won the prize that he's been coveting since forever, but why does it feel like he's lost?
The days pass by like nothing has ever happened, only Chanyeol wakes up one day to find 25 million won more in his bank account and Baekhyun screaming to him over the phone about him going on a shopping spree and buying twenty pairs of shoes.
Chanyeol feels oddly dull though. He doesn't know what to think about all that money, feels lost about what to do. He laughs mockingly, thinking if he could he'd buy Minseok over in a heartbeat. Except hearts are not for sale and Chanyeol's is more than just a little broken.
It's 11 pm when he receives a call from Minseok. He stares at the caller ID for quite a bit, before hesitatingly pressing the 'Answer' button.
"Hello? Chanyeol-ah? I know this is going to sound really weird but, can I come over?" Minseok says everything in a single breath and Chanyeol takes a few moments to process the words.
"Uh, okay, sure. Right now? Do you need me to go pick you up or something?"
"No, it's fine. I'll be there in ten minutes." Before Chanyeol can say anything, Minseok's voice is replaced by toneless beeps.
He paces around his room for the next ten minutes, wondering why Minseok had called. He can't keep still, and looks at the clock too many times to even count.
Chanyeol doesn't know what to expect when he opens the door, but a downcast, puffy-eyed Minseok takes him off guard.
"What happened?" is the first thing that spills out from Chanyeol's mouth.
"I broke up with Luhan," Minseok says quietly. Chanyeol is dumbfounded―the news hits him like a ton of bricks. He doesn't know what to think, what to say, and he scratches the back of his neck awkwardly.
"Come in, hyung," he finally says, and Minseok shoots him a grateful look as he steps inside the apartment. Something thick and heavy hangs in the air between them―Chanyeol is the first to break the silence.
"Do you want a glass of water, hyung?"
"Yes, please," Minseok replies. Chanyeol goes into the kitchen and pours two glasses of water, goes back out and places them on the coffee table in his living room. He gestures at the sofa―a shabby, black one that he's never found the time to change―and he's almost embarrassed by it. The sofa creaks a little as Minseok sits down; Chanyeol does the same.
Chanyeol waits for Minseok to speak but the older simply stares straight ahead, almost as if he's in a world of his own. Chanyeol clears his throat.
"Um, do you want to talk about it...?" he trails off hesitantly. Minseok's fingers tighten around the glass.
"Yeah, sorry, I just―yeah."
"What happened? Between you and Luhan?"
Minseok bites his lip. "I guess it's a pretty dumb idea for a lead vocalist to date his keyboardist, huh." It's almost as if he's talking to himself. Minseok chuckles, but Chanyeol can tell he finds it anything but funny. "It's just... he was so sweet and loving, and I thought we were perfect together, but I guess I was wrong."
It's a first, when Chanyeol sees Minseok cry. It begins with a single drop, spilling over from his eyes and rolling down his cheek, and then it escalates into more and more tears until Minseok becomes an ugly, crying mess in Chanyeol's apartment. Chanyeol awkwardly wraps an arm around Minseok while the latter buries his tear-stained face in Chanyeol's shoulder. His shirt has a patch of wet, but Chanyeol doesn't even notice, as he rubs comforting circles in the small of Minseok's back.
Chanyeol knows it's wrong at times like these, but he can't help but notice how perfectly Minseok fits in the crook of his shoulder, snug and warm.
He wants to protect Minseok like this, always.
"Do you know why we broke up?" Minseok looks up and asks, while Chanyeol's heart catches because there's so much pain in Minseok's voice, and he just looks so broken that Chanyeol wants nothing more than to reach over and hold him tight in his arms.
Chanyeol wants to fix him together.
But he doesn't. Instead, he settles for sipping quietly at his cup of water.
"No, I don't. What happened?" He asks, voice level, not betraying his concern.
"I couldn't understand it at first. He told me that I wasn't really in love with him. I told him I was. That was why we were dating in the first place. right?" Minseok begins. He recounts the events that happened just a few hours before, while Chanyeol leans forward attentively.
Luhan had arranged to meet him in his café, where they had gone on countless dates together. Minseok had thought it was just another date, and had spent time arranging his hair and clothes to look presentable, even though he knew Luhan wouldn't mind how he looked.
When Luhan arrived, Minseok had brewed an americano―his favourite drink―for him, and waved happily when he strode in.
"Hey, Luhan!" he called, waving him over to the counter. As Luhan made his way over, Minseok sensed something amiss―perhaps it was the determined way he walked, or the tiredness in his eyes. At any rate, he appeared different from his usual, bright self. Minseok told himself not to worry―he could just be tired out from the music festival. They had been practising day after day for it, and even Minseok had yet to recover from the toll it took on him physically.
"Minseok," he smiled, and Minseok told himself he imagined the sadness in his eyes.
"I made your favourite coffee," Minseok said, pointing at the cup on the counter.
"Thanks, Minseok, but I need to talk to you." And it was the way in which he steeled himself to say those words that provoked the uneasiness in Minseok's mind.
"What is it about?" Minseok half-whispered. He almost regretted asking, when Luhan told him, "We're not working out, you and I both know it."
"What do you mean?"
"Minseok-ah, let's break up."
Minseok was frozen, a thousand questions on his lips but none making it out of his mouth.
"Y-You're breaking up with me?" he stuttered out, not really a question, but more of an expression of disbelief.
Luhan lifted his head and looked Minseok in the eye. He smiled sadly, so sadly, in fact, that Minseok felt as though the smile just cracked his perfect façade in half.
"Chanyeol. You love him." Without a regard for Minseok's shocked look, he went on. "I knew it ever since you started meeting him. Your face lights up when you talk about him. It's love, but it's also more than that. Don't let all of us down. Go and make it work, with him."
"What about you?" Minseok asked, distraught.
"I'll be fine, Minseok," Luhan answered, before pressing a chaste kiss to Minseok's lips and turning to exit the café.
The glass door swung closed with a sense of finality. Minseok broke down, sobs wracking through his body. A few customers turned to gaze curiously at him, but Minseok didn't care.
The wind chimes tinkled faintly in sorrow.
"And then I sat down and thought about it. And then I realised, slowly, that he was right. You're the one I love, Chanyeol. You have always been. Ever since I met you... I don't know, I think I just bonded with you straight away, but it's on a much deeper level than I initially thought. And I didn't know it at first, but now I do. I love you, Chanyeol." Minseok looks up and makes eye contact with Chanyeol, giving him a watery smile.
Minseok looks fucking beautiful and Chanyeol wants more than anything to kiss him right there and then.
"But what about Luhan? Is he okay?" Chanyeol asks hesitantly. He'd feel like a terrible jerk if Minseok and Luhan's relationship turn sour because of that.
"He'll be fine, Chanyeol. He's strong, I know he'll be okay."
