[fic] Minho/Key - SHINee - High Maintenance - Chapter 7/10
Title: High Maintenance; Chapter 7/10
Author: fonulyn
Rating: NC17 (overall)
Pairing: Minho/girl!Key (Minho/Gwiboon)
Other characters: Jonghyun, Onew, Zhou Mi, Boa, girl!Taemin (some are around more than others)
Warnings: --
Wordcount: 47 200 (overall); 4940 for this part
Disclaimer: I own no one, only my dirty imagination.
Summary: When Gwiboon's car breaks down she expects the repairs to be an annoying hassle. Not in her wildest dreams had she hoped for an illegally hot mechanic to be there to ease her hardships.
Comments: Happy new year! \o/
Previous parts: Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6
If Minho had been asked, he would’ve said that Gwiboon’s parents probably live in one of the expensive skyscrapers in the middle of the city, or in some huge mansion still within the central area. Yet when he picks Gwiboon up and she gives him directions, turns out they’re heading way out of the city and onto the emptier side roads. “Your parents live here?” he asks, surprised, as they take yet another turn that leads them further away from the centre.
“No,” Gwiboon answers with a soft chuckle. “Or yes. They own three different houses and an apartment, but this one is where they host all the important parties. Most pompous one, you see. Even if it’s annoying to get to, everyone usually wants to go through the trouble for the chance of being included in the high society.” She explains it like one would explain a scientific fact, with no real emotion. The truth is, she doesn’t even know how she feels about it. This is the world she’s grown up in, yet she does see how ridiculous it is for people to fight tooth and nail to be part of something so …fake.
“Oh.” That is literally the only response Minho can give right now. Gwiboon’s parents must be richer than he thought and he did think rich, very rich.
Suddenly there’s a hand on his thigh, and when he glances at her she’s smiling at him. “It’ll be fine. Don’t worry too much.”
That’s exactly what Jonghyun had tried to tell Minho for the better part of the evening, and yet now is the first moment when Minho feels himself properly relax. He’s still nervous, the anxious tingling left in the pit of his stomach, but at least he’s not so tense anymore. “You’re beautiful,” he replies, with utmost honesty. Her pale blue dress is shimmery and looks so good on her he just wants to stare shamelessly for the rest of eternity. Then again, she could wear anything and he’d still find her attractive.
The compliment makes Gwiboon huff. She pulls her hand back and straightens in her seat, but there’s a pleased smile tugging on her lips regardless. “Just focus on driving, Romeo. We don’t want to be late.”
They arrive early, but they aren’t the first ones there. As soon as they step out of the car Minho’s nervousness seems to double, but he tries to cover it up, casually placing his hand in the small of Gwiboon’s back to guide her towards the front door. There’s a man in a black suit at the door who gives them drinks, and whom Gwiboon greets warmly but doesn’t introduce, so Minho figures it must be one of the servants. He’s offered a glass of champagne and he’s grateful to have something in his hands, to feel less awkward.
Slowly they make their way further into the house, into a big reception hall, and Minho can barely stop himself from staring in sheer awe. The place is pompous. It’s luxurious, to the point of being almost glaringly obvious and skirting the line of good taste. Nothing like Gwiboon’s apartment, which does have quality furniture and designer items yes, but in a much more toned down way than this. It’s like being in a movie, some sort of a beggar who’s let into the big castle.
Finally, The Big Moment arrives. Gwiboon stops in front of a woman who clearly has her eyes, but otherwise looks nothing like her. “Mother,” Gwiboon greets, leaning in to fake a kiss on the older woman’s cheek. As soon as she pulls back she gestures towards Minho. “Meet Choi Minho. Minho, this is my mother.”
Automatically Minho’s instincts kick in and he offers a deep bow, followed by the most charming smile he can manage. “I’m honoured to meet you, Mrs Kim. You have a lovely home.”
He is completely ignored. Mrs Kim arches a perfectly trimmed eyebrow and looks at her daughter with clear distaste. “When you said you’d bring someone, I didn’t realize it was going to be one of your flings.” The way she says it makes it sound worse than any insult Minho has ever had to face, and he recoils slightly in surprise.
Gwiboon presses her lips to a thin line. “Mother.” That’s all she says, and her mother only shrugs a little, obviously agreeing that the discussion is over. She looks right past Minho, at another guest arriving, and a smile is instantly plastered on her face as she smoothly steps around him and goes to greet the newcomer.
“Wow,” Minho mutters under his breath. That didn’t go as expected. Of all the scenarios he played out in his head, this one wasn’t even on the list. Gwiboon still looks absolutely furious, but defiantly hooks her arm with Minho’s and pulls him forward. Meeting her father goes marginally better, as he actually acknowledges Minho and asks him a couple of generic questions, answers to which he obviously doesn’t even listen to. Yet he doesn’t say anything insulting, which feels like a huge relief at that point.
They migrate towards a big dining hall next, and Gwiboon is silent all the way, except for exchanging greetings with some people she recognizes. Minho focuses on staying close to her, and being as invisible and silent as he can possibly be. Just before they go sit at the table Gwiboon pulls him aside, looking up at him as she lowers her voice to a whisper. “It’ll get better, okay? I’m -”
She’s cut off by a cheerful sound of her name, and the next thing Minho knows Gwiboon is squealing and almost throwing herself at someone. At closer inspection it turns out to be an attractive man, around their age, with sparkling eyes and a smile that could melt the poles. They hug for what feels like an eternity, and serves to make Minho even more awkward than he was, but finally they detach from one another and the man turns to Minho.
At least he’s still smiling, it must be a good sign. “I’m Jinki! It’s so nice to finally meet you, I’ve heard so much about you!” Jinki greets Minho warmly, and it’s the first moment the whole evening when Minho feels like he’s looked at like he’s an actual person.
“I hope only good things,” he tries, grimacing a little at the awkward, old joke. It makes Jinki laugh, though, and that is all that’s needed to make the tension lessen. At that moment, Minho decides he likes this Jinki guy.
