[Short Story] Be the One for Me
Title: Be the One for Me [Short Story]
Pairing: Minho / Key
Rating: R / NC-17
Genre: Angst, Rape, Romance
Summary: Key needs someone to be there for him.
Disclaimer: My fictional storyline.
A/N: This is finished for my beta reader, almightymir . Hope you love it, sweetie! To g_odalisque13 , this is in one post. All comments and criticism welcome. As usual, the song is reflective of the mood in the story. This story contains a warning as explained at the sidebar so please take note before you start on this. Thanks.
Sobs could be heard from behind the locked door. “Damn,” Jonghyun thought. “He’s gotten so touchy. It was just a joke!” But only he knows the reason for that diva façade. He bangs his fist on the door. “Key, open the door. If you don’t, someone will have to repair this bloody door!”
“Go away! Leave me alone!” Key wailed in between sobs.
Jonghyun simply shook his head, sighing. He was about to call out to Key again when Minho came over and gestured that he would try instead. Jonghyun nodded and walked away, whispering to Onew and Taemin that they should give Key and Minho some private time. After all, it was pretty obvious, at least to Jonghyun, that Minho had a crush on Key. Jonghyun only hoped that Minho would not further hurt Key.
Minho eyed Jonghyun gathering the other members into the kitchen before turning back to the door. Not even bothering to call out to Key, he fished out two paper clips which he always kept in his pocket for this exact reason. He kneeled in front of the door and got to work.
A few seconds later, he smiled to himself. He stood up and carefully turned the door knob. He slipped in and closed the door behind him. In the fading light, he could see Key sitting on the bed with his back to the door. He silently walked towards Key. The older boy was so preoccupied that he didn’t realize that he was no longer alone.
Key gasped when a pair of arms held him. He turned slightly to look at Minho, the tear streaks obvious even in the dimness. “What do you want? Like what you see? You like winning, don’t you?” Key said; his words were coated in sarcasm.
Minho did not say a word. He just shook his head. He scooted nearer to Key and pulled him into a tight hug, his arms overlapping across Key’s chest. A whisper escaped his lips. “Kibummie, I’ve never thought of you that way. I… I kind of…” his words were muffled away when he tucked his face into Key’s back.
Key’s curiosity was piqued by the smothered words. Did he really hear what he thought he heard? “Repeat. Repeat what you just said.” Key tried to turn to look at Minho but the latter’s arms tightened around him. Key could feel Minho shaking his head against his back. “At least, let go of me.” Key ordered.
Minho unwillingly complied and Key turned to face Minho fully. “I’m not telling you what I said. Unless…” Minho trailed off, his trademark smirk appearing to mock Key.
“Unless what?” Key begged.
“Unless you tell me what’s going on with you.”
“No! I won’t!” Key was indignant.
“Too bad then,” Minho moved to get up from the bed.
Key held onto Minho’s arms. “Okay, fine. Just so you know I’m only doing this because I want the answer from you.” Key reluctantly agreed, pouting. He took a deep breath and began.
Key had been going out with a senior for the past few months when he suddenly broke up with Key, citing studies as the reason. The next thing Key knew, that jerk had posted semi-naked photos of Key in bed with random guys whom Key didn’t even know.
Key suspected foul play, remembering that he had once went out with his ex-boyfriend only to feel groggy and unwell during the date. The students in the school Key attended were not receptive of dirty laundry being aired out in the open thus Key’s reputation as one of the most popular guys in school was tarnished.
Since that fateful day, Key had been bullied; tugged and shoved, kicked and punched, you name it. Every day, he came back clutching his abdomen, each step a struggle as he made his way to the bathroom to wash up. It got to the point that it was too difficult for Key to consume much. Of course the rest noticed his losing appetite but Key always brushed off their questions.
“How come we’ve never seen any bruises on you?” Minho asked.
The bullies were smart. They only hit Key in places where the bruises could not be seen. Even though they knew Key had too much pride to complain about the bullying, they took no chances. They didn’t want anyone to start asking questions.
Their prediction of Key was right. He never did complain to anyone.
Upon hearing that, Minho immediately reached out to pull up Key’s shirt. Minho had to see it to believe it. It wasn’t that he did not trust Key; it just seemed so surreal.
Key tried to stop him but to no avail. “No. No. No. Please stop,” he sobbed. He hugged himself as tightly as he could, rocking his body. “Don’t do this… I’ll do anything you want. Don’t touch me… Not like this… Not again…”
Minho watched in horror as Key broke down in front of him. What the fuck have they done to Key? He tucked the other boy’s head into his chest and held him until the sobs subsided. Only then did Minho reach out to tilt Key’s face up to look into his eyes. Minho’s gaze said it; Key, tell me.
In a quivering voice, he said, “They… They raped me.”
Minho was speechless. Key was strong; known to be a fighter. He could protect himself in any situation so what could have happened? Quietly, Minho asked, “How?”
Key was walking back from school alone. It was late as he had stayed back to do some research in the school library as well as to grab a bite before heading home. Just before he turned into their street, someone pushed him into the nearby alleyway. There were four more waiting there. Key tried to fight them off and sprint all the way home and he had almost managed to break away when one ambushed him, surprising him. They seemed to know Key’s weaknesses plus they were also working as a team instead of by themselves.
