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Minhyung touches his lips and flinches at the excruciating pain. He looks at his hands and the bleeding looked horrible due to the fight he just had.
"Minhyung, you okay?" Hyunjoon asked and Minhyung looked up to see his friend's also bruised face. Minhyung shook his head. "Yeah. You can go first, I'm gonna go and tend my wounds." Minhyung shook his head and Hyunjoon hesitated but nodded. "Okay, but here- A bandage." Hyunjoon handed him a few bandages and antiseptic. Minhyung accepted the items and walked away. Hyunjoon looked at Minhyung's retreating figure and sighed. He knew Minhyung hated getting help from people so he never agreed when Hyunjoon wanted to help him treat his wounds.
The fight today was messy, Hyukkyu threatened Minhyung and the latter having a short temper, couldn't take it anymore and giving the first blow towards the boy. Then, more punches and kicks were thrown by all of the gang members. The fight only broke off when a teacher came and everyone ran away until their legs couldn't take it anymore. Hyukkyu even mouthed 'This isn't over yet.' to Minhyung who only stared.
Back to the present, Hyunjoon dismissed the other gang members and all of them went their own way to clean themselves up.
Minhyung didn't know how long he walked but he encountered an outdoor sink that was quite far away from his class building. Minhyung noticed there was a short boy in front who was brushing his teeth. Minhyung ignored it and walked to the other side of the sink that was in front of the boy and turned the tap. Minhyung started to tend to his wounds and trying his absolute best to not let out a groan when he touched the wound.
As Minhyung was treating himself, he looked up at the boy who was brushing his teeth. The boy was closing his eyes as his hand moved slowly to brush. Minhyung thought he looked cute with eyes drooping and head bopping once in a while. Minhyung smiled to himself and the boy suddenly opened his eyes making Minhyung immediately tore his gaze away and looked down.
The boy leaned down to spit out the toothpaste and rinsed his mouth. Minhyung was frozen and still looked down at his fully bandaged hands now. The boy in front of him stared at Minhyung for a few seconds and left after a very uncomfortable silence between the two. Minhyung finally looked back up and looked at the boy walking away, his eyes locked onto his small figure.
How come he has never seen him before? Minhyung ignored the curiosity and grabbed the trash and walked away to his next class.
It is now lunch break and Minhyung is currently sitting with his friends a.k.a gang members at a school table outside. His friends were messing around and Minhyung who was sitting in the middle was pushed around a lot but he's quite used to it. There were a lot of people walking around and the surrounding was loud but Minhyung doesn't know how but he accidentally made eye contact with someone familiar. The loud voices around him suddenly went quiet and Minhyung watched the boy's small movement.
It was the person from this morning, the boy had his glasses on this time and he looked at Minhyung with an unreadable face that made Minhyung cower under his heavy gaze. The boy broke eye contact when someone next to him called for him. "Minhyung?" All of the sudden, a voice spoke next to him and it brought Minhyung back to his surrounding. "Huh?" Minhyung looked at Hyunjoon who were frowning. "What are you staring at? The bell just rung, let's get back to class." Hyunjoon said and Minhyung nodded. "It's nothing, let's go." Minhyung stood up and trailed behind his other friends and Hyunjoon quickly catching up to him.
"Your computer teacher had to transfer to a new school so there's only me for now, and since I'm the only teacher, it would be hard for me to manage 4 classes together so I decided to combine all of 4 class into 2. This would be effective until the school finds a new computer teacher. Then, please treat each other nicely since you all will be classmates for this class." The teacher explained and Minhyung sighed. The computer lab is already cramped with over 40 people and Minhyung had to sit next to the cute boy he already met 2 times.
What kind of coincidence even is this? Minhyung is really trying his best to avoid eye contact with the latter because for some reason Minhyung lost his ability to speak when he sees the boy's orbs.
"For your assignment today, I will pair you up into two and make a presentation about the topic from the textbook. Now, I'll read out the names-" The teacher explained and started calling out names, Minhyung could hear groans in the room but also squeals from the people who's happy to get paired up with their friend. Soon enough, his name was called out and Minhyung straightened up. "Lee Minhyung.... and.. Ryu Minseok..!" The teacher said and Minhyung could feel himself froze when he heard his partner's name. 'Who's that?' Minhyung wondered.
