*I know, this is quite long for a one shot, but I just love N.A.P., though my top bias is Ricky. The title for every story would be my own point of view on what love is.

*Who loves this pairing as well? And by the way, I like C.A.P.'s aegyo, especially when I imagine him trying to be cute in front of Niel.

#1- NAP

“Aish, really? Will you please stop following me? And what’s with the nerd glasses and flower bouquet? I’m not a girl for god’s sake.”

“But you said you like smart guys, so I tried to look like one. And you like flowers right? Your friend said so, so I brought this for you.”

“When I said smart, I mean actually smart that gets straight As in all subjects. And no, my friend Ricky just probably agreed to you when you asked him about me liking that bunch of visual delight because you threatened him to give you an answer that you would want to hear. But no thanks, I’m all good without your attention or that gifts.”

“Alright, if you said so, but I’ll still treat you to lunch today. That’s better right?”

“Do you really want me to get murdered by your fangirls!? Ah I seriously prefer it if you return back to your old self. You know, when you were still bullying me. at least, I’ll be sure that after laughing their asses off, they’ll ignore me. Now, I can’t even walk the hallway without-! Ugh, never mind. Just stay far away as possible. I just want to pass through high school quietly and without a lost limb.””

Niel always wanted to be loved, and once in a while he imagines himself with his future lover, cuddling on the couch and spending their times whispering sweet words to each other’s ears. But Minsoo, or more known as CAP in their school, was never a part of those fantasies. So when the latter started treating him with kindness, that is more than usual, from being his official bully turned into good friend, he quickly asked the heavens if what kind of huge mistake has he done in his past life to be tortured and punished this way in his present life.

It was just a simple act of kindness, when he let the crying man from the party he had not planned to barge in to spend the night at his home, and it backfired the opposite way he had wanted. All he did was listen, give the young man advice, talk to Minsoo’s parents about his newfound friend’s concern. He never felt so thankful when the constant thrown punches and pranks were replaced with bonding moments and fun chats. But he never expected it to end up this way.

He’s not even a fan of romance and chick flicks.

**

One month ago.

Club music filled the condominium of one of his friends. While others who attended are already deep into the fast-paced sounds, Minsoo remained sitting on a couch at the corner, a glass of tequila at hand. He was always one of those lives of the party, yet at the moment he wouldn’t even budge from his position. Not caring about everything else, he started to close his eyes not to doze off  but rather, to calm his mind from all his anxieties and concerns.

“What’s wrong dude?”

“Oh, I’m fine Chunji, go back to L. Joe. Your girlfriends are waiting for you,” Minsoo answered while pointing to a bunch of girls wearing skimpy clothes waving at their direction.

Being the ladies’ man that he is, the pretty boy waved back after showing them his well-known pretty boy smile and returned his attention to his serious-looking friend again.

“You know what, it’s obvious that you’re not okay, and the best way to erase that foul mood is to flirt with those girls who kept looking at you ‘til now. Enjoy my birthday, it only happens once in a year so waste yourself tonight man. You’ll eventually forget what made you mad. Don’t just stay here okay? Show off that cool self of yours.”

“Fine, just let me drink in peace. Go now.”

He never felt so sad and lonely before. He had always spent his bad times this way, and he doesn’t expect his friends to treat him in any way different from before. So he decided to spend it the same way as always, drowning it with booze and sleeping the whole night and day.

“Oh, the weakling’s here! So you’re a pizza delivery guy as well, wow!”

 “Right, isn’t he the current target of CAP?”

Niel arrived, bringing four extra large boxes of pizza ordered by the birthday boy, who’s currently joking him about his face, making the younger flinch with the sudden contact. Chunji wasn’t the one who bullied him directly, but he’s one of those onlookers who did nothing but laugh at him and throw jokes using his name and flaws. Of course he felt afraid being surrounded by rich kids who never experienced working so hard just to eat well and attend school. They’ll never understand his hardships.

What shocked him more though was the sudden arm slung on his shoulders owned by no other than he’s no. one bully, Minsoo.

“Ah chingu-yah, what took you so long?”

Hearing these, all eyes are on them, with the same expression of confusion and surprise.

“When did the two of you become friends?” L. Joe asked while looking at the two with suspicion.

“Answer well or I’ll do worse than what I’m already doing to you at school,” Minsoo whispered to Niel’s ear while a smile is still plastered on his face. Hearing the words clearly, Niel immediately smiled widely as well and slung his own arm around the other’s shoulder, laughing once in a while.

