Friendship over Family 12
Title: Friendship over Family 12/?
Genre: Friendship, Romance (eventually)
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Onew/Taemin
Summary: Jinki is a highschool student who gets caught by Taemin, a street kid, who is running from a group of thugs. Later Jinki runs into Taemin again and the two begin a dysfunction friendship. Just when Taemin thinks he can depend on the other, Jinki disappears with a depressing family secret.
Author's Notes: :I Enjoy. Mmk so inconsistency, I like that so don't pay attention to what DAY it is... Okay?
Disclaimer: I do not own SHINee or ... anything
“Mmmmmmmmm.” Jinki stretched, his moan loudly filling the room.
“Oh my god, shut up.”
He smiled, looking down at the lump on the bed opposite of his own. He tiptoed to it, stretching his arms out and suddenly tackling Taemin. The smaller boy yelped, fighting Jinki under the blankets.
“What's going on in here?” Mrs. Lee opened the door but she paused and smiled. “I see you're feeling better.”
Jinki smiled, hugging the lump that was still wiggling. “Much better. I had a great nurse.”
Mrs. Lee laughed. “Okay, well you got lucky mister, today is Saturday so you got an extra long weekend. I have to go to work now. I'll see you two later.”
“Bye mom.” The oldest son smiled.
“Jinki, if you don't get off me this instant, I'm going to strip you, tape you to the bed and leave you.”
“Is that it?” Jinki asked through the blanket.
Taemin struggled again but the older boy kept him pinned. He finally pulled the blanket away from the younger boy's face but kept the rest of him covered. Taemin's cheeks were flushed, his hair a mess and his glare full of anger as he looked at his older brother. His glare intensified as Jinki smiled.
“Your cheeks are all red and your panting.”
“That's because I couldn't breathe you idiot.”
“Then why were you holding your breath?”
“I wasn't!”
Jinki sighed, laying next to the smaller boy. “You're so grumpy in the morning.”
“You tackled me and pinned me under the blankets. I have every right to be grumpy.
The older boy stared at Taemin as he closed his eyes. Jinki figured the younger boy would try to go back to sleep, which why he then reached his arms out, pulling himself up and over Taemin. The smaller boy opened his eyes again.
“What are you doing?”
“Nothing.”
Taemin watched Jinki, waiting for something to happen. All that went on was the older boy staring into his eyes so Taemin decided to close his eyes. He felt a hand press to his forehead, stroking away strands of hair that were in his face. Fingers glided down to his lips, outlining them before lightly tugging on his bottom lip. Taemin's brow creased.
“What are you doing?” He asked again.
“Nothing.”
Taemin sighed. “Like I'm going to believe that.”
“Does it bother you?”
“No.”
“I'm admiring your baby like face.”
Taemin's lips twitched. “Thanks... What's there to admire?”
“Your forehead... It has no crease lines... Your eyes... So big and innocent. Your cheek, still chubby with baby fat... Your lips... Soft and...”
“And?”
When it got quiet, Taemin opened his eyes. Jinki was staring at his lips as if he was memorized.
“And?”
“They look nice.” Jinki rolled off him, sitting at the edge of the bed.
The younger boy sat up. “Yours do too.”
The taller boy frowned. “No they don't. They're always chapped.”
Taemin pressed his teeth tightly together, this was true.
“You should know that... You feel them enough.”
The smaller boy blinked. Jinki turned around to face him with a serious face.
“You kiss me enough.”
Taemin swallowed. “Okay so it's true.”
Jinki turned around again.
“Jinki... Why don't you fight back? I mean... You didn't really before but now... Now you don't even slap my hand away.”
The older boy bit his lip. “I don't know why... I... I don't mind what you're doing to me... I-it feels good so why should I stop you.”
“Because you have morals.”
Jinki looked at him once again, his gaze making Taemin bow his head.
“Just because it feels good doesn't mean you should let it happen. I know you know this Jinki... So what you're telling me is obviously a lie. Was it because you were sick? You seemed to be a little more loose then.”
“I think I was too tired to care then... But it happened before that.”
“So then what's the real reason Jinki? Are you feeling lonely now that your friends now have someone? Standing on the sidelines always watching them.”
“I don't feel like that.” The older boy glared. “I have real feelings you know.”
