Jagiya – Darling

                She was on Taemin’s mind all day the past week.  Was she really trying to take Minho away? He stared out the window, catching a glimpse of the front gate. Minho hadn’t come to pick him up in a few days. Was he spending that time with her? Maybe Taemin was just overthinking it. Maybe Minho was studying for an exam or something. With the feeling of someone watching him lingering over his scalp, he turned around, spotting Jiyong. “Hey.” Readjusting his upper body to face away from the window, he nodded. “Hey.” Taemin echoed. “What’s up?” He looked at one of the clocks nearby which informed him that the next period started in ten minutes. He shrugged. “Nothing really.” He began digging in his pocket for some money, handing it over to Jiyong who rejected it. “How many times do I have to tell you that I don’t want that ?” Taemin shoved it back down his pants. “I don’t know. You’ll want it again eventually. Honestly, I’m tired of getting punched; I’ll just give it to you.” Biting the tip of his thumb, Jiyong nodded. “You’ve really changed.” He looked up for his hand, back to Taemin. “Back in elementary school you were really weak, then up until a few months ago you were still a push over but you got kind of sassy and fought back. Now you grew a back bone and got an opinion to boot. I feel like you’ve grown into an old man really fast. It’s gross.” They both laughed, Taemin following up with sigh. “Maybe I have. On the other hand, you don’t beat me up as much. Maybe we’re in the process of switching roles.” Jiyong, amused by Taemin’s theory, threw him a piece of gum. “I’m never going to let a pretty boy like you kick my . You belong in a makeup store, not a sketchy alleyway.” Snorting, Taemin stretched out his arm, his hand in a fist. “Oh yeah? You want to have a thumb war? I’ll definitely beat you.” Catching him off guard, Jiyong trapped the smaller boy’s thumb with his own, winning easily. Distracted by his beeping phone, Jiyong checked a message. “You better go; Seunghyun is going to be here soon.” Standing just as still as before, Taemin raised an eyebrow. “So? I don’t care. If he wants to go at it then I’m fine-” Cutting him off with a sharp stare, Jiyong repeated his command. “I said go.” Shaking his head, Taemin’s blonde hair flew this way and that. “I said no!” Frustrated with the defiant boy, Jiyong grabbed his shoulder, steadying the boy. “Listen, if you don’t go right now, he’s going to be here and there’s nothing stopping him from doing whatever he wants to do, got it?” A sudden smug look took over Taemin’s face, one that somewhat worried Jiyong. “Hyung, we made love yesterday… we can’t keep doing it every day like this. You’re so rough, I’m sore~” Jiyong noticed the look he was getting. It was the one girls used when they wanted something. He just didn’t know why he was getting it. His face heated up as Taemin’s words popped into his head as actions. “What are you talking about?” He asked, Taemin wiggling out of his grasp. “Okay, fine, we can do it afterschool. But let’s do it at your house because we always make such a mess at mine. See you later Jagiya! Saranghae~” He skipped off only after blowing a kiss in the taller boy’s direction, leaving Jiyong utterly confused. At least until he turned around to face an enraged, red faced Seunghyun. Taking a double take only to witness Taemin disappear around the corner, he pointed to where the boy once stood. “He’s lying!” he shouted, “He’s ing lying, I swear!”

                Getting a laugh out of the situation, he clapped his hands, although it was more like high fiving himself for his great on the spot thinking. He found humor in small things like these, but the moment he was alone again, all he could thing about was Minho. Where was he? What was he doing? Who was he doing it with? It was four days since he last saw Minho and the texts and other conversations were limited to very generic lines.

“Hey.”

“Hey.”

“How are you?”

“I’m good. I’m busy right now, I’ll text you later.”

“Oh… okay… Bye Hyung.”

                Sitting through the next class, their deteriorating conversational skills were getting to Taemin. Maybe if we just sit down over a cup of coffee of something, we could talk it over. I can tell him how I’m feeling and we can just talk and that should fix everything, right? Isn’t that the adult way to handle this? I’ll drop by later, he thought.  Probably later in case he goes out with friends. Maybe he’ll invite Taemin in and it’ll be like nothing ever happened. He thought about Heechul’s warning to look out. Along with Ruki, Heechul had quite a lot of contact with Taemin recently. I guess he felt bad being the bearer of bad news so sometimes he’d call just to chat. He never brought it up, but Taemin really appreciated his calls.