They don’t get the chance to talk more before they’re already guided to the table, and Minho thanks high heavens that he’s sitting next to Gwiboon and across the table from Jinki. At least like this he’ll have someone to talk to, instead of the whole dinner passing in painful silence. The bad side is that they’re sitting at the main table, and Gwiboon’s parents are only two seats away, and he suspects they’re not going to make this whole thing easy for him.
Not that it’s easy to begin with. Minho was right about his inability to use proper cutlery set out for them, and he would much rather be at his favourite local restaurant with normal homemade food and normal utensils and none of this fancy stuff. He tries to subtly keep his eyes on either Gwiboon or Jinki and imitate them, and it’s literally the only way he survives. Even though he googled this beforehand…
For the first half of the dinner he’s being completely ignored. For the second part of the dinner he’s being continuously insulted, in smaller or bigger ways, and always by Mrs Kim. Her husband stays silent, even if sometimes cracks a dry smile at one of her jabs. She never says anything downright hostile, but there’s something in the way she speaks that makes every word sound venomous.
The worst part, though, is when she begins insinuating that Jinki would be so much better match for Gwiboon. She keeps emphasizing how they’ve been friends for so long, how they’ve practically grown into being perfect spouses, and tells little stories meant to show how right she is. Almost everyone around them is humming in agreement, and if that doesn’t suck then Minho doesn’t know what would. The only thing that makes it better is how Gwiboon is obviously radiating tension and anger, and how Jinki seems to get as uneasy as Minho does, so Minho knows he’s not alone in this.
This is officially the worst birthday party he’s ever attended, he thinks bitterly as he takes his glass of water. And he can’t even drink to make it more bearable.
The end of the dinner brings at least some good to the situation, since Minho isn’t stuck right next to Gwiboon’s parents anymore. He follows Gwiboon and Jinki to the sparkly ballroom, where they settle right by one of the windows. The windowsill is wide enough to sit on and Minho is sort of tempted, but he resists since no one else seems to take advantage of the fact either. Absently he takes in the glorious garden outside, as the other two are laughing at some old joke over their drinks.
He only lands back to reality when Gwiboon nudges him slightly. “Hey,” she smiles softly. “I really need to go make a round and say hello to everyone I know. It’s not optional. Do you want to join me?” She asks it like there’d be an alternative and Minho tries his best to come up with a good excuse to pass that. He’s not really in the mood to be either gawked at or stared at disapprovingly by people he doesn’t even know.
Thankfully, Jinki turns out to be his saviour. “Hey Boonie, if you don’t mind, I’ll steal him away for a while. You’ve told me so much, but I still haven’t gotten to actually know him!” He smiles disarmingly, and it obviously works as Gwiboon just mirrors it, turning to look at Minho as if to ask if he’s okay with that. Eagerly, Minho tells her to go, to have fun, and that he’ll be fine with Jinki here.
He watches her go, and only when she disappears into the crowd he turns slightly towards Jinki again. “Thank you. I really don’t think I could’ve handled more rich people.”
“Hey,” Jinki chuckles merrily, and takes a slow sip from his glass. “I am a rich person. I could find that offensive.” Before Minho manages to try apologize or otherwise blather something unnecessary, Jinki waves his hand slightly. “I know what you mean. This is a world you’d need to grow into. It’s a role. I’ve spent all my life perfecting it, otherwise I’d be a total bumbling idiot here. So trust me, you’re doing fine.”
It does make Minho feel better, and he ducks his head down to hide the stubborn smile. “Thanks.” He inhales as deeply as he can, twisting his shoulders slightly in hopes of letting the tension off his muscles. “But I don’t think some people would agree with you. Gwiboon’s parents probably wouldn’t have wanted me here at all.”
Jinki huffs. “It’s got nothing to do with you. It’s only Mrs Kim and her stubborn ideas of getting me to marry her daughter one day.” He rolls his eyes, as if the thought is completely ridiculous - which Minho supposes it actually is. Jinki grins again, and even though it’s the same happy one from before, it has a touch of mirth in it. “Wanna know why?”
“You sound like it’s some really juicy gossip,” Minho laughs.
“It sort of is,” Jinki drawls, mysteriously, but then breaks into a short burst of laughter. “The thing is, my father almost married Gwiboon’s mother. I don’t know the details, I only know that she’s still somehow fixated on that, and my father doesn’t mind at all. Apparently, they had already spoken about engagement, but then my mother had gotten pregnant. And you know, you can’t lose your reputation in these circles so my father really had no other choice.”
Minho hums slowly, taking it all in. He doesn’t say anything though, having a feeling that Jinki isn’t done yet.
“My parents get along fine, so it worked out in the end. And for some reason, Mrs Kim doesn’t resent me but has this grand plan to make their children complete the union they lost.” Jinki smirks, obviously amused. “Doesn’t that sound like it’s straight from a drama? An old one, even. Destiny didn’t work out for them so the next generation must patch things up.”
“That…” Minho chuckles. “That doesn’t really make sense.”
Jinki laughs again, shaking his head. “No, it really doesn’t. But that’s how she sees it, unfortunately. Which has subjected me and Gwiboon to years of unsubtle hints about how amazing we would be together. I think I was five when I was first told that Gwiboon will make a beautiful wife to someone one day.”
That thought actually makes Minho shudder. It’s not like it’s an ideal situation to be stuck in. So maybe he should stop feeling sorry for himself, at least for a while. Although he still thinks that this night sucks. Majorly.
His frown must betray his thoughts since Jinki just claps his hand on Minho’s shoulder. “Don’t worry about it too much. Her parents might hate you but she is head over heels for you. And she’s stubborn.” He smiles, honestly, and it’s obvious he means every word he says.
Turns out, Jinki is really good at distracting and he babbles on, tells funny random stories from work, shares little tidbits of knowledge about Gwiboon, elaborates on how they grew up together and are practically siblings by now. It’s nice, and ends way too soon as Jinki is dragged away by an older woman who says she has someone she wants to introduce to him. Jinki promises to be right back, giving a cheerful little wave.
From then on, it’s just Minho. He feels increasingly awkward as people give him curious looks, and he tries to just smile at them and hopes no one comes to talk to him. No such luck, though. He ends up exchanging a few words with Gwiboon’s aunt, who seems genuinely curious when she asks if he’s a hired escort. Then there’s some business advocate of the family, who asks him what company he works for and how much he makes a year. Each and every person who even says ‘hi’ manages to eventually make Minho feel like he’s completely out of his element.
