#like yea he's taemin's friend and all that but he doesn't get it so...

[certifiedmaidenlessblog]

Taemin needs to collab w Koharu for the solo 10th anniversary thing btw. I need their combined masters in cuntology degrees to result in something that is dangerously radioactively cuntalicious.

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Broken hearts can heal - Choi Minho SHINee Fanfic - Chapter I - How we all met

Story masterlist - please consult it for the summary of the story, trigger warnings etc.

Chapter I - Wattpad link

Chapter II

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Chapter I - How we all met

chapter word count: 3.8k words

"Da-Eun, can you bring the glasses please?!" Kibum shouted after you from the living room just as you prepared a charcuterie board.

"I'm kinda busy!" You shouted back, trying to create the perfect salami rose to display in the middle of your arrangement of expensive cheeses, grapes and crackers. "Come get them yourself!"

"But I'm cleaning!"

"And I'm 3 months pregnant!"

"Almost 4!" He shouted again, making you laugh. "I want to get over with the preparations quicker!" He whined.

"And I wanna rest because my feet are swollen and I'm nauseous. But here I am making food!" You shouted back, still laughing. He knew you were just playing around and that preparing this food arrangement didn't bother you at all, even if you truly felt a bit nauseous and your feet hurt.

Kibum stuck his head out through the kitchen's opened door and smiled at you lovingly.

"Hey." He said. He was just so cute.

"Hey." You said back, and you couldn't help but walk over to him and peck his lips.

"The wine glasses?" He grinned mischievously.

"You're taking advantage of my kindness." You whispered and cupped his cheeks, holding on to them tight. "You're lucky I love you."

"Yea. I really am."

"Three glasses?"

"Four." He corrected you.

"I thought Jinki is not able to make it today?" You raised a brow.

"He isn't, but there's still four of us, right? Minho, Taemin and us."

"I can't drink alcohol, Key." You chuckled.

"No, but I don't want you to feel left out." He pouted. "You can just drink grape juice from it and pretend it's wine!"

"Oh, should I?" You laughed while grabbing four glasses. "It's not like I'm going to be left out anyway, they're basically coming to meet me, no?"

"Speaking of, how's your nerves?" He grabbed the four glasses.

"I mean, it's good that I'll have an ally already."

"Me?" Kibum grinned.

"No, not you, dummy. Taemin. I'm glad I've already met him, and it won't just be... awkward, meeting two new people."

"And here I thought I'm your best ally." Key pouted.

"Of course you are." You kissed him again. "Look, they will be here soon, so I'm going back to this damn rose while I still have the patience for it."

"Good luck! And thanks for these." He smiled, clicking the glasses against each other, and walked out of the kitchen.

~

"So, are you nervous?" You whispered, slipping your hand into your boyfriend's while caressing your ever-growing belly with the other.

"Why would I be?" He chuckled. "It's not like I'm the one meeting someone new. It's literally just Minho and Taemin, and we speak all the time anyway."

"I get Taemin. But what about Minho? You still haven't seen him in what, one year?" You smiled, knowing that despite his indifferent appearance, Kibum did miss his friend, and not seeing each other for so long was hard on him, even if he acts annoyed whenever they speak.

"It doesn't matter. We can be away from each other for 15 years and nothing would change between us." He said with a sassy roll of his eyes, making you chuckle. "It was like that when I was in the military, too."

"I hope our baby will have someone like that." You whispered again, more to yourself.

"What about you, Da-Eun? Are you less nervous than two hours ago?" Kibum looked at you, holding your hand tight. He knew about your reluctance of meeting new people, but it was imperative for you to start being around his circle of friends and his family until the baby comes and you get married.

It's a funny thought, eventually having a wedding and being married. You certainly didn't see yourself as the type. Not because there was anything wrong with it, but it just felt... weird to live with someone else, to rely on another person and to show your potential husband not only the good parts, but also the uglier, less appealing ones.

But this is bound to happen, even if it seems a bit too soon. Both of you decided to hold the baptism of your child and the wedding party on the same day, to just have a big celebration of these two big milestones neither of you saw coming so soon in your relationship. You wouldn't have made any plans to get married if it weren't for the baby, since you've only been dating Kibum for a few months by the time you accidentally got pregnant, but now, it had to happen.

Thankfully both of you were very much in love with the other, but since it's all been casual until now, you didn't really meet his friends or anything. Besides Taemin, who you got the pleasure to meet last month, you just met Kibum's family two weeks ago and that didn't go as planned, so yea, it was safe to say you were really nervous about meeting Key's other best friend.

"A bit." You smiled softly, but holding Key's hand made you feel less nervous, and you almost forgot about any discomfort when the doorbell rang, and Minho came through the door with a big bouquet of yellow and white roses.

"Hello!" He came towards you with the biggest smile plastered on his face and handed you the roses. "This is for you."

"Thank you." You smiled.

"I'm Minho, it's so nice to finally meet you, Da-Eun. You're looking amazing. How far along are you?" He said everything in a breath, his openness making you breathe out a sigh of relief and calm down a lot. You were glad he seemed welcoming, at least, compared to Kibum's parents.

"Minho, the pleasure is mine. The flowers are so beautiful, thank you so much. We are so happy you were able to come visit us. I'm around the 16th week mark." You smiled.

"You don't need to be so polite with me, Da-Eun. But he can definitely learn from you." He pointed to Kibum, making you laugh.

"Yah." Key scoffed in disbelief and placed his arms steadily on his hips. "What do you mean to say? Am I not nice?!"

"Of course you are! So, did you miss your big brother?" He winked.

