Work Text:
“Oh my god, I’m so sorry!”
A dark splash of brown bleeds across a pristine white shirt, Changbin’s hands coming up much too late to stop the damage from being done. Coffee— all over Kim Seungmin, campus heartthrob, notorious for having his shit together.
That’s the risk Changbin had to take. One thousand dollars is a lot of money. He wasn’t about to let the chance go to waste.
“Here, let me help you,” Changbin mumbles, peeling off his sweater, leaving himself in just his skin tight undershirt. He knows what men like about him— he’s not that much of an idiot.
Seungmin blinks, unimpressed by the looks of it, still slack jawed at the mess Changbin has made of him, fingers dripping with leftovers from the spill.
Changbin gingerly takes his hands, sopping up the coffee with his sweater, moving to dab at Seungmin’s chest, next. Seungmin doesn’t protest, he just stands and lets it happen, still in shock.
“It’s Seungmin, right?”
Changbin knows his name is Seungmin. Everyone knows Kim Seungmin. National champion on the debate team, slated to graduate summa cum laude, whatever the fuck that means. Campus sweetheart, all around popular guy.
“Yeah,” Seungmin says blandly. “And you are…?”
That stings. Just a bit. Changbin knows he’s not the most popular, but he’s got a reputation— he thought. A good one, as far as interested men are concerned.
He was hoping Seungmin had at least heard of his… skill set.
“Seo Changbin. So sorry again. Really, is there anything I can do?”
Seungmin frowns for a second, wiping his hands on his pants.
A different approach, then.
“I mean, hey,” Changbin grins, puffing out his chest as much as he can without looking ridiculous. “Please let me buy you another?”
Seungmin’s lips twitch. His eyes drag down Changbin’s face, to his chest, back up again. “Was this an elaborate pickup line?”
Summa cum laude has something to do with how smart Kim Seungmin is— Changbin at least knows that.
“Maybe,” he rubs at the back of his neck, hoping his biceps will do the rest of the work for him. “Did it work?”
Seungmin’s eyes drag up and down, up and down again. He takes a deep breath through his nose. “I’m free tomorrow at noon. Shop on Main. It’s not a date. If you’re late it will never be a date. Got it?”
“Yes,” Changbin nods, giving a quick two finger salute. He’d do anything Seungmin asked, really— for a chance.
“And you should probably get that sweater dry cleaned,” Seungmin adds, flicking the garment where it lays sadly in Changbin’s arm. “Mocha stains.”
Kim Seungmin leaves him there, in the middle of the quad with a soiled sweater and a stupid grin on his face.
Changbin is so going to win this bet.
•
Rumor has it, Kim Seungmin is a virgin.
He’s buttoned up, pink cheeked, with a boy next door smile and a face to write home to a mother about. Plenty of people have tried to date Kim Seungmin, but no one has succeeded. Many people have tried to sleep with Kim Seungmin, but no one has succeeded.
At least that’s what the rumors say.
Changbin’s always hated that shit anyway. He doesn’t care if Seungmin is a virgin or not, he just really wants to fuck him. He’s classy like that. A man of the people.
He knew it the second he saw Seungmin. He’s never been so attracted to khaki. But he’s always been too much of a coward to go for it. Truthfully, he had secretly hoped he’d run into Seungmin at a party or something and have a chance to talk to him. Woo him with the natural charm and pull him into orbit.
But Jisung is a fucking idiot, and Jeongin is no better, and between the two of them they sell enough weed to fund their gambling problem, so when they said, “We’ll pay you a thousand if you can get in Kim Seungmin’s pants,” Who was Changbin to say no?
Morally, it’s probably wrong to bet that he can get Kim Seungmin to put out for him. Monetarily, however…
Changbin hasn’t been able to afford to eat anything but ramen since his keyboard spontaneously shit itself and died, necessitating a replacement.
Besides, it’s not like he wasn’t trying to bang Seungmin before Jisung opened his stupid mouth— this just gave him the push he needed to spill coffee all over and run with it. Whatever. That’s a problem to wrestle with at a later date.
For now—
“Hyunjin!” Changbin howls, fingers dragging helplessly through his curls. He tried to dry his hair the proper way, hoping it would come out tame.
“What?” Hyunjin’s voice floats back from two floors down. Their house is too big, laid out all sorts of weird due to how many times it’s been added onto. One of those classic college houses that the landlords shell for way too much.
“I need help!”
Hyunjin’s feet pound up the stairs, every movement sending the floor rattling. He sticks his head through the door when he reaches the top, blonde hair wild around his face. “Help with— oh wow. How did you get so much moisture into them?” Hyunjin gasps, moving forward to start prodding and Changbin’s curls with an outstretched finger.
“Dude, I don’t know!” Changbin whines. “Please help me, I have a date in thirty minutes and I can’t be late or he’ll castrate me, probably.”
“You have a date?” Hyunjin turns Changbin by the shoulders so they’re facing each other, immediately burying his hands into Changbin’s hair, working his magic. He smells vaguely of weed. A staple of being semi-permanently attached to Yang Jeongin. “Castration might be kind of fun, though. Kinky!”
Changbin smirks, ignoring the second half of his sentiment. “With Kim Seungmin.”
“With Kim Seungmin?!” Hyunjin’s eyes go wide, smacking Changbin’s shoulder.
“Yeah. Ran into him on campus, asked him out, he said— well, he didn’t say no. He said it’s not a date, but like, we both know it is, you know?”
Hyunjin nods very seriously. “Mhm. Right. But no one ever makes it past a first date with Kim Seungmin.”
“Hey! Fuck you!”
“What?” Hyunjin scowls. “It’s the truth. He’s notoriously picky.”
“And I’m a notorious twink magnet. What’s your point?”
Hyunjin tugs on a strand of hair. “No one likes you when you’re being cocky, Bin. Just be your sweet, charming self. Pull out his chair for him!”
“Hyunne, I want to fuck him, not marry him.”
“That’s what I said about Jeongin!” Hyunjin shakes his head, dreamy smile settling on his lips.
Changbin steps away from him as soon as he’s able, making sure Hyunjin has done what he’s meant to. He has— of course— Changbin’s hair sitting perfectly messy in a stylish way instead of whatever it was doing before.
“Right. You go fuck your boyfriend, I’ll go woo Kim Seungmin. Hopefully neither of us hears from the other for the rest of the day.”
“Oh, you can bet you’ll be hearing Jeongin when I get my hands on that ass—”
Changbin shoves past him, slamming the door shut behind him leaving Hyunjin sequestered in the bathroom.
“Hey!”
Changbin is not only on time, but he’s five minutes early.
Seungmin is already there, sitting in the far corner in front of a window, inspecting his nail beds. No chance to pull the chair out, then. Damn. Changbin kind of wants to marry him, now that he thinks about it. Now that he’s thought about it the entire walk over— imagining flowers and music and how nice Seungmin would look in a tux.
He looks good all the time. Today is no exception.
Changbin trips over his feet walking across the cafe, too busy staring.
No one has the right to be so— infuriatingly fucking cute, just sitting there doing nothing. Argyle sweater vest, button up shirt underneath, khakis. Changbin loathes how attracted to the khakis he is.