Minseok licks his dry, chapped lips. He swallows. "I know this is really weird, Chanyeol, and I know I may seem like a jerk, telling you this immediately after the breakup, but... I don't know," he proffers. "I just... wanted to get this off my chest, I guess. You made me feel... things, that I knew were wrong, but I didn't know why I felt them. And then you started ignoring my messages and calls and I didn't know why, or what to do. I thought you were just toying around with me. I was really mad at you, but when I saw you again at the festival, the feelings came back."
"It wasn't me," Chanyeol blurts out. Minseok's brows furrow in confusion.
"It wasn't me who wanted to ignore you," he clarifies. "My bandmates were mad that I was seeing you. They found out I had a crush on you and when I told them we were just friends, they were still angry. Baek told me to stop contacting you at all. Jongin asked me where my loyalties lay and... I was conflicted between you and my bandmates. It's like I was stuck in the middle and I had to choose a side. And I'm sorry I didn't choose you."
Minseok looks up, his eyes shining. "What about now? Would you choose me?" Somewhere in between their conversation they'd moved closer to each other, and now their faces were mere inches apart.
"Yes, I'd choose you in a minute," Chanyeol replies, voice rough.
The instance their lips touch, it's like the whole world is on fire. Minseok's breath is hot and heavy from the alcohol, and maybe that's why Chanyeol gets a little intoxicated. Or maybe he's drunk on Minseok's scent, Minseok's touch, Minseok's everything. This must be what fireworks feel like, Chanyeol thinks as Minseok slowly tugs on his bottom lip. His tongue works wonders, teasing against his teeth. The sucking noises in the otherwise silent apartment sound especially erotic, and Chanyeol has a hard time suppressing his urges and the blood rushing south.
Minseok pulls away to nibble at Chanyeol's neck, and he must already know where Chanyeol's sensitive spots are because he keeps brushing against them with his mouth, effortlessly. Soft moans spill out from Chanyeol's mouth, as his body is left trembling with pleasant sensations. Minseok's touch is electric yet magical all at once and it leaves Chanyeol gasping for more. Minseok pushes him against the wall, leaves wet kisses along the shell of his ears. It gets a bit overheated when Chanyeol's hands wander downwards to grope his ass, and Minseok stills in his arms.
"Do you want―?" Chanyeol doesn't want to push Minseok away, not when he just had him.
"Yes, oh God, yes." The affirmation is all they need. Chanyeol whines inadvertently when he feels no more of the wetness at his ears, but he opens his eyes and stops breathing for a moment because he sees Minseok working on the buttons of his pants. Minseok fucking winks at him, and Chanyeol is sent into overdrive because he cannot handle anything anymore.
Minseok starts by massaging his cock and pumping it up and down. The moans of pleasure that escape Chanyeol's mouth are music to his ears, and he keeps working on Chanyeol's cock until it is already dripping with precome. Chanyeol's hips buck forward, trying to match the rhythm of Minseok's teasing touches. It's too much yet not enough at the same time, and Chanyeol just wants to fuck Minseok already. The sight of Minseok, sweaty and flushed, makes Chanyeol want to freeze time at that moment to fully appreciate how beautiful he is.
But before he can do so, fingers dig into his back and he feels a heavenly wetness surrounding his cock. "Fuck, Minseok," Chanyeol pants, as Minseok works his tongue skilfully, darting lightly over the tip and licking up bits of white liquid. It's almost sinful as he tugs on Minseok's hair and the latter sucks, albeit slowly, on his painfully hard cock. Minseok runs his tongue over his entire length, and fuck, he grazes it with his teeth too. They lock gazes then, and Chanyeol feels the heat pooling in his stomach rush to his head in a second. He thrusts into Minseok's mouth, shallowly at first to not overwhelm the other, then increasingly faster and deeper. Minseok's pretty mouth around his cock is all that Chanyeol can see and he doesn't stop until his cock hits the back of Minseok's throat. Loud moans spill out from Chanyeol's mouth in ecstasy as Minseok hums, the vibrations around his cock sending an electric jolt down his spine.
Minseok pulls away with an obscene 'pop' and he's smirking at him when he smothers Chanyeol's lips with his own, kissing him with a passion so fierce that Chanyeol's lips are abused. Not that he minds, though. Chanyeol tastes himself in the sloppy kiss and it's only heightening his arousal, cock painfully erect and awaiting release.
"Let's finish this in the bedroom." Chanyeol carries Minseok, bridal-style, and lays him gently on his bed. He can't help but think how unfair it is that Minseok is still fully clothed.
"Fuck me, Chanyeol." Chanyeol doesn't need to be told twice as he sheds the rest of his clothes, hastily unbuttoning his shirt and throwing it on the floor. Minseok undresses himself while he looks on, admiring his biceps and his deft fingers which get the job done in mere seconds. Chanyeol reaches for the bottle of lube in the drawer next to the bed. He slicks Minseok up, entering a finger then two then three at once, and Minseok bites down into the pillow, muffling his screams as Chanyeol's fingers enter him from behind.
"Hyung, it's fine to scream," Chanyeol tells him after a light peck to his cheek.
"I'm not a screamer―Ah!" Minseok is unprepared when Chanyeol slams into him, cock thrusting into the warm body heat repeatedly. Minseok's walls are tight around his cock and the friction is just right when Chanyeol pulls and pushes into him. His own hand fumbles for Minseok's cock, kneading it as he thrusts into Minseok at a comfortably steady pace. Minseok moans periodically when Chanyeol hits the right spots, and Chanyeol soaks it in―soaks in all of Minseok as he fucks him open.
"Brat," Minseok huffs as he turns his head to connect their mouths together once more. Chanyeol grabs Minseok's thighs and turns him around such that he's facing Chanyeol. He savours the sight of hooded eyelids and hardened nipples before him, as he picks up speed and fucks Minseok harder and faster. Minseok's moans get progressively louder as he bites down on his lip, trying to stop the sounds from escaping but to no avail. Pressure builds up in Chanyeol's abdomen, the combined sensations of Minseok's body heat and his mouth enough to bring him over the edge.
"Minseok!" he cries out loud, gripping the bedsheets so hard his knuckles turn white. White, sticky liquid spills out in ropes from the tip of his cock and lands on Minseok's pale, white stomach. Minseok curls his lips, yet unsatisfied as he reaches to jerk himself off―but Chanyeol won't have it. Instead he goes down on Minseok, and relishes Minseok's surprised cry as he sucks on Minseok's dick. He grips Minseok's hips as he drags his tongue down the length of Minseok's cock, and soon he feels a pressure on the back of his head. Minseok's hands are pushing him down so he obliges, going down as far as he can manage.
