Broken [2/6]
Title: Broken [2/6]
Author: FloweryMisha
Pairing(s): JongKey, 2Min
Warning: BoyxBoy love. Enough said.
Summary: Jonghyun and Key are married, but after several years of marriage, Key asked for a divorce. Desperate, Jonghyun comes to a famous lawyer to ask him to change Key's mind.
[1]
It was a bright, sunny day. Taemin felt like skipping work and just lay in bed all day long. Of course, he knew he’d miss spending time together with Minho. Even the weekend off is killing him every week. He just wanted to spend more and more time with the older male.
I wonder who he likes...
Taemin keep asking himself questions like these everyday. When he woke up, when he took his shower, when he was about to eat, when he was going to sleep...
What is his type like?
I wonder why he is so cool? Maybe he was hurt?
Did he ever fall in love?
Taemin was snapped out of reality when suddenly his phone rang. His eyes widened and his heart beats faster as he saw Minho’s name. He cleared his throat. “Good morning.”
“Gonna pick you up in about half an hour from now. Got work to do.”
“O-okay,” Taemin did his best not to sound nervous.
“I’ll see you later, then.”
“Alright. Bye.”
Taemin threw his phone on the bed and rushed to the bathroom. By the time he finished dressing--it took a bit longer than usual because he was so nervous, there was already one missed call on his phone. Minho’s way of saying he’s waiting outside already. Taemin walked out, locked his door and greeted Minho as casual as possible.
“Hi,” he smiled, seated himself on the passenger seat. “So what work?”
“Stalking Key,” Minho answered shortly and started driving.
“Stalking the angel?”, Taemin was surprised. “Are we still doing this?”
“Why shouldn’t we?”
“Well, why should we?”
Minho didn’t answer. His eyes were fixed on the road.
Taemin sighed and feeling a little heartbroken. “You like him, don’t you?”
Now that caught Minho’s attention. Minho turned his head and stared at Taemin. “Like who?”
“Key.”
Taemin couldn’t, wait, he didn’t want to know Minho’s expression right now. It would hurt him. “Well, I can’t blame you. With that face, who wouldn’t like him anyway...”
Minho stay silent, and Taemin tried to shrug it off.
Calm down. He is Jonghyun’s husband. But, he’s asking for a divorce. What IF, they really got divorce and Minho asked him out? Then my life is over.
Taemin was so stressed out by his own thoughts. He must be so obvious because Minho suddenly ruffled his hair gently. Taemin stared at Minho, only to be shown Minho’s sweet smile. His heart beats like it’s about to blow.
Not to worry, as if what Minho was trying to say.
Later, they arrived at Jonghyun and Key’s house.
Minho parked the car and just in time, the fence was opened and a BMW car came out. Taemin noticed that it was a driver and Key was sitting in the backseat. After they were far enough, Minho followed them slowly from behind.
“If we’re lucky, we might find out who Key’s having an affair with,” Taemin mumbled.
***
Key told the driver to pullover and patted his driver. “Mr. Park, I’m gonna go by myself from here. Just like usual, okay?”
Park, the driver, doesn’t seem to like the idea very much. “But Mr. Kim...”
“We’ve been doing this a couple of times. Just tell the head butler that I’m shopping and then you’re gonna pick me up again hours later, when I call you. Okay?”
“But if something happens to you...”
“I’ll be okay,” Key smiled. “Thank you so much, Park. I’ll be sure to give you a call.”
Key got out from the car and walked. Park dropped him off at the shopping center. That way, it wouldn’t be too suspicious if someone, moreover his husband, Jonghyun saw him wandering. And won’t fire Park too.
Park waited for a moment as he saw his master entering the shopping center, and then left. Now it’s Key’s turn to wait for a moment before he exited the building and started walking to the opposite side.
The side road was quite empty, there still weren’t many people. Key glanced at his watch. Almost time for his appointment.
He knew it’d be kinda dangerous for him to wander alone. He felt so weak without Jonghyun by his side. But lately, he’s been feeling so lonely. Jonghyun was so busy, too busy that they couldn’t spend their time together alone anymore, not at home, but somewhere where they could took off those rich attributes. It’s like Jonghyun is making money and more money for Key, but Key didn’t like it that much...
Key kinda missed his freedom. He miss going by himself, without driver, without any bodyguards. Just the feeling of being good about himself. Now he’s got reputation. Jonghyun’s reputation. Anything he does has to be balanced for Jonghyun’s sake. He stopped complaining about it though. When he decided to accept Jonghyun’s proposal, he knew that’s all gotta stop. If only he knew the changes were gonna be this drastic...
Key sighed. After their body contact last night, Key couldn’t ask for the divorce anymore. Jonghyun looked different, he looked relief, happy. He’s scared Jonghyun would snap. He flashback.
I’m not gonna divorce you and that’s final.
Key closed his eyes and blushed, remembering their hot night.
Daydreaming, he bumped onto someone. “Ah! Sorry...”
“Hey, watch where you’re going, man! It hurts!”
Key gulped. Oh no. It was a bunch of bad ass punks.
“Hey, he’s so pretty.”
“I bet he got cash.”
“Should we grope him?”
Key stepped backward. “Please, don’t...”
“Oh, no, don’t worry, we only wanna feel this smooth skin,” one of the punk grinned as he tried to caress Key’s cheek. Key gasped in fear, and he closed his eyes, bringing his hands up as if to defend himself from harm.
“You’re not gonna touch him,” suddenly a voice said behind him.
Key opened his eyes, and Minho was gripping the punk’s hand tight. “Mi-Minho?”
“I’m sorry, he’s with me,” Minho said cooly, even dangerously.
The punk was about to fight when he lost in the battle of death glare with Minho. He spit on to the ground, turned his back and walked away. “Let’s go guys, they’re not worth it.”
Key was still shaking a bit. It was obvious that he was scared. Minho waited until Key stopped shaking and when he was sure Key’s stable, he let go of his hand.
