[DC18] Peaked Interests
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Minwook
Genre: AU!Romance
Theme: Celebrations, Phrase to include: "if not for you"
Summary: He never required a grateful word or two, taking reign on life and doing as he wanted, all from the sidelines.
-
Sungmin arched an eyebrow as he watched his friend yelling in all directions, pointing at different staff and finally clutching his hand.
"Having fun?" He asked.
Kyuhyun narrowed his eyes, turning off his headset temporarily. "Your cousin is insane."
Sungmin looked around, adjusting the cuff-links of his tailored suit as he admired the scene inside the venue. "I say you did quite well, considering it's your first time ever planning a wedding."
"And last time," Kyuhyun corrected. "And here I thought a spring wedding would be easier." He then spoke into his headset in a hurried pace as Sungmin looked around at the incoming guests.
His eyes rested on a figure in the distance, wondering briefly if the man was a distant family member when Kyuhyun nearly cried in hysterics. "Go to your cousin, and convince her not to run away."
"Alri-"
"Because I swear," His hand lifting Sungmin's collar. "If she ruins this day for me, I will have her neck."
Sungmin blinked as the man bolted from the spot to take care of other matters, deciding then and there that he would never venture into the wedding business.
Inside Li Yin's room, he realized someone had occupied his spot, comforting his cousin until she was calmed down.
"Do you think so?" She asked, sniffing slightly.
"To be honest, I'm jealous of how he looks at you." The man said lightheartedly, "I wish someone would see me the same way." Earning a slight chuckle. She then noticed Sungmin standing by the doorway, the stranger turned around and followed her gaze.
He realized it was the same man from earlier, clearing his throat when he introduced himself.
The stranger smiled. "Kim Ryeowook."
His cousin quickly adjusted her make-up. Ryeowook returned a small, shy smile before excusing himself out of the room. Sungmin's gaze followed after him to the closed door.
"He's not family, is he?" He asked idly.
"Classmate from college."
She arched an eyebrow at the relieved sigh she heard, looking at him from the reflection of the mirror. Sungmin escaped before suffering her relentless questioning.
His interest was peaked, but that was it.
"Don't be so uptight." Kyuhyun scolded, scribbling onto his clipboard. Sungmin drank his champagne as Kyuhyun side-eyed him. "You have the day-off, enjoy it."
"I can only enjoy so much of this wedding." Sungmin said. "Don't tell her I said that." He warned.
"Considering you can probably pin me for murder, I won't." Kyuhyun replied. Before he could ask another question, he noticed Sungmin's intent stare.
He quietly hummed to himself, feigning ignorance as he walked away. Sungmin strolled from the table towards with his eyes set.
Ryeowook stood by himself by the large glass windows. Once their eyes met, Ryeowook looked back at the crowd.
Sungmin spoke quietly, only loud enough for his companion to hear. "If not for you, I might not have come to the reception." Sungmin admitted.
Ryeowook raised an eyebrow. "You're not happy for your cousin?"
"I am, but I'm not excited for weddings." Sungmin said, earning a soft chuckle.
His name was called and Ryeowook then walked forward to the crowd to dance with the bride. Sungmin raised up his glass, through its clear colored reflection, he was able to see the man dance with a large smile. The sight brought about his own.
Yet as he heard his cell phone ring, he could only enjoy the moment briefly as he left the crowd and answered. Sighing when he realized he'd have to leave early for the night.
Momentary, he told himself, it wasn't anything more than that.
-
"What are you thinking about?"
Sungmin lifted his head towards Siwon who wore a casual outfit, paired with a hand-knit scarf. "Nothing."
"Right." Siwon said in disbelief, he then lowered his drink.
Sungmin braced himself.
A group of armed men stormed inside the store. The criminals began to escape the storefront when the head bolted past the duo, Siwon grabbed his arm and slammed his body to the wall.
Sungmin raised his own gun.
"NPA. Freeze! Hands up." Sungmin ordered, holding up his badge.
This was the adrenaline rush he needed, required, and maybe the reason why he started in the agency in the first place. He couldn't be like others who enjoyed the calm life, he needed to make what he could out of it, even if it wasn't much.
"I thought we did well, don't see why he's biting my head off." Siwon muttered to deaf ears as they stood outside the building, after receiving a brutal set-down by the chief. Siwon stuffed his hands in his pocket and asked, "Going to make your same stop?"
Sungmin shrugged and went about his way, his partner rolling his eyes at the man's indifferent attitude, when they both clearly knew better.
-
He entered the large lecture hall, a cup holder delicately balanced on his lap as he settled in one of the seats in the back, chin on his palm.
