TW: bullying and insecurities (very light! since I love my babies and can't write anything severe) 
Please only read if you're okay with it :)

 

***

“Lee Minho, wake up!” Minho covered his ears as his mother’s scream reached him. Groggily he sat up and fought against his wish to lay back down.

“Minho, you’re late! Hurry up.” Said boy yawned loudly before he checked his phone. His mother was right, he had to leave in ten minutes!

Hurriedly he ran to his bathroom, styled his hair, got dressed and brushed his teeth simultaneously. With his bag pack in his hands he ran to the kitchen, took the offered sandwich, kissed his mother on the cheek and ran to the door. Once he opened the door, he was greeted with Jisung’s smiling face.

“Good morning, hyung!”, the squirrel shouted and got confused when the older boy tossed his things into his arms.

“Hold this for a second.”

 

Jisung confusedly watched Minho putting his shoes on and waved at his mom once he saw her.

“Sorry and you can give me my things back.” Dumbfounded Jisung did what he was told and started walking when Minho was ready.

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I just overslept.” Minho tiredly rubbed his eyes and tried to calm his heart down.

“Oh, and I thought that you’re eager to see me.”, Jisung laughed and grinned happily.

“You wish.”

“Come on, hyung. Let’s be friends.” Minho successfully ignored the squirrel’s pout.

“No.”

“Come ooooooon.”, he whined, clinging onto Minho’s arm.

“Nope.”

“Ok, let’s start differently. So, how are you hyung? How was your morning? What part of your morning routine took the longest?” Jisung expectantly watched the beautiful boy who took a deep breath.

“Usually finding my will to live takes the longest.”

Minho laughed internally when he heard Jisung’s groan.

 

 

They walked next to each other to school with a happily babbling Jisung and a sulky Minho who tried his best to not strangle the happy boy. His nerves were on the edge because of the upcoming competition, so he didn’t need another bother.

“So, yeah Felix then told me that his crush sent him a message! I still didn’t figure out who he is but Seungmin says that I’m an idiot if I didn’t notice it. So, I called Hyun-.”

“Jisung, please shut up.” Minho interrupted him harshly. He noticed that his tone was harsher than he intended but he couldn’t care less. He had to think about his dance training and not about Felix and his stupid crush.

Jisung stayed shut and watched his feet as they’re walking to school. He knew that Minho would act like this and he’d prepared himself beforehand. Well, that didn’t change the fact that he still was hurt. Every time when Jisung thought that they’d made progress in their relationship, Minho made clear that they still were at the beginning.

 

 

“Jisungie, hello! Are you dreaming?” Felix snapped his fingers in front of said boy’s face. His little squirrel friend seemed to be out of it and since Felix knew that he came together with Minho, he could imagine why his friend looked sad.

“Oh, Lix sorry!” Jisung’s face lit up immediately and he gifted his friend a big smile causing his cheeks puff out.

“Felix, I’ll be at the dance studio after the 5^th period.” Minho sighed tiredly.

“Okay hyung. Hyunjin and I will join you.”

“Good. See you later.” he said with a slight nod.

“SEE YOU LATER MINNIE HYUNG!” But like expected the boy ignored Jisung and walked away.

To say that Jisung was jealous was an understatement. Why could Minho be nice to everybody but him?

“It’s okay, buddy. He’ll come around.” Felix threw his arm around Jisung’s shoulders and led him to their class room.

 

 

***

 

“Hi.” Minho said as he sat down next to his best friend.

“Oh, I’m sorry but do I know you?”

“What?”

“Well, I don’t know but if we would be friends, I would have been invited to your place. Since I’m not, I guess we’re not befriended.” said Changbin sulkily and turned his head away.

“Changbin, come on. I’m stressed enough, I don’t need to deal with your cranky .” Minho rolled his eyes as his friend looked around.

“Do you hear something?” he basically ignored his friend and to emphasize his point, he took his phone out of his pocket.

 

 

[Minsung Nation <3]

 

7:21 AM

 

smaller man: I’m looking for a new best friend

smaller man: you can submit your applications till lunch

 

cooler Dad: are you still mad?

 

smaller man: did I stutter?

 

: sorry I’m out

: I already have 3 dumb friends

: don’t need one more

 

smaller man: well I wasn’t talking to you

 

Jinnie: I would love to be your friend but you know I feel like

Jinnie: we wouldn’t be at the same eye level

Jinnie: ( ͡~ ͜ʖ ͡°)

 

smaller man removed ‘Jinnie’ from the chat.