A sight that made Taemin jealous a bit. But he shook it off and approached Key.
“That was dangerous!”, Taemin sighed in relief. “Man, Key, what are you doing?”
“Wh-what am I?”
“You’re wandering in the quiet place here! All by yourself, who knows what would’ve happened if we weren’t here?”
“Ah,” Key suddenly realized he was strolling to the darker side of the road. “I was...I had a lot on my mind...thank God you guys were nearby...”
Key unconsciously hugged Taemin. Suddenly Taemin felt so awkward.
Well, we’re actually following you.
“Taemin!”
Key broke the hug and looked very happy as he heard the voice. “Onew!”
The Onew guy walked hurriedly to Key and hugged him. “Are you okay? Are you hurt?”
“No, I’m fine...thanks to these guys here.”
Onew stared at both of them and bowed politely. “Thank you very much for taking care of Key. I’m Lee Jinki, by the way, but you can call me Onew.”
Is this Key’s...ah, no, it’s not like you casually meet your forbidden lover on the street...
Onew was really cute though. When he smiled, Taemin couldn’t help but smile back. He really looked nice and a warm hearted person. Taemin didn’t really listen to what Onew and Minho were talking about, because he was back at eyeing Key.
Key’s phone rang, he stared at the screen and looked terrified. Taemin frowned. Key looked uncomfortable, he walked a couple of steps away from them. Still staring at the screen, he waited for a moment before he finally answered the phone. Taemin tried to eavesdropping, but Key’s voice was unbelievably soft.
However, Taemin observed Key’s expression. He was depressed and looked like he was about to cry. Key couldn’t breathe, his chest moving up and down so quickly and his other hand was covering his mouth. Something was definitely wrong. Taemin touched Minho’s arm. He was worried. “Minho...”
By the time Taemin was about to tell Minho, Key already walked to them slowly with his eyes red. Tears were already falling to his cheeks.
“Key???”, Onew looked so worried and grabbed his shoulders.
“Please...”, Key stared at Minho and Taemin, half begging. “I want to divorce with Jonghyun...”
***
Jonghyun massaged his temple. “Again.”
“Again.”
Jonghyun sighed desperately. “Okay, show me what you got.”
Minho gave him a stack of envelopes. Different dates on every envelope.
“Did you know that Key has a habit of sneaking out without telling you?”, Taemin absent mindedly asked as he stared in awe at Jonghyun’s huge office. Like the house, it was also huge. Taemin wondered if they’re not tired of walking because the room was so large.
“...yes. I noticed.”
“And you didn’t do anything about it?”
Jonghyun was browsing through the envelopes before answering.
“Key hated it when I forbid him to do something without any strong reasons. He hated those formalities...so what can I say.”
Jonghyun pointed at the pictures. “This is Onew.”
“Onew seems nice,” Taemin commented as he observed a half naked male statue.
“Of course, he’s Key’s cousin,” Minho added.
“For sure??”
“What, didn’t he tell us?”
“He did?”, Taemin smacked himself. “Sorry. Guess I didn’t hear...”
Jonghyun smiled sadly. “Onew was a lot around when I couldn’t make it...I’m really thankful.” Silent again. He took some pictures again. “This is Lee Teuk. It’s Eun Hyuk. They’re his friends in college. These, are too.” He pointed at the guys that was with Key in the pictures.
“I guess it’s okay if you’re going out to see your friends...”
Minho glanced at Taemin, hoping that the beautiful one would see his gaze and try not to be so sarcastic about this right now. Unfortunately Taemin’s back is all he can see, and even when he cleared his throat once, looks like Taemin’s not gonna turn around any moment.
“You know his friends, I see,” Minho nodded.
“Yeah. There was no secrets.”
“And now there are many,” Taemin replied from the other side of the room.
Minho sighed inwardly but Jonghyun doesn’t seem to notice the sarcasm because he was too busy observing the pictures.
“This...?”
Minho noticed Jonghyun was about to get furious.
“Yes. He went into the hotel.”
“With? With? Did you see the person he met?”
“No.”
“Why didn’t you enter the hotel and find out what room he’s in???”
“The area was too dangerous. I couldn’t leave Taemin alone in the car.”
Taemin blushed. For real, Minho? Oh, I wish they’re real...
Jonghyun finally able to calm down himself. “Okay. So it was...prostitution area. Why did he go there?”, Jonghyun closed his eyes.
Minho leaned closer and shook his head. “I can’t answer that.”
Someone as powerful as you, lost by the name of love.
“How did Key turn into like this...is he, is he like, selling himself?”, Jonghyun looked scared as he questioned himself. “Did I make him like this?”
“Jonghyun, whatever it is, please, don’t jump into any conclusions yet,” Minho said.
“Conclusions? But these pictures...”
“Jonghyun-ssi?”, Taemin called his name as he seated himself beside Minho.
“Yes?”
“You know...with your husband and all of this...do you ever check his phone?”
Jonghyun frowned, he wasn’t quite sure if he understand.
“I mean, checking who’s he’s been texting with...who he called, who called him...”
“No, I’ve never done that. Why?”
Taemin shrugged. “Nothing, I just...I wonder if maybe, just maybe, someone threatened Key...or he’s been blackmailed...”
“Wait, what?”, now it’s Minho’s turned to frown. “You didn’t tell me any of this.”
“Well, when we were with Onew and Key...when you were talking, Key was...I don’t know, received call from someone and then his face...his face was scared. Minutes later, he looked so depressed and bursting out that he wanted divorce.”
Jonghyun glanced at his phone.
“I think whoever called was saying something bad to him...whatever it is that made him really sad.”
Jonghyun suddenly stood up. “I’m going home. Thank you. Please do continue your investigation.”
He quickly walked out of the room and left both of them.
“Again? Minho, we’re lawyers, not detectives!”, Taemin said with both hands up, demanding Minho for answers. “We’re closed for almost a week because we’re playing this...this...this little thing called investigation.”
