Best Friend
Title: Best Friend (9/12)
Author: stolenflower
Rating: G - PG16
Pairing/Focus: Taemin/Key
Summary: Lee Taemin and his best friend, Kim Kibum, couldn't be any more different from each other but somehow they click like two peas in a pod.
---
[01][02][03][04][05][06][07][08]
WARNING: swearing and some adult concept mentions (nothing too serious)
eighteen&twenty;
Taemin is a fresh-out-of-high-school graduate when he experiences his first heartbreaking relationship.
"Ah, I never thought this day would come!" Kibum says excitedly as he opens his apartment door. Taemin trails behind him with a box in his arms. "My Tae-baby has graduated and is all grown up!"
"Ugh, finally," Taemin sighs and drops the box onto the floor. "Hyung, don't you think you should help me move in?"
"No?" Kibum answers from the kitchen.
"Well then, I guess moving in can be done later. I'm so tired right now." Taemin plops onto the couch, legs and arms splayed out.
Kibum comes back into the room with a cup of warm tea and raises Taemin's head before sitting down and placing it on his lap.
"Mm, that's comfortable," Taemin mutters, eyes closed.
"Mm, this is tasty," Kibum comments after taking a sip of his tea.
"I want some," Taemin demands and cracks open an eye. Kibum is raising an eyebrow down at him.
"And how do you expect to drink it if you're lying down?"
"Feed me."
"You have a boyfriend," Kibum states before taking another sip. When he pulls the cup away, Taemin raises a hand to hold his chin. Kibum looks down at him, cheeks still puffy with storing the warm tea.
"Kiss me," Taemin demands.
Kibum hesitates, staring into Taemin's eyes warily before leaning down. Taemin feels the warm tea enter his mouth and he swallows. He licks Kibum's lips once before the older boy pulls away.
Taemin stares into Kibum's eyes for a long minute before the moment is ruined by Taemin's phone ringing. Kibum leans back and Taemin sits up to grab his phone off the coffee table.
Jinki hyung
Taemin's thumb hovers over the answer button but he doesn't press it, instead his eyes are trained on Kibum's figure. Kibum, who is hunched over and staring down at the ground, hands wrapped around his cup of tea. His phone stops ringing and the call registers as a missed call. Kibum gives him a quick look before standing up and walking away. Taemin watches him disappear into his room and sighs tiredly before calling Jinki back.
-
"I'm home!" Taemin pulls his lips away from Jinki and flies to the opposite end of the couch, clearing his throat awkwardly. Jinki isn't doing much better as he's starting to sweat bullets.
Kibum walks into the living room and immediately stiffens. "Ugh, I can feel the awkward in here. Anyway, hi Jinki."
"H-hi, Kibum," Jinki stutters.
"You two carry on, I'm going out," Kibum informs and disappears into his room.
Taemin looks at Jinki and smiles. "Are you still scared of him?"
"Not scared," Jinki denies, "just intimidated."
"He's not that bad," Taemin shrugs and scoots back to the older boy to lean on his arm. "He's actually a very nice person."
"I know, Taemin," Jinki agrees and wraps an arm around Taemin.
-
"Hyung," Taemin asks Kibum as he's walking to the door, "where do you keep going these days?"
"Just out having fun, partying and what-not," Kibum answers while digging through the many pairs of shoes littering the small space in front of the door. Taemin turns around on the couch and gets on his knees to stare at the older boy.
"Can I come?" Taemin asks eagerly, draping the upper half of his body over the back of the couch.
"Where's Jinki?" Kibum pulls on some high tops, an unlit cigarette clipped in between his lips.
"He's with Jonghyun," Taemin mutters and kicks the couch cushion.
"Who?"
"You don't know Jonghyun?" Taemin asks with wide eyes.
"Should I?" Kibum leans against the wall casually.
"He's Jinki's childhood friend--ha, just like you and me--and I think Jonghyun likes him or something 'cause he's always a little bitter to me," Taemin explains with a pout.
"Wow, that is just like you and me," Kibum comments. "Anyway, if you want to come then hurry up."