 

smaller man: my fingers slipped

smaller man: sorry

 

Dumblix: who removed my best friend???

Dumblix: I’m ready to fight

 

dumb : but Lix I thought you’re my best friend?

 

Dumblix: Bro

Dumblix: You’re my love

Dumblix: My brove <3

 

dumb : love you brove <3

 

panicked DAD: what did I just witness?

panicked DAD: how can I blind myself???

 

UwU: aww that’s cute

UwU: but it’s not nice to remove Hyunjin hyung :(((

 

UwU added ‘Jinnie’ to the chat

UwU changed ‘Jinnie’ to ‘Hyunnie’

 

Hyunnie: uwu <333

 

UwU: hehe <333

 

cooler Dad: stop that or I will kick both of you out

 

UwU: :(

 

Dark Lord: Changbin, could you pls stop ignoring me and answer my question?

Dark Lord: it’s important

 

smaller man: I feel like someone mentioned my name

smaller man: if I only would know who

smaller man: ┐(ﾟ～ﾟ)┌

 

Dark Lord: fine, then perish

 

dumb : I would never ignore you hyungie <3

dumb : oh and if Changbin isn’t your best friend anymore

dumb : can I claim his place?

dumb : you know that would be so romantic

dumb : we could tell everybody that we were best friends first

dumb : and became lovers at the end

 

Dark Lord: honestly Jisung

Dark Lord: you

 

dumb : is this a promise?

dumb : （*＾3＾）

 

Dark Lord left the chat

 

: you begged for it

 

cooler Dad: are you happy now?

 

cooler Dad added ‘Dark Lord’ to the chat

cooler Dad changed ‘Dark Lord’ to ‘Meowth’

 

Meowth: I’m only staying bc Woojin hyung added me back

Meowth: and bc I love Pokémon

Meowth: but if the squirrel boy gets on my nerves again

Meowth: I’ll leave

 

dumb : :(

 

panicked DAD: fair enough

panicked DAD: but now off your phones

panicked DAD: classes going to start now

 

: I hate my dad

: I don’t want to stay in this family

 

panicked DAD: shut your ungrateful up

 

: you dad

 

 

***

 

Minho sighed as he pushed the heavy door to enter the school’s dance room. He tossed his bag in a corner and groaned when he looked at himself in the mirror. No matter what he did he couldn’t get rid of his tiredness. Slowly, he closed his eyes and started to circle his head to warm up. Today it felt extra heavy and Minho blamed Changbin and Jisung for it. He shook his head in hopes of getting rid of his thoughts. The competition was the most important matter for him now and he had to put all of his focus on it.

Minho stretched his back, when he heard muffled laughter behind the door and not long after it Hyunjin and Felix entered the room.

“Hi hyung.”

“Hello.” Minho’s voice was cloudy since his body was bent in half. He straightened and rolled his shoulders to prevent any injuries.

 

“Is Changbin hyung still ignoring you?” Felix asked suddenly interrupting the silent stretching.

“Yes, he’s still pissed.” Minho shrugged and pretended to not see the small smile on Felix face.

“Why are you so obsessed with him, Lix? Not even two weeks ago you were sure that you hate him.” Hyunjin rolled his eyes in a y way that even impressed Minho.

“You hated Changbin?” Well, it wasn’t that Minho cared but he couldn’t imagine somebody hating his bubbly friend. Not even he could hate him although he had enough reasons for it. Blushing deeply, Felix glared at Hyunjin and tried to avoid any eye contact.

“Ehm, yes. But that was a misunderstanding. It’s all good now.” Minho raised one eyebrow and watched the uneasiness wrapping the boy. Maybe, if Changbin stops being mopy he’ll ask him about that misunderstanding. But for now, they should concentrate on their dances.

“Ok, let’s start.”

 

After dancing for two hours and producing enough sweat to fill a bucket, the boys headed to the showers. Although their bodies screamed for rest, they had to go to lunch and their remaining classes.

“My feet hurt so much that I just want to cut them off.” Minho nodded, agreeing with Hyunjin.

“Oh my god, they have Mandus for lunch today!” Felix blurted out, brightening up and fastening his steps.

“Oh, yes. But wait, they may be sold already since Jisung stuffs his face with them.”

