"Can you believe it Taemin? Just one more month and Minho will be out of your life for good!"

"As weird as it sounds for me to say this, I agree with Wookyu. The meat head is graduating this year which in turn means that he will no longer be around to mentally and physically abuse you."

Taemin was broken out of his thoughts when the realization finally popped into his head. They're right... Minho is going to be gone after this month… When the three friends reached Taemin's locker, Wookyu and Jongin were starting to arguing about dancing ethics as Taemin was looking at the mirror in his locker with a slightly stern face.

'Why do I honestly care?…I mean he's been mean to me for so long just because I'm a 'geek'. All I ever do is avoid him and yet he manages to track me down and still beat me for no reason. In fact I should be happy that he's going. No more of the retarded name calling, no more getting shoved in a locker, no more of his friends staking me out for him, no more Choi Minho ever again!'

" –opping, right Taemin?"

"H-huh? What?" Both friends gave the black haired boy an odd look.

"Are you ok Taemin? You've been spacing out a few times today…and I'm not including the times your mind goes blank in class." Wookyu asked the boy.

"Is something bothering you Taemin?” Jongin asked worriedly

"No no, nothing of importance. It's just…you know, pondering life and random things." Taemin said to both Wookyu and Jongin

"Pondering life? You must be pondering to your heart's content if it causes you to zone out so much. Are you sure there isn't a problem?" Jongin said.

Taemin just shook his head and smiled at Jongin.

"Trust me guys, if it was a problem, you two would be the first ones to know about it. You should know that by now right?"

Both Jongin and Wookyu shared a slightly guilty look.

"Well, we know that, but we can't help but worry. I mean it's understandable if you don't feel like telling us if you have a problem – which I'm not saying you do – but it's better to let it out instead of bottling it up."

"He's right Taemin, just let it out."

Taemin sighed.

"Guys relax…I'm fine honestly…ok what can I say to make you guys believe me? And if it's explaining to you my 'problem' then you're out of luck since I don't have one."

Jongin and Wookyu exchanged uncertain glances at each other.

"That's what I thought. You two better get to class. I've got a free period right now so I guess I can start on that essay that Mr. Park assigned me."

"Alright Taemin but remember if-"

"I know I know alright? Now both of you stop worrying like mothers and hurry to class."

"Heeeeeeey." They both said.

The black haired boy was quietly walking towards the school cafeteria to do some of his homework for his other subjects as well as his recent essay from Mr. Park's. He was lucky that not many people had fifth period off and the cafeteria had like 2 other people studying at separate tables. All was right with the world and he gently set himself down on the nearest table.

He was just going over a few textbook references until…

"GO TO THE FAR END OF THE CAFETERIA!"

"GOT IT!"

It just so happened that both Jonghyun and Minho had their off period with him and that they are playing soccer inside the school. Despite being a one grade older, they still had their off period together. Minho, being the typical athlete that he is, caught the soccer with ease.

"Hey, Taeminnie-ah!"

There were only one good things about having one of the jocks in his off period: Jonghyun. As they became older, Jonghyun had become nicer and a bit more 'friendly' towards Taemin. Before he used to be nice to him only when people weren't looking but now he has decided that he is above social cliques and found out that Taemin is actually a better person than Chun de High had labelled him as.

"Hey Jonghyun-hyung…how's it going?"

"Ahhh nothing much. Don't really feel like studying so Min and Me decided to slack off today."

"Always a good choice. So, you excited about graduating this year?"

Jonghyun took a seat in front of Taemin.

"Call me crazy but not really. I mean sure I'll be out of high school but it doesn't really seem like the 'big stepping stone' that everyone has made it out to be. In all honesty, I really don't feel any different. Well, other than being older."

Both guys shared a quiet laugh. Jonghyun looked a bit over Taemin's shoulder to see Minho hitting on a few girls in the background with the soccer ball in his arm.

"How about Minho, what has he said about graduating?"

"Well nothing new anyways. It's always been, 'I can finally get a place of my own' or 'I no longer have to spend endless days surrounded by geeks'."

Jonghyun saw a look in Taemin's eyes.