Key’s screams for help weren’t answered. They pulled Key deeper into the alleyway and stripped him, taking turns. Even then, it wasn’t once. They left Key exposed and bleeding after they were done, his anus badly ripped from all that rough activity, resulting in Key having to get stitches for it. That was last week.
“I… I have no more secrets. Will you tell me now?” Key asked, looking up to look at Minho, the fear of rejection evident in his eyes.
Minho shook his head. He abruptly got up and left Key alone in the room.
Confused, Key pondered, “I thought I heard him say he liked me…” Suddenly it came to him. “Does he hate me now because I’m not… Clean? That I’m used?” Key broke down; his feelings for Minho made the brush-off hurt even more. That had been only reason Key had opened up to Minho other than his best friend, Jonghyun. Key cried himself to sleep that night.
Meanwhile, the three boys in the kitchen were eating. They had almost finished their food when they saw Minho practically flying through the front door. Curious, they tiptoed to the bedroom door only to hear Key crying again. Conversing for a moment, they decided not to disturb Key. After clearing their dinner utensils, they crept into bed, not wanting to wake Key from his crying-induced sleep.
Jonghyun, being the last to walk into the room, went to check on his best friend. He gently pushed Key’s fringe aside. “He looks so peaceful. I wish he could stay that way even when he wakes up,” Jonghyun thought. His heart went out to Key; he couldn’t bear to see his best friend in such pain. Then he too, went to bed.
The next day, Key woke up to an empty room. He looked around, unsure as to why everyone wasn’t in bed, especially Onew. Imagine his shock when he checked his watch only to find out that it was already noon! “Aigu, I’ve never woken up this late!” he exclaimed. Luckily, they didn’t have any schedule on for that day. He was still upset that Jonghyun didn’t wake him as usual though.
He searched the whole apartment but found none of them. When he went into the kitchen, Key saw breakfast - or brunch, in this case - and a note prepared for him. Picking up the note, it read, “Key, we’re going shopping. Taemin needs some stuff for school. Jonghyun will pick something out for you. We prepared breakfast. Eat. Love, Onew.”
As he was eating - good thing they cooked chicken porridge; it was easy on Key’s stomach - the front door opened and Minho stepped in, presumably back from his morning run. Key’s head snapped up; he had the deer-caught-in-headlights look on his face but before he could get up and avoid Minho, the latter had already strode towards the elder and now stood by the chair he was sitting on.
“We need to talk.” Those four simple words jolted Key. Looking carefully at Minho, he realized that there were slight bruises that seemed to have just started forming on Minho’s face and arms.
Key gasped, “What happened to you?” Neglecting his half-eaten food, he fussed over Minho’s bruises. Minho was obviously getting frustrated with his bustling around; wanting to treat those bruises when there were more important things to settle.
Before Key managed to do anything, his legs gave way and the floor came rushing up to meet him. Minho grabbed him back and sat him down before he even hit the ground. He gestured to the breakfast. “You’re not going anywhere until you finish your food,” Minho said. He added a glare to prove his point. It was obvious that Key lacked the nutrients he needed.
Key frowned. He hated being bossed around. Before he even made a move, Minho picked up the spoon and lifted it to Key’s mouth, ordering him to open his mouth. Key returned Minho’s glare but ate up. After finishing the food, Minho even washed the dishes for Key. Minho headed back to Key and easily picked him up from the chair and carried him into the room, ignoring the protests Key made.
Minho settled Key into his bed and lightly climbed in. “Comfortable?” At Key’s nod, he snuggled up to Key, seemingly happy.
Key, on the other hand, was confused. There were so many things running through his mind. As of the previous night, he was convinced that Minho hated him. “Why would he want to snuggle up with me?” He pushed Minho away and struggled to get up but Minho was not having any of it.
“Why can’t you just keep still?” Minho asked, an exasperated tone creeping into his voice. “Just lie down. We both need rest and I just want to be with you.”
Key was upset that Minho seemed to be exasperated with him. To ease his emotional pain, he lashed out with spiteful words instead, “Why bother about me? You made it obvious enough when you left me yesterday. You never mean your words, saying you like me one minute and leaving me just because of my past. Let go of me. I don’t want to be anywhere around you. Get lost.”
He pushed himself away but Minho didn’t move an inch. Instead, Key almost fell into the gap between Minho’s and Onew’s beds if it wasn’t for Minho’s fast reflexes, pulling Key back and slamming him into the younger boy’s chest.
Minho hugged Key tightly, adamant not to let go. “I’m not leaving you ever. I’m not going to let go. I wasn’t lying when I said I had feelings for you. I was just so angry someone did such a thing to the one I love. So angry that I had to punch something or someone but you don’t have to worry about them anymore because I’m here. I’ll take care of you, baby,” Minho confessed.
