Five Doses of Vitamin Me; Minho/Key
in which Minho tries to win Kibum over with pick-up lines.
Author's Note: also known as the few times pick-up lines actually work. uh oh, i was halfway through writing this when i realised i wrote something different from the prompt. i don’t know why but i kept thinking ‘pick-up lines’. i can only hope the anon doesn't mind how i changed it and that it’ll still be an enjoyable read for everyone. it got a little out of hand so happy reading all 2397 words! spoiler alert: credits to this fic belongs here. ^^
It’s funny how things seldom go as planned. On usual days Kibum decides to go clubbing, he’s all for socializing while dancing, drinking and enjoying the music. But when he truly wants to get to know people beyond the casual hook-up, Kibum never gets to meet decent guys who are even worthy of a first date. He knows that most, if not, all of them just wants to get him in bed. Kibum may look like he’s a willing party but he has his principles when it comes to things like this. As much as he understands how he can’t expect so much from meeting someone at a club, Kibum still can’t help but hope that the right person will come along one night.
Tonight though, Kibum has no interest in socializing and is simply at his favourite club to dance and drink. Yet, it’s weird how he keeps getting hit on by not only men but ladies as well while he sits at the bar counter and drinks by himself. Kibum knows it’s probably his own fault for sending the wrong signal but he honestly isn’t up to flirt with anyone tonight. Ready to hit the dance floor, Kibum downs the last of his drink and is just about to leave his seat when someone, probably the sixth person that night, comes to stand beside him.
“My friends bet that I wouldn't be able to start a conversation with the most handsome guy in the bar… Wanna buy some drinks with their money?”
It’s the second time Kibum is hearing that pick-up line in one night and so he is left very much unimpressed, already rolling his eyes in his mind. All ready to turn the person down, Kibum spares a look at the person who is hitting on him but finds himself unable to do so. Let’s just say, the person, a guy, looks like he has just walked straight out of a magazine, and more importantly, doesn’t seem to be as sleazy as the others who have approached him earlier on.
“So?” The guy clears his throat nervously and tries his best to hide his nervousness (but obviously fails because Kibum notices he can’t even maintain eye contact with him), “How does that sound?”
Kibum thinks it’s cute and ends up smiling at the good-looking stranger, “If you can look at me for longer than 5 seconds, I’ll consider.”
Upon hearing Kibum’s words, the guy finally meets his eyes with a surprised look on his face and stares at him as if he’s trying to understand Kibum.
“…4, 5.” Kibum finishes counting out loud before he extends his hand to the stranger, “I’m Kibum. You are?”
The guy quickly takes his hand and shakes it firmly, “Minho.”
Kibum laughs, “I’m glad you didn’t ask me to call you tonight.”
A smile tugs on a corner of Minho’s lips.
“Well, if you’d like to, I wouldn’t mind.”
Kibum pauses for a moment, using the time to take a good look at Minho, before he makes a decision.
“How about this?” Kibum begins, “Go get the money from your friends first to buy me a drink and then I’ll give you my number…”
Without saying anything, Minho takes out his wallet and calls for the bartender.
“That’ll just be a waste of time…” Minho mutters out loud and as the bartender comes to them, turns to Kibum with a warm smile, “What would you like?”
It’s then Kibum decides Minho deserves at least a first date.
They meet again three days later, on a Wednesday, at an Italian restaurant during lunch hour. It’s all the time Kibum can afford to spare Minho considering how busy he is at work. Besides, he thinks this is a good test to see if Minho can impress him within an hour. Their food is taking some time to arrive but it allows them to get to know each other better. The more they talk, the more Kibum realises how good a catch Minho actually is. It should be great news but he can’t get himself to feel happy.
All Kibum can think about is how it’s such a pity because they don’t really have much in common aside from their age. Some may say opposites attract but Kibum thinks it’s best to have chemistry with the person he potentially wants to be in a relationship with. So far, things aren’t looking that great. Don’t get him wrong though, Minho is all things nice and wonderful and they get along rather well. However, Kibum figures they would be better off as friends.
