Tradition: bully the newbie
lee! Seungmin
ler! Minho
warnings: hm mentions of stress and being overwhelmed, loneliness, swear words, anxiety/nervousness and perfectionism, Seungmin being shy (yes, that's a warning cuz he's cute)
author's note: I literally rewrote this a hundred billion times because I wasn't pleased with how it went, but I hope you guys enjoy it! also let me know if you wanna be tagged in my future fics!!
this is a tickle fic!! keep scrolling if it's not your thing!!
“Sullyoon is one of our newest employees. She’s also the youngest here. She is very hardworking and gentle, and works in the same shift as our sunshine. His name is actually Felix— he is so kind and always has a bright smile on his face; the nickname really suits him. And lastly, Minho, the guy you’ll be working with. He is very charismatic and sweet. But he likes to tease, so don’t take anything he says personally… And try to be cooperative. He doesn’t get angry often, but no one likes it when he does.” This was the first time Seungmin has ever heard of Minho. Three weeks ago, when his life first started going downhill and he started working in coffee shop/bakery “Mapple”, and his boss gave him a small introduction to his co-workers before they got there.
Three weeks ago, Seungmin locked in one trying as hard as he can to maintain his perfect image, and not make his life harder than it already was. Though, now, as he’s getting ready for afternoon shift, he is pretty sure that his plan failed, and that he will be forced to face huge confrontation from his co-worker, Minho. He doesn’t know if he would rather blame himself for being so judgemental, his college for giving him so much work that he became sleep deprived, or his landlord for even getting him in this situation.
But, if you are wondering how he got himself into this position, let’s rewind to his first day of work.
Three weeks ago, 27. April; 06:10 AM.
“Hello, I’m Kim Seungmin, the new employee here. I’m looking forward working with you Minho-nim.” If there is one thing his parents have ever taught him, it was how to stay calm and composed even under stressful and scary situation. Now, even though the only real job Seungmin ever worked was babysitting now and then, he never really had to experience how it feels to start working a job like this. So, the only time he has ever felt this anxious was during first days of school, or when his parents were witnessing any of his activities, like school theater plays or his baseball competitions when he still used to play. His palms would get sweaty, and he’d feel his heart hitting hard against his ribcage. Yet, despite that, he knew how to hide it. And he really hopes he knows how to hide it now.
“Pleasure to meet you, Seungmin. But, you can just call me Minho-ssi.” This was Seungmin’s first day working in “Mapple”; a small coffee shop that is also partly a bakery, and his boss, Jeongyeon, was introducing him to a co-worker who would be working in the same shift as Seungmin.
Minho seemed very polite; he had a small smile on his face, and his voice was very soft, yet Seungmin still felt intimidated because of Minho’s charismatic yet sharp character. “Alright, Minho-ssi…” Seungmin only mumbled, and fond giggles that left Jeongyeon and Minho’s lips after made his face heat up.
“Relax, Seungmin! I promise you the atmosphere here is super chill, and we’re all good friends, so no need for all the nervousness.” She patted his shoulder as if to calm him down.
“Of course, seonbaenim. I’m not nervous.”
Minho hummed, and his mouth was curled into a very amused smile. “Well, then, go get ready, Seungminnie. I’ll train you from now on.”
30. April; 06:30 AM
“Hm, try again. You put way too much sugar, Seungminnie, our customers will get a sugar rush,” Minho giggled, reaching over to add more milk into the iced coffee Seungmin made for him.
For the past three days that he has worked here, Seungmin quickly realized that his favorite part of the day were early mornings before their shift starts. When working morning shifts, they were supposed to come at six, and start preparing the cafe for opening. Seungmin would come before Minho, at maybe 5:40; change into his work clothes, and study at the cafe’s counter before Minho came. Then the two would slowly prepare the cafe, and Minho would give Seungmin some drink from the menu to make for him while he went and got their pastries ready. Even though Minho wasn’t heavy on cafeine so early in the morning, he decided it would be the best way to teach Seungmin the menu. Seungmin really enjoyed the atmosphere, and watching the sun rise from inside. It grounded him. Gave him a moment of peace from all of the stressful things happening to him right now.
“I’m sorry, Minho-ssi. I’ll do better next time.” Seungmin bowed a little, moving quickly to clean up the stuff he used to make the coffee. One thing Seungmin really, really disliked was doing something wrong. His older sister always told him he can’t always be perfect, but Seungmin doubted that. ‘Maybe if i tried good enough, I could be perfect’ was the neverending, drowning thought that went through his mind since he was 7 years old. In his mind, being unable to make coffee the way it’s supposed to was so defeating. Humiliating, even.