“Real feelings?”
Jinki swallowed, turning so that his back was to Taemin.
“Jinki... What do you mean real feelings?”
“I'm going out today... So I'll see you later.” The older boy got off the bed but Taemin reached out, grabbing his wrist.
“Jinki, answer me.”
The taller boy was silent, causing Taemin to pull on his arm.
“Jinki!”
“I'll be back later.” He pulled away from the younger boy and left the room.
Taemin sat with his hands folded in his lap. He was beyond confused. He jumped as he felt a vibration against his leg.
“H-hello?”
“Hello?... Oh, this must be Taemin. It's Minho!”
“Oh, hi hyung.”
“Everything okay Taemin?”
“Mm, just woke up. Still sleepy.”
“Oh, well, is Jinki hyung around?”
“Mm, he went out... I guess he dropped his phone.”
“Oh, oh well, that's fine.”
“Did you have plans with him hyung?”
“No, I just wanted to ask him something.”
“Hey hyung...”
“Yes Taemin?”
“Are you free today?”
“I am, do you wanna hang out?”
“I... Need someone to talk to.”
“Meet me at the park. I'll be there in ten minutes.”
Taemin hung up, closing the phone and dropping it on the bed. He wasn't the type to talk to anyone about his feelings but this person, Choi Minho, seemed like the type of person Taemin could put his trust into.
He flipped his hood on, walking out of the bedroom and down the stairs.
“Going out?”
“Mhm, I've got plans with Minho hyung.”
“Okay, have fun. We should really get you a cel phone...” Mr. Lee muttered. “Be back by 7, that's usually when your mother makes dinner, isn't it?”
Mr. Lee scratched his head.
Taemin smiled. “I think so. I'll be back by then. See you later dad.”
~
“Taemin!” Minho shouted, running to the bench the younger boy was sitting on.
Taemin raised a brow. “You're in good spirits today hyung... Did you get intimate with Changmin hyung?”
Minho looked at the smaller boy with wide eyes but then looked away, blushing wildly. “N-no, not yet.”
The younger boy smirked. 'But you did do something.'
The older boy exhaled, the smile back on his face as he came around the other side of the bench and sat down. “So, what's up?”
Taemin swallowed, looking down at the ground.
“I know it's about Jinki hyung.”
The smaller boy stiffened. “Is it that obvious?”
“I can see you guys changing day to day... I know somethings up but I'm still trying to figure it out.”
So Minho was analyzing them this whole time, maybe choosing the older boy wasn't such a bad idea. Taemin could use this to his advantage.
“Changing... How has Jinki been changing..? I mean hyung...”
Minho smiled. “You can call him Jinki... I'm sure he doesn't mind it, right?”
Taemin slowly shook his head.
“Jinki's always been... The awkward type. It takes him a while to get used to someone. For some people, he just clicks with them, which would be us. We just suddenly became friends. There was no explanation for it. When Jinki first started talking about you, I knew you were different. I could just tell by the way he said your name.”
Taemin felt a little embarrassed, learning that Jinki mentioned him so often.
“That day he came to school with a broken nose we were all worried but he refused to tell us who did it... We knew the reason was because of you but Jinki still wouldn't admit it. I'm pretty sure he was hiding his feelings then too... Or maybe that's when it started. There was so much disappointment in his face when he brought us to your hangout and you weren't there. I know he came looking for you when he left Jonghyun's house.”
“He did.” The younger boy nodded. “It was stupid... And I wanted to kick his ass.”
“Taemin... You have a really strong hold on Jinki's heart. He cares for you so much that he's even asked his parents to adopt you. That's saying a lot. I don't think he would've done that for just anyone.”
“He...” Taemin bit his lip. “He didn't pull away when I...”
“I get it.”
The younger boy looked at Minho but then understood, the older boy really did get it.
“Well he always pulled away... Now he doesn't... He doesn't flinch... Or tell me no. He gets closer to me too... This morning he... He tackled me on my bed and pinned me under the blankets... Then he started at my face and played with my lips. I'm sorry this must be awkward for you to hear.” Taemin blushed, folding his hands neatly in his lap.
“No, I'm quite intrigued.”
The smaller boy looked up to see if Minho was just playing with him but the older boy was staring at him with intense curiosity.
