A Season With You 20/?
Title: A Season With You 20/?
Pairing: 2min, slight Onkey
Rating: G
Summary: Taemin is a loner. He enjoyed all his wonderful time alone until Minho come and took his lonely times away. Taemin doesn’t want to befriend Minho, remembering his last friendship didn’t end well and gave him deep wounds. He doesn’t want his heart to be injured again so he decided to act like a loner. But, could he ignore Minho who seems so cool and caring at the same time?
A/N: Un-beta
1 l 2 l 3 l 4 l 5 l 6 l 7 l 8 l 9 l 10 l 11 l 12 l 13 l 14 l 15 l 16 l 17 l 18 l 19
No words were enough to describe how happy I was today. I was sure I looked like a fool smiling idiotically all day long. I didn’t care how I looked like because I was beyond happy today. Taemin loved me and he was mine, mine only. How could I not be happy? I should share my joy with my three friends of course. I thought I would tell them during our lunch break.
“Minho oppa,” A girl voice called me on our way to the class and when I turned around, I found a couple of girls standing not far from me, smiling shyly as each of them was holding a gift box on their hands. I knew this.
“Hello,” I greeted them politely.
“Oppa, happy birthday.” They said shyly and handed me their gifts which I received willingly.
“Aaah, thank you so much.”
“Oppa, you can come to my parents’ restaurant if you want. It’s free since today is your birthday.” One of them offered.
“Thank you but I already have a plan for today, maybe next time.” I refused politely.
“Are you going to hold a birthday party? Can we join?” asked another one.
“No, I’m not holding any party.” It was obvious that they were disappointed but since we had to get to our class in one minute, I excused myself and Taemin followed by my side.
“You’re so lucky, hyung. No one ever treats me like that.” He said bluntly, making me laughed on his straightforwardness.
“Are you jealous?” I whispered to him, not wanting to be heard by the others.
“The hell I will.”
When we entered our class, we welcomed by the sight of a stack of gifts placed on our desk. Maybe it was on mine but since there were so many, it invaded on Taemin’s as well.
“Wow, such a nice sight.” Taemin scoffed.
“You should have brought your car.” A voice I had known so well came from my back and when I turned, Key was jumping on me for a hug while yelling happy birthday loud enough to be heard by the whole class.
“Minho-yaah, happy birthday.” Onew hyung hugged me, followed by Jonghyun hyung. “Seems like you got a lot,” he motioned on the birthday gifts on my desk when he pulled off.
“Thanks guys,”I grinned widely, “and yeah, I think I have to find a way to get a rid of these before the teacher’s in.”
“Want to move them into my car?” Jonghyun hyung offered.
“You’re bringing your car?”
“Yep,”
“Whoah, hyung, you live in the dorm, why bother to bring your car?” I commented. School was just five minutes’ walk or so from the school’s dorm. But whatever, as long as his car was useful for keeping these gifts away, why cared?
We wasted no time to bring these all to his car and went back to our class just in time. The whole class felt different today, I couldn’t help but glancing over Taemin every one minute and kept smiling with no reason. Sometimes Taemin would notice it and stopped doodling on his note for awhile to give me a knowing look.
During the lunch break, we had to bear being distracted by some girls who came to pass their presents and I also got some cakes which were soon disappeared in seconds since we were too hungry.
“I have something to tell.” I started.
“What?” Key responded without taking his eyes off of the cake.
“Taemin -“
“Confessed to you last night.” They all said altogether, making me wondered how they knew about this.
“How -“
“Taemin told us.” Onew hyung cut me again. “Sorry Minho but family comes first.” He added, giving Taemin a wide smile which he returned gladly.
“They knew?” I confirmed to Taemin and he just nodded innocently. “Why?” I yelled out, couldn’t accept the fact that I was the last to know that he loved me.
“Taemin sure loves his family more, Minho-yah.” Jonghyun hyung teased.
“No, I love Minho hyung more.” Taemin stated, making me gained back my pride.
“Taemin, you hurt appa’s heart,” Onew hyung pretended to be disappointed but instead of looking like an upset dad, he looked so amusing with his comical face so that we laughed hard.
Then all we did was talking and laughing a lot, recalling the memories of last years’ birthday in Japan. Taemin was only listening to us and laughing together with us when he found it funny. Unfortunately, the bell rang just when we were about to tell him about our last years’ holiday. When we made our way back to the class, Taemin told me to go first because he wanted to go to the bathroom so I just went back on my own and waited for him in the class. But he hadn’t back yet even though the teacher had entered the class.
To: Taemin :)
Where are you?
What takes you so long?
From: Taemin :)
I’m with Jjong hyung
He skipped the class and dragged
me along xD
can you bring my bag home?
Please…
To: Taemin :)
What?!
How could you just leave?
To: Taemin :)
Where are you going?
From: Taemin :)
I dunno.
We’re still driving.
To: Jonghyun hyung
Where the heck you kidnap
my Taeminnie?
From: Jonghyun hyung
Nowhere to find ;)
I sighed when I read his reply. Why? Why couldn’t I have him on my birthday?