"I'm older than you though?!" Key replied, starting to raise his voice a bit.

"Shhh, what's a couple months?! Mentally I'm older. You should just deal with it." Minho closed his eyes and petted Key's shoulder apologetically while nodding his head, before getting into a fit of laughter.

"So, as you see, Da-Eun, this is my idiot... acquaintance." Key turned to you and faked a smile before dropping his expression into a poker face.

"Acquaintance?! We basically lived together for years!" Minho scoffed in disbelief.

"Are you two always like this?" You chuckled.

"Like what?" Minho grabbed Key's neck and pulled him into a one-sided hug, and you laughed again seeing the grimace on your boyfriend's face.

"Anyway, where is Taemin? I thought you're going to come together." Key intervened and shook his friend's hand away, taking the roses from your hands instead and closing the front door. "Aish, why did you even bring these? What are we supposed to do with flowers? Just bring us money next time!" Kibum scolded Minho with annoyance in his tone.

"Money?! You have enough, though?! Da-Eun, he's always like this. A materialistic prick. To convince him to come to my show I had to buy a fucking bag-"

"Yah, don't talk badly about me to my girlfriend! Where's Taemin, huh?"

"He's running late. He was adamant about bringing the drinks and the fucker- I meant, our dearest Maknae messed up the time and thought we met up at 8."

"8?! That's like, two hours later?" Key slapped his forehead.

"He apparently mistook '18' for '8' and didn't bother checking in with me." Minho shrugged.

You started balancing your weight from one foot to the other, as your feet started to hurt, and you just knew they were getting swollen again. It was hard being pregnant.

"Should we go sit down?" Minho smiled at you, as if he knew you were getting uncomfortable of standing.

"Okay, let's go to the living room." You nodded at him shortly, thanking him for taking care of you.

Key grabbed your hand and sat down next to you on the couch, as Minho began exploring every corner of your apartment.

"Does he usually do this?" You whispered to your boyfriend, who just looked annoyed and scoffed.

"Woah!" Minho spoke loudly from the laundry room. "Everything is so clean! No clothes in the drier?!"

Then, he returned to the living room and examined the table closely.

"And this is spotless. Da-Eun! You're a miracle!" He praised you, and you burst out laughing. What the heck was happening?

"Choi Minho! I'm the one who cleaned the table, okay?!"

"Yet you still let you pregnant soon-to-be-wife do the laundry though, didn't you?"

"Sit down and shut it, will you?" Key rolled his eyes.

"He's working you too hard. I'd beat him up if I were you." Minho sat down and whispered to you, mocking a scared face as soon as his friend made it clear that he, in fact, heard him and started cussing him out and raising his fist in the air.

"Anyway, since Taeminnie isn't here yet with the wine, should I give you some juice from Da-Eun's collection?" Key laughed and petted the back of your head lovingly.

"Hey, you're making me sound like a child!" You retorted. "Minho, I swear I don't only drink juice-"

"Yea, she drinks lemonade too." Key chuckled, kissing your forehead as he stood up.

"When the baby comes, the first thing I'm going to do is get drunk!" You shouted after him and crossed your arms, noticing Minho's smile in front of you.

"You both seem happy together. I'm glad."

"Thank you..." You started fidgeting your fingers. You didn't feel intimidated or anything, but you didn't expect Minho to address your relationship with Key so early into the evening.

"You're both so cute! I bet the baby will be even cuter! I'll be the best uncle to him." He smiled kindly, and you felt your cheeks become red. Minho was a nice person, and you understood why Key always spoke so fondly of him. You were so glad your baby was going to grow up around such amazing people. He was surely going to have such a good childhood with you, Kibum and his three uncles that love him unconditionally already.

And yes, the baby is a he. You found out at your latest doctor's appointment that Key had to miss due to some work, and you haven't told him yet, because you had a surprise in store for him and the boys tonight.

"What got you blushing like that?" Key returned and laughed at your flustered state.

"I just told her I hope the baby won't turn out like you, and it'll be cute like her." Minho laughed.

"Yah, what does that mean? I'm cute!" Key replied, making us all chuckle.

"Of course you are, the cutest." You praised and took the juice glass he just filled for you.

"So, grape juice, hm?" Minho took the juice box from the table, since Kibum didn't bother filling his glass as well.

"It's my saving grace." You spoke serious, noticing the two men start laughing.

"I can't believe you don't keep any alcohol in the house though. Kibum, are you perhaps getting more disciplined since you have a kid on the way?!"

"No, he just drank it all last week and we didn't have time to go shopping." You chuckled.

"Da-Eun, whose side are you taking here?!" Key looked hurt, then started laughing as well, just as the doorbell rang.

"I'll get it." You smiled and tried to stand up, before feeling Key's hand holding you down on the sofa.

"Stay put and relax, you worked hard today." He smiled at you, reminding you once again of why you fell in love with him.

~Flashback, 9 months ago~

"Da-Eun, can you pleeaaasee take care of Table 7? There's an obnoxious party of 8 in Table 5 and I'm really tied up with them! There's just one in Table 7, and he needs a menu. Pleeease?!"

"Sure, babe." You smiled at your coworker, grabbing one of the menus in the stack behind the register.

You made your way through the busy restaurant towards Table 7 and noticed a single man with a cap on his head and dark sunglasses covering his eyes waiting patiently, his back steadily against the chair and his legs crossed. He was scrolling on his phone but noticed you as soon as you approached his table.

"Hello, sir. Here is the menu. While you consult it, would you like me to bring you something to drink?" You smiled gently and delivered your speech, as you usually did whenever you greeted a new customer.