The closer he gets the more obvious Seungmin’s flush is. Sitting at the tops of his cheeks like he’s just a bit too warm, lips pouted down. God. Changbin wants to marry him. And, like, destroy his ass, but—
“You’re late,” Seungmin monotones before Changbin even has a chance to say anything.
Changbin scoffs, checking his watch again, even though he just did ten seconds ago. “I absolutely am not! I’m five minutes early!”
Seungmin’s lips twitch, he looks Changbin up and down, says, “Iced mocha latte, please.”
“Mmm,” Changbin hums. “Anything else? Food?”
“Trying to impress me?” Seungmin cocks a brow.
Changbin is catching onto the game. The vibe, as it were.
Seungmin wants someone to bounce back with him, to make it worth his while. Changbin is his ever willing participant.
“Isn’t that what you want?”
Another twitch, and Seungmin breaks into a smile this time— just a soft curve of his lips— but Changbin feels like he’s on top of the world. “I like cinnamon.”
Kim Seungmin likes mocha and cinnamon cake. He’s a political science major, aiming for law school, and he’s a dog person. He smiles when Changbin keeps up with his wit, and he smiles wider when Changbin absolutely can’t. He’s beautiful, and funny, and he’s putting Changbin’s number into his phone by the time their hour together is up.
“Can’t I have yours too?” Changbin pouts dramatically, chin in his hand, leaning over the table.
“No,” Seungmin frowns, shaking his head. “That ruins the fun.”
“What fun?”
“The fun of me imagining you sitting around waiting for me to text you first,” Seungmin says.
Changbin is going to marry him.
He tells the waitress that’s cleaning up their table so as he watches Seungmin walk out the door without a second glance back.
She looks at him like he’s stupid. “Kim Seungmin? Yeah right. No one ever makes it past a first date.”
Changbin scowls at her. “Why do you hate love?” he asks, squinting at her name tag. “Hyeju?”
“I don’t hate love. I hate khakis.”
“You have horrible taste.”
•
Unknown Number
What’s your stance on bundt cake?
Me
hate it
too dense
Kim Seungmin
Hm.
Carrot cake?
Me
take it or leave it
Kim Seungmin
And how long have you been staring at your phone waiting for me?
Me
screen time is up 50%
Kim Seungmin
Good.
Me
how do i know this isn’t some big joke?
like, im gonna need proof that im speaking to THE Kim Seungmin
Kim Seungmin
Oh, you went out of the way to properly capitalize my name, it really is serious then.
I charge for selfies. $5 a pop.
Me
[sent $5]
Kim Seungmin
Jesus. The lengths.
Me
it really is serious, Kim Seungmin
Kim Seungmin
[one image attached]
Me
[sent $5]
Kim Seungmin
Stop.
Me
you’re cute
pay up
Kim Seungmin
[one image attached]
What’s your fee?
Me
all you gotta do is ask
Kim Seungmin
That desperate?
Me
for you?
yes. absolutely.
[two images attached]
Seungmin’s typing bubble appears and disappears a few times. Changbin’s heart slams against his ribs. He spent practically the entire time he was texting Seungmin taking selfies— anticipating the reckoning. He wants Seungmin to think he’s hot. Fuckable. Marry-able.
He settled on the perfect two, Hyunjin hanging over his shoulder to give approval.
“Very fuckable,” Hyunjin nodded, and then Jeongin jealously whined until his boyfriend abandoned Changbin to coddle him.
“Ew, what are you smirking at,” Minho snorts, walking into the living room and dropping onto the couch much too close to where Hyunjin and Jeongin are necking for comfort.
Honestly, though, Changbin is pretty sure Minho and Jisung get freaky with Hyunjin and Jeongin sometimes. He just puts his headphones in on those nights.
Changbin smiles wider, pushing all uncouth thoughts away. “Your dumbass boyfriend is about to pay me five hundred bucks—” he laughs, borderline maniacally. “And Hyunjin’s dumbass boyfriend is going to cover the other five hundred!”
Minho blinks at him, slow, measured. Like a cat. “You’re still on this Kim Seungmin thing? He’s not gonna fuck you, bro.”
“Do you see this?” Changbin holds his phone screen towards Minho, aggressively pointing at the appearing and disappearing bubble. “He’s typing.”
“Shit,” Minho doesn’t look as impressed as he should be. “I’m way too fucking high for this.”
Changbin laughs. Cackles. “You’ll all see! You’re all going to just— see so hard! When Kim Seungmin walks downstairs, limping, probably!”
“You’re going to fuck him?” Minho’s face screws up. “Somehow that’s even less believable.”
Changbin’s phone vibrates in his hands, and he immediately drops it as soon as he reads the message Seungmin sent.
Kim Seungmin
If you send me 5 more dollars I’ll let you take me on a date.
Me
[sent $10]
•
Changbin flips down his overhead mirror for the fourth time, feet tapping restlessly on the floor of his car. Seungmin is making him wait— probably on purpose, knowing him— and Changbin just can’t decide if his hair looks right.
He and Seungmin have been texting. A lot.
It’s fun. A breath of fresh air. Seungmin is smart, and charismatic, and Changbin really, really wants to impress him.
It’s kind of pathetic, actually.
Even more pathetic when he’s studying his face so closely in the mirror that he fails to see Seungmin approach.
The door swings open— Changbin smacks his head on the overhead, and Seungmin laughs.
Pathetic.
“Oh no, did you get a boo-boo?” Seungmin grins.
Changbin can’t even properly react. Seungmin looks far too pretty for that. His hair is parted off his forehead, cheeks tinged pink from being outside, lips a bit shiny, like maybe he put something on. He’s wearing a soft, green sweater, his usual khakis, and Changbin wants to eat him whole.
“You look pretty,” he blurts, ears still ringing from his collision.
Seungmin averts his eyes, but Changbin can see his smile in the curve of his cheek, pink deepening. “Shut the fuck up.”
“No.”
“You’re full of shit,” Seungmin retorts, fingers fidgeting in his lap. “A sweet talker.”
Changbin laughs. A fucking ridiculous notion. That Seungmin would think he’s anything less than perfect. “I am not. Why would I lie about that?”
Seungmin shrugs. “Just trying to woo me.”
“I am trying to woo you, but that has nothing to do with how pretty you are, and everything to do with me showing you how you deserve to be treated.”
“Jesus Christ,” Seungmin grumbles, teeth catching his lower lip, holding back a smile.
“It’s not every day I earn a date with the Kim Seungmin, is it?” Changbin so badly wants to reach out, grab Seungmin’s hand and tangle their fingers together, kiss his cheek— etcetera, etcetera.
“You didn’t earn it,” Seungmin’s smile appears all at once— full force. Changbin swears he feels his heart stop. “You bought it.”
Changbin smiles right back, throwing the car into drive, flipping up the visor. “And you undercharged, babe. I would have paid so much more.”
“Didn’t know I was such a hot commodity.”
“I think you did. You just like me enough to give me a discount.”
Seungmin glances over out of the corner of his eye, tongue poking out just long enough to pull Changbin’s attention. “Can’t argue with that.”
