When Taemin wakes up in the morning he feels refreshed. He stretches his arms up high, getting rid the last of his sleepy visage. He feels the empty space beside him, Minho isn't here.

Taemin leans back on his bed and sighs as he remembers last night. Minho had came in because he could feel Taemin had been scared of the thunderstorm. Minho had even listened to his mumbling, even hugging him in bed, staying by his side until he falls asleep. He doesn't know if Minho had stayed with him the whole night after he falls asleep because the empty space beside him feels cold.

Minho doesn't owe Taemin this, doesn't even have to do this. He had felt so safe and comfortable in Minho's arms that he's able to fall asleep so easily. His arms so steady, his chest so firm, his eyes so soft... the thought of it made Taemin smile before blushing. He feels like a longing maiden thinking about her crush.

A sudden noise brings Taemin back to the present of what could be heard as yelling. It had Taemin get up with a sigh and open the door as a familiar shrill sounded in the apartment.

“Taemin!”

Taemin blinks confused at Key and Jonghyun's appearance in his apartment early in the morning. Minho must have answered the door. “Good morning?”

Key closes the distance between them so quickly, grabbing him by the shoulders. “Taemin are you okay?! Did he touch you?!”

Maybe it's too early in the morning for Taemin's thought process to work because all he could answer with is a confused grunt.

This only caused Key to wail, bringing Taemin close to his bosoms while shaking him. He couldn't even get a word out in his position, only able to feel more confused.

“Key, I think you should let go of Taemin because he looks like he doesn't know what's going on.”

Thank you Jonghyun for being the voice of reason as Taemin breathes a sigh of relief. Key releases Taemin from his embrace but doesn't let him go. “Taemin, are you okay? Are you hurt?”

Taemin blinks at the question. “I'm doing okay. Why wouldn't I be?”

Key's mouth twitch and his grip on Taemin's shoulders tightens. “Then what is he doing here?!”

It took half a second for Taemin to process this question and another second longer to realize who Key is referring to.

Oh.

Oh.

Key is referring to Minho.

Minho. Choi Minho. A demon who can control the dark hellfires is in his apartment.

Minho has been living with him for quite some time that he's become used to his presence. None of his friends were aware of that fact and most of their interactions with Minho had been mildly hostile. To have Minho casually answering the door raises all sorts of questions that Taemin isn't prepared for.

He looks at Key and Jonghyun, who are both frowning from his lack of answers. He looks at Minho standing behind them, looking amused. That demon is not even answering, letting Taemin dig his own grave.

“He lives here...,” Taemin weakly answers. “With me.”

“He lives with you?!” Key says with disbelief. “Why?!”

“He... doesn't have a place to live...”

“What the – are you for real?! Taemin don't fall for his lies!”

Jonghyun clears his throat deigning to speak. It stops Key's tirade and even brings Minho to full attention. Jonghyun is known for being calm and understanding brings a relief feeling in Taemin's heart. Maybe he can stop this dumpster fire because he can't handle something like this early inn the morning.

“Taemin,” Jonghyun starts, uncertain. “Could it be that Minho is homeless?”

“...”

Were it not for the fact Taemin had recently woke up and is still overwhelmed by Key that he would have burst out laughing right there. Add to the fact the double sheer disbelief look on both Key and Minho's faces makes the situation more comical that Taemin would be rolling on the floor laughing. If it weren't for Jonghyun's lack of expression, Taemin would have thought he's joking. It takes much longer for the question to sink in and all Taemin can make was a choked up noise.

“You're homeless?!” Key turns to Minho wide-eyed with shock before turning back to Taemin. “Taemin, is this true?”

Taemin could figuratively feel his jaws dropped. He tries to catch Minho's gaze whose currently glaring daggers at Jonghyun's back.

“Minho doesn't have a place to live,” Taemin answers weakly, flinching when Minho turns his glare at him. “So he's staying here.”

“So,” Jonghyun starts, inwardly Taemin begs him not to make the situation worse. “You're roommates...”

Taemin really wants to go back to his room right now, where everything still makes sense. He felt like melting with all their gaze directed at him. Especially Minho whose gaze feels like under a microscope.

“Roommates...,” Key deadpanned repeats. “You and Minho are roommates.”

“...yup.”

“Taemin, you can't just let random people stay here no matter how good looking they are.”

“What?! I wouldn't do that!”

“You think I'm good looking?” Minho asks behind them, finally deigning to speak for the first time since their visitors arrived.