Taemin inhaled. “When I asked him why he no longer pulled away... He said it was because it felt good... I know he was lying.”
“You seem to know Jinki pretty well.”
The younger boy blinked, taking this as a compliment. “I... I asked him if he was letting me do it because he was lonely... Because everyone else in our group has someone and he doesn't.”
“He has you.”
Taemin fidgeted with his hands. “It's not l-like we're dating. A-and we're brothers now.”
“You're not blood brothers... And you met before you were family so it doesn't matter.”
The smaller boy licked his lips. “Jinki said that wasn't why he was letting me do things... He said he had real feelings. When I asked him what he meant, he left.”
“And that's when I called?”
Taemin nodded.
“I see... Well Taemin, I'll tell you this. Those real feelings Jinki mentioned are feelings for you. Pretty strong ones too. You said he left? He's probably out now trying to figure them out. He's never really had a relationship before so he probably doesn't realize what's going through his head is normal.”
“Isn't he normally straight?”
Minho nodded. “But that doesn't mean what he's feeling is wrong.”
“No, I know... But does he know that? He's obviously comfortable with having gay friends.. But being gay himself doesn't seem like something he could come to terms with.”
“I think Jinki would accept feelings of love no matter what sex it came from. He lets you touch him doesn't he?”
“I-I guess.”
Minho placed a hand on Taemin's shoulder. “Let him figure out his feelings. He'll come to you when he's ready. Until then... Just enjoy being with him. I know pretending is hard but we all manage through it.”
Taemin nodded. “Thanks hyung.”
~
Taemin felt a little better after talking to Minho. They're date had only lasted a couple hours so he still had some time to kill before going home. Then again, it wasn't like he had to stay out until 7PM.
He pulled out his new allowance money. “I'm not into sweets but...” He eyed the crepe truck up ahead.
“Chocolate strawberry please.”
Taemin held the pastry treat in his hand, staring at it for a moment.
“Are you going to eat that?”
He turned, pressing his teeth tightly together as Jinki walked up behind him.
“I've never had one before.”
The older boy smiled. “You spent you first bit of allowance money on something you might waste?”
“At least it was my money.” Taemin's eyes went back to the crepe.
“Can I take a bite?”
The smaller boy looked at the treat, then to Jinki then back. “Sure.”
Without taking it from him, Jinki cupped his hands over Taemin's, bringing the crepe to his mouth and taking a bite.
“It's good.”
“I don't really like sweets that much.”
Jinki took another bite then fingered Taemin over. “Open your mouth.”
The smaller boy blinked, slowly opening his mouth. He gasped as Jinki pushed their lips together, his tongue forcing the small bit of crepe into Taemin's mouth. The younger boy stood frozen as he felt Jinki's tongue inside his mouth. His knees buckled as he tried to stay standing.
Jinki wiped his mouth as he pulled away. “Well, how does it taste?”
The ice cream melted in Taemin's mouth, the liquid running down his throat. He chewed for a moment, making sure the crepe along with the strawberry bits were small enough to swallow.
“I-it's okay.”
“Ah, it's melting.”
Jinki took the napkin from the younger boy's hand, wrapping it around the leaky crepe.
“It's going to be messy if you don't eat it soon.”
“Jinki...”
“What is it?”
“I think I love you.”
The older boy tensed, his fingers shaking slightly as he continued to wrap the treat in napkins. “I have to take care of you silly...”
Taemin dropped the crepe, holding Jinki's hands. “That's not what I mean.”
The taller boy sighed. “You're my brother Taemin, it makes me happy that you love me.”
“Jinki!”
“We're brothers Taemin.”
“So? We're not blood...”
“We can't...”
“J-Jinki... If I can't be with you, I don't want to be your brother.”
The older boy looked up, his mouth falling open a bit. Jinki's face was like an open book to Taemin, the hurt covering his features so obviously.
“I just want you in my life Taemin... That's more than enough for me.”
“Well it's not for me! Where did you go anyways?”
“I went out to clear my head... I went home because I dropped my phone and hoped it was still there. When I walked in, dad said you were out with Minho so I went out looking for you. I text Minho a couple minutes ago and he said you two were here not that long ago. I hoped you'd still be here. I wanted to talk to you.”