The carnival is in town.
One of those shitty ones where it’s probably not safe to get on any of the rides and all the games are rigged. It hardly matters— everyone knows carnivals are great first date spots. Enough commotion to distract from any awkward lapses in conversation, enough excuse to stay close together.
Not that Changbin is worried about feeling awkward. He and Seungmin have a natural chemistry that he’s not yet found elsewhere. Back and forth, round and round, they could probably talk forever. He just really likes the idea of going on a date to the carnival.
He’s on top of the world when they get to the gate and he turns to Seungmin and says, “Hey, this is really awkward, but can you pay for us to get in? I spent my last ten bucks to get you here,” and Seungmin laughs. A surprised sort of thing— bubbling out of his chest, a hand coming to his mouth to cover it.
Changbin pays the fee while Seungmin is distracted. He could get used to this.
They end up wandering around, people watching, because the rides are unsafe and the games are rigged. Seungmin looks gorgeous, neon lights bouncing off the high points of his face, reflecting off his eyes.
His eyes are big and brown, the type of eyes that could pull anything they want from Changbin with a bat of the lash. Or maybe that’s just Seungmin.
“I want cotton candy,” he says, and Changbin goes. No batting of the lash required.
Changbin has to keep himself from dreamily sighing when they sit across from each other at a picnic table, Seungmin fighting with his food, brow pinched. He swallows when Seungmin lets pink melt on his tongue, licking his lips afterwards, not a care in the world for Changbin’s sanity.
“So,” Seungmin says after a few beats, their feet bumping together in a lazy game of footsie under the table.
“So,” Changbin returns.
“What have you heard about me, Seo Changbin? You obviously knew who I was before you spilled my coffee.”
Changbin rubs the back of his neck, heat rising. “It wasn’t really the hearing, it was the seeing.”
A nod, Seungmin urging him on.
“Well, I just kept seeing you around— and I thought— I think— you’re gorgeous, so I kind of developed a long distance crush?” Changbin blows out a breath, his foot hooking around Seungmin’s calf. “It’s stupid, but I thought— or I hoped— that I’d run into you at a party or something. Get to talking.”
“Or forcefully slamming into me on the quad,” Seungmin pulls off another bit of cotton candy, laying it on his tongue.
Changbin pouts. “It wasn’t ideal! But look at us now!”
“Mhm.”
A bit of sugar gets stuck at the corner of Seungmin’s mouth, and Changbin reaches up without thinking. Fingers holding his chin still, he wipes the spot away, retracting his hand and sticking his thumb into his mouth to lick it clean. Cotton candy is too sweet for him— but he’d taste anything that’s touched Seungmin’s lips.
Pathetic.
Seungmin’s eyes follow in rapt attention, glittering in the overhead lights. He visibly swallows when Changbin pulls his thumb from his mouth, wet with spit.
Changbin smiles softly, continues his gay rambling, “But then everyone told me I’d never make it past the first date. That no one makes it past the first date— and, hey, should I be telling you this? Is this ruining my chances of making it past the first date?”
“This is our second date,” Seungmin says easily, finally lifting his eyes from Changbin’s lips.
“Am I special, Minnie?” Changbin’s heart squeezes, embarrassingly fond. He’s so down for this man he’s only really known for a few weeks. He wants to know him forever. He wants to tie their hands together so they’ll never be apart. All that sort of romantic shit.
Seungmin rolls his eyes. He likes to do that before he’s about to say something a little too sappy— Changbin has noticed.
“I think you can get to the answer on your own. You’ve gotta have a brain in that big old head of yours.”
Changbin reaches for Seungmin’s hand where it’s laying idly on the table, bringing it to his mouth for a kiss. He looks up through his lashes as he does, enjoying the way Seungmin’s cheeks go red, slowly but surely. Seungmin blushes often, and Changbin loves to be the one to make it happen.
Whatever they’re building— he has a feeling it’s something good.
When they stand up to continue on, Seungmin’s fingers keep brushing Changbin’s, so he takes the leap, slotting their fingers together for good.
His heart slams against his chest, butterflies making a break for his throat, and Seungmin smiles in a way that he seems to think isn’t obvious— tongue pressed into his cheek.
Changbin forgot how nice it is to do something as simple as hold hands. He hasn’t liked anyone like this in a long time. A long, long time.
Now that he’s got it— he’s never going to want to let go.
So he doesn’t.
Not the entire time they’re at the carnival. Not the entire time they’re driving home, hands folded together in Seungmin’s lap, Changbin’s thumb running back and forth, back and forth. And not when they get back to Seungmin’s house, and Changbin rushes around the car to open his door for him. They easily join hands again, right away, as soon as he’s climbed out.
They’re both dragging their feet, meandering as slow as possible to the door, not wanting it to end. Changbin still feels those silly butterflies in his chest. They go wild whenever Seungmin as much as glances in his direction. A natural phenomenon on par with the northern lights.
At the door, Changbin tugs on Seungmin’s hand until he’s within reach to grab the other, maneuvering them to face one another.
“How much for a goodnight kiss?” he asks, smile unbridled.
Seungmin rolls his eyes a little, hands quickly finding the lapels of Changbin’s jacket and pulling him in. They crash together in a spectacular way— or that’s what it feels like. Slow at first, bleeding into something deep and languid.
Changbin’s hands snake around Seungmin’s waist, pulling him in so their hips press together.
Dizzying. Changbin feels like his chest is about to explode into fractals of light— rainbows and sparks and flame. Everything beautiful.
When they part, Seungmin’s lips are shiny and wet. He’s breathing heavier than normal, eyes swimming with desire.
“Come inside,” he whispers. “Will you?”
The only way to describe the incomprehensible chaos in Changbin’s head is war.
Body versus mind— heart versus… dick, or something.
He could. Take Seungmin up on his offer, come inside— emphasis added for suggestive effect— and see where the night leads them.
Changbin would have before. Pre-Seungmin, sure. But he’s been living a Post-Seungmin life for a while now, and it feels significant.
A thousand dollars. He almost forgot about the money entirely. It’s not like it really matters— by now it’s just an extra. A coincidental to his falling in love. He’d wait an eternity, as long as Seungmin is at the end of the line.
“Not today, babe.”
Seungmin pouts, poking his lower lip out in the cutest manner Changbin has ever seen.
Changbin is going to die. And what a pathetic death it will be.
“Why not?”
“Because,” he placates Seungmin with a kiss, a little pat to his ass. “We’re worth the wait.”
•
Kim Seungmin
Someone just came up to me and asked, “Are you dating Seo Changbin?”
Wtaf.
You’d think they’re stalking me.
Me
what did you say?
Kim Seungmin
That’s your question?
Not any concern for me being stalked?
Me
yeah
definitely
bc like
what if someone asks me
i wanna know what i should say
Kim Seungmin
Wow.
The guy I’m dating doesn’t even care that I’m being stalked.
“Who the fuck are you texting?” Jisung asks, eyes red rimmed and bloodshot. “You’re, like, giggling. Like a freaky baby.”
“A freaky baby?” Changbin can’t quell his smile. He doesn’t want to. He’s dating Kim Seungmin.
