The mess called SHINee
Onew walked into the living room where Key was sprawled on the couch reading some book. The younger boy looked ridiculously good even in his pyjamas and hair all messed up. Onew looked at the picture he was holding. It was a shot from one of their live shows. Everyone was dressed in bright colours and the audience behind them seemed cheerful. Key’s clothes were a bit too glaring for his taste to be honest but that wasn’t the problem.
What made the leader feel so desperate was the way the members were staring at each other. Minho was practically eating Key with his eyes and Jonghyun didn’t really bother hiding his obsession for Key either. And what came to Kibum, well, he most obviously had a thing for the magnae. If Taemin had feelings for any of them he was the only one doing good job keeping it a secret. The others had clearly decided that the whole world should know that SHINee was the most messed up group on the history of SM Entertainment. Onew was sure no other leader had to deal with similar problems. Surely Super Junior’s boys didn’t drool over each other and the whole Girl’s Generation wasn’t having some dirty pyjama parties? It wasn’t as if Onew didn’t drool over Key but at least he knew how to hide it!
“Kibum, we need to talk”, Onew tried to sound neutral as he sat himself next to Key.
“What do you have in your mind, dear?” Key asked while putting the book away, smiling brightly.
“Look at this picture and tell me what you see”, Onew ordered and handed the picture to Key. The boy took it obediently and examined it for a while.
“Well, I look stunning as usual. Those pants don’t look too good on you, though”, Key answered sounding all thoughtful. Onew tried to suppress a smile. If anyone else had said something like that he would have been offended.
“You’re right of course but that’s not what I meant.” Onew gathered all the courage he had and blurted out what he wanted to say. “Iknowaboutyourcrush”
Key looked totally puzzled and just stared at Onew. His mouth was hanging open and in any other situation Onew would have felt a sting of satisfaction about the fact he could make Key totally speechless. Now just wasn’t the time for that. Key didn’t seem to be able to answer any time soon so Onew continued:
“I also know about Jonghyun and Minho. It’s so painfully obvious that it’s hard to ignore no matter how hard I try.”
Key nodded slowly and seemed to get his composure back.
“Does Taemin know, about all this?”
“I don’t think so. But he has noticed that everything is not okay between us, though. We need to do something about this.” Onew sighed.
“Do you have any ideas then?” Key’s eyes were fixed on him and his look was too, intense. Onew had to turn his stare away before he would totally lose it and do something stupid like fall off from the couch. Or kiss Key.
“I think the best option would be if all of you would come back to your senses”, Onew was only joking but Key’s eyes narrowed and he looked suddenly murderous.
“So you have a problem with us then? Does the idea of two boys together make you feel uncomfortable?” Key hissed and leaned closer so he was almost on top of Onew.
A blush crept up Onew’s neck and his cheeks were burning. Key was so close he could feel the boy’s breath on his lips and those fantastic eyes were holding him captivated. Onew was definitely feeling uncomfortable but not for the reasons Key thought.
“No, no, it’s okay”, Onew stuttered. “We just need to get things straight, I mean, err you know what I mean”.
Corner of Key’s mouth curled up and he backed off a bit. He was still sitting too close for comfort but there was a change Onew might be able to say something that would make sense. Probably not.
“It’s just that there’s so much tension in the air you could cut it with a knife!”
“Be my guest, just don’t get Taemin involved it as he’s not very good with knives”*, Key grinned. Onew couldn’t help but smile back. At least the other seemed to take the whole situation quite well.
“You think you could come up with something? I really don’t want Minho and Jonghyun to end up killing each other because of this”, Onew rolled his eyes. They could’ve easily made a reality show based on all the drama that was going on between them.
“I think it can be arranged quite easily. They are both so stubborn and don’t want to face the truth but I’m sure I’ll be able to make them”, Key sounded confident. Well that was nothing new really. Onew felt relieved that he didn’t have to talk to those two. Facing Key had been difficult enough.
“That’d be great. But what do we do about your, err situation? Surely this must be hard for you as well.” Onew felt bad for Key really. He knew what one-sided love felt like. However, he didn’t want to get Taemin involved.
“On the contrary, actually I’d like some things to get a lot harder eventually”, Key’s smile was predatory and he was arching his eyebrow a bit. Onew felt totally at lost. What on earth was wrong with Key today?!
“I’m not quite sure I know what you’re talking about, Kibum”, Onew admitted.
