Archive of Our Own

The office is quiet at this time of night, nothing but the sounds of the city below, and the occasional light clinking. It's not exactly where Minho would like to be right now— he'd much rather be at home snuggled up with his cats watching some K-drama Jeongin recommended but alas here he sits, staring aimlessly at his computer screen.

The articles about his company stare back at him mockingly. He cannot even bring himself to open any social media for fear of what ruthless comments lay there. He runs a hand through his hair in frustration, messing up the way he had brushed it that morning.

'Lee Minho's company's stocks falling as Jung Taeho opens new restaurant'.

'Lee Minho's company's stocks falling as Jung Taeho opens new restaurant'.

'Staff leaving Lee Minho's restaurant chain to work under new boss Jung Taeho after article dropped six months ago'.

'Shareholder's reportedly putting pressure on Lee Minho to resign as CEO'.

Minho sighs and leans back into his chair, finding the ceiling more interesting than another news website. It's been bad since Taeho released the article a few months ago but this? It's gotten worse. The company's reputation is steadily going down the drain just for being associated with Minho's name. He counts four ceiling panels as he breathes in.

They'd already tried a few different PR stunts to boost impressions but nothing seemed to land. His name has been closely associated with Taeho since they first started dating a couple years ago, so naturally when they split, it didn't end. He still haunts Minho when he closes his eyes, so, to now have his name linked so intricately online has done worse damage. He's run completely out of ideas, but luckily for him his PR assistant has not.

Hwang Hyunjin has been managing the PR of the company for as long as Minho has been CEO. The man runs the marketing department like the navy. He's been at the helm of all their successful campaigns, and before Taeho's bombshell article, kept the company's image in the good light. All has been perfect under Hyunjin's hand, and its that exact reason Minho is even considering the proposal he made at a meeting earlier that morning.

Minho rolls his bottom lip between his teeth. The idea is stupid in his personal opinion, it's something an A-list celebrity might pull while promoting a new movie or a duet with another artist. Not what a CEO of a restaurant franchise should be participating in. A fake relationship. Minho scoffs to himself in the empty office room. It's so absurd but Hyunjin insisted that it would make the company look better, stop the media dragging his name with his ex because they'll be all over his new partner.

Minho doesn't think he needs it but after weighing up all his options, it's looking like the best bet they've got. If only he hadn't been so public with his previous relationship, none of this would have happened— but alas, he was young and dumb. So head over heels for a man that didn't think twice about running him through the dirt when things were done. What if he was a better partner is a question and doubt that constantly runs through his mind more than it should. It leaves a bitter taste in Minho's mouth. Hyunjin has told him to stop doing that.

A soft knock on the door brings him back to reality. Minho turns his gaze to watch Chan walk in, a stash of folders tucked neatly in his hands and cross the office in three large strides. The man gives Minho a tired smile before dropping said files on the large glass desk, narrowly avoiding Minho's reading glasses.

He knows exactly what those are, he doesn't want to acknowledge it. The profiles of everyone who was interviewed that afternoon for the temporary role of Minho's personal assistant while Chan was away.

"Here's the files from earlier," Chan says with a sigh, giving Minho a disapproving once-over. "I sent the spreadsheet I made with rankings to your email if you'd like to have a look at that too."

Minho keeps looking at the files like they have personally harmed him. He loves Chan, they've been friends since they were kids, practically joined at the hip since they met in school. Been together through thick and thin, so he appreciates that Chan deserves this time off for his honeymoon— Minho had to force him to take it, but he can't help the anxiety he feels about picking a temporary personal assistant for a couple of weeks, amidst all the madness going on. Chan knows him so well, it feels weird to 'replace' him. The silence stretches between them before Chan taps the desk.

"You know— maybe Hyunjin is onto something with that new partner for the next event. It might soften the media while we start changing things," Chan says with a soft tone which makes Minho scoff and cross his arms.

"It's stupid! We shouldn't have to do that! Our restaurants' food should speak for itself." Minho whines in protest. He really does think it's unfair. Maybe he should have become a content creator instead of CEO, he could make one ASMR cooking video and everything would be forgotten. Chan gives him a pointed look that has him shriveling back into his chair. It's not difficult to read Chan, having known him for so long. However, Chan can read him just as easily which makes the scowl he wears more serious.

Minho sits up straighter in his chair. The other man just sighs and shoves his hands in the pockets of his perfectly pressed dress pants, a complete contract to the loose tie around his neck and hair a mess from running a hand through it in frustration. It's a sigh he recognizes all too well, the same one he has each and every time they've had this exact conversation.

"Minho…" he trails off, leaving Minho to brave himself for what's to come.

They both know what Chan will say. Something along the lines of 'the media is ruthless', 'he has to do something or else he'll be kicked out by the shareholders'- maybe a sprinkle of 'he deserves to move on and be happy'. It's something Minho struggles with, and he knows Chan knows. The constant replay of old conversations that has him second guessing himself. Chan continues to stare as Minho fidgets uncomfortably, rubbing the ring on his finger and twisting it until he counted to four.

"It's not that easy, especially with the media nowadays. How can you advertise luxury food and quality when your own ex humiliated you, stole customers and acted as if you cannot run a restaurant," Chan pauses for a moment, as if controlling his annoyance at the mention of Minho's ex.

"And he said you used your position to sleep with employees," Chan sighs as Minho sinks back further into his chair. A pang of hurt as he thinks back to his stupid ex.

The breakup was rough for Minho, he truly thought he had found his other half but God was he wrong. He was heartbroken when Taeho announced he did not love him anymore, leaving him without a second thought, without another word. It left Minho in a daze, trying to pick up the pieces, trying to figure out what he did so badly for Taeho to just dump him— to fall out of love. No matter how much reassurance Chan and Hyunjin gave and still give, Minho cannot help but blame himself for the split.

His ex moved on to a different restaurant, a new partner, like it never mattered. Like Minho never mattered, but six months ago it went public. All over the news, the accusations of bullying, misconduct and worse— implying Minho and his ex were still together up until the article dropped— which wasn't true. And of course the media ate it up because Taeho and Minho were so public with their relationship, however it only affected Minho.

It's been more than a year since the actual break up. Taeho got the position of CEO in a rival restauranting company, and started publicly being seen with his new boyfriend a couple of weeks after the article dropped. It still makes Minho's blood boil, the guy had moved on from Minho a week after he called it quits but portrayed it as something different.

The stakeholders haven't been happy either, especially with his and Hyunjin's failed attempts at bringing back the company's reputation. They'd been talking about replacing Minho if he cannot fix this mess before the announcement of the new international locations. Maybe Hyunjin has a point. It's better to try than not.

He must have been silent for too long because Chan just mutters a dont stay too long and leaves, bidding farewell.

Once he's sure Chan has left the office, Minho adjusts his posture in his chair and drags the pile of papers over, scanning the stack briefly. Surely someone could be useful. None of them were good enough to be his PA but perhaps… he wouldn't admit it to Chan until he was confident— that Hyunjin is right; the only way to disolve the media would be to go on the attack, accuse his ex of media play, expose the truth of their breakup and that Minho has moved on. And is doing much better. He rolls up the sleeves of his white button up and picks up his glasses off the desk. He needs to be serious about this.

He spends an hour flipping through the profiles and recalling their interviews, and compares it to the spreadsheet Chan had made earlier and sighs, he's loosing hope when he stops on a particular candidate. Kim Seungmin.

He remembers him, quiet, polite, quick answers. The man had a sharp, determined look during the interview the week prior. He was the closest to getting the job- very pretty, however practically a ghost- no obvious bad reputation when Chan looked into him. The only reason they didn't hire him was because he was hesitant about being on call 24 hours.

Minho smiles to himself. He gets it— it's alot of commitment to be able to jump at a drop of a hat. It's why Chan was his old reliable, they both had been through a lot and Chan is one hell of a PA. He barely took his leave for the honeymoon until Minho forced him. The guy is practically married to the job. Minho laughs to himself in the quiet.

He skims through Seungmin's profile again, thinking back to how he held himself during the interview. He'd be perfect. The air of confidence he had and the quick wittedness of his answers, something that would be great for talking to snobs at the event. It's perfect— he's perfect, everything Minho needs.

The man leans over his desk to the small telephone that sits neatly in the corner. With a quick tap of numbers, he leaves a voice note for Chan to find the morning.

"Set up a meeting with Kim Seungmin. I'm taking Hyunjin's advice."

—✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧—

Minho is nervous, he's pulling at his dress shirt and adjusting his cuffs every five seconds. He had even tripled checked his hair before leaving his apartment earlier. He left it softer, unlike his usual half slicked back style. Chan had set up the meeting with Seungmin in some fancy bar that's popular with young people nowadays. A rooftop bar he thinks— he's never been here before. The walk up the stairs had been grueling and as Minho looks outside the large floor to ceiling windows, he can see it's sunny. He should have brought a hat.

The man, however, stops in his spot when he sees a tuft of blond hair on the balcony, the meeting spot. Minho swallows back the ball in his throat. Kim Seungmin was sitting there, hair moving slightly in the breeze, his lips in a pout and wearing a gorgous grey plaid jacket. He's even prettier in real life.

Minho scans the menu quickly before walking towards the open doors out to the balcony. He hesitates as he watches Seungmin, the man not noticing Minho's presence at the door. There's a few tables between them yet it feels like miles in Minho's head. He bites his lip and thinks about what Hyunjin said. How important this is, he cannot afford to fuck this up.

He stalks over and sits down, Seungmin jumps at the sudden intrusion, but he recomposes himself so quickly you wouldn't notice. He's perfect. They shake hands as Seungmin greets him with a small smile.

"Lovely weather we're having," Seungmin says, and Minho feels his knees melt. His voice is so rich and— he's staring.

"The breeze is nice," Minho replies watching Seungmin's mouth twitch.

They exchance pleasantries, having already met at the interview a week prior. Minho asks if Seungmin had ordered, an obvious ploy to avoid the awkward conversation that is the reason they were meeting. Minho notes how Seungmin's eyes sparkle in the light of the sun as he nods. Carefully explaining how he had a tough decision between mocktails.

He knows Chan briefly told Seungmin what the purpose of this meeting was, that he wasn't getting the PA job but something else entirely and Seungmin had agreed to hear Minho out. However, it's harder to start the conversation than Minho expects, he's not the type to avoid things like this, but looking at how pretty Seungmin is— it just makes Minho panic slightly. He's way out of his depths right now, so he twists the ring on his finger exactly four times.

Seungmin must not notice his inner tormoil as he talks about some fancy desert he had seen on the menu, but it gives Minho an excuse to call the waiter— they order and sit in silence for a few moments before Seungmin breaks it by coughing. It brings Minho's attention back to him. Better now than never.

Minho starts the little speech he had mentally prepared, "So, as you know you're not getting the PA job however I have another proposal," he watches for any indication that Seungmin may run, when he sees nothing, he continues. "I'd like you to pretend to be my long term partner for an event this weekend, to play on the media and prove Jung Taeho's article was false."

Seungmin doesn't interrupt, just occasionally hums.

"Unconventional I know, but we've tried everything else. It's our last chance and there'd be plenty of benefits for you! Great pay, media exposure and free champagne," he finishes awkwardly before Seungmin leans back into his chair, tapping his fingers on the table. He looks deep in thought as he narrows his eyes at Minho and gives him a once-over— it makes the hairs stand on the back of Minho's neck.

"What's in it for me?" Minho squints at Seungmin, completely taken by surprise— had he not listened? Seungmin raises a brow and Minho relents.

"Obviously good pay… and it's just one event!" Minho rushes to say. God he sounds pathetic. He can't even remember what Hyunjin told him to say and Seungmin probably thinks he's weird. It definitely would sound like a scam— Seungmin probably thinks it's a scam.

After a moment of Minho's spiralling, Seungmin sighs. "I'll accept your proposal. Got nothing better to do anyways, and the pay sounds nice." Seungmin chews his lower lip. "But I want this written down, and full conditions. I do not want to be ripped off." Minho lets his shoulders sag in relief.

He moves to open his phone when he notices the blond has already pulled out a tiny notebook from the breast pocket of his jacket. He blinks innocently at Minho and tilts his head. Similar to that of a puppy.

"I said I wanted it written down," Seungmin says with a pout. Minho just chuckles, which earns him a scowl.

"Sorry but do you just carry that around with you…?"

Seungmin scoffs with a roll of his eyes. "Of course I do! Just a precaution incase some dumbass CEO decides he wants my good looks and acting skills for a fake PR relationship."

"Ha Ha, very fucking funny, now what terms do you want?" Minho says with a tight smile. He likes Seungmin, he has to admit; the boy is well mannered and quick with his responses. He also feels relaxed in his presence, like they are old friends catching up, which is weird for Minho, normally he takes a while to warm up to new people. Hence why he didn't want a new personal assistant to replace Chan for a few weeks.

"A few actually."

They spend an hour setting out the terms of their fake relationship— Minho would pay triple what the PA job would pay in two different payments. One half before the event, the other would be after they got in the taxi home, Chan would wire it to Seungmin immediately. Seungmin could use Minho's card to buy clothes, or anything else he needs. Minho would pick Seungmin up and bring him home, how affectionate they would be— basic PDA such as kisses on the cheek, holding hands, maybe a quick hug would be appropriate, anything else was not. Seungmin insisted on a backstory, the basics of any fake relationship. And under no circumstances were they to fall for each other. Strictly business as Minho had put it.

Seungmin smiles when they finally finish, closing his notebook after getting Minho to sign it and take a photo. He even offers a hand to shake on it but Minho can't help but feel exhausted, the weight of the situation finally crashing on him.

"I can't wait for our date Jagi," Seungmin winks and Minho knows he's done for.

—✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧—

If the anxiety Minho felt before meeting Seungmin at the bar was bad— picking him up is even worse. His stomach feels like it's in a knot, his palms are so sweaty he had to run them over his dress pants, and he swears he feels like he has a fever, which he absolutely does not. To cope, he's bitten his lip so much he's surprised it hasn't bled.

Hyunjin assured him that things would be fine, but as he walks up to Seungmin's building his legs feel like jello— what if Seungmin decides Minho is crazy— decides to leave him hanging and embarrasses him. He shakes his head to rid himself of the repeated thoughts and pushes his way into the lobby.

But just as he starts to fret again, he sees Seungmin walk out of the elevator, hair fluffy, the slightest hint of makeup and he's wearing a simple black suit and grey shirt, similar to Minho's. He's absolutely gorgeous.

Minho nearly trips over his own foot as he stares at the blond.

Seungmin just raises a brow. "Try not to fall for me so early Mr. Lee." There's a smirk gracing his lips. Brat.

It does still make Minho shiver but he can't let him know how much he's affecting him. Plus, it's probably acid reflux nothing more.

Minho scoffs and brushes the sleeve of his suit, trying his best to not let his eyes wander over Seungmin again.

"Could say the same to you Kim." His voice is more hoarse than he expects so he clears it. "I know it's hard to resist my charms and assets."

Seungmin looks him up and down with a sly chuckle, "Mhmm yeah, all that money of yours is so tempting." He pats his shoulder and walks out, leaving Minho to stand alone in the lobby. He looks around once more, glad there's so few people out and turns on his heel to follow Seungmin.

They make it to the event in silence— it's not entirely uncomfortable but it leaves Minho enough time to get lost in his thoughts again.

He fidgets in the backseat the whole journey, pulling and twisting the ring on his index finger, as if the amount of times he does it may give him some goodluck for the event. Perhaps an attempt to distract himself, but it proves futile as his mind wanders back to Taeho. The silence they would share in drives home, in the kitchen after he stayed the night. It was unsettling— nothing like the silence he shares with Seungmin currently. Maybe it's the knowledge that Seungmin's a stranger that slightly eases his nerves.