“Yeah, like,” Jisung pauses. His hands come up in front of his face, moving in two directions, motioning some amalgamation of something visible only to him. “You know? Like that creepy baby laugh sound effect. You look like that, but, a person.”
Changbin would hit him, but it seems unfair in Jisung’s current state. “I’m texting Seungmin.”
“Seung—min?”
“Yeah.”
Jisung breathes out of his nose, long and slow. “Which Seungmin?”
“How many Seungmin’s do you know?” Changbin bites back as sarcastically as he can while grinning so wide.
Jisung pulls his phone out of his pocket, scrolling for a good three minutes before he looks back up. “Ten. And a half.”
Changbin stares at him blankly. “Kim Seungmin, Jisung. My Kim Seungmin.”
“The twink in the khakis?” Jisung’s face screws up.
“Yes, bro. Remember when you bet me I wouldn’t be able to fuck him? Well we’re, like, seeing each other.”
“You?” Jisung shakes his head back and forth like he’s trying to clear it. “And twinky khakis Kim Seungmin?”
“I am removing myself from this conversation.”
“I’m confused,” Jisung whines, but Changbin doesn’t care to look back,
•
“Thanks, Innie, these are great,” Changbin smiles idiotically, holding out the bouquet Jeongin just procured for him. It’s amazing how competent Jeongin is at work, considering how out of his mind he is whenever he’s home.
He really is good at flower design. He managed to capture the exact shade of pink of Seungmin’s lips in the petals of the roses he used.
“God, this is the perfect color. How did you know?”
Jeongin stares at him like he’s stupid. “What are you talking about? Why do you even need flowers, anyway?”
“I’m giving them to Seungmin.”
“Dude,” Jeongin snorts. “Isn’t that a little messed up? Like, does he even know who you are?”
“Jeongin, we’re dating,” Changbin squints at him, cocking his head a few degrees. “We kiss each other. All the time!”
“Oh man. Shit. Jisung told me your delusions might be progressing, but I didn’t think it was this bad.”
Changbin can’t even begin to parse through the tangled web of Jeongin and Jisung’s two-brain-cell communication. He slides his money across the counter. “Keep the change, bud. You’ll just be giving it back when Seungmin and I finally make love.”
As he’s walking away he hears Jeongin dialing the phone, a soft, “Hyunjin? Can you come pick me up? I’m scared.”
Me
open up.
Kim Seungmin
Seo Changbin.
Please tell me you’re not at my door with flowers right now.
Me
i’m cold
open up, min.
baby… pls
Kim Seungmin
I’m going to kiss you.
kill**
•
Me
i miss you
Kim Seungmin
You literally just left.
Me
so?
i still miss you.
should’ve stolen one more kiss.
Kim Seungmin
Turn around.
“And then when I turned around he was right there— ran out of work just to kiss me once more. Okay, like five times more. It was so romantic, Minho, I swear.”
Minho blinks. He takes another hit off his bowl. “I thought you wanted to fuck him.”
“Married people can fuck,” Changbin scowls.
•
Kim Seungmin
I’m bored.
Me
what’s that code for?
Kim Seungmin
Ask me to come over.
Me
come over?
Changbin should have thought ahead. Or, thought behind— to that text Hyunjin sent him this morning.
In his defense, it’s kind of hard to think when Seungmin is around.
When Seungmin is licking into his mouth, and hopping on the counter, and parting his legs. When Changbin fits so neatly between them, and his hands rest at the curve of Seungmin’s ass perfectly.
Really hard to think.
Seungmin makes the prettiest little noise, and his hips rut forward just enough to not be innocent, and—
“Changbin! I’m home!” Hyunjin howls, and then he’s screaming. “Ah! My eyes! Why are you boning in the kitchen?”
“We’re not boning,” Changbin says at the same time Seungmin blurts, “Sorry!”
Hyunjin drops his hands lamely to his sides, staring at them for a long moment before giving up his tone, “Changbin, I need your help with my hair now.”
Changbin raises his eyebrows. “Right now, really?” He glances at Hyunjin and moves his eyes in Seungmin’s direction, trying to convey that he’s busy.
“Yes, right now,” Hyunjin frowns, crossing his arms. “I have a date with Innie tonight and you know that he likes me with my hair done up!”
“How is that my problem?!”
Hyunjin fixes him with a look. “Because I texted you about it this morning.
“I’m the only one that knows how to braid hair,” Changbin explains softly, just to Seungmin. “Growing up with a sister and all.”
Seungmin’s nose scrunches up a bit. “Cute.”
It’s unfair. The way Changbin can’t keep kissing Seungmin while Hyunjin is making so much noise.
“I’m kind of in the middle of something, Jin,” Changbin grits, refusing to lift his hands from Seungmin’s thighs.
“Changbin, you promised!” Hyunjin wails, the drama queen that he is. “I helped you with your hair for your date with Seungmin, and you promised to help me next time I needed it!”
“Fuck my life.”
“Aw,” Seungmin coos, tapping Changbin’s chin. “You did your hair for me?”
“Of course I did.”
“Changbin!” Hyunjin’s voice interrupts him before he can kiss Seungmin again. “You owe me!”
“I’m sorry, baby,” Changbin mumbles into Seungmin’s mouth, bidding him farewell on the porch. “I wasn’t keeping track of the time.”
“It’s okay, Bin,” Seungmin sighs, his cheeks still all blushed and hot. “You’ll just have to make it up to me, hm?”
A cheeky smile worms across Changbin’s lips. “Kim Seungmin, are you asking me out on a date?”
“Yes,” Seungmin rolls his eyes, pulling back to try to escape. Changbin tugs him in, instead, stealing another long kiss. He sighs again, “Yes.”
“I’m so fucking smitten with you,” Changbin kisses each of his cheeks, his nose.
“Oh my god. You’re so embarrassing.”
“You like it.”
Another sigh, “I really do.”
“Changbin! Hurry!”
•
Changbin fucking hates the outdoor movie theatre.
It’s expensive, and the sound quality sucks, and the mosquitos are out of control. But Seungmin suggested it— so it’s not like he was going to say no.
Of course not.
Instead, he lined the trunk of his car in blankets, and stocked up on candy, and made sure everything was perfect.
But now he’s slightly confused, because Seungmin has been acting off kilter since Changbin picked him up.
Antsy, almost. Like he’s nervous. He keeps sparing Changbin cute little glances, and fidgeting. He only relaxed, letting out a long breath, when Changbin pulled him in, tucked under his arm as they cuddled up, the movie starting.
It’s strange to see Seungmin act nervous. He’s usually so confident— certain of himself. Despite the blushing— which Changbin finds absolutely endearing— Seungmin knows what he wants, and he has no trouble asking.
Changbin leans over to knock a kiss to his temple. Seungmin looks up, blinking his pretty eyes temptingly, asking for more.
And what’s Changbin going to do? Say no? He hates the drive in, and he loves kissing Seungmin.
He lays a hand on Seungmin’s jaw, kissing him slowly at first. Seungmin melts, humming happily, fingers twisting into Changbin’s shirt. He tilts his head to get a better angle, opening his mouth just enough to invite Changbin inside.
