Chapter Text
Minho waited on his seat patiently, for the last parent to come and pick up their child. He watched as the six-year-old Felix played with the toy blocks on the floor. This was Minho’s first day of teaching, and he enjoyed it, he loved working with kids and the children in his class were all gems, but he really wished whoever the parent was would hurry up so that he could go back to the comfort of his house, soak his feet in warm water with a hot cup of tea in his hands. It had been an exhausting first day. The clock kept ticking as the seconds passed by and an hour must have passed when he heard hurried footsteps outside the class.
A young man who looked way too young to be the father of a six-year-old barged into the room, his black hair was all tousled and his shirt was untucked, his backpack hanging loosely over his shoulder.
“Lixie!” The man exclaimed and Minho watched as Felix got up and ran into the man’s arms.
“Hyung!” Felix chirped happily.
Oh, so he was not a parent. It was none of Minho’s business, but he had to say something, so he cleared his throat, getting the attention of the man.
The man turned around, with Felix in his arms, looking at him in confusion. “Oh, are you new?”
The first thought that came into Minho’s mind was god the man was cute, and charming, and he tried to keep his expression neutral as he nodded his head slowly, getting up from his chair and throwing out a hand for the other man to shake.
“I am Mr. Lee Minho. I teach your brother… and class ended an hour back.” Minho said, and he tried to keep his voice as polite as possible, but he saw the man wince at it and Minho was now feeling guilty.
“Sorry…I was running late at work.” The man said apologetically, and Minho noticed that he looked really tired, dark circles prominent under his eyes, and he looked like he hadn’t had a good sleep in days.
“It is okay.” Minho shrugged, “Felix here is really well behaved.”
The man smiled at him, bouncing Felix in his arms, “Yeah, he is an angel.”
Minho noticed the man had dimples, that stood out prominently when he smiled, and he was shocked when he felt his stomach flip.
“Thank you for looking after him.” The man said, as he turned around to leave.
“Wait.” Minho called out before he could stop himself.
The man looked at him, eyebrows furrowed in confusion.
“What is your name?” Minho asked.
The man smiled softly before answering.
“Chan.”
When Minho was finally home, and sipping on his hot cup of tea, he found that his mind wouldn’t stop thinking about a man called Chan.
The next day, Minho stared into his reflection, adjusting the headband on his head. His hair was growing way too long, but he was too lazy to get it cut and the school didn’t mind it anyways so he didn’t bother.
The second day was more exhausting than the first. Two kids collided against each other and were wailing, and Minho had to soothe them by carrying them and throwing them up lightly in the air. It did the trick and stopped them from crying. The only problem was that all the other kids started clustering around him, wanting Minho to carry them and throw them up too and that was how Minho ended up slumped over his chair, his muscles straining after carrying twenty kids in the class.
Unfortunately, he couldn’t go back home because Felix was still here.
“When is your hyung coming?” Minho asked the little boy who gave him an incredulous look as if to say how he was supposed to know.
Minho sighed as he stared up the clock, then outside the window where the sky was turning purple. He heard running steps outside and once again Chan burst through the open door, apologizing fervently as he hurried over to his brother and picked him up.
“Is this going to be an everyday thing?” Minho asked, and maybe it was because his arms were really hurting but his voice was a bit cold and the man picked up on it.
“I am really sorry.” Chan apologised, turning back, and to Minho’s shock he saw that tears had accumulated in the man’s eyes. Chan was dressed in a black tee and jeans and once again he looked really tired and sad . Minho didn’t know what to say or comfort as he just stared at him helplessly. At that moment, Minho felt something change, a painful tugging at his heart and a yearning to take care of the man.
“Where are your parents?” Minho asked finally and realized it was a bad idea as the sorrow intensified in Chan’s eyes.
“They are away on business. I don’t know when they will be back.” Chan mumbled softly and Minho knew he was lying especially when Felix spoke up, “But I heard you tell Hyunjin hyung that they were never going to come back.”
An awkward silence filled the room as Chan looked at Felix in horror. Chan glanced over at Minho quickly, before he left the room in a hurry. Minho called out after him, but the other man walked away, ignoring his calls.
The next day Chan was only ten minutes late, and Minho watched as the man walked over to his brother with a blinding smile on his face, ruffling up Felix’s hair before thanking Minho quickly and leaving the room. This continued for a few days until one day, Minho decided to initiate a conversation. Minho also noticed Felix had a habit of sitting by himself, often having a hard time interacting with others and he felt that it could be due to the absence of his parents.
When Chan entered the class and walked over to Felix, Minho called out to Chan, getting his attention.
“Could I talk to you for 5 minutes? In private?”
Chan looked confused but he nodded his head, guiding Felix to the corner to draw on some papers while he followed Minho to the front of the classroom, taking a seat opposite him.
“Do you have time for Felix back at home?” Minho asked.
Chan looked up at him incredulously, “What do you mean?”
Minho realized how that might have come off and tried to backtrack.
“I mean…I know it is none of my business but if you really don’t have your parents…I am assuming it is you doing all the jobs and taking care and I can understand if you don’t have time to actually spend time with your brother.”
“I do spend time with him, he is my whole life.” Chan said, and his voice was devoid of any emotions.
“I mean… you look distressed and I can’t imagine how stressful it might be to take care of a child.”
“Are you implying that I don’t take care of him or something? Just because I am always late to pick him up?” Chan snapped at him.
“That was not what I meant…” Minho said calmly. “Why are you late?”
“My work sometimes runs late.” Chan answered coldly.
Minho paused, thinking about something his principal had told him before. “You know, maybe I could help you get you into a really great social work team for a little extra support?”
Chan’s eyes darkened; his lips pressed tightly as he stared at Minho.
“You were right, Mr. Lee . This was none of your business.” Chan said, his tone clipped, and he got up from his seat, heading towards Felix and carrying him up in his arms, before leaving the class.
The next day, Chan didn’t come in to pick up Felix, but in his place, a man with long blonde hair walked in, introducing himself as Hyunjin, a name Minho recognized as Felix had mentioned it before. Minho watched with narrow eyes as Felix ran into Hyunjin’s arm with a bright smile plastered on his face.
“May I know who you are?” Minho asked, his tone cold.
“Oh, I am here to pick Felix up, under Chan’s request.” The man answered politely.
“I am sorry, but I can’t let you pick up without any proof indicating that you are either related to the child or a friend of the parents or guardian.” Minho stated.
Hyunjin stared at him before picking his phone out dialing in a number.
“Hey, Channie. The teacher here said I need to show some proof that I am related to Felix or I am a friend of yours.”