“Taemin, you know when I work on a case, I focus.”
Taemin felt really sad. “Is it because he’s paying you lots of money?”
Minho didn’t answer. He was about to bring all of the pictures with him, but then he decided to leave them all alone. They’re for Jonghyun anyway. “Let’s go.”
“No!”
Minho was surprised to hear Taemin’s high voice.
“Not until you tell me what the hell are we working here! You’re hiding something, right Minho?”
Taemin crossed his arms, and glaring, well it was more like a sad stare. Minho felt a pang. He didn’t want the younger one to feel sad. “Please don’t be sad, Taemin.”
Taemin unfolded his arms and slowly got up. “This is becoming personal, isn’t it?”
“...yes.”
“And you always said to me not to be involved personally with a case,” Taemin shook his head sadly. “Come on, let’s go...”
As they’re walking, Minho abruptly stopped Taemin and the latter bumped onto him. Taemin was confused. Minho opened his mouth, then close it again, then he opened his mouth again.
“I care for you.”
With that, he ruffled Taemin’s hair lovingly.
“Come on.”
Taemin, who was stunned at the gesture, felt his cheek blushing furiously, but decided to act casually. I love you so much, Choi Minho.
***
Key was sleeping on the bed when Jonghyun walked in. Startled by the sound, Key woke up, only to find Jonghyun staring at him. Key felt so scared. There’s something odd about Jonghyun’s gaze. “J-jjong?”
“Baby.”
Key made himself to a sitting position, still with the blanket on his chest. “S-something’s wrong?”
“I don’t know. Why don’t you tell me?”
Jonghyun’s voice sounded dangerous. Key was terribly scared. He covered his mouth, hand shaking.
“Where’s your phone?”
“W-what?”
“I said, where’s your phone?”
“Wh-why?”
Jonghyun slammed his hand on the table hard and Key screamed. “I SAID, WHERE IS YOUR GODDAMN PHONE?”
“I-in the pocket,” Key stammered. His back was glued to the pillow, unable to move. Jonghyun is furious, and there’s nothing more Key afraid of than a furious husband.
Jonghyun browsed thoroughly at Key’s things. He finally found the phone in the pocket of the jeans, with a name card. A hotel name card. Key bit his lip.
Dammit,I should’ve thrown it away!
“What is this,” Jonghyun showed Key the card.
Key couldn’t answer.
“WHAT IS THIS, BABY???”
Key closed his eyes because he thought Jonghyun would hit him. Instead, Jonghyun just yanked Key’s arms and gripped them tightly. Key opened his eyes and he was crying.
“This. Is. A. Prostitution. Area.”
Key cried, his tears were falling to his cheeks, he sobbed silently. Jonghyun kept gripping his arms, and it started to hurt.
“So, you’re going to be a whore once I divorce you, is that it?”
“No...”
“So that’s why you’ve been asking for it, and then you’re practicing.”
“No...please...”
“So let me ask you this, how does it feel like...to be fucked by so many people?”
“Stop...Jonghyun...”
“I’M ASKING YOU, KEY!!!”
“I said stop!”, Key pushed Jonghyun, his eyes were filled with tears and his face was red. “You don’t know how I feel!”
“Well, for a start maybe you can tell me!!!”
Key got up from the bed, wiped his tears and started to collect his important things. His mind was filled with heartache, all those things Jonghyun wouldn’t understand.
“Key!”, Jonghyun touched Key but Key quickly pulled away.
“I wanted a divorce because I knew you wouldn’t understand!”
“What? Of course I wouldn’t understand why does my husband wants to become a whore?”
“That’s not the point and you know it!”
“Hey, I know nothing here!!!”
Their big fights made all the maids peeking from the end of the hall because the door was not closed.
“They’re fighting...they never fight before!”
“Mr. Kim shouted, I’ve never seen him angry before!”
Key sobbed as he finished changing and grabbed his bag.
“Where are you going, Key?”
“Anywhere but here.”
Jonghyun sighed loudly, desperate.
“Why couldn’t you just tell me what’s going on?”
Key turned around, still sobbing. “I don’t want to hurt you.”
“We’re both hurt here, baby, can’t you see? How long has it been that we’re together?”
Key grabbed his phone, and Jonghyun suddenly remembered it was his intention from the start and he forgot. Now Key’s gonna leave. But Jonghyun already gave up this time. Whatever.
“If you want the divorce so much, fine, I’ll divorce you. I’ll inform Minho tomorrow.”
Jonghyun avoided looking at Key, and Key walked to the door. He glanced at his husband’s back one last time, mouthing I love you, and left.
Jonghyun never felt so hurt and miserable.
***
It was raining hard outside. Park insisted on dropping him somewhere safe, but Key didn’t want to. He wanted to walk. He just wanted to be alone.
He’s going crazy. Those words Jonghyun said to him were harsh. But he did hurt Jonghyun. The raindrops fell on his body. They’re just water, but it was as if ice was hitting his body hard. He couldn’t think anymore. He was tired. His body ached.
Where should I go? Onew? Nah...he might call Jonghyun and forced me to go back...
Shivering, Key saw a convenient store and was thinking of getting some coffee to warm his body. Just as he was about to enter the store, Minho walked outside. “Oh!”
“Wah!”, they bumped on each other. Minho’s shirt was quickly wet from the water’s dripping.
“I’m-I’m sorry!”
“Key? What the-you’re soaking wet!”
“Mi-Minho?”
Minho stared at Key. He was a mess. He was soaking from all the raindrops, but Minho can tell that he’s been crying. Then suddenly, Key burst out crying. Minho was shocked. Thankfully there were not any people in front of the store. Minho touched Key’s shoulders with both hand.
“Hey, hey, everything’s gonna be alright...”
Key kept on sobbing. His body was cold, it was obvious that he’s freezing.
“Look, I’m gonna take you home. Back to Jonghyun’s?”
Key’s eyes widened and turned to fear. “No...”