Minseok starts panting louder and faster with each time he thrusts into Chanyeol, tiny hands fisting in Chanyeol's hair and Chanyeol loves every bit of it. Very soon he comes without warning, eyes squeezing shut and loosening his grip, hands falling onto the bed as white come spills out from Chanyeol's mouth. Minseok opens his eyes to see Chanyeol staring at him hotly while swallowing his come, and oh God. Chanyeol lowers himself onto Minseok, his kisses whisper I love yous and you're beautifuls, tattoos them into every square inch of his skin.
They lie spent on the bed for a few minutes, chests heaving in synchrony as they breathe in and out. After a while Minseok inches closer to Chanyeol, and the younger throws a protective arm over him. They kiss languidly and open-mouthed, raw passion from before dissolving into something gentler and more tender.
"I love you, Chanyeol," Minseok says for the first time and Chanyeol feels like his heart may spontaneously combust. He can't hide his grin as Minseok nuzzles closer against him, his tiny frame fitting perfectly against his own.
"I love you too, hyung," Chanyeol says, and it's the truth. Minseok hums softly in response. Sometime between cuddles and kisses, they drift into a deep sleep.
Chanyeol brings Minseok to his bandmates the very next day. It's a Friday, and the three other members of Toned Grey are gathered at their usual ramen place, engaged in the process of laughing at Jongin's fashion sense. When Chanyeol swings open the glass door, holding Minseok's hand, Baekhyun's jaws drop in shock, and Sehun and Jongin are stupefied.
"I'm tired of hiding my feelings for you, hyung, and I'm tired of hiding you. They either accept you, or I'll not give up until they do." Minseok admires the defiant set of Chanyeol's jaw, and the determination blazing in his eyes.
It takes them some time to react, but Sehun is the first to recover from his initial shock. "...Chanyeol-hyung?"
"We're boyfriends," Chanyeol continues defiantly. "And there's nothing you can do to change that." He squeezes Minseok's hand in assurance, and Minseok leans in just a degree. He's not scared, not at all, not when his boyfriend's beside him. With Chanyeol by his side, he could go against the world.
"I thought you agreed not to see him again," Baekhyun reminds. He doesn't look hurt, just tired. Jongin picks at his nails, doesn't want to watch the scene unfold before him.
"I was stupid. I understand that we're from rival bands, guys, but it doesn't mean I have to sacrifice my happiness. We can make it work, if only you'd give us a chance. We―"
"I love Chanyeol, I really do," Minseok interrupts. Chanyeol glances at him, curious at what he has to say. "I know you have full right to disapprove of our relationship, but," and he locks gazes with Chanyeol, "we have full right to ignore you too. It's our own freedom, anyway. And I swear Reinvent and Toned Grey doesn't have to be rivals, competitors, all the time. We could be friends, too. Spur each other on, that kind of thing. What do you say?"
There's an extended period of silence, and Chanyeol can almost see the cogs turning in his bandmates' heads. Baekhyun opens his mouth, closes it, opens it, and closes it again. Toned Grey's eldest hyung is at a loss for words, and that's a first.
"Look at him," Sehun says, "with hearts bursting out of his eyes. Gross." To prove his point, he gagged.
"I'm right in front of you, brat, and I can hear you loud and clear," Chanyeol grits out. He's not actually angry though―Sehun's words are a sign that he's starting to accept Minseok, and that's a good start.
"Chanyeol-hyung must really love Minseok," Jongin muses. "I've never seen him like this before." His words bring a faint blush to Minseok's cheeks, and he lowers his head, flustered.
"He hasn't dated anyone since Kyungsoo," Sehun comments. "And that was almost a year ago."
Baekhyun sighs softly. He drums his fingers on the table, thinking, deliberating, contemplating. "I guess, maybe it won't do us any harm to let him date Minseok? To me, Chanyeol's happiness is more important than winning some award. And we did win it in the end, so." He shrugs. Jongin and Sehun both nod in response.
"Yeah, hyung deserves to find his own happiness."
"Thanks, guys," Chanyeol grins, back to his old cheerful self.
"Thank you," Minseok says too. It's a soft but sincere word of thanks, and the members of Toned Grey smile at him, in what is beginning to be acceptance.
"Great," Jongin concludes. "Now, who's for ramen?"
They've begun to be more welcoming when Chanyeol invites Minseok over to watch their band practices, and Minseok actually provides constructive feedback from an outsider's point of view. A talk of collaboration between the two bands is in the works, and Chanyeol feels blessed to have Minseok by his side.
"You two make such a cute couple," Baekhyun hoots from the back when Minseok rushes over to Chanyeol after practice ends. The older blushes and buries his face in Chanyeol's shoulder. "Perfect height difference!"
Baekhyun invites the whole of Reinvent to dinner. To see Jongin joyfully exchanging words with Yixing, Luhan and Sehun getting along well, and Baekhyun and Zitao joking around, is like a dream come true for Chanyeol.
"You know, Reinvent is actually pretty cool," Jongin admits after that. "I'm sorry for talking bad about them before."
"This entire rivalry thing is stupid," Baekhyun agrees. "We should just become friends and stop comparing each other."
"Dispatch will have a field day reporting this," laughs Chanyeol. He could never have imagined that things would turn out like this, but in reality, he couldn't be happier.
Chanyeol ends up spending his money anyway, and not on a car like he initially thought he would. He visits Minseok in the café one day, wide grin revealing that he's very, very happy. Minseok looks up in bemusement at his boyfriend.
"What is it now, Yeol?" Chanyeol wiggles his brows in reply, in an attempt to be mysterious and only succeeds in making Minseok guffaw. Which, technically, isn't a bad thing. Chanyeol would do anything to hear Minseok's laugh.
"Well, I have a surprise for you." He slides a package, wrapped in ordinary brown paper that doesn't reveal a clue about what's inside, across the counter to Minseok. The paper crinkles when Minseok opens it, deft fingers unwrapping the paper, and when he sees what is inside, he simply stills. And stares. For a very long time.
"I got this from an acquaintance of mine who has a sister who knows someone," Chanyeol explains, as Minseok gingerly takes out the copy of We Hate All Kinds of Violence with bated breath and trembling fingers.
"Don't thank me." Chanyeol looks away like it's nothing, but is caught by surprise when Minseok pulls him into a hug over the counter. His shirt rides up a little and the marble edge of the counter presses into bare flesh but Chanyeol doesn't mind. Nothing is better than burying his nose into Minseok's hair and finding out that he smells like coffee and vanilla.
"You're wonderful. Thank you, Chanyeol." Minseok's eyes sparkle when he tells him that.
Chanyeol grins again, basking in Minseok's adoring glance. "And that's not all."
"Wait, there's more?" Minseok asks incredulously. Chanyeol doesn't reply; instead he opens his wallet and pulls out two strips of paper.
"Tada! Two tickets for TVXQ's concert next month." Chanyeol beams proudly as he flashes the tickets in Minseok's face.