"Sorry…"

"It's no big deal, but still, I wish he could just grow up a bit. Is he really all that paranoid about having 'geek' germs invading his personal space?"

"Yeah…guess some people never learn." Jonghyun smirked.

"Maybe…but I’m hoping. For his sake at least."

"How can you put any faith in him Taemin? I mean, he's done nothing but treat you like crap for the past three years-ish."

"I really don't believe one person can stay the same way for the rest of their lives. I mean look at you, you used to be an to me but you've decided to be civil ever since last year. I just feel that Minho will eventually see me as you know, a person and not as a bug or a disease. Maybe not in the near future, but eventually."

"…You actually believe he can change?"

"I believe no one's 100 percent evil all the time. There's just a nicer side of him that has yet to be shown. Either that or he really is a complete jack and will always hunt me down until my head is mounted above his brick fireplace."

Taemin made a small laugh and Jonghyun couldn't help but laugh with him. How can Minho not like this guy? He's actually more normal than most other people I've met…sometimes…

"Well, I'm going to head down to the gym, gotta check some of my gear before next weeks game. See ya Taemin."

"Later Hyung."

As Jonghyun waved and walked away, Taemin went back to work. Hidden underneath his school work was a song that he had been writing ever since last week. The lyrics were almost finished, but all he needed was the bridge to complete it and the right tune to bring it to life. His inspiration came to him after years of reflecting his High School years and a special someone that he just couldn't picture his life without.

'Do you recognize me?'

'Do you know who I am?'

'Do you…hear my cry?...No that's not good'

"Whacha got there geek? A poem?" And before he knew it, Minho was behind him.

Taemin slightly covered up his lyrics as not give the impression that it was something that Minho absolutely had to see.

"It's none of your business Minho-hyung, they're just words…they don't mean anything." Little did Minho knew that his 'poem' held more meaning to Taemin than anything else. Taemin's heart speed up just a little bit and his face became just the slightest bit pink due to the closeness of Minho's face just behind him. Without even knowing it, Minho was continuing to read the part of Taemin's 'poem' that wasn't covered by an arm or a book.

"You know…they're not bad. Not too cheesy but not too dramatic either. Never knew you had in ya Nerd? Who's it for?" Minho gave a cocky smirk.

"It's still none of your business Minho-hyung."

"So…you gotta secret crush now?... Interesting…so…who is it?"

"First of all, it isn't for anyone, I just had an urge to write something expressive, centering around one emotion…in this case, longing."

"Riiiight…." Minho quickly scanned around the cafeteria for a bit and noticed that he and Taemin were the only two people in the entire area, at the time. He quietly sat next to Taemin by pulling up a chair from behind him and rested his arms on the back of the chair.

"M-Minho-hyung? What are you doing?" Taemin asked surprise.

"Just shut up and listen to me Taemin…I'll make this quick." Taemin gulped a bit and nodded to the jock.

"As you know, you've been getting under my skin ever since you stepped foot into this school. There was never a time where I couldn't see you and not want to shove you into the nearest locker."

Taemin's heart sank and gave a expressionless look at Minho.

"Is there a point to this Minho-hyung? This really isn't anything new to me so why are you bringing it up?"

"What did I just say Taemin? Shut up and listen to me. I didn't even tell you I was finished yet…anyway…I've been thinking and well…after taking the concept of karma along with it…" Minho looked to the side and had somewhat of a conflicted look on his face. "Ugh…how the hell do I put this…?"

Minho gave a stern look back at Taemin and held out his hand. Taemin just stared at it in surprise and his heart began to speed up again. "U-um…"

"…Truce…?"

"Wait…how do I know this isn't one of your little jokes? What's the catch?"

"There is no catch…as embarrassing as it is to say this…I'm being absolutely honest here."

"B-but…why?"

"I just said it…Karma. I'd rather get this off my chest now before it bites me in the later on in the distant future."

Taemin hesitantly held out his hand towards the jock and shook it. Taemin felt a slight tingle in his arm from the warmth of Minho's hand as well as the perfect hand-and-hand fit that he felt when they shook.

"So…we're cool now?" Even though they stopped shaking, Taemin still held on to Minho's hand.