Taemin scrambles off the couch and flies to his room to get ready. Ten minutes later, he's done and practically runs back out to put on his shoes. Kibum is sitting on the couch, head resting on the back of it with his eyes closed.
"You ready?" Taemin asks only because he can't think of anything else to say.
"I was waiting for you," Kibum retorts and stands up.
"Whatever, lead the way," Taemin motions dramatically for the older boy to go first.
Kibum scoffs and hits his arm playfully. "You brat."
The club is dark, the music is loud, and Taemin isn't sure if he is sober or drunk. He's on the dance floor, grinding with a stranger that he doesn't know the name of. The person turns around and he breathes a sigh of relief when he discovers it's Kibum.
"I'm thirsty," Kibum says into his ear and he nods in agreement. Kibum grabs his hand and pulls him off the dance floor. They settle onto barstools and Kibum orders them something that Taemin doesn't catch the name of. The bartender slides their drinks to them and Taemin barely manages to catch his before it falls off the edge of the counter. The alcohol burns on its way down Taemin's throat but he likes the pain. It's thrilling.
"This is fun. We should come more often," Taemin leans over to say in Kibum's ear.
"I do come often, it's you that doesn't," Kibum states and chugs his drink down before motioning for another.
"And what happens when I'm not here, hm?" Taemin whispers this time but he knows Kibum heard him because his body shudders slightly.
"You really want to know?" Kibum teases and pulls Taemin's hand to rest on his thigh. "It starts like this."
Taemin hums and leans in to plant a kiss on the older boy, who responds back immediately. They kiss until Taemin starts feeling unbearably hot and he pulls away. Kibum's eyes are glazed over and his lips are oh-so-deliciously abused and Taemin just wants to kiss him again. He can't though because Kibum picks up his new drink and downs it with three gulps.
"Let's go, Tae-ah," Kibum says after he wipes his lips dry.
"But the drinks..." Taemin is still somewhat thinking when Kibum starts dragging him away.
"I get free drinks," Kibum turns back to give him a wink before facing forward again and leading them to the dance floor or exit, Taemin isn't sure.
Somehow, they make it back to their apartment and Taemin is pinning Kibum to the wall outside of their front door.
"You have a boyfriend, Tae-ah," Kibum mutters between the kisses Taemin is giving him.
"Mm," he hums in response.
"I'm not sure Jinki would like this," Kibum pulls away to say.
"Jonghyun is a sexually frustrated human being, I'm pretty sure they're further along than we are right now," Taemin answers and starts kissing down Kibum's neck.
"Wait, stop, Taemin. We should get inside first."
Taemin groans before pulling away and letting Kibum punch in the key code. He pulls the door open and pushes Kibum inside without warning. Kibum yelps and manages to catch himself on the wall. Taemin shuts the door behind him and invades Kibum's personal space again.
"Mm, Kibum," Taemin breathes onto his lips, fingers finding the bottom of Kibum's shirt.
"We should stop, Taemin," Kibum says when Taemin's cool fingers touch his skin.
"Why?"
"Because you're Jinki's boyfriend."
"Your point?"
"You're Jinki's boyfriend." Taemin is pushed off and for the first time that night, realizes that he's cheating. Cheating on innocent Jinki.
"Fuck," he swears while backing away. They both stand there, breathing hard for a minute before Kibum kicks his shoes off and walks away. Taemin copies the action and goes to his own room.
-
"So, what did you and Jonghyun do yesterday?" Taemin casually asks as he's munching on a cookie. They're at the dancing and singing academy that they both attend and currently eating lunch.
"Um, you know. What friends do, I suppose," Jinki mutters quietly.
Taemin frowns. Well, if you do what Kibum hyung and I do, then that's not so good, Taemin refrains from saying.
"What did you do?" Jinki asks.
Taemin pauses his chewing and thinks for a minute. "We just, well, okay, we went clubbing yesterday."
"What?!"
"You heard me," Taemin mindlessly picks his cookie apart, no longer having an appetite.
"Did something happen? Are you okay?" Jinki asks, worried.
DId something happen? Yes. Are you okay? Honestly, no.
Taemin sighs. "I'm fine. We just danced and took a few shots before going home." Jinki gives him an incredulous look. "What?"
