Fan Fiction

Taemin’s POV

After Minho-hyung left the kitchen fell disturbingly quiet- a little to quiet with Key-umma being present. I looked at him to discover that he had been staring at me the entire time.

“Minnie, what happened the other day? Minho said something about being rescued…”

My eyes widened, I never told Key about that incident- I knew he hated the thought that I might be put into danger. “Well, he had zoned out when a group of guys cornered him. I happened to be passing by on my way to the dance studio and noticed the situation. So, without thinking, I grabbed his hand and ran. That’s all there is to it! No one got hurt, and no one threw a punch. Honestly, those guys he had been cornered by were just drunk again anyway.”

“Again?” Oops! I slipped again.

“I ran into them once before and the elderly lady who runs the craft store downtown saved me. That’s all, honestly!” The aura Key was giving off scared me a little, okay- a lot.

After taking a few breaths, he seemed to calm down. “Minnie, another question.”

“Yes?”

“Tonight, why did you run away from me with Minho?”

That question stunned me. I really had no idea why I ran away from Key-umma with Minho, well I had a slight idea… I think. “Because you looked like you were ready to kill someone and I couldn’t let that happen! Especially not YOU killing Minho-hyung! That just- just-” I couldn’t continue my sentence that just- what? What am I thinking exactly?

I looked up when I hear Key-umma groan. “Not you too!”

I tilted my head, “Key-umma?”

“Minnie. How would you feel if I told you I was the one who was going to visit you for you lunch break tomorrow?”

“Of course I’d be happy, Key-umma!” I smiled.

“Okay, good.” He smiled back, “Now what if I told you that it was just going to be you and Minho?”

My heart fluttered and I felt inexplicably giddy, “I’d be happy as well then!” I continued to smile while trying to sound the same as I had previously.

“Oh, goodness! You are both so helpless.” He mumbled- I think it was just to himself, but I still heard him.

“Both? Helpless?”

“Taemin, you blushed, your whole demeanor changed, and you’ve barely known Minho a day!”

My mind seemed to fail me, “What?”

“You, I can’t believe I’m about to say this!” Key smacked his forehead with his palm, “Minnie, you like Minho.”

Duh. “Of course I like Minho-hyung! Key-umma, he’s your best friend, of course I like him.”

He shook his head again, am I missing something here? “Minnie, go get Minho. I think I need to talk to both of you.”

“Alright.” There was no reason to disagree, so why not? Poor Minho-hyung didn’t get much of a chance to rest though- my conversatio with Key-umma was really quick.

I headed into the living room which I quickly noticed was dark- I guess Minho turned the lights off. I picked my way through the room, I couldn’t see past the length of my arm, so finding the couch might take a moment. We really should get a light switch placed near the entryway from the dining room. Suddenly, my foot caught on something, what the- I flew forward and closed my eyes. I landed on something but everything felt- different.

Minho’s POV

Crap! Key is going to kill me! I turn to Taemin, maybe he can think of something- no, I shouldn’t rely on him like that. I am way too fearful of what Key is capable of. All of a sudden, I felt a familiar hand grab my wrist. I look to Taemin- is he really doing what I think he’s doing? He flashes me a smile- wow! All of a sudden I feel him tugging on my wrist and we’re off running. I glance behind me to see a very upset Key trying to keep up behind us.

“Taemin, is this the best idea?” I make my voice just loud enough so that he can hear me.

“Probably not, but I can’t let Key-umma get you. I don’t know what happened- but he looks like he’s going to kill you!” He shouted over his shoulder.

I hold back a chuckle. Why is that whenever I’m near this guy I become, dumb? But looking at him again, he is such a sweet, caring, and cute person, I still don’t understand how he could be in such a horrible family situation. 

We ended up in a small wooded area behind the block his house is on. Both of us gulping for air. I glance at him again, and feel my heart flutter. His shoulders are hunched and the way his bangs are half-dangling in front of his eyes and half-plastered to his forehead. He looks so-

“Minho-hyung?” His voice breaks into my thoughts.

“Yes, Taemin?”

He started fidgeting with his hands, “If I let you into my house, can you be quiet and not speak a word of what you see to anyone?” His eyes shone with something- I think it was hope.

I nodded my head, “Of course, Tae, if that’s alright with you.”

“Great. That’s the only place I know you’ll be safe from Key-umma.” 

We crept up to his house and quietly made our way in- he was unsure if his siblings were asleep or not. We made our way silently through the kitchen and into the living room. Taemin signaled for me to stay where I was while he went upstairs to check on his family. When he came back down he told me that they were all asleep.

“Hyung, can I call Key-umma over and have you two talk it out? I really don’t like the fact that you two aren’t on the best of terms right now…” He gave me puppy-dog eyes- how can I say no to that?

“Sure Tae, I’ll try my best to figure out what he’s so angry at me for.”