Seungmin stays silent, as they get out of the car, with just a quick glance at Minho before turning away. When they enter the large building, he hooks their arms together and makes a comment under his breath about how pretty boys should smile.

The flashes of cameras are blinding as they walk onto the short red carpet. Minho moves his arm so that his hand rests on the small of Seungmin's back. He smiles in all directions as the voices of the photographers become muddled with how many there were. He grips the fabric of Seungmin's jacket as they move to the next spot.

It's probably a good thing he's not alone tonight. The overwhelming feeling of having eyes on him from all angles already has Minho on edge. He's never been a fan of events like these, the way the media can control the narrative if he so much as breathes the wrong way.

Seungmin smiles brightly beside him, flashing a toothy grin everytime they get stopped. It settles his anxiety slighly, knowing he's not by himself. The confidence that Seungmin exudes calms Minho as they make their way through the last of the carpet and into the main hall.

He grabs a flutes of champagne off the nearest waiter when they enter the room, taps the glass four times as Seungmin follows suit and takes a small sip. The younger man rolls his eyes with disgust.

"Is this what you rich people do?"

Minho gawks at the blond. And here he thought Seungmin was a professional based on how polite he was in the interview and notes. But after their meeting about this arrangement he shouldn't be surprised. The boy wasn't afraid to speak his thoughts as they discussed everything.

He must have been staring because Seungmin shrugs before speaking, "What? You wanted boyfriend, not 'employee who would be at your beck and call twenty-four hours a day seven days a week'."

Minho takes a sip of his champagne. It does taste awfully dull.

"Whatever," he finally responds after a moment, not looking at the challenging eyes Seungmin was giving him.

He's about to make another quip when he hears his name being called. Minho turns around and spots an annoyingly familiar CEO, her arms wide as she pulls Minho into a hug. He has worked with her company before, letting the production company use some restaurant locations for filming and for parties after award ceremonies. It was never a problem until Taeho got involved. They stopped using his restaurants as time went on and cut ties completely after the article. Mrs. Choi was still kind enough to flash him a smile at any events, but he still keeps his guard up.

The woman steps back, letting go of Minho. However, her smile falters when she looks to Seungmin. Her perfectly shaped brows scrunch in confusion before she looks back to Minho.

"Oh Mr. Lee! I haven't seen you in so long~ you haven't attended any events recently…" she trails off and makes a face. The implication hangs heavy in the air.

Minho swallows the lump in his throat. He hasn't attended any public events since the breakup— further worsened by the article Taeho dropped for exactly this reason. It was like a bomb. He feels so out of his depths and it's only one person— maybe it was a bad idea. He should have stayed back. Try another marketing campaign that doesn't involve his face and attending in person events.

The women smirks as Minho stays silent, his knuckles turning white from where he holds the stem of the glass.

"It's really brave of you attending after what Mr. Jung said— especially when the event is for networking with some speeches about work place bullying." Minho tenses.

Seungmin coughs, causing the women to acknowledge him again. It's like she forgot the blond was standing there at all— and the way Seungmin moves to link their arms again makes Mrs. Choi hesitate.

"Well, I think it's really brave of Mr. Jung to even write that nonsense article in the first place." Seungmin pulls on Minho's arm before he continues, grounding him as sorts, like he knew Minho currently can't find the power to speak himself.

The women laughs— it's so sickeningly fake, but in such a way Minho knows all too well. Knows because he's spent hours in her company to know what's genuine.

"And who might you be?" There's an impatient tone in her voice. As though she wants to finish the interaction as quickly as possible to continue pushing Minho.

Seungmin tilts his head and narrows his eyes like he was about to bite before Minho finally gains the courage to speak and interrupts him swiftly.

"He's my boyfriend, Mrs. Choi. We've actually been dating for a while now," he pauses and smiles at Seungmin before looking back at the older woman. "Long before the article came out. When Mr. Jung and I actually broke up."

The women stares in shock. Minho has to fight down the smug feeling he has. Maybe things aren't so bad if Seungmin is by his side.

However, it does still feels weird to call a man he's only met once? twice? before his partner— boyfriend if he's exact. To have Seungmin tug on his arm as they bow to the other CEO like it's normal. Like it's something they always do and not just something they agreed on a week prior. The last time he was public like this was with Taeho and see where that got him.

Minho feels a shiver go down his spine. He's not here to think of Taeho, he is here to think of his company and improve its reputation.

Seungmin leans into Minho's side with a small smile. "I just wasn't ready for the press. You know how it is… especially after Taeho's article came out. It was hard because I was finishing my masters and my poor Minho didnt want me surrounded at the university by the press asking questions."

Minho might have just found the world's best actor. He stares at Seungmin before turning his gaze back to Mrs. Choi.

The woman's mouth hangs open, obviously shocked at the new information. She recomposes herself quick enough to smile and pats Seungmin's shoulder.

"Why that is so thoughtful of Mr. Lee." She waves off and makes up some hurried excuse about seeing some designer before rushing off.

There's a moment of silence then Seungmin starts to chuckle. It grabs Minho's attention immediately.

"What's so funny?" He doesn't understand. That was almost a disaster! His hands feel shaky after the interaction.

Seungmin leans further into Minho's space as his shoulders shake with each laugh.

"Sorry— did you see her face when you said boyfriend? She was so out to get you but stopped when she put the dots together— and God when we said we've been dating since before the alleged breakup article I thought she was going to faint like in one of those K-dramas."

Minho's mouth quirks up into a grin. It is funny when Seungmin points it out. The man beside him is still laughing. It's so light and airy he feels something loosen in his chest— the tension in his shoulders sag.

"You'd think she'd ask about my masters degree, how inconsiderate," Seungmin says with a dramatic voice.

It makes Minho laugh. "And what is your specialty Mr. big shot?" he asks. The vague memory of skimming over Seungmin's creditionals and schooling rings a bell but he can't pinpoint it.

Seungmin pretends to ponder, tapping his finger on his chin before talking, "Well, Mr. CEO, I specialised in communications— marketing you know… so I won't even need to dig into your company to take you down a peg if you cross a line. Just my little masters degree."

Minho laughs again. It vibrates around his chest to the point that he leans into Seungmin space, ignoring the way the blond freezes at the closeness.

"Oh, Jagi, I'd like to see you try—" He seizes the moment to stare at Seungmin before leaning in and leaving a barely there press of lips to his cheek before pulling away. The giddiness that pumps through his veins is incredible, the feeling so foreign to Minho.

A red tint starts appearing across Seungmin's cheeks but he looks away as though he were embarrassed, or to hide how much it affected him.

"You're very flirty tonight." The blond takes a sip of his champagne, his face twisting with disgust. Minho pulls away to flash a quick smirk.

"Well we are in love and I'm showing you off for the first time, am I not? Making sure people talk so the media picks it up and stops associating me with you-know-who," he keeps his voice to a whisper, paranoid about who could overhear.

Seungmin nods as Minho continues talking, "That was the whole point, was it not?"

There's a brief silence as they stare at each other, Minho can't read the emotion that flickers behind Seungmin's eyes but eventually he shrugs and hums in agreement.

They spend the rest of the evening making their way around the room, greeting others and spilling details here and there about their relationship. With each encounter and interaction, there's a subtle confidence that Minho feels building. Especially when he watches people turn pale or choke on their drinks as the implication of Taeho's article being a ruse becomes apparent. There is a great satisfaction to starting to change the tides of his reputation.

Seungmin stops them a few times to take finger food off the servers walking by. At one point he even feeds Minho himself and leaves a kiss on his cheek. The action causes Minho's stomach to tighten oddly enough, especially at the press of such soft lips against his cheek. It's probably because he hasn't been this close and touchy with anyone since the breakup.

As the night draws closer to the end, Minho feels exhausted and Seungmin's smile is rung dry. They enjoyed the meals served by the event and the presentations dragged. However, Minho wasn't tired enough to not notice the press that snuck in, so, he kept his hand on the back of Seungmin's chair, made sure to lean into whisper nonsense that made Seungmin fake a laugh or lean into his space too.

It's when they are waiting for Seungmin's jacket at the cloak room Minho sees him.

Jung Taeho in all his glory, hair slicked back as always, suit nicely pressed. The same as Minho remembers. His stomach turns violently, making him feel nauseous. Minho hadn't seen Taeho since the last event he attempted to attend. When he had a meltdown in the bathroom and had to wait for Chan to get in to bring him home. It was embarrassing— it still haunts Minho— and that face. Taeho's face still haunts him. It's his fault he's even in this position.

The panic that floods his body is quick, Minho blinks rapidly, ignoring the full-body chill than takes over. He looks around desperately to find Seungmin, relaxing slightly when he sees the blond leaning against the marble counter talking to the staff member, presumably still waiting on his coat.

Minho takes a step forward when a hand presses into his shoulder, causing him to freeze in his spot. It takes everything in him not to throw up as he turns around.

"My, my, Minho! I didn't expect you to show up, it's been awhile." Taeho smirks as he tilts his head, taunting Minho. The exact same way he used to taunt him when he called Minho worthless. Except he's not alone— Seungmin is just behind him. He can do this.

"What's your game?" Minho grits, his ex laughs before shriveling back with a whimpered voice.

"Oh, Minho, you're still so mean."

The guests walking by stop to stare. They obviously know of the article, of course they do. So seeing Minho and his ex sinking back into the alleged roles Taeho made up— as if Minho was angry. It made his chest tighten up again. His breathing becomes shallow as Taeho continues mocking him. It's like Minho can't move until he hears a curt voice cutting through.

"Excuse me, but you're making my boyfriend uncomfortable." Seungmin voice sounds beside him, eyes sharp as ever. Taeho falters in his act before standing a bit straighter.

"And who might you be…?" Taeho asks, which causes Seungmin to laugh. It's so loud that more people stop to watch the exchange.

Seungmin gently wraps his fingers around Minho's hand, intertwining their fingers.

"I'm his boyfriend, Kim Seungmin. Nice to meet cha'." He lifts his other hand out, letting Taeho shake it before scrunching his brows together.

"You're dating him? After the news broke out your with him? You support him after—"

Seungmin cuts him short with a shrug. "Well, sorry I was dating him long before you decided to do that interview, when you guys actually broke up more than a year ago, not six months," he says in a tight voice. He doesn't take his eyes off Taeho, almost challenging him. Minho squeezes their hands.

Taeho huffs a laugh, looking around at the people who are obviously trying to eavesdrop. "That's wonderful. I must be going. Congratulations. I hope you work out better than he and I did." He says with a sneer and walks away.

Minho feels himself sag with relief, letting Seungmin tug him out of the building.

The car journey is silent, however, Seungmin hasn't let go of their hands, he only briefly let go to put his seatbelt on before grabbing Minho's hand again, playing with his fingers. It makes Minho feel weird but not in a bad way. He stares at their hands, the delicate lines of Seungmin's fingers, the ring he wears on his index finger, the bracelet that occasionally scratches Minho's wrist. Something settles in his skin which he can't name.

Seungmin keeps his gaze out the window when Minho looks at him.

—✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧—

Minho sits in his home office, tapping his fingers impatiently on his desk. It's a varnished wood unlike the one in his office at work. He looks at the clock. Two am. He's been home for a while and already showered, cats are fed and he's in his sleeping shorts, hair still damp as he thinks about his day.

It was perfect for the most part, Seungmin managed to please nearly everyone they spoke to, and played so naturally when he and Minho spoke. As if they truly had been together for the past year. It's insane really, but there's just something about it. He was so good— maybe too good.

Minho leans back into the office chair picking up his phone. His hand is still warm from Seungmin's touch. The blond only let go when they stopped outside Seungmin's apartment building. A shy smile and a quiet thanks. Minho can't shake the weird feeling in his gut.

He's not one to be superstitious but he can't ignore it. It's his sixth sense after all. It's what got him to the office before the article dropped, ; let him know which menus to invest time into, and got him to guess when Chan proposed to Felix. So he can't just shake the thoughts that keep plaguing his mind.

He fidgets with his phone, opening and closing the same four apps. It's silly really. but Seungmin was too perfect. Everything was too great— and nothing is ever that good for Minho. He isn't lucky, and he doesn't think he's good enough to warrant such luck. He drops his phone and turns on his computer. The thoughts of the way Seungmin smiled and kissed him so easily play through his mind, cheeks heating at the memory. Minho scoffs to himself in the quiet room.

You're so fucking weird. It sounds so much like Taeho's voice haunting him, but he knows it's his own. It's easy to brush it away as he starts searching for anything about Kim Seungmin to reassure himself. It's just one simple search to double check that there's nothing wrong, like checking the front door is locked before going to bed at night.

—✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧—

"You look like shit." Hyunjin grins as he sits himself on the edge of Minho's desk like he owns it. Minho levels him with an annoyed stare, which just serves to make Hyunjin smile brighter. The man places down a coffee cup.

"Why are you so happy this early in the morning… normally I don't see you at your desk for another hour." Minho sighs, grabs the cup and brings it to his lips. He knows it has cooled down enough to drink by the logo; the cafe is a good walk away. He lets out a hum, satisfied with the taste.

Hyunjin just rolls his eyes and takes a sip of his own drink.

"So…" he starts and pulls out a magazine from under his arm. It makes a sound when he slaps it down onto the table. "Look who made front page headline."

Minho shifts in his seat and puts down his coffee. He sees it. The picture that captures him and Seungmin leaning into each other's space— another showing Seungmin pressing his lips against his cheek.

Heat rushes to his ears as he stares at the photos, never mind the headline. CEO Lee finally finding love again? It's hard to fight off the grin. Suddenly his tiredness from the night before vanished.

"This is amazing Hwang—" he starts but stops when Hyunjin tsks a quiet good for now.

"You need more. The magazine headlines are a good start, but we need you and Seungmin trending on social media. I made a list of future events I think you and your boyfriend should attend to really drive in that you're doing well, the company is doing well and stop your name coming up every time your ex does something." Hyunjin swings his legs as he speaks. "The shareholders will be thrilled."

Minho hums in agreement. Hyunjin is right— one event isn't enough if he wants to keep up this momentum, but he doesn't know if Seungmin would agree.

He bites his lip in worry. Minho doesn't know if he wants to see the blond again. There's just something he cannot name when he thinks of the man, it makes him so— at a loss for words. An itch he cannot scratch. It's why he spent the night before researching and scowering every inch of the internet he could to try find something about Seungmin. Surely his gut isn't wrong.

But all he found was pictures from Seungmin's university and some old highschool baseball wins. It kind of annoyed Minho that he couldn't find anything. He doesn't even know why he wants to find something— he just has this feeling… this thought nagging… him at the back of his head.

But looking at how proudly Hyunjin is smiling at the headline— and truly seeing how much of an impact Seungmin made in one night, he couldn't just not go to more events— it would raise more questions.

Why aren't they together?

Was Seungmin a PR stunt?

Did Minho fumble another relationship?

Did he repulse another man so quickly.

Another blow to his reputation and the image of the company that he can't risk.

Minho shifts in his chair, which gets Hyunjin's attention.

"So you'll call him? I can arrange your taxis for you since Chan's not available—"

Minho shakes his head in response. "It's fine, I can do that."

Hyunjin nods. "I'll send you over that event calendar, make sure to call Seungmin!" He points a finger accusingly at Minho, as if a threat.

Hyunjin then jumps off the table, and turns around, his face suddenly full of concern. It makes Minho queasy.

"Hey, I know it's stressful when Chan is gone and Jeongin is filling in for him, but don't stress it okay? This PR relationship is going exactly as we planned. Soon we can clear your name completely and announce the opening of the new restaurant abroad."

