Sweet Liar

by innie_maknaea

Summary:

Jisung believes Minho is a the softest persons on Earth. It only takes him one weekend and tresspasing in to a illegal underground fighting club to realize how wrong he is.

-

"Han Jisung."

Fuck, he seems mad.

"Y-yes?" Jisung squeaked.

Minho turned to look at him. His eyes weren't soft like he used to look at Jisung. It was narrowed, laced with anger, nothing Jisung is familiar to. "How did you come here?"

"I followed you...?"

Minho stared at him. "You gotta be jocking."

-

Three times Minho comes home bruised and one time Jisung takes the matters in to his own hands.

Notes:

I had this idea when I re-watched Love in the Air. And I just can't get my head away from martial arts fighter Minho.

I had fun writing this, shifting between Minho's duel personality while he's just a big softie for you know who it is 🤭

Hope you enjoy reading!

Additional warnings(click to open)

violence

Jisung loves perfect things.

He loves a smooth, round omelet with no burnt edges, the way his plushie collection is perfectly arranged on a small rack by color and size. He loves how perfectly sweet the caramel bubble tea tastes at Hyunjin’s family café. And, maybe most of all, he loves his perfectly sweet, extra-affectionate boyfriend.

Minho.

They met during Jisung’s freshman year, back when everything still felt a little too loud. Back when Jisung still carried headphones everywhere just in case the world got overwhelming.

Jisung’s friend Felix - who he’d known since high school - had signed up for the modern dance program the campus offered. Felix, being Felix, had been noticed almost immediately. He was sweet and friendly in a way that made people lean toward him without even trying. That was how he ended up invited to one of the seniors’ dance gigs downtown.

And of course, Felix dragged Jisung along.

Jisung had protested. Because, one: Jisung didn’t like crowds. He gets socially anxious with the sudden urge to disappear into the nearest corner and become part of the wall. Two: he was a weak man when it came to dancers with big thighs. A devastating weakness. A lifelong curse.

But honestly? Jisung didn’t regret it at all.

They watched the seniors perform. Felix was vibrating with excitement the entire time, whispering commentary into Jisung’s ear, nearly bouncing out of his seat. When the performance ended, Felix immediately vanished into a sea of dancers hugging, shaking hands, congratulating everyone like he’d been part of the group all along.

A cluster of noonas surrounded Felix within minutes, cooing about how adorable he was. Jisung used the opportunity to slip quietly toward the back of the hall.

His plan was simple, send Felix a quick text and escape. Felix wouldn’t be mad. He never was about things like that. Jisung would make it up to him later over strawberry matcha.

That was when someone tapped his shoulder.

Jisung turned and found himself face to face with one of the dancers. He definitely remembered him from the stage with that sexy black outfit. But up close - holy shit. He was even more handsome.

He looked like a...bunny.

“Oh hi,” Jisung said and immediately hated how small his voice sounded.

The guy didn’t say anything at first. He just stared at Jisung like he’d never seen a man in a cropped sweater in his life. Jisung resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Felix wore crop tops, like, eighty percent of the time. Sure, Jisung had a small waist, but that didn’t mean he could eye fuck him -

“Sorry.” the guy muttered, so quiet Jisung almost missed it. “I, um… I saw you back in the hall.”

Jisung nodded politely. “I saw you on stage too. You were impressive.”

The guy blinked. Up close, Jisung noticed the tips of his ears had gone red. Not his cheeks. Just his ears. He wasn't sure if it's for the complement or just his overall makeup.

“T-thanks.” he said, scratching the back of his neck. “Um… I wanted to say that I…” He froze mid-sentence, suddenly snapping his head over his shoulder. Jisung followed his gaze and spotted a blond guy with short hair - someone Jisung vaguely recognized from campus - grinning like an idiot and giving an enthusiastic thumbs up.

Ah...

Wingman.

The dancer visibly tensed, then turned back to Jisung like he’d made a life altering decision.

“I wanted to say.” he blurted. “That you’re really pretty.”

“Oh.” Jisung blinked. Then he burst into giggles before he could stop himself. Without thinking, he said, “Cute.”

The guy froze. Like actually froze. “M-me too - I mean!” He panicked, words tripping over each other. “You’re cute too. Very cute.” He took a breath, then held out his hand like he was bracing himself for impact. “I’m Minho.”

Jisung smiled, warmth blooming in his chest as he took Minho’s hand. “Nice to meet you, Minho sunbaenim.” Jisung said. “I’m Jisung.”

Minho’s smile was shy, and entirely too perfect.

“Jisung.” he said softly, like he’d just found something precious. “That’s a really nice name.”

Jisung knew Minho liked him from the first glance.

It wasn’t normal for him at least, not like this. Jisung wasn’t someone who fell easily. Feelings came with steps. Only then did his heart even consider opening. He couldn’t snap into affection the way Felix did, couldn’t charm or be charmed on impulse. So the fact that his chest had fluttered just from Minho’s shy smile?

It was concerning.

And yet, Jisung never once mentioned what department he studied in. Not during the gig, not in passing, not even accidentally.

So imagine his surprise when the very next morning, Minho appeared in front of his classroom.

Jisung was still half asleep, chin propped on his hand, debating whether caffeine counted as a decent breakfast when a shadow fell over his desk. He looked up - and there Minho was. In his ecology class. Minho smiled shyly, adjusting his backpack slung over one shoulder and placed a small packeted bun and a bottle of sweetened milk on Jisung’s desk.

“Hi.” Minho said softly. “I know we’re still kind of strangers, but… I thought maybe you didn’t have breakfast.”

Jisung blinked. “…How did you know?” he asked, genuinely baffled.

Minho rubbed the back of his neck again apparently which seems like a habit. “One of my teammates is in the same department as you. He barely has time for lunch,” he said, then added quickly, “I just figured.”

You figured, Jisung thought faintly, staring at the bun which had his name written and a small heart next to it.

“Oh,” he said out loud, cheeks warming. “Thanks."

Minho smiled like that was enough to make his day, then waved awkwardly before scurrying off just as the professor walked in. Felix, sitting two seats away, slowly turned to look at Jisung witha smug smirk plastered on his face. Jisung just knew Felix is going to tease him about it for the remaining week.

