Summary: His intentions aren’t necessarily good, but don’t ever let Dr. Kim Minseok be misunderstood.
Warning: graphic content, mentions of torture, minor character death
Length: 3.7k
A/N: Don’t hate me, @admincl.
Previously...
“If they find out, we’re dead.”
Han cut his eyes to the slightly trembling man sat across from him, gaze decidedly annoyed and boyish features pulled down into a scowl. “Ye of little faith, Park.” He sighed, “How long have we been running this operation?”
“About a year--“
“And how much have we made?”
“Shit, I don’t know. Maybe about 20 million?”
“USD?”
“Yeah.”
Han nodded, “And how much are we projected to make with just this shipment alone?”
“Almost 3 million.” Han lifted a brow, wordlessly demanding clarification which the other hurriedly supplied, “USD. Sir.”
“And what’s the conversion rate of USD to yuan?”
“Um,” a beat of silence passed between them as the other man wracked his brain for the right number. Han almost scoffed; what was the point of having an accountant (an American, no less) if he couldn’t even keep track of simple exchange rates. “It’s 6.62 to 1?”
Han did scoff this time. “Are you asking or telling me?”
“Telling. Sir. It’s 6.62 yen to one dollar.”
“So that means we’re pretty rich, aren’t we?”
The accountant shifted uncomfortably as he affirmed, “Yes, sir, it does.”
“And how many times have we been close to getting caught?”
“Well, none—“
Han hummed as he momentarily contemplated the other man’s answers. “You know,” he began slowly as he shifted the papers on his desk, “a betting man would say the odds are in our favor. Would you agree?”
“Yes, sir, I would—“
“And yet, here you are, ready to piss your pants instead of doing your fucking job,” the Chinese man snapped venomously. “Amazing,” he chuckled humorlessly.
“I’m sorry, sir! I didn’t mean to—“
“Waste my time?” Han interjected icily, making the accountant blanch at the allegation. He rolled his doe eyes as he dismissively continued, “Well, unfortunately for you, you have. So you have two options: You can continue to waste my time while I find someone to replace you, which won’t take more than a phone call. Or…” He leaned over his desk until his face was squarely in the other man’s as he growled, “You can get the fuck out of my office and go do whatever the fuck it is I pay you for while I worry about shit far above your paygrade.” Han grinned brightly--his pearly white teeth bared to catch the fluorescent light--as he lilted, “The choice is up to you!”
The American hurriedly scrambled out of the office, leaving Han in peaceful silence. Fate being the cruel mistress that she was, less than a minute later a harsh knock against his door resounded ominously through his office. “What?” he gruffly barked, a string of curses flying through his head and ready to roll off his tongue if one Park J--
“Now Lu,” a silvery voice drawled, “is that anyway to greet your guests?”
The Chinese man started as his eyes met the catlike ones belonging to none other than-- “Minseok-ge,” he chirped brightly as he swiftly gathered himself, “what a lovely surprise!” Han rose from his desk and beckoned the man into his office. “I wasn’t expecting you!”
Minseok smiled pleasantly, though the warmth of his smile didn’t reach his eyes, as he shrugged, “I know how much you love surprises so here I am. And I even brought a friend!”
Han’s hackles rose as Kyungsoo sauntered into the room with a broad grin on his cherubic face. “Lu Han-ge, it’s so wonderful to finally see you again,” he greeted the elder smoothly.
“Kyungsoo, if I wasn’t staring at you now, I’d think you were a fellow Beijing son,” he complimented. “Your Mandarin has improved greatly since the last time I saw you. Yixing has taught you quite well.” Kyungsoo only hummed in response as he gracefully dropped into one of the oversized leather armchairs sat in the elder’s office. Han couldn’t help the downward tick of his lips at the presumptuous action of the younger (especially after said younger had criticized the exact same chairs on his last visit--”They’re comfortable but they’re not black”) but he quickly recovered and waved an arm towards the other seat as he courteously offered in Korean, “Please, have a seat, Minseok-ssi.”
The chemist shook his head and declined in Mandarin, “No, thank you. I’d prefer to stand as I’ve been sitting all evening so far. But please, don’t stand on just my behalf.” Despite the friendliness in his voice, Han knew the polite request was a thinly veiled command; and to disobey Minseok in any way would be to incur the punishment of Kyungsoo. So he sat, eyes lowered slightly and lips spread into a demure smile. “Business has been doing quite well for us lately, hasn’t it,” the eldest began as he lazily thumbed through the opened ledger sat on the desk between them.
“Yes, it has. Would you like for us to speak in Korean for Kyungsoo’s sake or…?” Han proffered.