“What is it that you wanted to say Jinki?”
The older boy swallowed, letting go of Taemin's hand. “I wanted to say... That we're brothers... And brothers shouldn't feel this way towards each other. I like how comfortable we are to each other but that isn't normal... It isn't right. That's like... Incest.”
Taemin slapped Jinki, causing the older boy to step back. “What if I never joined your family? What would your excuse be then huh? It's obvious you have feelings for me Jinki.”
“Brotherly feelings.”
The younger boy slapped Jinki again. “Knock it off! Stop lying!”
Jinki could feel his eyes sting, glaring at the small boy to stop them from appearing.
“You've changed me Jinki... You've made me a better person... You did it all from your heart. I know I'm in there somewhere.”
The older boy glared at the pavement. He promised himself that after today, he would lock up all his feelings towards Taemin and act like a responsible, caring older brother. In fact it took him all day to even take a step towards the smaller boy just to see his face, say his name, hear his voice.
Jink dropped to his knees. “It's not right to have feelings for you.”
Taemin ran to the older boy. “Why? Why is it not right? Because your parents adopted me? Think passed that Jinki...”
The taller boy shook his head. “I don't have to the right to... I... These feelings that I have for you... They aren't normal... They keep getting worse and someday I won't even be able to control myself. You tease me day in and day out but I take it... I won't be able to anymore... I don't want to turn into some beast so I've locked myself in a cage.”
Taemin wrapped his arms around Jinki, pulling him close. “What kind of feelings do you have for me Jinki? Just tell me.”
The older boy grabbed Taemin, his fingers digging into the younger boy's arm. “I love you.”
“How much?” The smaller boy closed his eyes tight.
“With all my heart.”
“With all your brotherly heart?”
“No...” Jinki shook his head in Taemin's arms. “With all my stranger trusting heart.”
The smaller boy held Jinki closer, hugging him tightly. “Good... Don't be a beast in a cage Jinki.”
The older boy raised his head, looking into Taemin's eyes.
“You know I don't mind.” The younger boy smiled.
~
“Oh, you came back together!” Mr. Lee was surprised when he walked by the front door.
“Mm, we ran into each other outside.” Taemin squeezed Jinki's hand in his own.
“Well, it's not 7PM yet so you guys are kind of early for dinner.” Mr. Lee glared at Jinki. “What's that on your shirt?”
Jinki looked down, following his father's gaze. “O-oh that... It's...”
“Ice cream!” Taemin smiled. “We shared a crepe.”
“Ice cream?” Mr. Lee raised a brow, showing Taemin that he shouldn't have answered. “You kids were eating ice cream before dinner?!”
“We're sorry!”
Mr. Lee rolled up the newspaper in his hand and started swatting at his kids. “Bad! No treats before dinner! You'll spoil it!”
Jinki suddenly ran, dragging Taemin behind him as he bolted up the stairs after apologizing to their father again.
“Jesus, you're 19... You'd think you'd get away with it.”
“I'm setting a bad example to my younger brother.” Jinki smirked.
“Oh please...” Taemin pulled the older boy close. “If anything, I'm a bad example.”
“I don't think our father would like to know why.” Jinki's lips ghosted over the smaller boy's, their breaths mingling.
“His sons are full of bad habits.” Taemin smirked, gliding his hands around the older boy's neck.
“You bring them out...” The taller boy whispered, closing his eyes.
Taemin leaned forward, placing a soft kiss on the older boy's lips. “Your lips are soft today...”
Jinki smiled. “I bought lipchap.”
“I don't think I got a good enough feel. Let me try again.”
The younger boy crashed their lips together, knocking Jinki against the wall. Taemin used teeth and tongue and lips to feel the older boy's soft skin. Whatever Jinki was using, it was working and the older boy felt himself melt under the abusing kiss.
“Jinki... You taste like strawberries.”
Jinki smiled. “And you taste like chocolate.”
“All we need now is a blanket to wrap ourselves up in.”
The older boy laughed. “Maybe later... When mom and dad have gone to bed.”
Taemin's smile faltered as his heart raced. “Really?”
“We'll see.” Jinki poked the younger boy's nose.
His stomach growled, causing Taemin to giggle.
“How can you be hungry?”
