9

Yes, hello. I would like to dedicate this chapter to everyone who wanted to kill me because of the previous one. And I'm sorry if I can't reach your expectations 😂

Everything went oddly quiet, like the moment of silence between the flash of lightning and the roar of thunder.

The proximity of their faces made it hard for Minho not to stare at Chan's eyes, making it seem like a whole galaxy fitting into them. Chan's slightly visible bruise was making him look hotter than usual.

Minho could feel the way his body was reacting to the other's body slightly pressed against his, Chan's lips giving out warm breaths against Minho's now burning face.

"Then what are you waiting for?" Minho's voice was hoarse, partly anticipating Chan's lips smashed against his own and partly nervous because of the change in Chan's features.

"I-"

"You what?" The younger gulped, his voice so small, feeling the atmosphere changing into something unexplainable. Was Chan just teasing him? "What now, Chan?"

With his hushed voice and retreating form, Chan looked at the ground and sighed, "We should get some rest, Minho. We're... I'm tired." Now there's a big step between them and Minho was about to fucking lose his mind. Like he could strangle a bear right now and he wouldn't even have to bat an eyelash.

Tired???? HE'S TIRED WHAT THE HELL?

"What the fuck, Bang Chan? You dare say that in front of my face and now you're taking it back? Are you playing with me?" Minho whisper-shouted, afraid that someone might hear him go hysterical.

Chan looked at him with guilt evident in his eyes. "It's not that... It's because we're not..."

"We're not what, Chan?" Maybe I am losing my mind. "We are not just fucking friends and you and I fucking know that! Can you just come out of your shell and man the hell up?"

This is just me confessing to him but I don't care anymore! He needs to know that I badly want him!

Chan, probably shocked with what Minho said, frantically stepped back. "Because I might get addicted, I might want more. I might not stop. And... It's not right."

"Then just ask me to give you more, dumbass!"

"I heard you..." Chan whispered, stepping away more from Minho. His eyes softened, the confidence fading away.

The brunette's eyes went wide, his heart drumming faster by the second, like there was a marching band going on. "Y-You heard..." He heard me and his mom talk about him?

Chan smiled sadly. It hurts Minho to see this side of Chan. He was used to being with the clingy and goofy Chan, the one with wonderful smiles and charming dimples.

"Look, Min... I..." Why is this so hard to say? Minho heard Chan whisper under his breath. The younger was just waiting, his heart and lips were on the line.

"I..." He cleared his throat. "I like you, Min. Not just a friend or someone who's there to ask for kisses and more. I like you as a person. Or ugh... This is so hard." Chan paused and steadied his gaze on the floor, like he was scared of Minho's shocked look. The younger couldn't respond. He likes me, too? Not just like he wanted kisses from me and stuffs? Like really, really like me? The one and only me? His thoughts were disturbed when Chan looked up. "But I think you deserve more, you deserve better. You deserve to be with someone that's not like me. I-You couldn't end up with someone who has a shitty life with stupid principles. You heard my mom. I-I'm a trouble-magnet. I didn't stop my mom from telling you because you deserve to know it, after all the suspicions and concern you felt. I just can't have you, the amazing and wonderful you, be with someone that low."

Minho's heart broke. This isn't the kind of confession he wanted. He wanted the arrogant and confident Bang Chan, not the one who had too many insecurities. Not the one who kept thinking that people might push him away because of what he'd been through. Not the one who thought that he doesn't deserve every good thing just because of his past hang ups. Not the one who was on the verge of crying because he doesn't want the other to fall for him because Chan was too caught up with his life's mistakes.

"Chan. I don't care about what or who you were. I like you, too! The whole you! What I've heard earlier didn't change any of the things I felt towards you." Frustration was evident in his voice, too frustrated to explain to Chan that he was the most amazing person he met.

"It's not that easy, Min! You may think that you like me now, but what if those feelings fade away? Then what will be left of me?"

Minho didn't say anything. He was having a hard time expressing his feelings because this was the first time in his life that he actually admitted to someone that he likes them genuinely. Not the "go-out-with-me-because-i-wanna-be-screwed" kind of like. Not the "i-like-you-because-I'm-lonely" kind of feeling. Not the "i-want-a-temporary-happiness-right-now" kind of need.