"Hi." He replied, putting his phone away on the table, and taking the menu from your hands. "Yes, that would be great. I'd like a cold beer."

Why would he wear sunglasses and a cap inside when it was so warm, you wondered? Was it because he didn't want anyone to recognise him? If so...

"Sure, coming right up. But first, uhm... if you would like, we also have private rooms, in case you would be more comfortable..." You smiled again, hoping you didn't assume anything and that you didn't make him uncomfortable.

"Oh, is it all right to go, though? I won't order much, just something to eat..."

"Of course! Come, follow me." You smiled and ushered him to the back of the restaurant where you had a few private rooms. During the day, these mostly stay empty, so occupying one wouldn't inconvenience the restaurant in any way. Plus, none of it was reserved.

"Thank you, this is surely more comfortable." He smiled as he took of the cap and glasses, and hell, was he beautiful. You recognised him from somewhere, but you just couldn't put your finger on it.

"So, a beer while you consult our menu, yes?"

"That's right. What do you recommend for food, though... Da-Eun?" He smiled, squinting his eyes to look at your name tag.

"We have some amazing spaghetti... my favourite would be Cacio e Pepe, they're just so creamy and delicious. If you love pepper, anyway." You chuckled.

"Then you can bring me that." He said, giving you back the menu.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, thank you."

You went away and typed the order into the computer, and served him the beer while the cook prepared the pasta.

~

"Here you go." You smiled, placing the plate in front of him. "Would you like another beer?"

"Yes, please, that would be great." He smiled.

He was beautiful, and your eyes lingered on his features for a second too long.

You brought him his second drink, he complimented the food, and when he left, he gave you such a good tip, you couldn't contain your smile for the whole day.

You needed money, so you moved to Seoul specifically to be able to earn more, in hopes that you'll be able to save enough so you could pursue your passion: studying psychology. You knew you wouldn't be able to work during University due to the strict hours and amount of studying you would have to do, so you needed to save as much as possible, so you can focus entirely on getting your degree.

~

Almost a month later, very late into your shift, the small bell attached to the door frame rang as the door opened, revealing a familiar figure. You went to greet him and help him to a table.

"Welcome back. You dyed your hair." You smiled.

"You recognise me?" The man raised an eyebrow. His shock was understandable, as he was once again wearing a cap, this time glasses as well, but still, you saw a few small blond strands sticking out. You wondered if his hair was soft to the touch, or if the dye messed it up. That blonde is impossible to reach without bleaching the shit out of your hair.

"Of course, you came here a few weeks ago, didn't you? Blonde suits you!" You complimented the man, and instead of showing him to a regular table, you guided him directly to a private room.

"Thank you." He said, taking off his cap and shoving a head through his hair, rearranging it. "I was worried you're already closed for the night."

"It's almost closing time, actually, but the kitchen is still open if you'd like a quick bite."

"Some fried chicken sounds really good right now." He smiled.

"And for drinks? Maybe a Soju bottle?"

"Drinking Soju alone is kind of sad, isn't it?" He laughed. "Maybe you could join me if you don't have too much work to do, Da-Eun."

"Oh?" You tilted your head, genuinely surprised, then started chuckling a bit. "There's not much work... I'd probably have to check out first and join in as a customer."

"If you don't mind?" The man smiled again, and it probably wouldn't have been a good idea to drink with a stranger any other day, but you were curious of him.

"Just give me a minute to put the order in."

"Then... two portions of fried chicken and, let's say, two bottles of Soju to start? We can always get more later."

"Sounds good."

You made your way towards the computer to add the order, your heart racing out of your chest. You couldn't believe you just got invited by such a handsome man to randomly join him eating and drinking, and you were so glad the restaurant was almost around closing time and no new customers would come in.

You grabbed a beer for the man and brought it to him, waiting until the cook finished making the two portions of fried chicken, which would also be the last order of the night.

"Here, on the house." You smiled, putting the beer in front of the stranger. "You can drink this until the food is ready and I close up the place."

"Thanks, Da-Eun." He returned your smile.

"You haven't told me your name yet."

"Oh, you really don't know?" He chuckled. Perhaps you were right when he first came in, he was wearing so many accessories specifically so that no one would recognise him.

Maybe he was famous or something.

"No, sorry."

"That's okay. My name is Kibum."

"Nice to meet you, Kibum." You smiled. "I'm gonna go close up and will join you in a bit, then?"

"Sure, take your time."

~

You've never closed the restaurant as quick as you did that night. You cleaned all the tables in super speed and mopped the floors, and just as you were done, the cook finished making the two fried chicken portions, so you grabbed them, took them to Kibum's table and left again to bring two glasses and the soju bottles.

"Shall we eat?" You stood down in front of him and pointed to the fresh chicken. You opened one bottle and poured the liquid in his glass respectfully, then filled yours to the brim.

"Mhm, this tastes amazing. I also thought so last time with the pasta. Your cook is really good."

"Right?! I love eating here so much." You replied, taking a bite of the chicken as well. "Thanks for treating me, by the way."

"Who says I'm treating you?" He replied with fake annoyance, and both of you started chuckling.

"Don't be mean, I ended my shift, but I'm still stuck here because of you."

"Woah! Is that how you're supposed to treat customers, Da-Eun?"

"Kibum, dear, you're not my customer right now, you're my drinking buddy. Don't get the two confused."

"Da-Eun, darling, I'll make sure not to get them confused then." He replied and placed his right hand on his heart, mimicking heartache.

"So, how old are you?"

"Curious?" He chuckled. "31."