"You're Lee Minhyung, right?" The boy beside him suddenly spoke. 'Wait! Why is he talking to me..!?!' Minhyung panicked but turned to face the boy nonetheless. "Uh.. yes." Minhyung almost stuttered and smiled sheepishly. Weird, he has never acted this way with anyone, not even Hyunjoon. The boy showed Minhyung the cutest smile ever. "Great, I'm Ryu Minseok. Guess we'll be working together from now on." The boy, Minseok said and Minhyung wanted to get under his table and never get out.
'Oh my God. This can't be true..' Minhyung was having a crisis inside of his mind and didn't reply to the boy for a while until Minhyung noticed the boy tilting his head to the side, expecting a reply. "Uh.. sorry about that, well it's nice to meet you." Minhyung said, mentally patting himself on the back for not stuttering when he looks at the pretty boy in front of him. "It's nice to meet you too, let's discuss about the topic shall we?" Minseok said and he opened Google on his computer. Minhyung scooches his chair closer to Minseok to see the screen better and he flinched when his arms touches the latter. Minseok didn't seem to notice it and already started opening Microsoft Slide. Minhyung feels his face turning hot and decided to take his mind off of it and focus on the task at hand.
Minhyung never liked doing assignments, even if there's a group work he would never take part in participating, thus his name would usually be removed from the group, not like Minhyung mind anyways.
But Minseok is something else, he made Minhyung want to be a better person. Minhyung doesn't know why he suddenly wanted to take this assignment seriously when it won't cost them any grades for the exams. Is it because of Minseok himself? Minhyung doesn't have the answer to that yet, maybe he'll wait to see where this takes him.
"Alright class, make sure the presentation is done by next Tuesday. Thank you." The teacher gathered all his things and left. Minhyung and Minseok was chatting animatedly that they didn't even realize class was over. While doing their research, Minhyung found out Minseok was lovable among their school, Minseok mentioned that he gets gifts inside of his locker. Other than that, he's apparently also a fan of NewJeans, the K-pop group.
Minhyung doesn't share much about himself and Minseok didn't mention about Minhyung's tore lip from the fight this morning. It's not like Minhyung wants Minseok to know much about what he does in school and he wouldn't dare to bring it up. For some reason, he's afraid of Minseok's reaction when he has never cared about what people think of him... but to Minhyung, maybe Minseok could change him.
"I'll get going first, see you soon Minhyung!" Minseok said and waved goodbye before eventually leaving Minhyung alone in the computer lab. Minhyung noticed that everyone is already gone and it's just him alone in the lab. Minhyung sighed and eventually stood up and left the computer lab before any teacher would see him.
It's been a few weeks of Minseok and Minhyung talking and their friendship bond has strengthened.
But to Minhyung, he realized that he doesn't want to be just friends with Minseok anymore.
Minseok made Minhyung realize that it's never too late to change.
The final exams is in 2 weeks, every student have been studying extremely hard and surprisingly one of the students included Minhyung. After realizing his feelings for the boy, he wanted to become better. Thus, he declined all of his friends' invitation to go hang out after school just to study in his room. He also hasn't got into a fight in a while (The enemy gang haven't made a move either, so Minhyung thought it would be safe for now). Sometimes, he would message Minseok to send him a picture of him studying. There were also times Minseok would help Minhyung solve a question. That's when Minhyung knew that he chose the right person.
These days, Minhyung would get out in between his classes using the excuse of going to the bathroom just to walk pass Minseok's class and look at him just for a few seconds. When Minhyung finally sees the small figure focusing in his class, he immediately feels relieved. He really is whipped for Minseok.
Today was one of those days where Minhyung would continue studying but today was a school day so Minhyung chose to study at the library. Him? Library? Hyunjoon would've laughed at him so hard, not believing someone like Minhyung in the library.