"Nothing. I'm just glad that you're okay."
"Hm," Taemin hums and crushes the cookie bits in his fist messily.
"Jinki!" Taemin looks up to find Jonghyun waltzing to their table. He also attends the academy, and unfortunately for Taemin, he is training in singing along with Jinki. "Oh! Hi, Taemin!"
"Hey, Jonghyun hyung," Taemin politely greets. Maybe he should've taken singing too, instead of dancing.
"Jinki, it was fun yesterday! We should do it again soon!" Jonghyun exclaims happily, completely ignoring the fact that Taemin, Jinki's boyfriend, is sitting at the same table.
Taemin lets the cookie mound fall onto a napkin and wipes his oily hand with another napkin before gathering up his trash and bidding farewell to his hyungs, claiming that he needed to go practice his new dance routine.
-
"Taemin, I can't make it today," Jinki says over the phone.
Taemin's mouth falls open and he stutters, "B-but why?"
"Um, Jonghyun and I have to practice our duet."
"Jonghyun, Jonghyun! It's always about him! If you want to be with him instead then just tell me!" Taemin screams.
"Taemin, it's not like that," Jinki insists calmly.
"Oh, but it is! This is the seventh date that we've canceled because of him! Seventh! I've been keeping track, Jinki."
"Taemin-"
"Bye. We'll talk whenever. Have fun," Taemin says icily before hanging up.
"Boyfriend issues?"
Taemin spins around to see Kibum leaning on his bedroom doorway. "You have no idea."
"Oh, but I do," Kibum disagrees and walks into the bedroom before sitting down on Taemin's bed. "Don't you remember? All my past beaus were horrible."
Taemin looks away. "Jinki blew me off again for Jonghyun."
"I'm sorry, baby. Come here," Kibum holds his arms out. Taemin walks over and tightly wraps his arms around Kibum's lower back.
"I want to go out and get drunk off of my ass," Taemin mutters.
"I don't think that's such a good idea," Kibum objects.
"I want to."
"Reconsider."
"I'm going with or without you," Taemin pulls back and stares defiantly into Kibum's eyes.
Kibum narrows his eyes at him before surrendering, "Fine. Be ready in fifteen."
The club is dark, the music is loud, and this time Taemin is sure that he's sober. Kibum, he's not so sure about.
"Fuck, Taemin. I think I'm getting buzzed." Kibum stumbles around on the dance floor and clutches at Taemin's arms.
"I think you already are." Taemin smirks and Kibum frowns at him.
"Fuck you."
"My plans exactly," Taemin merely agrees before capturing the older boy's lips in a kiss. It's sloppy with too much tongue and teeth, but Taemin thinks it's beautiful.
Kibum pulls away first and glares at Taemin. "I'm buzzed, not stupid. You are not doing this."
"Why can't I?"
"You have a boyfriend," Kibum reminds.
"Who's cheating on me," Taemin says back.
"W-what?"
"I saw the marks. We haven't gone past kissing, Kibum. Someone is giving him marks and it's definitely not me," Taemin informs darkly.
"Rashes?" Kibum tries.
"I know the difference, Kibum. I see the same marks on Jonghyun, too."
"You don't know that for sure..."
"But I do," Taemin whispers, eyes tearing up. "They're so careless, Kibum. They kiss and touch at the academy where anybody can see. Where I can see. I've seen them."
"I'm so sorry, Taemin, I'm sorry I couldn't protect you," Kibum whispers back and kisses both of Taemin's cheeks.
"I want to go home," Taemin says, looking down at the floor.
Kibum hesitates for a long moment--Taemin assumes he's waiting for him to look up--but finally agrees, "Okay, baby, let's go."
-
"I will be two tables away so just call for me if you need anything, alright?" Kibum says sternly before placing a kiss on Taemin's forehead and walking away.
Taemin sighs nervously and waits for Jinki to show up. He had told Jinki that he had something important to tell him so they agreed to meeting up at this cafe. Finally, the bell at the door rings and Jinki enters.
Taemin frowns. Jonghyun is following behind him, looking angry.
"Why is he here?" he hears Kibum ask behind him.
