Seoulstruck (Stray Kids, 18+)

Chapter 43: Then I Don't Want It

Jisung couldn't help but smile, looking down at the palm of his hand, still warm from having held Minho's the entire way to the restaurant. The butterflies lingered as he looked up into the eyes of the handsome dancer, noticing their sharp edges seemed to soften whenever he looked at him. The rapper could feel his cheeks getting warm, hiding his hands beneath the table, the corners of his mouth curling on their own. He couldn't help but feel happier around Minho. It was as though a familiar warmth emitted from him. It felt like being home no matter where they were.

"What?" Minho asked, noticing Jisung's involuntary smile. "Are you so happy to eat with me?"

Yes! Jisung wanted to shout. He wanted to hold Minho's hand more, sit down beside him and plant a kiss on his cheek, but he resorted to nodding happily in response. "I've heard of this place," he said. "It's supposedly really good." Minho nodded, looking over the menu. "I've had their takeout. It's pretty delicious, so I thought we should come. Celebrate your signing, just the two of us." Jisung's heart raced. 'Just the two of us.' He loved the sound of that. The waiter came around to take their orders, Minho being sure to add numerous appetizers. "You should eat a lot while you're allowed to," he remarked. "Even at your size, the company may ask you to diet for a bit. Not that you need to." Minho's eyes fell, staring into oblivion on the table before shooting back up to Jisung with a smile.

"Do they make you diet?" Jisung asked, curiously. Minho chuckled. "They have," he replied, "but only once, a while back. It was after a breakup. I'd gained a bit of weight. Too much alcohol... and ice cream." Minho smiled, laughing at his own words, but Jisung couldn't help but wonder about the dancer's past. A breakup?

"Excuse me," said a sweet voice, a pair of beautiful young women approaching their table. "I'm sorry, but we saw you from across the room. You're both very handsome." Minho smiled, almost appearing tired. "Thank you," he said, the girls looking between the pair.

"We wondered," the second girl chimed, "do you have girlfriends?" Jisung looked taken aback, his jaw opening in disbelief as he began to answer, Minho cutting him off. "Yes, we do. I'm sorry."

"Then," the first girl continued, "where are they, now? Your girlfriends? Wouldn't they be invited to dinner with you?" Minho did his best not to appear annoyed, smiling wider as he answered. "They wanted a girls' night out. Said no boys allowed. I'm sure you ladies understand." The women nodded their heads, bowing slightly as they wished the pair a lovely evening, looking back at Jisung as they left the restaurant.

"Why did you lie to them like that?" Jisung asked, looking over Minho in confusion. Minho sighed, looking down, again as he answered.

"You're going to be a celebrity, soon. You need to start learning how to protect yourself. Your image will be extremely important. Reputation is everything. You can't go telling random, interested women you don't have a girlfriend... or that you're on a date with another man."

Jisung's heart fell to his stomach. He'd have to keep Minho a secret? "But... hyung," he began, "what about us?" Minho's gaze stayed on the table. "Some couples are allowed to stay a secret, but... when you tell the company... they will likely force you to break up with me. And you'll do it, because that would be best for you."

Break up? Jisung's eyes widened, noting the sorrow Minho was struggling to hide behind his expression.

No.

Jisung reached over the table, grabbing Minho's hand, snapping his attention back. "Minnie," he said, "I refuse. I don't care if it's the company, I don't care if it's some random woman, I don't care if it's a jealous ex of yours, if anyone tells me I can't be with you... if being an idol means we have to break up... then I don't want it. I'll go back to being underground, I don't care." Minho looked deep into Jisung's eyes, ripping his hand away. "You don't know what you're saying," he said. Jisung reached over, grabbing Minho's wrist, holding it tightly. "I do," he retorted. Minho's breath caught in his throat, Jisung's voice so full of conviction. "I choose you, Minnie. I'll always choose you."

The food arrived, Jisung releasing Minho's wrist as the waiter placed their meals in front of them, but taking his hand once more under the table as they were left alone, lacing their fingers together. "I'm not letting you go," he said, watching Minho's gaze soften as their eyes met. "I promise."

A single tear fell from Minho's eye, the man panicking as he reached for his napkin, patting his face dry. "Ok," he said. "I believe you, just... don't make me salt my food, this way." Jisung chuckled, nodding in agreement. Minho sighed, gesturing at the food. "Let's eat a lot, now."

"Mm!" Jisung agreed, looking up at Minho's eyes, now doing their best to hold back happy tears.

"Thanks, quokka."