From: Taemin :)
Stop texting, the teacher will notice
Don’t worry; I’ll be back before you
get back to our apartment.
To: Taemin :)
If you don’t, I’ll be very mad at you
Don’t forget that I’m one of those
precious-popular-guys who have
the privileges that the others don’t
I waited for more reply but got nothing so I gave up and tried to focus on whatever the teacher was explaining in front of the class. I couldn’t wait till the school ended and met him in the apartment, asking him where Jonghyun hyung had brought him. But then I remembered that Key wanted to hold a small party just between us, I could only sigh on that reminder. How I wished I could spend this day only with Taemin. Not that I put my friends behind but I wanted to be with him just for this day.
Soon after the class dismissed, I found Onew and Key hyung already waited for me outside the class. I silently thanked God because this time there was no one stopped me for passing their gifts. I was tired of that. Onew hyung asked me about Taemin and I told them that Jonghyun hyung took Taemin with him. They just nodded and helped me to bring Taemin’s stuff. During our way to the apartment, Key hyung offered so many ideas to do once we got into the apartment. All I could grasp was he wanted us to buy cake and foods and ate altogether in the living room while playing some games or watching some DVDs. Ugh, whatever, this idea was much better than last years’ when they dragged me into one of nightclubs and partied till morning. Sometimes I wondered how they got all those accesses remembering that according to that club, Key hyung and I were still under aged on that moment.
When we arrived at my apartment, I pulled out my keys and opened the door. But soon after I opened it, I was surprised by a pop sound -
“Surprise‼‼” I didn’t really see what was happening but a bunch of confetti’s was flying everywhere around me and they all started to sing. When the confetti all disappeared and I finally got a better look to my surroundings, I saw Taemin was holding an average sized cake whilst smiling and singing along with the others.
Being lost as it was, Key hyung demanded me to blow out the candles and I submissively did that. While I still recovered from the shock, I welcomed by the sight of the foods prepared on our living room’s table. This was like we were ready to have a party.
“It seems like Minho is still in shock,”
“This is a surprise birthday party held by Taemin.” Key hyung told me, making me more stunned than I already did. I turned to see Taemin, who was sitting right beside me, and found him smiling proudly to me.
“Do you like it?” he asked but I was too speechless to answer him so I just pulled him for a hug and whispered thank you to him.
“Aaah, I know Taemin already confessed to you but it doesn’t mean you can act so lovey-dovey in front of me. Come on, stop it, I don’t even want to see.” Key hyung complained and I shot him a death glare to silence him.
“Come on Minho-ah, give me a piece of your cake, hurry,” Onew hyung ordered impatiently so I just granted his wish.
“The first piece of my cake goes to my dear Taemin who has prepared this all,” I announced as I put a piece of cake on the small plate and handed it to Taemin. I caught Onew hyung’s disappointed look on the corner of my eyes and smirked. “Sorry hyung but don’t worry, you get the second piece.”
“But I always be the first to get the birthday cake,” he stated and dropped his head.
“Minho-ah,” Jonghyun hyung yelled. “You hurt his heart. How could you do that to our hyung!” Jonghyun hyung pretended to scold me which made Taemin burst into laughter.
“Appa~ we can share this together,” Taemin offered jokingly. But I banned him from sharing his share.
“This is for you, hyung, this, your piece of cake,” I hurriedly handed him a big slice of cake. “Look hyung, it’s bigger than Taemin’s.”
“You will always be the first to get my birthday cake, hyung. Ignore that ungrateful friend of us.” Key hyung patted Onew hyung’s back tenderly but Onew hyung was too busy with his cake to care about it. It seemed like he was hungry, judging from the way he shoved half of the cake into his mouth soon after he got it.
“Where did you buy this?” Onew hyung asked Taemin while chewing. His question made me wondered how it tasted so I quickly gave Key hyung’s share and had a slice for myself. I had a small bite to test it.
“It tastes different from our usual shop.” Onew hyung commented. “You didn’t buy it from that shop, did you?” he added.
“But it’s still tasty,” Jonghyun hyung defended.
“It tasted weird,” Key finally complained after he had his first bite. “Yah, where did you two buy this?”
“No, it’s not weird. It’s just different, in a good way.” Onew hyung disproved.
“I don’t think there is something wrong with the cake,” Taemin murmured.
“Minho-ah, you agree with me, right?” Key hyung asked for my approval but I didn’t think this cake tasted weird, it was just less tasty than the cakes I usually had.
“You’re exaggerating, Key.” Jonghyun hyung commented then I caught him exchanging look with Taemin.
“Where did you guys buy it?” Onew hyung asked for one more time. But instead of getting a reply, Taemin and Jonghyun hyung kept staring at each other; confusion was showed on their face obviously.
“Did you really measure it correctly?” Taemin asked him.
“I think so,” Jonghyun hyung replied weakly, making the three of us even more confused at them. “We didn’t buy it. Taemin made it and I helped him measuring the ingredients. I’m sure t I put the right amount.”