“Right the boy is crazy about them. We’ll see him eating like a squirrel again.” The boys were giggling and Minho let his thoughts wander off once he heard enough about Jisung’s eating habits. He didn’t need to fill his already full head with more useless information. 

 

 

***

 

With their trays in their tired hands, the boys made their way to the full table.

“Hi guys! You look horrible.” Woojin, as nice as ever, smiled innocently and pushed his tray aside, so that Hyunjin could sit next to him.

“You really look tired. Don’t overwork yourselves.” Jeongin watched them with big eyes and for a second Minho felt bad for worrying him. But then he composed himself and blamed his tiredness for his thought.

“Don’t worry Innie, we can handle it.” Simultaneously with Hyunjin’s statement, his groan was heard since he was punched by Changbin.

“That’s for earlier you er.” The boys laughed and started bickering causing Minho to roll his eyes and ignore them. He put a Mandu in his mouth, chewing slowly and enjoying the little peace he was given.

 

He was eating his third Mandu when he realized that something was off. He was still left in peace which never occurred since Jisung annoyed him every second of the day. Puzzled he looked to his right being cautious by the boy. A gloomy aura was surrounding him, his usually happy mien was replaced by a sad expression, his shoulders were slumped and his plate was untouched. Carefully he looked around, curious whether he other boys also noticed it. He saw that Seungmin was observing the boy with worried glances, also secretly exchanging signs with Hyunjin.

“Hey, Jisung why aren’t you eating?” Felix asked causing him a kick at his shin. Everybody’s attention shifted to Jisung who poked his lunch.

“Jisung?”

“Helloooo?”

Seungmin bumped the boy’s shoulder causing him to drop his chopsticks.

“What?” He asked, his voice being hoarse. Frowning, Minho noticed his slightly puffy eyes and wondered why Jisung cried.

“I’m not hungry. Have to go to class now. Bye.” he hastily said before taking his tray and leaving the cafeteria.

 

“Ok, what happened?” Chan asked and Minho felt the glances shifting to his direction. He quickly shrugged and lowered his gaze to his plate, feeling pressured by the accusing boys.

“I don’t know what happened but he was ok earlier, talking non stop like usual. Then he went to the toilet and told me to go ahead. And when he returned, I immediately knew that he cried. I mean I can imagine why but yeah…” Seungmin refused to look at the boys faces, chewing on his bottom lip. Minho didn’t know what Seungmin was implying and he felt like he was the only one left out. The atmosphere at their table dropped to the ground although Chan tried to lift it by changing the subject.

Minho put his chopsticks back on his tray and tried to stop his thoughts from wandering to Jisung. If the boy was quiet and stopped annoying Minho then he was happy with it. But strangely he couldn’t explain why he felt uneasy every time he thought of his face earlier. Frowning he stood up, took his tray and made his way out of the cafeteria. His head was throbbing, his body ached and he felt like crying. Luckily, he only had two more classes before he could burry himself in his bed.

 

 

***

 

“You don’t deserve my attention but unfortunately I need your help.” Changbin said as soon as he sat on the chair next to Minho.

“What do you need?”

“Well, I know somebody who likes a boy and he-“

“So, you do like Felix. Interesting.”

“What? you. But, yeah just technically. Let’s say I would like Felix and would like to ask him on a date…just technically.”

“Changbin, cut the . You like Felix and you want to ask him out, right?” Minho rolled his eyes and smirked when he saw his friend blushing.

“You know it’s…” Changbin scratched his nape, avoiding any eye contact with his friend. His blush darkened and Minho heard him sigh deeply.

“What’s up, Binnie? Where’s your usual confidence?” Said boy chuckled slightly and shrugged.

“I don’t know. He’s so…so…gorgeous, I can’t and did you see his freckles? HE HAS FRECKLES for s sake. I can’t talk to him in person, I swear. The only thing I can do is gaping like a fish and making a fool of me.” Sympathy washed through Minho and he smiled genuinely, caressing Changbin’s hair.

“Binnie, I know he is gorgeous but you’re not so bad yourself. I’m sure that our little boy would love to go on a date with you. Trust me.” Changbin eyed him skeptically but Minho could see the relief in his eyes.

“Thank you, hyung. But I still hate you.” Minho groaned loudly and watched Changbin trying to hold his laugh in when their teacher entered the class.