That wasn’t the last time.

The next day, Minho showed up again. This time with a different flavored bun and a bottle of orange juice. Jisung accepted it with a bright grin, fingers brushing Minho’s by accident. Minho barely spoke, just smiled and hurried off with a breathless, “Bye,” like staying even one second longer might give him away.

Jisung watched him leave as his heart did that stupid little flip again.

On the third day Minho didn’t come before class. Jisung told himself not to think about it. People were busy. Minho was a senior. He had dance practice, classes, a life. It was unreasonable to expect him to show up every morning.

Still, Jisung kept glancing at the door.

He hoped that Minho hadn’t lost interest.

When the lecture finally ended and Jisung walked out into the corridor, he almost walked straight into him. Minho was waiting by the wall and pretending to check his phone. When he looked up and saw Jisung, his face visibly relaxed.

Jisung’s grin stretched impossibly wide. He immediately latched himself to Minho’s side. “Hi bunny!” he giggled, rocking slightly on his heels.

Minho stiffened in surprise at the nickname. Then melted.

"Hi." He said, ears going pink.

Jisung looked up at him with bright eyes. "You waited."

Minho coughed. "I was… passing by."

Jisung only giggled. Instead he invited Minho to have much with his friends, insisting that his friends will like him too. Minho had hesitated at first but he whe eventually agreed. Jisung had beamed. Even at the cafeteria he acted so shy. Hyunjin and Felix kept teasing Jisung how adorable his boyfriend looks. Jisung had ignored them with a scoff.

Well, months later now his boyfriend, Minho is the best thing that has ever happened to him.

Jisung loves how reserved Minho is, how his affection comes quietly. He loves how Minho notices the little things, the ones Jisung never says out loud.

Jisung feels sad? Cheesecake. Rainy day? “I brought an umbrella for you.” Professor was harsh on his assignment? Movie night. Jisung always tells Minho to pick whatever he wants to watch. And Minho, every single time, scrolls straight to the Ghibli section. Because those movies are soft and slow which is also Jisung's comfort.

But Jisung notices things too.

Like how late night movie dates are never an option.

Minho always has an excuse. A part time job which requires him for night shifts that it also only on weekends. He says it was nothing important but Jisung can't help but think it's wierd. Because Minho’s parents pay for everything. Minho doesn’t need a part time job. And if he does why only at night?

It gets even worse.

It would be fine if Minho's night shift was some kind of catering service in a diner or a shift at a 7/24 rameyon store. But the new bruises on his body each and every week didn't give Jisung a plausible explanation, at all.

The first time Minho comes back from his night shift he was scratched. Literally - scratched. The most confusing part is, it didn't even look like an animal's. It wasn't deep, nor wide but it was long, stretching down his entire forearm and fresh enough that Jisung almost lost his mind.

He had panicked instantly, hands shaking as he reaches for his phone. 

“I’m calling an ambulance.”

“I’m fine.” Minho had insists. “It doesn’t even hurt.”

The second time it happend, Minho's left eye was patched. It was again a Monday morning and Minho was waiting by Jisung's lecture hall as usual. And the firts thing Jisung noticed was how his left eye was covered. Jisung had been worried, asking him non stop about his eye. Minho muttered something about that one if their female dance friends had tested some eye make on him and that he had an allegry reaction.

But no, Minho wouldn't tell him what kind of makeup. Jisung insisted because Felix is an expect when it comes to beauty products. At least he can ask Felix and help him out.

Minho dismissed it like it's nothing important.

The third time it happend, it was the last stroke. Minho's collarbone had a plaster. Not the boo boo kind of one elementary kids used when they scraped their knee. But a big one, covering his reddened skin. Jisung wouldn't even see it if they hadn't gotten too riled up by making out in Minho's dorm room one night. Jisung had impulsively pulled Minho's shirt. That's how he knew.

It hurt him that Minho didn't even tell a word about it. When he asked, Minho didn't give him a reason either. He just got angry and yelled.

They fought about it.

Their first fight had ended up with Jisung sobbing. He couldn't remember what happened after that. Only that Minho had apologised at least hundred times and had cuddled him till he fell asleep.

Jisung believes that Minho has a dark side that he keep hiding. And he wanted to know what it is.

"So that it why," Jisung exclaimed as if he found a living fossil of a T rex - oh how he wished it was as simple as that. "I think Minho hyung is in a gang."

Three pair of eyes stared at him bewildered.

Hyunjin suddenly bursted out laughing. Both Felix and Jisung glared at him.

"I'm sorry," Hyunjin sighed, "Minho hyung - what?"

"A gang." Jisung shrugged. "It's possible."

Seungmin rolled his eyes. "It's impossible. Minho hyung can't even hurt a fly. And you think that he's a in a gang? Do you even know what gangs do?"

Jisung's heard thronged at the question. Leave it for Kim Seungmin to make thing even more complicated. "I don't know. Sell drugs?"

Seungmin groaned, pulling on his hoodies strings so the hood closes over his eyes. "You're mad and stupid at the same time."

"Yah!"

"Sungie." Felix started eyes wide as a bug's. "Minnie has a point. Gang's are dangerous. I seriously can't imagine hyung in one." He leaned against Seungmin's shoulder. "They kill people. Minho hyung is better than that."

Jisung pouted, "I never told hyung is like that - killing people and all."

"Then what?" Seungmin asked. "You think they'd be sellling toy guns and lollipop?"

"Then why is he bruised after his night shift?" Jisung crosses his arms. "He doesn't even tell me stuff."

Felix's eyes softed.

"Maybe he's boxing?" Hyunjin tried. Jisung's eyes beamed and Seungmin gave him a look of disbelief. "I mean boxers get injured badly right?"

"Or he's a martial arts fighter." Felix suggested. "Omg, that would be so cool wouldn't it?"

"I swear he doesn't even try but he gets more attractive each and every day."

"I know right! Remember that time he cooked? That was so adorable-"

Jisung scoffed. "Guys. His boyfriend is right infront if you."