Finally, Gwiboon re-appears, sneaking her arm back into Minho’s. “I’m sorry it took so long,” she smiles, obviously blissfully unaware of how much bottled tension is boiling right underneath his skin. “I met Jinki’s mother and I couldn’t ditch her. She hates these parties more than anyone I know.”
Except for me, Minho adds inwardly, but doesn’t say it out loud. He even holds back a sigh, and tries to return the smile. He’s quite sure he doesn’t succeed very well. “How long do we need to stay?” he asks, aiming for a casual tone. He’s not certain if that works out, either.
“I think we can find father right after the official part is over and try to sneak out,” Gwiboon answers with a small shrug. “He has the tendency to be always surrounded by people, though, so let’s see how it works out.”
Minho really, really hopes it works out. He would love to get out of here as soon as possible.
It’s dark by the time they finally manage to say their goodbyes. Mrs Kim sees them to the door, while her husband is still busy with the rest of the guests. She’s smiling, even if there’s nothing friendly in the thin mask of politeness when she offers a nod to Minho. That’s all he gets, before Mrs Kim pulls her daughter closer, patting her back in what’s probably supposed to pass for a hug. “Gwiboon,” she coos, holding on to Gwiboon’s elbows as she pulls back. “You should visit us more. Your father would appreciate seeing his only daughter.”
“Mother,” Gwiboon sighs. “We’ve been through this.” She looks so deeply uncomfortable that for a second Minho considers saying something to break the moment, but he doesn’t get the chance before Gwiboon sighs again. “Fine. I’ll try.”
“Thank you,” Mrs Kim says, finally releasing her grip. Her smile seems wider now, her whole demeanour more relaxed. “You should bring Jinki, too. After all, he is practically family.” That’s an innocent enough remark on its own. What follows is what makes both Gwiboon and Minho tense. “Although, Gwiboon, you do remember he could be family officially, too.”
Gwiboon freezes. She looks stormy as she raises her chin, glaring at her mother with the anger that seems ready to burst out. “I will pretend you didn’t say that.”
She turns to leave, catching Minho’s wrist to tug him along. As if he wasn’t ready to flee the place the first possible chance. It’s still raining, and if he was alone he’d make a mad dash for the car but he doesn’t really trust Gwiboon to run in the killer heels. So instead he shrugs off his suit jacket and wraps it around Gwiboon’s shoulders to shield her and her expensive dress.
Even if it’s only a few droplets that manage to catch them on their way, Gwiboon is quick to dig through her purse for a mirror to see what damage it’s done to her impeccable hairdo and makeup. She rubs her middle finger under her eye to get rid of a smudge of mascara, while Minho silently starts the car. They’ll have a long drive ahead of them, across the winding countryside roads that are basically empty at this hour.
The radio host’s voice fills the small space, but Minho isn’t paying it any attention. His thoughts are still on the exchange they went through at the door, and he can’t help but be bothered by it. It’s like the cherry on top of the disaster this whole evening turned out to be. There hadn’t been any illusions on it ever having a chance to go brilliantly, but he would’ve still hoped for at least a slightly better outcome.
The thing is, the more time he spends with Gwiboon the more convinced he is that’s what he wants to keep doing. He’s had his fair share of crushes before, he’s been infatuated by beautiful girls and he’s even been in love, he thinks. But Gwiboon is the first girl that makes him feel he can be completely himself with her. He doesn’t need to play pretend, he doesn’t need to constantly work to be something he’s not. Ever since they first met, he’d been charmed by the easy way she didn’t take any of his bullshit but didn’t assume he’d take any from her, either.
He knows he’s falling. He’s already fallen quite a bit of the way.
Yet Gwiboon’s parents obviously don’t want him in her life. They’d want him to be the perfect son-in-law, to fit comfortably into the mould they’ve prepared for a person they’d accept into the family. He can’t be that person, and he doesn’t want to be that person. But he doesn’t know how highly Gwiboon appreciates the opinion of her parents. If they want him out, will she send him packing, eventually?
“Minho,” Gwiboon breaks the silence, places her hand softly on Minho’s thigh. “Stop fretting. It went fine.”
“No it didn’t,” Minho bites back before he can stop himself. He’s never in his life felt so out of place anywhere but during that dinner, and if it hadn’t been for Gwiboon and for Jinki’s friendly attempts at chatting, he would’ve probably died of sheer embarrassment comparing himself to everyone around him. He felt like a bull in a china shop. “Your mother doesn’t think it went fine.”
“She didn’t mean anything by it.” Gwiboon shakes her head at how meek it sounds, knowing it’s a lame counterargument. She doesn’t expect it to make Minho’s temper snap completely, though.
“She meant everything by it,” he spits, “and you know that. Besides she’s right! I can’t do this!”
For a second, Minho isn’t paying attention and almost loses control over the car. It’s raining so heavily the tires start aquaplaning and for one terrifying moment it seems that they’re going to swerve right out of the road. Only by sheer luck he manages to get back on the asphalt properly, his heart pumping a million miles an hour. He hits the brakes, a little too harshly, and parks the car by the roadside.
Gwiboon looks pale as chalk. She is squeezing the seat tight, her whole posture rigid as she stares at Minho. “What was that?” she asks, timidly, forcing the words out past the lump in her throat.
That is when it hits Minho. They could’ve ended up smashed against the nearest tree as easily as they managed to get parked safely. They could’ve died. And it would’ve been because of his temper, and how he lost it over something so stupid. “I can’t do this. I can’t,” he repeats, fumbling to unbuckle the seatbelt.
Then he’s already out of the car.
The rain is harsh, like it’s giving him the beating of his life, and he’s soaked right to the bone within seconds. After the few angry steps he takes along the road, back towards the direction they came from, he slows down until he’s only walking briskly instead of running. Nevertheless, his thoughts keep on racing, there’s no stopping them.
He doesn’t hear the sound of heels clacking on asphalt at first, neither does he hear the voice shouting his name out loud. It’s only when a hand lands on his shoulder that he stops, spins around to be face to face with equally as drenched Gwiboon.