“If his Mandarin wasn’t sufficient, he wouldn’t be here,” Minseok returned warmly as he glanced toward the youngest, who simply beamed at them both. Turning back toward Han, he flicked the ledger shut and sighed, ”You look tired, Lu. Are you resting well?”
There was something about the eldest man’s countenance which made Han shift uncomfortably in his seat. He was far too calm, far too collected. Something was off and Han didn’t know what, but his body was on high alert as his mind ran through every possible scenario that would let him escape this encounter with his life. “They say there’s no rest for the wicked and considering the bags under my eyes, I’d say it’s true,” he answered with a lighthearted chuckle.
Minseok leaned forward slightly to curiously examine the other man’s eyes, felinesque eyes narrowed and gaze piercing, and not for the first time that evening did Han feel as if he were baited prey one wrong move away from death. The chemist’s mouth twitched downward as he straightened up. With a solemn nod he declared, “You need a vacation, Lu.”
“A vacation would be nice, but—”
“That wasn’t up for debate.”
Han blanched. An icy chill spiked through his blood vessels and his heart skidded to a halt as panic flooded his system. He couldn’t tear his eyes away from the sharp ones staring so intensely into his but his ears didn’t miss the sounds of Kyungsoo fishing out his favorite switchblade from his pocket.
This was it.
This was the end.
His senses kicked into overdrive as his body readied itself to either put up a fight or take flight. If he tried to fight, he would definitely die. Even though the gun he had latched to the underside of his desk would give him a slight advantage, Kyungsoo was 77 for 0. If he tried to escape, he’d still have to fight his way out of the office, putting him right back at the end of Kyungsoo’s blade. Every scenario he played in his head all ended the same: Him on the floor, lifeless body cold and bloodied and wide eyes vacant staring blankly into darker, wider ones as a signature tally mark was sliced into his forearm. The odds were not in his favor.
Staring Death in the eyes was a funny thing, Han realized bitterly. Being confronted with one’s own mortality so suddenly could make a person as desperate to live as a sewer rat trying to find food. But he wasn’t a sewer rat: He had reasoning and he had cunning. No matter what he did, someone was going to die today. But that didn’t mean it had to be him.
Han grinned warmly, “Well, I have always wanted to go to Macau as a tourist, especially with the way Yifan drones on and on about its beauty. When should I go?”
Minseok smiled, again the mirth of his gummy smile failed to reach his icy glare, “Tonight. You can take the yacht.”
“Wonderful.” The Chinese man reached toward the desk phone, “I’ll just notify my secr--”
“That won’t be necessary,” Kyungsoo interrupted, his smooth baritone voice hung thick and heavy in the air as if it were trying to smother the feeble flicker of hope for survival surging through Han’s body.
Minseok pushed the phone to the farthest corner of the desk as he explained, “We’ve already arranged everything for you and your secretary will be notified of your departure after we conclude our business here. Now whether or not you’re able to enjoy your vacation in one or two or seven pieces is entirely dependent upon you.”
“I’m not quite sure—“
Minseok clicked his tongue loudly. “You have such an interesting face,” he mused. Lazily he stroked the back of his thumb against Han’s full cheek, causing the other man to startle at the sudden and highly intimate touch. “It gives you such a boyishly aloof charm, did you know that? Of course you did because you yourself aren’t aloof about the effects your looks have on others. You’re not aloof about anything really. So before you even think to try to lie to me again, know this: Your charm has no effect on me and I won’t even bat an eye while Kyungsoo slices it off.”
“He really won’t!” the disconcertingly cheerful psychopath brightly chimed in at the mention of his name.
Han gulped, barely managing to stammer, “T-that won’t be n-necessary, I’m sure.”
“Let’s hope not.” Minseok smirked, and this time his eyes glowed brightly with a sinister glint. “Kyungsoo, do you mind?”
“Not at all.” In the blink of an eye, Kyungsoo’s strong arms were wrapped tightly around Han’s body--one arm around his waist and the other constricting along his neck as a hand pressed the smooth edge of the sharp blade into his carotid--in a deadly snare. He felt in that moment every bit like the deer his features made him resemble.
The chemist casually strode past the two men to stand in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows behind them. He inhaled deeply as he carefully surveyed the twinkling lights of the city sprawled beneath them. He’d always loved Beijing and there truly was no better view of the city than this. Maybe after it was all over, he thought absentmindedly, he’d permanently relocate here; after all, Han wouldn’t be in much need of an office anymore. Shrugging, he plucked up the ornate glass decanter from the table next to him. “I won’t insult your intelligence by saying I know you’re probably wondering what this is really all about,” he began in a honey-coated purr as he smoothly poured the amber liquid into an equally ornate tumbler. “Someone has been stealing from me and I need to know who.”