Key was shocked; the words would not quit replaying in his mind. Suddenly, something Minho said sparked a thought. “Did… Did you… Take revenge?” Key was almost afraid of the answer. Slowly, Minho nodded. Key burst out, “Why?! What if they take it to the authorities? Where does that put me? Why did you do such a…?” Key was silenced by a soft kiss.
“I practice at the same place he does. We had a friendly match, the rule being he would apologise publicly then he and his friends would leave you alone if I won and I did. So he’ll apologise tomorrow. Happy?” Minho said after successfully silencing Key.
Key simply nodded; he was embarrassed by the kiss he shared with Minho so he hid his face in Minho’s chest, a shy smile playing on his lips. With the warmth of Minho’s arms around him, both of them drifted off to sleep.
The other members found them in that same position a few hours later when they came back from shopping. They were happy that Key finally found someone who truly loves him. Hopefully, being with Minho would greatly cheer him up and that Minho would be the one to nurse Key back to health.
The next day, as Minho had said, Key’s ex-boyfriend, Jae, had publicly apologised which resulted in quite a number of people apologising for being mean to Key. Of course, Key had difficulty believing them but he put on a believable forgiving look. He was not called the diva for nothing but the real test came when Jae came over to him to ask him out for dinner as an apology.
Not wanting to seem cold or difficult, Key agreed. However, he did not expect Jae to bring him to his house for dinner. Key was starting to get an uneasy feeling about this and excused himself to use the restroom. Once he was safely locked in, Key texted Jjong, telling his best friend of his whereabouts but stressing that Minho must not be informed and none of them should come to pick him up. Key wouldn’t put it past Jae to keep a grudge against him and Minho. He badly hoped that Jonghyun would not tell Minho anything; Key wanted Minho to be safe.
Jae was jealous. He wanted Key for himself. It was ironic since he did hurt Key mentally and physically, even if he sent others to do it instead of performing such evil acts himself. He would gladly admit it; he was power-hungry and Key was one of the most important in the student body. Key was an exemplary student, practised self-defence and showed care and concern for others; he was every guy and girl’s dream and envy.
Being a bisexual, Key dated both genders but Jae was possessive. He didn’t like how friendly Key was and forced him to stop interacting with other people. However, Key, being the stubborn person he was, defied Jae and in a spur of anger, he had planned everything that had happened to Key during the past two weeks.
At this moment, Jae felt that Minho deserved what was coming; after all, Minho did land a blow where it hurt most - Jae’s pride. He resented having to stoop to apologising in front of the whole school. He chuckled to himself, relishing the hurt that he would cause Minho when he had his way with Key - Minho’s weakness; his love for that slut was nauseating.
Just then, Key came out of the restroom. Jae plastered a brilliant fake smile on his face and gestured for Key to sit adjacently to him. As the dinner went by, Jae was delighted that everything was going as planned.
“Key, I need help with some school work and I know your studies have never been lagging behind. If you don’t mind, can you help me?” Jae asked as their dinner date came to an end.
Key faltered slightly. After all, it was already quite late and there was still school the day after. Plus there was that uneasy feeling that Key could not ignore.
“Don’t worry. I’ll get my driver to send you home. I promise it won’t take too long,” Jae explained, noticing the hesitation from the younger boy. Key unwillingly agreed and they went up the stairs to the second floor where Jae’s bedroom was situated.
Once inside, Jae swiftly grabbed Key and threw him onto his bed, rudely startling the latter. He immediately crawled on top of a squirming Key, pinning him down to the bed. “You’ve been a very naughty boy. You will pay for this. After I’m done with you, I will come for Minho. I’m sure you’ll be happy to witness that for yourself, won’t you?” Jae threatened Key as his hands worked to tie Key’s wrists to the corners of the four-poster bed with ropes that had already been prepared earlier.
“No! Please don’t hurt Minho. I’ll do anything for you; just please don’t hurt him!” Key cried, desperately trying to pull at the ropes binding him. There was nothing that Key wasn’t willing to do if it concerned the safety of Minho and the rest of his group members; they were his life. Even if it meant that he had to give himself to an asshole such as Jae, he would voluntarily accept his fate.
“Good,” Jae said as he smirked down at Key and proceeded to take off Key’s shirt before fiddling with the zipper of his pants.
Key could not look at Jae in the eye. He faced away, trying his best to stop tearing up. As Jae was gleefully taking off Key’s clothing articles, the latter was planning on silently leaving the group. He had thought he could still face them after this ordeal but he realised now that he was not strong enough. He didn’t want to see the hurt, especially in Minho and Jonghyun’s eyes.
Jae, on the other hand, was basking in the emotional pain that Key was going through but he still wanted Key’s undivided attention. He bent down and flicked his tongue at Key’s nipples as his hand grabbed Key’s flaccid cock and forcefully pumped it a few times, causing Key to moan and grow hard against his will. Key tried to squirm away before he gave in.
Tears were flowing more freely from Key’s eyes now. He couldn’t help but think that Minho deserved better than someone like himself. Just as Jae got his fingers lubricated and into Key’s bleeding hole - which had gotten torn again as the injury from the rape had not fully healed, a voice caught them unawares, “Stop it, Jae. When will you learn to stop hurting others?” Both of them turned towards the door which was now held ajar by Minho. Behind him, there stood two policemen as well as the rest of the members. Both Jae and Key’s faces had horrified looks on them albeit for different reasons.