“We're having chicken tonight.” He smiled.
Genre: Friendship, Romance (eventually)
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Onew/Taemin
Summary: Jinki is a highschool student who gets caught by Taemin, a street kid, who is running from a group of thugs. Later Jinki runs into Taemin again and the two begin a dysfunction friendship. Just when Taemin thinks he can depend on the other, Jinki disappears with a depressing family secret.
Author's Notes: :I Enjoy. Mmk so inconsistency, I like that so don't pay attention to what DAY it is... Okay?
Disclaimer: I do not own SHINee or ... anything
“Mmmmmmmmm.” Jinki stretched, his moan loudly filling the room.
“Oh my god, shut up.”
He smiled, looking down at the lump on the bed opposite of his own. He tiptoed to it, stretching his arms out and suddenly tackling Taemin. The smaller boy yelped, fighting Jinki under the blankets.
“What's going on in here?” Mrs. Lee opened the door but she paused and smiled. “I see you're feeling better.”
Jinki smiled, hugging the lump that was still wiggling. “Much better. I had a great nurse.”
Mrs. Lee laughed. “Okay, well you got lucky mister, today is Saturday so you got an extra long weekend. I have to go to work now. I'll see you two later.”
“Bye mom.” The oldest son smiled.
“Jinki, if you don't get off me this instant, I'm going to strip you, tape you to the bed and leave you.”
“Is that it?” Jinki asked through the blanket.
Taemin struggled again but the older boy kept him pinned. He finally pulled the blanket away from the younger boy's face but kept the rest of him covered. Taemin's cheeks were flushed, his hair a mess and his glare full of anger as he looked at his older brother. His glare intensified as Jinki smiled.
“Your cheeks are all red and your panting.”
“That's because I couldn't breathe you idiot.”
“Then why were you holding your breath?”
“I wasn't!”
Jinki sighed, laying next to the smaller boy. “You're so grumpy in the morning.”
“You tackled me and pinned me under the blankets. I have every right to be grumpy.
The older boy stared at Taemin as he closed his eyes. Jinki figured the younger boy would try to go back to sleep, which why he then reached his arms out, pulling himself up and over Taemin. The smaller boy opened his eyes again.
“What are you doing?”
“Nothing.”
Taemin watched Jinki, waiting for something to happen. All that went on was the older boy staring into his eyes so Taemin decided to close his eyes. He felt a hand press to his forehead, stroking away strands of hair that were in his face. Fingers glided down to his lips, outlining them before lightly tugging on his bottom lip. Taemin's brow creased.
“What are you doing?” He asked again.
“Nothing.”
Taemin sighed. “Like I'm going to believe that.”
“Does it bother you?”
“No.”
“I'm admiring your baby like face.”
Taemin's lips twitched. “Thanks... What's there to admire?”
“Your forehead... It has no crease lines... Your eyes... So big and innocent. Your cheek, still chubby with baby fat... Your lips... Soft and...”
“And?”
When it got quiet, Taemin opened his eyes. Jinki was staring at his lips as if he was memorized.
“And?”
“They look nice.” Jinki rolled off him, sitting at the edge of the bed.
The younger boy sat up. “Yours do too.”
The taller boy frowned. “No they don't. They're always chapped.”
Taemin pressed his teeth tightly together, this was true.
“You should know that... You feel them enough.”
The smaller boy blinked. Jinki turned around to face him with a serious face.
“You kiss me enough.”
Taemin swallowed. “Okay so it's true.”
Jinki turned around again.
“Jinki... Why don't you fight back? I mean... You didn't really before but now... Now you don't even slap my hand away.”
The older boy bit his lip. “I don't know why... I... I don't mind what you're doing to me... I-it feels good so why should I stop you.”
“Because you have morals.”
Jinki looked at him once again, his gaze making Taemin bow his head.
“Just because it feels good doesn't mean you should let it happen. I know you know this Jinki... So what you're telling me is obviously a lie. Was it because you were sick? You seemed to be a little more loose then.”
“I think I was too tired to care then... But it happened before that.”
“So then what's the real reason Jinki? Are you feeling lonely now that your friends now have someone? Standing on the sidelines always watching them.”
“I don't feel like that.” The older boy glared. “I have real feelings you know.”
“Real feelings?”
