Along for the Ride - 10/?
Title: Along for the RIde
Pairing: Taemin/Minho, side!Jonghyun/Key
Genre: Angst, Fluff
Rating: PG-15 for language
Word Count: 5448
Warning: Large paragraphs...run-on sentences...weird descriptions...the usual for my writing style. And bring tissues...you might cry. Feel free to leave those tears and other feels in my comment box cookie jar :)
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Everything was a mess.
Taemin didn’t have to be a rocket scientist to know that. He couldn’t remember the last time he hung out with his friends at the same time. There seemed to be some unspoken tension between Minho and Jonghyun, mostly from the younger male’s side, which resulted in Minho’s lack of presence when they all went out together.
Not only that, but there was also something going on with Minho and Kibum’s relationship. Kibum would try talking to Minho, or include him in conversations, but Minho would simply ignore the other’s presence and focus on Taemin or Jinki. Minho also stopped showing up at the café on Thursdays. It made him think it had something to do with Minho’s confession and the high possibility of Kibum not accepting the feelings.
And with Minho’s detachment from the group, Taemin didn’t have to worry about Kibum telling him anything. In fact, he didn’t have to convince the blonde not to tell anyone at all. He was sort of in denial. He wouldn’t speak of anything that had to do with that day or that topic. Taemin, though he didn’t want anyone to know about his leukemia, had invited Kibum with him and Jinki to one of his appointments. When it came to support and attention, Kibum was the one he favored. Sure, his other hyungs gave him support whenever he needed-or didn’t want-it. But Kibum was always on Taemin’s side no matter what. He was always overanalyzing and freaking out over small things. That and promising things with sweet words and rants and tight hugs, though not always in that order.
But that wasn’t happening this time around. Taemin knew he had to give his hyung some time. It took Jinki a few weeks to not tear up every time he so much as coughed. He couldn’t expect anything less from Kibum, especially since they knew each other longer than he and Jinki had. At the most, he was expecting Kibum to have about three months before he could look at him without his fake smile.
And maybe by that time, he’d be a bit better. Since he had gone off his pills for an elongated amount of time, his doctor put him on something stronger. The best thing to help his body for what he had was a medication that had to be taken by insertion of the vein. Eventually he would be on bed rest and he couldn’t do that. So he opted for the next option, taking pills by mouth, and even though it wasn’t as good as the primary option it had helped.
But now he had to take a stronger dosage of pills, which included god awful side effects like vomiting at random points in the day and large purple bruises that didn’t necessarily hurt but were becoming hard to hide especially with the weather warming up. He’d taken to bathing in an ointment his doctor gave him and a bit less sex with Minho, which was a lot easier said than done.
“How are you taking to the medication this week, Mr. Lee? The bruises seem to be healing. Are you still vomiting? Have any new symptoms been conjured up?”
Taemin finished pulling down his shirt before turning to his new doctor. He didn’t really have anything against this doctor. He just wasn’t comfortable with the elder man. When he and his parents found out about his illness, he had been going to a technician his father hired personally. But because he was living so far from that doctor’s office, he couldn’t make it to many appointments. That being the main cause to why he had been skipping sessions. And his mother offered to have their driver pick him up, but he honestly wanted nothing more to do with them than was absolutely necessary. He was grateful they were paying for his healthcare and treatment, as well as all of his college fees. There was just too much within their relationship that he couldn’t give up no matter how much he’d have liked to.
“I only threw up three times last week, twice this week. But I had diarrhea a few days ago…all day. I had to skip school and call off work. I drank, like, three gallons of water that had me pissing like crazy. And my hyung said drinking energy drinks should help restore electrolytes, so I had a couple.”
“Good. That’s good. If you have any more bowel problems this week, please come back so I can prescribe you an antibiotic for that as well. What about your mouth? Anything wrong there?”
“I had a sore throat last night. It was slight and went away when I woke up. Is that relevant?” Taemin watched as the doctor scribbled something on his clipboard. He took his phone out of his pocket and texted Jinki that he was almost finished.
“Alright. That’s fine. But make sure you check for any sores or rashes. The medication helps somewhat, but can still be a trigger for some of the smaller symptoms like the vomiting and bruises.” He scribbled some more on the page before ripping it and passing it to Taemin. “This is for the vomiting. There shouldn’t be any big side effects, but if there are call me. And please call me if anything new happens. If you have too many symptoms triggering, or are too tired, you should think about taking a break from work and school. I’m going to fax this report to your family physician for your parents. I’ll see you next week?”
Taemin nodded and bowed. “Thank you.”
“Take care, Mr. Lee.”
Taemin stuffed the prescription in his pocket and headed to the elevator. When he got to the hospital parking lot, he saw Jinki’s blue car sitting in its usual spot waiting for him. He smiled at Jinki, who had yet to see him, as he tapped his fingers against the steering wheel and sang along to the radio. He leisurely made his way over and got in, startling Jinki when he opened the door.
“Taemin-ah,” the elder breathed, placing his hand over his chest dramatically.
“Hyung, I’m tired. I don’t think I can make it to movie night at Kibum hyung’s. Can you take me home?” the red head let out a sigh as he snapped his seatbelt and leaned his head against the window.
“Of course. Everything went alright up there? Nothing…bad?”
Taemin felt his heart clenching at Jinki’s fearful tone. Jinki had a habit of not mentioning negative words around Taemin. Anything as simple as bad or similar to it was seen as a jinx to Jinki. At first Taemin just laughed it off, but the elder was very serious about it, and he couldn’t help but feel bad knowing it was his fault his hyung was so cautious.
“Nothing bad, hyung. It’s just that my pills make me tired sometimes, some days more than others. This happens to be one of those days. Don’t worry. I’m making progress. Dr. Jung confirmed it.”
“Really?” Jinki smiled, eyes dancing with hope. “You’re not just saying that to make me feel better?”
Taemin smiled. “Yes, really. Nothing to worry about hyung.” Jinki seemed happy with that so he started the car as Taemin pulled out his phone to call Kibum. He held the smile, trying to keep the frown from seeping out. He had been just saying it so Jinki wouldn’t worry, but Jinki didn’t need to know that. “I’ll call Kibum hyung and tell him I’m not coming.”
“Good luck with that.”
=
“I can’t believe I’m graduating in a few months.”
Taemin, Kibum, and Jonghyun were sitting in a grassy field staring down at the lights of the city under them while the night stars shone down brightly on them. Kibum sat between Jonghyun and Taemin as he stared down at the blurred lights of the cars on the road. He felt Jonghyun shift on his left and his arm wrap around his shoulder but didn’t tear his gaze from the beautiful scene before him.
“You’ll officially be an adult.”
“I am an adult, hyung. I’ll just…be an adult with a degree.” Kibum smiled to himself, biting down on his lip. “Soon I’ll be working full time at my internship. I’ve already had a talk with the hiring manager. He wants me to go into further training once I get my degree. I’ll move out of my mom’s place and be on my own. It’s kind of scary when I think about it.”