TVXQ! Asia Tour: Seoul. Mosh pit. It reads. Minseok's eyes go as wide as saucers.
"You got me a mosh pit ticket," Minseok whispers. Chanyeol feels like heaven with how his boyfriend is staring at him like he's the most precious thing in the world.
"You spoil me, you really do." Minseok gently pecks Chanyeol's cheek, lips lightly ghosting over the shell of his ear.
"And that's all the reward I get?" Chanyeol pouts, disappointment written all over his face. Minseok chuckles.
"Of course not." He pulls Chanyeol ever closer and plants a kiss on his lips, long and soft and slow like they have all the time in the world.
They pull away after what seems like eternity, and Chanyeol smiles. "That's more like it."
Author’s note: Please excuse me for the rushed ending and terrible smut. Hope you enjoy!
The last few spots are the most coveted because they leave a deeper impression on the judges. They're one of the last acts, thanks to Baekhyun's awesome lot-drawing skills. The entire venue is crammed full of people, skin pressed against skin under the sweltering sun. At least fifty acts are participating, and Chanyeol knows winning won't be as easy as he hopes.
Chanyeol is the one who spots Minseok first, backstage.
His first instinct is to duck his head and pretend to be busy typing on his phone. He knows that Minseok's band would be here today, knows that meeting them would be inevitable but he hasn't prepared for any of this and he isn't ready to meet Minseok just yet. Chanyeol peeks at Reinvent out of the corner of his eyes and notes that they've gone for the dark and mysterious concept, wearing all black with heavy eyeliner. Minseok has eyeliner smeared all over his eyes, and it makes him look absolutely stunning, as always. His hair isn't dyed today but it looks perfect―Chanyeol never knew how good he looked in his usual hair colour.
There's a dull ache in his chest as his feelings, which he'd suppressed for so long he almost forgot they existed, suddenly start bubbling back up to the surface. He never really moved on, even though he had convinced himself otherwise.
Minseok looks over and catches Chanyeol's eye―Chanyeol immediately averts his gaze and pretends to be absorbed in his phone. For the fraction of a second when their gazes meet, though, Chanyeol thinks he sees a glimmer of hurt and confusion.
He turns away to find his bandmates.
The announcement over the PA system alerts the first few acts to go up on stage. The MC announces the official start of the 2014 Jisan Valley Rock Festival, and the first act goes up on stage. All of them are good, even better than Chanyeol expected, and he feels unease gnawing at the pit of his stomach.
"We have competition," Jongin remarks, after which Sehun sarcastically comments, "Wow, I never knew that."
"No, I mean much more competition than I originally thought," Jongin clarifies, ignoring Sehun's jab.
"Well, it is the biggest music festival in the country, so..." Baekhyun trails off. In the band category alone, they've heard a couple of exceptional ones, be it in terms of stage presence, technique or simply raw talent.
Chanyeol looks at his bandmates and even though no one says anything, he can tell all of them are tense and worried.
"Hey," he flashes a smile at them, "we're not too bad ourselves, you know." This doesn't ease the tension in their hearts, but at least it gives them a sense of hope.
Chanyeol twitches a bit when Reinvent come out. "Hello everyone, we're Reinvent!" Minseok, or rather, Xiumin as he's now become, introduces each of the members to raucous applause.
He doesn't miss the way Baekhyun eyes him not-so-subtly to gauge his reaction and the way Sehun and Jongin immediately quieten down. They hadn't mentioned Minseok after that one time, as if there was a silent agreement not to, and they know that Chanyeol had avoided Minseok ever since.
Chanyeol watches Reinvent's performance as usual, but the glint in his eyes hint that he feels a little more. Even after so long, Chanyeol is still mesmerised by the way Minseok's eyes are half-lidded, the way his voice has a unique quality that's refreshing to listen to, and the humble way that he leads all of Reinvent to bow after each song.
"Thank you, this has been Reinvent!" Minseok shouts at the end of their performance, and they bow to the crowd's applause. He gives that crooked grin and instantaneously, Chanyeol feels a twang in his heart. It's so familiar, yet so alien at the same time.
The bad thing about being one of the last few acts is the heightened expectation and overwhelming pressure. After Reinvent's performance, Chanyeol becomes even more nervous. Finally, after checking himself in the mirror for at least ten times and arranging his bangs over and over again, Toned Grey is finally called up on stage.
"We can do this," Baekhyun gives them one last motivational speech before putting his hand forward. All of them immediately place their hands on his, and they shout "Fighting!" like they always do before a performance, the last syllable echoing through the waiting room. Backstage staff usher them onto the stage. Chanyeol slings his guitar over his shoulder, adjusting the strip until it's right where he wants it to be, before following the rest up on stage.
"Hello guys!" Baekhyun shouts as he walks on stage, exuding charm and eliciting a frenzy of screams. Chanyeol has always admired his effortless charisma. Baekhyun introduces them one by one, and the crowd roars in anticipation. Chanyeol notes, to his pleasure, that a significant number of their fanclub is here today. He waits for four clacks of Jongin's drumsticks―the indication to start―and then his fingers run gently across the strings. The first strum gives Chanyeol a shiver of pleasure. He's always relished the feeling of performing before an audience―this time, his nervousness melts into motivation to do his best on stage. He plays like he's always practised, fingers strumming the guitar smoothly to accompany Baekhyun's powerful voice.
And before he knows it, he's strumming the last chord of Nell's The Day Before, and Baekhyun ends off with a crescendo in his high note. Chanyeol gets off the stage in a trance, as if the crowd's cheers and whoops are all a dream. He feels Sehun's hand, warm, on the small of his back, and smiles at the younger to show that he appreciates the little gesture. Sehun's eyes widen by a fraction, before his lips curve upwards as well.
The prizes for the music festival are given later, when all the acts have performed and the judges have deliberated for close to an hour. It's six in the evening and the sun casts an orangey-pink glow on everything, painting shadows on the grass field.
Toned Grey are standing in front of the stage, at the VIP area reserved only for performers. Chanyeol is glad that there are so many people―at least, there is a lesser chance of him meeting Minseok. His bandmates watch the stage eagerly in a mixture of anxiety and anticipation.
The MC walks out to thunderous cheering. Anticipation hangs thick and heavy in the air as the MC announces that they will be giving out prizes. Unsurprisingly, the band category is last, with prizes for solo singers and duos given first. It serves nothing to calm the hearts of Toned Grey, and especially Chanyeol, who is more nervous than anyone.
"And now, we will be announcing the results for the band category," the MC announces. For a brief few seconds, everything is still save for the crackling of paper as the MC opens the envelope.
"For third place, we have..." the MC pauses in the middle of his sentence, heightening the suspense. "Liquid Fire!"