The first thing she does is slap him. Hard. Not at all like it looks like in the movies, but in a way that probably hurts as much as if she’d straight out punched him in the face. “That,” she yells to get her voice carry over the rushing of the water, “was for running away like a fucking idiot!”
Then, she grabs the front of his dress shirt - now probably ruined beyond repair - and yanks him close until she can crash their mouths together. The kiss is hot, in contrast to the freezing rain pouring over them, and Gwiboon’s fingers are insistent in Minho’s hair until he wraps his arms around her to pull her against his chest.
When they finally break apart, Gwiboon takes a deep breath, her voice considerably calmer than before. “That,” she admits, looking at Minho through long lashes heavy with raindrops, “was an apology.”
“I’m serious, Gwiboon,” Minho says. He reaches out to brush a hopelessly wet strand of hair from her face, even if it stubbornly falls right back on its original place. “The dinner was an epic disaster. And your mother is right. I don’t fit in your world. I’m not good at fancy dinners. There were at least seven goddamn forks in there what am I supposed to do with them? I’m not good at etiquette and meeting parents and polite chitchat with the guests.” He pauses. “I’m not Jinki.”
“You don’t need to be!” Gwiboon underlines the words by smacking her closed fist into Minho’s chest, even if only lightly. “My parents live in a fantasy world where they see me and Jinki marry and have a dozen beautiful babies but that’s not going to happen. He doesn’t want it, and I don’t want it. You have to ignore what they say!”
Maybe she’s right. Minho feels awkward regardless of that, though, as if he’s interfering where it’s not his place to mix. “I’m still not cut out for your world. You’ve said it yourself.”
“Then we’ll make our own world, for fuck’s sake! They can’t rule our lives for us!” Gwiboon throws her hands up in frustration, but then grabs Minho’s shirt again, allows her palms to slide down his shoulder blades. “Don’t push me away, Minho. You might not be what my parents want. But you’re what I want.”
She seems completely sincere and Minho can’t help but melt. He smiles, albeit a little tiredly, and scoops her up until she can wrap her legs around his waist. “Let’s get back into the car, okay.” It isn’t that far, the bright red backlights of the car glaring at them from few paces away, so he carries her back, and sets her down right next to the passenger side door.
By the time they’re back inside the vehicle, Gwiboon’s dress is nearly see-through and the neckline is stretched so low it’s almost obscene. She doesn’t do anything to fix it, though, only carefully discards Minho’s suit jacket to the backseat and out of the harm’s way. She sits up straight and arches an eyebrow at Minho, who is looking equally miserable in his drenched state. “I am so glad we took your car.”
It makes Minho laugh, allowing the last of the tension to drain off him.
They go back to Minho’s apartment, and Minho lets Gwiboon have the shower first. He makes tea, enough for a small army, and hopes that together with a steaming hot shower it’ll make them both warm again. She rewards him with a quick kiss as they switch turns, and by the time he’s spent a small eternity underneath the water spray he’s actually starting to feel human again. He wraps himself in a fluffy bathrobe, distantly amused by the fact that Gwiboon had insisted they get a matching set just days prior. Sometimes it’s like they’re already living like a boring married couple.
When Minho makes his way to the living room Gwiboon is curled up on the couch, in her own bathrobe and even with a blanket pulled on her lap, a cup of tea cradled carefully in her palms. He pads closer, thanking every higher power he can think of that the blanket is big enough for him to sneak under as well. His legs are almost too long, but Gwiboon shifts a bit until they’re both sitting snugly under the warm layer of fleece.
Silently Gwiboon takes a sip of tea, before offering the cup to Minho, who gratefully accepts. Neither of them says a single word before the tea is long gone, the cup set on the coffee table in front of them. Besides the sound of rain thrumming on the windows, as if trying to break in, there’s only silence. Minho feels incredibly tired all of a sudden, and leans in to rest his head on Gwiboon’s shoulder.
“We should probably talk,” Gwiboon begins softly, running her fingers down the side of his face. “About today.” There’s no answer, at least not soon enough to her liking, so she goes on. “I’m sorry. I wouldn’t have forced you to go if I’d known they’d react that badly. They… It’s never been that bad.”
Minho hums, blinks his eyes and tries to shake the tiredness. He doesn’t want to move from his place, though, not while he’s so incredibly comfortable even when curled up so awkwardly. “It’s okay,” he mumbles, absently.
“No, Minho,” she sighs, prodding his forehead to demand his attention. “It’s not okay. None of it is okay. And I need you to know that nothing they say can change this, okay?” When he opens his eyes, she leans in and connects their lips in a soft, chaste kiss. “I love you, okay. I’m not in this only for your gorgeous body.”
That makes Minho laugh and he straightens a bit, to be able to better look her in the eye. “You’re not?”
“No, stupid,” Gwiboon huffs. There’s a grin tugging on her lips, and she pats his cheek. “No. Although I have to admit, it does help.” Playfully, she squirms until he leans back enough to let her slip away from underneath the blanket. She pads into the kitchen, returning only a moment later with a fresh cup of hot tea.
They share the second cup like they did the first, in comfortable silence. It feels like something heavy has been lifted off them, like some invisible barrier in the air has been broken. Yet they’re both so tired after the long, stressful day that they retreat to bed soon after. Gwiboon complains she’s still cold and snuggles closer to Minho’s side, tucking her admittedly icy nose against his shoulder and her feet between his calves.
She falls asleep almost immediately, but Minho lingers for a bit longer. He listens to the soft huffs of her breathing, focuses on the slow rise and fall of her chest, until he’s already on the verge of the dreamland.
That’s when something hits him.
I love you, okay.
He realizes it’s the first time she’s said it out loud. And that he didn’t return the sentiment. He knows he’ll get his chance later, plenty of times, and thus it only makes him grin like an idiot. Even the party, all the insults and the condescending looks he got, it’s all worth it if this is what’s waiting for him at the end of the day.
Gently, he pulls Gwiboon closer, and shifts to a more comfortable position that still leaves them tangled together. He falls asleep with a smile still stuck on his lips.
