Stray Kids one shots #2 || honeyndwild

Minho | Who were you in your previous life?

A dog. Minho was a dog in his previous life. Alex shouldn't be thinking about that right now, but they can't help it.

The calculus test is in less than 30 hours. Their eyes hurt from staring at the computer screen too much. Their back hurts even more, because, apparently, having a study session in their bed wasn't a good idea, and the soft pillows and comfy blankets don't help anymore.

Minho is sitting on the opposite side of the bed, deep in his psychology book. He has a test as well, more time to prepare, though. But being a rational adult, he decided to study in advance, annoying the shit out of Alex with his amazing self-management skills.

Alex glances over his solemn face and messy hair. What were they thinking before? What animal Minho was in his previous life?

They slide down to his neck and chest, and notice a little hole in his worn out shirt on the right shoulder. They stare at his hands, quietly turning the pages, and after all, admit that Minho is stunning in all his domestic glory. But it doesn't reduce the fact that he still resembles a dog. Especially, taking in consideration his evil laughter and his sometimes piercing eyes that terrify strangers.

Right, a dog. A small, fluffy dog with a grumpy little face, needle like teeth and a bark that could be heard from the streets.

"Drop it," Minho mumbles suddenly. His messy fringe bounces a little when he looks up with his pointy stare.

100% percent a dog, Alex thinks, and completely forgets to look away.

"Yah, Alex-ssi," Minho sounds like a danger, voice calm and a bit low. "Stop staring, you little trouble."

For Alex, it sounds exactly like those chihuahuas in the parks, growling at everything and everyone. And they can't help but snort at that.

"What's so funny, yah?" The whiny Minho is activated now, lips pouty, eyes big and glassy. Alex doesn't like it because he stops resembling a dog and becomes just cute.

Cute little shit.

"I was just thinking," they eye Minho all over again, comparing the picture of the chihuahua and the person sitting in front of them. "Who were you in your previous life?"

Minho throws the book aside and claps his hands together with a loud but lonely "ha!".

"Firstly, thank you for the perfect distraction, dear," he stretches his arms above his head, his fingers curling into two small fists, and exhales loudly. "Secondly, a cat."

"Bullshit."

"Huh?"

"I said, bullshit," Alex smiles and changes their siting position, just to make sure they'll be able to repel Minho's possible attack. "I'm pretty sure you were a chihuahua."

A death stare that is sent towards their way is so endearing, that Alex can't help but melt a little. Minho can be so oblivious sometimes. Can't he see that he resembles that cute angry dog?

"And here, I was hoping you would give me a perfect excuse not to study," Minho is disappointed, and his disappointment oozes from his words and falls to the floor.

"Isn't it?"

"Not when you're comparing me to a fucking dog."

"You love animals!"

"I do," Minho's smile is smug, and it makes Alex's blood boil with annoyance.

"Then why do you hate dogs?"

Minho shrugs and rolls his eyes, pretending to be annoyed with Alex not getting the truth.

"I don't hate them, Alex-ssi. It's you who is comparing me to a dog when I'm not. I'm a cat, and—"

This conversation is a good distraction, after all, Alex notices. Because Minho's eyes start to glow when he dives into a lengthy monologue, mentioning all the similarities between him and his precious cats.

He talks about how independent, but attentive cats are, cheekily pointing out that Alex must know that. He speaks about how you should win their trust before they'll allow you into their space, and solemnly points out that he already allows Alex in his spaces, because Alex is trustworthy.

Alex knows they are crushing on a person in front of them, so badly it should hurt. It doesn't only because Minho is crushing as much, even though he tries to pretend he doesn't. That's why they decide to drop it, this debate.

Call them whipped, Alex won't care.

"Okay, whatever you prefer, kitten."

The pet name flies off their tongue unintentionally; Alex doesn't even register it at first. The thing that gets their attention is Minho's reaction.

"Shut up," Minho mumbles after a moment of silence, and that takes Alex by surprise.

Wait a minute. Minho is what?..

"Should I pat your nice little head, cat-boy?"

This time it is intentional. Alex does that on purpose, throws a bomb at Minho's head and waits for his reaction. And sure, it comes.

"Alex, shut up."

Minho's ears are red. What a nice view. What a nice way to spend their study break.

"Does a kitten want some attention?"

"No, thank you very much," Minho rolls his eyes and tries to overcompensate with a confident smile (which looks a little shaky around the edges).

"Stop lying, kitten."

Alex knows they are a menace. Especially, now when they are prolonging this game even further and pushing Minho's buttons. It doesn't happen too often, though, for Alex to be in charge. And they just can't, can't lose a chance like that.

Apparently, it hits exactly the right spot in Minho.

"If you won't stop, I'll shut you up."

"Try."

The room freezes for a moment. The computer is long forgotten, lying on one of the pillows. Psychology book is dangerously balancing on the edge of the bed. Alex's hands a prickling with excitement. Minho is trying really hard to hold back his tired smile.

Who moves forward first isn't that important. Because, eventually, they meet each other somewhere in the middle of their shaky dorm bed. And then feverishly share the apple chapstick from Minho's lips while clutching to each other's shoulders.

"I think you were a fox," Minho pants out in between his little vicious bites. "Shameless, arrogant fox who enjoyed driving other animals crazy."

"Sounds nice, baby."

"Surprisingly, I'm liking the idea too."