Finding Yourself / PG-13 ; Minho/Taemin
Finding Yourself
PG-13 ; Minho/Taemin
Summary: Minho helps Taemin through the tough beginnings of his high school career.
WARNINGS: There's some swearing, if you don't like that, then don't read it.
A/N: For you, soloscry. I know it’s been months since you have requested this, but I’m glad I finished this. It was really beautiful to write, so thank you.
As a young teen, moving around can be extremely difficult; even more difficult if you seem to be the number one person to be picked on. That was how Lee Taemin’s school years were going. His family was consistently moving around; he never really quite knew why, he just knew that they had to move to a new town quite often. The total number of school’s Taemin went to was at an amazingly high number - 10, and he was only just about to enter his first year in high school. Coming to this new school actually excited him somewhat; all he knew was that he would be able to stay at this school for its entirety. But because he was a new student, he was sure that he would have his problems, he always did. The other students always seemed to be bigger than him; Taemin was a very skinny and fragile teen. He supposed that this made him a prime target to get picked on, but it’s been happening so much that he almost was able to look past it, almost. He was learning how to stick up for himself, but it was really tough. Sure he had his friends, but because of Taemin being bullied so often, most of them would leave. Taemin didn’t exactly mind much then, he always knew that sooner or later he would move from that town and school and go find new friends that will stick by his side for only a few weeks. This had all become a routine to Taemin; until he met someone who would help him and change him for the rest of his life.
Seven o’clock on Taemin’s very first day at high school. He was thrilled, nervous, excited, scared, and worried all at the same time; he was scared that he might throw up on his walk to school. Luckily, he was able to keep his breakfast down and he didn’t have to go to class smelling like regurgitated pancakes and eggs. As he entered through his school’s front gates, he could hear and see the many different types of students there were - the good and the bad students, the ones who wanted to be there and the ones who didn’t, along with the students who were there just to be there. He quickly found his class and took a seat. As usual, he was one of the first ones there; only two other people were there. He waited patiently for his class to begin. The students filed in just as the bell was about to ring and as soon as all of the students were in their seats, the teacher along with another student made their presence in the room. The teacher was a short, frumpy, elderly man but Taemin wasn’t expecting much from him. The boy following him with his head held high was who Taemin found more interesting. The more rowdy kids in the back began howling as he walked in, he smirked but quickly recovered. He also seemed to be known by not only the rowdy kids, but also the better behaved kids, to which he acknowledged. Taemin didn’t quite understand how a good looking kid like this could be so popular with the obnoxious kids along with good kids and teachers.
“Hello and welcome to high school. I will be your Korean history teacher for the year. This here,” the short man who had yet to introduce himself put a hand out to the boy next to him, “is Choi Minho. Many of you already know him from your older siblings or seeing him around town. He is in his third year here and doesn’t have a class at this time but offered his help to my classroom. Please be thankful.” Many kids began to clap and cheer. Minho still kept his head held high, but in a quick second when the teacher was turned around, he loosened his demeanor and stuck his tongue out. The class exploded with laughter and cheers. Minho returned to his high stature as the teacher turned around. “Whatever it is, knock it off and begin to write this down.” Taemin followed his teacher’s requests, but couldn’t get his mind off how this young boy was so popular. He had seen popular students back in the other schools that he went to, but not students who were so well known by such a wide variety of people. The young Taemin envied the older boy who stood in front of his classroom.
The day went on sort of boring after his first class. Introductions after introductions, notes after notes. Taemin was actually surprised that no one had really said anything rude to him today; or anything at all for that matter. He couldn’t wait to go home, but it was only lunch time now. Taemin was extremely hungry so he hurried off to his lunch room to buy himself some food. His luck was beginning to wear off. As soon as he hit the second hall leading to the lunch room, there were a group of older kids standing there, not really doing anything. The boys were in some sort of huddle so Taemin thought that he could sneak away without being noticed. Unfortunately, he ran into a girl passing him and she dropped her books. Taemin quickly bent down to pick them up, expecting her to join him in this task, but she never did. She stood over him waiting for him to finish grabbing her books. Taemin stopped a second and starred up at her in amazement.