“Minseok, I don’t ha—”
The words died in Han’s constricted throat as the blade pressed harder into the soft, vulnerable flesh. “Ah, ah, gege; don’t break my heart and make me have to kill you,” Kyungsoo murmured darkly in his ear, the heat of his breath making the trembling man’s ripple with chills. “That’d be such a shame because I truly do like you. Good company is so hard for me to come by these days.”
The soft clink of glass drew Han’s attention back toward the other Korean. “Kyungsoo finds liars to be incredibly rude,” the eldest stated matter of factly. Minseok lifted the glass to the light to admire the clarity of the glowing liquid. “You have very excellent taste, Lu,” he complimented, “very excellent taste, indeed, in so many things. Whiskey, women, wingbacks. So unfortunate your taste doesn’t extend into your hiring practices. Could have saved us all so much trouble.” He shrugged before taking a swig of his drink. “Thankfully, you’re incredibly observant so I’m certain you know exactly who’s responsible.” He walked back around until he was staring into the man’s doe eyes. “All we need is a name.”
The way he saw it, Han had three choices: He could confess, play dumb, or lie. If he confessed, he’d be separated from his beloved neck then and there. If he played dumb, he’d be subjected to whatever sadistic torture tactics swirling in Kyungsoo’s twisted mind; torture, while not fun, was survivable and he knew plenty of skilled surgeons who owed him a favor or two. If he lied, well…
Lying had always been his strongest suit.
Han swallowed hard, a grimace crossing his face as the blade dug into his Adam’s apple. Slowly, he raised both of his hands. “There’s a file in my desk,” he began, “with all the intel I’ve gathered on Park Jaebeom. The key to the drawer is in my pocket.” He motioned cautiously with a finger to left leg, “If I may…”
Minseok assented with a nod and Kyungsoo loosened his grip on Han’s waist. Han swiftly fished out the silver key and handed it to the man behind him. Kyungsoo leaned their bodies forward—the blade digging that much harder into Han’s throat—so he could unlock the drawer. Standing them both back up, the younger slid the file across the glass surface of the desk toward the chemist, who lazily flicked it open and thumbed through every sheet in the file. Minute after minute crawled past at an excruciatingly slow pace. Han knew it was essential to keep his composure yet his racing thoughts had his breath threatening to hitch with every heartbeat. At long last, the chemist closed the file and straightened his posture. “Well,” he sighed, “I must apologize for ever doubting you. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me.”
Han managed a smile, “You’re forgiven.”
The chemist flashed his signature gummy grin before he waved his hand to signal Kyungsoo to stand down. Reaching out, he ghosted his fingertips over Han’s tender throat as he checked the reddened flesh for any cuts. “How’s your throat feel?”
Han wanted to scoff at the absurdity of the question and careful touches but instead he shrugged, “Best shave of my life.”
Minseok chuckled lightly as he pushed the phone back toward the center of the desk. “Do you mind?” he posed sweetly while handing the receiver to the other man. Another threatening demand painted in the soft hues of a polite request.
Han gingerly took the receiver. “What should I tell him?”
“That you need to see him,” he tossed over his shoulder as he refilled his glass.
“Right.”
“It’s important for you to act natural,” Kyungsoo stressed as he slithered to stand beside the door. “That shouldn’t be too difficult for you to manage, right?”
Han chose to ignore the barb in favor of swiftly dialing the familiar number. “Get your ass in here,” he barked harshly before slamming the receiver down. “How was that?” he inquired sheepishly. Minseok simply nodded, not even bothering to turn around from where he stood at the window.
A few moments passed before a soft knock sounded on the door. “You wanted to see me, sir?” a muffled voice called.
Han reflexively rolled his eyes and flatly quipped, “No. I wanted to see your mother. Now get your ass in here and give me her number.”
The world itself seemed to suddenly spin in slow motion to Han as the door slid open. He watched as Jaebeom stepped into the well-laid snare he had so desperately rigged. And in the exact instant the steel jaws of reality bit down viciously into Han’s conscience, Kyungsoo sprang into action with a brutal elbow strike to the back of his prey’s head, the blow rendering the man into a crumpled heap on the floor. Han could barely breathe, could barely think, could barely choke down the clammy grip of guilt as it struggled to claw its way out of his throat and past his lips in a scream of horror while he helplessly watched Kyungsoo almost gleefully tore Jaebeom’s tongue from his mouth, ripping a bloodcurdling shriek of agony from the bloodied man. Kyungsoo patted his cheek with his right hand while lifted the severed tongue to where its previous owner could ogle at it. “Can’t lie if you can’t speak,” he explained, smoothly switching to Korean. He flung the useless muscle across the room where it landed at Han’s feet. “He certainly won’t be needing that anymore,” he commented in Mandarin with a wink at the elder.