“I guess it started last week, I got used to his pranks already, you know, boys play rough and we realized we enjoy each other’s company so we agreed on being best of buds. Right hyung?”

“That’s right, and we’ve got our own plans so let’s go Niel.”

“Ah- ah yes hyung!”

When the two were out of their sights, everyone turned back to what they were doing before the revelation, but CAP’s friends, Chunji and L. Joe are still frozen in their spots.

“That’s funny, they sounded like a couple, and it’s giving me goosebumps.”

“And when did CAP befriend the person he bullies?”

“Well, whatever, let’s just hope they’re not killing each other right now.”

**

Niel kept his cautious look at Minsoo, who’s currently eating the ramen he was planning to serve for his self after coming home from work. His gaze softened though after noticing the older one’s damp eyes.

“Did you cry? You’re eyes are even puffy, I just noticed.”

Hearing this, Minsoo turned his cap around to cover half of his face.

“Shut up, I’m not letting you speak with me.”

“Then give me back my ramen! You ungrateful guest, after I’ve let you in my home and giving you food you act that way?!”

“Oh, you’re talking back right now huh? You owe me one as well. If I didn’t tell them what I said earlier you’d still be there getting picked on by others.”

“Well it’s better than having the actual bully within my own home. Don’t think of anything or I’ll lock you here and never let you out.”

“As if you could tackle me down with that weak body of yours.”

“Seriously you’re still a living devil. But I’m sure as well that there’s more to what you did earlier. Bang Minsoo never leave in the middle of a party.”

“Why do you care? Just shut up and get out. This place , it’s not even enough to make two people comfortable.”

“Well I’m sorry ‘cause you’re here in a peasant’s headquarters.”

“Tss.”

“You know what? I actually listen well. And if you think about it, whatever that makes you feel bad right now, it’s better if you spill it than keep it yourself.”

It was the first time someone actually wanted to listen to his problems, but having his pride, he couldn’t muster the courage to open up to someone he kept on messing up with.

‘’Don’t worry, I’ll never tell anyone. I’d probably get killed and experience worse if I turn back on my words. Weighing both possible outcomes, you could say that I’ll keep my mouth shut.’’

Minsoo never felt that light after talking to Niel. They could actually have a proper chat without bloodshed and all.

After that day, they were constantly seen with each other, and Minsoo even defended Niel from those who tried to harm him, but he continued playing pranks on the younger one, but this time, it’s more like of what usual bestfriends would do. Niel even fights back now, to which Minsoo only laughs at.

And he never felt so thankful for having a friend like Niel when he discovered that his birthday gift to him was the secret conversation between the mudskipper, as how he call Niel, and his parents, making them understand the heart of a child always feeling left out and alone, and distant because of not being able to achieve up to his parent’s expectations.

It wasn’t much of a change, but it’s there. His parents manage to send him messages often, and they’re now supporting him on his dream of being an artist who wants to have his own exhibit in the future.

Niel has done so much after being his friend for only a month. That’s the time he started noticing every little action of the other, and looking for his warm presence around him.

But of course, he knows that Niel did it all out of pure kindness and their close friendship like brothers, but Minsoo, he’s not sure now why he wants the other to be closer.

**

And last time Niel checked, they were both straight.

But after last week’s usual sleepover of Minsoo, being alone with his parents in the province and the oler guy’s parents always on a business trip, everything changed in a blink of an eye. He was sound asleep, after late night video games and horror movie marathon, and he expected the other to be of the same state in tiredness. But when he opened his eyes, feeling his self being watched, he had it confirmed when he heard the snapping sounds from Minsoo’s phone, obviously capturing his wrecked features. Thinking that it was done for blackmailing purposes, he immediately tried to snatch it away from the other, who’s just laughing due to Niel’s whining.

“What the hell hyung, stop that! I probably look horrible there right now. No girl would like me if they saw that. Delete that right now!”

“No I won’t. You look cute in here. But maybe I’ll release it so no one else would like you.”

“Why?! You’re actually bullying me again right now; you want me to suffer by interfering with my lovelife!”

What he expected was a full-blown laugh or a backlash, the usual reaction of Minsoo when he fights back, but no words or sound came from the other. Seeing his serious face, Niel knew something was wrong.

“Why? Did something happen again? You want me to talk to your parents again?”

“No, I’m not bullying you. I’m just expressing myself. You do know that I’m selfish right? Especially with the things that are precious to me. And I don’t like the idea of sharing you or someone else liking you the same way as I do.”