Minho watched as the man smirked at something Chan was probably telling on the phone. The man lowered his phone down and looked at Minho as he said, “He asked if a selfie of us two together would be proof enough.”
Minho nodded and Hyunjin relayed the message to Chan before cutting the call and scrolling through his phone. Hyunjin stopped, before walking over to Minho and showing him his phone. Minho felt his heart stop as he looked at the screen which was now displaying a selfie of Hyunjin and Chan with Hyunjin staring up at the camera and Chan kissing his cheek. They both looked so comfortable and had big smiles on their faces and Minho felt like he was intruding into something personal. He looked away before muttering, “Okay, you can go.”
Hyunjin held onto the kid’s hand and walked out of the doors, promising the kid that he would buy him ice cream but only if he promised to not tell Channie hyung.
Minho wondered if they were really dating. Not that he cared of course. However, his stomach stirred with an emotion he didn’t recognize. He tried to shake the feeling away, it was not possible for someone to get feelings for a person he hardly even met, right?
Of course, Minho, for a change, enjoyed going back home earlier but he found himself missing the other man. So, when Hyunjin walked in for the third day in a row, Minho decided to ask.
“What happened to Chan?”
Hyunjin looked up in surprise, their gaze meeting, “He is busy, so I would be picking Felix up for now…” Hyunjin trailed off before adding in cheekily, “Don’t worry, he is spending time with his brother, more now than ever.”
Minho felt the guilt wash over him again, knowing very well that Chan was probably mad at him and just avoiding him. He sighed as he watched the man walk out with Felix once again.
Minho hated school festivals, they were noisy and crowded and he had to talk to a lot of parents. He loved kids, that was true, but he hated adults, especially since they would eye his headband and overgrown hair with judging eyes and would question his credibility as a teacher. However, Minho loved this school festival, mainly because he finally got to see Chan again.
Minho wasn’t being creepy he swore, as his eyes were fixated on the dark-haired man, whose attention was rapt on Felix who was now performing with his class on the stage. They were all singing the song Minho had taught them, but he couldn’t spare them a glance as his full focus was on Chan. The way his eyes formed crescents when he smiled, the way his dimples would hollow into his cheeks, the way his dark curls framed his face. He noticed how Chan would hop up and down on his feet, cheering out loud whenever it was Felix’s part. After the festival was done, the families went over to find their kids, and were conversing with the teachers. Minho tried to avoid them all as he squeezed through the crowds, trying to find a specific man.
He finally spotted Chan by the exit, crouching down next to Felix, patting his head, and whispering something to him. Minho quickened his pace, hurrying over to Chan and stopping once he was near him.
Chan looked up to see who it was and stilled when he realized it was him.
“Okay time to leave Lixie.” Chan said, as he got up quickly and headed to the door.
“Chan, please.” Minho said before he could stop himself and maybe there was a hinge of desperation in his tone, but Chan stopped, turning to face him slowly.
Minho’s eyes wandered over to Felix who was waving at him cutely and back at Chan who was staring at him with his eyebrow raised and once again, Minho’s mind filter was not functioning properly as he took a deep breath and said, “Do you want to grab a coffee?”
"No." Chan said before trying to drag Felix away.
"Nooo." Felix whined, as he held onto Minho's leg, "I want to go with Mr. Lee!"
Chan looked up at Minho, surprised and confused while Minho shrugged at him, feeling warm as he patted Felix's back gently.
Minho watched as the other man pondered over it, before finally coming to a decision.
“Okay, fine.”
Minho felt his lips turn up in a bright smile, feeling happy again.
Chan followed Minho outside, to the parking lot where Minho had parked his car.
“How do you usually go home?” Minho asked the man as he opened up the back seat for Chan and Felix to get in.
“Well, we take the bus, our place is just a few stops away.” Chan said.
“What is your job?” Minho asked again, as he pulled the car out of the parking lot.
“I work as a secretary in a company. It is pretty chill but sometimes the meetings run late, and I have to stay back.” Chan explained softly, looking out the window.
Minho observed Chan through the rear-view window grasping why the man was always so tired. He barely had any time for himself, and whatever time he had, he spent it on Felix. Minho felt his heart reach out to Chan, a sudden overwhelming feeling of wanting to protect him creeping over him.
“Thank you for being a good teacher to Lixie.” Chan said.
“It is my job and he is an angel like you said.” Minho shrugged as he drove along the road.
“Yeah, but Felix really loves you, he said you were his favorite. Wasn’t that right Lixie?” Chan asked, looking over at his brother who was now really shy, hiding his face in his hands. “See?” Chan hummed, smiling up at Minho through the window. Minho felt his heart soar and warmth gushing into his soul.
He finally managed to pull up beside a café that looked really extravagant and Chan was hesitant at first, telling Minho he can’t afford it but Minho insisted, and that it was on him, his treat as he had been too insensitive back then.
Chan sighed, when he realized Minho was not going to give up and followed him into the café.
Once they were done ordering, they started talking. Felix was seated next to Minho and he felt himself getting more and more attached to the little guy. Playing with him and teasing him, and he would notice Chan looking at them both endearingly.
“Felix doesn’t really get so close to people this fast.” Chan said, a smile playing on his lips.
“I am very likeable.” Minho chuckled, as gently ruffled Felix’s hair.
“I can see that.” Chan hummed as he looked away.
Minho tried to ignore the drumming of his heartbeat against his chest, but it was getting louder and louder.
“Was today your off day?” Minho asked, as he stirred his americano with a straw.
“Yeah…I can’t miss out on Lixie’s performance now, can I?”
Minho nodded his head, taking a sip from his drink and burst out into laughter when Felix got cake all over his face. He took a napkin and gently wiped the cream away, taking the spoon from him and feeding him instead. He could feel Chan’s eyes on him again, watching their interactions.
Once they were done, Minho paid the bill and started driving off to Chan’s place. Through the journey, he played all the kid’s songs that Felix wanted to listen to on his phone, and chuckled as he watched the kid bounce up and down on his seat.
Once Minho pulled up at Chan’s apartment, Minho got out and opened the door, helping Felix to hop down from the car.
Chan got out, and walked over to Minho, “How can I ever repay you for this treat and the drive?” He asked.
“Well…maybe you could start by coming back to class to pick Felix up instead of your friend?” Minho suggested, grinning sheepishly at him.
Chan looked at him in shock before bursting out into laughter, the sound tinkling in the air and Minho could feel the butterflies fluttering their wings in his stomach.
“Sure, Mr. Lee.” Chan smiled.