Jinki swallowed, turning so that his back was to Taemin.
“Jinki... What do you mean real feelings?”
“I'm going out today... So I'll see you later.” The older boy got off the bed but Taemin reached out, grabbing his wrist.
“Jinki, answer me.”
The taller boy was silent, causing Taemin to pull on his arm.
“Jinki!”
“I'll be back later.” He pulled away from the younger boy and left the room.
Taemin sat with his hands folded in his lap. He was beyond confused. He jumped as he felt a vibration against his leg.
“H-hello?”
“Hello?... Oh, this must be Taemin. It's Minho!”
“Oh, hi hyung.”
“Everything okay Taemin?”
“Mm, just woke up. Still sleepy.”
“Oh, well, is Jinki hyung around?”
“Mm, he went out... I guess he dropped his phone.”
“Oh, oh well, that's fine.”
“Did you have plans with him hyung?”
“No, I just wanted to ask him something.”
“Hey hyung...”
“Yes Taemin?”
“Are you free today?”
“I am, do you wanna hang out?”
“I... Need someone to talk to.”
“Meet me at the park. I'll be there in ten minutes.”
Taemin hung up, closing the phone and dropping it on the bed. He wasn't the type to talk to anyone about his feelings but this person, Choi Minho, seemed like the type of person Taemin could put his trust into.
He flipped his hood on, walking out of the bedroom and down the stairs.
“Going out?”
“Mhm, I've got plans with Minho hyung.”
“Okay, have fun. We should really get you a cel phone...” Mr. Lee muttered. “Be back by 7, that's usually when your mother makes dinner, isn't it?”
Mr. Lee scratched his head.
Taemin smiled. “I think so. I'll be back by then. See you later dad.”
~
“Taemin!” Minho shouted, running to the bench the younger boy was sitting on.
Taemin raised a brow. “You're in good spirits today hyung... Did you get intimate with Changmin hyung?”
Minho looked at the smaller boy with wide eyes but then looked away, blushing wildly. “N-no, not yet.”
The younger boy smirked. 'But you did do something.'
The older boy exhaled, the smile back on his face as he came around the other side of the bench and sat down. “So, what's up?”
Taemin swallowed, looking down at the ground.
“I know it's about Jinki hyung.”
The smaller boy stiffened. “Is it that obvious?”
“I can see you guys changing day to day... I know somethings up but I'm still trying to figure it out.”
So Minho was analyzing them this whole time, maybe choosing the older boy wasn't such a bad idea. Taemin could use this to his advantage.
“Changing... How has Jinki been changing..? I mean hyung...”
Minho smiled. “You can call him Jinki... I'm sure he doesn't mind it, right?”
Taemin slowly shook his head.
“Jinki's always been... The awkward type. It takes him a while to get used to someone. For some people, he just clicks with them, which would be us. We just suddenly became friends. There was no explanation for it. When Jinki first started talking about you, I knew you were different. I could just tell by the way he said your name.”
Taemin felt a little embarrassed, learning that Jinki mentioned him so often.
“That day he came to school with a broken nose we were all worried but he refused to tell us who did it... We knew the reason was because of you but Jinki still wouldn't admit it. I'm pretty sure he was hiding his feelings then too... Or maybe that's when it started. There was so much disappointment in his face when he brought us to your hangout and you weren't there. I know he came looking for you when he left Jonghyun's house.”
“He did.” The younger boy nodded. “It was stupid... And I wanted to kick his ass.”
“Taemin... You have a really strong hold on Jinki's heart. He cares for you so much that he's even asked his parents to adopt you. That's saying a lot. I don't think he would've done that for just anyone.”
“He...” Taemin bit his lip. “He didn't pull away when I...”
“I get it.”
The younger boy looked at Minho but then understood, the older boy really did get it.
“Well he always pulled away... Now he doesn't... He doesn't flinch... Or tell me no. He gets closer to me too... This morning he... He tackled me on my bed and pinned me under the blankets... Then he started at my face and played with my lips. I'm sorry this must be awkward for you to hear.” Taemin blushed, folding his hands neatly in his lap.
“No, I'm quite intrigued.”
The smaller boy looked up to see if Minho was just playing with him but the older boy was staring at him with intense curiosity.