Next Chapter
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fun fact; the scene in the rain is the first one I wrote for the whole story~
@DW.
Author: fonulyn
Rating: NC17 (overall)
Pairing: Minho/girl!Key (Minho/Gwiboon)
Other characters: Jonghyun, Onew, Zhou Mi, Boa, girl!Taemin (some are around more than others)
Warnings: --
Wordcount: 47 200 (overall); 4940 for this part
Disclaimer: I own no one, only my dirty imagination.
Summary: When Gwiboon's car breaks down she expects the repairs to be an annoying hassle. Not in her wildest dreams had she hoped for an illegally hot mechanic to be there to ease her hardships.
Comments: Happy new year! \o/
Previous parts: Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6
If Minho had been asked, he would’ve said that Gwiboon’s parents probably live in one of the expensive skyscrapers in the middle of the city, or in some huge mansion still within the central area. Yet when he picks Gwiboon up and she gives him directions, turns out they’re heading way out of the city and onto the emptier side roads. “Your parents live here?” he asks, surprised, as they take yet another turn that leads them further away from the centre.
“No,” Gwiboon answers with a soft chuckle. “Or yes. They own three different houses and an apartment, but this one is where they host all the important parties. Most pompous one, you see. Even if it’s annoying to get to, everyone usually wants to go through the trouble for the chance of being included in the high society.” She explains it like one would explain a scientific fact, with no real emotion. The truth is, she doesn’t even know how she feels about it. This is the world she’s grown up in, yet she does see how ridiculous it is for people to fight tooth and nail to be part of something so …fake.
“Oh.” That is literally the only response Minho can give right now. Gwiboon’s parents must be richer than he thought and he did think rich, very rich.
Suddenly there’s a hand on his thigh, and when he glances at her she’s smiling at him. “It’ll be fine. Don’t worry too much.”
That’s exactly what Jonghyun had tried to tell Minho for the better part of the evening, and yet now is the first moment when Minho feels himself properly relax. He’s still nervous, the anxious tingling left in the pit of his stomach, but at least he’s not so tense anymore. “You’re beautiful,” he replies, with utmost honesty. Her pale blue dress is shimmery and looks so good on her he just wants to stare shamelessly for the rest of eternity. Then again, she could wear anything and he’d still find her attractive.
The compliment makes Gwiboon huff. She pulls her hand back and straightens in her seat, but there’s a pleased smile tugging on her lips regardless. “Just focus on driving, Romeo. We don’t want to be late.”
They arrive early, but they aren’t the first ones there. As soon as they step out of the car Minho’s nervousness seems to double, but he tries to cover it up, casually placing his hand in the small of Gwiboon’s back to guide her towards the front door. There’s a man in a black suit at the door who gives them drinks, and whom Gwiboon greets warmly but doesn’t introduce, so Minho figures it must be one of the servants. He’s offered a glass of champagne and he’s grateful to have something in his hands, to feel less awkward.
Slowly they make their way further into the house, into a big reception hall, and Minho can barely stop himself from staring in sheer awe. The place is pompous. It’s luxurious, to the point of being almost glaringly obvious and skirting the line of good taste. Nothing like Gwiboon’s apartment, which does have quality furniture and designer items yes, but in a much more toned down way than this. It’s like being in a movie, some sort of a beggar who’s let into the big castle.
Finally, The Big Moment arrives. Gwiboon stops in front of a woman who clearly has her eyes, but otherwise looks nothing like her. “Mother,” Gwiboon greets, leaning in to fake a kiss on the older woman’s cheek. As soon as she pulls back she gestures towards Minho. “Meet Choi Minho. Minho, this is my mother.”
Automatically Minho’s instincts kick in and he offers a deep bow, followed by the most charming smile he can manage. “I’m honoured to meet you, Mrs Kim. You have a lovely home.”
He is completely ignored. Mrs Kim arches a perfectly trimmed eyebrow and looks at her daughter with clear distaste. “When you said you’d bring someone, I didn’t realize it was going to be one of your flings.” The way she says it makes it sound worse than any insult Minho has ever had to face, and he recoils slightly in surprise.
Gwiboon presses her lips to a thin line. “Mother.” That’s all she says, and her mother only shrugs a little, obviously agreeing that the discussion is over. She looks right past Minho, at another guest arriving, and a smile is instantly plastered on her face as she smoothly steps around him and goes to greet the newcomer.
“Wow,” Minho mutters under his breath. That didn’t go as expected. Of all the scenarios he played out in his head, this one wasn’t even on the list. Gwiboon still looks absolutely furious, but defiantly hooks her arm with Minho’s and pulls him forward. Meeting her father goes marginally better, as he actually acknowledges Minho and asks him a couple of generic questions, answers to which he obviously doesn’t even listen to. Yet he doesn’t say anything insulting, which feels like a huge relief at that point.
They migrate towards a big dining hall next, and Gwiboon is silent all the way, except for exchanging greetings with some people she recognizes. Minho focuses on staying close to her, and being as invisible and silent as he can possibly be. Just before they go sit at the table Gwiboon pulls him aside, looking up at him as she lowers her voice to a whisper. “It’ll get better, okay? I’m -”
She’s cut off by a cheerful sound of her name, and the next thing Minho knows Gwiboon is squealing and almost throwing herself at someone. At closer inspection it turns out to be an attractive man, around their age, with sparkling eyes and a smile that could melt the poles. They hug for what feels like an eternity, and serves to make Minho even more awkward than he was, but finally they detach from one another and the man turns to Minho.
At least he’s still smiling, it must be a good sign. “I’m Jinki! It’s so nice to finally meet you, I’ve heard so much about you!” Jinki greets Minho warmly, and it’s the first moment the whole evening when Minho feels like he’s looked at like he’s an actual person.
“I hope only good things,” he tries, grimacing a little at the awkward, old joke. It makes Jinki laugh, though, and that is all that’s needed to make the tension lessen. At that moment, Minho decides he likes this Jinki guy.
They don’t get the chance to talk more before they’re already guided to the table, and Minho thanks high heavens that he’s sitting next to Gwiboon and across the table from Jinki. At least like this he’ll have someone to talk to, instead of the whole dinner passing in painful silence. The bad side is that they’re sitting at the main table, and Gwiboon’s parents are only two seats away, and he suspects they’re not going to make this whole thing easy for him.