Key gave him one of those “you surely are an idiot” -looks he was so good at and sighed melodramatically. Always the drama queen.
“I’ll sort things out with Minho and Jonghyun-hyung but I want a prize for my work.”
This was the Key Onew knew. He rolled his eyes and smiled gently to the younger boy.
“Name your price then.”
“I will decide when I know how much trouble this whole thing is gonna be”, Key smiled happily and Onew wanted so badly to reach out and touch those gorgeous, gorgeous cheekbones.
“Just don’t involve Taemin, okay?”
“Why would I want to involve him? You’re being even weirder today than usually”, Key snorted. Then an evil expression took over his face. “It’s time to play Amor!” And without another word he sprung up and left Onew hoping for the best but expecting the worst.
* This refers to those Hello Baby’s episodes where Taemin shows his skills, or actually lack of skills, with knives.
oOoOoOo
Onew felt more tired than in ages. He hadn’t slept well in a long time and thanks to the two hours spent in the gym he felt like someone had drove over him with a truck. He just wanted to eat some chicken and go to bed. Hopefully the rest of the SHINee would behave themselves just this one time he thought tiredly. Onew should have known things never went as he planned. He opened the door, stepped in and nearly choked to the gum he’d been eating. The scene that greeted him was most unexpected.
Minho had pushed Jonghyun against the wall and kissed him with intense devotement. Jonghyun was simultaneously trying to push Minho away and pull his face closer. Minho was taller but they were matching in strength and the battle was fierce. Neither of them seemed to notice that their leader stood there only a few meters away staring at them, eyes wide open. Onew swallowed once and tried to say something but his body wouldn’t obey so Onew just settled for throwing someone’s shoe at them.
The boys parted, panting and looked just as shocked as Onew had only a few second ago. For some time the three of them just stood there quiet. Then Jonghyun flashed a smile brighter than the sun.
“Hyung! Welcome home!” He said happily. Minho just kept staring at something a bit left to Onew’s head.
“Hi, Jong. Do you care to explain what the heck is going on here?” Onew was nearly whispering and he wondered why it was HE who seemed to be the most embarrassed about the whole thing.
“Kibum made us realise that we need to do something about the situation between us and well, this seemed like the best option.” Jonghyun just kept smiling like an idiot and took Minho’s hand in his own, lacing their fingers.
“Ookayy, I think I need to talk to that brat in question then.” Actually Onew just wanted to lock himself in his room with a bowl of chicken and pretend nothing out of ordinary had happened but as a leader he had his responsibilities.
“SO you and Kibum haven’t done it yet then?!” Minho’s question came out of nowhere. He looked suddenly all serious, leaning a bit forward as if preparing himself for the answer.
“Done what?” Onew was getting frustrated. What was wrong with everyone lately?
“I suppose that’s a no then.” Minho seemed pleased. He tugged Jonghyun to the direction of the living room. “Let’s get down to business then. I want my free lunch.”
Jonghyun followed happily and Onew could hear him murmuring something before their conversation halted. Onew was quite sure he knew why. He sighed and went to look for Key.
oOoOoOo
Key was in their bedroom, reading the book from yesterday. He raised his gaze when Onew walked in to the room and sit next to him. The whole situation felt like an unpleasant déjà vu. Their eyes met and mischievous was written all over Key’s face.
“I came home to find our band mates snogging each other senseless”, Onew started. Key covered his mouth with his hand and pretended to look surprised. Onew punched him gently in the arm. “You don’t happen to know anything about it?”
“I just might.” Key answered. He didn’t continue but just sat there smiling smugly so Onew had to punch him again.
“Ouch, stop it you beast. Anyway, it really wasn’t that difficult. You know that Minho just HAS to win every competition you put him in. So I just told him that if he could get laid before I could I’d buy him a lunch. And the other way around.”
Onew’s brain had seemingly decided to take a holiday. He just didn’t seem to be able to process the conversation.
“But why didn’t he hit on you instead of Jonghyun?”
Now it was Key’s turn to look confused. “Why would he hit on me when he’s been daydreaming about Jonghyun-hyung for ages? Besides I told him that Jonghyun-hyung feels the same to make sure he wouldn’t hesitate to make his move.”
“But, but Minho has a crush on you!” It surprised Onew how desperate he sounded. Nothing was making sense.