                He went through the day making up a dialog of what their talk would go like, all the responses Minho could possibly give him and what he’d say back. He was slightly hopeless before but now things were definitely looking up. It was only a matter of time before Minho him and were together like normal again. It’d be just like it was. He didn’t catch himself doodling Minho all along the margins nor did he catch the drawing of the older boy to turn into them holding hands and hugging. A new store opened up at the mall the other day, he though. We could go check it out on the weekend, get dinner, and go back to my place. It sounds like a good plan to me. Soon it was the end of school and before Taemin knew it, he was somehow at his locker. A tall, angry boy leaned against. When they saw each other, Taemin smiled, saying nothing, just going to his locker. “That wasn’t ing funny. Show your face so I can beat the out of you.” Ignoring the threats and going on with inputting his locker combination, Taemin began to nod. “It was pretty funny; I just wish that I could’ve stayed longer watch.” The delinquent pushed the locker door shut just enough the hit Taemin and throw his balance off. “It wasn’t funny. Nest time, I’m not going to warn you at all. I hope you get pelted with rocks and thrown off a cliff.” Taemin pulled away with a serious face, his hand finding its way to Jiyong’s cheek. “Is that before or after we sleep together?” his tongue, he slapped Taemin’s hand away, looking around for anyone who might have been eavesdropping on their conversation. “Every single word that comes out of your mouth is bull, Jesus ing Christ.” Taemin laughed and this annoyed Jiyong even more. “You’re laughing now but if I actually push you down and you, you’d just be begging for more.” Taemin scoffed, rolling his eyes. “Yeah right. Just a few weeks ago you were beating the crap out of me and calling me a , all of a sudden you’ll be doing me? I call lies.” Opening the door further to provide himself some room, Jiyong leaned in, pressing his chest up against Taemin’s in a challenging manner. Taemin only pouted, his tongue as he pushed the boy away. “Leave me alone, why do you even talk to me?” Resituating himself in his previous position, Jiyong shrugged. “Because it pisses you off, doesn’t it?” Taemin closed his locker, throwing his bag over his shoulder. “It does, but so does getting beaten up. Hanging around me and making jokes, isn’t that a bigger risk for you? I mean, I don’t see the rest of your group converting to this method.” He began walking towards the exit, seeing Jiyong tag along from the corner of his eyes. “I guess you could say that I’m testing it; like a guinea pig, yeah?” Seeing his point but not making any sense of it, they continued down the block. “Are you going to follow me home?” Taemin asked after passing the park marking the halfway point of his journey back. “Yup.” Admitting it, he looked over at Taemin. “Why?” The younger boy asked. “I need to know where you can live so I can egg your place.” Unfazed by the confession, Taemin fixed his coat, zipping undone. “You know where I live.” Jiyong laughed, continuing to string his words along. “You don’t know that.” He folded his arms, raising them back as he locked his fingers behind his head while watching the blonde boy walk at a pace slightly faster than his own. “Yes I do. Last year you and Daesung knocked at my door, gave me a black eye, and stole my shoes.” Choking on his confidence, he Jiyong began to cough. “Where do you live?” Taemin asked, his curiosity not necessarily at all sparked. “I live up by the karaoke bar, the one with the blue sign.” The blonde boy looked around, localizing himself. “That’s the other way, isn’t it?” He asked, looking back towards where the school is. “Yeah, it is.” Seeing Taemin stop at the red light, something he himself didn’t usually do, he mimicked him. “Then why are you coming this way? Aren’t your friends looking for you?” Holding the boy’s stare, he shrugged with his lower lip, raising his eyebrows. “I don’t know, I turned my phone off.”  Suddenly speeding ahead at the now green light, Taemin took the lead. “Stop following me and go away.” Disregarding the boy’s command, he went faster to keep up. “What are you doing today?” He asked. “I’m going home and then somewhere else a bit later.” Fed up with rushing himself, Jiyong grabbed the boy’s sleeve, forcing him to slow down. “Going where?” He asked, keeping the conversation going. “My boyfriend’s house.” Jiyong let out a ‘ah’ before adding on, “I’ll beat him up.” Taemin’s head shot at the taller boy, shocked and almost disgusted. “What? Why?” Flicking Taemin’s head, Jiyong explained, “Because it would piss you off.” Rubbing the now sore spot, Taemin went on to correct him. “He’s stronger than you. You might get the first punch but he’ll definitely get the last ten.” Taemin stopped when he realised they were in front of his house. “I- uhm, we’re here so bye.” He said, running up the stairs. “What, just like that? You’re just going to run off?” Confused, Taemin nodded, unlocking his door. “Yeah?” He was surprised when he saw Jiyong walk up the stairs towards him. It surprised him even more when he wrapped his arm around him, pulling him into a hug. Taemin smelt the soft smell of cigarette smoke lingering in Jiyong’s sweater before the boy pulled away. “Bye.” He said before making his way down the stairs and walking away. Taemin watched him walk down the block. “Don’t stalk me!” He yelled and heard the departing boy chuckled. Entering his house, he shook his head.