“Okay. How about Onew?”
“Onew might tell me to go home...”
Minho was confused. “Okay, okay, don’t cry, I’m gonna take you home with me. Is that alright?”
Key looked hesitant for a while before nodding softly.
“Come on, let’s go. It’s my car over there,” Minho said and pointed at an SUV. As they walked to the car, Minho quickly dialed Taemin’s number. “Hey, are you asleep yet?”
“No, what is it?”
“Can I pick you up like, now?”
“Um, I’m actually nearby your house. Want me to come?”
“Yes, please. I need you. I’ll be arriving home around ten minutes. I’ll be waiting, okay?”
***
Key stepped outside the bathroom and saw Minho was setting up the couch for sleeping. Minho was very nice for letting Key using his bathroom and had a nice warm shower, otherwise he’d be very cold right now. Luckily Key brought a pair of change of clothes with him, so he wouldn’t have to wear Minho’s.
Minho realized Key’s presence, and smiled at him.
“Hey. Are you done?”
“Yes,” Key smiled awkwardly. “Thank you for letting me using the bathroom...”
“No problem. Are you okay? You’re not getting any fever?”
“No. Minho... I’m sorry for bothering you,” Key said apologetically. “The couch seems nice. I’m really thankful.”
“What? No, this is for me. You are gonna sleep on the bed tonight.”
“Wait, it’s okay. I can sleep on the couch. Jonghyun’s the one that’s rich, not me...”
Minho laughed. This is the first time Key ever saw Minho laughing, actually. He usually was so cool. “But you and Taemin are not gonna be comfortable here. It’s okay.”
“Taemin is coming?”
“Yeah. He can handle this sort of thing better than me,” Minho felt something was odd so he frowned at Key. “What’s the matter?”
“Nothing...I just have the feeling he doesn’t like me,” Key looked down.
“No, he’s not like that. That’s because you two are not close yet. Don’t worry. He’s really a nice person once you get to know him.”
Key brightened up. “Yeah, I guess...so how long the two of you have been together now?”
Minho blinked. “You mean...at work?”
“Well, he’s your boyfriend right?”
“Wha-“, Minho covered his mouth. “Me and Taemin?”
“So you’re not?”
Minho was speechless. Okay, this is so awkward.
“It’s so obvious that you care for him so much,” Key beamed happily. “The way you touch his hair, the way you walk beside him, the way you gently touched his hand...it was really sweet of you.”
Sweet?
Key sighed. “I miss those moments...Jonghyun was so romantic, you know? I just wish...wish we’d go back to those times when we didn’t have much money, but we were happy. It’s not that I don’t like the money...but I just, really, really miss the old Jonghyun...”
Key looked really sad.
“It’s okay, Key... You can tell me.”
Key shrugged. “Since we moved to that big house, everything just changed. We rarely met, he left me for meetings and business trips, and I just...we kinda lost our communication. I’m so scared of burdening him with whatever I feel inside. I just don’t want to complain...”
Lack of communication.
“Key...”
“Hm?”
“What really happened to you?”
Key stared at Minho and smiled sadly. “Can I tell you tomorrow? I’m tired...”
“Alright,” Minho smiled. “Good night, Key.”
“Good night, Minho.”
Several minutes later, Taemin arrived. Minho explained everything. Taemin opened Minho’s door carefully and peeked inside. Key was sleeping peacefully and he looked so comfortable.
“I shouldn’t bother his sleep...”, Taemin mumbled. “Maybe I should go home.”
“Can’t you stay? You can take the couch.”
Minho said it casually, without realizing how much the impact would be on Taemin. Fortunately Minho’s back was on him, so he wouldn’t see Taemin blushing.
“And you’re gonna be sleeping on?”
“Floor. No worries.”
“O-okay...”
“You didn’t bring any change of clothes, did you? You can borrow mine, I’ve prepared them for you.”
Taemin almost drowned in Minho’s clothes, but he felt comfortable in it. He kissed Minho’s scent.
Maybe this is the feeling of wearing your boyfriend’s clothes...
Taemin walked to the couch, and laid his body on it and again, he could smell Minho’s scent on the pillow. He brought the blanket to his chest and started feeling sleepy already. Minho was turning off the lights, and leave one light on. He knew Taemin was afraid of darkness.
Minho settled himself on the floor. Taemin touched Minho’s arms from the couch. “Key...he’s been through a lot, didn’t he...”
“He’s gonna be okay. We’re gonna help him. Now try sleeping, Taemin. Good night.”
I can’t sleep with your presence! I wanna see your face while sleeping so bad...
“Okay. Good night, Minho...”
Silence. The only sound heard was the rummaging sound Taemin made with his blanket. He couldn’t sleep. His heart was beating faster. He could hear Minho’s steady breath. He turned his body to the left. Then he turned his body to the right. Then he sighed.
“It’s a bit cold, isn’t it?”
Taemin was startled by Minho’s voice. “I thought you’re sleeping already. I’m sorry, I made too much ruckus-“
Minho sat up, and stared at Taemin. “I think the couch is big enough for both of us. Do you think you can back up a little?”
Blushing, Taemin nodded as he glued his back to the couch, and Minho settled himself into a comfortable position, facing Taemin.
Minho’s body was bigger, Taemin was a lot skinnier. Luckily the couch was really enough for both of them. Sometimes Minho had to grab the couch so he wouldn’t fall back down. Taemin couldn’t bring himself to look up, his right hand was on Minho’s chest, and his left hand held Minho’s arm tightly.
Taemin felt so safe. God, please...let me enjoy this moment. Let me cherish it...
Minho kissed Taemin’s lips lovingly. “Good night.”
“Good night, Hyung...”, Taemin whispered back as he felt secure. He wanted it to be like this forever. He felt sleepy already in the arms of Minho. He closed his eyes, feeling the warmth of Minho’s body, and then he fell asleep.
The rain still pour hard outside, but the only thing they hear was each other’s heartbeat.