"Chan, I want you in bed with me." The statement made both of their faces flush, and Chan looked flustered. Good for you. This is the only way Minho could tell his feelings for the other who didn't have so much confidence in his entirety. Oh my god, if my friends would hear me say things like this, they'd never shut up about this. Talk about doing anything for people you genuinely like, huh?

"I want you be in bed with me." He repeated, moving a little closer to a confused, but flustered-looking Chan. "And I'm not just talking about a quick fuck before passing out and waking up to find myself being alone."

Another small step.

"I'm talking about those cuddling moments while we talk about random things because you never fail to make up shitty things just to talk to me. And I can prove that with just a few months of spending time with you."

Another step.

"I'm talking about just laying with each other, bodies attached, holding each other tightly. Finding my hand in yours when we both stir awake because my cats are annoyingly climbing on our faces. I'm talking about waking up to the smile on your face. You, kissing my forehead while I lay on your chest and listen to your heart beating against my ear."

Another step, until he can once again touch Chan's face.

"I'm talking about laying in bed with you. Just you and your presence because you make me feel safe. You're my safe haven and I couldn't wish for more. You're an amazing person, Channie. You always know what to do and you're... You. I like you and I'm telling you, I have never felt like this towards anyone before. Just for you. I don't care about you're reputation or what. Even if you're the most dangerous man in the entire world, I will still choose you over and over. And even if this is really cringe-worthy, I don't care. I just wanna tell you that I like you, too, and nothing will change that."

Finally, he draped his arms over Chan's neck and the older didn't do anything to push him, just quizzically looking at Minho who was feeling really nervous but didn't show it. What if he still rejects me after this?

But then again, it was worth a shot. And if Chan just continues to make himself feel less of a person, then Minho would probably annoy him forever by telling him how amazing he was and would cling to him all the time to let him know that someone's always there for him.

The blonde's eyes were having a hard time not looking at Minho's pouty lips. Chan looked up at him and for a moment, Minho felt everything stop. They were just looking into each other's eyes and were saying the things their mouths couldn't put into words. There was still worry in the older's eyes, but the way he looked at Minho's lips made the younger's confidence boost.

But Minho still needs an answer or a reaction. He can't just assume everything based on the other's actions, words are important, too. "Chan?"

Eyes looking between Minho's eyes and lips, the younger heard Chan say fuck it and went to close the gap between their lips. His hands were on Minho's cheeks, caressing the skin gently.

Oh my shit!

Minho closed his eyes and relished in the feeling of being kissed once again by the light of his life. I'm kinda placing him on the highest pedestal in my life right now, but who cares? Their lips were still. Just feeling the presence of each other's warmth. Chan moved away and Minho was so sure that he needed more, subtly chasing Chan's lips.

"You don't have to do it if you don't want to." Chan whispered, his eyes darkening and his voice very low and cool. This made Minho's heart swell because Chan wasn't taking advantage of his vulnerability. But this also enraged the brunette.

"What? I've been waiting to taste your lips again starting from the day you kissed me and now I don't want it? I just told you I like you and I don't want it? What the hell, Chan?" He quickly grabbed Chan's nape, connecting their lips together, initiating the kiss. The blonde put out a noise of surprise, but melted into the younger.

And Chan was moving, to Minho's extreme joy. Well, finally!

It was soft at first. He kissed Minho gently, carefully, full of passion and the younger lost it. Chan placed his hands on the other's hips and Minho's was still at the back of Chan's neck.

Chan smelled so good and Minho was getting addicted by the second. His lips still tasted like strawberry, sweet and addicting.

The kiss went on and it was still the same pace. But it wasn't just the gentleness that Minho needed. Sure, a slow and passionate kiss is dreamy and all but not now. Not after all those wasted times spent on dancing around each other and hiding feelings and restraining both of themselves to attack the other with such fervour and need. Not after all those meaningful gazes shared with each other and those moments that they both kept cool when one's glance fell on the other's lips.

Minho felt for Chan's shirt so he could pull the older against him, but instead made contact of his chest and damn! I forgot he didn't wear a shirt! So he just settled for the back of Chan's neck and pulled him harder. A soft groan escaped Chan's throat and circled his arms around Minho, pulling lightly, and heeding to the brunette's request.