He probably isn’t doing a fantastic job in hiding his thoughts, seeing that Minho quiets down and focuses on eating his pasta. Their conversation dies as they eat their lunch. Kibum wants to do something to save the atmosphere before it turns awkward but he doesn’t really know what to say either. Instead, he picks at his salad and concentrates on taking away the shredded carrots which he dislikes. They both stay quiet for what seems like forever until Minho breaks the uncomfortable silence.
“If you were a vegetable…”
Stopping what he’s doing, Kibum looks up at Minho who, he realises, is looking at his salad.
“-you'd be a cute-cumber.”
It takes a couple of seconds for Kibum to digest what Minho has just said. When it sinks in, an amused smile appears on Kibum’s face.
“What if I were a fruit?” Kibum asks, curious to see how Minho will respond.
Minho meets Kibum’s eyes briefly before he looks down again and answers, “You would be a fine-apple.”
At that, Kibum bursts out laughing. Minho can’t help but smile a little, proud that he made Kibum laugh.
“Is that enough for you to give me a second chance?”
Kibum’s smile slowly disappears as he turns serious, not wanting to take things lightly when he knows Minho is both sincere and hopeful.
“Look, Minho…” Kibum begins but doesn’t get to continue when Minho cuts him off.
“All I’m asking is for another date.” Minho requests, almost rushing to speak, “Let me take you out on a proper date this weekend. And if you still don’t feel anything for me then, we’ll stay as friends.”
The determination in Minho’s eyes makes Kibum nod and give him another chance. And so, as lunch hour comes to an end, they split ways with a promise to meet again on Saturday.
Exhausted from a busy work week, all Kibum can think about is heading to the mall for some much needed retail therapy. He mentions this to Minho offhandedly while texting during the week and is pleasantly surprised when Minho offers to go shopping with him. Although he guesses that Minho probably just wants to impress him, Kibum decides to kill two birds with one stone and takes him up on his offer.
Saturday arrives and they’re browsing the shops with Kibum doing most of the shopping while Minho tags along, half-heartedly looking through the racks of clothes but mostly just patiently waiting for Kibum to be done. As much as Kibum feels bad, he still really wants to shop and so, the only thing he can do to involve Minho more is to shop for the guy as well.
“This would look nice on you.” Kibum pulls a white spread collar shirt from the rack and holds it against Minho, “The material is really good too… what do you think?”
“It’s not bad…” Minho replies with a smile.
Kibum takes that as a yes and begins searching for what he thinks is the correct size for Minho.
Minho goes quiet for a moment before he calls out, “Hey Kibum?”
“Hmm?” Kibum responds distractedly as he decides to take two sizes for Minho to try.
“Do you know what my shirt is made of?”
Kibum doesn’t think too much into his sudden question and takes a good look at Minho’s basic black t-shirt.
“Cotton?”
Minho shakes his head and grins as he reveals the correct answer.
“Boyfriend material.”
Kibum is rendered speechless.
“100%.” Minho adds on, “I guarantee you.”
“I trust you are…” Oddly enough, Kibum finds himself agreeing, only to disappoint Minho, “But not for me.”
There are only so many times a guy wants to be rejected. Kibum knows he has already hurt Minho’s ego more than enough times and it makes him feel as terrible as Minho is probably feeling.
“I’m sorry, Minho.” Kibum sincerely apologizes, “We could still be friends if you want to?”
It’s a question because Kibum would understand if Minho isn’t keen on even being friends with him after how he has outright rejected him. When Minho doesn’t reply him immediately, Kibum starts feeling nervous and almost afraid to hear his answer. His feelings puzzle him because it makes it seem like he still wants Minho to be part of his life.
It takes a long minute before Kibum gets an answer in the form of a nod and a sad smile from Minho. A part of Kibum is relieved, happy that he still has a friend in Minho, while another part of him just wants to hug the guy and encourage him to keep trying because maybe, just maybe, Kibum will change his mind one day. But when that thought occurs to Kibum, he knows better than to act on it and lead Minho on or give him the wrong idea.
Because no, Kibum reminds himself, they aren’t compatible.