[3]
Author: FloweryMisha
Pairing(s): JongKey, 2Min
Warning: BoyxBoy love. Enough said.
Summary: Jonghyun and Key are married, but after several years of marriage, Key asked for a divorce. Desperate, Jonghyun comes to a famous lawyer to ask him to change Key's mind.
[1]
It was a bright, sunny day. Taemin felt like skipping work and just lay in bed all day long. Of course, he knew he’d miss spending time together with Minho. Even the weekend off is killing him every week. He just wanted to spend more and more time with the older male.
I wonder who he likes...
Taemin keep asking himself questions like these everyday. When he woke up, when he took his shower, when he was about to eat, when he was going to sleep...
What is his type like?
I wonder why he is so cool? Maybe he was hurt?
Did he ever fall in love?
Taemin was snapped out of reality when suddenly his phone rang. His eyes widened and his heart beats faster as he saw Minho’s name. He cleared his throat. “Good morning.”
“Gonna pick you up in about half an hour from now. Got work to do.”
“O-okay,” Taemin did his best not to sound nervous.
“I’ll see you later, then.”
“Alright. Bye.”
Taemin threw his phone on the bed and rushed to the bathroom. By the time he finished dressing--it took a bit longer than usual because he was so nervous, there was already one missed call on his phone. Minho’s way of saying he’s waiting outside already. Taemin walked out, locked his door and greeted Minho as casual as possible.
“Hi,” he smiled, seated himself on the passenger seat. “So what work?”
“Stalking Key,” Minho answered shortly and started driving.
“Stalking the angel?”, Taemin was surprised. “Are we still doing this?”
“Why shouldn’t we?”
“Well, why should we?”
Minho didn’t answer. His eyes were fixed on the road.
Taemin sighed and feeling a little heartbroken. “You like him, don’t you?”
Now that caught Minho’s attention. Minho turned his head and stared at Taemin. “Like who?”
“Key.”
Taemin couldn’t, wait, he didn’t want to know Minho’s expression right now. It would hurt him. “Well, I can’t blame you. With that face, who wouldn’t like him anyway...”
Minho stay silent, and Taemin tried to shrug it off.
Calm down. He is Jonghyun’s husband. But, he’s asking for a divorce. What IF, they really got divorce and Minho asked him out? Then my life is over.
Taemin was so stressed out by his own thoughts. He must be so obvious because Minho suddenly ruffled his hair gently. Taemin stared at Minho, only to be shown Minho’s sweet smile. His heart beats like it’s about to blow.
Not to worry, as if what Minho was trying to say.
Later, they arrived at Jonghyun and Key’s house.
Minho parked the car and just in time, the fence was opened and a BMW car came out. Taemin noticed that it was a driver and Key was sitting in the backseat. After they were far enough, Minho followed them slowly from behind.
“If we’re lucky, we might find out who Key’s having an affair with,” Taemin mumbled.
***
Key told the driver to pullover and patted his driver. “Mr. Park, I’m gonna go by myself from here. Just like usual, okay?”
Park, the driver, doesn’t seem to like the idea very much. “But Mr. Kim...”
“We’ve been doing this a couple of times. Just tell the head butler that I’m shopping and then you’re gonna pick me up again hours later, when I call you. Okay?”
“But if something happens to you...”
“I’ll be okay,” Key smiled. “Thank you so much, Park. I’ll be sure to give you a call.”
Key got out from the car and walked. Park dropped him off at the shopping center. That way, it wouldn’t be too suspicious if someone, moreover his husband, Jonghyun saw him wandering. And won’t fire Park too.
Park waited for a moment as he saw his master entering the shopping center, and then left. Now it’s Key’s turn to wait for a moment before he exited the building and started walking to the opposite side.
The side road was quite empty, there still weren’t many people. Key glanced at his watch. Almost time for his appointment.
He knew it’d be kinda dangerous for him to wander alone. He felt so weak without Jonghyun by his side. But lately, he’s been feeling so lonely. Jonghyun was so busy, too busy that they couldn’t spend their time together alone anymore, not at home, but somewhere where they could took off those rich attributes. It’s like Jonghyun is making money and more money for Key, but Key didn’t like it that much...
Key kinda missed his freedom. He miss going by himself, without driver, without any bodyguards. Just the feeling of being good about himself. Now he’s got reputation. Jonghyun’s reputation. Anything he does has to be balanced for Jonghyun’s sake. He stopped complaining about it though. When he decided to accept Jonghyun’s proposal, he knew that’s all gotta stop. If only he knew the changes were gonna be this drastic...
Key sighed. After their body contact last night, Key couldn’t ask for the divorce anymore. Jonghyun looked different, he looked relief, happy. He’s scared Jonghyun would snap. He flashback.
I’m not gonna divorce you and that’s final.
Key closed his eyes and blushed, remembering their hot night.
Daydreaming, he bumped onto someone. “Ah! Sorry...”
“Hey, watch where you’re going, man! It hurts!”
Key gulped. Oh no. It was a bunch of bad ass punks.
“Hey, he’s so pretty.”
“I bet he got cash.”
“Should we grope him?”
Key stepped backward. “Please, don’t...”
“Oh, no, don’t worry, we only wanna feel this smooth skin,” one of the punk grinned as he tried to caress Key’s cheek. Key gasped in fear, and he closed his eyes, bringing his hands up as if to defend himself from harm.
“You’re not gonna touch him,” suddenly a voice said behind him.
Key opened his eyes, and Minho was gripping the punk’s hand tight. “Mi-Minho?”
“I’m sorry, he’s with me,” Minho said cooly, even dangerously.
The punk was about to fight when he lost in the battle of death glare with Minho. He spit on to the ground, turned his back and walked away. “Let’s go guys, they’re not worth it.”
Key was still shaking a bit. It was obvious that he was scared. Minho waited until Key stopped shaking and when he was sure Key’s stable, he let go of his hand.