"Shut up, no way."

"Yes way!"

"But you look younger than me, though?!" You exclaimed surprised, and kind of jealous.

"Facial treatments, baby." He boasted. "I go twice a week."

"Lucky." You pouted.

"What about you, how old are you, Da-Eun?"

"Just shy of 25."

"Woah, you're so young." He chuckled.

"Not really. I wish I was younger, honestly. The next couple years are going to be really weird."

"How so?" He raised an eyebrow expectedly.

"What's that, some sort of fashion statement?" You pointed to his left eyebrow that had some sort of naked patch.

"What, the scar?" He chuckled. "No, I played with a flowerpot when I was little and I fell, cracking my head open."

"That sounds traumatic."

"Right?! It was!"

"Looks cool though." You downed the soju glass.

"So, as we were saying before you got distracted by my otherworldly beauty, why say that the next years will be weird?"

"You're so modest!" You joked. "Well, I want to go to Uni, and if everything goes to plan, I'll get stuck with a bunch of 18-year-olds by the time I'm your age."

"So what? Just do your best and get that degree you want. I like ambition."

"Why, thank you!" You exclaimed, making Kibum chuckle.

You talked about anything and everything and kept drinking. You drank and drank, until 2 bottles turned into 10, and by the time you had to add everything you've consumed into the register, you were so dizzy from all the alcohol, that you barely saw the correct numbers in the computer.

Kibum's hands on your waist and the way your back was pressed to him made it even more difficult to focus, but still, you skilfully entered everything, and Kibum even gave you a big tip, just like last time, despite him already paying for everything you two ate and drank.

"Do you always tip so well?" You chuckled, feeling his hot breath on the back of your neck.

"If the person deserves it." He said in a quiet voice, pressing his lips on your neck and earning a small moan from you.

"You should come here more often, then."

"Can I only see you if I come here?" He whispered in your ear, kissing your neck again, and your hand instinctively moved to the back of his head, while you let yours fall down on his shoulder to allow him full access to you.

Both of you were fairly intoxicated at this point, but it didn't matter. You made your way to a nearby hotel to just spend a night together.

He was good in bed, and you liked him quite a bit. You liked how much attention he gave each part of your body, how his kisses felt on your skin, and how confidently he held you.

One night turned into many others, and without notice, you two started going on dates, simply enjoying the other's company.

You called it official a few months in, and barely one month later, you found out you were pregnant.

~End of flashback~

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(A/N) Hello!

Thank you so much for reading the first chapter of 'Broken hearts can heal'!

I hope you enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to your thoughts so far.

Chapter 2 will come soon.

Love you lots,

Storm.

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Chapter II

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I can read your smile - Choi Minho SHINee Fanfic - Chapter 20 - Confessions (Final Chapter)

Story masterlist - please consult it for the summary of the story, trigger warnings etc.

Wattpad | AO3

Chapter 19

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Chapter 20 - Confessions (Final Chapter)

word count: 3k words

Minho's team ended up winning the game 3-2 after Minho's newfound excitement and encouragement towards the team, which proved crucial for the morale of his teammates.

Crystal knew he was going to go celebrate with the team, and he's also invited their group of friends, but she really didn't have it in her to go. She was weary, her heart felt small in her chest, and she just wanted to lay in bed.

Before leaving the stadium, she grabbed Lydia and Jude's hands.

"What is it, babe?" Lydia asked.

"Do you girls have any plans tonight?" She whispered, making sure the other boys didn't hear her.

"Besides the celebration for Minho's victory?" Jude asked.

"No. What's wrong?" Lydia shook her head.

"I just... I can't go to the celebration tonight. Can we have a sleepover at one of yours?"

"What's up?" Key asked them loudly, seeing that the three girls stopped walking behind them.

"Crystal is not feeling well, so we're gonna go back to mine. Tell Minho we're sorry we can't join tonight." Lydia shouted and urged their friends to go away.

"Thanks." She gave the girls a small smile.

They headed to Lydia's place, and Crystal told them everything, from the date Minho had with Julia, to how they've almost kissed again at his birthday and during Christmas, and she told them about their intense make-out session in the locker room and how confused it made her feel.

Her two friends listened in closely and hugged the girl tightly when she was done talking between her sobs.

"I think he does like you, honestly." Jude said after Crystal calmed down a bit.

"Then why doesn't he tell me anything?"

"Why don't you tell him anything? Relationships are a two-way street." Lydia asked matter-of-factly.

"I mean, I don't know, Lydia, I kinda did more than enough, I think. I literally asked him to fuck me. What more should I do?"

"And then you ran away from his celebration party." Lydia said.

"And you're avoiding him. He's called and messaged you, what, six times since we came here?" Jude spoke as well, pointing at Crystal's phone, that was still ringing, Minho's name displayed in bold letters on the screen.

"Give him a chance to talk to you, and you will find out if he does like you." Jude pressed her hand on top of hers and comforted her.

"But I'm scared. What if... he'll just reject me again?"

"Then you'll get over it, as you've done last time."

"Yea, I soooo got over it. Look at me." Crystal chuckled ironically. "I know you're right. Should I just go home?"

"If you're ready to talk to him, you should."

"I'll... I'll call him back." She hesitantly grabbed her phone and pressed on her call history, dialling Minho's number, who responded immediately.

"Crystal! How are you feeling? Taemin said you were sick. Where are you? At Lydia's?"

"Yes... I'm feeling better, so I'll come home..." She said and watched her friends nod in encouragement.

"I'll come get you. 15 minutes and I'll be there, okay?"

"Aren't you still at the party?" Crystal chuckled.

