Accidental Rental

9 Steps Back

"Why are we at your house?" Baekho questioned as he was invited in. He didn't refuse of course. There was no reason to apart from trying to keep his own sanity in check. His apartment wasn't much. Minimalistic, Baekho would put it. It had all the requirements for someone to have a simple living.

"Take a seat. Make yourself comfortable," Minhyun said while removing his jacket and placing it on the couch. Baekho nodded and sat himself down, awkwardly looking around since he wasn't expecting to have this hangout lead to a house visit. He wasn't ready at all. "Here. Tea."

"Oh. Thanks." Baekho took the cup of hot tea and blew on it before taking a sip and regretting his decision because he might have burnt his upper lip. He tried not to make a scene though as he rolled his lips in and whined softly. Minhyun had left him again to take something and Baekho tapped his knees nervously. There were no photographs on the walls or just anywhere at all so there wasn't really much Baekho could tell about Minhyun from his apartment. The tall male came back with a stack of magazines, placing them down on the table.

"What's this?" Baekho asked cluelessly.

"Well... You mentioned before that you won't really be able to get to know me... As a person, a friend because of my job. But since we are hanging out as friends today... I thought I would show you a little more about myself," Minhyun explained and Baekho nodded, pulling a magazine over to see what Minhyun meant. He was going to flip it open but the cover of the magazine already had his attention. He squinted and brought it closer to his face before he gasped. He turned to the male beside him and back to the cover.

"This. Its you!" He exclaimed and Minhyun nodded.

"It's me."

"Wait. You're an actual model?!"

"Yes and also..." Minhyun picked up a specific magazine and flipped it open to a page where his full body picture was printed on with an article written beside it.

"What th- you're also a musical actor?"

"Used to be."

Baekho was in awe and suddenly really nervous. "So... You're a famous person?"

Minhyun blinked before breaking into a small laugh. He shook his head. "No, not really."

Baekho didn't believe him since his face was literally in a magazine. He scanned through a couple of the articles and pursed his lips in amusement. "Young musical star... You had a bright future. Why are you... A rental boyfriend now?"

Minhyun stared at Baekho who stared at him. It took him a moment before he glanced away. "Stuff happened."

Baekho pouted and scoffed. "Fine." This was already a big step forward in Baekho's book considering how this was their... "How many times does this make?"

"What do you mean?"

"Us meeting."

"Ninth time, I believe," Minhyun replied although he hadn't actually kept count anymore. Baekho hummed and shut the magazines.

"So." He turned to face Minhyun but froze instead of saying something. Minhyun was sparkling in his eyes and he swore he was seeing things. He wanted to turn away but was stuck in that position. Minhyun caught his stare and stopped as well. They both sat in silence, comfortable or not neither was sure anymore. Minhyun was the first to move and close the distance despite the both of them screaming in their minds.

"I can't look at you today," Minhyun whispered even though he was gazing directly at Baekho.

"That's a lie."

"You're right. But wanting you isn't a lie." Baekho didn't push or pull Minhyun as their lips met. He was stunned. Their promise going over and over again in their mind. Minhyun moved away when Baekho became unresponsive.

"Its a lie," Baekho blurted out again. Minhyun stiffened up when he saw the pained look in Baekho's face.

"It's not."

"It's a lie because if you really wanted me just as I want you, you wouldn't still have this job," Baekho whispered before he slowly stood up. Minhyun's eyes followed him, surprised that Baekho had just blatantly confess that he wanted Minhyun.

"But you understand that I need this job to stay afloat."

"Then it's a lie. We promised, Minhyun. We won't kiss. Why are you breaking it now?" Baekho questioned with his fists clenched. Minhyun gulped. "I have to leave."

"Wait. Don't go," Minhyun said while getting up as well, knowing he made the wrong move but Baekho was already headed towards the door.

"I can't stay. If I stay, we will end up breaking our promise," Baekho said firmly, knowing he was about to lose his mind at any moment now. "This was a bad move on both our parts and you need your job. I need... My sanity."

Just as Minhyun was about to say something, his phone buzzed and he glanced over. He was going to ignore it but the name that flashed on the screen made him pause.

"You see? Your job will always be more important than me."

With those words, Baekho hurriedly left before he gave into his own desires or disappointment.

Minhyun was left standing in his living room in confusion and uncertainty. It took him awhile before he finally tapped onto the request and read the message attached to it.

'Minhyun oppa, I need help. Please. Please don't tell my brother. -Naeun-'

Minhyun frowned a little. The money cashed in was still from Baekho's account which was why Minhyun had froze when he saw Kang Dongho lit up on his screen. He gripped his phone and gave in. Snatching up his wallet and keys, he left to find for Naeun.

Baekho took a taxi home and sat in his room, wondering why he said those things. He tried to be honest but this time, it didn't make him feel good or relieved. Instead he had just realised that it was impossible to wish for something more as long as Minhyun kept doing his job. He had to let go. It was either him or Minhyun who had to say it first but it wasn't going to be easy either ways.