A sight that made Taemin jealous a bit. But he shook it off and approached Key.
“That was dangerous!”, Taemin sighed in relief. “Man, Key, what are you doing?”
“Wh-what am I?”
“You’re wandering in the quiet place here! All by yourself, who knows what would’ve happened if we weren’t here?”
“Ah,” Key suddenly realized he was strolling to the darker side of the road. “I was...I had a lot on my mind...thank God you guys were nearby...”
Key unconsciously hugged Taemin. Suddenly Taemin felt so awkward.
Well, we’re actually following you.
“Taemin!”
Key broke the hug and looked very happy as he heard the voice. “Onew!”
The Onew guy walked hurriedly to Key and hugged him. “Are you okay? Are you hurt?”
“No, I’m fine...thanks to these guys here.”
Onew stared at both of them and bowed politely. “Thank you very much for taking care of Key. I’m Lee Jinki, by the way, but you can call me Onew.”
Is this Key’s...ah, no, it’s not like you casually meet your forbidden lover on the street...
Onew was really cute though. When he smiled, Taemin couldn’t help but smile back. He really looked nice and a warm hearted person. Taemin didn’t really listen to what Onew and Minho were talking about, because he was back at eyeing Key.
Key’s phone rang, he stared at the screen and looked terrified. Taemin frowned. Key looked uncomfortable, he walked a couple of steps away from them. Still staring at the screen, he waited for a moment before he finally answered the phone. Taemin tried to eavesdropping, but Key’s voice was unbelievably soft.
However, Taemin observed Key’s expression. He was depressed and looked like he was about to cry. Key couldn’t breathe, his chest moving up and down so quickly and his other hand was covering his mouth. Something was definitely wrong. Taemin touched Minho’s arm. He was worried. “Minho...”
By the time Taemin was about to tell Minho, Key already walked to them slowly with his eyes red. Tears were already falling to his cheeks.
“Key???”, Onew looked so worried and grabbed his shoulders.
“Please...”, Key stared at Minho and Taemin, half begging. “I want to divorce with Jonghyun...”
***
Jonghyun massaged his temple. “Again.”
“Again.”
Jonghyun sighed desperately. “Okay, show me what you got.”
Minho gave him a stack of envelopes. Different dates on every envelope.
“Did you know that Key has a habit of sneaking out without telling you?”, Taemin absent mindedly asked as he stared in awe at Jonghyun’s huge office. Like the house, it was also huge. Taemin wondered if they’re not tired of walking because the room was so large.
“...yes. I noticed.”
“And you didn’t do anything about it?”
Jonghyun was browsing through the envelopes before answering.
“Key hated it when I forbid him to do something without any strong reasons. He hated those formalities...so what can I say.”
Jonghyun pointed at the pictures. “This is Onew.”
“Onew seems nice,” Taemin commented as he observed a half naked male statue.
“Of course, he’s Key’s cousin,” Minho added.
“For sure??”
“What, didn’t he tell us?”
“He did?”, Taemin smacked himself. “Sorry. Guess I didn’t hear...”
Jonghyun smiled sadly. “Onew was a lot around when I couldn’t make it...I’m really thankful.” Silent again. He took some pictures again. “This is Lee Teuk. It’s Eun Hyuk. They’re his friends in college. These, are too.” He pointed at the guys that was with Key in the pictures.
“I guess it’s okay if you’re going out to see your friends...”
Minho glanced at Taemin, hoping that the beautiful one would see his gaze and try not to be so sarcastic about this right now. Unfortunately Taemin’s back is all he can see, and even when he cleared his throat once, looks like Taemin’s not gonna turn around any moment.
“You know his friends, I see,” Minho nodded.
“Yeah. There was no secrets.”
“And now there are many,” Taemin replied from the other side of the room.
Minho sighed inwardly but Jonghyun doesn’t seem to notice the sarcasm because he was too busy observing the pictures.
“This...?”
Minho noticed Jonghyun was about to get furious.
“Yes. He went into the hotel.”
“With? With? Did you see the person he met?”
“No.”
“Why didn’t you enter the hotel and find out what room he’s in???”
“The area was too dangerous. I couldn’t leave Taemin alone in the car.”
Taemin blushed. For real, Minho? Oh, I wish they’re real...
Jonghyun finally able to calm down himself. “Okay. So it was...prostitution area. Why did he go there?”, Jonghyun closed his eyes.
Minho leaned closer and shook his head. “I can’t answer that.”
Someone as powerful as you, lost by the name of love.
“How did Key turn into like this...is he, is he like, selling himself?”, Jonghyun looked scared as he questioned himself. “Did I make him like this?”
“Jonghyun, whatever it is, please, don’t jump into any conclusions yet,” Minho said.
“Conclusions? But these pictures...”
“Jonghyun-ssi?”, Taemin called his name as he seated himself beside Minho.
“Yes?”
“You know...with your husband and all of this...do you ever check his phone?”
Jonghyun frowned, he wasn’t quite sure if he understand.
“I mean, checking who’s he’s been texting with...who he called, who called him...”
“No, I’ve never done that. Why?”
Taemin shrugged. “Nothing, I just...I wonder if maybe, just maybe, someone threatened Key...or he’s been blackmailed...”
“Wait, what?”, now it’s Minho’s turned to frown. “You didn’t tell me any of this.”
“Well, when we were with Onew and Key...when you were talking, Key was...I don’t know, received call from someone and then his face...his face was scared. Minutes later, he looked so depressed and bursting out that he wanted divorce.”
Jonghyun glanced at his phone.
“I think whoever called was saying something bad to him...whatever it is that made him really sad.”
Jonghyun suddenly stood up. “I’m going home. Thank you. Please do continue your investigation.”
He quickly walked out of the room and left both of them.
“Again? Minho, we’re lawyers, not detectives!”, Taemin said with both hands up, demanding Minho for answers. “We’re closed for almost a week because we’re playing this...this...this little thing called investigation.”
