To Be Loved... (BOOK 1)

Always You

Minho's POV:

Hyunjin and Felix just went on their date so I felt obligated to be productive.

"What about this? Yongbok would like this, no?" I may or may not have dragged Jisung along with me to the mall.

"I feel like he has a ton of sweaters like that." I whined, not entirely sure what to get him.

"Do you have to get him clothes? He's got a lot."

"I'm not good at gift giving so clothes are the only option."

"But you brought me here, the best gift giver in the world, to help you." He winked. That couldn't be more of a lie. Last year for Christmas, Jisung got me a gift card to McDonald's. Granted, we weren't together yet so it's not like an effort needed to be made. But his reasoning was because it's useful. He definitely wasn't wrong, the gift card was empty by the end of the week.

"He's a gamer too. But he hasn't had time since he's with Hyunjin all the time."

"So maybe a new game?" He suggested.

We walked to GameStop together and searched around the store.

I looked over at him from across the room as he scanned each row for something Yongbok might be interested in. It hit me like a ton of bricks all over again that same night we hung out for the first time since the breakup. Except the only difference is I can tell he genuinely just wants to be friends and that kills me inside.

He walked over to me with a game in his hand, seeming pretty proud of himself.

"What'd you find?"

He held Mortal Kombat 11 close to my face.

"Babe, he's already got it." Oh my god. I shut my eyes tight to pretend I wasn't there. "He got it when it came out." I attempted to move on from the major slip up.

"I feel like he has every game in the world." Jisung continued as if nothing happened which I was relieved by. "Maybe a candle."

"A candle?" I laughed at his unrelated suggestion as we stood in a video game store. "I already got Hyunjin a candle, I can't get them both one."

"You got Hyunjin a Christmas present before your own brother?" He laughed.

"Shut up." I lightly pushed his shoulder back. "This is why I need your help."

"Shocked you didn't ask Seonghwa." He teased. I could tell he found it funny, but I didn't.

"Well I didn't wanna hang out with Seonghwa, I wanted to hang out with you." I led us out of GameStop, not wanting people to hear our business.

"You get him something for Christmas?"

"Yeah, but only because he's genuinely the easiest to shop for. I just got him a new Star Wars Lego set and he's good to go. Easy enough."

"Who have you gotten gifts for so far?"

He didn't seem bothered at all that I got something for Seonghwa which also proves my point that he's not interested in me anymore. Not that I would want him to be jealous, but an uncomfortable glance would've been something for me to hold onto.

"My parents, Hyunjin, Seonghwa, Soonie, Doongie, and Dori." Do I say it? Why say it if he doesn't seem to care? Just do it. "And you."

"Me?" He pointed to his chest and smiled. "Why'd you get something for me?"

"Because you're my best friend." I returned the smile, not feeling too bad about the fact that I bought him a shit load of recording equipment because I know he's always been really passionate about music. Did it nearly break my bank account? Yes. Do I care? Nope. "Don't feel like you have to get me something though. I just did it because I wanted to."

"Lee Know, Lee Know, Lee Know." He sang and shook his head.

"What?"

"You really think I didn't already get your Christmas present?" He rested his hand on his chest, looking offended.

"Han Jisung!" I shouted.

"What?" He shrugged. "You're really easy to shop for. Plus, I think I need to redeem myself after a McDonald's gift card."

"I judged too quickly. The gift card was a great idea." I really hope he didn't get me anything expensive. I wasn't expecting this at all; now I wish he didn't buy me a thing.

We went from store to store still looking for Yongbok's potential gift. How is he the only one I'm having trouble with?

"Min, come here." Jisung waved me over to look at something on his phone. "You know he prefers sentimental stuff anyway. Why don't you get him something like this with a picture of you two?" It was a simple canvas that could have something printed onto it.

"That's actually a really good idea." A great idea actually. I know Yongbok will love it, I just need to find the right picture. Too bad there aren't many to choose from since he's been my brother for such a short time.

Once we realized we came to the mall for nothing, we left and I took him home.

"Next time, you gotta help me find something for Innie." Jisung said once I pulled in front of his house.

"Why didn't we just look?"

"Just needed an excuse to see you again." He tried to contain his smile knowing how flirtatious that sounded.

"Stop messing with me." I smiled.

"I'm not, I'm just being honest."

I was biting my lips together, feeling my face turn bright red.

"Okay, then just let me know when you're free and we'll go."

"Okay." He nodded and unbuckled his seatbelt. "Bye, Minho." He quickly kissed my cheek and left the car before I had the chance to speak. I started laughing like a little school girl after I processed what just happened.

Han Jisung, what are you doing to me?