Kibum felt Jonghyun lifting his hand and caressing the back of it with his warm lips. “It is scary, at first. But don’t worry. I’ll be here with you the whole time.”
“Yeah?” Kibum smiled, finally catching the gaze of the elder. His smile broadened when Jonghyun nodded in confirmation. “That makes me feel a bit better.”
Jonghyun grinned, nudging the side of Kibum’s face with his nose. “Only a bit?”
“Hyung,” Kibum whined, face reddening furiously, “not in front of Taemin.”
“But he’s sleep,” he countered, motioning to the young blonde who was lying back on the grass with his eyes closed. “And I haven’t kissed you properly since this morning,” Jonghyun added in a soft whisper brushing against Kibum’s neck that tickled the nerves and caused him to shudder. Kibum gave a small smile and allowed Jonghyun to close the distance between their lips, heart skipping a beat in the process.
“Actually, I’m not sleep. But please, don’t stop on account of me.” Taemin held in his snickering when he saw them jump apart. He listened to Kibum complaining to Jonghyun about being more aware when his ‘precious dongsaeng’ was around. Jonghyun just grumbled, muttering something about the youngest being a cockblock worst than his cousins.
Taemin didn’t give a response, though many scenarios of Jonghyun keeping Minho away came to mind, and stared at the sky. He noticed some were bigger than others, and some looked as if they’d disappear in the blink of an eye. That was how Taemin felt. He didn’t know when, or where, but he knew that one day he’d be the same as a dimming ball of light. Day after day the light would grow weaker and weaker no matter how many medications were prescribed to him. It was depressing to think about, but he had come to terms with it years ago.
Seeming to sense his detachment, Kibum laid back to lie next to the red head. Jonghyun had gone to get something from the car, so it was just the two. “Hey,” he whispered into the calm between them. Taemin spared the elder a glance before turning back to study the stars.
“Having fun?”
Kibum studied the side of Taemin’s profile, gently poking his cheek every so often. “Yeah. I’m sorry I dragged you with us. It must be awkward for you with us being so…us.”
Taemin shrugged, wearing a small smile before replying, “I like watching you two being like that. It gives me a chance to see something I can’t quite have. It’s nice.”
“You can have it,” Kibum muttered, finger tracing over the delicate bone structure of Taemin’s jaw. “Minho will come around. He’s always been a bit…slow. But he will open his eyes and look at you the way you look at him.”
“You know I don’t want that, hyung.”
“You know what your problem is?” Taemin looked over at Kibum, turned on his side with his head propped up by his arm. “You’re too selfless. You think of everyone, and I mean everyone, but yourself. You need to learn to take things for yourself sometimes.”
“I take Minho all the time. Well, technically he takes me, but you know what I mean,” Taemin’s humorless chuckling ended abruptly when Kibum jabbed him in the shoulder with his finger. “Ah! Hyung!”
“That isn’t funny,” Kibum’s voice was low with a hint of anger.
Taemin looked over Kibum’s shoulder to see Jonghyun still walking to the car. Why they had parked so far away he had no idea. He turned his attention back to the seething Kibum. “It’s true, though. Except, I haven’t been sleeping with him lately because of the bruises on my back. And-”
“What bruises?!” With newfound strength, Kibum flipped the younger over by his arm and lifted up his shirt. Taemin shuddered at the feeling of the cool breeze across his back and Kibum’s fingers tracing his fading bruises ever so gently. He let the grass tickle the side of his face and the exposed skin above his waistband.
“They’re healing now. They used to be as big as your hand. But it’s ok now. Barely noticeable.”
“Who did this to you?” Taemin could hear the break in Kibum’s voice as he spoke. His lingering touch was shaking, he could feel it. He pushed himself up from the grass and pulled down his shirt before turning to Kibum. Kibum stared up at him with tears. “Did Minho do that to you?”
“Ani, hyung,” Taemin shook his head. He spread his legs and leaned back against his hands looking at his shoes while Kibum curled into himself pulling his knees to his chest. “The bruises are normal with leukemia.” He heard Kibum suck in a sharp breath before continuing. “They don’t hurt, though. So I wont notice them unless I look in the mirror. I used to get them a lot when I was first diagnosed. And the medication I was prescribed made them worse until I got used to it-”
“You don’t have to lie, Taemin. Don’t be scared. If Minho is hurting you, you can tell me. I know you guys are…having sex. Is he forcing you to-”
“No.”
“I’ll have to talk with him. I don’t fucking care how stressed or upset or whatever the hell he is, but he will not be putting his fucking hands on you,” Kibum growled, ripping grass from the ground. “I’ll kick his ass. I’ll shove my foot so far up his ass he’ll need surgery to remove it,” he spat, tossing the grass aside.
Taemin ran his tongue across his dried lips twice before reaching into his pockets. He listened to Kibum as he continued ranting about the specifics of kicking Minho’s ass. He fished out the carton of cigarettes and his lighter. He shook the box and pulled one stick out, placing it between his lips. Setting the box beside him, he cupped the end of the cigarette with his palm and lit it. He inhaled and allowed the fumes to consume him on the inside before breathing out.
He hadn’t had the chance to take a second puff before it was snatched from between his lips and thrown into the grass. He watched Kibum’s shaking fingers stubbing out the butt furiously. He set it by his foot and stomped on it over and over and over again, digging the toe of his shoe deeper and deeper into the earth. Taemin let out a nicotine-scented breath as he watched Kibum relentlessly squish the cigarette under his shoe. Under the moonlight he could see the tears covering his hyung’s determined face. He reached beside him for the box and shook it, keeping his focus on Kibum. Kibum’s gaze snapped toward his hands and the box was removed from his grasp. Kibum threw the carton off the hill they were on, and they watched as sticks flew from the box and scattered all over.
Taemin blinked but remained silent. Kibum silently sobbed next to him, trying to calm himself. Kibum grabbed his hand, squeezing it tightly. “Tell me the truth,” his voice sounded so far away, so dejected. “Tell me Minho put those bruises on you, Taemin-ah.”
“I can’t.”
“Yes you can!” Kibum exploded, clutching onto the younger’s shoulders. He turned so they were facing each other. His grip steady tightened, though he was barely controlling them sue to his nerves. “You can tell me he’s hurting you. You can tell me if anyone is hurting you. It’s not Minho? Who is it? Jinki? Is it someone in your class? Someone in your building? Neighborhood? Tell me right now!” Taemin felt his eyes burn as tears crawled through his tear ducts. Kibum began hitting him in the chest with his fists. “Tell me who it is! Male? Female? Adult? Child? Friend? Stranger? Give me a name!” The hits became weaker. Taemin moved to wrap his arms around Kibum, whose hand was clutching the front of his shirt. “Tell me it’s a person hurting you, and I can fix it. I can make them stop hurting you. I can hurt them back for hurting you,” his voice cracked and he could no longer hold in his crying. “Just…just don’t tell me it’s some stupid disease. I can’t leave a bruise on cancer like it does you. I-I can’t fight it like I can fight a real person.”