Minho tactfully ignored Key’s embarrassment and went to the tied boy, his only intention to cover Key with his coat. The policemen also came forward and hauled Jae off. One of the men turned to Key and said, “We’ll take your statement once you’re dressed.” Key nodded and the policemen dragged Jae towards the cruiser.
Minho was confused. He couldn’t decide if he should be happy, angry or upset. He was happy and thankful that Key was fine even if Minho had came a little late - Key was naked, wasn’t he? Minho was also angry that Jae did not stay true to his promise but in a way, Minho was at fault for being naïve, thinking that Jae would not harm Key. Lastly, Minho was upset because he saw the erection that Key had. It wouldn’t have bothered him if he saw Key masturbating or something but he was having an erection for Jae! How could he have an erection for his ex-boyfriend, the same one that made his life a living hell?
As the rest of the members looked on, they saw Minho releasing Key’s bonds and sitting him up before pointedly looking at Key, his gaze starting from Key’s face, slowly going down and stopping at Key’s shrinking erection. Minho looked up again to stare into Key’s eyes then he turned and left Key alone on the bed. Only Jonghyun noticed the hurt and pain that flashed in Key’s eyes as Minho walked away.
As soon as Minho left the room, Key’s tears resumed flowing down his pale cheeks. Only Jonghyun walked over to help Key dress up. That was when he noticing the blood on the sheets. “Key, what happened? Are you… Omo! Guys, help!” Jonghyun wanted to ask Key so many questions but cut off when Key fainted from the pressure of his emotions and the physical pain he was in.
Onew immediately took charge. “Taemin, go ask the policemen to call for an ambulance,” he said to the youngest. Taemin nodded and ran off. “Jjong, we need to slow the bleeding. Turn him over and put pressure on the wound.” Jonghyun also nodded as both of them got to work on Key.
When Key opened his eyes again, the first thing he realised was that he was in an unfamiliar room. Then his vision was totally eclipsed by Minho’s face staring down at him.
“Thank God! You’re alright! I was so worried. I’m so sorry, baby,” Minho exclaimed and hugged Key tightly. Key could hear Minho’s faint sobs at his ear as Minho tucked his face into the crook of Key’s neck.
“Minho-ah, what’s going on? What happened? Where are the rest?” Key asked, extremely disorientated.
“I know you have a lot of questions but the police officers said that they wanted your statement once you’re awake. Are you well enough to give your statement first?” Minho asked, caressing Key’s cheek. At Key’s nod, Minho gestured for Key to wait. He walked out of the room and came back with another man. “Key, this is Detective Lee. Have a good chat,” Minho said and turned to go.
However, Key called out to Minho, “Can you stay with me?” and turned to the officer, almost begging, “Can he stay, please?” Key was developing a fear for other people other than his group mates and he didn’t want to feel helpless again. Minho was a pillar of strength for Key and he always felt safe when Minho was around. He was panicking slightly because Minho wanted to leave Key alone with a stranger.
The detective noticed the fear and agreed, “Minho should stay. I’m sure Key would like to know what happened too, wouldn’t you, Key?” He smiled kindly at Key whom nodded. “Okay, in this case, both of you will take turns. Key, why don’t you start with how you ended at Jae’s house?”
Key nodded again and told them about how Jae came up to him to apologise personally and also invited him for dinner, not knowing that Jae meant at his house so Key agreed. However, he had a bad feeling thus he texted Jonghyun. Here, the officer interjected, asking Minho to explain what happened when Jonghyun received the text.
Jonghyun had started stressing and the other members had noticed it. They demanded Jonghyun to spill. When he did, Minho immediately dragged all of them to the police station to make a report, hopeful that they would instantly try to stop Jae. He was lucky that they agreed even if they did specify that the boys would get fined if it was a hoax. Minho couldn’t decide if it was a good thing that they were right since Key got hurt.
Key could see Minho’s features tightening and his hands curling into fists as he described what Jae had done to him but he promptly hugged Key when he noticed Key crying from the memory. It hurt him that Key was in pain and there was nothing Minho could do to ease his love’s agony. Only then did he realise that he never asked Key to be his.
Detective Lee, having had his statement, excused himself. “Kibummie, will you accept me as your boyfriend?” Minho asked the instant the door clicked closed.
Key didn’t know what to say. He would have loved to say “Yes!” but he believed that Minho deserved better, someone who was pure, someone~
Minho interrupted his thoughts, saying, “Don’t give me the crap that I deserve better and all that shit. If I asked you, it obviously means that I want you and not someone else. Now, answer my question truthfully, will you accept me as your boyfriend? I swear I’ll take care of you. I’ll never hurt you or make you angry… Well, unless it’s a competition…”
Key silenced Minho with a soft kiss. “Yes,” he said after they broke apart.
“Really, you would?” At Key’s nod, he smiled at his lover, saying, “I love you, Kibum.”
“I feel the same way, Minho,” Key replied and promptly kissed his lover, completely forgetting he wanted to know how he ended up in the hospital in the first place.