“Oh and please call me Minho instead.” Minho said.
Chan stared at him warmly, his smile widening. “Get home safe, Minho .” He said as he held onto Felix’s hand and started heading towards the door.
Minho leaned against his car, staring after the two brothers until they got into the elevator, the doors closing as Felix waved at him one more time. He let out a deep breath he had been holding, and realized with a sinking heart, that he might or might not be whipped for that man.
The next few days passed by smoothly, with Chan dropping in on time almost all the days, picking up Felix and leaving with a smile and a goodbye. Minho wished they could speak longer but Chan would always be in a hurry.
Once, Chan was running late and Minho waited patiently as he played along with Felix. He heard some noise outside and a hushed speaking voice, and went out to check on it. As he neared the door, he could hear the voice more clearly and stopped when he realised it was Chan.
“Listen, I have been working for you for so many years, but now I have a brother to pick up and take care of and I can’t keep asking my friends to help me.”
Chan paused and Minho assumed he was listening to whoever was on the other line.
“I am already late almost everyday to pick him up, can’t you understand? I will come into work earlier instead.”
Another pause before Chan exhaled slowly, ruffling his hair up in annoyance, “Okay, just reduce my lunch break then. Thank you.”
Chan cut the call and turned around to enter the class, getting startled when he realised Minho was standing there.
“Oh, sorry for being late again.” Chan sighed, before walking into the class.
“You know you can take your time right? I am more than willing to take care of Felix until you get here.” Minho offered politely.
Chan frowned at him before replying back, “I don’t need you to do me any favours, Minho.”
Minho was speechless, he realised that Chan was a bit sensitive when it came to taking care of Felix and was someone who was not comfortable with getting help from the others so he tried to not let it get to him much.
Chan probably realised it was a little mean because the next day he entered with a bag of cookies and a cup of hot coffee, handing them over to Minho shyly who watched him with amused eyes. Chan then muttered a hurried goodbye, his cheeks flushed, grabbing Felix’s hand and walking out.
It became a routine for Minho to buy snacks from the cafeteria and pass it along to Chan whenever the man walked in. Chan, of course, rejected at first but when Minho kept on insisting, Chan knew he had no other choice and accepted them with a smile.
Minho also started offering Chan a ride home as the man would always look fatigued, but Chan would decline, saying that he preferred travelling in buses which Minho knew was a blatant lie. It was getting hard to ignore the way his stomach would flutter every time Chan smiled at him or thanked him. It was disgusting, really.
"So who is the guy who taught you how to smile?" Seungmin asked during their lunch period. Seungmin taught the class next to his and somehow, they became good friends, and would always sit next to each other during lunch.
"Seungmin… what?"
"All these days, you never smiled even once but now I see you often zoning out with a stupid grin on your face, it's worrying." Seungmin explained.
“You should really be paying attention to your kids, instead of me.” Minho muttered, picking at his food with his chopsticks, imagining how it would feel to poke Seungmin in the eyes with a chopstick.
“Who is the unlucky person?” Seungmin asked again, nudging Minho in the ribs.
Minho sighed before answering, “Seungmin, please behave like an adult, thank you.”
Seungmin laughed, “Okay, stay in denial.”
Minho found his mind wandering off to Chan again, wondering what the man was doing right now. Imagining him hard at work, chewing on his bottom lip nervously, a trait that Minho realised Chan had. He thought about the man’s dimples, and the way his smile would light up any room, and how despite all he had gone through, he would always still have that beautiful smile.
“You are doing it again.” Seungmin said, putting an abrupt end to his daydream.
“What?”
“The part where you zone away, smiling like a fool.” Seungmin sniggered.
Minho got up from the table, smacking the back of Seungmin’s head before picking up his tray and heading over to the trash.
Chan walked in the next day right on time to pick Felix up. As the crowd of parents slowly faded away, Minho walked over to Chan, who was kneeling on the floor, talking to his brother and Minho tried to muster up his guts.
“Hey, I know you keep rejecting my offers to drive you home, so how about we grab dinner instead? With Felix of course.” Minho said, his heart thudding uncomfortably against his chest.
“Minho….” Chan trailed off with a sigh as he got back up on his feet. “Why are you being so insistent on helping me?”
This caught Minho off guard. He really was not ready to answer a question like this as he had no answer to it. Why did he want to help the man in front of him?
Chan continued when he realised Minho was not going to answer back, “We don’t need your pity.” He mumbled before walking past him and it took Minho a moment to register what he had said.
Minho never really believed he was capable of having feelings for someone. Seungmin was in a relationship with a man called Changbin and Minho would often hear the phone calls they would have during lunch, where Seungmin would be gushing over him or being sappy and it made Minho cringe and tease Seungmin. But he knew he was wading into dangerous waters with Chan.
One day, it was raining really hard outside and Chan had staggered in, drenched to the bone, his white shirt sticking to his body, water dripping from the dark strands of his hair, looking exhausted and sniffling.
“Are you okay?” Minho asked him worriedly.
He saw Chan stiffened, as he turned around slowly.
“Yes, everything is fine.” Chan stuttered, and Minho could see the man trembling from the cold.
“I have an extra set of clothes in my locker, wait I will get them for you.” Minho said as he got up from the seat.
“No, really it is fine, we are a few stops away, and Hyunjin works close by, I can just get something from him..” Chan said in a hurry.
“Chan…jesus just let me help you okay? I am not pitying you…They are just clothes.” Minho insisted, licking his lips, uncertain how Chan would perceive his words. After a few seconds, Chan finally agreed, sighing in defeat.
Felix hurried over to Minho, holding onto his hand as the teacher led the way to the lockers, making Minho smile down at the boy.
As they reached his locker, he opened the door and took out the extra set of clothes he always had in handy in case a student decided to throw up on him and handed them over to Chan along with a towel.
“The washroom is over there.” He said, pointing over in a direction. Chan smiled up at him hesitantly before heading over.
Minho lifted Felix and sat him on the bench before sitting next to him.
“Your brother really doesn’t like anyone helping him huh.” Minho sighed.
Felix looked at him, his little face scrunched up in confusion.
“Why is he like this?” Minho asked, not really expecting a reply back.
"Hyung doesn't like anyone except me." Felix chirped up as he continued to play with the toy in his hands. “And Hyunjin hyung. And Jisung and Jeongin hyungs.”
His heart dropped when he heard Hyunjin’s name and assumed the other two were also part of Chan’s friends group. What Felix said was not supposed to hurt him. It did though.