Kissing Seungmin is addicting. Horribly so. He’s incredibly reactive. Fucking sensitive. He moans a bit when Changbin sucks on his tongue, bites at his bottom lip.
Seungmin presses up, swinging his leg over Changbin’s hips without breaking their connection. He’s warm— hot— at his core. Clearly more than into this. Changbin knows the feeling.
The kiss grows sloppier, a bit filthy. If they weren’t within the shell of his car, Changbin would probably be fearing for moral decency, especially when Seungmin bears down his hips in a maddening grind.
“Shit— Minnie—” Changbin groans, hands dropping to Seungmin’s ass.
The man is flat as a board, but Changbin kind of loves that about him. The perfect handful. He gropes greedily, helping Seungmin move forward again, a nice, steady rhythm of pressure.
“Changbin,” Seungmin sighs. “Bin.”
“What is it, baby?” Changbin mouths over his throat, wanting so badly to latch on— to mark him up. But they haven’t talked about that yet, so he holds back.
“I want you,” Seungmin murmurs. “Please.”
“You’ve got me,” Changbin assures. “Anything you want.”
Seungmin makes a noise of frustration, fingers climbing up Changbin’s cheeks, forcing their eyes together. “I want to have sex with you.”
“Fuck, yeah, okay,” Changbin nods, eyes at risk of falling out. Seungmin looks so pretty perched on top of him, asking him for everything.
“But,” Seungmin stops, blinking a few times in rapid succession. His fingertips press into Changbin’s skin. “I’ve never done this before. I’ve never— I’m a virgin.”
Changbin kisses him quiet, until the tension melts off his muscles again. “It’s okay. I don’t care. Let’s go home, yeah? More privacy to figure out what we want.”
“Yeah,” Seungmin nods. “But, for the record, I know what I want.”
Changbin’s hand rests heavy on Seungmin’s thigh the entire drive home. He massages the inner part of his leg, smirking whenever Seungmin wiggles, clearly struggling to keep it together. Changbin would love to take him apart for hours, pull at each thread of his being until he’s out of his mind and satiated. Crying with pleasure, even.
But that seems like something for another time. They have time.
They take the back stairs up to the third floor of the house, because Changbin would really love to avoid his friends in this moment.
Seungmin giggles when he fumbles with his keys in the lock.
Changbin swallows his giggles as soon as they’re inside, pressing his back to the door and kissing him.
It takes a bit for them to stumble into Changbin’s bedroom, too busy kissing to focus on walking properly.
“So?” Changbin asks, their hips flush together, both of them clearly getting excited.
“Yeah,” Seungmin nods, bleary-eyed. “I really want you to fuck me.”
Changbin is going to die— Seungmin is going to kill him— all pretty and willing, asking to be had. “Fuck, you’re going to fucking kill me, Seungmin.”
Seungmin laughs again, shoving Changbin off of him as well as he can. “But give me a minute, okay? I’ll be back.”
“Anything,” Changbin nods, fingers sticking to Seungmin’s waist as long as possible while he shuffles away, headed for the bathroom.
As soon as the door shuts behind him, Changbin’s brain switches on.
“Romance. Romance,” he hisses, digging through his drawers, trying to find something worthwhile.
Thank god Hyunjin had a candle phase. Thank god Jeongin’s nose was too sensitive to keep them.
Changbin sets up candles wherever is feasible safety wise, lighting them one at a time, until the room is doused in a nice, orange glow. The light of the moon supplements the rest. Romance.
He should have prepared flower petals or something. He wasn’t expecting Seungmin to jump him. He’s not complaining— he just wishes he could make it more special.
The door creaks a bit later, Changbin just finished shoving all of his randomly strewn clothes into his hamper.
He’s about to have sex with Kim Seungmin.
“Hi,” Seungmin says, hands tucked up in his sleeves, arms crossed over his body. He’s nervous.
Changbin meets him halfway, pulling him into a deep kiss. When they part, they’re only a breath apart. “Hi.”
Seungmin’s eyes flick around the room, smirk curling up at the sides of his mouth. “You lit candles.”
“I want this to be good for you.”
“It will be,” Seungmin leans forward and steals another peck. “Because it’s you. Not because of the candles.”
Changbin might be in love with him. He pulls Seungmin down by the neck, kissing him hot and desperate. Seungmin’s responsive squeak is eagerly licked away, Changbin’s hands guiding him to sit down on the bed.
“Take your clothes off,” Seungmin breathes into his mouth, fingers already working at the hem of Changbin’s shirt.
“Needy,” Changbin grins, happy to oblige. He doesn’t miss the way Seungmin’s eyes rove over his chest when he tosses his shirt to the side. Or how they linger when he undoes the button of his jeans, shucking them off with his underwear in one go. “You too, sweetheart.”
Seungmin’s lip curls up a bit at the name, but he raises his arms above his head willingly.
“How did I know you’d be a pillow princess?” Changbin asks, shimmying Seungmin’s sweater over his head. He pushes him down by the shoulder when he’s done, working at his khakis next.
“Are you complaining?” Seungmin’s voice goes a bit tight when Changbin rids him of his pants. He shivers when Changbin drops a kiss to his hip bone.
“Absolutely not. I feel like the luckiest man in the world.” Changbin looks up through his lashes, wiggling his fingers beneath the band of Seungmin’s boxers.
Seungmin is gorgeous like this, lips parted, staring down his stomach towards where Changbin is folded over him. Anticipating.
“Only the world?” Seungmin nods in affirmation.
Changbin slides down his boxers, pulling them off his long, pretty legs. “The universe,” he corrects, taking in the whole of Seungmin.
Flushed pink at all his sharp edges, knees, elbows, collarbones. His cock, already hard and laying against his stomach, fingers tangling in the sheets, as if he doesn’t know what to do with his hands.
Changbin drinks him in like the starved man he is, blood rushing south just at the mere sight of Seungmin laid out for him.
“God,” he huffs, reaching behind him to the dresser drawer where he knows his lube and condoms are. He tosses each onto the bed next to Seungmin’s thigh. “You’re fucking beautiful.”
“I’m nervous,” Seungmin admits, throat bobbing.
Changbin leans over him, bringing a gentle hand up to brush the hair from his eyes. “We don’t have to do anything, Min. We can just go to sleep, or kiss, or hand stuff. You know— whatever you need. Or want. I just want to spend time with you—”
“No!” Seungmin blurts, blinking his big, brown eyes. “No. I really want to. I’ve been thinking about it all day. I want you, Changbin.” His fingers find Changbin’s chest, grazing over his nipples, dragging down, further, until they’re wrapped around his dick, experimentally stroking as best he can from the angle.
“Fuck,” Changbin mutters, dropping down the rest of the way to another kiss. He allows his tongue to explore, mapping the ridges on the roof of Seungmin’s mouth, the undersides of his teeth. He tastes divine.
Seungmin moans, high in his throat, as Changbin takes him into his hand, running his thumb over his slit to collect the wetness. So pliant, melting under Changbin’s touch. He’s incredible.
“Why don’t you turn over, baby. I’ll help you,” Changbin murmurs against his lips. When he pulls back, Seungmin’s eyes are wide, shiny. “It’ll be easier on your stomach the first time.”