"Fuck the party. They're all drunk already." He laughed.

"And what about you?" She laughed as well.

"Look at her flirting through the phone." Jude shook her head, and Lydia slapped her back playfully. Crystal threw them a nasty glance.

"Not enough. Unless you celebrate with me, I won't even drink!"

"Okay, then you better buy something." She smiled, and he told her he'll call when he gets there.

~

Minho came in a taxi and Crystal was amused to notice that he listened to her and bought a few bottles of alcohol. Some vodka, some tequila, beer... it was like he was throwing another party at home, not like it was just going to be the two of them.

He was no longer in his uniform, he was now wearing a casual pair of jeans and a buttoned-up white shirt, and he was so handsome, fucking hell. She tried not to look too much, for her heart fluttered and her cheeks grew red.

Once they got home, they started drinking and talked about random things, laughing and looking at each other. Crystal's chest felt lighter, even if she was still confused. Seeing him was enough to calm her down, apparently.

She doesn't know how many shots she downed, but she was starting to get really sleepy.

"I'm a bit tipsy." She slurred her words with a chuckle.

"Yea? We should go to bed." He chuckled as well, noticing the slight red tint in her cheeks. She was cute, sprawled on the floor like that in her little sundress – the same one he fucked her in earlier.

"Yea." She replied. "Pick me up!" With her arms outstretched, she started giggling like a little kid, making Minho laugh once again.

Still, he complied and got up from the floor, going to her and leaning over, so she could grab onto him as he picked her up. Her hands moved at the back of his neck, as her legs hugged his torso.

Perhaps he should've taken her to her own room, if he were not so intoxicated. Tuck her into bed and kiss her forehead good night, like a good friend was supposed to do. But sleeping next to her felt way too appealing at the moment, when they were both fairly drunk, so he marched right to his room and placed her softly on his bed, plopping down next to her, just as he did every night they've been studying together.

She turned to face him and smiled slowly, and both closed their eyes to sleep.

Some time later, though, with the alcohol almost gone from her system, Crystal opened her eyes and glanced around her in the dark. Minho was breathing regularly next to her, which told her he's asleep, and he was close to her. So close, she just had to raise her hand a bit to touch him.

His shirt rode up, exposing his abdomen, and she couldn't help herself. Her fingers slowly and hesitantly grazed the exposed skin of his abdominal muscles and she let out a breath she didn't know she was holding.

She wanted to touch him more.

Fuck.

She hesitated, her fingers hovering just above him, when he grabbed her hand and placed it flat down on his stomach.

"Curious?" He said in a low, groggy voice. "Touch me properly."

Her cheeks heated up at his proposal, and they only grew hotter as her palm was now touching his muscles. She moved it around to explore him as carefully as possible, wanting to remember this moment. Even if they fucked earlier, this was different. It felt more intimate. She got to touch him in ways she couldn't before.

They were both intoxicated. Yes. That's it. That's why he's letting her do this. She tried rationalising, as he moved his hand away from hers and started opening up the buttons on his shirt, one by one.

Fuck.

Moving her hand up his body, to his chest, she felt him more.

She was breathing heavily, and she wanted him again so badly. She kept replying in her head how hard he fucked her earlier, and she wanted him again, and again, and again. She could handle confusion, as long as she could have him, and it would be so easy to have him inside of her again, with what she was wearing...

"What are you thinking of?" He asked, almost in a whisper. It was funny, he's been asking her this question so often, especially while studying together, but it had such a different impact on her, in this context.

"I'm not sure I should be telling you..." She replied.

"Why not? I want to hear it. I want to know all your thoughts."

"Because... are you still drunk?"

"No." He shook his head.

"Then even more so."

"But I want you to tell me. Do you like touching me?"

"I do."

"I also like it." He whispered. "Tell me." His face came closer to her, and her breath hitched in her throat.

"Okay. I was thinking of how easy it would be to pull my underwear to the side and feel you slip inside of me... just like we did earlier in that locker room." She answered in a breath, feeling him stiff under her touch.

Did she say the wrong thing?

He insisted on knowing, though.

Minho breathed in deeply.

"Don't say it twice, or I might end up taking you up on the offer..." He replied slowly, as if in deep thought. This was her chance to make it clear that she wanted this, that she wanted him, and that earlier has not been just a mistake, or a spur of the moment thing.

"... please, Min." She whispered.

He moved his hand and touched her neck, then moved it down her side, dragging it painfully slowly down her body. His thumb grazed her nipple, but he didn't halt. Instead, he kept going down, his hand now steadily on her waist. He moved it down again, reaching the hem of her dress and squeezing her thigh.

His breathing was also ragged as he took her left leg and placed it on his hip, so she was straddling him from the side.

He removed his pants and underwear swiftly, and she moved her panties to the side, just as she proposed.

When his tip lined up with her entrance, instead of pushing in, he started moving his member around, collecting her wetness. She whined. She just wanted to feel him back inside of her, but he wanted to tease her like this.

"You're so wet." He whispered, and his tone made it sound more like a praise.

"I want you so bad." She replied, and he closed his eyes and breathed in again. It was getting hard to control himself, to not let his primal urges overcome his rationale.

He lined himself up with her again and moved his head closer to hers on the pillow. His hand was on her hip, fingers digging in her skin to keep her in place as he slipped into her, forming a steady rhythm. She briefly thought about how he'll mark his way onto her skin, how his fingertips will become faint purple marks on her tomorrow morning.