They sat there a couple seconds, Kibum crying into Taemin’s shirt and Taemin consoling the blonde. “I understand, hyung,” he spoke up after a while. “But you can’t fight this battle for me. And I wouldn’t want you to. You don’t have to be okay with everything right now, or ever if you don’t want to, but please don’t tell Jonghyun hyung.”
“He has the right to know,” Kibum croaked. “He loves you like a blood relative.”
“Your reaction is why I didn’t want to tell you. His reaction will be much worse than anything I could ever imagine. I don’t want to hurt you guys. I never ask you for anything, so please allow me this. Don’t tell Jonghyun hyung.”
“I won’t lie to him.”
“And you don’t have to. Just don’t tell him what you know that he doesn’t. It’s not lying, it’s withholding information.” He looked over Kibum’s head frantically. “He’s coming back now. Just don’t mention it.”
Kibum watched as the younger put on a fake smile and greeted Jonghyun. He wiped his face and sniffed involuntarily, bringing Jonghyun’s attention to him. “What’s wrong, Kibum?”
He shook his head, donning his own fake smile. “Nothing, hyung. I’m just…so excited.”
“Wae?”
Kibum pointedly stared at Taemin with disdain dripping from his smile. “Taeminnie has finally decided to give up smoking completely. And I’m just so proud of him.”
“Is that right?” Jonghyun smiled between the two.
“Ani, I didn-”
“Of course it is,” he caught Taemin’s eye, all traces of a smile gone. “After all, I don’t lie to you, hyung.”
=
Through the window, the sunlight dimmed as the sun set and the moon began to rise. Taemin sat on the freshly made bedspread in Minho’s room as he pulled on his shirt. It had been one of those rare days that the younger sought out Minho for a distraction, and he really needed to clear his mind. He thought having Jinki knowing everything was hard.
When Kibum finally snapped out of his denial, he kept all of his focus on the younger. He monitored his smoking. He made his lunch and dinner four days a week and practically force-fed him. He decided to start attending the weekly treatments-opting to stay by the younger’s side the entire time instead of in the waiting room with Jinki. He called or texted every six hours to make sure Taemin was on time for taking his medication. All in all it was tiresome, but the selfish feeling inside of him loved the attention. His own parents didn’t do as much as his Kibum hyung did, and he was grateful so he never complained.
Minho walked into the room patting at his damp hair with the towel around his shoulders. Taemin stared shamelessly up at the elder’s bare chest, blatantly ignoring the smug grin donning Minho’s face. His eyes scanned the toned abs, as well as his muscular arms, and continued crawling up and up and up to the collarbone where a water drop from his hair ran a trail down all the tanned skin.
He felt a low growl lodge in his throat when Minho slipped into a shirt of his own, forcing Taemin to lose sight of that thin trail. The elder chuckled at him, finding Taemin’s infatuation with his body a bit hilarious. “Sorry. If we weren’t running late for the performance, I’d walk around shirtless just for you.”
“I’m sure nobody won’t mind if we’re a bit late,” Taemin smirked, beckoning for Minho to come closer. The elder complied, walking close enough for the other to pull him down on top of him. “Or a lot late,” he muttered just before pressing his lips against Minho’s.
Minho responded to the kiss, prying the younger’s lips apart with his tongue. He allowed Taemin to flip them over and take control. He set his hands on the sharp hipbones, roaming the warm skin under the back of his shirt. A groan passed his lips when Taemin rolled his hips, making that tight friction much more hotter. If he hadn’t been in the mood before, he damn sure was now.
Unfortunately it was short lived when a cell rang from somewhere in the room. They both tried ignoring it, but the annoying, pitchy melody of some girl group song droned on and on. When the cloud of lust cleared, Taemin realized it was his phone. He blinked and listened closer before reaching on the floor under the bed. He answered it immediately when he saw Hyerin’s name.
“Hyerin, what’s wrong?” He pushed Minho’s hands away and moved to sit next to him. She never called him unless it was work related or an emergency. And since he didn’t work today, his mind immediately went to the latter option.
“Oppa, you said you’d come to my tournament but you’re not here yet. Appa is here already and we’re starting soon.”
Taemin mentally slapped himself. He promised Hyerin he’d be there early to help calm her nerves, but he got sidetracked with Minho. He had gotten permission from Hyerin to bring a friend, and since Minho loved every- and anything related to sports, he figured it would be nice to hang out at Hyerin’s tennis tournament. There was no way he’d be a little late for something so important to her. “Neh, Hyerin. I’m on my way now. I’m coming with my friend because he doesn’t know the way, remember? We’re leaving his place now and he lives close to where you are. Arasso?”
“Fine. But hurry, Taemin oppa. Coach hasn’t told us who’s starting off the game yet. I think I’m going first. Oppa, I can’t go first. I never go first.” Taemin stood up, pulling Minho with him out the bedroom and out the front door to the elevator. He could hear the anxiety in Hyerin’s voice, which was one of the reasons he promised to get there early.
“Yah, Kim Hyerin, isn’t that good? You said your coach only puts his very best first and last. It means you’ve gotten better, right?”
There was silence on the other end, aside from the chattering of other people in the background. Taemin allowed Minho to pull his arm to quicken their pace to his car. Eventually Hyerin let out a shaky breath. “…Neh, you’re right, oppa. Please hurry. Appa disappeared, I think to get to his seat or whatever. I need you.”
“Ok, ok. I’ll be there soon. But, where’s Haeri? Didn’t she come, too?” Taemin questioned, pointing out the directions to turn for Minho.
“She had to stay with umma to take care of the shop.”
“Ok. I’ll be there soon, Hyerin. Go breathe in front of a window.” He ended the call and banged his head against the window. “I can’t believe I forgot.”
Minho hummed in amusement. “Guess I am really distracting.”
Taemin tried, unsuccessfully, to hide his smile and rolled his eyes. “Shut up, hyung. I just thought we had a bit more time and could have another quick round.”
“Did you just tell me to shut up?”
“Yes. Yes I did,” Taemin smiled cheekily while the other shook his head muttering something about the ‘lack of respect in today’s youth’. “You’re one to talk.”
“What? I’m very respectful to my hyungs.”
Taemin scoffed. “You’ve been ignoring Kibum hyung.”
Minho visibly stiffened, hands turning white gripping the steering wheel. “I’ve just been busy.”
“Really?” Taemin stared at the elder as he drove. A deep frown was embedded in his features. “I noticed you don’t come around us as much like before. But you seem to have enough time to go with me to a tennis game.”
“Like I said, I’ve been busy. I’m graduating this year and it’s really stressful getting stuff together. And today I happened to not have work or classes.”
“Are you sure it’s not because of Kibum hyung and Jonghyun hyung?”
Minho prevented himself from swerving into the oncoming traffic of the opposite street lane. He blinked, looking over at Taemin bewildered. “He told you?! I can’t believe this! Can he not be a fucking gossip?”