Felix cleared his throat and Hyunjin adjusted on his seat.

"So," Seungmin said again, like he was discussing the weather. "Boxing?"

"Could be possible," Jisung said. He clasped his hands together. "Which is exactly why I’m going to follow Minho hyung tomorrow and find out."

Felix’s soul left his body. "No," he said immediately, grabbing Jisung’s arm with both hands. "No, no, no. Sungie, that’s a terrible idea."

Hyunjin leaned forward, elbows on his knees. “Yeah, absolutely not. That’s how you end up on a true crime podcast."

"I’ll be careful," Jisung said stubbornly. "I won’t even get close. I’ll just… look around."

Hyunjin scoffed. "You say that every time. Last time you said you’d ‘look,’ you tripped and knocked over a display stand."

“That was an accident!”

"You trip over air."

"I do not!"

Felix shook Jisung gently, panic fully setting in. “What if he is in a gang? What if they see you following him? What if they think you’re a spy? What if they-”

"Felix, stop," Jisung said. “You’re making it weirder.”

"I’m trying to keep you alive." Felix shot back. "You’d apologize while getting kidnapped. You’d be like, ‘Sorry, am I in the way?’"

Hyunjin nodded gravely. "You would."

Jisung crossed his arms, lips jutting out in a pout. “I’m his boyfriend. I deserve to know what’s going on.”

Felix softened immediately. "Sungie…why don't you two talk it out?"

"I asked him already," Jisung continued quietly. "And we fought. He won’t tell me."

The room fell into an awkward silence at that.

Seungmin sighed, pushing his hood back just enough to look at Jisung. "Then go."

Everyone turned on him at once. "SEUNGMIN!" Felix yelped.

Hyunjin stared at Seungmin like he’d just committed a crime. "You’re really just letting him do this?"

Seungmin shrugged. "He’s going to do it anyway. Might as well be prepared." He looked at Jisung. “Just don’t get killed."

"That’s not reassuring!" Felix cried.

"It’s realistic," Seungmin replied calmly. "Text us or share your location. If you disappear, we call the police in… thirty minutes."

"THIRTY?" Felix shrieked.

"Fifteen," Seungmin amended, because Felix looked like he might cry.

Hyunjin exhaled sharply. "Fine. If you’re doing this we're coming with you."

"You are?" Jisung beamed.

"Ugh...we are?" Seungmin groaned.

"Yes." Felix insisted. "We won't let you go in there alone. Seungmin can give is a ride wouldn't you Minnie?" Felix blinked at Seungmin who only huffed. "It's okay you can stay in the car." Seungmin huffed again.

 

⋆✶🥊✶⋆

 

Felix was generous enough to remind Jisung that this is a bad idea before they climbed off the car.

But it was too late. Jisung had planned for thr entire week, installing a tracking app in Minho's phone even. That's how him, Hyunjin and felix ended up behind a shady looking truck in an underground arena.

They shouldn’t have followed Minho.

Felix and Hyunjin knew it the moment Seungmin's car slowed down. And Jisung - Jisung knew it when his chest tightened the way it always did when something felt wrong but unavoidable. Call it spidey senses - Jisungie senses?

The alley was narrow, cinder block walls stained with grime. A crowd was funneling toward a low building at the end of the street. Their voices were loud and early excited. Jisung can help but notice out there's more womens tha  girls.

"You sure this isn't a bdsm club?" Hyunjin whispered.

"Ew no." Jisung made face. "Hyung is too soft for that."

"So he's rough enough to be in a gang?"

Felix clutched Hyunjin’s arm. "Guys.... this place is freaking me out. You sure this is a good idea?"

"Yes and no. But stay here." Jisung said, forcing steadiness into his voice. He pointed at a massive food truck parked crookedly along the alley. "Behind the truck. I’ll just check and come back."

"No." Felix whispered, panicked. "We go together."

Jisung shook his head. "No three is crowd."

He didn’t wait. By the time Felix reached for him, Jisung had already slipped into the crowd.

Inside, it was packed.

Bodies pressed from all sides. Jisung had to squeeze through half naked people wearing outfits more or less than a bikini. He felt overdressed - literally - he should have at least worn a tank top. Not a hoodie. Jisung heart raced at the amount of people. His social anxiety isn't helping much either. But he has a mission, find Minho and get out.

He was pushing forward when a large man in a black suit stepped directly into his path.

"Membership card." the man said, voice flat.

Jisung froze. "M-member… what?"

"We need do check your ID sir." He said.

Then a scream tore through the crowd somewhere behind them. The guard turned, swearing under his breath. Jisung moved on instinct - ducking and slipping sideways, vanishing into the bodies before the man could turn back.

He stumbled forward. And the space opened up.

The arena was a huge with floodlights blazing overhead illuminating the boxing ring at the centre. Thete was a single man dressed in a suit and holding a mic as the crowd around them roared and cheered, chanting names Jisung did recognize.

What the hell? He thought. He didn't know Minho enjoy watching these kind of sports.

But his stomach dropped at the thought, Hyunjin was right, at least partially. He really hoped Minho isn't going to ge inside the ring.

He pushed closer until he was right at the barrier in front of the ring. He pressed against the metal ring, hands gripping the bars when the the MC’s voice boomed through the speakers.

"Tonight’s twin fighters, SpearB and LeeKnow!"

Jisung’s breath caught painfully.

Lee. That's Minho's last name.

The fighters stepped into the ring amidst the cheers. Jisung peeked in to get a clearer look earning glare from th girls next to him when he blocked her view.

Hyunjin indeed was right.

In the middle of the ring, Minho stood as he waved at the crowd. Bare-chested, muscles tense, his old bruises were blooming yellow and purple against his skin. His expression was nothing like the Minho Jisung knew - no shyness, no softness. His eyes were unrecognisable.

This isn't the Minho Jisung knew. This isn't his Minho.

The bell rang and Minho and SpearB circled around. SpearB struck first testing Minho’s defense. Minho dodged cleanly with precise footwork. Then he countered with a sharp jab to the ribs. The impact echoed through the crowd.

