Minho was sleeping on the couch, rolled up in three blankets.

                Lately he hasn’t been able to sleep, so Taemin notices him slipping out of bed at five or six in the morning, noises of the coffeemaker racking the lower floor soon after. Then, when Taemin would go downstairs later, Minho would be passed out on the couch, half-drunk warm coffee still on the table.

                There was something wrong.

                There was something wrong since the day Minho went to see his parents but he wouldn’t say a single thing about it.

                Sighing, Taemin quietly sat down on the coffee table, crossing his legs and watching the elder sleep. Dark bags under his eyes and faded wrinkles; he was definitely handling this bad, whatever ‘this’ was.

                Before long, with little to look at, he ended up falling asleep as well. It wasn’t until he felt a hand shake him awake that his eyes opened, and hour and a half later.

                “Kitten, what are you doing sleeping on the table?” A groggy voiced boy asked.

                “Depends…” He yawned, “What are you doing sleeping on the couch?”

                “I was getting ready and I just… fell asleep I guess. Sorry.”

                “You ‘just fell asleep’ all week? I want you to tell me what’s going on, Minho.”

                “Nothing’s going on, Tae.”

                “You’re lying. Remember what happened the last time we didn’t communicate?”

                He did. He remembered it too well and honestly, it shouldn’t have happened at all. But he didn’t want Taemin to have to worry over something as stupid as this. “Okay, fine. Will you be a good boy?” He asked, climbing onto the table and hovering over the blonde, pinning his thin wrists down. Watching Taemin pout and furrow his eyebrows, he chuckled.

                “Minho, I’m always a good boy!” He argued, wishing he could cross his arms.

                “I know, I know, but promise me.”

                Rolling his eyes, he mumbled an, “I promise.”

                “Well I’m not going to tell you anyways.” He stated, watching Taemin gasp and shoot up, their forehead coming into unwelcomed, painful contact. They both grabbed their heads in pain, Minho’s muscles cramping up while Taemin threw himself back down onto the table, rubbing the reddening spot.

                “This is all your fault!” The younger boy yelled.

                Taking a deep breath, Minho leaned down, kissing the bump. “Listen, I know I’ve been keeping secrets and I shouldn’t be, but just hear me out. Something did happen at my parents’ house but just let me try to solve this problem on my own before getting you needlessly involved, okay? You see me as an adult, right?” He whined cutely, nuzzling the blonde’s neck.

                “You’re older than me, of course I do…” Taemin mumbled.

                “Well then please trust me. I want to try fixing it myself before relying on you too much.”

                What could Taemin do but agree? At least Minho was being honest now. That didn’t mean he was any less curious about what happened. He wanted to know too. He wanted to help.

                “You owe me something for my silence.”

                “Like what, Kitten?” Minho smiled, lifting the boy and carrying him over to the kitchen, wondering what to make for breakfast.

                “You can’t leave the room early anymore. Also, ice cream…”

                Laughing, he nodded. Taemin was so simpleminded and cute and he loved him.

                Looking towards the clock, he noted that Jongin left for school a while ago. Right after the clock, he looked at the beautiful boy who made himself comfortable, treating the granite countertop as his bed, sprawling himself out across it.

                “Feet off the counters.”

                “That’s what you get for waking me up early.”

                Minho seemed to sleep better with that off of his chest. He slept longer than Taemin. Taemin also slept better knowing Minho was sleeping better.

                And maybe that was partly because he forgot about it.

                At least until the day came around.

                At least until it was lunch and Minho was sitting across from Taemin in the middle of the park, enjoying their meal between classes.

                At least until his phone vibrated, a message appearing. It gave a name and address and he knew what it was for and who sent it. He tried not to show it on his face, but Taemin noticed something anyways. For the sake of their lovely meal, he decided not to bring it up.

                “I have to go now, Minho.” He smiled, checking his watch.

                “Alright, Kitten. Let’s not be late for class.”

                Taemin nodded, lifting himself from the bench to take the elder’s hand. With their fingers interlocked, they headed back to their schools.

                The nerves were racking his body again.

