"Pretending"

Don't Think Too Much

"So... What now?" Minhyuk breathed, staring up at Hyungwon with what seemed to be fear, it was the first time Hyungwon saw the expression on the other's face and he couldn't help but think it didn't fit him.

"Now," Hyungwon started, blushing but making no move to let Minhyuk out of his grasp. "Now, I suppose I ask you to be my boyfriend properly, but announcing it like that doesn't really make it special."

"I've never been the type of person to want something super special, as long as you're asking I'll answer," the statement was steady coming from a person who looked so nervous.

Hyungwon took another look at the fear in Minhyuk's eyes before breaking away to scan the store. He could see the cashier on duty making motions and he brought his eyebrows together to try in decipher what they were but it didn't work out too well. The moment ended once Minhyuk turned his head, noticed the single audience member, and pushed himself out of Hyungwon's grasp.

"Sorry, thanks for the... Birthday present? Yeah, you could just say it's a birthday present, I'm not really that hungry anymore so why don't we get you home and we'll part for today." Minhyuk's words came out in one breath and left his mouth faster with every step Hyungwon took. Minhyuk took a peek at the cashier, who busied themselves with organizing the bills once they figured out they were caught. Hyungwon followed suite before paying attention to Minhyuk again.

He was relieved to see that the fear in Minhyuk's eyes left, then became amused when they were replaced by embarrassment. His cheeks were dusted red and he wasn't able to meet Hyungwon's eyes, Hyungwon's anything to be exact, his eyes avoided everything that belonged to the younger.

"Hey Minhyuk," Hyungwon called gently, Minhyuk took a step back but Hyungwon countered the movement, stepping forward to maintain the distance. Looking up after making sure he wouldn't step on Minhyuk's toes he saw that he had the other's attention and it threw him off guard a little, but he maintained his composure to continue what he was trying to say.

"Lee Minhyuk," he said softly, smiling brighter when the color in Minhyuk's cheeks turned darker. "Would you," they took another step together, "be my," Minhyuk tripped over his feet but before he could get too close to the ground, Hyungwon caught him by the arm and held him upright as he finished the question, "boyfriend?"

The doubtful expression returned and Hyungwon waited. Minhyuk looked between his eyes for several seconds, feeling his hand on his bicep, looking up, feeling the stare from the cashier, realizing just how dry his lips were.

He ran his tongue over them once before taking in a sharp breath through his nose, "are you sure?" The question was almost inaudible and it could have taken Hyungwon a single breath at the same time to miss it.

Hyungwon nodded and Minhyuk closed his eyes, counted to three, then opened them again. He took his fingers and pinched his arm, hissing at the feeling. Hyungwon immediately grabbed onto the injured area, looking at Minhyuk like he would a crazy man but with a bit more amusement and concern.

"I was making sure I wasn't dreaming. Are you sure about this because I swear I won't think anything about the kiss, I'll even forget about it, what was I talking about again-?" Minhyuk's second rant was cut off when Hyungwon tightened his hold.

Minhyuk's cheeks were hot from embarrassment and Hyungwon let the hand move up to his shoulder and neck, "You're suddenly thinking more than I am and it's weird." He realized that the words he chose to say weren't the best to say but it was too late to take back and Minhyuk seemed to feel better after hearing it.

"I just don't want to force you into anything." In a very uncharacteristic way, Minhyuk looked down and Hyungwon was the one bringing his chin back up.