“Are you done picking up what you dropped yet?” She snarled down at him. Taemin became quickly embarrassed and hurriedly grabbed the books and shoved them towards the girl’s arms. She gave him another nasty look as he tried to get away, but to his surprise, the group of kids that were once behind him were now in front of him. Taemin guessed that they must have walked around him when he was picking up the books. And to make things worse, it seemed as if the girl was a part of this disturbing group of boys. She got on her tip toes to whisper something into the boy’s ear that was in the front. The boy began laughing as well as the girl. Taemin wasn’t exactly scarred; the students in front of him didn’t seem like to type to hurt him, but more of the type to humiliate him. Both the boy and girl were gorgeous, as well as most of the kids behind them. Taemin stood there waiting for what they were going to say or do. He stood there a little too awkwardly and he noticed this; he tried to straighten up but the eyes of the students were so heavy he felt as if slouching and looking around was all that he can do.
“Hm, Tiffany, you were right. He does look like that faggot from Super Junior. Too bad he doesn’t have the same snarky attitude. Maybe then he wouldn’t be such a fucking easy target.” Taemin finally looked at the boy straight in the eyes. The older boy cocked his head to the side. “What a shame. You’re kinda a decent looking kid. That hair… you’re mom put a damn bowl on your head to cut your hair. Damn, I kinda feel bad for you.” Taemin’s stature changed a little. These were some of the weakest insults Taemin had ever heard; he’s heard worse from lower grades. The older boy noticed Taemin’s changed and stepped forward towards Taemin. The boy looked much bigger farther away. He wasn’t that tall, maybe a few inches taller than Taemin, but he definitely had more body mass. Taemin didn’t drop him guard, he stood his ground. “You know, you shouldn’t act so fucking high and mighty,” The older boy was now only a few inches in front of Taemin’s face, “Be careful around here. You never know what could happen to such scrawny little shits like you.” The older boy pushed Taemin backwards and Taemin was expecting to fall backwards, but he ran into something, or someone else. The older boy looked up to see Minho. Minho was a few inches taller than that boy and Taemin didn’t know if he should be worried or relieved that he was here.
“Oh, hey Minho, how’s your day going? Mine? I keep running into fuckers like this who just don’t know their place. Such a scrawny little fuck, I didn’t know they came like this anymore.” The older boy began to laugh but Minho didn’t budge. It seemed as if the older boy and Minho were friends to some extent.
“Shut up, Jonghyun. Why do you always have to pick on the kids that looked like you back when it was your first year? You know you had a bowl cut, and I’m pretty sure you were ten times scrawnier than this kid.” Minho didn’t seem to have any resentment in his voice but Jonghyun was getting extremely mad; Taemin could feel the tension between the two.
“Fuck off, Minho. I was scrawny, but I built myself up. I fucking changed. You? You still look like a fucking alien. Fuck off, Minho.” Jonghyun always reverted back to using swearing. Obviously, he wasn’t smart enough to use real insults, so he had to swear his way into sounding tough. The insults thrown at Minho were just brushed aside by him. He seemed like he could care less about what was said. Taemin admired that.
“Jonghyun, why don’t you just go off with your little girlfriend. And I don’t mean Tiffany, but the kid who calls himself ‘Key’ behind her.” Said kid’s face turned bright red and he looked down at the ground. “Yes, everyone knows that you’re just with Tiffany to hide your real feelings for Key.” The whole group began to crack up laughing, besides of course Key and Tiffany. Jonghyun looked as if he might just take a swing at Minho, but his entire demeanor changed and Taemin could feel the tension lowering.
“You know, you’re right Minho. Yes, I’m gay and I’m with Key, but at least I tried to stay straight; unlike you. I didn’t want to bring shame to my family. You’ve been going through guy after guy and-” Minho quickly cut his sentence off.
“At least I know who I am and I not afraid to show it off to other people; the whole school, even my family. Learn who you are, Jonghyun, then come back and talk to me.” Jonghyun’s face blew up with anger. The students behind him were still laughing, this time Tiffany included. Jonghyun turned to face them, no one stopped. Key stepped out of the group and held his hand out for Jonghyun to take. Jonghyun sped off, grabbed the boy’s hand, and then began to run. After he was gone, the group disassembled leaving Taemin with Minho.
Minho was the first to speak. “I’m sorry for him. He’s a dick and doesn’t know what it’s like to grow up. I hope your days here become better than what you experienced today.” Minho placed his hand on Taemin’s shoulder and smiled. Taemin went to say something, but Minho was already turning around to leave.