                It was when the sky was painted a dark purple and the sun’s warmth had faded away that Taemin felt he should start getting ready. He noticed it took a lot less time since he cut his hair. It was rarely if ever knotted from the wind, he didn’t have to decide whether to keep it down or put it up, braid it even. It always settled into place neatly and required minimum effort. He hated letting his skills go to waste though and so he would still curl the layers slightly, straighten the bangs; simple gestures that made a bigger aesthetical difference. He stood in front of the mirror practicing his smile and posing, making sure he looks okay. It was when he had finally walked out into the night that his stomach started churning and his brain seemed to melt. He had to repeat his speech in his time over and over to make sure it stuck. He walked but it felt like he wasn’t moving. He felt like the few hours he was at home between school and now, some massive construction crew came and made all the blocks longer and added more houses to fill the gaps. He’ll be home by now for sure, Taemin reassured himself, checking his phone which illuminated the dark with a 9:24. He sighed and noticed that it had been a while since he’d last seen his breath painted into the cool air with white mist. It was spring now and he probably wouldn’t see it for another few seasons. He could now see the roof of Minho’s house a few streets away. Yellow light fell against the windows signifying someone’s presence. He shoved his hands down his pockets, trying to look more mature as he approached. Now only feet away from Minho’s door, he began pacing back and forth. “Hey Hyung, how are you? Hi! Hello Hyung. Hey Minho! Good evening, sorry for interrupting you.” He mentally urged himself to slow down until he stopped completely. He took one final breath, heading up the stairs. Raise your hand and knock, c’mon, you can do it! He encouraged himself, his heart stopping as his knuckles finally came in contact with the wooden door. A few seconds later, the door opened, revealing Minho. It had felt like Taemin’s legs turned into tofu right then and there, trying very hard to keep them working. “Hey Minho, can I come in?” He started, clearing his throat. “No, I’m really sorry Tae.” Not expecting this, his voice slightly wavered. “What? Why not? Are you busy?” He watched as Minho looked back inside before his head once again poked out. “Jinri’s over.” Receiving no reply from Taemin, he went on. “A few of us were out drinking today and she got totally drunk. None of us know where she lives, so I brought her here.” At the sound her name, Taemin felt very frustrated. “Did you have to?” He asked. “No. Heechul offered to take her home but God knows what his intentions are.” To get her away from you… Taemin thought. “Anyways, I have to go back inside now. I’m really sorry.” Taemin offered his practiced smile although it was for a totally different reason then intended. “Alright, sorry for coming unannounced and bothering you.” Minho nodded, smiling back before closing the door. Once he was separated from Minho again, Taemin spoke. “Hey Hyung, how’s it going? Sure, I’ll come inside. No, it’s fine, I’m not thirsty. Hyung, I wanted to talk to you about something that’s been bothering me. I don’t want to be a horrible person, but it kind of hurts me when I see you with that girl. Jinri. My chest gets all tight when I see you with her. I just want you to hold me Hyung. I miss you…” He recited to the closed door. “I’m trying to talk to you Hyung!” He said, his voice slightly rose as he refrained himself from hitting the door with his fist. “That’s what relationships are about, isn’t it…?” His emotions now taking over, he went down the stairs by two’s, racing towards the direction opposite his house. Hailing a taxi, he hopped in and gave the driver and address. He glared out the window, upset with even the most innocent of stars. He paid the driver his fee and ran through the doors of a building, ignoring the concierge’s offer of assistance. Going straight for the elevator, he punched in the number seven, hurrying the doors to close. Faster, he urged. Pushing past the half opened frame he found his way down