The younger felt limp against his touch. Chan's hands were cold against his flaming skin and it felt good. With the swift graduation of intensity, Minho clinged to Chan as if the world around them was out of balance and the older male was the only stable thing he could hold on to. It was perfect.

They were kissing like crazy, just removing their lips from the other when they needed air and reconnecting to continue and let the feelings take control.

A mixture of soft moans and hums filled the place and Minho started feeling embarrassed because what if Chan's mom heard the sounds coming from their mouths? He was about to pause and tell Chan that they should tone it down when the older's tongue slipped inside Minho's mouth. This little shit. It was gentle, but it was also demanding. Instead of keeping quiet like what he planned to do, he let out a loud moan when he felt Chan's wet muscle exploring his mouth.

Chan's insistent mouth was parting Minho's lips, sending waves of shivers down his nerves, evoking a sensation that felt too familiar and at the same time, it also felt too different. It was nothing short of paradise. It's nothing he ever experienced.

And again, where did Chan learn how to kiss like this? This is so addicting! This is making me feel insane and I just need to taste this feeling for a longer time!

Minho gripped Chan's hair, slightly tugging the ends because of how Chan was good at kissing him. This was the moment Minho had been waiting for. And he couldn't believe that this was happening inside Chan's own bedroom with his mother just a few rooms away. His heart was thumping really loud, the beat it made could surely add up to Chan's music production.

Now they were just kissing each other sloppily. Minho, feeling his knees go weak, wrapped his legs around Chan's waist and the older just let him. As if Minho didn't weigh a single pound and went on with kissing his ear down to his jaw.

Minho exasperatedly sighed, breath hitched on his throat. "Chan..." He leaned his head to the side to give Chan more access as he was biting his lower lip to suppress an incoming sound of pleasure.

"Hmm?" Chan walked over the bed and sat on the edge, Minho now straddling his lap. Their hands were all over the place and every time Minho called out his name, Chan would do a better job at licking and sucking on his sweet spots.

The warmth from Chan's body was radiating and the temperature rose higher. Minho was whimpering and Chan's hand was rubbing small circles on his stomach, leaving Minho gasping and wanting for more.

They stopped, breathless. Minho was still sitting on his lap and Chan just traced patterns on his sides. They weren't saying anything, but they understood what the other meant. I'm yours.

Minho pushed the older onto the bed and climbed on top of Chan, sitting on Chan's stomach, carefully avoiding a bandaged wound.

"Minho..." Chan called him and the way he called his name together with his bedroom voice made his heart do summersaults, the feeling of affection and lust were there at the same time and this was a first. But the feeling of liking Chan was dominating. Chan sounded hot and sweet at the same time. He couldn't help himself but fall deeper.

Minho couldn't control his emotions with the way Chan was laying under him and the way his eyes were looking at Minho, hair in a tangled mess and chest heaving up and down. So he leaned down and reconnected their lips again, as if their make out session beforehand was not enough.

They were kissing wildly and Minho, not able to keep his lips to Chan's, trailed kisses along the older's cheeks until it went to Chan's collarbone. The older became a whimpering mess and that made Minho's heart move.

"M-Minho... That's... Hmmm. How are you doing this... Kitten..."

Kitten? Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck

Earlier, it was just something that made Minho blush. Now, it was something that made him want more, it made him feel significant. Chan's doing wonders with Minho's heart and this is the best feeling ever.

With just a blink of an eye, Chan was now towering over Minho and Minho was looking up at Chan with eyes that wanted more of him. "You're such a surprise in many ways and I can't just control myself over how beautiful you are."

"Channie, less talking please? Minnie wants to kiss your lips again. Please?" Minho made puppy eyes and Chan was about to give in when he heard Minho speaking in third person but was interrupted by loud knocks on the door, like the other person was punching it hardly. They both stopped moving abruptly.

"Christopher! You ass! Come down right here! We need to talk!" That sounded like Hannah. Her voice wasn't that clear, both males not clearly understanding what she said. So both of the sounds they made earlier weren't that clear right? Those weren't heard, right?

"Damn it! I guess someone's looking for me, Min."

Chan chuckled while Minho was pouting, absolutely pissed that their moment was interrupted and not minding if Chan saw it. He even whined when Chan got off from him, sitting on the bed and picking up a shirt before throwing it into his head. Aww, his abs are hidden again.

