If only I can collect all the saccharine aura coming out of Taemin this past few weeks then I’ll be strapped in the hospital with a bad case of Sugar overdose. If ever there is such Condition. Taemin is naturally an optimist but he is going overboard this past few weeks and its all because of the enemy.
“Kibum! I think that he is the one!” Taemin told me in the middle of preparing an important dinner for the French diplomats. I almost gagged but I forced out a smile.
“ That’s good, when do I meet him?”
“ SOON. SOON. Oh, you will Like Minho!”
GOD DAMN IT. Minho again.
Why does it have to be Minho? I know Taemin prefers men like him, strong and knight-like but he is no good for him. Im a supportive best friend, I have lots of best friends but Taemin is the most fragile one. I practically raised him from our high school days to our years in Culinary school to working here – in a New York restaurant. This is our dream, but this Minho guy just waltzed in. Choi Minho is a well known Upper east side Son. A son of a Politician who went to an Ivy league school and is now working for God-knows-what firm that deals with politics and the ‘ succes of new york’. But Ive been reading tabloid news about him, a playboy at best. He doesn’t date people without a Victoria Secret contract inside their closets. Now, he chooses Taemin? I remember the first time Taemin mentioned him .
“ I met Choi Minho, he seems nice. “ Taemin suddenly said as we ate our dinner.
“ Why does that name seem familiar?”“ He is the one in the tabloid you just read- “ I glanced at it, seeing the article about him breaking up with a model and being linked with a handsome actor.
“ OH- that’s him.”
After two weeks, they are exclusively dating. I’ve been dreading to see Taemin in the tabloids so I haven’t bought one. But Taemin said that they are very discrete because according to Minho, he is serious about this and he wants to protect him. BASTARD. And so the day came. The glorious moment of meeting Choi Minho. I dressed up because he invited us to his penthouse. Taemin opened the door like its his own house and as much as I want to deny it; he loves the boy too much. Minho greeted us and Taemin’s eyes lit up. ‘ LOVE SICK BASTARD, THAT IS YOU TAEMIN. ‘ I muttered under my breath and they are now too busy inside each other’s world. Taemin prepared the main dish as Minho stared at him or told him about his day. ‘WHAT THE FUCK.’ Is the only thing running in my mind. This may seem ideal, cause they have been together for a short time only. I don’t want them to end up into a domestic couple with no souls. Then there came a knock on the door.
“ I will get it!”
I tear my gaze away from them and I opened the door. The first thing that came into mind is – ANGEL. But no, Angels don’t have almost shoulder length brown hair that is braided at the side. Angels don’t wear boots and figure hugging pants. And most of all, Angels don’t hold beer bottles on their hands with sly grins on their face. This is definitely a human.
“ UH- is minho there?”
“ Inside. “
I motioned for him to come in and he quickly went over to Minho. I studied him closely, i remember now, he is Minho’s bestfriend- a big shot record producer. Lee Jinki. They talked animatedly then Minho motioned for him to greet Taemin. Taemin suddenly became self consciuos and shook his hand, Jinki gave him a mega watt smile but just before he turned around. I caught it. He frowned. Like he wanted to puke his guts out. WHAT? He doesn’t like Taemin?
My mind raced as we are finally seated to eat.
“ You are a chef too right?” Minho tried to make conversation and i nod. “ I didn’t introduce you yet, he is my bestfriend, Lee Jinki,”
“ nice to meet you.” He said between bites and I wanted to shoot myself cause I kept staring at his lips. This guy is beyond me. I have seen all those New York regular bachelors, but he is different. He made you feel that his whole aura is natural. His hair, even his clothes look like he doesn’t even try. I chewed the food properly and tried to concentrate on finding faults on Minho. But there is none. At the end of the night,
“ I think I will move in with him. “ Taemin said while we are in the cab and I almost fainted.
“ Thats a great idea.”
============================================
No one told me that today will be a particularly busy day. Taemin is not in the kitchen and I am left to myself. The orders keep coming in because we have this event for a popstar. His name is Kim Jonghyun, well- he actually sings ballad and sad songs but he looks every inch of a popstar. I caught a glimpse of him as I took a 5 minute break. The day ended almost at the crack of dawn and I am spent. Looking at myself in the mirror, i seriously need a haircut.