“It’s supposed to taste just fine.” Taemin added.
“Taemin made this?” I asked disbelievingly.
“If it really tastes that bad, we can buy another cake.” He said in regret. I was about to tell him not to do that but the thought of Taemin baking a cake for me left me amazed and touched to be able to say anything in reply.
“And I will take you to our usual place to buy cake,” Jonghyun hyung added.
“No. Don’t. It tasted fine, just less delicious than usual.” Onew hyung stopped them.
“Did you really make it, Tae?” I asked him for once more time.
“Yeah, I’ve learned how to bake a cake from Jiyoung and Nana for a week but looking at your responds it seems like I didn’t do this pretty well.”
“The fact that you baked a cake for Minho is already amazing. It’s understandable, though.” Onew hyung mentioned. “Since it’s Taemin’s cake, I’ll eat more than usual.”
“So you lied to me about tutoring them for exams?” I still couldn’t get away from Taemin’s surprising deeds. He nodded and grinned cutely, apologizing for lying to me. I didn’t matter about him lying to me but these past days, he always got home tired and I still remembered how he once couldn’t sleep because of fatigue and the most important thing was he did this all for me.
For the first time in my life, I felt so loved.
And it was all because of the boy who had lived with me for almost a year, the boy who at first was so annoying and whom I hated, the boy who always had nightmares and woke me up from his screams, the boy who would cuddle on me to sleep, the boy whom I slowly fell in love and my love for him had grown bigger and bigger each day.
I put an arm around his shoulder and pulled him closer to me. I landed a kiss on his cheek, ignoring the protest from Key hyung, and then ruffled his hair affectionately. If only he knew how much I thanked God for sending him into my life. For me, Taemin was just too much.
*******
Never since I first met him I saw Minho hyung so happy like this. There was something different on the way he smiled today, something different on the way he laughed hard with the hyungs, something different on the way he dealt with Key hyung’s nag, something different on the way he yelled to the hyungs when he lose the games. He was just so bright it blinded me.
A shift on the couch broke my attention from Minho hyung. I turned my face to the side to see Jonghyun hyung joining me on the couch.
“Tired from playing?” I asked.
“Kinda. It looks like watching them from here is more interesting,” he winked. “Checking out Minho, huh?”
“You know I’m bad at games. I’ll so ashamed of my own ability on playing stupid games.”
“Just because you can’t play it well means they’re stupid,” he protested which only made me chuckled.
“It’s just me or Minho hyung really looks different?” I asked out of topic.
“That is what we call extremely happy Minho. We miss that side of him a lot. Thanks for bringing it back to him today. You really did a good job.” Jonghyun hyung smiled a warm smile which I returned.
“It’s so pleased to see him like that.”
“He really loves you so much.”
“I think so.”
“Onew hyung, stop it. You won’t ever win against him on Winning Eleven.” Jonghyun hyung suddenly yelled. “Let’s go home, hyung. I’m sleepy right now.”
“This is the last, I promise.” Onew hyung assured.
“Those two would not stop if no one stops them. I’ll make sure to bring those two out of your apartment as soon as possible so you can rest. Today must be a weary day for you.”
“Absolutely. But it’s worth it.”
Jonghyun hyung forced the others to go home half an hour after his warning. After saying thanks and goodbyes and see you tomorrows, they finally left and the whole apartment became so peaceful then. Minho hyung and I started to clean up the mess on our living room; we couldn’t just leave it like that and waited till tomorrow.
“I still can’t believe you did this all for me,” Minho hyung said when we almost done cleaning up the living room.
“But I did.”
“How should I thank you?”
“I don’t know. It’s your job to think.”
“What about skip school for tomorrow and go on a date?” I saw him smirking satisfied.
“You guys love skipping school.” I said sarcastically.
“Don’t forget that you just did it today.”
“My case is different.” I protested.
“How come?”
“I wasn’t playing around and having fun somewhere, I prepared your surprise birthday party so it’s different.” I insisted.
I was about to back to wipe the table before I felt a hand sneaked around my waist and pulled me back into a familiar chest.
“So you’re trying to say that I’m your first priority now?” He whispered on my ear and tightened his grip around me, burying his face on the crook of my neck and let out small giggle.
“I don’t say so. Hyung, let go off me.” I complained. “We have to finish this and go sleep.” I reminded him on what we were doing but it seemed like he didn’t listen to me.
“You didn’t say it bluntly. You implied it.”
“I’m not implying anything. Stop making your own conclusion.” I tried to free myself from his hold but it was impossible.
“Why are you so stubborn, Taemin-ah? Admitting it wouldn’t kill you, though.” Now I could feel him smirking on my neck.
“Hyung, let go off me.” I whined.
“You’re so cute, Tae.” He said as he planted a kiss on my cheek before he set me free. He stood up and ruffled my hair before brought the trash bag out. I smiled a little on the fact that he kissed me, on the cheek. I didn’t know why but it made me strangely happy.