Key started at him like he had just lost his mind. Onew was sure he would soon enough.
“We talked about this yesterday. About how Jong and Minho are crazy over you and you instead want Taemin. We both decided something had to be done about it.” Onew was speaking slowly now, like it would make things easier to understand. Key didn’t answer but just kept staring at Onew. Seconds passed in silence and Onew was getting nervous. Then suddenly Key burst into laughter. Onew definitely didn’t see it coming and his mouth was now hanging open. The younger boy was laughing like there was no tomorrow and Onew just sat there completely lost.
“You truly are the thickest person I’ve ever met!” Key said in between fits of laughter. “You thought that Jong and Minho like ME when they’ve been in love with each other for like a year!”
Onew mimicked a goldfish for a moment, opening and closing his mouth without a sound. Not that he needed to say anything because Key continued his voice shaky as he tried to catch breath.
“I should be offended thought that you actually think I could have a crush on Taemin, that’s just so messed up. He’s only 18!” Key was shaking his head.
“But in the picture I showed you are staring right at him! And Jong and Minho are staring at you and-“ Onew wasn’t even sure what he was trying to say. He’d been so sure about it!
“I hope you know that you’re an idiot. It’s only a picture!” Key rolled his eyes. “It’s you I want.”
Onew’s whole world stopped. It all was just too much for him.
“Kibum, you are not serious right?” That must be it. Of course he was only joking. That would be the first thing to make sense that night.
“I’m most serious, hyung”, Key answered, suddenly leaning his forehead against Onew’s. The way he whispered hyung made Onew feel lightheaded.
“I settled everything between Minho and Jonghyun and now it’s time for my prize.” Onew wasn’t sure he liked the sound of Key’s voice.
“And that would be?” Onew almost squawked and hated himself for it.
“Let’s just say that I’d hate to waste my money on Minho’s free dinner”, Key grinned. It took a while for Onew to understand the message behind those words.
“Oh” was all Onew managed to say.
“Oh yes. Taemin will be home in less than an hour so we better start right away.” The intensity was back in his eyes as Key leaned in to close the distance between them.
The moment their lips touched Onew lost his balance and fell to the floor with a loud thump. Key looked at him over the edge of the bed and shook his head.
“I could get anyone I want and it’s you that I fall for.” Key sighed. “Now get your ass here because there’s no way I’m doing it on the floor.”
Maybe the bowl of chicken could wait for another night.
What made the leader feel so desperate was the way the members were staring at each other. Minho was practically eating Key with his eyes and Jonghyun didn’t really bother hiding his obsession for Key either. And what came to Kibum, well, he most obviously had a thing for the magnae. If Taemin had feelings for any of them he was the only one doing good job keeping it a secret. The others had clearly decided that the whole world should know that SHINee was the most messed up group on the history of SM Entertainment. Onew was sure no other leader had to deal with similar problems. Surely Super Junior’s boys didn’t drool over each other and the whole Girl’s Generation wasn’t having some dirty pyjama parties? It wasn’t as if Onew didn’t drool over Key but at least he knew how to hide it!
“Kibum, we need to talk”, Onew tried to sound neutral as he sat himself next to Key.
“What do you have in your mind, dear?” Key asked while putting the book away, smiling brightly.
“Look at this picture and tell me what you see”, Onew ordered and handed the picture to Key. The boy took it obediently and examined it for a while.
“Well, I look stunning as usual. Those pants don’t look too good on you, though”, Key answered sounding all thoughtful. Onew tried to suppress a smile. If anyone else had said something like that he would have been offended.
“You’re right of course but that’s not what I meant.” Onew gathered all the courage he had and blurted out what he wanted to say. “Iknowaboutyourcrush”
Key looked totally puzzled and just stared at Onew. His mouth was hanging open and in any other situation Onew would have felt a sting of satisfaction about the fact he could make Key totally speechless. Now just wasn’t the time for that. Key didn’t seem to be able to answer any time soon so Onew continued:
“I also know about Jonghyun and Minho. It’s so painfully obvious that it’s hard to ignore no matter how hard I try.”
Key nodded slowly and seemed to get his composure back.
“Does Taemin know, about all this?”
“I don’t think so. But he has noticed that everything is not okay between us, though. We need to do something about this.” Onew sighed.
“Do you have any ideas then?” Key’s eyes were fixed on him and his look was too, intense. Onew had to turn his stare away before he would totally lose it and do something stupid like fall off from the couch. Or kiss Key.