He made her moan loudly. So loudly, she started feeling a bit ashamed by the obscene sounds coming out of her mouth. She's never been this loud with anyone else before, not even with him, earlier in the locker room. Maybe the room was too quiet, so it was easier to hear herself.

He thrust himself into her deeply, and he moved his head to kiss her passionately. He wanted to kiss her more, to bite her lips swollen. He was intoxicated with her. He wanted to taste every bit he could, and he did.

His movements were haste, and he grazed her sweet spot with each thrust, making her come undone so quickly, she was almost embarrassed.

The embarrassment washed down when he came just as quickly, his movements sloppy. She felt his warm release dripping out of her on her legs, on the sheets; she was sure they made a mess, their liquids combined in small stains under them.

Even after they both came down from their highs, they continued kissing hungrily, as if they knew that tomorrow it would be just a bit harder to kiss than it was tonight.

He moved his body on top of hers and felt himself get hard again at the sight of her under him, so beautiful, with red lips and small hickeys he made on her neck with his bites just hours prior.

He slid into her again, and kept fucking her, moving his mouth from her jaw to her neck, to her collarbones, to her breasts – thank God this sundress she wore today offered such an easy access to her breasts! He took the fabric down and caressed them with his hands, taking her left nipple in his mouth and sucking on it, grazing it with his teeth ever so gently.

"Fucking hell." Crystal moaned.

"Come for me again baby." He said, but he didn't have to say it twice – she came undone harder than the first time, clenching her legs around his torso, her toes curling. She held onto him with her legs and arms, and he came inside her again.

He stayed on top of her for a while, both panting rapidly, their chests going up and down with each hurried breath.

"Crystal, I need to tell you something." He placed both his hands on her face, urging him to look in his eyes.

"Me too." She glanced deep into his brown eyes, and she realised she couldn't deny it anymore. She opened her mouth to say it, but before she got the chance, he told her first.

"I love you." Minho kissed her. "I love you, I love you, I love you." He kissed her again, and again, and again.

"I love you too." She chuckled and felt a few tears forming in the corners of her eyes.

"I wish I told you sooner."

"Yea..." Crystal averted her eyes for a bit, before looking back into his. "You told me now, though."

"It sounds so cheesy, but..." He chuckled. "Can I be your boyfriend?"

She burst out laughing. "It does sound cheesy," She raised her head from the pillow and pecked his lips, then let her body fall back down, "but yes."

"We should go wash up."

"Yea." She nodded, and he got up from her and helped her sit up.

Grabbing her hand, he guided her towards the bathroom on the hallway and urged her to get into the shower. He pushed her in with his body and got in with her, and Crystal almost forgot how to breathe, since the space was so narrow. They barely fit in. Still, he seemed adamant about showering with her, and he turned on the hot water, letting it fall down their now naked bodies.

Crystal's back was against the wall and Minho trapped her body with his arms and kissed her slowly. Their mouths were wet from the water spraying down on them, but neither of them minded it too much, as long as they could keep kissing each other.

Minho moved his mouth from her lips to her cheek, to her jaw, and he started going down, leaving a trail of wet, open-mouth kisses all over her body as he kneeled down in front of her. He wanted to worship her so badly, to make up for all the time he's lost being a coward, and no matter how much he tasted her, his thirst just couldn't be quenched.

He took her right leg and placed it over his shoulder to help her keep her balance as he connected his mouth to her pussy, kissing it vigorously. She started to moan again, and placed her right hand on his head, caressing his soft hair while he was brushing his tongue over her sweet spot over and over again.

She wasn't sure if she could handle another orgasm, but the way Minho's mouth worked against her core combined with the steam from the hot water that was falling on her mercilessly made her head dizzy.

Fuck, he was too good at this. It's like he already knew her body perfectly, as he licked between her folds just right. Nothing and no one could even begin to compare to how good he was making her feel yet again, and she allowed herself to get lost in the pleasure he was bringing her. Soon enough, her legs started trembling powerfully as she felt that knot in her lower stomach come undone for the third time that night, and she couldn't stand anymore.

Minho quickly caught on and placed her leg back on the floor as he stood up and supported her weight, embracing her.

"Fucking hell." She mumbled, making him chuckle. "I don't think my body can handle one more."

"You did well." He praised her, caressing her back slowly, letting the water wash her. "Now let's wash up for real."

She held onto him as he covered her body in wash gel, as he rinsed it off, and as they both stepped out of the shower, wiping down with a large towel.

Going back to his room, they laid on the bed, and Crystal placed her head on Minho's chest, listening to his heartbeat.

"I'm sorry for hurting you." He said quietly, caressing the back of her head gently. "I promise I'll never do it again."

The girl was already fast asleep and didn't hear him, but he didn't mind. Her naked body was warm against his, she smelled of vanilla, and she was finally his.

~

The next morning, Crystal found the bed empty, but on Minho's desk, there was a box of Belgian Chocolate - her favourites - and a note saying "I'm at the gym. I love you."

Perhaps everything will finally be okay, and she's found that place she so desperately wanted to call home.

And that would be Minho.

~

~5 months later~

The summer holiday came with a big change in Minho's and Crystal's lives, as both of them glanced up to the big building they were going to be working in.

Choi Enterprises.

Minho, for a permanent role, as he was finally done with Uni, and Crystal as an intern, in the role of assistant manager, the position offered to her by Mr. Choi so many months ago during Christmas.

Despite it being nerve wrecking, both were excited to start a new chapter, and most importantly, they were both happy.

They were looking forward to the rest of their lives together.

~The END~ 

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(A/N) Thank you so much for reading ''I can read your smile"! 

I hope you enjoyed it, and that you'll read my other works as well.