I made my way out the employee’s alley when I hear someone on the phone.
“ Don’t you think its too soon?“ I walked faster, thinking i shouldn’t listen in but then I look to find the source of the voice. Jinki. “ok- okay , whatever you say.”
His eyes immediately went to me. I opened my mouth to say a Hi and he passed me by but I caught his wrist.
“ what?” he jerked my hand off in protest.
“ I know you don’t like Taemin.”
He stopped and faced me, almost surprised that I saw through him. I pulled him towards a corner and he followed dilligently.
“ and i don’t like Minho.” His eyes are dead, no emotion as he stared at my face. Its like, he is seeing me for the first time and all he could reply was – “ You look better without make up.”
WHAT THE HELL?
Then as if he knew that He made me uncomfortable with his statement, he smiled again and chuckled. I relaxed for a while.
“ was i that obvious? About Taemin that is.”
“ I saw you frown after you shook his hand.” I stated plainly.
“ I know Taemin is a good person and all,” he started. And I couldn’t help but notice how different he looks now, he is wearing a suit that makes my mind go awry. “ But Minho does not need someone like him right now, he is groomed to run for office and he should just be an individual. You know, “
So, we are on the same boat here? We want to protect our friends.
“ same here, I don’t think taemin needs to be part of the spotlight that Minho is clearly on.”
“ so, what do we do?” The question hung in the air.
“ we break them up. “ then we both break into a wide grin.
============================================
Jinki told me to meet him so we can plan about our actions. The agreed place is his recording studio and I made my way to the place. My eyes widened as I saw alot of artists that I love just lounging about in the hallway and even in the studio booths. No one said that I should go out when I said that My name is Kim Kibum. They just told me that Jinki is in the room at the end of the hallway.
Opening the door to find him kissing another girl. I gasped and I wanted to punch the wall or something. Weird and pure rage came over me and they broke off, in time when I excused myself and walked away. I could hear his voice and i stopped. WHY AM I DOING THIS?
“ Im sorry for- uh- that.” He held my hand and my heart calmed down. The girl is nowhere in sight now, then i recognized her. She is the new singer who Jinki once dates. Damn tabloids, i love reading them so much.
“ Its okay, I should’ve knocked or- “
“ she’s persistent, but we’re over.” Is he explaining to me? I wondered but i remembered why we had this meeting.
“ so, what’s our plan?”
“ I guess we start by planting doubt with your friend, Taemin.”
“ what do you mean?” he signed some papers on the recpetion area and continued talking to me.
“ I mean, Minho wants him to move in – in his penthouse. He wants taemin to stay there, he wants their dates in secret, like he is keeping him, if you could, you know- influence taemin- “
“ to think that Minho is ashamed of their relationship?”
He winked at me and i felt my heart shut down.
“ GENIUS. “ was all i could say and he handed me a can of soda. We sat for awhile and I realized that we are sort of alike. I just wish that we could have met under a different circumstance.
“ want to have dinner?” His question made me nervous and I hate uncertainty. I politely turned him down, saying that tonight will be perfect for creating doubt in taemin’s mind cause he will staying in my house. He walked me outside the studio and even hailed a cab for me. As he waved goodbye, my feet wanted to run to him. I wonder why.
Taemin is now packing his things little by little. Wondering what he should leave behind.
“ have you ever gone out with Minho?”
“ ofcourse. “ he said, all smiles.
“ I mean, in the open- like in a restaurant.”
“ You know minho, a restaurant has to be closed down before he enters or something. “
“ even in casual dates?” I continued and he turned to me. “what do you mean?”
“ Oh nothing- just, OH- don’t mind me. “
I know Taemin and that I caught his attention. This kid can’t handle as secret and the magic word ‘oh-dont mind me’ just fueled his curiosity. He sat beside me. “ WHAT? TELL ME. “
“ Oh, taemin- you are so happy.” Nice acting Kibum.
