Stray Kids Oneshots Collection (Smut & Fluff)

32 ¦ Love me back

Ship: Jeongin / Seungmin

Words: 2,631

Summary: "Why do you like me so much, hyung, even if you know I can't reciprocate your feelings?"

Seungmin felt like he was falling into a hole. "What", he had whispered, but maybe it wasn't loud enough. Yes, he was in love with him, but there is no way he had it figured out, right?

---

Seungmin noticed, it had started that afternoon on that sunny day. He remembered it well.

His book was held tightly between his fingers as he heard a soft noise in his room. His eyes didn't leave the page, only raised when he felt his presence.

He raised his gaze to meet Jeongin's eyes. The book got sat on his lap as he continued comprehending Jeongin's blank face. Something was wrong, Jeongin was communicating it with his expression only.

He was about to talk, as the younger invited himself on the bed. He crawled towards his chest, sparing him a quick glance with hesitation on his face. Seungmin only saw big brown eyes and lips formed into a line. He nodded, barely moved, but Jeongin still understood. His body lowered, until he completely laid on top of Seungmin's chest.

It was the first time Seungmin didn't know what to do. Skin-ship was normal between the members, and Seungmin would often either ignore it or move away. With Jeongin though, he would leave it, because Jeongin was special; his love, his haven.

But right now, Jeongin was holding onto his sides for another purpose. Seungmin couldn't catch the reason, he just looked down on him for a few seconds before picking up his book again. Maybe, he was overthinking it.

The afternoon sun was blending through the orange curtains onto his bed - prickling up his cheeks. In his lap, Jeongin was warming him up too.

---

Jeongin seemed to be off the next few days. Forced smiles, poor body composure, silent. Of course Seungmin noticed, how could he not? His whole world revolved around him, all his attention was directed towards Jeongin.

But the younger was trying to communicate. He eventually came up to him, and silently sat next to him during practice break. Or during lunch. He naturally got the habit of stealing a chair and sliding it next to Seungmin, only to quietly finish his food next to each other. That looked normal, but Seungmin always wondered if he should have said something. If there was a meaning to that behaviour.

He couldn't bear it when he found Jeongin asleep outside. Seungmin was coming back from the grocery store with a bag full of ramen that waited to be cooked. But as he was passing by the entrance of the building, he had noticed in shock a figure crouched at the door with eyes shut.

(Later, Hyunjin told him, Jeongin had schedule until late and seemed to have forgotten his keys inside. (Then why didn't he call anyone?)

And so, he dropped the bag and kneeled to come to face with Jeongin. He had immediately recognized him; the thin bangs over his eyelids, the familiar broad shoulders along the long arms who were hugging himself.