SpearB came back harder - attacking Minho's elbow, knee the his jaw. Minho blocked two, took one, grunting as the hit landed against his side. Jisung flinched like he’d been hit himself. Then Minho moved. With a swift jab he turned and flipped SpearB over his shoulder, wrapping his thighs around his neck in a headlock. Jisung gasped, horrified. But the audience had an entirely different reaction.

This wasn't just boxing. This was entirely a different game.

SpearB staggered but recovered, slamming his fist into Minho’s jaw. The crack was sickening.  Jisung gasped, a broken sound tearing from his throat. Tears blurred his vision instantly as he jaw the blood splattering under Minho's nose.

"No - hyung-"

Minho fell.

Jisung’s knees buckled, hands tightening on the rail as if that alone could keep him standing. His chest hurt so badly he thought he might scream.

Then - Minho pushed himself up. He wiped the blood from his mouth with the back of his hand like the hit was nothing.

Minho advanced. SpearB barely had time to react before Minho unleashed everything - punches after punch, knees driving forward, a final spinning strike that sent SpearB crashing to the mat.

The bell rang.

The arena erupted.

Jisung sagged forward. Relief crashed over him so hard his vision went white. His cheeks were wet. He hadn’t even realized he was crying. He wiped at his face with his sleeve, shaking.

The roar of the crowd crashed over him, swallowing the shaky breaths he was trying to keep steady. His palms were slick against the cold metal railing he gripped, knuckles white and eyes locked on the ring where Minho - his Minho - was still standing tall in the centre with sweat and blood streaking down the sharp line of his jaw.

The MC’s voice boomed again. "LEE KNOW WINS AGAIN! LADIES AND GENTLEMEN CHEER FOR YOUR WINNER!"

Jisung  couldn’t move.

Minho raised one gloved hand in lazy acknowledgment.

The other fighter, SpearB, was being helped up by two men in black shirts. Minho didn’t even glance at him. He turned instead toward the side exit of the ring, rolling his shoulder like the way he used to do after long practice sessions. Practice as in dance choreography and not breaking someone’s face.

He remembered Minho flinching the first time Jisung tried to kiss him in the dorm hallway. How his ears had gone bright red, how he’d ducked his head and mumbled something about 'people are watching'. That same Minho had just snapped a man’s head back with a hook so clean.

How long had he been hiding like this? Is this really his Minho?

Minho scanned the crowd infront of him. Before Jisung could react, their eyes met. Minho's once calm and collected eyes widened. Jisung saw him flinch, as he tried to move towards Jisung. Jisung took a step backward, hitting square on one of the girl's faces.

"Hey!"

Jisung panicked turning around. "I'm so sorry-"

"There's an tresspaser!"

Everything happened so fast. The girl yelled curses at him for spilling her drink. And the boygaurd from earlier pointed at him as he lunged forward.

Jisung feet moved before he could even think. He pushed through the bodies, muttering apologies as he tried to disappear in to teh crowd. But the guard seem to advance him closer and closer. Jisung's heart raced in fear as he started running. He cannot get caught, not like this, not in an illegal arena-

Someone wrapped their arms around Jisung's waist and pulled him closer. Jisung yelped, screaming and begging to let him go. He turned around gasping and yelling when a pair of hands shook him from his shoulders.

"Jisung, it's me."

Jisung opened his eyes to meet face to face with Minho. He was suddenly reminded of the first time they met, Minho's hair was sticky wet and face glistening with sweat after the stage - just like now. Only he hadn't danced.

"Minho hyung."

"We caught him!" The gaurd yelled. When he saw Minho with Jisung he slowed down. "Um...sir?"

"He's with me." Minho said.

The guard eyed Jisung. Jisung looked away, falling his legs tremble.

"Sir we cannot allow anyone in the ring without a membership or VIP validation. It's the company rules-"

"He is VIP." Minho stated. Jisung whipped his towards Minho. "He's my boyfriend."

The guard's expression didn't budge. "Please, I suggest you inform about this to the boss."

Minho nodded. "I will. Don't worry about it."

Once the guard left Minho turned to Jisung. Jisung blinked, when Minho stared at him.

"Hi bunny." Jisung whispered.

Minho groaned tugging him from his arm. "Not here Jisung."

Jisung. He pouted. Not Jagia, baby or sweetheart. Just Jisung. How cold.

Minho pulled them inside a room. Then he closed the door shut and sighed so loud Jisung feared the building may collapse.

"Han Jisung."

Fuck, he seems mad.

"Y-yes?" Jisung squeaked.

Minho turned to look at him. His eyes weren't soft like he used to look at Jisung. It was narrowed, laced with anger, nothing Jisung is familiar to. "How did you come here?"

"I followed you...?"

Minho stared at him. "You gotta be jocking."

"I was curious!" Jisung defended, "you keep disappearing every weekend and... end up like this." He pointed at Minho's bruises - also why didn't he noticed that Minho is god damn ripped? "If you have told me I wouldn't have followed you."

Minho scoffed. "Are you guilt tripping me?"

"No!" Jisung huffed. "I deserved to know about your part time job."

"Since, you know now, you better leave."

Jisung gawked at him. "What? No! So you can beat another guy up? I'm not letting you do that."

Minho sighed. "Look Jisung, this isn't as simple as you think. You are in danger and you need to leave right now."

"You said I'm VIP."

"I fucking lied."

"Did you just curse?!" Jisung’s voice came out higher than he intended.

Minho’s eyes narrowed further. "Yeah, I cursed. What about it? You think I’m some perfect hyung who never swears? This is me. The real me. Not the guy who brings you breakfast and holds your hand in the dorms. Are you happy now?"

Jisung flinched like he’d been slapped. Minho's words stung. "That’s not fair," he shot back. "You’re the one who’s been lying! Sneaking out and what? You expect me to just smile and pretend it’s fine? I thought - I thought we were past secrets."

Minho pushed off the wall, taking a step closer, his presence suddenly towering in the small space. "And you think following me into an illegal fighting club is smart? You could’ve gotten hurt out there - worse than hurt. These people don’t play nice, Jisung. So I want you stop being nosy and go home."