Chanyeol is both nervous and happy. He takes deep breaths as Liquid Fire, a punk rock band with wildly dyed hair, go up on stage to receive their prizes. They take the bronze trophy and hoist it into the air. The cheque for 10 million won is received with triumphant smiles and fist pumps.
Chanyeol's palms are wet.
"Do you think...?" he inclines his head to Sehun and whispers. Sehun eyes him and shrugs. The younger is stone-faced, but the creases on his forehead betray his true feelings. Chanyeol glances at Baekhyun, who has his hands clasped together in front of him, and then at Jongin, who's bouncing on the balls of his feet.
He feels like it's his responsibility to, so he assures them. "Guys, calm down. We'll win, okay? I know we will." Jongin flashes him a tiny smile which makes Chanyeol glad he's said it, even though he himself is no more certain of the outcome and there are still butterflies in his stomach.
"Second place goes to..." The suspense is almost palpable, with how eerily quiet the crowd has become. "... Reinvent!" Chanyeol jumps a little at the name. He spots, out of the corner of his eye, Minseok and his bandmates going up on stage. With a start he realises that it's been three weeks since he last saw him. Maybe it's due to the lighting, but Minseok looks slightly gaunt and thinner than before, cheekbones a degree sharper and skin a shade lighter. Chanyeol's lips curl in distaste when he notices Luhan's hand firmly latched onto Minseok's waist.
Who is he to be jealous when Minseok isn't even his in the first place?
"Thank you guys, this award is incredible and we couldn't have done it without your support." Minseok thanks the crowd and they cheer in response. Yixing kisses the shiny silver trophy and Zitao takes the oversized cheque from the award presenter and passes it to Minseok. The cheque looks even bigger in comparison to the tiny lead vocal, and Luhan loops an arm around Minseok's shoulder, grinning.
Chanyeol's eyes follow Minseok's figure when they descend the stairs, all the way until he disappears into the throng of people. It's been so long, yet he still reacts in the same way, being inadvertently drawn to Minseok no matter where he is.
Someone squeezes his hand and Chanyeol swivels his head to find that it's Baekhyun. Chanyeol squeezes back reassuringly, hoping to impart a sense of calm. Jongin and Sehun are holding hands now, grip so tight that veins are visible. They wait for the words that will seal their fate.
"And now, for the most coveted and prestigious first place position, whose winner will walk away with 100 million won, we have..."
All Chanyeol can hear are his heartbeats and the blood pulsing through his veins.
"Toned Grey! Congratulations!"
Baekhyun yelps and flings himself on Chanyeol immediately, tears springing from his eyes. The crowd erupts into a furious burst of whoops and cheers. Chanyeol latches onto Jongin and pulls him and Sehun into the hug. Jongin's spiky bracelet catches a loose thread on Chanyeol's wifebeater but he doesn't care in the least.
"We did it! We did it!" Baekhyun is screaming as he jumps up and down.
"I can't believe we won!" Chanyeol shouts over the din.
"I'm buying a car!" Sehun declares. They break apart and head onstage one after another. It still feels surreal to Chanyeol―if not for the heavy trophy in his arms he'd never believe it was real. The award presenter hands them a giant cheque, a 1 followed by 8 zeros, and Baekhyun takes it in a flash.
And then, all of a sudden, Chanyeol spots a figure in the crowd. He's far away but Chanyeol would recognise that pair of almond-shaped eyes anywhere. He locks eyes with him for a moment, and he forgets how to breathe. Chanyeol just stares into Minseok's kohl-lined eyes, and it's as if time stops to make way for their little moment of infinity. It may have been a second, or even a minute, but in that moment Chanyeol doesn't move.
We did it. I did it.
And then Minseok looks away, and Chanyeol wonders whether Minseok is proud of him.
He doesn't know what triggered him―maybe it's the disappointed look in Minseok's eyes or the emptiness in his heart―but he decides to be brave after that. After all, as much as he loves his bandmates, he wants a chance with Minseok. He can't ignore him and pretend that everything's okay. He's had enough of himself moping around like an emo teenager―this time he's going to try.
"Minseok-hyung," Chanyeol calls out tentatively, when he sees the man passing by him after the MC announces the start of the after-show party.
"Hey," Minseok answers, turns around but doesn't meet Chanyeol's eyes. "What do you want?"
"I just..." Chanyeol bites his lip, confidence draining from him. "I wanted to see you."
"And now that you've seen me, perhaps I should go." Minseok turns around fast, but the fingers reaching out to encircle his wrist are even faster and Minseok turns back, suppressing a sigh.
"Look, Chanyeol," he begins, "I don't know why you seem so bent on torturing me like this."
Minseok's response is unexpected, takes Chanyeol by surprise. "Wha―what do you mean?"
"You know full well what I mean," Minseok tells him and it's a lie because Chanyeol doesn't, because it'd be too full of himself to assume. "We're in rival bands―I have a boyfriend, goddammit." Minseok drills every word into his brain, makes Chanyeol freeze in place. "You can't keep doing this to me, making me feel things when I'm not supposed to! You can't do this and then walk away like nothing ever happened, okay? It's not fair."
Chanyeol is taken aback, grip momentarily faltering, and it's then that Minseok takes the opportunity to pull away and melts away into the crowd. Chanyeol searches and searches but can't find him. He thinks about what Minseok has said―did it mean his feelings were reciprocated?
He isn't confident enough to assume.
Chanyeol doesn't stay very long at the celebration party, mutters something about bad hangovers and slips out of the bar (which is coincidentally, Domino), leaving a stupefied Baekhyun, a confused Jongin and a drunk Sehun. In reality, though, he just wants to escape from a place which reminds him so much of the person he is trying to forget.
He reaches home, toes off his shoes and staggers into the bedroom. He runs the tap and splashes cold water onto his face, coolness rejuvenating him a bit. He stands up straight and finds a stranger, with ruined make-up and flyaway hair, staring back at him in the bathroom mirror.
He walks out, zombie-like, and falls backwards onto his bed. The soft covers provide him with some comfort as he wraps them over his body. Not even bothering to change out of his clothes, Chanyeol drifts into sleep.
He's finally won the prize that he's been coveting since forever, but why does it feel like he's lost?
The days pass by like nothing has ever happened, only Chanyeol wakes up one day to find 25 million won more in his bank account and Baekhyun screaming to him over the phone about him going on a shopping spree and buying twenty pairs of shoes.
Chanyeol feels oddly dull though. He doesn't know what to think about all that money, feels lost about what to do. He laughs mockingly, thinking if he could he'd buy Minseok over in a heartbeat. Except hearts are not for sale and Chanyeol's is more than just a little broken.
It's 11 pm when he receives a call from Minseok. He stares at the caller ID for quite a bit, before hesitatingly pressing the 'Answer' button.
"Hello? Chanyeol-ah? I know this is going to sound really weird but, can I come over?" Minseok says everything in a single breath and Chanyeol takes a few moments to process the words.