When I heard the door opened again, I immediately finished wiping the table and put the rag back to the kitchen. Then I went back to the living room and slumped down on the couch, letting out a long breath remembering how tiring today was. Minho hyung soon joined me, pulling my head on his lap so I could rest there. I took that chance to close my eyes for awhile and roll my body to the side, looking for a comfortable position. Soon after I found my comfy spot, I opened my eyes for awhile, and unfortunately, they fell on the birthday gifts which were abandoned since this afternoon. It seemed like Minho hyung noticed on what I was looking at.
“Don’t you want to help me to open my birthday presents?” he asked enthusiastically.
I stayed quiet, not really understood what I truly wanted at this moment. Half of me wanted him to open those gifts but another half part of me wanted the opposite.
“Come on, help me.” He said as he grabbed one of them. “I bet I already have most of the stuff inside those boxes,” he said lazily. “Nothing’s special, they’re just the same from year to year. See?”
He showed the inside of the box and it was the brand new IPod that he already had. From the card, it seemed like she was one of Minho hyung’s fans. At first, I didn’t really affected by it but then the more we opened the box, the more we were being greeted by the sight of expensive stuffs, branded clothes, or gadgets. And it made me less confident about my birthday present for him which I had randomly stuffed in between those boxes. I didn’t have the guts to give it directly to him since I wasn’t sure it was something he probably liked.
“Open the ones from the hyungs.” I suggested when he was no longer interested on checking out his birthday presents.
“Good idea, which ones are theirs?” I pointed out at the three boxes in the left side and he took them.
“This must be from Jonghyun hyung,” he said when he saw a jonghyun-style jacket inside the box. “Since I told him that I hate his clothing style, he starts to give me these kinds of clothes. He refused to stop doing that even though he knows I would never wear them.”
The next was from Onew hyung, he gave him a cool hat which was seemed to be liked by him. He smiled when he saw it. Then it was Key hyung’s. Minho hyung let out a squeak on the sight of a pair of soccer shoe, and then he immediately took the paper note and read it. I peeked beside him so that I could read it along with him.
Taraaaa~
Do you like it? You must like it a lot. This is from Eunsoo noona. She left it to me and as a good dongsaeng, I pass her birthday present for you. Mine is hidden inside the shoes. Enjoy it :p
Eunsoo-Key
Minho hyung wasted no time to check what it was inside the shoes and he found out a bundle of spa coupon in it.
“Coupons for free treatment in a well-known spa, typical Key.” He commented as he put it carelessly on the table and brought his attention back to his new soccer shoes. “I can’t believe she bought this. I told her I wanted this shoe but the next day I went to the shop, it’s already sold. I was a little bit sad and I couldn’t believe she got it. It’s cool, isn’t it?” He explained, eyes still glued on the stuff in his hands, admiring his new soccer shoe.
“Yeah, you have to thank her,” I commented weakly, feeling unsure about my own birthday gift for him. But there was no way back now, it was already there, among those boxes of gifts. It was about time for him to unintentionally take it and open it.
“Sure I will.” He said as he put down the shoe carefully and eyed the rest that hadn’t opened yet. “Let’s see…” He randomly picked a box which was placed next to mine, making me let out a relieved breath. It was freaking close. Thanks God, at least, it’s not now.
“Oh, thanks God I didn’t buy this last month,” he uttered when he showed a nice watch he got. He hastily put it back and grabbed mine. I unconsciously held my breath when he unwrapped the ribbon that was tied on the box, revealing my hard work these past few days. It was a simple plain greyish black scarf. I made it on my own. Well, Nana taught me how to knit a scarf. Nana showed me one of her work, a colourful and beautiful scarf, I wanted to make one but it was too hard to do in three days, plus, I sucked on learning it so it became more difficult to make a colourful one that I ended up with one single colour which was greyish black.
“This one comes with no notes.” He said, more to himself than to me. He examined the scarf carefully; feeling the knitted fabric on his hands then tried it on.
“Do you like that one?” I dared to ask.
“No one ever gives me this kind of present before,” he said, making me confused if it was a good or bad thing.
“It’s from me.” I said faintly, almost like a whisper. “You once complained on how cold it was outside so I wanted to give you something that can warm you in this cold weather. It’s just a simple plain scarf instead of a colourful and patterned one because I suck on knitting and Nana gave up on teaching me so I have to satisfy with a single coloured scarf. I know it’s so unfashionable and ugly but I hope you like it.” I didn’t dare to look at him while explaining it all because I was embarrassed on my own work. Compared to the others, my gift was nothing. It was just -
“I like it.” His word stopped me from falling deeper on my insecure thought. I felt a hand came to stroke my cheek. His action made me raised my face up to meet him and staring back at him. “I love it.” He said more as he brought his other hand so both of them cupped my face perfectly. “It’s warm.” He whispered as he rested his forehead on mine. “Thank you so much, Tae” he leaned forward to capture my lips, kissing me so gently that I almost shed tears just on how sweet it was.
It was beautiful.
Our kiss was so beautiful.