Turning back to the trapped man beneath him, he ghosted the handle of his blade across Jaebeom’s trembling throat. “Good evening, Jaebeom-ssi. My name is Do Kyungsoo and that man over there is Kim Minseok. I presume you know who we are. Now Minseok-hyung is going to ask you some questions; you will nod for ‘yes’ and shake your head for ‘no.’ If your answers don’t satisfy hyung, I’ll take another piece of you until there’s nothing left. If your answers are satisfactory, you might just make it out of here in two pieces. Assuming of course you want your tongue back…” Jaebeom thrashed weakly beneath him, a desperate sob gurgling out of him and splattering blood across his captor’s cheeks. Kyungsoo clicked his teeth. He hated messes. He haphazardly tore a strip of fabric from the accountant’s shirt and stuffed it into his mouth. “Is that better?” Jaebeom sobbed harder.
“Lu Han tells me you’re the man behind the delay and alterations of my shipments. Is that correct?” Minseok questioned tersely. Jaebeom vehemently shook his head as he tried to deny it. “Pick a number, Lu,” the chemist instructed.
Han tore his eyes away to stare bewildered at Minseok. “W-what?”
“Pick a number. 1-10.”
“I-I don’t...7?”
“Your lucky number. How fitting.”
A muffled howl pierced the air, dragging Han’s attention back down in enough time to see Kyungsoo casually fling a severed ring finger over his shoulder. “Let’s try this again,” Minseok insisted evenly. “You started your operation in December, correct?” Jaebeom nodded. “You purposefully remove less than a half ounce from each individual package, correct?” Another nod. “You repackage those ounces with your own branding to sell as your own, correct?” Nod. “You smuggle exactly 5 grams to my direct competition Jung Hoseok so he can keep his drug competitive to mine, correct?” Head shake. “Is that name unfamiliar to you? Perhaps you know him by another. Professor Hope?” Head shake. “Dr. Sun?” Head shake. “Sunshine Man?” Head shake. “His other one, Kyungsoo.” Another howl, another severed finger.
Han wanted to close his eyes and scratch out the savage images permanently etched into his corneas. He wanted to block out his ears and purge the gruesome screams echoing in his ringing ear drums. But he couldn’t. If he showed an ounce more of horror than appropriate, then his ruse would come crashing down and it would be him under Kyungsoo’s unforgiving knife. So he forced himself to look unto the chaos he had wrought. And with every slice of the blade into Jaebeom’s flesh, he forced himself not to lose his stomach. He had been boxed into a corner and he had made his decision; this was the consequence of his action, but it would be all worth it because he would be alive.
The interrogation seemed to carry on for hours until Minseok exhaled heavily as he turned towards the Chinese man. “I am so sorry you had to witness this, Lu.” He fixed a drink and handed it to him before fixing himself one. “At least we have our answers. Cheers.” He clinked their glasses together and downed his own, sharp gaze never leaving Han’s face. Han robotically unclenched his jaw to guzzle the burning liquid.
Kyungsoo swiped his bloodied fingers through Jaebeom’s sweaty hair as he whispered, “Hush now, it’ll all be over soon. We know he’s behind all of it. It’s just that business is business and you’re also complicit so we have to make an example out of you. But don’t worry. I’ll make sure he gets ten times worse than what I’ve given you, all of which you’ve taken so well by the way.” Jaebeom’s nostrils flared as he struggled to scream out despite the tattered fabric stuffed down his throat. Kyungsoo gazed down at the desperate man with a look akin to paternal pride (if he was capable of feeling such a thing, he was certain this was the right moment for it), a heavy sigh escaping his full lips. He really did admire the fighters. They always made for the best memories. “You’ve definitely been one of my favorites to play with but now I must set you free.”
One final stroke of the cheek was all the warning given before Kyungsoo plunged his knife deep into his victim’s neck. As gently as he could manage, Kyungsoo laid the dying man down onto the pale wood floor. He hummed low in his chest with satisfaction as he intently gazed into the glassy eyes staring back at him in horror, the bass of the noise vibrating the tense atmosphere and rippling through Han’s shaken core. The Chinese man drew in a ragged breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding. He couldn’t seem to tear his eyes away from the scene—the murder scene—that had just unfolded before him.