“Of course,” Key answers, not turning around to face him. “Such a shame that your looks don't match your personality.”

Taemin inwardly winces, at the scathing remark. “What are you guys doing here so early?” Taemin quickly asks to change the topic.

“Don't you remember?” Key raises an eyebrow. “You said you needed help buying your hyung's birthday present. There's supposed to be a bazaar set up today and we're both free today. I invited Jonghyun along since he has nothing planned.”

“Ohhhhh,” Taemin nods. “I almost forgot about that.”

“Do you want to reschedule?”

“Just give me an hour and I'll be ready.”

–

“What is he doing here?!”

Key's complaining for the umpteenth time at Minho's unwanted presence nonstop on their way to the bazaar. Minho had decided to tag along in their little outing since he doesn't have any plans either. Naturally Key and Jonghyun didn't like the idea while Taemin doesn't resist. It's not like he can stop a demon from doing whatever he want.

“Because I can,” Minho says, he points at Jonghyun. “Then what is he doing here?”

“Because I invited him,” Key sneers. “Nobody invited you.”

“I go where ever I please,” Minho smoothly replies. “It doesn't matter if you like it or not.”

Key bristles like an angry cat ready to fight but thankfully he's positioned the farthest away from Minho. As an extra measure of assurance, Taemin had made Minho promise not to harm his friends. How much worth a demon would keep his promise is all up to Taemin's ability to run interference.

Jonghyun gives Taemin a soft smile. “Don't you think today is a nice day to be out, little angel? The sudden thunderstorm from last night surely helps.”

Taemin answers with a smile of his own and was about to reply when a growl interrupts him. It was Minho glaring daggers at Jonghyun.

“Little angel?” Minho snarls. “Do you think you are so familiar with him to call him as such?”

“There is no harm calling Taemin little angel,” Jonghyun evenly answers, meeting Minho's glare head on. “It suits him. The only person I see making a big deal out of this is you.”

Taemin notices while Key purposefully antagonizes Minho, Minho still keeps his calm and riles Key up even more. But with Jonghyun, Minho would become hostile even if it was a harmless comment. The contradicted behavior has Taemin baffled but shrugs it off. It's probably the nickname.

He couldn't help but wish Onew is here to field in as moderator. Unfortunately Onew has to open his cafe and can't join them. He'll be sure to get Onew a gift after they are done for the day.

Many people have come to the bazaar to peruse the stalls set up. All are in a good mood which lifts Taemin's spirits up. But with a lot of people around and interesting things catching his eyes, soon enough their group split up and lost the other in the crowd. Luckily Jonghyun is with him so he is not completely alone.

But that would mean Key and Minho are alone together. They get along like oil and water.

“I don't see them, Jonghyun,” Taemin stands on his tippy toes as he strains to see over the crowd. “For a tall guy, Minho is hard to find.”

“I think they're still in the bazaar,” Jonghyun says while browsing at the display, doesn't look the least bit concern. “We'll meet up with them soon enough.”

Taemin gives a nervous chuckle. “I'm more worried they're gonna kill each other.”

Jonghyun shrugs. “If you're worried, just call or text them.”

The most easiest solution and Taemin had completely forgot about it, inwardly slaps his forehead. He shoots a quick text to Key who immediately replies in seconds confirming that Minho is still with him and that he's about to kill him if he doesn't shut up. Key also replies to continue browsing without them, they'll make their way to the big fountain to meet up.

Taemin almost forgot about the bond he has that allows Minho to find him. He can always call for him and Minho will instantly appear beside him. But for now he wants to relax without Minho arguing with his friends every chance he gets. He wants to concentrate on buying a gift for Taecyeon without the demon bothering him.

“I still don't know what to get for my brother,” Taemin moans, scratching his head in frustration. “I think we past by who knows how many stalls but still nothing!”

“I'm sure he'll love anything you give him,” Jonghyun looks around. “If we keep looking, we'll bound to find something you think he will like.”

They wander slowly past the stalls browsing. Something caught Taemin's eye had him immediately back track and buying it.

“So you found a gift for your brother?” Jonghyun asks.

Taemin shakes his head. “It's actually for Onew. I thought it would look perfect for his cafe.”

It was a small aquamarine diamond shaped light display. It's small to fit in the palm of his hands and it fits the aesthetic of the Onew's cafe. It's sure to catch customers' attention.

“I agree. You have a good eye and it would look nice at the cafe.”

Taemin smiles brightly from Jonghyun's affirmation, putting it carefully in the package it came with. Just as he is about to go to other stalls, an out of the blue question trips him up.