“I—” he swallows, blinking a few times. “Is it stupid if I want to look at you during?”
Changbin’s heart constricts, his lungs too. He’s smiling— probably like a fucking idiot— fingertips trailing down Seungmin’s cheek. “No, babe. Not stupid. Romantic.”
Seungmin’s cheeks flush scarlet, even in the candlelight Changbin can see the burn. He can feel it hot against his lips when he kisses each of Seungmin’s cheeks.
“I’m— You— shut up,” Seungmin finishes lamely. Changbin laughs, dragging a hand down his thigh, using it to part Seungmin’s legs further.
“I don’t think you want me to,” Changbin grins, their noses bumping together. He pulls back only to uncap the lube, rub some between his fingers. “I think you like when I talk.”
Seungmin goes to roll his eyes, “In your drea— ahh!” but he’s cut off when Changbin slides two fingers over his hole. He stiffens on instinct, legs clamping around Changbin’s waist.
“Relax, Min,” Changbin soothes. “I’ll take care of you.”
“I know,” Seungmin’s eyelids flutter, tension slowly releasing. “Just— caught me off guard.”
Despite it all, Changbin’s finger slides into him easily. He smirks, nipping at Seungmin’s chin. “You got ready for me?”
“Yeah,” Seungmin admits, already breathless. “Mhm. Before we went out. Then again in the bathroom.”
Changbin could melt. The fact that Seungmin so badly wants him too. That he’s been thinking about this all day. Waiting to be had. “I’m honored, babe. Seriously.”
“Well you don’t have to say it like that,” Seungmin huffs. “C’mon, Bin. Another.”
“Demanding,” Changbin tuts, moving to fulfill his request immediately.
The second finger is more of a stretch, but Seungmin takes it like a champ. He makes a cute little noise when Changbin crooks his fingers, and then outright moans when Changbin presses further.
“Feels good, baby?”
“Don’t ask me stupid questions— haah! Bin!” Seungmin’s brattiness is cut off when Changbin moves some more. Two can play at that game.
He sounds so pretty like this. He looks so pretty. Changbin is so addicted to him by now, he doesn’t know what he’s going to do. Sex seems like a good start, though. They should make a routine of it.
It’s not long before Seungmin is taking a third, cheeks deliciously pink, lips parted, breath shallow. Changbin has the urge to take a bite of him. He probably tastes sweet too. He’s been turned sappy by a man who wears khakis.
“Think— I think ‘m ready,” Seungmin nods, disheveled, eyes hazy.
Changbin kisses him, because he knows if he tells Seungmin to wait just a bit longer he’ll argue.
He kisses him slow and deep, works his fingers in and out just the same way. He wants this to be good for Seungmin. He needs it to be.
When he does pull out, Seungmin gasps. Whimpers. Changbin kisses him again, because he loves kissing Seungmin.
Seungmin watches with hungry eyes as Changbin tears open a condom, rolls it on. Seungmin’s lips are wet, shiny. A mess of Changbin’s own creation. He’s an artist.
Changbin takes Seungmin by the calf, lays a kiss on his knee. Sappy.
“I’ll go slow, Minnie, but you need to tell me if anything doesn’t feel right, okay?”
“Seo Changbin, if you don’t put your dick in me soon I’m going to kill you.”
“God,” Changbin grins, shaking his head a bit. Another kiss to the other knee. “I like you so fucking much.”
Seungmin bites his lip to try to hide his smile, but he’s fooling no one. Certainly not Changbin.
“Show me how much.”
Changbin really wishes there were a better way to be careful and controlled pushing inside of Seungmin while also kissing him, but he’s always been terrible at multitasking. It’s safer for them both that he focuses on precision— but he’d like the record to show that he really fucking wants to kiss Seungmin right now.
He lines himself up, runs a soothing hand down Seungmin’s thigh, and starts pressing into him.
Unsurprisingly, Seungmin is tight. This is heaven, Changbin decides, clenching his jaw to hold himself together. He manages to get the tip of his cock inside, pausing to let Seungmin adjust.
“Breathe, baby,” he says, reaching up to brush the hair from Seungmin’s eyes, fingers trailing down his arm afterwards until he can lace their hands together. “You’re doing so well already.”
“‘S a lot,” Seungmin blinks, blinks again. “‘M so full.”
“We just started, love,” Changbin squeezes his hand, gives him a reassuring smile. He wants to kiss Seungmin so bad. He wants Seungmin to be his for real.
“I’m going to split in half.”
Changbin laughs. “You won’t. You look so beautiful, Seungmin. You’re gorgeous.”
Seungmin’s cheeks set on fire, as if Changbin isn’t literally inside of him. The compliment is what made him blush.
“More, Changbin,” Seungmin licks his lips. “Please.”
Changbin happily obliges, brain going a bit fuzzy at the heat— the squeeze. Seungmin feels too fucking good.
He’s dizzy by the whole of it— Seungmin’s whines and pleas for more every inch he’s fed, the way he adapts to Changbin’s shape, the way he sucks him in.
By the time he’s fully seated inside, Changbin is seeing stars, thumb stroking the high point of Seungmin’s cheek. “How does it feel? You did it, baby.”
“It’s a lot,” Seungmin nods, a bit delirious by the looks of it. He squeaks when Changbin shifts, getting closer to him. “Oh— Bin— I— love it.”
A massive smile splits across Changbin’s face, he runs his hands down Seungmin’s arms, lacing their fingers, pressing their joined hands to the mattress. “Yeah?”
“Mhm,” Seungmin’s lips fall open with a tiny sigh when Changbin shifts again.
“Sensitive, aren’t you, baby,” Changbin almost coos. Seungmin is just so cute. It makes his heart ache. “Can’t wait to see you all cock drunk.”
“Already am,” Seungmin replies, all the usual sharpness in his tone turned soft.
Changbin is smiling so hard his cheeks hurt. Whatever he’s feeling— it’s something like absolute adoration.
“Changbin,” Seungmin says, hands tightening. “If you really like me, please fuck me.”
“Always bargaining,” Changbin presses a sweet, lingering kiss to his lips. “That’s my boy.”
It would be silly to lie about his reputation; Changbin gets around.
Or, he did, before Kim Seungmin.
He took pride in it, the guys he hooked up with would all come to him for the same thing. A nice guy that could fuck their brains out— make it feel intimate even though it’s a one night stand. No strings attached intimacy. His bread and butter.
Changbin had fun doing that, but as he completes a first, slow thrust, eyes and hands locked with Seungmin’s, he knows he’ll never be able to go back.
This is something wholly new— overwhelming in the best possible way.
By the time he’s built up a steady pace, Seungmin making needy little noises on each snap of his hips, Changbin is dancing with fire. He’s usually got stamina, but Seungmin is testing his limits. No one has ever made him feel like this.
“Mmmnnn,” Seungmin whines, eyes still steady on Changbin’s. “Harder—”
Insatiable. His first time, and Seungmin is asking for more. Changbin would give him the world if he could. He’ll give him everything he has in an instant.