“I’ll go try this then.” Minho takes the shirts from Kibum’s hands and snaps him out of his thoughts, “Meet you outside the fitting rooms?”
“Sure.”
As he watches Minho walks away, Kibum becomes more certain about his decision.
Friendships last longer than relationships anyway.
Two weeks later, Kibum is reminded that friendships, like any other relationships, require some effort to maintain them. It bothers him that he hasn’t heard from Minho for more than a week. After their shopping date, they managed to stay in contact for a couple of days, on and off, simply chatting about their day and grumbling to each other about work. A day goes by without them talking to each other, and then another before suddenly, it’s been three days since Minho last contacted him.
Kibum’s gut feeling is telling him that something is up and he begins to think that Minho has lied to him about being friends. Maybe Minho is tired of pretending that he’s alright with this when he obviously wants something more than friendship… maybe Minho doesn’t think they can be friends anymore, maybe… maybe Kibum should just talk to Minho and find out why his supposed friend hasn’t talked to him for so long.
It’s 5.23pm when Kibum is distracted at work and grabs his phone to send a message to Minho.
Hey! What have you been up to?
After sending the text, Kibum puts his phone aside and pretends that he doesn’t care about Minho’s reply. Who is he kidding though? If he doesn’t care, he wouldn’t have messaged him in the first place. Luckily, Kibum doesn’t go crazy waiting for Minho’s reply because something crops up at work and he ends up so busy that he forgets about checking his phone.
By the time he reaches home, Kibum is tired and hungry from working overtime, and his only priority is to feed himself, bathe and sleep. He does just that. When he is finally tucked up in bed, Kibum is so sleepy that he’s fighting to keep his eyes open.
It’s 11.08pm when Kibum’s phone buzzes loudly beside his ear and shocks him out of his sleepy state. Feeling slightly more awake, he blindly reaches for his phone and reads the message he has just received.
Sorry, just saw this, I was asleep!
You sleep so early?
No, only tonight. The medicine knocked me out.
You’re sick? How are you feeling now?
A little better. Thanks!
Get well soon!
Yeah, hopefully. I hate being sick. :(
You will, just eat your medicine and have a good rest.
That isn’t enough though… My doctor says I'm lacking Vitamin U.
I think you need to visit the doctor again.
Maybe you could visit me soon?
It’s 11.23pm when Kibum finds himself too sleepy to think right as he sends the final message before tossing his phone aside and calling it a night.
Give me your address and I’ll come to your place after work tomorrow.
Kibum doesn’t know what went over him last night but when he wakes up to Minho’s address on his phone, it’s too late to take back his words. Never mind, Kibum thinks, it’s no big deal. He shouldn’t need to find an excuse and tell Minho that he doesn’t feel like it’s necessary for him to pay a visit. Besides, it’ll be polite and nice of Kibum to visit a friend who is sick and alone in his apartment. Nothing wrong about that… right?
Wrong.
When Minho opens the door with the brightest smile on his face looking as healthy as ever, Kibum starts to doubt everything in life, including Minho, himself, his feelings for Minho as well as the universe’s way to bring them together.
“Hey!” Minho greets cheerfully as he invites Kibum into his home.
“You look fine.” Kibum points out, sounding more upset than happy like he rightfully should be, as he follows Minho inside.
“I am.” Minho admits unabashedly and turns to face Kibum, “Especially since I know I’m going to get a good dose of vitamin U.”
Kibum rolls his eyes, “You really need to stop speaking gibberish.”
“Kiss me if I’m wrong, but you love my pick-up lines, don’t you?”
Kibum looks up to the ceiling, as if asking the gods above what he has done to deserve this, before he looks back down and lets out a huge breath.
“Fuck it.”
With that, Kibum takes a step forward and comes close enough to reach out and hold Minho’s face in his hands before he kisses him full on the lips.
“Happy?”
“Very.”
“Now can you stop with the pick-up lines?”
“Have I succeeded?”
“What do you think?”
“Okay, I’ll stop.”
“Thank god.”
Kibum still believes things will never go as planned for him but at least it has worked out fine this time if the stupid smiles on both of their faces say anything.