He…
Jaebeom was…
Kyungsoo had…
A crisp chill raced down his spine as Minseok’s dulcet voice sliced through the still air, “Don’t let me be misunderstood: This is not mercy, this is a stay of execution. I know you were behind this and I know every single detail of your little operation. I’ve had surveillance on you since March and none of your lackeys are intelligent enough or capable of the level of deception and restraint this requires. The only reason you are alive right now is because you are slightly more valuable to me than…” Minseok’s voice trailed off as he flicked his eyes toward where Kyungsoo was hunched over carving a tally mark into the forearm of his fresh kill, “whoever that was, is simply because of who you know. But understand that you, too, are expendable.” He polished off his drink—piercing eyes never breaking contact as he did—before he made his way to the door. Just as he wrapped a hand around the handle, he turned his head just so to glance back at the visibly shaken man behind him. “One day, Death is going to come back for you; and on that day, you’ll be just another tally mark.”
Minseok’s (Xiumin’s) Fake Text + Short Story:Cuddling with you because your boyfriend dumped you!
Request said: EXO fake texts: you are best friends and you want them to come over so you can cuddle because your boyfriend dumped u badly
Short Story:
Minseok texted me, but I didn’t mind on replying. Right now my reasoning ain’t right...I have such a hard time trying to figure out things out. I feel vulnerable. I need someone to take my pain and thoughts away. Feel loved like I once used to, but thanks to that stupid Jerk...everything is ruined, he ruined my life and my hopes of seeing love again. I hate him for that. I keep on crying my heart out for him but he just...just played with my feelings. I decided to go to the bathroom and take a shower. But the memories of that day keep flowing on my mind. I started to cry once more. I could hear footsteps and probably it was Sarah but boy I was wrong. When someone opened the bathroom door, revealing that it was Xiumin. I didn’t wanted him to see me in this awful state so screamed while crying “Go away!”. “But why?...you clearly need someone to take care after you” he said. “I know what happened” he whispered as he grabbed a towel and dried my body. “You know...” I said as tears began to fall once again. “Yeah...that Jerk doesn’t even deserve you” he said. “ Here but these on” he said as he handed me my pajamas. I quickly put it on, and while I did he turned away. “I brought some food” he said. “I’ll bring it up, just stay here and lay down” he said with such love, that could make me question his feelings for me. After 5 minutes, he came back with food. “I brought pumpkin porridge” I sadly smiled because he knew that, that was favorite. I was about to grab the spoon but he insisted on feeding me. As soon as I finished I thanked him. “Why don’t you watch Disney movies?” he would ask as he put in Mulan. I didn’t argue. But as soon as it started I feel asleep in his arms. He pulled me closer and kissed my forehead and whispered “I hope you could accept me after this”. I smiled and said “I’ve been crushing on you ever since the first day I’ve meet you” and fell asleep once again.
You Are ft. Minseok (Xiumin) Part 2: (LOTTO Series) Wasn’t sure if I wanted to update the LOTTO series while the Supernatural one was still ongoing, but I figured that since I’ve gotten some work on it done, why keep you all waiting? c:
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You are...
(♫) I'm sick of the past I can't erase, a jumble of footprints and hasty steps I can't retrace.
Nine Years Ago, Freshman Year of High School...
Your heart fluttered excitedly, the box of chocolates clutched tightly behind your back. Minseok said he didn't really care for Valentines Day, as long as he was with you, but you wanted to do something special for him anyways.
You carefully followed him as he walked home, planning on surprising him at his doorstep, but someone beat you to it. You were just about to call out his name, but someone else's voice cut you off.
"Minnie!" It's Sooyoung. You watched him turn around in surprise as she ran into his arms, but you didn't say anything. Maybe he'll push her away, you thought.
"Sooyoung." He greeted her with a smile, holding her. Suddenly, you felt very sick inside. "How are you today? I'm sorry I couldn't see you."
"I know, that stupid girlfriend of yours wouldn't stop talking to you." Sooyoung pouted.
"She's not stupid.." Minseok said lightly, and you couldn't help but think, that's all? That's all he has to say about me? "Anyways, what did you follow me all the way out here for?"
"I wanted to show you something special!" She said seductively, pulling back a little to part her shirt. You watched Minseok's eyes widen at her, and you couldn't handle seeing it any more. You knew where his loyalties lied, and that's all it took to change yours.
"Kim Minseok!" You screamed, stepping out from your hiding spot. Sooyoung startled and covered herself up, pretending to be modest, but you shot her the same nasty glare you gave Minseok. "Here's your present, I hope you eat it and die from food poisoning." You stated angrily, throwing it at his face. He dodged it in time, much to your disappointment, and he immediately tried to make excuses.
"_____! Why are you mad at me?!" He asked, and it only made you more livid.
"You're an idiot for thinking I wouldn't find out!" You shouted, and you left it at that. You ran away without looking back and cried, wishing you'd never opened your heart up to him. Minseok was a heartless monster, and you would forever remember his face.
Present Day, A Year Out of University...
"I hate you Kim Minseok, and you're going to pay."
