Punches and Pirouettes |NOMIN|

Chapter 18

Jaemin's heart was racing as he picked up his bag. "What's going on?" he asked Haechan, his voice shaky.

"You think that from all people here I would know? You know what I think about Jeno."

"Haechan, you know we are the only ones sitting here?" said Jaemin while laughing, "Who do you want me to ask?"

Haechan shrugged, his smirk not fading. "I don't know, maybe the walls? They know more than me for sure"

Jaemin rolled his eyes, shaking his head. "Fine," he said, standing up. "I'll talk to him after school."

"What? Are you two close?" Haechan asked, his smile dropped. "You remember he is dangerous"

Jaemin sighed, "No, we aren't. But I thought that you are okay with him, you don't have a problem with him sitting with us"

"He is Mark's best friend, you know I would do everything for this handsome man" Haechan said while blushing.

Jaemin chuckled, the tension of the conversation easing a bit. "I know," he said, patting Haechan on the back. "But seriously, I'll talk to him"

"Just be careful, okay?" Haechan said, his eyes searching Jaemin's face for any sign of doubt.

Jaemin nodded, his mind already racing with thoughts of what he would say to Jeno. He knew he had to tread carefully, to not reveal too much too soon. But the urge to reassure Jeno was overwhelming, to let him know that Lucas was truly just a friend, a ghost from the past that no longer haunted him.

After the last class, he found Jeno leaning against his locker, his arms crossed over his chest. His expression was closed off, his eyes dark and unreadable. "Hey," Jaemin said softly, approaching him.

Jeno's gaze flickered to him, his jaw tight. "Hey," he replied, his voice low and guarded.

Jaemin's stomach twisted into knots as he stepped closer. "Is everything okay?" he asked tentatively, reaching out to touch Jeno's arm.

Jeno's eyes snapped up to meet his, the fury in them making Jaemin take a step back. "What's going on with you and Lucas?" he demanded, his voice low and menacing.

Jaemin's heart pounded in his chest. "It's nothing," he said quickly, his hand dropping to his side. "We're just friends."

But Jeno wasn't buying it. "Friends don't send roses, baby," he said, his voice laced with accusation. "And friends don't make you look like that."

"What roses?" Jaemin asked surprised.

Jeno's eyes bore into him, the jealousy in them unmistakable. "The ones you got at school," he said, his voice a low growl. "Don't play dumb with me."

"Dummy, I got them from you." Jae said while laughing.

Jeno's expression froze for a moment before realization dawned on him. "Oh," he said, his cheeks coloring slightly. "Right."

Jaemin's heart ached at the sight of his confusion. "Jeno," he said gently, taking his hand. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner. I just didn't want to mess things up between us."

The boxer's gaze searched his, his grip tightening. "Mess things up?" he echoed, his voice hoarse. "What could possibly mess this up?"

Jaemin took a deep breath, his heart racing. "Lucas is my ex," he admitted, his voice shaky. "And I didn't want to tell you before the match because I didn't want to distract you."

Jeno's expression softened, his eyes searching Jaemin's. "It's okay," he said, his thumb rubbing circles on the dancer's hand. "I just... I don't want to lose you to him."

Jaemin felt a rush of affection for the boxer, his heart swelling in his chest. "You won't," he said firmly. "I'm with you, Jeno."

The tension in the air seemed to dissipate, and Jeno's shoulders relaxed slightly. "I know," he said, his voice softer now. "But it's just... I can't stand the thought of someone else having you."

Jaemin squeezed his hand, smiling up at him. "You don't have to worry," he assured him. "Lucas is my past. You're my present, and hopefully my future."

Jeno's eyes searched his, the doubt slowly fading. "I want that too," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.

Jaemin's heart raced as he leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to Jeno's cheek. "Then let's not let anything come between us," he said, his voice a whisper.

Jeno's arms tightened around him, his eyes closing for a moment. "I won't," he promised. "But I can't help but worry."

Jaemin's heart ached at the vulnerability in Jeno's voice. He knew that the boxer's possessive nature was born from his own fear of losing those he cared about. "You don't have to," he said, standing on his toes to kiss him softly. "I'm here."

The kiss was gentle, a silent promise of his commitment. When they pulled apart, Jeno's eyes searched his, looking for reassurance. "You're mine," he murmured, his voice fierce. "Only mine."

Jaemin nodded, his heart fluttering at the possessiveness in Jeno's voice. "I know," he said softly. "And I want to be."

Jeno's eyes searched his, the doubt slowly fading. "Good," he murmured, leaning in to kiss him again, this time with more urgency. It was a kiss filled with passion and promise, a declaration of what was to come.