With his eyes now wide open and his mouth agape in shock with the sudden confession, he looked like a fish out of the water, but Minsoo just find it more adorable. And seeing him lean closer, now hovering on top of the skinny guy, Niel immediately covered himself with his blanket that served as the only wall between the two.

“What are you saying right now hyung? Don’t tell me you do drugs! And you’re not even gay!”

“Well, technically, I’m not gay, but with you I don’t care if we’re both males.”

He hold on to the blanket, feeling embarrassed for the first time in front of a guy knowing that he sleeps without his pants on, while Minsoo sleeps without his shirt on. But Minsoo being the stronger one, pulled the covering successfully in just one try, and before Niel could react or push the other away, he kissed him. Gently at first, and Niel tried to push him away but he can’t, and when he realized that he’s actually responding to the kiss, he kicked the man that was off guard due to the unusual sensation that he haven’t felt with all the other girls that he went out with combined. It feels like Niel was a special wine that could make him drunk in a second.

When he successfully pulled himself free from Minsoo’s hold, he ran to the bathroom and locked himself in; feeling afraid of what might the older guy do to him once he caught him again.

And they spent the night that way, Niel snoring loudly inside the bathroom, while Minsoo waits at him outside the door, not trying to sleep at all. He has always been good with getting the girls that he thinks are attractive, but right now, he’s frustrated not knowing how to express his feelings well to a single guy, knowing that it is something more serious than plain attraction. And knowing that Niel might just be more afraid if he’s the first one he sees in the morning after waking up, he fixed his self, got his own things and drive towards home.

He needed everything to cool off first before trying again.

--

‘’Hey Niel hyung, what’s happening between you and Minsoo hyung? You seemed aloof when he’s around, and he’s unusually more affectionate with you lately. And this morning, he’s even wearing clothes according to your type and he brought flowers ‘cause I told him you like those. Are you dating? Oh my gosh, you’re both gay for each other?!’’

‘’Shut up or I’ll tell Changjo you ripped his favorite shorts after wearing it to the dance.’’

‘’Yah, that’s not counted! That’s foul play! We both know it was an accident.’’

‘’Then stop asking me about Minsoo hyung or I’ll really tell Changjo about that.’’

‘’Tell me what? Ah Ricky, can I get the shorts you’ve borrowed last week? I’m planning to use it for-‘’

“Haha, Niel hyung, I just remembered that I need to attend the meeting on the journalism club, annyeong! Oh you’re also here Changjo! I’m sorry but I gotta go! Bye to the two of you!”

“Yah Ricky! Come back here! What did you do this time?!”

Seeing Ricky flinch and running after hearing his best friend shout, Niel couldn’t help but laugh and pity the pretty boy after imagining what could Changjo, the black belter in Taekwondo, do to the poor guy.

While watching at the two intently who’s now having a wrestling competition of their own, he didn’t notice the longing look that someone else was giving him.

“What’s with this hyung? He looks like a lovesick puppy and it’s scaring me.”

“And to think that he’s being that way because of Niel. CAP, did that fish forced you to eat anything while you were at his house? You’re probably drugged. That’s the most likely reason, right Chunji?”

The other just nodded and both looked at Minsoo, waiting for the answer, but the subject of their conversation had his full attention on Niel who’s now approaching his friends before Ricky get killed.

“Whatever, let’s just support him man, he’s really into him. He even rejected all those girls and guys who tried hitting on him. And I’m sure Niel is not the kind of person who’ll use love potion on our friend. He doesn’t swing that way right?” Chunji answered while throwing a glance at Minsoo.

Sensing where does his friend wants the conversation to go, L. Joe answered while looking at Minsoo as well.

“Oh you’re right! Didn’t he say that he finds Chorong really cute?”

“Who’s Chorong?”

The two just fist-bumped after successfully getting the other’s attention who’s now showing an irritated look after realizing what his friends did.

“Oh, but we’re not lying. There is really a student here named Chorong, and Niel actually got a crush on her.”

“So you better act quickly before he’s snatched from you.”

Before they could taunt him more, Minsoo was already out the classroom and is on his way to getting the person he seriously likes.

And before that person could react, he was already dragged by a serious Minsoo.

--

“Who’s Chorong?”

“Ah-she’s-she’s that girl who-hehe…”

“And you’re even blushing while talking about her!?”

“Why are you angry anyways? We’re not even a couple!”

“Correction, not yet.”

“Really hyung? Really? You’re still not giving up on me?”