Minho nods and watches as Hyunjin practically skips put of the office.

It's just as he picks up the list that his phone buzzes to life. A familiar name pops up on the screen. Kim Seungmin.

Why would Seungmin be calling him already? Unless he found out Minho was secretly searching him up last night— surely that's not what happened. He bites his lip. Or maybe he's here to tell Minho to never contact him again— the third ring jolts the man from his wandering thoughts.

Minho relents and picks the device up after the fourth ring just to ensure he did not look needy. Doesn't want Seungmin to get the wrong impression. When he picks up, the line crackles before Seungmin is heaving a sigh so loud Minho shivers.

"What's wrong?" Minho asks first, impatient.

Seungmin hums. "Mr. Lee there's been people stopping me from my apartment to the grocery store to take photos and asking for my signature."

"That's weird." Minho huffs a laugh.

Seungmin scoffs. "Why are you laughing! There's people basically following me!"

Minho shakes his head in disbelief. "Seungmin, if you don't feel safe I could send a bodyguard ?"

He balances a ballpoint pen between his fingers as he waits for Seungmin to reply.

Sure, he deals with paparazzi and sasaengs day and night but from the sounds of it, it's just passerbys on the street. Seungmin was all over the TV and magazines this morning. Naturally, people would gravitate and ask for photos to be posted online.

There's a muted sound from the other side, then what sounds like a door closing.

"Excuse me, Mr. Lee, I think it would be beneficial if your new boy toy had some protection from the media freaks."

"Oh, so you're my boy toy now?" Minho smirks to himself. The implication makes him giddy.

Seungmin makes an undignified squeak before talking again, "Stop that! I'm in a store— there could be children!" He sounds so stern it makes Minho laugh, falling back into his chair and spins around to look out the window.

It's nice outside, the sun is just peaking out from the clouds. Must be why Minho feels so warm inside.

"But you said it first!" Minho can just imagine the blush on Seungmin's cheeks.

The line is quite for a moment as Minho watches two birds land on the telephone wire below. He starts to worry maybe he crossed a line, but then he hears Seungmin mutter under his breath.

"Sorry someone just asked to take a photo again," Seungmin grits with annoyance.

Minho blinks. "I know we were all over the papers and TV this morning but it couldn't be that bad already? Hyunjin said our names didn't even trend," Minho thinks aloud which earns a scoff.

"Bad already? Mr. Lee I didn't sign up for this part— to be recognized in public every few steps, it was one event, no strings attached."

The birds start to fight each other, flying off and landing on different spots of the wire as Minho stares.

"Um actually… I wanted to ask about that…" He braces himself for Seungmin's rebuttal but there's nothing, so Minho takes it as a sign to keep going. It doesn't settle his nerves at all.

"Well, the press was so good this morning my PR guy, Hwang Hyunjin, was saying we should go to some more events you know—keep the hype up and really prove we are real."

The silence stretches uncomfortably. Another muffled noise emerges from the other side of the call before a mumble of words.

Minho sits waiting anxiously. He hates not knowing. The worry of if Seungmin hates him or despises him for even suggesting another event after his annoyance with getting recognized in public start circulating in his brain. The endless 'what if's.

After a few more moments, Seungmin finally talks again.

"Was paying sorry, plus didn't want the whole store to hear my conversation and leak it to the press."

Minho's shoulders sag in relief. He doesn't sound annoyed, that's good.

"Where are you now?" Minho bites his lip as soon as the words leave his mouth, he couldn't help himself. What if the man was already on his way to leave Minho—

Seungmin laughs. "I'm walking back to my place now."

"Are the fans still on your trail?" Minho asks absentmindedly, swiveling in his chair as Seungmin's muffled laugh crackles on the phone.

"No… I lost them in the dairy aisle and dashed out the store. I haven't seen anyone suspicious since, just pigeons."

Minho nods even though the blond won't see.

"That's good. It was probably just the shock of being recognized in public," he says apologetically. It is his fault— he didn't even bother warning Seungmin it may happen.

It was strange the first time it happened to Minho, but he's gotten used to it, and he had the helpful advice from people he has worked with before— hopefully it'll die down so Seungmin can peacefully go grocery shopping himself, but if they go to more events it may get more intense. Which brings him back to what he asked.

"So about what I said—"

Seungmin cuts him off before he can say another word. "I'll agree to go to more events."

He almost doesn't believe what he hears, that was much easier than he thought. He won't question it but it has his gut churning with excitement.

"Oh that's.. that's amazing Seungmin! Will we fix the contract?"

Seungmin cuts him off again, "Just the same rules apply, double the pay, please. I just bought a good cut of steak I'd like to pay off. Especially after working so hard today taking photos with all your fans."

Minho scoffs, of course the little weasel would ask for more money. He looks back at the two birds who have settled on the wire now.

"Yeah, sure. I'll send you the details."

—✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧—

Minho's biting his nails in the car as Seungmin sits silent as ever beside him.

He's gorgeous, wearing the matching navy blue waist coat to the navy suit Minho's wearing. He sports a black jacket with some sparse detailing on the shoulders, a contrast. His hair is just as fluffy as Minho remembers, reminding him of a golden retriever. It makes his heart swell when he thinks about it.

Minho couldn't take his eyes off him when he saw him walk through the elevator. It was even more incredible than the first time the blond walked out.

Minho turns his gaze back to the window. The sky whizzes by as they get closer to the venue.

It was a different type of event. Less private networking dinner more A-list celebrity charity auction. The proceeds would be going to another well-respected charity.

However, Minho hates these events. Don't get him wrong, he loves what they are raising money for, but the pressure of the public eye already has him shifting in his seat. He prefers to donate in private, do his work in private, live his life in private— but those things ended the moment his ex walked into his life. Taeho brought him out and showed him off like he was a new shiny diamond ring until he got bored.

Minho understood at the time, he was a mess. No one would stay— he wouldn't even stay himself.

It wasn't a pleasant breakup, but Minho tried so hard to convince himself it was no hard feelings, much to Chan's disappointment. Minho thought it was 'right person wrong time' against his better judgement, but that went out the door when the article interview hit the headlines. It finally opened his eyes to the shitshow he had gone through.

Minho nearly falls out of the car as he scrambles to climb out. Not wasting another second sitting in it to let his thoughts sour further. He holds his hand out for Seungmin, who takes it graciously and gets out of the car without a bother.

They walk hand in hand towards the entrance, where more flashes of cameras bounce off the walls and if Minho's grip on Seungmin's hand tightens, he doesn't mention it.

There's a small red carpet at the entrance, similar to the previous event but this one requires them to stop for longer and turn towards every shout and yell.

At one point a photographer jeers Seungmin on so he presses a sly kiss to Minho's cheek to the amusement of the crowd. There's even more intense flashes before a staff member rushes them off the carpet and into the hall.

The room is huge with tall, dark ceilings, a red carpet and various stands with different art pieces and items that would be up for bidding later.

Seungmin takes a flute of champagne off the first staff member he sees. With a roll of his eyes after a sip, he presses the glass into Minho's chest.

"Is this that crap from the other day?"

Minho takes the glass wordlessly and raises it to his lips. He ignores the heat in his cheeks at the indirect kiss. Grow up Minho, he winces at the voice in his head suspiciously like his ex. It's just an indirect kiss because he doesn't want to waste a good glass of champagne.

"Do you not like champagne?" Minho hums as they walk over to the first art piece they see.

It's a scuplture of a handsome man, and what appears like fabric drapes over half his face. Seungmin leans in to look at the title and name of the artist. He tucks his lip between his teeth and Minho follows the movement before looking back at the sculpture.

"Not really. I like a good can of beer while watching a baseball game, but outside of that I don't drink that often— it's an acquired taste," the blond mumbles, lost in thought.

Minho watches his side profile as he stares at the sculpture. The slope of his nose and the curve of his lips, the subtle eyeshadow that paints the corner of his eyes.

"Would you buy this? The boy hidden in secrecy, scared of revealing his true face to the world."

Seungmin turns to stare directly back at Minho, his eyebrows scrunching in thought. Minho brings the glass to his lips again and looks away.

The blond shrugs. "It's gorgeous but I don't think I could appreciate it enough to have it in my home… I think someone that values art more would like it better."

With that they move onto the next podium of art. It is a nice silence between them. Nothing uncomfortable, like they have a mutual understanding of each other's need for quiet moments.

Minho finds himself relaxing the more time they spend walking around, chuckling at whatever quips Seungmin makes about every item they look at. Asking and teasing Minho about what he will bid on.

It's hard to concentrate on anything though, Minho is so entranced by Seungmin. He thinks the blond looks cute like this— eyes sparkling in awe as he looks around the room. He does appear like a child in a candy store at every celebrity that walks past them.

When a specific singer, Han Jisung, walks past the younger man nearly shrieks. He presses into Minho's side with excitement, leaning on him to get a better glance. Seungmin hides his giggle with a smile.

"What? Do you like him?" Minho smirks to himself as Seungmin rests his head on his shoulder looking back at the singer. He hums, letting Minho rest his hand on his waist.

"Yeah, I adore him and the music he writes. Been a fan for a few years when I first heard his song on the radio. I've seen him in concert a few times— incredible voice."

If Seungmin was a dog, Minho could image his tail would be wagging at record speed. He doesn't know what possesses him but he sighs and starts talking, "Do you wanna say hi? I know him from other events."

It's hard not to miss the way Seungmin tenses under Minho's hand before there's a flurry of blond hair envading the older man's vision. Minho blinks to see Seungmin staring him in the face.

"You know him? You'd introduce us?" The younger is smiling so wide it makes Minho's guts turn. It's that moment he decides that he likes when Seungmin smiles.

"Of course, Jagi, but you're not to go running off with him if I introduce you."

Seungmin rolls his eyes and gives Minho a small peck on the cheek. "Hmm as if I'd leave you, Yeobo. Now introduce us before the auction starts! Ohhh Changbin is gonna be so fucking jealous."

Minho raises a brow. "Changbin…?" The knot in his stomach tightens and suddenly he feels sick. Seungmin nods without reply, staring off in the direction the singer went. With a reluctant sigh Minho grabs his hand and makes his way over.

He can't help the way his insides keep twisting, and it's not because of the way Seungmin stares and nods at every word the singer says, or the way his hand shakes when the singer signs a photocard he had in the back of his phone. He doesn't flinch when Seungmin presses his lips repeatedly to his face in excitement and wraps him in a bone crunching hug.

It's the name Seungmin uttered earlier. Changbin. It rings around his head on repeat along with the constant what ifs.

What if it's Seungmin's actual boyfriend?

What if Seungmin will ditch Minho to go off with Changbin?

This Changbin guy must be better than Minho if Seungmin—

It makes it difficult to focus throughout the rest of the event. Just nodding absentmindedly as they look at more art works and settle down for the auction. He doesn't even know what he bids on, just raises the paddle when Seungmin nudges him.

He ends up winning a signed baseball glove that has Seungmin squirming in his seat beside him. Leaning into his space and excitedly talking about it. Minho doesn't mind since the money will be going to a good cause, and the way Seungmin lights up when they pick it up after has his mind coming back into reality.

There's less chants of the name that was mentioned, and the silence between them as they walk back to the car is more bearable. As soon as they get in, Seungmin unbuttons his waist coat. Minho tilts his head with confusion.

"Can we stop for a quick bite? Those hors d'oeuvres are not filling at all— I feel like I was starved."

Seungmin turns to Minho expectedly, jutting his lip out in a pout.

Minho nods and looks up to the chauffeur. "Anywhere in particular?" Before Minho can finish speaking, Seungmin is already sitting up and talking.

"Can we go to this fried chicken place? Really craving some good fried chicken." He hands his phone over to the driver before turning to Minho. "That good with you?"

Minho's stomach grumbles. "Yeah, fried chicken sounds good."

—✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧—

Minho walks over to the fridge, takes out a bottle of water then chugs half of it. The water is nice and refreshing after gouging on various types of fried chicken earlier with Seungmin. They had ordered 4 portions and shared them between each other.

Minho smiles to himself as he makes his way through his apartment to his office. He stops to scratch Soonie behind the ear, the cat happily perched on the cat tower in the hallway. Tail swaying back and forth happily.

Minho pats him one last time before continuing on to the small room. It's cozy and lined with shelves of various nicnacks he's gotten over the years. Unlike his office at work, it's full of his personality. The cat calender that stands on his desk is a reminder of that.

He sits down and turns on his computer, opening his email open when his mind goes back to Changbin.

After Seungmin insisted that they dine in the restaurant, not caring about potential media leaks or press, he told Minho that Changbin is his roommate. They've known each other since childhood.

Minho felt relieved in the moment to know Changbin wasn't some mysterious ex of Seungmin's and the blond seemed happy to talk about his best friend. Even went as far as telling Minho about the time he accidentally dyed his clothes red from not sorting his laundry the way Seungmin told him.

Minho chuckles to himself in the quiet room. Seungmin had looked so cute retelling the story, a chicken leg in one hand, a slight dot of sauce on his lip which Minho had to resist wiping. Even though they are fake dating for the public, that doesn't mean he'll just cross boundaries like that. It started to feel too real.

But he cannot help the itch that starts in the back of his mind, perhaps Changbin was lying to Seungmin.

What if he was a terrible person that Seungmin didn't realize—

Minho sighs and opens a new tab, Changbin's name in the search bar.

—✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧—

Minho feels better than he has before, a pep in his step if you'll say. Even Hyunjin gives him a look when he walks past where the man is sitting on the edge of Jeongin's desk.

Hyunjin and Jeongin jump up to follow him into his office, the younger of the three immediately pulling the venetion blinds on the glass wall shut. They then immediately start bombarding Minho with questions.

"Why do you look so happy you literally threatened to stuff me with tissue yesterday morning…" Hyunjin's lips quirk into a shit-eating grin and Minho narrows his eyes.

"You deserved that," Jeongin remarks as he sits down at the chair across from Minho's desk, making himself comfortable.

"Don't you dare," Minho hisses and groans when Hyunjin just giggles in response and sits down on the edge of Minho's desk, ignoring the dangerous stares being thrown at him.

"This is why i'm never happy around you."

Hyunjin fake laughs before gesturing for Jeongin to leave his phone on the table.

"You and Mr. Kim are all over social media. Trending at number one on a few platforms even internationally! The restaurants are getting more visitors too! You should probably visit one of the outlets with Seungmin to have a romantic date with him—" Hyunjin wiggles his eyebrows and makes kissing noises, "Show photographers how high quality the restaurant is on your date."

Jeongin nudges Hyunjin with his leg to show his annoyance. "Hyung, they can't make out at the restaurant!"

Hyunjin pouts, "But it would be a great headline—"

Minho rubs his temples in an effort to configure everything Hyunjin has just said. "You already asked us for the fashion show next week— which why would I be going to that anyways?"

Hyunjin leans back over the table in such a way Minho is surprised his spine hasn't cracked.

"Because! The jewelry brand wants you and your partner flaunting their stuff. This is good Minho! Top-end brands keep booking out certain restaurants for brand trips for influencers and other celebs. You can do more events than just one."

Minho looks at Jeongin for help who just shrugs. "Sorry, boss, there's no stopping him when he's on a roll."

The oldest of the three sighs. He'll have to ask Seungmin. He shifts in his chair again, there's something itching the back of his mind as he thinks back to Seungmin.

The way his eyes lit up last night at meeting his idol, the warmth of his lips against his cheek over the baseball glove— Minho shakes his head, as though the action could physically remove his thoughts.

When he looks up, Hyunjin is already walking out of the room with Jeongin in toe.