Chan stepped out from the washroom at that moment, towel around his neck, and seeing Chan in his clothes made Minho’s body combust into flames. The full sleeved shirt was a bit too loose for Chan, falling past his wrists and the pants were a little baggy around his slim waist. Chan hugged himself awkwardly, his hands holding on to his wet soaking clothes, mumbling out a thanks as Minho passed him a bag to put the wet clothes in.
Before Minho could stop himself, he took a step forward, closing the distance between them and reached out and took the towel, drying Chan’s hair gently with it. “Your hair is still wet, you might catch a cold.” Minho said slowly once he was done and Chan just stared at him, his eyes wide open.
“Thanks.” Chan choked out.
“I can drop you.” Minho said after a while.
“There really is no need, Minho.” Chan sighed.
“I can’t let Felix get drenched in the rain, I can't afford to have my favorite student falling sick now and missing classes.” Minho said as Felix giggled and clung onto him.
“Hyung, please let’s go with Mr Lee. He is funny and I like his car.” Felix said as he looked up at Chan with bright eyes.
Chan caved into it finally, not being able to refuse his brother’s wishes and followed Minho as he led them to the parking lot where he didn't say anything for a while.
“Why are you being so nice to me?” Chan asked, as he got into the car.
Minho stayed silent, starting the car and reversing back into the road.
“Why can’t I be nice to you?” Minho shot back, “Why don’t you allow me to?”
Chan’s mouth fell open and he turned to see the scenery passing by as Minho drove. “It is just difficult to trust someone so quickly.” He said softly.
“I know that, Chan, but I am willing to help, and it is not for pity or anything but because I want to.” Minho said, his tone determined.
“But why?” Chan asked again, softly.
Minho just shrugged, as he continued to look at the road.
“You're actually really nice, do you know that?" Chan said, his voice slightly shaky. "Like really, really nice,”
“Thank you...I guess?” Minho smiled as he looked at the man through his rear view window. “I just wish you would realise that I genuinely want to be there for you.”
Chan remained quiet through the rest of the ride and Minho wondered if he said something wrong. Felix was shouting out some rhymes from the backseat and soon Minho was pulling the car by Chan’s apartment.
“Thank you, Minho.” Chan said gratefully, “I will return your clothes back to you as soon as I wash them.”
“Actually...you can keep them, they look better on you anyways.” Minho said, and watched as the tips of Chan’s ears turned red.
“Um...okay, thank you, I will see you again.” Chan said before turning and walking away and Minho realised that he had a huge smile on his face as he stared at the man.
“I think I’m ready for the winter break to start, and to have some “me time’ for two whole months before it all starts again.” Seungmin said as he walked in Minho’s class.
Minho looked up from the floor from where he was playing with Felix and gestured at the man to sit beside him.
“Ready to go home?” Seungmin asked as he plopped beside him.
“I am waiting for someone to come pick him up.” Minho replied.
“Isn’t it already like 15 minutes past the last bell?” Seungmin continued, picking up a toy dinosaur and placing it on Felix’s head, chuckling when the child tried to push his hand away.
“Yes, but his work ends late today so I am waiting.” Minho shrugged.
Seungmin nodded his head as he continued to play with Felix.
Around ten minutes passed by when they could hear footsteps coming closer, and Chan entered the room with a box in his arms.
“Hey!” Chan called out as Minho turned around to look at him.
The man looked stunning today, his hair was styled back, with few strands falling into his eyes, and he was dressed in all black and his pants were tight, clinging onto his thighs and shaping them well. Minho felt his breath being caught at his throat and wondered where the man was going.
Chan noticed Seungmin was there too and he stopped in his steps, “Oh sorry, I didn’t know you had company.”
“This is Seungmin, he teaches the class next to me. Seungmin this is Chan, he is the brother of this adorable young guy right here.” Minho introduced them quickly as he got up, Seungmin following suit.
“Hey Chan, it is good to meet you.” Seungmin smiled as he held out a hand to Chan.
Chan struggled to balance the box in his arms before shaking his hand and turning to Minho.
“I got you something from the café beside my office, as a thank you for what you did yesterday.” Chan said as he stretched his arms out, placing the box in Minho’s arms.
Minho was shocked, as he took it and he peeked inside. There were an assortment of doughnuts and pastries of different flavors and he felt really touched.
“Damn Chan, you are really trying to kill me with all this sweetness huh.” Minho said, a teasing smile playing on his lips.
“Maybe…” Chan admitted, as he started waving at Felix to get up. “C’mon Felix, get up…are you ready to go to Hyunjin hyung’s place?”
At that, Minho felt his body go numb. He knew that Hyunjin was obviously Chan’s very close friend or a possible boyfriend, and he wondered why Chan was going to his place, dressed like a whole snack and before Minho could tell himself to stay out of Chan’s business he blurted out, “Why are you going there?”
Chan looked at him in surprise, “Oh…” He faltered for a second before clearing his throat, “I didn’t know I had to tell you the reason why I am going to my friend’s house.”
Oh.
That was awkward, especially with Seungmin watching the exchange with wide, interested eyes. Minho nodded his head, smiling weakly at the man whose expression turned into something akin to guilt.
“So… thanks for looking after Lixie, and it was nice meeting you Seungmin!”
“Goodbye Mr Lee.” Felix called out cutely as he walked out with his hyung.
“He is cute.” Seungmin mentioned as soon as they were left in the classroom alone.
“Yeah, Felix is a cute kid.”
“We both know that was not who I was talking about.” Seungmin chuckled and Minho looked at him, his eyebrows furrowed.
“What do you mean?”
Seungmin’s eyes twinkled with glee as he nudged Minho with his elbow, “Chan. He is very cute, and attractive, you should get his number or something.”
“Ok Seungmin, first, that is inappropriate as he is the brother of one of my students, second, I kind of have his number as he is the guardian and the emergency contact for Felix but no way in hell am I going to use it.” Minho said as he pushed Seungmin away from him.
“It is him that you have a crush on, isn’t it?” Seungmin laughed, “You should have seen your face when he mentioned he was going to that guy’s place.”
Minho frowned, wishing Seungmin could just drop the subject but maybe the man was right. His mind was now occupied with Chan in that outfit meeting Hyunjin. There was something tugging at his heart strings and he tried to shake the feeling off.
Seungmin smiled at him gently, “Look, I am meeting my boyfriend tonight, but you could join us? It is Friday and you look like you could use a drink?”
Minho blinked. Usually he wouldn’t want to intrude on a couple’s date nights, especially when the said couple was Seungmin and Changbin who he knew were extremely cheesy from their phone calls but he did want to have a drink, to take his mind off from Chan and so he nodded gratefully.