Taemin flinched, feeling the car jerk forward when they stopped at a red light. “He didn’t tell me. I already knew you liked him. Besides, you’re not really trying to hide your dislike for Jonghyun hyung.”
A weird tension filled the silence between them. Soon they pulled up to the venue where Hyerin’s tournament was being held. Minho parked the car and they sat looking out the dashboard window before he spoke up. “How did you find out?”
“Back when you and hyung were first years in college…Kibum hyung’s birthday you got drunk. Really really drunk.” Minho groaned, dropping his forehead on the steering wheel. “I’ve never told anyone, though.”
“So you’ve known all this time? Three years? I bet you think I’m pathetic. Three years pining for someone that didn’t even notice me that way.”
Taemin bit his lip and shook his head, though the other couldn’t see. “You’re not pathetic, hyung. I know some people in your situation, but re too scared to confess. That’s pitiful. But you, hyung, you confessed even though you knew he might not feel the same.”
Minho let out a humorless chuckle. “I was angry when I did confess. So I don’t think that counts.”
“It does,” Taemin urged. “Because now Kibum hyung can acknowledge your feelings whether he accepts them or not.”
“He doesn’t,” Minho bit back with disdain. He lifted his head and glared out the window. “He threw my confession back in my face like it didn’t matter. Maybe it didn’t to him.”
“If you were angry when you confessed, I’m sure Kibum hyung was far from being in a calm mood. You both were annoyed for whatever reason. Maybe you should sit and talk face to face. Confess the right way and receive a proper response.”
“Do you really think I stand a chance against the guy he’s mentally made a future with?”
Taemin shook his head. “It’s not about who he chooses. It’s about getting your emotions across to him. It’s his choice what to do with them. I just want us all to be the way we were. Life’s too short to be angry.” He paused, letting Minho drink in his words. “I don’t think he’d reject your feelings. Kibum hyung loves you just like he loves me. And when you think about it, I think he’d choose the person he’s most happy with. And I don’t think you’re one to want Kibum hyung to be unhappy. You’ve always looked after him and what’s in his best interest.”
“…I want him to be happy.”
“Then talk to him.” Minho eyed Taemin’s smiling face in wonder. “Come on, let’s go in.”
He nodded and locked the doors behind them as they headed into the venue. They walked side by side, avoiding bumping into other people as they searched for the tennis court. “When did you get so wise?” Minho queried as they turned a corner.
“I’ve always been wise. I just don’t share it with people without a fee.”
“Taemin-ah?” They turned hearing the familiar voice. Taemin could feel Minho stiffen next to him as they came face to face with Jonghyun and Kibum. Kibum eyed them both, lingering a bit on Taemin as if he knew what they had been up to before arriving. Jonghyun was the same unfortunately, except his gaze stayed on Minho as he pulled Taemin away from his side. “Are you just getting here, Taeminnie-ah?”
“Hyung. We’re in public. Please don’t do that,” Taemin grumbled yanking his wrist from Jonghyun’s grip.
“Wae, Taeminnie? Don’t be embarrassed.”
“Alright. I won’t talk to you if you keep calling me that,” he warned, crossing his arms and cocking his brow. Taemin glanced between Kibum and Minho, motioning for Minho to have a talk with Kibum. Minho shook his head furiously in protest. “Come on, Jonghyun hyung. Hyerin is freaking out and needs support.” Before anyone could respond, the redhead pulled Jonghyun away, leaving Minho and Kibum to watch after them.
“Slow down, Taemin,” Jonghyun complained. They stopped in front of the waiting room where Hyerin’s team hopefully were. “This is it. My uncle pointed it out for me when we got here.”
“What are you doing here? And with Kibum hyung, no less. He doesn’t really do…anything that has to do with being physical and sweat. Except dance.”
“Well, Haeri called me and asked if I could come out to support her since she was stuck at work. And I was with Kibum so he decided to tag along.” Taemin nodded in understanding. “What about you? Why are you here with Minho?”
Taemin smiled deviously. “Wae?”
“I thought you didn’t like him?”
“What does that have to do with him being at a tennis game?”
“Everything if this is a date.”
“Fine then. This is a date okayed by Hyerin.” Taemin laughed out loud at Jonghyun’s confused expression. He wanted to respond but didn’t have one on hand so just stood there with his brows furrowed and mouth hanging open. “I know how much Minho hyung likes sports. And he’s been down lately. So I figured I’d bring him with me to Hyerin’s game to help cheer him up. Is that alright with you, hyung?”
“You could have invited me and Kibum, too. Or Jinki. Not just you two.”
“You and Kibum hyung were busy, as was Jinki hyung.” Taemin frowned, feeling something weird in Jonghyun’s mood. “What’s wrong, hyung?”
Jonghyun shook his head softly before lowering it and kicking at the floor. “Nothing.” Taemin stared at his hyung in confusion until it clicked. He had seen Jonghyun behaving similarly before when they were younger. Whenever Taemin would make plans with a friend, more specifically. Taemin smiled and poked Jonghyun’s shoulder. The elder looked up, confused by the younger’s smile. “What?”
“I love you, hyung,” Jonghyun’s eyes widened a bit in shock before melting into a sheepish grin. “You’ve always taken care of me. Especially when I moved out of my parents’ place. No one can ever replace you.”
“Really?” Jonghyun blinked, vulnerability evident in his gaze.
Taemin nodded, smiling wider than ever. “Of course, hyung. You know you’ll always be my favorite. So please don’t be sad. Please?”
Jonghyun returned the smile and nodded, clasping the younger’s hand in his. “Right. I’m your favorite.” Taemin smiled at how adorably childish his hyung was. But he wouldn’t trade him for anything in the world.
“There you guys are.” They turned and saw Minho and Kibum walking up to them. Taemin broke from under Jonghyun’s grip and moved toward Minho. Kibum tossed him a small smile before taking his place beside Jonghyun, who was pouting from Taemin leaving him. “Did you find your cousin?” Kibum asked Jonghyun.
He shook his head and led Kibum into the waiting room full of fourteen-year-old tennis players. Taemin observed Minho’s expression. His eyes were low, and he was just barely smiling. He ran his hand down Minho’s arm until his fingers intertwined with the other’s. He squeezed them lightly, causing Minho to show him a weak smile.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have forced you to do that. I just wanted to help,” he admitted, lowly.
Minho shook his head and squeezed back. “It’s okay. I think it did help. I’m not upset anymore. Sure, I’m sad that I was rejected. But…I’ll get over that. And we can still be friends in the end. Thanks for pushing me, Taemin-ah.” That brought a smile from the younger. Minho nodded toward the door their hyungs went through. “Let’s go find the tennis star.”
---
A/N
I was going to have Hyerin meet Minho and have a whole scene about that, but I think I should save that. You all aren’t ready for that just yet. But how about that Jongtae? And Taekey? And the little bittle bit of Ontae in the beginning? I’ve fully established Taekey’s characters, so now I have to work on Jongho’s. Not to mention the ‘parents’ have mysteriously appeared yet haven’t been seen for a few chapters. I wonder what’s going on there…:)
Thanks for reading!