Taemin stands up and when Jonghyun spots him, he starts marching purposefully up to him. Jinki tries to stop him, a worried expression on his face.
"Um?" Taemin mutters when Jonghyun is at his table.
"Jinki and I are fucking and your relationship with him is as real as pigs flying," Jonghyun snarls.
"W-what?" Taemin stutters, the words hitting him like a ton of bricks.
"You heard me. He used you to try to push me away, but it didn't work because you're nothing to him. Nothing."
"Jonghyun, stop it." Jinki pulls Jonghyun away and keeps his eyes trained on Taemin. "Taemin..."
"I called you here to tell you that I want to break up. Let's end this here and now," Taemin says in a monotone voice, shock still taking over his body.
"Taemin, I honestly do care for you," Jinki tries.
"The boy wants to break up," Jonghyun speaks up angrily.
Suddenly, a hand reaches out and slaps Jinki. Taemin isn't sure if it's him or someone else but gets his answer when Kibum speaks up.
"You're over. Now take your stupid self along with your little bitch and get the fuck out of here," Kibum snarls icily. "Taemin was always too good for you. You may think he means nothing now, but you will see how wrong you are in the near future, but by that time, you will be the one that's worth nothing."
Jonghyun frowns at the scene before pulling Jinki away by the arm. "Let's go."
"Kibum," Taemin manages to let out after the two older boys are gone. Kibum doesn't say anything and just wraps Taemin in a bear hug. "I'm so stupid."
Kibum pats his back comfortably. "You're not, baby. He's the one that's stupid and you shouldn't cry over him. Is he really worth your tears?"
Taemin pulls back and sniffs. "You're right, he's not."
Kibum smirks, "Of course, I'm right. Now let's get out of here. People are staring and I'm starting to get the creeps," Kibum says the last part extremely loud and everyone in the cafe looks away, embarrassed.
Taemin lets out a laugh. "Oh god, Kibum, I love you."
"I love you too, Tae-ah."
Taemin was a fresh-out-of-high-school graduate when he experienced his first heartbreaking relationship.
---
[next]
cross-posted here.
Author: stolenflower
Rating: G - PG16
Pairing/Focus: Taemin/Key
Summary: Lee Taemin and his best friend, Kim Kibum, couldn't be any more different from each other but somehow they click like two peas in a pod.
---
[01][02][03][04][05][06][07][08]
WARNING: swearing and some adult concept mentions (nothing too serious)
eighteen&twenty;
Taemin is a fresh-out-of-high-school graduate when he experiences his first heartbreaking relationship.
"Ah, I never thought this day would come!" Kibum says excitedly as he opens his apartment door. Taemin trails behind him with a box in his arms. "My Tae-baby has graduated and is all grown up!"
"Ugh, finally," Taemin sighs and drops the box onto the floor. "Hyung, don't you think you should help me move in?"
"No?" Kibum answers from the kitchen.
"Well then, I guess moving in can be done later. I'm so tired right now." Taemin plops onto the couch, legs and arms splayed out.
Kibum comes back into the room with a cup of warm tea and raises Taemin's head before sitting down and placing it on his lap.
"Mm, that's comfortable," Taemin mutters, eyes closed.
"Mm, this is tasty," Kibum comments after taking a sip of his tea.
"I want some," Taemin demands and cracks open an eye. Kibum is raising an eyebrow down at him.
"And how do you expect to drink it if you're lying down?"
"Feed me."
"You have a boyfriend," Kibum states before taking another sip. When he pulls the cup away, Taemin raises a hand to hold his chin. Kibum looks down at him, cheeks still puffy with storing the warm tea.
"Kiss me," Taemin demands.
Kibum hesitates, staring into Taemin's eyes warily before leaning down. Taemin feels the warm tea enter his mouth and he swallows. He licks Kibum's lips once before the older boy pulls away.
Taemin stares into Kibum's eyes for a long minute before the moment is ruined by Taemin's phone ringing. Kibum leans back and Taemin sits up to grab his phone off the coffee table.