"Yeah…just…don't let too many people know alright?"

"Well, everyone would get suspicious if you just walked by me in the hallways one day and gave me a nod instead of a bruised arm. But then again, we only have a month of school left anyway so frankly…not very many people would notice it anyway." Taemin said.

"Hmm…" Minho looked down at their hands and unconsciously moved his thumb across Taemin's in a gentle manner. Taemin however, noticed this and his cheeks became pinker by the second.

"Alright well…catch ya later Taemin-ah." As Minho walked from behind Taemin he ruffle his head before leaving the cafeteria.

Taemin couldn't help but continue to stare at the jock's retreating form. First, Minho encounters him without even so much as a flick to the fore head. Second, Minho actually wanted to be nice to him – well not officially but less bruising would be the better phrase.

Taemin's heart couldn't stop beating…who knew that his little hope for Minho that he explained to Jonghyun only minutes ago would come true in the exact same day it was mentioned? Taemin looked back down at his lyrics and smiled at them when he saw mental image of the dashing jock.

'Do you see me now?...'

It was the final day of school and teachers handed out report cards for their students. Even though it was a half day, everyone were excited for the end of the year Talent Show that had been administered this year in celebration of another school year successfully completed.

At around 10:30 everyone began to head towards the school' theatre. The simple stage floor was its main attraction and it was complimented by the matching curtains and monitoring equipment for the music.

All of the students and staff took their seats and waited in anticipation for the show to begin.

"Hey Min…have you seen Taemin? I didn't see him at all this morning."

"I don't know…probably decided to skip and stay home with his friends…what a geek."

Jonghyun sighed. "Come on Minho, enough with the name calling. Stop treating him like garbage."

"Ugh…not you too. It's bad enough I had a little lecture from Key but now you too? Just save it Jonghyun, a geek will always remain a geek no matter what."

Jonghyun disappointedly shook his head at Minho. "Alright… I won't lecture you. But still, grow up a bit…we've graduated already. The least you can do is act your age."

Minho made a mean scowl at Jonghyun and diverted his attention back to the stage. He didn't even notice that Choi Jinri was drooling all over his right arm and obviously worshipping his muscles.

It was almost noon and it was announced that the last act of the Talent Show would begin momentarily due to some setting up. Minho had to admit, it was pretty cool to see all of the performances. Some were lame like the sad attempt of a comedy act by a few random sophomores, but it was over shadowed quickly by a following comedy skit by students in the Drama club. There were a few solo singers, strange acts such as unicycling jugglers and a contortionist in the making. The act just minutes ago was performed by the cheerleaders doing an awesome choreographed routine.

"Alright everyone this is our last act before the summer holidays! They were actually a group that was put into the program at the last minute and thus aren't mentioned in the program. They will however be singing a song of their own and will be playing their own instruments. Give it up, for !"

The students in the audience began to cheer as the three remaining students began to walk on stage. A few whispers were heard throughout the crowd.

"Hey isn't that Taemin, Jongin, an Wookyu?"

"I didn't know they were their own band."

"Who cares…they're all freaks to me."

"Ooohhh…my lipstick is missing."

"Just WHAT are they wearing?"

"Did they just get hot all of a sudden?"

Minho too was surprised to see that The geeks of Chun de high school were the last act of the Talent Show. Minho unconsciously gulped as he saw that Taemin had on a black sleeveless shirt, a pair of black leather skinny jeans, black wristbands and a pair of black boots. He looked a little different but one could tell it was Taemin when you looked close enough. Minho didn't know what it was…but for some reason, Taemin looked quite enticing in his outfit to show off his slim curves.

"Hey! TAEMIN! WWOOOOO!"

Back on the stage…

"Are you ready Taemin?" Wookyu readied himself with his bass.

"We are whenever you are…" Jongin took his seat at the drum set.

Taemin took a deep breath and spoke to the microphone.

"Hey guys, we'd like to sing a song for you today. I'd like to dedicate it to those out there…who know what it feels to long for someone completely out of their reach…you don't have to like it…just listen to the words and judge for yourself…"

Jongin and Wookyu gave sad and knowing glances to Taemin. They saw the black haired boy turn around and give them a nod. Taemin began with a graceful strum of his electric guitar, with Wookyu and Jongin coming in shortly after. And then, the song began.

