“Stop glaring at each other,” Onew said firmly when the heated atmosphere appeared to be about to reach its boiling point, as neither refused to back down (Taemin’s pride held greater sway than his rationality, which was telling him to grovel and make his apologies immediately—remember the graphic pictures of the dead carriers; how their disfigured bodies showed signs of prolonged physical torture?) At this rate, things might possibly descend into a fist fight, and that would never do. Because while Taemin’s ID had been successfully faked, and his name snuck into the registry, there was no need for Taemin to expose himself to the extra scrutiny that would come along should the authorities be called.

Besides, the chances of this entire charade falling into parts increase exponentially to the time Taemin was forced to adopt his false persona. Best to simply let this dinner end, preferably without any incidents.

Although, Jinki couldn’t help but to note in frustration, it appeared as if Taemin was enjoying himself far too much to let things pass by uneventfully. Nevermind the fact that his fun came at the expense of JInki’s infiltration mission.

Maybe, it would be wise to put Taemin into probation, Jinki considered even as he resolutely returned the two parties in questions back to their respective positions on opposite sides, separated by the table. He might be young and all, but there was a limit to the extent at which things could be excused on the basis of youth. And this—deliberate jeopardy of mission—was simply pushing things too far.

“The two of you will make your truce now,” Onew said, “One of you is my brother, the other is my boyfriend. I won’t have the two of squabbling behind my back.”

Minho and Taemin continued glaring at each other, showing no signs of extending the olive branch.

“Minho, Taemin,” Onew tried going for the soft approach then, “Don’t you guys always say you love me very much? I would be incredibly saddened if the two of you don’t get along.”

-

Jonghyun nearly choked on his own saliva then. Because, holy , what the heck did Jinki just say? That was cliché as !

-

“Hmph,” Taemin folded his arms and looked away from Minho (finally), “He’s only after , Onew. He’s a bad egg, I can sense it in my tummy.”

“I am not only after . I happen to love Onew very much, much more than you ever would,” Minho denied in a loud voice before sneering, “And you meant ‘guts’, not ‘tummy’, boy.”

Onew flushed red again as the entire restaurant’s attention was drawn to the trio by Minho’s loud declaration. Hurriedly, Onew put his lips to his mouth, “Minho, not so loud!”

“Yea,” Taemin added gleefully, happy to see his nemesis admonished in any way possible, “You ert.”

“Taemin! I will not have any name calling!” Onew turned to Taemin then, fixing him with a disapproving look.

“He was the one who called me ‘boy’ first!” Taemin defended himself, feeling falsely accused.

Acknowledging the validity of the point, Onew addressed Minho. “Minho, you were the one who insisted on seeing my brother. At least try to remember Taemin’s name.”

Minho grunted in response.

“Minho,” Onew said warningly as he folded him arms in displeasure.

“Taemin.” Minho grudgingly uttered after a 3 second pause, “Lee Taemin.”

“That’s better,” Onew nodded in satisfaction, “Now, shake hands and make up.”

“I am not a kindergartner, Onew!” Taemin said in response.

“For once,” Minho said, “I agree with the boy. I mean, Taemin. Whatever.”

Putting his arms akimbo, Onew took in the sight of the 2 obstinate fools he loved (not) who were determined to make war at each other. He had known this was a disaster in the making the moment Minho asked to meet Taemin (given the fact that he didn’t exactly have a little brother by the name of Taemin), but this was way worse than he had expected. The obvious antagonism the 2 had for each other was nearly tangible, and Onew wished desperately that he did not have such a territorial lover and such an overly-protective brother (he should have spoken to Taemin beforehand about the characterization he was giving his persona).

If Onew had his way, Lee Taemin, the China boy, was very soon going over to UK for his studies. And as for Lee Taemin, the rookie agent, it appeared as if demerit points were about to come his way.

But before that (before Taemin’s well-deserved punishment), Onew had to clean up this entire mess. Which would hardly be easy, considering the pair he was now facing off.

Onew racked his brains for any possible solution, only arriving at one after much thought.

If the two could not be reasoned into a truce, if the two of them could not be appealed into a truce, Onew could threaten them into a truce!

Of course, Onew could also charm them into making a truce as well. And what better way to guarantee a settlement other than using both methods simultaneously?

Onew readied himself for the performance he was about to give. Albeit, it was not anything grand, nor was he acting out a substantial plot, but the action he was about to carry out next had the potential to humiliate Jinki for years to come.

Still, he was an undercover agent. It was his job even if he had to act out the role of some pliant, innocent, harmless little bunny in every man’s wet dreams.

“If the two of you continue on this way,” Onew threatened, biting on his lips briefly as he hesitated, “I am going to leave.”

A sort silence elapsed. Anyone witnessing the scene would have thought that declaration more cute than frightening, which was exactly what the pair was thinking. At seeing the sight of his beloved brother who could not scare a hamster if he wanted to, Taemin’s determination to protect his lovable brother from the wolves of the society was once again reignited fiercer than ever. Everyone was attracted to Onew like moths to flame, but unlike the flame, Taemin was convinced that Onew had nothing to defend himself with.

Minho, on the other hand, was finding the threat y. Cute of course, but y too. While he knew (thought) that it was not Onew’s intentions to be the least bit y in any way, Minho couldn’t help but to find the entire situation a bit of a turn-on. After all, it was rare enough for Onew to show such a determined side of him to Minho, what with his continued submissive attitude in the corporation. And as such, Minho was discovering that an angered Onew could be rather hot too.

It also helped that the hesitation helped to rile the protective instincts in Minho.

-

Jonghyun guffawed loudly as he replayed the moment over and over again. Clutching at his stomach and wiping away at the tears in the corner of his eyes, Jonghyun knew he would have to make a gif of that classic few seconds.

“Oh my god, Jinki,” Jonghyun said, “You ing conniving little tease, oh my god. That was so ing cliché.”