“ SHUT UP and just- just tell me, i wanna know what you think.”
I practiced this speech a few hours ago and now i get to say it,“ I don’t know about you Taemin, but you can’t live in hiding all your life. You can’t live in that penthouse with secret vip elevators to reach. You don’t deserve back entrances and late night restaurant get aways- “ I bit my lip, “ YOU are a great person Taemin, why doesn;t he want to be seen with you? He went out with that basketball player and that singer- why not you?”
“ He said, he wants to protect me. “ Taemin answered, almost to himself than to me.
“ But you don’t need that TAEMIN, you are a grown man. I don’t want you to be caged, If someone is dating you, he should dam well be proud to be able to snag someone like you. “
He smiled weakly at me and he proceeded in his room. After an hour I finally heard the sound of victory. Taemin is shouting and fuming, “ i don’t need your protection?” I tried to stop from smiling in between popcorn and this action movie. “are you ashamed of me? Well, im sorry im not some model or athlete.”
I sipped the soda and grinned widely, it hurt. “ SO LONG CHOI MINHO.”
============================================
“ we look good in here. “
I sulked, I did not win. The next day, Minho practically introduced his new relationship to the world. He went out with Taemin in a bar then a restaurant. He answered all calls from entertaiment news. Him and Taemin even landed on the cover of OK magazine, people started calling them- TWOMIN. Taemin’s eyes are dancing as every entertaiment channel had them as headline.
“ I feel like a celebrity now.” He giggled and I took out my phone.
“ This is fucked up. “ I cursed, Jinki had that infectious laughter again as an answer. “ Its also my fault, I didn’t know that Minho is thinking about letting the press know that he is serious about Taemin.” He replied and I tightened the grip on my phone.
“ what next? I can’t think of other ways.”
“ well. We can try. “
ATTEMPT NUMBER 5It was simple, I told Jinki to change Minho’s Facebook Profile status to single. Its below the belt, but it will certainly create a stir with his ‘fans’. Jinki said it would be a piece of cake, but as he sneaked in Minho’s laptop (he had to use Minho’s laptop cause it automatically has the password whenever he logs in). Turns out, Jinki is a klutz and Minho came at the wrong moment- Instead of single, Jinki clicks ‘MARRIED’ after that, Taemin and Minho sported Promise rings.
“ WHAT THE HELL . “ I fumed at him.
“ It was not a good idea after all, we should step up our game!” He offered and I sat next to him in his studio couch. Its rather cold and he noticed that. Without a word, he removed his jacket and wrapped it around me. “ go home Kibum, its getting late. “
I am wordless for a moment before I had the chance to walk away.
ATTEMPT NUMBER 32Jinki told me to place lipstick on Minho’s shirt collar. Its classic, but always effective, I also know that Taemin loves to be all domestic when it comes to Minho. He prepares his clothes and stuff like that. I bought a pink lipstick in the drugstore and made my way to Minho’s penthouse.
“ im glad you came over kibum! I miss you!”
“ me too!”
As he prepared our early dinner, i slipped into their bedroom, telling him that I wanna see their love nest. He said yes and i got to work. The used clothes are in a messy pile and i picked a random polo. Then I placed the lipstick stains perfectly. I went out and sat at the table. Happy with myself.
Then Taemin spoke, “ I miss shopping with you- -- “
“ then let’s go out soon, “ i offered.
Then he took out something from his pocket. A pink lipstick; the same lipstick i bought on the drugstore on the way here.
“ can’t believe this is my latest buy just to keep my lips from looking pale.” He pouted and my heart sank.
FAILED. KIM KIBUM FAILED.
ATTEMPT 53This is a joined attempt. We agreed to set up a weekend in a resort and Jinki invited Minho’s ex fiancee. I know that Taemin will get hurt, but this is necessary. Plus, I want to make sure that Minho is sure about Taemin. My thoughts are scattered as I sat there in the terrace. Suddenly, i envy taemin for finding that one person. Someone joined me, Jinki.
“ I hope this works out. “ he says under his breath and i mumble a quiet yes.