The bar was at the far part of the town, an hour ride from the school and it seemed extravagant, the prices all running high.
Seungmin and Minho waited outside, waiting for the man’s boyfriend. After a few minutes, the said boyfriend arrived, cheering out so loud that Minho could feel his ear drums bursting.
“Hey there! I am Changbin.” The man introduced himself brightly, “I heard good things about you.” Changbin was a very attractive man with silvery hair and was well built.
Minho looked at Seungmin suspiciously who just shrugged, “You are the only friend I have there… and also the only person around the same age as me. The rest are boomers.”
Minho laughed; it was indeed true. Changbin went into the bar first, followed by Seungmin and Minho trailed after them. The bar was decorated in an elegant way, with dark lighting casting shadows upon the room and it seemed like a place one would love to relax in.
Once again, Minho felt his mind go back to Chan, in that sensual outfit and he wondered what he was doing right now. He tried not to imagine Hyunjin and him together and failed and he so badly wanted a drink.
They got a table at the back of the bar, and Changbin got up, “First round is on me, in honour of me getting a new friend.” He cheered and scurried away to the bar before Minho could stop him.
He saw Seungmin staring after the man with fond eyes, and asked him, “How long were you two dating?”
“It has been like two years.” Seungmin said before continuing, “Are you still thinking about him?”
Minho knew who he meant, and he shook his head, “We don’t even know each other well for me to have a crush on him Seungmin, you are imagining things.”
“You don’t have to know the person fully or long enough to have a crush on them though.” Changbin said as he walked up to the table with a plate filled with drinks. “Oh, by the way Minho?” Changbin continued as he sat down, “You should totally go check out the bartender and get his number. He is so fucking attractive.”
Seungmin laughed, nodding his head furiously, “You should totally do that.”
Minho ignored the two, and took the rum and coke from the plate, gulping it down.
After a few more rounds of drink, they were all tipsy, and Minho thought Changbin was actually a pretty chill friend. He found himself telling him everything about this man called Chan and his younger brother and how Minho had this strong feeling of wanting to protect him and help him, but he was most probably in a relationship with someone else.
“You can’t just assume that.” Changbin said, his voice slurred. “Ask him out. Say you want to be there for him in life and death.”
Minho just stared at the man, wondering if he was serious as Seungmin burst out laughing. “This was what Changbin told me when he first asked me out.” He took a moment to wipe the tears from laughter. “And it worked because I said okay.”
Minho sighed deeply, “I am not going to say that please.” He paused before continuing solemnly, “And he was kissing the man’s cheek in that picture.”
“Look, friends kiss each other all the time okay, you still can’t just jump to conclusions.” Seungmin said as Changbin nodded his head aggressively.
“You need more alcohol in you, go get some and say hi to the bartender.” Changbin said as he nudged Minho out of the seat softly.
Minho knew it was a losing battle and he got up, shuffling his feet up to the bar. The countertop of the bar was so clean that Minho could see his reflection staring up back at him.
He hopped onto the stool, stretching himself and waited for the bartender to come over to him.
“Can I get you anything?”
The voice seemed weirdly familiar and Minho looked up, only to find himself staring into the eyes of the person who had been living on his mind rent free the whole day. Minho got up from the stool in shock, gaping at him. Chan looked back at him, equally surprised, before he tried to compose himself.
“Minho?” Chan asked bewildered, “What are you doing here?”
“What are you doing here?” Minho shot back.
“I work here Friday and Saturday nights.” Chan said.
“I thought you were a secretary.”
“I am a secretary; this is for extra cash.”
No wonder Chan looked so weary all the time, the man was working an office job and doing part time at a bar. Does he even sleep? Minho wondered to himself. Was that why Chan was dressed up like this? So, he wasn’t on a date with Hyunjin. That was a relief.
“Where is Felix?” Minho asked Chan.
“He is over at Hyunjin’s place.” Chan answered, “Hyunjin lives closer so it is easier for us…do you…want a drink?” He asked.
Minho listed out his order and Chan skid across the counter as Minho continued to watch with discerning eyes, dissecting his every step. Minho did not believe in fate, but he believed that finding himself at the same bar where Chan was working was not some weird kind of coincidence and most probably meant something. It was probably a message from the universe telling him that he must be there for Chan. He watched as Chan walked back to him gracefully, placing a glass in front of him.
“Enjoy.” Chan smiled, locking gazes with him, and Minho thought Chan’s eyes illustrated an endless abyss.
Minho nodded as he brought the glass up and took a sip.
“You are skilled.” He hummed as the sweet taste of coke and the bitterness of whiskey blended well together.
“It is literally just whiskey and coke, Minho.” Chan laughed, and Minho’s heart soared.
“Still a skill.” Minho shrugged as Chan shook his head amused.
Chan had to go serve another customer, and Minho watched as the customer, who was a male, flirted shamelessly with Chan. It was obvious that Chan was extremely attractive and would attract all kinds of attention and Minho decided he did not like that, one bit.
Chan headed back to Minho, another drink in his hands, “This one is on me.” He said softly and Minho took the drink and downed it in one shot.
“Minho you were supposed to drink that slowl-“
“One more, please.” Minho interrupted.
Chan stared at him, before taking out another glass and pouring him the same drink.
Minho took it in one shot again and Chan looked at him in worry.
Silence lingered tranquilly between them, and then Minho cleared his throat before asking, “You know I can drive you to Hyunjin and wait for you to pick Felix up and drop you off.” He offered.
Chan lifted his head up, lashes fluttering away his surprise before answering, “Minho, first…I think you are in no state to drive, please take a cab home. Second, I am staying over at Hyunjin’s and then I will leave with Felix on Sunday morning.
So, Chan spent his weekends at Hyunjin’s place. Minho didn’t know what to think of that.
“Oh okay.” Minho answered, and his voice was so slurred it made him cringe. He couldn’t stand to see Chan in front of him staring at him pityingly. “Need… to go to the washroom.” He muttered before getting off the stool and hurrying over. He could feel concerned eyes burning a hole through his back, but he tried to ignore it.
As Minho walked in through the doors, he placed his arms on the basin and leaned on them, waiting for his surroundings to stop spinning so he could have a steadier mind. He took in deep breaths, and after some time, he could finally feel the spinning stop. He heard the door open and close behind him as he opened the faucet and splashed some water onto his face. As Minho turned, he was startled to see Chan standing over there.
Minho walked past Chan to get to the door but then the man stopped him by placing a hand gently on his arm.
