Fashioned For Love | Minsung AU

Twenty-Two

~~~~~ 22 ~~~~~

As desperate as he is to talk with Lee Know about the contract and their relationship as a whole, he remembers that they promised to talk business with his parents. So after Minho drops Josang off in his room, the two of them head into the living room where his parents are already waiting. "Did you guys have fun?" His mother asks. 

Jisung smiles brightly, "Loads, and I'm convinced I'm soon to be replaced as Josang's favorite by Minho." Said man blushed, shaking his head.

Jiho smiled warmly, and that knowing glint was back in her eyes, but it disappeared just as quickly when the conversation lulled. Right, it was time to get down to business. Han Woosung clears his throat, a kind but serious expression on his face. "So, I hear you two have ideas? Jisung.... I know you mean well, but we hardly have the funds to pay back on the farm, much less to invest in any plan—"

"Yes Dad, but—"

This time Minho cut in, "With all due respect sir, we've thought about that and I'd like to offer a solution." He began to elaborate on essentially what would amount to Minho paying off the debt and Han's family essentially paying him back interest free. Jisung hadn't been comfortable with it at first, but Minho pointed out that neither he nor his father would accept just taking the money from him as a gift.

"The other funds would be used for remodeling the restaurant and advertising," Jisung picks up, hoping to get it all out before his mother and father can interrupt with questions. "One thing we've noticed about the difference between us and the other restaurants and cafes is that we don't stand out enough, and for us to be located in the main tourist spot we aren't exactly... "instagram worthy". Basically, we lack the curb appeal and trendiness that welcomes new customers."

Minho nodded, "Now, I'm not suggesting you guys go against the natural beauty of your business. The rustic charm actually works in your favor. We just need to polish it up a bit. And I recommend emphasizing the farm to table aspect of your dishes. I've also been teaching Keeho some plating techniques to help make the food look better in photos since we will be making you guys a social media page as well. Sir, your food is delicious and I can tell you've put your all into the menu and even only being here a short while has affected me greatly. From the regulars that come in I know that you all are a pillar in this community and you deserve a chance to thrive."

His father looked overwhelmed as did his mother who reached out to pat his dad's knee. "Well, I can hardly argue against such generosity," he breathed, "but I'm still not exactly comfortable with accepting it," he admitted. "Not without knowing what could possibly be your motivation for offering this."

Jisung froze, that was one of those questions that he wanted to avoid. Namely because he too wanted the answer but he wasn't sure he was ready to hear it yet. Not when the hope that rose in his chest made him scared as hell. Minho looked tense, a sad expression on his face, "I wish I could say it was pure altruism but it's not. In truth, I greatly offended your son and I would like to show him how sorry I am. I did not understand his point of view and after staying here I am confronted with it tenfold and I am extremely disappointed in my own actions. Please know that I'm not trying to buy his forgiveness or your favor," he clarified, "That's why I wanted to be hands on with this. I know that you all are very dear to him and I hoped that if I could somehow help, if I could just make one thing better in his life, then maybe he could give me a second chance. But even if he doesn't, I still want to do this."

"Minho..." Jisung whispered, reaching for his hand. He accepted immediately, a warm, yet insecure smile on his face. "Umm, guys, could you excuse us for a second?" His parents nodded immediately and Jisung didn't wait around to examine either one of their faces. He was far too focused on Minho and every single thing he said. To get the most privacy he actually took him outside, the walls of his home were somewhat thin and he didn't want his parents or Josang to wind up overhearing them. "Did you mean it?" He questioned instantly, his eyes glassy with unshed tears.

"Of course," Lee Know answers quickly, reaching out to grasp his hands. "I've been an ass," he admits, "Too afraid to face my feelings and more full of myself than I ever imagined. I'm used to having control and to having the upper hand in just about all of my relationships. But the way you make me feel is....wildly beyond my expectations. For the first time in my life I care about you more than anything else, even myself and it terrifies me. But losing you was even worse."

Now the tears fell. "Minho....why didn't you just talk to me? That's all I wanted. All I needed. We had an amazing weekend and then...." His voice cracked with emotion and he felt himself being pulled into Minho's arms.

"Han-ah, this is hard for me," Minho whispered, rubbing his back in a soothing manner. "The contract was a buffer I guess. It felt like a safer way to declare my feelings and intentions. I promise I never once thought you'd be so offended by it. You are not beneath me in any regard Jisung," he said firmly, pulling back so they could gaze into each other's eyes. It's only now that Han sees that he's crying too. "You are my match, in every way."

He was too overwhelmed to verbally respond so instead he pulled Minho close for a fervent kiss, groaning when Minho pins him up against the side of the house. The urge to pull at his clothes is strong, but he knew he couldn't risk being caught fucking right outside the front door. Maybe they could find a place in the barn.... "I've missed you," Minho pants, breaking away from the kiss. His forehead resting against his.

"Me too," Jisung says, stealing a few more light pecks. "I promise that you can trust me with your heart Minho. I can't promise to be perfect but I'll never try to intentionally hurt you. I love you too much to do that."

"You love me?"

He could hear the fear mingled with hope in his boss's voice and it made Han's heart twist, "Yes, very much. And it's okay if you can't say it y—"

"I love you too Jisung," Minho interrupted with a grin. "It's scary to admit but I don't want any more misunderstandings. This matters more to me than anything else in the world."

God, this man was going to be the death of him. Was it healthy for his heart to be soaring in his chest like this? "I wish we were back home," Han whispered, "I need you."

Minho gasps, the hands at his waist tightening, "I could get us a hotel."

"Yes please."

Minho nodded, kissing him again passionately, before ending it all too soon for his liking. "Come on, we should probably get back inside. We still don't know what your dad will decide."

Right, they had left right in the middle of a pretty big decision. The two of them took a moment to calm down and attempt to make themselves look a little less like they'd been crying and kissing each other senseless. Although their joined hands would probably tell his parents all they needed to know. Awkwardly they settled back into their seats, hands still joined together. "So Dad? Mom? What do you think of our proposal?" Jisung asked, breaking the silence.

His mother and father looked at each other and exchanged some sort of wordless conversation before his father spoke up, "Yes, we accept your proposal. Honestly, it all sounds very exciting and impressive and at the very least, we won't lose everything we've built. However, I'd like to speak with Minho privately, if that's okay?"

Oh. As much as Han was itching to ask why, the tone his father was using let him know that it wouldn't be tolerated. He simply had to trust that all was well. Beside him, Minho nodded and stood up dutifully, waiting for his father to head out first. Like he'd done with Minho, his dad headed outside, presumably to the porch. His stomach was a ball of nerves and it must've shown on his face because his mother was suddenly next to him, "Relax Sungie, I'm sure it's not bad. But you and your friend have definitely laid a lot on our plate," she pointed out. "But I'm happy you took my advice."

At this Jisung laughed, "I'm happy too, Mom."