“What is your relationship with Minho?”

Taemin trips on air, turning to Jonghyun with a nervous look. “W-what relationship?” Taemin stutters, giving a nervous chuckle. “It's not what you think, I swear – we don't do those types of things.”

“Taemin,” Jonghyun says his name like he's reprimanding a naughty child. The effect has Taemin squirm under his unyielding gaze. “You can tell me the truth.”

A lot of people have asked Taemin various questions about the nature of his relationship with Minho before but he's always able to go around it, allowing them to make their own assumptions. But with Jonghyun asking him directly leaves Taemin little options to avoid the answer. And with the way Jonghyun is looking at him patiently, it makes him want to tell him the truth. But he can't, he would endanger Jonghyun. As far as Taemin knows, Jonghyun is human and nobody knows that Minho is a demon.

Taemin breathes in through his nose. “Minho... it's complicated,” understatement of the year as he continues. “He shows up out of no where and gave me quite a fright. At first I was scared of him – still a little. But now...”

“You don't know much about Minho,” Jonghyun points out. “How do you know if he's a good guy?”

“Minho is not a bad guy,” Taemin immediately defends. “He doesn't hurt me or made me sad. In fact, it's quite the opposite.”

He never thought to have admit it but after all this time spent with Minho is enough for him to make that conclusion. Despite being a demon from Hell, Minho has been nothing but amiable. He's still unsure of how he feels for him but he's come to trust the demon to believe he isn't all too bad.

“I don't claim to know Minho that well and that's okay,” Taemin continues with confidence. “I want to believe in the best of people, including Minho. So I'm giving him a chance. I want to trust that my feelings is right.”

What he feels for Minho, there isn't a word that's quite right for him.

Because to him Minho is -

“Thanks for the gift, Taemin-ah. It's very cute!”

Taemin beams at the praise. “I'm so glad you like it, hyung!”

After a full day of walking around at the bazaar they find rest in Onew's cafe. Onew decides to close the cafe early so it's just the five of them. Taemin is at the counter presenting the gift he bought for Onew. Minho, Key, and Jonghyun are bickering in a booth with leftover desserts while a familiar R&B music plays in the background. He doesn't care to pay attention and the argument seems civil enough that no one has thrown anything yet.

“I think I'll put it right here,” Onew puts it on top of the shelf, a perfect spot to be admired. “How's it look?”

“Perfect!” Taemin gives a thumbs up. His reaction causes Onew to chuckle.

“Did you manage to find a present for your brother?” Onew asks.

Taemin shakes his head. “At this point I'm giving up. A hopeless endeavor.”

He doesn't want to place the blame but when Jonghyun asked him about his relationship with Minho, all thoughts of finding the right gift flew right out the window. He wandered through the bazaar listlessly until he finally met up with Key and Minho. They spent the rest of the day together while Taemin turns over Jonghyun's question in his head.

There was an answer he had in mind but he doesn't have the courage to say it out loud.

“Don't worry, I'm sure your brother will love anything you give,” Onew says. “It's the intention that matters. And sometimes you don't need to give a gift. You can take him out to eat or do something together. I find spending time together is more worthwhile than receiving a gift.”

Taemin makes a noncommittal hum, his chin rests on his arms leaning on the cool counter. It's not a bad idea.

“So I take it that you both made up?” Onew asks.

“Who?”

“You and the resident trouble maker, Minho.”

The statement had jolted Taemin to stand up straight. Onew was talking about the issue of how Minho dumped Taemin into Onew's arms after a botched kidnapping attempt. The relaxing days spending time with Minho had made Taemin push the experience to the back of his mind.

“I guess so,” Taemin says, turning around just in time to see Key looking aghast to something Minho had said. Seeing them like this, Taemin couldn't help but smile. “Everything's alright now.”

“I see,” Onew places small plates of pastries on the tray, ready to take it over to the group. “I'm glad you both made up and you sorted out your feelings for him.”

Onew goes around the counter with the pastries to join them, easily joining in on the conversation. Taemin watches the scene but doesn't make a move to join them. His smile diminishes a little.

“That... I'm still not very sure...”

And that is probably the last fluff scene of this fic LOL jk. But I'm going to kick this fic into gear 5 because here on out their peaceful days are finally numbered.

And don't forget to check out a drawing I made of Key on my Twitter so likes, comments, and reblogs are appreciated. I'm going to try to do Minho and Jonghyun someday. Minho is actually hard for me to draw, maybe I need the right reference