Give Me || Suga Fanfic

Thirty-Eight.

The few days following Christmas were an ecstatic blur. Rae soaked up every opportunity to create memories with Min in her hometown. They visited Rae's favorite local restaurant and Min tried his first homemade grilled ham and cheese with special sauce, and Rae was stunned when he said he could taste the hint of dill pickle juice in the mixture - his senses impressing her once again. 

Min had been using the Polaroid camera Rae had gifted him for Christmas to capture at least one photo every day of their adventures. He took a photo of Rae with her horses and one of himself with the barn cat. He captured a dreamy picture of Rae ice skating on the frozen lake near her house and one of her sitting in the blue truck. Each photo was artistic perfection, and Rae wasn't the least bit surprised by it. 

The unexpected experience of the two of them together in Montana had been special and dear to Rae. Min had captured a glimpse of her heart and mind that had been left in Montana. The realization was awakening, and Rae felt grounded as she got to live in her roots for a little while again. 

To make it all even better, Steve had taken a significant liking to Min. When he discovered that Min's favorite drink was whisky, Steve took the information as a bonding moment and stayed up chatting with Min late into the night, drinking as they talked, and Rae struggled to peel herself away to let them be - Miles having to practically restrain her from the kitchen to prevent her from eavesdropping.  

Rae was relieved that her family clearly approved of Min, not just as a person but as her boyfriend, easing her mind about her quick and impulsive decision-making to pursue a relationship with him. She knew she didn't need it, but the validation from her family meant more to her than she realized it would. 

After another delicious homemade dinner from Lorena, Rae let out a longing sigh, realizing it was her last dinner in Montana before going back to Korea. New Year's was in just three days, and Rae and Min planned to head back before the holiday arrived. Rae and Min were set to depart early the next morning, and goodbyes would need to be exchanged that night, as the two of them planned to slip away while everyone was asleep. 

Lorena and Miles seemed choked up as Min bowed to each family member and thanked them for their kindness and hospitality. 

Miles waved a dismissive hand. "Hyung, you're family now. Don't forget that. You can call on us for anything, just like we can call on you," Miles winked and Rae shoved him lightly on the arm. 

"You can't use my boyfriend for whatever you have brewing in your mind," Rae snapped. 

Miles's eyes narrowed in irritation at Rae. "I am offended you would assume I would abuse my connections."

Rae scoffed. "Connections?"

Min flashed a fast smile as he placed his hands on Rae's shoulder, interjecting her reprimand. "Thank you, Miles. I hope I get to see you again soon. I will be sure to save you a ticket for our next tour in the States," Min offered.

Miles's smile grew twice the size at Min's promise, and he timidly nodded as he left for his room. 

Lorena had a pursed lip smile as she tried her best to restrain her emotions that were rising to the surface. "I know you have a busier schedule than almost anyone, but I hope you do come back soon. It has been such a delight to have you with us," Lorena said, shamelessly securing Min a light hug.

Steve nodded, patting Lorena's back as he pulled her in at his side. "We hope you both travel back safely. We wish the circumstances had been different to get you here, but we are glad it worked out all the same," Steve said, holding out a hand for Min to shake. 

Steve and Min remained stoic and composed as they shook hands, and Rae could see the glimmer of disappointment in Steve's eyes as he had exchanged farewells with Min. 

"I'll walk you to your room," Min told Rae, escorting her this time as he ushered her into the room. As soon as the door closed, Rae let out a long sigh, and Min's firm, strong hands fell on her shoulders, rubbing the muscles.

"You all right?" he asked quietly. 

Rae nodded, leaning her head back into Min's heavenly touch. "I am better than all right. I'm still in disbelief from all of this. You being here, for me, with me, and all we've been able to do together the last few days. I don't want it to come to an end, it's been nothing short of magical," Rae admitted. 

Min continued to massage Rae's shoulders as he softly responded. "I didn't think I'd have the opportunity to meet your family for quite some time, or visit Montana; it was a Christmas I would repeat over and over again if I could. It was different than any Christmas I've celebrated. Thank you for making me comfortable here, and for showing me more of who you are," Min thanked her.

Rae turned into Min, his hands falling to her hips as he pulled her against his chest. "Did you get a chance to see everything you wanted to see?" she asked.

Min pursed his lips and squinted his eyes, pretending to be deep in thought as he exhaled. "There is one thing I still wanted to see before we go back," he admitted, releasing his grip on Rae as he walked over to her desk and delicately picked up Rae's sleek black guitar from its stand. 

Rae raised her eyebrows in confusion. "You wanted to see my guitar?" 

Min shook his head. "I wanted to see you play your guitar, with your favorite choice of song that you would play when you were here."

Rae let out a nervous chuckle as Min brought the guitar to Rae, holding it out like a gift. Rae hesitated, but the sparkle in Min's curious eyes motivated her enough to heed his final request. After all he had done to be in Montana, it was the least Rae could do in return.

Rae took a seat on the edge of her bed, Min sitting beside her, leaning back on his arm casually as he patiently waited for her to gain the courage to play. Rae swallowed her fears, reminding herself he had already witnessed her play the guitar before, and he hadn't run away then so she was confident he wouldn't run away now. Besides, if she played a country song, it was likely he wouldn't even know it, leaving less opportunity for him to know if she was playing it right or not. 

After letting out a shakey breath, Rae closed her eyes and very softly strummed the song that she used to play over and over again in her room. Rae started to play 'My Baby Loves Me' and couldn't help but sing along as she played the tune.

He never tells me I'm not good enough
Just give me unconditional love
He loves me tender and he loves me mad
He loves me silly and he loves me sad

He thinks I'm pretty, he thinks I'm smart
He likes my nerve and he loves my heart
He's always sayin' he's my biggest fan
My baby loves me just the way that I am
My baby loves me just the way that I am

Rae had missed playing her own guitar, and she reveled in the feel of the vibrations as long as she could with the final note strummed, listening to the soft echoing of the instrument in her room.

Rae's eyes had still been closed, her confidence failing her to look at Min in the eyes as she played, but she couldn't help but look at him when she felt his warm hand press into her cheek.

Min's facial expression was one of sincere awe and focus, sending butterflies to Rae's stomach as he studied her face.

He let out an exasperated breath, biting back a smile. "You get more beautiful every second I'm with you, sunshine."

Rae's arms were sent into chills as Min's delicate fingers caressed her warm cheek. Rae was beyond flattered, and shy from Min's compliment, especially since she knew it was sincere. It was still difficult to fathom how the perfect man in front of her could look at her the way he always did. Like he hadn't seen anything better than her, ever. Like she was the only one on his mind. Like she was all that mattered. 

All Rae could hope, was that Min could understand the depth of how much she cherished him too.

A/N: Thank you for your patience everyone getting all of this together! I am planning on about 10-14 more Chapters and then this book will be wrapped. Don't forget to vote if you love the story! P.S. some updates and edits were made to Chapters 23 and 26, go check them out! - E