Not that it’s easy to begin with. Minho was right about his inability to use proper cutlery set out for them, and he would much rather be at his favourite local restaurant with normal homemade food and normal utensils and none of this fancy stuff. He tries to subtly keep his eyes on either Gwiboon or Jinki and imitate them, and it’s literally the only way he survives. Even though he googled this beforehand…
For the first half of the dinner he’s being completely ignored. For the second part of the dinner he’s being continuously insulted, in smaller or bigger ways, and always by Mrs Kim. Her husband stays silent, even if sometimes cracks a dry smile at one of her jabs. She never says anything downright hostile, but there’s something in the way she speaks that makes every word sound venomous.
The worst part, though, is when she begins insinuating that Jinki would be so much better match for Gwiboon. She keeps emphasizing how they’ve been friends for so long, how they’ve practically grown into being perfect spouses, and tells little stories meant to show how right she is. Almost everyone around them is humming in agreement, and if that doesn’t suck then Minho doesn’t know what would. The only thing that makes it better is how Gwiboon is obviously radiating tension and anger, and how Jinki seems to get as uneasy as Minho does, so Minho knows he’s not alone in this.
This is officially the worst birthday party he’s ever attended, he thinks bitterly as he takes his glass of water. And he can’t even drink to make it more bearable.
The end of the dinner brings at least some good to the situation, since Minho isn’t stuck right next to Gwiboon’s parents anymore. He follows Gwiboon and Jinki to the sparkly ballroom, where they settle right by one of the windows. The windowsill is wide enough to sit on and Minho is sort of tempted, but he resists since no one else seems to take advantage of the fact either. Absently he takes in the glorious garden outside, as the other two are laughing at some old joke over their drinks.
He only lands back to reality when Gwiboon nudges him slightly. “Hey,” she smiles softly. “I really need to go make a round and say hello to everyone I know. It’s not optional. Do you want to join me?” She asks it like there’d be an alternative and Minho tries his best to come up with a good excuse to pass that. He’s not really in the mood to be either gawked at or stared at disapprovingly by people he doesn’t even know.
Thankfully, Jinki turns out to be his saviour. “Hey Boonie, if you don’t mind, I’ll steal him away for a while. You’ve told me so much, but I still haven’t gotten to actually know him!” He smiles disarmingly, and it obviously works as Gwiboon just mirrors it, turning to look at Minho as if to ask if he’s okay with that. Eagerly, Minho tells her to go, to have fun, and that he’ll be fine with Jinki here.
He watches her go, and only when she disappears into the crowd he turns slightly towards Jinki again. “Thank you. I really don’t think I could’ve handled more rich people.”
“Hey,” Jinki chuckles merrily, and takes a slow sip from his glass. “I am a rich person. I could find that offensive.” Before Minho manages to try apologize or otherwise blather something unnecessary, Jinki waves his hand slightly. “I know what you mean. This is a world you’d need to grow into. It’s a role. I’ve spent all my life perfecting it, otherwise I’d be a total bumbling idiot here. So trust me, you’re doing fine.”
It does make Minho feel better, and he ducks his head down to hide the stubborn smile. “Thanks.” He inhales as deeply as he can, twisting his shoulders slightly in hopes of letting the tension off his muscles. “But I don’t think some people would agree with you. Gwiboon’s parents probably wouldn’t have wanted me here at all.”
Jinki huffs. “It’s got nothing to do with you. It’s only Mrs Kim and her stubborn ideas of getting me to marry her daughter one day.” He rolls his eyes, as if the thought is completely ridiculous - which Minho supposes it actually is. Jinki grins again, and even though it’s the same happy one from before, it has a touch of mirth in it. “Wanna know why?”
“You sound like it’s some really juicy gossip,” Minho laughs.
“It sort of is,” Jinki drawls, mysteriously, but then breaks into a short burst of laughter. “The thing is, my father almost married Gwiboon’s mother. I don’t know the details, I only know that she’s still somehow fixated on that, and my father doesn’t mind at all. Apparently, they had already spoken about engagement, but then my mother had gotten pregnant. And you know, you can’t lose your reputation in these circles so my father really had no other choice.”
Minho hums slowly, taking it all in. He doesn’t say anything though, having a feeling that Jinki isn’t done yet.
“My parents get along fine, so it worked out in the end. And for some reason, Mrs Kim doesn’t resent me but has this grand plan to make their children complete the union they lost.” Jinki smirks, obviously amused. “Doesn’t that sound like it’s straight from a drama? An old one, even. Destiny didn’t work out for them so the next generation must patch things up.”
“That…” Minho chuckles. “That doesn’t really make sense.”
Jinki laughs again, shaking his head. “No, it really doesn’t. But that’s how she sees it, unfortunately. Which has subjected me and Gwiboon to years of unsubtle hints about how amazing we would be together. I think I was five when I was first told that Gwiboon will make a beautiful wife to someone one day.”
That thought actually makes Minho shudder. It’s not like it’s an ideal situation to be stuck in. So maybe he should stop feeling sorry for himself, at least for a while. Although he still thinks that this night sucks. Majorly.
His frown must betray his thoughts since Jinki just claps his hand on Minho’s shoulder. “Don’t worry about it too much. Her parents might hate you but she is head over heels for you. And she’s stubborn.” He smiles, honestly, and it’s obvious he means every word he says.
Turns out, Jinki is really good at distracting and he babbles on, tells funny random stories from work, shares little tidbits of knowledge about Gwiboon, elaborates on how they grew up together and are practically siblings by now. It’s nice, and ends way too soon as Jinki is dragged away by an older woman who says she has someone she wants to introduce to him. Jinki promises to be right back, giving a cheerful little wave.
From then on, it’s just Minho. He feels increasingly awkward as people give him curious looks, and he tries to just smile at them and hopes no one comes to talk to him. No such luck, though. He ends up exchanging a few words with Gwiboon’s aunt, who seems genuinely curious when she asks if he’s a hired escort. Then there’s some business advocate of the family, who asks him what company he works for and how much he makes a year. Each and every person who even says ‘hi’ manages to eventually make Minho feel like he’s completely out of his element.