Pairing: Minho / Key
Rating: R / NC-17
Genre: Angst, Rape, Romance
Summary: Key needs someone to be there for him.
Disclaimer: My fictional storyline.
A/N: This is finished for my beta reader, almightymir . Hope you love it, sweetie! To g_odalisque13 , this is in one post. All comments and criticism welcome. As usual, the song is reflective of the mood in the story. This story contains a warning as explained at the sidebar so please take note before you start on this. Thanks.
Sobs could be heard from behind the locked door. “Damn,” Jonghyun thought. “He’s gotten so touchy. It was just a joke!” But only he knows the reason for that diva façade. He bangs his fist on the door. “Key, open the door. If you don’t, someone will have to repair this bloody door!”
“Go away! Leave me alone!” Key wailed in between sobs.
Jonghyun simply shook his head, sighing. He was about to call out to Key again when Minho came over and gestured that he would try instead. Jonghyun nodded and walked away, whispering to Onew and Taemin that they should give Key and Minho some private time. After all, it was pretty obvious, at least to Jonghyun, that Minho had a crush on Key. Jonghyun only hoped that Minho would not further hurt Key.
Minho eyed Jonghyun gathering the other members into the kitchen before turning back to the door. Not even bothering to call out to Key, he fished out two paper clips which he always kept in his pocket for this exact reason. He kneeled in front of the door and got to work.
A few seconds later, he smiled to himself. He stood up and carefully turned the door knob. He slipped in and closed the door behind him. In the fading light, he could see Key sitting on the bed with his back to the door. He silently walked towards Key. The older boy was so preoccupied that he didn’t realize that he was no longer alone.
Key gasped when a pair of arms held him. He turned slightly to look at Minho, the tear streaks obvious even in the dimness. “What do you want? Like what you see? You like winning, don’t you?” Key said; his words were coated in sarcasm.
Minho did not say a word. He just shook his head. He scooted nearer to Key and pulled him into a tight hug, his arms overlapping across Key’s chest. A whisper escaped his lips. “Kibummie, I’ve never thought of you that way. I… I kind of…” his words were muffled away when he tucked his face into Key’s back.
Key’s curiosity was piqued by the smothered words. Did he really hear what he thought he heard? “Repeat. Repeat what you just said.” Key tried to turn to look at Minho but the latter’s arms tightened around him. Key could feel Minho shaking his head against his back. “At least, let go of me.” Key ordered.
Minho unwillingly complied and Key turned to face Minho fully. “I’m not telling you what I said. Unless…” Minho trailed off, his trademark smirk appearing to mock Key.
“Unless what?” Key begged.
“Unless you tell me what’s going on with you.”
“No! I won’t!” Key was indignant.
“Too bad then,” Minho moved to get up from the bed.
Key held onto Minho’s arms. “Okay, fine. Just so you know I’m only doing this because I want the answer from you.” Key reluctantly agreed, pouting. He took a deep breath and began.
Key had been going out with a senior for the past few months when he suddenly broke up with Key, citing studies as the reason. The next thing Key knew, that jerk had posted semi-naked photos of Key in bed with random guys whom Key didn’t even know.
Key suspected foul play, remembering that he had once went out with his ex-boyfriend only to feel groggy and unwell during the date. The students in the school Key attended were not receptive of dirty laundry being aired out in the open thus Key’s reputation as one of the most popular guys in school was tarnished.
Since that fateful day, Key had been bullied; tugged and shoved, kicked and punched, you name it. Every day, he came back clutching his abdomen, each step a struggle as he made his way to the bathroom to wash up. It got to the point that it was too difficult for Key to consume much. Of course the rest noticed his losing appetite but Key always brushed off their questions.
“How come we’ve never seen any bruises on you?” Minho asked.
The bullies were smart. They only hit Key in places where the bruises could not be seen. Even though they knew Key had too much pride to complain about the bullying, they took no chances. They didn’t want anyone to start asking questions.
Their prediction of Key was right. He never did complain to anyone.
Upon hearing that, Minho immediately reached out to pull up Key’s shirt. Minho had to see it to believe it. It wasn’t that he did not trust Key; it just seemed so surreal.
Key tried to stop him but to no avail. “No. No. No. Please stop,” he sobbed. He hugged himself as tightly as he could, rocking his body. “Don’t do this… I’ll do anything you want. Don’t touch me… Not like this… Not again…”
Minho watched in horror as Key broke down in front of him. What the fuck have they done to Key? He tucked the other boy’s head into his chest and held him until the sobs subsided. Only then did Minho reach out to tilt Key’s face up to look into his eyes. Minho’s gaze said it; Key, tell me.
In a quivering voice, he said, “They… They raped me.”
Minho was speechless. Key was strong; known to be a fighter. He could protect himself in any situation so what could have happened? Quietly, Minho asked, “How?”
Key was walking back from school alone. It was late as he had stayed back to do some research in the school library as well as to grab a bite before heading home. Just before he turned into their street, someone pushed him into the nearby alleyway. There were four more waiting there. Key tried to fight them off and sprint all the way home and he had almost managed to break away when one ambushed him, surprising him. They seemed to know Key’s weaknesses plus they were also working as a team instead of by themselves.