Pairing: Taemin/Minho, side!Jonghyun/Key
Genre: Angst, Fluff
Rating: PG-15 for language
Word Count: 5448
Warning: Large paragraphs...run-on sentences...weird descriptions...the usual for my writing style. And bring tissues...you might cry. Feel free to leave those tears and other feels in my comment box cookie jar :)
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Everything was a mess.
Taemin didn’t have to be a rocket scientist to know that. He couldn’t remember the last time he hung out with his friends at the same time. There seemed to be some unspoken tension between Minho and Jonghyun, mostly from the younger male’s side, which resulted in Minho’s lack of presence when they all went out together.
Not only that, but there was also something going on with Minho and Kibum’s relationship. Kibum would try talking to Minho, or include him in conversations, but Minho would simply ignore the other’s presence and focus on Taemin or Jinki. Minho also stopped showing up at the café on Thursdays. It made him think it had something to do with Minho’s confession and the high possibility of Kibum not accepting the feelings.
And with Minho’s detachment from the group, Taemin didn’t have to worry about Kibum telling him anything. In fact, he didn’t have to convince the blonde not to tell anyone at all. He was sort of in denial. He wouldn’t speak of anything that had to do with that day or that topic. Taemin, though he didn’t want anyone to know about his leukemia, had invited Kibum with him and Jinki to one of his appointments. When it came to support and attention, Kibum was the one he favored. Sure, his other hyungs gave him support whenever he needed-or didn’t want-it. But Kibum was always on Taemin’s side no matter what. He was always overanalyzing and freaking out over small things. That and promising things with sweet words and rants and tight hugs, though not always in that order.
But that wasn’t happening this time around. Taemin knew he had to give his hyung some time. It took Jinki a few weeks to not tear up every time he so much as coughed. He couldn’t expect anything less from Kibum, especially since they knew each other longer than he and Jinki had. At the most, he was expecting Kibum to have about three months before he could look at him without his fake smile.
And maybe by that time, he’d be a bit better. Since he had gone off his pills for an elongated amount of time, his doctor put him on something stronger. The best thing to help his body for what he had was a medication that had to be taken by insertion of the vein. Eventually he would be on bed rest and he couldn’t do that. So he opted for the next option, taking pills by mouth, and even though it wasn’t as good as the primary option it had helped.
But now he had to take a stronger dosage of pills, which included god awful side effects like vomiting at random points in the day and large purple bruises that didn’t necessarily hurt but were becoming hard to hide especially with the weather warming up. He’d taken to bathing in an ointment his doctor gave him and a bit less sex with Minho, which was a lot easier said than done.
“How are you taking to the medication this week, Mr. Lee? The bruises seem to be healing. Are you still vomiting? Have any new symptoms been conjured up?”
Taemin finished pulling down his shirt before turning to his new doctor. He didn’t really have anything against this doctor. He just wasn’t comfortable with the elder man. When he and his parents found out about his illness, he had been going to a technician his father hired personally. But because he was living so far from that doctor’s office, he couldn’t make it to many appointments. That being the main cause to why he had been skipping sessions. And his mother offered to have their driver pick him up, but he honestly wanted nothing more to do with them than was absolutely necessary. He was grateful they were paying for his healthcare and treatment, as well as all of his college fees. There was just too much within their relationship that he couldn’t give up no matter how much he’d have liked to.
“I only threw up three times last week, twice this week. But I had diarrhea a few days ago…all day. I had to skip school and call off work. I drank, like, three gallons of water that had me pissing like crazy. And my hyung said drinking energy drinks should help restore electrolytes, so I had a couple.”
“Good. That’s good. If you have any more bowel problems this week, please come back so I can prescribe you an antibiotic for that as well. What about your mouth? Anything wrong there?”
“I had a sore throat last night. It was slight and went away when I woke up. Is that relevant?” Taemin watched as the doctor scribbled something on his clipboard. He took his phone out of his pocket and texted Jinki that he was almost finished.
“Alright. That’s fine. But make sure you check for any sores or rashes. The medication helps somewhat, but can still be a trigger for some of the smaller symptoms like the vomiting and bruises.” He scribbled some more on the page before ripping it and passing it to Taemin. “This is for the vomiting. There shouldn’t be any big side effects, but if there are call me. And please call me if anything new happens. If you have too many symptoms triggering, or are too tired, you should think about taking a break from work and school. I’m going to fax this report to your family physician for your parents. I’ll see you next week?”
Taemin nodded and bowed. “Thank you.”
“Take care, Mr. Lee.”
Taemin stuffed the prescription in his pocket and headed to the elevator. When he got to the hospital parking lot, he saw Jinki’s blue car sitting in its usual spot waiting for him. He smiled at Jinki, who had yet to see him, as he tapped his fingers against the steering wheel and sang along to the radio. He leisurely made his way over and got in, startling Jinki when he opened the door.
“Taemin-ah,” the elder breathed, placing his hand over his chest dramatically.
“Hyung, I’m tired. I don’t think I can make it to movie night at Kibum hyung’s. Can you take me home?” the red head let out a sigh as he snapped his seatbelt and leaned his head against the window.
“Of course. Everything went alright up there? Nothing…bad?”
Taemin felt his heart clenching at Jinki’s fearful tone. Jinki had a habit of not mentioning negative words around Taemin. Anything as simple as bad or similar to it was seen as a jinx to Jinki. At first Taemin just laughed it off, but the elder was very serious about it, and he couldn’t help but feel bad knowing it was his fault his hyung was so cautious.
“Nothing bad, hyung. It’s just that my pills make me tired sometimes, some days more than others. This happens to be one of those days. Don’t worry. I’m making progress. Dr. Jung confirmed it.”
“Really?” Jinki smiled, eyes dancing with hope. “You’re not just saying that to make me feel better?”
Taemin smiled. “Yes, really. Nothing to worry about hyung.” Jinki seemed happy with that so he started the car as Taemin pulled out his phone to call Kibum. He held the smile, trying to keep the frown from seeping out. He had been just saying it so Jinki wouldn’t worry, but Jinki didn’t need to know that. “I’ll call Kibum hyung and tell him I’m not coming.”
“Good luck with that.”
=
“I can’t believe I’m graduating in a few months.”
Taemin, Kibum, and Jonghyun were sitting in a grassy field staring down at the lights of the city under them while the night stars shone down brightly on them. Kibum sat between Jonghyun and Taemin as he stared down at the blurred lights of the cars on the road. He felt Jonghyun shift on his left and his arm wrap around his shoulder but didn’t tear his gaze from the beautiful scene before him.
“You’ll officially be an adult.”
“I am an adult, hyung. I’ll just…be an adult with a degree.” Kibum smiled to himself, biting down on his lip. “Soon I’ll be working full time at my internship. I’ve already had a talk with the hiring manager. He wants me to go into further training once I get my degree. I’ll move out of my mom’s place and be on my own. It’s kind of scary when I think about it.”