"Uh, okay, sure. Right now? Do you need me to go pick you up or something?"
"No, it's fine. I'll be there in ten minutes." Before Chanyeol can say anything, Minseok's voice is replaced by toneless beeps.
He paces around his room for the next ten minutes, wondering why Minseok had called. He can't keep still, and looks at the clock too many times to even count.
Chanyeol doesn't know what to expect when he opens the door, but a downcast, puffy-eyed Minseok takes him off guard.
"What happened?" is the first thing that spills out from Chanyeol's mouth.
"I broke up with Luhan," Minseok says quietly. Chanyeol is dumbfounded―the news hits him like a ton of bricks. He doesn't know what to think, what to say, and he scratches the back of his neck awkwardly.
"Come in, hyung," he finally says, and Minseok shoots him a grateful look as he steps inside the apartment. Something thick and heavy hangs in the air between them―Chanyeol is the first to break the silence.
"Do you want a glass of water, hyung?"
"Yes, please," Minseok replies. Chanyeol goes into the kitchen and pours two glasses of water, goes back out and places them on the coffee table in his living room. He gestures at the sofa―a shabby, black one that he's never found the time to change―and he's almost embarrassed by it. The sofa creaks a little as Minseok sits down; Chanyeol does the same.
Chanyeol waits for Minseok to speak but the older simply stares straight ahead, almost as if he's in a world of his own. Chanyeol clears his throat.
"Um, do you want to talk about it...?" he trails off hesitantly. Minseok's fingers tighten around the glass.
"Yeah, sorry, I just―yeah."
"What happened? Between you and Luhan?"
Minseok bites his lip. "I guess it's a pretty dumb idea for a lead vocalist to date his keyboardist, huh." It's almost as if he's talking to himself. Minseok chuckles, but Chanyeol can tell he finds it anything but funny. "It's just... he was so sweet and loving, and I thought we were perfect together, but I guess I was wrong."
It's a first, when Chanyeol sees Minseok cry. It begins with a single drop, spilling over from his eyes and rolling down his cheek, and then it escalates into more and more tears until Minseok becomes an ugly, crying mess in Chanyeol's apartment. Chanyeol awkwardly wraps an arm around Minseok while the latter buries his tear-stained face in Chanyeol's shoulder. His shirt has a patch of wet, but Chanyeol doesn't even notice, as he rubs comforting circles in the small of Minseok's back.
Chanyeol knows it's wrong at times like these, but he can't help but notice how perfectly Minseok fits in the crook of his shoulder, snug and warm.
He wants to protect Minseok like this, always.
"Do you know why we broke up?" Minseok looks up and asks, while Chanyeol's heart catches because there's so much pain in Minseok's voice, and he just looks so broken that Chanyeol wants nothing more than to reach over and hold him tight in his arms.
Chanyeol wants to fix him together.
But he doesn't. Instead, he settles for sipping quietly at his cup of water.
"No, I don't. What happened?" He asks, voice level, not betraying his concern.
"I couldn't understand it at first. He told me that I wasn't really in love with him. I told him I was. That was why we were dating in the first place. right?" Minseok begins. He recounts the events that happened just a few hours before, while Chanyeol leans forward attentively.
Luhan had arranged to meet him in his café, where they had gone on countless dates together. Minseok had thought it was just another date, and had spent time arranging his hair and clothes to look presentable, even though he knew Luhan wouldn't mind how he looked.
When Luhan arrived, Minseok had brewed an americano―his favourite drink―for him, and waved happily when he strode in.
"Hey, Luhan!" he called, waving him over to the counter. As Luhan made his way over, Minseok sensed something amiss―perhaps it was the determined way he walked, or the tiredness in his eyes. At any rate, he appeared different from his usual, bright self. Minseok told himself not to worry―he could just be tired out from the music festival. They had been practising day after day for it, and even Minseok had yet to recover from the toll it took on him physically.
"Minseok," he smiled, and Minseok told himself he imagined the sadness in his eyes.
"I made your favourite coffee," Minseok said, pointing at the cup on the counter.
"Thanks, Minseok, but I need to talk to you." And it was the way in which he steeled himself to say those words that provoked the uneasiness in Minseok's mind.
"What is it about?" Minseok half-whispered. He almost regretted asking, when Luhan told him, "We're not working out, you and I both know it."
"What do you mean?"
"Minseok-ah, let's break up."
Minseok was frozen, a thousand questions on his lips but none making it out of his mouth.
"Y-You're breaking up with me?" he stuttered out, not really a question, but more of an expression of disbelief.
Luhan lifted his head and looked Minseok in the eye. He smiled sadly, so sadly, in fact, that Minseok felt as though the smile just cracked his perfect façade in half.
"Chanyeol. You love him." Without a regard for Minseok's shocked look, he went on. "I knew it ever since you started meeting him. Your face lights up when you talk about him. It's love, but it's also more than that. Don't let all of us down. Go and make it work, with him."
"What about you?" Minseok asked, distraught.
"I'll be fine, Minseok," Luhan answered, before pressing a chaste kiss to Minseok's lips and turning to exit the café.
The glass door swung closed with a sense of finality. Minseok broke down, sobs wracking through his body. A few customers turned to gaze curiously at him, but Minseok didn't care.
The wind chimes tinkled faintly in sorrow.
"And then I sat down and thought about it. And then I realised, slowly, that he was right. You're the one I love, Chanyeol. You have always been. Ever since I met you... I don't know, I think I just bonded with you straight away, but it's on a much deeper level than I initially thought. And I didn't know it at first, but now I do. I love you, Chanyeol." Minseok looks up and makes eye contact with Chanyeol, giving him a watery smile.
Minseok looks fucking beautiful and Chanyeol wants more than anything to kiss him right there and then.
"But what about Luhan? Is he okay?" Chanyeol asks hesitantly. He'd feel like a terrible jerk if Minseok and Luhan's relationship turn sour because of that.
"He'll be fine, Chanyeol. He's strong, I know he'll be okay."
Minseok licks his dry, chapped lips. He swallows. "I know this is really weird, Chanyeol, and I know I may seem like a jerk, telling you this immediately after the breakup, but... I don't know," he proffers. "I just... wanted to get this off my chest, I guess. You made me feel... things, that I knew were wrong, but I didn't know why I felt them. And then you started ignoring my messages and calls and I didn't know why, or what to do. I thought you were just toying around with me. I was really mad at you, but when I saw you again at the festival, the feelings came back."
"It wasn't me," Chanyeol blurts out. Minseok's brows furrow in confusion.
"It wasn't me who wanted to ignore you," he clarifies. "My bandmates were mad that I was seeing you. They found out I had a crush on you and when I told them we were just friends, they were still angry. Baek told me to stop contacting you at all. Jongin asked me where my loyalties lay and... I was conflicted between you and my bandmates. It's like I was stuck in the middle and I had to choose a side. And I'm sorry I didn't choose you."