A/N: Nothing. My readers never read it anyway *heart breaks*
Pairing: 2min, slight Onkey
Rating: G
Summary: Taemin is a loner. He enjoyed all his wonderful time alone until Minho come and took his lonely times away. Taemin doesn’t want to befriend Minho, remembering his last friendship didn’t end well and gave him deep wounds. He doesn’t want his heart to be injured again so he decided to act like a loner. But, could he ignore Minho who seems so cool and caring at the same time?
A/N: Un-beta
1 l 2 l 3 l 4 l 5 l 6 l 7 l 8 l 9 l 10 l 11 l 12 l 13 l 14 l 15 l 16 l 17 l 18 l 19
No words were enough to describe how happy I was today. I was sure I looked like a fool smiling idiotically all day long. I didn’t care how I looked like because I was beyond happy today. Taemin loved me and he was mine, mine only. How could I not be happy? I should share my joy with my three friends of course. I thought I would tell them during our lunch break.
“Minho oppa,” A girl voice called me on our way to the class and when I turned around, I found a couple of girls standing not far from me, smiling shyly as each of them was holding a gift box on their hands. I knew this.
“Hello,” I greeted them politely.
“Oppa, happy birthday.” They said shyly and handed me their gifts which I received willingly.
“Aaah, thank you so much.”
“Oppa, you can come to my parents’ restaurant if you want. It’s free since today is your birthday.” One of them offered.
“Thank you but I already have a plan for today, maybe next time.” I refused politely.
“Are you going to hold a birthday party? Can we join?” asked another one.
“No, I’m not holding any party.” It was obvious that they were disappointed but since we had to get to our class in one minute, I excused myself and Taemin followed by my side.
“You’re so lucky, hyung. No one ever treats me like that.” He said bluntly, making me laughed on his straightforwardness.
“Are you jealous?” I whispered to him, not wanting to be heard by the others.
“The hell I will.”
When we entered our class, we welcomed by the sight of a stack of gifts placed on our desk. Maybe it was on mine but since there were so many, it invaded on Taemin’s as well.
“Wow, such a nice sight.” Taemin scoffed.
“You should have brought your car.” A voice I had known so well came from my back and when I turned, Key was jumping on me for a hug while yelling happy birthday loud enough to be heard by the whole class.
“Minho-yaah, happy birthday.” Onew hyung hugged me, followed by Jonghyun hyung. “Seems like you got a lot,” he motioned on the birthday gifts on my desk when he pulled off.
“Thanks guys,”I grinned widely, “and yeah, I think I have to find a way to get a rid of these before the teacher’s in.”
“Want to move them into my car?” Jonghyun hyung offered.
“You’re bringing your car?”
“Yep,”
“Whoah, hyung, you live in the dorm, why bother to bring your car?” I commented. School was just five minutes’ walk or so from the school’s dorm. But whatever, as long as his car was useful for keeping these gifts away, why cared?
We wasted no time to bring these all to his car and went back to our class just in time. The whole class felt different today, I couldn’t help but glancing over Taemin every one minute and kept smiling with no reason. Sometimes Taemin would notice it and stopped doodling on his note for awhile to give me a knowing look.
During the lunch break, we had to bear being distracted by some girls who came to pass their presents and I also got some cakes which were soon disappeared in seconds since we were too hungry.
“I have something to tell.” I started.
“What?” Key responded without taking his eyes off of the cake.
“Taemin -“
“Confessed to you last night.” They all said altogether, making me wondered how they knew about this.
“How -“
“Taemin told us.” Onew hyung cut me again. “Sorry Minho but family comes first.” He added, giving Taemin a wide smile which he returned gladly.
“They knew?” I confirmed to Taemin and he just nodded innocently. “Why?” I yelled out, couldn’t accept the fact that I was the last to know that he loved me.
“Taemin sure loves his family more, Minho-yah.” Jonghyun hyung teased.
“No, I love Minho hyung more.” Taemin stated, making me gained back my pride.
“Taemin, you hurt appa’s heart,” Onew hyung pretended to be disappointed but instead of looking like an upset dad, he looked so amusing with his comical face so that we laughed hard.
Then all we did was talking and laughing a lot, recalling the memories of last years’ birthday in Japan. Taemin was only listening to us and laughing together with us when he found it funny. Unfortunately, the bell rang just when we were about to tell him about our last years’ holiday. When we made our way back to the class, Taemin told me to go first because he wanted to go to the bathroom so I just went back on my own and waited for him in the class. But he hadn’t back yet even though the teacher had entered the class.
To: Taemin :)
Where are you?
What takes you so long?
From: Taemin :)
I’m with Jjong hyung
He skipped the class and dragged
me along xD
can you bring my bag home?
Please…
To: Taemin :)
What?!
How could you just leave?
To: Taemin :)
Where are you going?
From: Taemin :)
I dunno.
We’re still driving.
To: Jonghyun hyung
Where the heck you kidnap
my Taeminnie?
From: Jonghyun hyung
Nowhere to find ;)
I sighed when I read his reply. Why? Why couldn’t I have him on my birthday?