He stares at you maniacally, as if you have a loose spring hanging from your head. "Aren't we both too old for revenge?" He says incredulously. "Don't we both have lives to live, instead of seeking out our exes?"
The question sends a fresh simmer of anger through you, but you clench your jaw to stop yourself from cussing him out right there. You're an adult, you know how to manage your temper now.
"Aren't we old enough to deal with the consequences of our actions?" You retaliate. His brow is furrowed tremendously, and if you didn't loathe him, you would have thought it was handsome. "Whether you think you deserve it or not, you're going to pay for cheating on me." You say, advancing on him.
When you're standing directly in front of him, chin tilted up to meet his eyes, you grab his necktie in challenge. He doesn't fight you, he just simply returns your sneer with his own.
"You're mistaken." He murmurs, and you let out a pretty laugh.
"Mistaken? About what, Minnie?" You coo, and Minseok wrinkles his nose at your nickname. He grabs your wrist, forcing you to release him, before lightly pushing you away from him.
"About everything. Go home, and stay away from this place." He orders, turning and walking away.
"I'll be back!" You declare in frustration, stomping your foot. Okay, maybe you don't know how to manage your anger yet.
But your words didn't even phase him! Did he really not care about what you had planned for him?
You know you won't be allowed in again tonight, so you go home (but not because he told you to). You'll just have to carry out your mission another night.
(Minseok's P.O.V)
"Damn, Minseok, I didn't think you had the balls to man-handle a lady." His co-worker chuckles, but Minseok doesn't think it's funny. "Did she put up a fight? You took a long time out there."
During closing hours, Minseok and YiFan take a seat at the bar and order a round of drinks. This is normal for the two, as they easily tire after a long day of managing their customers. They're the only two bouncers the casino has, but they do their jobs well.
Minseok takes a long drink from his wine glass, before setting it down and squinting at the table. "I knew her, is all." He says, and YiFan leans forward in interest.
"Really? Do you have the hots for each other?" Immediately, Minseok shakes his head. YiFan backs off, holding up his hands in defeat. "Okay, then, Tiger. No need to get defensive about it."
"I wasn't getting defensive." Minseok says.
"You are now."
YiFan plays with his wine, swirling it around until some of it splashes over the sides. "So... are you gonna tell me about her? Or do I have to find out myself?" YiFan asks gingerly, glancing at his buddy.
Minseok scoffs, waving his hand. "You don't need to concern yourself with her. She won't be coming back again."
"Why are you so sure?" YiFan quarries.
"Because," Minseok takes another sip of his wine, finishing his glass. "I don't know." He confesses. "I just hope she doesn't."
"Why don't I monitor the entrance tomorrow night? You can take care of the insiders for once." YiFan suggests, to which Minseok nods in thanks. "Anything for a man running for his life." YiFan says, holding up his glass for a toast.
Bare (Minseok) Chapter 2: (Supernatural Series) Hey! I'm glad to know that the first chapter was good, thanks for enjoying it! ^^ I hope you like this one, too.
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Bare...
"Oh." You exclaim when you open your front door. It's Wednesday, 11:30 AM, and you're supposed to meet Minseok at 12:00 PM. You were just leaving to sweep your front yard before he arrived when your best friend appears in the same outfit she was wearing last night. "Hey, what happened with Chanyeol?" You ask, letting her in the house when she invites herself in.
"He's, uh... home now." She replies vaguely, and you can't help but worry about her.
"Do you want to talk about it?" You ask, just in case. She flops down with a heavy sigh on your couch, and you tentatively take a seat next to her. She looks at you forlornly, a deep frown on her face that made her look less bubbly than she should.
"I can't." She says apologetically. "I don't really know what's going on myself. I'm sorry." She says, but you nod in understanding. You told each other everything; there were no secrets between you two. But after being hired at her new company, she's been sworn to secrecy and that's the only thing she's kept from you. It didn't bother you, because that's how the world worked, but you were curious as to how Chanyeol related to that.
She sees it on your face, but doesn't continue, so instead you offer her some coffee and she obliges. While it's brewing, you casually mention that you're going out with Minseok today. She splutters.
"Seriously?! That Minseok guy?" She asks, eyes widening. "You are hanging out with him?" She thinks this over when you look confused at her reaction, then shakes her head dismissively. "Never mind, it makes sense. You've always been more attracted to extroverted people." She grins, and you know she's talking about herself, so you playfully roll your eyes.
"So when is he coming?" She asks more seriously when you bring her her coffee.
"About half an hour." You slip, and she nearly spits out her drink.
"So soon?!" She splutters, looking guilty. "I'm sorry, you should be getting ready, not taking care of me!" She says worriedly, but you shake your head, smiling at her warmly.