Author's Note: also known as the few times pick-up lines actually work. uh oh, i was halfway through writing this when i realised i wrote something different from the prompt. i don’t know why but i kept thinking ‘pick-up lines’. i can only hope the anon doesn't mind how i changed it and that it’ll still be an enjoyable read for everyone. it got a little out of hand so happy reading all 2397 words! spoiler alert: credits to this fic belongs here. ^^
It’s funny how things seldom go as planned. On usual days Kibum decides to go clubbing, he’s all for socializing while dancing, drinking and enjoying the music. But when he truly wants to get to know people beyond the casual hook-up, Kibum never gets to meet decent guys who are even worthy of a first date. He knows that most, if not, all of them just wants to get him in bed. Kibum may look like he’s a willing party but he has his principles when it comes to things like this. As much as he understands how he can’t expect so much from meeting someone at a club, Kibum still can’t help but hope that the right person will come along one night.
Tonight though, Kibum has no interest in socializing and is simply at his favourite club to dance and drink. Yet, it’s weird how he keeps getting hit on by not only men but ladies as well while he sits at the bar counter and drinks by himself. Kibum knows it’s probably his own fault for sending the wrong signal but he honestly isn’t up to flirt with anyone tonight. Ready to hit the dance floor, Kibum downs the last of his drink and is just about to leave his seat when someone, probably the sixth person that night, comes to stand beside him.
“My friends bet that I wouldn't be able to start a conversation with the most handsome guy in the bar… Wanna buy some drinks with their money?”
It’s the second time Kibum is hearing that pick-up line in one night and so he is left very much unimpressed, already rolling his eyes in his mind. All ready to turn the person down, Kibum spares a look at the person who is hitting on him but finds himself unable to do so. Let’s just say, the person, a guy, looks like he has just walked straight out of a magazine, and more importantly, doesn’t seem to be as sleazy as the others who have approached him earlier on.
“So?” The guy clears his throat nervously and tries his best to hide his nervousness (but obviously fails because Kibum notices he can’t even maintain eye contact with him), “How does that sound?”
Kibum thinks it’s cute and ends up smiling at the good-looking stranger, “If you can look at me for longer than 5 seconds, I’ll consider.”
Upon hearing Kibum’s words, the guy finally meets his eyes with a surprised look on his face and stares at him as if he’s trying to understand Kibum.
“…4, 5.” Kibum finishes counting out loud before he extends his hand to the stranger, “I’m Kibum. You are?”
The guy quickly takes his hand and shakes it firmly, “Minho.”
Kibum laughs, “I’m glad you didn’t ask me to call you tonight.”
A smile tugs on a corner of Minho’s lips.
“Well, if you’d like to, I wouldn’t mind.”
Kibum pauses for a moment, using the time to take a good look at Minho, before he makes a decision.
“How about this?” Kibum begins, “Go get the money from your friends first to buy me a drink and then I’ll give you my number…”
Without saying anything, Minho takes out his wallet and calls for the bartender.
“That’ll just be a waste of time…” Minho mutters out loud and as the bartender comes to them, turns to Kibum with a warm smile, “What would you like?”
It’s then Kibum decides Minho deserves at least a first date.
They meet again three days later, on a Wednesday, at an Italian restaurant during lunch hour. It’s all the time Kibum can afford to spare Minho considering how busy he is at work. Besides, he thinks this is a good test to see if Minho can impress him within an hour. Their food is taking some time to arrive but it allows them to get to know each other better. The more they talk, the more Kibum realises how good a catch Minho actually is. It should be great news but he can’t get himself to feel happy.
All Kibum can think about is how it’s such a pity because they don’t really have much in common aside from their age. Some may say opposites attract but Kibum thinks it’s best to have chemistry with the person he potentially wants to be in a relationship with. So far, things aren’t looking that great. Don’t get him wrong though, Minho is all things nice and wonderful and they get along rather well. However, Kibum figures they would be better off as friends.