The two have been inseparable ever since Jeongin was moved to take over Chan's job temporarily. It's a wonder they didn't just pick him in the first place, very diligent and great at the job. A breath of fresh air compared to the older staff that work there.

On the other hand— if they hadn't have put up the job position, Minho would have never met Seungmin… it's scary how easily his thoughts circle back to the blond.

He shouldn't be so demanding, he's already bothered Seungmin with an extra unwanted event— but to add another? it's pushy. But he did agree to extend the contract… surely Seungmin will understand. He won't hate him. It's fine! He's getting extra pay too.

After spiraling for a few minutes and giving himself a pep talk, Minho finds the courage to pick up his phone and calls Seungmin.

He nearly jumps out of his chair when the line is picked up immediately. Seungmin's voice comes through sounding panicked.

"Hey Mr. Lee?" Something similar to a pair of curtains is frantically closed in the background. It doesn't sit right with Minho.

"Are you okay..?" Minho asks, voice unsure.

The silence stretches for a beat, just shuffling sounds before a second voice can be heard, a muffled I told you so! before Seungmin sighs loudly.

"Mr. Lee I… those people? photographers? fans? are all out on the street— my roommate went to take out trash and he was stopped on the stairs and asked where I live and there's people pointing cameras at the window I…" he pauses "I dont know what to do."

Minho swallows back the pit in his stomach. He should have taken Seungmin seriously last week. Now these strangers are in his building. Seungmin probably hates him. Minho bites his lip.

"Seungmin, are you safe?"

There's a shaky inhale on the other side of the line. "Minho I'm scared—"

Minho feels something in his chest and immediately gets up. He beelines past a confused Jeongin and presses the elevator button about a hundred times.

"I'm at the office but I'm on my way to pick you up."

The line is quiet when Minho steps into the elevator. "Pack a bag or two. I'm bringing you to my place."

The phone is taken and a different voice booms over the speaker. "Oi why would he go to your place!"

Minho snorts, "Mr. Seo right?"

Changbin hums before biting again.

"Yes, Mr. Lee. Now tell me why should I hand over my best friend to you when you're the reason he's being stalked by these weirdos right now."

Minho taps his foot impatiently in the elevator. Changbin's right. It is his fault.

"Well, my apartment building has better security! I'll find you both a new place to move to after this all okay? But my main priority is Seungmin's safety."

The line goes silent. The sound of his heart thumping in his ears fills the quiet. It makes him quicken his pace from the foyer to his car.

Once in the car, he leans his forehead on the steering wheel, still waiting for Changbin's response.

After what feels like forever, Changbin sighs.

"Fine. Just don't fuck this up or so help me I will make your life hell."

There's another muffled voice before Seungmin must take the phone back.

"Sorry about him he's just protective…"

Minho's chest feels tight. "Yeah, I understand. I'll be over in twenty."

Seungmin bids goodbye and the phone call ends. Minho moves his head away from the steering wheel, inhales and counts to five before exhaling and counting to ten. He loosens his tie and tightens his grip on the wheel. He breathes out slowly again before setting off.

—✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧—

The door swings wide open before Minho can even knock. Seungmin stands still as his eyes scan Minho up and down, as if he were trying to ensure it was the real person. His skin ashen from obvious fear. It worsens the guilt Minho feels.

It's his fault. He shouldn't have gotten Seungmin involved. The thoughts keep circling in his head as he watches Seungmin.

"Um, I have bags packed on my bed. Changbin will help move them."

Minho stops Seungmin from turning away, hand on his wrist. He needs to make sure this arrangement is okay. That he isn't making Seungmin more uncomfortable than he already is.

"Is this okay? You coming to stay at my place?" Seungmin stops and looks at his feet, leaving room for Minho to continue.

"I could get you another place to stay if you're not comfortable."

Seungmin looks up so suddenly it makes Minho blink with surprise, followed by an answer just as quick. "No! I don't want to be alone Minho." Seungmin says, his voice is quiet as he speaks and looks away with assumed embarrassment.

Minho moves his hand to hold Seungmin's properly, giving it a squeeze to reassure the younger man. "That's okay! That's fine! I'm not leaving you."

Seungmin slowly turns to look at Minho again, a small smile on his lips. Color slowly coming back into his face. They wordlessly stare at each other with a mutual understanding.

The silence is eventually broken by Changbin's complaints about the bags weren't going to move themselves.

—✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧—

Seungmin makes himself comfortable in Minho's apartment very quickly. It's a lot larger than Seungmin's one. Minho's living room alone is bigger than the whole of Seungmin's apartment. It's like a missing puzzle piece had been found. The way he flawlessly finds himself a spot in Minho's routine, that his slippers by the door match Minho's, the mugs with cartoony dogs sit side by side with Minho's— and Minho doesn't feel weird about it. He enjoys it a lot actually, however, as much he fits his things in beside Minho's, he still is hesitant everytime they talk.

Seungmin's currently sitting at the kitchen island like he does every morning, watching Minho pitter around the kitchen, swinging his legs care free.

"So, this is awkward."

Minho scrunches his eyebrows, and turns from the pan he's currently scrambling eggs on to look at Seungmin. "Awkward how?" He regrets asking— he knows exactly why it's awkward. Minho's been paying the guy to fake date him for the last few weeks and now he's living in his apartment. Seungmin probably thinks he's stupid.

Seungmin leans onto the island counter. "Erm, you are paying me to fake date you… now I'm in your apartment." He sighs dramatically.

Minho turns back to the pan before deeming the food cooked, then he turns around to the two plates infront of Seungmin and plops the eggs down.

"I understand its weird. However, your safety is more important. Plus, it might benefit us, make us look more like a couple as we spend more time together." Minho nods to himself and places the pan beside the sink. "Anyways if you want to leave, just say the words and I'll find you somewhere else to stay—"

Seungmin immediately cuts him off. "No! it's fine…. I—" he shifts uncomfortably. "I kinda don't want to be alone— I just know what those stalkers are like from what I've seen online and I don't think I want to face that by myself… as much as Changbin would protect me, he just doesn't get it you know? At least you have an understanding of it."

Minho grimaces and reaches over to ruffle Seungmin's hair. It's so soft under his fingertips. The blond leans into the touch for a moment, making something twist in Minho's chest.

"Yeah, they've been following me since I started cooking. When I did that cooking show, people were all over me and my looks," Minho says absentmindedly as he sits down. Briefly he glances at Seungmin with a sad smile as he continues, "and who I was dating. Now eat before it goes cold."

Seungmin grumbles and picks up his chopsticks, taking a mouthful of rice and eggs. He chews slowly before speaking again. Minho thinks it's endearing. He has that tightness in his chest again, while his mind chants he's cute. He's cute.

"So, what happened between you and your ex if you dont mind me asking? I don't believe that article Taeho wrote since I've only ever heard good reviews of when you were working as a chef. Wait, do you remember Jung Wooyoung?" Seungmin sits up straighter as he looks at Minho expectedly.

Minho nods, he remembers him alright, lots of passion and enthusiasm, great cook. "That man was incredible to work with, he wanted to open his own restaurant one day— and I told him he'd get Michelin stars and that's exactly what he did." Minho smiles taking a bite of his own food.

"But why don't you believe the article? Everyone else does?"

Seungmin snatches a tomato off of Minho's plate. "He's a good friend of mine and Changbin's… and the reason I don't believe a word your ex said. Wooyoung worked and trained under many manyyy great chefs, yet you were the only one he had praise for! That your kindness is what made him not quit the job." Seungmin pops the cherry tomato into his mouth and hums.

Minho feels sweaty, it's the first time someone that wasn't close to him believed him. "Really?"

Seungmin nods his head, too busy chewing.

"It's why I applied for the PA job. Wooyoung said you were great, and that guy would not lie— he's very open if he dislikes someone so when I saw the position I jumped for it! Maybe I was hoping if I did a good job you might let me onto the PR team." Seungmin ducks his head, hiding the blush that was spreading across his cheeks.

"Oh, my Seungminnie wanted to work for me so bad." Minho teases him while putting some more food from his plate onto Seungmin's.

The blush darkens as the younger man speaks, "Yah! I didn't—"

Minho can't help himself from smirking, enjoying the way Seungmin scrambles for words.

"Look, don't let it get to your head, your ego is already big enough," Seungmin huffs taking some of the food Minho left, his cheeks and ears still flushed.

Minho starts laughing, feeling an ease that he didn't before. The tightness in his chest finally loosening, he finds it happening more and more when he's with Seungmin. Feels relaxed for once.

Silently, he watches Seungmin continue to talk about meeting Minho's cats properly, about how he's going to be their new best friend and overthrow Minho as their favorite hooman. It makes Minho smile.

And if he thanks the universe that Seungmin doesn't bring up his ex again, no one has to know.

—✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧—

Dori lays across the desk, not a care in the world that he's blocking Minho from his computer. The man sighs and runs his hand through the cat's grey fur. At least he still likes him. The other two traitors have taken to Seungmin in the living room, not leaving his side as he watches some baseball highlights.

It was such a cute scene Minho just had to take a photo. Now it's burning him alive.

Why would he do that— why would he take a picture just because Seungmin looked cute with the two orange cats cuddled up to him?

The only person he ever took photos of was Taeho but he doesn't like Seungmin that way… no not at all.

He always takes pictures of his cats. That must be why. Not the weird feeling in his chest. Not the way he sweats when Seungmin smiles at him.

Dori meows loudly, breaking him from his thoughts. "Yeah, I know your brothers abandoned us for the puppy, but they're gonna miss out on treats."

The cat tilts its head at the word 'treat', most likely getting his attention. Minho opens the top drawer of his desk and takes out a tube of cat treats.

He expertly cuts the top in a curve to ensure Dori doesn't cut himself. The cat sits up with interest as Minho offers the treat over.

"Oh, you'd never leave me, Dori." Minho mumbles in a baby voice and watches fondly as Dori laps away at the treat.

He thinks about Seungmin. How cute he was at dinner, when he nearly fell out of his chair as soon as Minho suggested Kimchi Jjigae. His thoughts keep circling back to Seungmin no matter how hard he tries to think of something else. God why can't he get Seungmin out of his head. It's like the guy is living there rent free— which he is both literally and mentally. Minho sighs.

As much as he is starting to like Seungmin, he just can't shake this feeling— like the man is hiding something and therefore he shouldn't like him. The man's record is too clean, he's too perfect. Minho's had that before, then it turned out his ex was a piece of shit.

Taeho had a hidden history of falsifying reports for injury at the workplace, lying to reporters about his relationships and doing anything he can to rise in the ranks of whatever job he's after.

Minho looks up at the door, he couldn't just try dig into Seungmin's personal life again. What if he walked in— what if Seungmin somehow hacked his search history. What if Minho leaves his computer open and Seungmin uses it to search baseball results and finds out Minho's been digging into his private life and crossing a boundary—

It's terrible, he knows he shouldn't. That he should trust Seungmin, but he can't stop that voice in the back of his head and no amount of shaking his head will get rid of it.

The chances of getting caught doing it himself is too high— he has to get backup.

Dori finishes the treat and lays back down, pressing the odd key on the computer, not interested in whatever else Minho has to offer. Minho puts the package off the cat treat in the small bin beside him and pulls out his phone. He feels terrible but it's the only way to reassure himself, maybe to prove Seungmin isn't what he seems like Taeho was.

The phone rings twice before its picked up.

"Chan, I know you're on your honeymoon—"

"Please leave the message after the beep, BEEEEEP."

Minho blinks four times, that definitely is not Chan, he sits up.

"Felix?" he asks and cringes when a tired sigh sounds from the phone.

"Lee Minho." There's a pause. "Why the fuck are you calling my husband during his honey moon— our honeymoon." Felix puts an emphasis on our, with a very pissed off tone that makes Minho shrink into himself.

Minho leans back into his chair and stares at the ceiling. He feels awful calling for Chan but its urgent. He needs to make sure Seungmin's not hiding something.

"I need his help—"

"No you don't, you have Jeongin and Hyunjin!" Felix scoffs.

"Felix, this is important. Put Chan on the phone please," Minho begs. He can see the tiny crack in the paint on the ceiling as he waits for a response.

Felix makes a noise of frustration before answering. "Minho, Chan will spend the rest of this trip stressing and wanting to go home if he knows you called— you literally forced him to go on this trip because otherwise he wouldn't have."

Minho knows that, he knows how loyal and stubborn Chan is, and that if Minho so much as makes an offhand comment, Chan will work on it immediately. He's taking advantage of his best friend and it makes him an awful person— Minho shakes his head. He's not, Chan is just a workaholic. He normally has to make the man leave the office at five pm on the dot everyday. Minho looks after him.

But on the otherhand, he needs to satisfy the feeling. If he doesn't, he'll just go insane thinking about it, about the possibility that Seungmin is hiding something from him.

Minho groans into his free hand, "Felix… I know it's really shitty of me but I…" He can't finish his sentence, the words caught in his throat but running rapidly through his mind.

"What is it that you need," Felix reluctantly says after a few moments of silence.

Minho sits up in his chair. "I need you to look into someone." He bites his lip looking at the door. "I'll text you the name."

Felix laughs, "Wow, it's like the good old days when I used to work for you."

Minho lets out a chuckle at the memory. Felix was great, he came in as a new hire for the PR team and walked into a glass door staring at Chan on his first day. The two hit it off so quickly, Minho and Hyunjin made a bet about when they'd confess.

Hyunjin won of course, and Minho's ex thought the bet was stupid. Taeho had chastized him for it being childish and stupid but Minho didn't care.

"Yeah, why'd you have to quit on me?" Minho can just imagine Felix's bright smile.

"Geez, sorry I wanted to pursue dancing, which by the way the studio is starting classes again when we come back if you'd like to join. You'll even get my husbands boss's discount."

Minho rolls his eyes with such fondness. He misses working with Felix, the man was incredible, especially when working with Hyunjin the two were unstoppable. Perhaps that's why all their recent PR stunts have resulted in failure but Minho couldn't ask Felix to come back. He left to pursue his passion and enjoy work.

"Yeah yeah, I'll check it out but uh keep this on the downlow. Do not text me with what you find, just call me?" Minho doesn't want Seungmin to see his phone notifications by accident. He's doing it for his own good— safety— he just… he can't have what happened with Taeho happen again. Even if it's fake.

Felix hums in agreement and then hangs up, leaving Minho to sit in the silence of his home office, the ball in his stomach growing with each minute that goes by.

—✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧—

"Minho! Does this look weird?" Seungmin asks with his arms out in a T pose showing off the dress shirt he's in. It's a beautiful off white with a fitted black waist coat, and theres a few diamonds sprinkled around the shoulders.

"I feel like I look stupid." Seungmin pouts as Minho walks closer. The older man flattens out Seungmin's collar and fixes the bow tie.

"It's cute."

Seungmin squints, and bats Minho away. "I shouldn't have asked you."

Minho laughs at the way Seungmin turns his back to look at his phone, obviously trying to avoid Minho's stare.

"What's that supposed to mean? You don't trust my fashion sense, Seungminnie?" He smirks as the blond chokes on his words before turning to look away. His cheeks dusted a light pink and his ears a roaring red.

"Is this going to be boring?" he asks as Minho moves away to pick up his phone and wallet.

Minho thinks about it. He normally avoided the ballet but when he remembers it, he enjoyed it throughly. He shrugs and looks at Seungmin. "It's good, I promise."

The blond doesn't look too convinced and just sighs, grabbing Minho's hand to follow him out of the apartment and into the elevator.

"I don't know much about dance—"

Minho scoffs to himself as he presses the button for the ground floor. "How could you not?"