"I'm already ready, I was just looking for something to do when you came over." You reassure her, and she takes your word for it, thankfully. There was a long, comfortable silence, and during it, you took the opportunity to lean back into the cushions and you quietly watched her sip her drink, wondering what was on her mind.
"Can I ask you a favor?" She asks softly after a moment. You hum in response and she glances at you apologetically. "Can I stay over today? At your house? And sleepover, too?"
You don't know why she wanted to avoid her house, but you suspected it had something to do with Minseok's friend. You're worried about her, but you've already promised not to pry, so you don't say any more than "Of course you can. Do you remember where the guest room is?"
She nods, thanking you sincerely. "I'm sorry to drop this on you so suddenly.." She mumbles, and you shake your head. "And can I use your phone? I'm going to call in sick for work." She asks, setting down her mug and clasping her hands together in a begging motion.
You laugh out loud, happy that at least your friend can relax in your home for today. "Sure."
"Ah, Miss Wallflower, right?" You gape at the park employee, confused and embarrassed that you're being referred to as that. He smiles, his lips curling up at the edges, when he sees your flustered response. "Minseok called you that, so I hope you don't mind if I do, too."
Then you turn to look at Minseok, and he bashfully looks away. "It was a nickname I liked." He shrugs, and you can't help but think he's the cutest thing right now.
"It's alright." You tell Jongdae (which you know from glancing at his name tag). "Thank you for letting us in with no charge." You thank him genuinely, and he lets out an adoring laugh.
"Sure thing, anything for a few friends." He winks, and you find that Jongdae is a really kind person. He's only just met you, but he's treating you like he's known you for a long time. You wonder if you've just been living a sheltered life under a rock for not meeting more people like your best friend, Minseok, and Jongdae.
After escorting you to the entrance gate, Jongdae bids you two farewell and you're on your merry way down the nature paths. Even though you've walked them a million times and back, Minseok still points out things you've never noticed before.
"Hey, do you know what this flower is?" He asks, shooting you a cute, curious smile. Ironically, you don't, so you shake your head. Happy that he knows something you don't because he can share it with you, his smile widens and he turns back to the flower. "It's called the skeleton flower, because the petals turn transparent when they're wet."
"No way, really?" You blink in awe, immediately fascinated with it and you kneel down in front of it to get a better look. "But the petals are so white. How can they turn transparent?" You ask.
"Do you want to see?" He blurts, and you look him over, checking for a bottle of water but seeing nothing.
"How?" When you ask this, he pales suddenly and shakes his head.
"Ah, never mind. I just-- We can come here again when it rains." He stutters, sounding nervous. There's no reason for him to be, so you're a little skeptic of his behavior, but don't say anything. He sees your watchful eyes, though, and says, "It's actually called diphylleia grayi. The skeleton flower is just its nickname." to change the subject.
You let him do it and turn back to the flower, gently caressing the ivory beauty. "I'd like some for my window some day." You say with a smile, picturing them there. It'd fit well with your lifestyle, and your personality.
Minseok, while you're still admiring the flower, mentally slaps himself for almost giving away his power. He was going to freeze the flower so you could see it turn clear, before remembering that his ability wasn't something to be shared, even with you.
The rest of the day, he seems a little distant, avoiding any topic that involves flowers or water, and even though you don't know why, you still enjoy viewing the scenery with him, because it all seems new when he's by your side.
"I had a really good time, Minseok." You say happily when he pulls up to your driveway. When you glance his way, he has a broad smile on his face, too.
"I'm relieved." He says, shoulders visibly relaxing. "I was worried you got bored of me." He confesses, and your heart twists at his worried expression.
"No, you were the--" You cut yourself off, realizing what you were about to say. But you stopped yourself too late, because Minseok looks at you curiously, eyebrows raised and lips pulled into a small smirk.
"I was, what?" He asks, obviously challenging you to keep quiet with his growing smirk at your reddening face.
"I-I was just s-saying that you weren't boring a-at all." You stutter, pathetically if you ask you. But Minseok loses his smirk at your nervous chatter and gives you a genuine grin, and you feel yourself melt at it. "I was saying that you were the best part." You whisper quietly, and you watch with amazement as Minseok's face gradually changes until it mirrors your own:
Red and embarrassed beyond help.
"Ah-ha." Minseok breathes out awkwardly, and you think you just ruined everything so you cover your face in mortified agony. Great. The one guy who took you seriously and is hot as fuck, _____, and you screw it up.
But then Minseok says, "You have to warn me before you say things like that, Wallflower. I almost kissed you without asking."
And then your hands leave your face, and fall into your lap. Minseok is watching you, gouging your reaction, and before you can think about the consequences, you lean across the seat and press your lips against his.