“Taemin, you know when I work on a case, I focus.”
Taemin felt really sad. “Is it because he’s paying you lots of money?”
Minho didn’t answer. He was about to bring all of the pictures with him, but then he decided to leave them all alone. They’re for Jonghyun anyway. “Let’s go.”
“No!”
Minho was surprised to hear Taemin’s high voice.
“Not until you tell me what the hell are we working here! You’re hiding something, right Minho?”
Taemin crossed his arms, and glaring, well it was more like a sad stare. Minho felt a pang. He didn’t want the younger one to feel sad. “Please don’t be sad, Taemin.”
Taemin unfolded his arms and slowly got up. “This is becoming personal, isn’t it?”
“...yes.”
“And you always said to me not to be involved personally with a case,” Taemin shook his head sadly. “Come on, let’s go...”
As they’re walking, Minho abruptly stopped Taemin and the latter bumped onto him. Taemin was confused. Minho opened his mouth, then close it again, then he opened his mouth again.
“I care for you.”
With that, he ruffled Taemin’s hair lovingly.
“Come on.”
Taemin, who was stunned at the gesture, felt his cheek blushing furiously, but decided to act casually. I love you so much, Choi Minho.
***
Key was sleeping on the bed when Jonghyun walked in. Startled by the sound, Key woke up, only to find Jonghyun staring at him. Key felt so scared. There’s something odd about Jonghyun’s gaze. “J-jjong?”
“Baby.”
Key made himself to a sitting position, still with the blanket on his chest. “S-something’s wrong?”
“I don’t know. Why don’t you tell me?”
Jonghyun’s voice sounded dangerous. Key was terribly scared. He covered his mouth, hand shaking.
“Where’s your phone?”
“W-what?”
“I said, where’s your phone?”
“Wh-why?”
Jonghyun slammed his hand on the table hard and Key screamed. “I SAID, WHERE IS YOUR GODDAMN PHONE?”
“I-in the pocket,” Key stammered. His back was glued to the pillow, unable to move. Jonghyun is furious, and there’s nothing more Key afraid of than a furious husband.
Jonghyun browsed thoroughly at Key’s things. He finally found the phone in the pocket of the jeans, with a name card. A hotel name card. Key bit his lip.
Dammit,I should’ve thrown it away!
“What is this,” Jonghyun showed Key the card.
Key couldn’t answer.
“WHAT IS THIS, BABY???”
Key closed his eyes because he thought Jonghyun would hit him. Instead, Jonghyun just yanked Key’s arms and gripped them tightly. Key opened his eyes and he was crying.
“This. Is. A. Prostitution. Area.”
Key cried, his tears were falling to his cheeks, he sobbed silently. Jonghyun kept gripping his arms, and it started to hurt.
“So, you’re going to be a whore once I divorce you, is that it?”
“No...”
“So that’s why you’ve been asking for it, and then you’re practicing.”
“No...please...”
“So let me ask you this, how does it feel like...to be fucked by so many people?”
“Stop...Jonghyun...”
“I’M ASKING YOU, KEY!!!”
“I said stop!”, Key pushed Jonghyun, his eyes were filled with tears and his face was red. “You don’t know how I feel!”
“Well, for a start maybe you can tell me!!!”
Key got up from the bed, wiped his tears and started to collect his important things. His mind was filled with heartache, all those things Jonghyun wouldn’t understand.
“Key!”, Jonghyun touched Key but Key quickly pulled away.
“I wanted a divorce because I knew you wouldn’t understand!”
“What? Of course I wouldn’t understand why does my husband wants to become a whore?”
“That’s not the point and you know it!”
“Hey, I know nothing here!!!”
Their big fights made all the maids peeking from the end of the hall because the door was not closed.
“They’re fighting...they never fight before!”
“Mr. Kim shouted, I’ve never seen him angry before!”
Key sobbed as he finished changing and grabbed his bag.
“Where are you going, Key?”
“Anywhere but here.”
Jonghyun sighed loudly, desperate.
“Why couldn’t you just tell me what’s going on?”
Key turned around, still sobbing. “I don’t want to hurt you.”
“We’re both hurt here, baby, can’t you see? How long has it been that we’re together?”
Key grabbed his phone, and Jonghyun suddenly remembered it was his intention from the start and he forgot. Now Key’s gonna leave. But Jonghyun already gave up this time. Whatever.
“If you want the divorce so much, fine, I’ll divorce you. I’ll inform Minho tomorrow.”
Jonghyun avoided looking at Key, and Key walked to the door. He glanced at his husband’s back one last time, mouthing I love you, and left.
Jonghyun never felt so hurt and miserable.
***
It was raining hard outside. Park insisted on dropping him somewhere safe, but Key didn’t want to. He wanted to walk. He just wanted to be alone.
He’s going crazy. Those words Jonghyun said to him were harsh. But he did hurt Jonghyun. The raindrops fell on his body. They’re just water, but it was as if ice was hitting his body hard. He couldn’t think anymore. He was tired. His body ached.
Where should I go? Onew? Nah...he might call Jonghyun and forced me to go back...
Shivering, Key saw a convenient store and was thinking of getting some coffee to warm his body. Just as he was about to enter the store, Minho walked outside. “Oh!”
“Wah!”, they bumped on each other. Minho’s shirt was quickly wet from the water’s dripping.
“I’m-I’m sorry!”
“Key? What the-you’re soaking wet!”
“Mi-Minho?”
Minho stared at Key. He was a mess. He was soaking from all the raindrops, but Minho can tell that he’s been crying. Then suddenly, Key burst out crying. Minho was shocked. Thankfully there were not any people in front of the store. Minho touched Key’s shoulders with both hand.
“Hey, hey, everything’s gonna be alright...”
Key kept on sobbing. His body was cold, it was obvious that he’s freezing.
“Look, I’m gonna take you home. Back to Jonghyun’s?”
Key’s eyes widened and turned to fear. “No...”