Key’s screams for help weren’t answered. They pulled Key deeper into the alleyway and stripped him, taking turns. Even then, it wasn’t once. They left Key exposed and bleeding after they were done, his anus badly ripped from all that rough activity, resulting in Key having to get stitches for it. That was last week.
“I… I have no more secrets. Will you tell me now?” Key asked, looking up to look at Minho, the fear of rejection evident in his eyes.
Minho shook his head. He abruptly got up and left Key alone in the room.
Confused, Key pondered, “I thought I heard him say he liked me…” Suddenly it came to him. “Does he hate me now because I’m not… Clean? That I’m used?” Key broke down; his feelings for Minho made the brush-off hurt even more. That had been only reason Key had opened up to Minho other than his best friend, Jonghyun. Key cried himself to sleep that night.
Meanwhile, the three boys in the kitchen were eating. They had almost finished their food when they saw Minho practically flying through the front door. Curious, they tiptoed to the bedroom door only to hear Key crying again. Conversing for a moment, they decided not to disturb Key. After clearing their dinner utensils, they crept into bed, not wanting to wake Key from his crying-induced sleep.
Jonghyun, being the last to walk into the room, went to check on his best friend. He gently pushed Key’s fringe aside. “He looks so peaceful. I wish he could stay that way even when he wakes up,” Jonghyun thought. His heart went out to Key; he couldn’t bear to see his best friend in such pain. Then he too, went to bed.
The next day, Key woke up to an empty room. He looked around, unsure as to why everyone wasn’t in bed, especially Onew. Imagine his shock when he checked his watch only to find out that it was already noon! “Aigu, I’ve never woken up this late!” he exclaimed. Luckily, they didn’t have any schedule on for that day. He was still upset that Jonghyun didn’t wake him as usual though.
He searched the whole apartment but found none of them. When he went into the kitchen, Key saw breakfast - or brunch, in this case - and a note prepared for him. Picking up the note, it read, “Key, we’re going shopping. Taemin needs some stuff for school. Jonghyun will pick something out for you. We prepared breakfast. Eat. Love, Onew.”
As he was eating - good thing they cooked chicken porridge; it was easy on Key’s stomach - the front door opened and Minho stepped in, presumably back from his morning run. Key’s head snapped up; he had the deer-caught-in-headlights look on his face but before he could get up and avoid Minho, the latter had already strode towards the elder and now stood by the chair he was sitting on.
“We need to talk.” Those four simple words jolted Key. Looking carefully at Minho, he realized that there were slight bruises that seemed to have just started forming on Minho’s face and arms.
Key gasped, “What happened to you?” Neglecting his half-eaten food, he fussed over Minho’s bruises. Minho was obviously getting frustrated with his bustling around; wanting to treat those bruises when there were more important things to settle.
Before Key managed to do anything, his legs gave way and the floor came rushing up to meet him. Minho grabbed him back and sat him down before he even hit the ground. He gestured to the breakfast. “You’re not going anywhere until you finish your food,” Minho said. He added a glare to prove his point. It was obvious that Key lacked the nutrients he needed.
Key frowned. He hated being bossed around. Before he even made a move, Minho picked up the spoon and lifted it to Key’s mouth, ordering him to open his mouth. Key returned Minho’s glare but ate up. After finishing the food, Minho even washed the dishes for Key. Minho headed back to Key and easily picked him up from the chair and carried him into the room, ignoring the protests Key made.
Minho settled Key into his bed and lightly climbed in. “Comfortable?” At Key’s nod, he snuggled up to Key, seemingly happy.
Key, on the other hand, was confused. There were so many things running through his mind. As of the previous night, he was convinced that Minho hated him. “Why would he want to snuggle up with me?” He pushed Minho away and struggled to get up but Minho was not having any of it.
“Why can’t you just keep still?” Minho asked, an exasperated tone creeping into his voice. “Just lie down. We both need rest and I just want to be with you.”
Key was upset that Minho seemed to be exasperated with him. To ease his emotional pain, he lashed out with spiteful words instead, “Why bother about me? You made it obvious enough when you left me yesterday. You never mean your words, saying you like me one minute and leaving me just because of my past. Let go of me. I don’t want to be anywhere around you. Get lost.”
He pushed himself away but Minho didn’t move an inch. Instead, Key almost fell into the gap between Minho’s and Onew’s beds if it wasn’t for Minho’s fast reflexes, pulling Key back and slamming him into the younger boy’s chest.
Minho hugged Key tightly, adamant not to let go. “I’m not leaving you ever. I’m not going to let go. I wasn’t lying when I said I had feelings for you. I was just so angry someone did such a thing to the one I love. So angry that I had to punch something or someone but you don’t have to worry about them anymore because I’m here. I’ll take care of you, baby,” Minho confessed.
Key was shocked; the words would not quit replaying in his mind. Suddenly, something Minho said sparked a thought. “Did… Did you… Take revenge?” Key was almost afraid of the answer. Slowly, Minho nodded. Key burst out, “Why?! What if they take it to the authorities? Where does that put me? Why did you do such a…?” Key was silenced by a soft kiss.