Well, it was Minseok's idea at first to study together in the library during recess and of course Minhyung immediately accepted the offer without thinking twice. Right now, Minhyung was a little late to their meeting because of Hyunjoon who apparently had trouble confessing to Wooje and Minhyung had to calm him down before he starts crying. When Hyunjoon finally calms down and went to find Wooje, Minhyung sprinted to the library as fast as possible. He hopes Minseok isn't mad.
"Minseok.. I'm sorry for being late.." Minhyung pants as he faces Minseok who was on the other side of the bookshelf. The bookshelf was short enough to see both of their faces even though Minseok is like 20cm shorter than him. Minseok looks at the watch on his wrist and smiled softly. "You're only 3 minutes late, it's okay." Minseok said and Minhyung smiled. "What are you reading?" Minhyung asked as he picks up a random book from the bookshelf. "I dunno, the cover looked interesting so I just picked it up while waiting for you." Minseok explained and Minhyung nodded. The both of them went into a comfortable silence. Minhyung's eyes would go through the book but his mind would think about Minseok.
Minhyung would glance at Minseok every second, not even paying attention to the book anymore. Minseok, noticing a pair of eyes staring at him, looked up from his book and the corner of his lips stretch out. Minhyung was shocked but smiled unconsciously. Minhyung broke their eye contact and chuckled slightly.
Both of the boys played a cute game of staring and just smiling at eachother without saying anything. Minhyung couldn't help but think just maybe the latter likes him back. Minseok laughs to himself at Minhyung's confused face and skipped away, most likely to the table he picked. Minhyung was flabbergasted but eventually catch up with the short boy.
After a few weeks of lingering feelings in the air, Minhyung finally decided he couldn't take it anymore. He wanted to confess. Minhyung could feel that Minseok also shared the same feelings with him and was waiting for Minhyung to make the first move.
Therefore, Minhyung confessed to Minseok in school, in the middle of a crowd of students minding their own business.
"Minseok, there's something I need to tell you." Minhyung stopped walking and Minseok frowned. "What's up, Minhyung?" Minseok looked behind him to see Minhyung fidgeting with his fingers. "Uh.. I love you, I love you.. like a lot, but not as friends.. but something.. more." Minhyung confessed and right at that moment, rose petals fell from the sky. Minseok looked at the petals falling on them and opened his palms to grab some of the petals.
Minhyung thought it was cheesy but at the same time, Minseok looked so happy when the petals fell on them, his lips were stretched so widely and that made Minhyung smile unconsciously. "Minhyung.. I love you too." Minseok said and he could feel his cheeks feeling hot. Minhyung pulled the boy into a hug and Minseok giggled.
After the successful confession under the petals, (It turned out the drama club accidentally knocked down the bucket of petals to them from the building. The president of the club was scared he would get beaten up but Minhyung smiled and thanked him for the incident. The president was confused but didn't say anything else.) Minhyung and Minseok startes going on dates after school. They would usually walk around the town after school and Minhyung noticed that Minseok gets extremely clingy with the people he loves, it's not like Minhyung is complaining because he loves it when Minseok intertwined their hands together. Usually, they would just walk around while talk about their day. Minseok really loved to talk about his random encounter and Minhyung would listen to them attentively.
During one of their many dates, Minhyung couldn't help but notice somebody have been watching them from a far. Minhyung never said anything about it to Minseok so it doesn't scare him, but what he does is walk Minseok back home every day to ensure he's safe. Minhyung doesn't see the person that's been stalking them but he made sure to confront him when he finally catches him after sending Minseok home. He doesn't know what this person wants but Minhyung swears if he does something to Minseok, he would definitely not bother them anymore.
"Minhyung, there's someone I want you to meet.." Minseok suddenly said while they eating together in school. "Huh? Who?" Minhyung said, not liking where this is going. Isn't it too fast to meet his parents? Is Minseok really serious about their relationship and wants to take it to another level? Minhyung wouldn't complain if he does though.
"My brother!" Minseok said and Minhyung sighed in relief. Okay, not his parents, thank God..
"I'm fine with it.. does he know about us?" Minhyung asked and Minseok nodded. "He does, that's why he asked to meet you after school. Don't worry! He's a very nice person despite his scary face!" Minseok said and Minhyung stares at Minseok in shock. This might be his biggest nightmare now, what if his brother doesn't like him. He doesn't want to break up yet.