Jinki hyung
Taemin's thumb hovers over the answer button but he doesn't press it, instead his eyes are trained on Kibum's figure. Kibum, who is hunched over and staring down at the ground, hands wrapped around his cup of tea. His phone stops ringing and the call registers as a missed call. Kibum gives him a quick look before standing up and walking away. Taemin watches him disappear into his room and sighs tiredly before calling Jinki back.
-
"I'm home!" Taemin pulls his lips away from Jinki and flies to the opposite end of the couch, clearing his throat awkwardly. Jinki isn't doing much better as he's starting to sweat bullets.
Kibum walks into the living room and immediately stiffens. "Ugh, I can feel the awkward in here. Anyway, hi Jinki."
"H-hi, Kibum," Jinki stutters.
"You two carry on, I'm going out," Kibum informs and disappears into his room.
Taemin looks at Jinki and smiles. "Are you still scared of him?"
"Not scared," Jinki denies, "just intimidated."
"He's not that bad," Taemin shrugs and scoots back to the older boy to lean on his arm. "He's actually a very nice person."
"I know, Taemin," Jinki agrees and wraps an arm around Taemin.
-
"Hyung," Taemin asks Kibum as he's walking to the door, "where do you keep going these days?"
"Just out having fun, partying and what-not," Kibum answers while digging through the many pairs of shoes littering the small space in front of the door. Taemin turns around on the couch and gets on his knees to stare at the older boy.
"Can I come?" Taemin asks eagerly, draping the upper half of his body over the back of the couch.
"Where's Jinki?" Kibum pulls on some high tops, an unlit cigarette clipped in between his lips.
"He's with Jonghyun," Taemin mutters and kicks the couch cushion.
"Who?"
"You don't know Jonghyun?" Taemin asks with wide eyes.
"Should I?" Kibum leans against the wall casually.
"He's Jinki's childhood friend--ha, just like you and me--and I think Jonghyun likes him or something 'cause he's always a little bitter to me," Taemin explains with a pout.
"Wow, that is just like you and me," Kibum comments. "Anyway, if you want to come then hurry up."
Taemin scrambles off the couch and flies to his room to get ready. Ten minutes later, he's done and practically runs back out to put on his shoes. Kibum is sitting on the couch, head resting on the back of it with his eyes closed.
"You ready?" Taemin asks only because he can't think of anything else to say.
"I was waiting for you," Kibum retorts and stands up.
"Whatever, lead the way," Taemin motions dramatically for the older boy to go first.
Kibum scoffs and hits his arm playfully. "You brat."
The club is dark, the music is loud, and Taemin isn't sure if he is sober or drunk. He's on the dance floor, grinding with a stranger that he doesn't know the name of. The person turns around and he breathes a sigh of relief when he discovers it's Kibum.
"I'm thirsty," Kibum says into his ear and he nods in agreement. Kibum grabs his hand and pulls him off the dance floor. They settle onto barstools and Kibum orders them something that Taemin doesn't catch the name of. The bartender slides their drinks to them and Taemin barely manages to catch his before it falls off the edge of the counter. The alcohol burns on its way down Taemin's throat but he likes the pain. It's thrilling.
"This is fun. We should come more often," Taemin leans over to say in Kibum's ear.
"I do come often, it's you that doesn't," Kibum states and chugs his drink down before motioning for another.
"And what happens when I'm not here, hm?" Taemin whispers this time but he knows Kibum heard him because his body shudders slightly.
"You really want to know?" Kibum teases and pulls Taemin's hand to rest on his thigh. "It starts like this."
Taemin hums and leans in to plant a kiss on the older boy, who responds back immediately. They kiss until Taemin starts feeling unbearably hot and he pulls away. Kibum's eyes are glazed over and his lips are oh-so-deliciously abused and Taemin just wants to kiss him again. He can't though because Kibum picks up his new drink and downs it with three gulps.
"Let's go, Tae-ah," Kibum says after he wipes his lips dry.
"But the drinks..." Taemin is still somewhat thinking when Kibum starts dragging him away.
"I get free drinks," Kibum turns back to give him a wink before facing forward again and leading them to the dance floor or exit, Taemin isn't sure.
Somehow, they make it back to their apartment and Taemin is pinning Kibum to the wall outside of their front door.