“I practice at the same place he does. We had a friendly match, the rule being he would apologise publicly then he and his friends would leave you alone if I won and I did. So he’ll apologise tomorrow. Happy?” Minho said after successfully silencing Key.
Key simply nodded; he was embarrassed by the kiss he shared with Minho so he hid his face in Minho’s chest, a shy smile playing on his lips. With the warmth of Minho’s arms around him, both of them drifted off to sleep.
The other members found them in that same position a few hours later when they came back from shopping. They were happy that Key finally found someone who truly loves him. Hopefully, being with Minho would greatly cheer him up and that Minho would be the one to nurse Key back to health.
The next day, as Minho had said, Key’s ex-boyfriend, Jae, had publicly apologised which resulted in quite a number of people apologising for being mean to Key. Of course, Key had difficulty believing them but he put on a believable forgiving look. He was not called the diva for nothing but the real test came when Jae came over to him to ask him out for dinner as an apology.
Not wanting to seem cold or difficult, Key agreed. However, he did not expect Jae to bring him to his house for dinner. Key was starting to get an uneasy feeling about this and excused himself to use the restroom. Once he was safely locked in, Key texted Jjong, telling his best friend of his whereabouts but stressing that Minho must not be informed and none of them should come to pick him up. Key wouldn’t put it past Jae to keep a grudge against him and Minho. He badly hoped that Jonghyun would not tell Minho anything; Key wanted Minho to be safe.
Jae was jealous. He wanted Key for himself. It was ironic since he did hurt Key mentally and physically, even if he sent others to do it instead of performing such evil acts himself. He would gladly admit it; he was power-hungry and Key was one of the most important in the student body. Key was an exemplary student, practised self-defence and showed care and concern for others; he was every guy and girl’s dream and envy.
Being a bisexual, Key dated both genders but Jae was possessive. He didn’t like how friendly Key was and forced him to stop interacting with other people. However, Key, being the stubborn person he was, defied Jae and in a spur of anger, he had planned everything that had happened to Key during the past two weeks.
At this moment, Jae felt that Minho deserved what was coming; after all, Minho did land a blow where it hurt most - Jae’s pride. He resented having to stoop to apologising in front of the whole school. He chuckled to himself, relishing the hurt that he would cause Minho when he had his way with Key - Minho’s weakness; his love for that slut was nauseating.
Just then, Key came out of the restroom. Jae plastered a brilliant fake smile on his face and gestured for Key to sit adjacently to him. As the dinner went by, Jae was delighted that everything was going as planned.
“Key, I need help with some school work and I know your studies have never been lagging behind. If you don’t mind, can you help me?” Jae asked as their dinner date came to an end.
Key faltered slightly. After all, it was already quite late and there was still school the day after. Plus there was that uneasy feeling that Key could not ignore.
“Don’t worry. I’ll get my driver to send you home. I promise it won’t take too long,” Jae explained, noticing the hesitation from the younger boy. Key unwillingly agreed and they went up the stairs to the second floor where Jae’s bedroom was situated.
Once inside, Jae swiftly grabbed Key and threw him onto his bed, rudely startling the latter. He immediately crawled on top of a squirming Key, pinning him down to the bed. “You’ve been a very naughty boy. You will pay for this. After I’m done with you, I will come for Minho. I’m sure you’ll be happy to witness that for yourself, won’t you?” Jae threatened Key as his hands worked to tie Key’s wrists to the corners of the four-poster bed with ropes that had already been prepared earlier.
“No! Please don’t hurt Minho. I’ll do anything for you; just please don’t hurt him!” Key cried, desperately trying to pull at the ropes binding him. There was nothing that Key wasn’t willing to do if it concerned the safety of Minho and the rest of his group members; they were his life. Even if it meant that he had to give himself to an asshole such as Jae, he would voluntarily accept his fate.
“Good,” Jae said as he smirked down at Key and proceeded to take off Key’s shirt before fiddling with the zipper of his pants.
Key could not look at Jae in the eye. He faced away, trying his best to stop tearing up. As Jae was gleefully taking off Key’s clothing articles, the latter was planning on silently leaving the group. He had thought he could still face them after this ordeal but he realised now that he was not strong enough. He didn’t want to see the hurt, especially in Minho and Jonghyun’s eyes.
Jae, on the other hand, was basking in the emotional pain that Key was going through but he still wanted Key’s undivided attention. He bent down and flicked his tongue at Key’s nipples as his hand grabbed Key’s flaccid cock and forcefully pumped it a few times, causing Key to moan and grow hard against his will. Key tried to squirm away before he gave in.
Tears were flowing more freely from Key’s eyes now. He couldn’t help but think that Minho deserved better than someone like himself. Just as Jae got his fingers lubricated and into Key’s bleeding hole - which had gotten torn again as the injury from the rape had not fully healed, a voice caught them unawares, “Stop it, Jae. When will you learn to stop hurting others?” Both of them turned towards the door which was now held ajar by Minho. Behind him, there stood two policemen as well as the rest of the members. Both Jae and Key’s faces had horrified looks on them albeit for different reasons.