Seungmin shrugs and leans back into the reflective wall of the elevator. "For your information Mr. CEO, I focused on my studying and schooling… I didn't get the choice to dabble in the arts like you..?" he quirks an eyebrow.

"Yah! I studied too!!"

Seungmin does that thing with his lip that Minho follows with his eyes. Does it whenever he's resisting a comment he knows will tip Minho over the edge. He's seen him do it at multiple events— even while living with Minho around the apartment.

Minho rolls his eyes, "Okay, yes, I was privileged to be able to study culinary arts but I still had to work hard for my reputation." He sighs thinking back. It was grueling, his parents let him pursue cooking but he still had to double major a business degree on the side. After hours in kitchens sweating away, he would then have to get back into study mode to do well. He's privileged alright to be able to pursue two career paths.

Maybe that's why he jumped at the positions that arose in the restaurant's company side of things. A subtle way to make his parents proud— something a CEO could do, not a two star Michelin chef. He sighs and glances over at Seungmin. The man is staring right back at him with the curiousity he could only describe of a puppy. Minho can't help the smile that forms.

Seungmin scrunches his nose in response. It's so endearing Minho has to physically restrain himself from reaching over and pinching his cheeks.

"That still doesn't explain why you don't know about dance—"

Seungmin groans and gently bumps into Minho's shoulder.

"I just— I liked baseball when I wasn't studying okay? My friends were in band but I… I wanted to be a baseball player, one the country could be proud of."

He has a fond glimmer in his eyes that Minho cannot decypher. It's a side Minho hasn't seen before. Seungmin grabs his hand again, playing with the ring on Minho's index finger. He doesnt move, he likes the way Seungmin's hands feel and lets the blond continue his ministrations.

"But then I got this injury in senior year— it was devastating," his voice is light and Seungmin blinks a few times, his grip on Minho's hand tightens.

Minho feels his heart break for Seungmin. He knows the pain all too well.

"I had all these dreams… but the universe had other plans in mind," he chuckles sadly to himself.

Minho moves closer, their shoulders brush briefly and Seungmin's mouth quirks into a smile. Minho prefers that smile, he doesn't want Seungmin to be sad.

"Stop looking at me like that," Seungmin is staring at him with an unreadable expression.

"Like what?" Minho tilts his head. He doesn't know how he's staring at Seungmin? Is it too much? Not enough eye contact—

"Like you like me or something," Seungmin whispers when the elevator dings, the doors opening.

Minho forgets how to breathe as he watches Seungmin walk ahead, letting their hands drop.

—✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧—

Minho wakes up to the familiar scent of coffee running through the apartment. He stretches in bed, smiling when he hears Soonie meow beside him. "Aren't you just the cutest." He scratches the cat under the chin before getting up.

He walks straight to the kitchen, smile widening when he sees Seungmin holding Dori like a baby while Doongie sits at his feet.

"Hi, Minho, coffees on the island," he singsongs, petting Dori who purrs and rubs his head into Seungmin's chest. "Oh, I'm your favorite, aren't I? You don't like Mr. Meanie CEO." Dori purrs louder as though he agrees, the traitor. Minho picks up the mug while grumbling, taking a small sip and sitting down at the island.

There's a picture of a cartoony dog on it. His lips hurt from how much he's smiling, it reminds him of Seungmin. His dumb puppy.

After a moment, Seungmin finally puts Dori down to sit beside Minho. The blond swings his legs back and forth on the island stool. "Did you sleep well?"

Minho hums, taking another sip of coffee. It's so good— made to his taste exactly. He really doesn't understand why it tastes better when Seungmin makes it, maybe he poisons it.

Seungmin nods and swivels the chair left and right. "You made us walk that much I thought my legs would fall off last night. I didn't know fashion shows involved that much walking and we were only watching!" Seungmin rests his chin on his hand with a tired look. "What does a CEO of a restaurant chain even have to do with a fashion show…?"

Minho puts his mug down and ruffles Seungmin's soft hair. "Seungminnie, I dunno if you noticed my good looks—" he giggles as Seungmin's ears heat up.

"I'm not blind!" The younger whines and covers his face with his sleeves. It's so cute, he's so cute. Minho has to bite his lip to stop himself from making a comment.

Eventually, Seungmin's stomach growls, so Minho decides to stand up and walk over to the fridge. "What do you want for breakfast?"

Seungmin sits up at the speed of light.

"Something sweet?"

Minho nods, taking out some ingredients without turning around, decision already made.

"Pancakes? I can make some with bacon, some plain so you can pick your toppings." Minho finally turns around to see Seungmin's teeth shining in a bright grin.

"That would be wonderful, Minho."

He ignores the way his palms sweat and the fact his heart skips a beat, but he can't help the guilt crawling up his throat as he starts measuring out everything, knowing he's paying someone to dig up Seungmin's history because he needs any reason to not fall.

And it's proving to be very difficult to remember that this— what they have is fake.

—✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧—

The next few events are quiet. They run through the same routine, except now that includes Minho fixing Seungmin's shirt before they leave the apartment, making sure he'd been fed incase the food isn't great, letting the younger tease him as they walk down to the car waiting for them. It makes Minho's heart flutter everytime he catches Seungmin laughing or smiling with those dazzlingly bright teeth.

They always sit silently in the car, holding hands of course because you never know— that's what Seungmin insisted everytime Minho tried to reassure him that the chauffeur is trustworthy but not letting go of Seungmin.

The blond still holds his hand and Minho won't complain. He likes the familiarity of it all. The comfort, the safety if he's honest. As much as he hates to admit it, the gentleness and softness of Seungmin's fingers gripping his and occasionally rubbing patterns into his skin, calms the storm that brews in his mind before each event. It is also relieving that for the first time in months, people have been watching the company and not his personal life, people have been so quickly won over by Seungmin and his charm. And Minho has too. The small things are what he noticed first when he and Seungmin started to live together.

The way Seungmin likes his coffee, the way his mouth will twitch when he's fighting a rebuttal to what Minho says, the warmth of his fingers, the way his eyes light up when Minho brings home a tub of mint chocolate ice cream and the sudden need to buy blueberries more frequently. It makes Minho feel weird, he hasn't felt this way before. Everything seems to be fine. Yet—

"Minho, there's literally nothing," Felix says over the phone, his voice tight with annoyance. Minho groans leaning into his office chair. It's become routine at this point.

"Are you sure? There's nothing at all?" Minho bites his lip, he can't help it.

Seungmin's too perfect— no one is ever that perfect. He cannot… he cannot fall for that again. And maybe, just maybe he's scared that Seungmin will see how pathetic he is. Maybe he's terrified he doesn't like Seungmin enough to match how perfect he is— deserves a perfect partner and Minho is far from that. But he'd rather believe that there's something sinister than admit that. A reason to not like Seungmin. He watches the two birds outside the office, the sky greyer than it had been recently. The weather hasn't been great. Long gone is the sunny clear skies, meaning most of the events they've attended have all been indoors.

Felix sighs for the nth time that day. "Minho, I don't know what you want to find…? I've checked everything." His voice is clipped when he replies.

Minho knows Felix is lying. That telltale way his voice shifts. He remembers how he used to lie to get off work early and Minho always let him. But not this time. He needs this.

"Felix…" Minho says sternly. He just can't stop thinking about it. Everytime Seungmin laughs. When they eat together, when Seungmin drapes himself so easily all over Minho when they are at events, that ball in his stomach twists.

He just— cannot like Seungmin. Not like that anyways. There has to be a reason for him to not like Seungmin. And he won't stop until he finds it.

Felix finally speaks up. "Fine, but don't blame me when he eventually finds out and hates you." There's static before Felix hangs up.

Leaving Minho to drop his head into his hands, the guilt crawling up his chest as he stares at the finished phone call. He feels like throwing up.

—✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧—

"Oh, the photo of Seungmin feeding you the piece of pudding went viral on twitter," Hyunjin hums holding out his phone so Minho can see. The image is in such high definition Minho has to do a double take. His cheeks are painted a light rose color while Seungmin holds the spoon out to him.

It was after an event, Minho desperately wanted something sweet so he dragged himself and Seungmin to the nearest cafe that sold his favorite pudding.

They sat on the balcony which Minho thought was out of view, but clearly wasn't. Seungmin's hair is a mess in the picture from the breeze that was passing through that evening, and Minho's shirt had two buttons messily undone. He has to admit they do look in love. Like this is their normal, and not that it's fake.

The noise of the water machine spooks Minho out of his thoughts, Hyunjin has retracted his phone and is currently filling up his water bottle. "Hyung, this is great! The internet is obsessed with you two! We've actually seen an increase in guests in the restaurant at the location in Gangnam since you guys visited two weeks ago."

That was also a lovely evening, Seungmin had looked so pretty it took everything in Minho not to reach over and kiss him silly, which was an odd feeling to have. It made the guilt worse, why should he get to touch Seungmin when all he was doing was going behind his back to dig into his history, just to prove to himself that he wasn't good enough for the blond.

"That's great, Hyunjin, really good." The words are bitter on his tongue.

"The announcement party for the restaurant in Paris is going to be spectacular! Maybe you should get him a promise ring to wear, get people talking—"

"MR. LEE!"

The two men snap their heads towards the hallway to see Jeongin speed walking in panic, unlike Hyunjin, the younger would never dare run in the office. But the way sweat rolls down his forehead as he makes his way over worries Minho, even gaining some looks from passing cubicles.

"Mr. Yang?"

"Seungmin's downstairs," the younger man gasps when reaches them. He bends over to catch his breath before straightening up.

"Mr. Kim said he wanted to see you but I didn't know if I should let him." Jeongin frowns.

The blood in Minho's veins runs cold as he stares at Jeongin. The possibility of Seungmin dropping by the office was always there since Minho gave him the address if something was wrong, but he didn't actually think it would happen— but it would look bad if Minho stood Seungmin up.

He clears his throat. "Let Jisoo know he can come up."

Jeongin nods and types something on his phone, presumably informing Jisoo to give Seungmin a visitor's pass.

The smug smile that Hyunjin wears makes Minho sick. "Stop that," he says through gritted teeth.

Hyunjin's smile just gets wider. "Oh, this'll be great, I can see the trending tags and headlines now~ Seungmin visiting sweetheart CEO Lee at company office~" He hums in an annoyingly catchy tone.

With a grunt, Minho stalks off to the elevators and anxiously watches the number above increase, indicating another floor closer. Minho doesn't know why he's so nervous, maybe its the knowledge that other people in the office would see him and Seungmin— maybe judge them because they know Minho well, they'll figure out it's fake. They'll sense his panic from a mile away…

There's a lump in his throat by the time the elevator opens, revealing Seungmin in all his glory. The sight of him swapped in one of Minho's oversized hoodies makes his insides twist, and the way his hair looks like he just rolled out of bed.

Minho reaches out when Seungmin steps closer, letting their hands connect. It settles the knot in his throat, Seungmin's hand is so soft and comforting.

"Why are you here? Did you only get up?" Minho asks and starts guiding Seungmin towards his office.

The tug on his hand makes Minho stop in his tracks, just before the door to the open plan desks that sit across from his office. He quirks a brow to Seungmin, who wears a frown.

"You didn't wake me this morning."

Minho blinks once, twice before realization sets in. Normally, Seungmin would insist that Minho wake him up at the same time, so he can make him coffee before heading to the office, it's oddly domestic, makes Minho giddy everytime Seungmin hands him a travel mug with a blush on his cheeks, while Minho hands over whatever he made Seungmin for breakfast. It's just routine. It's them—

But Seungmin had stayed up the night before watching baseball highlights since the event they attended ended later than Minho anticipated and the blond looked so tired, Minho didn't bother disturbing him.

"Oh… I just thought you'd like to sleep in."

Seungmin's eyebrows scrunch together in deep thought before he sighs, holding up the travel mug of what Minho can only assume is his daily coffee. There's a cute Pochacco print on the side that reminds Minho of Seungmin.

"I made you coffee…" Seungmin's voice is still thick with exhaustion, lips forming a pout. It pulls the strings on Minho's heart. He reaches out and brushes some of Seungmin's hair behind his ear, pushing down the few sticking out and then cupping his cheek.

"You didn't need to come all the way to the office to bring me coffee, Seungmin," he says with a gentle tone, so utterly endeared by the action. The thought that Seungmin would go out of his way to bring Minho coffee just because.

Seungmin shrugs, trying his best to act nonchalant. "You get cranky if you don't drink coffee made the right way…"

The blond fights an obvious yawn and leans his head onto Minho's shoulder, uncaring if anyone passes by.

"Did you roll out of bed before coming here?"

Seungmin nods silently, pressing into Minho's space before speaking, "Just got a taxi straight here, ditched Seonghwa in the lobby."

Minho lets out a little laugh. He had hired Seonghwa to follow Seungmin around when he left the house after the incident, the blond was still hesitant about going out and about on his own, so he begrudgingly agreed to let Seonghwa shadow him when he went about his daily life. It does irritate him that Seungmin ditched the guy so easily, but seeing how sleepy Seungmin is and how heartfelt his little mission to bring Minho coffee was, he doesn't say anything.

"Why don't I bring you to my office and you can nap on the couch until lunch?"

Seungmin pulls away from Minho and smiles shyly. "Lead the way Mr. CEO."

Brat.

They turn to walk past the cubicles, but Minho hears it. The distinctive chatter about him and Seungmin. It must look weird, Minho with his hair styled with a full suit on while Seungmin walks by his side, oversized pink hoodie covering his frame and messy hair. It's like something from a sitcom. But the conversations he overhears is enough.

Look it's the CEO and Mr. Kim!

How cute they are together.

They're definitely made for each other.

Didn't expect Mr Kim to show up to the office though.

Minho hides his smile and swings his and Seungmin's hands between them, ignoring the look Seungmin sends his way as they reach Jeongin's desk, Hyunjin flashes a coy smile from where he leans onto the desk.

"Oh, Mr. Kim! How delightful to see you again! You and Mr. Lee are doing such a wonderful job."

Minho narrows his eyes, if there was a box of tissues nearby Hyunjin would not be talking right now. He doesn't like the implication, a reminder of his and Seungmin's fake relationship. After such high praise from staff as they walked through the office—

"Ah, Minho, who is he?" Seungmin whispers quietly into his ear, a habit he's picked up from events. Whenever Seungmin's unsure who someone is, he would ask Minho immediately, he always likes to be prepared incase they walk over to chat.

"Head of PR, Hwang Hyunjin, this was his idea actually."

Seungmin stays quiet, squeezing Minho's hand in acknowledgment, another yawn escaping his lips.

"You both look so adorable together! I could just eat you up!"

Jeongin snorts and pokes Hyunjin in the side. The man gasps before glaring back.

"Mr. Hwang, do you not need to meet with the accounting team to finalize the budget for the campaigns in Paris?" Jeongin raises a brow towards Hyunjin, the man's mouth opens and closes like a fish.

It gives Minho some breathing room, lets him bid Hyunjin goodbye and drag Seungmin into his office.

Its weird to have Seungmin in his space again, not just his house but the office. Like he's infiltrating every corner of his life so subtly. But the satisfaction he felt of hearing his own employees talk so highly of himself and Seungmin, how believable they are that people who have worked with Minho for so long didn't question anything. Almost like it is real.

He takes a sip of the coffee and hums, sitting back into his chair, he can see the tuft of blond hair peaking up from the small sofa in the room where Seungmin has made himself comfortable. The coffee is still warm— it's perfection.

Too perfect.

—✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧—

Seungmin sighs, chin resting comfortably on Minho's shoulder as they stand around another boring event. The blond had already gone through every hors d'oeuvre and half a glass of champagne, which Minho is now finishing.