"Nosy!?" Jisung’s laugh was bitter. "Is that what you think this is? God, hyung! I’ve been worried sick every time you disappear, imagining the worst - drugs, gangs, I don’t know! And now I find out you’re… what? A fighter? Beating people for cash? This isn’t you!"

Minho’s jaw clenched. "Maybe you never knew me."

Jisung’s chest heaved, his breaths coming too fast and shallow. The room blurred at the edges, hot tears pricking his eyes no matter how hard he blinked them back. This wasn’t his Minho, the one who’d blush at a simple kiss, who’d wrap Jisung in hoodies on cold nights and murmur "jagiya".

This Minho was cold as steel.

He is a stranger with a his boyfriend's face.

"Why are you being like this?" Jisung whispered, voice breaking. "You’re acting like I’m the enemy. Do I not matter?"

A flicker crossed Minho’s face, but it vanished as quickly as it came. "You do matter Jisung. That’s why you need to leave. Now."

The tears spilled over then, hot tracks down Jisung’s cheeks. He hated how vulnerable he made him feel. He swiped at them angrily. But more followed.

"I’m not going anywhere until you talk to me." Jisung sobbed. "Why did you lie? We could have talked it out and I would be fine."

"You don't understand." Minho started. "You cannot know about this-"

"So I'm supposed to watch you get beaten up every weekend?" Jisung shrieked. "God hyung you are so stupid!"

Before Minho could respond, the door burst open with a sharp bang against the wall.

Chan stood there - towel slung over one shoulder, a water bottle in hand. His expression shifting from casual to concerned in a heartbeat when he took in the scene, Minho’s rigid stance, Jisung’s tear streaked face and the tension thick enough to cut.

"Whoa, what the hell? Minho, you good? The next round’s up soon."

Jisung glared at Chan. "You're in this too?!"

Minho didn’t look away from Jisung. “Chan. Perfect timing. Get him out of here."

Chan’s eyebrows shot up. “Him? Jisung? Wait, how’d he even-”

"Just do it.” Minho cut in. He turned away then, grabbing a fresh towel from a hook on the wall.

Jisung’s heart lurched. "No hyung, wait! I’m not leaving!"

But Chan was already moving. “C’mon, kid. Let’s not make this worse.”

Jisung twisted, planting his feet, fresh tears blurring his face. "Let go!"

Minho’s back stayed turned. "Go home, Jisung. We’ll talk later."

Later.

Chan tugged again, steering Jisung toward the door with that effortless strength  The door clicked shut behind them, cutting off Minho’s silhouette like a slammed book.

Jisung’s sobs echoed in the corridor as Chan guided him toward the exit. The crowd’s roar swelled again, swallowing everything - the pain, the confusion and the fracture in his heart that felt too wide to ever mend.

This wasn’t how it was supposed to be.

Not at all.

 

⋆✶🥊✶⋆

 

Jisung woke up with swollen eyes and a pillowcase damp from tears he didn’t remember shedding.

His phone screen stared back at him. Blank notifications, no new messages, no missed calls, just the same empty thread from three days ago that he’d stared at until 4 a.m.  He dragged himself to the bathroom, splashed cold water on his face until it stung, and pulled the hood of his oversized sweater over his head like armor.

He didn’t tell anyone.

Not Felix, who kept shooting him worried puppy eyes since yesterday and asking in that gentle voice, "Sungie, you sure you’re okay?"

Not Hyunjin, who cornered him in the hallway between classes, "Serously what happend inside there?"

Not even Seungmin, who didn’t ask outright. Just watched him with knowing eyes and left a carton of banana milk on Jisung’s desk without a word.

Jisung shrugged them all off with the same tired lie, "I’m fine. Just tired."

They didn’t buy it. But they let it slide for now.

Though every time he closed his eyes, the memory slammed back. Minho’s narrowed gaze, the unfamiliar ice in his voice, the way he’d said Jisung instead of jagiya like it was a stranger’s name. Jisung would curl tighter under his blanket at night and sob into the fabric until his throat ached, imagining that stare over and over.

Was that really Minho? Had his softness always been a mask?

Or had Jisung finally pushed too far, crossed some invisible line, and now Minho was done pretending?

He also noticed that Minho was avoiding him.

Day one: no Minho outside the lecture hall. No paper bag crinkling with the smell of iced americano and warm pastries.

Day two: same empty spot. Jisung waited ten minutes past the start time anyway. But heart sank further with every passing second.

Day three: he didn’t even wait. Just walked straight into class with his hood up and earbuds in.

Day four: Jisung skipped classes.

By the weekend, the ache had hardened into something stubborn.

If Minho wanted to disappear, fine. But Jisung wasn’t going to let him vanish without answers. He wasn’t going to let Minho decide they were over without a fight.

So Saturday night found him back at the area, alone this time. The neck tattoo guard took one look at him, sighed like this was inevitable, and jerked his head toward the entrance.

Inside, the crowd pressed close to the chain link ring. Jisung didn’t push to the front this time. He stayed high up on the metal bleachers, half hidden in shadow.

Minho was already in the ring.

Black shorts, taped hands, no shirt. He moved like water. His opponent- a bigger guy than him with all bulk and bravado - swung wild punches. Minho didn’t even flinch. He slipped every punch, jab to the ribs, hook to the jaw and slashed a uppercut that snapped the guy’s head back with a sickening crack.

Blood sprayed.

Jisung winced at every impact, but he couldn’t look away. Minho didn’t get touched. Not once. He was beautiful in the brutality of it, terrifying and graceful and completely untouchable. Was it pride? Fear? He couldn't name.

The MC’s voice boomed over the speakers. "Winner by TKO is... LEE KNOW!"

The crowd erupted.

Minho didn’t celebrate like the last time. Just rolled his shoulders and wiped blood from his split lip with the back of his hand, and ducked through the ropes toward the side exit.

Jisung was already moving. He knew exactly where Minho would go. It's the same back room from last time. The same door that had slammed shut on him while Chan dragged him away.

Fortunately, it was unlocked and empty.

Jisung stepped inside anyway.

