STRAIGHTIES - a Stray Kids × Ateez fanfic

ACT 5

The night of the awards was as exciting as ever. It was the first time they were attending together and the fact that their tables were next to each other was godsent for Joong and Felix. The two were holding hands during most of the ceremony, thanks to them being seated mere centimeters away.

Meanwhile, Hyunjin and Yunho couldn't stop exchanging longing stares, wishing they had even one chance to meet up alone amidst the chaos.

"Hyunjin!"

Minho hit him on the shoulder to catch his attention.

"Yeah?" He didn't avert his eyes that were fixed on Yunho.

"Why is this guy giving me a death stare?"

"What? Who?"

Hyunjin finally broke eye contact and looked towards the direction Minho was pointing at. He noticed that Mingi, one of Ateez's rappers, was indeed staring at them. When he found out he had been caught, he snapped his head to the other side and pretended to talk to his members.

"Oh, I'm sure it's nothing. Who knows, maybe he is flirting with you."

"...what?" Minho furrowed his brows.

Hyunjin realised his mistake and started opening and closing his mouth, trying to find a way to save the situation before it was too late.

"I-I mean...No, no, I'm just...kidding. No, yeah, this is totally a death stare, yeah."

He mentally cursed himself. It was highly unlikely that Minho was convinced. But in all seriousness, what was going on with Mingi?

The thoughts overwhelmed him and he felt a little dizzy. He went back to eyeing his partner at the next table, instantly forgetting the feelings of doom inside his stomach.

after the awards, backstage

Minho slipped from their manager's view and managed to blend in with the other boy groups. He wandered around for a bit and soon found what (or perhaps who) he was searching for. Mingi was leaning against a wall, spacing off on his own, away from his members who were at the other side of the room. He decided to clear this up, once and for all. What had he done to him?!

"Hey! You!" he shouted to make sure he'd heard him.

Mingi awoke from his daydream and his eyes widened, as if he was particularly surprised to see him there.
"Me?"

"Yes, you!" Minho stood in front of him. "What is up with those glares earlier?"

"Glares? What...what are you talking about?"

Minho put his hands on his waist and looked up at the taller boy, frowning.
"You were glaring at me earlier, remember? I want to know why."

Mingi blushed and laughed faintly.
"Oh, that...I wasn't glaring. I was just...trying to flirt with you."

"Oh"

"Yep. And I'm sorry for making you misunderstand. I...truly have no idea how to do all that stuff."

"It's-it's ok" was all Minho could say. He was pretty much shocked. Hyunjin was right, after all? Who could have thought...

"Please, allow me to try again."

Mingi inhaled, closing his eyes for a brief moment, and then exhaled, suddenly touching Minho's shoulders. He flinched, but didn't brush his hands off.

"Hello. I am Song Mingi. I'm completely mesmerized by you and I would like to ask you out." he said with a smile.

Minho blinked and drew a sharp breath.
"Hello, Mingi. I am Lee Know."

Mingi's smile faltered for a second, him stepping back instantly.

"I would really like to go out with you."