Finally, Gwiboon re-appears, sneaking her arm back into Minho’s. “I’m sorry it took so long,” she smiles, obviously blissfully unaware of how much bottled tension is boiling right underneath his skin. “I met Jinki’s mother and I couldn’t ditch her. She hates these parties more than anyone I know.”
Except for me, Minho adds inwardly, but doesn’t say it out loud. He even holds back a sigh, and tries to return the smile. He’s quite sure he doesn’t succeed very well. “How long do we need to stay?” he asks, aiming for a casual tone. He’s not certain if that works out, either.
“I think we can find father right after the official part is over and try to sneak out,” Gwiboon answers with a small shrug. “He has the tendency to be always surrounded by people, though, so let’s see how it works out.”
Minho really, really hopes it works out. He would love to get out of here as soon as possible.
It’s dark by the time they finally manage to say their goodbyes. Mrs Kim sees them to the door, while her husband is still busy with the rest of the guests. She’s smiling, even if there’s nothing friendly in the thin mask of politeness when she offers a nod to Minho. That’s all he gets, before Mrs Kim pulls her daughter closer, patting her back in what’s probably supposed to pass for a hug. “Gwiboon,” she coos, holding on to Gwiboon’s elbows as she pulls back. “You should visit us more. Your father would appreciate seeing his only daughter.”
“Mother,” Gwiboon sighs. “We’ve been through this.” She looks so deeply uncomfortable that for a second Minho considers saying something to break the moment, but he doesn’t get the chance before Gwiboon sighs again. “Fine. I’ll try.”
“Thank you,” Mrs Kim says, finally releasing her grip. Her smile seems wider now, her whole demeanour more relaxed. “You should bring Jinki, too. After all, he is practically family.” That’s an innocent enough remark on its own. What follows is what makes both Gwiboon and Minho tense. “Although, Gwiboon, you do remember he could be family officially, too.”
Gwiboon freezes. She looks stormy as she raises her chin, glaring at her mother with the anger that seems ready to burst out. “I will pretend you didn’t say that.”
She turns to leave, catching Minho’s wrist to tug him along. As if he wasn’t ready to flee the place the first possible chance. It’s still raining, and if he was alone he’d make a mad dash for the car but he doesn’t really trust Gwiboon to run in the killer heels. So instead he shrugs off his suit jacket and wraps it around Gwiboon’s shoulders to shield her and her expensive dress.
Even if it’s only a few droplets that manage to catch them on their way, Gwiboon is quick to dig through her purse for a mirror to see what damage it’s done to her impeccable hairdo and makeup. She rubs her middle finger under her eye to get rid of a smudge of mascara, while Minho silently starts the car. They’ll have a long drive ahead of them, across the winding countryside roads that are basically empty at this hour.
The radio host’s voice fills the small space, but Minho isn’t paying it any attention. His thoughts are still on the exchange they went through at the door, and he can’t help but be bothered by it. It’s like the cherry on top of the disaster this whole evening turned out to be. There hadn’t been any illusions on it ever having a chance to go brilliantly, but he would’ve still hoped for at least a slightly better outcome.
The thing is, the more time he spends with Gwiboon the more convinced he is that’s what he wants to keep doing. He’s had his fair share of crushes before, he’s been infatuated by beautiful girls and he’s even been in love, he thinks. But Gwiboon is the first girl that makes him feel he can be completely himself with her. He doesn’t need to play pretend, he doesn’t need to constantly work to be something he’s not. Ever since they first met, he’d been charmed by the easy way she didn’t take any of his bullshit but didn’t assume he’d take any from her, either.
He knows he’s falling. He’s already fallen quite a bit of the way.
Yet Gwiboon’s parents obviously don’t want him in her life. They’d want him to be the perfect son-in-law, to fit comfortably into the mould they’ve prepared for a person they’d accept into the family. He can’t be that person, and he doesn’t want to be that person. But he doesn’t know how highly Gwiboon appreciates the opinion of her parents. If they want him out, will she send him packing, eventually?
“Minho,” Gwiboon breaks the silence, places her hand softly on Minho’s thigh. “Stop fretting. It went fine.”
“No it didn’t,” Minho bites back before he can stop himself. He’s never in his life felt so out of place anywhere but during that dinner, and if it hadn’t been for Gwiboon and for Jinki’s friendly attempts at chatting, he would’ve probably died of sheer embarrassment comparing himself to everyone around him. He felt like a bull in a china shop. “Your mother doesn’t think it went fine.”
“She didn’t mean anything by it.” Gwiboon shakes her head at how meek it sounds, knowing it’s a lame counterargument. She doesn’t expect it to make Minho’s temper snap completely, though.
“She meant everything by it,” he spits, “and you know that. Besides she’s right! I can’t do this!”
For a second, Minho isn’t paying attention and almost loses control over the car. It’s raining so heavily the tires start aquaplaning and for one terrifying moment it seems that they’re going to swerve right out of the road. Only by sheer luck he manages to get back on the asphalt properly, his heart pumping a million miles an hour. He hits the brakes, a little too harshly, and parks the car by the roadside.
Gwiboon looks pale as chalk. She is squeezing the seat tight, her whole posture rigid as she stares at Minho. “What was that?” she asks, timidly, forcing the words out past the lump in her throat.
That is when it hits Minho. They could’ve ended up smashed against the nearest tree as easily as they managed to get parked safely. They could’ve died. And it would’ve been because of his temper, and how he lost it over something so stupid. “I can’t do this. I can’t,” he repeats, fumbling to unbuckle the seatbelt.
Then he’s already out of the car.
The rain is harsh, like it’s giving him the beating of his life, and he’s soaked right to the bone within seconds. After the few angry steps he takes along the road, back towards the direction they came from, he slows down until he’s only walking briskly instead of running. Nevertheless, his thoughts keep on racing, there’s no stopping them.
He doesn’t hear the sound of heels clacking on asphalt at first, neither does he hear the voice shouting his name out loud. It’s only when a hand lands on his shoulder that he stops, spins around to be face to face with equally as drenched Gwiboon.