“Are you okay?”
Minho hated how it seemed like Chan cared about him deeply, hated how he could feel the warmth of Chan radiating through his entire body and maybe Minho had too much to drink but he shrugged Chan off, a little too harshly.
“Why would you care?” Minho asked.
Chan looked up at him in shock, “Minho…what?”
Minho sighed, as his eyes wandered everywhere, avoiding Chan’s piercing gaze. “I want to take care of you okay? I want to be there for not only you but Felix.”
“Minho, we don’t need your pity or help, I have told you that.” Chan started, frustration seeping into his tone and Minho was so tired of this.
“Why do you think it is out of pity? I just want to be there more, I want to spend more time with both of you, get to know you more.” Minho rambled on, running a hand through his hair in frustration.
Somehow during their conversation, Minho had started closing the distance between them, Chan backing away slowly until he found himself pressed against the wall near the sink.
“Minho, listen, I don’t know what you are suggesting here.” Chan said softly, his voice hushed.
“I am just saying, Hyunjin is not the only one you could trust.” Minho whispered slowly, as he leaned in closer. He was so close to Chan now, and could feel the man’s heartbeat pick up pace as he placed a hand on the wall, caging him. Minho knew this was a mistake and he should back the fuck out of there before he ended up spoiling everything between them, but Chan was irresistible, and his warmth was just dragging him in more.
"Minho, I need to get back to work." Chan whispered softly but he didn't make any attempts to push him away which was reassuring.
"You are so frustrating, always pushing me away." Minho continued, the alcohol helping the words flow out of his mouth freely.
“You are drunk.” Chan stated, looking to the side, his gaze avoiding Minho’s.
“I really care about the two of you.” Minho sighed, as he brought his hand up and tilted Chan’s face towards him gently, his lips hovering over Chan’s, just barely touching. “Why do you have to be so difficult?” He breathed as he slid his other arm around Chan’s waist, bringing him in closer. “You are really starting to drive me crazy, Channie.”
Minho swore he heard Chan inhale a sharp intake of breath and saw his eyes fluttering close, and was about to press his lips against the man when the door opened with a bang.
“Minho, where the fuck have you been?” Seungmin bellowed and Minho jumped away from Chan, maintaining a distance between them as Seungmin came to a stop.
“ Oh.” Seungmin said, his mouth dropped open.
“Sorry, we were just talking.” Minho muttered, feeling his senses come back to life.
“Yeah right.”
“We really were.” Minho coughed.
“I have to get back to work.” Chan whispered quickly, before walking away.
Seungmin watched as Chan scurried past him, before turning to face Minho again.
“Sooo, what was happening here?” He asked, his arms crossed and eyebrows raised.
“Nothing. And I better get home.” Minho said, as he brushed past Seungmin to exit the washroom.
“Minho, wait.” Seungmin called out as he rushed towards him.
Minho hurried to the table they were seated in, ignoring the bartender who was looking at them with worry in his eyes.
“What happened?” Changbin asked as Minho and Seungmin reached the table.
“The bartender….he is the crush I tease Minho with.” Seungmin exhaled slowly.
“He is not my crush.” Minho said indignantly, “And I should be going.”
“Minho, just stay for a few minutes, we will drop you off home, or you could stay with us for the night.” Seungmin suggested.
“And listen to the two of you go at it while I feel even more lonely?” Minho bit back and he knew it was not fair for the two of them, but his thoughts were all muddled in his mind and all he could think about was Chan.
“Minho, we would never do that to you.” Changbin said, his tone gentle. “At least let us drop you off home.”
Minho nodded and Changbin pulled out his phone calling the cab. After a few minutes, they got up and headed towards the exit. Minho could see from the corner of his eyes, Chan eyeing them, but he ignored him. He couldn’t do this now, he was tired and all he wanted to do was go back home and pass out in his soft, comfortable bed. Seungmin and Changbin dropped him off at his apartment and he muttered a quick thank you before trudging up to the elevator, and walking towards his door. The last image he had before passing out was Chan, leaning towards him for the kiss.
The morning rays of the sun seeped through the curtains on the window, stirring Minho up awake. He groaned as he felt his head throb in pain and sat up slowly on his bed. As he stared at nothing in particular, flashes of memories of the last night played over in his mind and he groaned once again. He probably screwed up whatever he had with Chan and he was dreading seeing him again on Monday.
The weekend passed by quickly, and Monday arrived. Minho’s mind was elsewhere throughout the entire day and his eyes darted nervously towards the door, when the final class ended. Chan was right on time, and Minho was thankful as that meant they would not be alone and he could just avoid him. Minho was wrong, however, as Chan held onto Felix’s hand and made his way towards him. The next few words that came out of Chan’s mouth made Minho’s mouth drop open in surprise.
“Do you want to have dinner with us today?”
Minho had driven over to a restaurant that was by the seaside and Chan had looked at the sea brightly, happiness lighting up in his eyes, that Minho knew he made the right decision in bringing him here.
“I assume you either love the sea or seafood.” Minho chuckled.
“Both actually, but yes I love the sea a lot.” Chan hummed in appreciation.
Felix ran towards the restaurant, screaming happily as Chan laughed.
“I haven’t seen him this happy in so long.” He said as Minho smiled at him.
“Thank you for finally agreeing to having dinner with me.” Minho said as they entered the restaurant.
“You are a nice person, Minho and way too patient.” Chan sighed as they entered the restaurant. “I don’t know why you are so nice to me, but maybe I should stop pushing you away.”
The restaurant was beautiful, the light inside was faint and it threw a yellowish glow over Chan’s face. There were lamps all over the restaurant and it held a peaceful atmosphere as it was not crowded. They found a table at the back and Chan gestured over to Felix to come hold his hand as they walked towards the table.
Once they were all seated and had listed out their orders, Chan put his elbows on the table and sighed. “It had been a while since I did this.”
“Since, you went out with another human?” Minho asked, raising his eyebrow at him.
“Yeah, I mean... I only hung out with my friends, having little to no time for anything.” Chan said, patting Felix’s hair absent-mindedly. Felix is my whole life, and my first priority.”
“I totally understand that, and I am sorry about…Friday.” Minho apologised, feeling his face burn as he remembered how close Chan was to him, how he could feel the warmth radiating from his body.
“It’s fine, you were drunk.” Chan said as he brushed it off and Minho once again felt the slight bubble of frustration brewing in his stomach at how oblivious Chan could be.
The waitress came by and set their food down, and Chan got ready to feed Felix but Minho placed his hand gently on his, stopping him.