Jisung sank onto the edge of the couch the and pulled his knees to his cheek. Then hee waited. Soon, he heard footsteps and then the door creaked open.

Minho froze at the sight in front of him. His eyes found Jisung immediately, wide for half a second, then narrowing into the same cold state. Neither of them spoke and Jisung’s throat burned. His eyes stung again. But he refused to let the tears fall this time.

Minho finally broke the silence. "You know shouldn’t be here."

Jisung lifted his chin. "Neither should you."

Minho exhaled through his nose and stepped inside, kicking the door shut behind him.

The lock clicked.

And just like that, they were alone again. Trapped in the same small room.

Minho stood there still tretaing hard from the sheer exhausting after the fight. His hair was damped, sweat glistening over his bare chest and there was a fresh scrape alreday drying at the corner of his mouth. He looked wrecked, beautifully wrecked.

Jisung spoke. "I miss you." his voice was barely a whisper but Minho caught it.

"Jisung…" His voice came out rough.

But Jisung couldn’t stop. The dam had cracked the second Minho walked through the door.

"I’m sorry," he rushed out. "I’m so fucking sorry for following you, for pushing and for showing up here again when you told me to stay away. I know I crossed every line. I know I made it worse. But -" His voice broke. CI miss you so much it feels like I can’t breathe sometimes. I miss your stupid breakfasts. I miss waiting for you outside lecture halls. I miss you, hyung. All of you. Even this part. Even the if it scares me."

Minho’s shoulders went rigid. His fists clenched at his sides so hard the knuckles bleached white. "Why would you? Aren't I dangerous enough?"

He shakes his head and took one trembling step forward.

"I love you," he said, like a confession and a plea wrapped in one. "I love you. And I don’t care if this is dangerous. I’ll take it. I’ll take all of it. Just, don’t shut me out. Please." When Minho didn't move Jisung tried again. "Bunny, please."

Minho blinked, disbelieve washing over his depression.

Jisung barely had time to gasp before Minho’s hands were on him. One fisting the front of his hoodie, the other sliding to the nape of his neck and then Jisung’s back hit the cold concrete wall with a dull thud.

Minho kissed him like he was drowning and Jisung was air.

His mouth was hot. Jisung tested of copper and salt yet opened for him immediately, whimpering into the kiss the second Minho’s tongue pushed past his lips.

Jisung’s hands scrambled up Minho’s chest,slidng along the naked skin as he kissed back just as hard. Minho growled low in his throat when Jisung bit his bottom lip hard enough to reopen the split. Minho grabbed Jisung buy his hips and pressed J Jisung's crotch together with his, grinding slowly until Jisung’s knees buckled.

"Hyung." Jisung gasped against Minho’s mouth.

Minho didn’t answer with words.

He answered by sliding one thigh between Jisung’s legs and forcing them apart. The friction was overwhelming. Jisung’s head thunked back against the wall with a choked moan. Minho’s hand left his neck and slid down cupping Jisung through his jeans and palming him hard enough to make his hips jerk forward.

"You have no fucking idea what you're doing to me." Minho rasped. "Fuck..."

Jisung whined as Minho’s hand squeezed his clothed cock. The pressure was perfectly cruel, dragging Jisung right to the edge in seconds. His thighs shook. His fingers dug into Minho’s shoulders so hard he’d probably leave bruises of his own.

Minho bit down on the side of his neck and at the same time he ground down again, rolling his hips in a filthy rhythm that matched the strokes of his hand.

Jisung broke.

His whole body seized, mouth falling open on a silent scream that turned into Minho’s name when the orgasm hit like a wave crashing over him. His legs gave out completely. Only Minho’s thigh and the arm banded around his waist kept him upright.

Minho didn’t stop moving until every last tremor had wrung itself out of Jisung’s body. When it finally ended, Minho eased his grip but didn’t let go.

"Jagie...." Minho whispered. "So good for me baby."

Jagie, baby.

Jisung to wanted cry.

"Don’t disappear again."

Minho swallowed hard. His thumb brushed away the tear tracks on Jisung’s cheek. "I won’t," he whispered as his eyes softened. “I'm sorry."

Jisung nodded. "I’ve always wanted you," he said. "All of you."

Minho closed his eyes like the words physically hurt. Then he pulled Jisung and buried his face in the crook of Jisung’s neck.

"Sorry." he murmured against skin. "I'm sorry I lied. I'm sorry I made you cry."

Jisung wrapped both arms around him.  "I’m sorry too."

There was a knock. And Chan peeked in to the room. Jisung squeaked, quietly embarrassed hiding his face in Minho's chest as Minho leaned against the wall to cover him. Minho let out an angry sigh - which was unlike of him. But guess, heung has to be used to this side of him too.

"What?" Minho snapped.

"The next round is up." Chan was calm, despite Minho's clipped tone. "The MC will announce your name," the he glanced at Jisung who was hiding under Minho's arms. "If you are participating of course."

Jisung glanced at Minho. A silent cry - don't, please don't I hate to see you get hurt.

Minho sighed shaking his head. "I'm done for tonight. Tell them that I'm leaving."

"Sure." Chan said. "I'll call the driver to drop you."

With that Chan shut the door.

"You're aren't fighting anymore?" Jisung asked.

"No baby. Not today." Minho cupped his face.

 

⋆✶🥊✶⋆

 

The next week is… weird. Not bad weird. Just Minho-weird.

It starts the very next morning. Jisung wakes up to three unread messages.

Bunny🐰:
Good morning
I'll be outside your lecture hall ♡♡

Jisung sits bolt upright in bed, hair a mess, heart still doing something stupid every time he remembers the ring, the blood, the way Minho had looked at him through the crowd.

No, Jisung. It's still your Minho. He's the same Minho.

He gets ready on the speed of light. Then run across the campus to reach his lecture hall.

Minho had arrived before him. He was standing in the hallway, like he always does, holding a paper bag and two coffee cups. His lips is mostly healed, the fresh cut at the corner of his mouth band aided. Jisung approached him. Minho looked… nervous. Almost sheepish as he fiddled with his fingers. Like a stray puppy waiting to see if it’s allowed inside.