Everyone in the audience was listening to the poetic lyrics at the edge of their seats. Everyone had similar thoughts: Lee Taemin's hand at writing lyrics. Minho on the other hand was anchored to his seat.

Those lyrics…

Minho had never felt such raw emotion coming from Taemin's voice. Not only was his voice pretty good for a guy, but he couldn't help but feel mesmerized by the strong lyrics in combination with the tone in his voice.

"Do you think he knew it was for him?" Taemin asked.

"I'm not too sure Taemin…but I did see that he didn't hate your song."

"R-really…?"

"He's right Tae…from where I was, it looked like he was staring at you…or zoning out."

Jongin kicked Wookyu in the shin.

"OW! What was that for?" Jongin ignored Wookyu's cry in pain.

"Listen Taemin…even if he didn't know it was for him…today will probably be your last chance to let him know your true feelings."

Taemin made a sincere smile to his two friends.

"Have I ever told you guys how much I love you? I can't thank you ever enough for being so supportive of me. You guys even agreed to help me with my song…what can I ever do to repay you?" Wookyu smirked while rubbing his bruised leg and Jongin gave him a smile.

"You're our best friend Taemin. We'd accept you for who you are no matter what. Although it was a surprise to hear about your 'preference' as well as the object of your affections…we still know that you would always be Lee Taemin."

"I mean come on Tae…what do you take us for, homophobic. Being a pouf is nothing."

Taemin and Jongin both gave Wookyu a raised eyebrows.

"What? It's slang…in…England…shut up…I was bored one day and decided to look up a few things."

"Like what? Various synonyms for 'gay'? You must have less of a life than anyone I know." Jongin said.

"Hey!" The three friends shared a few laughs together, that is, until someone decided to walk back stage.

"Minho-hyung! What are you doing here?" Wookyu exclaimed.

"Not so loud Wookyu, I need a word with Taemin."

Even with his back facing Minho, Taemin gulped in fear of what might happen. Wookyu patted Taemin on the shoulder while Jongin whispered in his ear.

"The moment he does something to hurt you…inform me…I know where he lives…"

Taemin gave a small smile and watched the other two leave. When he saw them disappear behind the corners, Taemin took a really deep breath and began to talk with his back still facing Minho.

"Y-you wanted a word with me?"

"Turn around Taemin…I can't make my point clearly if I'm talking to your back."

Taemin hesitantly turned around and looked through Minho's dark brown eyes. His facial expression didn't read 'to kill' or 'wound in the most horrible way imaginable'. In fact, it didn't read anything at all, it was pure indifference.

"That was some really nice playing you made back there."

Taemin's eyes slightly widened, definitely not expecting that to happen.

"Uh…thanks…"

"So that was your 'poem' huh?...Deep…that's what it was."

"T-thanks…that's what I wanted the mood to be. I kind of wanted to emphasize that feeling of longing without having it sound like suicidal depressing. That's why the melody of the song is slightly happier. It's more of an 'accepting' kind of feeling." Taemin was nervously scratching the back of his head the whole time he talked.

Minho nodded. "Follow me…"

Taemin, although surprised, followed the jock through the curtains and towards the seats of the now empty theatre. Everyone had either left for home, lunch, or sticking around for a little bit longer for yearbook signing. Both boys took a seat in the front row right next to each other. It was a little bit quiet but no one decided to make the first move.

It's now or never…funny…even when I danced in front of people, I never got this nervous before.

Taemin took a deep breath.

"Minho…I…I have to say something."

The jock raised an eyebrow at the boy next to him. "Hmmm?"

"Just uh…promise me that you won't freak out or anything ok?"

"Don't bother…I know what you're going to say."

Taemin's eyes widened as he felt his heart stop a bit. "Y-you D-do?"

"Trust me Taemin…I have a TV after all. To be honest, this type of situation can mean one thing and only one thing: you have feelings for me don't you?"

Taemin couldn't help but look away in shame. His arms began to shake a bit in anticipation.