“Thank you.” Taemin whispered to himself, and walked the other direction to the lunch room, hoping that maybe he has just a few minutes to eat.
The weeks went on and no one seemed to bother Taemin. Many students had heard about the confrontation with Jonghyun and Minho and everyone believed that Minho would be out to get them if anyone ever decided to say something negative to Taemin. Minho still came to his first class. Every day he walked in with the teacher with the same high stature but it slowly loosened as he was able to mingle with the students. Minho was there to help the students with any of their work, but the class wasn’t very difficult. Minho spent most of his time joking around with the students and helping relieve the stress of school. As time went on, Taemin seemed to be gaining a new friend. Minho always seemed to look directly at Taemin as he walked through the class room door every morning. Taemin’s response at first was a blush and the averted eyes, but soon, Taemin was able to hold Minho’s gaze. At lunch, Taemin would see Jonghyun along with Key sitting intimately in a far corner. It seemed as if he took Minho’s advice to find who he really was and not to be afraid of it. Taemin felt proud for Jonghyun and his accomplishments. Every day, Taemin would sit with Minho and his friends Jinki, Khun, and Donghae. Although they were all just as nice and friendly as Minho, Taemin only would talk to Minho. He just felt more comfortable with him than anyone else Taemin had ever been close to.
When it came time for their winter break, Minho quickly invited Taemin to spend time with him. Taemin agreed; he’d never had a friend that stuck around as long as Minho has. But then again, no one ever stuck up for Taemin like Minho had. Taemin was so appreciative to Minho. He was excited that he was able to go to school without worrying about what terrible things that were going to happen. Not only was he happier that the bullying stopped, but he also had a friend that stayed by his side through anything; and Taemin was sure that he would try his hardest to stay next to Minho’s side for as long as possible.
On the day before their break, Minho pulled Taemin aside in his first class to talk. Taemin was a little surprised that it couldn’t wait for lunch or some other time. Why now was the only thought running through his mind.
“Taemin, it’s been months since we’ve known each other, and can I just say that you are probably one of the nicest and most caring friends that I have ever had.” Minho smiled down and Taemin and Taemin returned that smile. “I’m so impressed that you even wanted to be my friend even after you found out that I was gay…” Minho’s voice trailed off and he looked away and down the hall way. “I don’t know how you’re going to take this, because I see that you’re really attached to me, and I don’t know if you know it but I’m pretty attached to you too, and… Well, Taemin?” Taemin looked up and smiled. “Taemin, I’m sorry, but I, I really like you. You’re a great kid and so sweet. I’m sorry if this scares you away or freaks you out, but I couldn’t keep it to myself any longer. There it’s all out.” Taemin was a little shocked; he’s never had anyone say that they like him, not girls nor boys. Taemin wasn’t quite sure what to say. He wasn’t quite sure how he should feel to this. He knew how things were supposed to be; he was supposed to be surprised, scared, and say that he was sorry, but he didn’t have those feelings. For some strange reason, Taemin couldn’t bring himself to say those types of things. Minho finally brought his gaze back to Taemin’s tiny face to see that the boy had a wide smile on his face.
“Minho, I, ugh… I don’t really know how I feel. I’m still so young. I’ve never had any one say something like that; nobody, so it’s sorta shocking me, but not totally. I don’t quite understand why, but I do know this: just because of what you’ve just said, it’s not going to change how I feel about you as a friend. I still want to be close with you and,” Taemin smiled even brighter now, “maybe more can develop from that?” His voice rose as if he were asking a question, but Minho knew that he was just very confused and what just happened. Minho felt a burden lift off his shoulders and smiled just as brightly to the younger man standing in front of him. He placed his hand on the tiny boys shoulder and began to speak.
“Thank you, Taemin. Let’s go back inside.” Taemin smiled and giggled at the older man for his silly actions. Taemin quickly wrapped his arms around the older boy and darted off into the classroom just as quickly as the hug happened. Minho felt his face become flush and his heart pound. Just as Minho was going to enter the classroom, he noticed a presence in the hallway. It was Jonghyun leaning up again the wall.
“I knew you were going to go after that jail bait. Be careful, you never know who is lurking in the shadows waiting for your downfall.” And with that, Jonghyun was gone.