"You good?" the older asks, giving Seungmin a side eye, trying to read any sign of discomfort.

Seungmin just nods, stopping himself from yawning. "Just tired, anyways I thought we were supposed to have dinner by now? You lied to me," he whines so close to Minho's ear, the hot air of his breath sends shivers down Minho's spine. He tries not to think about it too much.

You'd think after numerous events he'd be used to Seungmin's touches and closeness, but he feels sparks everytime they touch. He fights the heat in his ears as he looks around the large room, blatently ignoring the pout Seungmin sends his way.

"Baby, it's been thirty minutes— they'll let us into the dining room soon, I'm sure of it. And stop hugging me so closely, you're glaring at everyone who approaches."

Seungmin huffs and pulls away from the older man's neck. "I thought we were supposed to be in love." He raises a brow.

Minho nods and takes Seungmin's hand, letting their fingers intertwine, and squeezes them.

"Yeah, in love, however, you're not a guard dog, now down boy."

The blush that forms on Seungmin's ears travels to his cheeks and neck, staining him bright red, which makes Minho feel smug. He did that, wants to do it again— but before he can say another word, Seungmin's grip on his hand tightens, making Minho wince in pain.

"Sorry, sorry— Seungmin!" he squeaks and the blond eases his hold. "Jesus Christ."

"Not my name but okay," The cocky bastard whispers with a smirk before letting go. Minho feels weak in the knees.

"I'm gonna use the bathroom so stay right here, I'm not a tracker dog!" Seungmin says with a playful wink and walks off.

It gives Minho the opportunity to ogle Seungmin's shoulders. Other guests be damned, he'll watch his fake boyfriend's back that's so deliciously wide in that suit jacket—

"Mr. Lee!" The sudden voice grabs Minho's attention, so he turns on his heel, slightly irritated from getting distracted from fantasizing about Seungmin. But he scolds his expression when he takes in the person.

The man that walks towards him is one of his father's old colleagues, now shareholder of some phone company. Minho grinds his teeth before flashing his signature smile.

"Hello Mr. Park, it's been too long since we last spoke." The man's hand is cold when Minho shakes it, soft unlike the harsh calluses his father has. Mr. Park lets out a low chuckle before patting Minho's back as if they were old pals.

"Oh, Mr. Lee! Great seeing you out and about these days. I thought Mr. Jung did a number on you." There's something so condescending in his smile and tone of voice that lets him know that he despises the fact Minho is here. Most people do.

Everyone has read the article, he's not stupid, Minho still feels the looks and comments he gets as he walks by. They judge him for having the audacity to fight against the damned writing, probably wondering why Seungmin would even bother dating him knowing his reputation from one article. It's not a new thought, it's one Minho has constantly. He worries sometimes that Seungmin made a mistake associating himself with Minho. That no matter what he does, he wouldn't be able to escape Minho's horrible luck.

Minho swallows the lump in his throat and nods. "Well, I just couldn't sit around and do nothing."

Mr. Park gives him a look-over, judgement heavy in his eyes, and takes a glass off a waiter that walks past.

"You got a real catch there…. Kim Seungmin was it? You both look so happy together. My wife thinks you're picture perfect," he snorts taking a sip from his glass. Minho doesn't know what to say, he can feel himself starting to sweat, panic rising in his chest. He taps his ring finger on his glass four times, as if it could ground him.

"You must pay him a lot." The man chuckles before delivering the final blow. "He's a great actor."

The words hit him harder than he should let them— to accuse Seungmin of acting, as if it were such an impossible concept that someone like Seungmin could ever love Minho. It makes him uncomfortable in his skin but the idea that he would let someone like Mr. Park talk about Seungmin like that made his blood boil.

Minho snorts as he speaks, to put on a show of being unaffected. "As if I would stoop low enough to pay someone. Mr. Park are you sure you haven't confused me with someone else?" he waves off with his hand as though it was nonsense, glad that his voice doesn't crack.

Mr. Park breaks into an unsettling grin, one that Minho cannot tell if it is genuine or not. The hairs stand on his skin and Minho takes another sip of his own drink, waiting and anticipating what the other could say. Desperate to hide any real emotion.

"I'm just saying, why would a boy like him have an interest in you— unless for money is it not?" The man laughs so carelessly. The words make Minho want to fold in on himself, the exact ones he listens to on repeat in his own mind now being said by someone else… he opens his mouth to respond but Mr. Park beats him. "Or maybe he doesn't have a thought between those eyes, a lot of them are like that—"

Minho can't stand for this conversation any longer.

"Mr. Park, Seungmin loves me and I love him." Every word burns his throat. "We've been dating for over a year, three months after I split with Mr. Jung, when he decided he was too good for me. I'd appreciate if you did not speak so lowly of my partner in favor of my ex," Minho grits through clenched teeth.

Mr. Park just laughs, an insult to what Minho just said. "Oh, relax Mr. Lee— always so uptight like your father."

It takes everything in Minho not to pounce. How dare he insult not only his partner but his father too. He only lightens up when he sees Seungmin walking back, a dazzling smile on his lips as he approaches.

"Baby, they're letting people into the dinner hall— oh am I interrupting?" Seungmin raises a brow as he takes his place beside Minho again. A hand lands on the small of his back and Seungmin gives him a quick look.

Minho gives Mr. Park one last once-over before turning back to Seungmin.

"No, darling, we were just finished."

—✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧—

The sound of a bowl hitting the carpet catches Minho's attention. He looks up from his texts to Felix to see Seungmin standing up and wobbling on the spot, unsure if he wanted to jump or something else.

Minho watches him with a fond smile before turning to look at the screen. Another rerun of highlights from the last baseball game they missed because of an event plays. Seungmin cheers loudly, smile as wide as he can muster. It makes Minho feel bad. He keeps dragging Seungmin to all these events to keep his image, yet he can't even let Seungmin enjoy one of his most treasured hobbies. He bites his lip as he watches Seungmin gasp at the screen again.

After a few moments, Minho makes a decision. He nudges his toe into the side of Seungmin's leg. The man turns around to Minho, immediately followed with a grumpy expression on his face. The lack of hesitation makes Minho melt. Seungmin would always come to Minho's call. That is why it's important he does this. He puts down his phone onto the coffee table.

"Seungminnie…" he starts slowly, watching the way Seungmin's cheeks heat up at the nickname. It's not new between them but more frequent. Since living together for a couple weeks, Minho couldn't help himself from teasing the younger man. So, when he saw how he blushed at such a simple gesture of a nickname, of course he continued using it at home, just for them. Seungmin even pouted the one time Minho forgot. It is not hard to tell he likes it a lot.

"Yes, hyung?" That is a new one though. It started only a week prior, Seungmin reveling in the way Minho squirms when he calls him that, but he's never corrected him or told him not to. He happily shivers everytime Seungmin calls him.

"When's the next game?" Minho tilts his head in the direction of the TV, the baseball highlights running quitely as Seungmin thinks for a few moments.

"This Friday— if we have another event, it's okay I wasn't gonna watch it anyways…"

Minho raises a hand to stop Seungmin from continuing. "We should go."

Seungmin opens his mouth but closes it, scrunching his eyebrows together in confusion before tilting his head. Minho wants to reach up and pinch his cheeks. "Hyung, what do you—"

Minho takes the opportunity to grab Seungmin's hand, feeling his ears go red. The younger man falters at the action. "Well, since I keep making you miss so many games I thought it would be good to bring you to one." Minho looks up at Seungmin, squeezing his hand reassuringly. "I want you to be happy too."

Seungmin is silent for a moment before he throws his arms around Minho's shoulders, squishing his face into the juncture of the older man's neck. It's so nice. He feels giddy as he rubs a hand up and down Seungmin's back.

"Oh, thank you, hyung! This means everything to me," Seungmin whispers into Minho's neck. It shouldn't satisfy him as much as it does, but God, feeling Seungmin vibrating with such joy because of something he did makes him feel alive.

—✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧—

"Hyung! Over here!" Seungmin waves enthusiastically at Minho, joy radiating from his entire being. He's covered head to toe in his favorite team's merch, black stripes on his cheeks and his hair curling in all directions from a quick shower before they left. Minho begrudingly got a jersey to match the blond, refusing the face paint.

Minho chuckles to himself as he walks over with their food. Seungmin's beaming with so much energy it's such a beautiful sight. He's like a dog that's excited waiting for the mailman.

"Oh, you got the right toppings!" Seungmin squeals as Minho approaches. The older man shrugs and hands over the hot-dog that Seungmin had requested, he insisted it's not the same experience without it.

Minho isn't a fan of foods like these, much preferring to cook at home himself. But, seeing the way Seungmin lights up like a christmas tree when he takes a small bite means everything. He wiggles around and throws his head back after the bite, obviously overwhelmed with happiness.

"Mhmm, that hits the spot," Seungmin murmurs then takes a swig of his beer to wash back the food. He's incredibly endearing. Minho moves before his brain can catch up and presses a chaste kiss on the blond's cheek. The action causes a light pink to color Seungmin's face.

"So, where are we sitting?" he asks, trying to look away. It's cute. Minho just hums and starts walking them out of the indoor area and out to the seats of the stadium. It's much bigger than Minho had anticipated, albeit he'd never been to a baseball stadium before and the hundreds of other patrons filling the stands does make him slightly nervous. But one look back at Seungmin reassures him, so he continues.

"Well, I had to get the best seats in town for my baby." Minho sneaks another glance at the blush deepening on Seungmin. It's definitely noticeable now.

"You're so annoying."

Minho smiles and nudges his elbow into Seungmin's front gently before leading them down some stairs, slowly getting closer to the front row. He hears Seungmin's gasp when he finally points at the seats.

"Hyung—" Seungmin stops at the edge of the row as he takes in his surroundings. They have a perfect view of the pitching mound and batter position. Minho taps the seat and moves to sit down, placing his own beer down in the cup holder. He flashes a toothy grin at Seungmin, enjoying the shock that seems to be written all over the other man's face. Its only when Seungmin lower lip wobbles as he looks back at Minho does the older man start to worry if he did something wrong, maybe Seungmin would have preferred nosebleed seats—

"Hyung…" Minho takes the hot-dog off Seungmin and helps the man sit down. He glances around a few more times before leaving a wet kiss on Minho's cheek. It makes Minho's insides tumble like a laundry machine and it takes everything in him to act chill, especially when Seungmin has sparkles in his eyes.

"This is the coolest thing anyone has ever done for me," Seungmin mumbles quietly, eyes still wide as he looks around.

Minho raises a brow. "Yeah? No boyfriend treat you like this before?" He means it as a joke but the way Seungmin looks at him makes him sweat.

Seungmin snorts after a moment and shakes his head with a laugh. "No, I had two different boyfriends in college who thought peak romance was hanging out in the library during finals week, which, fair we were broke but sometimes I just wanted more you know? A coffee they picked up on the way to visit me— even an I love you would have done wonders," Seungmin sighs and leans back into his seat. "Pathetic really, but that's why I ended things with the first— the second was just as bad. I just wanted to feel special you know."

Wordlessly Minho stares at Seungmin, too many thoughts circulating in his mind about how anyone could not kiss the ground Seungmin walks on. The guy deserves to be treated like a king.

"I don't even know why he asked me out." There's a bitter tone to the way Seungmin laughs. He shifts in his seat before at looking Minho directly. "You know, I think I'd have to rank this relationship as number one out of all my experiences even if it's fake."

Seungmin nudges Minho and it makes his cheeks burn. "You're the best, hyung." Seungmin says and takes another drink of his beer.

It's hard not to let the butterflies well up in his chest as Minho watches Seungmin happily finish his hot-dog as the game starts. It's weird and Minho does feel slightly put of place, since he doesn't know too much about baseball. He did a little research and listened any time Seungmin spoke about games, but if it's what makes Seungmin happy, he's content to be here.

—✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧—

The game has been intense to say the least. Both teams scores keep tying, which left Seungmin sitting on the edge of his seat for the entirety of the game. It's cute how passionate he is about his favorite players. He screams at the top of his lungs anytime his team gets a point, and keeps bumping Minho's shoulder anytime his favorite player stands up to the mark. Their seats give them an incredible view.

Everything had been going swimmingly until Minho felt his phone buzz in his pocket, and saw a text from Felix, urgently asking to call him. That is how he finds himself in the bathroom, having promised Seungmin a beer on his return.

Minho fixes his hair in the mirror as he waits for Felix to pick up. It doesn't take too long before the line is answered.

"Hey, where are you right now?" Felix asks immediately, he seems skittish but Minho brushes it off.

"Stadium bathroom."

Felix snorts in response. "Did you finally take Seungmin out on a date?"

Minho's ears redden at the implication. "Of course not! it's just a friendly outing because he's doing so much for me—"

Felix's laughing cuts him off. "Right right, sure, whatever you say bossman."

Minho rolls his eyes and leans back into the sink counter, ignoring the way his jeans dampen. "So spill, what is it."

There's more shuffling on the line again before Felix speaks up. "Okay… I dug some stuff up." he hesitates.

His heartbeat is so loud in his own ears, Minho tightens his grip on his phone. This is what he's been waiting for hasn't it? but why does he feel so bad.

"Well, what is it? Felix I only have a short amount of time before Seungmin comes looking for me."

"I found some medical records. Had some STD testing in college. All clean though." The tone in which Felix speaks is so clinical, it makes Minho pause.

His mind runs ahead of him with every scenario he could think of. It's probably from when he was with his exes, but the thought of Seungmin sleeping with other people makes him sick— God he probably will never even consider Minho in that way, but it's not exactly like Minho's thought of Seungmin like that before— He has, he'd love to see Seungmin's shoulders in all their glory but there's no way in hell that they are even that close to have a relationship like that. Especially considering the basis of their relationship is for PR and Minho is no where near good enough to provide for Seungmin—

Minho pales and grips the counter with his free hand. He shouldn't even know this. It is a complete breach of Seungmin's trust— he's gone too far. All of this so he could give himself a reason to not like Seungmin, yet he should be the one Seungmin doesn't like. It's like cold ice is dumped on him.

"Minho?" Felix asks quietly on the other side of the line. The silence stretches between them.

Minho fights the ball in his throat. "Yeah, um, that's okay. Uh, was there anything else?" His voice comes out weird, cracking on every second word. He can't help but feel like a terrible person. It was never his place to dig into Seungmin's past just because the thoughts wouldn't stop. Seungmin's going to hate him forever and ever. He wouldn't forgive himself.

Felix sighs. "No, nothing really, just some other medical records about a broken arm in high school and a few flus."

Minho hums in thanks. His voice shaky as he dares to speak again. "That's great, uh, that is enough digging… I don't need anything else."

"Are you sure? I'm finally free to spend the rest of my honeymoon with my husband. You won't call unless it's an emergency?" Felix is straight to the point.

Minho nods but wants to slap himself when he remembers Felix can't see. "Yes, yeah, everything's good. Um, thanks again." He feels weak.

Felix bids goodbye and hangs up the phone. It leaves Minho in silence in the bathroom as he stares at his reflection and feels sick. He's a monster. This was a step too far. Too personal, too— Minho splashes water on his face as thought the action could stop his spiralling. He can't keep thinking like this, it's not real its just his thoughts. He has to go get Seungmin's beer and sit back down and enjoy the rest of the game. Seungmin won't find out.

So he does exactly that. The line for the drink was short and before he knew it he was walking back down the steps to their seats. His hand shakes when he hands Seungmin the new beer, and takes a sip of his own when he sits down so he can ignore the worried glance Seungmin throws him.

"You look pale, are you okay?" Seungmin asks full of concern.