Minho noticed a pout that subconsciously formed on the younger’s face. He would definitely think Seungmin was being adorable, if it wasn’t for pure disappointment painted across his face.
“Don’t be sorry. Making drinks or pastries at home is fairly different than making them for work, you know?” Minho said, and in an attempt to get the younger to see it wasn’t a big deal and break the awkwardness, he tried poking his arm. Instead, he missed Seungmin’s arm, and his pointy finger poked the back of his ribs.
The last thing he expected from his very composed, serious, and professional co-worker was a loud squeal. Seungmin jumped, and curled to the side to protect his ribs. It was quiet for a few moments as both of them processed what happened.
Oh, no, no, no.
Brown-haired boy looked up at Minho with wide eyes, before covering his face in embarrassment.
How humiliating.
“Oh.” Minho’s lips formed into a big, toothy grin. This might be the best accomplishment he ever did. “Oh, MiniSeungminnie, don’t tell me you’re ticklish?”
Minho couldn’t help himself; he reached over and scribbled his fingers over Seungmin’s tummy. “No! I’m not!” Seungmin pushed his hand away before he lost control over himself and started laughing. “You just surprised me!”
“Did I?”
“Yes!”
Now, Minho wasn’t stupid, and Seungmin knew that. But he couldn’t face more humiliation if he admitted he was ticklish.
“Right… if you say so.” Minho giggled fondly, making Seungmin’s face burn even more. “Just make sure I don’t ‘catch you off guard’ again.”
7. May; 10:27 AM
“Hey, MiniSeungminnie! Take this to the table 6; I gotta go finish the croissants.” Minho simply pushed two smoothies in Seungmin’s hands and disappeared to the back.
Seungmin hated that stupid nickname.
Actually, after working with Minho for, like, two weeks now, he hates most things he does. The more they worked together, the more Minho got comfortable and felt free to annoy Seungmin until he was about to snap. Okay, if we were to look at the situation from the realistic side, a lot of things started bothering Seungmin ever since his landlord started complaining about every small thing. And Minho wasn’t all that bad. He was hardworking, and never exploited Seungmin or made him work more. He drove Seungmin home three days ago when one of those spring storms hit. And he defended Seungmin when a very rude customer came by a few days ago.
But, oh my, he got on Seungmin’s nerves so bad. His constant teasing; calling Seungmin uptight and commenting on small quirks or mistakes. And that stupid nickname ‘MiniSeungminnie’. It doesn’t even make sense! Seungmin is taller!
But what made flustered him the most was Minho’s constant… tickling. Every morning when he’d come to work and see Seungmin studying in the private room, he would never forget to gently tickle Seungmin’s side while saying hi. And during work, Minho would sneak in a little poke to his tummy; no matter if there are customers or not. He also did it when he was driving Seungmin home. The entire time he would reach out and squeeze Seungmin’s knee to hear him squeak and see his cheeks heat up. But the worst thing was that he also did it in front of Felix.
He met both Felix and Sullyoon shortly after he started working, but he they’re in the opposite shift so they rarely work together. Sullyoon especially, because Felix sometimes picks up an extra shift simply because he’s bored, or he missed out a day of work due to health, and he wants to make up for it despite Jeongyeon saying it’s unnecessary. But Felix working with Minho and Seungmin never stopped the older from sneaking in his tickling. In fact, it was more satisfying to see Seungmin’s brain short-circuit, and for his reaction to be freezing and then leaving the room.
Luckily for Seungmin, Felix really was as sweet as Jeongyeon said, and even though it was entertaining to see his professional co-worker get flustered, he never gave a bigger reaction than an amused smile, or sometimes a giggle. He didn’t want Seungmin to feel too embarrassed.
Still, it was humiliating. He wasn’t a kid.
Later that day, it felt weirdly quiet as he helped Felix reorganize the pastry.
“Did you get used to working here yet? I know it was probably overwhelming at first. Service work always is as hard as you’d expect.” When the two first met, Seungmin was actually shocked to hear the contrast between Felix’s looks and voice. When Seungmin first saw him, it was like those cinematic pictures where a charcter stands in front of an angelic person, and light comes out of them like aura, and lights up the entire room. Not only because of his bleached hair, but also his sun-kissed skin that’s covered in freckles, and his shiny eyes. Not to mention his big grin that never seemed to leave his face.