PG-13 ; Minho/Taemin
Summary: Minho helps Taemin through the tough beginnings of his high school career.
WARNINGS: There's some swearing, if you don't like that, then don't read it.
A/N: For you, soloscry. I know it’s been months since you have requested this, but I’m glad I finished this. It was really beautiful to write, so thank you.
As a young teen, moving around can be extremely difficult; even more difficult if you seem to be the number one person to be picked on. That was how Lee Taemin’s school years were going. His family was consistently moving around; he never really quite knew why, he just knew that they had to move to a new town quite often. The total number of school’s Taemin went to was at an amazingly high number - 10, and he was only just about to enter his first year in high school. Coming to this new school actually excited him somewhat; all he knew was that he would be able to stay at this school for its entirety. But because he was a new student, he was sure that he would have his problems, he always did. The other students always seemed to be bigger than him; Taemin was a very skinny and fragile teen. He supposed that this made him a prime target to get picked on, but it’s been happening so much that he almost was able to look past it, almost. He was learning how to stick up for himself, but it was really tough. Sure he had his friends, but because of Taemin being bullied so often, most of them would leave. Taemin didn’t exactly mind much then, he always knew that sooner or later he would move from that town and school and go find new friends that will stick by his side for only a few weeks. This had all become a routine to Taemin; until he met someone who would help him and change him for the rest of his life.
Seven o’clock on Taemin’s very first day at high school. He was thrilled, nervous, excited, scared, and worried all at the same time; he was scared that he might throw up on his walk to school. Luckily, he was able to keep his breakfast down and he didn’t have to go to class smelling like regurgitated pancakes and eggs. As he entered through his school’s front gates, he could hear and see the many different types of students there were - the good and the bad students, the ones who wanted to be there and the ones who didn’t, along with the students who were there just to be there. He quickly found his class and took a seat. As usual, he was one of the first ones there; only two other people were there. He waited patiently for his class to begin. The students filed in just as the bell was about to ring and as soon as all of the students were in their seats, the teacher along with another student made their presence in the room. The teacher was a short, frumpy, elderly man but Taemin wasn’t expecting much from him. The boy following him with his head held high was who Taemin found more interesting. The more rowdy kids in the back began howling as he walked in, he smirked but quickly recovered. He also seemed to be known by not only the rowdy kids, but also the better behaved kids, to which he acknowledged. Taemin didn’t quite understand how a good looking kid like this could be so popular with the obnoxious kids along with good kids and teachers.
“Hello and welcome to high school. I will be your Korean history teacher for the year. This here,” the short man who had yet to introduce himself put a hand out to the boy next to him, “is Choi Minho. Many of you already know him from your older siblings or seeing him around town. He is in his third year here and doesn’t have a class at this time but offered his help to my classroom. Please be thankful.” Many kids began to clap and cheer. Minho still kept his head held high, but in a quick second when the teacher was turned around, he loosened his demeanor and stuck his tongue out. The class exploded with laughter and cheers. Minho returned to his high stature as the teacher turned around. “Whatever it is, knock it off and begin to write this down.” Taemin followed his teacher’s requests, but couldn’t get his mind off how this young boy was so popular. He had seen popular students back in the other schools that he went to, but not students who were so well known by such a wide variety of people. The young Taemin envied the older boy who stood in front of his classroom.
The day went on sort of boring after his first class. Introductions after introductions, notes after notes. Taemin was actually surprised that no one had really said anything rude to him today; or anything at all for that matter. He couldn’t wait to go home, but it was only lunch time now. Taemin was extremely hungry so he hurried off to his lunch room to buy himself some food. His luck was beginning to wear off. As soon as he hit the second hall leading to the lunch room, there were a group of older kids standing there, not really doing anything. The boys were in some sort of huddle so Taemin thought that he could sneak away without being noticed. Unfortunately, he ran into a girl passing him and she dropped her books. Taemin quickly bent down to pick them up, expecting her to join him in this task, but she never did. She stood over him waiting for him to finish grabbing her books. Taemin stopped a second and starred up at her in amazement.