“I know, your lunch breaks have been reduced, which probably meant you had nothing to eat, so please eat...I will take care of Felix.”
Chan looked like he was ready to argue but the steeled, determined look in Minho’s eyes made him stop and he just sighed, going back to his food, while Minho pushed his seat closer to Felix and picked up a spoonful of rice.
“Open up, the airplane is coming.” Minho sang as he brought the spoon near.
Felix started giggling, “I am not a child.” He said as he opened his mouth.
“Of course you are not.” Minho cooed as he fed another spoonful.
“No, Channie hyung is the child, sometimes he cries and he does not know what is tiktok.” Felix said, and Chan stiffened at those words.
Minho tried to pretend like he didn’t hear the first part of the sentence, brushing past it. “So, what is tiktok, Lixie?”
Felix then went on an excited spree about tiktok and the videos on there and Minho was actually impressed that a 6 year old had so much knowledge about an app. He kept glancing over at Chan, who was quietly finishing up his food, looking tense and Minho reached over and patted his shoulder gently, Chan looking up and smiling gratefully at him. After Felix was done with his food, Minho reached over and wiped the sauce on his chin with his thumb, and Chan let out a sigh again, but as Minho turned to look at him, he saw that Chan was smiling.
“Thank you so much.” Chan said.
Minho just nodded his head, wishing his heartbeat would stop accelerating like a teenager crushing on someone.
When the waitress came back to ask if they needed anything else, she winked at Minho before leaving which made Chan laugh.
“Was she flirting?”
Minho shrugged, “I didn’t notice anything.”
“Sure you weren’t.” Chan chuckled, his tone teasing, “She is very beautiful, there is no way you didn’t notice that.”
Minho couldn’t help but notice the dimple in Chan’s cheek as he smiled, the way his eyes sparkled.
“I don’t think I can notice anything else when the most beautiful person is sitting right in front of me.” Minho said softly, and Chan stilled in his seat.
“Minho…” Chan trailed off.
“So, your jobs...aren’t you tired?” Minho said quickly, shifting in his seat, wanting to change the topic.
Chan stared at him for a while before letting out an exhale and answering, “The bartending is just temporary, I needed the job urgently and I would be leaving in another two months.”
“Oh...okay. If you need any help, I am here, Chan. For both of you.”
Chan smiled at him quietly, “I know.”
Something definitely shifted between them two.
Minho started dropping Chan and Felix off at the bus stop most days, as Chan was still hesitant to give his address, and some days they would have dinner together. Felix had grown fond of Minho and would always make him gifts, like bead bracelets or cards with “My favourite teacher” scribbled all over it in his scrawly handwriting. It made Minho really happy but he knew Chan was still holding back and was always on his guard.
Dinners with Chan and Felix made Minho really happy, and he enjoyed each and every minute of it but he wanted to be there more for them. However, Chan wouldn’t allow it and would often call up Hyunjin if he needed any help, even though Minho would insist on letting him help.
Everything was going smoothly until the end of the week.
Minho sighed sadly as Felix cried on his lap, hiding his face into his plaid shirt. This was not supposed to happen, he wanted to protect Felix, wanted to make sure Chan didn’t get more stress on his plate but he failed today. A few kids had teased Felix and had told him that one day his hyung would disappear just like his parents.
Now this was really mean, and Minho reported them to the principal who would be having a talk with their parents, but the damage was done. He rocked Felix on his lap, as he waited for Chan to arrive. He already informed him what happened, and his heart dropped when he heard the pain so prominent in Chan’s voice.
“Please, please stay with him, I will leave work right away and be there.” Chan pleaded and Minho tried to reassure him, but he knew how protective Chan was of Felix and that he would be hurrying over to him now.
“Is hyung going to leave me too?” Felix wailed, looking up at Minho, as his tiny hands gripped onto the teacher’s sleeve.
“No, Lixie. Hyung is coming over right now.” Minho whispered, patting Felix’s back gently.
Felix buried his face into Minho’s chest, sobbing and Minho continued to whisper into his ears, comforting him.
Thankfully, Seungmin had hopped over and helped to manage the other kids while Minho tried to soothe down Felix. After some time, he felt Felix relax against him, his chest rising up and down gently, and Minho looked down to see him asleep.
Chan rushed through the doors, his eyes wandering over the room frantically before spotting them and rushing over. Minho placed a finger on his lips, indicating that Felix was asleep, and Chan mouthed a thank you as he lifted the boy off from Minho’s arms. Chan’s face was drawn, his bottom lip between his teeth and his skin looked paler than usual.
Felix stirred lightly, opening his eyes, and smiling when he saw it was his hyung.
“Hyung…”
Chan hugged him close to him, rocking his body and telling him to go back to sleep.
Felix closed his eyes and muttered groggily, “Hyung, you won’t leave me, too right?”
Chan stilled in his steps and Minho could see that the man was trying hard to not break there and then.
“I would never leave you, Lixie.” He muttered reassuringly, soothing him as Felix went back to sleep.
Minho knew he couldn’t let Chan go back home alone in this state. He got up and headed over to Seungmin, telling him that he was going to head off early. Seungmin nodded his head; he was done with his classes for the day anyways and Minho was grateful.
Minho then walked over to Chan, “I will drop you home.”
The energy had seemingly deflated from Chan as he couldn’t even argue or refuse the offer.
He followed Minho and got into the backseat, with Felix sleeping on his lap. Chan gave his address to Minho and soon they were at his apartment complex.
“Thank you. For all your help.” Chan muttered, his voice trembling. “Do you want to come up and have dinner?” Minho didn’t want Chan to think this was a favour but there was a nagging feeling in his gut and he didn’t want to leave Chan alone, so he accepted it.
He followed Chan as he headed towards the elevator, keying in his floor and walking to his door. Chan struggled a bit with the keys, as he was holding Felix too and Minho took the boy from Chan’s hands gently and slowly. Chan muttered a quick thanks before opening the door.
Chan’s apartment looked really homely, there were toys strewn in a corner messily but other than that it was really clean, and smelled so good, smelled like home.
Chan headed over towards a room, which Minho assumed was Felix’s room, and he followed him. Chan flicked on the lights on the living room and the room lights, picking up a teddy from the floor, and pulled the soft duvets back from the bed, before gesturing at Minho.
Minho headed to the bed, lying Felix down gently, before tucking him in and Chan placed the teddy next to him. Felix’s face was all scrunched up, before it relaxed again. Chan ran his fingers through his brother’s hair, placing gentle kisses over his cheeks before quietly retreating out of the room.