Minho tactfully ignored Key’s embarrassment and went to the tied boy, his only intention to cover Key with his coat. The policemen also came forward and hauled Jae off. One of the men turned to Key and said, “We’ll take your statement once you’re dressed.” Key nodded and the policemen dragged Jae towards the cruiser.
Minho was confused. He couldn’t decide if he should be happy, angry or upset. He was happy and thankful that Key was fine even if Minho had came a little late - Key was naked, wasn’t he? Minho was also angry that Jae did not stay true to his promise but in a way, Minho was at fault for being naïve, thinking that Jae would not harm Key. Lastly, Minho was upset because he saw the erection that Key had. It wouldn’t have bothered him if he saw Key masturbating or something but he was having an erection for Jae! How could he have an erection for his ex-boyfriend, the same one that made his life a living hell?
As the rest of the members looked on, they saw Minho releasing Key’s bonds and sitting him up before pointedly looking at Key, his gaze starting from Key’s face, slowly going down and stopping at Key’s shrinking erection. Minho looked up again to stare into Key’s eyes then he turned and left Key alone on the bed. Only Jonghyun noticed the hurt and pain that flashed in Key’s eyes as Minho walked away.
As soon as Minho left the room, Key’s tears resumed flowing down his pale cheeks. Only Jonghyun walked over to help Key dress up. That was when he noticing the blood on the sheets. “Key, what happened? Are you… Omo! Guys, help!” Jonghyun wanted to ask Key so many questions but cut off when Key fainted from the pressure of his emotions and the physical pain he was in.
Onew immediately took charge. “Taemin, go ask the policemen to call for an ambulance,” he said to the youngest. Taemin nodded and ran off. “Jjong, we need to slow the bleeding. Turn him over and put pressure on the wound.” Jonghyun also nodded as both of them got to work on Key.
When Key opened his eyes again, the first thing he realised was that he was in an unfamiliar room. Then his vision was totally eclipsed by Minho’s face staring down at him.
“Thank God! You’re alright! I was so worried. I’m so sorry, baby,” Minho exclaimed and hugged Key tightly. Key could hear Minho’s faint sobs at his ear as Minho tucked his face into the crook of Key’s neck.
“Minho-ah, what’s going on? What happened? Where are the rest?” Key asked, extremely disorientated.
“I know you have a lot of questions but the police officers said that they wanted your statement once you’re awake. Are you well enough to give your statement first?” Minho asked, caressing Key’s cheek. At Key’s nod, Minho gestured for Key to wait. He walked out of the room and came back with another man. “Key, this is Detective Lee. Have a good chat,” Minho said and turned to go.
However, Key called out to Minho, “Can you stay with me?” and turned to the officer, almost begging, “Can he stay, please?” Key was developing a fear for other people other than his group mates and he didn’t want to feel helpless again. Minho was a pillar of strength for Key and he always felt safe when Minho was around. He was panicking slightly because Minho wanted to leave Key alone with a stranger.
The detective noticed the fear and agreed, “Minho should stay. I’m sure Key would like to know what happened too, wouldn’t you, Key?” He smiled kindly at Key whom nodded. “Okay, in this case, both of you will take turns. Key, why don’t you start with how you ended at Jae’s house?”
Key nodded again and told them about how Jae came up to him to apologise personally and also invited him for dinner, not knowing that Jae meant at his house so Key agreed. However, he had a bad feeling thus he texted Jonghyun. Here, the officer interjected, asking Minho to explain what happened when Jonghyun received the text.
Jonghyun had started stressing and the other members had noticed it. They demanded Jonghyun to spill. When he did, Minho immediately dragged all of them to the police station to make a report, hopeful that they would instantly try to stop Jae. He was lucky that they agreed even if they did specify that the boys would get fined if it was a hoax. Minho couldn’t decide if it was a good thing that they were right since Key got hurt.
Key could see Minho’s features tightening and his hands curling into fists as he described what Jae had done to him but he promptly hugged Key when he noticed Key crying from the memory. It hurt him that Key was in pain and there was nothing Minho could do to ease his love’s agony. Only then did he realise that he never asked Key to be his.
Detective Lee, having had his statement, excused himself. “Kibummie, will you accept me as your boyfriend?” Minho asked the instant the door clicked closed.
Key didn’t know what to say. He would have loved to say “Yes!” but he believed that Minho deserved better, someone who was pure, someone~
Minho interrupted his thoughts, saying, “Don’t give me the crap that I deserve better and all that shit. If I asked you, it obviously means that I want you and not someone else. Now, answer my question truthfully, will you accept me as your boyfriend? I swear I’ll take care of you. I’ll never hurt you or make you angry… Well, unless it’s a competition…”
Key silenced Minho with a soft kiss. “Yes,” he said after they broke apart.
“Really, you would?” At Key’s nod, he smiled at his lover, saying, “I love you, Kibum.”
“I feel the same way, Minho,” Key replied and promptly kissed his lover, completely forgetting he wanted to know how he ended up in the hospital in the first place.