The man adjusted his frames, lecturing on a subject that it seemed most of the class overlooked.
"Isn't he cute?" A random classmate uttered to her friend. The agent behind the duo kicked their chair, causing them to look behind them.
"Focus." He scolded them both. They both awkwardly faced forward as Sungmin leaned back in his seat.
He admitted he didn't understand it entirely, but the field agent hung on every word.
"That'll be all for class today." Ryeowook announced. The lecture hall began to clear out as Ryeowook turned around and began to clean the boards himself.
Sungmin managed to step to the front, mingling in with the crowd when he managed to lay something on the table before heading off. Outside the lecture hall's doors, he peered back to see the professor turn around, furrowing his eyebrows at the drink on his table.
He checked the small box beside it and opened it, blinking before a small smile formed.
Sungmin was proud, relieved his gift was like. Content, he lifted himself from the door and went about his way. A subtle spring in his step as he walked down the hallway.
-
"You have to come."
"I'm busy." Sungmin replied, glancing at the man he was meant to be watching. "You don't need me there."
"I truly don't," Li Yin countered. "But then what other excuse could you have for meeting up with Ry-"
"Did you say this Thursday or the next?"
He held the phone a good distance away at the sound of his cousin's laughter.
-
At the summer party held indoors. Sungmin swirled the drink in his hands until he saw the man walk through the doors. He knew the guest had already made him from the crowd.
He gave himself a headcount when Ryeowook took the initiative and walked towards him instead.
This surge running through him once he stood beside him, at first daunting, but he gradually came to enjoy the feeling the man brought him. The rush familiar to what he felt in his line of work, only uniquely enjoyable to him.
"Why are you smiling like that?" Ryeowook asked afterward when he reached for a drink.
Sungmin glanced at the red cuff-links on the edge of Ryeowook's dress shirt, brand new and considerably expensive. It was a fact only he knew.
"Nothing," He replied with a wide grin. "Just having a good day."
-
He laid against the brick wall of the university campus grounds, exhaling patiently as he blew his bangs from his eyes. Despite the late evening, his eyes noticeably lit.
"Good evening Professor." He called out, stopping the man in his tracks.
Ryeowook almost replied but instead bit his cheek, "It was you, wasn't it?"
Sungmin arched an eyebrow. "What was?"
Ryeowook seemed unsure of himself, thinking back to the already wiped clean board when he returned from making copies.
Sungmin lifted himself off the wall and stepped beside him. "Let me offer you a ride. It's too late for someone to be alone by themselves."
Ryeowook studied him briefly, Sungmin smiled as the other slowly agreed. Despite their conversation that kept Ryeowook distracted for most of the time, Sungmin couldn't keep his eyes off him. There was something more to him he looked forward to, no matter how long or how often they met up.
"You work too hard." Sungmin commented.
"Finals week is coming soon." Ryeowook explained. "And I could say same for you."
"Crime doesn't die." Sungmin countered. "Dealing with crazed men and having your life constantly in danger, it's not a life most want really."
"But you seem to." Ryeowook added under his breath, Sungmin noted the worry etched in his face from the window's reflection.
When Sungmin had dropped him off at his place, they both felt as if there was something else to be done, to be said. But he merely waved as Ryeowook stepped off the car and walked towards the apartment, noticeably disheartened.
Sungmin sighed as he stared at the steering wheel, slumping back against the seat.
Even now, he still wished he could turn back time and had the nerve to ask. In inexperience in this field left him scolding himself after.
He'd have another chance though, he told himself. There had to be.
-
"Ask him out already." Sungmin glanced Li Yin who arrived with narrowing eyes.
"Who said I was interested?" He asked calmly.
"Please," Li Yin uttered, hoisting her dress. "The only reason you see him at every one of these family celebrations is cause he asks me if you're coming. I thought by now you would have initiated something."
Sungmin pursed his lips as Li Yin sighed. "Do something, before I start finding someone else for him."
To this, Sungmin gave off a dangerous aura and stern look, only given during work. It didn't feign her. "You wouldn't."
"Try me."
Before Sungmin could warn her, Li Yin cursed loudly. "Fine, let good things pass you by. See if I care!"
He was almost sure that she was displaying the early signs of pregnancy but decided not to comment. He looked up from the tiled floors of the dance room; until he managed to find the man looking from the top balcony overlooking the party held outside.
He thinned his lips, thinking of what his cousin had said, pressing on a small worry. A nerve that was increasingly putting him over the edge.
The single thing he could confirm, know for sure was simple. He couldn't risk the other finding someone else.
His hand trailed on the rail, curled in vines and flowers as he strolled quietly towards the unsuspecting man. The one whose gaze continued searching amongst the crowd.