"You have a boyfriend, Tae-ah," Kibum mutters between the kisses Taemin is giving him.
"Mm," he hums in response.
"I'm not sure Jinki would like this," Kibum pulls away to say.
"Jonghyun is a sexually frustrated human being, I'm pretty sure they're further along than we are right now," Taemin answers and starts kissing down Kibum's neck.
"Wait, stop, Taemin. We should get inside first."
Taemin groans before pulling away and letting Kibum punch in the key code. He pulls the door open and pushes Kibum inside without warning. Kibum yelps and manages to catch himself on the wall. Taemin shuts the door behind him and invades Kibum's personal space again.
"Mm, Kibum," Taemin breathes onto his lips, fingers finding the bottom of Kibum's shirt.
"We should stop, Taemin," Kibum says when Taemin's cool fingers touch his skin.
"Why?"
"Because you're Jinki's boyfriend."
"Your point?"
"You're Jinki's boyfriend." Taemin is pushed off and for the first time that night, realizes that he's cheating. Cheating on innocent Jinki.
"Fuck," he swears while backing away. They both stand there, breathing hard for a minute before Kibum kicks his shoes off and walks away. Taemin copies the action and goes to his own room.
-
"So, what did you and Jonghyun do yesterday?" Taemin casually asks as he's munching on a cookie. They're at the dancing and singing academy that they both attend and currently eating lunch.
"Um, you know. What friends do, I suppose," Jinki mutters quietly.
Taemin frowns. Well, if you do what Kibum hyung and I do, then that's not so good, Taemin refrains from saying.
"What did you do?" Jinki asks.
Taemin pauses his chewing and thinks for a minute. "We just, well, okay, we went clubbing yesterday."
"What?!"
"You heard me," Taemin mindlessly picks his cookie apart, no longer having an appetite.
"Did something happen? Are you okay?" Jinki asks, worried.
DId something happen? Yes. Are you okay? Honestly, no.
Taemin sighs. "I'm fine. We just danced and took a few shots before going home." Jinki gives him an incredulous look. "What?"
"Nothing. I'm just glad that you're okay."
"Hm," Taemin hums and crushes the cookie bits in his fist messily.
"Jinki!" Taemin looks up to find Jonghyun waltzing to their table. He also attends the academy, and unfortunately for Taemin, he is training in singing along with Jinki. "Oh! Hi, Taemin!"
"Hey, Jonghyun hyung," Taemin politely greets. Maybe he should've taken singing too, instead of dancing.
"Jinki, it was fun yesterday! We should do it again soon!" Jonghyun exclaims happily, completely ignoring the fact that Taemin, Jinki's boyfriend, is sitting at the same table.
Taemin lets the cookie mound fall onto a napkin and wipes his oily hand with another napkin before gathering up his trash and bidding farewell to his hyungs, claiming that he needed to go practice his new dance routine.
-
"Taemin, I can't make it today," Jinki says over the phone.
Taemin's mouth falls open and he stutters, "B-but why?"
"Um, Jonghyun and I have to practice our duet."
"Jonghyun, Jonghyun! It's always about him! If you want to be with him instead then just tell me!" Taemin screams.
"Taemin, it's not like that," Jinki insists calmly.
"Oh, but it is! This is the seventh date that we've canceled because of him! Seventh! I've been keeping track, Jinki."
"Taemin-"
"Bye. We'll talk whenever. Have fun," Taemin says icily before hanging up.
"Boyfriend issues?"
Taemin spins around to see Kibum leaning on his bedroom doorway. "You have no idea."
"Oh, but I do," Kibum disagrees and walks into the bedroom before sitting down on Taemin's bed. "Don't you remember? All my past beaus were horrible."
Taemin looks away. "Jinki blew me off again for Jonghyun."
"I'm sorry, baby. Come here," Kibum holds his arms out. Taemin walks over and tightly wraps his arms around Kibum's lower back.
"I want to go out and get drunk off of my ass," Taemin mutters.
"I don't think that's such a good idea," Kibum objects.
"I want to."
"Reconsider."
"I'm going with or without you," Taemin pulls back and stares defiantly into Kibum's eyes.