But then he opened his mouth, and the first sentence Seungmin heard was “You must be Seungmin! Minho told me about you! Welcome to Mapple!”. Not that there was anything unusual with what he said. But his voice? It was deep. And low. And definitely not what Seungmin expected from a guy who looks like he wouldn’t hurt a fly.
“Well, yeah. I figured things out, so it’s easier to work with the customers.”
“You’re learning really fast; good job, man.” Seungmin couldn’t help but smile shyly at the praise. If only the blond knew how much praises got to Seungmin. And in Felix’s eyes, Seungmin’s smile was so cute he wanted to jump the younger boy and kiss his cheeks to get him even shyer.
But, their interaction was interrupted with Seungmin’s squeal, as he squeezed the paper bag he tried putting a cupcake in. “Awh, what did you say do get our MiniSeungminnie to blush like this, Lix?” Of course, the one behind ticklish sensation the youngest boy felt on his neck was Minho, and his sneaky fingers that dug underneath Seungmin’s chin.
“Dho-” Seungmin shut him mouth when he heard the giggles almost slipping out. He pushed Minho’s hand away and hunched into himself. “Don’t call me that…”
Now, Seungmin was lucky they were working, and that Felix and him weren’t that close yet, because he was ready to squeeze the shit out of Minnie due to his cute reaction. But, he spared Seungmin the embarrassment. “Hyung! Leave him be. Do you see we’re trying to work.”
“Then maybe I should just bother you?” Minho raised an eyebrow in amusement, seeing Felix’s freckled cheeks warm up. The cafe’s door opened, and new customers came in. “Damn, everyone is interupting my fun time.” Minho mocked disappointment before walking to the counter to serve the customers.
Felix turned to Seungmin again, and giggled as Seungmin return to work, avoiding Felix’s eyes to save himself the embarrassment. “He might be annoying but he does it completely out of love! I promise!”
“Oh, so he does it to you, as well?” Seungmin tried to change the attention of himself.
“No!” Felix lied nervously, before clearing his throat. “I’m not ticklish, unlike someone.”
“Right…”
“Shut it, MiniSeungminnie. Don’t make me sic him on you.”
10. May; 23:10 PM
Seungmin is sick of it. Sick of everything, actually.
Before everything, he’s sick of his stupid landlord. Not only did he make the rent higher, but he also calls almost every day and complains about the smallest things. He’s pretty sure that in the past month, he spoke more to his landlord than he spoke to his parents for the past three months all-together.
He is also so sick of his college. He loves psychology; he really does. Studying the human brain, human reactions, why are they the way they are. It’s where he feels secure. But it’s been killing him lately. Especially one specific professor, who will only now give him his midterm exam because Seungmin missed it when it was actually supposed to be. Not to mention the professor said the exam will be harder for those who miss the first date, so Seungmin has to work extra hard to pass.
And lastly, Lee Fucking Minho. Don’t get Seungmin wrong, Minho is a sweetheart. And if he is being honest, Minho refreshes that feeling of loneliness Seungmin used to feel. But with everything that has been happening, Minho, and his stupid jokes and teases, just made him the target where Seungmin will take out his anger on.
He’s going through hard time. Sue him.
Tonight, he has been studying for 3 hours since, until his sister texted him and they started catching up on everything happening in their lives. She spoke to him about work, promotions, her friends and their trip to Thailand last week, and her love life (Seungmin really didn’t want to hear about that). And Seungmin told her about college, and his new job, and when she asked about his friends, he made up small stories so she wouldn’t think he’s lonely… even if he was. Of course, he also left out all the drama with the landlord, but he definitely made sure to mention his annoying, charismatic co-worker.
And as if he manifested it, Minho texted him. Telling Seungmin he can come later tomorrow because he will be at Mapple earlier and get everything ready. Seungmin felt a little bad for all the stuff he told his sister. So he made sure to polite answer. Before going back to talking trash to his sister. Before he sent the message he sent, he remembers seeing her ask:
Noona 🩷: Why are you so pissed off?
Noona 🩷: Didn’t you say he was nice?