Love,

Storm

[skzhocomments]

I can read your smile - Choi Minho SHINee Fanfic - Chapter 10 - Before your date

Story masterlist - please consult it for the summary of the story, trigger warnings etc.

Wattpad | AO3

Chapter 9 | Chapter 11

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Chapter 10 - Before your date

word count: 2.2k words

~2 months later~

~Crystal's POV~

I was in the kitchen lazily making something to eat, when I heard the front door open.

It's been two months since I've last seen Minho, and we haven't spoken too much while he was away, either. Just a quick text here and there where he asked me if the house is okay or if anything interesting happened.

He came through the door with a big luggage and a smile on his face, and despite the blatant rejection two months ago when he broke my heart, I really missed him. The distance helped clear my head, and I was almost sure I was romantically over him, and ready to be just his friend and roommate. Just like before Taemin's birthday.

It was going to be okay.

"Hey!" He spoke happily, seeing me. "It's good to be home."

"Welcome back!" I smiled and went over to him, and we hugged. "How was the trip?"

"It was so fun!" He replied. "The ocean was so beautiful, and the people very friendly. My family and I had a great time!"

"I'm so happy to hear!" I smiled genuinely. It was good that the awkward atmosphere between us didn't seem to stick. I didn't want to remember that suffocating feeling.

"Oh, and I brought you something!" He rummaged through his pocket and pulled out a small, brown paper bag. "Open it!"

Inside the bag was a beautiful handmade bracelet with my name on it, made of small dark blue crystals.

"Oh my, this is so beautiful! Thank you so much!" I exclaimed, putting it on my left wrist.

"I'm glad you like it." He smiled, watching fondly as I was admiring the bracelet.

"So, besides cruising the ocean and swimming the days off, what else did you do?" I asked him as I went to the kitchen and grabbed a glass of water, handing it to him once he took off his shoes.

"I... met someone, I think." He said, slight hesitation in his tone.

"Really? Wow!" I exclaimed, surprised. "Nice, that's amazing!"

I tried to feel happy for him. I moved on, and he met someone, and that was good – no, that was great!

Still, I kept thinking... why not me?

It was dumb to ponder on what could've been.

It wasn't.

It isn't.

And it won't be.

So I just have to be happy for Minho and his new girlfriend, and root for them.

"Yea... my cousin introduced us. She seems like a really nice girl. I still have to get to know her better, though."

"I hope it works out for you. Truly." I smiled.

"Thank you, Crystal. How have you been?"

"You know, just the usual. Work, home, work, home... and my summer withered away." I joked.

"Sounds like fun." He laughed.

"Yea. I was making something to eat. Want some?" I offered him, and he nodded so we headed to the kitchen together while I cooked some rice and butter chicken.

Minho told me about all the fun activities he did during the holiday, how he didn't apply enough SPF and got sunburnt the first week, then had to rest inside for a few days until his skin healed, he told me how polite the locals were, and told me more about the girl he started to date.

I found out that 'date' is a big word, since they've actually only met that one time the cousin introduced them, but apparently, they've been texting for the past month.

"So, why not meet up with her these days, before Uni starts?" I asked. "We still have almost two weeks."

"She doesn't live in our city, unfortunately." He replied dejected. "But she will come and visit next weekend."

"Oop. Should I talk to Lydia and Jude and go away for a few days?" I asked him, and he got confused.

"Why would you?"

"Uhm... I mean, so you can be alone when you... bring her over?"

Minho looked at me puzzled for a few seconds, and then it clicked.

"Oh. OHHHH." He exclaimed, and I started to laugh. "No, Crystal. This is your home too. I'll just get a hotel room if..." He started, but stopped in the middle of the sentence and gestured randomly with his hands.

I drank a big gulp of water.

"I was thinking of taking her out, but I haven't decided where to." Minho spoke immediately after, placing his elbow on the table and his head in his palm.

"Why don't you come to my restaurant? It might not be as fancy as other places, but the food is good, and I work next Friday, so I'll take good care of you!"

"Will you now?" Minho raised a brow teasingly.

"Of course! I'll even give you a dessert on the house!"

"Hmm. Sounds good." He smiled, and I regretted inviting him immediately. I wasn't sure if it was going to hurt seeing him with someone else, or if I was truly over him, but next Friday would surely tell.

~

~next Friday~

"Why are you stressing out so much?" I chuckled seeing Minho come out in the hallway a few times and rummaging through his shoes, taking out the same pair over and over.

"I don't know what to wear, it feels like none of my clothes fit these shoes I bought." Minho chuckled and showed me the pair he was talking about. They were elegant, shiny, leather black shoes, and must've cost a fortune. "I should've bought a new suit or something." He contemplated.

"Come on, you have a lot of clothes." I laughed at him. He was being so childish and pouty, it was kinda cute.

"Why don't we go shopping?" He asked, looking at me with his big doe eyes, and I folded.

Minho drove us to a shopping centre close to our home that I've never been to before. The entrance to it was quite spectacular: it was a large glass ball, and the whole mall was made of glass.

We entered and started walking around, when Minho spotted a café.

"Hey, why don't we drink a coffee first?" He suggested, and started heading towards the small café without waiting for me to reply.

I noticed he tended to do that, when he really wanted me to do something and thought I might oppose the idea, especially when it came to him buying me things. Just like he did when I first moved in and he ordered food.

I chuckled to myself and followed him, and he helped me sit down at one of the tables.

"What would you like?" He asked, his eyes glimmering in the white light coming from the large windows.

"Hmm... maybe a strawberry milkshake?" I tilted my head reading the menu.