He probably isn’t doing a fantastic job in hiding his thoughts, seeing that Minho quiets down and focuses on eating his pasta. Their conversation dies as they eat their lunch. Kibum wants to do something to save the atmosphere before it turns awkward but he doesn’t really know what to say either. Instead, he picks at his salad and concentrates on taking away the shredded carrots which he dislikes. They both stay quiet for what seems like forever until Minho breaks the uncomfortable silence.
“If you were a vegetable…”
Stopping what he’s doing, Kibum looks up at Minho who, he realises, is looking at his salad.
“-you'd be a cute-cumber.”
It takes a couple of seconds for Kibum to digest what Minho has just said. When it sinks in, an amused smile appears on Kibum’s face.
“What if I were a fruit?” Kibum asks, curious to see how Minho will respond.
Minho meets Kibum’s eyes briefly before he looks down again and answers, “You would be a fine-apple.”
At that, Kibum bursts out laughing. Minho can’t help but smile a little, proud that he made Kibum laugh.
“Is that enough for you to give me a second chance?”
Kibum’s smile slowly disappears as he turns serious, not wanting to take things lightly when he knows Minho is both sincere and hopeful.
“Look, Minho…” Kibum begins but doesn’t get to continue when Minho cuts him off.
“All I’m asking is for another date.” Minho requests, almost rushing to speak, “Let me take you out on a proper date this weekend. And if you still don’t feel anything for me then, we’ll stay as friends.”
The determination in Minho’s eyes makes Kibum nod and give him another chance. And so, as lunch hour comes to an end, they split ways with a promise to meet again on Saturday.
Exhausted from a busy work week, all Kibum can think about is heading to the mall for some much needed retail therapy. He mentions this to Minho offhandedly while texting during the week and is pleasantly surprised when Minho offers to go shopping with him. Although he guesses that Minho probably just wants to impress him, Kibum decides to kill two birds with one stone and takes him up on his offer.
Saturday arrives and they’re browsing the shops with Kibum doing most of the shopping while Minho tags along, half-heartedly looking through the racks of clothes but mostly just patiently waiting for Kibum to be done. As much as Kibum feels bad, he still really wants to shop and so, the only thing he can do to involve Minho more is to shop for the guy as well.
“This would look nice on you.” Kibum pulls a white spread collar shirt from the rack and holds it against Minho, “The material is really good too… what do you think?”
“It’s not bad…” Minho replies with a smile.
Kibum takes that as a yes and begins searching for what he thinks is the correct size for Minho.
Minho goes quiet for a moment before he calls out, “Hey Kibum?”
“Hmm?” Kibum responds distractedly as he decides to take two sizes for Minho to try.
“Do you know what my shirt is made of?”
Kibum doesn’t think too much into his sudden question and takes a good look at Minho’s basic black t-shirt.
“Cotton?”
Minho shakes his head and grins as he reveals the correct answer.
“Boyfriend material.”
Kibum is rendered speechless.
“100%.” Minho adds on, “I guarantee you.”
“I trust you are…” Oddly enough, Kibum finds himself agreeing, only to disappoint Minho, “But not for me.”
There are only so many times a guy wants to be rejected. Kibum knows he has already hurt Minho’s ego more than enough times and it makes him feel as terrible as Minho is probably feeling.
“I’m sorry, Minho.” Kibum sincerely apologizes, “We could still be friends if you want to?”
It’s a question because Kibum would understand if Minho isn’t keen on even being friends with him after how he has outright rejected him. When Minho doesn’t reply him immediately, Kibum starts feeling nervous and almost afraid to hear his answer. His feelings puzzle him because it makes it seem like he still wants Minho to be part of his life.
It takes a long minute before Kibum gets an answer in the form of a nod and a sad smile from Minho. A part of Kibum is relieved, happy that he still has a friend in Minho, while another part of him just wants to hug the guy and encourage him to keep trying because maybe, just maybe, Kibum will change his mind one day. But when that thought occurs to Kibum, he knows better than to act on it and lead Minho on or give him the wrong idea.
Because no, Kibum reminds himself, they aren’t compatible.