Taemin inhaled. “When I asked him why he no longer pulled away... He said it was because it felt good... I know he was lying.”
“You seem to know Jinki pretty well.”
The younger boy blinked, taking this as a compliment. “I... I asked him if he was letting me do it because he was lonely... Because everyone else in our group has someone and he doesn't.”
“He has you.”
Taemin fidgeted with his hands. “It's not l-like we're dating. A-and we're brothers now.”
“You're not blood brothers... And you met before you were family so it doesn't matter.”
The smaller boy licked his lips. “Jinki said that wasn't why he was letting me do things... He said he had real feelings. When I asked him what he meant, he left.”
“And that's when I called?”
Taemin nodded.
“I see... Well Taemin, I'll tell you this. Those real feelings Jinki mentioned are feelings for you. Pretty strong ones too. You said he left? He's probably out now trying to figure them out. He's never really had a relationship before so he probably doesn't realize what's going through his head is normal.”
“Isn't he normally straight?”
Minho nodded. “But that doesn't mean what he's feeling is wrong.”
“No, I know... But does he know that? He's obviously comfortable with having gay friends.. But being gay himself doesn't seem like something he could come to terms with.”
“I think Jinki would accept feelings of love no matter what sex it came from. He lets you touch him doesn't he?”
“I-I guess.”
Minho placed a hand on Taemin's shoulder. “Let him figure out his feelings. He'll come to you when he's ready. Until then... Just enjoy being with him. I know pretending is hard but we all manage through it.”
Taemin nodded. “Thanks hyung.”
~
Taemin felt a little better after talking to Minho. They're date had only lasted a couple hours so he still had some time to kill before going home. Then again, it wasn't like he had to stay out until 7PM.
He pulled out his new allowance money. “I'm not into sweets but...” He eyed the crepe truck up ahead.
“Chocolate strawberry please.”
Taemin held the pastry treat in his hand, staring at it for a moment.
“Are you going to eat that?”
He turned, pressing his teeth tightly together as Jinki walked up behind him.
“I've never had one before.”
The older boy smiled. “You spent you first bit of allowance money on something you might waste?”
“At least it was my money.” Taemin's eyes went back to the crepe.
“Can I take a bite?”
The smaller boy looked at the treat, then to Jinki then back. “Sure.”
Without taking it from him, Jinki cupped his hands over Taemin's, bringing the crepe to his mouth and taking a bite.
“It's good.”
“I don't really like sweets that much.”
Jinki took another bite then fingered Taemin over. “Open your mouth.”
The smaller boy blinked, slowly opening his mouth. He gasped as Jinki pushed their lips together, his tongue forcing the small bit of crepe into Taemin's mouth. The younger boy stood frozen as he felt Jinki's tongue inside his mouth. His knees buckled as he tried to stay standing.
Jinki wiped his mouth as he pulled away. “Well, how does it taste?”
The ice cream melted in Taemin's mouth, the liquid running down his throat. He chewed for a moment, making sure the crepe along with the strawberry bits were small enough to swallow.
“I-it's okay.”
“Ah, it's melting.”
Jinki took the napkin from the younger boy's hand, wrapping it around the leaky crepe.
“It's going to be messy if you don't eat it soon.”
“Jinki...”
“What is it?”
“I think I love you.”
The older boy tensed, his fingers shaking slightly as he continued to wrap the treat in napkins. “I have to take care of you silly...”
Taemin dropped the crepe, holding Jinki's hands. “That's not what I mean.”
The taller boy sighed. “You're my brother Taemin, it makes me happy that you love me.”
“Jinki!”
“We're brothers Taemin.”
“So? We're not blood...”
“We can't...”
“J-Jinki... If I can't be with you, I don't want to be your brother.”
The older boy looked up, his mouth falling open a bit. Jinki's face was like an open book to Taemin, the hurt covering his features so obviously.
“I just want you in my life Taemin... That's more than enough for me.”
“Well it's not for me! Where did you go anyways?”
“I went out to clear my head... I went home because I dropped my phone and hoped it was still there. When I walked in, dad said you were out with Minho so I went out looking for you. I text Minho a couple minutes ago and he said you two were here not that long ago. I hoped you'd still be here. I wanted to talk to you.”