Minho wants to say something, anything, but he can't. His throat feels tight and he feels restless. The guilt is eating him up. He takes another sip before speaking. "Peachy."

Seungmin nods. He doesn't look convinced, but his attention is taken elsewhere when the music playing in the stadium suddenly shifts, and a voice starts blasting over the speakers. Minho raises a brow as Seungmin sits up straighter in his seat. He leans closer to Minho. "It's the kiss cam!!" He looks so excited as the screens show the camera moving around trying to locate a couple to kiss.

Minho's heard of it but he's never seen it in action before. The camera lands on a cute couple on who knows what side of the stadium, a silly heart and lipstick overlay appearing on the screen as the crowd chant 'kiss, kiss, kiss'. The girl blushes brightly but her partner takes it in stride, making a swift move to kiss his girlfriend as the crowd cheers in response. The camera starts moving again.

Seungmin snorts and nudges Minho. "That could be us, you know. What would you do if it does land on us?" There's a sparkle of mischief in his eyes that Minho can't shake. It's as though he's trying to test the limits. Minho's stomach lurches as the cam starts looking for its next victim again, having already stopped on another couple.

"Well, I guess, I'd kiss you," Minho replies while studying Seungmin to see his reaction. The man just nudges him with a wink before watching the screen again. But Minho doesn't look away, he keeps his gaze on Seungmin.

It's only when the blond suddenly gasps and pulls on Minho's sleeve that he cones out of his trance. "Hyung—"

The crowd starts to chant and Minho finally recognizes himself and Seungmin plastered across the screen when he looks over, Seungmin's face painted a beautiful red, much like the girl from earlier. The host even starts to makes comments about such a high-profile couple visiting.

Minho's mouth runs dry when he looks back at Seungmin. The crowd's chants roar in his ears, getting louder as each second goes by. He shouldn't do it, he can't… not after what he did. He broke Seungmin's trust yet here he is about to snog him—

Seungmin bites his bottom lip and leans closer looking at Minho's mouth, waiting— hesitating. Minho can't leave him hanging just because he's having whatever thoughts, he couldn't embarrass his fake boyfriend in front of so many people, especially considering this will probably be online tomorrow. So he does what any gentleman would do and reaches out.

He gently cups Seungmin's jaw before leaning in. As much as Minho hoped for a quick peck, Seungmin's a bit angsty. He moves his lips against Minho's almost immediately, quickening when the volume of cheers gets louder. And Minho won't complain. It's the softest pair of lips he's ever had the pleasure of feeling.

The glide of their lips is so intoxicating Minho can't will himself to pull away, shivering when Seungmin makes a noise in the back of his throat. It's like a whole new world has been opened to Minho. He could get used to this, tasting the beer Seungmin had been drinking when he opens his mouth to let Minho in.

"Yah, keep it PG!"

The voice on the speakers booms over the music, and Minho finally relents and pulls off Seungmin, nipping his bottom lip in the process. Seungmin whines at the loss but Minho won't complain, the flush that covers his face and neck is delectable, and the color of his lips— it takes everything in Minho not to go back in.

Seungmin seems to blink out of his daze as realization sets in, and covers his mouth with his hand in embarrassment. The crowd coos at him and his obvious shyness. The host makes another joke before moving onto the last couple.

Minho opens his mouth to speak but Seungmin raises a hand to stop him. "Don't say a word. I want the floor to swallow me."

It makes Minho laugh. "Sure, you don't want me to—"

Seungmin shoves his hand against Minho's mouth. "YAH!" His eyes are wide and begging, pleading Minho to not embarrass him further. It just encourages Minho's chuckles.

—✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧—

"Can you believe they won so elegantly?" Seungmin sings as he stumbles into the car, pulling Minho down with him. The leather of the seats are nice and cool against his face but he can't lay there forever, Seungmin's already scrambled to the other seat, giving him space to sit up to nod to the chauffeur before helping Seungmin with his seatbelt.

The rest of the game had gone well, Seungmin's team won by a large margin in the end, but it didn't stop Seungmin from throwing back a few more beers than necessary, insisting that he was stressed and needed them. And now the consequences are apparent.

He begs the chauffeur to play some music, specifically some pop music to make up for Minho's lack of conversation about the game. But anytime Minho spoke, Seungmin interrupted with a slur of words strung together and a wide smile, talking in complete gibberish. Minho's seen the man tipsy but not this drunk before.

He's more whiney than Minho expected— well he doesn't know what he expected Seungmin to be like drunk. Maybe uninterested and sleepy like Hyunjin, or maybe clingy like Chan. He talks more, which Minho likes. Likes hearing his smooth voice as he attempts to ask Minho about his opinion on the relationship between food trucks and fine dining.

It's when he turns to Minho, a pout on his lips and a frown that he feels weird. "Hyungie, do you have any chap… hmmmm" The blond pauses and blinks, fighting a yawn. "Chapstick! my lips are so dry so is my mouth— hyung do you want to feel how dry my lips are? I'm serious! I need chapstick" His voice is hoarse from the way he screamed and cheered at the game.

Minho rolls his eyes and digs through the bag he always leaves in the car, full of essentials in case of an emergency. He pulls out the vanilla balm and hands it to Seungmin. The man smiles and uses the balm, smacking his lips together obnoxiously. Minho follows the movements. Seungmin quietly thanks him before turning to look out the window. A warm hand finds Minho's in the middle of the car seats, a warmth Minho would never reject. He uses his thumb to rub soft patterns into the back of Seungmin's hand.

Another song plays on the radio, something Sabrina Carpenter, Minho thinks. It hangs in the air between them and Minho looks at the back of the headrest infront of him. His lips feel warm at the memory of Seungmin's against them, letting his index finger pull on the plushness of his lips. He'd do anything to feel Seungmin again. But it's not just the kiss— it was the way his heart quickened, yet he felt so relaxed and warm as they melted into one another, uncaring for anyone around them.

Minho can't help but turn his gaze towards the other man, the light that pours in from the outside of the car leaves a soft glow on the blond. It makes Minho's stomach churn with discomfort but he just cannot will himself to look away. Seungmin doesn't notice— or at least he pretends he doesnt, he's humming along to the song playing on the radio, his voice is something Minho could never get sick of.

It makes no sense but the more Minho looks at Seungmin's profile, feeling the warmth and softness of his hand, the more he feels himself falling or, well, accepting. He loves Seungmin. Exactly the opposite of what he promised not to do. What he swore he would never do. Why he's been so hell bent on trying to find a reason not to like Seungmin. It's terrifying to let himself feel like this again, less the voices in his head start all over again.

The car ride feels like it will never end.

—✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧—

It takes longer than Minho would like to admit to drag Seungmin from the car, through the large foyer of his apartment building, and into the elevator. Seungmin kept slumping, letting himself be a dead weight as Minho heaved him up right, but as soon as he pressed the button for his floor, Seungmin stood up straight and pressed a dozen other buttons.

His eye twitched, but he couldn't be mad, Seungmin kept ooh-ing and ahh-ing at the way the buttons would light up when pressed. He fell into Minho's chest with a giggle each time.

When they make it to the apartment, it's much easier, Seungmin's exhaustion has finally won, so he lets Minho guide him into drinking some water, then help him with his night routine. Something sober Seungmin would be very upset if he missed.

He does put up a fight when Minho tries coaxing him into getting changed into his sleepwear, frowning until Minho helped him undress and reclothe him again.

Minho thinks everything is quiet, Seungmin is tucked into his bed fully changed and ready to go to sleep. Minho's sat on the edge of the bed, staring down at Seungmin who keeps trying to fight the sleep that's settling in.

It's when he's reaching over to turn off the small lamp on the bedside table that Seungmin stirs again.

"Hyung…"

His movements pause, and Minho looks back at the blond. "Yes, Seungminnie?"

"Stay?"

The question knocks the air out of his lungs, he didn't think Seungmin would even want him to stay in the room during the day, never mind at night, but Seungmin flutters his lashes, a mix between trying to stay awake and getting his own way. It's wrong if Minho stays, especially after what he's done behind Seungmin's back— how could he just let himself stay with the man after everything.

"Please?" Seungmin sounds upset.

Silence settles between them as Minho looks down at the man, the internal conflict he feels is just so overwhelming.

"Minho… hyung…" Seungmin tugs on his hand because Minho is taking too long. Seungmin is beautiful like this, hair spilled across the pillow, cheek smushed and the moonlight that comes in the window graces his face so perfectly.

"Yeah, baby?" the nickname slips past Minho's lips so easily it scares him.

"You're gonna stay, right?" Seungmin pouts when Minho doesn't answer. He doesn't— it's already bad enough he kissed Seungmin after what Felix found, he really shouldn't, but God when he looks at Seungmin he can't help but be greedy. Of course he is.

Seungmin lets out another noise of frustration.

It's the last straw, Minho heaves a sigh, pretending to be annoyed but he's letting himself indulge in what he wants. It may be the only time Seungmin ever lets him get this close. Plus, he has a duty to make sure Seungmin doesn't throw up during the night.

The blond lifts the covers and scouches over to make room for Minho, and immediately wraps himself around Minho like a koala. He nuzzles his head into Minhos chest. "You're the best boyfriend ever." His voice is so quiet Minho barely catches it— his heart skips a beat. For a moment he pretends it's real, lets the words sink into his skin. Boyfriend.

But it's all fake, he knows, as much but it hurts to remember, more than anything. He leans over and places a gentle kiss to the top of Seungmin's head, bringing his hand up to rub cirlces on his back.

"Goodnight, baby." He doesn't let himself rest until he's sure Seungmin's fast asleep.

—✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧—

Sunlight pours into the room, annoyingly so. Minho groans and turns in the bed, trying to escape the light and waking up. He lays with his eyes closed for a few minutes until he sighs. He's awake now. He stretches out across the bed expecting to feel Seungmin beside him. When he feels nothing under his hands, he cracks an eye open, sitting up when he realizes the other side of the bed is empty.

The plain blue sheets are cold, meaning Seungmin's been gone for a while. Minho rubs his eyes to make sure he isn't imaging things then sniffs the air with the noticable lack of coffee. Weird.

If Seungmin is up before him, the apartment is always filled with the smell of his favorite coffee. Maybe he was embarrassed about last night. Sober Seungmin may have different things to say.

Minho runs a hand through his hair, hand getting tangled in a few knots before he finally wills himself up and out of the bed.

In the daylight, Minho can see Seungmin's room better, but to his surprise, many of the items Seungmin brought aren't on display— not even the signed glove Minho got him. Strange, he could have sworn the blond yapped about decorating the room a few days ago. Excited to show Minho soon.

Minho bites his lip in worry. Surely everything is okay. There's no reason for Seungmin to have left him.

After a self-pep talk, Minho pads his way out to the main living area, scanning the room for Seungmin but his eyes land on the suitcase hazardously thrown open on the floor. There's clothes scattered around it, and halfway in, looking like it was thrown in a rush.

There's a bang of a door before Seungmin strides into the room, he's holding a parcel that he drops onto the kitchen counter.

"You!"

Minho blinks three times in rapid succession, realizing Seungmin was talking to him. His hand is curled into a fist by his side, while the other points directly at Minho's direction, anger oozing off him as he scowls.

"Me?"

"Yes, you!" Seungmin hisses with gritted teeth.

Before Minho can say anything else Seungmin is pulling a phone out of his pocket, tapping the screen to show the notification from Felix. The blood drains from Minho's face when he sees the text, sent seungmin's medical files over! <3

"Explain— Minho please explain why this Felix person is sending you my medical files."

The lump in Minho's throat feels like it's going to choke him. He doesn't know what to say— it's exactly what Seungmin sees, there's no other way of getting out of this mess. His worst nightmare is coming true. He should have told Felix not to send the files, that he didn't need them.

"Minho!" Seungmin's voice is tight, a desperate plea for answers. Still, it doesn't help Minho find his voice. He stands in silence, looking at Seungmin's slippers with so much guilt.

The silence is uncomfortable— nothing like they've ever had before. It was always comfortable, words didn't need to be said because they understood but now that everything's out on the table it's awkward.

Seungmin shifts and takes a step closer to Minho, shoving the older man's phone back into his chest. "Fine! Don't tell me! Don't explain why you have my medical records without asking me or why the fuck you had some random guy dig them up? Did you have fun Minho? Huh? Did you enjoy going behind my back?" Seungmin sounds so hurt, his voice wobbles as he continues, "I trusted you."

Minho looks up at that, which he instantly regrets. The look of pain on Seungmin's face makes him want to beg on his knees for forgiveness. This was all his fault because he couldn't stop his thoughts from going overboard. That he couldn't stop himself from falling in love.

"Seungminnie I—"

A hand is raised between them, shutting Minho up instantly. "You don't get to call me that."

It hurts Minho when the words register. The hand is lowered, but Minho can't meet Seungmin's eyes.

"I'm leaving, Changbin has another friend he said I could stay with." Seungmin looks away, towards the suitcase on the floor. He doesn't give Minho any room to speak before he makes his way over, hastily shoving everything and closing it.

"I'm sorry Seungmin— please don't go," He finally says, panic flooding his system as he watches Seungmin struggle with the zipper. The blond means it. He's going to leave. He's going to leave Minho alone.

Minho moves over to sit on the floor beside Seungmin but the other man just lets out a noise of frustration, throwing his hands into the air and turning to Minho. "What? You're going to apologize and say it was a mistake? That you dug into my private information as a mistake? That you're so sorry you couldn't just speak to me— ask me things?" Seungmin laughs hysterically and continues his fight with the zipper.

"No Seungmin I—"

"I know it was all fake, but God I actually liked you Minho."

Minho freezes at the words while Seungmin tugs relentlessly at the zipper of the suitcase. "It was all for the media, but could you really not trust me?" He sounds so small and vunerable it breaks Minho's heart.

"I do—"

Seungmin laughs wetly, and then wipes his eyes with the sleeve of his hoodie— Minho's hoodie— "If you did care, you wouldn't have done this."

Finally, the zip closes shut and Seungmin stands up, dusting his jeans before pulling the suitcase off the floor. When he looks at Minho, his eyes are red, unshed tears filling his waterline.

"I'll attend the last event with you, the announcement for the restaurant in Paris, but that's it. We're over."

Minho sits up on his knees, pathetically following Seungmin a few steps towards the door, his chest hurts so much, his thoughts are running miles ahead of him. It feels impossible to get any words out to stop Seungmin, to apologize. Tell him how sorry he is.

But he manages anyways, "Seungmin please listen—"

"I'll see you at the dock on Friday, Mr. Lee." With that Seungmin walks out the door, leaving Minho alone.

A sob escapes Minho when he watches the door close. It's all his fault.

—✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧—

A few days has passed since Seungmin left. Minho feels it every morning when he walks into the empty kitchen or when he goes to wake Seungmin but sees the man isn't there. When he makes dinner for two or when the cats stare at him with judgement. It hurts him. Dori sits outside Seungmin's room a lot, scratching on the door, waiting for him to return.

Minho tried to act cool at work, but kept getting agitated whenever Hyunjin showed him articles from the baseball game or mentioned Seungmin in passing. So, Hyunjin stopped dropping in, instead gave the feedback to Jeongin to pass on.

The silence is the worst part, Seungmin hasn't contacted him except to say he would be wearing a grey and black jacket, with a photo accompanying it so Minho could match. That was the first time Minho took a sick day from work since the breakup with Taeho.

Minho has been on edge all week, his hands shake when he takes out his phone to see if Seungmin sent him anything. He'd arrived to the dock early, of course, since it is his own event. Staff were moving around him as they set up refreshments, and laid down carpets to the boat.