"I think if we didn't stop, I might do something and I'm actually not sure if this relationship is ready for something like that. I mean, we haven't talked each other out. We need to settle things first and can you please stop giving me that look?"

Minho rolled his eyes but nevertheless got up and sat beside Chan. "This is awkward." He said, scratching the back of his neck and Chan just laughed at him again.

A comedian it is!

"Things aren't awkward until you decide it is."

"Yeah right."

"Minho, we'll talk later, okay? But if you're really tired and sleepy, you can just have my bed and we'll talk in the morning."

"And where will you be sleeping?"

Chan looked at him with a confused face. "Uh... beside you?"

Minho's eyes went wide. "You're going to sleep beside me?"

"What? My bed is big enough for both of us and the couch is uncomfortable. I just had my tongue down your throat. And may I remind you of the things you said earlier?" Now that Chan was smirking, he kind of regretted spilling his heart out to him earlier.

"Don't bring it up! I'm so embarrassed now that I think of it. That was too cringey for me. You should feel honoured because all of those were true and-"

Minho was once again shut by Chan's kiss. Okay now he didn't regret anything. "You're liking this."

The older just shrugged. "I told you it's addictive." Minho's heart was beating loudly inside it's cage and if he didn't know any better, he'd think he's gonna die from a heart attack. "Plus, you're really talky and I really have to face my sister and mother's wrath. Wish me luck."

"What are you doing?" Chan was pouting his lips towards Minho and the younger just pictured the moment in his mind. I will treasure this look forever. Chan can be cute after a moment of being wild and hot. That's not fair.

"Asking for a good luck kiss?" He grinned and Minho couldn't help but laugh. He went over to Chan and kissed him, he was about to lean back when the older hugged him tightly.

"Channie- I can't breathe."

Chan let go of him and smiled sweetly at Minho. He stood up and went for the door, closing it behind him and now Minho was left alone to be drowned once again by his own thoughts.

He sighed.

"Gosh. What did he mean by something? Ah shit. Why am I even thinking about that? This is so embarrassing." He inhaled and shook his head. "I should be thinking that Chan likes me back, even though it was really obvious, but at least I got him to confess. And we even kissed-"

Minho shrieked, letting himself get swallowed by his own giddiness and excitement. He hid his face on one of Chan's pillows and screamed once again, the object muffling his voice.

"Right. I should wait for him."

He placed himself on the left side of the bed. But later on, he just screamed once again, not really believing that Chan would sleep with him tonight. "I am so fucking whipped and this is all his fault!" He was practically rolling over the place.

He smelled Chan's comforter and inhaled the scent deeply. He covered it against his body and snuggled close to Chan's pillows. He didn't even realize earlier that there was a shelf filled with books on one side by the door if he hadn't look at that part now. He was sure it wasn't novels, but some learning books from school or something. He snorted. "Nerd."

He felt the heaviness of his eyes, but he still couldn't sleep because of his heart and mind.

Bang Chan Bang Chan Bang Chan Bang Chan Bang Chan Bang Chan Bang Chan Bang Chan Bang Chan Bang Chan Bang Chan Bang Chan Bang Chan Bang Chan Bang Chan Bang Chan Bang Chan Bang Chan Bang Chan Bang Chan Bang Chan Bang Chan Bang Chan Bang Chan Bang Chan Bang Chan Bang Chan Bang Chan Bang Chan Bang Chan

Yup. That's what both his mind and heart were saying. "And he was an excellent kisser! I can't believe others tasted those plump lips before me!" He was clutching the comforter tightly, engrossed in the thought of someone else kissing Chan. "I want to bury them alive!"

He kept on talking to himself and every content was all about Chan and him. How Chan looked at him, how he made Minho stop finding other guys, how he made Minho jealous, how he touched him, how he caressed his cheeks as if he was something breakable. Chan was just too much to handle and Minho was glad that Chan was with him. And that they fixed what went wrong. Well, kinda. Chan still wanted to talk about them.

But nevertheless, it felt like a dream. Like everything was just in his thoughts and he just made this all up. "Ouch!" He automatically regretted pinching himself.

This is real. He thought, a smile slowly creeping in his face. He roamed his eyes once again and found a hoodie resting on the chair in front of the table. He stood up and grabbed it, inhaling the scent and closed his eyes when he could smell Chan in it. "I'm so addicted to his scent this is unbelievable. Why does he smell so good?"