“I’ll go try this then.” Minho takes the shirts from Kibum’s hands and snaps him out of his thoughts, “Meet you outside the fitting rooms?”
“Sure.”
As he watches Minho walks away, Kibum becomes more certain about his decision.
Friendships last longer than relationships anyway.
Two weeks later, Kibum is reminded that friendships, like any other relationships, require some effort to maintain them. It bothers him that he hasn’t heard from Minho for more than a week. After their shopping date, they managed to stay in contact for a couple of days, on and off, simply chatting about their day and grumbling to each other about work. A day goes by without them talking to each other, and then another before suddenly, it’s been three days since Minho last contacted him.
Kibum’s gut feeling is telling him that something is up and he begins to think that Minho has lied to him about being friends. Maybe Minho is tired of pretending that he’s alright with this when he obviously wants something more than friendship… maybe Minho doesn’t think they can be friends anymore, maybe… maybe Kibum should just talk to Minho and find out why his supposed friend hasn’t talked to him for so long.
It’s 5.23pm when Kibum is distracted at work and grabs his phone to send a message to Minho.
Hey! What have you been up to?
After sending the text, Kibum puts his phone aside and pretends that he doesn’t care about Minho’s reply. Who is he kidding though? If he doesn’t care, he wouldn’t have messaged him in the first place. Luckily, Kibum doesn’t go crazy waiting for Minho’s reply because something crops up at work and he ends up so busy that he forgets about checking his phone.
By the time he reaches home, Kibum is tired and hungry from working overtime, and his only priority is to feed himself, bathe and sleep. He does just that. When he is finally tucked up in bed, Kibum is so sleepy that he’s fighting to keep his eyes open.
It’s 11.08pm when Kibum’s phone buzzes loudly beside his ear and shocks him out of his sleepy state. Feeling slightly more awake, he blindly reaches for his phone and reads the message he has just received.
Sorry, just saw this, I was asleep!
You sleep so early?
No, only tonight. The medicine knocked me out.
You’re sick? How are you feeling now?
A little better. Thanks!
Get well soon!
Yeah, hopefully. I hate being sick. :(
You will, just eat your medicine and have a good rest.
That isn’t enough though… My doctor says I'm lacking Vitamin U.
I think you need to visit the doctor again.
Maybe you could visit me soon?
It’s 11.23pm when Kibum finds himself too sleepy to think right as he sends the final message before tossing his phone aside and calling it a night.
Give me your address and I’ll come to your place after work tomorrow.
Kibum doesn’t know what went over him last night but when he wakes up to Minho’s address on his phone, it’s too late to take back his words. Never mind, Kibum thinks, it’s no big deal. He shouldn’t need to find an excuse and tell Minho that he doesn’t feel like it’s necessary for him to pay a visit. Besides, it’ll be polite and nice of Kibum to visit a friend who is sick and alone in his apartment. Nothing wrong about that… right?
Wrong.
When Minho opens the door with the brightest smile on his face looking as healthy as ever, Kibum starts to doubt everything in life, including Minho, himself, his feelings for Minho as well as the universe’s way to bring them together.
“Hey!” Minho greets cheerfully as he invites Kibum into his home.
“You look fine.” Kibum points out, sounding more upset than happy like he rightfully should be, as he follows Minho inside.
“I am.” Minho admits unabashedly and turns to face Kibum, “Especially since I know I’m going to get a good dose of vitamin U.”
Kibum rolls his eyes, “You really need to stop speaking gibberish.”
“Kiss me if I’m wrong, but you love my pick-up lines, don’t you?”
Kibum looks up to the ceiling, as if asking the gods above what he has done to deserve this, before he looks back down and lets out a huge breath.
“Fuck it.”
With that, Kibum takes a step forward and comes close enough to reach out and hold Minho’s face in his hands before he kisses him full on the lips.
“Happy?”
“Very.”
“Now can you stop with the pick-up lines?”
“Have I succeeded?”
“What do you think?”
“Okay, I’ll stop.”
“Thank god.”
Kibum still believes things will never go as planned for him but at least it has worked out fine this time if the stupid smiles on both of their faces say anything.