Dance of Discord | A Hyunho Romance

Chapter Twenty-Seven

~~~~~~ Minho ~~~~~~

His nose was so stuffy that he could barely smell anything, but when he woke up the scent of ginseng and garlic was unmistakable. Was Hyunjin cooking? Was he going to have to rescue his kitchen?! Groggily, he sat up, the rest granting him a bit more strength. Grabbing a blanket, he wrapped himself up, socked feet padding into the main room and he heard voices coming from the kitchen. "Lix?" He called out, wincing at how weak he sounded even to himself.

"Min, you're up!" His boyfriend greeted brightly, "Felix is teaching me how to make samgyetang," he explained with a big smile. "Have a taste."

Carefully he leaned forward and took the offered spoonful. It tasted so much like how his mom used to make it that his heart stuttered in his chest. "It's good, like, really good," he said softly, mustering up a smile. "All of this for me?"

Hyunjin nodded, kissing his cheek, "Of course. I've got your medicine too. Actually, let me go get it. I'll be right back."

"Hey Lino," Felix finally says, turning from the stove, placing a lid over the delicious smelling pot of chicken soup.

Minho tilted his head, "Shouldn't you be at work? Isn't this prime time for the bakery?"

Felix shrugged, "True, but when Jinnie came in and told me you were sick, I was worried. Plus I wanted to help him make you something special and I also didn't want him to ruin your kitchen." They shared a little laugh, but then just as quickly Felix's smile grew wobbly and he could see tears forming in his eyes.

"Lix....what's wrong?"

"I've been such a brat Lino," he confesses, which puzzles him until his little brother continues. "I have relied on you for years, but I don't think I've ever been that supportive of you. The fact that you would be fine seemed like a foregone conclusion. But that's not fair to you. When mom and dad died, you took on all the responsibilities and you never once complained. I was a mess and you always took care of me and held me when I cried. And I know you were crying too, but I never offered myself as a shoulder to cry on. It didn't even occur to me that you didn't have anyone you could fall apart with. You're just so strong. And I've always looked up to you Minho. But I'm sorry for not thinking of you more. I promise I will always be there for you when you need me. You don't have to be the strongest, or the most reliable or the most considerate person, not anymore."

Damn it, was everyone hell bent on making him cry today? And it was not missed on him that Hyunjin had conveniently excused himself from the room so that he and his brother could talk. Obviously he must've had some inkling of Felix wanting to speak with him and the subject matter. But before he could fully digest this thought, he reached out to hug his brother tightly. "You weren't a brat 'Lixie," he reassured. "I hardly allowed myself to show any type of weakness. I'm the big brother, I'm supposed to take care of you and it made sense for me to handle things. Actually, it was a way for me to cope," he admitted. "But I know that I can be vulnerable with you. I promise that I'll start allowing myself to do so. Besides, it seems like Hyunjin isn't going to let me deal with things alone anymore."

Felix let out a shaky laugh, hugging Minho even tighter. "No he's not. He's good for you, I'm so happy that you have him. He's probably the only one aside from Hannie that challenges you."

Minho nodded, "Yeah, we're both pretty stubborn when we want to be. And I'm lucky to have him."

"I'm back," came a voice from behind, and Minho turned around to see a smiling Hyunjin holding a bottle of medicine. "If you two want to visit some more in private just let me know. I can busy myself with my painting."

Minho smiled and shook his head, "Nah, we're good. Actually I'm still pretty tired so if you don't mind, could I have my soup in bed?"

Hyunjin rolled his eyes, "As if I wouldn't have insisted upon it myself. But I'm happy that you're admitting that you need rest. Come on then," he instructed, curling an arm around his waist. "Lixie, what would your brother do without me?"

"Probably pass out on the floor somewhere trying to make it to work," Felix laughed.

Minho pouted but he couldn't exactly deny anything they were saying. And honestly he was just grateful to have both his brother and his lover caring for him like this. He felt even closer to Felix. The apology wasn't something he ever expected nor did he think he needed it, but the acknowledgment was nice. It released a ball of tension inside of him that he didn't know he was holding onto. Plus having a taste of his mom's soup was so comforting. It felt like a balm to his very soul. And he was so grateful that Hyunjin orchestrated the whole thing. It's not something that Minho might've ever brought up on his own but it's something that has healed wounds he ignored.

Hyunjin had a habit of doing that.

Of holding up a mirror to him and forcing him to strip away the masquerade and just be real. But he didn't just leave him like that, raw and  exposed, no, he covered him. Nurtured and nourished him. There was a fullness and a completeness he felt ever since they came together as a couple. Which is why he felt no hesitation about doing what he was doing right now. Although he was nervous. His hands shook slightly as he rang the doorbell to the Hwang family's residence. Mrs. Hwang answered the door quickly, a bright smile on her face. "Minho! It's so good to see you. You're looking well, Jinnie told me you were under the weather a few days ago."

Minho nodded, unable to resist matching her wide smile. "Yeah, but Jinnie took good care of me so I'm right as rain. May I come in?"

"Yes of course," she answered, stepping aside so Minho could enter. "My husband's waiting in the living room. Would you like something to drink sweetie?"

Minho shook his head, "No, it's alright. I'm a little nervous so I'll cut right to the chase of why I asked to come over today."

Mrs. Hwang looked clearly interested and so she simply nodded, guiding Minho to the living room where Mr. Hwang sat looking at his phone, looking up and smiling as soon as he walked in. "Hi son, how are you doing? Jinnie told us you were sick."

This time he laughed, "I'm doing good, I promise. Actually, I came here to talk about Jinnie."

"Yes?" The older male urged, his smile never wavering even though he was clearly curious. Mrs. Hwang had the same expectant expression and he figured there was no need to prolong things.

Taking a deep breath, he reached in his pocket, suddenly sweaty hands pulling out a small velvet box. "Um, as you know, I love Hyunjin very much. When we first met, I thought our differences would drive us apart but it wound up doing the opposite. I have learned so much about myself and about love from knowing your son and I can't imagine my life without him. I want us to one day have a family and for us to grow old together. I want to spend the rest of my life making him as happy as he's made me. And so....with your blessing, I'd like to ask Hyunjin to marry me." He finished by opening up the box, showing off the dazzling band of diamonds to illustrate his sincerity.

The response was immediate. Hyunjin's parents pulled him into a bone crushing hug, Mrs. Hwang's cheering and kissing his face and Mr. Hwang stood back teary eyed. "Of course you have our blessing son," he says, smiling, ruffling Minho's hair. "We adore you and we already consider you as part of the family. This just makes it official. From the moment we met you I have had no doubts that you were a good person, let alone a good match for my son. I know you'll do right by him."

"Yes, Jinnie is always singing your praises. And I actually thought you two might've eloped after seeing your pictures from your getaway. But I'm glad I get to help plan a wedding!" Mrs. Hwang gushed.

Minho grinned, "Well he has to say yes first. I'm still working out how I'm going to do the proposal but I'm just pleased to have your approval. It truly is an honor to be so highly regarded by you and for you to entrust Hyunjin's hear and well-being to me. I promise I won't let you down."

"We know," Hyunjin's parents say in unison.