So he took off the cat-printed shirt and tossed the hoodie on his body, clutching it for dear life. It was bigger, but it was comfortable. Just like Chan. He was so comfortable to be with. Minho went back to bed and fought the urge to sleep, blinking rapidly to keep himself awake- but to no luck.

Minho woke up, feeling a weight on his body. He opened his eyes, adjusting to the darkness and the light emitted from outside. He was facing to his side and was about to rub his eyes when he couldn't move his arms. He thought of what happened earlier and was now stupidly smiling when he realized that this was Chan's arms engulfing his body.

Minho managed to slip his arm and placed it on top of Chan's, caressing it to feel the older next to him. He heard a low grumble coming from the other.

"Min, go to sleep." He said in a husky voice and Minho was so indulged in it that he turned around and faced the older.

"Hi." He said, still feeling like everything was a daydream, a realm he never wanted to escape from.

Chan moved their bodies closer. "Hey don't. Your wounds may hurt." Minho whispered.

Chan just chuckled and opened his eyes, his orbs shining from the small amount of light. "You didn't even bother with my wounds when you straddled me- hmmp."

"Stop bringing that up, Bang Chan! You liked it anyways."

Chan hummed in agreement. "Yeah, I guess I did." And that made Minho blush. Good thing it was dark.

"Channie?" He called out, pressing his face on the older's chest. This feels so nice and warm.

"Yes, Min?"

"Are you awake?"

Minho could feel Chan's body shaking and for a moment, he was concerned. But the worry evaporated when he heard Chan's soft laugh. "Why would you even ask that when I'm basically talking to you?"

Minho grunted. "No. I meant like awake-awake. Like your mind is awake."

"Yes, kitten. Why? Are you feeling anything? Is there something wrong?" Chan's voice changed from being a tease to being concerned and Minho's heart once again felt the need to do numerous backflips. The nickname now made Minho feel warm and contented. It was amazing how Chan could make him feel so many things with one petname.

"No. I just... You wanted to talk, right? I mean, if you don't want to, we'll do it in the morning. I just wanted to sort things out before the next day comes."

Chan was just facing him, sighing. "It's actually two in the morning, and it's actually the next day-"

"You know what I meant!"

Chan chuckled. "I know. I was just lighting up the mood."

Chan snuggled impossibly against Minho, making his arm a headrest for the younger while gently tugging on his strands. Minho wrapped his arm around Chan's waist while looking up to Chan. "I'll listen, Channie."

Silence. The room was void of any sounds except from the sounds of the crickets from the woods outside.

"Min, do you like me?"

"That's a stupid question. Next one please."

The older just smiled and kissed Minho's forehead, the younger smiling sweetly. This is very nice.

"You ask stupid things all the time, too, though. And you just asked me if I was awake while we were talk-" Chan said.

"That makes us destined for each other, then." As much as Minho wanted to cringe because what the hell am I saying? He didn't. It was Chan and Chan was different from the rest. He would be as cringey as hell just for him.

Chan didn't answer and continued to play with Minho's locks. "Minho, do you like me enough to date me?"

Minho nodded his head furiously, bewildered on where Chan was heading with his 'talk'. This guy's starting to get on my nerves.

"You know it's quite interesting when people start to develop feelings for someone else. You find the other far more attractive than before. You start to notice the small and simple things they do with themselves. You couldn't stop watching them do their things and just admire how wonderful they act."

Chan paused and Minho thought about what he said, because it was true. That's how he felt with Chan.

"Their laugh sounds melodic to your ears. You can't help but be drowned by their eyes. You start to feel giddy when they're around. You feel such excitement going to places where you know the other is also there. You feel gloomy when you can't feel their presence. You just feel millions of emotions when you think about them."

Minho didn't say anything, just feeling the warmth from Chan's body, like the comforter wasn't good enough for him to feel warm. They're legs were in a tangled mess and Minho liked them just fine.