"Looking for someone?"
Ryeowook froze momentarily and quickly added nonchalantly. "I was just admiring the scene."
Sungmin scoffed to Ryeowook's subtle glare, he crossed his arms loosely over the railing that overlooked the large, extravagant party.
"Your cousin really pulls out all the stops, doesn't she?" Ryeowook asked, attempting to make light conversation.
"Unfortunately, I wished she would hold it back. But then she may kill me if I suggest otherwise." Sungmin said, his chin on his palm.
"I thought with your training, you'd be able to handle her."
"A task force couldn't even handle that." Ryeowook chuckled.
A single firework accidentally struck minutes before the end of the year. Their gazes both lifted to the skies as it lit up.
"It's amazing," Ryeowook said in awe, staring above.
Sungmin side-eyes him, his gaze unwavering. "It is."
Ryeowook briefly met his gaze and quickly looked away, his cheeks reddening. Sungmin parted his lips when he felt his phone vibrate and reached for it.
Ryeowook instantly lowered his eyes, lifting himself from the white rail.
"It's just an update," Sungmin called out, stopping him momentarily. "It doesn't mean I have to go right away." Sungmin idly explained.
Ryeowook sighed a breath of relief and returned to his spot.
Sungmin held a glint in his stare. He gave a playful smirk. "Why? Would you mind if I stay a bit longer?"
Rather a verbal reply, Ryeowook instead gave him a chaste kiss on the cheek. Sungmin blinked as Ryeowook lowered his eyes shyly. It wasn't the answer he thought he'd hear, but he'd take it as such.
"I'll take that as a yes."
He reached forward for his hand, making Ryeowook meet his gaze. Even as the fireworks continued shooting up at the sky and took away his attention, Sungmin's focus was unwavering.
For the most part, Ryeowook never thought he'd have someone looking after him in that way, with that gleeful yet sly glint. Even with his back turned or if his work kept his mind off the other, the agent continued to help him when he could. Often without taking praise and beamed when their gazes met.
There was only so much of life Sungmin could enjoy, he figured at least. But with Ryeowook's hand in his, it no longer seemed like such a difficult task anymore.
- ❄ Challenge 17 ❄ | ❄ Challenge 19 ❄ -
Check out minwooklove and ryeo-min ^^
Pairing: Minwook
Genre: AU!Romance
Theme: Celebrations, Phrase to include: "if not for you"
Summary: He never required a grateful word or two, taking reign on life and doing as he wanted, all from the sidelines.
-
Sungmin arched an eyebrow as he watched his friend yelling in all directions, pointing at different staff and finally clutching his hand.
"Having fun?" He asked.
Kyuhyun narrowed his eyes, turning off his headset temporarily. "Your cousin is insane."
Sungmin looked around, adjusting the cuff-links of his tailored suit as he admired the scene inside the venue. "I say you did quite well, considering it's your first time ever planning a wedding."
"And last time," Kyuhyun corrected. "And here I thought a spring wedding would be easier." He then spoke into his headset in a hurried pace as Sungmin looked around at the incoming guests.
His eyes rested on a figure in the distance, wondering briefly if the man was a distant family member when Kyuhyun nearly cried in hysterics. "Go to your cousin, and convince her not to run away."
"Alri-"
"Because I swear," His hand lifting Sungmin's collar. "If she ruins this day for me, I will have her neck."
Sungmin blinked as the man bolted from the spot to take care of other matters, deciding then and there that he would never venture into the wedding business.
Inside Li Yin's room, he realized someone had occupied his spot, comforting his cousin until she was calmed down.
"Do you think so?" She asked, sniffing slightly.
"To be honest, I'm jealous of how he looks at you." The man said lightheartedly, "I wish someone would see me the same way." Earning a slight chuckle. She then noticed Sungmin standing by the doorway, the stranger turned around and followed her gaze.
He realized it was the same man from earlier, clearing his throat when he introduced himself.
The stranger smiled. "Kim Ryeowook."
His cousin quickly adjusted her make-up. Ryeowook returned a small, shy smile before excusing himself out of the room. Sungmin's gaze followed after him to the closed door.
"He's not family, is he?" He asked idly.
"Classmate from college."
She arched an eyebrow at the relieved sigh she heard, looking at him from the reflection of the mirror. Sungmin escaped before suffering her relentless questioning.
His interest was peaked, but that was it.
"Don't be so uptight." Kyuhyun scolded, scribbling onto his clipboard. Sungmin drank his champagne as Kyuhyun side-eyed him. "You have the day-off, enjoy it."