“Are you done picking up what you dropped yet?” She snarled down at him. Taemin became quickly embarrassed and hurriedly grabbed the books and shoved them towards the girl’s arms. She gave him another nasty look as he tried to get away, but to his surprise, the group of kids that were once behind him were now in front of him. Taemin guessed that they must have walked around him when he was picking up the books. And to make things worse, it seemed as if the girl was a part of this disturbing group of boys. She got on her tip toes to whisper something into the boy’s ear that was in the front. The boy began laughing as well as the girl. Taemin wasn’t exactly scarred; the students in front of him didn’t seem like to type to hurt him, but more of the type to humiliate him. Both the boy and girl were gorgeous, as well as most of the kids behind them. Taemin stood there waiting for what they were going to say or do. He stood there a little too awkwardly and he noticed this; he tried to straighten up but the eyes of the students were so heavy he felt as if slouching and looking around was all that he can do.
“Hm, Tiffany, you were right. He does look like that faggot from Super Junior. Too bad he doesn’t have the same snarky attitude. Maybe then he wouldn’t be such a fucking easy target.” Taemin finally looked at the boy straight in the eyes. The older boy cocked his head to the side. “What a shame. You’re kinda a decent looking kid. That hair… you’re mom put a damn bowl on your head to cut your hair. Damn, I kinda feel bad for you.” Taemin’s stature changed a little. These were some of the weakest insults Taemin had ever heard; he’s heard worse from lower grades. The older boy noticed Taemin’s changed and stepped forward towards Taemin. The boy looked much bigger farther away. He wasn’t that tall, maybe a few inches taller than Taemin, but he definitely had more body mass. Taemin didn’t drop him guard, he stood his ground. “You know, you shouldn’t act so fucking high and mighty,” The older boy was now only a few inches in front of Taemin’s face, “Be careful around here. You never know what could happen to such scrawny little shits like you.” The older boy pushed Taemin backwards and Taemin was expecting to fall backwards, but he ran into something, or someone else. The older boy looked up to see Minho. Minho was a few inches taller than that boy and Taemin didn’t know if he should be worried or relieved that he was here.
“Oh, hey Minho, how’s your day going? Mine? I keep running into fuckers like this who just don’t know their place. Such a scrawny little fuck, I didn’t know they came like this anymore.” The older boy began to laugh but Minho didn’t budge. It seemed as if the older boy and Minho were friends to some extent.
“Shut up, Jonghyun. Why do you always have to pick on the kids that looked like you back when it was your first year? You know you had a bowl cut, and I’m pretty sure you were ten times scrawnier than this kid.” Minho didn’t seem to have any resentment in his voice but Jonghyun was getting extremely mad; Taemin could feel the tension between the two.
“Fuck off, Minho. I was scrawny, but I built myself up. I fucking changed. You? You still look like a fucking alien. Fuck off, Minho.” Jonghyun always reverted back to using swearing. Obviously, he wasn’t smart enough to use real insults, so he had to swear his way into sounding tough. The insults thrown at Minho were just brushed aside by him. He seemed like he could care less about what was said. Taemin admired that.
“Jonghyun, why don’t you just go off with your little girlfriend. And I don’t mean Tiffany, but the kid who calls himself ‘Key’ behind her.” Said kid’s face turned bright red and he looked down at the ground. “Yes, everyone knows that you’re just with Tiffany to hide your real feelings for Key.” The whole group began to crack up laughing, besides of course Key and Tiffany. Jonghyun looked as if he might just take a swing at Minho, but his entire demeanor changed and Taemin could feel the tension lowering.
“You know, you’re right Minho. Yes, I’m gay and I’m with Key, but at least I tried to stay straight; unlike you. I didn’t want to bring shame to my family. You’ve been going through guy after guy and-” Minho quickly cut his sentence off.
“At least I know who I am and I not afraid to show it off to other people; the whole school, even my family. Learn who you are, Jonghyun, then come back and talk to me.” Jonghyun’s face blew up with anger. The students behind him were still laughing, this time Tiffany included. Jonghyun turned to face them, no one stopped. Key stepped out of the group and held his hand out for Jonghyun to take. Jonghyun sped off, grabbed the boy’s hand, and then began to run. After he was gone, the group disassembled leaving Taemin with Minho.
Minho was the first to speak. “I’m sorry for him. He’s a dick and doesn’t know what it’s like to grow up. I hope your days here become better than what you experienced today.” Minho placed his hand on Taemin’s shoulder and smiled. Taemin went to say something, but Minho was already turning around to leave.