"I felt those with you, Min. More than those, actually. And even though I dated people before in Sydney, they really don't compare to what you are in my eyes. It's like they don't matter anymore. They just built me up for you. And that's where I was scared. I was scared that I was falling deeply with you and you don't feel the same way-"

As much as Minho was feeling so endeared with Chan's sweet confession, he didn't like the fact that Chan felt he was alone with his feelings. "That's so stupid, Bang Chan! I'm pretty sure I'm too obvious, dumbass. Don't think about that anymore-"

"Sshh. Let me finish." Chan chuckled and Minho pouted.

"I was afraid you'll be like others. So I want to tell you a few things. First, I really, really like you. It's too early to say I love you, but with how you are, I'm guessing it's not that hard to reach that level of affection." Minho hid his face in Chan's chest. Good thing the older was now wearing a shirt.

"You need to know that I'm broken, damaged, not as sturdy as you think. I get triggered sometimes. I have so many problems in life, so many struggles to deal with. There are nights wherein I just black out from the world and just let myself cry to sleep, curled up in ball. There are times that I retrieve myself from everyone, shut them out because I feel like a burden, a nuisance. I sometimes have second thoughts with trusting someone because I've been hurt before, I've been lied to, been cheated on, I was left all alone. Even by my own father." He sighed.

Minho was just looking at him with a saddened expression. He really wanted to just shut Chan up because he didn't care what Chan was doing or how he was acting because Minho will always be there for him. But he let him continue. Maybe he wanted to unload all these heaviness he was feeling, and Minho would be all ears to listen to the man beside him.

"I fuck up. I mess things up. I mess myself up. I need someone who could handle me in my worst. I need some reassurance that people won't leave me hanging when I feel like the world's turning it's back against me. I need someone that'll care for me if I breakdown and go through phases of heartbreak over small things."

I'll be there. Minho wanted to shout at him. But Chan wasn't finished yet.

"So you have to know that I'm not always the happy and positive Bang Chan you always knew. I have multiple sides that may scare you away, or make you tired of me. I'm not always warm and I can't always give advices. Heck. I couldn't even follow my own advice. So know that you're in for something that's not just rainbows and cupcakes. I have my dark days. Some too dark that even I couldn't see where I'm going. So you have to make up your mind before getting yourself involve in a relationship with me because once you commit to me, I'll never let you go, Min."

Minho was awestruck. Chan had his ways with words and spoke all of them with so much emotions that he just wanted to cry a river and drown himself with his affection for Chan. He was still silent, finding Chan's other hand and weaved their hands together.

Minho moved up and planted a quick kiss on Chan's lips before finally letting his heart out.

"Then don't let go of me, Channie. Don't ever let go. Right from the start, I've been feeling weird things with you. I thought all of those were nothing, but you just had to come and steal my attention and now I'm so whipped for you that even if you're the most terrible person ever, which you're not, even when you're such a scaredy cat when it scomes to feelings, even if you'll leave me, I will stay beside you. And yes, I am so willing to date you that I don't care what the future brings. We'll face life's strongest storms together and we'll run the race with each other. I really hope it's you until the end because I will also never let you go. Not now, not ever."

And then they were once again kissing each other. It was so sweet and tender. It was one of a kind and it just made both of themselves feel better. The taste of each other's lips made everything fine, their fingers and legs still intertwined and Minho just found himself wishing that Chan would be his last because he didn't want to find any other soul anymore.

They separated and Chan pecked his lips for the last time and smiled, his dimples weren't visible, but Minho didn't need light to know that those were now plastered on his face.

"You are such a blessing, Minho."

"And the same goes with you, Channie."

They both chuckled, warmth enveloping their synchronized heartbeats.

"We should sleep." Minho said, stifling a yawn.

"We should. Now come closer and we'll get that rest we badly need."

They shifted their positions and was now so closely attached to each other. Minho could feel Chan's beating heart and magically, it was beating at the same time his heart was pounding. It was perfect. Beautiful. Splendid. It was beyond words and he hoped that they could stay like this forever.

"Good night, Channie."

"Okay but before that, is there a special reason why you're wearing my jacket?" Chan was teasing Minho again and the younger just snuggled closer, if that was possible.

"I said good night, Channie."

Chan chuckled. "Good night, Minnie."

ASHSHDHHD I CAN'T BELIVE I WROTE THIS. I'M CRINGING WITH MYSELF.

Anyways~ Thank you for reading this far. I apologize for the inconvenience, or whatever stuff related to it, that this chapter brought to you. Oh well. Have a nice day! Lovelots!