Kibum narrows his eyes at him before surrendering, "Fine. Be ready in fifteen."
The club is dark, the music is loud, and this time Taemin is sure that he's sober. Kibum, he's not so sure about.
"Fuck, Taemin. I think I'm getting buzzed." Kibum stumbles around on the dance floor and clutches at Taemin's arms.
"I think you already are." Taemin smirks and Kibum frowns at him.
"Fuck you."
"My plans exactly," Taemin merely agrees before capturing the older boy's lips in a kiss. It's sloppy with too much tongue and teeth, but Taemin thinks it's beautiful.
Kibum pulls away first and glares at Taemin. "I'm buzzed, not stupid. You are not doing this."
"Why can't I?"
"You have a boyfriend," Kibum reminds.
"Who's cheating on me," Taemin says back.
"W-what?"
"I saw the marks. We haven't gone past kissing, Kibum. Someone is giving him marks and it's definitely not me," Taemin informs darkly.
"Rashes?" Kibum tries.
"I know the difference, Kibum. I see the same marks on Jonghyun, too."
"You don't know that for sure..."
"But I do," Taemin whispers, eyes tearing up. "They're so careless, Kibum. They kiss and touch at the academy where anybody can see. Where I can see. I've seen them."
"I'm so sorry, Taemin, I'm sorry I couldn't protect you," Kibum whispers back and kisses both of Taemin's cheeks.
"I want to go home," Taemin says, looking down at the floor.
Kibum hesitates for a long moment--Taemin assumes he's waiting for him to look up--but finally agrees, "Okay, baby, let's go."
-
"I will be two tables away so just call for me if you need anything, alright?" Kibum says sternly before placing a kiss on Taemin's forehead and walking away.
Taemin sighs nervously and waits for Jinki to show up. He had told Jinki that he had something important to tell him so they agreed to meeting up at this cafe. Finally, the bell at the door rings and Jinki enters.
Taemin frowns. Jonghyun is following behind him, looking angry.
"Why is he here?" he hears Kibum ask behind him.
Taemin stands up and when Jonghyun spots him, he starts marching purposefully up to him. Jinki tries to stop him, a worried expression on his face.
"Um?" Taemin mutters when Jonghyun is at his table.
"Jinki and I are fucking and your relationship with him is as real as pigs flying," Jonghyun snarls.
"W-what?" Taemin stutters, the words hitting him like a ton of bricks.
"You heard me. He used you to try to push me away, but it didn't work because you're nothing to him. Nothing."
"Jonghyun, stop it." Jinki pulls Jonghyun away and keeps his eyes trained on Taemin. "Taemin..."
"I called you here to tell you that I want to break up. Let's end this here and now," Taemin says in a monotone voice, shock still taking over his body.
"Taemin, I honestly do care for you," Jinki tries.
"The boy wants to break up," Jonghyun speaks up angrily.
Suddenly, a hand reaches out and slaps Jinki. Taemin isn't sure if it's him or someone else but gets his answer when Kibum speaks up.
"You're over. Now take your stupid self along with your little bitch and get the fuck out of here," Kibum snarls icily. "Taemin was always too good for you. You may think he means nothing now, but you will see how wrong you are in the near future, but by that time, you will be the one that's worth nothing."
Jonghyun frowns at the scene before pulling Jinki away by the arm. "Let's go."
"Kibum," Taemin manages to let out after the two older boys are gone. Kibum doesn't say anything and just wraps Taemin in a bear hug. "I'm so stupid."
Kibum pats his back comfortably. "You're not, baby. He's the one that's stupid and you shouldn't cry over him. Is he really worth your tears?"
Taemin pulls back and sniffs. "You're right, he's not."
Kibum smirks, "Of course, I'm right. Now let's get out of here. People are staring and I'm starting to get the creeps," Kibum says the last part extremely loud and everyone in the cafe looks away, embarrassed.
Taemin lets out a laugh. "Oh god, Kibum, I love you."
"I love you too, Tae-ah."
Taemin was a fresh-out-of-high-school graduate when he experienced his first heartbreaking relationship.
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[next]
cross-posted here.