Part of you wants to celebrate, because damn, you've never felt so bold in your life and Minseok was the reason for it. But another part of you wanted to smack yourself right across the face (do it hard, _____!) because this was overstepping every right you had as a potential date. You aren't supposed break boundaries like this without asking, and you know it, but you can't help it.
Hardly a second after your lips are on his does he press forward, grabbing your chin and tilting your head up so he can kiss you better, deeper. A plane passes overhead, the rumble of it's engine covering up the small moan that escapes your lips.
Your hands slide up his arms, gripping his shoulders desperately as he pushes closer, making your back straight and his palm rests on your thigh carefully for balance.
Minseok couldn't believe it at first, but he thinks he's in love. Hell, he still can't believe it, because it's literally only been a day since he's met you and yet he can't help but notice that you're different. Other girls don't melt his heart like you do, don't make him blush like you do (hell, he's twenty six, who blushes at that age?), and don't make him breathless, like you do.
It takes everything in him to not kiss you harder, to not invade your space because he knows you're fragile, new at this, and he never wants to ruin anything with you because - you're different.
So, with much reluctance, he pulls away breathless, finding it cute that you're embarrassed that you got so into the heated kiss. Your hands are still on his shoulders, and his hands on your thighs, and for a second, Minseok thinks about how the hell he's going to drive home with you on his mind, when you lean back in and capture his lips again.
Now he's taken by surprise, because you are his wallflower, but you're daring to reach places the wall can't reach. You're being dominant, independant. You're making choices, knowing full well that both of you want more than just a short goodbye kiss.
And it turns him on.
"_____..!" He gasps between your quick kisses, a smile pulling at his lips. You're trying so hard to control yourself, he can tell, and it's so cute how needy you look to just kiss him. When he finally gets you to stop and look at him, and lets out a chuckle, full of adoration for you. "The car isn't the best place to start making out with me."
Utterly mortified that you made this error, you're left speechless and ashamed, but Minseok is quick to push it away with a gentle caress on your cheek, making you look at him again.
"Can I come inside?" He asks hesitantly. Maybe he actually was pushing things too far, moving too fast. But this is what he wanted and this is apparently what you want, too, because you nod earnestly and jump out of the car door. He chuckles again at your adorable behavior and follows you to your door.
You fumble with your keys long enough for Minseok to worry about you, and he ends up helping you open the door.
What is wrong with you? Why did you suddenly want Minseok to ravish you? Was this normal? Do girls always feel this way about boys they like? It's crazy, if that's true! Maybe this IS normal. Your best friend did have sex with that Chanyeol guy before she even got to know him. Wasn't that a one-time thing, though?
Before you can confuse yourself even more, the moment the door is closed and your shoes are off, Minseok clears your mind with the simple action of leaning down for a kiss, and you throw your arms around his neck joyfully.
Minseok can't stop laughing at you, and you think it's because you suck, so you pull away with a disappointed frown. When he sees this, he laughs again and pecks your lips. "Sorry. It's just.. fun to see you so worked up." He smiles warmly, and you find yourself blushing so you kiss him so he doesn't pay attention to it.
You're slowly being led to the living room, his arms wrapping around your waist tightly, when someone clears their throat. Instantly, you leap away from him, and by the time you find who cleared their throat you're halfway across the room from him.
Your best friend raises an eyebrow at you two from the kitchen doorway. "Sorry to interrupt. I just felt I should make my presence known now and not when.. you know." She says this more to Minseok, and he looks flustered.
Your friend had changed into one of your long-sleeved shirts, one of your favorites because it drooped over your hands and made you feel small. You're not mad at her for wearing it, because she did come to you in her work clothes (which must have been really uncomfortable).
"Thanks, I think." He replies, scratching the back of his head.
"You're still here?" You ask her, wanting everyone in the room to forget what was just happening to save your shame. You step closer to her until you're standing next to Minseok again. "Why aren't you home?" You don't ask it to be rude or accusing, so she replies casually, crossing her arms over her chest and shrugging.
"I'm.. ah, avoiding it right now." She says, and her voice sounds strained. Minseok looks at her curiously.
"Is Chanyeol still there?" He asks, tilting his head. "I can swing by and make him leave, if you want. I don't know why he'd stay over so long." He gives your friend an apologetic look, but she shakes her head.
"I'll wait it out. I doubt he'll be there when I get home tonight." She says, then, "I was going to stay here until then, but if you guys want to continue where you left off, I can kill time downtown or something. There's an aviary I wanted to check out, anyways."
And then you're a blushing mess again. "N-No, you're fine." You say heavily, and you shoot Minseok a quiet "maybe next time". Instead of looking upset or disappointed though, he gives you an understanding smile and squeezes your shoulder.
"Next time, then." He winks, and you know he means it.