                It was six thirty. In two and a half hours, he’d be going on a date with a bride-to-be his parents non-consensual picked out for him. ‘Him’ as in a married man.

                And as if picking clothes out for a first date wasn’t stressful enough, he had to deal with looking into the mirror and seeing the reflection of Taemin sitting on the dresser across the room, watching each and every movement he made with a dead expression.

                He hadn’t told Taemin anything about why he was dressing up, or where he was going, or why he was going there, or what happened with his parents. And his husband didn’t ask, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t drowning in guilt.

                “Look, Kitten-”

                “I didn’t ask for an explanation.”

                “Taemin, please.” Minho sighed, walking over to the blonde, exasperated. He didn’t know what to say next, he just wished his parents didn’t put their careers in his hands.

                “I didn’t say a single word, Minho.”

                “I know, Taemin! And I hate it! I’m freaking out!” He raised his voice, dropping his head onto the boy’s shoulder. The blonde didn’t reciprocate at all. He probably wasn’t even looking his way. Fed up with everything, Minho turned to the only source of comfort he knew, the boy in front of him. “Taemin, I love you. I need you to believe in me and help me out here, okay?”

                Taemin nodded, “Okay.”

                It was now seven thirty.

                Minho managed to pick out an ideal outfit while Taemin watched him from the bed, aside from the sheets he relaxed under. His hair was completely messed up, his clothes were on the floor, his body was covered in bruises made by Minho’s lips. A bright smile was pasted onto his face and his even brighter eyes followed the elder back and forth across the room while he got dressed. “Did anyone ever tell you how handsome you are?” He giggled.

                “You tell me that every day, Kitten.”

                “Mm… I’m still in the mood,” He pouted, “Too bad you have to go…”

                “Don’t tease me like that, Tae.” Minho whined, earning a chuckle.

                “Just kidding! Well, kind of. Don’t worry, I can wait for later tonight. Unless I can’t and I fall asleep.”

                He wished Taemin wasn’t so light hearted right now. After all, he was about to go on a set up date in which he’s supposed to get well acquainted with his future bride to be, or at least what his parents see her as. He’d rather have Taemin keep that stone cold expression and be mad. He didn’t deserve the smiling, chirping boy that rolled around in his bed, static causing his perfect blonde locks to rise in the air.

                “I love you, Kitten.”

                “I love you too, Minho.”

                “I might be home really late tonight. If you can stay awake, I’d love to lull you to sleep with my voice. And body. You know, the usual.”

                “Okay, honey. Hey, I’m going to walk you to the door.” He smiled, hopping off of the bed, using the sheets as a dress. Minho nodded, grabbing his things. “You know, whoever you’re going to meet, I’m jealous of them.” He shyly mentioned.

                “Then how about to make up for it, I’ll take you on a cruise?” Minho nudged the younger boy’s side.

                “Oh yeah, for sure Minho.”

                “I’m serious, Taemin. A dinner cruise on the river. What do you think?”

                “I… let’s talk about it when you get home, okay?”

                “Okay, darling.”

                Getting all of his belongings together, keys handed to him by his lovely husband, he left a kiss and walked out the door, taking the elevator down to the garage.

                The further away he got from Taemin, the more upset he seemed to be.

                How could his parents do this to him?

                How could they be so selfish?

                They don’t talk to him for months, drop in on his wedding to tell him he’s making a mistake, and then tell him they’ve picked a wife and can’t refuse?

                Gritting his teeth, he gripped the wheel tightly.

                They left him for dead, taking away all of his money without a single word, forcing him to find a job regardless of being a full time student, risk his marriage, so much more. He should do the same to them. But he couldn’t. They were his parents.

                Driving up to the expensive restaurant, he gave the car, which didn’t fit the establishment’s usual criteria at all, to the valet and walked in.

                Mentioning his name at the front desk, he was led through a crowd of people who probably bathed in money. Spotting a face that wasn’t too familiar nor too fresh, he was waved over and seated down in front of a woman. Her dark hair laid in loose curls on her shoulders, a revealing yet classy dress complimenting her figure; deep blue, body hugging fabric clinging to each curve and crevice while thick, black, lace straps covered two inches on both of her shoulders. From the full body glance he got, it didn’t cover any lower than her mid-thigh.