Seungmin: Sure, he is! But he is so annoying! He keeps teasing me, and in front of people too! And he always calls me this stupid nickname MiniSeungminnie or something. It’s embarrassing. And he keeps… you know… poking me and like… you know what I mean! And I don’t really mind it but it’s flustering! He does it in front of other people as well. And his jokes are stupid. I wish I worked in the same shift as Felix. He is so sweet. And silly. Reminds me of kitties. Except he’s like a kitten that is also an angel. Minho is just a meanie.
Seungmin could swear he sent this message to his his sister. He could swear. But he’d be wrong. Because he was sleep deprived. And stressed. And fuelled with annoyance. And he forgot to exit the chat with Minho.
And later, when Minho did see the message, Seungmin was only met with:
Minho-ssi: wrong person, minnie
Minho-ssi: see you at work tomorrow
11. May; 5:40 AM
Three weeks ago, Seungmin locked in one trying as hard as he can to maintain his perfect image, and not make his life harder than it already was. Though, now, as he’s getting ready for afternoon shift, he is pretty sure that his plan failed, and that he will be forced to face huge confrontation from his co-worker, Minho. He doesn’t know if he would rather blame himself for being so judgmental, his college for giving him so much work that he became sleep deprived, or his landlord for even getting him in this situation.
Seungmin didn’t sleep at all last night. He tossed and turned in his bed, practiced his apology speech a hundred times, and meditated to stop himself from crying from being overwhelmed. If someone else were to look at the message, they sure wouldn’t take it as seriously. Everything that Seungmin wrote hinted at him being mildly annoyed and just flustered, and not actually angry at Minho. The meanest thing Seungmin has said in that message was that Minho was annoying and a meanie. But with context, no one would really take Seungmin seriously.
But, at the end of the day, Seungmin really was going through a lot. And this small, stupid decision was his last straw. He was scared. Scared that Minho will completely switch up; maybe even plead Jeongyeon to fire Seungmin. He really couldn’t afford that.
Even though Minho told him he doesn’t need to come early, Seungmin rushed to work before 6 AM. He wanted to prove himself, but also sincerely apologize for that stupid message.
He ran into Mapple to find Minho cleaning the tables with quiet music playing in the background. Minho looked pretty surprised to see Seungmin come in this early. Yet, Seungmin didn’t give him any time before stopping before Minho, and slowly bowing down as he lets it all slip.
“Minho-sii, I am so sorry. The message last night was out of frustration rather than what I actually mean. Even though I know it isn’t an excuse, my actions were entirely caused by stress I’ve been experiencing lately and I let it direct to you. And that’s on me. Please, take my apology. I really didn’t mean any of it!”
Seungmin stayed down in a bow as a few moments of silence passed.
If Minho was being honest, it wasn’t that deep. Seungmin didn’t insult him as badly as he could have, and the older found it sort of endearing to hear Seungmin try to speak trash of someone. Yet, he did feel bad because this was the first time in the past three weeks that he has seen Seungmin genuinely stressed and unable to hide it.
Damn it, he feels bad. “Yah, Minnie, get up. It’s alright.” Minho pulled Seungmin up, trying to catch his avoiding eyes. “Stop being silly. I mean you totally hurt my feelings and called me a meanie but it’s okay, I guess…” Minho just wanted to joke and lighten up the situation (sue him, okay!), he regretted it the moment he saw Seungmin’s face get even sadder. How can someone genuinely look so devastated. It’s almost cartoonish. “I’m joking! I’m joking! Okay, I get it. You were stressed and weren’t thinking. It happens to the best of us. Except me, I’m perfect, of course. But, I promise you, you didn’t say anything too mean. I kinda thought you were just joking around.”
“Okay, Minho-ssi. I apologize, once again.” Seungmin put his head down in shame.
“You can call me hyung,” Minho ruffled his hair before mocking anger. “And didn’t I tell you to stay home and come later?! Tsk, you never listen.”
Minho pulled his hands of Seungmin’s shoulder, and relocated them to the younger’s sides. He didn’t give Seungmin time to react or process what was happening, and instead pushed him down so he was sitting on one of the chairs, and started tickling his sides. Seungmin gasped before shutting his mouth and biting his lips.
Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck. He tried not to laugh, in an attempt to save some dignity and not drop his professional act.
“Come on, let it out. We both know you want to~” Minho crouched down, and switched tactics from squeezing to gently scratching up and down; going from the bottom of his ribs to above his hips. Surprisingly, for someone so sensitive, Seungmin was holding on really well. “Seungmin-ah! You’re being boring!” Minho laughed at the silly face Seungmin was making in attempt not to laugh. He shut his eyes tightly, and pursed his lips; his face was red, and his hands pushed at Minho’s. Though, it was pointless because Minho was noticeably stronger.