Kibum felt Jonghyun lifting his hand and caressing the back of it with his warm lips. “It is scary, at first. But don’t worry. I’ll be here with you the whole time.”
“Yeah?” Kibum smiled, finally catching the gaze of the elder. His smile broadened when Jonghyun nodded in confirmation. “That makes me feel a bit better.”
Jonghyun grinned, nudging the side of Kibum’s face with his nose. “Only a bit?”
“Hyung,” Kibum whined, face reddening furiously, “not in front of Taemin.”
“But he’s sleep,” he countered, motioning to the young blonde who was lying back on the grass with his eyes closed. “And I haven’t kissed you properly since this morning,” Jonghyun added in a soft whisper brushing against Kibum’s neck that tickled the nerves and caused him to shudder. Kibum gave a small smile and allowed Jonghyun to close the distance between their lips, heart skipping a beat in the process.
“Actually, I’m not sleep. But please, don’t stop on account of me.” Taemin held in his snickering when he saw them jump apart. He listened to Kibum complaining to Jonghyun about being more aware when his ‘precious dongsaeng’ was around. Jonghyun just grumbled, muttering something about the youngest being a cockblock worst than his cousins.
Taemin didn’t give a response, though many scenarios of Jonghyun keeping Minho away came to mind, and stared at the sky. He noticed some were bigger than others, and some looked as if they’d disappear in the blink of an eye. That was how Taemin felt. He didn’t know when, or where, but he knew that one day he’d be the same as a dimming ball of light. Day after day the light would grow weaker and weaker no matter how many medications were prescribed to him. It was depressing to think about, but he had come to terms with it years ago.
Seeming to sense his detachment, Kibum laid back to lie next to the red head. Jonghyun had gone to get something from the car, so it was just the two. “Hey,” he whispered into the calm between them. Taemin spared the elder a glance before turning back to study the stars.
“Having fun?”
Kibum studied the side of Taemin’s profile, gently poking his cheek every so often. “Yeah. I’m sorry I dragged you with us. It must be awkward for you with us being so…us.”
Taemin shrugged, wearing a small smile before replying, “I like watching you two being like that. It gives me a chance to see something I can’t quite have. It’s nice.”
“You can have it,” Kibum muttered, finger tracing over the delicate bone structure of Taemin’s jaw. “Minho will come around. He’s always been a bit…slow. But he will open his eyes and look at you the way you look at him.”
“You know I don’t want that, hyung.”
“You know what your problem is?” Taemin looked over at Kibum, turned on his side with his head propped up by his arm. “You’re too selfless. You think of everyone, and I mean everyone, but yourself. You need to learn to take things for yourself sometimes.”
“I take Minho all the time. Well, technically he takes me, but you know what I mean,” Taemin’s humorless chuckling ended abruptly when Kibum jabbed him in the shoulder with his finger. “Ah! Hyung!”
“That isn’t funny,” Kibum’s voice was low with a hint of anger.
Taemin looked over Kibum’s shoulder to see Jonghyun still walking to the car. Why they had parked so far away he had no idea. He turned his attention back to the seething Kibum. “It’s true, though. Except, I haven’t been sleeping with him lately because of the bruises on my back. And-”
“What bruises?!” With newfound strength, Kibum flipped the younger over by his arm and lifted up his shirt. Taemin shuddered at the feeling of the cool breeze across his back and Kibum’s fingers tracing his fading bruises ever so gently. He let the grass tickle the side of his face and the exposed skin above his waistband.
“They’re healing now. They used to be as big as your hand. But it’s ok now. Barely noticeable.”
“Who did this to you?” Taemin could hear the break in Kibum’s voice as he spoke. His lingering touch was shaking, he could feel it. He pushed himself up from the grass and pulled down his shirt before turning to Kibum. Kibum stared up at him with tears. “Did Minho do that to you?”
“Ani, hyung,” Taemin shook his head. He spread his legs and leaned back against his hands looking at his shoes while Kibum curled into himself pulling his knees to his chest. “The bruises are normal with leukemia.” He heard Kibum suck in a sharp breath before continuing. “They don’t hurt, though. So I wont notice them unless I look in the mirror. I used to get them a lot when I was first diagnosed. And the medication I was prescribed made them worse until I got used to it-”
“You don’t have to lie, Taemin. Don’t be scared. If Minho is hurting you, you can tell me. I know you guys are…having sex. Is he forcing you to-”
“No.”
“I’ll have to talk with him. I don’t fucking care how stressed or upset or whatever the hell he is, but he will not be putting his fucking hands on you,” Kibum growled, ripping grass from the ground. “I’ll kick his ass. I’ll shove my foot so far up his ass he’ll need surgery to remove it,” he spat, tossing the grass aside.
Taemin ran his tongue across his dried lips twice before reaching into his pockets. He listened to Kibum as he continued ranting about the specifics of kicking Minho’s ass. He fished out the carton of cigarettes and his lighter. He shook the box and pulled one stick out, placing it between his lips. Setting the box beside him, he cupped the end of the cigarette with his palm and lit it. He inhaled and allowed the fumes to consume him on the inside before breathing out.
He hadn’t had the chance to take a second puff before it was snatched from between his lips and thrown into the grass. He watched Kibum’s shaking fingers stubbing out the butt furiously. He set it by his foot and stomped on it over and over and over again, digging the toe of his shoe deeper and deeper into the earth. Taemin let out a nicotine-scented breath as he watched Kibum relentlessly squish the cigarette under his shoe. Under the moonlight he could see the tears covering his hyung’s determined face. He reached beside him for the box and shook it, keeping his focus on Kibum. Kibum’s gaze snapped toward his hands and the box was removed from his grasp. Kibum threw the carton off the hill they were on, and they watched as sticks flew from the box and scattered all over.
Taemin blinked but remained silent. Kibum silently sobbed next to him, trying to calm himself. Kibum grabbed his hand, squeezing it tightly. “Tell me the truth,” his voice sounded so far away, so dejected. “Tell me Minho put those bruises on you, Taemin-ah.”
“I can’t.”
“Yes you can!” Kibum exploded, clutching onto the younger’s shoulders. He turned so they were facing each other. His grip steady tightened, though he was barely controlling them sue to his nerves. “You can tell me he’s hurting you. You can tell me if anyone is hurting you. It’s not Minho? Who is it? Jinki? Is it someone in your class? Someone in your building? Neighborhood? Tell me right now!” Taemin felt his eyes burn as tears crawled through his tear ducts. Kibum began hitting him in the chest with his fists. “Tell me who it is! Male? Female? Adult? Child? Friend? Stranger? Give me a name!” The hits became weaker. Taemin moved to wrap his arms around Kibum, whose hand was clutching the front of his shirt. “Tell me it’s a person hurting you, and I can fix it. I can make them stop hurting you. I can hurt them back for hurting you,” his voice cracked and he could no longer hold in his crying. “Just…just don’t tell me it’s some stupid disease. I can’t leave a bruise on cancer like it does you. I-I can’t fight it like I can fight a real person.”