The first thing she does is slap him. Hard. Not at all like it looks like in the movies, but in a way that probably hurts as much as if she’d straight out punched him in the face. “That,” she yells to get her voice carry over the rushing of the water, “was for running away like a fucking idiot!”
Then, she grabs the front of his dress shirt - now probably ruined beyond repair - and yanks him close until she can crash their mouths together. The kiss is hot, in contrast to the freezing rain pouring over them, and Gwiboon’s fingers are insistent in Minho’s hair until he wraps his arms around her to pull her against his chest.
When they finally break apart, Gwiboon takes a deep breath, her voice considerably calmer than before. “That,” she admits, looking at Minho through long lashes heavy with raindrops, “was an apology.”
“I’m serious, Gwiboon,” Minho says. He reaches out to brush a hopelessly wet strand of hair from her face, even if it stubbornly falls right back on its original place. “The dinner was an epic disaster. And your mother is right. I don’t fit in your world. I’m not good at fancy dinners. There were at least seven goddamn forks in there what am I supposed to do with them? I’m not good at etiquette and meeting parents and polite chitchat with the guests.” He pauses. “I’m not Jinki.”
“You don’t need to be!” Gwiboon underlines the words by smacking her closed fist into Minho’s chest, even if only lightly. “My parents live in a fantasy world where they see me and Jinki marry and have a dozen beautiful babies but that’s not going to happen. He doesn’t want it, and I don’t want it. You have to ignore what they say!”
Maybe she’s right. Minho feels awkward regardless of that, though, as if he’s interfering where it’s not his place to mix. “I’m still not cut out for your world. You’ve said it yourself.”
“Then we’ll make our own world, for fuck’s sake! They can’t rule our lives for us!” Gwiboon throws her hands up in frustration, but then grabs Minho’s shirt again, allows her palms to slide down his shoulder blades. “Don’t push me away, Minho. You might not be what my parents want. But you’re what I want.”
She seems completely sincere and Minho can’t help but melt. He smiles, albeit a little tiredly, and scoops her up until she can wrap her legs around his waist. “Let’s get back into the car, okay.” It isn’t that far, the bright red backlights of the car glaring at them from few paces away, so he carries her back, and sets her down right next to the passenger side door.
By the time they’re back inside the vehicle, Gwiboon’s dress is nearly see-through and the neckline is stretched so low it’s almost obscene. She doesn’t do anything to fix it, though, only carefully discards Minho’s suit jacket to the backseat and out of the harm’s way. She sits up straight and arches an eyebrow at Minho, who is looking equally miserable in his drenched state. “I am so glad we took your car.”
It makes Minho laugh, allowing the last of the tension to drain off him.
They go back to Minho’s apartment, and Minho lets Gwiboon have the shower first. He makes tea, enough for a small army, and hopes that together with a steaming hot shower it’ll make them both warm again. She rewards him with a quick kiss as they switch turns, and by the time he’s spent a small eternity underneath the water spray he’s actually starting to feel human again. He wraps himself in a fluffy bathrobe, distantly amused by the fact that Gwiboon had insisted they get a matching set just days prior. Sometimes it’s like they’re already living like a boring married couple.
When Minho makes his way to the living room Gwiboon is curled up on the couch, in her own bathrobe and even with a blanket pulled on her lap, a cup of tea cradled carefully in her palms. He pads closer, thanking every higher power he can think of that the blanket is big enough for him to sneak under as well. His legs are almost too long, but Gwiboon shifts a bit until they’re both sitting snugly under the warm layer of fleece.
Silently Gwiboon takes a sip of tea, before offering the cup to Minho, who gratefully accepts. Neither of them says a single word before the tea is long gone, the cup set on the coffee table in front of them. Besides the sound of rain thrumming on the windows, as if trying to break in, there’s only silence. Minho feels incredibly tired all of a sudden, and leans in to rest his head on Gwiboon’s shoulder.
“We should probably talk,” Gwiboon begins softly, running her fingers down the side of his face. “About today.” There’s no answer, at least not soon enough to her liking, so she goes on. “I’m sorry. I wouldn’t have forced you to go if I’d known they’d react that badly. They… It’s never been that bad.”
Minho hums, blinks his eyes and tries to shake the tiredness. He doesn’t want to move from his place, though, not while he’s so incredibly comfortable even when curled up so awkwardly. “It’s okay,” he mumbles, absently.
“No, Minho,” she sighs, prodding his forehead to demand his attention. “It’s not okay. None of it is okay. And I need you to know that nothing they say can change this, okay?” When he opens his eyes, she leans in and connects their lips in a soft, chaste kiss. “I love you, okay. I’m not in this only for your gorgeous body.”
That makes Minho laugh and he straightens a bit, to be able to better look her in the eye. “You’re not?”
“No, stupid,” Gwiboon huffs. There’s a grin tugging on her lips, and she pats his cheek. “No. Although I have to admit, it does help.” Playfully, she squirms until he leans back enough to let her slip away from underneath the blanket. She pads into the kitchen, returning only a moment later with a fresh cup of hot tea.
They share the second cup like they did the first, in comfortable silence. It feels like something heavy has been lifted off them, like some invisible barrier in the air has been broken. Yet they’re both so tired after the long, stressful day that they retreat to bed soon after. Gwiboon complains she’s still cold and snuggles closer to Minho’s side, tucking her admittedly icy nose against his shoulder and her feet between his calves.
She falls asleep almost immediately, but Minho lingers for a bit longer. He listens to the soft huffs of her breathing, focuses on the slow rise and fall of her chest, until he’s already on the verge of the dreamland.
That’s when something hits him.
I love you, okay.
He realizes it’s the first time she’s said it out loud. And that he didn’t return the sentiment. He knows he’ll get his chance later, plenty of times, and thus it only makes him grin like an idiot. Even the party, all the insults and the condescending looks he got, it’s all worth it if this is what’s waiting for him at the end of the day.
Gently, he pulls Gwiboon closer, and shifts to a more comfortable position that still leaves them tangled together. He falls asleep with a smile still stuck on his lips.
Next Chapter
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fun fact; the scene in the rain is the first one I wrote for the whole story~
@DW.