the hallway to a door labelled ‘713’. Knocking, this time without hesitation, he stood in front of the door. He heard footsteps, a silence, and finally the sound of a lock unlocking and a door knob turning. A tired looking man with a beer in his hand greeted him with curiosity. “Hey?” Raising his hands to mask his face, Taemin walked in past the man. “I hate her so much. I don’t want to, but I just can’t not hate her.” He made his self at home, taking a seat on the couch, soon to be joined after the door had been locked. The elder slouched against the couch, tossing his arm around Taemin. “I tried Taemin.” Taemin kicked his shoes off before tossing his legs over the older boy’s folded ones. “I know, I was told. Thank you Hee-nim.” Turning the television on to a cheesy talk show, Heechul ruffled the boy’s hair. “Why the sudden visit?” He asked, feeling the smaller boy’s shoulders go up. “I went over to Minho’s. I wanted to talk to him. I figured that would clear all this up. But…” His voice faded off. “But?” Heechul asked, already knowing what probably happened. “He said I couldn’t come in because he had to watch her. He said no one knew where she lived and that you offered to watch her but you had bad intentions.” Heechul snorted, taking a sip of his beer. “What an … So what are you going to do now?” Looking up at Heechul, he sighed deeply. “Well… I had one idea buried under everything else but I didn’t think I’d have to use it. It’s the only one I have that’ll actually get his full attention for a bit and if it doesn’t… then I really have lost to her.” Pulling the young boy against him, Heechul rubbed his back. “And what plan is that?”  He burrowed into Heechul’s neck, feeling ashamed. “I don’t want to talk about it… it’s pathetic. It’s all I’ve got though.” Respecting Taemin’s choice, Heechul pulled him in closer. “You want some?” Heechul asked as he offered his beer. “No, I don’t plan on getting drunk to crash at someone else’s house.” This pulled a laugh out of Heechul. “Wow, sassy. I like it.” Taemin remained the same. “I don’t. I want to kiss him.”  Taemin pouted, bringing a blush to Heechul’s cheeks. “I offer myself as tribute.” He felt like he made a difference when Taemin giggled. “Is it a sacrifice to be with me?” Not realising his words could be taken that way, he shook his head. “No that’s not what I meant! I meant that you should kiss me- or rather, you can kiss me- um, forget it.” Taemin looked up, biting his lip. “Kiss me, Heechul.” His eyes fell closed as he his lips, tilting his head upwards. “Wait, seriously?” Heechul asked, and although Taemin’s eyes were closed, he could imagine his expression. “Yeah. Kiss me.” He heard the elder swallow before his legs somewhat shifted, his hand sliding upwards from Taemin’s lower back to the back of his head. Taemin felt himself pulled close, his hand ending up on Heechul’s shoulder. Taemin stayed still, leaving it up to Heechul. Within moments, he felt a hot breath on his lips which stayed there for a few seconds and then it was gone. He heard a groan and opened his eyes, seeing Heechul with his head thrown back, massaging his temples. “Heechul…” Taemin whispered, his hand falling off the older boy. “God ing damn it, I can’t… Minho is such a block.” Taemin threw his arms around the man, holding him tightly as he climbed over his lap. “Hee-nim, you’re my hero!” He proclaimed, squeezing him. “Why can’t she be like you? You’re the best. You’re my favourite. I respect you Hyung. Please share your wisdom with the world! You’re a saint!” Drinking the rest of the beer, he shook his head. “If you call nearly violating you acting like a saint, then I guess I am.” Taemin got up and grabbed his shoes, heading for the door. “Hee-nim, thank you for showing me that there’s good people in this world. I’ll put all my efforts into getting Minho back. If it doesn’t work out, I know I’ll have you to be there for me! Gamsahabnida!” He bowed at a forty five degrees angles before running out.

                This is my final plan, my last shot. It’s horrible and low, but I’ll try my best to make it work.

A/N:IM SO SORRY THIS IS A DAY LATE BUT ASDFGHJKL I HAD SO MUCH WORK TO DO ON THE WEEKEND IM SORRY FKHSDOIHGOAIDHRJG FORGIVE ME