                “Nice to see you again, oppa.” She smiled. She offered her hand in a way that wasn’t meant for shaking, but for a kiss, so sighing, Minho gave her was she wanted.

                Finally, after what felt like forever, he sat down. “Nice to see you too.”

                “How have you been?”

                “Honestly?”

                “Honestly.”

                He flipped through the menu, deciding not to be too stingy with his budget. After all, this was a first date. He had to make an impression.

                “Stressed, anxious, worried. Not the usual, but the usual for today.”

                She smiled, flicking her wrist as she threw her hair over her shoulder. “I was a little nervous too. Usually when my parents set me up on these dates, I don’t really try too much because the guys are all too self-absorbed and cocky, but I can really see you being the one.”

                “About that…” He cleared his throat, closing the menu prematurely before deciding what he wanted, “You can leave now if you want, I’ll totally pick up the bill.”

                “What is it?” She asked, eyebrows raised in confusion.

                “I’m married.”

                Yujin laughed, waving the waiter over. “You’ve already made that joke, oppa. You can’t reuse jokes.”  Placing her order, she turned the attention to him, forcing him to place an order as well, capturing him for at least until their meals got back to them.

                He tapped his fingers on the table over and over, waiting for the man to write down all of her requests and leave. The picky “no lettuce”, “extra spice”, “low fat” and so on made a simple task take much longer. But finally, after several minutes, they were alone again.

                “Look, I’m not kidding.” He reinforced, raising his diamond adorned hand, “I’m married.”

                “Your mom told me all about this skit. Don’t worry, I can play along. Then cheat on her. I don’t mind. I’m confident you’ll prefer me. I have confidence in myself.”

                “No that’s-” He paused to chuckle, amazed by her bluntness, “That’s not it. I’m married… to another man.”

                She snorted, bursting out in laughter while simultaneously clapping her hands. “That’s something I haven’t heard before!”

                “Probably because most gay men aren’t comfortable with explaining their romantic positions, but I am. I’m married to another guy. I don’t know why my parents set me up with you while knowing that, but I figured I should come clean right away so that you don’t waste your time.”

                “I’ve never heard someone joke about being gay.” She wiped her tears, “Oh look, here comes the wine.”

                The waiter elegantly poured deep red wine into their glasses, filling them tastefully.

                “I’m not joking. I have pictures on my phone and I can show you them.”

                She nodded along, taking a sip of her beverage. “You go really far for an act. Don’t worry though, your mom has told me about everything. I know you want a girl who can wait and go through a lot, but I’m like that and I’m very interested in you, so throw whatever you want at me.”

                How frustrating. He hoped she wasn’t as dumb and clueless as his parents.

                “Okay, then I’ll try a different approach. I’m honoured that a beautiful woman like yourself would want to join me for dinner, but after tonight I can’t meet with you anymore. Although my husband is very open-minded and the most forgiving person I know, but I can’t go on multiple dates with a woman who’s romantically interested in me.”

                “I see…” She sighed. The waiter came for what Minho hoped was the last time, getting tired of the interruptions. While he handed them their tiny portions that they were spending way too much on, she smirked, “So I heard your parents’ careers rely on this. I heard that if I say a single bad thing, it could impact a long chain of connections and future job opportunities for them.”

                He swallowed, faced with a dark gaze that made his palms sweater and heart race. “You’ve… sure heard some strange things…”

                “Are they really strange? Maybe you don’t know much about your parents’ work, but that’s not too uncommon, you know.”

                He was speechless. For all he knew, he could be on a date with the devil. He’d believe that. Was she serious? What else could he possibly say to make her see he was serious while not sacrificing anything of his mother’s and father’s.

                “Maybe if you met my husband, you would understand-”

                “I don’t want to meet anyone.” She sternly stated, crossing her legs while cutting into her meal. “In fact, you’re on a date with me. Don’t you know how to properly treat a woman? You don’t talk about past relationships with a woman you’re interested in.”