"I can only enjoy so much of this wedding." Sungmin said. "Don't tell her I said that." He warned.
"Considering you can probably pin me for murder, I won't." Kyuhyun replied. Before he could ask another question, he noticed Sungmin's intent stare.
He quietly hummed to himself, feigning ignorance as he walked away. Sungmin strolled from the table towards with his eyes set.
Ryeowook stood by himself by the large glass windows. Once their eyes met, Ryeowook looked back at the crowd.
Sungmin spoke quietly, only loud enough for his companion to hear. "If not for you, I might not have come to the reception." Sungmin admitted.
Ryeowook raised an eyebrow. "You're not happy for your cousin?"
"I am, but I'm not excited for weddings." Sungmin said, earning a soft chuckle.
His name was called and Ryeowook then walked forward to the crowd to dance with the bride. Sungmin raised up his glass, through its clear colored reflection, he was able to see the man dance with a large smile. The sight brought about his own.
Yet as he heard his cell phone ring, he could only enjoy the moment briefly as he left the crowd and answered. Sighing when he realized he'd have to leave early for the night.
Momentary, he told himself, it wasn't anything more than that.
-
"What are you thinking about?"
Sungmin lifted his head towards Siwon who wore a casual outfit, paired with a hand-knit scarf. "Nothing."
"Right." Siwon said in disbelief, he then lowered his drink.
Sungmin braced himself.
A group of armed men stormed inside the store. The criminals began to escape the storefront when the head bolted past the duo, Siwon grabbed his arm and slammed his body to the wall.
Sungmin raised his own gun.
"NPA. Freeze! Hands up." Sungmin ordered, holding up his badge.
This was the adrenaline rush he needed, required, and maybe the reason why he started in the agency in the first place. He couldn't be like others who enjoyed the calm life, he needed to make what he could out of it, even if it wasn't much.
"I thought we did well, don't see why he's biting my head off." Siwon muttered to deaf ears as they stood outside the building, after receiving a brutal set-down by the chief. Siwon stuffed his hands in his pocket and asked, "Going to make your same stop?"
Sungmin shrugged and went about his way, his partner rolling his eyes at the man's indifferent attitude, when they both clearly knew better.
-
He entered the large lecture hall, a cup holder delicately balanced on his lap as he settled in one of the seats in the back, chin on his palm.
The man adjusted his frames, lecturing on a subject that it seemed most of the class overlooked.
"Isn't he cute?" A random classmate uttered to her friend. The agent behind the duo kicked their chair, causing them to look behind them.
"Focus." He scolded them both. They both awkwardly faced forward as Sungmin leaned back in his seat.
He admitted he didn't understand it entirely, but the field agent hung on every word.
"That'll be all for class today." Ryeowook announced. The lecture hall began to clear out as Ryeowook turned around and began to clean the boards himself.
Sungmin managed to step to the front, mingling in with the crowd when he managed to lay something on the table before heading off. Outside the lecture hall's doors, he peered back to see the professor turn around, furrowing his eyebrows at the drink on his table.
He checked the small box beside it and opened it, blinking before a small smile formed.
Sungmin was proud, relieved his gift was like. Content, he lifted himself from the door and went about his way. A subtle spring in his step as he walked down the hallway.
-
"You have to come."
"I'm busy." Sungmin replied, glancing at the man he was meant to be watching. "You don't need me there."
"I truly don't," Li Yin countered. "But then what other excuse could you have for meeting up with Ry-"
"Did you say this Thursday or the next?"
He held the phone a good distance away at the sound of his cousin's laughter.
-
At the summer party held indoors. Sungmin swirled the drink in his hands until he saw the man walk through the doors. He knew the guest had already made him from the crowd.
He gave himself a headcount when Ryeowook took the initiative and walked towards him instead.
This surge running through him once he stood beside him, at first daunting, but he gradually came to enjoy the feeling the man brought him. The rush familiar to what he felt in his line of work, only uniquely enjoyable to him.
"Why are you smiling like that?" Ryeowook asked afterward when he reached for a drink.
Sungmin glanced at the red cuff-links on the edge of Ryeowook's dress shirt, brand new and considerably expensive. It was a fact only he knew.
"Nothing," He replied with a wide grin. "Just having a good day."
-
He laid against the brick wall of the university campus grounds, exhaling patiently as he blew his bangs from his eyes. Despite the late evening, his eyes noticeably lit.
"Good evening Professor." He called out, stopping the man in his tracks.
Ryeowook almost replied but instead bit his cheek, "It was you, wasn't it?"
Sungmin arched an eyebrow. "What was?"
Ryeowook seemed unsure of himself, thinking back to the already wiped clean board when he returned from making copies.