“Taking it so well. Like you’re made for me, Seungmin,” Changbin manages through the hot wash of pleasure.
Seungmin nods, teeth harshly bitten into his lower lip, eyes watery. “Yours. I want to be— I do— wanna be yours, haah!”
“Mine, baby,” Changbin breathes, losing his composure. “You’re my baby. Mine.”
A pretty smile blooms on Seungmin’s face, eyes struggling to stay open as they roll back a bit.
Changbin fucks into him hard and deep, working to get the exact angle to—
“Ahh!” Seungmin’s nails dig into his skin, body reacting as Changbin repeatedly slams into his prostate. “Ohmygod— ohmygod—Changbin—”
Seungmin cums, clenching so hard that Changbin has no choice but to follow directly behind. He swears, rutting his hips forward jerkily as he fills the condom. Seungmin gasps, stomach messy, riding through the aftershocks with drawn out breaths.
“Holy shit,” Changbin drops his head to the crook of Seungmin’s neck, placing a kiss wherever his lips land. “Oh my god. Fuck.”
“Oh my god,” Seungmin echoes.
They lay like that for a minute, catching their breath, Changbin slowly growing soft inside of him. It’s embarrassing to admit how much he loves this part of sex— the after. Sitting together, warming his cock even after it’s grown useless. The level of intimacy is unmatched, in Changbin’s opinion. Seungmin doesn’t seem to mind.
Changbin kisses a line up his throat, eventually slotting their mouths messily together. Seungmin laughs— giggles— onto his tongue.
“What?” he asks, smiling on instinct, rubbing his nose against Seungmin’s.
“I’m not a virgin anymore.”
Changbin snorts. “You’re not.”
“You stole my innocence.”
“Kim Seungmin,” Changbin nips at his jaw. “You were certainly not innocent before tonight, babe.”
“You’re right,” Seungmin agrees. “I wanted you to fuck me since you spilled coffee all over me on purpose.”
•
“You’re obsessed with me,” Seungmin complains through a smile, struggling to uncap the shampoo bottle while Changbin is wrapped around his back in the cramped shower.
Changbin has been attached to him since they got out of bed. Hanging off of him, kissing the line of his shoulders, hands grabbing greedily at his stomach. Anywhere he can reach, really.
“Can you blame me?” he asks, nosing at Seungmin’s ear. “Have you seen your ass?”
Seungmin snorts. “Not like you have. Here, wash my hair. It’s the least you could do. You made me sore.”
Changbin leaves one more kiss behind his ear before he allows Seungmin to turn around, hand off the bottle.
Somehow, this is more intimate than anything else they’ve done tonight. Changbin’s hands in Seungmin’s hair, massaging his scalp, Seungmin watching his face with careful attention. Domestic. It’s painfully domestic.
“Thank you,” Seungmin says quietly, fingers wandering over Changbin’s chest, just exploring.
Changbin furrows his brow, wiping a bubble from Seungmin’s forehead. “For what?”
“For fucking me.” When Changbin scoffs, Seungmin adds on a, “For being you. For taking care of me.”
Changbin can’t help but grin, leaning forward to kiss. “That’s better,” he smiles into Seungmin’s mouth. “Thank you for letting me take care of you.”
“I’m considering letting you do it again. For the foreseeable future.”
“Is that right?” Changbin is so into him. He’s going to marry Kim Seungmin. “What’s the fee on that? Will I have to pay hourly?”
“You’ve earned your keep.”
Changbin pumps his fist in the air, sending a spray of water everywhere. “Fuck yeah!”
•
Seungmin looks so peaceful when he’s asleep. Lips parted gently, eyelashes resting on his cheeks, hair soft around his head like a halo.
Changbin doesn’t deserve him.
He pushed it away— told himself he’d deal with it later. He let himself get lost in everything Seungmin is. Everything they are together. But now it hits. Strong and fast, as he watches Seungmin sleep.
An arrow straight through the porcelain shell of his heart— one second of bated breath— and then the fracture.
Changbin is a horrible person.
Seungmin deserves someone that’s completely honest with him, that doesn’t spill coffee all over him to get close to him, that doesn’t take his virginity on the foundation of a bet. It doesn’t matter how much Changbin likes Seungmin. How much he’s liked him from the beginning. How much it all means to him now. Because he’s laid the rest of their thing on shaky ground— and Seungmin deserves better.
His lungs rattle, letting out a horrified breath. Arms shaking, he tries to push himself out of bed, but just as he makes it up, Seungmin’s arm shoots out, grabbing his wrist. One of his eyes squints open.
“What’re you doin’?”
“Minnie, I’m sorry. Fuck. I’m so sorry.”
Seungmin’s forehead crinkles, both eyes blinking against the morning sun. So, so cute. “What are you talking about? Calm down.” His fingers tighten around Changbin, like he knows he’s a flight risk.
“I’ve been so dumb. I like you so much, and I probably fucked everything up, and— mnnnf—”
Seungmin cuts off Changbin’s babbling with a kiss, shooting up to meet his height. “What could you possibly have done?”
“I made a bet!” Changbin blurts, face collapsing. “I fucking— made a bet with Jisung and Jeongin that I could sleep with you— for a thousand dollars. But, Seungmin, you have to know that all of it was real— every second. I just— you deserve so much better, and I’m so sorry, I know this is unforgivable and— mnnnf!”
Seungmin cuts him off again, this kiss more insistent, deeper, one hand on Changbin’s cheek. “I don’t care.”
“Wh—at?” Changbin’s voice falters, heart jumping. Seungmin’s fingertips are warm against his jaw.
“I don’t care. I don’t give a fuck about that,” Seungmin says, big, brown eyes nothing but sincere. “You said it’s real. Yeah?”
“Mhm. Yeah,” Changbin nods. “So real. Fuck. I’m, like, half in love with you.”
Seungmin’s lips twitch up. “Good. Then give me half the money and we’ll call it even.”
“You’re serious?”
“Dead.”
Another kiss, and another. And Changbin is practically in Seungmin’s lap.
“Be my boyfriend,” he begs. There’s nothing else to call it. He’s begging.
“Mm,” Seungmin hums, hands buried in Changbin’s hair. He doesn’t even want to know how messy it is. “I have to tell you something too.”
“What?”
“Lee Felix,” Seungmin says, completely nonchalant. “You know him?”
Changbin swallows. Of course he does. He hooked up with Lee Felix for a straight month. A fantastic, wild month. They stopped seeing each other before it got serious. Neither of them were looking. But it was good. Great.
“Yeah, I know him.”
The look on Seungmin’s face is enough to make Changbin scared. Like he’s guilty.
“He’s my best friend. I’ve been wanting you to fuck me for a lot longer than I let on. Because I heard how good you are. So—” Seungmin sighs, chewing his lip. “We’re more than even. I was using you for sex, but then I kind of fell half in love with you.”
Changbin blinks. “That’s it?”
“Yeah.”
“And Felix doesn’t mind?”
Seungmin scoffs. “God, no. He’s dating some investment banker— buff guy with too much money. Chris. He doesn’t give a fuck.”
“Okay,” Changbin feels his muscles relax, sagging into Seungmin’s chest pathetically. “Okay.”