Minho noticed him first, mouth curving in to soft smile.

"Good morning."

Jisung is weak for men with pretty smiles. "Hi bunny."

Minho’s face lights up immediately. “Hi.”

That’s it. That’s the whole greeting. He follows Jisung in without another word, sits where Jisung points, and watches him eat like it’s the most important event of the day.

From then on, Minho is everywhere.

Jisung goes to class - Minho walks him there, carrying his bag without even asking. Jisung studies in the library - Minho appears ten minutes later, silently placing a warm drink next to him before sitting close enough that their knees touch. Jisung stops by Hyunjin’s café - Minho waits at the counter even payed for a ridiculously expensive chocolate croissant.

He doesn’t explain himself. He just… stays.

Felix notices this behaviour first. “Why is Minho hyung following you like a lost cat?”

Hyunjin cranes his neck. “Is he… waiting for permission to sit?”

He sure is. Minho was standing at the contine of the table with using hands folded politely infront of him and eyes flickering at Jisung for a cue.

“Sit.” Jisung says softly.

Minho immediately sits.

Seungmin blinks. “What the hell.”

Minho started doing small things. He holds Jisung’s hand when they walk through crowds. He tucks Jisung’s hair behind his ear without thinking. He leans over while he was styding in the rooftop to whisper, “You’re doing great,” even when Jisung hasn’t said a word.

At night, Minho texts.

Bunny🐰:
I'm home
And I'm safe
Goodnight baby

Jisung doesn’t comment on it. He just smiles into his pillow giggling like a teenager. Even their friends are confused. Felix thinks Jisung had scolded him. Seungmin thinks it's trauma response because Jisung had finally brought up the whole gangster talk to Minho. Because, apparently Lee Minho is too soft for that.

Meh...

Thursday night Jisung headed to the convent store buy some midnight snacks. Minho had been basically living in his dorm room the past few days. So, instantly he followed Jisung to along the street. 

Jisung stood in front of the snack aisle for a long time. He crouched, then stood again. Picked up a bag of honey butter chips. Puts it back. Reached for gummies. Hesitated. Squinted at the ramen section like it personally offended him.

Minho didn't rush him. He leaned against the shelf with his hands in his pockets and watches Jisung like his favorite show.

Seven minutes pass. Then ten.

Jisung finally straightened, cheeks warm. DCSorry,c he muttered. "I take forever."

Minho shaked his head immediately. "It’s okay."

Jisung glanced at him. "You’ve been standing here this whole time."

"I know."

"…Why?"

Minho tilted his head, genuinely confused by the question. "I like watching you choose," he said earnestly, like it explains everything.

Jisung’s heart does a very stupid thing.

Later, outside, Jisung nudged him lightly with his shoulder. "You don’t have to stick with me all the time, you know. Go hang out with Chan hyung. He seemed lonely."

Minho stopped walking. Jisung turned back to look at him, expecting teasing, maybe a joke.

Minho just shaked his head. "I want to be with you," he said simply.

Like it’s obvious. Like it’s always been obvious.

By Friday evening, they’re sprawled on Jisung’s bed in a soft pile of blankets and half-eaten snacks, a Ghibli movie playing in the background. The room glows faintly blue from the screen, but Minho isn’t watching anymore. He’s curled close, cheek resting on Jisung’s shoulder, fingers absentmindedly tracing small hearts on the inside of Jisung’s thigh.

Jisung swallows. "You’re acting strange," he murmurs, carding his fingers through Minho’s hair.

Minho hums, nuzzling closer. "Mm. I know."

"Why?"

Minho goes quiet.

"…Because I scared you." Minho admits finally, voice barely above a whisper. "And I don’t want to anymore."

He wraps his arms around Minho without thinking, holding him close. Minho immediately melts into the embrace, pressing his face into Jisung’s neck like he’s afraid of drifting away.

"I’m not scared of you, hyung." Jisung says quickly. Minho hums. But it’s doubtful. Like he doesn’t quite believe it. "I’m scared of what you’re pulling yourself into." Jisung continues softly. "I don’t like it when you get hurt." Minho hums again, fingers pausing in their tracing. "Come on, bunny," he murmurs gently. "Say something."

"I… I don’t think I have anything worthy to say…"

Jisung pulls back instantly. He cups Minho’s face in his palms, forcing him to look up. "No," he says firmly. "Don’t say that."

Minho’s eyes are tired. Sad in a way.

"I don’t deserve you, jagi," Minho mutters. "No matter how much I try to be the soft, caring boyfriend… I’ll always turn into a monster by the end of the week."

"No." Jisung says immediately. "Bunny, no. You aren’t a monster. You’re the sweetest person I’ve ever met in my entire life."

Minho exhales shakily. "Who almost beats people for money," he says, bitter. "I’ll still go to the arena tomorrow. I don’t even have an excuse."

Jisung hesitates, then asks softly, "Mind telling me why you do it though…?"

Minho shrugs weakly. "I always loved martial arts. I liked the strength it gave me. Maybe it was my ego. I don’t know. But I get this thrill when I feel powerful." He pauses. "Then I met Chan hyung. His parents have a partnership with the owner of the ring, so I joined their team with a contract." He sighs. "It’s messed up. I earn way more than a normal college student should. But I like the sport. Just… not the idea of hurting people."

He glances up at Jisung, uncertain. "Do you think I’m weird?"

Jisung shakes his head immediately. "Of course not."

"I really tried to change for you, jagi. I moved my fights from weekdays to weekends. I just… didn’t want you to see that side of me." He swallows. "I wanted to give you everything. To protect you. I knew I could protect you." A nervous laugh slips out. "But then you showed up at the ring and I- I lost it." He looks embarrassed. "They're not good poeple." Minho whispers. "Though Chan hyung is a really good friend, his parents are fucked up."

Jisung pulls him back in, forehead pressed to Minho’s.

"Sorry." Minho mumbled.

"You don’t have to be sorry. I love you the way you are." Jisung murmurs. "Just… don’t disappear from me."

Minho closes his eyes and holds him tighter. Like he’s afraid to ever let go. "I won't."