“Not now, not ever. Especially when my parents and friends are supporting me about this.”

“You’re parents?! You’ve told them about this?!”

“Of course, why not? They told me that after being close to you, my grades improved and I’m tied to less problems and ruckus, therefore you’re a good influence. So they’re fine about me liking you.”

Niel just face-palmed sensing the other’s strong will, he couldn’t even move farther since they’re inside the janitor’s closet and Minsoo’s back is on the door. When he tried to retort back again though, he noticed that the other scooted closer and their faces are just a few inches away from each other, making him hit his head accidentally on the wall.

“Ouch!”

“Niel?! Wait, I’ll bring you to the clinic!”

“Just stop please.”

Silence.

“You’ve asked me what I want for my coming birthday right? And I just thought about what is it that I want on that day.”

“Niel-”

“Stop this. All of this. Stop liking me that way. But we could still stay as friends hyung.”

But Minsoo didn’t say a word and just went out, leaving Niel feeling angry with his self. He knows Minsoo well even though it was just for almost two months, and he knows it’ll be hard to return to what they were before. Once Minsoo decided about one thing, he’ll stick to it.

--

A week had passed, without any form of communication between the two. When they pass each other at the corridors, no greetings were exchanged, yet Niel knows that Minsoo was still there to save him anytime, when he catches him confronting the other bullies who started on Niel since they saw them not hanging out anymore. He knows that his hyung doesn’t know how to express his self well, so he’ll stay silent about it as well.

The only good things that happened was Chorong agreeing to have a date with him during his birthday. And he felt so nervous about it, that he almost called Minsoo to tell him the good news, but remembering that he’s giving him the cold shoulder, he couldn’t help but feel down again.

‘’Niel! Sorry, I’m late.’’

“No it’s fine, I’m just early. Shall we?”

The day passed well, but Niel felt hollow. It was unusual, knowing that he waited for so long to be noticed by the sweet girl in front of him now. He’s sure he still attracted to her, but he’s not sure whether he could give her an undivided attention.

“You’re close with Minsoo right? What happened?”

“Ah, I’m sorry but I couldn’t tell you about that.”

“Ah, okay. But, can I ask for a favor?”

“Sure!”

“Um, can you help me to be closer to Minsoo? I mean, I really like him, and I knew that the two of you were close so I took my chance through this. It’s fine with you right?”

He should be feeling totally hurt right now, and he should get angry at her, but he just can’t. And he even felt lighter knowing that they have no chance. And realizing why, he couldn’t help but cry because of his own stupidity. He knows the answer all along, he’s just too afraid to accept it.

‘’I’m sorry Niel, but you know in the first place that we’re not meant to be together right? Stop crying, you’ll look more ugly than you already are.”

Before he could answer back to clear everything, including  the reason of his tears, he felt his self pulled, and he felt his eyes fluttering close feeling the touch of the familiar warmth on his own lips. And he cried more.

Chorong was shocked seeing Minsoo kissing Niel, and she felt humiliated that she pulled Niel and slapped him hard, the left side of his face are now all red.

“Yah! Why did you do that to Niel!?”

“Really CAP? He’s the reason why you turned those girls down and even me? You like him more than me?! Are you out of your mind? You’re willing to crease your name just because of that weak guy?!”

“You don’t have any rights of questioning my decisions, nor calling this guy any names. Do you know that I almost gave up on what I feel for him after knowing that you agreed with this date? Do you know how much he likes you? And you dare make him cry in front of my own eyes?! You don’t even deserve him. He’s too kind and special to just end up with you. And I’m not sorry to tell you that you’re not even my type. Now get lost.”

“You’ll regret that you’ve turned me down Bang Minsoo. I’ll make sure that this would be the hot topic at school tomorrow!”

“Do what you want, that’ll actually help me, so that no one would try snatching this mudskipper away from the one who caught him first.”

“Aaargh!”

After seeing Chorong call for a taxi and out of their sights, Minsoo quickly turned back to Niel and wiped the tears on his cheeks using his own hands.

“Aish, you’ve got a really bad sense with choosing girls. That’s why I told you to just choose me.”

“Hyung… thank you for being here right now.”

“So if I didn’t follow the two of you you’ll just cry here? You’ll look like a madman if that happened. You’re lucky that I like you so much I couldn’t stand seeing you hurt.”

Niel didn’t answer back, and just kissed the still angry-looking Minsoo, on the lips, but it was just a chaste one. After he pulled away, he cried again, making Minsoo’s eyes open wider than it could.