Minho didn’t know what to say, they hardly spoke on their way over here and he realized it was the first time he was in Chan’s house and he was starting to think maybe it was not a good idea.
“Chan?” Minho called out to the man who was busy staring at the floor.
Chan didn’t look up, his eyes still fixated on the floor.
One second, two seconds, three seconds passed by before Chan’s shoulders started trembling, the sobs wrecking through his body.
Minho hurried over to him, pulling him in close and engulfing him in a warm embrace and Chan burrowed his face into Minho’s shirt.
“It is okay, Chan.” Minho whispered in reassurance, his hand rubbing circles on the man’s back.
“I am so tired.” Chan sobbed, and Minho could feel the wetness of his tears seep through his shirt and it was so heart wrenching.
“You are so strong, Channie.” Minho soothed him, one hand moving over to his hair, and caressing through the strands softly. “I am so proud of you.”
"He is just six years old, he shouldn't be asking me that, he deserves to have parents who could do everything for him." Chan said, his voice breaking with every word.
"You are doing a really good job though Chan, it is going to be okay." Minho whispered, continuing to stroke through Chan's hair.
They stood like that for a good ten minutes until Chan tired himself out with the tears, as he pulled away from Minho and looked at him embarrassed.
Chan’s eyes were tinged red and his nose was pink, and Minho knew it was not the time, but the man looked so cute at that moment and Minho would do anything to protect him.
“I am sorry.” Chan sniffed, “Take a seat, I will make some ramen.”
“I will make it, you just take some rest now Chan.”
“No, please let me.” Chan sighed, as he wiped his eyes with the end of his sleeves, “It is the least I could do after you had both of us dirtying your shirt with our tears.” He tried to laugh but it came out weakly and Minho’s heart skipped a beat.
"Let me at least help you?”
Chan shook his head, “Just go take a seat on the couch, I will be done in ten minutes, make yourself comfortable.”
Minho gave up, taking a seat on the couch and scrolling through his phone as he heard the noise of pans coming from the kitchen.
Seungmin had texted him saying that everyone had gone home safely and asked if Chan was doing okay and Minho quickly replied back, telling him everything was fine.
Chan entered the living room after a while, placing two bowls on the table and sat next to Minho on the couch.
"I am so sorry, I don't usually cry like that." Chan muttered.
"It is fine, you have to let those emptions out at times instead of keeping everything in." Minho assured him.
“Do you want to watch anything on the TV?” Chan asked softly.
Minho shook his head as he took the bowl, “No, I prefer talking to you.”
“Minho…” Chan sighed as he started digging into his ramen.
They sat in silence, just slurping up the noodles, until Chan broke the silence, “I am sorry.”
Minho looked up startled, “Why are you apologising?”
“I don’t deserve your kindness. And today must have been really tiring for you.” Chan whispered, his voice so soft and broken and it was tearing at Minho’s heart.
“Chan…” Minho said, placing his empty bowl back on the table before turning around to face the other man. “You deserve more than this.”
Chan inhaled in a deep breath and let it out slowly, “My mother died when Felix was two and my father was never there for us physically or emotionally, only giving us money. But two months earlier, he had left us, leaving us a note saying he is not coming back. I had to take up the bartending job quickly as I was running out of cash.” He said, his hands clenching and unclenching.
Minho placed a hand on Chan’s knee, trying to comfort the man who was shaking slightly.
“I mean...at least I got to experience my mother’s love before she passed away, but Felix?” Chan paused, biting his lips nervously as he continued to stare at the floor, “He only ever had and has me.” At this Chan reached out, and gripped onto Minho’s hand on his knee, holding on to him tightly, closing his eyes shut.
Minho reached up with his other hand, and wiped away the stray tear that was trailing down Chan’s cheek as the man shuddered, and to Minho’s surprise, he leaned into the touch.
“I never asked you this, but how old are you?” Minho asked as he caressed Chan’s cheek gently with his thumb.
“I am 21…yeah there is a big age gap between Felix and me.” Chan hummed. “You?”
“I am 25.”
“I guess you are my hyung then, huh?” Chan giggled and Minho prayed to the Gods that Chan would not be able to see the red flush that crept onto his face.
“Minho is fine.” He choked out.
“Minho...thank you.” Chan said, as he looked up at him.
Minho wanted to pull the man closer, embrace him, kiss him but he knew Chan was vulnerable right now and he did not want to take advantage of that.
He pulled his hand away slowly, “You are doing a good job by the way, I hope you know that. Felix is really lucky to have a brother like you.”
“I don’t know...there are things I am unable to do for him.” Chan sighed wistfully, casting his eyes down. “Like, when I was his age, my mom had bought me this toy batman automobile and I remember it used to make me the happiest child in the world, just being able to drive it around the house, knocking things down.” He looked away wistfully, before pulling himself back to the present. “I just couldn’t find it anymore and even if I did.... I could not afford it.” He concluded sadly.
“Chan…” Minho started as he pushed back a loose strand of hair that was falling into Chan’s eyes, “Don’t be too hard on yourself. You are already doing your best.” He said and Chan smiled at him thankfully.
“You should get some rest…” Chan trailed off as he pulled away and stood up. A quick flicker of emotion that looked like disappointment flickered in Minho’s eyes before it faded away.
“You should too…” Minho mumbled, as he got up.
Minho walked towards the door, Chan following behind. Minho knew he had to say something before he left and he turned around quickly, and was startled to realise that Chan was standing really close to him and did not take a step behind.
“I-” Minho gulped, before speaking again, “Take care of yourself, and I hope both Felix and you would feel better soon...and uhm...sorry I couldn’t take care of Felix.”
Chan was too close, he could smell his cologne, a combination of citrus and mint, which smelled comforting, just like Chan’s presence.
“You took better care of him than anyone.” Chan muttered, his tongue peeking out to lick his lips and Minho’s eyes followed the movement.
Whatever daze they both had stumbled into broke as a phone started ringing, Chan taking a step back in shock, pulling his phone out.
“Hey Hyunjin?”
Oh.
Minho had almost forgotten the existence of a potential boyfriend, if Hyunjin was even a boyfriend. If Hyunjin was his boyfriend then Chan wouldn’t be leaning in, anticipating a kiss right? Or was everything just in his mind? He sighed in frustration. “Goodnight, Chan.”
“Hyunjin, hold on.” Chan murmured quickly into the phone before turning back to Minho.
“Thank you once again.”
“Stop thanking me, I am here for you.” Minho said, before turning around and making his way towards the elevator, his heart thudding at an extra fast pace.