"U-uh... is it today?" Minhyung said and Minseok hummed in agreement. "Indeed. I'll be there with you though, don't worry!" Minseok assured Minhyung who's already sweating. Minseok pats his back and Minhyung looked back at him only to see Minseok's worried face. "Minhyung, if you don't want to then we can just not meet him.." Minseok said and Minhyung was quick to shut him down. "No- no. I'm fine, just a little nervous. I'll meet him, who knows he might approve of me." Minhyung smiled softly and leaned close to the boy to rub their noses together. Minseok giggled and hugged Minhyung's bicep. "Even if he doesn't, I would still date you nonetheless." Minseok said and Minhyung couldn't help but laugh at his boyfriend.
Fast forward to after school, Minseok and Minhyung are now walking back from school to the meeting place Minseok had mentioned. To be completely honest, Minhyung is so nervous, he have to leave a good first impression in front fo his boyfriend's brother. They arrived in front of the river that they frequently visit and today the place was quiet and no one was even there, well except for a tall boy facing the water. Minhyung guesses that's him, Minseok never really talks about his brother but the boy always brags about how nice his brother is.
Minhyung took a deep breathe as they finally arrived behind the guy. "Hyukkyu hyung, meet my boyfriend!"
Minseok introduced and Minhyung kept his mum. 'Wait, that name sounds familiar..' Minhyung thought to himself and the guy finally turned around and Minhyung was shocked to see it was indeed Hyukkyu, the guy he had fights with so frequently.
"Wha-?" Minhyung muttered under his breath and he couldn't believe his eyes. "Minhyung, this is my brother, Hyukkyu!" Minseok grinned as he grabs his arms in front of Hyukkyu. The brother only stared at their intertwined hand and glares at Minhyung.
"So, it really is you." Hyukkyu spoke. Minseok, innocent as ever only stared at the two boys having a staring competition. "Do you guys know each other?" Minseok asked, curious how his brother knows about his boyfriend. "I've seen you walk around with him." Hyukkyu broke their eye contact and looked at Minseok who gasped. Ah, so it was Hyukkyu who was stalking them. "You knew all along?!" Minseok asked and Hyukkyu nodded. "Then, why did you still want to see him?" Minseok asked again and Minhyung wanted to laugh by how cute his boyfriend is. He really doesn't know anything. "I just.. wanted to make sure if my eyes aren't deceiving me." Hyukkyu said while glancing at Minhyung who's standing like a statue.
"Well then, now that you've seen him, what do you think?" Minseok asked his brother who hummed as he eyes Minhyung up and down. "Does he make you happy, Minseok?" Hyukkyu asked his brother a question that he already knows but he still wants to hear Minseok say it.
Minseok grins and nodded. "Of course! He makes me so happy and has been treating me so nicely. I really love him, hyung." Minseok said and Minhyung smiled softly. Minseok is really an angel who doesn't deserve someone like Minhyung.
Minhyung could already feel the rejection from his enemy but didn't say anything but only shrink under the guy's scrutiny gaze.
"Then that's good. Your happiness is what matters to me." Hyukkyu said and Minhyung was surprised. Minseok brightens up and was about to speak until the older cuts him off. "But- that doesn't mean I'll accept him easily. I'll be watching you guys and if he treats you well then I'd accept him." Hyukkyu said and looks at Minhyung who was still star strucked. Minseok squeals and Hyukkyu stretches out his hand for a handshake. Minhyung stared at the hand and Hyukkyu before accepting the handshake.
"This means we're even now." Hyukkyu said and Minhyung forces a smile. Fuck, why was Hyukkyu holding his hand so firmly, Minhyung would hear his bones breaking if Hyukkyu didn't pull out.
Minhyung lets out a small groan that was unheard by the innocent Minseok who had absolutely no idea what they're talking about. All of the sudden, Hyukkyu leaned closer to his ears and whispered words that were scarier than his grades. "Hurt my brother and I'll make sure you won't see the light for months." Hyukkyu whispered with a deep voice in his ear and Minhyung gulped. Shit, he has never been scared of Hyukkyu before but now that he learns that this guy is Minseok's older brother, he will now treat the guy with respect.
