Breathe Me In || Minbin ✔️

8

As I step in, the apartment lights flash on. Wow, didn't expect this at all. It's so clean. I'm not saying he's a dirty person, but it has a different aesthetic to what I expected. There are a lot of plants.

"The bathroom is right down the hallway on the left. I'll grab some ointment and clothes. Do you want to shower?"

"No, it's okay."

He nods, rushing over to a different room. I get into the bathroom, taking off the hoodie he gave me. I wait to take my pants off because I wanted to get some clothes first.

A knock on the door has been rushing to open it. I peek my head out, receiving the items quickly. "Thank you."

"I'll be out in the living room once you're done."

I shut the door again, stripping fully this time. God, his clothes are so big. Of course, they have to fit around his muscular body, but damn. I feel like a mouse in cat's clothing.

I rub on the cream, sighing at the cold relief. My stomach was bright red, along with my thighs that I already covered. I hope this doesn't get any worse later on.

Once I'm finished, I head out to find him. I can't believe I'm in his apartment. Had he been reading my thoughts? Maybe he's magical.

"Hey, here's the hoodie." I stand in front of him, my arms slightly trembling out of nervousness. I hate that.

"Oh, thanks. Do you want me to take your clothes? I can wash them."

"Um, sure." I hand over the neatly folded stack, chewing my lower lip. He disappears down the hall again before coming back with a smile.

"How're your thighs?"

"What?" I'm on fire. What kind of question is that? Is he into thighs or something? Did he bring me here to get laid or what?

"Your thighs. They got burned, yeah?"

"Oh." You are an absolute idiot, Lee Minho. "They're feeling better with the ointment on. Thank you. I really appreciate it."

"Of course. It's kind of my fault that you choked. Helping is the least I could do. You look good in my clothes, anyhow. They basically swallow you up. It's cute."

Oh, my god. Don't freak out, don't freak out, don't freak out. "Thanks..?" Why am I freaking out! That's- stop it. The panic is consuming me. What the fuck. Please, stop. Get ahold of yourself.

"What movie do you want to watch?" He waves over to the couch, letting me sit down first. He sits right next to me, our knees almost touching. FUCK. Stop it. Seo Changbin, you are the fucking devil.

"I don't care. Whatever you want."

"How does a horror movie sound?"

"It sounds great. I love horror movies. They're my favorite." Smiling, I look over to him. That's right. Get back in control. I am not gay panicking over someone who offered to wash my clothes.

"Really? You don't seem the type."

I raise an eyebrow. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"You have a softer look, but I guess I shouldn't judge a book by its cover. I should've known they'd be your favorite." He chuckles, mostly to himself. When is the washing machine going to finish? If not soon, I'm going to explode.

"I always preferred the more intense genres. Metal music, horror movies and games. All of  that stuff. Gets the adrenaline going."

He hums, nodding in surprise. "Metal?"

"Yeah. Metal, screamo, rock. I don't mind other genres; those are just the ones I listen to the most. I know I don't look the part, but it is what it is."

"That's actually really interesting. I'm not a huge fan of horror movies. I like action more, but anime is always nice too. And music wise, I love everything. People with big voices have a warm place in my heart."

"That's so weird. Not your taste, but the difference. Your looks could kill, yet your taste is on the softer side. As you say, I look more gentle, yet I love having things screaming in my ear. That's really something."

"Yeah, I guess it is," he smiles, looking down into his lap. Did I just fluster him?

"So what movie, hm? It's gotta be a good scary movie. I hate that weak shit."

My change of tone makes his head shoot up. "Oh, right. Uh, let's see what we have. The clichés always suck, so I'll try my best to find one. If you see one, tell me."

-

"Hey, the dryer just got done. Do you want to change? I don't mind you stealing those for the night," Changbin smiles, standing to go to the laundry.

"Oh, uh, I'll just change. I should be heading home now. It's really late, and I have work."

"Why don't you just sleep over? I have a car, I can take you."

"No, no. It's okay, really. You've already done so much for me tonight. It's really okay."

"Min, the weather is getting really bad out."

"That's why I should leave now instead of later. And I have cats, remember?"

"I doubt they're going to eat at one in the morning. Come on, just stay. It's too cold."

"I'll be fine, I promise. I'll text you when I'm home."

He was fighting really hard for me to stay. Was it really him being worried? It didn't matter either way. I'm already too awkward by just hanging out. Spending the night? Nope! Not happening any time soon. Big no no.

"Fine. You better text me the minute you're inside. I really don't want you getting stuck in a storm or something and dying."

He shakes his head, going over to a different room and coming back with my clothing. "Just keep my clothes for now. Put on your jacket though. I'm sure you don't want to get sick."

"Thank you," I nod, doing as he says. I really didn't want to get sick. It would slow my body down at work, and I can't have that.

We walk to his front door, saying our goodbyes. "Don't forget to text me. You should've brought a better coat. If you get sick-"

"Then I'll deal with it myself, mom. Thank you, and goodnight. I had a really nice time with you," I blush, patting his shoulder before walking out. He doesn't say anything, but I can feel his gaze on me.

Just keep walking.