From: Taemin :)
Stop texting, the teacher will notice
Don’t worry; I’ll be back before you
get back to our apartment.
To: Taemin :)
If you don’t, I’ll be very mad at you
Don’t forget that I’m one of those
precious-popular-guys who have
the privileges that the others don’t
I waited for more reply but got nothing so I gave up and tried to focus on whatever the teacher was explaining in front of the class. I couldn’t wait till the school ended and met him in the apartment, asking him where Jonghyun hyung had brought him. But then I remembered that Key wanted to hold a small party just between us, I could only sigh on that reminder. How I wished I could spend this day only with Taemin. Not that I put my friends behind but I wanted to be with him just for this day.
Soon after the class dismissed, I found Onew and Key hyung already waited for me outside the class. I silently thanked God because this time there was no one stopped me for passing their gifts. I was tired of that. Onew hyung asked me about Taemin and I told them that Jonghyun hyung took Taemin with him. They just nodded and helped me to bring Taemin’s stuff. During our way to the apartment, Key hyung offered so many ideas to do once we got into the apartment. All I could grasp was he wanted us to buy cake and foods and ate altogether in the living room while playing some games or watching some DVDs. Ugh, whatever, this idea was much better than last years’ when they dragged me into one of nightclubs and partied till morning. Sometimes I wondered how they got all those accesses remembering that according to that club, Key hyung and I were still under aged on that moment.
When we arrived at my apartment, I pulled out my keys and opened the door. But soon after I opened it, I was surprised by a pop sound -
“Surprise‼‼” I didn’t really see what was happening but a bunch of confetti’s was flying everywhere around me and they all started to sing. When the confetti all disappeared and I finally got a better look to my surroundings, I saw Taemin was holding an average sized cake whilst smiling and singing along with the others.
Being lost as it was, Key hyung demanded me to blow out the candles and I submissively did that. While I still recovered from the shock, I welcomed by the sight of the foods prepared on our living room’s table. This was like we were ready to have a party.
“It seems like Minho is still in shock,”
“This is a surprise birthday party held by Taemin.” Key hyung told me, making me more stunned than I already did. I turned to see Taemin, who was sitting right beside me, and found him smiling proudly to me.
“Do you like it?” he asked but I was too speechless to answer him so I just pulled him for a hug and whispered thank you to him.
“Aaah, I know Taemin already confessed to you but it doesn’t mean you can act so lovey-dovey in front of me. Come on, stop it, I don’t even want to see.” Key hyung complained and I shot him a death glare to silence him.
“Come on Minho-ah, give me a piece of your cake, hurry,” Onew hyung ordered impatiently so I just granted his wish.
“The first piece of my cake goes to my dear Taemin who has prepared this all,” I announced as I put a piece of cake on the small plate and handed it to Taemin. I caught Onew hyung’s disappointed look on the corner of my eyes and smirked. “Sorry hyung but don’t worry, you get the second piece.”
“But I always be the first to get the birthday cake,” he stated and dropped his head.
“Minho-ah,” Jonghyun hyung yelled. “You hurt his heart. How could you do that to our hyung!” Jonghyun hyung pretended to scold me which made Taemin burst into laughter.
“Appa~ we can share this together,” Taemin offered jokingly. But I banned him from sharing his share.
“This is for you, hyung, this, your piece of cake,” I hurriedly handed him a big slice of cake. “Look hyung, it’s bigger than Taemin’s.”
“You will always be the first to get my birthday cake, hyung. Ignore that ungrateful friend of us.” Key hyung patted Onew hyung’s back tenderly but Onew hyung was too busy with his cake to care about it. It seemed like he was hungry, judging from the way he shoved half of the cake into his mouth soon after he got it.
“Where did you buy this?” Onew hyung asked Taemin while chewing. His question made me wondered how it tasted so I quickly gave Key hyung’s share and had a slice for myself. I had a small bite to test it.
“It tastes different from our usual shop.” Onew hyung commented. “You didn’t buy it from that shop, did you?” he added.
“But it’s still tasty,” Jonghyun hyung defended.
“It tasted weird,” Key finally complained after he had his first bite. “Yah, where did you two buy this?”
“No, it’s not weird. It’s just different, in a good way.” Onew hyung disproved.
“I don’t think there is something wrong with the cake,” Taemin murmured.
“Minho-ah, you agree with me, right?” Key hyung asked for my approval but I didn’t think this cake tasted weird, it was just less tasty than the cakes I usually had.
“You’re exaggerating, Key.” Jonghyun hyung commented then I caught him exchanging look with Taemin.
“Where did you guys buy it?” Onew hyung asked for one more time. But instead of getting a reply, Taemin and Jonghyun hyung kept staring at each other; confusion was showed on their face obviously.
“Did you really measure it correctly?” Taemin asked him.
“I think so,” Jonghyun hyung replied weakly, making the three of us even more confused at them. “We didn’t buy it. Taemin made it and I helped him measuring the ingredients. I’m sure t I put the right amount.”