Minhyung nodded slowly and Hyukkyu hummed at the response. "What were you two talking about?" Minseok asked and Hyukkyu shook his head. "Nothing, you guys should go now, it's getting dark." Hyukkyu's voice suddenly turned soft when talking with Minseok. "Ah.. you're right. Let's go Minhyung-ah.." Minseok turned to Minhyung who was deep in his thoughts. "Oh.. yeah. Let's go now..!" Minhyung said and grabbed Minseok's hand to leave immediately. "E-eh.. what about Hyukkyu hyung..!?" Minseok asked as he gets pulled by Minhyung. "He'll be fine." Minhyung said and they soon left the riverside and Hyukkyu sighed as the couple is out of his sight.
It was now the next day and Minhyung couldn't sleep after thinking about yesterday's meeting with his boyfriend's brother. He still couldn't believe his brother was Hyukkyu, his rival's gang leader. Minhyung is stressed, if he messes this up he might not be able to see Minseok again or worse.. he would get admitted to the hospital.
Today, he and Minseok had planned to go to the mall after school so now Minhyung is waiting for his boyfriend to finish his class. Minhyung had finished his earlier but Minseok's class wasn't over yet because the teacher always took a long time to finish. Minhyung opened his phone app and decided to call Minseok.
After a few rings, Minseok picks up. "Minseokie.. you're done with class?" Minhyung said in a soft voice that only Minseok could listen to. "Yes, I'm here.." Minseok said and Minhyung looked around but didn't see the boy. "Where? I don't see you? I'm at my usual waiting place." Minhyung asked.
"I'm here!" Minseok suddenly appeared in front of him and Minhyung was startled. Minseok giggled at his boyfriend's scared face and Minhyung couldn't help but also laugh at his successful attempt to scare him. "You got me there, babe." Minhyung ended the call since the boy is now in front of him. "I got you so good!" Minseok grinned and Minhyung ruffles his hair. "You really did, ready to go now?" Minhyung asked and reached out his hand for Minseok to hold it. The boy immediately accepted his hand and both of them walked out of the school premise feeling content with each other's presence.
What they didn't notice, a person was following them all along their journey to the mall.
The person was Hyukkyu, who promised to watch over them and made sure Minhyung is treating his little brother correctly. Hyukkyu watches as both of the boys laugh and being clingy to each other. Hyukkyu scrunches his nose as he watches Minseok taking a million picture of them walking. Hyukkyu can relate to that because Minseok likes taking pictures so much, especially selfies to share on his Instagram account.
Other than that, Hyukkyu thinks this couple is so aggravating. They're so in love that it's getting onto him, he almost wanted to throw up as he watches Minseok leaning to kiss Minhyung right on the lips.
Hyukkyu sighed and came to a conclusion that he really can't pull the couple apart. They've already fallen head over heels for each other.
But, he will still watch over them for a few more days before finalising his conclusion.
Hyukkyu stopped following the couple as soon as they entered the entrance of the mall. He should get back before Kwanghee bombards him with questions.
"Minhyung barely hangs out with us anymore ever since he finds himself a boyfriend." Hyunjoon sighed and the rest of the members agrees. They're now currently behind some old school building. "People in love, am I right?" Jeonghyeon said and Hyunjoon hummed in agreement. Hyunjoon was about to lit his cigarette up until suddenly his cigarette was thrown to the ground. Hyunjoon frowns, who the hell dared to push his cigarette on the ground. That was his last one too, fuck.
Hyunjoon looks up from the cigarette pitifully laying on the ground to confront the culprit.
Hyunjoon immediately regretted looking up because the person who threw it to the ground was Wooje, his own boyfriend. "Hyunjoon. I thought you said you're busy?" Wooje said, his facial expression was furious with his hands crossed on his chest. Hyunjoon could only look down on his feet as he hears his boyfriend scold him for smoking once again.
On the other side, Jeonghyeon and the boys were astonished to find their vice leader being obedient to someone else except for Minhyung. Jeonghyeon ultimately decided to leave Hyunjoon deal with that alone and all the other boys also followed him. All of their cigarettes that they were holding now also abandoned on the ground.