“Thank you.” Taemin whispered to himself, and walked the other direction to the lunch room, hoping that maybe he has just a few minutes to eat.
The weeks went on and no one seemed to bother Taemin. Many students had heard about the confrontation with Jonghyun and Minho and everyone believed that Minho would be out to get them if anyone ever decided to say something negative to Taemin. Minho still came to his first class. Every day he walked in with the teacher with the same high stature but it slowly loosened as he was able to mingle with the students. Minho was there to help the students with any of their work, but the class wasn’t very difficult. Minho spent most of his time joking around with the students and helping relieve the stress of school. As time went on, Taemin seemed to be gaining a new friend. Minho always seemed to look directly at Taemin as he walked through the class room door every morning. Taemin’s response at first was a blush and the averted eyes, but soon, Taemin was able to hold Minho’s gaze. At lunch, Taemin would see Jonghyun along with Key sitting intimately in a far corner. It seemed as if he took Minho’s advice to find who he really was and not to be afraid of it. Taemin felt proud for Jonghyun and his accomplishments. Every day, Taemin would sit with Minho and his friends Jinki, Khun, and Donghae. Although they were all just as nice and friendly as Minho, Taemin only would talk to Minho. He just felt more comfortable with him than anyone else Taemin had ever been close to.
When it came time for their winter break, Minho quickly invited Taemin to spend time with him. Taemin agreed; he’d never had a friend that stuck around as long as Minho has. But then again, no one ever stuck up for Taemin like Minho had. Taemin was so appreciative to Minho. He was excited that he was able to go to school without worrying about what terrible things that were going to happen. Not only was he happier that the bullying stopped, but he also had a friend that stayed by his side through anything; and Taemin was sure that he would try his hardest to stay next to Minho’s side for as long as possible.
On the day before their break, Minho pulled Taemin aside in his first class to talk. Taemin was a little surprised that it couldn’t wait for lunch or some other time. Why now was the only thought running through his mind.
“Taemin, it’s been months since we’ve known each other, and can I just say that you are probably one of the nicest and most caring friends that I have ever had.” Minho smiled down and Taemin and Taemin returned that smile. “I’m so impressed that you even wanted to be my friend even after you found out that I was gay…” Minho’s voice trailed off and he looked away and down the hall way. “I don’t know how you’re going to take this, because I see that you’re really attached to me, and I don’t know if you know it but I’m pretty attached to you too, and… Well, Taemin?” Taemin looked up and smiled. “Taemin, I’m sorry, but I, I really like you. You’re a great kid and so sweet. I’m sorry if this scares you away or freaks you out, but I couldn’t keep it to myself any longer. There it’s all out.” Taemin was a little shocked; he’s never had anyone say that they like him, not girls nor boys. Taemin wasn’t quite sure what to say. He wasn’t quite sure how he should feel to this. He knew how things were supposed to be; he was supposed to be surprised, scared, and say that he was sorry, but he didn’t have those feelings. For some strange reason, Taemin couldn’t bring himself to say those types of things. Minho finally brought his gaze back to Taemin’s tiny face to see that the boy had a wide smile on his face.
“Minho, I, ugh… I don’t really know how I feel. I’m still so young. I’ve never had any one say something like that; nobody, so it’s sorta shocking me, but not totally. I don’t quite understand why, but I do know this: just because of what you’ve just said, it’s not going to change how I feel about you as a friend. I still want to be close with you and,” Taemin smiled even brighter now, “maybe more can develop from that?” His voice rose as if he were asking a question, but Minho knew that he was just very confused and what just happened. Minho felt a burden lift off his shoulders and smiled just as brightly to the younger man standing in front of him. He placed his hand on the tiny boys shoulder and began to speak.
“Thank you, Taemin. Let’s go back inside.” Taemin smiled and giggled at the older man for his silly actions. Taemin quickly wrapped his arms around the older boy and darted off into the classroom just as quickly as the hug happened. Minho felt his face become flush and his heart pound. Just as Minho was going to enter the classroom, he noticed a presence in the hallway. It was Jonghyun leaning up again the wall.
“I knew you were going to go after that jail bait. Be careful, you never know who is lurking in the shadows waiting for your downfall.” And with that, Jonghyun was gone.