Fashioned For Love | Minsung AU

Sixteen

~~~~~~ 16 ~~~~~~

"I almost thought you would resign," a cold, detached Minho said in lieu of a greeting when Jisung came back into work the next day. "I will forgive yesterday's outburst, but do not cause a scene like that again."

The switch up was too much for Jisung, each word felt like an additional stab to the heart. Why did he refuse to see his side? It made Jisung regret ever sleeping with him, hell, he was even starting to regret working here. Was juggling three jobs really so bad? But then he thought of the five grand he just lost and the fact that his current salary completely eclipsed the other three. Whatever happened between him and Minho he would just have to get over it. "As you wish, Mr. Lee." For a second he thought he saw the slightest hint of sadness in his boss's eyes, but it disappeared in a flash.

Clearing his throat, he reached for the contract that was still on his desk. "One month. My offer will stand until then. It doesn't have to be this way Jisung, but I won't beg you either."

Han simply stood there, diverting his attention to the tablet, pretending not to hear anything Minho said. "Hilda from Kruger needs to move the meeting up to 10:30," he started rattling off, all business. "I've already rearranged your schedule to accommodate the change. You should see the update in your calendar. I know you wanted to meet with the design team later today but you'll be cutting it close. I can start things up until you arrive or am I no longer a co-lead on this?"

Minho scowled, "I don't know what you think of me but I'm not one to suddenly go back on my word. I offered you added protection but not because I have any plans of wrongdoing. I'm an asshole but even I have my principles."

It might've been funny if they were talking about something else. Han just hummed in response, "Thank you," he said stiffly. "That's the only pressing issues for today. Do you require anything from me before I'm off to do my errands?" He asked, polite but devoid of any emotion. But the way things were with Minho just left him feeling....empty.

Lies. He almost wished he felt empty. That might be better than the betrayal currently ripping through his heart. For the first time he felt like he was falling in love and it was all a lie. And he felt extra pathetic because he still cared for him. Sure he was angry, but he couldn't lie for one minute and say that if Minho didn't apologize he wouldn't come running back to him. But he needed to stop thinking about him and the contract. Except he kept thinking about one of the perks....Minho promised to take care of him. If he said yes he could just ask Minho for the money, it was probably a drop in the bucket for him. But if he folded now his entire argument would be a moot point. At the very least he wanted Minho to acknowledge his feelings, he hated how he went back to his superior, high handed manner.

But it was useless arguing about that now. And after a month it wouldn't even matter. He just had to stay strong for a month. No matter what happened, he couldn't bend to Minho's will. Even if a traitorous part of him longed to do just that. Their weekend together was by far the one of the best highlights of his entire year. From dressing up and hanging out with his cool friends and meeting so many interesting people to the passionate night they spent together and the way Minho couldn't seem to get enough of him the next day. The temptation to abandon his pride and just give in was great, but the real crux of the matter was that he didn't want for things to be an arrangement, or agreement or whatever Lee wanted to call it. He wanted this man for real.

~~~~~~~

The change in atmosphere was readily evident among SKZ staff. It's been around two weeks since the infamous door slam incident and while some people still whispered about it, most people were just praying that whatever happened between the two of them would be resolved....

Quickly.

"Mr. Lee is back to being a bitch again," Hyunjin sighed, plopping down into his seat.

Han was sitting at one of the tables in the canteen, nursing a bowl of tteokbokki. Felix; however, was having no trouble scarfing down his. "What did he do now?" Felix prompted.

"He's nitpicking over things more than usual. Chan is about to pull his hair out," Hyunjin grumbled. "Han, whatever you two are at odds about, are you sure you can't just get over it and make up? For all of our sake please?"

Han gave him a pitying look, "I'm sorry but it's...it's not that simple. And no—" he paused, holding up his hand to stave off both his and Felix's questions. "I'm not ready to share what happened yet. Definitely not here. Maybe we could hangout tonight? I know you all have been patient with me and when it first happened I couldn't speak to anyone but if I can't talk to my friends than who can I tell?"

Hyunjin smiled, throwing an arm around Han's neck, "Exactly! All jokes aside, we just want to be here for you Ji, I hate seeing you so sad."

"He's right Hannie," Felix added, also putting an arm around Jisung.

So as promised, later that evening they were all at Jisung's apartment surrounded by snacks, soda, alcohol and tissues. He had just finished telling them everything that happened that weekend, censoring the sex parts but he made it clear that he had fallen for his boss. Immediately Felix was hugging him and if he wasn't mistaken the Angel faced man was crying for him as well. "Awww don't cry 'Lixie. I'm a big boy, I'll be okay."

Felix sighed and wiped at his tears, "It's not fair though, it's like your fairytale got cut short." Hugging him even tighter which Han appreciated.

Hyunjin was strangely quiet and Han felt nervous when his best friend reached for his hand, "Okay Ji, don't hate me, but.... I kind of get why he wanted you to sign it." Felix and Han gasped, and Han tried to let go of his hand but he held firm. "I'm not saying it's right or that you're wrong for being upset. But look at this from his point of view, he's got a lot to lose. And from what I know of him, he's a control freak and this situation is probably very scary for him."

"But why not just talk to me about it?" Han countered, "The contract just makes me feel cheap. Besides, I don't really know how he feels about me. Not truly. I'm probably just a novelty to him. A shiny new toy to play with."

Hyunjin frowned, "Do you really believe that?" No. But he was confused. "You said he gave you a month right? I say go for it. Give yourself this chance to explore and at the very least it'll be fun getting spoiled," he ended teasingly.

"You're a bad influence," Felix giggled.

Hyunjin shrugged, "It's the truth! Plus if Mr. Lee gets laid regularly, he'll stop being such an asshole to the rest of us."

Han rolled his eyes, "Always thinking about yourself. I'm not signing, so just deal with it. And give me a refill." But in the back of his head he wondered if it would really be so bad to give it a try. If only he really knew how Minho felt about him, it would help give him peace of mind either way. But he feared that if he signed the contract and fell even deeper in love with that man, one day he'd get tired of him and drop him just as easily.