“I think the best option would be if all of you would come back to your senses”, Onew was only joking but Key’s eyes narrowed and he looked suddenly murderous.
“So you have a problem with us then? Does the idea of two boys together make you feel uncomfortable?” Key hissed and leaned closer so he was almost on top of Onew.
A blush crept up Onew’s neck and his cheeks were burning. Key was so close he could feel the boy’s breath on his lips and those fantastic eyes were holding him captivated. Onew was definitely feeling uncomfortable but not for the reasons Key thought.
“No, no, it’s okay”, Onew stuttered. “We just need to get things straight, I mean, err you know what I mean”.
Corner of Key’s mouth curled up and he backed off a bit. He was still sitting too close for comfort but there was a change Onew might be able to say something that would make sense. Probably not.
“It’s just that there’s so much tension in the air you could cut it with a knife!”
“Be my guest, just don’t get Taemin involved it as he’s not very good with knives”*, Key grinned. Onew couldn’t help but smile back. At least the other seemed to take the whole situation quite well.
“You think you could come up with something? I really don’t want Minho and Jonghyun to end up killing each other because of this”, Onew rolled his eyes. They could’ve easily made a reality show based on all the drama that was going on between them.
“I think it can be arranged quite easily. They are both so stubborn and don’t want to face the truth but I’m sure I’ll be able to make them”, Key sounded confident. Well that was nothing new really. Onew felt relieved that he didn’t have to talk to those two. Facing Key had been difficult enough.
“That’d be great. But what do we do about your, err situation? Surely this must be hard for you as well.” Onew felt bad for Key really. He knew what one-sided love felt like. However, he didn’t want to get Taemin involved.
“On the contrary, actually I’d like some things to get a lot harder eventually”, Key’s smile was predatory and he was arching his eyebrow a bit. Onew felt totally at lost. What on earth was wrong with Key today?!
“I’m not quite sure I know what you’re talking about, Kibum”, Onew admitted.
Key gave him one of those “you surely are an idiot” -looks he was so good at and sighed melodramatically. Always the drama queen.
“I’ll sort things out with Minho and Jonghyun-hyung but I want a prize for my work.”
This was the Key Onew knew. He rolled his eyes and smiled gently to the younger boy.
“Name your price then.”
“I will decide when I know how much trouble this whole thing is gonna be”, Key smiled happily and Onew wanted so badly to reach out and touch those gorgeous, gorgeous cheekbones.
“Just don’t involve Taemin, okay?”
“Why would I want to involve him? You’re being even weirder today than usually”, Key snorted. Then an evil expression took over his face. “It’s time to play Amor!” And without another word he sprung up and left Onew hoping for the best but expecting the worst.
* This refers to those Hello Baby’s episodes where Taemin shows his skills, or actually lack of skills, with knives.
oOoOoOo
Onew felt more tired than in ages. He hadn’t slept well in a long time and thanks to the two hours spent in the gym he felt like someone had drove over him with a truck. He just wanted to eat some chicken and go to bed. Hopefully the rest of the SHINee would behave themselves just this one time he thought tiredly. Onew should have known things never went as he planned. He opened the door, stepped in and nearly choked to the gum he’d been eating. The scene that greeted him was most unexpected.
Minho had pushed Jonghyun against the wall and kissed him with intense devotement. Jonghyun was simultaneously trying to push Minho away and pull his face closer. Minho was taller but they were matching in strength and the battle was fierce. Neither of them seemed to notice that their leader stood there only a few meters away staring at them, eyes wide open. Onew swallowed once and tried to say something but his body wouldn’t obey so Onew just settled for throwing someone’s shoe at them.
The boys parted, panting and looked just as shocked as Onew had only a few second ago. For some time the three of them just stood there quiet. Then Jonghyun flashed a smile brighter than the sun.
“Hyung! Welcome home!” He said happily. Minho just kept staring at something a bit left to Onew’s head.
“Hi, Jong. Do you care to explain what the heck is going on here?” Onew was nearly whispering and he wondered why it was HE who seemed to be the most embarrassed about the whole thing.
“Kibum made us realise that we need to do something about the situation between us and well, this seemed like the best option.” Jonghyun just kept smiling like an idiot and took Minho’s hand in his own, lacing their fingers.