They sat there a couple seconds, Kibum crying into Taemin’s shirt and Taemin consoling the blonde. “I understand, hyung,” he spoke up after a while. “But you can’t fight this battle for me. And I wouldn’t want you to. You don’t have to be okay with everything right now, or ever if you don’t want to, but please don’t tell Jonghyun hyung.”
“He has the right to know,” Kibum croaked. “He loves you like a blood relative.”
“Your reaction is why I didn’t want to tell you. His reaction will be much worse than anything I could ever imagine. I don’t want to hurt you guys. I never ask you for anything, so please allow me this. Don’t tell Jonghyun hyung.”
“I won’t lie to him.”
“And you don’t have to. Just don’t tell him what you know that he doesn’t. It’s not lying, it’s withholding information.” He looked over Kibum’s head frantically. “He’s coming back now. Just don’t mention it.”
Kibum watched as the younger put on a fake smile and greeted Jonghyun. He wiped his face and sniffed involuntarily, bringing Jonghyun’s attention to him. “What’s wrong, Kibum?”
He shook his head, donning his own fake smile. “Nothing, hyung. I’m just…so excited.”
“Wae?”
Kibum pointedly stared at Taemin with disdain dripping from his smile. “Taeminnie has finally decided to give up smoking completely. And I’m just so proud of him.”
“Is that right?” Jonghyun smiled between the two.
“Ani, I didn-”
“Of course it is,” he caught Taemin’s eye, all traces of a smile gone. “After all, I don’t lie to you, hyung.”
=
Through the window, the sunlight dimmed as the sun set and the moon began to rise. Taemin sat on the freshly made bedspread in Minho’s room as he pulled on his shirt. It had been one of those rare days that the younger sought out Minho for a distraction, and he really needed to clear his mind. He thought having Jinki knowing everything was hard.
When Kibum finally snapped out of his denial, he kept all of his focus on the younger. He monitored his smoking. He made his lunch and dinner four days a week and practically force-fed him. He decided to start attending the weekly treatments-opting to stay by the younger’s side the entire time instead of in the waiting room with Jinki. He called or texted every six hours to make sure Taemin was on time for taking his medication. All in all it was tiresome, but the selfish feeling inside of him loved the attention. His own parents didn’t do as much as his Kibum hyung did, and he was grateful so he never complained.
Minho walked into the room patting at his damp hair with the towel around his shoulders. Taemin stared shamelessly up at the elder’s bare chest, blatantly ignoring the smug grin donning Minho’s face. His eyes scanned the toned abs, as well as his muscular arms, and continued crawling up and up and up to the collarbone where a water drop from his hair ran a trail down all the tanned skin.
He felt a low growl lodge in his throat when Minho slipped into a shirt of his own, forcing Taemin to lose sight of that thin trail. The elder chuckled at him, finding Taemin’s infatuation with his body a bit hilarious. “Sorry. If we weren’t running late for the performance, I’d walk around shirtless just for you.”
“I’m sure nobody won’t mind if we’re a bit late,” Taemin smirked, beckoning for Minho to come closer. The elder complied, walking close enough for the other to pull him down on top of him. “Or a lot late,” he muttered just before pressing his lips against Minho’s.
Minho responded to the kiss, prying the younger’s lips apart with his tongue. He allowed Taemin to flip them over and take control. He set his hands on the sharp hipbones, roaming the warm skin under the back of his shirt. A groan passed his lips when Taemin rolled his hips, making that tight friction much more hotter. If he hadn’t been in the mood before, he damn sure was now.
Unfortunately it was short lived when a cell rang from somewhere in the room. They both tried ignoring it, but the annoying, pitchy melody of some girl group song droned on and on. When the cloud of lust cleared, Taemin realized it was his phone. He blinked and listened closer before reaching on the floor under the bed. He answered it immediately when he saw Hyerin’s name.
“Hyerin, what’s wrong?” He pushed Minho’s hands away and moved to sit next to him. She never called him unless it was work related or an emergency. And since he didn’t work today, his mind immediately went to the latter option.
“Oppa, you said you’d come to my tournament but you’re not here yet. Appa is here already and we’re starting soon.”
Taemin mentally slapped himself. He promised Hyerin he’d be there early to help calm her nerves, but he got sidetracked with Minho. He had gotten permission from Hyerin to bring a friend, and since Minho loved every- and anything related to sports, he figured it would be nice to hang out at Hyerin’s tennis tournament. There was no way he’d be a little late for something so important to her. “Neh, Hyerin. I’m on my way now. I’m coming with my friend because he doesn’t know the way, remember? We’re leaving his place now and he lives close to where you are. Arasso?”
“Fine. But hurry, Taemin oppa. Coach hasn’t told us who’s starting off the game yet. I think I’m going first. Oppa, I can’t go first. I never go first.” Taemin stood up, pulling Minho with him out the bedroom and out the front door to the elevator. He could hear the anxiety in Hyerin’s voice, which was one of the reasons he promised to get there early.
“Yah, Kim Hyerin, isn’t that good? You said your coach only puts his very best first and last. It means you’ve gotten better, right?”
There was silence on the other end, aside from the chattering of other people in the background. Taemin allowed Minho to pull his arm to quicken their pace to his car. Eventually Hyerin let out a shaky breath. “…Neh, you’re right, oppa. Please hurry. Appa disappeared, I think to get to his seat or whatever. I need you.”
“Ok, ok. I’ll be there soon. But, where’s Haeri? Didn’t she come, too?” Taemin questioned, pointing out the directions to turn for Minho.
“She had to stay with umma to take care of the shop.”
“Ok. I’ll be there soon, Hyerin. Go breathe in front of a window.” He ended the call and banged his head against the window. “I can’t believe I forgot.”
Minho hummed in amusement. “Guess I am really distracting.”
Taemin tried, unsuccessfully, to hide his smile and rolled his eyes. “Shut up, hyung. I just thought we had a bit more time and could have another quick round.”
“Did you just tell me to shut up?”
“Yes. Yes I did,” Taemin smiled cheekily while the other shook his head muttering something about the ‘lack of respect in today’s youth’. “You’re one to talk.”
“What? I’m very respectful to my hyungs.”
Taemin scoffed. “You’ve been ignoring Kibum hyung.”
Minho visibly stiffened, hands turning white gripping the steering wheel. “I’ve just been busy.”
“Really?” Taemin stared at the elder as he drove. A deep frown was embedded in his features. “I noticed you don’t come around us as much like before. But you seem to have enough time to go with me to a tennis game.”
“Like I said, I’ve been busy. I’m graduating this year and it’s really stressful getting stuff together. And today I happened to not have work or classes.”
“Are you sure it’s not because of Kibum hyung and Jonghyun hyung?”
Minho prevented himself from swerving into the oncoming traffic of the opposite street lane. He blinked, looking over at Taemin bewildered. “He told you?! I can’t believe this! Can he not be a fucking gossip?”
Taemin flinched, feeling the car jerk forward when they stopped at a red light. “He didn’t tell me. I already knew you liked him. Besides, you’re not really trying to hide your dislike for Jonghyun hyung.”