"Judging by your silence, I'm guessing that's a yes…" Minho made a sigh. "I just have one question Taemin…why me?"

Taemin nervously looked back at the jock.

"Y-you're not going to hit me or kill me?"

"We made a truce…I never go back on my word. What do you take me for? I maybe an sometimes but I'd never attack someone who just so happens to like their own gender. I'm much more open-minded than that. Now answer my question."

"O-oh…um…why you? Well…" Taemin stood up and walked forwards a little he didn't want to look at Minho, not yet.

"I-I don't know really…I mean I know it sounds weird considering we go together like electricity and water but…I guess it's because of... because…well…I just couldn't stop thinking about you…despite all of the bruises."

Minho winced at the thought of all of the times he abused Taemin.

"It's strange isn't it…everyone always says opposites attract. And what better way to describe an exact polar opposite from Lee Taemin and Choi Minho. You've been such a prominent fixture in my life that…well…regardless of the negative impact you've had on me for the last few years, you've always been the one to occupy my thoughts for a while."

"How long ago?" Minho asked.

"In all honesty…just this year. But it wasn't until last month that I decided to accept the fact that I look at you in a different way." Taemin made a scoff at himself. "I really am crazy aren't I?...who knew that I would fall for the very person who is deemed as my enemy throughout the entire school?"

Taemin hung his head low and an uncomfortable silence washed over the two teens. After a while Minho took a deep breath and stood up himself, standing right behind Taemin.

"You know…there's another old saying…that we hurt the ones we love…I think that's a fairly accurate saying." Minho gently wrap his arms on Taemin's waist.

Taemin couldn't help but snap his head up and become rigid.

"W-what do you mean?..." Minho leaned in closer and rested his chin against Taemin's hair.

"I don't know how to explain it myself…I mean, I'm still confused…but hearing something so sincere come from you...just made me rethink the way I look at you…as well as myself."

Taemin turned his head and looked into Minho's eyes again.

"Are you saying that…"

"No…I'm not gay…I don't look at other guys that way…but for some reason…you're the only guy that's ever made me actually question myself." Minho said as he put his hands on Taemin’s shoulders to turn him around.

"Minho-hyung…"

"I still need to…you know…confirm it for myself…I'm still in the accepting department. But for now…can you just stay here for a little bit?"

Taemin took one last look into Minho's eyes before he rested his hands and head on Minho’s chest.

"I will…"

Minho moved his hands from Taemin's shoulders and wrapped them around his waist. Taemin took in the scent of Minho's cologne while Minho inhaled the scent from Taemin's hair. Both boys stood there, just embracing each other without a single care in the world.

‘This…this is nice…maybe Taemin…is someone I can be happy with…hmph…who knew?’ - Minho

‘Please don't let this be another cruel dream…I haven't felt safer in my life before…’ - Taemin

Minho then gently lifted Taemin's chin to make them look at each other. Taemin had a small smile on his face as well as a light blush. It was Minho's turn to smile at Taemin…a true serene smile.

"And by the way…I do recognize you…you're Lee Taemin…and I can see you for who you really are…and frankly…I kinda like it…you were never invisible…"

Taemin couldn't help but laugh as his heart gave a happy jump for joy in his chest.

"So you did know that it was about you…"

"Well…no I didn't…but I imagined that it was…guessed my intuition was right on the mark huh?"

"Yeah…it was…" Both boys smiled at each other happily for the first time in years.

"Where are my manners…I almost ignored a traditional custom."

Taemin raised an eye brow. "Uh…a custom?"

Minho smirked and captured Taemin's lips in a gentle but passionate kiss. Taemin couldn't think his heart could get any bigger as he felt Minho's lips, as well as his tongue, against his own. Taemin instinctively wrapped his arms around the jock's neck as Minho continued to taste Taemin's delicious mouth. Both boys continued to kiss each other under the dim lighting of the theatre, completely oblivious to the five pairs of eyes spying on them.

"Aww...how romantic…"- Key

"Way to go Minho…way to go…"- Onew

"Looks like another job well done huh?"- Moonkyu

"It sure is…it's about time those two saw eye to eye"- Jongin

"More like mouth to mouth"- Jonghyun