"Wooje, what are you doing here.." Hyunjoon pouts as he tries to calm the enraged Wooje. "Someone told me they saw you walking here with your friends." Wooje said, his voice not softening one bit. "Ahh, I'm sorry babyyy.." Hyunjoon whines and pouts. "You said you would quit smoking.." Wooje said, his tone now changed to worried. Hyunjoon smiles at his boyfriend's sympathetic side. "I know, I know.. It's not easy to quit you know that right? I promise I'll stop before high school ends, okay?" Hyunjoon comforts his boyfriend and pulls him into a hug. Wooje huffs and pulled away quickly making Hyunjoon frown, he has never rejected his hug so fast. Suddenly, Wooje pulls something out of his pocket and stuffed it onto Hyunjoon's palms. "Take this whenever you feel like smoking." Wooje said and Hyunjoon looked down on his palm. It was a lollipop, strawberry flavoured to be exact.
Hyunjoon smiled fondly and looked at Wooje. "Thank you, cutie." Hyunjoon said and leans in to give him a kiss on the cheek. Wooje squealed and his the tips of his ears turn red. "Y-yeah whatever! I have more inside my room.. so if you want more you can tell me." Wooje said and Hyunjoon smirked. "Oh? Is this an invitation for something else?" Hyunjoon laughed when Wooje's facial expression was surprised. "Wh-what- That's nonsense! What are you talking about?!" Wooje whines and started walking away. Hyunjoon continued to laugh as he follows his boyfriend. "You know exactly what I mean." Hyunjoon said again and Wooje huffs. "Get away from me." Wooje pushes Hyunjoon's hand away from his waist. Hyunjoon only chuckled but abide to his request anyway and only followed Wooje quietly.
It's been days since Hyukkyu has been observing the new couple and he has come onto a final conclusion.
Minhyung really proved himself to be the perfect boyfriend for Minseok.
Since they were enemies, Hyukkyu has always thought about Minhyung negatively. The boy was arrogant, never backing down and had the heart of a steel. Hyukkyu even overheard some people talking about how Minhyung has never smiled or even talking with anyone until Minseok appeared.
Minseok has changed Minhyung for the better and Hyukkyu was shocked to see his grades has also improved after studying hard. Minseok had mentioned to him that Minhyung decided to study hars after realizing his feelings for Minseok. He was keen on changing himself for Minseok and Hyukkyu can see it.
Hyukkyu has asked their gang for a meeting at their usual place after school and the whole gang was there. Hyukkyu was standing in the middle with his other members behind him. Minhyung soon walked to the middle to face Hyukkyu. Minhyung was nervous to see Hyukkyu again so soon.
As usual, the older was only staring at Minhyung with a cold gaze. "I've decided my choice." Hyukkyu said, the silence around them was so loud that Minhyung thinks everyone could hear his heartbeat. Minhyung was waiting for a rejection but Hyukkyu's next move made everyone surprised.
"Take care of my little brother well." Hyukkyu held out his hand for a handshake. Minhyung's eyes widens but quickly accepted the handshake. It was much more softer than their last handshake. Minhyung doesn't know why but he pulled Hyukkyu in for a hug. The latter was shocked at the action but hugged back awkwardly nonetheless.
"I'll take care of him well, trust me hyung." Minhyung pulls away with a smile. "I trust you, so don't fuck this up Lee Minhyung." Hyukkyu smiled with a hint of threatening laced in his voice. Minhyung could only laugh awkwardly.
"Let's go, I'll treat you and Minseok some hot pot." Hyukkyu smiled genuinely this time and Minhyung brightens up. Both of the boys walked away together, ignoring all the other members staring at them.
"Well, what do we do now?" Jeonghyeon said and looked at his other members. Everyone else shrugged. "I'm gonna go to my boyfriend so, see y'all!" Hyunjoon quickly said his goodbyes and left. "Let's also go eat hot pot!" Dohyeon, one of Hyukkyu's gang member suggested. All of the others nodded in agreement and everyone walked away together like they never had beef with each other for years.