 

 

“Finally.” Minho murmured as the teacher ended the class. He put his things in his bag and mentally prepared himself for Jisung’s clingy behavior. Minho waved at his friend and made his way out of the room. Once he stepped out of it, he froze. Usually he would be greeted by an overenthusiastic squirrel but today nobody waited for him. Minho slightly shook his head, hoping to get rid of his thoughts. He should be happy rather than worrying! Finally, he had his peace back. Ignoring the uneasy feeling, he past the students and searched for his phone. He needed something to occupy himself, he clearly didn’t want to check whether he had any messages… and especially not messages from a certain boy. But no matter where he looked, he couldn’t find his phone. Groaning he realized that he left it back in the dance studio, plugged to the speakers. Minho was so tired that he pondered about leaving it behind and go home but of course he turned back and made his way to the dance studio.

 

 

***

 

Jisung tried to smile in front of his friends but he knew that he failed when he saw their worried glances. Sighing he took his bag and made his way out of the room accompanied by his friends. His day had been horrible and Jisung tried his best to not cry in front of the whole school. The only thing stopping him were his friends. They were always worried and cared so much about him, he didn’t want to burden them more. Once they left the room, the boy looked out for his bullies since he didn’t want them to see each other. To his horror, he saw Minhyuk und Soohyun standing in a corner and smirking. Jisung panicked hard and tried to find a way to send his friends away.

“I’ll wait for Minho hyung you can go ahead.” he lied and hoped that nobody saw through it.

“But Jisungie are you sure? We wanted to talk and grab some ice cream.” Seungmin tried to soothe him.

“No, you know I always walk with him. We can talk tomorrow, I promise.” His friends gave him tight lipped smiles but nodded and bid their goodbyes.

 

Relieved, Jisung glanced at the boys and walked away from the crowd toward the empty halls. He knew that Minhyuk and Soohyun would bully him again and he didn’t want anybody to witness it. Jisung stopped in an emptied hall and turned around, trying to seem more confident than he was.

 

“Good choice gay boy.” Minhyuk smirked as he approached Jisung.

“Don’t start the party without me.” Soohyun cackled and pushed Jisung’s shoulder causing the boy to stumble.

“Look at you, loser. As if looking like an ugly squirrel is not enough, you also decided to be gay.” The boys laughed loudly and circled Jisung, observing him like their prey.

“Poor boy is in love with Lee Minho. The Lee Minho. As if he would like an ugly misfit like you.” Minhyuk pushed Jisung heard enough for the boy to fall to the ground.

“Ow.” Jisung let out when his side made contact with the floor.

“ you.” Jisung said, standing up and pushing him back.

“Oho, little squirrel you’re as weak as you look.”

“Come on, Minhyuk have a little bit mercy on him. He has to live with that ugly face and his crush who doesn’t even want to be near him. He even humiliated him in front of all students several times but our dense squirrel doesn’t get the message.” Jisung wanted to wipe that smirk off Soohyun’s face but he stopped himself. Usually, the boys didn’t get physical, they just attacked him with words and to be honest, Jisung didn’t know which one he’d prefer.

“You know er, Minho will never like you. So, stop being pathetic or should I say try to stop? Since you’re always pathetic.”

 

Jisung tried to ignore their words, he tried to think of something else but he couldn’t. He always had been conscious about his unattractive looks and his insecurity was only fueled by their true words. Jisung KNEW that Minho was way out of his league, he KNEW that Minho didn’t like him, damn he KNEW that he was ugly, no need to remind him!

Against Jisung’s will, his eyes filled themselves with tears. Angrily, he tried to blink them away, not wanting to give his bullies the satisfaction.

 

“Awwww, is Jisungie going to cry like a little baby?” Minhyuk grabbed his chin hard enough for Jisung to whimper.

“Don’t cry, Jisungie. We don’t want your ugly face to look even uglier.” Soohyun cooed gripping Jisung’s hair to turn his face to his direction. A tear left his exhausted eyes as soon as he saw the disgusted look Soohyun sent him.

 

 

“What do you guys think you’re doing right now?” An ice-cold voice caused the boys to freeze and turn to the direction from where it came. Minho’s usual dark aura was surrounding him and sent chills through Jisung’s body.

“Hands off him.” Minho said calmly but his voice sounded so dark and powerful that Jisung felt how the boys flinched. Immediately they let go of Jisung and stepped away as if they burned their hands. Jisung hold his aching chin in his hand and massaged it to ease the pain. His tears were flowing over his puffy cheeks now that he felt safe.