“Okay. How about Onew?”
“Onew might tell me to go home...”
Minho was confused. “Okay, okay, don’t cry, I’m gonna take you home with me. Is that alright?”
Key looked hesitant for a while before nodding softly.
“Come on, let’s go. It’s my car over there,” Minho said and pointed at an SUV. As they walked to the car, Minho quickly dialed Taemin’s number. “Hey, are you asleep yet?”
“No, what is it?”
“Can I pick you up like, now?”
“Um, I’m actually nearby your house. Want me to come?”
“Yes, please. I need you. I’ll be arriving home around ten minutes. I’ll be waiting, okay?”
***
Key stepped outside the bathroom and saw Minho was setting up the couch for sleeping. Minho was very nice for letting Key using his bathroom and had a nice warm shower, otherwise he’d be very cold right now. Luckily Key brought a pair of change of clothes with him, so he wouldn’t have to wear Minho’s.
Minho realized Key’s presence, and smiled at him.
“Hey. Are you done?”
“Yes,” Key smiled awkwardly. “Thank you for letting me using the bathroom...”
“No problem. Are you okay? You’re not getting any fever?”
“No. Minho... I’m sorry for bothering you,” Key said apologetically. “The couch seems nice. I’m really thankful.”
“What? No, this is for me. You are gonna sleep on the bed tonight.”
“Wait, it’s okay. I can sleep on the couch. Jonghyun’s the one that’s rich, not me...”
Minho laughed. This is the first time Key ever saw Minho laughing, actually. He usually was so cool. “But you and Taemin are not gonna be comfortable here. It’s okay.”
“Taemin is coming?”
“Yeah. He can handle this sort of thing better than me,” Minho felt something was odd so he frowned at Key. “What’s the matter?”
“Nothing...I just have the feeling he doesn’t like me,” Key looked down.
“No, he’s not like that. That’s because you two are not close yet. Don’t worry. He’s really a nice person once you get to know him.”
Key brightened up. “Yeah, I guess...so how long the two of you have been together now?”
Minho blinked. “You mean...at work?”
“Well, he’s your boyfriend right?”
“Wha-“, Minho covered his mouth. “Me and Taemin?”
“So you’re not?”
Minho was speechless. Okay, this is so awkward.
“It’s so obvious that you care for him so much,” Key beamed happily. “The way you touch his hair, the way you walk beside him, the way you gently touched his hand...it was really sweet of you.”
Sweet?
Key sighed. “I miss those moments...Jonghyun was so romantic, you know? I just wish...wish we’d go back to those times when we didn’t have much money, but we were happy. It’s not that I don’t like the money...but I just, really, really miss the old Jonghyun...”
Key looked really sad.
“It’s okay, Key... You can tell me.”
Key shrugged. “Since we moved to that big house, everything just changed. We rarely met, he left me for meetings and business trips, and I just...we kinda lost our communication. I’m so scared of burdening him with whatever I feel inside. I just don’t want to complain...”
Lack of communication.
“Key...”
“Hm?”
“What really happened to you?”
Key stared at Minho and smiled sadly. “Can I tell you tomorrow? I’m tired...”
“Alright,” Minho smiled. “Good night, Key.”
“Good night, Minho.”
Several minutes later, Taemin arrived. Minho explained everything. Taemin opened Minho’s door carefully and peeked inside. Key was sleeping peacefully and he looked so comfortable.
“I shouldn’t bother his sleep...”, Taemin mumbled. “Maybe I should go home.”
“Can’t you stay? You can take the couch.”
Minho said it casually, without realizing how much the impact would be on Taemin. Fortunately Minho’s back was on him, so he wouldn’t see Taemin blushing.
“And you’re gonna be sleeping on?”
“Floor. No worries.”
“O-okay...”
“You didn’t bring any change of clothes, did you? You can borrow mine, I’ve prepared them for you.”
Taemin almost drowned in Minho’s clothes, but he felt comfortable in it. He kissed Minho’s scent.
Maybe this is the feeling of wearing your boyfriend’s clothes...
Taemin walked to the couch, and laid his body on it and again, he could smell Minho’s scent on the pillow. He brought the blanket to his chest and started feeling sleepy already. Minho was turning off the lights, and leave one light on. He knew Taemin was afraid of darkness.
Minho settled himself on the floor. Taemin touched Minho’s arms from the couch. “Key...he’s been through a lot, didn’t he...”
“He’s gonna be okay. We’re gonna help him. Now try sleeping, Taemin. Good night.”
I can’t sleep with your presence! I wanna see your face while sleeping so bad...
“Okay. Good night, Minho...”
Silence. The only sound heard was the rummaging sound Taemin made with his blanket. He couldn’t sleep. His heart was beating faster. He could hear Minho’s steady breath. He turned his body to the left. Then he turned his body to the right. Then he sighed.
“It’s a bit cold, isn’t it?”
Taemin was startled by Minho’s voice. “I thought you’re sleeping already. I’m sorry, I made too much ruckus-“
Minho sat up, and stared at Taemin. “I think the couch is big enough for both of us. Do you think you can back up a little?”
Blushing, Taemin nodded as he glued his back to the couch, and Minho settled himself into a comfortable position, facing Taemin.
Minho’s body was bigger, Taemin was a lot skinnier. Luckily the couch was really enough for both of them. Sometimes Minho had to grab the couch so he wouldn’t fall back down. Taemin couldn’t bring himself to look up, his right hand was on Minho’s chest, and his left hand held Minho’s arm tightly.
Taemin felt so safe. God, please...let me enjoy this moment. Let me cherish it...
Minho kissed Taemin’s lips lovingly. “Good night.”
“Good night, Hyung...”, Taemin whispered back as he felt secure. He wanted it to be like this forever. He felt sleepy already in the arms of Minho. He closed his eyes, feeling the warmth of Minho’s body, and then he fell asleep.
The rain still pour hard outside, but the only thing they hear was each other’s heartbeat.
[3]