Minseok looks up, his eyes shining. "What about now? Would you choose me?" Somewhere in between their conversation they'd moved closer to each other, and now their faces were mere inches apart.
"Yes, I'd choose you in a minute," Chanyeol replies, voice rough.
The instance their lips touch, it's like the whole world is on fire. Minseok's breath is hot and heavy from the alcohol, and maybe that's why Chanyeol gets a little intoxicated. Or maybe he's drunk on Minseok's scent, Minseok's touch, Minseok's everything. This must be what fireworks feel like, Chanyeol thinks as Minseok slowly tugs on his bottom lip. His tongue works wonders, teasing against his teeth. The sucking noises in the otherwise silent apartment sound especially erotic, and Chanyeol has a hard time suppressing his urges and the blood rushing south.
Minseok pulls away to nibble at Chanyeol's neck, and he must already know where Chanyeol's sensitive spots are because he keeps brushing against them with his mouth, effortlessly. Soft moans spill out from Chanyeol's mouth, as his body is left trembling with pleasant sensations. Minseok's touch is electric yet magical all at once and it leaves Chanyeol gasping for more. Minseok pushes him against the wall, leaves wet kisses along the shell of his ears. It gets a bit overheated when Chanyeol's hands wander downwards to grope his ass, and Minseok stills in his arms.
"Do you want―?" Chanyeol doesn't want to push Minseok away, not when he just had him.
"Yes, oh God, yes." The affirmation is all they need. Chanyeol whines inadvertently when he feels no more of the wetness at his ears, but he opens his eyes and stops breathing for a moment because he sees Minseok working on the buttons of his pants. Minseok fucking winks at him, and Chanyeol is sent into overdrive because he cannot handle anything anymore.
Minseok starts by massaging his cock and pumping it up and down. The moans of pleasure that escape Chanyeol's mouth are music to his ears, and he keeps working on Chanyeol's cock until it is already dripping with precome. Chanyeol's hips buck forward, trying to match the rhythm of Minseok's teasing touches. It's too much yet not enough at the same time, and Chanyeol just wants to fuck Minseok already. The sight of Minseok, sweaty and flushed, makes Chanyeol want to freeze time at that moment to fully appreciate how beautiful he is.
But before he can do so, fingers dig into his back and he feels a heavenly wetness surrounding his cock. "Fuck, Minseok," Chanyeol pants, as Minseok works his tongue skilfully, darting lightly over the tip and licking up bits of white liquid. It's almost sinful as he tugs on Minseok's hair and the latter sucks, albeit slowly, on his painfully hard cock. Minseok runs his tongue over his entire length, and fuck, he grazes it with his teeth too. They lock gazes then, and Chanyeol feels the heat pooling in his stomach rush to his head in a second. He thrusts into Minseok's mouth, shallowly at first to not overwhelm the other, then increasingly faster and deeper. Minseok's pretty mouth around his cock is all that Chanyeol can see and he doesn't stop until his cock hits the back of Minseok's throat. Loud moans spill out from Chanyeol's mouth in ecstasy as Minseok hums, the vibrations around his cock sending an electric jolt down his spine.
Minseok pulls away with an obscene 'pop' and he's smirking at him when he smothers Chanyeol's lips with his own, kissing him with a passion so fierce that Chanyeol's lips are abused. Not that he minds, though. Chanyeol tastes himself in the sloppy kiss and it's only heightening his arousal, cock painfully erect and awaiting release.
"Let's finish this in the bedroom." Chanyeol carries Minseok, bridal-style, and lays him gently on his bed. He can't help but think how unfair it is that Minseok is still fully clothed.
"Fuck me, Chanyeol." Chanyeol doesn't need to be told twice as he sheds the rest of his clothes, hastily unbuttoning his shirt and throwing it on the floor. Minseok undresses himself while he looks on, admiring his biceps and his deft fingers which get the job done in mere seconds. Chanyeol reaches for the bottle of lube in the drawer next to the bed. He slicks Minseok up, entering a finger then two then three at once, and Minseok bites down into the pillow, muffling his screams as Chanyeol's fingers enter him from behind.
"Hyung, it's fine to scream," Chanyeol tells him after a light peck to his cheek.
"I'm not a screamer―Ah!" Minseok is unprepared when Chanyeol slams into him, cock thrusting into the warm body heat repeatedly. Minseok's walls are tight around his cock and the friction is just right when Chanyeol pulls and pushes into him. His own hand fumbles for Minseok's cock, kneading it as he thrusts into Minseok at a comfortably steady pace. Minseok moans periodically when Chanyeol hits the right spots, and Chanyeol soaks it in―soaks in all of Minseok as he fucks him open.
"Brat," Minseok huffs as he turns his head to connect their mouths together once more. Chanyeol grabs Minseok's thighs and turns him around such that he's facing Chanyeol. He savours the sight of hooded eyelids and hardened nipples before him, as he picks up speed and fucks Minseok harder and faster. Minseok's moans get progressively louder as he bites down on his lip, trying to stop the sounds from escaping but to no avail. Pressure builds up in Chanyeol's abdomen, the combined sensations of Minseok's body heat and his mouth enough to bring him over the edge.
"Minseok!" he cries out loud, gripping the bedsheets so hard his knuckles turn white. White, sticky liquid spills out in ropes from the tip of his cock and lands on Minseok's pale, white stomach. Minseok curls his lips, yet unsatisfied as he reaches to jerk himself off―but Chanyeol won't have it. Instead he goes down on Minseok, and relishes Minseok's surprised cry as he sucks on Minseok's dick. He grips Minseok's hips as he drags his tongue down the length of Minseok's cock, and soon he feels a pressure on the back of his head. Minseok's hands are pushing him down so he obliges, going down as far as he can manage.
Minseok starts panting louder and faster with each time he thrusts into Chanyeol, tiny hands fisting in Chanyeol's hair and Chanyeol loves every bit of it. Very soon he comes without warning, eyes squeezing shut and loosening his grip, hands falling onto the bed as white come spills out from Chanyeol's mouth. Minseok opens his eyes to see Chanyeol staring at him hotly while swallowing his come, and oh God. Chanyeol lowers himself onto Minseok, his kisses whisper I love yous and you're beautifuls, tattoos them into every square inch of his skin.
They lie spent on the bed for a few minutes, chests heaving in synchrony as they breathe in and out. After a while Minseok inches closer to Chanyeol, and the younger throws a protective arm over him. They kiss languidly and open-mouthed, raw passion from before dissolving into something gentler and more tender.
"I love you, Chanyeol," Minseok says for the first time and Chanyeol feels like his heart may spontaneously combust. He can't hide his grin as Minseok nuzzles closer against him, his tiny frame fitting perfectly against his own.