“Come here.” Minho tried to sound gently because he could see how violently the boy was shaking. It seemed like Jisung was waiting for it since he dashed to his side and threw himself in his arms. Albeit grudgingly Minho wrapped his arms around the shaking boy and felt how Jisung buried his face in his neck. His tears were streaming and a sob left his throat as he snuggled deeper in Minho’s embrace. Jisung’s little hands were gripping his uniform while he tried to calm himself by concentrating on the boy’s scent.

“If I see you around Jisung again, even if you’re just passing him, you’ll regret it.” Jisung could imagine the boys’ scared faces and relaxed a little bit.

“Did you understand?” Minho raised his voice angrily and rubbed Jisung’s back when the smaller boy flinched.

“Y-yeah.”

“Now, get lost.” The boys scurried away not needed to be told twice. Being one of the most respected and feared student of the school sometimes had its perks.

 

 

“They left.” Minho said calmly and tried to detach Jisung from his body but the latter didn’t let go.

“Jisung, let me see your face please.” Said boy felt a warm sensation in his tummy when he realized how gently Minho was talking and holding him. Okay, maybe he shouldn’t think about their hug right now because he couldn’t handle another breakdown. Reluctantly, he let go but couldn’t find the courage to look at his face. The boys were right, he looked pathetic with his ugly crying face and he didn’t want Minho to see it.

“Did they hurt you?” Minho reached out to touch his chin but stopped midway when he realized what he was doing. He cleared his throat and opened his bag to get tissues.

“Here.”

“Thank you, hyung.” Jisung took the tissues and dried his tears.

“You’re welcome. Let’s go home?” Jisung nodded and missed the warmth of Minho’s body. His day had been very exhausting and he wanted to burry himself in those arms again. Now, that he had a taste of his hugs, he knew that he’d be addicted to them. Tired, he followed his hyung out of the school and was happy that he didn’t bombard him with questions like his friends would.

 

 

***

 

They walked silently until Minho looked at Jisung and saw how slumped the boy’s shoulders were. He despised bubbly Jisung but he wasn’t sure whether he would prefer this silent Jisung.

“So, ehm…do they bother you often?” Jisung groaned but shook his head.

“They had stopped for some time now since Hyunjin and Seungmin scared them off. But yeah…now they started again but it’s okay.”

“How the hell is that okay?” Jisung flinched and watched Minho with big eyes. The older boy was clearly pissed.

“Well, they’re right, hyung. I am ugly and gay, so what can I do?” he said, voice wavering once the words left his mouth.

“You’re not ugly.” Jisung was so used to this answer that he didn’t realize what Minho had really said. All of his friends told him that he wasn’t ugly but his insecurities were telling him the opposite.

“I am hyung! Can’t you see my cheeks? They take ¾ of my face up. I look like a ing squirrel!” He threw his hands in the air and groaned loudly.

“They’re cute.” This time Jisung realized what Minho said and gaped like a fish. Cute? Minho thought that Jisung was cute??? A blush crept up his neck and reached his ears in no time.

“Thank you hyung.” Minho could hear how flustered the boy was and rolled his eyes before he bumped his shoulder playfully.

“No, really thank you so much. I don’t know what they would have done if you hadn’t show up.”

Minho kept quiet but Jisung knew that he heard him.

 

 

They reached Minho’s house and Jisung turned to him to bid his goodbye but was interrupted.
“Where do you live?” Minho asked coolly and kept walking to the direction where Jisung always left.

“You’re taking me home?” Jisung asked dumbfounded but followed him nevertheless.

“Shut up and lead the way.” Minho tried to sound nonchalantly since he didn’t want Jisung to notice his worries.

 

 

“You live this near?” Minho asked surprised when he realized that they just walked for roughly 4 minutes.

“Yeah.” Jisung chuckled lightly as he saw his face.

“You’re really a stalker…wow.” Jisung laughed loudly and opened his bag to take his keys out. He didn’t want to part but he knew that his hyung was also exhausted and he wanted him to rest as soon as possible.

“Thank you again, hyung.” Minho rolled his eyes again and turned around once Jisung opened the door.

“Oh, hyung wait!”

“What?”

“I really, really like you, hyung.” Jisung grinned brightly when he heard Minho’s groan.