                He wasn’t interested in her and Taemin was definitely not a ‘past relationship’. He chose not to bring that up for the sake of avoiding arguments and larger issues that could stem from this being a bad date.

                “Of course. I’m sorry. I haven’t been on a date in a long time since I’ve been focusing on school for the past many years. Also, there are no girls as breathtaking as you anywhere I go. I’m just a little flustered.”

                She blushed, showing her lovely smile. She really was beautiful, Minho just wasn’t interested in her in any way whatsoever. No matter how she brushed her hair, did her makeup, or fluttered her eyelashes, she couldn’t compare to Taemin, even when he just woke up, hadn’t brushed his hair, and wore his bare face.

                Pulling him out of his daze, his phone rang. Panicked, he answered it, lifting it to his ear.

                “Hello?”

                “Hey.” Taemin answered. He could hear the smile on his lips.

                “Oh, hi, how are you? What’s up?”

                “I just wanted to make sure everything was okay. I’m out with Jongin and Kevin right now. We’re about to go into the movie theatre. Do you want me to pick anything up on my way home? Anything for tonight?”

                “No, thanks though.”

                “No problem. Well, I have to go now. See you later. I love you.”

                “I… love you too. I should be home before one so I’ll call you then. See you later.” He whispered, feeling a piercing glare coming from across the table.

                “Who was that?” She asked the moment he hung up.

                “Don’t worry about it. Tell me about yourself.”

                The pout on Taemin’s lips was evident regardless of how hard he tried to hide it.

                “Everything alright?” Jongin asked, running his fingers through the blonde’s hair, sending shivers down his spine.

                “Yeah, don’t worry about me.” He nodded, grabbing Kevin’s hand on a whim, surprising him.

                They boy was still really shy, but he opened up a little bit. “What’s Minho doing?” He asked.

                “I don’t know.”

                “Oh… okay.”

                “Hey Kevin, will you share a mango smoothie with me? Jongin always gets strawberry but I can’t finish one on my own.”

                “S-sure.” Kevin nodded. He felt a little embarrassed with how close Taemin was, but Jongin didn’t seem to think twice about it, so maybe this was just the standard protocol. Maybe he was just shy because no one attractive has ever wanted to stand within a meter of him.

                They waited in line for their snacks and when Taemin grabbed the drink, Kevin was surprised to see only one straw. The blonde noticed his concern. “Should I grab another one?” He asked.

                “N-no, it’s fine! One is okay!”

                Smiling, he nodded. “Okay, let’s go in then.”

                It was now twelve and they were standing outside, facing each other. She was wearing heels, but was still significantly shorter than him.

                “I had a great night.” She wiggled her shoulders, a smile glue to her face. Most guys would probably find her seductive regardless of what she did and how she looked. Not Minho though. In fact, he didn’t have a great night at all.

                “I had an amazing time with you. It’s been a pleasure knowing you and I wish you luck with your future.” He smiled, lifting her hand to his lips, kissing the back of her palm.

                “I’m glad to hear you’d be happy to meet me again for dinner next week. Same time, different place?”

                “No, I- Look, I was serious about what I said before. Even if I wasn’t gay, I’m still married, and even if I wasn’t married, I’m still gay. This just won’t work out.”

                “Neither with your mom’s job I guess.” She shrugged, turning around and heading towards the valet.

                “Okay. I’ll see you next week.” He immediately corrected himself. It wasn’t really correct, but she wasn’t giving him a choice.

                “I knew you’d come around,” She giggled, “Well then I’ll text you the details at a later date. I have fun, see you soon oppa.”

                Shaking his head, anger growing, she forced a smile, “See you soon, Yujin.”

A/N: Thank you for 1000 subs! :D I know I don't speak up much, but you guys are all so wonderful and splended and special little snowflakes and I appreciate you guys so much! Never thought I'd get more than like 15, so this means a lot to me! Hopefully I can pay you guys back some day! Please stick around until then! Love you!! <3333