“What is it that you wanted to say Jinki?”
The older boy swallowed, letting go of Taemin's hand. “I wanted to say... That we're brothers... And brothers shouldn't feel this way towards each other. I like how comfortable we are to each other but that isn't normal... It isn't right. That's like... Incest.”
Taemin slapped Jinki, causing the older boy to step back. “What if I never joined your family? What would your excuse be then huh? It's obvious you have feelings for me Jinki.”
“Brotherly feelings.”
The younger boy slapped Jinki again. “Knock it off! Stop lying!”
Jinki could feel his eyes sting, glaring at the small boy to stop them from appearing.
“You've changed me Jinki... You've made me a better person... You did it all from your heart. I know I'm in there somewhere.”
The older boy glared at the pavement. He promised himself that after today, he would lock up all his feelings towards Taemin and act like a responsible, caring older brother. In fact it took him all day to even take a step towards the smaller boy just to see his face, say his name, hear his voice.
Jink dropped to his knees. “It's not right to have feelings for you.”
Taemin ran to the older boy. “Why? Why is it not right? Because your parents adopted me? Think passed that Jinki...”
The taller boy shook his head. “I don't have to the right to... I... These feelings that I have for you... They aren't normal... They keep getting worse and someday I won't even be able to control myself. You tease me day in and day out but I take it... I won't be able to anymore... I don't want to turn into some beast so I've locked myself in a cage.”
Taemin wrapped his arms around Jinki, pulling him close. “What kind of feelings do you have for me Jinki? Just tell me.”
The older boy grabbed Taemin, his fingers digging into the younger boy's arm. “I love you.”
“How much?” The smaller boy closed his eyes tight.
“With all my heart.”
“With all your brotherly heart?”
“No...” Jinki shook his head in Taemin's arms. “With all my stranger trusting heart.”
The smaller boy held Jinki closer, hugging him tightly. “Good... Don't be a beast in a cage Jinki.”
The older boy raised his head, looking into Taemin's eyes.
“You know I don't mind.” The younger boy smiled.
~
“Oh, you came back together!” Mr. Lee was surprised when he walked by the front door.
“Mm, we ran into each other outside.” Taemin squeezed Jinki's hand in his own.
“Well, it's not 7PM yet so you guys are kind of early for dinner.” Mr. Lee glared at Jinki. “What's that on your shirt?”
Jinki looked down, following his father's gaze. “O-oh that... It's...”
“Ice cream!” Taemin smiled. “We shared a crepe.”
“Ice cream?” Mr. Lee raised a brow, showing Taemin that he shouldn't have answered. “You kids were eating ice cream before dinner?!”
“We're sorry!”
Mr. Lee rolled up the newspaper in his hand and started swatting at his kids. “Bad! No treats before dinner! You'll spoil it!”
Jinki suddenly ran, dragging Taemin behind him as he bolted up the stairs after apologizing to their father again.
“Jesus, you're 19... You'd think you'd get away with it.”
“I'm setting a bad example to my younger brother.” Jinki smirked.
“Oh please...” Taemin pulled the older boy close. “If anything, I'm a bad example.”
“I don't think our father would like to know why.” Jinki's lips ghosted over the smaller boy's, their breaths mingling.
“His sons are full of bad habits.” Taemin smirked, gliding his hands around the older boy's neck.
“You bring them out...” The taller boy whispered, closing his eyes.
Taemin leaned forward, placing a soft kiss on the older boy's lips. “Your lips are soft today...”
Jinki smiled. “I bought lipchap.”
“I don't think I got a good enough feel. Let me try again.”
The younger boy crashed their lips together, knocking Jinki against the wall. Taemin used teeth and tongue and lips to feel the older boy's soft skin. Whatever Jinki was using, it was working and the older boy felt himself melt under the abusing kiss.
“Jinki... You taste like strawberries.”
Jinki smiled. “And you taste like chocolate.”
“All we need now is a blanket to wrap ourselves up in.”
The older boy laughed. “Maybe later... When mom and dad have gone to bed.”
Taemin's smile faltered as his heart raced. “Really?”
“We'll see.” Jinki poked the younger boy's nose.
His stomach growled, causing Taemin to giggle.
“How can you be hungry?”
“We're having chicken tonight.” He smiled.