He went into the kitchen and called Key. Within in minutes there was a knock at the door. I gulped, I hope this ends well.

“Hyung, I told Key-umma that my family’s asleep so he should keep it down.” Taemin smiled at me.

We both went to the front door and Taemin opened it, I made sure to stand close behind him so that Key wouldn’t just take a swing at me- that’s the last thing I need. As soon as he saw me he shot me a glare- honestly, what did I do?

“Taemin, Minho, let’s go to the kitchen.” He quickly walked off, leaving us in the doorway. We both nodded and followed him into the kitchen. When we are sitting around the counter, I looked at Key- he seemed to have calmed down considerably. “Minho, I trust you like a brother. Taemin, I care for you like a member of my family.” He sighed, “Now, Taemin, I know you don’t want to leave. But I really need to speak with Minho alone.”

Taemin definitely looked hesitant. He glanced from me to Key and back before leaning towards me. “Be careful.” He whispered before turning and leaving. I felt my cheeks begin to burn before I looked at Key- and he did not look happy.

“You are an idiot.”

That one took me by surprise, “What? Why?”

“You are so dumb. I can’t believe this.” He sighed and shook his head, his eyes directed at the counter between us.

“I thought you were angry with me?”

His eyes shot back up to look at me and glared, “I am.”

“Then what did I do that I am an idiot?”

“You were blushing. You like Taemin, don’t you?”

“Key, I just met the guy. How can you say that I like him based off of a single blush?”

“Why were you walking home with him then?”

I looked at my hands, what could he be digging for? “I met him at the dance studio and we started talking and we ended up with me walking him home.” I explained, “Why did you chase after us?”

Another piercing glare, “I chased after you, Taemin just happened to run with you.”

“Whatever.” I mumbled, it took a lot of effort not to roll my eyes at my best friend right now.

“Why did you go to the dance studio, Minho?”

“I-” Why did I go to the dance studio? “I’m not sure. I guess to thank him for helping me the other day, and I ended up helping him clean the studio because it looked like it would take a while…” I’m rambling- crap!

“You. Like. Him.” Key repeated his accusation emphasizing every word.

“He’s a nice guy, and you like him to- so what?” I’m getting defensive, why am I getting defensive?

“I like him as though he were my son. You like him as in you want to date him.”

“What? There’s no- I-” My mind can’t seem to settle on one sentence to state.

“Key-umma?” I looked up when I heard his voice.  He was coming back into the kitchen.

“Oh, Taeminnie! You can come back in now, and Minho’s safe- see?” I saw Key gesture to me. I offered a smile, but it was a bit strained.

Taemin came close to us, “Minho-hyung? Are you okay? You look a little stressed.”

“I’m fine Tae, I’m just… Would you mind if I laid down on the couch for a little while?”

“No, not at all! You can rest as long as you need. I’ll entertain Key-umma for a while.” He smiled, and my heart beat quickened. 

Could I really have started to like him so short a time? I shook the thought from my head before departing from them and laying on the couch. I have quite a few thoughts and feelings that I have to sort out.

~Taemin’s POV~

Key-umma came to my work to visit me! I’m so happy! He brought a tall guy with him. This guy looks so familiar. It can’t be- is it that guy from the other day? He certainly looks like that guy, and he’s been really quiet like that guy was too. I wonder how he knows Key-umma.

We had been talking for a while but there was a sudden lull in our conversation. I guess this is my opportunity. “So, Minho-hyung, how do you know Key?” Key staged a cough, oops! “Key-umma?” I corrected myself, Key smiled at my correction. I thought this was a bit strange, he normally wasn’t so insistent on my calling him Key-umma and this already the sixth time in five minutes he’s done that stage cough! Hmmm…

Minho looked at me and spoke with that low voice I remember from the other day, “We’re friends. We went to the same kindergarten when we started school and we were in the same class every year since. After we graduated, we both decided that staying close to home was the best choice so, I’m taking night courses at the community college while teaching a soccer program during the week.” He laughed a little awkwardly and rubbed the back of his neck, “I guess that’s a little more information than you wanted, huh?” He smiled at me.

“No, it’s fine! I just didn’t recall seeing you visit Key-umma’s house ever is all.” 

“Wha-“

“Taeminnie lives across the street from me.” Key interrupted before Minho could finish his sentence, let alone the first word of it!

“Oh. I see. Then I guess it’s fate that we should have met eventually.” He smiled again. His deep voice is amazing, honestly!

The three of us had talked for a while about whatever came to mind. Eventually, Minho excused himself to go to the restroom.

“Alright! Taemin, when’s your shift here end today?” Key asked me once Minho was out of sight.

“Oh, well. We close at two, then there’s clean up so I should be out of here by 2:30. Then I should have enough time to wash up before being at the dance studio by 3:30.”

“Okay, did you want me to make dinner for your family today?”