Jisung hummed. "Thank you... for being honest with me." Jisung said, "do you promise no secrets anymore?"

"Promise."

 

▪*🥊🥊*▪

 

"Fuck fuck fuck - ah!"

"Shh." Minho clamped his palm on Jisung's mouth. "Do want the whole ring to hear your whining?"

"Ngh!"

Jisung shaked his head with teary eyes. But it was almost impossible to keep his voice leveled. Not when Minho keep hitting on his prostate in his absurd position every fucking time.

That weekend, Jisung had specifically came to watch Minho's game. He still hadn't told his friends about it. He feels like Minho isn't ready yet, and Jisung wasn't going to push him either. Hyunjin and Felix won't probably die off from curiosity by then, but they were considerate enough to understand.

After Minho won, again, Jisung had slipped in to the back room. Thank god he's VIP and the tattooed guard probably remebers his face by now - so he let's him enter. If they were to stop Jisung, he thinks he will actually combustion because the boner in his leather pants is killing him.

Jisung finds it freaky, that he finds Minho's wierd part time job hot. He loves the soft Minho, it's the reason why he fell in love with him even, but when Minho is all domint and mean? When he manhandles Jisung on his cock like he weighs nothing? A fucking turn on.

Minho’s palm stayed over Jisung’s mouth. His fingers splayed wide enough that the edges pressed into his cheek and jaw. Not in a cruel way, but definitely not gentle either. The kind of hold that said 'you’re mine to quiet right now'.

Jisung’s eyelashes fluttered. They were getting wet at the corners.

He tried, really tried to swallow his next broken moan. But Minho chose the exact second to grind down, dragging his thick cock over his prostate again. And again. And again.

A muffled, desperate “mmph-!” leaked between Minho’s fingers anyway.

Minho clicked his tongue. “What did I just say, baby?”

He didn’t wait for an answer. His free hand slid down and hooked under one of Jisung’s knees. He yanked it higher until Jisung’s thigh was practically over Minho's shoulder. The new angle made everything more much more dizzying.

Jisung’s whole body jerked like a live wire.

The back room still smelled like metal with the faint coppery edge of blood that always clung to Minho after a fight. Somewhere beyond the door, the muffled sound of the bell - probably te next round - and voices from the underground ring bled through the walls.

And here's Jisung, folded in half, leather pants shoved down to his ankles, underwear long gone, thighs trembling around Minho’s cock.

Minho leaned in until their foreheads nearly touched. "You came all the way here wearing these slutty little pants just to get fucked stupid after my win, didn’t you?" He rolled his hips in a slow circle, watching Jisung’s eyes roll back. "Look at you. Soaking my cock like you’ve been thinking about it since the first bell."

Jisung’s head thumped weakly back against the wall. He couldn’t speak, couldn’t even nod properly with Minho’s hand still sealing his mouth. But the frantic little jerks of his hips answered for him.

Minho’s lips curved. He pulled his hand away just enough to let Jisung drag in a ragged breath.

"Say it." Minho ordered quietly. "Tell me why you’re here."

Jisung’s voice cracked on the first try. "To - fuck! - to watch you win…"

"And then?"

Jisung’s cheeks burned. "To… to let you use me after."

Minho hummed, pleased. "Good boy."

He rewarded him with a sudden, brutal snap of his hips which was deep enough that Jisung’s vision whited out for a second. When he came back, Minho was already moving again, each thrust shoving little punched out 'ah ah ah' from Jisung’s throat.

Minho laughed under his breath.

"Gonna have to be quieter than that, Sungie. Unless you want the guys outside to know exactly what their pretty little VIP gets up to when the lights go down."

Jisung shook his head so fast it made tears flick off his lashes. But his body betrayed him. His hips jerked up greedily as his rock twitched against the stomach. Minho noticed. Of course he did. He wrapped his fingers around Jisung’s neglected cock and gave one tight pull.

Jisung’s whole body seized. A strangled cry almost made it out before Minho’s mouth crashed over his swallowing the sound, licking into him like he wanted to taste every single desperate noise he’d been choking back.

When he pulled away, Minho’s voice was wrecked.

“Come for me like this?" Minho asked.

"...please-"

"Look at you, so pretty bent in half and crying for my cock. Maybe - if you’re good and stay quiet - I’ll take you home later and fuck you slow in my bed until you're being me to stop."

Jisung’s breath hitched.

He was already so close it hurt.

And Minho knew exactly how to push him over. One more grinding thrust and Jisung shattered cumming between their bodies.

"Hyung!"

Minho fucked him through it. Only when Jisung was limp and trembling did Minho finally let his leg down. He let himself sink in one last time and spill deep with a low, satisfied groan.

For a long minute there was only harsh breathing and the faint drip of sweat hitting the table behind him.

Then Minho kissed the corner of Jisung’s mouth. "You okay?" he murmured.

Jisung gave a tiny nod. "...so fucking hot when you win."

Minho huffed a quiet laugh against his neck. "Yeah?" He nuzzled there, nosing along his pulse point. "Good. ‘Cause I’m not done celebrating yet. I have another round to win."

"Oh?" Jisung teased. "You gonna show me how sexy and strong you are?"

Minho hummed, mouthing on Jisung's collarboan. "Gonna show you how string I am next time." He rasped. "Gonna fuck you against the wall baby. You'd like that don't you?"

Jisung moaned, but it was muffled by the sudden knock.

Minho sighed, "I need to go."

Jisung pouted, and hissed when Minho pulled out. He could feel the cum dripping down his inner thigh. Minho quickly grabbed one of the spare towels and wiped him down. Jisung blushed as his fingers grazed over his already puffy rim to clean him up.

"All good?" Minho asked tossing away the towel and pulling Jisung's pants up.

"All good."

Minho gently smiled at him, kissing the crown of his head. He pulled up his pants and walked backwards suddenly shy. "I'll be back."

Jisung giggled. "I'll be right here."

Minho nodded. "Bye." With that he sprinted out of the room.

Jisung giggled to himself as he watched Minho slip away like a shy kitten.

His boyfriend really is the perfect combination.