“It’s supposed to taste just fine.” Taemin added.
“Taemin made this?” I asked disbelievingly.
“If it really tastes that bad, we can buy another cake.” He said in regret. I was about to tell him not to do that but the thought of Taemin baking a cake for me left me amazed and touched to be able to say anything in reply.
“And I will take you to our usual place to buy cake,” Jonghyun hyung added.
“No. Don’t. It tasted fine, just less delicious than usual.” Onew hyung stopped them.
“Did you really make it, Tae?” I asked him for once more time.
“Yeah, I’ve learned how to bake a cake from Jiyoung and Nana for a week but looking at your responds it seems like I didn’t do this pretty well.”
“The fact that you baked a cake for Minho is already amazing. It’s understandable, though.” Onew hyung mentioned. “Since it’s Taemin’s cake, I’ll eat more than usual.”
“So you lied to me about tutoring them for exams?” I still couldn’t get away from Taemin’s surprising deeds. He nodded and grinned cutely, apologizing for lying to me. I didn’t matter about him lying to me but these past days, he always got home tired and I still remembered how he once couldn’t sleep because of fatigue and the most important thing was he did this all for me.
For the first time in my life, I felt so loved.
And it was all because of the boy who had lived with me for almost a year, the boy who at first was so annoying and whom I hated, the boy who always had nightmares and woke me up from his screams, the boy who would cuddle on me to sleep, the boy whom I slowly fell in love and my love for him had grown bigger and bigger each day.
I put an arm around his shoulder and pulled him closer to me. I landed a kiss on his cheek, ignoring the protest from Key hyung, and then ruffled his hair affectionately. If only he knew how much I thanked God for sending him into my life. For me, Taemin was just too much.
*******
Never since I first met him I saw Minho hyung so happy like this. There was something different on the way he smiled today, something different on the way he laughed hard with the hyungs, something different on the way he dealt with Key hyung’s nag, something different on the way he yelled to the hyungs when he lose the games. He was just so bright it blinded me.
A shift on the couch broke my attention from Minho hyung. I turned my face to the side to see Jonghyun hyung joining me on the couch.
“Tired from playing?” I asked.
“Kinda. It looks like watching them from here is more interesting,” he winked. “Checking out Minho, huh?”
“You know I’m bad at games. I’ll so ashamed of my own ability on playing stupid games.”
“Just because you can’t play it well means they’re stupid,” he protested which only made me chuckled.
“It’s just me or Minho hyung really looks different?” I asked out of topic.
“That is what we call extremely happy Minho. We miss that side of him a lot. Thanks for bringing it back to him today. You really did a good job.” Jonghyun hyung smiled a warm smile which I returned.
“It’s so pleased to see him like that.”
“He really loves you so much.”
“I think so.”
“Onew hyung, stop it. You won’t ever win against him on Winning Eleven.” Jonghyun hyung suddenly yelled. “Let’s go home, hyung. I’m sleepy right now.”
“This is the last, I promise.” Onew hyung assured.
“Those two would not stop if no one stops them. I’ll make sure to bring those two out of your apartment as soon as possible so you can rest. Today must be a weary day for you.”
“Absolutely. But it’s worth it.”
Jonghyun hyung forced the others to go home half an hour after his warning. After saying thanks and goodbyes and see you tomorrows, they finally left and the whole apartment became so peaceful then. Minho hyung and I started to clean up the mess on our living room; we couldn’t just leave it like that and waited till tomorrow.
“I still can’t believe you did this all for me,” Minho hyung said when we almost done cleaning up the living room.
“But I did.”
“How should I thank you?”
“I don’t know. It’s your job to think.”
“What about skip school for tomorrow and go on a date?” I saw him smirking satisfied.
“You guys love skipping school.” I said sarcastically.
“Don’t forget that you just did it today.”
“My case is different.” I protested.
“How come?”
“I wasn’t playing around and having fun somewhere, I prepared your surprise birthday party so it’s different.” I insisted.
I was about to back to wipe the table before I felt a hand sneaked around my waist and pulled me back into a familiar chest.
“So you’re trying to say that I’m your first priority now?” He whispered on my ear and tightened his grip around me, burying his face on the crook of my neck and let out small giggle.
“I don’t say so. Hyung, let go off me.” I complained. “We have to finish this and go sleep.” I reminded him on what we were doing but it seemed like he didn’t listen to me.
“You didn’t say it bluntly. You implied it.”
“I’m not implying anything. Stop making your own conclusion.” I tried to free myself from his hold but it was impossible.
“Why are you so stubborn, Taemin-ah? Admitting it wouldn’t kill you, though.” Now I could feel him smirking on my neck.
“Hyung, let go off me.” I whined.
“You’re so cute, Tae.” He said as he planted a kiss on my cheek before he set me free. He stood up and ruffled my hair before brought the trash bag out. I smiled a little on the fact that he kissed me, on the cheek. I didn’t know why but it made me strangely happy.