“Ookayy, I think I need to talk to that brat in question then.” Actually Onew just wanted to lock himself in his room with a bowl of chicken and pretend nothing out of ordinary had happened but as a leader he had his responsibilities.
“SO you and Kibum haven’t done it yet then?!” Minho’s question came out of nowhere. He looked suddenly all serious, leaning a bit forward as if preparing himself for the answer.
“Done what?” Onew was getting frustrated. What was wrong with everyone lately?
“I suppose that’s a no then.” Minho seemed pleased. He tugged Jonghyun to the direction of the living room. “Let’s get down to business then. I want my free lunch.”
Jonghyun followed happily and Onew could hear him murmuring something before their conversation halted. Onew was quite sure he knew why. He sighed and went to look for Key.
oOoOoOo
Key was in their bedroom, reading the book from yesterday. He raised his gaze when Onew walked in to the room and sit next to him. The whole situation felt like an unpleasant déjà vu. Their eyes met and mischievous was written all over Key’s face.
“I came home to find our band mates snogging each other senseless”, Onew started. Key covered his mouth with his hand and pretended to look surprised. Onew punched him gently in the arm. “You don’t happen to know anything about it?”
“I just might.” Key answered. He didn’t continue but just sat there smiling smugly so Onew had to punch him again.
“Ouch, stop it you beast. Anyway, it really wasn’t that difficult. You know that Minho just HAS to win every competition you put him in. So I just told him that if he could get laid before I could I’d buy him a lunch. And the other way around.”
Onew’s brain had seemingly decided to take a holiday. He just didn’t seem to be able to process the conversation.
“But why didn’t he hit on you instead of Jonghyun?”
Now it was Key’s turn to look confused. “Why would he hit on me when he’s been daydreaming about Jonghyun-hyung for ages? Besides I told him that Jonghyun-hyung feels the same to make sure he wouldn’t hesitate to make his move.”
“But, but Minho has a crush on you!” It surprised Onew how desperate he sounded. Nothing was making sense.
Key started at him like he had just lost his mind. Onew was sure he would soon enough.
“We talked about this yesterday. About how Jong and Minho are crazy over you and you instead want Taemin. We both decided something had to be done about it.” Onew was speaking slowly now, like it would make things easier to understand. Key didn’t answer but just kept staring at Onew. Seconds passed in silence and Onew was getting nervous. Then suddenly Key burst into laughter. Onew definitely didn’t see it coming and his mouth was now hanging open. The younger boy was laughing like there was no tomorrow and Onew just sat there completely lost.
“You truly are the thickest person I’ve ever met!” Key said in between fits of laughter. “You thought that Jong and Minho like ME when they’ve been in love with each other for like a year!”
Onew mimicked a goldfish for a moment, opening and closing his mouth without a sound. Not that he needed to say anything because Key continued his voice shaky as he tried to catch breath.
“I should be offended thought that you actually think I could have a crush on Taemin, that’s just so messed up. He’s only 18!” Key was shaking his head.
“But in the picture I showed you are staring right at him! And Jong and Minho are staring at you and-“ Onew wasn’t even sure what he was trying to say. He’d been so sure about it!
“I hope you know that you’re an idiot. It’s only a picture!” Key rolled his eyes. “It’s you I want.”
Onew’s whole world stopped. It all was just too much for him.
“Kibum, you are not serious right?” That must be it. Of course he was only joking. That would be the first thing to make sense that night.
“I’m most serious, hyung”, Key answered, suddenly leaning his forehead against Onew’s. The way he whispered hyung made Onew feel lightheaded.
“I settled everything between Minho and Jonghyun and now it’s time for my prize.” Onew wasn’t sure he liked the sound of Key’s voice.
“And that would be?” Onew almost squawked and hated himself for it.
“Let’s just say that I’d hate to waste my money on Minho’s free dinner”, Key grinned. It took a while for Onew to understand the message behind those words.
“Oh” was all Onew managed to say.
“Oh yes. Taemin will be home in less than an hour so we better start right away.” The intensity was back in his eyes as Key leaned in to close the distance between them.
The moment their lips touched Onew lost his balance and fell to the floor with a loud thump. Key looked at him over the edge of the bed and shook his head.
“I could get anyone I want and it’s you that I fall for.” Key sighed. “Now get your ass here because there’s no way I’m doing it on the floor.”
Maybe the bowl of chicken could wait for another night.