“Fine, I guess I just have to find a more ticklish spot~” Minho reached out and started scratching the sides of Seungmin’s neck, and the dam broke. Minho was sure he has never heard sweeter giggles than he has when Seungmin finally stopped holding it in.
“Nahaha! Mihihinhohahah-ssi!” Seungmin curled up into himself. The last time he was tickled was probably when he was sixteen, and his sister still lived with his family, and they had one of their weekly tickle fights. This was so overwhelming. And embarrassing. Minho’s right hand didn’t stop tickling his neck even when he scrunched his shoulders up; while his other hand was focused on the sides of his stomach.
“Didn’t I tell you to call me hyung? How rude.” Minho tsked, and Seungmin felt butterflies fill his stomach as both of Minho’s hands started tickling the sides of his stomach. It was such a sensitive spot that the younger couldn’t help but squeal. “Or would you rather just call me a meanie again?”
“IHIHI DIIHIDN’T MEHEHEAHAHN IT!” Seungmin shook his head, opening his eyes to look at Minho pleadingly. Minho just ignored it, and switched to tickling his armpits. “NO! GHEHET- HAHA! GHEHET OUT HAHAHA!”
“Ohohoh, a bad spot?” Minho giggled proudly. He kinda hoped Seungmin would feel more comfortable around him and not all stiff and professional. “I should just keep going forever! You’re being so chill right now!”
“NOHOHT THEHE WHOHORD I WHOHOULD USE!” Okay, Seungmin, due to the tickling, was still stiff. But he didn’t hold back. He didn’t focus on hiding his reactions, or being professional. He was focused on laughing.
“Hm, really? Okay, let’s try another spot then.” Minho didn’t give him the time to react, and switched from his armpits to his stomach. Minho’s fingers scribbled up and down, slipping into the younger’s belly button every so often.
And Seungmin went crazy.
“NOHOHOH! HAHAHA! STOHOHOP THAHAHAT!” He couldn’t really think straight anymore, and his laugh was so loud, he’s pretty sure it could be heard from outside. It was almost 6 AM. Too damn early for this. Minho didn’t slow down, he just stared up at Seungmin with a proud grin, and he himself kept giggling that Seungmin’s reactions.
“Awh, how cute, Minnie. You have such a pretty smile.” Minho laughed, leaving gentle pinches across Seungmin’s stomach.
“SHUHUT UP! QHUHUIT IT!” Seungmin felt helpless. All he could really do was shake his head and kick his feet against the floor. He knew he couldn’t escape, so eventually his body gave out. He leaned back into his chair, with his head leaned back as he laughed his heart out. He even stopped pushing at Minho, and only help the older’s wrists.
Eventually, Minho decided it was enough, and slowed down before stopping comletely. Still, Seungmin kept giggling softly, feeling all jittery and giddy. It was weird. Unusual. And it left Seungmin feeling happy. And looking down to see Minho’s face all full of fondness didn’t help his case. He only hid his face between his hands.
The action, and the fact that Seungmin’s hands were hidden by his sweater paws, only gave Minho more cutenees aggression. He couldn’t stop himself for squeezing Minnie’s sides once more, making him squeal, before letting him go and standing up. “I was serious when I said it’s okay. I know you didn’t mean it, MiniSeungminnie.”
Seungmin mumbled something and Minho leaned down to hear him better. “What was that?”
“I’m taller,” Seungmin said a little louder, peaking out from behind his hands to stare at Minho with big puppy eyes.
“Yah! Want round two?” Seungmin quickly shook his head. “Then be quiet!” Minho poked his side playfully before going to get him water. When he was back, he let Seungmin finish his water in silence as he petted younger’s head. He could tell Seungmin was embarrassed, but it was a big step that he didn’t push him away.
“I’m gonna guess you didn’t get much sleep last night, so feel free to go back home and get rest. I already called Felix so he’ll take over your shift.”
“What? No. Why did you call him? I am ready for work.” Seungmin pouted.
“Well, original plan was to call him over so I can tease you about liking him more but since I see that you are tired, just go home.” Minho shrugged.
“But-”
“No buts. I’m serious. Go home.” Minho pointed at the door, and picked Seungmin’s bag up.
Meanie.
thank you for reading! i hope you liked it ><