"Coming right up!" He spoke, which made me laugh. In just a few hours from now, I would be the one to tell him that, when I'll serve him and his date.

Speaking of – why does it feel like we are on a date?

That's a dumb thought to have, Crystal.

Friends are allowed to hang out and drink milkshakes from cute glasses and go shopping.

There's nothing more to it.

I shook the thought away as quickly as it came and watched as Minho brought back my milkshake and a coffee for himself. Sipping on it, the flavours of the milkshake were amazingly rich, and it was delicious.

"It's so good!" I exclaimed.

"Is it?" Minho chuckled.

"Better than your sad coffee." I mocked him after seeing him taste it and grimace from the strong flavour.

"Yea? I doubt it."

"It is!" I protested and crossed my arms in front of my chest and pouted.

He laughed and leaned over the table grabbing my milkshake.

"Oh yea? Let's see!" He said, and sipped so much of it, it must've only been half left once he was done.

"Minho!!! How dare you!!!" I exclaimed shocked and did the same thing to him. I grabbed his coffee and chugged it down like a champ, and he gasped.

"No way!" He laughed.

"Bleah, it tastes like shit!" I grimaced as well. "You manipulated me into drinking your bad coffee!"

"And you fell right in my trap!" He laughed in an evil way, and I threw him a look.

He returned my milkshake and I pouted again, but still grabbed the glass and drank the rest of it, trying to get rid of the bitter coffee taste in my mouth.

Minho gave up on the coffee as well, and finally agreed with me that it was way too bitter, and when I was done with my milkshake, we stood up and went shopping.

Finding clothes for Minho was easy enough. He was built like a model, and no matter what he tried on, it looked amazing. We spent more time deciding on which colour he should get, and even though we went through lots of different suits, red, dark green, grey, dark grey, blue, teal and so many more other colours I don't even know the name of, he decided on a simple black suit and black turtleneck.

"Do you think I made the right choice?" He asked me as we exited the men's shop.

You could wear a burlap sack, and it would've still been the right choice, Minho. I wanted to say, but instead I assured him like a normal person. "Yes, the suit looks good."

"I'm glad you like it." He smiled.

Why? It's not like I have to be the one to like it. But yes, your date will like it very much, unless she's blind.

Of course, I didn't say that one either.

"We have one more thing to do now that we're done with me."

"Which is?" I raised a brow.

"I saw something in a store when I bought the shoes, and hopefully it's still there."

He walked quickly and I followed him to a woman's store. He seemed to know exactly where he wanted to go, and went directly to one of the aisles.

"This dress. What do you think?" He showed it to me.

It was a beautiful, short off-the shoulder white sundress with red buttons closing the dress off from the décolletage, following the whole length of the dress. What I noticed immediately about it was that the red buttons were actually small strawberries.

It was such a cute dress! I loved it!

Too bad it was 200$, and I could've never afforded it with my current salary, unless I saved for it for probably 3 months.

"It's so pretty!" I smiled. "Are you buying it for your date?"

"What?" Minho looked at me puzzled, then chuckled. "No, silly."

I was the one to look at him puzzled this time.

"Then?"

"It's for you."

"For me?" I asked, baffled.

"Yes, silly. It's for you." He grabbed it off the shelf and started walking towards the dressing rooms. "I would've gotten it right away, but I wanted you to try it on first to see if it's the right size."

"But... wait!" I ran after him. "What do you mean? Why?"

"Because you helped me pick up an outfit."

But that makes no sense. He said he saw it when he bought his shoes.

"Bullshit." I grabbed his arm and forced him to look at me. He sighed.

"I just liked it, and I think it would look great on you, so I wanted to buy it for you. Happy?"

"No. I can't just... accept a 200$ dress randomly like this, Minho." I frowned.

"Then consider it a late birthday present. I haven't gotten you anything for your birthday, anyway."

"And you didn't have to. I've never mentioned it was my birthday."

"Yes, you did. When you brought me that chocolate muffin." He frowned this time.

How did he...

"I'm sorry for not celebrating with you when you brought me that muffin, Crystal. I really regret it."

"But- how did you know?"

"Taemin's birthday. You mentioned your birthday was on 15th of June, and my game was on the 18th. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to do the math."

I stayed silent, not knowing what else I could tell him.

"Will you try on this dress and let me get it for you, to make me feel better for missing your birthday this year?" He pleaded with me, and I just nodded and grabbed the dress from his hand, going into the dressing room.

It was beautiful, and it fit me like a glove, and the fabric was so soft.

"How is it?" Minho asked after a while, while I was still examining myself in the mirror.

"So pretty." I spoke, and I pulled away the curtain, showing him how the dress fits.

"It's perfect." He smiled. "I knew you would like it, since it has those cute strawberry buttons."

"How did you know I like strawberries?"

"You mentioned it during truth or dare..." He chuckled briefly, and I was once again baffled, but I didn't let it show this time.

He paid attention to me during the game.

He tried to remember when my birthday was.

He even went shopping to find a gift – something he knew I would love – a sundress with cute strawberries.

But he's going on a date with someone else.

Why?

I'm confused.

Whatever.

It's fine.

Everything is fine.

I'm just confused, and it will pass.

It's normal to buy gifts for friends, especially on their birthday.

"So, shall we buy it, then?" He smiled brightly, and I nodded.

The first gift I've ever received was a bracelet with my name on it, and the second, this beautiful sundress with strawberry buttons. And I loved them both, and perhaps also the person who gave them to me, but I really didn't want to admit it.

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Chapter 9 | Chapter 11