“Would you, Key-umma? My shift at the studio is until 8:30 and then again, I have to clean my space so 9:00 I should be headed home. I feel bad for making everyone wait so late for dinner.”

“Of course I’ll make dinner tonight, Minnie! You know I am more than willing to help.” Key-umma smiled.

“Thanks so much, Key-umma!” I smiled, Key is such a caring friend.

Just then, Minho-hyung rounded the corner. He sat down and we continued talking. I had already finished my lunch and decided to look at the time. I only had a few minutes left for my break.

“Well, I have to go back and get my name badge and wash my hands before I clock back in.” I smiled. Looking from Key-umma to Minho-hyung and bowed before turning around and leaving.

~*~*~

I turn around and look at the dance studio before me, cleaning supplies hanging from my arms. First thing’s first, I put down everything except for the broom and start sweeping. I’m almost finished sweeping when I hear the door open behind me, I turn around.

“M-M-Mi-MInho-hyung?” I  felt my jaw drop. I hurriedly collected my thoughts before speaking again, “What are you doing here?”

“Oh, well, um…” He paused, “I remember the other day you saying how you worked at the dance studio down the street from the park…”

“Wait! So that WAS you?” I mean, I had definitely thought it may have been, but he doesn’t look like the type of person to be cornered…

“Yes, that was me. I never got a chance to thank you by the way, so- Thanks, Taemin.” He smiled.

“Oh, hehe, you’re welcome!”

He picked up the dry mop. “Mind if I help?”

I shook my head, “If it’s alright with you, I would really appreciate it.”

When we finished cleaning I looked at the clock 8:45. I actually finished early! Thank goodness!

“Thank you so much for helping Minho-hyung!”

“You’re welcome Taemin, but would you mind getting off of me?”

I hadn’t realized that I’d closed my eyes. Or for that matter jumped on top of Minho! Omo! I must look like a koala trying to climb a tree! I feel my cheeks begin to burn as I jumped back off of him.

“Sorry, Minho-hyung.”

“It’s alright, Taemin. Let’s put the cleaning equipment away.” He smiled again, he really is too nice.

We carried the equipment to the closet and put everything away. We finally had everything away and exited the building.

“Thanks again for your help Minho-hyung. It would’ve taken twice as long other wise!”

“Not a problem, Taemin. We should head home. I bet Key-umma is looking out his window for your return home already.” I heard a quiet chuckle escape his lips.

“Knowing Key-umma, he’s been watching and if I’m not home by 9:00 he’s already waiting for me on my front steps.” I smile, but I can feel my cheeks heating up once again.

We started walking and talking. I hadn’t even realized we had reached the street my house was on until I heard Key-umma scream.

“CHOI MINHO!”

I looked to Minho-hyung who had paled at the sound of Key’s screeching. I looked back towards Key who was rushing down the street towards us. I couldn’t help but gulp, I hadn’t seen Key-umma this angry- EVER.

“What are you waiting for? RUN!” I heard as someone grabbed my hand and pulled me along the sidewalk. I was in a daze- just what happened back there? I mean, I was just minding my own business and all of a sudden a group of guys came up and backed me against the wall. They started yelling at me about something… then this person showed up. I looked again at the boy grasping my hand and running at top speed. He seemed to be muttering to himself, but I couldn’t understand what he was saying.
After following him down street after street for what felt like hours, he stopped and turned to me. Who on Earth was this guy?
“There. You should be safe now. Watch out for those guys. When they’re drunk they don’t care who you are. If they want to beat someone up they’ll do it to the next passing person. And if they’re looking for… um… release.. they don’t care if you’re male or female, they take what they can get.” The guy looked at the device on his wrist. “Crap! I’m going to be late!” He turned and started to run.
“Wait!” I instictively reached out and grabbed his wrist. “Who are you? Late? Where are you going?” The boy turned around and let out a slight chuckle.
“Ah! You speak! I was beginning to think you were mute! I’m late for work.” He smiled, “I work at the dance studio down the street.” He looked cute when he smiled, but his smile quickly disappaited. “If I don’t leave now I really will be late!” He turned and ran without saying his name.
“Wait!” I yelled again, but he continued running down the street while I stood there watching, paralyzed for reasons I still didn’t know.

Taemin curled into a small ball under the covers on his bed. This is not the reality I wanted. Why can’t they see that? He started dragging his nails down his arms. Within moments his arms were bright red and swollen tracks from the repetitive motions were showing. His body was shaking. Everyone should stay away from me. I’m like a poison. I’m not good enough. I’ll never be good enough. The longs scratches in his arms are starting to completely break through the skin. His fingernails are covered in blood, but he ignores it as he continues to scratch- no, dig at his arms. There was no specific reason for Taemin to have sunk so low into depression. I just accepted too much. I pushed too much. I failed too much. I let everyone down. Why do they bother?

“Taeminnie?” Onew sat down on the edge of the younger one’s bed. “Taeminnie, are you okay?”