Sungmin lifted himself off the wall and stepped beside him. "Let me offer you a ride. It's too late for someone to be alone by themselves."
Ryeowook studied him briefly, Sungmin smiled as the other slowly agreed. Despite their conversation that kept Ryeowook distracted for most of the time, Sungmin couldn't keep his eyes off him. There was something more to him he looked forward to, no matter how long or how often they met up.
"You work too hard." Sungmin commented.
"Finals week is coming soon." Ryeowook explained. "And I could say same for you."
"Crime doesn't die." Sungmin countered. "Dealing with crazed men and having your life constantly in danger, it's not a life most want really."
"But you seem to." Ryeowook added under his breath, Sungmin noted the worry etched in his face from the window's reflection.
When Sungmin had dropped him off at his place, they both felt as if there was something else to be done, to be said. But he merely waved as Ryeowook stepped off the car and walked towards the apartment, noticeably disheartened.
Sungmin sighed as he stared at the steering wheel, slumping back against the seat.
Even now, he still wished he could turn back time and had the nerve to ask. In inexperience in this field left him scolding himself after.
He'd have another chance though, he told himself. There had to be.
-
"Ask him out already." Sungmin glanced Li Yin who arrived with narrowing eyes.
"Who said I was interested?" He asked calmly.
"Please," Li Yin uttered, hoisting her dress. "The only reason you see him at every one of these family celebrations is cause he asks me if you're coming. I thought by now you would have initiated something."
Sungmin pursed his lips as Li Yin sighed. "Do something, before I start finding someone else for him."
To this, Sungmin gave off a dangerous aura and stern look, only given during work. It didn't feign her. "You wouldn't."
"Try me."
Before Sungmin could warn her, Li Yin cursed loudly. "Fine, let good things pass you by. See if I care!"
He was almost sure that she was displaying the early signs of pregnancy but decided not to comment. He looked up from the tiled floors of the dance room; until he managed to find the man looking from the top balcony overlooking the party held outside.
He thinned his lips, thinking of what his cousin had said, pressing on a small worry. A nerve that was increasingly putting him over the edge.
The single thing he could confirm, know for sure was simple. He couldn't risk the other finding someone else.
His hand trailed on the rail, curled in vines and flowers as he strolled quietly towards the unsuspecting man. The one whose gaze continued searching amongst the crowd.
"Looking for someone?"
Ryeowook froze momentarily and quickly added nonchalantly. "I was just admiring the scene."
Sungmin scoffed to Ryeowook's subtle glare, he crossed his arms loosely over the railing that overlooked the large, extravagant party.
"Your cousin really pulls out all the stops, doesn't she?" Ryeowook asked, attempting to make light conversation.
"Unfortunately, I wished she would hold it back. But then she may kill me if I suggest otherwise." Sungmin said, his chin on his palm.
"I thought with your training, you'd be able to handle her."
"A task force couldn't even handle that." Ryeowook chuckled.
A single firework accidentally struck minutes before the end of the year. Their gazes both lifted to the skies as it lit up.
"It's amazing," Ryeowook said in awe, staring above.
Sungmin side-eyes him, his gaze unwavering. "It is."
Ryeowook briefly met his gaze and quickly looked away, his cheeks reddening. Sungmin parted his lips when he felt his phone vibrate and reached for it.
Ryeowook instantly lowered his eyes, lifting himself from the white rail.
"It's just an update," Sungmin called out, stopping him momentarily. "It doesn't mean I have to go right away." Sungmin idly explained.
Ryeowook sighed a breath of relief and returned to his spot.
Sungmin held a glint in his stare. He gave a playful smirk. "Why? Would you mind if I stay a bit longer?"
Rather a verbal reply, Ryeowook instead gave him a chaste kiss on the cheek. Sungmin blinked as Ryeowook lowered his eyes shyly. It wasn't the answer he thought he'd hear, but he'd take it as such.
"I'll take that as a yes."
He reached forward for his hand, making Ryeowook meet his gaze. Even as the fireworks continued shooting up at the sky and took away his attention, Sungmin's focus was unwavering.
For the most part, Ryeowook never thought he'd have someone looking after him in that way, with that gleeful yet sly glint. Even with his back turned or if his work kept his mind off the other, the agent continued to help him when he could. Often without taking praise and beamed when their gazes met.
There was only so much of life Sungmin could enjoy, he figured at least. But with Ryeowook's hand in his, it no longer seemed like such a difficult task anymore.
- ❄ Challenge 17 ❄ | ❄ Challenge 19 ❄ -
Check out minwooklove and ryeo-min ^^