A weird tension filled the silence between them. Soon they pulled up to the venue where Hyerin’s tournament was being held. Minho parked the car and they sat looking out the dashboard window before he spoke up. “How did you find out?”
“Back when you and hyung were first years in college…Kibum hyung’s birthday you got drunk. Really really drunk.” Minho groaned, dropping his forehead on the steering wheel. “I’ve never told anyone, though.”
“So you’ve known all this time? Three years? I bet you think I’m pathetic. Three years pining for someone that didn’t even notice me that way.”
Taemin bit his lip and shook his head, though the other couldn’t see. “You’re not pathetic, hyung. I know some people in your situation, but re too scared to confess. That’s pitiful. But you, hyung, you confessed even though you knew he might not feel the same.”
Minho let out a humorless chuckle. “I was angry when I did confess. So I don’t think that counts.”
“It does,” Taemin urged. “Because now Kibum hyung can acknowledge your feelings whether he accepts them or not.”
“He doesn’t,” Minho bit back with disdain. He lifted his head and glared out the window. “He threw my confession back in my face like it didn’t matter. Maybe it didn’t to him.”
“If you were angry when you confessed, I’m sure Kibum hyung was far from being in a calm mood. You both were annoyed for whatever reason. Maybe you should sit and talk face to face. Confess the right way and receive a proper response.”
“Do you really think I stand a chance against the guy he’s mentally made a future with?”
Taemin shook his head. “It’s not about who he chooses. It’s about getting your emotions across to him. It’s his choice what to do with them. I just want us all to be the way we were. Life’s too short to be angry.” He paused, letting Minho drink in his words. “I don’t think he’d reject your feelings. Kibum hyung loves you just like he loves me. And when you think about it, I think he’d choose the person he’s most happy with. And I don’t think you’re one to want Kibum hyung to be unhappy. You’ve always looked after him and what’s in his best interest.”
“…I want him to be happy.”
“Then talk to him.” Minho eyed Taemin’s smiling face in wonder. “Come on, let’s go in.”
He nodded and locked the doors behind them as they headed into the venue. They walked side by side, avoiding bumping into other people as they searched for the tennis court. “When did you get so wise?” Minho queried as they turned a corner.
“I’ve always been wise. I just don’t share it with people without a fee.”
“Taemin-ah?” They turned hearing the familiar voice. Taemin could feel Minho stiffen next to him as they came face to face with Jonghyun and Kibum. Kibum eyed them both, lingering a bit on Taemin as if he knew what they had been up to before arriving. Jonghyun was the same unfortunately, except his gaze stayed on Minho as he pulled Taemin away from his side. “Are you just getting here, Taeminnie-ah?”
“Hyung. We’re in public. Please don’t do that,” Taemin grumbled yanking his wrist from Jonghyun’s grip.
“Wae, Taeminnie? Don’t be embarrassed.”
“Alright. I won’t talk to you if you keep calling me that,” he warned, crossing his arms and cocking his brow. Taemin glanced between Kibum and Minho, motioning for Minho to have a talk with Kibum. Minho shook his head furiously in protest. “Come on, Jonghyun hyung. Hyerin is freaking out and needs support.” Before anyone could respond, the redhead pulled Jonghyun away, leaving Minho and Kibum to watch after them.
“Slow down, Taemin,” Jonghyun complained. They stopped in front of the waiting room where Hyerin’s team hopefully were. “This is it. My uncle pointed it out for me when we got here.”
“What are you doing here? And with Kibum hyung, no less. He doesn’t really do…anything that has to do with being physical and sweat. Except dance.”
“Well, Haeri called me and asked if I could come out to support her since she was stuck at work. And I was with Kibum so he decided to tag along.” Taemin nodded in understanding. “What about you? Why are you here with Minho?”
Taemin smiled deviously. “Wae?”
“I thought you didn’t like him?”
“What does that have to do with him being at a tennis game?”
“Everything if this is a date.”
“Fine then. This is a date okayed by Hyerin.” Taemin laughed out loud at Jonghyun’s confused expression. He wanted to respond but didn’t have one on hand so just stood there with his brows furrowed and mouth hanging open. “I know how much Minho hyung likes sports. And he’s been down lately. So I figured I’d bring him with me to Hyerin’s game to help cheer him up. Is that alright with you, hyung?”
“You could have invited me and Kibum, too. Or Jinki. Not just you two.”
“You and Kibum hyung were busy, as was Jinki hyung.” Taemin frowned, feeling something weird in Jonghyun’s mood. “What’s wrong, hyung?”
Jonghyun shook his head softly before lowering it and kicking at the floor. “Nothing.” Taemin stared at his hyung in confusion until it clicked. He had seen Jonghyun behaving similarly before when they were younger. Whenever Taemin would make plans with a friend, more specifically. Taemin smiled and poked Jonghyun’s shoulder. The elder looked up, confused by the younger’s smile. “What?”
“I love you, hyung,” Jonghyun’s eyes widened a bit in shock before melting into a sheepish grin. “You’ve always taken care of me. Especially when I moved out of my parents’ place. No one can ever replace you.”
“Really?” Jonghyun blinked, vulnerability evident in his gaze.
Taemin nodded, smiling wider than ever. “Of course, hyung. You know you’ll always be my favorite. So please don’t be sad. Please?”
Jonghyun returned the smile and nodded, clasping the younger’s hand in his. “Right. I’m your favorite.” Taemin smiled at how adorably childish his hyung was. But he wouldn’t trade him for anything in the world.
“There you guys are.” They turned and saw Minho and Kibum walking up to them. Taemin broke from under Jonghyun’s grip and moved toward Minho. Kibum tossed him a small smile before taking his place beside Jonghyun, who was pouting from Taemin leaving him. “Did you find your cousin?” Kibum asked Jonghyun.
He shook his head and led Kibum into the waiting room full of fourteen-year-old tennis players. Taemin observed Minho’s expression. His eyes were low, and he was just barely smiling. He ran his hand down Minho’s arm until his fingers intertwined with the other’s. He squeezed them lightly, causing Minho to show him a weak smile.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have forced you to do that. I just wanted to help,” he admitted, lowly.
Minho shook his head and squeezed back. “It’s okay. I think it did help. I’m not upset anymore. Sure, I’m sad that I was rejected. But…I’ll get over that. And we can still be friends in the end. Thanks for pushing me, Taemin-ah.” That brought a smile from the younger. Minho nodded toward the door their hyungs went through. “Let’s go find the tennis star.”
---
A/N
I was going to have Hyerin meet Minho and have a whole scene about that, but I think I should save that. You all aren’t ready for that just yet. But how about that Jongtae? And Taekey? And the little bittle bit of Ontae in the beginning? I’ve fully established Taekey’s characters, so now I have to work on Jongho’s. Not to mention the ‘parents’ have mysteriously appeared yet haven’t been seen for a few chapters. I wonder what’s going on there…:)
Thanks for reading!