When I heard the door opened again, I immediately finished wiping the table and put the rag back to the kitchen. Then I went back to the living room and slumped down on the couch, letting out a long breath remembering how tiring today was. Minho hyung soon joined me, pulling my head on his lap so I could rest there. I took that chance to close my eyes for awhile and roll my body to the side, looking for a comfortable position. Soon after I found my comfy spot, I opened my eyes for awhile, and unfortunately, they fell on the birthday gifts which were abandoned since this afternoon. It seemed like Minho hyung noticed on what I was looking at.
“Don’t you want to help me to open my birthday presents?” he asked enthusiastically.
I stayed quiet, not really understood what I truly wanted at this moment. Half of me wanted him to open those gifts but another half part of me wanted the opposite.
“Come on, help me.” He said as he grabbed one of them. “I bet I already have most of the stuff inside those boxes,” he said lazily. “Nothing’s special, they’re just the same from year to year. See?”
He showed the inside of the box and it was the brand new IPod that he already had. From the card, it seemed like she was one of Minho hyung’s fans. At first, I didn’t really affected by it but then the more we opened the box, the more we were being greeted by the sight of expensive stuffs, branded clothes, or gadgets. And it made me less confident about my birthday present for him which I had randomly stuffed in between those boxes. I didn’t have the guts to give it directly to him since I wasn’t sure it was something he probably liked.
“Open the ones from the hyungs.” I suggested when he was no longer interested on checking out his birthday presents.
“Good idea, which ones are theirs?” I pointed out at the three boxes in the left side and he took them.
“This must be from Jonghyun hyung,” he said when he saw a jonghyun-style jacket inside the box. “Since I told him that I hate his clothing style, he starts to give me these kinds of clothes. He refused to stop doing that even though he knows I would never wear them.”
The next was from Onew hyung, he gave him a cool hat which was seemed to be liked by him. He smiled when he saw it. Then it was Key hyung’s. Minho hyung let out a squeak on the sight of a pair of soccer shoe, and then he immediately took the paper note and read it. I peeked beside him so that I could read it along with him.
Taraaaa~
Do you like it? You must like it a lot. This is from Eunsoo noona. She left it to me and as a good dongsaeng, I pass her birthday present for you. Mine is hidden inside the shoes. Enjoy it :p
Eunsoo-Key
Minho hyung wasted no time to check what it was inside the shoes and he found out a bundle of spa coupon in it.
“Coupons for free treatment in a well-known spa, typical Key.” He commented as he put it carelessly on the table and brought his attention back to his new soccer shoes. “I can’t believe she bought this. I told her I wanted this shoe but the next day I went to the shop, it’s already sold. I was a little bit sad and I couldn’t believe she got it. It’s cool, isn’t it?” He explained, eyes still glued on the stuff in his hands, admiring his new soccer shoe.
“Yeah, you have to thank her,” I commented weakly, feeling unsure about my own birthday gift for him. But there was no way back now, it was already there, among those boxes of gifts. It was about time for him to unintentionally take it and open it.
“Sure I will.” He said as he put down the shoe carefully and eyed the rest that hadn’t opened yet. “Let’s see…” He randomly picked a box which was placed next to mine, making me let out a relieved breath. It was freaking close. Thanks God, at least, it’s not now.
“Oh, thanks God I didn’t buy this last month,” he uttered when he showed a nice watch he got. He hastily put it back and grabbed mine. I unconsciously held my breath when he unwrapped the ribbon that was tied on the box, revealing my hard work these past few days. It was a simple plain greyish black scarf. I made it on my own. Well, Nana taught me how to knit a scarf. Nana showed me one of her work, a colourful and beautiful scarf, I wanted to make one but it was too hard to do in three days, plus, I sucked on learning it so it became more difficult to make a colourful one that I ended up with one single colour which was greyish black.
“This one comes with no notes.” He said, more to himself than to me. He examined the scarf carefully; feeling the knitted fabric on his hands then tried it on.
“Do you like that one?” I dared to ask.
“No one ever gives me this kind of present before,” he said, making me confused if it was a good or bad thing.
“It’s from me.” I said faintly, almost like a whisper. “You once complained on how cold it was outside so I wanted to give you something that can warm you in this cold weather. It’s just a simple plain scarf instead of a colourful and patterned one because I suck on knitting and Nana gave up on teaching me so I have to satisfy with a single coloured scarf. I know it’s so unfashionable and ugly but I hope you like it.” I didn’t dare to look at him while explaining it all because I was embarrassed on my own work. Compared to the others, my gift was nothing. It was just -
“I like it.” His word stopped me from falling deeper on my insecure thought. I felt a hand came to stroke my cheek. His action made me raised my face up to meet him and staring back at him. “I love it.” He said more as he brought his other hand so both of them cupped my face perfectly. “It’s warm.” He whispered as he rested his forehead on mine. “Thank you so much, Tae” he leaned forward to capture my lips, kissing me so gently that I almost shed tears just on how sweet it was.
It was beautiful.
Our kiss was so beautiful.
A/N: Nothing. My readers never read it anyway *heart breaks*