“ how bout you Kibum? With someone serious?”
“ NAH- that is not for me, I guess. “
“ really?” he tilts his head towards me, as if asking for an explanation. “ who would be stupid enough to not fall for you- “ I pretended not to hear what he said. The truth is, Im falling for Jinki. Which is wrong in so many levels. Im betting that this is a punishment from the gods because of my selfishness over Taemin.
“ Hara is here. We should get to work. “ he tells me in an almost professional way and i followed. “
Turns out, his plan is to get Hara so drunk. Which is not mission impossible. The poor girl is depressed over the rude comments of people towards her figure. She is being branded anorexic and skinny enough to die. We drank our sorrows and by the end of the night, I was a bit drunk myself. Minho came and being the gentleman that he is took Hara to her room. I quickly barged into Taemin’s room.
“ I saw Minho with Hara. “ with those five words, Taemin stormed out. Actually, even before this trip i have been building up the ‘be jealous of hara’ card. I told him how great Hara is and how Minho was head over heels for her. I even left (on purpose) a magazine issue about their engagement.
Taemin saw them in an uncompromising position. Minho is topless, cause Hara puked all over his shirt and he was laying Hara down to bed. Ive never seen taemin so hurt, lost and broken all at the same time and he ran away. At the far end of the hallways I see Jinki and he mouthed – “ WE WON. “ I forced a smile, It didn’t feel like it.
============================================
“ we did something wrong. “ Jinki finally said it, as he drove me to work that day. WELL, Jinki had been driving me to work this past two weeks for some unknown reason. He tells me that he lives nearby but he didn’t say exactly. Its rather horrible, I wake up so early just to look good enough for him.
“ Taemin is like a robot nowadays,” I commented and Jinki nodded. “ I think we should get them back together, like- get Hara to talk,”
“ I already asked her, she told me that she will do her best.” Jinki stopped infront of the restaurant and we said our goodbye then I did something stupid. I leaned closer and kissed his lips, just a light contact.. I flushed and he is stunned then i mumbled a ‘goodbye’ before scrambling to get out.
============================================
“ Hara talked to me. “ the first words he told me as I placed my apron to start working. “ I was stupid Kibum, I was so jealous and now I can’t have Minho back. I knew it, we were never really meant to be you know. Our worlds are far apart. “
I placed my hand on his shoulder, “don’t you say that- “
I quickly sent a text to Jinki (i can’t handle hearing his voice right now, after what I’ve done)
I HAVE AN IDEA. Its a good one.
“ Promise me that you will wait up, cause i don’t wanna be left crying in the street when he tells me that we are over. “ Taemin pleaded as I dropped him in Minho’s building. Jinki told Minho that a friend of their’s from college will come and he doesn’t know its Taemin. “ okay” its all i said and left him.
There is no need for surveillance. I know that they will be back together. And they did.
Making my way home one night, walking in the employee’s alley I spot him once more. But he is not talking or even smoking, he is just standing there. Waiting for me. Lee Jinki. Then I realize that we haven’t talked in like, a week? After the love birds got back together we never really talked or called. I declined his offers to take me to work. I guess im ashamed of what I did, that I was not able to control myself when clearly- clearly, Im not his type. He is way out of my league but seeing him just made me walk towards him again and say ‘HI.’
He is looking intently at me now and and pulled me to the same corner that we made our pact of ruining taemin and minho’s relationship months ago.
Then the impossible happened.
His lips were on mine and my eyes widened in shock. Jinki is kissing me with his surprisingly soft lips, moving them heatedly against mine. And I liked it.
His fingers inched up my arms and entwined with mine, slightly squeezing my hands as he opened his mouth to me. Our tongues were immediately gliding, flowing, tasting and I moaned into his mouth when his hips ground into my own.
I let my guard down and ended up on my back, clawing at the fabric that covered his torso, needing it off, needing to see more of him.We broke apart and I look into his eyes. This is it. This is him. Lee Jinki is what I have been looking for, He grins at me and says.
“ I have a plan, its a good one.”
“ and what is that?” I inched closer for another kiss.
“ Let’s fall in love.”
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