It was all Hyunjin's idea to have the announcement party on the yacht. Not exactly Minho's cup of tea. Hyunjin said it would be spectacular, and with the popularity of Minho and Seungmin, they might as well go big. The boat is decorated in the colors of the restaurant, red banners hanging from different locations, but Minho hasn't made an effort to step onto the boat yet, he's still waiting for Seungmin. Slightly terrified the man won't show up.

He did a really shitty thing, he couldn't blame Seungmjn if he decided to not attend. The thought makes his shoulders feel heavy. Guilt still present in his mind. He never should have listened to his brain. Should have just washed his hands four times and pray that worked instead of seeking out information in disguise of reassurance.

Not only is Minho guilty for hurting Seungmin's feelings, but he's also mad at himself, truly annoyed that he couldn't just stop himself from doing something so stupid. Especially when he knew the consequences.

"Mr. Lee."

Minho nearly jumps out of his skin. Seungmin stands before him, his mullet is soft as ever, blond fringe framing his face. The color looks like he had it touched up during the week. Seungmin is wearing the jacket, grey with a black color and shirt underneath.

"You look beautiful." Minho wants to slap himself.

The blond just nods and clears his throat. "Thank you…" He looks at Minho carefully, which makes Minho feel like he's not dressed up enough for the event. "Are we greeting guests on the boat or before they step on?" He clearly wants to move on.

It's their last event after all. The relationship was bound to come to an end anyways. Minho swallows the lump in his throat.

"On the boat, Yeji will be greeting them as they get on. If you'll follow me," Minho says, and takes Seungmin's hand. "Sorry, it's just we normally hold hands so it would be odd—"

Seungmin nods in understanding. "That's fine."

They walk down the dock and towards the yacht. It's bigger up close and personal than Minho had thought from where he stood at the top of the pier earlier. It's nerve-wracking to be honest. His grip tightens on Seungmin's hand as they walk across the small boarding plank from the dock and onto the boat.

The boat sways slightly in the water and Minho finds himself leaning into Seungmin for support, but he pulls away, noting how stiff Seungmin becomes. They should keep PDA to a minimum. Minho walks them through to the inside of the boat, where more food and drinks have been laid out. Without second thought, he grabs the first flute of champagne he sees and throw it back, picks up a second and repeats the process— wiping his lips with the back of his hand.

When he reaches for a third, Seungmin takes the glass off him. "Nervous?"

Minho nods, eyes trained on the rows of glasses. "Yeah, just don't, um, like boats."

Seungmin pats his shoulder before talking again. "Looks like guests are arriving Mr. Lee, ready for one last show?"

Time passes in a blur Minho feels out of his body as he greets guest after guest, pulling Seungmin closer to him as the evening wears on, scared of letting go, but also feeling nauseous from the way the boat moves and rattles with each wave from the seato . He doesn't even remember half the people he says 'hello' to. It's only when Seungmin excuses himself to speak to the singer— Han Jisung— the one they met at the charity auction weeks prior that Minho finally snaps back to reality.

He stumbles over to a waiter, taking two glasses and gulping the champagne down in quick succession before placing the glasses back on the serving plate.

"Ah, Minho, I see you're still on the drink." The voice makes hair stand on Minho's arms. It's one he'll never forget— one he constantly hears in his head all the time.

"Mr. Jung good evening." Minho grits as Taeho stands beside him.

"The president of the company couldn't attend so I was sent in his place…" The smug grin on his face says otherwise. Minho looks to the back of the boat. He can see the city skyline just in the distance, they haven't gone too far from shore.

"I never drank Taeho," Minho remarks.

The other man just laughs, it feels like he's mocking him. Minho just wants to lay down and cry at this point. Why was Taeho even here? This was his personal hell.

"Sure, and I'm Batman."

"What do you want, Taeho."

It's quiet where they stand at the back of the boat, most guests preferring to go to the second floor or inside with the food. But it makes Minho uncomfortable, to be so alone with Taeho like this. Seungmin's nowhere in sight for him to hold onto— however it's not like he could anyways. He already let Seungmin go. The man has no reason to help Minho anymore.

"Oh, you know just seeing how you're getting on— especially after that stunt at the baseball stadium, I've got to hand it to you, Lee, I didn't think you had it in you," Taeho says then takes a sip of his champagne.

Minho looks at him. "What do you mean?"

Taeho laughs and puts a hand on Minho's shoulder. "Oh, c'mon, Minho, I know you— you didn't just move on from me after we split. Mr. Kim must be paid a lot."

Minho falters, and looks at Taeho. He rakes his brain for something to say but the man continues talking, leaving Minho to just feel worse.

"I mean, you guys haven't even looked at each other all night, must be the end of the contract or wait, let me guess— the impromptu make out at the baseball stadium ruined everything!"

Minho wants to throw up, his palms are sweating and he feels a full body shiver come over him. He reaches out to hold the rail of the boat. Taeho must see the action because he just laughs. "Oh, Minho, I told you I'd ruin you."

Minho looks at the water over the edge of the boat. The picture flashes before his eyes, falling in accidentally, maybe Taeho would push him. He breathes deeply.

With no further responses, Taeho just sighs and pats Minho's back. "You're so pathetic, it's just water, Minho."

He nudges Minho towards the rail before walking off with a laugh, he knows. He knows Minho's intrusive thoughts, how scared he gets around water because he cannot swim. Minho crouches down and grabs the railing with his other hand. His breathing becomes shallow.

With his vision blurring, it's a slight relief since he can't fully make out the water but the image of falling in repeatedly flashes in his mind— flashes of Seungmin, the hurt on his face when he confronted Minho. God he's a terrible person.

A sob climbs up his throat. Unable to fight it any longer, he lets himself cry. The tears fall rapidly and he wipes his nose in his jacket, uncaring for how disgusting he probably looks. He shouldn't have looked into Seungmin's past. Should have just let the boy be perfect in his mind with no bad history because that's exactly what he was. Perfect. Yet Minho had to go and ruin that like he does everything.

There's a soft touch on his back, but he's too scared to turn around in case it's Taeho. He begs whoever is behind him to leave, not recognizing his own voice. There's a pause but then movement, a weight on his waist and honestly he doesn't know what happens but he finds himself suddenly staring at Seungmin, he's sitting with his back to one of the benches now, with Seungmin in his space with a concerned look.

"Minho, are you okay—" Seungmin asks, his brows furrowed as he pushes Minho's bangs away from his forehead. He shouldn't be asking, Minho feels so bad he starts to cry more and falls into Seungmin's shoulder. He did this. It's all his fault— all because he couldn't trust Seungmin. Seungmin, who has never given him any reason to doubt him. The man that would never make a fool of Minho and gave him all this kindness that he does not deserve. Maybe he is the monster Taeho made him out to be.

Seungmin pulls Minho more comfortably into his chest as the older man sobs, telling him 'it's okay, he's not a monster'. Minho doesn't even remember speaking. He feels so lost. Seungmin quietly pats his back and tries making conversation to keep him engaged like the weather, the cats, anything else until Minho eventually pipes up.

It hurts, the weight in his chest, the feeling of Seungmin's fingers through his hair and on his back. Doing all this after what he did to Seungmin. It's so unfair. Seungmin deserves someone better. He chokes on a cry.

"I'm so sorry, Seungmin," he heaves. The need to tell him is so strong. "I ruined everything! I couldn't believe you— too good to be true and that scared me because Taeho was like that… picture perfect, an amazing boyfriend for four years until he decided he hated me, he probably hated me from the day we met since he took half my staff." Minho breathes out through his mouth, his nose is running. "He then waited until I started getting things back on track to release that article— accusing me of work place harassment, of using my position of power to coerce him into our relationship." He chokes out. It must have been true. It had to be. The memories of meeting Taeho in a cafe must be false. The ones of Taeho advancing and proposing to Minho must also be false because he didn't tap the table four times or because he didn't turn the lightswitch before he left the restaurant that night four times. Minho's mind spirals as he continues, clutching onto Seungmin like a life line.

"My mind just doesn't stop." Minho breathes out. "It just keeps going and going until I do something to satisfy the thoughts but it just makes it worse— like the counting or the hand washing or in your case the checking… need more, something bigger, better to satisfy the next wave of thoughts and I went too far fuck—" His throat feels so dry and his head hurts.

"When Felix brought up the testing I felt sick, Seungmin. I knew it was wrong but I kept doing it and asking for more information because it was the only thing that stopped the thoughts for a little. It's so hard sometimes and I just— I love you and that's terrifying to me. You deserve someone better than what I can give you! that doesn't have these fucked up thoughts and doubts about everyone and every relationship they get into or thing they look at." Minho finishes and casts his eyes to search Seungmin's face for a reaction. But he freezes when he realizes what he just confessed. He pulls his hair, sobbing again.

"Oh fuck, oh fuck… I shouldn't— I'm a mess. I shouldn't have said anything… fuck you're gonna leave me and hate me even more now," He pulls away from Seungmin. "Fuck, oh my God…" Minho stops when Seungmin grabs his hands, pulling them away from his hair and stares at him.

"Can you stand up?"

Minho nods weakly. "I wanna go home."

Seungmin clumsily helps Minho to stand up then walks them back over to the plank on the boat, already stationed again. He didn't even realize they made it to shore, he thought he was supposed to give a speech about the new restaurant. Minho feels like he'll fall when they finally reach land. His knees feel so weak.

The world comes to a hault and Minho closes his eyes, No longer caring for the other guests from the boat staring at them or the flashes of cameras. But what he does fear is Seungmin telling him to never contact him again— to never speak again— to—

His heart stops when Seungmin hugs him so tightly and buries his head into Minho's neck. He rests back hands on Minho's waist, grounding him as they stand in silence for a beat.

"Look at me right now, Minho, you're safe, I'm not going anywhere." He tightens his hold on the older man. Minho's eyes fly open and he stares back at Seungmin.

"I will not lie, I am still mad that you went behind my back— but it's not because of what you found or didn't… it's because you didn't talk to me." Seungmin says quietly so only Minho can hear. "I wanted you to trust me, hyung, so it felt awful knowing you didn't— I want you to ask me questions so I can answer truthfully. I'm already an open book." Minho's vision is blurry with tears again as he sniffs. Seungmin called him hyung again. The weight in his chest is still there but it shifts. He didn't think he'd get to ever hear Seungmin call him hyung again.

"I'm sorry, Seungminnie," Minho's voice cracks. "I should have had more faith."

Seungmin sighs and moves a hand to run through Minho's hair. "In the future you'll ask me and I can ask you. We can talk." Minho melts into the touch, fingers scratching his scalp in a comforting way.

"Future?" Minho asks, curiosity getting the better of him. Seungmin stiffles a laugh.

"I don't know if you've noticed, but I like you too, idiot, maybe if you asked—"

Minho snorts and leans his head into Seungmin's shoulder. He feels so tired but the weight on his chest feels like its lifted. "I'm sorry."

Seungmin pulls him closer, if that was even physically possible and hums. "We can work on it. Now let's go home before the media gets another photo of Lee Minho crying."

Minho groans into Seungmin's shoulder. "You're annoying."

"Yet you like that about me."

"Yeah, I guess I do."

—✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧—

"LEE MINHO!" Chan's voice booms across the floor. Many people stop working at their desks to watch the man cross the office in less than a second. Minho cringes in his seat as he looks at Jeongin, who sheepisly runs out of the office, bidding Chan a greeting at the door.

"Heyyyyy," Minho tries to act nonchalant as Chan walks into the room. He fixes his hair and swivels around in the chair.

"I leave you for a couple of weeks and you get a boyfriend, snog him at a baseball game? and then you cry at the announcement party." Chan slumps into the chair across from Minho.

"Yes." Minho shifts uncomfortably, not ready for the conversation with Chan, "Did Felix tell you? what exactly do you know—"

"Oh, Minho-yah, I was on holidays, I wasn't stupid. I saw Felix sneaking his laptop in the morning to 'game'— you know what he's like. He would never play a video game in the morning. And I saw the TV, all over my socials too. He's cute."

Minho smiles at that. "Yeah, he is." He turns his phone, showing Chan a picture of Seungmin he took with the cats that morning, all snuggled up in bed. Their bed.

Chan chuckles. "You must like him a lot."

Minho leans back into his chair with a sigh. "Yeah— wait you literally arranged our first meeting for the PR relationship." He narrows his eyes at Chan.

"It got out of hand, didn't it?" Chan muses with a knowing smile. Minho scoffs but it doesn't hide the red hue coloring his ears or neck, so he looks away.

"Yes."

"I'm happy for you, Minho."

Minho smiles. It's nice hearing it from Chan. It means a lot to him actually, to have his bestfriend's support. Especially after the rollercoaster he feels like he's been on. He taps his desk but doesn't count to four for once.

Chan leans towards the desk and puts down a paper bag. "Some gifts from the honeymoon, share them with Seungmin."

"Thank you, hyung."

—✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧—

Minho wakes up cold, he glances over to Seungmin, peacefully sleeping with the duvet pulled up to his chin. Snug as a bug. Minho smiles at the man. His blond hair is splayed across the pillow, lips in a cute pout as he sleeps. The sunlight frames his face beautifully this early in the morning.

Minho reaches across and pushes Seungmin's bangs away from his face. He couldn't believe his luck. After the incident on the boat was sorted thanks to Hyunjin's quickness and Chan's involvement, he was able to work on things. Officially announce the opening of the new restaurant in Paris. And make things official with Seungmin.

No more lies or hiding.

With the support of Seungmin, who true to his word, did not leave his side, he was able to talk about things. What thoughts were on his mind, any doubts and worries. Helping Minho find professional help for certain compulsions.

Seungmin also brought his things back to the apartment very quickly, and they officially settled in together. His things scattered through the apartment they call home, and the cats have only knocked his things off the shelves a few times. Minho found himself more relaxed, doesn't feel as on edge anymore, especially after Changbin's surprise visit to threaten Minho—

He was finally able to enjoy life again, not being constantly on edge as thoughts rolled in. Minho still has his days, he'll itch to reach out, but Seungmin's always there with a playful smile as Minho instead talks to him.

He's truly an open book.

Minho smiles at the younger man as he shifts in his sleep, then he leans over to leave a soft kiss on his forehead and stretches over to reach for his phone. His eyes roll at Hyunjin's spam texts, geeking over the success of the new restaurant opening. He and Seungmin cut the ribbon the night before.

"Who's that?"

Immediately, Minho turns to look at Seungmin, his eyes tiredly blinking back. "Just Jinnie talking about the opening, which you looked great at, baby."

Seungmin offers some of the duvet over to Minho who gladly accepts it. He feels his stomach twist at the sight of the marks he left on Seungmin's neck the night before. He couldn't keep his hands off his boyfriend when they got back to the hotel. Can't blame him.

"Stop staring!" Seungmin shouts with a laugh, then promptly snuggles himself right up to Minho's bare chest, "You mawled me like a cat last night, this is your fault," he whispers with a light tone.

The love Minho feels running through his veins as he looks at Seungmin is unreal. How could he be so lucky? He couldn't help himself either last night when they got back, Seungmin looked too good in the outfit he wore to the grand opening— two buttons undone, of course Minho staked his claim at the first opportunity he got.

He leans forward and presses a chaste kiss to Seungmin's lips. "I love you."

The blond rolls his eyes fondly, nudging a leg between Minho's and wrapping his arms around his torso. "I love you too, dumbass."

"Yah!"

"My big baby~"

"Kim Seungmin."

"My cat hyung," Seungmin giggles.

His smile couldn't get any wider but somehow it feels like it does. It's an incredible feeling. Minho pulls Seungmin closer.

No intentions of letting him go again.