"I love you too, hyung," Chanyeol says, and it's the truth. Minseok hums softly in response. Sometime between cuddles and kisses, they drift into a deep sleep.
Chanyeol brings Minseok to his bandmates the very next day. It's a Friday, and the three other members of Toned Grey are gathered at their usual ramen place, engaged in the process of laughing at Jongin's fashion sense. When Chanyeol swings open the glass door, holding Minseok's hand, Baekhyun's jaws drop in shock, and Sehun and Jongin are stupefied.
"I'm tired of hiding my feelings for you, hyung, and I'm tired of hiding you. They either accept you, or I'll not give up until they do." Minseok admires the defiant set of Chanyeol's jaw, and the determination blazing in his eyes.
It takes them some time to react, but Sehun is the first to recover from his initial shock. "...Chanyeol-hyung?"
"We're boyfriends," Chanyeol continues defiantly. "And there's nothing you can do to change that." He squeezes Minseok's hand in assurance, and Minseok leans in just a degree. He's not scared, not at all, not when his boyfriend's beside him. With Chanyeol by his side, he could go against the world.
"I thought you agreed not to see him again," Baekhyun reminds. He doesn't look hurt, just tired. Jongin picks at his nails, doesn't want to watch the scene unfold before him.
"I was stupid. I understand that we're from rival bands, guys, but it doesn't mean I have to sacrifice my happiness. We can make it work, if only you'd give us a chance. We―"
"I love Chanyeol, I really do," Minseok interrupts. Chanyeol glances at him, curious at what he has to say. "I know you have full right to disapprove of our relationship, but," and he locks gazes with Chanyeol, "we have full right to ignore you too. It's our own freedom, anyway. And I swear Reinvent and Toned Grey doesn't have to be rivals, competitors, all the time. We could be friends, too. Spur each other on, that kind of thing. What do you say?"
There's an extended period of silence, and Chanyeol can almost see the cogs turning in his bandmates' heads. Baekhyun opens his mouth, closes it, opens it, and closes it again. Toned Grey's eldest hyung is at a loss for words, and that's a first.
"Look at him," Sehun says, "with hearts bursting out of his eyes. Gross." To prove his point, he gagged.
"I'm right in front of you, brat, and I can hear you loud and clear," Chanyeol grits out. He's not actually angry though―Sehun's words are a sign that he's starting to accept Minseok, and that's a good start.
"Chanyeol-hyung must really love Minseok," Jongin muses. "I've never seen him like this before." His words bring a faint blush to Minseok's cheeks, and he lowers his head, flustered.
"He hasn't dated anyone since Kyungsoo," Sehun comments. "And that was almost a year ago."
Baekhyun sighs softly. He drums his fingers on the table, thinking, deliberating, contemplating. "I guess, maybe it won't do us any harm to let him date Minseok? To me, Chanyeol's happiness is more important than winning some award. And we did win it in the end, so." He shrugs. Jongin and Sehun both nod in response.
"Yeah, hyung deserves to find his own happiness."
"Thanks, guys," Chanyeol grins, back to his old cheerful self.
"Thank you," Minseok says too. It's a soft but sincere word of thanks, and the members of Toned Grey smile at him, in what is beginning to be acceptance.
"Great," Jongin concludes. "Now, who's for ramen?"
They've begun to be more welcoming when Chanyeol invites Minseok over to watch their band practices, and Minseok actually provides constructive feedback from an outsider's point of view. A talk of collaboration between the two bands is in the works, and Chanyeol feels blessed to have Minseok by his side.
"You two make such a cute couple," Baekhyun hoots from the back when Minseok rushes over to Chanyeol after practice ends. The older blushes and buries his face in Chanyeol's shoulder. "Perfect height difference!"
Baekhyun invites the whole of Reinvent to dinner. To see Jongin joyfully exchanging words with Yixing, Luhan and Sehun getting along well, and Baekhyun and Zitao joking around, is like a dream come true for Chanyeol.
"You know, Reinvent is actually pretty cool," Jongin admits after that. "I'm sorry for talking bad about them before."
"This entire rivalry thing is stupid," Baekhyun agrees. "We should just become friends and stop comparing each other."
"Dispatch will have a field day reporting this," laughs Chanyeol. He could never have imagined that things would turn out like this, but in reality, he couldn't be happier.
Chanyeol ends up spending his money anyway, and not on a car like he initially thought he would. He visits Minseok in the café one day, wide grin revealing that he's very, very happy. Minseok looks up in bemusement at his boyfriend.
"What is it now, Yeol?" Chanyeol wiggles his brows in reply, in an attempt to be mysterious and only succeeds in making Minseok guffaw. Which, technically, isn't a bad thing. Chanyeol would do anything to hear Minseok's laugh.
"Well, I have a surprise for you." He slides a package, wrapped in ordinary brown paper that doesn't reveal a clue about what's inside, across the counter to Minseok. The paper crinkles when Minseok opens it, deft fingers unwrapping the paper, and when he sees what is inside, he simply stills. And stares. For a very long time.
"I got this from an acquaintance of mine who has a sister who knows someone," Chanyeol explains, as Minseok gingerly takes out the copy of We Hate All Kinds of Violence with bated breath and trembling fingers.
"Don't thank me." Chanyeol looks away like it's nothing, but is caught by surprise when Minseok pulls him into a hug over the counter. His shirt rides up a little and the marble edge of the counter presses into bare flesh but Chanyeol doesn't mind. Nothing is better than burying his nose into Minseok's hair and finding out that he smells like coffee and vanilla.
"You're wonderful. Thank you, Chanyeol." Minseok's eyes sparkle when he tells him that.
Chanyeol grins again, basking in Minseok's adoring glance. "And that's not all."
"Wait, there's more?" Minseok asks incredulously. Chanyeol doesn't reply; instead he opens his wallet and pulls out two strips of paper.
"Tada! Two tickets for TVXQ's concert next month." Chanyeol beams proudly as he flashes the tickets in Minseok's face.
TVXQ! Asia Tour: Seoul. Mosh pit. It reads. Minseok's eyes go as wide as saucers.
"You got me a mosh pit ticket," Minseok whispers. Chanyeol feels like heaven with how his boyfriend is staring at him like he's the most precious thing in the world.
"You spoil me, you really do." Minseok gently pecks Chanyeol's cheek, lips lightly ghosting over the shell of his ear.
"And that's all the reward I get?" Chanyeol pouts, disappointment written all over his face. Minseok chuckles.
"Of course not." He pulls Chanyeol ever closer and plants a kiss on his lips, long and soft and slow like they have all the time in the world.
They pull away after what seems like eternity, and Chanyeol smiles. "That's more like it."
Author’s note: Please excuse me for the rushed ending and terrible smut. Hope you enjoy!