“Pay me five hundred dollars and I’ll be your boyfriend,” Seungmin whispers, still carding his fingers through Changbin’s hair.
“I’ll give you the full thousand if you give me a loan to buy a new keyboard.”
Changbin learns something new about his boyfriend right then; Seungmin’s lips taste sweeter when he’s smiling.
•
“Excuse me! Everyone wake up! I’m calling a household meeting!” Changbin shouts, pounding on the bedroom doors on the second floor, all of his friends still asleep, despite the fact that it’s noon.
“What fucking time is it?” Jisung groans, wrapped around a completely awake Minho. Minho always wakes up early, he just stays in bed until Jisung is awake because he’s desperately in love.
“It’s noon. There’s a family emergency. Get downstairs,” Changbin informs. He sticks his head into the room across the way, “You too Hwang. Yang. C’mon. Up, up, up!”
“I hate you!” Hyunjin whines, completely naked and draped across Jeongin’s prone body like a weighted blanket. Changbin has seen far worse.
“We have a special guest! Make sure you’re wearing clothes today!”
Hyunjin moans dramatically.
Changbin has a spring in his step when he jogs down the stairs, a smiling Seungmin catching him at the bottom, pulling him into a kiss.
“You’re mean,” Seungmin says.
“It’s payday, baby.”
It takes fifteen minutes to get everyone in one place. Hyunjin and Jeongin on one side of the couch, Minho and Jisung on the other, all four of them blinking sleepily at where Changbin stands in the front of the living room, Seungmin seated in the armchair next to him.
Changbin clears his throat. “So, you’re probably wondering why I’ve gathered you all here today.”
“Who is that?” Minho asks, pointing directly at Seungmin.
“Minho, really?” Changbin frowns, laying a hand on Seungmin’s shoulder. “That’s Seungmin.”
Seungmin waves.
“Ohhh,” Minho looks confused. “I thought he was made up. Like an imaginary friend.”
“Dude, what the fuck?” Changbin grabs the closest implement he can chuck at Minho— a box of tissues— failing to make adequate contact with his giant head.
“Hi Seungmin!” Hyunjin chirps. “I knew you were real!”
“Hi, Hyunjin,” Seungmin nods, amused.
“You’re probably wondering why I’ve gathered you here today,” Changbin repeats, more forcefully.
The flick of a lighter drags Changbin’s attention, Jeongin lighting the joint that has suddenly appeared between his lips. No one else moves. He takes his first drag, only looking up at Changbin once he passes it off to Jisung. “Well, on with it,” he says, impatient.
“Seungmin and I boned.”
Changbin pauses for dramatic effect.
His friends stare.
“Please clap,” he says after a minute.
All four of them do, to different levels of effort— Hyunjin doing the most— bouncing up and down with the lit joint in his hands as he cheers.
“Thank you, thank you,” Changbin quiets them with the downward motion of his hands. “So, Jeongin and Jisung owe me a thousand bucks, Hyunjin and Minho, I just wanted you to be here to bask in my victory. In our victory,” he corrects, carding his fingers through Seungmin’s hair.
“Alright,” Jisung says, shoving his hand in his pocket to get his wallet.
“That’s it?” Changbin laughs, a bit incredulously. “You’re not going to put up a fight?”
Jisung shrugs. “Why would I?”
“Because last week you thought I was being delusional! You didn’t even believe I was dating Seungmin!”
“Well,” Jisung flicks through the stack of hundreds in his wallet, pulling out ten. He looks over to Jeongin, says, “Just get me back next time, alright?”
Jeongin fist bumps him over the back of the couch, behind Hyunjin’s shoulders.
He holds out the money for Changbin to take. Changbin passes it off to Seungmin right away. “That was easy.”
“Okay, but I have questions,” Hyunjin leans forward.
“Yeah, actually, I do too,” Minho piles on.
“O—kay?” Changbin shakes his head, waving them onwards.
Minho curls his lip. “Not for you, Changbin. For Seungmin.”
Hyunjin nods in agreement.
Both of them shift to face Seungmin directly.
“Was he good?” Hyunjin asks.
“Yes. Very,” Seungmin glances up at Changbin, having the time of his life.
“Did he top?” Minho shoots.
“Obviously.”
Minho rubs his chin. “Fascinating.”
“Are you two going to get married?” Hyunjin again.
Seungmin shrugs. “Probably.”
“Do you want a hit?” Minho holds out the joint, offering it up.
“Definitely,” Seungmin takes it without hesitation, bringing it to his lips and taking a long drag.
Changbin watches him in complete awe. A swirl of heat worming down from his chest to his gut.
Hyunjin looks at him knowingly. “Did that make you horny?”
“Yeah,” Changbin nods, watching the smoke curl out of Seungmin’s lips. “It absolutely did.”
“That’s so good to hear, man!” Jisung grins. “Jeongin and I can definitely get you some pre-rolls for a discount if you’re interested,” he hops up, smacking Changbin’s shoulder, trying to swing an arm around him. “It’s my understanding that you just came into some cash— and we only work in cash. You know, safety from the authorities and all. But, let’s talk pricing, yeah? Jeongin rolls the tightest shit in the game, I tell you—”
“Tightest,” Jeongin says, making a tiny hole with his index finger and his thumb, holding it to his eye.
“We can hook you up. Keep your sex life interesting— your body loose— and I mean, hey! I’ve never been turned on by Minho smoking, but, whatever floats your boat, man. We don’t kink shame at J and J!”
“That’s a lie, he sucked my dick yesterday after he saw me smoking from his bowl,” Minho interjects.
Jisung stomps his foot. “Only because it’s the pink one! You know I think that one looks like a dick! It’s not fair! You do it on purpose!”
Changbin takes the chance he’s given, grabbing Seungmin’s hand and pulling him quietly out of the room.
“Hey!?” Jisung’s voice floats up to them in the stairwell. “Where'd they go?”
“Sung— I told you they’re imaginary!”
•
“How much is it for a full cake?” Changbin taps on the glass, pointing out the one he’s eyeing.
Hyeju, the pissy waitress that he met months ago in this very establishment looks at him from across the counter, completely bored. “Like, fifty bucks.”
“I’ll take it. The whole cinnamon one, please,” Changbin grins, shoving his hand into his pocket.
“Okay,” she starts moving to pack it up, unfolding a box, pushing out the sides. She moves at a snail’s pace, not a care in the world.
Changbin taps his fingers against the counter, smiling like a dumbass. “Ask me what it’s for, Hyeju.”
She glances up at him. “No.”
“It’s for my boyfriend,” Changbin says anyway. “You know, Kim Seungmin.”
“I know, like, ten Seungmin’s, you have to be more specific.”
“The one I came here on a date with once and you told me I’d never be able to bag!”
Hyeju squints. “The twink with khakis?”
“Yes!” Changbin smacks a hand on the surface. “You told me he’d never take me on a second date. And now look— me! Here! Buying him a full cake with my friend’s drug money!”
“Wow,” Hyeju snorts, totally uninterested. “Suddenly I love khakis.”
Changbin leaves her a one hundred dollar tip, just because he can.
Love does that to people.