even a fool knows this

ch. 8

Thus began the new normal. Over the next few weeks, Minho texted you constantly throughout the day and sent you selfies of him and Haemi with funny Instagram filters. At night, when you both were home and Haemi had gone to bed, Minho would call you and you would talk until nearly 1 am. 

Thankfully, no one was the wiser about your relationship. The boys weren't the most... observant? They were in their own world most of the time, playing pranks on each other or stuffing their faces when they weren't practicing or working out. 

You had been worried, though, but whenever the anxiety got too much, Minho would figure out some subtle way to reassure you. Sometimes it was just a smile, or when he was feeling bolder, he would find a way to stand by you and let his hand "accidently" touch yours. 

Despite Chan's restrictions on your contact with one another, you found a loophole so you could spend some "alone" time together. Since Minho usually put Haemi down for her nap after they played, you would sneak away to "check" on her, or so you told the other managers. 

"Hey, jagiya." Minho whispered as you quietly closed the door and entered the dimmed room. 

"How long has she been asleep?" 

"Not long, but she's exhausted today. Is she not sleeping well at night?" 

Minho was seated on the couch, with Haemi sleeping next to him. You went to his other side and cuddled up next him, with his arm finding its way to your waist. 

"It's been awful, I don't know what to do. She misses you when we get home, and doesn't understand why you aren't there to help tuck her in."

"Maybe I can call and sing to her as she falls asleep?"

"She would love that, I think that would help. Thank you, my love." 

He continued to hold you, silent. 

"Minho, I love you." 

It had been so natural, you almost didn't realize you had said anything at all. 

His body went still. Looking at you eagerly,

"Really, jagiya?"

"Yes. I really do."

This time, you leaned in and kissed him deeply. 

You were in love with Lee Minho. 

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"Hana, I need to talk to you." Minho had called you late that night, as it was nearly 2 am. 

You were worried, as you thought that someone had found out about you two. 

"Chan talked to us this evening after practice, apparently the auditions are happening tomorrow for the new group. And he'll be there."

Your mouth went dry. You knew this day was coming, but you hadn't expected it to be so soon.

"What do we do? I can't stay home, I have to be there and that means Haemi too."

"Don't worry love, like I've said before, nothing will happen to you two, okay? A few of us will be there for the auditions, but the rest of us will be doing our own thing so someone will be with her at all times." 

A million thoughts were going through your head.

"Jagiya, I can practically hear you overthinking this. It's going to be fine. He probably doesn't even realize you work there. It's all some weird cosmic coincidence."

"I know, love. I'm just happy you'll be there tomorrow. It's hard to be reminded of all the pain we went through."

"Let's get some sleep then, okay? It'll be over before you know it. I love you."

"I love you too."

---------

The next day started off as normally as it could. Felix had met you in the morning to pick up Haemi, and you had gone to meet with the other managers to see today's schedule. 

From that, you found out the breakdown on who would be where for the auditions. Chan, Han and Minho would join you and the rest of the managers in the room to watch and offer critiques when needed. The rest of the members would be switching back and forth babysitting duties throughout the day.

By 10:30, everyone who was needed to watch the auditions had gathered towards the back of the room, with JYP and some other executives seated at a large table. You were nervous, and Minho did his best to try to comfort you by trying to make eye contact and smiling. 

The door opened, and in walked the 12 trainees from China, Yixing being the last. 

You searched his face for any ounce of surprise that you were there, but none was found. In fact, he seemed like he was looking past you. This confused you, as you had nearly had a panic attack at the very idea that he would be in the same building as you. 

The auditions began, and you all took your seats. They were very talented, with both amazing vocal and dance skills. It was going well, until you heard the door in the back open. Jeongin and Felix had brought Haemi with them, you guessed, in order to watch the auditions. Haemi loved watching their performances, so the boys probably thought they were doing something nice. 

A cold sweat came over you, as you tried not to acknowledge their entrance. But then Haemi broke away and quickly ran up to you so she could give you a hug.

You would never deny your child love, even in this situation. 

Yixing had stopped dancing, causing the rest of the group to stop as well. 

"Is that her? Is that my daughter, Hana?"

You were silent, shocked. Yixing began walking towards you and Haemi. By this point, you had stood up, ushering Haemi behind you. 

"Don't hide her from her Appa, Hana." He growled. 

This terrified Haemi, who began to shake. 

"Appa! The man is scary."

She ran straight to Minho, who picked her up immediately and held her tightly. 

"Appa…." She whimpered, on the verge of tears. 

Yixing looked livid, his face turning red with anger. 

"Him? Her Appa? You gotta be kidding me Hana."

You quickly figured out an excuse, hopefully giving Minho enough time to get her out of the room. 

"Look, she's a child. The members are helping me babysit - she's just confused."

"No, Eomma. This is my Appa. Eomma and Appa kiss." 

This was enough to set Yixing off. He ran towards you, with his arm raised in order to strike your face. 

"You fucking slut -" but before he could finish, the other boys ran up to protect you. 

"Enough."

Mr. Park stepped forward, grabbing Yixing's arm. 

"Leave. We do not need someone who obviously has secondary motives as a trainee in this company." Roughly, he released his arm. 

"This isn't over, Hana." He made one final declaration before storming out of the room. 

Chan, trying to fix this, spoke.

"Mr. Park, please, this is all just a misunderstanding -"

"No, I've heard enough. We need to speak about this privately. Felix, please take Haemi back and keep her occupied. Minho...Hana...let's go."

Since it was apparent that their secret was no longer a secret, Minho decided he would no longer hide anything. He held Hana's hand as they walked to Mr. Park's office to meet their fate.