“Hey Niel! If you did that to say thanks, you could just tell me in words, and now you’re crying because you obviously don’t want to do this, you’re making me feel bad than I already am!”

“No, I did that because I want  to. And I’m crying ‘cause I missed you, a lot! Stop acting cold around me anymore will you? Or I’ll never give you a chance again.”

“Does this mean…”

“Yes, I like you too, pabo!”

“Then why did you let me get depressed believeing that I don’t have any chance?!”

“How would I know that I like you too that way?! I just realized it today so stop complaining or I would never talk to you anymore!”

“I’m not complaining you mudskipper!”

“Hey stop punching me!”

After a few more punches, Minsoo pulled him into a hug, tight, feeling afraid that he’s just imagining things and hearing words that are not true, but it is.

“I’m possesive.”

“I know.”

“And selfish.”

“Obviously.”

“And I don’t like it when I’m not given attention.”

“You said that many times already.”

“And I’m not giving you any chance of getting out of my life, so just like me and only look at me, okay?”

“I already kissed you and you’re doubting me right now? Seriously.”

Before he could get out of Minsoo’s hold, he was just pulled again, tighter this time, and blushed after hearing the words he didn’t expect.

“I think I’m inlove with you. I’m willing to wait until you could say  that to me too.”

---

It was true, their relationship became a hot topic at school, but on the contrary, a fans club was formed immediately, but none of their closest friends were a member. Walking towards their usual table at the cafeteria, all eyes were on them and on their hands that are clasped to each other. It was the first time as well that they’re seeing Minsoo, the great bully, smiling widely as if anytime his lips would get ripped from his face. Niel on the other hand is blushing madly and trying to avoid the looks given to them.

Their friends though, are all making a gagging sound, and Minsoo just glared at them in return.

“Okay lovebirds, that’s enough sweetness for today, or we’ll get diabetes because of the two of you.”

“Hyung, I’m hungry already, you promised about buying me lunch right?”

“Yah Ricky! Stop showing aegyo to my Niel. Give that to Changjo or anyone else.”

Hearing his name, Changjo choked on his drink and luaghed nervously, flinching when he felt the tissue wiped across his face by no other than Ricky who just died his hair blonde, making his features more pretty than handsome.

“I just remembered I need to go to a club meeting, goodbye everyone!”

And he almost stumble along his way, bumping into others and tables before successfully getting out of the cafeteria.

“What’s wrong with Changjo?”

“Hey, you should be only worried about me.”

“Really Minsoo hyung? Ricky, what’s wrong with Changjo?”

“I don’t even know. He’s been avoiding me like a plague lately, when I tried asking him, he just changed the topic quickly. He even went home immediately before he could finish teaching me a new dance. It was an accident you know, me triipping and falling on him, maybe he got angry because of that.”

Hearing these, Chunji and L. Joe couldn’t help but groan and pointed at the pouting Ricky.

“Why, is there something on my face?”

“You’re too innocent it hurts.”

“And why is everyone turning into a pair within this group? Well, except for us.”

“Right. You know what, Ricky, you should follow him or you would never know why he’s avoiding you.”

“You’re right! And I’ll gonna say sorry too, I haven’t told him that yet. See you later Niel hyung!”

“It would be funny if the two of you end up together as well.”

“I’m sorry to dissapoint you, but I, the great Chunji, and my friend over here, L. Joe, the ladies’ killer, would remain as we are. We couldn’t let any girl down you know.”

“Chunji’s right, and we’re straight as hell, why would we even hit on each other?”

“Yeah right, straight my . Tell that to me after explaining why you’re watching  the video of Chunji singing that ballad song at the practice room of the glee club.’’

Chunji’s head snapped at L. Joe’s direction, eyes turning into slits and is about to wring the neck of the now sweating guy, before the latter ran and he followed as well, wanting to catch the culprit.

“Delete that video you punk!”

“I won’t!”

“Now we got table for ourselves. What do you want for lunch?”

“Wait, L. Joe actually took a video of Chunji?”

“I lied, I don’t know. I just found it right now after seeing his expression.”

“What’s with this group really?”

“Stop being so adorable or I’ll kiss you in front of the whole school.”

“Okay, I’ll shut up now.”

And a kiss.

“Minsoo?!”

“I lied again. I love you.”

“Whatever.”

*Yes, I've put a little of changrick and chunjoe, 'cause I can't get enough of them as well.

*Who should be the main couple of the next story? Cute changrick, handsome chunjoe, or playful nap again?